It’s February already, and our local theatres are back in full swing with a great range of shows this month! Here are my Portsmouth theatre highlights!
The Father, The Spring Havant 7-10 February
I loved the Oscar-winning film starring Anthony Hopkins. Whether you’ve seen it or not, now’s your chance to see this powerful and moving story told on a local stage!
You may want to have your tissues handy for this emotional rollercoaster. Set in contemporary Paris, it shows the life of Andre, an elderly man with dementia, and the relationship with his family as his condition progresses. The play’s insight is remarkable as it unlocks the reality of a disease that will, sadly, touch many of our lives. £13 for adults, £11 for concessions.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Chichester Festival Theatre 15-18 February
If you’re looking for ideas for a family outing during half-term, then how about a trip to Chichester including this show, with various daytime showings available?
Join our intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear. You’ll follow them as they wade through the gigantic swishy-swashy grass, the splashy-splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! We can expect catchy songs and a few surprises along the way. Tickets are priced at £10-17.
Julius Caesar, New Theatre Royal 21-22 February
I have to admit, I’m not big into Shakespeare. But I’m excited to be seeing this one, his classic tragedy Julius Caesar reinvented as a “a boldly modern re-telling, perfect for newcomers to Shakespeare.”
The play tells the story of Caesar’s friend Brutus who joins an assassination plot against him on the Ides of March, to stop him gaining too much power. But this will be a performance with a difference. Set in the near future, we’re promised state-of-the-art technology and parallels between Shakespeare’s ancient tale and today’s fake news, celebrity culture and conspiracy theories. Adult tickets cost £23.50.
Shout, King’s Theatre 21-22 February
The National Theatre’s annual youth festival – which commissions new plays from some of our up-and-coming writers for young people to perform – is coming to Portsmouth this month!
As part of this nationwide festival, Shout is billed as a funny, moving play about anxiety, celebrating differences, and finding your voice. The play promises to make us think about what exactly it takes to overcome anxiety and mental health issues when you’re a teenager. Tickets are just £5.
Showbait, Groundlings Theatre 24 February (my top pick!)
This is my top pick for the month. Following last year’s successful debut, Showbait brings us another showcase of the best new plays and monologues from our very own local creative community, voted for by Portsmouth writers and actors themselves.
We’ll be treated to nine short pieces, each lasting around eight minutes. For many who are taking part, it will be their first time ever appearing in public. With a mix of comedy, dark humour, heartfelt drama and abstract theatre, there will be something for everyone – including those who don’t regularly venture to the theatre! Tickets cost £14.
