Upcoming Theatre and Spoken Word

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Upcoming Theatre and Spoken Word at Newhampton Arts Centre: Dickensian Humour, Nostalgic Journeys, and Festive Celebrations

Newhampton Arts Centre is thrilled to host a trio of distinctive shows that bring laughter, nostalgia, and festive spirit to Wolverhampton this season.

First, Bleak Expectations, presented by regulars to the centre, Studio 61, promises an evening of hilariously twisted Dickensian storytelling. Imagine the story Charles Dickens might have written after drinking too much gin…Follow half-orphan Pip’s extraordinary exploits with his sisters Pippa and Poppy and best friend Harry Biscuit, as they attempt to escape the calculating clutches of the dastardly Mr Gently Benevolent, defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings, and deflect disaster at every turn!

Next up is A Good Neet Aht, a heartfelt exploration of the places and memories that shape us. Audiences follow Phil as he delves into childhood memories, from under-16 disco nights at the Mecca ballroom to iconic rugby moments and family gatherings. Join Phil in his journey as he recreates beer ads we have loved, the 1968 Rugby League Challenge Cup final, under-16s disco night at the Mecca ballroom, Wakefield, and his mum and dad’s silver-wedding party. This show is about the places we grow up in and the traces they may or may not leave; finding, losing and re-discovering roots.

Using popular performance forms A Good Neet Aht explores class, identity and belonging. It’s a kaleidoscope of experiences travelling through time and place with its feet placed firmly in the pit village of Phil’s youth. It’s at turns comic, reflective, celebratory and occasionally abrasive but always heartfelt.

What audiences have said:

‘Phil has the ability to fill your heart with joy …Reminiscent of the shiny jacketed turns in the clubs in the ‘80s with a smart contemporary edge.’

‘It’s a great, beautifully moving, warm and funny show’

‘There’s some wider meaning to be found in the ‘us and them’ mentality that feels very current.’

‘a phenomenal piece of writing and delivery’

This show is supported by Black Country Touring.

Finally, Newhampton Arts Centre wraps up the season with the Story Bazaar: Festive Edition, a lively blend of storytelling, poetry, and music. Featuring local talent and community voices, this night brings Wolverhampton’s festive spirit to life with a proper knees-up, creating a shared celebration of creativity and community.

Storyteller Peter Chand has been enthralling Wolverhampton audiences with his Story Bazaar nights, introducing us to some world-class Storytellers live at Newhampton Arts Centre. All the performers have brought a unique cultural perspective which makes their performances all the more memorable & meaningful. 2024 will be no different, and we hope you will join us in the heart of the city for some incredible, thoughtful, moving & eerie traditional tales for adults.

For fans of theatre and spoken word, this series offers a rich variety of genres and stories, with tickets available now

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