Taunton Brewhouse has revealed plans for its winter season with over 100 new events now on sale from September to December this year. An action-packed season of shows, gigs, cinema screenings, art exhibitions and workshops kicks off in September with something on at the venue nearly every day until the end of the year, culminating with the headline event of their festive programme – A Christmas Carol.
A stellar comedy programme delivers a huge variety of famous faces including TV and radio favourites Andy Parsons, Seann Walsh, Stephen K Amos, Angela Barnes, Geoff Norcott, Jo Caulfield, Ashley Blaker, Mark Steel, Paul Foot and Tom Stade. Other laugh out loud events include a raucous evening with Sh!t-faced Shakespeare and a staging of the classic radio comedy Hancock’s Half Hour.
Acclaimed UK theatre tours on their way to the venue include a five-star reviewed version of Mike Leigh’s classic comedy Abigail’s Party, a riveting mystery The Haunting and a selection of hotly tipped productions from South West theatre-makers including Tam Lin Retold and Speed Dial. Family theatregoers can look forward to Nick Sharratt’s Shark in the Park and Tom Fletcher’s There’s A Monster in Your Show to name just a few in a vibrant lineup for young people.
Taunton Brewhouse has long been renowned for its music programme, which varies from opportunities to hear your favourite songs to discovering hot new talent, often originating in the local area. Highlights this season include 80’s sensation Paul Young, West End star Lee Mead, chart toppers The Three Degrees, rising indie duo The Dunwells, and folk musicians Kathryn Roberts, Sean Lakeman and Gilmore and Roberts. You can also relive your most beloved records with ABBA Forever, A Brief History of Jazz, A Beautiful Noise, The Sound of Lionel Richie and Rave On.
Countryfile and Top Gear star Julia Bradbury will be in conversation about her new book Walk Yourself Happy. The book explores her passion for the outdoors and how following her recent cancer diagnosis and surgery, she is dedicating her time to supporting the benefits of healthy living and the virtues of nature therapy.
Fresh from Masterchef and his latest Channel 4 ‘documentary’, food enthusiast and celebrity presenter Gregg Wallace will provide a thoughtful and hilarious insight into his varied career in entertainment, health and business. Audiences can complete the evening by making the most of a special pre-show Wine Tasting event taking place before the show.
The venue is gearing up for its busiest Christmas yet. From 4-30 December, you won’t want to miss the Brewhouse’s brand new production of A Christmas Carol, filled with original music, puppetry and a sprinkling of Somerset magic. The theatre will also be hosting Five Little Christmas Monkeys for younger children, the opportunity to meet Father Christmas, and a series of craft workshops for all ages.
A collaboration with local charity Taunton Foodbank is offering families free tickets to see A Christmas Carol. Customers purchasing tickets will be asked if they would like to donate to the ‘Pay it Forward’ campaign. Every penny that goes to this campaign will be used to fund free tickets for families who otherwise would not be able to see the show. The free tickets will be distributed by Taunton Foodbank. The venue has also introduced a family pack saving offer for A Christmas Carol. This new scheme allows all families to save by booking at least 4 tickets before the end of October.
The cinema programme continues with regular screenings of new releases including Oppenheimer and Barbie plus arts events such as National Theatre Live and the Royal Opera House Season with cinema tickets starting from £5.
Finally, if you prefer to get creative yourself, make sure you check out the venue’s LEARN programme, full of weekly classes and one-off workshops for all ages in art, dance, drama, theatre and more.
Vickie Hobbs, Executive Director, says: “We’re so looking forward to welcoming audiences of all ages to our venue in the coming months for an incredibly exciting, incredibly busy winter season. Our dedication to bringing world class performers to Taunton continues with a variety of acclaimed acts from the worlds of comedy, theatre and music. We’re also pleased to be extending our community offering with free workshops, affordable ticket offers and the launch of a Pay it Forward scheme. None of this would be possible without the support of our loyal audiences, volunteers and sponsors so we thank them for all they do.”
Tickets for the winter season are on sale now. Book here at Taunton Visitor Centre