28 September 2021
Newsdesk
Watford Palace Theatre’s onstage programme starts with Tanika Gupta’s comedy Love ‘N Stuff (5 – 9 Oct), following Bindi and Mansoor as they negotiate marriage. As part of our annual Diwali celebration, Pagrav Dance Company will present an exquisite & uplifting contemporary dance-theatre, rooted in Kathak traditions, and choreographed by internationally renowned Urja Desai Thakore, whose choreography has been featured in the BBC programme, Young Dancer
Streamed productions to enjoy at home include Going the Distance (4-17 Oct) a comic play about a community drama group trying to save their local theatre, and drag king video series in the run up to the Glasgow’s climate conference Alan & Ron Go To COP26* (1-28 Oct).
Working with Watford African Caribbean Association (WACAS), the venue will mark Black History Month with a screening of the film I Am Not Your Negro, with a discussion afterwards, on the 16th October, followed a few days later by a double bill from the multi award winning Ballet Black (21 Oct).
As the nights draw in and Halloween looms, audiences looking for a little something spooky can enjoy One Man Poe (1 -2 Oct) featuring four of the most terrifying examples of gothic literature; or Dracula (2 – 6 Nov) a radical new version of the classic vampire story set in the 1960s.
And, to lighten the mood, stand-up comedy with Luisa Omielan’s God Is A Woman (15 Oct) and Iain Stirling (Task Master, Love Island) presenting his new show Failing Upwards (13 Nov).
Meanwhile the theatre continues to nurture and promote local freelance creatives under the title Home Grown Talent.
Artistic Director Brigid Larmour said “We’re excited to welcome our audiences back into our beautiful theatre! We’ve got a brilliant mix of live and digital events in our autumn season, and we’re offering special socially distanced performance options for customers who might be feeling a little more hesitant about returning to us.”
Watford Palace Theatre inspires and entertains through inventive, ambitious and inclusive drama, new plays, musicals, dance and family shows; free outdoor festivals; diverse stand-up; and a much-loved traditional pantomime. It reflects its diverse communities, and fully represents women, both onstage and behind the scenes, whilst celebrating and developing creativity and skill in the community and with young people. The theatre’s locally produced shows and home-grown talent have toured nationally and internationally, been seen on BBC iPlayer, won awards and transferred to the West End. Recent productions include Jan Ravens in Talking Heads; an all-female Gaslight; the UK’s first African-American Glass Menagerie; and Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular. World premieres include musicals Miss Meena & the Masala Queens and I Capture the Castle, and plays good dog by Arinze Kene, Poppy+George by Diane Samuels, Coming Up by Neil d’Souza, Jefferson’s Garden by Timberlake Wertenbaker, and Jumpers for Goalposts by Tom Wells, Central to WPT’s vision is Resident Partner Rifco Theatre Company.
@watfordpalace | https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Listings information
Watford Palace Theatre
20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ
Box office: 01923 225 671 | sales@watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Supported by Arts Council England and Watford Borough Council
Programme:
Watford Fringe
Palace Scratch Night
Live Performance
As part of the Watford Fringe, Watford Palace Theatre are reopening their doors to present the “Palace Scratch Night” showcasing a host of emerging new pieces developed by local artists and companies. The programme will feature inspiring performances of new work in development on the Watford Palace Theatre stage, alongside live music and entertainment. It will be an evening you won’t want to miss! Come and support local talent at the Palace Scratch Night!
30 September, 8pm
Pay what you can
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/palace-scratch-night/
Alan & Ron Go To COP26*
Video series
There’s no two ways about it: the planet is on fire. In between games of ping pong and pruning their plants, middle aged men Alan and Ron are starting to get a little worried. What power do they have to help change the big picture?
Join these two loveable clowns on a fantastical 10-video journey to the UN’s 26th climate conference (COP26), which is being held in Glasgow this year. In a comedic quest to find out what it’s all about, expect laughs, sustainable transport tips, and Irn Bru in all the wrong places.
*Homegrown talent (freelance)
1-28 October 2021
Free
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/alan-ron-go-to-cop26/
Watford Fringe
One Man Poe*
Live Performance
A marathon of the macabre.
Renowned as the ‘Godfather of Gothic Horror’, Edgar Allan Poe was a pioneer in establishing the horror genre. Although his works are nearly 200 years old, Poe’s stories have stood the test of time and have inspired a countless number of horror writers. Using Poe’s original text from the 1840s, one actor faithfully brings his words to life on stage, performing four of the most terrifying examples of gothic literature: The Tell-Tale Heart, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Black Cat and The Raven.
*Homegrown talent (freelance)
1 -2 October 2021, 7.30pm
£15 standard, £13 concession | Age guidance 12+
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/one-man-poe/
Watford Fringe
Going Straight to Gay…or Something In-Between
Live Studio Performance
You’re in a new relationship. Ahh… Love.
