Chesterfield Theatres

Events to celebrate 100 years of entertainment at the Winding Wheel Theatre

A series of events and activities are planned to celebrate a century of entertainment at the Winding Wheel Theatre in September.

On Sunday 10 September from 7pm there will be a Centenary Gala Concert to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building opening. This will feature performances from nine different local theatre schools, performing arts groups and theatre companies, and will be compered by Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist impressionist Tony Rudd, with a special guest appearance from comedy legend Bernie Clifton who lives locally.

From 11 September to 15 September there will be cinema screenings showing a film from each decade over the last 100 years to celebrate A Century of Cinema, since the building opened. These were selected through a public vote in June. Classic films being shown are Metropolis, The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, The Bridge On The River Kwai, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, The Godfather, Chariots of Fire, The Full Monty, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Paddington.

There will also be a free exhibition with objects and photos telling the story of the last 100 years and exclusive tours of the building including the backstage areas.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Winding Wheel Theatre has a rich history in our town and residents of all ages will have fantastic memories of performances they have seen at the venue over the years. We’ve made sure there is something for everyone to enjoy and join in the centenary celebrations.”

Originally built in 1923 for the Chesterfield Picture House Company it was intended to be the most luxurious destination in the town. As well as a cinema the building also housed an elegant ballroom and silver service restaurant.

In 1937 it was renamed as the Odeon but maintained the lavish interiors. In the 1970s the Ballroom was used as a well-known disco venue.

The cinema closed in 1981 before being taken over by Chesterfield Borough Council and reopening as an entertainment venue in 1987. Since then, it has hosted live music, conferences, theatre productions and cinema screenings.

In March 2023 Chesterfield Civic Society installed a Blue Plaque on the Grade II listed building to mark its historical importance in the town.

Tickets for the Centenary Gala Concert are £19.20 and confirmed performers include Academy of Dance, Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra, Chesterfield Operatic Society, Chesterfield Studios, Diana Bradbury Theatre Dance School, Directions Theatre Arts, Gekkota Arts, Rumpus Theatre Company and Wise Owl Theatre Company.

Cinema performances are £5.20 per ticket but visitors can also book tickets for all centenary films for just £20.20. Tours of the building are free but must be pre-booked.

Tickets for the concert, cinema screenings and tours of the building can be booked on the Chesterfield Theatres website: www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/100

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Star cast announced for Chesterfield’s Sleeping Beauty pantomime

Take one TV soap star icon, add in one of the nation’s favourite Britain’s Got Talent winners, sprinkle with an arty Disney presenter and mix to create an exciting star-studded cast to headline Chesterfield’s far from sleepy pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Instantly recognisable from EastEnders and Coronation Street, Michelle Collins will be casting her own special spell over audiences as the bad fairy Carabosse. Boasting iconic places in TV history with her memorable roles as the home wrecker Cindy Beale in EastEnders and Rovers Return landlady Stella Price in Coronation Street, Michelle will ensure audiences have plenty to boo as the uninvited fairy delivers retribution on Princess Aurora.

He captured the hearts of the nation with his performances on Britain’s Got Talent and as pantomime hero, he’s sure to win the hearts of audiences too; Jai McDowall won the fifth season of BGT with his powerhouse vocals, natural charm and versatile song interpretations. Signed up to Syco Music, Jai followed up his TV success with an album and tour, before performing as BGT winner in the coveted Royal Variety Performance.

Bringing a palette of pantomime comedy, chaos and calamities to the production will be in the multi-talented hands of Lloyd Warbey, host of the legendary children’s TV classic Disney’s Art Attack. The much-loved show takes children on a fun-filled journey through the various stages of producing something artistic. Hosting the iconic show was a dream come true for Lloyd when he took over in 2012, having watched the programme religiously as a child. Professionally trained at the prestigious East 15 acting school, Lloyd will have audiences of all ages wrapped-up in laughter as he plays the pantomime fool.

Despite the notion of chaos with on-stage mishaps and mayhem, directing a pantomime is a careful balancing act of story, comedy, song and dance, combined with great staging, stunning lighting and special effects. And it’s going to take a special director to bring all these elements together in Chesterfield this Christmas!

