Drama

  • Fri
    05
    Jul
    2019
    Sat
    06
    Jul
    2019
    7:30 PMSt Austell Arts Centre

    St Austell Players

    Two - 'One Act Plays' 

    StAPs - 2 x 1 Act Plays

    These two plays are directorial debuts for Mandy Hiscock (The Dear Departed) and Rose Lancaster (The Chinese Room) giving them an opportunity to flex their creative muscles and, we hope, go on to direct more productions for the Players.

    The Dear Departed by Stanley Houghton
    This short play is a satire of the degradation of British moral values – especially when there is an inheritance at stake!

    It is a sharp, witty and comic commentary on the state of social and familial norms. Adapted from an original novel into a play, it deals with two sisters squabbling over their father's possessions – the Dear Departed of the title – after one of them, with whom he has been living and who has been looking after him, discovers him cold and unresponsive in his bed.

    The other sister immediately puts in an appearance and disagreements and hostilities arise between them. Their put-upon husbands try to keep the peace, but it is the sisters who hold sway. However, these two greedy women have a surprise in store and the story has an uplifting and amusing twist in the tale.

    The Chinese Room by Andy Hutchings
    This original play, which has only been performed as a full-length production once before, is a thought-provoking premise and treats on technological advances relating to artificial intelligence. It’s an exploration of the moral impact of such scientific experiments and what effect it may have on all of us.

    Three women with very different personalities and backgrounds and who are strangers to each other, have volunteered to take part in a psychological experiment. They do not know what the experiment is or what is expected of them, except that they are locked together in a bunker for seven days with no contact with the outside world.

    They try and work out who they are – not all of them are what they seem – and the purpose of the experiment.

    Has the experiment been a success and who will make it out at the end of the week?

    Tickets in advance : Adults  : £10.00 / Under17s : £8.00 

  • Sat
    13
    Jul
    2019
    7:30 PMSt Austell Arts Centre

    To Life Productions: "Vestalia"

    Vestalia

    A new instalment in To Life's  own original 'Summer Plays' anthology, Vestalia tells the tale of an Ancient Roman festival in a glorious collision of colour, dance and theatre.

    In this lively, colourful and energetic performance, ancient traditions and familiar stories combine as we tunnel through the ages  to shine a spotlight on the lives of our ancient predecessors.

    Tickets in advance :
    Adults : £10.00
    Over65s : £7.00
    Students : £7.00
    Under18s : £7.00
    Family (2 Adults/Over65s, 2 Under18s) : £28.00

  • Sun
    21
    Jul
    2019
    2:30 PMSt Austell Arts Centre

    To Life Productions

    RoKKK

    presents their latest brand-new, original production

    'Rebellion Of The Kick Back Kids'

    Mischief and chaos are the order of the day when a group of students hears that a greedy businessman’s plan threatens their school’s future – including the much anticipated Summer Show they’ve worked on all year.

    Watch as these rogues go to extreme lengths to save their education and their passion to perform.

    Will that old man go bolting?

    Will their crazy plan work?

    Will the school be saved?

    One thing's for sure, you won't forget the day they fought for the right to be a little bit naughty!

    Tickets in advance :
    Adults : £10.00
    Over65s : £7.00
    Students : £7.00
    Under18s : £7.00
    Under10s : £4.00

  • Fri
    26
    Jul
    2019
    Sat
    27
    Jul
    2019
    7:30 PMSt Austell Arts Centre

    Bodmin Musical Theatre Company:  Jesus Christ Superstar

    Bodmin - JCS poster

    Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
    Lyics by Tim Rice

    What’s the buzz?

    The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 40 years.

    A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

    Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and JohnSuperstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.

    The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.”

    Tickets in advance : Adults : £10.00 / Under16s : £8.50

     

    A true global phenomenon, Superstar continues to touch new generations of audiences and performers.