But then ‘being in-love’ slowly crumbles. It can be tough.
Then imagine you’re a woman in a relationship with another woman.
For the first time.
Through comedy ‘Going Straight to Gay… Or something in-between’ casts light on how society, your partner, and yourself cause a lot of difficulties in a relationship.
In a fun way.
Mostly.
1 October 2021, 8.15pm
£8 standard, £6 concession
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/going-straight-to-gay-or-something-in-between/
Watford Fringe
Clean! The Musical
Live Performance
Winner of the Outstanding Theatre Award at Brighton Fringe 2021, Clean! is a rousing musical about the women of laundry hill, Brighton. Exploring themes of hardship, suffrage and sexuality, it celebrates women’s resilience and sisterhood across 150 years of history. There are eery parallels with today, including the smallpox outbreak of 1950.
Book by Sam Chittenden; music by Simon Scardanelli. A Different Theatre Production.
2 October 2021, 3.30pm
£15 standard, £13 concession
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/clean-the-musical/
Lawrence Batley Theatre, Oxford Playhouse, The Dukes, The Watermill Theatre present
Going the Distance
Digital, Streamed Theatre
Written by Henry Filloux-Bennett and Yasmeen Khan, Directed by Felicity Montagu
When there’s no light at the end of the tunnel and the chips are down, you can count on Eggborough Community Theatre to fight back… March 2020. Theatres across the country go dark. Hundreds of cherished arts centres face the prospect of permanent closure. But that isn’t going to stop the Eggborough Community Theatre… as they fight to save their local venue with the genius idea to put on a fundraising production of ‘Wizard’* (*inspired by but for rights purposes certainly not based on ‘The Wizard of Oz’). Get ready for a brand-new comedy about a little theatre with a huge challenge.
4 – 17 October 2021,
£15 | Age guidance: 16+
Access: All screenings will be fully captioned.
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/going-the-distance/
Love ‘N Stuff
Live Performance
By Tanika Gupta, Directed by Gitika Buttoo
A comedy about love, marriage and the family you choose. Bindi and Mansoor were star-crossed lovers and now they’re everyone’s favourite couple. They’ve been happily married for years and have built a great life for themselves in the UK. But something’s not right; Mansoor’s decided to move back to India and is waiting in the departure lounge. Bindi’s hatched a plan to get him to stay and half the neighbourhood are involved. With two actors playing over 15 characters including a streetsmart teenager, a hippy and a Scottish policewoman, this laugh-out-loud play is simultaneously warming, silly and thoughtful. “You can't not love Bindi and Mansoor” – What’s On Stage
5 – 9 October, 7.30pm (2.30 matinees on 7th and 9th)
Socially distanced performance option available
From £10 | Age guidance: 14+
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/love-n-stuff/
Luisa Omielan: God Is A Woman
Stand Up Comedy
Luisa Omielan is the most famous female British comedian you’ve never heard of. She is the first British comedian to ever receive a BAFTA Breakthrough Award for comedy. She has had three ground-breaking hit shows. First, she asked “What Would Beyoncé Do?! ” (sell out across the UK and Australia, is what she would do!), then she asked “Am I Right Ladies?!” and her thigh gap joke went viral with over 45 million views. Then she turned to Politics and got a show on the BBC titled “Politics for Bitches”. So the next logical step is to religion! At a time when it feels like the world is about to be set on fire and we’re asking ourselves why it’s all going so horribly wrong and what can we do to fix it, Luisa’s new show GOD IS A WOMAN couldn’t come at a more important time. Expect Mary Magdalene, dick jokes and a giant Bernese mountain dog.
15 October 2021, 8pm
From £13 | Age guidance: 18+
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/luisa-omielan-god-is-a-woman/
Black History Month
Come and join us in celebrating Black History Month, with a screening of the film I am Not Your Negro, followed by a discussion. This event is created in partnership with the Watford African Caribbean Association (WACAS).
Visit the website for more information.
16 October 2021
Ballet Black
Dance
Dance so thrilling, imaginative and rich that it packs our auditorium every time – the hugely popular Ballet Black is back with a mixed bill full of lyrical contrasts and beautiful movement.
For her latest programme, Artistic Director Cassa Pancho brings us new and original works. The Royal Ballet’s Olivier Award-winning choreographer, Will Tuckett blends classical ballet, poetry and music to explore ideas of home and belonging in Then Or Now, while Olivier Award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November contemplates the purpose of life in The Waiting Game. Expect sensational solos, seductive duos and fiercely dynamic pieces performed seamlessly by the group.
21 October 2021, 7.30pm
From £14
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/ballet-black-double-bill/
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Live Performance; children’s
Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music. Featuring your favourite titles: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar which celebrated its 50th Birthday in 2019.
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is a vibrant celebration of Eric Carle’s adored classics and the perfect introduction to live theatre.
