Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre has announced that a further seven shows from its Spring/Summer 2012 Season on sale from today. They include West End hit Yes, Prime Minister, Bette and Joan and a series of one night music shows including The Rat Pack is Back, Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is, Hold Back the Night and The Dolly Parton Story.
Yes, Prime Minister
Following two sell-out West End seasons, the stage version of the classic BBC TV series Yes, Prime Minister comes to the Belgrade’s Main Stage from Tues 7 to Sat 11 Feb starring Graham Seed and Michael Simkins. Written by the original writers, Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, this production sees Prime Minister Jim Hacker and Cabinet Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby facing a country in financial meltdown. The only prospect of salvation comes from morally dubious allies – leading to deliciously comic consequences.
Greta Scacchi - Bette and Joan
Anita Dobson - Bette and Joan
From Mon 14 to Sat 19 May EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing star Anita Dobson will step into the shoes of legendary actress Joan Crawford in Bette and Joan, alongside Greta Scacchi as Bette Davis. This new comedy exposes the infamous and long running feud that developed between these two Hollywood stars and came to a head during the filming for cult 1962 film Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
The first of the one night shows brings the music of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin to the Main Stage on Tues 31 Jan in The Rat Pack is Back. This live show takes audiences back to the Sands Hotel on the Las Vegas strip where they performed all the classics, including I Got You Under My Skin, Lady is a Tramp, Little ol’ Wine Drinker, The Candy Man and many more.
Motown How Sweet It Is
Music continues on the Main Stage with Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is on Tues 22 May. This 10th anniversary special will combine slick choreography with classic Motown songs from artists such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five and Edwin Starr.
On Fri 25 May the music of Abba and the Bee Gees will take centre stage in Hold Back the Night. The extensive repertoire of the Gibb Brothers is put through its paces during the first half of the show, while the second half pays homage to the hits of Abba with an on-stage ensemble, including a team of talented young musicians and a live string section.
Andrea Pattison and her live four piece band pay tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton on Weds 27 June in The Dolly Parton Story. This live show features big hair, bright costumes and a selection of Dolly’s most celebrated material, from her early country classics such as Coat of Many Colours through to her later hits including Islands in the Stream, Jolene and 9 to 5.
The Spring Season also sees the return of Midday Variety with another series of shows featuring the usual live music and top line support from the UK’s most popular variety stars. The first show will take place on the Main Stage on Thurs 23 Feb.
Tickets for all of these shows will be on sale from 10am Fri 4 Nov. To book just call the Belgrade’s Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or go online at www.belgrade.co.uk where cheaper tickets are available.