  • Fri
    06
    Sep
    2019
    7:30 PMSt Austell Arts Centre, 87 Truro Road, St Austell, PL25 5HJ

    Touch Theatre presents 'Splendour' by Abi Morgan

    Touch Theatre - Splendour

    How do you try to shape history when you are in the midst of social unrest?
    Do you participate, observe, record events for posterity, or collaborate with those in power?
    These are the fundamental questions for the characters in Abi Morgan’s 'Splendour', Touch Theatre’s latest production.
    In the opulent drawing room of a Presidential Palace, a western photojournalist awaits the return of the dictator to take his portrait.  He is late, very late.
    The dictator’s wife, her best friend, and an interpreter wait with her.  In a vodka haze, Prada shoes and light fingers tap out the time.
    All 4 women harbour secrets and suspicions.
    All 4 are in danger.
    This is the day that revolution comes to the palace.

    Abi Morgan’s devastating play allows us to glimpse into the minds of 4 women as they grapple with life, truth and honour. 

    About Touch Theatre
    Touch was formed in 2015. We have an unashamed preference for female playwrights, powerful roles for female actors and the intimacy of small ensemble pieces.
    Our award-winning 2017 piece, Madeleine George’s 'Precious Little', was very well-received by audiences and reviewers:
    Hauntingly beautiful, and wonderfully paced and delivered
    This director had the strength and skill to develop the story and characters in our opinion just as the writer would have wished
    Our 2018 production of Caryl Churchill’s 'Escaped Alone' was described as:
    ‘A gripping piece of theatre’ with ‘some lovely comic moments’ from a ‘cast who were uniformly terrific

    Click Here to Book Your Tickets in advance : £10.00
    Or Phone 01726 879500

    Or Buy at Tourist Offices in St Austell, Truro, Bodmin, Liskeard, etc

  • Fri
    20
    Sep
    2019
    7:30 PMSt Austell Arts Centre

    The Dolly Parton Story, with Hannah Richards

    Dolly Parton is enjoying quite some 2019. The 8-times Grammy Award winner, singer-songwriter made a show-stealing appearance at this year's Grammys, where she was honoured as the 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year. A revival of her show 9 to 5 has just opened to rave reviews in London's glittering West End and, later this year, an eight episode series entitled Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, based on the stories and inspirations behind Parton’s most beloved songs will premiere on Netflix.

    So, what better time is there to see a show based on the iconic Country music star's life and career?

    That is exactly what Hannah Richards' show The Dolly Parton Story does. This is no “tribute act”, but an affectionate and accurate look at Dolly Parton through good times and bad, performed in a ground-breaking format that takes its audience on an incredible journey through the highs and lows of Dolly's working and personal lives.

    Featuring passionate and heart-felt renditions of Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands In The Stream, Here You Come Again, Coat Of Many Colours, Joshua and many more, The Dolly Parton Story enjoyed sell out shows with standing ovations at Edinburgh Fringe in 2018.

    Hannah sings the songs and tells the story of the “Queen of Country Music”, from her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to her arrival as an international modern-day icon, idolised across generations, by men and women alike.

    Follow Dolly’s story from her childhood poverty, successful marriage, struggles in the music industry and making the cross-over from country to pop - this is a true rag to riches story that will leave you wanting more.

    Dolly Parton has won an astonishing 153 major awards including eight Grammys and 11 County Music Awards, including the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016,

    What a beautiful performance. Dolly’s Music comes alive in a contemporary way” Dominic King, BBC Radio

    Click Here to Book Your Tickets Online Now
    Standard : £15.00
    Unwaged : £13.00
    Or Call Cornish Riviera Box Office on (01726) 879500
    Buy over the counter at Tourist Offices in St Ives, Penzance, Falmouth, Truro, St Mawes, Bodmin, St Austell, Looe, Liskeard & Launceston plus The Heartlands, Pool, Redruth

  • Sat
    12
    Oct
    2019
    7:30 PMSt Austell Arts Centre

    Hancock & Co - James Hurn

    Following James Hurn’s sell out tour of 2018, he’s back with his popular One Man-Many Voices celebration of the radio comedy classic, Hancock’s Half Hour.

    James, a multi-talented actor and impressionist, will be performing a Brand New programme of Hancock & Co. which includes a lost episode of Hancock’s Half Hour and two new episodes he has written himself, with James voicing the entire cast.
    The show is presented in the style of a radio performance in front of a live audience.

