Get ready! The Theatre Shop in Clevedon will soon announce its Spring 2025 programme, featuring a carefully curated selection of performances intended to delight audiences of all tastes. This blog post offers a little sneak peek before the official release.
This season promises a diverse range of theatrical experiences, from the darkly comedic musical mystery of “There’s Something About Typhoid Mary” to the comedic deconstruction of Jane Austen’s beloved novels in “Austen’s Women: An Abridged Comedy.” The programme also features the insightful and humorous exploration of human behaviour in Becky Walsh’s “The Toss Bag.”
Each production has been chosen to offer a unique and memorable experience, reflecting the Theatre Shop’s commitment to bringing high-quality, thought-provoking theatre to the local community. The Spring 2025 season invites theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike to discover the magic of live performance in an intimate and welcoming setting.
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT TYPHOID MARY PRESENTED BY LIVING SPIT
Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, and Thursday, 3rd April 2025, 7.30 p.m. Doors open at 7.00 p.m.
1906, New York City. The Gilded Age. Opulent mansions, lavish parties, and…a creeping dread. Talented cook Mary Mallon, with her seemingly magical touch in the kitchen, secures yet another prestigious position. Her delectable creations are the talk of the town. But a chilling pattern begins to emerge after Mary’s sumptuous feasts: her employers and their families succumb to a mysterious illness, often with fatal consequences. Is it a sinister coincidence, a cruel twist of fate, or something more sinister?
Mary, ever the pragmatist, dismisses the whispers and suspicions, focusing on her culinary artistry. Tonight, she’s preparing a particularly special three-course dinner…for us. As the aroma of her tantalising dishes fills the air, health inspector George Soper races against time, driven by a growing unease and a determination to uncover the truth. Can he expose Mary’s dark secret before one of us becomes her next victim?
There’s Something about Typhoid Mary, is a musical mystery that will tantalize your taste buds and send shivers down your spine. The laughter is as infectious as the food…but beware, the consequences might be deadly.
“Scabrous, irreverent and filthy: it’s irresistible.” ★ ★ ★ ★ What’s On Stage
“One star for hygiene but five stars on the glee gauge: hugely enjoyable.” Stage Talk Magazine ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Book here.
THE FAMILY MAGIC SHOW PRESENTED BY THE GREAT BALDINI
Sunday, 6th April 2025, 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.
Prepare for a sugar rush of silliness and spellbinding magic that will leave you grinning from ear to ear! The legendary Great Baldini, an award-winning member of the Magic Circle and the Bristol Stage Magic Champion, invites you on a hilarious and heartwarming journey through his extraordinary career, alongside his furry and fantastically talented sidekick, Baldwin the magical dog.
From their very first, slightly shaky, tricks performed to bewildered audiences to the dizzying heights of fame, fortune, and slightly sticky fingers, their story is one of pure magical mayhem. Prepare to be amazed as Baldini and Baldwin recreate some of their most iconic illusions, including a daring and frankly bonkers attempt at Houdini’s greatest escape – a feat so dangerous, so audacious, so utterly ridiculous, it might just involve a feather boa and a rubber chicken.
And did we mention the sweets? Oh, yes! Expect a delectable dose of puppetry (of the slightly unhinged variety), a surprising amount of water (wear a raincoat, just in case), the occasional exploding egg (don’t ask), and, of course, mountains upon mountains of glorious, sugary sweets!
Come witness two true magical superstars, Baldini and Baldwin, at the very pinnacle of their powers (and possibly their sugar intake). This is a show for all ages, a whirlwind of laughter, gasps, and maybe just a little bit of sticky magic. Don’t miss it!
“Incredible” Front Row, BBC Radio 4
“Charming, engaging, and charismatic. A pleasure.” Fringe Review
Book here.
PLAYTIME PRESENTED BY THE LAST BAGUETTE
Monday, 7th April 2025, and Monday, 26th May 2025, at 10.00 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
Calling all little adventurers and their grown-up sidekicks! Get ready to embark on a magical theatre journey right here in Clevedon with the incredible Last Baguette theatre company! Enjoy a special ‘play-along’ theatre experience designed for 2–6-year-olds, where imaginations will soar and laughter will fill the air.
Imagine a world where your children aren’t just watching a show but actively participating in the story. That’s exactly what The Last Baguette delivers! Join the lovable Ratty and her quirky friends as they navigate through delightful and sometimes hilariously chaotic adventures.
This isn’t just a show; it’s an opportunity for your children to develop their imagination, build confidence, and create precious memories with you. In a world filled with screens, give them the gift of live, interactive theatre.
Don’t miss out on this chance to witness the magic firsthand.
April “Paws for Thought” meet Ratty’s family
May: “A Woodland Wonder” join Ratty as she learns about the environment and plant your very own seeds!
Please note that space is limited and both children aged 2+ and their accompanying grown-ups will need a ticket.
Children under 2 are welcome without a ticket.
