What’s On

Saturday 01st September at 7:30pm Join us for a free sneak preview of our upcoming season. A night of free entertainment as your favourite regular groups (including NAODS, Masqueraders, The Abbey Players, Rabble and Sudden Impulse Theatre Company) present some special extracts from their forthcoming productions. Relax in the theatre bar and meet the theatre groups and volunteers. If you fancy it, you can find out how you could volunteer at the theatre yourself. There are plenty of positions available from bar staff, lighting/sound technicians, marketing team, stage management, scenery building and construction. You might even fancy getting involved on stage, and representatives from the regular companies will be happy to help you there too.

Sunday 2nd September at 4:00pm

Plot Summary	Trailer
SING-ALONG version. Orphaned, penniless but ambitious and with a mind crammed with imagination and fresh ideas, the American Phineas Taylor Barnum will always be remembered as the man with the gift to effortlessly blur the line between reality and fiction. Thirsty for innovation and hungry for success, the son of a tailor will manage to open a wax museum but will soon shift focus to the unique and peculiar, introducing extraordinary, never-seen-before live acts on the circus stage. Some will call Barnum's wide collection of oddities, a freak show; however, when the obsessed showman gambles everything on the opera singer Jenny Lind to appeal to a high-brow audience, he will somehow lose sight of the most important aspect of his life: his family. Will Barnum risk it all to be accepted?
Age Rating and Advisories

Sunday 2nd September at 7:00pm

Plot Summary	Trailer
Orphaned, penniless but ambitious and with a mind crammed with imagination and fresh ideas, the American Phineas Taylor Barnum will always be remembered as the man with the gift to effortlessly blur the line between reality and fiction. Thirsty for innovation and hungry for success, the son of a tailor will manage to open a wax museum but will soon shift focus to the unique and peculiar, introducing extraordinary, never-seen-before live acts on the circus stage. Some will call Barnum's wide collection of oddities, a freak show; however, when the obsessed showman gambles everything on the opera singer Jenny Lind to appeal to a high-brow audience, he will somehow lose sight of the most important aspect of his life: his family. Will Barnum risk it all to be accepted?	<
Age Rating and Advisories

Wednesday 12th September to Saturday 15th September at 7:30pm

An evening of song, drama, comedy and poems to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.  Since 2014 we have been bringing your our series of World War One commemoration plays now join us for a special evening of variety including a special performance of Blackadder Goes Forth as well as extracts from previous productions, some of the great war poems as well as letters from the front and of course songs from the period to enjoy and sing a long with.

If you have enjoyed our previous productions "To The Green Fields Beyond", "Oh What A Lovely War", "The Accrington Pals" and "Private Peaceful" then you are sure to enjoy this evening of commemoration.

Plot Summary	Trailer
Rydell High's most famous graduating class is going back to school. A newly restored print brings the highest-grossing musical of all time, GREASE (1978), to the big screen as a sing-along. Join Danny and Sandy with your own crew of T-Birds and Pink Ladies for a carnival ride back to those amazing summer nights!
Age Rating and Advisories

Thursday 20th September at 7:30pm

Impro-ducing an evening of comedy improv games in the style of 'Whose Line is it Anyway?'

The Improlectuals are an improv "super-group" made up of some of the finest improvisers from around the Midlands. They create completely new comedy sketches on the spot, based entirely on audience suggestions. After a run of successful shows in Birmingham, they're now touring the Midlands - with nothing pre-scripted, every show's a World Premiere!

Featuring Rich Baldwin (WOW Impro, Abbey Players), Robert Lane (Foghorn Unscripted, Birmingham Rep), Matthew Dibbens (Coventry Improv, WOW Impro) and Nathan Blyth (Fred Theatre, Birmingham Rep)

"Slick comedy sketches," "A great blend of performers who worked together well to create a great night of comedy." - Midlands Improv, May 2018

All Acts are subject to change.