    James has an incredible ability to mimic some of the gods of British comedy, but also their timing, style and souls too – Tony Hancock, Sidney James, Hattie Jacques, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Lloyd and John Le Mesurier are all astounding!

    Click Here to Book Your Tickets Online Now :
    Standard : £12.00
    Concessions : £10.00
    Or Phone 01726 879500
    Or Buy your tickets at Tourist Offices in St Austell, Truro, St Mawes, Bodmin, Liskeard, Launceston, Penzance, St Ives!

  • Wed
    23
    Oct
    2019
    7:30 PMSt Austell Arts Centre, PL25 5HJ

    To Life Productions :

    'Bethany'

    Bethany

    We are kicking off the Halloween season on the 23rd October with something a little different - our latest original production - 'Bethany' is an eerie one act short piece, designed to be an experience to remember!

    Bethany is at the top of her career - a dancer with a renowned theatre company. But when a new performer seems to want to take that all away, Bethany has to fight for survival.

    But when her Director suspends her from duty telling her she needs a rest, and her dance partner raises concerns about her behaviour - is Bethany falling apart or can she see what no one else can?

    No one believes her - is it all in her mind or is she in grave danger from the woman everyone else loves?

    What's real and what's not?

    You Decide!

    All tickets: £5.00

  • Wed
    06
    Nov
    2019
    7:00 PMSt Austell Arts Centre, PL25 5HJ

    Hireth

    Date: Wednesday, 6th November 2019
    Time: 7.00pm

    Tickets: £5.00 / Concessions : £4.00

    "Hireth"
    (Cornish word meaning 'longing for home' )

    A Film of the Theatre Show and the Making of a Documentary 

    1914. West Cornwall. Harry Elton is starting a new life below the ground mining for tin.

    Across the channel, a great war rages.

    When the British Army arrive with an unexpected offer, Harry and his friends swap the dirty, dark and dangerous tunnels of Geevor for the deadly underground warzone beneath the Western front.

    ‘You battle everyday with nature. You fight to drag minerals from the ground. You’re already fighters. You’re already warriors. Its time for you to lend those skills to the war effort’.

    This epic production tells the untold story of Cornwall’s forgotten war heroes and the unique impact they had on the First World War.

    Featuring a cast of professional actors and a community chorus, 'Hireth' marked the centenary of the end of World War 1 in the Grade-II listed St Just Miners’ Chapel in November 2019.

    Cornwall World Heritage Site is delighted to support the showing of the Hireth film in communities in Cornwall and West Devon.

     

  • Wed
    20
    Nov
    2019
    Sat
    23
    Nov
    2019
    7:30 PMSt Austell Arts Theatre

    The Lion In Winter

    This brilliant, witty, amusing but poignant play, made into a film in the 60's starring Peter O'Toole and Katherine Hepburn, is a must see for those who like a cleverly worded script and an interesting subject.
    It is Christmas, 1183, and Eleanor of Aquitaine, imprisoned in London by her husband, Henry II for leading a rebellion against him, has been freed for the festive season to join Henry and their sons, Richard, Geoffrey and John, at the castle of Chinon in France.
    Also invited is King Philip of France, Henry's arch enemy.  Matters are complicated as Philip's sister, Alais is also present.  She has been living at the English court since she was 7 years old, destined to marry Richard, and for which, as her dowry, Henry received the county of Vexin.

    However, the marriage never took place, and as she grew up, Henry decided he wanted her for himself and took her for his mistress.
    Now Philip is at Chinon demanding that the marriage to Richard takes place or he will have the Vexin back.
    Not if Henry has anything to do with it!

    The Arts Centre has a Licensed Bar, plus Tea & Coffee, Crisps & Snacks

    Click Here to Book Your Tickets in advance :
    Standard : £12.00
    Under18s : £6.00

    Students w ID : £6.00
    (Proof of entitlement to any concession will be required on the door)
    Tickets are non-refundable!

