Mike Leigh’s much-loved acerbic comedy, Abigail’s Party (10 March – 2 April) is the centrepiece of Watford Palace Theatre’s spring season of fresh and multi-genre performance programmed with all the family in mind. With disco tunes blaring from the speakers and a healthy supply of pineapple-and-cheese on sticks, Beverly and her estate agent husband Laurence are hosting their newly wed neighbours at a suburban soiree. The two couples are joined by the very anxious Susan, who has been sent out of her home while her daughter Abigail has a party. The longer the evening goes on, the more the veneer of polite English behaviour cracks. Quintessentially 70s and intelligently timeless, Abigail’s Party is a riotous reveal of hypocrisy and social conventions.
Directed by Pravesh Kumar, and designed by Rebecca Brower, the new staging sees the Watford Palace Theatre’s main house reconfigured so the show can be performed in traverse. Audience members will be able to purchase tickets to sit onstage and take in the action direct from Beverly’s living room
Concurrently, the Palace Young Company will deliver their own updated take on the off-stage titular party. Abi’s House Party (6 – 7 April) ingeniously imagines what could really be happening back at home while Sue sits fretting at Beverly and Laurence’s place. Expect teenage rebellion, a disregard for mum’s décor and a seventies soundtrack.
Elsewhere, the season kicks off with Sukh Ojla: Life Sukhs (14 January). The solo comedy, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019, peels away the layers of taboo around discussing mental health as Sukh charts her own life story of ups and downs, backwards moments and forwards strides. Identity, emotions and living back with your parents as an adult all get examined. The laughter continues with Ed Gamble: Electric (9 February). Ed arrives in Watford fresh from a sell-out tour of his own house in 2020 (extended into 2021 due to popular demand) and an appetite for attention seeking. Further comedy comes from Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado (10 – 11 May), the stand-up comedian’s two-part show is about the culture wars and a bizarre Netflix listings error involving sharks falling from the sky.
The first of several live music events takes place with The Bob Dylan Story (29 January). Spend Saturday night at the Watford Palace Theatre in the company of “Bob” and “The Band” as they rollock their way though Dylan’s greatest 60s hits. Another evening of live music comes to the theatre with ELO Again (25 February). Designed as the ‘ultimate tribute to Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra’, the UK’s No.1 tribute show serves up glam rock and symphonic rock in a night to remember. The final tribute night of the season is T.Rextasy – The Greatest Hits Tour (13 May) who bring the iconic hits of Marc Bolan and T.Rex to the Watford Palace Theatre.
For the opera lovers, Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic comic opera The Pirates of Penzance (2 – 5 Feb) offers audiences a slice of catchy, fast-paced fun. Created by local Abbots Langley Gilbert & Sullivan Society, this tounge-in-cheek tale of duty, daughters and dastardly pirates is the perfect tonic to the dark days of February.
The Palace team develop and celebrate homegrown talent. The Hertfordshire Film Festival (16 – 17 February). Showcasing the next generation of filmmakers from across the county, the mid-week programme features screenings of new films by local young filmmakers, along with a collection of talks and masterclasses from industry professionals, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the University of Hertfordshire, and CathARTic art.
For adults looking in line for some (almost) wholesome fun, Bumper Blyton: The Improvised Adventure (24 Feburary) is an improvised parody show recycling the famous British author’s adventure tales for an adult audience. Get ready for lots of spotted dick jokes.
A plethora of shows for the littlest members starts with a lush multisensory show created for babies aged 0-2 years old. Underwater (11 – 12 February) by Xenia Aidonopoulou and Georgia Tegou delivers a gorgeous twist on the classic pas de deux, when a ballerina and an octopus form an unlikely friendship and show off their moves to a twinkling soundtrack. We then return to family fun with Fireman Sam Saves the Circus – Live! (19 February). When Norman Price goes on a big adventure in Pontypandy and decides to join the circus, he finds himself in need of a little help. Will Fireman Sam be able to save the day and keep the show on the road?
The next musical offering is poptastic concert for all children who love to bop along to an up tempo tune. Pop Princesses (11 April) pumps up the volume with a soundtack of big-name popstars including Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Little Mix. The following day brings another children’s show to Watford with Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science (12 April). Created for the over-7s and designed with big kids in mind too, this raucous but educational show makes physics, biology and chemistry explosively fun.
And the spring season closes with an interactive, adventure-filled family show. Get Lost and Found: Roald Dahl (21 May) is a cross-over between performance, games and creative play, linking together the author’s much-loved stories including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Twits.