Funhouse Comedy Club Line Up  - Doors Open at 7:30pm, Show Starts at 8:15pm
Compere
Barry Dodds This charming Geordie motor-mouth has audiences in the palm of his hand, even when discussing the most near the knuckle subjects. With material ranging from the supernatural to euthanasia, everything is delivered with a cheeky smile that wins over even the most stony faced of the audience. A finalist in various high profile competitions such as Jimmy Carr’s Comedy Idol and Jongleurs Last Laugh Comedy Search, his twinkly eyed, playful demeanour disarms judging panels, industry experts and audiences alike, allowing him flirt coquettishly with topics that are traditionally a little more unusual. 'Hugely enjoyable... a ton of great stories... one to watch' (The Guardian) 'Razor sharp humour' (Metro) '... the appealing and perceptive Barry Dodds... captivates his audiences with his energy, spirit and tantalizing wit. His mix of surprisingly uncanny and irrepressibly cheeky material leaves them wanting for more' (Funhouse Comedy).
Headliner
Vince Atta Hot comedy talent from Manchester. It's fair to say that everything Vince Atta touches turns to gold. His high-octane performances, stunning delivery and flawless array of impressions leave you short of breath. With a broad, wonderful spectrum of material ranging from students, Spanish horses in a kitchen, psychotic London ex-girlfriends, pointless racial pride and the advantages of an alcoholic mother, Atta brings an inspiring touch of pathos which demonstrates an unerring ability to turn experience into bullet proof comedy. His festival shows Atta, Bowman and Hoo (2005) and Atta, Bowman and Hoo 2 (2006) were both among the most successful shows in their respective Manchester Comedy Festivals. '... the exciting and energetic Vince Atta. With his variety of anecdotes, stories and observations, he is permanently on a high which he manages to transfer to his audience; whilst bringing to life any character he mentions' (Funhouse Comedy).
Supporting Acts
Bobby Mair A comedian from Toronto who was voted 'Best Newcomer' at the Canadian Comedy Awards and has appeared in the UK on Russell Howard's Good News, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Hour, Sweat the Small Stuff and Virtually Famous. He is also a 3rd cousin of Canadian pop-star Justin Bieber - although he claims that they have never met. 'Mair exudes a kind of effortless, awkwardness and brings to it something fresh and downright disturbing. A bright, dark future surely awaits' (The Stage) 'He's either going to be a huge international comedy star or the funniest homeless man ever' (Jimmy Carr).
Pete Teckman Stand-up comedian who made his performing debut in February 2008 and has since progressed from open spots and gong show competitions to regular paid work and a growing reputation. Pete is comfortable with a set from 5 to 20 minutes and has also proved himself to be a very popular MC / compere and after dinner speaker. 'Well written, hard hitting gags that just keep coming…. if every act was half as good you'd have a blinder' (That Time of the Month, Newport Pagnell) 'Excellent. He starts with a strong series of gags... and gets better from there' (Martin Mullaney, Cheeky Monkey Comedy, Birmingham) 'A mature comedy performance that had the audience eating out of his hand' (Nigel Rushby, TNT Comedy) 'What a performance... ballachingly funny' (Paul Savage, Speakeasy Comedy) 'Epitomised the taking of difficult, painful situations in life and turning it into great comedy' (Lou Chawner).

Saturday 22nd September at 7:30pm

Touring by public demand, the hilarious comedy play, written by Bobby Ball, that combines sitcom and variety with some outstanding and memorable stand up comedy from Cannon and Ball (“ITV’s Last Laugh In Vegas”) and Johnny Casson. A whole night of truly great comedy entertainment!

We start in the dressing room as we hear the behind-scenes and show-biz  stories as they are waiting to go on stage at a run-down theatre where TOMMY CANNON and BOBBY BALL find themselves involved in the crazy goings-on of compère STU FRANCIS and fellow comic JOHNNIE CASSON, as they take to the stage for their individual stage acts.

