Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon. Spring Brochure 2011

www.fairfield.co.uk

Spring 2011

Box Office 020 8688 9291

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Contents

Macbeth (1 & 2 Feb) & Romeo & Juliet (4 & 5 Feb)

Buddy (7-12 Feb)

Fantastic Mr Fox (18 Feb)

Zippo’s Circus (22-27 Feb)

Opera Della Luna - The Sorcerer (3 March)

Swansea City Opera - The Barber of Seville (7 April)

Peppa Pig’s Party (5 & 6 March)

G*Mania (8-12 March)

Do You Know Where Your Daughter Is? (28 Mar – 3 Apr)

The Gruffalo’s Child (16-17 April)

Annie (19-23 April)

Stand Up and Be Counted! (25-30 April)

Dinnerladies (2-7 May)

Me, Marley and I (15 May)

Hamlet (17 & 18 May)

Local Arts - CODA, WWOS, Croydon Stagers

Booking Information

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Simon Thomsett, Chief Executive, Fairfield Halls

Croydon has a long and proud reputation in the theatrical world forboth its venues and the performers that have appeared in them. In 1962the Ashcroft Theatre was opened, as part of the Fairfield Halls complex,and named after one of Croydon’s most famous actors, the legendary

Dame Peggy Ashcroft.

As we approach our 50th anniversary year we’ve conducted extensive market researchand talked to a lot of interested people in and around Croydon...and we found anoverwhelming desire for real ‘theatre’ to come back to Croydon. So here we are with a‘new’ theatre for Croydon. It’s still called The Ashcroft Theatre but we have a new foyer,a new Brasserie and a new look... but most importantly we have a new arts programme,and it’s a true theatre programme.

Therefore I hope you’ll join us in welcoming back Croydon’s theatre... The AshcroftTheatre.

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The Ashcroft Theatre - Renaissance

Macbeth1 & 2 February 2011Romeo & Juliet4 & 5 February 2011

£18.50, Matinees £15.50Schools: £10 per ticket plus11th ticketfree.

www.fairfield.co.uk020 8688 9291 3

Macbeth and Romeo & JulietTuesday 1 - Saturday 5 February

Macbeth

Romeo & Juliet

1 & 2 Feb 2011

4 & 5 Feb 2011

A new and exciting venture sees the collaboration between the AshcroftTheatre and Stuart Morrison Productions in a joint presentation of two ofShakespeare’s most exciting plays. Special guest appearance by KimTaylforth (London’s Burning, Bad Girls).

The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, the story of two young people hopelessly inlove, brought down by prejudice and misunderstandings, is presented in adynamic and accessible way. The intrigues, murders and madness ofMacbeth result in a thrilling story of the pursuitof power, kingship and revenge.

A post-show question and answer sessioncan be arranged for schools performances.For more info or to book a session contactMarion Orchard at [email protected]

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BuddyMonday 7 – Saturday 12 February

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The original and best is back!

Oh Boy! ‘The World’s most successful Rock ‘n’ Roll musical’ is back! Comeand see why this sensational show, seen by over 20 million people aroundthe world, remains loved by audiences and critics alike.

A phenomenally multi-talented cast come together to tell Buddy Holly’sstory, from his meteoric rise to fame, to his final legendary performance atThe Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Together they present two terrifichours of his greatest hits, including the timeless classics That’ll Be The Day,Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Rave On, Everyday and many more.

With the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bambacompleting a stellar musical line up, Buddy is a not to be missed evening offamily entertainment that will have music lovers from 8 to 80 toe-tapping,hand-clapping and rocking in the aisles!

‘The whole companydazzles… No buddydoes it better’Daily Mail

Mon 7 – Sat 12 Feb 7.30pm,Wed & Sat Matinee at 2.30pm

£17.50 - £26.50, Group Deals Available(£2.50 booking fee per ticket)

www.fairfield.co.uk020 8688 9291

‘Fail-safe familyentertainment’Daily Express

‘It’s Buddy Brilliant’The Sun

Fantastic Mr FoxFriday 18 February

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For years, Mr Fox has defied threeblundering farmers - Boggis, Bunceand Bean - by pilfering food for hisfamily from under their noses. Nowthey have a plan to beat him. Can MrFox be ‘outfoxed’? Man and machinetake on the natural world in TobiasPicker’s musical adaptation of RoaldDahl’s children’s tale - perfect foropera loving adults and fox cubsalike! www.englishtouringopera.org.uk

For the first time ever Zippo's brings allthe excitement of the Big Top into thewarmth and comfort of the AshcroftTheatre! Featuring an incredible lineup of international circus starsincluding daring trapeze artistes,breath-taking acrobats and hilariousclowns!

