Norwich Theatre announces six-week performance programme in big top

Norwich Theatre has announced a six-week programme of live performance to take place in a temporary big top venue in partnership with Lost in Translation Circus.

The comedy, music, circus and cabaret programme, called Interlude, will run from August 10 to September 20 in the temporary venue adjacent to the theatre.

Interlude will open with comedian Karl Minns and include the transfer of shows originally intended for the Playhouse summer season, including Mark Watson, Arabella Weir, Round the Horne, Ben Hart and Graffiti Classics.

The six week programme will also feature cabaret and circus performances from Lost in Translation Circus with international guests.

With support from National Centre for Writing and Norwich Puppet Theatre, further events will be programmed by other arts organisations in Norwich, including Norfolk and Norwich Festival, the Garage and Norwich Arts Centre.

The big-top’s capacity of 750 has been reduced by two-thirds and the audience will be seated in bubbles to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Stephen Crocker, chief executive of Norwich Theatre Royal and Playhouse, said: "After a prolonged period of closure, we are delighted to be able to bring live performance back to Norwich and to be working together with some of the city’s other much-loved cultural organisations to do so.

"As we all continue to live with Covid-19, the gradual easing of restrictions sees the return of many hugely valued areas of life, from eating-out to sport to shopping.

"The return to attending live performance still feels out-of-reach but, through Interlude, we hope to bridge that gap in a unique and, most importantly, Covid-secure way that not only delights our regular audiences but sees our city centre come alive over the summer, generating important visitors and footfall for the benefit of the whole economy."

Interlude is supported by Norwich City Council and Norwich BID.