the market theatre what's on guide 2015

Hitchin’s Small-Scale Professional Theatre

Tel. 01462 433553 markettheatrehitchin

markettheatre.co.uk @MTHitchin

What’s On2015

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About

The Market Theatre is a small-scale professional theatre located in the heart of Hitchin in Hertfordshire and one of the most intimate theatres in the area.

The Market Theatre’s main auditorium seats between 51 and 68 people depending on the production and hosts a variety of genres from farcical comedy to terrifying thrillers.

The Market Theatre also has a cabaret style studio venue, which is the home of their summer Cabaret Nights and jazz night as well as the popular monthly comedy night Mostly Comedy. The candlelit setting with tables and chairs presents a unique atmosphere for music and comedy.

The Long Bar can be found upstairs at the theatre. You can pop in whether you’re seeing a show or not, to enjoy a drink in one of the finest bars in town! The bar is open show nights from 6.45pm ‘til late.

HIREAll our spaces including our rehearsal room are available for hire. For more details, visit the website: markettheatre.co.uk

How to find usHitchin is close to the A1 and M1 and only 30 minutes from London by train. Parking is not available at the theatre, but there are car parks situated behind the Sun Hotel, in front of St Mary’s Church and in the Market Square that are free after 6.00pm.

For full details on how to find us, please visit the website.

Dad’s Army Vicar Frank Williams invites you to join him for a hilarious evening of television nostalgia. Everybody loves Dad’s Army. Even after 50 years it continues to pull huge viewing figures becoming one of the all-time classic ‘greats’ of television. In an entertaining trip down memory lane, Frank is interviewed by author & entertainer Chris Gidney. The evening will also feature Frank’s rarely seen home movie of the Dad’s Army cast on tour, and Frank will sign copies of his best-selling autobiography, Vicar to Dad’s Army.

Enjoy an intimate evening with John Challis, one of the nation’s greatest comedy actors, best known as Boycie in BBC1’s Only Fools and Horses. In this one-off show the national treasure will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career. He’ll be spilling the beans about some of the biggest names in show-business. Mr Challis will also meet fans after the show to sign autographs and pose for pictures, while signing copies of his autobiography, Being Boycie, and novel, Reggie: A Stag At Bay.

Well Really, Captain Mainwaring!

Only Fools And Boycie

Saturday 9th May at 7.30pmTickets £15

Wednesday 4th March at 7.30pmTickets £15

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Rowena is a successful stand-up, but behind the comedy lies a darker side.

A sharp, painful insight into the lonely, downward spiral of a solo performer. A stunning performance from Carrie Laurence; an actress more familiar to Market Theatre audiences for her appearances in the Adult Panto and Roman Romp.

Warning: not suitable for under-16s, due to strong themes and frequent bad language.

Thurdays only 12th Feb - 9th April

& Thurs 7th & Fri 8th May - 7.30pm

TICKETS £11 / £10 con


Drama is on the cards - and we are not just talking about the forthcoming school play. A vicious murder darkens the corridors of ‘chummy’ old St Margaret’s Boarding School for Girls once again. Step forward Jennifer Cramer, the enthusiastic amateur sleuth. Accompanied by her boisterous chum, Pippa Tompkins, she sets out on a dangerous mission to solve the case.Audiences are given the opportunity to work out who did it themselves. Correctly guess who, how and why to win a bottle of wine!

OpensFri 24th AprilClosesSat 30th May Thurs - Sat each week(not 7th - 9th May)7.30pm



Sonia and Judith hunger for adventure and excitement; they need a holiday. But why plan one, when you can let the Gods decide it with an atlas, a blindfold and a pin? Whatever destiny throws up, however far away, however riddled with poi-sonous insects their destination may be, they won’t change their minds. All signs point to disaster, but it’s too late to turn back now.

Follow the hapless pair in this gentle comedy about self-discovery and the spirit of togetherness.

Opens Fri 5th JuneCloses Sat 27th June Thurs - Sat each week7.30pm



Our third Hitchin History play is set in 1909 and tells the tragic story of a young woman from Hitchin, and the fate that awaited her after having a child out of wedlock. The resulting court case stirred the nation, highlighted the flaws of a liberal and caring society that professed concern for those worse off, but wasn’t always able to deliver. Another true local story, in the same vein as 2014’s F.E. Young VC and 2013’s Benslow.