So get ready to get your “hankies" out to wipe away tears of laughter.

Suitable for all the family!

DERBYSHIRE TIMES - “Cannon and Ball” won a standing ovation! A night of pure nostalgia!"

CELEBRITY RADIO -   “This is a brilliantly uplifting two hours of variety with HUGE belly laughs throughout. Enjoy being in the presence of showbiz royalty” http://www.celebrityradio.biz/dressing-room-cannon-ball-review/

Thursday 27th September to Saturday 29th September at 7:30pm Peter and Frances could reasonably expect to look forward to a calm, happy start to their married life together. Owing to an unfortunate mistake, however, they find themselves inundated with pornographic material from the "Scandinavian Import Company". Senior bank officials, Peter's snobbish mother, and a prim, respectable bank cashier become inextricably entangled in the rumbustious events that follow.

Saturday 6th October at 7:30pm

A vocal harmony group based in the Midlands, made up of four friends who have a combined 50 years of experience touring the UK and Europe as solo artists, decided to combine talents to create something special with 4th Avenue.

Compared by many to The Overtones due to their vocal range, slick routines and great cover versions of classic songs, they provide shows for every occasion.

Below we caught up with the guys to get a little insight into the four friends who make up one of most popular shows in the UK today.....

Plot Summary	Trailer
During World War II, as Adolf Hitler's awesomely powerful Wehrmacht rampages across Europe, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Neville Chamberlain, is forced to resign, recommending Winston Churchill as his replacement. But even in his early days as the country's leader, Churchill is under pressure to commence peace negotiations with the German dictator or to fight head-on the seemingly invincible Nazi regime, whatever the cost. However difficult and dangerous his decision may be, Churchill has no choice but to shine in the country's darkest hour.
Age Rating and Advisories

Saturday 13th October at 7:00pm & Sunday 14th October at 4:00pm

An evening full of dance, song and drama. Full of energy, excitement and talent. Delveen,s Academy of Dance is a dedicated and passionate Dance school based in Coventry. we offer professional lessons in all genres of performance and aim to allow each student to reach their potential. To inspire,enjoy achieve a successful Dancers journey is the aim at Delveen’s Academy of Dance!Students are from 2years to 22years.

A great evening for all the family to enjoy, a show not to be missed.

 

Wednesday 17th October at 7:30pm

For one night only you are invited to Take off with the Merry Midwives on a journey of song and laughter, whilst raising valuable funds for your local Warwickshire Air Ambulance.

All Acts are subject to change.

Funhouse Comedy Club Line Up  - Doors Open at 7:30pm, Show Starts at 8:15pm
Compere
Karen Bayley Karen began her comedy career back in 2001 and since then she has gone from strength to strength and featured in the finals of Britain's Got Talent 2018. As resident compere at her own club in Sutton Coldfield Karen honed her comedic talents and is now a well respected comic travelling the country entertaining the masses. Karen was the first ever female winner of the prestigious Comedy Store King Gong award. In 2004 she took a show to the Edinburgh Festival with Susan Murray where she gained glowing reviews. 'Inspired and sparkling punchlines... comic timing that is rarely less than brilliant. An assured performer who doesn't have much trouble getting audiences laughing' (Steve Bennett, Chortle UK) 'She has me in stitches' (Alan Carr) 'Blew my socks off... doesn't dwell too much on lady issues... Funny in her own right... brilliant, clever and she's gonna be huge' (BBC Tees).
Headliner
Noel James Welsh comic wizard fresh from the finals of Britain's Got Talent 2018, described as surreal, absurd, intelligent and somehow strangely attractive, but then he would say that, wouldn't he?! His 2001 and 2002 Edinburgh shows received rave reviews, catapulting him into the upper echelons of the comedy circuit. 'Liberates the lunatic side to our personalities - brilliantly!' (Time Out) 'Stands out like a droll giant in a comedy land of trite dwarfs' (The Independent) 'Absolutely Hilarious!' (HTV & Wales on Sunday).
Supporting Acts
Mandy Muden Stand-up comedian and sit-down magician. Described as like 'Alison Steadman playing a beauty consultant doing Tommy Cooper-style magic – but without the fez', Mandy would take that as a compliment. With an act made for the digitally-enhanced age, Mandy has audiences astounded with both the brilliance of some (certainly not all) of her magic and in hysterics at her off-the-cuff one-liners and observations.
Luke Honnoraty Highly regarded as one of the best acts to emerge from the south west in recent years, award winning stand-up comedian Luke Honnoraty has been hotly tipped by some of the UK's biggest promoters as 'one to watch'. After bursting onto the circuit in 2010 as the winner of the 'South West New Act of the Year', Luke has gone from strength and is now performing alongside the best names in comedy in some if the UK's best comedy clubs. Having supported the likes of Matt Richardson and Russell Kane in the past, Plus Supporting Katherine Ryan on the south west tour dates of 2014 and in the following year took his first show 'Small Town Heroes' to the Edinburgh Fringe. In 2017 Luke was picked to support Joel Dommett on the southwest leg of his tour. An infectiously funny, natural born comic who is the perfect addition to any comedy line up.

