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A Little Life
Certificate 18. 220 mins (1 interval).
James Norton (Happy Valley) stars in the theatrical event of 2023 as visionary director Ivo van Hove (A View from the Bridge) stages the English language premiere of A Little Life.
Following a sell-out West End run, this record-breaking production of the million-copy bestseller by Hanya Yanagihara will now be released in cinemas across the UK and selected international territories.
A Little Life follows four college friends in New York City: aspiring actor Willem, successful architect Malcolm, struggling artist JB, and prodigious lawyer Jude. As ambition, addiction, and pride threaten to pull the group apart, they always find themselves bound by their love for Jude and the mysteries of his past. But when those secrets come to light, they finally learn that to know Jude St Francis is to understand the limitless potential of love in the face of life.
The critically acclaimed five-star play also stars Luke Thompson (Bridgerton), Omari Douglas (It’s A Sin), Zach Wyatt (The Witcher), Elliot Cowan (The Crown), Zubin Varla (Tammy Faye), Nathalie Armin (Force Majeure) and Emilio Doorgasingh (Best of Enemies).
A deeply moving and affecting piece of theatre’ ★★★★★ Theatre Weekly
‘James Norton is astonishing’ ★★★★ The Stage
‘Utterly compelling theatre’ ★★★★ Daily Express
‘James Norton gives a career-defining performance’ ★★★★ Daily Mail
‘Norton’s astonishing performance puts him into the top rank’ ★★★★ Evening Standard
‘James Norton delivers an incredible performance’ ★★★★ Gay Times
Magnificent. beautifully played by the eight-strong cast’ ★★★★ The I
‘An unforgettable show’ ★★★★ London Theatre
Courtyard Theatre
£16
Norden Farm Youth Theatre (Junior)
Led by Emma Duncan.
In each session children take part in a series of drama games and activities that develop their confidence as well as teaching them drama skills. These include focus, communication, developing a character and voice projection.
As the weeks go on the group will each have a part with some lines to learn in a small-scale show. They will rehearse as a team and share what they have learnt during the last session, more details to follow on this after half term.
Suitable for school years 2 - 6.
'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Timothy, age 7
'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent
Autumn
Wed 20 Sept - Wed 6 Dec, exc 25 Oct
5pm - 6pm
£93.50
Junior Youth Theatre Bookng Form
- 4 Oct
- 11 Oct
- 7 more dates...
Norden Farm Youth Theatre (Senior)
Led by Emma Duncan.
Each term we will be focusing on developing the participants confidence and well-being through a series of drama games and activities.
This term the Senior Youth Theatre group are focusing on developing drama skills. They’ll learn a deeper understanding of performance and managing their nerves as well as some more specialised techniques including comedy and physical theatre.
Suitable for school years 7 - 12.
'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Timothy, age 7
'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent
Autumn
Wed 20 Sept - Wed 6 Dec, exc 25 Oct
6.05pm - 7.30pm
£132
Senior Youth Theatre Booking Form
- 4 Oct
- 11 Oct
- 7 more dates...
Community Theatre (Evening)
Led by Neil McCurley
Learn new performance skills, meet new people and have fun - end of term sharing's and annual productions in the mix.
If you have a love of theatre or just want to take part in an enjoyable, collaborative venture then these sessions are for you - whatever your experience or ability.
Sessions are led by Neil McCurley. Neil has spent his adult life working as a theatre practitioner both as a drama teacher and as the Artistic Director of his own theatre company. He has directed over 70 productions.
Everyone over 18 is welcome – no experience necessary
Community Theatre (Evening)
Wed 27 Sept - Wed 6 Dec 8pm - 9.30pm
(exc Wed 25 Oct)
£120 for 10 weeks (£12 for trial for first session, then £108 after)
We also have an evening class, which you can view here.
- 4 Oct
- 11 Oct
- 7 more dates...
Community Theatre (Daytime)
Led by Neil McCurley
Learn new performance skills, meet new people and have fun - end of term sharing's and annual productions in the mix.
