Presented by Doubletake Theatre.
It takes star quality to get adopted… and Jonathan Mayor has it.
'I was chosen, you see. Right from the start. They weren’t prepared to leave the quality of their offspring to chance!'
In an explosion of sequins and songs, our prince of stage and screen is every inch the superstar.
It’s been a tough journey from the cobbled streets of Oldham to the glamour of Hollywood. Tougher still for a Scottish-Mauritian adopted son of white parents. But let’s not dwell on that… your fabulous host is here to entertain you!
Inspired by stand-up comedian Jonathan Mayor’s real life, Varnish is a blistering new play from Janet Taylor, exploring transracial adoption and the struggle for identity.
Snap up your hot ticket to join Jonathan's live, star-studded audience and buckle up for belly laughs in this darkly flamboyant, varnished version of the truth.
Studio
£16 I £14 Supporters
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A one man staging of Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost – but nothing like you’d expect.
The highlights of this well-known story about Creation are combined with the struggles of modern life. From juggling a work-life balance to wrangling the children into the car.
Olivier award nominee Sharif Afifi plays seven different characters – from Adam and Eve to himself and his wife in the present day.
Combining comedy, theatre and music this is a funny and engaging show. For anyone who has created anything (child, garden, paper aeroplane) and then watched it spiral out of control.
Paradise Lost (lies unopened beside me) premiered in May 2015 at Battersea Arts Centre and was shortlisted for a 2015 Total Theatre Award. It has toured to over 60 venues both nationally and internationally.
‘The comedy is divine’ ★★★★★ The Independent
‘Comic yet touching’ ★★★★ The Times
‘Hugely entertaining without sacrificing the gravity of the original piece’★★★★★ The Argus
★★★★★ The Observer | ★★★★★ The List | ★★★★★ Evening Standard | ★★★★ The Guardian | ★★★★ The Herald | ★★★★ The Scotsman | ★★★★★ Edfest Magazine
Presented by Lost Dog.
Studio
£16 I £14 Supporters
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Eshaan Akbar is back doing jokes on tour! His previous tour was described by The Times as 'pretty sick' (not an actual quote) so this one is likely to be mad good.
Eshaan has supported some of the biggest acts in the UK, including Micky Flanagan, Jason Manford and Kae Kurd.
He's been seen on Netflix's Sex Education, BBC's Mock The Week, QI and Live At The Apollo, Comedy Central Live and many more. Forthcoming TV includes Channel 4's The Last Leg and BBC's Pilgrimage. He's also been heard on award-winning podcasts Have A Word, Ninetwentynine and Spitting Image, as well as LBC, Times Radio, and BBC Radio 4.
‘An artfully pointed, refreshingly funny hour that suggests a big talent in the making' ★★★★ The Times
'A fine comic entertainer, an intelligent maker of points and a wealth of fascinating facts' ★★★★ The Scotsman
'Genius stand-up comedy' Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
'A story that’s likely to go far' Chortle
Courtyard Theatre
£18.50
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A poignant exploration of comedy intertwined with the essence of life's ups and downs.
Justin's unparalleled ability to blend side-splitting humour with touching insights offers a rare glimpse into the human condition through the lens of a comedian.
This performance is more than just a series of jokes - it's a heartfelt journey through the joys, sorrows, and hilarity of life, delivered with Justin's characteristic charisma and warmth. Prepare to laugh, reflect and connect deeply with every story, making this evening an unforgettable highlight in your cultural calendar.
'What sets him apart is the craft. Lightning fast wit, masterful delivery' ★★★★ Chortle
'If joke-telling is your thing, then Justin Moorhouse is your man...very high gag rate' ★★★★ Fest
'Skilful crafting... he keeps the laughs coming' ★★★★ British Theatre Guide
'He charms the pants off the crowd' Sunday Times
'The amount of first-rate comic craft that goes into his routines is worthy of admiration' Guardian
'Simultaneously down-to-earth and out of this world' The List
Age guidance: 14+ years.
Courtyard Theatre
£16 | £6 unwaged with proof of JSA
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The critically acclaimed comedian is back on the road with a brand new tour show.
Expect Jamali's trademark brutally honest and unflinching perspectives on the world at large.