OpensFri 10th JulyClosesSat 25th July Fri 10th - Sat 11thThurs 16th - Sat 18thWed 22nd - Sat 25th7.30pm

TICKETS £12.50 / £10.50 con


The third instalment of our hilarious Roman Romp series, best described as The Adult Panto meets “Up Pompeii!”. Our heroine Frigella once again comes up with an ingenious plan to escape her life of sexual frustration within the temple of the Vestal Virgins. The only thing that will prevent it working is the unwanted help of her friend Bimbus. Set against the backdrop of the important Festival of Maximus Durex, the hilarious story is lain bare for all to see.Please note: Those attending the Roman Romp have priority booking for the Adult Panto.

Fri 31st July - Sat 26th Sept Fri & Sat at 7.30pm each week

TICKETS £14


From May 1st we open the doors to our Cabaret Bar serving cocktails and with live music every Friday and Saturday night.

If you are a musician wishing to perform pleae contact the theatre box office.


The clue is in the title.

Some of our favourite comedy sketches from past Market Theatre shows, seamlessly joined together for your enjoyment. Contains a mixture of adult humour and general farcical silliness.

Not suitable for under-16s, due to bad language and adult themes.

OpensFri 2nd OctCloses Sat 17th OctThurs - Sat each week7.30pm

TICKETS £12.50 / £10.50 con


It’s 1915 and the Great War, the war to end all wars, is in full swing. Edith Summers has acquired the position of chambermaid at the impressive Chorely Hall. But the attic room of her new workplace holds a story. A story of forbidden love; a love condemned by class and status, compounded by the horrors and finality of war. Someone is desperate for her help and Edith is adamant that the lover’s story she has uncovered is resolved, whatever the consequences.Both harrowing and touching, this is a Market Theatre Scary not to miss.

OpensFri 23rd Oct ClosesSat 21st NovThurs - Sat each week7.30pm


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This Christmas, the Market Theatre stages a brand new version of another classic fairytale. Red Riding Hood is off on an adventure to Grandma’s house, but beware: an evil wolf is lurking in the woods and he’ll do anything to stop her. Packed full of laughs, songs and audience participation (including the grown-ups!). Book now for the little panto with the big heart, eyes and teeth!

Opens Sat 5th Dec 2015Closes Sat 2nd Jan 2016See the website for dates and times

TICKETS £10

For Childrenaged 4 - 9


It’s that time of the year and once again the Market Theatre take a cherished and much-loved story and completely ruins it (or to be more accurate, re-works it for adults), packing it with corny jokes, raunchy plots and blatant sexual innuendo. This year, the magical story Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs meets this fate. This is the nineteenth Adult Panto at the Market Theatre; now (unofficially) the panto with the longest run in the world!

OpensThurs 3rd Dec 2015ClosesSat 10th Apr 2016See website for a full list of dates and times TICKETS £15

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Once a month on a Wednesday night, see a different jazz act from around the country in the intimate setting of the Market Theatre’s Cabaret Bar.

TICKETS £12 except 15th July & 21st Oct £14


A grab-bag of stand-up, sketches and music from the finest acts on the scene, hosted by Doggett & Ephgrave (‘A keen eye for the ab-surd. Polished, natural comedians.’ – Camden Fringe Voyeur).

Bar open from 8.30pm,first act at 9.15pm

For full list of dates see the‘at a Glance’ on the back.

Previous line-ups have included Phill Jupitus, Stewart Lee, Richard Herring, Sean Hughes, Josh Widdicombe, Nick Helm, John Thomson and Norman Lovett.For up-to-date line-up information, visit www.mostlycomedy.co.ukTICKETS £9.50

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The North Herts All Girls Choir was established in 2007.Very reasonable fees, top quality leadership from trained singers. •Limited membership ensures no one gets lost in the crowd.•We sing mostly pop, gospel and musical theatre.•Fun relaxed rehearsals, sisterly atmosphere, and above all a fantastic •sound!We meet in the Market Theatre •rehearsal rooms on Tuesdays 7:30-9:30. For more info visit www.northhertsallgirlschoir.com


For more details on the KIDS CLUB and YOUTH GROUP visit the website at www.markettheatre.co.uk or you can find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mtkidsclub

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Walking Shadow Productions are a theatre company from Hitchin who are proud to have the Market Theatre as their home. Producing modern and contemporary plays through new writing and improvisation.