“Playtime is an absolute joy to be a part of. Sidney and Tristan seem to have that magic that lets the children know when to play along and when to sit down and listen. The sessions are a lovely way for us to play together and explore our imaginations.” The Greatest Showmum
Book here.
“Playtime has proved to be a real success for us here at The Pound Arts Centre. The quality of performance is high and Sidney and Tristan are skilled at creating a warm, welcoming and playful atmosphere where everyone feels included. Shows sell out fast.. We love it!” Helen Dilley, Creative Learning Officer, Pound Arts
CABIN FEVER PRESENTED BY FRESH !NK
Wednesday, 16th April 2025, 7.30 p.m. Doors open at 7.00 p.m.
Ever wondered what really happens on a long-haul flight? Fresh !nk Theatre Company invites you aboard “Cabin Fever,” a side-splitting comedy that takes place 30,000 feet above the Atlantic! Join them for a flight from London to LA, where two talented actors bring a whole plane of passengers to life. From awkward encounters between old school frenemies to a hilariously chaotic family holiday and the ever-watchful cabin crew, “Cabin Fever” explores the comedy that unfolds when strangers are thrown together for 11 hours. Written and performed by the brilliant Aurelia Harris-Johnstone and Beth Miles, this original show is inspired by real-life stories and the endless possibilities of air travel. Prepare for turbulence of the laugh-out-loud kind!
“An alarmingly accurate, laugh out loud creation that’s as much an anthropological study as it is a piece of comedy theatre…imaginatively staged and consummately delivered…a “must see” show” Fringe Review August 2024
“I don’t know if TV execs look for new talent anymore, but these girls would be a shoo-in for a development meeting about a prime-time family TV comedy.” Mark Harding Broadway Baby
Book here.
JOY! PRESENTED BY LUKE WRIGHT
Thursday, 24th April 2025, 7.30 p.m. Doors open at 7.00 p.m.
Following his critically acclaimed Silver Jubilee show (“the best thing he’s done and that’s saying something.” ★★★★★ Telegraph), poet Luke Wright unveils his new collection, “JOY.” At 42, Wright questions the possibility of unadulterated happiness, delving into the complexities of modern life. With a blend of humour and poignant reflection, “JOY” tackles themes of consumerism, health scares, and unexpected moments of delight, all while celebrating the power of language. Join Wright, a master raconteur, as he navigates the journey to joy, reminding us that even after life’s dips, we can find our way back up.
“Breathtaking … with a sharpness and wisdom that lifts the soul and soothes the battered heart.” ★★★★ The Scotsman
“A winning combination of honesty, humour, ire and wonder. He is at the peak of his powers.” ★★★★★ The Stage
“Britain’s finest performance poet.” ★★★★★ Life As Theatre
Book here.
DRACULA PRESENTED BY DAVID MYNNE
Wednesday, 30th April 2025, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7.00 p.m.
David Mynne returns to Theatre Shop for this 10th anniversary season with the show he performed at the Theatre Shop’s opening weekend in 2015.
David Mynne, the acclaimed storyteller behind unforgettable performances in The Canterbury Tales, A Christmas Carol, and The Odyssey, is bringing back his chilling one-man rendition of Dracula. Following the resounding success of his earlier work, Great Expectations, Mynne revisits this iconic gothic horror, breathing new life into Bram Stoker’s timeless tale.
Prepare for a visceral and electrifying experience as Mynne unleashes a bloodier, bolder Dracula, crafted with his signature irreverent style. Expect a thrilling journey into the heart of darkness, where bats flutter, garlic wards off evil, and the Count’s terrifying presence fills the stage. This is no mere retelling; it’s a dynamic, immersive performance that plunges you deep into the gothic realm, where the Vampyr rises, and the shadows come alive. Lock your doors, gather your courage, and witness the masterful storytelling of David Mynne as he resurrects Dracula in a way you’ve never seen before.
“The best compliment you can pay to this one-man performance of Dracula is that it never feels like a one-man show. The whole story is here, delightfully played, with a few welcome twists along the way and a newly crafted, haunting ending that fits perfectly.” Stephen M Hornby, The Reviews Hub
“It’s a terrific show, charming, funny, beautifully told, and suitably scary. Stoker’s gothic novel has been perfectly pared down by writer Andrew McPherson, sharply directed by Simon Harvey, and Mynne’s performance is exquisite: a masterclass in the telling of tales, it needs to be seen.” Ciaran Clarke: Arts End of Nowhere
“Wildly eccentric, totally bonkers and saucily scary, David Mynne’s magnificent one-man performance is flawless. Sheila Vanloo.” Radio St Austell Bay
Book here.
A POCKET OPERA PRESENTED BY CARMENCO
Saturday, 10th May 2025, 7.30 p.m. Doors Open at 7.00 p.m.
