Cambridge Arts Theatre is keeping your calendar covered. Here’s the latest
First up, it’s the world premiere of Julian Barnes’ The Lemon Table from 2 to 6 November, starring the Olivier and Tony Award-winning Ian McDiarmid, with artistic direction from long-term creative collaborator Michael Grandage. The play tackles the complicated subject of ageing with emotional sensitivity and comic flair, McDiarmid’s one-man performance carrying the show. Clare Teal, singer and Jazz FM presenter, is joined by her sextet on 7 November. Their ‘momentous collaboration of swing’ celebrates a century of pop music, with plenty of gems from the jazz age thrown in for an uplifting evening.
Then, from 9 until 13 November, catch The Good Life. This theatrical reimagining of the legendary sitcom sees the Goods and the Leadbetters navigate their uproarious adventures as suburban neighbours, and features standout performances from stars of stage and screen, Rufus Hound and Preeya Kalidas. On 14 November, acclaimed artist and activist Ai Weiwei will make an appearance to discuss his ambitious memoir, 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows. It’s an epic tale charting the story of his own extraordinary life, along with the legacy of his poet father, Ai Qing – and champions freedom of expression.
Acclaimed artist and activist Ai Weiwei will make an appearance to discuss his ambitious memoir, 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows
An Evening with Brian Blessed follows on 16 November, featuring anecdotes from the actor, writer and presenter’s illustrious career. For the past five decades, Blessed has lent his talents to a dizzying array of productions, including Doctor Who and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – so you’re in for a real treat with his larger-than-life stories. From 18 to 20 November, you’ll find a magical world of myths and legends in the shape of Dragons and Mythical Beasts – a fantastic family show filled with spellbinding adventure and spectacular puppetry.
Noël Coward’s Private Lives rounds off the month from 22 to 27 November, starring the Olivier Award-winning Patricia Hodge alongside Nigel Havers. Based on the original 1930 production, the story follows the once-married Amanda and Elyot, who find themselves in the same hotel on the French Riviera while on honeymoon with their new partners.
The year ends on a high with Cambridge Arts Theatre’s much-anticipated panto, which this year is Aladdin. Starring audience favourite Matt Crosby as Widow Twankey, this enchanting tale is a singalong sensation for the whole family to enjoy, packed with dazzling costumes, infectious musical numbers and jokes galore. The panto will be running from 2 December right through until 9 January 2022 – Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without it!
Ticket details for all shows mentioned can be found on the Cambridge Arts Theatre website. cambridgeartstheatre.com
