We are counting down the days until the arrival of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival throughout our fine city. During their world-class programme celebrating the arts, Norwich Theatre has partnered with the festival to deliver a variety of unmissable shows that range from a journey of philosophy as told through juggling to mesmerising dance shows.
Leonkoro Quartet | 12 May | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
This Berlin-based ensemble is known for their technical excellence, stage presence and passionate performances, and are quickly becoming a recognisable name in the international scene. They will be performing a beautiful programme, including Alban Berg’s Lyric Suite, written for his secret lover Hanna Fuchs, which he called ‘a small monument to a great love’.
The show will also feature captivating performances of Haydn’s String Quartet in F major, Op. 50, No. 5, ‘The Dream’, Berg’s evocative Lyric Suite, and Mendelssohn’s passionate String Quartet No. 4 in F minor, Op. 44, No. 2. This musical performance promises to enthral all who appreciate classical tunes.
Gandini Juggling: Heka | 13 – 14 May | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Transcending boundaries and drawing inspiration from the intricate connection between juggling and magic, this captivating show takes you on a journey of illusions, making you question what is real and what is fantasy. Infused with humour and philosophy, Heka embraces creative choreography and explores the dynamics of group magic, forming a show filled with anticipation and excitement. Come along if you want to embrace silliness and the absurd for a fun-filled evening out.
Show Pony | 16 -17 May | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
This passionate new show offers a candid glimpse into experiences on stage and what it is like to grapple with life when the spotlight begins to dim. Past, present and an imagined future are brought together as three middle-aged acrobats try to decide how they can go on or if they should go on at all.
Jaw-dropping circus skills are displayed, including straps, vertical rope, contortion, and object manipulation. If you want to peek behind the secrets of the circus whilst joyfully screaming at the patriarchy, Show Pony is a must-see.
Little Murmur | 20 – 21 May | Norwich Theatre Stage Two
Words are quite literally brought to life on stage in this tender new show, blending dance with theatre making. Dyslexia made Aakash Odedra’s school life tough, misspelling his name until the age of 21. Through these challenges, Aakash learnt to use dance as his own powerful mode of self-expression. Little Murmur is an unforgettable story, filled with dazzling features such as ground-breaking projection, an astonishing soundscape and a murmuration of paper and confetti that flies around like flocks of birds. This stunning visual treat offers a sincere exploration into the realities of living in a world you struggle to process.
Songs of the Bulbul | 20 – 21 May | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Inspired by the ancient Sufi myth of a captured bulbul bird, this beautiful dance piece represents the fleeting moments of dance and an artist’s life, much like birdsong. The show seamlessly combines orchestral and Indian music to illustrate the path towards spiritual enlightenment. Songs of the Bulbul highlights the question of whether we should remain engaged in the physical world, like the bird, or fly towards freedom and liberation.
The Norfolk and Norwich Festival is one of the country’s longest– running arts festivals, offering a region-wide programme of creative engagement that particularly focuses on improving the cultural offer for children and young people. The festival is running from 9 – 25 May 25, with performances available at Norwich Theatre 12 – 21 May 25.
To book or to find out more about the shows, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office at 01603 630 000.
