Our guide looks back to the shows that were on in Leicester in 2012

Leicester is a great place for entertainments: shows, concerts, gigs for music, comedy, dance and musicals. This page provides links to the many pages on our magazine that have reviews, news and dates for all kind of shows, entertainment and music events in 2012.

It also records details of some of the shows that have been on in Leicester in 2012.

8th May

The King and I at Curve

Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th May 2012

Photo © Catherine Ashmore

Curve's production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I has some of the most memorable songs in the repertoire.Getting to know you, and Hello, young lovers are two of the mostly known songs from musicals. We kiss in a shadow, I whistle a happy tune and Shall we dance are some of the most loved melodies of all time.

Showing at Curve as part of its UK Tour, the show stars Ramon Tikaram as the King of Siam and Josefina Gabrielle plays the role of Anna, the English school mistress who travels to Bangkok to teach his many children.

Photo © Catherine Ashmore

THE KING AND I has played to packed houses across the country including Plymouth, Birmingham, Cardiff and Manchester. This breath-taking production is a lavish, grand-scale spectacle with giant gold Buddhas, sumptuous costumes, a chorus of adorable children, acrobatic dancers and a ten-piece orchestra.

The cast also features original members; Claire-Marie Hall as Tup-Tim, Adrian Li Donni as Lun-tha, Maya Sapone as Lady Thiang, Nicholas Goh as Kralahome, and Gary Wood as Prince Choulalonghorn.

Set in Siam against the background of Empirical rule in the late 19th century, the endearing story of the British Governess brought to the Royal court to tutor the King's many children has already captured the hearts and minds of millions in stage and screen versions. It is told using one of the most sumptuous and heart warming scores ever written.

Photo © Catherine Ashmore

Anna, a young English widow, arrives with her son Louis in Bangkok in the early 1860s. She has been engaged by the King of Siam to teach English and Western ideas to his family of many wives and many children.

Anna tells Louis how she will bravely face the dangers before them and she doubts whether her decision to come was right. At Court, her Western ideas quickly conflict with oriental traditions.

Behind the story of Anna's stay in the Bangkok palace is the scene of politics and power of the Victorian empire. The King sees the advantages of adopting Western ideas but his tradition is strong and both he and others in the court find it difficult to give up their time-honoured way of doing things.

The cast of 16 children (of a variety of ages) were amazing and the role of Louis, Anna's son was delivered with great aplomb by Keir Barradell. The set design, by Sarah Perks created atmosphere, although at times I thought it was over busy, with pieces sliding about the stage for no appreciable reason.

THE KING AND I opened on Broadway in 1951 and was the sixth collaboration for the team of Rodgers and Hammerstein. It ran for three years and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The production has received a number of stage revivals and a popular 1956 film version, starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. The story is based on the novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Langdon.

This Curve production is lavishly brought to life by Curve Artistic Director, Paul Kerryson (42ND STREET, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, ON YOUR TOES, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, Stephen Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and PACIFIC OVERTURES) and features a sparkling and heart warming score, re-orchestrated by Musical Director Julian Kelly. It's choreography is by David Needham.

A delightful production, brought to life and skillfully executed by the cast, with a live orchestra and a troupe of enchanting children. Marvelous.

Details and ticket information

The Butterfly Lion at Curve

Thu 12 - Sat 21 April 2012

See our review of Michael Morpurgo's play in which a boy rescues a lion cub and his life is charged forever. Our review of Butterfly Lion at Curve.

Oedipussy, Curve

Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 March

Oedipussy comes to The Studio at Curve this month as part of a national tour. This hilarious physical comedy combines with the playful storytelling of Kneehigh's artistic director Emma Rice and writing partner Carl Grose to create an outrageous no-holds-barred subversion of the quintessential Greek tragedy. The result is a tale of forbidden lust, accidental incest, violent murder and the ultimate dysfunctional family: a jealous father, a messed-up son, and one mother of a brilliant comedy.

'Hysterical. Heartbreaking. Joyful.' The Times

Written by Spymonkey and long-time Kneehigh collaborator Carl Grose (The Wild Brideand Cymbeline, Kneehigh; Faust, Vesturport), OEDIPUSSY playfully subverts the story of the ultimate dysfunctional family, using inspired storytelling and Spymonkey's trademark physical comedy

'Brilliant. Riotous laughter. Spymonkey deliver.' The Guardian

Taking inspiration from Pasolini, Barbarella, Bond and Kraftwerk, Spymonkey turn their unique brand of theatrical invention to this greatest of tragic tales, bringing it to life in typically outrageous fashion with the help of set designer Michael Vale (RSC, National Theatre, ENO), costume designer Lucy Bradridge (Cirque de Soleil, Mighty Boosh), lighting designer Phil Supple and featuring original music by Spymonkey's Toby Park and Neil Filby with additional sound design by Simon Baker.

