The Belgrade Theatre has unveiled its B2 programme for Autumn 2019 which features shows ranging from Bollywood musicals and gripping drama to an immersive theatrical party this Christmas.
The season commences with Holding the Centre, a powerful new drama by Birmingham writer Joan Carty, running 4-7 September. A successful entrepreneur, generous son and brother, Micaiah has always been told that he is clever, special, different, but when one of his friends is murdered, the life that he has built up begins to fall apart.
Then from 14-21 September, creators Phizzical are back with the world premiere of Stardust, a brand new musical. Set against the backdrop of the contemporary music industry, this vibrant new show tells the tale of British Asian singer Amar, Bollywood icon Amor and their tangled relationship with music producer Cyrus. Expect pulsating dance numbers and a soundtrack of pop, R ‘n’ B and Bollywood-style songs in this modern-day reincarnation thriller.
From 2-12 October, the Belgrade Theatre, Selladoor, Matthew Townshend and Perth Theatre at Horsecross Arts resurrect Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece, Frankenstein. Over 200 years after its publication, the novel’s 19-year-old author takes centre stage in Rona Munro’s electrifying adaptation, wrestling with her own creation and with the stark realities facing revolutionary women, then and now.
The Belgrade Theatre has again teamed up with Curve Leicester on a staging of Hanif Kureishi’s groundbreaking 1985 film, My Beautiful Laundrette. Famed for launching the career of Daniel Day Lewis, the film follows Omar, a young British Pakistani who strikes up an unlikely romance with old school friend Johnny following a confrontation with his fascist gang. This culture clash comedy comes to the stage in Coventry 29 Oct-2 Nov.
Following the announcement of Strictly Arts Artistic Director Corey Campbell as one of its three Creative Leads for Coventry’s year as City of Culture in 2021, the Belgrade is delighted to be partnering with Strictly Arts this Christmas on Club 2B, showing 11-31 December. 1930s Berlin cabaret club meets Secret Cinema in this theatrical experience like no other, combining live music, immersive drama, food, drink and more to unfold a tempestuous tale of romance through the ages.
Campbell returns 8-22 February to co-direct the world premiere of Crongton Knights with Pilot Theatre’s Esther Richardson. Based on Alex Wheatle’s novel, this tale of teenage camaraderie is adapted for the stage by Emteaz Hussain.
Finally, from 18-25 January, the Belgrade Theatre and Eclipse Theatre present Janice Okoh’s The Gift. This outrageous comedy-drama tells the story of two Sarahs – an African girl adopted by Queen Victoria; and a modern-day, middle-class woman living in a quiet Cheshire village. Themes of imperialism, cultural appropriation and drinking tea come to the fore when their stories unexpectedly collide.