If you have a love of theatre or just want to take part in an enjoyable, collaborative venture then these sessions are for you - whatever your experience or ability.
Sessions are led by Neil McCurley. Neil has spent his adult life working as a theatre practitioner both as a drama teacher and as the Artistic Director of his own theatre company. He has directed over 70 productions.
Everyone over 18 is welcome – no experience necessary
Community Theatre (Daytime)
Thur 5 Oct - Thur 7 Dec 2pm - 3.30pm
(exc Thur 26 Oct)
£108 for 9 weeks (£12 for trial for first session, then £99 after)
We also have an evening class, which you can view here.
- 5 Oct from £12
- 12 Oct
- 7 more dates...
Conception: Mary Shelley - The Making of a Monster
Presented by CLAIR/OBSCUR Theatre.
This event marks the 200th anniversary of the first publication of Frankenstein to bear Mary Shelley’s name.
Conception charts a profound voyage of self -discovery for this exceptional writer in her maturity. A journey that trips through the Romantic poetry of Mary Shelley’s contemporaries – P B Shelley, Byron, Keats - soaring like the Skylark and pummelling the depths of Darkness to a final, bare and brutal confrontation with her creation on the Mer de Glace.
October 1840: Gothic writer, Mary Shelley’s first pilgrimage back to Europe in twenty years in defiance of her father - in - law’s express wishes.
Does Mary have the courage to confront the past as she returns to Lake Geneva, her birthplace as a writer and of her most famous novel Frankenstein? Will she find the solace she seeks among Villa Diodati’s rooms, terraces and vineyards where herself, Percy Shelley and Byron spent that unforgettable summer…
Was she the same person who had lived there, the companion of the dead?
More powerful and essential storytelling from Clair Obscur (S.O.E, a necessary woman) celebrating another glorious female icon…
Studio
£16
Kinder
Presented by Smoking Apples.
Escaping on a Kindertransport train, one small Czech-Jewish girl embarks on a
mighty adventure.
Crossing between the past and present, Babi travels across Europe; from bon bons in Germany to the smell of the sea in Margate, she discovers how tiny acts of kindness can change the course of a person’s life.
Joyful, moving and poignant, Kinder features beautiful table top puppetry and
cinematic shadow play. Babi tries to assemble the parts of her broken identity, to find peace in her future.
Kinder is a multi-award winning show, from puppetry and visual theatre company Smoking Apples. Inviting you to take a seat inside an immersive set, the story unfolds through a series of playful hatches and openings.
Kinder has been designed to be accessible for neurodivergent audiences. In the space, we will be providing stims (stimulatory accessories) and active responses to the show are encouraged. Audiences will be able to leave and re-enter the show, at any time and there will be a chill out area (with bean bags, ear defenders and more stims) for periods of regulation. An inclusive resource pack is available on Smoking Apples website, in advance and includes a social story. This can be downloaded here.
'Unmissable' ★★★★★ Everything Theatre
'A symphony of artistry' ★★★★★ West End Evenings
'A Must see play' ★★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions
'Absorbing and touching' ★★★★½ The Reviews Hub
Sat 14 Oct: post show Q&A after the 2pm performance: The cast and creatives of Kinder are joined by Nick Winton, son of Sir Nicholas Winton MBE. They will discuss the show, its themes and the heroic story of how children were evacuated from Prague, to the UK, on the Kindertransport trains. There will be a chance to ask the panel questions and gain insight into the production and the inspirational true story behind it.
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and Enterprise Arts Trust.
Suitable for ages 9+ years and children studying the Holocaust.
Studio
£15 | £12 under 16s
Candlelit Macbeth
Presented by Bart Lee Theatre.
In the darkness something stirs
Visceral
Witches gather and spin their words
Soundscapes clatter
Screams are heard
Whispers of murder
Lurk in the shade
Ambition
Power
Love betrayed
Something wicked this way comes set in the 11th century and faithful to Shakespeare’s text this retelling centres on the witches and their thirst for revenge. They choose a champion to challenge the Christian kings and Macbeth answers the call.
