Jane Austen Classic, Deacon Blue Frontman, and Liverpool Irish Festival Among Capstone Theatre's New Season

A Jane Austen classic, Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross's solo tour, and classical, jazz and electronic music make for an eclectic new season at the Capstone Theatre.

The Autumn/Winter programme begins with an adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (Tuesday, 10 October 2017, 7.30pm) as Chapterhouse Theatre Company and award-winning writer Laura Tuner bring a brand-new adaptation marking the 200th Anniversary of Jane Austen's death. On Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th October schools can also enjoy workshops alongside special day time schools performances (for school bookings: enquiry@hope.ac.uk 0151 291 3111).

Theatre lovers can also enjoy The Lost Tribes of Everton & Scottie Road (Thursday 2nd-Saturday 4th November 2017) the new play by Ken Rogers and Mike Howl that captures the folklore of a 1960s slum clearance that all but wiped out the tightly packed terraced houses of Everton and its famous neighbour, the self-styled independent republic of Scotland Road.

The Shakespeare Schools Festival returns on the 23rd and 24th November for a series of unique Shakespeare productions staged by local schools.

Legendary Deacon Blue frontman, and founding member Ricky Ross brings The Short Stories Vol 1 tour to the Capstone on Friday 1st December. Ricky will showcase his brand new album of the same name, as well as performing songs from his extensive catalogue from Deacon Blue and beyond.

Storytelling and music come together in Dreaming the Night Field (Thursday 12th October), which evokes the ancient Celtic legend of the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogion. Featuring one of Wales' most engaging storytellers alongside exquisitely haunting live music, English and Welsh are artfully woven together to make ancient voices and living landscapes come alive in an exhilarating performance.

Dance lovers can enjoy James Wilton Dance: Leviathan on Wednesday 18th October. Multi-award winning choreographer James Wilton re-imagines Herman Melville's seminal novel, Moby Dick. Featuring a cast of seven, Wilton's trademark blend of athletic dance, martial arts, capoeira and partner-work, Leviathan will have you on the edge of your seat.

The Capstone is also proud to host two major performances as part of the Liverpool Irish Festival. Body & Blood (Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th October) is a new play that explores a buried cultural history - arranged marriages in Ireland. Set in 1956 and inspired by the writer Lorraine Mullaney's grandmother who had an arranged marriage, Body & Blood is a dark comedy that tackles a tough subject with humour and live music. On 26th October, The Breath bring their mix of Irish folk influences and mesmerizing guitar riffs, anthemic themes and powerful hooks.

Music lovers can immerse themselves in classical, electronic, jazz, Indian and pop music throughout the season. LUMA Creations presents Drum Clash on Friday 20th October, which brings together Candombe drums, Djembes, Samba Drums and Congas for powerful drum beats from across Latin America, Africa and Europe. Internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist Tommy Smith launches his new quartet Embodying the Light on 25th October. Hear new electroacoustic works from Liverpool Hope University staff and student composers for free at the eighth edition of Sonic Interactions, which offers journeys into sound and aural landscapes across an array of multi-loudspeakers.

Pixels Ensemble: Remembrance (13th November), brings together chamber music players who will present pieces from the classical period up to the present day including a performance of Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time, a piece written whilst a prisoner of war in German captivity and first premiered by his fellow prisoners.

Lifelong fans or those new to Indian music can enjoy two free concerts as Milapfest presents Music for the Mind and Soul on Saturday 28th October and Saturday 25th November at 1pm. In October, two contrasting styles of North and South Indian vocal music take centre stage, and in November enjoy Carnatic instrumental music, based on a rich repertoire of compositions feature both improvisation and fixed passages.

Opera lovers are in for a treat as the European Opera Centre presents The World of Opera - A Special Insight on 16thNovember. French conductor Laurent Pillot is well-known to Liverpool audiences through his work with the European Opera Centre and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. In this show, he aims to unlock some of the mysteries of opera, and its effect on the listener.

Enjoy a double bill of European music on Friday 17th November as Norwegian cellist Maja Bugge plays the first half, while the second features Italian duo Human Progression Machine who bring electric violin, electronics and drums.

Ian Boddy and Nigel Mullaney who co-wrote tracks for TV, film and documentaries for DeWolfe Music, will use modern and vintage modular synthesisers alongside sequencers and drum machines to create an organic, ever evolving soundscape on Saturday 18th November.

Solo Collective (Tuesday 21st November), features German classical/experimental musicians and composers Anne Müller (cello) and Alex Stolze (violin), with British pianist and producer Sebastian Reynolds.

Ease yourself into Christmas on Saturday 2nd December with Allerton Brass, who return with their Christmas Fantasia show and guests the Choir of Sudley Primary School. The evening will include a great mix of seasonal music for all the family that is guaranteed to get you in the festive mood, alongside opportunities for audience participation!

Neil Campbell, Capstone Theatre Manager said: "This forthcoming season is perhaps The Capstone's most eclectic yet, comprising dramatic and contemporary dance performances as well as the ambitious musical offerings that our audiences have come to expect. I really think there is something for everyone in this programme."

Learn more at www.capstonetheatre.com.

Tickets available from Ticket Quarter: 0844 8000 410 www.ticketquarter.co.uk Listings: The Capstone Theatre, Autumn/Winter season 2017.

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