St Helens Theatre Royal are putting out the red carpet as a number of familiar faces take centre stage in what is set to be a star-studded spring/summer 2014 season. From chart topping singers, to award-winning actors alongside some of the U.K.’s best loved entertainers, 2014 is set to be a year to remember and one not to be missed!
The year begins in spectacular fashion as Hollywood Icon David Gest heads to the theatre with his Legends of Soul Concert, the follow-up to his sell-out 2013 tour. Running for two nights on the 6th and 7th February, the line-up includes music legends Candi Staton, Percy Sledge, Sheila Ferguson and Gwen Dickie to name but a few, tickets are in high demand. Back by popular demand, That’ll Be the Day, the nation’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll variety show returns on 15th February with an all new production for 2014. This hugely entertaining rock ‘n’ roll spectacular features a fantastic line up of knock-out hits from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, plus loads more zany comedy routines.
Elsewhere, a live musical feast heads to St. Helens on the 22nd March with Musicals in the Night; a thrilling show which rolls top musical theatre songs into one fantastic evening of entertainment. Featuring Neil Hurst from the West End production of Evita, Tasheka Coe from B.B.C.’s Over the Rainbow and a very special appearance from Disney Channel’s Samantha Dorrance. Live music continues on the 30th March with The Day the Music Died; a celebration of the music of Buddy Holly, which features iconic songs such as Blue Days, Black Nights and Rock around with Ollie Vee to True love Ways, and It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.
April will see the arrival of two must see shows; firstly Escorts: The Musical; the tale of a vivacious young American student named Emmy who heads to Liverpool to uncover the secrets of her childhood. Running from the 3rd to the 5th April, colourful characters are brought to life by an all-star cast including Liverpool Legend Crissy Rock, comedian Duggie Brown and Theatre Royal regular Lynne Fitzgerald.
Easter can only mean one thing at the Theatre Royal – the arrival of another hit panto production, and this time it’s Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, running from 11th – 21st April. This much-loved classic tale will receive a Regal Entertainment makeover; creating a show with all the glitz, glamour, panache and humour audience have come to know and love at the Theatre Royal. Regal Entertainments are busy lining up a talented cast to bring this magical tale to life.
One of the highlights of this season is Heart & Soul; an exciting and original musical production which follows the rollercoaster journey of a young woman’s pursuit for success in the cut-throat music industry, whilst juggling love life and family drama. Set for a two day run on the 15th and 16th May, this inspirational production wowed audience during its world premiere in 2013 with its original songs spanning the genres from Motown to Rock, Ballads, Dance and Jazz, all performed by an incredibly talented cast of local performers.
The Theatre Royal has live music on the 8th June from The Bohemians who re-enact the glory days of Queen; the craziness of the 70’s and the Magic of the 80’s, proving themselves to be the most dynamic and exciting Queen Tribute Band currently touring and the closest you can get to a real life Queen experience.
Turning things up a notch is the hotly anticipated return of Regal Entertainments’ critically acclaimed comedies, and following on from the success of their 2013 adaption of Bouncers: The Remix, St. Helens Theatre Royal are delighted to announce that Neil Simon’s award winning play, Last of the Red Hot Lovers is to hit the stage from 11th – 14th June
They have a real treat for audiences this July, on 21st – 23rd July as they host Sell A Door Theatre Company who will be bringing Broadway Triple Crown winning musical Avenue Q to the stage. A laugh-out-loud musical which has delighted audience on the West End and Broadway, Avenue Q tells the story of a recent college graduate named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet sexpert), Lucy the Slut and other colourful types who help Princeton finally discover his true purpose in life!
Chantelle Nolan, Theatre Manager said, “On ending 2013 on a high with a record breaking Panto, I am thrilled at the number of fantastic shows and artists which are coming to the Theatre Royal in 2014. Many popular faces are returning and we have quite a few who are coming to the Theatre Royal for the very first time. This year could end up being one of our most successful years to date and a great year for theatre in St Helens!”
For full listings and ticket prices go to the St. Helens Theatre Royal website.