Wednesday 24th October to Saturday 27th October at 7:30pm

9 to 5 The Musical is based on the 1980 hit movie. Set in the 1970's, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Roladex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.

Pushed to the boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss.

In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy - giving their boss Hart, the boot!. While Hart remains "otherwise engaged", the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that always kept them down.

Hey, a girl can scheme, can't she?

Sunday 28th October 2018 at 7:30pm This fully live energetic show charts the life and career of one of the world’s iconic performers. Full of hits like Private Dancer, Nutbush City Limits, Proud Mary, River Deep Mountain High and Let’s Stay Together to name but a few, this show is the ultimate night out. The concert style show features a 7-piece band making this the only completely live touring tribute to this multi-award-winning legend. Powerful vocals, backing singers and fabulous professional dancers with electrifying dance routines make The Tina Turner Experience - Simply the Best. Please note due to the nature of this event there may be some occasions during the show when some patrons choose to stand.

Tuesday 30th October at 2:30pm The Frog & The Princess is a poignant re-telling of the Brothers Grimm tale that will entertain and delight family audiences. This exquisitely manipulated and humorous puppetry performance explores the meeting of cultures and what happens when a Princess deems a Frog unworthy of being her friend, just because of what he is. As the Frog and the Princess undergo an emotional journey from rejection to friendship they discover that deep down they are not so very different after all. Suitable for children aged 4+

Wednesday 31st October at 2:30pm

Plot Summary	Trailer
The magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is.
Age Rating and Advisories
Contains mild violence, threat and brief sight of blood

Wednesday 31st October at 10:00pm

Plot Summary	Trailer
When a teenage girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two priests to save her daughter.
Age Rating and Advisories
Contains very strong language, strong threat and supernatural horror

Thursday 01st November at 2:30pm

Plot Summary	Trailer
Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.
Age Rating and Advisories
mild threat, violence

Tuesday 06th November to Friday 09th November at 7:30pm and Saturday 10th November at 2:30pm & 7:30pm

MTS are delighted to bring you the musical version of Dickens' classic, a Christmas Carol. Almost everyone knows the story but this special musical version has music written by Disney's Alan Menken (of Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin etc) with lyrics and book by Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent (who between them can claim Seussical, Rocky, Anastasia, Educating Rita, Me and My Girl and Crazy for you).

It was performed every year in Madison Square Garden from 1994 to 2003 and in 2004 it was converted to a movie staring Kelsey Grammer.

Featuring significant and powerful solo performances, this rousing adaptation also has a lot of chorus numbers in, naturally memorable tunes and plenty to remember.

Get into the Christmas Spirit earl with this cracking, family show!

Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th November at 7:00pm AGS are proud to present our annual production...this year, we give you Annie! The story of a big hearted and sassy orphan named Annie. Desperate for a family of her own and with so much love to give.   Tickets available from September.

Thursday 15th November at 7:30pm

	Plot Summary A homeless teenager with attachment issues searches for a place to fit in.	Genre
		Drama
		Running time
		TBC
	Trailer	Directed by
	To follow	Lee Price
	Age Rating and Advisories	Language
	TBC	English

All Acts are subject to change.

Funhouse Comedy Club Line Up  - Doors Open at 7:30pm, Show Starts at 8:15pm
Compere
Stevie Gray Oldham-born Stevie Gray is a cheeky and very likeable comedian. Stevie's stage act fuses jokes, music, news stories and audience participation to create an up-tempo energy in any room. Stevie has appeared all over the UK, playing the Edinburgh festival, the Comedy Store, Jongleurs, Glee as well as making regular MC appearances for Funhouse Comedy. '... the cheeky and friendly Stevie Gray with his boundless energy and mix of news, music and comedy...' (Funhouse Comedy).
Headliner
Sean Heydon
Supporting Acts
Gerry Kyei Anecdotal, observational and refreshingly honest. Gerry differs from many black comedians in that his experiences are not what you'd expect from this Eastender raised in rural Essex. He has played at The Comedy Store, The Bearcat and Downstairs at The Kings Head in addition to TV's Take The Mike and a cameo on Jimmy Carr's Xmas DVD. What you see is certainly not what you get. You may recognise his face from TV’s ‘The Bill’ and ‘FHM Comedy Heroes’. 'His humorous stories and factual tales are told with a ‘twinkle in the eyes’ and leave his audiences crying with laughter' (Funhouse Comedy).
Patrick Draper Since starting in stand-up in October 2011, Patrick has successfully driven to over 200 stand-up gigs and delivered a selection of deadpan jokes and stories to a range of different audiences: big, small, enthusiastic, indifferent, confused. 'He has won our gong shows 5 times. Very well written material with killer punchlines!' (Spiky Mike, Funhouse Comedy Clubs) 'An extremely unique brand of comedy. Patrick has nailed his persona and material from the off and has blown away every audience he has performed at for us, from our gong show to our two professional nights. His act can only be described as filthy but genius' (Roger Swift, Teknicolour Smoof) 'A compelling stage presence ushering forth gently acidic one-liners with many an unexpected twist. In short, a most amusing cove!' (Anthony J Brown, Stagefright Comedy) 'Give him a gig. Solidly funny over 20 minutes with several bits you'll want to tell your mates as if you wrote it!' (Paul Savage) 'Patrick Draper is extremely funny, he is intelligent, his persona is grim, and yet warm. I've seen audiences physically lean forward in anticipation of what he is going to say next, then to be followed by an explosion of communal laughter. He has become a favorite in the Midlands, and I love it when he is on the bill!' (David Rees Jones, Promoter).

Tuesday 20th November to Saturday 24th November at 7:30pm To commemorate 100 years since World War One we present the final play in our series of WW1 centenary plays. This brand new play is based on research of people and events from in and around Nuneaton 100 years ago. Treacle Town Tommy has been created by Sudden Impulse Theatre Company and the people of Nuneaton and we are very grateful for the assistance from Nuneaton Memories and The History Hub in the creation of this work.

Friday 30th November to Saturday 01st December at 7:00pm

Thursday 06th December to Friday 07th December at 7:30pm and Saturday 08th December at 2:30pm

Alan Parker's timeless, child film turned musical is this year's production,  which you can see this December at the Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton on the 6th, 7th & 8th* of December 2018.

Performed, as ever, with a live band.  (In fact it's a condition of the license that this show is never performed with a backing track), Nuneaton's most established youth theatre is proud to be bringing you this rip roaring show.

