Past Performances

An award-winning hilarious take on Cervantes’ timeless novel.

Two feisty señoritas and a downtrodden Englishman take on Don Quixote’s quest accompanied only by an otherworldly virtuoso guitarist.

A live feature-film premiere: the events that shook Suffolk in 2006 when the quiet rural town of Ipswich was shattered by the discovery of the bodies of five women…

A brand new production of Shakespeare’s most enduringly popular play of love and intrigue, magic and celebration set on that most dangerous of nights when fairies are abroad and nothing is as it seems…

With their work rooted in the ridiculous, LeNavet Bete presents a physical comedy influenced by the world-famous detective. Dick Tracy promises to have the bad guys in handcuffs and the audience in stitches.

Bored with his chores, the apprentice waves his wand and a broom magically fetches water for him. But he can’t find a spell to stop it. In desperation he saws it in half – and everything spirals out of control…

The Freedom Theatre brings its latest production on its first UK tour: the untold accounts by the exiled fighters who sought sanctuary in the Church of the Nativity, of an event that has taken on almost mythical proportions.

A dazzling programme of ballet, neoclassical, contemporary and narrative dance. The company’s young and dynamic dancers showcase their talent with a diverse performance of newly commissioned works and celebrated revivals.

Come and play down on the farm with Tony and Picasso!

Storytelling, music and lots of chances to make your own art – this hands-on family show introduces one of the 20th century’s most influential artists through the eyes of a young boy.

Academy Award® nominee Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Schindler’s List; Oedipus at the National Theatre) plays Jack Tanner in this exhilarating reinvention of Shaw’s witty, provocative classic.

Dance theatre at its most thrilling. Set against the imagined backdrop of New York’s world famous, iconic Empire State Building, five outstanding male performers inhabit the world of the heroic construction workers of 1930.

Frome Drama Club presents Tom Jones, Joan Macalpine’s riotous dramatisation of Henry Fielding’s great picaresque novel. This bawdy 18th century romp sees Tom Jones, Squire Allworthy’s adopted son, falling victim to the charms of one rustic wench after another.

Acclaimed playwright Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love, Arcadia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) returns to the National Theatre with his highly-anticipated new play The Hard Problem, directed by Nicholas Hytner (Othello, Hamlet, One Man, Two Guvnors).

Tri.Art Dance Academy returns this year with their version of Petipa’s classical ballet, Sleeping Beauty. Join us as we venture into the land of fairy tale, where good reigns over evil and a happily ever after is lived by all.

This affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a house-hold name. Down-and-out skid row florist’s assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. A high energy, darkly comic tale featuring classic songs “ Skid Row”, “Feed Me”, and “Suddenly Seymour”.

Hilarious and touching, Rob Gee’s FRUITCAKE – Ten Commandments from the Psych Ward brings empathy and personal experience to extreme comedy in a unique performance which has been hailed as a tour-de-force across two continents.

FILMED THEATRE SCREENING

Hamlet’s father is dead and Denmark has crowned a new king. Consumed by grief Hamlet struggles to exact revenge with devastating consequences.

Selwood Academy presents the Somerset premiere of a new musical production of Jules Verne’s classic adventure, packed with dynamic songs, physical comedy and frantic against-the-clock action.

Pulizter Prize-winner Katherine Boo spent three years in Annawadi recording the lives of its residents. From her uncompromising book, David Hare has fashioned a tumultuous play on an epic scale.

Emily Brontë’s emotionally gripping Wuthering Heights is, without a doubt, one of the most tragic and infamous love stories ever told. This production will leave you covered in goosebumps and reaching for the nearest copy.

With original live music, high energy performances and a huge emotional world, Hammerpuzzle’s 60 minute adaptation of ‘King John’ captures the dynamic realism of this compelling tale whilst holding on to the heart of Shakespeare’s original text.

Love her or hate her, Margaret Thatcher was one of the central figures in 20th century British politics. It is a challenge for any actor to play her convincingly on stage but, having portrayed both Hitler and Churchill already in his one-man shows, Pip Utton is ‘up for it’.

Disney’s Frozen gets the full sing-a-long treatment! Featuring the award winning song ‘Let It Go’ this sing-along version of Disney’s family favourite, with lyrics on screen, is sure to be a hit with the kids this half term

Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of murder, money and mutiny is brought to life in a thrilling new stage adaptation by Bryony Lavery, broadcast live from the National Theatre.

This lively show for children 3 and up is full of fun, feathers, laughter and excitement, featuring original music and lots of audience participation! The friendly bus driver leaves us with one simple instruction: “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” However, the pigeon is very clever and whines, bribes, pleads and even sings a song to get his own way… BUT WILL YOU LET HIM DRIVE???