Artistic Director Brigid Larmour said ‘We’ve got a spring full of joy and laughter for our audiences to look forward to. Pravesh Kumar brings a fresh take on Mike Leigh’s classic Abigail’s Party, with creative local young people devising a new show in response. We’re working with Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and other local partners to develop and showcase young local film talent here in the heartland of British filmmaking, withn the Hertfordshire Film Festival. And stunningly imaginative dance show for babies, Underwater, developed at the Palace during lockdown with the support of our Three Counties Freelancer Open Call-out, is a high point in a rich mix of shows from families. We’ve also got a brilliant programme of live music programme, to bring our community together.’
Watford Palace Theatre inspires and entertains through inventive, ambitious, and inclusive drama, new plays, musicals, dance, and family shows; Imagine Watford, a free annual festival celebrating a range of outdoor performance art; diverse stand-up; Stage in the Park, an exciting and varied programme of entertainment set in Cassiobury Park, Watford; and a much-loved traditional pantomime. It reflects its diverse communities, and fully represents women, both onstage and behind the scenes, whilst celebrating and developing creativity and skill in the community and with young people, exhibited with Buffering, the first onstage performance by the Palace Young Company at Stage in the Park, and the Hertfordshire Film Festival produced in partnership with Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the University of Hertfordshire, and CathARTic Art. The theatre’s locally produced shows and home-grown talent have toured nationally and internationally, been seen on BBC iPlayer, won awards, and transferred to the West End. Central to WPT’s vision is Resident Partner Rifco Theatre Company. Recent WPT productions include Jan Ravens in Talking Heads; an all-female Gaslight; the UK’s first African-American Glass Menagerie; and Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular. World premieres include musicals Mushy and Miss Meena & the Masala Queens (with Rifco), and I Capture the Castle, and plays good dog by Arinze Kene (with tiata fahodzi), Poppy+George by Diane Samuels, Coming Up by Neil d’Souza, Jefferson’s Garden by Timberlake Wertenbaker, and Jumpers for Goalposts by Tom Wells.
@watfordpalace | https://watfordpalacetheatre.
Listings information
Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ
Box office: 01923 225 671 | sales@watfordpalacetheatre.co.
https://watfordpalacetheatre.
Supported by Arts Council England and Watford Borough Council
Programme:
Sukh Ojla: Life Sukhs
Feeling a little lost but still got a sense of humour about it? This show is for you. Premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019, Sukh Ojla’s one-woman show takes an honest look at what happens when life’s best made plans go a little awry and you end up living back with your parents. A skilliful dissection of indentiy, mental health and living a double life. Age 16+.
Fri 14 January 2022, 7.30pm.
£15.
Web link: Sukh Ojla: Life Sukhs - Watford Palace Theatre
The Bob Dylan Story
Combinging Bob Dylan’s hit songs from across the 60s with visual imagery and storytelling, this show celebrates a musical genius whose work has inspired generations of artists. Features classic tracks including Blowin’ in the Wind and Like a Rolling Stone. Age 10+.
Sat 29 January 2022, 7.30pm.
£20.
Web link: The Bob Dylan Story - Watford Palace Theatre
The Pirates of Penzance
Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic comic opera about duty, piracy and love is presented by ALGSS in a new staging that promises to be fun, frivolrous and full of laughs.
Wed 2 – Sat 5 February 2022, 7.30pm (2.30pm matinee on 5 Feb)
From £20.
Web link: Pirates of Penzance - Watford Palace Theatre
Ed Gamble: Electric
Comedian and award-winning podcast host Ed Gamble brings his latest show to Watford for a night of unabashed attention-seeking and good jokes. 2020 was a big year for Ed, featuring a sold-out tour of his own home (extended into 2021 due to popular demand). Age 14+.
Wednesday 9 February 2022, 7.30pm.
From £20.
Web link: Ed Gamble: Electric - Watford Palace Theatre
Underwater
Xenia Aidonopoulou and Georgia Tegou present a magical dance theatre show for babies aged 0-2years old. This multi-sensory show tells the story of what happens when a ballerina befriends an octopus. Watch their friendship unfold to a twinkling soundtack. Age 0-2.
Co-produced with Greek National Opera’s Alternative Stage. Commissioned by Belfast Children’s Festival, Watford Palace Theatre and the Lowry. Supported by Arts Council England.
Friday 11 – Saturday 12 February 2022, 10am, 11:30am & 1pm.
£10 (1 adult and 1 baby); each additional adult £4.
Web link: Underwater - Watford Palace Theatre
Hertfordshire Film Festival
The talents of new filmmakers from across Hertfordshire are celebrated with this two-day festival made up of screenings, workshops and masterclasses. Discover the latest generation of creatives working on the screen, or develop your own skills with help from those in the know. Programmed in partnership with Warner Bros Studios Leavesden, the University of Hertfordshire and Cathartic.
Wednesday 16 – Thursday 17 February 2022.
www.hertsfilmfest.co.uk
Fireman Sam Saves the Circus – Live!
