There’s plenty of action in store for theatre fans this month!
Encompass, 1 – 4 November, Groundlings Theatre Portsmouth
Established Portsmouth play writers Roger Goldsmith and Janet Rawson have teamed up to bring us an exciting new collection of plays, called Encompass.
The three short plays are set over three different time periods – past, present and future. Together, they offer something for everyone, and an entertaining evening filled with drama and humour – and some thought-provoking universal themes. Two professional actors will perform the roles across all three plays. Ages 14+. Confusions, 6-11 November, Titchfield Festival Theatre
This series of three short plays by national treasure and master of farce Alan Ayckbourn offers his usual menu of laughter – and horror at our fellow human beings! From a devoted mother meeting her well-meaning neighbours, to a solicitous waiter dealing with some well-heeled diners, and an utterly shambolic garden fete, the plays show human fragility as one hilarious situation after another unfolds.
A Voyage Round My Father, 7 – 11 November, Chichester Festival Theatre
John Mortimer’s celebrated autobiographical play comes to Chichester for a short run, starring the one and only Rupert Everett.
Growing up in the shadow of a brilliant and eccentric barrister, a son yearns for respect from a father whose tea-time conversation ranges from music hall and Shakespeare, to evolution, adultery and the inconvenience of sex. Shining a light on this delicate family relationship, the story introduces us to a gallery of unforgettable and often hilarious characters.
Kinky Boots, 9 – 11 November, Kings Theatre Portsmouth
The award-winning smash hit, feel-good musical is coming to Portsmouth for the first time!
Charlie Price reluctantly inherits his father’s shoe factory, on the verge of bankruptcy. To save the family business, he turns to Lola – a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. The unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they thought… and discover that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.
Love Bites, 16 – 25 November, The Spring Centre Havant
Two new works from Havant-based playwright Mark Wakeman will be performed on alternate nights. Love Bites is billed as a celebration of love in all its forms, how we try to escape it, pursue it and hold on to it. We’re promised love and laughter, loss and sadness, romance and hope… probably all in the same evening!
Jamie and His Dad, 28 – 30 November, Wedgewood Room Southsea
This will be the first Portsmouth showing for another of local playwright Roger Goldsmith’s recent plays, previously staged at Titchfield Festival Theatre and the White Bear Theatre in London. It features up-and-coming young local actor Charlie Wingrove.
Jamie and his Dad share a love of football, but when the banter stops about who’s the greatest player, Jamie starts to worry. He worries even more when he makes a series of surprising discoveries and is faced with a decision that could impact both their lives.
