Here’s our round-up of this month’s must-see theatre
The animals are revolting at Cambridge Arts Theatre in Animal Farm, running from 8 to 12 February. Directed by Robert Icke, renowned for his smash-hit adaptation of 1984 for the West End and Broadway, this contemporary take on Orwell’s classic offers a poignant message about the pursuit of freedom, revolution and its repercussions.
Also at the Arts, join Professor Plum, Mrs Peacock, Colonel Mustard et al for a deadly dinner party in Cluedo, from 14 to 19 February. Directed by Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong) and starring Michelle Collins (EastEnders) as Miss Scarlett, this stage adaptation of the 1985 film promises to bring the board game to life. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the victim!
Visit the ADC from 8 to 12 February for Rent, the four-time Tony-winning musical based loosely on Puccini’s opera La Bohème. Set in Manhattan’s East Village, it follows a group navigating the rocky road to their hopes and dreams, amid the looming Aids crisis. From 16 to 19 February, Dragtime! are back with Unhinged, a Valentine’s show teeming with lip syncs, pole dancing and more. From 22 to 26 February, fans of the Bard can look forward to a reimagining of The Winter’s Tale set in a circus ring, where emotions reach delirium after the ringmaster gets the wrong end of the stick.
For a good old Galentine’s alternative, look no further than #thebabyquestion from the Junction, available to stream online all day from 14 to 20 February. The research-based performance follows three women as they pick apart the pervasive power of ‘the baby question’ in the 21st century, giving voice to the ever-growing number of women choosing not to have children.
New this year, Club Urania will offer monthly extravaganzas at the Junction brimming with queer joy, poetry, open mic and live DJ sets to boot. Entering its orbit on 18 February is non-binary queer feminist punk duo Pink Suits, who will pack a punch with their brand of political noise, dance and physical theatre. On 22 and 23 February, The Dan Daw Show delivers a daringly intimate show, delving into the dialectic of shame and pride. It’s an altogether transgressive and reaffirming experience about conquering your inner self.
At Cambridge Corn Exchange, Canadian tribute band The Musical Box revive the acclaimed Genesis rock opera The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway for one last time on 10 February, and finally, join Miles Jupp, Tony Hawks, Pippa Evans and Rory Bremner for the live tour of radio hit I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue on 28 February. Host Jack Dee guides the cast through an evening of frivolous fun and games.