    Or Phone 01726 879500
    Or Buy at St Austell Tourist Information Centre at the Rail Station or on the 'ByPass'
    or Buy at Tourist Offices in Truro, Bodmin, Liskeard, Launceston, Penzance, St Ives

  • Fri
    06
    Dec
    2019
    Sat
    07
    Dec
    2019
    7:00 PMSt Austell Arts Centre, PL25 5HJ

    'A Cornish Carol'

    Friday, 6th 1.00pm & 7.00pm

    Saturday, 7th - 7.00pm

    Starring Ed Rowe, Jenny Beare and Mary Woodvine

    A Cornish Carol poster

    Christmas is upon us and business is booming in Ebenezer Scrooge’s Pre-Packaged “Proper” Pasty Production Company.
    Costs are low, profit is high and the money is pouring in.

    What’s that? The staff are exhausted? They want a day off? They can barely afford to eat?
    ‘Bah, humbug! You don’t get nothing for free in this life.’ 

    Over the course of one miserable, mizzly, Cornish night, join miserly Scrooge and a gaggle of ghostly ghouls who force him to revisit his PAST(y), explore his (Ker)NOW and decide if his FUTURE will Come-to-Good. 

    From the team that brought you Trevithick, The Cornish Caretakers and HIRETH, comes this irreverent, new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic.

    Weaving physical comedy, music and gags a-plenty, A Cornish Carol is a festive treat for the whole family.

    Starring : Edward Rowe, Jenny Beare & Mary Woodvine

    Director: Simon Harvey
    Musical Director: Richard Healey
    Written by: Simon Harvey and Richard Healey

  • Sat
    14
    Dec
    2019
    St Austell Arts Centre, PL25 5HJ

    Details to follow.

  • Tue
    17
    Dec
    2019
    7:30 PMSt Austell Arts Centre, 87 Truro Road, St Austell, PL25 5HJ

    David-Mynne - door knocker

     

    Kneehigh Theatre favourite & co-founder Dave Mynne, last seen in Kneehigh's Fup, playing Grandad, now takes on Charles Dickens' perennial much-loved Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol.
    Joy to all mankind? 
    Bah!
    Spend an evening in the company of a mean, tight-fisted, squeezing, grasping, clutching old miser. 
    Bah!
    Watch horrified as Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by four creepy ghosts(wooo-oooh) each one more terrifying than the last. 
    Bah!
    Sob at the bedside of a tiny, malnourished child riven with rickets.
    Bah!
    In their inimitable style, the team that brought you Great Expectations, Dracula and The Odyssey (Greek stuff!) will now take you on a grim journey through the dark, dismal streets of Victorian London, where Ignorance and Want cower together.
    This is Dickens’ original words with added silliness. 
    Silliness? 
    Bah!
    Celebrate the festive season with a mesmerising one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless, transformative story: A Christmas Carol. 
    Christmas?
    Bah! Humbug!
    Suitable for adults and older children (10+)
    Directed by Simon Harvey.
    Performed by David Mynne.
    Adapted by Andrew McPherson.
    Additional script by Simon Harvey and David Mynne.
    David Mynne is a Cornish actor and a founder member of Kneehigh Theatre.
    A Christmas Carol was beautiful - apparently simple theatre with just one actor but you go home remembering a cast of dozens!
    "He is a genius". Richard Wolfenden-Brown: Director The Plough Arts Centre.

    What the audience said:
    “Just brilliant! We loved The Odyssey and this was even better. Thank you!"
    "Incredible performance... and by one man! Very enjoyable for kids, parents and grumpy dads!"
    "Absolutely the best show I’ve seen this year."
    "It was incredible. He must know the book inside out! “God bless us, everyone”!
    "Excellent. Inventive and creative."
    "Great fun."
    Fun? Call that fun? Bah, Humbug!"

    Click Here to Book Your Tickets in advance :
    Adults : £10.00
    Benefits : £7.50
    Under16s : £5.00
    Family : £25.00
    (2 Adults, 2 Under16s)
    Tickets are non-refundable.
    Or Phone 01726 879500
    or Buy at Tourist Offices in St Austell, Truro, Bodmin, Liskeard etc.