There is nothing like getting gripped by a play unfolding in front of your eyes on stage. A good drama on stage draws you in and allows you to fully immerse yourself into the world being portrayed. You share the characters’ emotions, sense the tension in the room, try to guess who dunnit or even laugh at the antics on stage.
We have a range of shows that will have you on the edge of your seat, from Shakespearean tragedies to comedy and modern dramas, thrillers, and plays about a coughing Major! As the Bard said himself, the play’s the thing, and we wholeheartedly agree!
Macbeth – 9 Feb – Playhouse
A full-scale production set in the murky Dark Ages where love, politics and witchcraft collide. Three sisters tell a war worn Macbeth that he is fated to become King of Scotland, so beginning a series of events that lead to the destruction of Kings, friends and souls as he, and his Lady, try to cling to the tainted crown.
Enjoy this classic tale produced by the National Production Company that is full of sorcery, ghostly apparitions and spectacular sword fights!
Wish You Were Dead – 20 – 25 Feb – Royal
Following on from five hit stage shows and the new acclaimed ITV series, Grace, the work of best selling author, Peter James returns to Norwich, with the world premiere stage adaption of Wish You Were Dead.
This thriller follows DSI Roy Grace and Cleo Morey as they take a much-needed holiday together. Cleo hopes she will finally get her husband to herself for a few days away from his crime-solving exploits. But their dream escape turns out to be the holiday from hell, as the past comes back to haunt them.
The City and The Town – 10 – 11 Mar – Playhouse
When Ben returns home to his father’s funeral after 13 years away, he is confronted with uncomfortable truths about the past, present and future of the community he left behind. This new play is a funny, eclectic, and uniquely political piece of theatre that brings a fresh perspective to some of the divides and problems facing our country today.
Unexpected Twist – 28 Mar – 1 Apr – Royal
For something to get the younger generation hooked on drama, Unexpected Twist is the re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist, by one of the best-loved figures in the children’s book world, Michael Rosen. Combining two stories in one, Rosen’s story and the Dickens classic inspired it.
This thrilling production is brought to vivid life by The Children’s Theatre Partnership. Rosen’s novel is adapted for the stage by BAFTA award winning playwright Roy Williams with original music by rising R&B star Yaya Bey and BAC Beatbox Academy’s Conrad Murray.
Gulliver – 4 Apr – Stage Two
A magical re-enactment of the classic novel Gulliver’s Travels. Hear the stories of lands undiscovered and creatures unheard through unique puppetry and innovative theatre. With peril and fantasy at it core this is perfect for ages 12 up.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo – 9 – 13 May – Royal
A touching and heartfelt drama based on the bestselling book by Christy Lefteri. The show tells the story of Nuri, the beekeeper, and his wife, Afra. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens. They are forced to escape when all they care for is destroyed by war. On their terrifying journey, they must face the pain of their own unbearable loss alongside incredible danger. Above all, they must journey to find each other again.
Shewolves – 22 May – Playhouse
Armed with a backpack full of Pop-tarts and a hunger to tackle climate change, Priya and Lou embark on a covert expedition into the wild. But when the wilderness closes in around them, can they overcome their differences to make their voices heard? This is is an uplifting coming-of-age comedy for teenagers and anyone who has ever been a teen.
Shewolves is a part of our Climate Matters: Climate Stories year long season.
Head to Climate Matters on the take part page to find out more.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane – 5 Sep – 9 Sep – Royal
From the imagination of Neil Gaiman, best-selling author of Coraline, Good Omens and The Sandman, comes the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
This thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, is a five-star spectacular which blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it.
Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He’s transported to his 12th birthday when his remarkable friend Lettie claimed it wasn’t a pond, but an ocean – a place where everything is possible…
The Full Monty – 24 Oct – 28 Oct
This fast and funny play is still very much of our time, as again, we are hit by a cost-of-living crisis. Gaz and his mates are down on their luck and feel they have been thrown on the scrap heap, but they are determined to fight back and bare a little more than they ever thought they would have to.
Quiz – 31 Oct – 04 Nov
September 2001: the nation is gripped by a scandal that remains, to this day, a mystery. In an outrageously audacious heist, Charles Ingram, aka the Coughing Major, and his accomplices duped the world’s most popular TV quiz show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, out of £1,000,000. Or did they? And if they did cheat, how did they really do it?
OK, ask the audience and you decide!