This workshop aims to give you an insight into the creation of this exciting production, reflecting on Shakespeare’s original text and the history of John. Part practical, part discussion, it’s a great opportunity to work with a visiting theatre company.

Frome College Expressive Arts’ Faculty present Romeo and Juliet. Set in contemporary China, this production is an exciting updated version of Shakespeare’s classic play.

Miracle deftly combines its own inimitable style with the wonder of Victorian Music Hall to tell the story of one man’s obsession to discover the heart of Africa and transform an entire continent single-handed – AND of a woman left behind…

Yorke Dance Project presents Figure Ground a compelling 5* programme that brings together the work of three generations of choreographers. An evening of brilliant dancing that is rooted in tradition whilst blazing its way into the future

This highly acclaimed folk/bluegrass band have appeared live on BBC TV (Andrew Marr Show), on Radio 4 (Loose Ends) and have had praise in the Guardian and Independent. An exciting live act, around a single mic, they sell out arts centres across Europe.

Internationally renowned DV8 Physical Theatre bring their powerful new production to the National Theatre, fusing movement and spoken word to create a touching performance. Broadcast live at the Merlin Theatre.

Richard Armitage stars in Arthur Miller’s classic American drama, based on Salem’s infamous witch trials, brought vividly to life in this visceral new production by internationally acclaimed director Yaël Farber.

This ghostly tale of Past, Present and Future is brought to life in an exciting new musical adaptation by the award winning Merlin Theatre Company. Keeping true to the original text, it draws upon the themes of time, family and society’s ills in a tale to warm even the coldest of hearts.

We are very sorry but this show has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule in 2015.

UK Touring Theatre returns to the Merlin Theatre with the World Premiere of a brand new English translation of A Doll’s House; Henrik Ibsen’s groundbreaking play about marriage, money, and the freedom of women in the late 19thcentury.

The Merlin is delighted to welcome the UK’s largest youth drama festival to our stage

A fun-filled workshop which gives kids the chance to create their own crime fighting characters – FREE when you book your ticket to the show

Merlin favourite Pip Utton returns with his latest offering, featuring the talented dancer Marguerite Chaigne. Welcome to Casanova’s memories, his dreams, his conquests and his broken hearts, his triumphs and his defeats. And welcome to his seduction secrets…

National Theatre Live’s thrilling broadcast of Frankenstein returns to cinemas and theatres for a limited time, due to unprecedented audience demand. Tonight’s screening will star Benedict Cumberbatch as the creature.

Adapted from Anthony Horowitz’ novel of the same name, The Falcon’s Malteser follows hopelessly inept private detective Tim Diamond and his sharp witted brother Nick on an hilarious and thrilling case with comedy, songs, puppetry, slapstick and a whole lots of laughs. Family show for 8 yrs +

Our favourite workshop of the year is back, ready to thrill and chill this Halloween.

National Theatre Live’s thrilling broadcast of Frankenstein returns to cinemas and theatres for a limited time, due to unprecedented audience demand. Tonight’s screening will star Johnny Lee Miller as the creature.

The Merlin Theatre is proud to support local performer, Lottie Ball, who is raising funds for professional training at Laines. Enjoy entertainment from a talented cast of local performers as we help Lottie reach her target!

This classic fairytale now gets the Lyngo treatment so expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as Patrick Lynch (from Cbeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack who sells his cow for 5 magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds>

Two assassins. A dumb waiter. The order for steak and chips is strangely shocking. What happens if they can’t deliver? Claustrophobic, menacing and hilarious – classic Pinter. An internationally prize-winning company, Cross Cut’s work has been seen in Ireland, New York, Italy and around the UK.

A musical glimpse into the life of seventeen dancers auditioning for spots in a Broadway Musical. There is no glorifying or sensationalising. These dancers aren’t stars. This is the working class of Broadway performers; the chorus line.

“Brother my sponsor has pulled out on me and I want to stay in school. Can you help? Ronnie x”

A true story spanning 4000 miles and thousands of pounds invested. Exploring the murky processes behind bettering oneself in Uganda.

It took Michael Portillo little more than 10 years to get a seat in the Commons and then rise in power and esteem to a point where he was a favoured leader of his party and possible future PM. Tonight he will tell his extraordinary story and take questions from the audience afterwards.

Returning for the last time the Merlin Theatre where it all began, Sgt. Pepper’s Only Dartboard Band are here to remind us why they’re one of the most internationally respected and widely known Beatles act.

A one woman show telling the adventures of Annie Wilde through a musical drama that draws on class, privilege, hope and disappointment in war time England.