With a back catalogue of choreographing and directing productions in TV, theatre and fashion, Di Cooke brings a wealth of experience to directing Sleeping Beauty. Having performed with Tina Turner, Rick Astley and Kylie, the in-demand director has also worked with comedy greats such as Ronnie Corbett and Russ Abbot, and more recently, Julian Clary and Alexander Armstrong.

Di has recently devised, directed and choreographed the award-winning Cromer Pier Show and The Cromer Christmas Show.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “I’m thrilled Michelle Collins will be leading this year’s cast in Chesterfield and I’m sure audiences are going to love her stella performance as a pantomime baddie. She’s joined by a very talented and exciting cast with Jai and Lloyd. The production of Sleeping Beauty promises an adventure for all family, with exciting special effects depicting Princess Aurora’s 100-year sleep, glittering costumes and lots of traditional audience participation in what’s shaping up to be Chesterfield’s biggest and brightest panto.”

Tickets for the pantomime Sleeping Beauty at the Winding Wheel Theatre in Chesterfield are on sale now with a special discounted price on tickets purchased before 31 August 2022. Tickets can be purchased online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/panto or by calling the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

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Pomegranate Theatre set to close for multi-million-pound refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall

The Pomegranate Theatre is set to temporarily close its doors later this month in preparation for a multi-million-pound renovation project that will create an enhanced and improved customer experience.

The theatre will close on Sunday 26 June before planned refurbishment works start on Stephenson Memorial Hall.

A series of community led events have been arranged ahead of the temporary closure.  These performances include, An Afternoon of Song and Dance organised by the Chesterfield Theatre Friends on 19 June and local ladies choir, the Honey Belles, on Saturday 25 June. The Heights Ballet & Theatre School will present Peter Pan on Sunday 26 June before the curtains close ahead of the renovation project.

Ian Waller, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director – leisure, culture and community wellbeing, said: “Stephenson Memorial Hall is a landmark in our town and our ambitious plans are set to make it even more memorable and enjoyable – creating a modern visitor experience in the heart of our town.

“Colleagues have been working to carefully move all of the treasured items from the Museum into secure storage. Now this is nearing completion, we are now in a position to close the Pomegranate Theatre and move many of our shows into the Winding Wheel while the transformation of the building is carried out.”

Residents and visitors to the borough will still be able to enjoy a trip to the theatre as lots of popular shows will be moving across to the Winding Wheel during the refurbishment, including the annual pantomime which you can purchase tickets for on the Chesterfield Theatres website: https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The work will also protect the Grade 2 listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Creating a more accessible experience is another key aim of the proposals. The plans include three new lifts which will enable visitors, staff and artists with mobility difficulties to access all parts of the building including the circle seating area and upper museum floors.

Also included in the plans are improvements to lighting, heating, and ventilation.

The project is projected to cost around £17.5 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The project received a further funding boost with £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme which will be used to install a ventilation system in the Pomegranate Theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet.

Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through the Governments Levelling Up fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

Together this funding will help maintain Chesterfield as a vibrant market town by improving connections across the town centre and enhancing the visitor economy.

Find out more about the proposals for the Stephenson Memorial Hall on the Chesterfield Borough Council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/regeneration-and-economic-growth/revitalising-the-heart-of-chesterfield/stephenson-memorial-hall-development

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Chesterfield residents encouraged to support local theatres across the festive season

The Pomegranate and Winding Wheel Theatres in Chesterfield have a packed line up across the festive season and into the New Year to keep everyone entertained.

This year’s Pantomime Beauty and the Beast is currently on stage at the Pomegranate and will run until Sunday 2 January 2022.

Tickets are still available for the production that stars West End actress, pop star and TV personality Suzanne Shaw as Belle, with Thomas Redgrave from Britain’s Got Talent Winners Collabro as Gaston and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Andrew Fleming in the comedy role of Philippe Philoppe.

If you enjoy seeing Ballet there is a satellite broadcast of The Nutcracker by the Royal Ballet in January and Ballet Theatre UK will be taking to the stage with their re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale ballet, The Snow Queen both at the Pomegranate Theatre.

