The season opens with Ayub Khan Din’s East is East and that’s not all we have for drama lovers. With the timeless classic Rebecca from the internationally renowned Kneehigh Theatre Company and the fifth instalment from the Touring Consortium Theatre Company, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World.
Shrek will be taking ‘Ogre’ the Alhambra Theatre from 9 September for three weeks and following that a string of top musicals including, Annie starring BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert starring Jason Donovan and Hairspray with ensemble cast including Tony Maudsley, Claire Sweeney and Peter Duncan. There is also a welcome return of a musical theatre classic Jesus Christ Superstar.
Britain’s national dance company Rambert return, bringing the rock‘n’roll swagger of the Rolling Stones to life in Rooster. Global phenomenon Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo are back in Bradford and Northern Ballet perform Emily Brontë’s romantic masterpiece Wuthering Heights as well as their latest ballet for children, Elves & The Shoemaker.
If that wasn’t enough we have bumper seasons at St George’s Hall, King’s Hall in Ilkley and the Studio, with top comedians: Sarah Millican, Tim Vine, Justin Moorhouse and Dara O’Briain; plus music to suit all tastes with The Proclaimers, Bay City Rollers: starring Les McKeown and Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra . There is an array of family shows with; The Basil Brush Show, What the Ladybird Heard, Mister Maker, The Scarecrows’ Wedding and Dinosaur Zoo.
Have we forgotten anything? Oh yes West Yorkshire’s biggest panto Jack and the Beanstalk starring Billy Pearce, Lisa Riley, John Challis and Jake Canuso.
Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says: “The autumn season at Bradford Theatres promises to be a very exciting and busy time. We continue to host a vibrant and diverse range of shows and events this season. We are very proud of what we offer across all our venues, in particular at the Alhambra Theatre: the large, airy front of house spaces greatly enhance an already very special experience, something which is exceptionally rare in old, traditional venues. Fine dining in our busy Restaurant 1914, with incredible panoramic views; champagne on ice in our Laidler Lounge VIP Bar; and of course, the biggest and best touring shows in the UK. At the Alhambra Theatre, we have your entire evening covered, so you can relax and enjoy this unique experience. I look forward to welcoming you, your friends and family to Bradford Theatres during 2015.” August East is East, Monday 31 August – Saturday 5 September, Alhambra Theatre.
Audio Described: Wed 2 Sept 2pm, Signed: Thur 3 Sept 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 4 Sept 7.30pm
East is East is a timeless family story, with all of the wit, laughter, rivalry, tension and drama that make up family life. This production, direct from London, stars Pauline McLynn (Father Ted, The Knight of the Burning Pestle for Shakespeare’s Globe) and Simon Nagra (Dara and Rafta Rafta for the National Theatre), as well as a host of the finest British acting talent completing the cast. This critically acclaimed production of Ayub Khan Din’s modern comedy classic promises to be unmissable.
SeptemberBritish Science Festival, Monday 7 – Thursday 10 September, The Studio Laughter is the Best Medicine, Monday 7 September, 7.30pmThe Z List Dead List: Med List, Tuesday 8 September, 7.30pmGeorge Egg: Anarchist Cook, Thursday 10 September, 7.30pm
PLACES FREE – but must be booked in advance via Bradford Theatres Box Office. For more information on the British Science Festival go to www.britishsciencefestival.org
Shrek The Musical - Wednesday 9 – Sunday 27 September, Alhambra Theatre
Audio Described: Wed 16 Sept 2pm, Captioned: Thur 17 Sept 7pm, Signed: Sun 20 Sept 5pm
Join our unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from a fire breathing, love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got the biggest, brightest musical comedy around! Featuring all new songs as well as cult Shrek anthem I’m A Believer, Shrek The Musical brings all the much loved DreamWorks characters to life, live on stage, in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Join the adventure.
A Sparkling Evening with Ann Widdecombe - Friday 11 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club - Saturday 12 September 8pm, The StudioOne Night of Queen- Friday 18 September 7.30pm, St George's HallThe Basil Brush Show: Full on Fox Tour 2015 -Saturday 19 September 2.30pm, St George’s Hall What the Ladybird Heard - Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 September, St George’s Hall
Sean Kelly Live! – Wednesday 23 September 8pm, The Studio
Auctioneering star of the huge hit TV show, Storage Hunters, brings his live comedy debut to the UK!