His last tours have sold out shows across the globe, playing the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. He is a regular on Sky's Nevermind the Buzzcocks and was one of the most anarchic Taskmaster contestants the show has ever seen. Alongside this he was a regular contributor for BBC2's Frankie Boyle's New World Order and has been seen on BBC2's Live at the Apollo, More4's 8 Out of 10 Cats, CBS's The Late Late Show with James Corden as well as many others.
Courtyard Theatre
£22
This event goes on sale to Members on Thursday 29 August and on general sale on Friday 30 August. Find out more about becoming a Member by clicking here. Members can click here to login for priority booking.
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Dir: Karim Aïnouz 2023 | 120 mins
In blood-soaked Tudor England, Katherine Parr, the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII, is named Regent while tyrant Henry is fighting overseas.
Katherine has done everything she can to push for a new future based on her radical Protestant beliefs. When an increasingly ailing and paranoid King returns, he turns his fury on the radicals, charging Katherine’s childhood friend with treason.
Conspiracy reverberates through the palace. Everyone holds their breath – for the queen to slip up, for Henry to take her head like wives before. With the hope for a future free of tyranny at risk, will Katherine submit to the inevitable for the sake of King and country?
Starring Alicia Vikander and Jude Law.
£10.50 | £9.50 conc
Neon Members - Free membership for ages 16 - 25
£5 (offer applied in basket once logged in). Find out more about Neon Membership here.
Special Ticket Offer
£9 | £8 conc tickets when you book for three films at the same time. Offer excludes event cinema screenings. Offer applied in basket.
Led by Mairi Cowieson
Showstopper Tots Musical Theatre themed music and movement classes for ages 2-5yrs. Younger siblings are welcome. Under 6months free.
Autumn
Course 1:
12 Sept - 24 Oct (7 weeks)
£56 for 7 week course (1 adult and 1 child)
£9 drop-in per session (1 adult and 1 child).
£5.40 drop-in per sibling per session
Join us ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ as we skip down the Yellow Brick Road on our Wizard of Oz themed term. Meet the Scarecrow and dance in our Emerald City.
The classes take the children on an adventure, exploring the music and story of The Wizard of Oz. Learning a dance to help with their coordination, singing songs and playing drama games to help with their confidence and ending each class with our mini theatre and story song - written especially for ShowstopperUK, by fabulous West End composers.
This story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents/carers who attend with their little ones.
Age guidance: 2-5 years
Course 2:
7 Nov
14 Nov
12 Dec
19 Dec
(4 weeks)
Whole course - £32 (4 weeks) (1 adult & 1 child)
Trial on 7 Nov - £9 (1 adult & 1 child) Siblings £5.40
£24 (1 adult & 1 child) if you would like to continue for the rest of the 3 weeks – please put remaining dates in the basket when rebooking and a discount will apply)
Drop-in sessions for the rest of the term £9 (1 adult & 1 child). Siblings £5.40
Join us and the miserable Scrooge as we head from our spooky to festive season. Shake hands with friends as we sing and dance to ‘Thank You Very Much’ and help teach Scrooge to share and find his love of Christmas once more. No more ‘Bah Humbug!’
This story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents/carers who attend with their little ones.
Led by Jim Maving
For novice guitarists who can string chords together, strum confidently and move between chords with some ease, to take the next steps. You will learn some classic songs, interesting chords, light music theory and the 12-bar blues.
These classes are split by skills level:
Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.
Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords.
Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.
If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!
Autumn
Thur 12 Sept – 10 Oct (5 weeks)
Thur 17 Oct – 21 Nov, exc 24 Oct (5 weeks)
Thur 5 Dec – 19 Dec (3 weeks)
7pm - 8pm
£50 per 5 week course | £30 per 3 week course
This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.
You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email
Suitable for ages 18+ years.
The Persian Comedy Powerhouse performs his critically acclaimed new show.
Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet.
No government gets a green card. No tyrant avoids a take down. No audience member leaves the theatre with an ounce of laughter left in them.
You have been warned.
'So hysterically funny and at the same time so poignant and powerful that calling it stand-up barely does it justice' Michael Levin, Huffington Post
With support from Boothby Graffoe.
Suitable for ages 16+ years.
Courtyard Theatre
£28
Omid's website
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