If you are looking to celebrate 2022 in style, there is a New Year’s Eve Party including a five-course meal and a DJ and then later in January a New Year Viennese Gala Concert from Sheffield Symphony Orchestra both taking place at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

You can also enjoy satellite broadcast of Christmas with André Rieu as part of the Pomegranate Theatre’s cinema programme on 5 and 6 January.

Theatre tickets can also be purchased as gifts for Christmas, and these can be sent directly to your inbox, so you don’t have to visit the box office in person if you are short on time this month.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “There are lots of great performances to be seen at our local theatres from the annual Pantomime to Ballet, there is something on offer for everyone to enjoy.

“Theatres across the country have had a difficult 18 months due to the ongoing pandemic, so we encourage residents and visitors to keep supporting both the Pomegranate and Winding Wheel Theatres and enjoy all of the entertainment there is to see there.”

Tickets for the pantomime and all of the other productions are on sale now via chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01246 345222.

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Chesterfield’s Pantomime returns with Beauty and The Beast this Christmas

Residents and visitors can look forward to watching Beauty and the Beast at Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre from later this week.

Tickets are now on sale for the pantomime, which will run from Friday 3 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022.

West End actress, pop star and TV personality Suzanne Shaw will star as Belle, with Thomas Redgrave from Britain’s Got Talent Winners Collabro as Gaston and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Andrew Fleming in the comedy role of Philippe Philoppe.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are really excited to be hosting the pantomime again as we understand this is a highlight for many families over the festive season.

“Our theatres have had a difficult time recently due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, so we are very pleased to announce that the pantomime is back for our audiences to enjoy.”

Chesterfield Theatres will be joining forces once again with award-winning pantomime producers Paul Holman Associates to present this year’s much-anticipated production.

Pantomime Producer Paul Holman from PHA Ltd said: “Pantomime holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts and I am delighted that we’re able to return this year to the wonderful Pomegranate Theatre with Beauty and the Beast. We’ve pulled out all the stops to make this our most spectacular production yet and I hope audiences will enjoy returning to the much-loved tradition of panto as they make cherished memories which will last a lifetime.”

There are lots of other festive activities to get involved in across Chesterfield too. You can visit The Amazing Magical Santa House in the Assembly Rooms at the Market Hall and you can follow the Elf Trail in the town centre.

There is also a Lantern Parade taking place in Chesterfield on 19 December that will walk from the bandstand in Queen’s Park into the Market Place to sing festive carols at the Christmas Tree.

You can book your tickets for the Santa House at chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk and find out about the other Christmas activities at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/christmas.

There are a number of other festive and New Year productions taking place in our theatres including a satellite broadcast of The Nutcracker by the Royal Ballet, a New Year Viennese Gala Concert from Sheffield Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Theatre UK’s re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale ballet, The Snow Queen and a New Year’s Eve Party at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Tickets for the pantomime and all of the other productions are on sale now via chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01246 345222.

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Funding boost for Chesterfield venues

Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum have received a further funding boost to help support them to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

This funding, received through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, is worth £153,000 which will be shared between Chesterfield Borough Council’s museum and theatres. In total the venues have received £720,000 through this fund over the last 18 months.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s been a challenging time for our venues through the pandemic, and it’s been fantastic to welcome our audiences back as national restrictions eased over the summer.

“Our theatres and museum are such a wonderful facility for our residents to enjoy, and to welcome visitors into the borough and we’re committed to doing all we can to keep them thriving for all to enjoy.

“We’re really pleased that we have been awarded a further grant of £153,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund, which provides a welcome contribution to the running costs of our venues and will support us to continue to deliver our excellent cultural programmes and attractions.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from.

“Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”

Over £1.2 billion has already been awarded from the unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund, supporting around 5000 individual organisations and sites across the country ranging from local museums to West End theatres, grassroots music venues to festivals, and organisations in the cultural and heritage supply-chains.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: “This continued investment from the Government on an unprecedented scale means our theatres, galleries, music venues, museums and arts centres can carry on playing their part in bringing visitors back to our high streets, helping to drive economic growth, boosting community pride and promoting good health. It’s a massive vote of confidence in the role our cultural organisations play in helping us all to lead happier lives.”

