With the start of 2024 comes an exciting selection of productions to the Donald Gordan Theatre stage at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
If you’re looking for a way to entertain the younger members of the family, or you’re in mood for something to make you laugh there’s something for everyone.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World (17 – 21 Jan 2024)
This kick ass-pirational stage show, based on the popular children’s book by Suffragette relative Kate Pankhurst, and adapted by Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), comes from one of the producers of SIX.
Join our inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum. Along her journey she is surprised to meet the incredible wonder women: Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Mary Seacole, Marie Curie and Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few.
From explorers to artists, scientists to secret agents, hear the stories of some of history’s strongest mothers, sisters and daughters; all independent icons who really did change the world.
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt (19 – 21 Jan 2024)
Music, laughter, rhymes, rhythms and repetitions together with puppetry, paint, water and mud… not to mention a bear – we’re not scared! – make this fun-filled adventure the perfect theatrical outing for all young families.
Join our intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog as they wade through the swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy squelchy mud, in search of a bear. Expect plenty of interaction and a few surprises along the way.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong (22 – 27 Jan 2024)
The members of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are back on stage, battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M Barrie’s much-loved tale. But will they ever make it to Neverland?
Mischief’s unique brand of hilarious, ‘gut-busting’ comedy (New York Times), has found universal appeal. Catch them in Cardiff and brace yourselves for an awfully big adventure!
Jesus Christ Superstar (29 – 3 Feb 2024)
Choreographed by Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), with music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar.
Bluey’s Big Play (13 – 17 March 2024)
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.
Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.
Edward Scissorhands (19 – 23 March 2024)
Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne and his New Adventures Company return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.
In a castle high on a hill lives Edward; a boy created by an eccentric inventor. When his creator dies he is left alone and unfinished with only scissors for hands until a kindly townswoman invites him to live with her suburban family. Can Edward find his place in the well-meaning community which struggles to see past his curious appearance to the innocence and gentleness within?
Bonnie & Clyde The Musical (26 – 30 March 2024)
Ready to raise a little hell?
Two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere became the biggest folk heroes in all America. They craved adventure—and each other. Their names were Bonnie and Clyde.
Come From Away (2 – 6 April 2024)
7,000 Stranded Passengers. One Small Town. A Remarkable True Story.
Winner of four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical in London and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway, this smash hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives with open hearts.
An Officer And A Gentleman (15 – 20 April 2024)
Be part of the emotional journey of Zack Mayo, a fearless young officer candidate, and the captivating Paula Pokrifki, whose fiery spirit matches his own. Their encounters ignite a spark that transcends boundaries, awakening a passionate love that defies all odds.
Pretty Woman: The Musical (29 April – 4 May 2024)
Once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Be swept up in their romance in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages – and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way – in a sensational show that took London’s West End by storm, guaranteed to lift your spirits and light up your heart.
The Drifters Girl (7 – 11 May 2024)
Discover the remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them. From the highs of hit records to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, Faye Treadwell was the legendary manager of The Drifters who refused to give up on the group she loved.
Thirty years, and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl.
Nye (National Theatre and WMC co-production) (18 May – 1 June 2024)
From campaigning at the coalfield to leading the battle to create the NHS, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan is often referred to as the politician who’s had the greatest influence on the UK without ever being Prime Minister. Confronted with death, Nye’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill in an epic Welsh fantasia.
Michael Sheen (Good Omens) is Nye Bevan in this surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed the welfare state. It’s written by Welsh playwright and screenwriter Tim Price (Teh Internet is Serious Business) and directed by the National Theatre’s Artistic Director Rufus Norris (London Road).
Madagascar (27 – 30 June 2024)
Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends – Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo – have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape – with the help of some prodigious penguins – to explore the world.
Join Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, you’ll have no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”.
With such a fantastic line up and some of the shows only on stage for a few days, it’s better to check availability and book so not to be disappointed. Tickets start from £12.50 meaning you can find something for all the family and every budget here.
