Warwick Arts Centre's early 2020 line-up will banish the winter blues! - The Coventry Observer

Warwick Arts Centre's early 2020 line-up will banish the winter blues!

Coventry Editorial 9th Jan, 2020 Updated: 9th Jan, 2020   0

WARWICK Arts Centre has unveiled a great programme for early 2020 to beat off those winter blues.

Headline acts include some of the biggest stars in comedy from Sandi Toksvig to Ardal O’Hanlon, soul singer Beverley Knight, a celebration of funk curated by James Brown’s musical director Pee Wee Ellis and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Three time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long (BBC Radio 4’s Short Cuts) is back with her new show Tender (January 23). The Showing Off Must Go On finds Father Ted and Death In Paradise star Ardal O’Hanlon (February 27) fearful of being on the wrong side of history, while Irish sketch trio Foil, Arms and Hog (March 13) bring some of their online mayhem to the stage with a night of scripted nonsense, twisted characters and unintentional improv’.

Well on her way to ‘national treasure’ status, author and QI presenter Sandi Toksvig (February 1) will be recounting tall stories and fascinatingly funny facts, all topped off with some silly jokes, and a quick fire Q&A.




Other comedians heading to the Coventry venue include rising Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer-nominee Sarah Keyworth (February 22), 8 Out Of 10 Cats’ Jimmy Carr (February 2, April 23, June 23), Milton Jones (February 8 and October 17), Catherine Bohart (February 2), Rich Hall (February 12), Mock The Week’s Andy Parsons (March 6) and The Fast Show’s Arabella Weir (March 10).

Wolverhampton-born soul star Beverley Knight (January 31) celebrates 25 years in music, during which time she’s earned 14 Top 40 hits and countless awards. Her latest album, BK25, finds the singer, presenter and stage star at the top of her game.


Curated by James Brown’s Musical Director renowned saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis, and singer China Moses, Funk: A Music Revolution (March 2) celebrates funk’s influence, from its early days to now. With a nine-piece band of top musicians (including vocalist Omar), listen out for such dance-inducing cuts as James Brown and Pee Wee’s Cold Sweat, Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke, and Kool and The Gang’s Jungle Boogie.

Starring internationally renowned Argentinean superstars German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi, Tango Fire (February 12) presents a fiery and explosive journey through the history of authentic Argentine tango. Sizzling and sensual, and nicely timed for a pre-Valentine’s Day treat.

Or if you prefer something a little more romantic, join Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world-class dancers and acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia as they make their Warwick Arts Centre debut with A Valentine’s Celebration of Music and Dance (February 15). Expect exquisite extracts from Swan Lake, Giselle and Don Quixote, plus stunning orchestral passages from Puccini, Strauss and Tchaikovsky.

Other forthcoming highlights include the return of Japan’s breath-taking Kodo drummers for Kodo: Legacy (February 14), which finds the powerful percussionists combining exciting new works with signature pieces from across their 40 years of touring.

Don’t miss the inspiring Black Voices who will be celebrating the life of Aretha Franklin with Aretha: The Queen Next Door (March 7) and animated Christmas TV hit The Tiger Who Came To Tea is set to delight younger audiences (April 9-12), while a run of creative Masterclasses, covering everything from chocolate making to lino printmaking, find leading experts sharing vital skills and insider tips.

For more information, including tickets and details Tel: 024 7652 4524 or see: warwickartscentre.co.uk

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