The Grade II-listed theatres, Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre, offer a broad range of events, which includes drama, musicals, dance, comedy, concerts, talks and cinema.

Chesterfield Museum tells the story of Chesterfield, from its beginnings as a Roman fort, the expansion of the Market and the Industrial Revolution, which brought ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson, to town.

The Museum regularly holds a wide range of events for the whole family to enjoy. It also holds regular special exhibitions that explore different areas of history.

The Culture Recovery Fund is administered by Arts Council England.

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All-star panto cast announced for Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre

Families can look forward to the return of traditional Christmas fun this year, as an all-star cast is announced for the 2021 pantomime at Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre.

The story of Beauty and the Beast will take centre stage at Chesterfield Borough Council’s historic theatre – a welcome return of traditional festive entertainment after last year’s show was unfortunately postponed due to Covid-19.

Actress, singer and TV personality Suzanne Shaw will star as Belle, with Thomas Redgrave from Britain’s Got Talent Winners Collabro as Gaston and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Andrew Fleming in the comedy role of Philippe Philoppe. Tickets are now on sale for the show, which will run from Friday 3 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We know the pantomime is the highlight of the year for many of our residents and visitors, and it is an annual tradition for many families in and around Chesterfield, so we’re pleased to announce its return this year.

“Like arts venues up and down the country, our theatres have had a really difficult 18 months as we’ve weathered the ongoing impact of Covid-19. We’ve done all we could within the Government restrictions, and now that life is hopefully feeling a little more normal for everyone, we’re delighted to be able to bring our flagship annual pantomime back for our audiences.

“It promises to be a fantastic show and we hope many people will take the chance to get back out and enjoy this family favourite. We will of course operate in line with any Covid-19 advice in place at the time, so people can feel reassured that public safety will be a priority.”

Chesterfield Theatres will be joining forces once again with award-winning pantomime producers Paul Holman Associates to present this year’s much-anticipated production.

Pantomime Producer Paul Holman said: “After a very challenging time, I think we’re all ready for some good old-fashioned fun, laughter and panto magic.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to make this Chesterfield’s most spectacular pantomime yet. As well as a fantastically talented cast, there will be breath-taking special effects, glittering scenery and costumes and plenty of traditional audience participation to keep the whole family entertained.”
Tickets are on sale now via the Chesterfield Theatres website at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01246 345222.

The Theatre’s Spring Play Season and pantomime are among a great range of events and entertainment on offer across the borough and – as part of the council’s Love Chesterfield campaign – people are being encouraged to rediscover everything the town has to offer, including great live entertainment.

About the cast

Suzanne Shaw shot to fame in 2001 when she auditioned for ITV’s reality talent show Popstars as they searched for the UK’s next big pop group, Hear’Say. The band enjoyed great success with two albums, four top ten hits, a sell-out UK arena tour and their own primetime Saturday night TV show, Hear’Say, It’s Saturday. Their first single, ‘Pure and Simple’, was the fastest selling non-charitable record in UK chart history, selling 1.3 million copies and going straight to No. 1.

After the break-up of the band in 2002, Suzanne returned to her acting routes. Her numerous theatre credits include Roxie Hart in the West End production of Chicago (for which she was nominated for Best Takeover in a Role in the What’s on Stage Theatregoer’s Choice Awards), Bobby in the remake of Summer Holiday, Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Janet in The Rocky Horror Show and Judy in White Christmas.

On TV, Suzanne has been a panellist on Loose Women, presented Bingo Lotto alongside Joe Pasquale, guest starred in The Bill and played series regular Eve Jenson in ITV’s Emmerdale from 2009-2011.

In 2008 Suzanne won the third series of ITV’s Dancing on Ice with her skating partner Matt Evers, subsequently performing on three national arena tours of the show and returning to compete in All-Stars: Dancing on Ice in 2014.

