Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn unveils new autumn programme
From comedy to musicals, singers, talks and tribute acts, Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn is promising a season of variety.
And the theatre will also be bringing in a scattering of celebrities for the autumn – as well as the work of the hugely popular children's author and comedian David Walliams.
The Wedding Singer, starring Ray Quinn, X Factor star, Hi-De-Hi's Ruth Madoc and Avenue Q's Jon Robyn will run from September 12-16. The production, which has been entertaining audiences across the country, is based on the hit Hollywood film tells the tale of rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart who is New Jersey's favourite wedding singer.
Presenter of BBC One's Countryfile Adam Henson will be talking on his life in front and behind the camera and what it is like to manage Britain's most famous rare breeds farm on September 21 while on October 1 David Starkey will give a lecture in the Walker Theatre entitled Henry VIII - The First Brexiter.
And the first lady of musical theatre, Elaine Paige will be performing many of the hits that made her a global star when she appears on October 3.
Later in the month, pint-sized pop star Lulu will be singing up a storm in the auditorium. She promises to deliver a show packed full of her hits, new songs and songs that have influenced and guided her throughout her incredible career.
In November, legendary rock star and founder of Wizzard, Electric Light Orchestra and The Move, Roy Wood will bring his band to Theatre Severn and show that he has not lost any of the groove that made his hits so distinctive.
Tickets are selling fast for the adaption of David Walliams' top selling book Awful Auntie. Birmingham Stage Company brought Walliams' Gangsta Granny to Shrewsbury last year and they are now endorsed by the Britain's Got Talent presenter and acclaimed author who has praised their productions of his novels.The show runs from October 18-21.
The season kicks off from September 7-9, when Pantaloons Theatre Company will be staging their production of A Midsummer's Night Dream. The touring theatre company will be telling Shakespeare's comic tale in their own distinctive style in the Walker Theatre.
The music of Paul McCartney's entire solo career will be performed in Macca The Concert on September 8 and on September 9 it will be the turn of The Pink Floyd Show. Theatre-goers will be able to take a journey through Pink Floyd's classic tracks from Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and Animals, complete with spectacular laser light show.
If comedy is your thing then make a date with the Severn Jesters. On September 17 at 4pm there is a family friendly Junior Jesters show while at 8pm it is the turn of the adults popular comedy club. Previous performers include Greg Davies, Chris Ramsey, Russell Kane and Joe Lycett.
Rounding off the year is the annual pantomime starring everyone's favourite dame Brad Fitt. This year the Evolution team are bringing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Theatre Severn and the show will run from November 29 to January 7.
Theatre spokeswoman Beki Poole said: "Since opening in 2009 Theatre Severn has gone from strength to strength an built up a strong reputation.
"We have been fortunate enough to host a wide range of professional musicals such as Blood Brothers and Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat which has since paved way for us to attract prolific productions such as The Sound of Music and most notably our largest show to date, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita which will be here in April 2018.
"We pride ourselves on delivering huge names and top quality productions to the people of Shropshire and with the support of our audiences will continue to do so for many years to come."