29 – 30 October 2021, various times
From £12 | Age guidance: 1+
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-show/
imitating the dog present
Dracula
Live Performance; Horror
New Year’s Eve, 1963, London, England. Just before midnight, as revellers celebrate the beginning of another year, a young woman enters Marylebone Police Station and confesses to a brutal murder. She claims to be Mina Harker, the last living survivor of the intrepid group that witnessed Count Dracula’s destruction some 65 years before. But Mina Harker has not been seen since 1905. And if she was alive, she would be eighty-nine years old. Unfolding on stage as a live graphic novel, Dracula: The Untold Story is a radical new version of the classic gothic vampire tale that you thought you knew so well.
2 – 6 November 2021, 7.30pm (2.30pm matinees 4th and 6th)
Socially distanced performance option available
From £10 | Age recommendation: 14+ (Horror scenes and images of violence)
Access: 4th November performances are captioned.
Performance may include flashing imagery (not stroboscopic) and loud noises on occasion, including gunshots.
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/dracula/
Kattam Kati
Dance
For our annual Diwali celebration,Pagrav Dance Company present an exquisite & uplifting contemporary dance-theatre, rooted in Kathak traditions, inspired by the chaos, colour and competition of Gujurat’sworld famous Uttarayan kite festival.
Choreographed by internationally renowned Urja Desai Thakore, whose choreography has been featured in the BBC programme, Young Dancer.
‘a striking and exquisite work, Kattam Katti is the antidote we all need in the current climate’ Maya Pinder, The Insanity in Dancing on an early sharing
12 November 2021, 8pm
Visit the website for more information.
Iain Stirling: Failing Upwards
Stand Up Comedy
Iain Stirling (Buffering, Love Island and Taskmaster) is taking his ‘extremely funny’ (Telegraph) comedy back on the road for his biggest ever nationwide tour, following his 2018 sell-out smash U OK HUN? x.
Do you ever wonder how people manage to be normal? Iain does. So much so he’s written a brand-new stand-up show about it. Join the ‘star of comedy’ (The i) as he explores his inability to function in the most basic of public settings, social media’s constant pressure to “live your best life” and that one time a man stole his shoes.
Having sold out his Edinburgh fringe run in advance for the second time, Iain can currently be seen on our screens hosting the third series of hit comedy gameshow Iain Stirling’s CelebAbility (ITV2). He recently starred in his own Comedy Central Live special which launched the latest series and has also been seen on The Comedy Bus, Drunk History and Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central (all Comedy Central), Virtually Famous (E4), Russell Howard’s Good News and Sweat the Small Stuff (both BBC Three) and Fake Reaction and Safe Word (both ITV2).
13 November 2021, 8pm
From £18.50
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/iain-stirling-failing-upwards/
DECEMBER 2021 – JANUARY 2022
Dick Whittington & His Cat
Panto, Live Theatre, Family, Christmas
The most magical pantomime adventure is back! Join Dick Whittington and his cat as they follow their dreams on unforgettable journey to London and beyond. Our devoted team bring you fabulous costume, stunning sets, live music and non-stop laughs. And with Dame Sherrie Trifle adding a delightful dollop of fun, it’s the ultimate seasonal treat for you, your family and friends. The Palace has been the home of panto in Watford since 1908. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it!
There is a group discount of 10% off for groups of 10 or and 15% off for groups of 25 or more. This applies to all performances except Gold performances (please see listings).
Schools pay £10.50 per ticket with every 11th ticket free. If you would like to book a school visit, please contact the Box Office to make arrangements.
Socially distanced performance: Sunday 12th December 1pm. For patrons who may feel trepidatious about returning to the theatre and a full auditorium. With a maximum audience capacity of 55% of the auditorium, patrons will be seated in separated seating blocks of up to a maximum of 6 seats per booking, with timed entry into the theatre in operation, and direct-to-seat food ordering. For more information please click here: What's on - Watford Palace Theatre
Relaxed performance: Tuesday 14th December 1.30pm. The relaxed performance is adjusted to more accessible to those who may benefit from a more relaxed environment, such as those on the autistic spectrum or with sensory processing disorders. Changes include the house-lights staying up and any loud noises being muted. However the show is very much still the same panto that everyone can enjoy! Please contact the Box Office for more about the relaxed performance.
Captioned Performance: Friday 17th December 6pm (please contact the Box Office if you are booking specifically to make use of captions).
Audio-Described Performance: Thursday 30th December 3.30pm. A free touch tour takes place an hour before the start of the performance. This is an opportunity for blind or partially-sighted visitors to explore the set and get a feel for the production (please contact the Box Office if you require the Audio Description service or would like to book for the Touch Tour).
Socially distanced performance: Friday 31st December 11.30am (see above for info).
If you require the use of a wheelchair space or have any other access needs, please contact the Box Office.
2 December 2021 – 2 January 2022, various times
From £18
https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/dick-whittington-and-his-cat/
