EM FORSTER THEATRE 2021
Autumn Season
Live Performance in the Heart of Tonbridge
Highlights this season include a return to Tonbridge for Clare Teal and her Trio, the fantastic Blackeyed Theatre with The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll & Mr Hyde, super shows for families with delightful puppetry in Woodland Tales with Granddad, and children’s favourite What the Ladybird Heard and restaurant critic Jay Rayner returns to Tonbridge with his new show. Plus NT live broadcasts of the latest critically acclaimed shows, music, school productions and outdoor theatre.
SEPTEMBER
Thu 2nd – 7.00pm
NT LIVE FOLLIES
Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton play the magnificent Follies in this dazzling production. Featuring a cast of 37 and an orchestra of 21, Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical was directed by Dominic Cooke and filmed live on stage at the National Theatre in 2017.
Thu 9th – 7.30pm
CLARE TEAL AND HER TRIO
This brand-new show promises a rich jazz infused repertoire in its many forms bringing you more exhilarating swing as Clare Teal and her Trio celebrate 100 years of pop music.
Fri 10th – 7pm Library Gardens – Outdoor Performance
SLAPSTICK PICNIC: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Over tea and cucumber sandwiches, we ask that you prepare to witness the impossible – the entirety of Oscar Wilde’s classic play of manners, affairs and handbags being performed by just two rather dashing entertainers.
Sat 11th – 7.00pm & 9.00pm | EM Forster Studio
THE AUTOBIOGRPAHY OF THE GIRL WHO NEVER MADE IT!
A musical comedy about the trials of trying to make it big in the 90’s! Rosanna Colclough invites you to witness her live autobiography; an honest and hilarious story of ‘living the dream’.
Wed 15th – 7.30pm | EMF Theatre
A PERFECT LIKENESS
When two creative souls, Charles Dodgson (also known as Lewis Carroll) invites Charles Dickens to his home to pose for a portrait the result is a hilarious and revealing conversation between two quirky, fascinating and completely different men.
Fri 17th – 7.30pm | EMF Studio Theatre
TONBRIDGE COMEDY NIGHTS
Mon 20th & Tues 21st – 7.30pm | EM Forster Theatre
THE STRANGE CASE OF DOCTOR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE
A thrilling adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psychological fantasy which immerses you in the myth and mystery of the 19th century London’s fog-bound streets where love, betrayal and murder lurk at every chilling twist and turn. Gripping, stylish and thought provoking.
Sat 25th & Sun 26th – Sat 2.00pm & 4.30pm, Sun 11.3am & 2.00pm | EM Forster Theatre
WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD
Join the clever ladybird as she leads the animals on their quest to save the day in this joyous stage adaption of the bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. With live music, puppetry, and a whole farmyard of fun.
Thu 2nd – 7.00pm | EM Forster Theatre
NT LIVE ROMEO & JULIET
This bold new film brings to life the remarkable backstage spaces of the National Theatre in which desire, dreams and destiny collide to make Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy sing in an entirely new way.
Jessie Buckley (Wild Rose, Judy) and Josh O’Connor (The Crown, God’s Own Country) play Juliet and Romeo.
OCTOBER
Fri 1st | EM Forster Theatre
SINGALONG SOUND OF MUSIC
You chance to singalong with Maria. All profits got to Hospices of Hope
Sun 3rd – 2.30pm
SAME SAME… BUT DIFFERENT
A fun and magical dance show, engaging for children and grown ups alike. The show explores our curiosities and fears, the times we feel different and when we belong. Mixing 3 exciting dance styles: Kathak, Hip Hop and Contemporary dance, plus beatboxing, moments of live music, comedy and physical storytelling. In this jam packed show, our 3 very different dancers together conjure up a playful and colourful world for everyone to enjoy.
Age 5+ –
8pm EM Forster Theatre
MY LAST SUPPER: ONE MEAL, A LIFETIME IN THE MAKING WITH JAY RAYNER
Imagine you are about to die. You have In this barnstorming new show, based on his new book, Rayner investigates our fascination with last suppers and tells stories of the killer dishes that would end up on his table.
Fri 22nd, 7.30pm | EM Forster Studio
TONBRIDGE COMEDY NIGHTS
Get the weekend started on a Friday night with brilliant comedy from three of the circuit’s best comedians.
NOVEMBER
Sun 7th, 7.00pm | EMF Theatre
RISING STAR THE SHOW
An evening of Musical Theatre performances from some of the best young talent, locally and nationally.
Fri 12TH, 7.30pm | EM Forster Studio
Get the weekend started on a Friday night with brilliant comedy from three of the circuit’s best comedians
Thu 18th,7.30pm | EM Forster Studio
BOBBY & AMY
An award-winning dark comedy about foot-and-mouth disease by double Fringe First Award winner, Emily Jenkins
An exhilarating 70-minute coming-of age journey, with two actors playing 21 different characters. Bobby & Amy was a sell-out show at Edinburgh Fringe, where it was named Top Pick by The Stage, The Times, The Scotsman, WhatsOnStage and The Independent.
SUN 21ST, 11.30AM & 2.00PM | EM Forster Studio
WOODLAND TALES WITH GRANDAD
Featuring a cast of extraordinary puppets, this uproarious family show not only entertains, but has an important and timely environmental message to share.
TUESDAY 23RD– SATURDAY 27TH – 7.30PM | EM Forster Theatre
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
Performed by Tonbridge School students and local students.