The Arena Theatre Wolverhampton is set to dazzle audiences with a series of remarkable performances and engaging events that cater to a wide array of artistic tastes. From accessible drama workshops to an imaginative retelling of The Jungle Book, the theatre promises a calendar filled with captivating experiences. Highlights include the festive charm of 'Festive Frivolities', the chilling tales of 'Dark Tales in Winter', and a heartening story of resilience in 'Wonderin' Y'. Join us as we delve into this spectacular lineup of entertainment.

Arena Theatre Wolverhampton: A Feast of Drama, Music, and Excitement

Arena Theatre Wolverhampton is set to host a variety of exciting theatrical events that promise to engage, entertain, and inspire audiences. From accessible drama workshops led by visually impaired facilitators to a reinterpretation of Oscar Wilde's classic comedy, these events cater to a broad range of tastes and interests. Attendees can look forward to a gripping solo performance recounting the life of Slade's drummer, a hilarious musical set in ancient Rome, and a vibrant theatrical piece blending Victorian music and storytelling. Join us for an enriching cultural journey this season.

A Diverse Array of Theatrical Experiences at Arena Theatre Wolverhampton

This season, the Arena Theatre Wolverhampton presents a diverse lineup of events that promises to captivate and inspire. From the accessible and inclusive 'No Dramas' sessions to the powerful solo performance of 'Wonderin' Y,' and the comedic brilliance of 'A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum,' each event offers a unique theatrical experience. Additionally, 'What the Dickens?' combines music and storytelling in a vibrant exploration of Victorian culture. These events highlight both the resilience of human spirit and the enduring appeal of theatre.

A Season of Drama, Music, and Inspiration at Arena Theatre Wolverhampton

A spellbinding theatre piece with music by award-winning writer Clare Norburn and BAFTA-nominated director Nicholas Renton, soundtracked by colourful Victorian popular songs and street music, old carols and lively folk dance music performed by a multi-talented cast of seven who act, sing, dance and play instruments: sometimes all at the same time!

What the Dickens?

Arena Theatre Wolverhampton


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A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

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Dates
31 Oct 2024
 until 
—
2 Nov 2024
Venues:
Arena Theatre
Categories:
Musical Theatre
Production by:Starcross Theatre Company
Thursday 31st October at 7.00pm

Friday 1st November at 7.00pm

Saturday 2nd November at 2.00pm and 7.00pm

Tickets £12

CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OLD NOT PERMITTED

Starcross Theatre Company return to the Arena this autumn with their production of a Stephen Sondheim classic - “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”.One of the funniest musicals ever written. A non-stop laugh-fest set in ancient Rome in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful courtesan named Philia, for his slow-witted young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors, fantastic toe tapping numbers and a laugh behind every toga will leave you in stiches

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

In the summer of 1973, Slade drummer Don Powell was involved in a devastating car accident which instantly killed his girlfriend and left him with a brain injury that resulted in severe and lasting memory loss. Wonderin' Y tells the story of how a 26-year-old man at the height of the band's fame fought courageously to get back behind his drum kit and rebuild his life. This is a gripping, emotional and uplifting solo performance by writer and actor Ian Pearce, who worked closely with Don Powell to create the story.

Wonderin' Y: How Slade's Drummer Survived

Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who; Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. 

NT Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

Dark Tales in Winter presents Number 13 by M. R. James

Join the staff, associate artists and partners of the Arena Theatre as we celebrate the joyous Christmas season with live entertainment made up of Arena Theatre partners, Associate Artists, and community groups we engage with throughout our programmes of work. This event is suitable for all members of your family!

Festive Frivolities 2024

Fearless and free, Mowgli the ‘man-cub‘ finds fun and friendship despite learning to live by the Law of the Jungle. Mowgli’s daring adventures in the dangerous world he inhabits, are brought to life by Indigo Moon Theatre with inventive shadow theatre, original music and colourful digital projection.

The Jungle Book

Astitva translates as ‘existence’ and is a new ensemble work exploring the lived experiences of Gay British South Asian men, choreographed by Jaivant Patel.

Astitva 

‘Sitaron Ke Sang’ - a radiant brightness the stars illuminate in their togetherness; refers to Diwali, more popularly known as the Indian festival of lights.

Arena Theatre Associate, Jaivant Patel Company once again presents a vibrant evening of South Asian Dance featuring Bollywood, Kathak, Bharatanatyam to Bhangara and Dandiya Raas, in Celebration of Diwali.

Diwali Utsav, Sitaron Ke Sang

Aladdin

“It is our intention to give the silent voices of addiction a platform to be heard.” (SUIT volunteer & spoken word artist, Woz).