Friday 18 February 7.30pm

£13.50 - £22.50, Family Ticket £60 ontop price tickets (£1.50 bkg fee per ticket)


Tuesday 22 February 7pm,Wed 23 - Sun 27 Feb 2.30pm & 7pm

Adults £20, £22, Children £14, £16,Family £60, £68 (£1.50 bkg fee per ticket)


‘‘YYoouu''rree nneevveerr ttoooo yyoouunngg,, ttoooo oolldd oorr ttooooccooooll ttoo RRoollll UUpp ttoo ZZiippppoo''ss CCiirrccuuss!!’’Time Out

An opera byTobias Picker Based on a story byRoald Dahl

Opera At Fairfield

HALF TERM SPECTACULAR!Zippo’s CircusTuesday 22 - Sunday 27 February

Thursday 7 April 7.30pm

£19 & £20


Swansea City OperaThe Barber of SevilleThursday 7 April

Swansea CityOpera areknown fortheir sparklingperformancesof comicopera andRossini’s TheBarber ofSeville will beno exception. Setin Seville in thelate 18th Century,Count Almaviva is inlove with the beautiful and richRosina, ward of the lecherous DoctorBartolo, who plans his own marriageto her. Along comes the meddlingFigaro, the town barber, andsuddenly confusion and mayhemreigns…but will there be a happyending?

Beautifully staged in English withcharming traditional 18th centurycostume and performed by some ofthe finest singers and orchestralplayers in the country.

Opera Della LunaThe SorcererThursday 3 March

Opera della Luna, who have earnedthemselves a matchless reputationcelebrating over 15 years of

acclaimed productions, present anew version of Gilbert & Sullivan’sfirst success in which they move thestory from its quaint Victorian settingto sleepy rural Britain in the 1970s.

John Wellington Wells, the celebrateddealer in ‘magic and spells’, spreadschaos and havoc in an unsuspectingcountry village, when he places apowerful aphrodisiac in the villagehall teapot. The resulting revelationsare indeed ‘a marvellous illusion, a

terrible surprise!’

Thursday 3 March 7.45pm

£20 & £22.50


‘Ensembleplaying

at its best’London Evening

Standard

By Gilbert &Sullivan

Opera At Fairfield Opera At Fairfield

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Saturday 5 March 10am, 1pm & 4pm,Sunday 6 March 10am & 1pm

Adults £12.50, £14.50, Children £10.50,£12.50, Family Ticket £50 (£1.50 bkg fee per ticket)


Peppa Pig’s PartySaturday 5 & Sunday 6 March

Peppa is a playful little piggy who lives with heryounger brother George, Mummy Pig and DaddyPig. Today is Peppa Pig's birthday. Join the funwith Peppa, George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dogand Emily Elephant. Full of brand new songs,muddy puddles and oinks!

This BAFTA award-winning children's TVshow is recreated live on stage featuringbeautifully true-to-life puppets, from theproducers of LazyTown Live! and RoaldDahl’s The BFG. Ages 3+.

Peppa Pig @Astley Baker Davies Ltd/E1 Entertainment Ltd2003

Oink oink - it's Peppa Pig!Back by popular demand!

Tue 8 March – Sat 12 March 7.30pm,Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm

£20 - £25


G*ManiaTuesday 8 March - Saturday 12 March

Stars Include:

Rikki Loney (X Factor)

Andy Scott Lee (Pop Idol)

Emma Beard (Pop Stars – The Rivals)

Shaun Smith(Britain’s Got Talent)

Stacey McClean (X Factor)

Anthony Kavanagh(Grease Is The Word)

Reality TV’s ultimate pop group has been created and this high-octane, feel-good production showcases jaw-dropping choreography and brilliant newarrangements of classic tracks includingDon’t Stop Believin’ and Gold Digger.