Is this a dagger I see before me Murder, poetry and sword fighting combine as the tale unfolds using candle light to ignite the imagination and chill the soul. Things are about to get very dark indeed.
Macbeth is brought to life by this talented and enthralling story-telling company, igniting the imagination with poetry, sound-scapes, shadows and movement. Faithful to the text and famous Shakespeare characters. Suitable for those studying the play at GCSE as well as lovers of the Bard. Not to be missed.
Creatives
Ann Ogden, movement director, graduate of The Dance School of Scotland and London Studio Centre. Trained in classical ballet, contemporary dance and pilates.
Patsy Fraser, costume and set designer, graduate of Epsom School of Art and Design, Birmingham City University and The Slade School, London. Trained in theatre design and PGCE.
Bart Lee, writer and director, graduate of Rose Bruford Drama School, NYMT, Welfare State Theatre and Community placement, ACE NPO company director, Drama HOD and Art Centre Management. Trained in acting and QTS.
Courtyard Theatre
£16 I £14 Supporters
The Prince of Egypt: The Musical
Dir: Brett Sullivan 2022 | 144 mins
Screening of the epic, critically acclaimed production.
A cast and orchestra of more than 60 artists tells an inspiring tale of resilience and hope.
Filmed live at London’s Dominion Theatre.
The Gingerbread Man and a Pot Full of Magic
Presented by Widdershins.
You can’t catch me, You’re much too slow! I like to run wherever I go!
Can you catch that slippery little biscuit, the Gingerbread Man?
You’ll need a big bowl of porridge first to keep your energy up.
Don’t worry if you haven’t had yours this morning, Granny Grinpickle’s Magic Porridge Pot has made enough for everyone!!
These two tasty tales which you know so well are served with unexpected spices and quirky flavours, along with Widdershins’ trademark ingredients of puppets, pop-up sets and original music.
This performance is the perfect fare for fussy foodies and discerning diners. Bon Appetit!
Suitable for all dietary requirements aged 3+ years.
Studio
£12 | £10 under 16s
Family and Friends (4 people) £40
Tickets for children under 18 months For this show, tickets seats are not required for children under 18 months who are happy to sit on laps.
Hauntings
Performed by Gerard Logan | Directed by Gareth Armstrong | Music by Simon Slater
Hauntings is a spellbinding evening of three tales of the supernatural from two of the world’s greatest writers of ghost stories, E.F. Benson and M.R. James.
From E.F. BENSON comes:
Naboth’s Vineyard - in which just desserts are meted out to an unscrupulous lawyer,
and The Hanging of Alfred Wadham - in which the forces of the devil test a man of faith to his limits.
From the acknowledged master of the ghost story genre, M.R. JAMES, comes:
Oh, Whistle and I’ll Come to You, My Lad - in which a medieval spirit strikes terrorizes an arrogant professor.
With masterful storytelling from the award-winning actor Gerard Logan, Hauntings will transport you to a world of invisible, but terrifyingly present, spirits.
'Logan is astounding....He takes a strong script and flies it to the stars' Edinburgh Festival 2016 ★★★★★
'Watching Logan work is like being privy to a wonder of nature and remains with you... A true masterpiece of solo performance' The Edinburgh Guide - Edinburgh Festival 2015 ★★★★★
Gerard Logan won The Stage Best Solo Performer of the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Award for his acclaimed performance in Gareth Armstrong’s production of Shakespeare’s The Rape of Lucrece.
He won the Best Actor award at the 2014 Buxton Fringe Festival and was nominated for the Michael MacLiammoir Award for Best Male Performance at the 2016 International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival for his performance in Wilde Without the Boy.
Gareth Armstrong has developed and directed many successful solo shows, including his own award-winning Shylock.
Hauntings is also underscored by a beautiful, original and specially commissioned score by the award-winning RSC composer, Simon Slater.
Studio
£16 I £14 conc
The Greatest Magician: An Evening of Wonders
A polished showman and raconteur. An unforgettable evening we can’t stop talking about.
