Eastbourne Theatres – What’s on in February?
DOUBLE INDEMNITY
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE | Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 February | Tickets £35
Hollywood icon Mischa Barton (The O.C.) makes her UK stage debut in Double Indemnity, the gripping adaptation of one of the greatest crime novels of the 20th Century – the story that inspired Billy Wilder’s film noir classic, and the UK tour begins in Eastbourne! See it first here!
Los Angeles, 1930’s. Amidst the wreckage of the Great Depression, Walter Huff, a sharp-eyed insurance salesman, has built his career spotting scams. But when he meets the dangerously seductive Phylis Nirdlinger (Barton) to discuss her husband’s life insurance policy, he finds himself drawn into a web of lust, greed, and betrayal. Together they plot the perfect crime: murder the husband, cash in the policy, and disappear into the Californian sunset. But passion can cloud judgement, and guilt can corrode the most perfect of plans. With each step increasingly risky, and as mistrust simmers, will Walter and Phyllis outsmart the law – or each other?
James M. Cain’s thrillingly amoral masterpiece of murder, deceit, and mystery is adapted for the stage by Tom Holloway and directed by Oscar Toeman.
ROB LAMBERTI: PERFECTLY GEORGE
CONGRESS THEATRE | Friday 6 February, 7.30pm | from £35.50
This show has wowed audiences around the country and Europe, in a dynamic show that tactfully and appropriately celebrates the career of one of the most gifted performers of a generation. From Wham! all the way through to the diverse eras of George’s hugely successful solo career, the show tells the story of George Michael in the vast repertoire of songs that made him an icon to so many.
LUTHER LIVE & VELVET VOICES
CONGRESS THEATRE | Saturday 7 February, 7.30pm | £31.50
Step into a world of soul, romance, and unforgettable grooves in a night celebrating the golden era of R’n’B. The smooth sounds of Luther Vandross, Alexander O’Neal and many others are celebrated with powerhouse vocals and a sensational live band. The concert also pays tribute to a roll call of R’n’B royalty, including Marvin Gaye, Bobby Brown, and George Benson – delivering hit after hit from the 80s and 90s.
SING-A-LONG-A THE GREATEST SHOWMAN
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE | Sunday 8 February, 7pm | £18.50
The smash hit film musical with lyrics on screen, sing your heart out with our live host who will teach you some dance moves and show you how to use your free props bag. YOU the audience will rewrite the stars!
Please note this is a screening of the movie not a live stage show
LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
CONGRESS THEATRE | Sunday 8 February, 3pm | from £16
Edward Gardner conducts Elgar’s Sospiri (5’) Cello Concerto (30’0 and Enigma Variations (32’)
There’s only one Edward Elgar – or is there? For the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Principal Conductor Edward Gardner, Elgar is more than just a national institution with a walrus moustache. He’s the haunted, autumnal poet of the Cello Concerto (composed among the Sussex Downs); he’s a wit, a statesman, a romantic and – above all – he’s the composer who poured out his soul in ‘Nimrod’, the unforgettable centrepiece of the Enigma Variations. You’ll hear all this and much more when we play both of these much-loved classics, with the great Jan Vogler – a legend among cellists – making a rare Eastbourne appearance.
COLDPLAY BY CANDLELIGHT
CONGRESS THEATRE |Friday 13 February, 7.30pm | from £25
Featuring a spectacular cast of world-class vocalists and an epic live band, prepare for total Paradise, as you experience Coldplay’s biggest hits, like never before. This incredible concert will take you on theAdventure Of A Lifetime, with not just a Sky Full Of Stars, but a room full of candlelight and spectacular live music, too! Get ready to hear all your favourites performed live, by candlelight.
UKRANIAN NATIONAL OPERA: MADAMA BUTTERFLY
CONGRESS THEATRE | Saturday 14 February, 7.30pm | £46
Performed by the Dnipro Opera, from Ukraine accompanied by a live Orchestra. No opera can match the tragedy and sorrow of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. This touching tale of innocent love crushed between two utterly different cultures resonates as strongly as ever. This compelling tale remained Puccini’s favourite opera and gave the world arias – One Fine Day and Love Duet, as well as the Humming Chorus which continue to be loved after more than a century.
Sung in Italian with English Surtitles.