Directed by acclaimed choreographerDavid Wood who has worked with DianaRoss, Lionel Ritchie and Kylie Minogue toname a few!

IInnssppii rreedd bbyy tthheeTTVV HHiitt GGlleeee!!

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Schemers And DreamersTuesday 29 March – Friday 1 April

Tue 29 March to Friday 1 April 7.30pm,Thu matinee at 2.30pm.

£18, Concessions £15


DreamersThree Short Plays by

Tennessee WilliamsThis Property Is Condemned

The Lady Of Larkspur LotionTalk To Me Like The Rain

One Evening, Two Playwrights, Four Plays

TThhee BBeessppookkee OOvveerrccooaattBy Wolf Mankowitz

****‘A gentle little gem’

The Times

The Bespoke Overcoat starring George Layton and David Graham. Love is aluxury which very poor people can afford. This is a story of this love. WolfMankowitz’ Academy Award® Winning play tells the moving story of aJewish tailor and his impoverished friend.

Three of Tennessee Williams’ most poignant plays. In This Property isCondemned a young girl shows her own survival strategy. The Lady ofLarkspur Lotion is a faded Southern belle trying to maintain a façade ofgentility while living in a fleabag hotel. In Talk to Me Like the Rain a coupletry to cling to each other when there is little left in their relationship.

Sat 16 & Sun 17 April 1.30pm & 4.30pmExtra performance on Sun at 10.30am

£10, Groups of 10 or more £8.50 perticket, plus 11th ticket free


All illustrations copyright © Axel Scheffler 2004, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.

The Gruffalo’s ChildSaturday 16 & Sunday 17 April

ʻLovingly and simplybrought to the stageʼ

****Evening Standard

Following hot on the heels of the Gruffalo’s sell out tourand his monstrous West End success comes theGRUFFALO'S CHILD - with attitude! Just how brave isshe?

The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should ever set foot inthe deep dark wood...

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warningand tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t reallyexist... does he?

Tall Stories Theatre Company returns bringing this award-winningsequel to life. Ages: 3+

ʻFun, daft and a little scary!ʼ

Time Out

****

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‘The charm of Annie isirresistible’

Daily Mirror

Chris Moreno forPlayhouse Productions LtdPresents

‘One of the most enchantingmusicals I have ever seen’

Sunday Times

AnnieTue 19 - Sat 23 April

Tue 19 - Sat 23 April 7.30pm, Wed, Thu & Sat Matinee at 2.30pm

£10.50 - £26.50, Group Deals Available


From its Broadwaybeginnings to theclassic film musical,this heart-warmingrags-to-riches storyof Annie’sadventures, fromthe New Yorkorphanage to theluxurious home ofOliver Warbucks, isa tale that has been

told all over the world for decades andwill continue for many years to come.

Leading a star cast of over 40 talentedartistes, the hilarious Su Pollard stars asthe dastardly ginsoaked MissHannigan. Featuring a memorablescore including Tomorrow and It’s aHard Knock Life, plus fantastic visualchoreography, and a side-splittinglyfunny script.

Book now…. Don’t wait until Tomorrow!

Mon 25 April – Sat 30 April 7.45pm,Saturday Matinee at 3.30pm

£18 - £27.50 Service Personnel Offer: £3 off top twoprices, (max 2 per person). Military IDto be produced when purchasingtickets.


Stand Up and BeCounted!Monday 25 - Saturday 30 April

A hysterical and hard-hitting look at the world of stand-up comedy.

Bigoted comic Eddie Pierce faces his critics and peers in a concert that no-one could imagine, with an outcome that no-one could predict. Old SchoolEddie (Jim Davidson) faces up to the cream of newcomedians, including Earl T Laurence (Matt Blaize)who is politically correct, brilliant…… and black!

Stand Up and Be Counted! gives us a ringsideseat as gay icon Billy Simpson (Lloyd Hollett)and TV’s newest talent Ellie Jayne (RachaelBarrington) share a dressing room withBritain’s most controversial comedian- Eddie Pierce.

