WHAT links Edward Scissorhands, the Calendar Girls, a Corrie baddie, top boffin Professor Brian Cox and green-fingered national treasure Alan Titchmarsh?
They’re all on the line-up for Bradford Theatres’ glittering 2024 spring season - packed with mega hit musicals, world-class dance and plenty of music, comedy and family shows. Here’s what’s coming up:
ALHAMBRA:
* Wicked: The hit musical - a beguiling backstory to the lives of L Frank Baum’s beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - is a highlight of the new season. The spectacular re-imagining shapes the destinies of two unlikely friends who go on to become Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
* Madama Butterfly, Carmen and La Traviata: Triple bill of Opera International’s award-winning Ellen Kent Production featuring the Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre Kyiv.
Maria Tonina as Violetta in La Traviata (Image: Bradford Theatres)
* Calendar Girls the Musical: Inspired by the Rylstone and District WI’s nude calendar, which made global headlines, Gary Barlow’s musical follows a group of ordinary Yorkshire women who do an extraordinary thing. None of them are prepared for the impact as their fabulously funny calendar brings each woman into flower.
* Madagascar The Musical: Join CBBC and Strictly Come Dancing star Karim Zeroual as King Julien, and some hilarious plotting penguins, in this lively musical adventure.
* The Woman in Black: Legendary production of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story returns to the Alhambra from London’s West End. A mix of illusion and horror, it’s a must-see theatrical event . Obsessed with a curse he believes has been cast over his family, Arthur Kipps engages a sceptical young actor to help him exorcise the fear gripping his soul.
* Bluey’s Big Play: New stage adaptation of the Emmy-winning children’s TV series, featuring spectacular puppetry.
* São Paulo Dance Company: The UK debut of Brazil’s finest dance company. Fusing classical ballet with Latin American dance, this rich programme of work is by choreographers rooted in Latin American and Spanish culture.
* Sleuth: Todd Boyce - Coronation Street’s notorious serial killer Stephen Reid - and Neil McDermott, star of EastEnders and The Royal, star in Anthony Shaffer’s masterpiece about a young man who arrives at the home of a famous mystery writer, only to be drawn into a web of intrigue and gamesmanship, where nothing is quite as it seems.
* The Wizard of Oz: Direct from the London Palladium, the sensational new production stars RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne as the Wicked Witch Of The West and Gary Wilmot as The Wizard. Featuring the original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over The Rainbow and Follow The Yellow Brick Road, with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
* An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical: Based on the classic 80s movie, it’s the love story of Zack Mayo, a fearless young officer candidate, and fiery Paula Pokrifki. The soundtrack features songs of Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper and Blondie and the Oscar-winning (Love Lift Us) Up Where We Belong.
* Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production, based on the Tim Burton movie, is the bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world. Can Edward find his place in a suburban community which struggles to see past his curious appearance to the gentle innocence within?
Edward Scissorhands returns to Bradford. Pic: Johan Persson (Image: Johan Persson)
* Unfortunate: Musical parody telling the untold story of Ursula the Sea Witch. Disney villain. Octo-woman. Plus-size icon. Join everyone’s favourite Disney Diva as she gives her take on what really happened under the sea.
* Disney’s Aladdin: One lamp, three wishes, infinite possibilities...Disney’s spectacular Broadway and West End hit musical arrives at the Alhambra next summer. Escape to a whole new world.
ST GEORGE’S HALL:
The Hallé starts 2024 with a Viennese New Year Concert.
Stranger Sings! Sci-fi spoof with a “wild, irreverent twist” on the hit Netflix series, packed with 80s pop culture.
Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock: Meatloaf hits and other rock classics.
The World According to Kaleb: Kaleb, Cooper star of Clarkson’s Farm, brings his one man show to town.
Diversity: Supernova. Latest spectacular dance show from the Britain’s Got Talent winners.
What’s Love Got To Do With It? Tribute to the late, great Tina Turner
The Best of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with Gareth Gates: Bradford’s own crooner celebrates the ‘Jersey Boys’.
Fireman Sam: The Greatest Camping Adventure: Family fun for young theatre-goers.
Professor Brian Cox: Horizons - A 21st Century Space Odyssey: What exactly is the significance of life in the Cosmos?
Adam Kay: Undoctored: Author of bestseller This is Going to Hurt, on life after his medical career.
Giovanni: Let Me Entertain You: Former Strictly champ returns with his new show.
An Evening with Rick Stein: The celebrity chef looks back on his culinary career.
Leigh Francis: My First Time Tour: Comedy from the man behind Keith Lemon
The Tiger Who Came to Tea: Acclaimed adaptation of the children’s bestseller.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea is heading for town (Image: Bradford Theatres)
Graziano Di Prima: Believe: Strictly favourite Graz has his own show!
Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of The Dubliners: The Irish legends are back.
Taylormania: Taylor Swift Eras Tribute Concert: A must-see for Swifties.
Stewart Lee: Basic Lee: Sublime stand-up from the comic’s comic.
Sir Tim Rice: My Life in Musicals - I Know Him So Well . Chat from the king of musicals.
KING’S HALL:
Sweet Caroline: ‘Ultimate Tribute’ to Neil Diamond.
Alan Titchmarsh: Earth Man: The Ilkley-born TV gardener comes home.
Tommy Blaize: The Voice of Strictly. Live music from the singer of the hit show.
Strictly Come Dancing singer Tommy Blaize is heading for Ilkley (Image: Bradford Theatres)
An Evening with Mike Tindall: The England rugby star reflects on his career - and life in the royal family.
* Call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk
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