Plenty to enjoy among the spring highlights

THERE’S plenty to look forward to in a new season including productions and artists from around the world at Crawley’s Hawth Theatre.

The spring dance programme is particularly strong, says Hawth spokeswoman Lorraine Gould.

“There’s the splendour of classical ballet with Moscow City Ballet’s Swan Lake (February 14) and Sleeping Beauty (February 15 and 16), acclaimed contemporary companies Balletboyz (March 4), Jasmin Vardimon Company (April 27) and Phoenix Dance Theatre (April 6) as well as popular favourites Spirit of the Dance (April 9) and Britain’s Got Talent stars Flawless (Mar 14).

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“As well as dance there is music to suit all tastes. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (February 18) present the second of three concerts focusing on the works of great composers.

“This time it’s Tchaikovsky’s beautiful works will be presented by the world-renowned orchestra.

“If you were one of the millions who watched BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do and used your voting power to propel Lee Mead (February 19) to the top spot, then you’ll be thrilled to hear he’s coming to The Hawth with a performance which is already selling fast.

“Blues fans can look forward to Johnny Dickinson (February 21), the most potent slide player in the UK back for a one-off gig and if the big band sound is more your style look out for the Gordon Campbell Big Band (February 27) playing all the music of the Great Big Bands.”

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Lorraine added: “We have not one but four operas in the coming season. The ever-popular Opera della Luna are back with a new twist on a Gilbert and Sullivan favourite, The Sorcerer (February 28) and later in the spring English Touring Opera (March 31-April 2), return with three stunning productions, two rarely-toured masterpieces from Puccini and Mozart plus a special family production of Roald Dahl’s much-loved Fantastic Mr Fox.

“It’s a great season for comedy lovers. Jimmy Carr (January 7) is back to banish those winter blues with a repeat performance of his sell-out show Laughter Therapy in January, commentator and stand-up Mark Steel (February 8) presents his brilliant comic musings, Lenny Henry offers a funny and touching musical journey through his life from Cradle To Rave (February 10) and Micky Flanagan (March 3), star of BBC Radio Four and numerous TV comedy shows, will be sharing hilarious tales from his East End upbringing.

“As always theatre plays a key role in the programme, including the playful and absurd Hanging By A Thread (February 1); a collaboration between a Portugal and a Britain led to Pertencia (March 24), a powerful story about belonging; Look Back in Anger (April 15 and 16), hailed as a landmark in British theatre when it opened in 1956, is to be performed by Creative Cow, the company which brought Dumb Show and The Anniversary.”

Tickets on 01293 553636 or www.hawth.co.uk.