This ‘pull no punches’ play isfull of drama and comedy andprovides us with a look insidethe minds of these troubledentertainers.

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dinnerladiesMonday 2 - Saturday 7 May

Image shows the cast of the Autumn 2009 national tour

The Comedy Theatre Company presents

Take one huge hit sitcom from BBC TV, place on a stage in a WorldPremiere national tour starring members of the original cast of the TVseries.

Blend in VICTORIA WOOD’s writing undoubtedly some of the funniest ontelevision, and whip into a play, based on the second TV series, followingthe reluctant love story of Bren and Tony, egged on by Dolly, Jean, Twinkleand Anita.

Mix in caretaker Stan’s words of wisdom and coat, regular appearances byPhillippa from Human Resources and Petula, Bren’s dreadful mother, andyou have a recipe for madness, mirth and twelve rounds of toast!

Mon 2 - Sat 7 May 7.45pm, Thu & Sat Matinee at 2.30pm

£10 - £23, Group Deals Available


‘Hilarious, absolutely jaw aching hilarious. This iscracking comedy at its very best. Don’t miss it!’

This Is Local London

‘A strong, experienced cast re-creating some of the best-drawn sitcom characters and delivering some of the

funniest lines’ Worthing Herald

Starring

ANDREW DUNN SUE DEVANEY

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Sunday 15 May 7.45pm

£10


Me Marley and I is a vivid true story of brutal survival, true love and friendshipduring an African military revolution, told to the backdrop of live reggaemusic. 'These were the times I grew up in, a life of privilege that was a triggerfinger away from obliteration. I was brought up to stand for what is right andfair. However this was not a positive survival trait in angry times. Teenagerswith opinions were an endangered species. My saving grace, was the wisdomof my grandmother, the power of first love and my total immersion intoMarley's Music! Everything's Gonna Be Alright!’

Gloriously funny and warm, this truestory jolts sharply into focus the horror ofliving through a military uprising.

Me, Marley & ISunday 15 May

Tue 17 & Wed 18 May 7.45pm,Wednesday Matinee at 2.30pm

£18.50, Matinees £15.50Schools: £10 per ticket plus11th ticketfree.


HamletTuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 May

by William Shakespeare Directed by Max Lewendel

Does revenge justify murder?

The King of Denmark is dead. Consumed with grief, Prince Hamlet devoteshimself to avenging his father’s death with devastating consequences for hisfamily and the Kingdom. He also confronts his uncle, the new King who stole hisfather’s throne. This is Shakespeare’s mosticonic and challenging play.

Icarus Theatre Collective brings vividly tolife some of literature’s most vibrantlanguage and characters. This brand newproduction portrays Shakespeare’sdefinitive tragedy of justice and revenge.

Free programmes for school groups.

The GraduateThu 17 - Sat 19 March

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Benjamin Braddock recently finishedcollege. His overjoyed parents throwhim a party, but he just wants to beleft alone. Mrs. Robinson, the wife ofhis father's business partner hasother plans. She corners and seduceshim, leading to a torrid affair.Problems come when Ben falls inlove with Mrs. Robinson's daughter.

Remember the film? Now see themusical, with the scene moved to Buffalo,

New York State.

Unemployed steel workers come up witha bold way to make some quick cash.Their journey of discovery teaches themthe value of true friendship and helpsthem find the courage to face their

personal woes.

Witness 6 ordinary blokes with nothingand everything to lose go The Full Monty!

Tue 22 - Sat 26 March 7.45pm, Fri 5.30pm & 8.30pm, Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm

£15 - £18


The Full MontyTue 22 - Sat 26 March

Abigail’s PartyThursday 26 - Saturday 28 May

Beverly Moss invites her neighboursover for drinks. The gathering startsoff in a stiff, insensitive, Britishmiddle-class way as the virtualstrangers tentatively gather, untilBeverly and her husband start snipingat each other. As the alcohol takeseffect, all of the obsessions,prejudices, fears and pettycompetitiveness are comicallyexposed.

