Bringing the Fringe to town

Dark comic stories, heartwarming productions and hilarious stand-up comedians all feature in the schedule for February, March and April at the West Notts College venue.

And plays that wowed audiences at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival help create an other interesting and varied programme of performances.

Said Adam Pownall, the theatre’s co-ordinator: “We’re always excited at the beginning of a new season and this season is no exception.

“Last summer we reviewed a number of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and we’re delighted to be bringing some of these performances to Create Theatre.

“There will be great new fringe and new writing performances in the shape of ‘Amateur Girl’ and ‘Hidden’, creative and contemporary dance performances and our popular stand-up comedy night with some well-known TV comics including Katherine Ryan and Nathan Caton.”

The season kicks off with Hidden, an Edinburgh Fringe sell-out success that comes to Mansfield for one night only on 7th February.

It tells the story of six ordinary people who are all hiding a secret - and what happens when they meet each other.

Second up is hilarious one-man show ‘Him With His Foot in His Mouth’ by Saul Bellow.

About a man who continually says things that he shouldn’t - and then uses the theatre audience to help rehearse his most elaborate apology.

Other highlights include Create’s regular stand-up night on 26th March, which is only £10 if you buy your tickets before 31st January.

Appearing this time are recognisable faces from TV, Katherine Ryan, Nathan Caton and Joey Page.

New production Amateur Girl starring soap star Lucy Speed is also on in March.

As well as fantastic fringe theatre, contemporary dance and comedy shows, Create Theatre is starting to build itself as reputation as a family-friendly theatre with a performances aimed at young children.

Its new season features a show called Splosh, on 20th February, aimed at little ones aged two to five-years-old. It uses dance, music and puppetry to help families explore communicative play at bath time.

Grandpa’s Railway features a working model railway and will appeal to adventurers aged five and up. It is on Sunday 23rd March and will take audiences on a journey of discovery touching on memories of the past and dreams for the future.

Adam Pownall said: “We’re also looking forward to welcoming more young theatre-goers to fun, interactive shows ‘Splosh’ and ‘Grandpa’s Railway’ and we’ll be launching the family theatre season brochure online very soon.”

For more on all shows see www.createtheatre.co.uk.