Please note that Oedipussy includes scenes of nudity and is recommended for ages 14 and above.

Compelling drama with a surprise ending

22nd to 25th February

DNA is an enthralling thriller by the award-winning writer Dennis Kelly (Matilda the Musical) and starring James Alexandrou (EastEnders). The production visited Curve 22 to 25 Feb, as part of its first national tour. Read our review of this play

30th April to 2nd May

Yin Yang - The Chinese State Circus, Curve

Yin Yang - 'The interaction of two energies in a dynamic system of balance.' The highly awaited return of China's greatest circus featuring the first UK appearance of the formidable Shaolin Warrior known only as The One, sourced specifically by Director Phillip Gandey.

This unique extravaganza showcases only the best in entertainment; witness acrobats defying gravity in an array of elaborate, explosive and highly choreographed presentations of power, poise and agility.

Yin Yang will not only keep the audience on the edge of their seats but show the more delicate and beautiful side of Chinese tradition with the silk aerial act, parasol juggling, eye catching Lion Dance and the amazing legendary Bicycle Act in which 10 talented artistes manoeuvre onto a single bicycle.

Witness the unpredictable and exhilarating twists of foot juggling with drums, the famous Chinese poles, the sensational contortionist and the dynamic hoop divers with their amazing somersaults, leaps and jumps which all go towards completing this action packed programme.

Every sensational act flows into sensational act without narrative and accompanied by a captivating and atmospheric all girl group of live musicians. Suitable for an audience of all ages, with evocative sets, soaring musical score and extravagant new costumes that will entertain the entire family long after the final curtain falls!

Dave's comedy Festival

For reviews of the gigs we went to see our Comedy Gig Reviews page.

6th February

Chicago - De Montfort Hall

Chicago - The Musical - comes to the De Montfort Hall, Monday 21st May to Saturday 26th May.

One of the hottest shows wherever it's staged, Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart, a nightclub singer who dreams of headlining in Vaudeville, but only achieves celebrity status when she murders her lover and enlists the help of Chicago's shrewdest lawyer to whip up the publicity surrounding the case and ensure her acquittal. Slick, sexy and sassy, Chicago is a must-see musical, with choreography in the style of the legendary Bob Fosse and a fantastic jazz score. This is the touring production.

30th January

Curve 16th to 18th February

Hotel Paradiso

Playing finale to Curve's programme of events for Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival and in their only UK dates on this European tour, Curve is extremely proud to present the awe-inspiring Familie Floz in their darkly playful character comedy set in a seemingly quaint hotel. Familie Floz are renowned for its poetic and comic ensemble, making incredibly skilful theatre using means that lie before language. Their performances relinquish the use of language and live only in visual performance, mime, masks, sounds and music.

22nd January

Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 February

Funny Peculiar at Curve

Bill Kenwright presents Mike Stott's Funny Peculiar at Curve, Directed by Bob Tomson.

Trevor Tinsley is a small-town grocer with a devoted wife and new baby - but his desire to taste the forbidden fruit of free love leads him astray and into the welcoming arms of his neighbour's wife. Hilarious misadventures ensue, revealing a host of comic characters as Trevor's actions lead him into conflict with his strait-laced community and provokes his narrow minded wife into a surprising reaction of her own.

The all-star cast includes Craig Gazey, winner of National Television Best Newcomer award and British Soap's Best Comedy Performer award for his portrayal of Coronation Street's hapless Graeme Proctor; Suzanne Shaw, pop music sensation and Champion of ITV's Dancing on Ice, whose theatre credits include Chicago and Joseph (West End); Vicky Entwistle, best known as the feisty Janice Battersby in Coronation Street; Gemma Bissix, two-time British Soap award winner for her role in Hollyoaks and Heartbeat's Steven Blakeley come together in this hysterical and raunchy comedy classic.

A prolific writer for stage, television and radio, Mike Stott is renowned for celebrating the quirkiness and robust charm of ordinary life. The cast also includes Dominic Cazenove, Mark Heal, Sam Nicholl and Simon Naylor.

Monday 30 January to Saturday 4 February

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

THE RAT PACK LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, Curve

Following a successful West End run over Christmas, THE RAT PACK are set to bring the glamorous, glitzy nights of Las Vegas to Leicester. In this critically-acclaimed production, the Kings of Swing will be played by the original Olivier Award nominated cast.

This Olivier Award nominated production celebrates the incredible talent of three legendary performers Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr. and a sound which defined an era. The show sees the show's original cast and a 15-piece orchestra recreate a night at the famous Sands Hotel.

