From late January onwards, we welcome a range of touring productions and in-house co-productions to the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse. From explorations of family relationships, to adventures for little ones, to remarkable road trips – there is an exciting breadth of stories to discover in 2024.
Opening in the Playhouse from Wednesday 24 January – Saturday 10 February, Wish You Weren't Here is a hilarious and heart-warming exploration of family relationships, the agony of growing up, and learning how to find your way in the world when you can’t help thinking you’re just not good enough. After all those extra shifts, all Lorna wants is a night out on the town and time to reconnect with her daughter. All 16-year-old Mila wants is for the world to stop burning. And for someone to take down that ‘Beach Body Ready’ poster. Please. Written by Katie Redford (Tapped), directed by Rob Watt (Birds and Bees), and co-produced by Theatre Centre and Sheffield Theatres, this new production has been created in conversation with hundreds of young people across the country.
Sheffield-born Mark Farrelly thenpresents Howerd’s End on Tuesday 6 February. Frankie Howerd was one of Britain’s most loved comedians for half a century. But he had a secret. And the secret’s name was Dennis. Howerd’s End takes you to the heart of Frankie and Dennis’ clandestine relationship, which lasted from the 1950s until Frankie’s death in 1992.
Based on the book by poet Raymond Antrobus, who draws on his own experience as a deaf child in a hearing world, Can Bears Ski? runs on Wednesday 7 February. Little Bear can’t hear Dad Bear calling, but feels the floor vibrate with heavy footsteps... Little Bear can’t catch the funny joke at school when friends are laughing, but feels the crunch of snow on frozen pavements. Join Little Bear and Dad Bear as they learn how there are many ways to communicate love, and to find your place in the world. Performed in British Sign Language and Spoken English with captions.
Next, Join Luna and her Dad in Luna Loves Library Day The Musical for an adventure among the library shelves in this exciting new musical for families, playing on Saturday 17 February. Luna looks forward to one special day… Library Day! It’s the day when she discovers magic among the library shelves, but is also a chance to spend time with Dad, making it all the more special. Based on the critically acclaimed book by Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho and illustrator Fiona Lumbers, Luna Loves Library Day is the perfect treat for children aged 3+ and their families.
A Family Businessthen plays on Monday 19 – Tuesday 20 February. We don’t really talk about nuclear weapons much. Even though they accompany us everywhere. China Plate and Staatstheater Mainz present a show that explores the hidden threat of nuclear weapons. A Family Business is about diplomats, activists, and a journey to change the world. If these weapons could wipe out all our tomorrows, then why aren’t we all talking about them today? Created and performed by Chris Thorpe.
Next, a Sheffield Theatres, Roots Mbili Theatre and Remote Theater Project production, Linesplays from Wednesday 28 February –Saturday 9 March. What connects five prisons over five decades in Uganda, Palestine, and the UK? A homeowner struggling to keep ancient land. A queer woman teaching in Kampala. The son of Idi Amin’s general. Lines looks through the bars of postcolonial life as told through stories in these diverging yet parallel worlds. Created by Junaid Sarieddeen, John Rwothomack, Fidaa Zidan and Alexandra Aron with additional writing by Asiimwe Deborah Kawe.
Rounding off the season, James Rowland’s Piece of Workplays on Saturday 30 March. Returning home after his first stint away, James received a letter that exploded his life, and the tour became a search: for the person who sent it, for a sense of where he comes from, and to maybe save a life. Featuring James’ captivating mix of storytelling, music and comedy (as well as Shakespeare’s Hamlet) this show follows the critically acclaimed Learning To Fly. Hilarious and heart breaking, this remarkable road trip will delight and surprise.
All Playhouse productions are on sale now. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at the link below.
