Inspirational Autumn at The Point and The Berry Theatre
Live entertainment returns! Borough's theatres welcome back audiences with great programmes
The Point Eastleigh and The Berry Theatre in Hedge End are welcoming back audiences for a vibrant and inspiring autumn season.
Tickets are now on sale for a broad and varied programme at both venues offering everything from comedy, dance, family events, workshops and classes to theatre, music and film.
Dance and theatre highlights at The Point include an exciting preview of Theatre Re’s Bluebelle (21 October), which combines visually striking poetic theatre and lyrical live music, and Frozen Light presents 2065 (6-7 October), a futuristic sensory extravaganza for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Comedic crackers abound, including visits from stand-ups Mark Thomas (24 September), Ed Byrne (22 October) and Jess Robinson (9 December), friendly weekly Comedy Lab sessions and Anything Funny, Eastleigh’s only Open Mic Night.
There will be more chortles courtesy of The New Scummy Mummies Show (30 September) and the two leading ladies of Desert Island Flicks (11 November), who’ll reimagine, remake and spoof the most memorable movie moments of all time.
Treats for children and their families include acoustic Wonder Gigs; a visit from CBeebies’ star Nick Cope (13 November); our WILD! day of fun (9 October) including aerial adventure Tarzanna; and Christmas ballet The Nutcracker. Half-term’s WILD! week of activities includes a Lounge-Around Cinema, Baby Rave, Comedy for Kids gig, Monster Academy, Superhero School and Arts Explorers.
Additional entertaining evenings in store include a commemoration of the Festival of Remembrance with local branches of the Royal British Legion, All Together Now, Oliver!, 75: A Musical Journey, Sound Pop Academy and Love Soul. There will also be plenty of opportunities to participate including drama club, youth theatre, classes, inclusive cinema, the return of the popular Board Game Café and a very special Christmas Candy Cane Club Cabaret.
The Berry Theatre in Hedge End has the perfect family festive treat in the form of Slot Machine Theatre and Norden Farm’s charming stage adaptation of Nick Butterworth's bestselling Percy the Park Keeper book One Snowy Night (10–30 December). There will also be some yuletide music in store courtesy of Peter Gill’s Christmas Comedy Songbook.
Mirth-making theatrical treats include Not Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2 October), a laughter-filled parody of the classic D.H. Lawrence novel and Crimes in Egypt (23 October), a romp inspired by Christie, Coward and Wodehouse.
Critically acclaimed comedian Simon Brodkin explores why he’s always been a Troublemaker (25 September) and cinematic treats include NT Live’s Follies and a full range of Saturday morning family screenings. Children will also be enchanted by StoryTribe! which offers family fun, creative games and interactive storytelling for 3-7 year-olds.
The Point and The Berry Theatre are owned and operated by Eastleigh Borough Council.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Policy, Councillor Tonia Craig, said: “The Borough really punches above its weight in terms of arts provision, and it’s great to see our two brilliant venues returning to something approaching normality, after such a challenging 18 months.
“The performing arts make a huge contribution to people’s happiness and wellbeing and the autumn programme for both our theatres is excellent and varied, offering something to appeal to everyone. Congratulations to the team for pulling it together: I’m sure it will be enjoyed by residents - and lovers of live performance across the region.”
Charlotte Hall, Creative Director at the venues, said: “This Autumn is such a feast of much needed fun and excitement following all of the challenge of recent times. Our team cannot wait to welcome our audiences back to our buildings and continue to do everything possible to keep our visitors feeling relaxed and safe during their visit.
“We have no doubt that our audiences will spring back in action to support us once more and we cannot wait to share some fantastic experiences with everyone again.”