SUIT are a Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO), providing help for people struggling with or in recovery from drugs & alcohol in Wolverhampton. Formed in 2007 to provide advocacy and support for those experiencing stigma and complex vulnerabilities, the service has developed to offer a diverse range of support, including access to healthcare, welfare, social justice, & education, delivering ‘Buddy’ support, community outreach, projects, events & creative arts, & partnership work.

SUIT Performance

The time is 1897. Mankind is on the cusp of vast technological change, scientific mastery and media innovation. But poised between traditional beliefs, the threat of the unknown and the shock of the new world, an altogether darker fear is emerging. As a new shadow looms large over England, a small group of young men and women, led by Professor Van Helsing, are plunged into an epic struggle for survival.

Dracula

Dave Pitt has won awards. Dave Pitt is an Associate Artist. Dave Pitt is doing alright at this writing and performing lark. So why has Dave Pitt still got a chip on his shoulder, what does that have to do with graffiti art, bins and fork lift trucks and is the chip actually battered? Dave Pitt uses spoken word and poetry to find out.

A Battered Chip On My Shoulder

An actor boards a train from Waterloo, opting for the meandering, romantic route to the West Country for a weekend with an old friend. As the Devonshire countryside slips past the carriage window, his mind’s eye is filled with memories of a happy summer spent there with his late partner and fellow actor, Michael. As the train rolls towards his destination, our narrator takes us on our own journey – through his stories and thoughts about Shakespeare, friends, his career and the trials of his own health…

An Actor Convalescing in Devon

No Dramas sessions are led by visually impaired facilitators and are full of accessible drama exercises and fun games; they’re a great opportunity to build your confidence, develop new social connections and have a brilliant time

No Dramas

We are looking for writers, performers, devisers, directors and designers to join us.

Arena Collaborative Theatremakers (ACT) allows artists the space to develop their own work, with support from industry professionals. The collective meets in the Tilstone Studio at the Arena, giving an opportunity for artists to present their ‘work in progress’ to a small audience, allowing them to develop their projects in a safe, creative space.

Arena Collaborative Theatremakers - Autumn 2024

Daisy Donald is bright, bold and full of fun but she’s also hiding a secret…that she lives with Type 1 Diabetes, an invisible disability. When Daisy’s world starts to goes very grey, will she be ready for an adventure with 3 sneaky, shuffly monsters Moe, Sky and Eddy?

The Daisy Donald Show

Frankenstein (On a Budget) features one actor, some decidedly dodgy backdrops, lots of weather based puns, plenty of cardboard props and more hats than you can throw a stick at. Can our ill fated doctor build his monstrous creation, play 25 characters, sing a lot of songs, attempt accents from across the world, perform a dance routine, and ultimately save the day in just 60 minutes?

Frankenstein (on a budget)

Catherine Shaw spent the 90s shocking the art world with her provocative performance art. She’s always called herself a feminist, but looking back through the lens of #MeToo, she’s questioning how much she enabled the culture she now sees being called out. An ambitious Curator approaches her to put together an exhibition of female Artists at a major new gallery; a scandal breaks and unwittingly caught in the centre, she begins to question everything.

Indestructible

Are you a local drag artist who has been itching to perform your latest act? Are you passionate about drag as an artform?

How’ve Yow Been Dragged Up? provides a safe and inclusive platform for local drag artists to try out and receive feedback on their latest acts and projects.

How've Yow Been Dragged Up? - Autumn 2024

The Duke is a solo show from the multi-award winning writer/performer and “legend of the Edinburgh Festival” (The Stage) exploring kindness, generosity and the value of what we do.

The Duke

Returning for its 12th year, Infusion Emporium showcases some of the most innovative choreographers and dancers to have emerged from the fusion scene. Blending Raqs Sharqi (aka bellydance) with contemporary influences and elements, expect to be dazzled and amazed by the diversity and creativity of the dance.

Infusion Emporium 12

Macbeth by Candlelight

Extant presents a live event to accompany Unseen, a gripping new audio drama that examines the subtle and insidious effect of domestic abuse on the blind and visually impaired community, using empathy, hope and candour to raise awareness of this important subject.

UNSEEN: a gripping new audio drama by Extant

PASTA is an open mic night with a difference. Each month we ask people to perform a piece they’ve written on a theme which was chosen at the previous event. (we’ll advertise the theme on social media and this web site so anyone can join in).

Arena Theatre Wolverhampton

Nov 22, 2025

What the Dickens?

Oct 31 - Nov 2, 2025

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

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Arena Theatre Wolverhampton