UKRANIAN NATIONAL OPERA: CARMEN
CONGRESS THEATRE | Sunday 15 February, 7.30pm | £46
Carmen tells the story of Don José, a naïve soldier who falls head over heels in love with Carmen, a seductive, free-spirited femme fatale. Considered to be George Bizet’s most popular opera, the music of Carmen is widely acclaimed for the brilliance of its melodies, enthralling atmosphere, and orchestration, as well as for the skill with which Bizet musically represented the raw emotions of his characters. Performed by the Dnipro Opera, from Ukraine accompanied by a live Orchestra.
Sung in French with English Surtitles.
GLORIOUS!
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE | Monday 16 – Saturday 21 February | £25
Florence Foster Jenkins is about to blow your mind…and possibly your eardrums.
Glorious! follows Florence’s journey as she prepares for her concerts, builds an unlikely friendship with her accompanist, Cosme, and defies her critics to follow her dreams.
Dubbed ‘the worst singer in the world,’ Glorious! is the true story of American socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, who was known for her flamboyant costumes, enigmatic performances, and decidedly off-key voice.
Starring Wendi Peters (Coronation Street) as Florence Foster Jenkins and Matthew James Morrison (EastEnders), as Cosme McMoon, in this 20th anniversary production, this hilarious production played to rave reviews at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre and is the feel-good comedy we’ve been waiting for.
Glorious! wowed audiences in its original Olivier-nominated West End long-running production starring Maureen Lipman in 2005, before coming to the silver screen, starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant in the film version of the play.
Glorious! Is written by Peter Quilter (End of the Rainbow and the Oscar-winning film, Judy) and directed by Kirk Jameson (Song From Far Away, Madagascar: The Musical).
TOP HAT
CONGRESS THEATRE | Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 February | from £28
Based on the classic 1935 RKO movie starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Top Hat is a sparkling romantic cocktail laced with witty comedy, stunning choreography and tap-dancing brilliance, brought to life on stage with lavish sets and gorgeous costumes. Irving Berlin’s irresistible score includes some of Hollywood’s greatest songs, the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.
When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont whose beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by Jerry tap dancing in the hotel suite above hers. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her – but the path of true love never does run smooth.
Put on your top hat, brush off your tails and let this joyous romantic musical comedy sweep you off your feet!
THE MAKINGS OF A MURDERER; THE UNDERCOVER DETECTIVE
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE |Sunday 22 February, 7.45pm | £29
Join Peter Bleksley, a founding member of Scotland Yard’s undercover unit and former star of Channel 4’s Hunted, as he lifts the lid on the most dangerous and hidden aspects of murder investigations. From the gritty realities of infiltrating criminal gangs to his own terrifying experience of becoming the target of a murder plot, prepare for an unforgettable evening of true crime.
JIMEOIN
CONGRESS THEATRE | Thursday 26 February, 7.30pm | £25
Jimeoin’s cheeky no-gimmicks sense of humour, superb material and broad appeal keeps audiences in stitches with an incredible ability to create belly laughs out of microscopically observed human behaviour. You might be one of the hundreds of millions of fans who have viewed his online comedy clips, or perhaps you’ve seen his TV appearances, but nothing beats seeing this Irish observational joke-master where he is most at home – live-on-stage!
STITCHES COMEDY CLUB
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE | Thursday 26 February, 8pm | £23.50
FEATURING SCOTT BENNETT, JO CAULFIELD & SIMON BRODKIN
Opening the show is rising star Scott Bennett, followed by comedy royalty, Jo Caulfield. Headlining the night is Simon Brodkin! You’ll remember Simon for his character act Lee Nelson, but now he’s has removed the mask and is touring as himself around the UK. Compered by James Alderson.
PEPPA PIG’S BIG FAMILY SHOW
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE | Friday 27 & Saturday 28 February, | £19
Peppa Pig and friends are back in their brand-new live stage show!
With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig & George all need your help to get everything ready before the arrival of baby Evie! There’s so much to do – will they get it all finished in time?
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones and is the perfect introduction to theatre.
THE 80s SHOW
CONGRESS THEATRE | Saturday 28 February, 7.30pm | £33
From the infectious pop melodies of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Wham! to the rock anthems of Bon Jovi and Tears for Fears plus a few nice surprises, this show will have everyone dancing and singing along to their favourite 80s tunes. Featuring an exceptional line-up of musicians prepare for an authentic high-energy performance that will capture the essence of the era.
TICKETS £33