An all-singing and all-dancing show that brings to the stage one of the nation’s best loved children’s characters. Fireman Sam is called upon to save the day after Normal Price gets into a spot of bother after joining a visiting circus. Warning: contains a tiger on the loose, some faulty lights and a rush against the ticking clock.
Saturday 19 February 2022, 10.30am & 1pm.
From £14.50
Web link: Fireman Sam Saves The Circus - Live! - Watford Palace Theatre
Bumper Blyton: The Improvised Adventure
Enid Blyton’s famous stories get a cheeky adults-only remix in this improvised parody show. Come for a gigglesome night at the theatre, stay for the spotted dick.
Thursday 24 February 2022, 7.30pm.
From £16.
Web link: Bumper Blyton - The Improvised Adventure - Watford Palace Theatre
ELO Again: The Ultimate Tribute to Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra
This tribute to the work of Jeff Lynne and the Electirc Light Orchestra is the UK’s No. 1 tribute show. Audience will be transported back to the age of Glam Rock and symphonic rock with an uplifting programme of classic tunes.
Friday 25 February 2022, 7.30pm.
From £23.50
Web link: ELO Again: The Ultimate Tribute to Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra - Watford Palace Theatre
Watford Palace Theatre in association with Rifco Theatre Company presents
Abigail’s Party
The headline show of Watford Palace’s spring season, Mike Leigh’s peak behind the curtains of 70s suburbia is revived by Pravesh Kumar, and designed by Rebecca Brower. The theatre is reconfigured into traverse fashion with on-stage seating available to the audience. Beverly and Laurence are hosting drinks for their newly-wed neighbours when the uber anxious Susan appears filled with worries about the house party of her daughter, Abigail. As Susan frets and the pineapple-on-sticks are passed around, relationship tensions and English pretentions rise irripessibly to the surface.
Thursday 10 March – 2 April 2022
Previews: 10-15 March; Behind the Scenes tour: 18 March 7.30pm, 25 March 7.30pm and 1 April 7.30pm; Mother’s Day Tea Party: 27 March 2.30pm; Captioned: 31 March 7.30pm; Audio described with touch tour 2 April 2.30pm
From £17; concessions from £15. £5 discount when booking for Abigail’s Party and Abi’s House Party at the same time.
Web link: Abigail's Party - Watford Palace Theatre
Palace Young Company present
Abi’s House Party
The Palace Young Company ingeniously bring to life the off-stage party underpinning Mike Leigh’s comedy Abigail’s Party. With mum Sue successfully thrown out the house, the scene is set to create a house party to remember. Step inside a 70s party to remember – and it’s a little bit different from the one Beverly and Laurence are hosting.
Wed 6 April 2022, 8pm; Thu 7 April 2022, 3pm and 7.30pm
Under 26s £5, all other concessions £8, full price £10
Web link: Abi's House Party - Watford Palace Theatre
Sweeney Entertainments present
Pop Princesses
A poptastic concert for every child who loves Ariana Grande, Little Mix, Taylor Swift and the other icons of the contemporary pop world. Put on your best dancing shoes and meet a beautiful line-up of princesses who transform into pop stars.
Mon 11 April 2022, 2pm
Standard £15, VIP £20 (includes a meet and greet with the Princesses before the show!)
Web link: Pop Princesses - Watford Palace Theatre
Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science
Whether you’re 7 or 107, you’ll enjoy this rollicking run through biology, physics and chemistry. Get ready for some explosive thrills, chemical spills and a risk assessment to give a stage manager the chills. For the next generation of Einsteins.
Age 7+.
Tuesday 12 April 2022, 2pm
£10
Web link: Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science - Watford Palace Theatre
John Mackay in association with Debi Allen / Curist Brown present
Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado
One of the nation’s top comedians presents a double-bill of two 60-minute sets. Snowflake grapples with the culture wars, while Tornado responds to a Netflix listings error that saw the comedian’s show listed a “reports of sharks falling from the skies are on the rise again. Nobody on the Eastern Seabord is safe.” Age 14+.
Tue 10 – Wed 11 May 2022, 7.30pm
From £24.50
Web link: Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado - Watford Palace Theatre
Sweeney Entertainments present
T.Rextasy – The Greatest Hits Tour
Relive the genius of Marc Bolan and T.Rex with the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to T.Rex. Get your Glam Rock gladrags on and party to an evening of Rock-a-Boogie songs.
Fri 13 May 2022, 7.30pm
£24.50
Web link: T-Rextasy: The Greatest Hits Tour - Watford Palace Theatre
Get Lost and Found: Roald Dahl
An interactive family show involving performance, games and creative play based around the much-loved children’s stories by Roald Dahl. Suitable for all the family, the show revisits classics including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Twits.
Sat 21 May 2022, 2pm
Tickets: £10
Web link: Get Lost and Found: Roald Dahl - Watford Palace Theatre
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