IT'S AN exciting year for theatre-goers across the county as Cumbria has a huge roster of spectacular performances set for centre stage.
Whether it be a visit to the idyllic sites of Keswick's Theatre by The Lake or to the much-loved Carnegie Theatre in Workington, theatrical performances have never been so accessible.
From family-friendly pantomimes and musicals to staged classics, there's sure to be something to your taste - here's a round-up of just some of the great shows the county has to offer over the coming months.
School of Rock: The Musical, Carnegie Theatre, Workington, February 15 - 18
Featuring 14 incredible new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber as well as all the classics from the film, Junior and Senior members of Workington Amateur Operatic Society come together to deliver an incredible show-stopping production. The school band will play all their instruments live on stage as they tell the story of wannabe rockstar Dewey Finn, who poses as a substitute teacher.
Around the World in 80 Days, Theatre by the Lake, March 31 - April 29
You’ll be transported back to the most exciting age of invention in this playful theatrical extravaganza brought to life with evocative music, puppetry and circus. Get your tickets for the ultimate race against the clock in the bold new production of this much-loved classic tale.
A Room of One's Own, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, March 3
The award-winning Dyad Productions return with a twenty-first century take on Virginia Woolf’s celebrated pre-TED talk.
Rebecca Vaughan performs Woolf’s 1928 exploration of the impact of poverty and sexual inequality on intellectual freedom and creativity.
How Not To Drown, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, February 28 – March 2
Award-winning theatre company, ThickSkin, returns to the stage with an action packed, highly visual production telling the painful yet uplifting true story of an eleven year-old unaccompanied asylum-seeker.
The Luvvies, Carlisle's Green Room, January 30 - February 4
‘The Luvvies’, written by Penrith-based author David H Ross has never been placed centre stage, so in effect the West Walls Theatre is staging a premiere.
The story of the play is very close to the cast's heart... as it concerns a troupe of amateur actors putting on a locally written play.
StagedRight: Journey to Pantoland, Sands Centre, February 11
This exciting story lead production will feature dozens of pantomime characters, fabulous songs, harmonies, and dance routines. The show will also include lots of comedy for all ages, great costumes and special effects and not forgetting an amazingly talented cast of young people!
Demon Dentist, Sands Centre, February 16 - 18
Don't miss this terrific tale from the West End producers of David Walliams' Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, which were both nominated for an Olivier Award. It promises to be the funniest and most thrilling show yet.
Blonde Bombshells of 1943, Theatre by the Lake, July 5 - July 29
A warm and witty musical play filled with glorious live swing performances of 1940s classics by Glen Miller, The Andrews Sisters, George Formby and Fats Waller.
The Blonde Bombshells follows the tale of the most glamorous all-girl swing band in the North, who lose members every time it plays a GI camp.
Aladdin - P*ssed Up Panto, Carnegie Theatre, March 24 - March 25
Along with all the usual adult panto fun, the audience vote each night for the one performer who must complete savage drinking challenges throughout the show. As the victim gets slowly more and more sozzled, they must, along with the rest of the cast, keep the show rolling on to its happy climax...
Pottervision, Carlisle's Green Room Club, February 5
Four performers are all set to recreate Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone but, when two of them drop out on the day (and take all the props and costumes with them), Tom and Lukas must go it alone and make do with the limited resources they have.
The 39 Steps, Theatre by the Lake, August 3 – September 2
This Olivier Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, some good old-fashioned romance and a whole host of colourful characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of four). Iconic scenes include the chase on the Flying Scotsman, the first ever theatrical bi-plane crash and a death-defying (well nearly) finale.
READ MORE: Carlisle to host a number of comedians in early 2023
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