Lucy Kay -Tuesday 29 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley
Lucy Kay who shot to fame on last year’s Britain’s Got Talent, will entertain and delight with her favourite tunes from the worlds of opera, jazz and musical theatre.
Freddie Flintoff - 2nd Innings The stories, the sledging, the truth - Tuesday 29 September 7.30pm, St George's Hall
Annie - Tuesday 29 September – Saturday 3 October, Alhambra Theatre
Audio Described: Thur 1 Oct 2pm, Captioned: Fri 2 Oct 7.30pm, Signed: Sat 3 Oct 2.30pm
Annie, the world’s favourite family musical, comes to Bradford for one week only, starring Craig Revel Horwood, the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing judge, as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan! Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph will be playing Miss Hannigan on Saturday 3 October.
(Craig Revel Horwood is not scheduled to perform on Saturday. Lesley Joseph will be playing Miss Hannigan at Saturday performances. The producers of Annie cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.)
OctoberLuke Jermay Sixth Sense - Thursday 1 October 8pm, The Studio
Tim Vine: Tim Timinee, Tim Timinee, Tim Tim To You – Friday 2 October 8pm, St George's Hall
Shawn Klush: Elvis World Tour - Saturday 3 October 7.30pm, St George's Hall
Rebecca - Monday 5 – Saturday 10 October, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Fri 9 Oct 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 10 Oct 2.30pm
Kneehigh is one of the world’s most celebrated theatre companies and their international hits include Brief
Encounter and Tristan and Yseult. Rebecca is timeless; the book beloved by generations and the iconic Alfred Hitchcock film a classic of the genre. Now Rebecca bursts onto the stage! Emma Rice, the award-winning director, has created a spellbinding new production of Daphne du Maurier’s masterpiece which conjures Cornish romance and theatrical magic.
Abbamania - Tuesday 6 October 7.30pm, St George's Hall All Star 60s – Thursday 8 October 7.30pm, St George's Hall
Featuring Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, The Troggs, The Ivy League, Badfinger and The Pacemakers
Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra - Saturday 10 October 7.30pm, St George's Hall
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club - Saturday 10 October 8pm, The Studio
Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical - Monday 12 – Saturday 17 October, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Fri 16 Oct 7.30pm, Signed: Sat 17 Oct 2.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 17 Oct 2.30pm
Based on the smash-hit movie, the feel-good international hit sensation Priscilla is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have ever dreamed of. Starring Jason Donovan.
You’re Never Too Old - Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October, The Studio
Starring Diane Keen (The Cuckoo Waltz, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries and Doctors) and Graham Cole (The Bill).
Justin Moorhouse: Destiny Calling - Thursday 15 October 8pm, The Studio The Dreamboys - Friday 16 October 7.30pm, St George's HallThe Proclaimers – Saturday 17 October 7.30pm, St George's Hall A Salute to the 1940s The Ultimate Wartime Variety Show - Tuesday 20 October 2pm, St George's Hall Dr Hook featuring Ray Sawyer Hooked on Hits: Final Tour 2015 - Tuesday 20 October 7.30pm, St George's Hall
The Matt Monro Story - Tuesday 20 October 7.30pm, King's Hall, Ilkley
Starring Matt Monro Junior Celebrating the life and music of the legendary Matt Monro – 30th anniversary tour.
Rambert - Wednesday 21 – Friday 23 October, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Wed 21 Oct 7.30pm
Britain’s national dance company brings the rock‘n’roll swagger of the Rolling Stones to life in Rooster. Sharp suited, snake-hipped men and strong, sassy women perform virtuoso courtship dances to some of the Stones’ most famous tunes, including Not Fade Away, Paint It Black, Sympathy for the Devil and Little Red Rooster. The programme also includes Terra Incognita, a piece about exploration and migration created by leading choreographer Shobana Jeyasingh. Completing the line-up, Dark Arteries. Free post show Q&A: Wed 21 Oct, with Mark Baldwin, Artistic Director.