SHOW DATES: Watchers (by Steve Hunt) - 15th - 18th Apr (£10)Bernice (by Tracy Hunt) - 1st - 4th July (£10)The One (by Vicky Jones) - 25th - 28th Nov (£10) More info at walkingshadowproductions.co.uk

Hitchin Films is your local pop-up cinema.

Running monthly in the Market Theatre’s Cabaret Bar. Just turn up and pay on the door. Grab a drink from the bar and enjoy a wide variety of films, old and new from the UK and around the world.

For a detailed programme of films and dates, visit:www.hitchinfilms.co.uk. Follow us on Twitter or find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hitchinfilms

Bringing Cinema back to Hitchin

Terms and Conditions - The online booking form does not show current availability. If tickets are not •available for your selected show alternative dates may be offered.Once booked, we will charge you on the night for that number of tickets.•Payment can only be made on the door with cash or cheque. We do not •take credit or debit cards.Every attempt is made to ensure that the show information and prices are •correct at the time of going to print but may be subject to alteration.Please note that Concessions (where available) are Wednesdays & •Thursdays. (To qualify for a concession you must be under the age of 16, hold a student card or be retired from full time employment)Babes in arms under 18 months of age pay £1.00 on selected •performances. All children above this age pay the full ticket price. The Market Theatre reserves the right to exclude babes in arms from certain performances. The Market Theatre reserves the right to cancel performances due to •circumstances beyond its control. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.Anyone deemed to be heavily under the influence of alcohol will not be •admitted to the theatre. This policy is in place to ensure that all attending enjoy the show.If bad weather should make it impossible for you to attend after confirming •your booking we will be happy to book you in for another performance.

NB. Tickets for Mostly Comedy are available via www.mostlycomedy.co.uk only.

BROCHURE PRINTED BY DESIGN PRINT - www.designprint.co.uk

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Booking information

BY TELEPHONE 01462 433553Our box office is open for 1 hour before each performance. At all other times please leave a message and we will return your call within 24 hours.

BOOK ONLINE www.markettheatre.co.ukVisit the website and click on the Box Office tab. Fill in the form with your request and we will then email you back to confirm the booking.PLEASE NOTE: The website does not show current availability. If the date you want is not available, alternatives will be offered. Please do not fill in the form if the show you want is less than 24 hours away.

IN PERSON The Market Theatre, 6a Sun Street, Hitchin, SG5 1AEThe box office is only open 1 hour before a performance to book tickets. Ticketscan only be collected for shows on the night of the selected performance.

2015 at a Glance

In the Theatre

In the Cabaret Bar

What Goes Up...

The MasqueradeThe HolidayAnnie TomlinThe Maximus DurexComedy Sketch ShowThe MaidLittle Red Riding HoodSnow White and the Magnificent Seven

12th Feb - 9th Apr & 7th & 8th MayFri 24th Apr - Sat 30th MayFri 5th - Sat 27th JuneFri 10th - Sat 25th JulyFri 31st July - Sat 26th SeptFri 2nd - Sat 17th OctFri 23rd Oct - Sat 21st NovSat 5th Dec - Sat 2nd JanThurs 3rd Dec 2015 - Sat 10th Apr 2016

pg 4

pg 5pg 6pg 7pg 8pg 10pg 11pg 12pg 13

Only Fools & BoycieWell Really...Jazz Nights

Mostly Comedy

Walking Shadow

Wed 4th MarSat 9th May18th March, 22nd Apr, 20th May, 17th June, 15th July, 26th Aug, 16th Sept, 21st Oct, 18th Nov19th March, 23rd Apr, 21st May, 18th June, 9th July, 17th Sept, 22nd Oct, 19th Nov, 10th Dec 15th - 18th Apr, 1st - 4th July, 25th - 28th Nov

pg 3pg 3pg 14

pg 15

pg 18

With thanks to our local business sponsorsThe Market Theatre is proud to be a supporter of the Hitchin Bid and member of the Hitchin Town Centre Initiative.

the market theatre what's on guide 2015

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