Belgrade Theatre Announces Final Line-Up for 2017-18 Season

Belgrade Theatre has announced the final shows to complete its Autumn 2017 Season plus two legendary musicals visiting the venue in 2018. This completes the full line-up for the autumn season, which includes previously announced music, drama and of course, the legendary Belgrade pantomime.

Considered one of the greatest ever musicals, The Sound Of Music tells the epic true story of the singing Von Trapp family set to Rodgers and Hammerstein's magical score, and will take to the Belgrade's Main Stage in February 2018.

This much-loved musical took the world by storm when it was adapted for the big screen starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in 1965 and remains the fifth highest grossing film of all time. It features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on screen and stage, including Edelweiss, My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, So Long Farewell and of course, The Sound of Music.

Following the sell-out success of Coventry Musical Theatre Society's production of Spamalot earlier this year, the smash-hit comedy returns to the Belgrade in a new professional production from Selladoor Productions and Mercury Theatre Colchester, in 2018.

Lovingly ripped off from the hugely successful 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this spammier than ever production is a riotous comedy full of misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen. Join King Arthur as he travels with his hapless Knights of the Round Table on a divine mission to locate the illusive Holy Grail - with uproarious consequences.

Spamalot was the winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best New Musical, while it enjoyed a victorious West End run. The show is written by Python legend Eric Idle, who has been entertaining the British public for over 50 years.

New for autumn 2017, the Belgrade is also introducing a series of monthly stand-up comedy nights featuring a stellar line-up of some of the UK's best comedians.

Desi Central will host comedy nights in September, November and January, kicking off with their sell-out show The Indians Are Coming, which will visit the Belgrade as part of a five city tour. Their shows feature stand-up routines from some of the best British Asian comedians working the UK comedy circuit. In October, December and February, the acclaimed Comedy Club Screaming Blue urder will also host live stand-up compered by Midlands comedian Andrew Bird, who has supported both Rhod Gilbert and Lee Hurst on tour.

In the year marking the 80th anniversary of her birth, Noctium Theatre Company are celebrating the life and work of the Coventry born icon and electronic music pioneer, Delia Derbyshire in their latest show entitled Hymns For Robots. The brand new piece of theatre will tell the story of this extraordinary woman, who later became known for creating the Doctor Who theme tune.

Nathan Lucky Wood's dystopian drama is brought to the stage by Forethought Theatre in A Haunting. Described as a horror story for the internet age, A Haunting follows fifteen year old Mark on his chilling journey to adulthood and comes direct from its success at the King's Head Theatre and 2017 VAULT Festival.

Returning to the B2 stage this autumn, Freeman is inspired by the true story of William Freeman, a black man who was put on trial in 19th Century New York, and the first case to raise 'insanity' as a defense in America. Strictly Arts Theatre Company perform this original show blending high-energy physical theatre, a cappella singing, humour and powerful drama.

As always, the Belgrade will also be hosting a series of one night music concerts and tribute acts. Swinging at the Cotton Club takes audiences back in time to 1920s and 30s New York City and through the doors of Harlem's hottest nightclub, featuring The Lindy Hop Dance Company & The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra. 80s fans can celebrate The Best of Wham as their greatest hits are performed to a live band with sensational vocals, choreography and costumes. Seven Drunken Nights brings to life the music and the spirit of Irish folk legends, The Dubliners, with a talented cast of singers and musicians.

There's spooky Halloween fun for ages 2-7 with Crafty's Creepy Castle, from the creative team behind Marty MacDonald's Farm and Easter Bunny's Eggs-ellent Adventure. Families are invited to come dressed in their best

Halloween costumes and sing-along to some classic nursery rhymes in this 40 minute show, followed by a meet and greet with Crafty the Crow and a special trick or treat present for every child.

For the first time, the Belgrade is also introducing Silver Screen afternoons, which include a 2-course lunch at the theatre followed by a screening of a classic film from Hollywood's golden era including, Funny Face in October and An Affair to Remember in November.

Tickets for all of these shows are available now by calling the Belgrade Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk where tickets are cheaper.

Photo credit: Pamela Reith

To post a comment, you must register and login.