Spring 2012 Announced at Rose Theatre Kingston

Rose Theatre Kingston has announced its' Spring 2012 season. Joely Richardson makes a welcome return to the London stage for the major revival of Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea, in a new translation by Stephen Unwin.

Other highlights include The Gruffalo for the children, the inspiring modern classic Our Country's Good, compelling thriller DNA and Propeller's The Winter's Tale and Henry V. There will also be a range of one night performances and talks including The Comedy Store, Dick Whittington, LOL (lots of love), Southbank Sinfonia and the Rose Christmas Concert fundraiser.

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Until 8 January
A Rose Theatre Production
THE SNOW QUEEN
By Hans Christian Andersen
Adapted by Charles Way
Directed by Natascha Metherell
Set design by Su Blackwell
£8 - £26

Once upon a time there were two friends, Cei and Gerda. They did everything together and were inseparable. But one cold, cold night Cei fell under the spell of the evil Snow Queen and was whisked away on her sleigh to the icy palace far away. Can Gerda save Cei from the Snow Queen and will she survive the epic journey across rivers, forests and snow to reach him in time? Join us this Christmas for an enchanting tale of friendship and adventure based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic story.

Artist Su Blackwell will design her first stage production for the Rose Theatre's Christmas show for all the family, The Snow Queen.

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30 January – 4 February
OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD
Original Theatre Company
£8 - £25
"A play is a world in itself. A tiny colony we could say. And you are in charge of it. That is a great responsibility"
Australia. 1788. A British ship arrives with a cargo of soldiers and convicts transported abroad for their country's good. As the soldiers struggle to impose order on the outcasts of the old society, a benevolent governor seizes on the notion of a play. In the shadow of the gallows and the gum tree, the convicts gather under the direction of 2nd Lieutenant RalpH Clarke and rehearsals begin for The Recruiting Officer.
Based on real events, Timberlake Wertenbaker's Olivier award-winning modern classic is an inspiring tale of the transforming power of theatre. With a cast that includes Aden Gilett and Philip Whitchurch.
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6 – 8 February
DNA
Hull Truck Theatre
£8 - £16
A compelling thriller by award-winning writer, Dennis Kelly, and directed by Anthony Banks (National Theatre), and a cast that includes James Alexandrou (EastEnders).
A group of teenagers do something bad, really bad, then panic and cover the whole thing up. But when they find that the cover-up unites them and brings harmony to their otherwise fractious lives, where's the incentive to put things right?
First performed at the NT in 2007, this startling new play is fast becoming a contemporary classic with young audiences and has recently become a core set-text on the GCSE English syllabus, being studied by 400,000 students nationwide each year. This brand new touring production directed by Anthony Banks features a cutting-edge design and soundtrack and an exciting cast of young actors.

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23 February – 17 March
A Rose Theatre Production
THE LADY FROM THE SEA
By Henrik Ibsen
Directed by Stephen Unwin
£8 - £32

Cast includes Joely Richardson, Richard Dillane, Sam Crane, Alexandra Moen, Malcolm Storry and Madeleine Worrall.

Ellida is married to Dr Wangel, and lives with him and his two daughters. But she feels claustrophobic and restless. Ten years ago she promised herself to another man. On a late summer's day he comes to claim her.

The Lady from the Sea is directed by Stephen Unwin, who has been widely hailed for his five productions of Ibsen, including an award-winning Hedda Gabler at the Donmar.
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15 – 18 February
Half Term Treat
THE GRUFFALO
£10 - £11

The smash hit show back by public demand for four days only!

Direct from the West End, Tall Stories' musical adaptation of the best-selling picture book by Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo has been performed to well over a million people the world over!

Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood…meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking, party-mad Snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined…?

Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 plus and their grown ups!
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6 & 7 April
Rose Plus+
THE CRUCIBLE
By Arthur Miller
£5 - £10

In Salem Massachusetts, 1692, superstition, paranoia and local jealousies fuel a mass-hysteria of terrifying power and momentum.

Parallels between Salem's infamous witch-hunt and 1950s McCarthyism have been studied in schools across the world. But the play resonates just as strongly today, in our post 9/11 society of religious fanaticism and fear.

Miller's tale is one about the dignity of The Common man. Set against a backdrop of mindless persecution, this is a thriller, courtroom drama and tender love-story, with humanity and redemption at its heart.

Rose Youth Theatre and Rose Plus Players combine forces to present a sumptuous and exciting version of this classic masterpiece.
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20 – 24 March
Propeller
THE WINTER'S TALE & HENRY V
By William Shakespeare
£8 - £25

Henry V tells the tale of the greatest British warrior in English folklore. In a time when nationalism is at its most dangerous and exciting, and increasing numbers of British servicemen and women are seeing active service, Propeller brings its own unique take on one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Thrilling and deeply moving, Henry V marks the beginning of a journey that takes us from the corridors of Westminster to the fields of France in an evening of unforgettable power.

A tragic fairytale, The Winter's Tale tells the mysterious and extraordinary story of a man consumed by an inexplicable jealousy that destroys his family, his kingdom and himself. Wracked by guilt, Leontes sets off a chain-reaction of events that leads to a miraculous climax and the chance of redemption. The greatest playwright writing at the height of his powers, this is poetry in motion.

Led by Director Edward Hall, internationally acclaimed all-male company, Propeller bring their unique style to the Rose. Renowned for combining a rigorous approach to the text with an exciting, physical aesthetic, Propeller engages its audience's imagination and brings fresh understanding to classic plays.

It's Shakespeare rediscovered.
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FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY
Time to Talk

Zoe Wanamaker
Fri 16 Dec, 5pm
£5
World-class stage, film, TV actress and winner of two Olivier awards, Zoe Wanamaker, CBW, joins Stephen Unwin to talk about her life, charity work and an extensive career that ranges from the RSC to a leading part in Harry Potter.

