CLASSIC FAMILY TALE AND ANGLO-SAXON MYSTERY JOIN POPULAR CHARACTER ‘ERIC’ FOR THE NEW VIC THEATRE’S SPRING SEASON

CLASSIC FAMILY TALE AND ANGLO-SAXON MYSTERY JOIN POPULAR CHARACTER ‘ERIC’ FOR THE NEW VIC THEATRE’S SPRING SEASON

27th April 2021

Family audiences are firmly centre-stage in the New Vic’s spring season, as the theatre welcomes audiences back for a spellbinding production of a classic tale that’s perfect for all ages. The theatre-in-the-round will also stage a specially-produced piece of digital theatre about a local legend, specifically designed to be enjoyed in its newly refurbished auditorium. Plus, one of the theatre’s favourite characters is back with a show filled with fun to lift spirits post-lockdown.

Offering families an opportunity to spend some time together back at the theatre, Coppelia – A Mystery will take place from Friday 16 July to Saturday 7 August. This mesmerising adventure full of love and mischief takes audiences on a journey from outdoors and indoors and back again, to discover the curious secrets of Doctor Coppelius’ toyshop. A perfect way for families of all ages to return to their local theatre and lift spirits post-lockdown, this show will celebrate the home-produced work of the theatre as it returns to performances. The production will star Corinna Brown, soon to be seen in the Netflix adaptation of Heartstopper.

Opening the New Vic’s spring season is theatre favourite ‘Eric’ in Third Time Lucky, Eric! On stage from Monday 17 to Saturday 29 May, this is a show guaranteed to be a feel-good party. Featuring the character of Eric’s hilarious antics, toe-tapping live ’60s music and laugh out loud comedy, this show follows on from the hugely popular Keep Calm and Carry On Eric seen last year.

A New Vic first, Hoard: Rediscovered is a digitally reimagined piece of theatre designed to be enjoyed in-person in the in-the-round auditorium. On at the theatre from Thursday 10 to Saturday 19 June, the show features New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins’ documentary-drama Unearthed and a selection of mini plays directed by Gemma Fairlie for a rare opportunity to delve into the intriguing story of the discovery of the biggest hoard of Anglo-Saxon treasure in history, found right here in Staffordshire. Audiences are invited to make a night of it and visit the theatre restaurant for a meal beforehand and enjoy being back in the surroundings of the local theatre.

New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins said: “Hoard: Rediscovered and Coppelia were both made during challenging times last year, and just as we were about to welcome audiences the theatre had to close to the public so that we could play our role in fighting the pandemic. So it feels quite emotional to be reviving these cherished pieces of work right now. They’re unique experiences, tailored very precisely for this place and time and people, and we hope that audiences will be able to feel the love and care – and gratitude – that’s gone into making them.

“Everything this year is a bit different, however we’re still determined to provide extraordinary and memorable pieces of theatre, with ferocious energy and optimism, while also offering our audiences a chance to explore something new.”

Tickets for the New Vic’s upcoming season go on sale on Thursday 29 April at 12.00pm. To book, and for more information about what’s coming up at the theatre, visit newvictheatre.org.uk or call Box Office on 01782 717962. 


Article by Becky Loton

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