Experience “A Pocket Opera,” where Spanish passion meets theatrical flair! CarmenCo transforms Bizet’s “Carmen” into a vibrant concert-play, complete with costumes, props, and a compelling storyline told from Carmen’s viewpoint. Join her in her boudoir, where she reveals her secrets in words and music. What did she really think of her lovers? Did she see her destiny in the cards? Featuring the exceptional CarmenCo trio—Emily Andrews (flute/mezzo), David Massey, and Francisco Correa (guitars), all Royal Academy of Music prize winners—this performance delivers stunning musicianship, spellbinding storytelling, and plenty of laughter.
“An unusual, highly entertaining evening.” Ayrshire Post
“The feedback … has been huge, universally everybody loved it “ Artsreach, Dorset“T
he musicianship was wonderful. I love Emily’s beautiful voice, and the storytelling was spellbinding. What I had absolutely not expected was that it would be so entertaining as well as dramatic and touching – I laughed out loud when I was listening. A lot!” – Concert Organiser, Frome Concerts Group
Book here.
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JANE AUSTEN, ABRIDGED PRESENTED BY SCHOOLHOUSE PRODUCTIONS
Sunday 18th May 2025 7.30 p.m. Doors open at 7.00 p.m.
Can three actors, armed with nothing but wit and a mountain of costumes, conquer the entire literary universe of Jane Austen in a mere 80 minutes? Witness the delightful, often chaotic, spectacle as a self-proclaimed Austen newbie and two fervent devotees attempt the seemingly impossible feat in “The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged.”
This isn’t just a performance; it’s a high-octane comedic marathon, bringing Austen’s beloved characters—from the spirited Elizabeth Bennet to the cunning Lady Catherine de Bourgh—and her incisive social commentary to life with breakneck speed and undeniable charm.
Expect rapid-fire costume changes, hilarious character transformations, and a whirlwind tour through every iconic scene, all squeezed into a brilliantly abridged format. It’s a comedic feat of theatrical athleticism that promises to entertain both lifelong Austen fans, who will delight in the clever nods and playful interpretations, and first-time readers, who will be swept away by the sheer energy and infectious enthusiasm of this unforgettable performance.
“Hilarious” Stagetalk magazine
“…..played to perfection… a delightfully funny romp through the Austen canon”Bristol 247
“Each character is brought to life with sass and flair, breathing new life into Austen’s world and making this adaptation a fun and light-hearted tribute to her timeless stories.” City Girl Network
Book here.
THE MUSROOM SHOW PRESENTED BY SCRATCHWORKS THEATRE
Wednesday, 28th May 2025, 2.00 p.m. Doors open at 1.45 p.m.
Did you know there’s a secret world, a wild and wonderful place, filled with the unexpected and the downright delightful?
It’s… THE MUSHROOM SHOW!
Get ready to meet Augustine Fogwoode, the planet’s most passionate mushroom advocate! She and her puppet pal, Goldie, are determined to show you how amazing fungi are. But they can’t do it alone! They need you! Enjoy a whirlwind of interactive games, sing-along songs, and side-splitting comedy as we explore the incredible lives of mushrooms. Learn how they grow, how they connect, and how they play a crucial role in the world around us. Scratchworks Theatre, masters of family fun, are bringing their unique blend of physical comedy and audience participation to this fungal fiesta. Are you ready to join the fun and help Augustine spread the mushroom magic?
Book here.
TOSS BAG PRESENTED BY BECKY WALSH
Saturday, 31st May 2025, 7.30 p.m. Doors open at 7.00 p.m.
What makes someone a “challenging” person? Becky Walsh’s “Toss Bag” comedy show explores the fascinating intersection of human psychology, neuroscience, and power dynamics to reveal the triggers behind difficult behaviour. Through insightful analysis and comedic storytelling, she sheds light on why people act out, offering a unique perspective on dealing with those frustrating individuals in our lives. Whether you’re seeking to understand others or yourself, this show provides a humorous and thought-provoking look at the science behind “douchebag” behaviour.
Book here.
The Theatre Shop’s Spring 2025 programme is a testament to the power of storytelling and the vibrancy of live performance. From chilling mysteries and comedic adaptations to insightful explorations of human psychology, this season offers something for everyone. The Theatre Shop looks forward to welcoming audiences to share in these captivating experiences, fostering a sense of community and connection through the arts. With each performance, the Theatre Shop reaffirms its dedication to providing Clevedon with a space for artistic expression and cultural enrichment. As the curtains rise and the stories unfold, the Theatre Shop invites all to join in celebrating the transformative power of theatre.
HOW TO FIND THE THEATRE SHOP Unit 5 Queens Square Clevedon BS21 6HX
Theatre Shop is in the pedestrianised square behind B&M Bargains, tucked between Superdrug and Boots.
PARKING
There are two free public car parks on Great Western Road, BS21 6HB. They are a 3-minute walk across the main road and through B&M Bargains car park towards Queens Square. B&M car park is unrestricted after 5.00 p.m.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are regular buses from Bristol, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare. Please check www.travelinesw.com for up-to-date timetables.
Photo credit: Matt Hawkins