With (hopefully) some holiday time to fill, and two recently re-opened cultural venues here in Norwich, there is plenty to do for all ages this winter. Here’s our roundup by venue of some great shows to watch this season in Norwich.
Theatre Royal. Starting with what is for many the principal venue in the City, early December (Tue 4th – Sat 8th) sees The Royal Shakespeare Company perform The Comedy of Errors – one of The Bards’ funniest plays. Also of course is the renowned annual family event that is the Pantomime. Dick Whittington this year, and featuring erstwhile Doctor Who as King Rat, surely you can’t deny your little darlings the experience of shouting “he’s behind you” (and we challenge you not to get a little involved yourselves as well!). Dick Whittington runs from Weds 19th Dec to Sun 20th Jan.
In January, why not laugh off any sign of the ‘Winter Blues’ by going to see Cornish comedian Jethro? Not necessarily cutting-edge, not ultra-trendy but very popular and very funny. Mon 7th Jan & Tue 8th Jan.
For more information on events at the Theatre Royal, visit the website: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
The Maddermarket Theatre is also stepping up with a fantastic Panto this year – acclaimed writer Philip Pullman’s version of ‘Puss in Boots’. (Pullman is responsible for the ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy, of which The Golden Compass is a part). Laden with sword fights, kings, princesses, magic, ogres and talking birds, this unpublished play (performed under special permission from its writer) is sure to delight both young and old.
Puss In Boots runs from Sat 15th Dec until Weds 2nd Jan 2008.
Norwich Arts Centre has lots of goings on throughout December and January. These include a double exhibition, which explores our routes through the landscape. Tracing A Path features the works of Renata Grant and Chris Loukes. Entrance is free and runs until Sat 22nd December.
Among several great musical performances, enjoy contemporary jazz from Theo Travis’ new Double Talk project (Thurs 10th Jan; 8pm) and new, sharp country from ex-Vinaigrettes Carolyn Mark (Weds 30th Jan; 8pm).
The Red Card Comedy Club will keep you smiling well into the New Year following their Christmas Comedy event on Thurs 27th Dec. Featuring the talents of Geoff Norcott, John Mann, Addy Van Der Bhorg and David Haddington, the comedy is followed by a ‘Dance Like Yer Dad’ disco until 1am.
More comedy can be found this month at Norwich Playhouse in the form of Normal For Norfolk 11: Bat Out Of Hellesdon. Running from Tues 4th Dec until Sat 22nd Dec and already nearly sold out, this hilarious rollercoaster of sketches, monologues, songs, parodies, poems and characters will banish all possibilities of you being SAD this winter.
Catch up on some of the seasons top movies at Cinema City this holiday period, with a full schedule of brand new blockbusters (The Golden Compass, The Assassination of Jesse James) and seasonal treats (Polar Express, Kenneth Branagh’s The Magic Flute).
Obviously, there is lots more going on across Norwich, but we hope we’ve given you at least a few ideas here. A great alternative to Christmas repeats on tele, and a terrific antidote to the dull, dark winter days, why not take advantage of one of the warm cosy venues in Norwich and indulge in some culture this December and January?
