No festive season would be complete without a trip to the theatre, whether you bring your mates to Christmas Cabaret at the Playhouse, young children to a magical musical in Stage Two for their very first theatre experience or all your loved ones to the traditional Theatre Royal pantomime!
Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive & Creative Director, Norwich Theatre, said: “Tis the Season at Norwich Theatre is about togetherness at this time of the year, celebrating festivities and traditions and seeing some cracking Christmas shows. We have something for everyone, from Joe Tracini and Rufus Hound in Jack and The Beanstalk at the Royal to Mat Ricardo and Die Hard on stage at the Playhouse. Make this year extra special and celebrate your festive season with Norwich Theatre.”
New shows which have just gone on sale include one of the world’s most unique, critically-acclaimed, and reliably entertaining variety performers, Mat Ricardo, who is putting together a show exclusively for Norwich Theatre. Mat Ricardo’s Christmas Cabaret is on at Norwich Theatre Playhouse on 10 December and will be an extravaganza of circus, comedy, cabaret and burlesque.
Speaking about his show, Mat Ricardo said: “I have very fond memories of family holidays in and around Norwich when I was a kid, so I’m really looking forward to coming back as a grown-up! I figure there are enough family shows over the holiday period, so we’re going to bring a show just for grown-ups. A little illicit Christmas treat, with glamour, spectacle and silliness galore! Think less Santa hats and eggnog and more velvet tuxedos and martinis!”
Yippee Ki-Yay (5-7 December) is an uplifting action romp and unauthorised parody of the festive (or not?) Die Hard. Richard Marsh – London poetry slam champion – retells this classic story in an achingly-funny rhyming way. Essential viewing for John McClane superfans and newcomers alike.
On 11 December, The Easy Rollers will take you back to the golden age of jazz. The seven-piece vintage jazz will perform music from the Prohibition Era, highlighting famous music, artists and culture. Expect to hear songs made famous by artists such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Boswell Sisters, Ruth Etting, Lee Morse, Annette Hanshaw, Louis Armstrong and many more.
The “Ebony and Ivory of drag” Le Gateau Chocolat and Jonny Woo celebrate Christmas at the Playhouse from 15 – 17 December. A Night at the Musicals is a tortured love letter to the glorious genre of musical theatre. Le Gateau Chocolat and Jonny Woo will drag you through a back catalogue of their favourite musicals in a raucous night of ballsy ballads, delightful duets and slaughtered show tunes. So don your gay apparel – and get ready for one cracker of a show.
The vocal trio The Puppini Sisters (8 December) will delight audiences with their close vocal harmonies in their signature 1940s style. The impeccably dressed ladies seamlessly blend elegance and sophistication with a touch of retro. See them rework classic songs and even a Christmas tune or two as they bring retro chic into your life.
Also announced today is Norwich Theatre Stage Two festive family show The Heart of Winter (7 -10 December), which is sure to warm the cockles of your heart. The weather has gone topsy-turvy. No one can remember the last time it snowed or even rained. But Sally’s dream changes everything when she meets the glowing heart of winter. This magical musical show is suitable for children aged three and up and features lots of fluffy snow!
Don’t miss the opportunity to see our hero Jack go on a GIANT adventure in our Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk (10 December – 7 January) at Theatre Royal. To delight all your senses you can enjoy a mince pie and a hot drink at Café Royal or dine in our restaurant Prelude where there will be a special menu to tie in with this year’s pantomime.
On Sale Dates
Tuesday 26 July: Gold Friends*, Supporters and Corporate Members
Wednesday 27 July: Best Friends, Friends*
Friday 29 July: General Public
*Friends who joined after June 2022 can claim discounts and priority booking for Theatre Royal, Playhouse and Stage Two shows.
Signing up for Norwich Theatre’s Friends Scheme will give you access to priority booking for shows across its three venues, allowing you to secure your favourite seats. The entry-level into the scheme costs £25 a year and includes benefits such as priority booking, half-price first-night dramas and discounts on up to four tickets per show, plus a 10% discount off food and drink at Norwich Theatre Royal the Playhouse and Stage Two.
