Worthing Theatres confirm new season as reopening beckons

Reopening day is Tuesday, May 18.

CEO Amanda O’Reilly said: “We are thrilled to be re-opening with a fantastic line-up of live events over the next few months. The safety of our audiences and staff remains our top priority and we have been working hard to ensure you feel safe, secure and comfortable at all times.

“We have numerous additional safety measures in place and all our performances prior to the June 21 are socially distanced. We remain attentive to government guidance and will continue to prioritise protecting everyone inside our venues.

“The first large-scale theatre production of 2021 is Rhum and Clay’s critically acclaimed The War Of The Worlds (May 20-22) programmed in partnership with Brighton Festival 2021.

“The theatre programme continues with the award-winning Proteus Theatre presenting Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber (June 11-12), a dramatic feminist re-telling of some of the most famous folk and fairy tales in western culture and the UK premiere of the Conn Artists latest production, A Perfect Likeness (July 3), a rollicking Victorian odd-couple encounter between two titans of English literature from the Connaught Theatre's associate company.

“Family theatre returns to the Pavilion Theatre this May half-term. WTM and PHA present a brand-new production of Pinocchio (May 29-June 3) starring Dave Benson Phillips as the mischievous fox. Follow Pinocchio on his adventures from his home to Stromboli's Circus and back again via the belly of a whale as he learns valuable life lessons. Perfect for three to eight-year-olds, this socially distanced event is full of songs, laughter and magic sure to bring a smile to your face.

“The comedy line-up opens at the Pavilion Theatre with Victorious (May 18), Brighton-based musical comedy performer Hannah Brackenbury’s joyful and poignant musical tribute to the late, great Victoria Wood, followed by the hilarious Britain’s Got Talent finalist Daliso Chaponda with his new show Apocalypse Not Now (May 19). Internationally acclaimed comedy star Daniel Sloss returns to the stage, following two hugely successful Netflix specials DARK and Jigsaw, with his latest show Hubris (June 4) and an amazing double bill of Laura Lexx: Knee Jerk and Lauren Pattison (June 18) has a laugh with society's big issues. The always incredible Sarah Millican is back on stage with her sixth international tour Bobby Dazzler (July 23) where you’ll learn about what happens when your mouth seals shut, trying to lose weight but only losing the tip of your finger and how truly awful a floatation tank can actually be.”

Amanda added: “An excellent programme of live music starts in July with Tim Vine is Plastic Elvis (July 8), a show that sees the hilarious Tim Vine take to the stage as Plastic Elvis backed by his incredible five piece High Noon Band. It will be followed by amazing tribute act Whitney – Queen of the Night (July 9) direct from the West End; this show offers a stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time, taking you on a magical rollercoaster ride through three decades of nostalgic hits.

“Contemporary dance returns to the stage at the Connaught Theatre with Lila Dance’s The Hotel Experience (July 17). Watch four mesmerising dancers in this extraordinary night of dance with one of Britain’s fastest growing dance companies.

“WTM’s fantastic resident archaeologist James Sainsbury is giving his first talk live on stage at the Pavilion Theatre. Revealing details of Worthing’s fascinating history in James Sainsbury: John Pull & Worthing's Stone Age Revolution (June 15), James will take you on a journey to the top of our green hills and below into subterranean chalk tunnels from a far distant past.

“The WTM museum team will also be offering a diverse programme of walks, talks and workshops covering a variety of topics over the next few months. These include walks at unique historic locations, such as Cissbury Ring (May 29 and June 17), Highdown Hill (June 3) and Chanctonbury Ring (June 12). Talks covering exhibitions, artistic techniques and the permanent collections, and workshops such as Dress Illustration (June 19 and June 24), Archaeological Photography (June 26 and July 1) and Children's Historic Hat Making (July 17).

“The museum will open on Saturday May 22 with four wonderful new exhibitions; Indian Yellow, In Their Shoes – Tales Of Life During Lockdown, the Digital Open20 and Pet Portraits by Hercule Van Wolfwinkle.”

More details are available at www.wtam.uk.

WTM safety measures include additional cleaning procedures, fogging of the venues, e-tickets, air-flow between performances and socially distanced seating as required by government regulations. For more information on safety procedures visit www.wtam.uk/stories/coronavirus/.