Corn Exchange

The Corn Exchange, Newbury

Box office

01635 522733
The Corn Exchange, Newbury. Visitor information is here. Some performances may be at The Base, Communications Road, Greenham Business Park, Greenham, RG19 6HN. Unless a specific location is given for a performance, it's at the Corn Exchange.

Black is the Color of my Voice, 7th September
Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, this acclaimed play features many of her most iconic songs performed live.Apphia Campbell’s play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

Much Ado About Nothing, 8th September, 19:00
An NT Live production. See Cinema at the Theatre.

Crimes on Centre Court, 30th September
When Lord Knows, the chair of The Whombledun International Invitational Tennis Tournament, dies, his son Hugh is suspicious. What transpires has all the hallmarks of the company’s particular brand of theatrical hilarity: a cast of four performers play countless characters with quick-fire changes and quicker wits. This is an ace of a show which you’re sure to (fifteen) love. This deucey summertime treat will rally the spirits and leave you wanting a second serve-ing of the volley of gags and visual delights. You won’t see it game set and matched anywhere else. New Old Friends have built a national reputation with their wildly inventive set-pieces, twisty plots and commitment to unadulterated entertainment.

Jack Absolute Flies Again, 6th October, 19:00
An NT Encore production. See Cinema at the Theatre.

The Wedding Singer, 5th to 8th October
Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, The Wedding Singer takes you back to 1985 when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up, and a wedding singer was the coolest guy in the room. A Nomads Musical Thetare production.

Pygmalion, 27th October
This lovingly reworked adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s classic play takes a humorous yet poignant look at the hollowness of the British class system and explores the question: is it right to try and fundamentally change someone? A tale of male manipulation and female self-discovery, this story is perhaps more relevant today than it was when first staged over a hundred years ago.

The Seagull, 3rd November, 19:00
An NT Live production. See Cinema at the Theatre.

Jack and the Beanstalk, 25th November to 31st December
When Jack sells the beloved family cow for some magic beans, a beanstalk climbing adventure ensues. But as Jack reaches the top, he finds a mystical castle in the clouds… and a very unfriendly giant who has some very unfriendly plans. Can Jack and the pantomime gang defeat the giant? And will they become rich beyond their wildest dreams? Plested and Brown have delighted Newbury audiences for the past three years with their hilarious and fresh takes on much-loved pantomime tales. They return to take us on another epic adventure, where you can expect all of the traditional Corn Exchange pantomime fun, packed with plenty of jokes, songs from across the decades and magic in GIGANTIC proportions. Come and join us for the biggest pantomime there has ever bean!

Reviews of Cinderella

26th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022

Review from the Newbury Weekly News and British Theatre Guide.

Having a ball... oh yes we are!

It’s that time of year again and panto is back at the Corn Exchange, bigger and better than ever, with enthusiastic youngsters and their parents eagerly anticipating this year’s Cinderella, written by Claire Plested and Adam Brown, who also directs.

This well-known rags to riches story is given a fresh new vibrant interpretation in this fun filled fast paced show.

Jade Johnson is the cheeky Fairy Liquid, determined to clean up the village.

Chloe Gentles sparkles with energy, giving a stellar performance as poor Cinderella who is under the thumb of her stepsisters, played by Susan Harrison and Ali James hooked on snap chat and other apps.

Forced to do housework all day she dreams of a new life. Perhaps a chance meeting with an old lady in the woods might secure her future?

Every panto needs a Dame and Justin Brett as Lady Barbara Hardup fits the bill and the ever growing outrageous costumes perfectly.

William Beckerleg as Prince Charming dreams of poetry and love. He meets Cinders in the wood and falls instantly in love but she disappears.

His trusty Stewart Deldini – think of Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses – and you have his character decide to change places in the pursuit of finding the girl.

Party invitations are delivered for the Prince’s ball but Cinderella is tricked into tearing hers up by her sisters.

Her Fairy Godmother comes to the rescue and, in a magical transformation scene, she travels to the ball wearing a spectacular dress in a sparkling coach.

However, she must be home by midnight and in her rush to depart she loses a shoe which starts the Prince’s quest to once again find and marry her.

Jordan Benjamin and Rachel Breeze provide strong support in the ensemble. The beautiful colourful sets and costumes are a delight and the songs and choreography are impressive.

With oodles of audience participation, local references and groan-making puns this is a joyous panto hit that shouldn’t be missed.

ROBIN STRAPP

For more details

see the Corn Exchange web site at www.cornexchangenew.com.

Previous productions

Sleeping Beauty, 29th November 2019 to 4th January 2020. See the review in the archive.

Great Expectations, 6th to 7th September 2019. See the review in the archive.

Jack and the Beanstalk, 30th November 2018 to 6th January 2019. See the reviews in the archive.

Beauty and the Beast, 1st December 2017 to 7th January 2018. See the reviews in the archive.

Cinderella, 25th November to 31st December 2016. See the review in the archive.

Dick Whittington, 27th November 2015 to 3rd January 2016. See the reviews in the archive.

Aladdin, 28th November 2014 to 4th January 2015. See the reviews in the archive.. See the review in the archive.

Jack and the Beanstalk, 29th November 2013 to 5th January 2014. See the reviews in the Archive.