Wealth of entertainment in theatre's new season (From Malvern Gazette)

Wealth of entertainment in theatre's new season

12:00pm Saturday 1st August 2009

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MALVERN Theatres’ autumn season is one of its most varied yet.

It sees the return of Felicity Kendal (playing Mrs Warren in George Bernard Shaw’s most critically acclaimed play Mrs Warren’s Profession) and Susan Hampshire (taking on the role of the infamous Mrs Bennet in Pride and Prejudice).

It also boasts Our Man in Havana - Graham Greene’s classic spy caper directed by Richard Baron, the man behind the hugely popular The 39 Steps. As well as that, there is this season’s feel-good musical Annie, which with Su Pollard as Miss Hannigan is sure to be a riotous evening of great lines, good music and plenty of family fun.

Rik Mayall stars in Michael Frayn’s Balmoral, a comedy about a writers’ commune in 1937, and Kate Adie and Peter Sallis are among two well-known names who will be talking about their lives.

Wayne Sleep is due to star in Cabaret, which is back by popular demand, while fans of dance of a different kind might be interested in 2faceddance: Still Breathing, which consists of gritty, athletic break dance.

Opera enthusiasts may be interested to know that the English Touring Opera will present Handelfest, while London Festival Opera are putting on A Night at the Opera in period costume with a select chamber ensemble. Works by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Bizet, and Offenbach, with music by Mozart, Handel and Monteverdi are included.

Festive cheer will be provided with the likes of Disney’s Snow White on Ice and J S Bach: Christmas Oratorio.

This year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, starring former Doctor Who Colin Baker, Last of the Summer Wine’s Sarah Thomas and children television favourites Mike Fischetti and Amy Thompson, is also available to book.

The Forum Theatre has a strong classical music programme this autumn, with concerts involving Tasmin Little, Leon McCawley and Angela Hewitt. There will also be a rare opportunity to catch Salomé - the 1923 silent film based on Oscar Wilde’s controversial play, played here with live music, inspired by traditional Arabic ensembles.

For more information, including dates and ticket prices, call the box office on 01684 892277 or log onto malvern-theatres.co.uk.

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