Daniel Sloss: Dark - Thursday 22 October 8pm, The Studio
Bay City Rollers: starring Les McKeown - Saturday 24 October 7.30pm, St George's Hall
Puttin’ On The Ritz: The Song & Dance Extravaganza - Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, Alhambra Theatre
The most famous songs of the Golden Age of Hollywood are recreated live on stage with award winning singers and dancers. Special guests are dance professionals Trent & Gordana and Robin & Anya from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, who will wow the audience with their glamorous costumes and ballroom skills. Puttin’ On The Ritz takes you on a wonderful musical journey and features music from George Gershwin, Irving Berlin & Cole Porter.
Mister Maker & The Shapes LIVE! Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 October, St George's Hall
Come and join your ultimate arts and craft hero Mister Maker, for his first ever live theatre tour.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo - Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 October, Alhambra Theatre
Hurtling through the classical ballet repertoire with their inimitable blend of skill, grace and a wit as sharp as scissors en pointe, The Trocks have been a global phenomenon since they formed in New York in 1974.
Enjoy show-stopping Swan Lake (Act II), Merce Cunningham-inspired Patterns in Space, Go For Barocco, a satire on Balanchine’s choreography and the delightful Don Quixote. Free post show Q&A: Tue 27 Oct, with members of the company.
Steve Backshall’s Wild World - Wednesday 28 October 7pm, St George's Hall
Dave Spikey: Punchlines – Friday 30 October 7.30pm, St George's Hall
Sean Hughes: Mumbo Jumbo - Friday 30 October 8pm, The Studio
One Man Breaking Bad: The Unauthorised Parody - Saturday 31 October 7.30pm, St George's Hall
NovemberThe 69th Bradford (Yorkshire) Festival of Remembrance - Sunday 1 November 5pm, St George's Hall
Dinosaur Zoo: Meet the T-Rex! - Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 November, St George's Hall
Dare to get up close and personal! Now introducing the Tyrannosaurus Rex to the stage, Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome prehistoric creatures to life as you’ve never seen them before.
Robert Newman: The Brain Show – Friday 6 November 8pm, The Studio Dara O’Briain: Crowd Tickler – Friday 6 November 8pm, St George's Hall SELLING FAST! To You I Dance: A gala performance in honour of Dorothy Stevens MBE - Saturday 7 November 7.30pm, Alhambra. Local young performers from dance schools.
Moscow Ballet La Classique presents The Nutcracker - Mon 9 November 7.30pm, St George's Hall
Hairspray - Monday 9 – Saturday 14 November, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Fri 13 Nov 7.30pm, Signed: Sat 14 Nov 2.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 14 Nov 2.30pm
The smash hit musical comedy Hairspray is touring the UK and Ireland with a brand new production, guaranteed to have you dancing the night away! Starring Tony Maudsley (ITV’s Benidorm) as Edna Turnblad, Claire Sweeney (Educating Rita, Chicago) as Velma Von Tussle, Peter Duncan (BBC1’s Tumble) as Wilbur Turnblad, Brenda Edwards (Chicago, We Will Rock You, X Factor) as Motormouth Maybelle and Freya Sutton who will reprise the role of Tracy Turnblad.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story 50th Anniversary Tour - Tuesday 10 November 7.30pm, St George's Hall Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra - Friday 13 November 7.30pm, St George's HallLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club - Saturday 14 November 8pm, The Studio
Northern Ballet Wuthering Heights -Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 November, Alhambra Theatre
Audio Described: Sat 21 Nov 2.30pm
Northern Ballet perform Emily Brontë’s romantic masterpiece to live music by Golden Globe and Academy Award nominated Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and Northern Ballet’s Cleopatra). Immerse yourself in Cathy and Heathcliff’s turbulent love affair as the ‘best dance actors in the world’ (Dance Europe) capture the spirit of Wuthering Heights and the untamed beauty of the Yorkshire moors.
Nothern Ballet Elves & The Shoemaker - Friday 20 November, Alhambra Theatre
After the success of Three Little Pigs and Ugly Duckling, Northern Ballet present their latest ballet for children, Elves & The Shoemaker. Recently adapted for TV by CBeebies, don’t miss your chance to see the Elves live!