As well as being idols of the music industry and superstars of the movies, the famous trio are above all renowned worldwide for their voices. Their unique contribution to 20th Century popular music is second to none.

Classic hits featured in the show include: The Lady is a Tramp, Mr. Bojangles, I've Got You Under my Skin, That's Amore, For Once in a Lifetime, Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime, New York, New York, My Kinda Town, Fly Me to the Moon, Sway, Volare, Me and My Shadow, My Way, Memories are Made of This and What Kind of Fool.

The Rat Pack philosophy was to have a good time in their playground of Las Vegas. Frank, Sammy and Dean were a force to be reckoned with an inexhaustible energy that is as evident in their music today as it ever was.

Wednesday 7th December 2011

That'll be the day delights a packed DeMontfort Hall

From the very moment that the band started up, the audience joined in, clapping along with the music from the five piece band on the stage. Opening with a medley of Christmas songs, That'll Be the Day brought another highly enjoyable evening to a packed house at the DeMontfort Hall.

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the long running rock music show has been on the road for 25 years. In many parts of the UK, the show has been packing out venues 200 nights a year.

The band did an amazing job at providing the live music, with one or two of them also joining in with the songs. The audience too did a pretty good job as a massed choir for many of the well known christmas number ones.

	It was a full house for the show at the DeMontfort Hall. Many of those we spoke to had been to see That'll Be The Day before, both in Leicester and in other parts of the country. All of them said they would definitely be coming back to see the show when it returns on 9th May.
	It was a night of glitz and glamour as the cast got into their costumes. Both the singers, dancers and the band members were constantly in and out of new outfits throughout the show. Sequins were the order of the night and skimpy santa outfits for the girls. They sang pretty much every christmas song in the book.
	The rock 'n roll spectacular got the audience clapping in time for many of the songs. In between the songs the cast got them laughing with their brand of risque humour and chortling one liners. Their impersonations of the great singers of the era were convincingly good, from Elvis to Bowie, from Brenda Lee to Boney M, they worked their magic and they brought back the memories and evoked the nostalgia of that golden age of rock.
	Whether it was Rockin' around the Christmas tree, Jingle bell rock, The Pogues' Fairy Tale of New York, Mariah Carey All I want for Christmas is you, Slade's Merry Christmas everyone, Shakin' Stevens, Mary's boy child, Jingle Bells ... they sang 'em all. Everyone was on stage: Neil Sedaka, Chubby Checker, Billy Fury, Cliff Richard, Jimmy Saville, Bob Marley, Shirly Bassey, Elton John, Tom Jones, and even Tiny Tim.
	Even Fanny and Johny Craddock got a look in. Well it was a walk down memory lane for us oldies. The man behind the whole thing, Trevor Payne, was ace with the impressions; his Cliff Richard was particularly potent. In between the Christmas songs there were the all time rock classics from the main show.
	They even put in a pantomime with Alf Garnett taking on the part of Scrooge, Bob Marley as the ghost of Christmas past and Mick Jagger as the ghost of christmas yet to come. It was panto like you have never seen before. Music, singing, dancing, comedy, nostalgia, costumes ... it was a fast moving show that had something for everyone. The live band did a really fantastic job.
	Where else could you see Jimmy Saville introducing Petula Clark as in Top of the Pops? Or, Bing Crosby doing a duet with David Bowie? Did we really want to hear The Scaffold singing Lily The Pink or The Wombles doing Wombling Merry Christmas? Well, we got them anyway. The 70s and 80s gave us some great tunes and some, well, its all part of the rich panoply of popular music numbers.
	Boney M took to the stage with a set of glittering costumes, that had us rushing home to dust off our cassette tapes for another listen. So, whether it was Birley Shassey or Elton John, Trevor and the cast did a magnificent job of bringing back all those fond memories of songs gone by. Various sets were presented: Las Vegas, Top of the Pops, all part of the glitz of rock n' roll.
	Even Julio Inglesias made an appearance and some very funny jokes were rolling off the stage that had the audience rolling in their seats. "All your doughnuts will be like Fanny's" will stick in my mind. Another chance to sing along to Delilah with Tom Jones and no we had not forgotten the words.
	Some members of the audience had dressed up for the occasion, like they do in other rock shows. The show has raised £96,000 for Help For Heroes this year and they hope to top the £100k before the end of the season.

That 'ill be the Day returns to the DeMontfort Hall on 9th May 2012 with a brand new show.

Find out more

Read our interview with the show's Producer Trevor Payne.

The That'll Be the Day web site

Other pages you might like:

Our review of the opening night of 42nd Street at Curve