Following a completely sell out run in 2022 - James Phelan, the magician most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after he correctly predicted the lottery presents with an all new show for 2023.
This dazzling, five star rated magic show will leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief. Directed by the late Paul Daniels in his final theatrical project and Rated 5 stars across the board - you’ll see why The List magazine called this show ‘one to watch in the world of magic’.
'One of the most endearing factors is seeing amazed faces young and old. This
show has many moments like that' ★★★★★ BBC Sounds
'Leaves even the most seasoned magic go-ers flabbergasted' ★★★★★ Fringe Magazine
'Magic is in his bones. Disbelief, flabbergasted, stunned... Quick thinking humour rolls off his tongue’ ★★★★★ Henley Herald
This enigmatic and critically acclaimed, glance at the most engaging of art-forms transports you to a jaw-dropping world of light-hearted hilarity, wonderment, and mystery. One night only and a sure sell-out so don’t miss out! James Phelan is The Greatest Magician.
Courtyard Theatre
£20
The Greatest Magician website
@TheGreatestMagician
@nordenfarm
The Paper Cinema
Short tales of other worlds; ghosts, dreams and the supernatural.
Fascinating and imaginative storytellers, The Paper Cinema, create extraordinary, magical worlds with vivid pen and ink drawings, puppetry, and a treasure trove of acoustic and electronic sounds.
This show gathers favourite short stories, including the dream-like Night Flyer, humorous Devil in Cornwall, spooky Wanderer and Edgar Allan Poe’s King Pest.
Performed by two puppeteers and a multi-instrumentalist, The Paper Cinema return to their 'out-of-a suitcase’ origins to delight you with atmospheric tales of ghosts, dreams and the supernatural.
‘The pleasure here is not just that the animations are both sinister and enchanting, or that the wonderful music gives the whole thing the feel of a quirky silent movie, but also that you can see how the show is being made right before your eyes.’ The Guardian
'Bound to delight' The Telegraph
‘Any production by this small British company is bound to be something special’ The Times
60 minute show suitable for age 8 upwards (who don’t mind being a tiny bit scared!)
Credit: Some stories originally commissioned by Sound UK. Night Flyer and King Pest commissioned by Battersea Arts Centre.
Studio
£16
A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings
Presented by Dan Colley and Riverbank Arts Centre.
In a kitchen, in a theatre, two storytellers and their audience find something remarkable - a very old man with enormous wings. After consulting with the neighbour – who’s an expert on all things magic – the couple decide to shelter him in the chicken coop and feed him with food scraps. A wise woman says he’s an angel. The priest says he’s an imposter. Pilgrims flock to see him.
Inspired by Gabriel García Márquez's darkly comic tale, the show taps into both the best and worst of mankind, wryly examining the human response to those who are weak, dependent, and different.
Using a combination of music, puppetry and live video projection this magic-realist gem is brought to the stage with beautiful, strange, emotional richness.
'Brilliantly, wittily, inventively told' ★★★★The Wee Review
Studio
£16
Mig Kimpton In Floral Pantoland!
The floral entertainer returns with his brand of floral panto fun!
Watch Mig create some floral designs from scratch (which you can win to take home) as he finds himself in a Floral Pantoland!
It’s an evening of stories, flowers and fragrant festive designs. Mig brings another of his fabulous floral shows to provide an evening of unique unmissable fun with flowers.
Studio
£17
Miki
Miki, Polar Bear and Penguin live in a very far away place. It’s an icy world where nothing ever grows. One midwinter eve, they make a wish and Miki embarks on a magical adventure in search of a star...
Based on the book by Stephen Mackey, Miki is an inspiring story about friendship, courage and adventure. It features amazing underwater creatures, enchanting music and extraordinary puppetry.
'Young audiences alternate between giggling with delight and total transfixion' ★★★★ The Stage
Suitable for ages 3+ years.
Created by Slot Machine, the company that have previously brought hit shows One Snowy Night and Kipper's Snowy Day to our stage.
