The much-loved festive family treat returns this Christmas, continuing English National Ballet’s tradition of presenting a version of Nutcracker every year across the country since it was founded in 1950. On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara receives an enchanted Nutcracker as a present. Together,...
Review: The Bodyguard, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, 30 October 2023
By Catherine Collins As the curtain rises on a dark October evening, The Bodyguard opens on the Mayflower Theatre stage with a bang, before transporting the audience into a pop concert, with lights, dancing and the powerful voice of Emily Williams, who takes on the role made famous by...
Southampton’s countdown to Christmas event
Southampton’s Christmas Lights switch-on event is just around the corner and two special guests have been announced who will flip the festive switch, and officially mark the start of the Christmas festivities in the city. Kick-starting the Christmas Countdown on Thursday 16 November will be Mayflower Theatre’s panto star,...
Preview: Reginald D Hunter: The Man Who Could See Through Sh!t, Theatre Royal Winchester
Brutally honest, observational comic, Reginald D Hunter, returns to Theatre Royal Winchester with The Man Who Could See Through Sh!t, on Saturday 18 November. Hunter’s show explores how – in these supercharged socio-political times – the challenge is more and more about separating what’s true and what’s real, and,...
Preview: Cracking, The Point, Eastleigh
Following on from the success of Still Floating, the great Welsh storyteller, Shôn Dale-Jones, is back at Eastleigh’s The Point on Thursday 9 November with Cracking – a new dark and comic story that blends fiction and reality into one seamless whole. When Shôn playfully cracks an egg on...
The Wykeham Arms to support Play to the Crowd
Play to the Crowd, the arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers, are pleased to announce that the much-loved city centre pub, The Wykeham Arms, is supporting the charity’s work through sales of its homemade pie. For every sale of its famous Wyke...
Preview: Faith Healer, Theatre Royal Winchester
The story of a showman offering hope and salvation, Faith Healer, comes to Theatre Royal Winchester from Tuesday 14 November. Faith Healer tells of a man called Frank Hardy who promises to heal the afflicted. During the 1950s and 60s, he and his wife, Grace, and manager, Teddy, travel...
Preview: WNO Ainadama, La traviata, and Play Opera LIVE, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
Photo: La traviata by Julian Guidera Welsh National Opera’s (WNO) Autumn Season, which comes to Mayflower Theatre from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 November, includes productions Ainadamar, La traviata and Play Opera Live. Flamenco and poetry meet opera as Welsh National Opera’s Autumn Season opens on Wednesday 22 November...
Preview: There’s a Monster in Your Show, Theatre Royal Winchester
Young audiences will love the brand-new musical show, There’s a Monster in Your Show, which comes to Theatre Royal Winchester on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November. It tells the story of a group of performers preparing for the start of their show, but who soon discover they are...
Preview: Mark Simmons: Quip Off the Mark, Theatre Royal Winchester
Comedian Mark Simmons – known for his one-liners and TV appearances – brings his brand-new show, Quip Off The Mark, to Theatre Royal Winchester on Friday 3 November. Quip Off the Mark is not an average one-liner show as there is a running theme throughout, which tells of how...