A seasoned pantomime performer, Suzanne has played the title roles in Snow White and Cinderella, Genie in Aladdin, Fairy Godmother in Cinderella and Alice in Dick Whittington but this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast marks her debut in the central role of Belle.

Suzanne is joined by Thomas Redgrave from Britain’s Got Talent Winners Collabro in the role of Gaston.

The world’s most successful Musical Theatre group, the Collabro boys met for their first rehearsal only one month before going on to wow the Britain’s Got Talent judges, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams, at their first round audition at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.

Their rousing rendition of ‘Stars’; their first public performance as a group; brought both the audience and all four judges to their feet and their overwhelming popularity secured them a coveted spot in the live finals. Collabro went on to win the Eighth series of Britain’s Got Talent with one of the highest majorities in the show’s history.

Millions of captivated viewers watched as Collabro claimed their prize, performing in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the 2014 Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium.

Seven years on, and with a legion of loyal fans; known fondly as the Collaborators; Collabro have gone on to enjoy phenomenal success with six studio albums under their belt and a string of worldwide sell-out tours across the UK, America and Asia as well as supporting both Sir Cliff Richard and Barry Manilow on their recent arena tours.

Also joining the line-up is vocal impressionist Andrew Fleming. A gifted comedian, mimic and vocalist with a warm stage presence and rapier-sharp wit, Andrew reached the season 9 semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent impressing all four judges with what David Walliams called
“a real signature act”. An experienced pantomime comic, Andrew’s dynamic and high energy physical performances have made him a memorable favourite with audiences all over the UK.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

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Chesterfield cultural venues receive a further funding boost

Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum have received a further funding boost to help support them through the Covid-19 restrictions and ensure they can continue offering unique experiences for Chesterfield residents and visitors.

This funding, received through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, is worth £153,000 which will be shared between the museum and theatres. In total the venues have received more than £500,000 through this fund over the last year.

Anthony Radford, Chesterfield Borough Council’s arts and venues manager, said: “We are delighted that we have been awarded a further grant of £153,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund. We are extremely grateful for this grant which is a contribution towards the operational costs of Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum during the period April to June 2021.

“It is hoped that the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum will be able to re-open during the week commencing 17 May 2021 as per the Government re-opening roadmap. The grant will enable us to re-open during a period when expected income is at a lower level than normal due to the expected restrictions in place.

“The grants received from the Culture Recovery Fund have provided essential support for the provision of cultural services in Chesterfield during the Covid-19 pandemic, and have ensured that Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum can play an important role in the cultural life of the town as the community starts to recover.”

Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, said: “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.

“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work.

“We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”

Culture creates jobs, supports livelihoods, and brings joy to everyone. The UK leads the world in the creative industries, and culture is vital not only to the local economy but also to the Chesterfield community.

The Culture Recovery Fund is an unprecedented investment from the government in the cultural sector to show it is #HereForCulture and so the sector can weather the storm of coronavirus and come back stronger.

The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.

The Grade II-listed theatres, Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre, offer a broad range of events, which includes drama, musicals, dance, comedy, concerts, talks and cinema.

The theatres opened successfully for a brief period under Covid-19 restrictions during 2020, before having to close again in November. However, they are looking forward to reopening and have an exciting programme of shows throughout the rest of 2021.

Chesterfield Museum tells the story of Chesterfield, from its beginnings as a Roman fort, the expansion of the Market and the Industrial Revolution, which brought ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson, to town.

The Museum regularly holds a wide range of events for the whole family to enjoy. It also holds regular special exhibitions that explore different areas of history.

Whilst the Museum has still not reopened since closing in March 2020, the team have continued to create online events and activities to help people connect with the history of Chesterfield.

Both Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum are proudly owned and managed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Find out more about the performances planned at Chesterfield Theatres and book tickets by visiting www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk  or by calling the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

For more information on online activities and events planned by Chesterfield Museum, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum.

The Culture Recovery Fund is administered by Arts Council England, learn more about this funding by visiting: www.artscouncil.org.uk/CRFgrants

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Joe Pasquale & Sarah Earnshaw to star in John Godber’s April in Paris – Coming to Chesterfield in March

Joe Pasquale and Sarah Earnshaw will star as Al and Bet in John Godber’s classic comedy, April in Paris, which will tour the country, coming to Chesterfield Theatres in March 2021 and will be directed by Richard Lewis.  Audiences will be socially distanced.