Relaxed Performances
The performances on Saturday 2 December at 11am and Wednesday 27 December at 11am are Relaxed. Ideal for families with babies or toddlers and children with SEND. Everyone is welcome to join us for this friendly format.
Signed Performance
The performance on Wednesday 20 December at 2pm will be signed.
Run Time
Miki is 50 minutes long.
Tickets
Courtyard Theatre
£15.50 | £13.50 under 16s
Family & Friends (4 people) £54
Earlybird offer Family & Friends £50 (if booked before Thursday 31 August)
Tickets for children under 18 months
For this show, tickets/seats are not required for children under 18 months who are happy to sit on laps
- 28 Nov
- 28 Nov
- 46 more dates...
ShakeItUp Shakespeare
ShakeItUp Theatre present.
Shakespeare hasn't written anything new for an age, so we thought we'd give him a hand...
Using his language, your audience suggestions, and our overactive imaginations, we create a brand-new Shakespeare play live on stage, complete with live music, songs and plenty of laughs. Join ShakeItUp for an evening of bard-based bedlam!
‘Quick witted, inexhaustible and absolutely hysterical' ★★★★★ London Theatre Reviews
'Laugh out-loud hilarious... a great night out' ★★★★ Broadway World
‘An authentic, if strange, work of Shakespeare' ★★★★ Upper-Circle
Studio
£16
Howerd's End
Written by Mark Farrelly.
Frankie Howerd was one of Britain’s most loved comedians for half a century. But he had a secret. And the secret’s name was Dennis.
This hugely acclaimed play by Mark Farrelly (Jarman) takes you to the heart of Frankie and Dennis' clandestine relationship, which lasted from the 1950s until Frankie’s death in 1992. It also affords a glorious opportunity to encounter Frankie in full-flight stand up mode.
Packed with laughter, but unafraid of truth, Howerd’s End portrays two humans' journey through closeness, love, grief and all the other things that make life worth living. Come and say farewell to a legend… and learn the art of letting go.
Written by Mark Farrelly
With Simon Cartwright as Frankie Howerd and Mark Farrelly as Dennis Heymer
Directed by Joe Harmston
Running time: 80 mins no interval
'Simply tremendous entertainment' ★★★★★ London Living Large
'Deeply moving' ★★★★ Sardines Magazine
'Hugely entertaining' ★★★★ ReviewsGate
'Sublime' ★★★★ The Reviews Hub
'Don't lose your chance to see Howerd's End if it comes your way' ★★★★ British Theatre Guide
'Heartfelt, funny and with an inspiring message' ★★★★North West End
'Fascinating insight into the life and times of a leading comedy figure' ★★★★ London Theatre 1
Studio
£16
Hundred Watt Club - A Burlesque Christmas Special!
Have you been naughty or nice this year? Whatever the answer, HundredWatt Club’s glorious gift to you is this hot toddy of a burlesque show!
Jam packed full of festive, glittering showgirls, bawdy comedy, classic vaudeville and awe inspiring circus acts. Always seductive, always sublime and always that little bit ridiculous – enjoy an evening of vintage inspired, Christmas themed cabaret entertainment. Perfect for a staff night out with a difference, festive party with friends or for helping get that love interest under the mistletoe!
Hundred Watt Club employ and embrace adult themes, strong language and partial nudity – not for the faint hearted or easily offended! There’s no dress code: Hundred Watt Club love it when their audiences dress in their vintage finery and red-carpet glamour, but if you’re more comfy in jeans and sneakers – wear them!
Over 18s only.
‘Old school mischief and timeless raunchiness collide at the Hundred Watt Club. Hats – and corsets – off to Lena Mae for an excellent night of entertainment’ Sussex Express
'Crude and unpleasant…for crude and unpleasant people’ Seetickets review
‘Harking back to the gin drenched halcyon days of a grimy Berlin nightclub in the 1930s, Hundred Watt Club sparkles, fizzles and shines brightly on a dark night.’ Fringe Review (Brighton)
‘Righteous, radical…an absolute riot!’ Mardi Gras Mag
Courtyard Theatre
£20