Michael Sheen
Fri 6 Jan, 4.30pm
£5
Stephen Unwin meets international award-winning actor, Michael Sheen best known for his screen portrayals of Tony Blair, David Frost and Brian Clough. Michael is back in the headlines as he takes on the role of Hamlet at the Young Vic. Hear him chat about this and other roles from his long and hugely successful career.

Michael Pennington
Thur 1 March, 5.30pm
Actor, director and writer, Michael Pennington talks to Stephen Unwin about his remarkable career in classical theatre, his recent performances in Ibsen, as well as his new book on Shakespeare.

OTHER ONE NIGHTERS
The Comedy Store
Sun 11 Dec, 29 Jan, 31 March 7.30pm
£10 – £12
The Comedy Store continue their monthly residency presenting the best stand-up from around the globe on your doorstep. With over 32 years of experience, the Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new talent and remains the place to see the stars of tomorrow today. Paul Merton, Eddie Izzard and Peter Kay all cut their comedy teeth here. Check line-up on www.rosetheatrekingston.org.

Magic at the Rose
Sat 21 Jan 7.30pm
£8 - £10
Now a popular annual event in its own right, as well as providing an opportunity to raise much-needed funds for the Rose, this is a terrific night of entertainment for the whole family. Join us for an evening of large-scale illusions, astounding mind-reading along with plenty of comedy and laughs. It's a magic night out!

Protein Dance Company
LOL (Lots of Love)
Fri 10 Feb 7.30pm
£8 - £12
In an age of electronic communication this timely, critically-acclaimed production pus its six dancers on a quest for romance. Against a video wall of dozens of screen-gazing individuals, Protein's cyber souls stylishly nail the language of life online.

Jeremy Hardy
Sat 11 Feb 7.30pm
£8 - £14
Jeremy is perhaps best remembered as a much younger man, but there is nothing he can do about that now. Still alive, and able to speak unaided for lengthy periods, this show will be not so much a one-man show as an under-staffed cavalcade.

Loving Linda
Sun 11 March 7pm
£30
Loving Linda returns! The fourth fundraising concert for Target Ovarian Cancer in memory of comedian Linda Smith features stand up comedy from the following superb comedians:
Andy Hamilton (Old Harry's Game, QI)
Shappi Khorsandi (Shappi Talk)
Mark Steel (Mark Steel's in Town)
Robin Ince (Infinite Monkey Cage)
Susan Calman (News Quiz)
With live music from Sarah Jane Morris (The Communards)

Fascinating A?da
The Cheap Flights Tour
Sun 18 March 7.30pm
£15 - £19.50
Three times Olivier-award nominated and now a global internet sensation, Fascinating A?da are still Britain's best comedy cabaret trio.

This brand new show will include several numbers hot off the press, plus a few old favourites including Cheap Flights (7 million plus hits on YouTube) as well as The Dogging Song, a fond homage to the joys of al fresco sex.

Rich Hall
Sun 25 March 7.30pm
£8 - £15
Rich Hall's renowned grouchy, deadpan style has established him as a master of absurdist irony and king of rapid-fire wit. Fans can see the comic genius from Montana discuss a variety of topics all delivered in his own hilarious unique way.

Rich has also become well know for his television and radio work. Notable UK appearances include regular appearances on Stand Up For The Week, QI, Live At The Apollo, Comedy Gala Live At The O2, Have I Got News For You, Rich Hall's Cattle Drive, Rich Hall's Gone Fishing, Otis Lee Crenshaw – London Not Tennessee and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

Rose Christmas Concert
Mon 19 Dec 7.30pm
£8 - £20
Launch Christmas week with a feast of Christmas cheer!
Join Harry the Piano, Timothy West, the Euphonix and Rose Plus Choirs for a joyful Christmas concert that will ring throughout the Rose rafters! The festive and fun evening will include readings, music and encouragement to sing along! All proceeds from the concert will go to Kingston Theatre Trust to support the work of the Rose Theatre. ROSE PLUS CHOIR will also give a special performance on Sunday 28 August at 7.30pm in the auditorium.

Southbank Sinfonia
Sat 28 January 6pm
£8 - £25
David Suchet and Simon Russell Beale present the Southbank Sinfonia conducted by Simon Over.

Southbank Sinfonia is firmly established as Britain's leading orchestral academy, providing the most talented musicians with a much-needed springboard into the profession.

A sensational evening of classical music and readings by prominent actors, in aid of Amnesty International UK and the Rose Theatre Kingston.

This concert is dedicated to the memory of Klaus Schiller and David Oppenheimer.

BOOKING INFORMATION

Address Rose Theatre
24-26 High Street
Kingston
KT1 1HL

Box Office 08444 821 556, booking fees apply

Website www.rosetheatrekingston.org
Booking fees apply

Tickets Tickets range from £8 - £42 depending on the production.

ACCESS PERFORMANCES

The Snow Queen
Sunday 18 December, 5pm Signed performance
Wednesday 28 December, 2pm STAGETEXT captioned performance
Thursday 29 December, 12.30pm Touch Tour
Thursday 29 December, 2pm Audio-described performance

The Lady from the Sea
Tuesday 13 March, 6pm Touch Tour
Tuesday 13 March, 7.30pm Audio-described performance
Wednesday 14 March, 7.30pm STAGETEXT captioned performance
Thursday 15 March, 1pm Touch Tour
Friday 16 March, 7.30pm Signed performance
Saturday 17 March, 1pm Touch Tour
Saturday 17 March, 2.30pm Audio-described performance

The Winter's Tale
Saturday 24 March, 12.30pm Touch Tour
Saturday 24 March, 2pm Audio-described performance