<img src='' title='Event Category: Theatre' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: Theatre

The Duke’s Theatre Company presents  

MACBETH  

By William Shakespeare  

Director – Robert Shaw Cameron 
Designer – Jessica Curtis  
Producers – Bobby Delaney and Laura Matthews  

The Dukes Theatre Company‘s production of Macbeth offers a dynamic reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Known for their bold and innovative interpretations, the company brings a contemporary edge to the dark tale of ambition, murder, and madness. Director Robert Shaw Cameron (Coronation Street, Regents Park Open Air Theatre, Sheffield Crucible) and designer Jessica Curtis (Hampstead Theatre, Almeida Theatre, Royal National Theatre) make a production with a cast of seven industry leading actors. With a strong focus on the psychological unravelling of the protagonists, this adaptation takes The Duke’s into a new era of open-air Summer touring.  

Hambletts present 

Dear Loll: A Wartime Marriage in Letters

“I thought I might have to go on without you” 

Called up to fight in World War II in the summer of 1940, the Manchester Guardian journalist Gerard Fay joined the army as an ordinary soldier while his wife Alice or ‘Loll’ (short for Lollipop) remained in the north of England.  

On the 80th Anniversary year of VE Day, Dear Loll brings to the stage the candid and compelling correspondence between the young couple. 

The thousands of intimate letters are their only means of communication and are full of drama, humour and emotion. Writing virtually every day, sometimes twice a day, their correspondence over four years is previously unheard testimony to the experiences of ordinary people in World War II and gives a fascinating insight into how one couple survived, both physically and mentally. They describe the warp and weft of a marriage and the loneliness of separation – a grief that was shared by tens of thousands.  

Told by two leading actors, with live onstage music from the Le Page Ensemble 

Adapted by Rosanna Greenstreet and Matthew Fay 

Director Judy Reaves 

Music arranged by David Le Page 

No one knows who the killer is, not even the cast!

Following multiple five-star sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation returns with another rip-roaring crime comedy made up entirely on the spot.

Who? What? How? The choice is yours in this fully-improvised, witty and absurd murder mystery where the audience creates the crime. 

Solving made up crimes for over 10 hilarious years! 

WINNER: Colchester Fringe 2024: ‘The Comedy Award’ 
WINNER: Leicester Comedy Festival 2023:  ‘Best Improvisation’ Award 

Website: crimesceneimpro.com 

Twitter: twitter.com/crimesceneimpro 

Instagram: instagram.com/crimesceneimpro 

James Seabright presents  

BONDING 

The Myth, Legend and Legacy of James Bond 

Written and performed by Cyril Blake 

Directed by Matthew Parker 

Cyril Blake’s sell-out hit from the Edinburgh Fringe explores the myth, legend and legacy of James Bond – and what it all means to guys trying to find their way through life and love. Stephen has always wanted to be James Bond. He’s got a tux, a fancy watch and he shakes everything he drinks. But is this a good idea? Bond is a misogynist dinosaur, right?  

 Journey through 60 years of Bond and 30 years of Stephen as we find out if he can fulfil his father’s idea of masculinity without becoming toxic. 

 This sell-out hit is directed by nine-time nominee and two-time OFFIE winner, Matthew Parker and stars Cyril Blake as Stephen.  

 ★★★★★ “Blake’s brilliance shines, seamlessly blending the lines between performer and character.”  The Nerd Party 

 ★★★★ “Explores the James Bond films, and life from being grandson of a coalminer to sharing Bond films with his father.” Fringe Fan 

 ★★★★★ “Hilarious and moving. Exceptional!” Calvin Dyson, James Bond Expert 

X/Facebook/Instagram: @bondingshow 

Presented by Hambletts

Harriet Walter brings George Eliot to bold and dramatic life.

Harriet Walter tells George Eliot’s story through her great novels, letters, journals, poetry and journalism. In tune with her radicalism, Eliot’s own words are woven with music by contemporary singer-songwriters – from Kate Bush to Florence Welch and PJ Harvey – performed by Eurovision singer-songwriter, SuRie and Orchestra of the Swan.

Harriet Walter celebrates her long, acclaimed association with George Eliot – through film, TV and radio – in a virtuoso performance that gives voice to Eliot, her immortal characters, and the people in her life. The second richest woman of her day (after Queen Victoria), Eliot’s great works – Middlemarch, The Mill on the Floss, Adam Bede – and clear vision resonate as powerfully today.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter, SuRie performs with Harriet. Internationally renowned for classical, pop and musical theatre, SuRie represented the UK at Eurovision 2018 and won the Offie for Lead Performance in a Musical in 2024 for her portrayal of Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun.

Orchestra of the Swan’s Musical Director, David Le Page captures Eliot’s timeless genius in a dazzling music programme that features contemporary, female singer-songwriters. The Swan’s musicians perform on-stage, alongside SuRie. The script is written and adapted by Deirdre Shields (Red Sky at Sunrise: Laurie Lee in Words & Music).

Harriet Walter appears subject to availability

Presented by Regeneration Theatre

‘I cannot remember receiving Hamlet with more open ears and more abandon’ Rufus Norris, Artistic Director, Royal National Theatre

Performed in just 90 minutes, come and see Hamlet as you have never seen it before. Standing ovations at preview performances.

One performer – Mark Lockyer, thought by many to be one of the greatest classical actors of his generation – shows us all the characters in a way we’ve never seen them.

The beauty of Shakespeare’s language sings out to us. The motivations of the characters become more clear.

The poignancy of this most dear of Shakespeare’s tales is palpable. You will leave stunned, uplifted and awed.

In support of the National Youth Arts Trust

Presented by James Seabright

By Apphia Campbell 

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live. 

Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. 

The show has toured the UK to standing ovations, played sell-out seasons in Shanghai, New York, Edinburgh and the West End of London and won the Best Theatre Award at Adelaide Fringe 2024.

Presented by Guildford Shakespeare Company

By Jane Austen

“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” 

When a host of eligible bachelors descend on the small community of Meryton, hearts are set racing, and the tranquil world of the Bennet family is sent into a whirlwind of passions and possibilities. At the centre of all this excitement, the meeting of Lizzie Bennet and Mr Darcy ignites one of the most famous love stories of all time.

Abigail Pickard Price’s ‘fresh and genuinely romantic‘ adaptation sees three actors conjure 17 of Jane Austen’s unforgettable characters to life, in Guildford Shakespeare Company’s ‘sparkling‘ production of this beloved romantic comedy.