Themes of family, friendship and finding love dominate the Belgrade Theatre’s B2 programme for Autumn 2019, running through shows ranging from Bollywood musicals and gripping drama to an immersive theatrical party this Christmas.
The season commences with the world premiere of Stardust, a new musical from the creators of Bring on the Bollywood, showing 14-21 September. Presented by Phizzical in association with the Belgrade Theatre, Stardust tells the tangled tale of music producer Cyrus and British Asian singers Amor and Amar. Expect pulsating dance numbers and a soundtrack of pop, R ‘n’ B and Bollywood-style songs in this modern-day reincarnation thriller.
From 2-12 October, the Belgrade Theatre, Selladoor, Matthew Townshend and Perth Theatre at Horsecross Arts resurrect Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece, Frankenstein. Over 200 years after its publication, the novel’s 19-year-old author takes centre stage in Rona Munro’s electrifying adaptation, wrestling with her own creation and with the stark realities facing revolutionary women, then and now.
Continuing the partnership that produced the critically acclaimed Wipers and Pink Sari Revolution, the Belgrade Theatre has again teamed up with Curve Leicester on a staging of Hanif Kureishi’s groundbreaking 1985 film, My Beautiful Laundrette, co-produced by Leeds Playhouse and Everyman Theatre Cheltenham. Famed for launching the career of Daniel Day Lewis, the film follows Omar, a young British Pakistani who strikes up an unlikely romance with old school friend Johnny following a confrontation with his fascist gang. Gordon Warnecke, who originally starred as Omar, returns as Omar’s father when this culture clash comedy comes to the stage in Coventry 29 Oct-2 Nov.
Following the announcement of Strictly Arts Artistic Director Corey Campbell as one of its three Creative Leads for Coventry’s year as City of Culture in 2021, the Belgrade is delighted to be partnering with Strictly Arts this Christmas on Club 2B, showing 11-31 December. 1930s Berlin cabaret club meets Secret Cinema in this theatrical experience like no other, combining live music, immersive drama, food, drink and more to unfold a tempestuous tale of romance through the ages.
Campbell returns 8-22 February to co-direct the world premiere of Crongton Knights with Pilot Theatre’s Esther Richardson. Based on Alex Wheatle’s Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize-winning novel, this tale of teenage camaraderie is adapted for the stage by Emteaz Hussain. Following the sell-out success of Noughts and Crosses, Crongton Knights is the second show to emerge from a consortium between the Belgrade Theatre, Pilot Theatre, Derby Theatre, York Theatre Royal and Mercury Theatre Colchester, established to create new work for young audiences.
Finally, from 18-25 January, the Belgrade Theatre and Eclipse Theatre present Janice Okoh’s The Gift, continuing their co-producing partnership that began with A Raisin in the Sun. This outrageous comedy-drama tells the story of two Sarahs – an African girl adopted by Queen Victoria; and a modern-day, middle-class woman living in a quiet Cheshire village. Themes of imperialism, cultural appropriation and drinking tea come to the fore when their stories unexpectedly collide.
Tickets to all of these shows and more are available to book now by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055, or visiting www.belgrade.co.uk where prices are cheaper.