In John Godber’s touching and hilarious classic, we go into the heart of one ordinary couple’s life as they go on both the journey of a lifetime and a journey into their relationship.  Al and Bet are in a rut.  Married for 26 years, their conversations are running dry and life has taken its toll. With his building work sparse and her shifts at the shoe shop getting few and far between there’s little to look forward to, apart from a possible ABBA tribute show in Wakefield and the odd trip to the pub.  But Bet has dreams.  She longs to walk with the Pharaohs in Egypt, sunbathe on golden beaches and climb Alpine mountains, all fuelled by her love of magazine competitions with holidays as prizes.  Finally, her luck changes; she wins a night away for two to Paris in April, via a luxury trip on P&O Ferries out of Hull.

John Godber says, “April in Paris is one of my favourite plays and I’m very excited about this new version with Joe and Sarah, directed by my long-time friend Richard Lewis. I hope that Al and Bet’s trip to the French capital helps to raise the spirits and even a laugh or two, as they rekindle their romance amidst the baguettes, Beaujolais and the steak tartare! The play’s message, that we need to be kind to each other, seems to me to be more relevant now than it ever was before!”

Joe Pasquale and Sarah Earnshaw had begun the second UK tour of Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave ‘Em when theatres were closed by the Government because of the Covid-19 pandemic, so they are delighted to be able to go out on the road again, as Joe explains:

“To say I’m excited about performing April in Paris would be an understatement, for lots of reasons.  One of the things that is so important is that we (Sarah Earnshaw, Richard Lewis and all at Limelight) will be on the front line with one of the first shows back into the theatre after such an horrendous year…. and we shall be flying the flag, so to speak, to the naysayers who say it can’t be done.  Well, Richard and his team have proved them wrong; if you think outside the box, anything can be achieved.”

Producer and director, Richard Lewis added, “As I’m sure most people are aware, it is an extremely challenging time for the theatre industry.  It has effectively been banned for over eight months now and has created great hardship – for artists, for theatres and for producers.  As we move into the New Year, it is already clear that only venues that can function with restricted capacity will be allowed to open.  It is hugely challenging for theatres to find the type of product that can operate with these limitations.  This is why I am particularly delighted and proud that Limelight Productions has been able to create a show that can help bring live performance back to its audience.

John Godber’s April in Paris starring Joe Pasquale and Sarah Earnshaw is a funny, touching comedy that lifts the spirits. It will bring a little sunshine into the life of everyone who sees it, and I hope audiences will be encouraged to help support this initiative to bring back live performances.”

Comedian Joe Pasquale has delighted audiences with his live stand-up tours for over 30 years. Along the way he’s voiced characters for Hollywood movies Garfield: A Tale of Two Kittens and Horton Hears a Who!, children’s television animation Frankenstein’s Cat and starred in The Muppets’ 25th Anniversary Show.  Joe made his theatrical debut in 1999 in Larry Shue’s The Nerd, followed by the touring productions of Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Mel Brooks’s The Producers. In addition, Joe took part recently in ITV1’s The All New Monty: Who Bares Wins, he was crowned ‘King of the Jungle’ in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here in 2004, appeared on five Royal Variety Performances, hosted his own ITV special An Audience with Joe Pasquale, at times hosted The Paul O’Grady Show for Channel 4 and hosted the long-running television series The Price is Right for ITV.  Other recent TV credits include a celebrity edition of Total Wipeout; Guinness World Records Smashed and Virgin One’s The Prisoner X.

Prior to playing Betty, Frank’s long-suffering wife in Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, Sarah Earnshaw most recently starred as Connie in The Nightingales (Theatre Royal Bath & UK Tour) and Jennifer Lore in the UK Tour of Nativity – The Musical.  Her other theatre credits include Travels With My Aunt (Chichester Festival), The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot (West End and UK Tour) and the original London cast of Wicked.

The National Tour of April in Paris is produced by Limelight Productions.

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