Busy New Season at the Rose

Drama, laughter and a good dose of family fun are all in the mix for the new Autumn-Winter 2005 season at the Rose Theatre.

Between September and December a variety of acts will tread the boards at the versatile Edge Hill venue, based at the Ormskirk Campus.

From Shakespeare to alternative comedy, hard-hitting drama to children?s workshops, this season?s line-up caters for all.

"This season?s programme is bigger and better than ever with a great blend of up-and-coming acts and well-established plays by professional touring companies," said Theatre Manager June Gibbons. "We have also frozen our prices so taking in a show at the Rose is great value for money."

The season kicks off in earnest on September 20th with another popular night of alternative stand-up ? the first of three such gag-filled comedy events over the coming months.

This is swiftly followed by back-to-back adaptations of the eternal classics Twelfth Night and Wuthering Heights (Sept 23rd and 24th), performed by the acclaimed Love&Madness Ensemble and their 10-strong cast!

The Shakespeare theme continues ? but with a 21st Century twist ? in the form of The Volcano Theatre Company?s The Most Excellent & Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo & Juliet (Oct 4th).

Mind The Gap take to the stage to perform John Steinbeck?s literary masterpiece Of Mice and Men (Oct 18th). John Godber?s perceptive take on 80s nightlife Bouncers is back by popular demand on November 8th, while Goodnights Entertainment follows up the sell-out Girls Night and Girls Behind with Bobby & Johnny (Nov 24th and 25th) ? a hilarious account of the world of cabaret.

As a Family Friendly venue, four fun-packed productions and workshops for children and grown-ups will take place at the Rose this season, including the visual feast that is Baba Yaga Boney Legs (Oct 7th and 8th), erstwhile favourite Pinocchio (Oct 29th) and Th??tre Sans Fronti?res? Around the World in 80 Minutes (Oct 31st).

And as if all this wasn?t enough, the Rose has recently undergone a stylish refurbishment as part of Edge Hill?s new £5m performing arts development, complete with brand new seating and a relocated box office facility.

For further details of all performances visit the Rose Theatre website or call the Box Office on 01695 584480.