By Terrence McNally

andDavid Yazbek

The GraduateThu 17 - Sat 19 March 7.45pm, Thu & Sat Matinee at 2.30pmAbigail’s PartyThu 26 - Sat 28 May 7.45pm, Thu & Sat Matinee at 2.30pm

£11 - £15, Group Deals Available


AARRTTSSLLOOCCAALL

The WeddingSingerWed 11 - Sat 14 May

Wed 11 - Sat 14 May 7.30pm, Thu & Sat Matinee at 2.30pm

£12 - £17, Seniors and Children under16 - £1 off all performances, except WedPreview. 1 free ticket for every 10purchased.

www.fairfield.co.uk020 8688 9291or Croydon Stagers 020 8651 0527www.croydonstagers.co.uk

When his fiancée leaves him at thealtar, Robbie (New Jersey’s favouritewedding singer) makes every weddingas disastrous as his own. When hemeets Julia, Robbie falls madly inlove. Only trouble is Julia is about tobe married and unless Robbie canpull off a lifetime’s performance, shewill be gone forever.

For our Junior Patrons...22 - 27 Feb (Zippo's Circus) & Mar 5 & 6(Peppa Pig) - Be entertained by afairground ride and side stall in ourfoyer. Freshly cooked Hot Dogs & PopCorn available!

Dining At FairfieldAARRTTSSLLOOCCAALL

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by Reservation

First night of each performance andFriday and Saturdays from 5.30pm.

Enjoy a candle-lit* pre-show dinner, withservice at your table and acomplimentary glass of wine. Music atthe piano on selected evenings.

2 Course £10.95, 3 Course £13.95

Additional seating for patrons who have notreserved will be limited. *Electric Candles.

Valentine’s Dinner - Sat 12 FebValentine’s Dinner available in theArnhem Gallery before Buddy withsparkling wine and a red rose on arrival,a freshly prepared 3 course dinner and aprogramme of the performance.

£25.95 per person

To book a table please call 0208 681 7181

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HOW TO BOOK

BByy IInntteerrnneett:: Book securely online atwww.fairfield.co.uk All online bookingsfor all events incur a minimum bookingfee of £2.25 per ticket, irrespective of the‘no-booking fee’ logo appearing in theDiary. Please note there is also a charge of70p applied to all transactions wherepostage of tickets is required.

In Person: The Box Office counter isopen for personal callers from Monday toSunday 10am - 9pm (6pm when noperformance in either venue). For Sundayperformances it is open 1 hour prior to theperformance for counter sales only. Abooking fee of £1 per ticket is applied tocash transactions made in person.

By Telephone: Call 020 8688 9291.The Box Office phone lines are openMonday - Sunday 10am - 7pm (6pmwhen no performance in either venue).Please have your credit/debit card detailsready. Reservations will be held for 48hours and cannot be made within 48hours of the performance.

By Post: Include details of theperformance you wish to book for, thenumber of tickets required and the costincluding booking fees and postage.

Send to: The Box Office, Fairfield, ParkLane, Croydon CR9 1DG. Make chequespayable to Fairfield (Croydon) Ltd. Pleasedo not send cash by post!

PAYMENTBooking Fees: Most shows involving apurchase made by telephone, cheque, inperson (if cash, booking fee is £1 perticket) or credit/debit card are subject to aminimum booking fee, which is usually£2.25 per ticket unless otherwise stated, orif a ‘no-booking fee’ logo is shown. Ifpurchased online all shows are subject toa minimum of £2.25 booking fee perticket, irrespective of the ‘no-booking feelogo’ being shown in the Diary. Pleasenote there is also a charge of 70p appliedto all transactions where postage of ticketsis required.

By Credit Card (MasterCard/Visa): Iftickets are not subject to an individualticket booking fee then a flat transactionfee of £2.25 will apply to all credit cardbookings. If individual ticket booking feesdo apply then this transaction charge willbe waived.

By Debit Card(Switch/Delta/Connect): No transactioncharge applies, but individual ticketbooking fees will apply where stated.

ASHCROFTTHEATRE

Spring 2011


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WHEELCHAIR AREA

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CIRCLEROWS A-H 2120

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Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon. Spring Brochure 2011

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Transcript of Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon. Spring Brochure 2011