The New Vic’s autumn season offers both spectacle for all the family and thought-provoking drama as one of its most ambitious shows, Astley’s Astounding Adventures, returns, a festive classic is given a twist with The Nutcracker: A Christmas Fairytale, and London Classic Theatre and the Stephen Joseph Theatre return to present Brian Friel’s Faith Healer and Alan Ayckbourn’s Constant Companions respectively.
Ensuring the season is revved up and ready to go, Eric’s Italian Job, will light up the stage from Monday 21 August to Saturday 2 September. This sensational 60s-themed production sees ‘Eric’ get entangled in a classic crime caper. While it might not feature real life Mini Coopers, a bus hanging off the edge of a mountain, or incredible Alpine scenery, it’s sure to be a fantastic feel-good night out with jokes-a-plenty and live music to match!
London Classic Theatre’s production of Faith Healer, from Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 September, weaves the stories of three intriguing characters together – faith healer Frank Hardy, his wife Grace, and manager Teddy – to take audiences on an extraordinary journey of shifting perspectives and uncertain memories.
Then, the New Vic’s most spectacular show ever will return to the stage! Astley’s Astounding Adventures is a dazzling celebration of local hero Philip Astley who became the international impresario that invented circus. Filled with fast-paced action, laugh-out-loud humour, gripping drama and breath-taking circus spectacle, the production is a true treat for all family members, from the young to the young at heart! Revived to coincide with the 850th anniversary of Newcastle-under-Lyme receiving its town charter, Astley’s Astounding Adventures makes its much-anticipated return to the stage from Saturday 23 September to Saturday 21 October.
The Stephen Joseph Theatre present Constant Companions, Alan Ayckbourn’s 89th play. Set in a not-too-distant future where humans have turned to artificial friends for companionship without compromise, it knits together multiple narratives with Ayckbourn’s characteristic humour and compassion. It takes to the New Vic stage from Tuesday 24 October to Saturday 4 November.
Christmas brings with it the most magical of adventures as the New Vic presents its own spin on a classic with The Nutcracker: A Christmas Fairytale from Friday 17 November to Saturday 27 January. Audiences join Marie as she travels with the enchanted Nutcracker Prince through spun-sugar snowflakes, gingerbread elves and chocolate drops to the Kingdom of Sweets at the top of the Christmas tree. In this magical place where toys come to life, can Marie help end a long feud between the Mouse Queen and the inhabitants of the Kingdom and break the enchanted spell? Brought to the stage in the New Vic’s own innovative style, this new adaptation of the classic festive story is a gripping adventure packed full of magic, beautiful music and sparkle!
For our youngest audience members and their families, Tale Trail to the Nutcracker in our Studio space, from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 30 December, is a fully inclusive exploration of an enchanting world that will be filled with interactive surprises and delights.
Finally, ‘Eric’ fans are also in for a festive treat as one of the most romantic stories of all time gets an Eric-shaped makeover in Eric’s Pride and Prejudice from Monday 27 November to Saturday 9 December. A brilliant way to kickstart your festivities, it will feature all the 60s songs, dancing, laughter and fun you’d expect from the gang – with a regency twist!
The New Vic’s autumn season is on sale now. For more information and to book tickets call the Box Office on 01782 717962 or visit newvictheatre.org.uk.