Stewart Francis Pun Gent Tour - Thursday 19 November 8pm, St George's Hall Prague Symphony Orchestra - Saturday 21 November 7.30pm, St Gorge's Hall
Jesus Christ Superstar - Monday 23 – Saturday 28 November, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thur 26 Nov 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 27 Nov 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 28 Nov 2.30pm
Jesus Christ Superstar exploded onto the musical scene in 1971 – stunning audiences and changing the face of musical theatre forever. As compelling today as it was at its inception over forty years ago, Jesus
Christ Superstar has some of musical theatre’s most legendary songs including I Don’t Know How To Love Him, Everything’s Alright, and Gethsemane through to, of course, Superstar. Leading performer Glenn Carter returns as Jesus, musical theatre star Tim Rogers, plays Judas Iscariot, while X Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji stars as Mary Magdalene.
Scamp Theatre presents The Scarecrows’ Wedding - Tue 24 November 1pm & 3.30pm, King's Hall Ilkley
Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Sarah Millican Outsider - Thursday 26 November 8pm, St George's HallRoy Orbison & Friends – Friday 27 November 7.30pm, St George's HallAn Evening of Burlesque - Saturday 28 November 8pm, St George's HallMitch Benn Don’t Believe a Word - Saturday 28 November 8pm, The Studio
Frankly Sinatra - Sunday 29 November 5pm, St George's Hall
Starring Stephen Triffitt, the world’s No 1 Frank Sinatra – celebrating the centenary of the greatest singer of the 20th century.
DecemberBrave New World - Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 December, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Wed 2 Dec 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 5 Dec 2.30pm
Aldous Huxley’s ground-breaking novel, bursts into life in this wonderfully witty world premiere adaptation by award-winning playwright Dawn King, directed by James Dacre with original music by These New Puritans.
Welcome to the future, where a genetically engineered class system has finally brought order and stability to the world.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac - Thursday 3 December 7.30pm, St George's Hall
The ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups. Replicating perfectly the power and subtlety of Fleetwood Mac at their brilliant best.
The Hallé - Saturday 5 December 7.30pm, St George's Hall Buddy Holly & The Cricketers: Holly at Christmas 2015 - Monday 7 December 7.30pm, King's Hall, Ilkley The Bootleg Beatles in Concert – Thursday 10 December 7.30pm, St George's Hall Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club - Saturday 12 December 8pm, The Studio
Ballerina Productions presents Christmas Dreams Charity Performance, Saturday 12 December 7.30pm, St George's Hall. Local dance groups perform.
Jack and the Beanstalk - Saturday 12 December 2015 – Sunday 24 January 2016, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thur 17 Dec 2.30pm, Sun 3 Jan 5pm, Tue 12 Jan 2pm, Audio Described: Wed 6 Jan 2pm & 7.15pm, Captioned: Sun 10 Jan 1pm. NEW: Relaxed Performance: Tue 12 Jan at 2pm.
West Yorkshire’s biggest and most spectacular pantomime stars Alhambra Theatre favourite Billy Pearce, along with actress and television presenter Lisa Riley, John Challis (Only Fools and Horses) and Jake Canuso (Benidorm). Jack and the Beanstalk is staged by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s largest pantomime producer.
Beyond the Barricade at Christmas - Wednesday 16 December 7.30pm, St George's Hall The Snowman - Thursday 17 December 1.30pm & 7pm, St George's Hall
The timeless film will be shown on a large screen and accompanied by a live, professional orchestra.
Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular starring The Osmonds - Friday 18 December 7.30pm, St George's Hall. Featuring nostalgic footage of the legendary Andy Williams from Christmases past with special guests Jimmy Cricket and The Moon River Singers & Dancers.
Bradford Festival Choral Society presents Traditional Family Christmas Concert - Saturday 19 December 3pm, St George's Hall
The Ken Dodd Christmas Happiness Show - Sunday 20 December 5pm, St George's Hall
December Dinner Events Bradford Theatres present Wine Tasting - Tuesday 8 December 7pm, Restaurant 1914 at the Alhambra (includes 5-course dinner)Murder Mystery Evening - A Christmas Killing (Entertainment by It’s Murder) - Wednesday 9 DecemberFawlty Towers The Dinner Show (Entertainment by Laughlines Comedy Entertainment) - Thursday 10 DecemberThe Sitcom Experience Legends of Comedy Dinner Show (Entertainment by Laughlines Comedy Entertainment) - Friday 11 December,
Restaurant 1914 at the Alhambra. Doors 7pm, events start 7.30pm (includes a 3-course meal)
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