(*remember the Saturday performance is matinee only)

Wednesday 12th December to Saturday 15th December at 7:30pm & Saturday 15th December - Sunday 16th December at 2:30pm. In this traditional story, the Trott family are forced to sell Daisy their cow, because Fleshcreep is demanding money yet again, and is threatening them with the anger of the Giant. Tricked in to selling Daisy for beans instead of gold, a magic beanstalk grows. Jack climbs up the beanstalk to rescue Jill who has been kidnapped by Fleshcreep. With lots of comedy provided by the Dame, and the comedy duo, Snot and Bogie this is the perfect start to Christmas festivities and a show guaranteed to entertain the whole family! Book tickets on-line and use the code "JACKNAC" for a 10% discount.  

Wednesday 19th December & Thursday 20th December at 7:30pm

Not to be missed, a sparkling Christmas extravaganza for all of the family. Be taken on a non-stop, whirlwind adventure of singing, dancing, music & variety, as you meet Santa and all of his friends.

It’s a celebration of the festive season, featuring a electric mix of both seasonal, and year-round favourites.

All Acts are subject to change.

Funhouse Comedy Club Line Up  - Doors Open at 7:30pm, Show Starts at 8:15pm
Compere
Barry Dodds This charming Geordie motor-mouth has audiences in the palm of his hand, even when discussing the most near the knuckle subjects. With material ranging from the supernatural to euthanasia, everything is delivered with a cheeky smile that wins over even the most stony faced of the audience. A finalist in various high profile competitions such as Jimmy Carr’s Comedy Idol and Jongleurs Last Laugh Comedy Search, his twinkly eyed, playful demeanour disarms judging panels, industry experts and audiences alike, allowing him flirt coquettishly with topics that are traditionally a little more unusual. 'Hugely enjoyable... a ton of great stories... one to watch' (The Guardian) 'Razor sharp humour' (Metro) '... the appealing and perceptive Barry Dodds... captivates his audiences with his energy, spirit and tantalizing wit. His mix of surprisingly uncanny and irrepressibly cheeky material leaves them wanting for more' (Funhouse Comedy).
Headliner
Richard Morton This smart-suited Geordie is full of surprises and manic energy. His self-depreciating manner belies a razor sharp talent and with witty observations he tackles a plethora of life's situations in his hilarious songs. Possibly Newcastle's finest export since the famous brown ale. Richard has supported Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Jo Brand, Lily Savage and Phill Jupitus on tour as well as having many TV credits to his name. Winner of Time Out Comedian Of The Year. 'Comic genius' (The Daily Express) 'His hilarious songs give musical comedy a good name' (The Guardian).
Supporting Acts
Javier Jarquin Card throwing ninja who has spent the last 4 years working as a professional award winning comedian in New Zealand and Australia. Javier Jarquin moved to the UK in 2010 where he has established himself as a circuit regular and headline act around the country and in mainland Europe. He has performed on the same bill with the likes of Jimmy Carr, Stewart Lee, Jo Brand and Paul Daniels. 'High calibre throughout' (The Morning Star) 'Brilliantly entertaining performance' (The Edinburgh Reporter) 'Kept the audience laughing [email protected] (The Edinburgh Spotlight) 'Seriously talented when it comes to wowing a crowd' (The Stage).
Paul Ricketts Paul is an award-winning comic who since 2005 has been entertaining audiences across the UK and beyond. His intelligent humour focuses not only on sharp observations from life, but also racial, cultural and satirical subjects, intermingled with strange tales of ordinary madness. Sometimes silly, serious or surreal, sometimes autobiographical, political or near the knuckle - but always funny! '... material is smart as well as funny' (The Scotsman) '... weird and wonderful... should be given his own TV show' (The Stage).

Traditional Family Panto! A brand new production of Sleeping Beauty combines the very best traditions of family pantomime. Sudden Impulse are delighted to be presenting their second pantomime based on the traditional story of Sleeping Beauty. With comic capers and packed full of original songs this sizzling new production of Sleeping Beauty is sure to be a hit for the whole family.