Five in-house plays, the annual pantomime, three musicals, and some fantastic one-offs round out the new lineup for Leicester's home of Am-Dram.
The Little Theatre is gearing up for its new season. It's home to Leicester Drama Society, which is currently celebrating its centenary year. The celebrations see an exciting line up of productions, all produced by local amateurs to a professional standard.
If you're yet to visit The Little Theatre, this season has something for everybody. Tickets generally start from £15.50, with discounts available for members and season ticket holders.
Here's what you can look forward to in the coming months:
by Agatha Christie
September 12-17
Leicester Drama Society
Dir. John Bale
The season kicks off with a classic whodunit. Hercule Poirot is on the case, in one of only two Christie plays to feature the famous Belgian detective.
Accomplished physicist, Sir Claud Amory, has constructed a workable formula for one of the most deadly weapons known to man - the atom bomb.
When the formula is mysteriously stolen, Poirot is called in to investigate.
Adapted from the book by Sue Townsend
September 20-24
Dir. Joshua Knott
Finally, a musical set in Leicester! Sue Townsend's eponymous hero takes to the stage with a fabulous production from LAOS.
For Adrian Mole, it's hard to be a misunderstood intellectual, when you're only 13¾.
He's dealing with dysfunctional parents, ungrateful elders, a growing debt to school bully Barry Kent and an unruly pimple on his chin. It's all topped off when new girl Pandora joins the class and captures his heart, only for his best friend Nigel to steal her.
by Neil Labute
October 3-8
Leicester Drama Society
Dir. Diani Gatenby Davies
A fantastic four-person cast has already been assembled for this production, and begun generating a buzz around the theatre.
A nerdy college student named Adam meets an iconoclastic artist named Evelyn and is instantly smitten. As their relationship develops, she gradually encourages Adam to change in various ways that surprise his older friends, Jenny and Philip.
However, as events progress, Evelyn’s antics become darker and darker as her influence begins to twist Adam and his friends in hurtful ways.
by Harry Warren, Al Dubin, Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble
October 10-15
Dir. Ian Phillips
The great American dance musical comes to Leicester, as The IDOLS cast put on their tap shoes.
At the height of the Great Depression, aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown, Pennsylvania, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star?
by Michael Frayn
October 24-29
Leicester Drama Society
Dir. Paul Beasley
A comedy from esteemed British playwright Michael Frayn.
Set in the cluttered chaos of a library office of a provincial newspaper, the room is reflected by manager Lucy and her associates.
Enter Leslie, a young new assistant with a passion for organisation. In a short time, she transforms the lives of both its inhabitants and visitors into something orderly, neat, arid and colourless.
Yet in Leslie’s absence, there is a glorious orgy of destruction and return to chaos…
by Joe Orton
November 14-19
Leicester Drama Society
Dir. Sally Bruton
The Leicester-influence continues with Joe Orton's black comedy.
Mr. Sloane, a 20-year old man with dangerous charm, comes into the house of Kath, her brother Ed, and her father Kemp, looking to rent a room. It doesn’t take long before both Kath and Ed become infatuated with Sloane.
Kath is looking for both a lover and a substitute child, while Ed soon engages Sloane as his chauffeur.
Although Sloane believes he holds all the cards, he soon becomes the pawn in a game of desire and sexual manipulation…
by Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick
November 22-26
Dir. Steven Duguid
The classic 80s working girls comedy, with a soundtrack by the great Dolly Parton (it also happens to feature our editor in her first lead-role - we're very excited for her).
Pushed to the boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss.
In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains "otherwise engaged", the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
Devised and directed by John Bale
December 15, 2022 - January 8, 2023
Leicester Drama Society
The annual pantomime is an absolute classic ("oh no it isn't!") - bring the whole family to learn the story of Aladdin.
The wicked wizard, Abanazar, plots to steal a magic lamp that would make him the most powerful (and evil) wizard in all the world. All while kidnapping the beautiful princess and making her his bride.
Aladdin becomes entangled in the eternal struggle between good and evil…
Will the princess fall foul of Abanazar’s evil schemes? Can Aladdin save the day and convince the princess to marry him? Will Widow Twanky ever get the washing hung out to dry?
An LDS Fundraiser
January 14
Local improv group, The Same Faces, host this special show to raise funds for Leicester Drama Society, donating 100% of the ticket proceeds to the theatre. With no props, set, costume or script fees, it's all profit!
The two-time Leicester Comedy Festival award finalists will be bringing their unique blend of games, scenes, songs and one liners to the theatre. Everything is made up on the night, and it's all for a good cause!
This one is not to be missed.
by Willy Russell
January 23-28
Leicester Drama Society
Dir. Ruth Cheetham
Willy Russell's classic play kicks off 2023.
Rita has enrolled on an Open University course to discover herself and better her circumstances.
Her tutor is Frank, a frustrated, alcoholic poet and academic, and less than enthusiastic about taking Rita as a student.
Yet he’s fascinated by her take on life and realises she has potential.
by Julian Woolford and Richard John
March 31 - April 15
Leicester Drama Society
Dir. Leigh White
Looking ahead, a treat for the Easter holidays: LDS produces its first in-house musical in years, with this adaptation of E. Nesbit's much-loved novel.
The lives of an idyllic Edwardian family are changed forever when the mother and her three children (Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis) are forced to move to the countryside.
It takes you on a journey through the adventures they face during the summer that follows alongside a railway that they discover near to their house.
This rite of passage story, developing from youthful passion for adventure to an adult sense of responsibility, is suitable for all the family to enjoy.
Visiting Productions
The rest of the theatre diary is populated with some fabulous one-off shows.
Tom Jones & Elvis Presley: The Story (October 30) captures the magical friendship of two music icons in Las Vegas.
The Steptoe & Son Radio Show (November 1) breathes new life into Galton & Simpson's classic sitcom.
Nelly - A Folk Musical (November 2) tells the story of how Nell Gwynne became the most famous in Restoration England.
Soul Train (November 3) delivers a fun presentation of 60s and 70s soul, motown and disco showstoppers.
Three Men In A Boat (November 4) sees Jerome K Jerome recount his boating holiday along the River Thames with two companions and his dog.
Frank Sinatra - His Way (November 18, matinee only) explores the rise, fall and rise again of Ol' Blue Eyes with award winning singer, Robert Habermann.
LGS Big Band (February 17) sees the annual visit of Leicester Grammar School's music department, performing the best of the big band repertoire.
The full line up of What's On can be found on the theatre's website, including the performance dates of the LDS Youth Theatre.
