Directed by Simon Downing
In these somewhat uncertain times comes a wonderful evening of warmth, wit and gentle humour. Choice Grenfell features some of the best of Joyce’s delightful songs and monologues from ‘Stately as a Galleon’ and ‘School Nativity Play’ to “A Terrible Worrier” and "First Flight “. Joyce is our guide for a delightful delve into some of her most delightful characters , ably accompanied by her trusted pianist. As Joyce would have said “ We request the pleasure of your company” in the company of one of Britain’s best loved comediennes.
We are delighted that the family of William Blezard have allowed us access to previously unpublished rehearsal recordings and personal letters from Joyce Grenfell allowing a unique insight into the queen of comediennes.
Choice Grenfell is a full length show celebrating the life of Joyce Grenfell during the 40th anniversary year of her death. The show will provide a completely unique view into the life of Joyce Grenfell through the eyes of her much respected friend, and Musical Director, William Blezard. Starting with a depiction of a rehearsal in Act 1 and then segues into the full performance in Act 2. Kick in the Head have been given access to personal letters and hours of interview recordings from William Blezard in order to make this show as authentic as possible.
Act 1 – The Rehearsal
Joyce and William arrive as if they are turning up at an empty theatre for a rehearsal before the performance. As Joyce rehearses songs and monologues, the dialogue between the characters provides the opportunity for us to learn about Joyce Grenfell’s life, the type of lady she was and her relationship with William Blezard, her longstanding and trusted pianist and Musical Director. The dialogue for this act has been written by acclaimed playwright Simon Downing using extensive material kindly provided by the family of William Blezard.
Act – 2 The Performance
The second half of the show is the performance! The stage is now set, make up is on and the audience are now given the full Joyce Grenfell performance.
Our aim with the show is celebrate the life and work of a great lady. In order to do this we have been given access to personal letters and hours of interview recordings of the man who knew her as well as anyone. At Kick In The Head we didn’t want to produce just another show trotting out songs and monologues in a ‘tribute band format’. We wanted to produce a piece of theatre that gives people an understanding of the lady herself as well as celebrating her marvellous work.
Future dates (click on the link below each date to book tickets)
14 May 2021 The Barn Theatre, Smallhythe Place, Kent
18 June 2021 Kenton Theatre, Henley on Thames, Oxon
17 Sept 2021 Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury, Bucks
19 Sept 2021 Worlingworth Community Centre, Suffolk
21 Sept 2021 The Lights, Andover, Hants
12 Nov 2021 Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, S Wales
https://www.torchtheatre.co.uk/choice-grenfell/
13 Nov 2021 The Astor, Deal, Kent
17 Nov 2021 Cliff House, Salcombe, Devon
18 Nov 2021 Palace Theatre, Paignton, Devon
19 Nov 2021 The Acorn Theatre, Penzance, Cornwall
20 Nov 2021 The Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington, Devon
OA = Open Air Performance
Past dates
10 May 2019 Brighton Open Air Theatre, East Sussex
11 May 2019 Southwold Arts Centre, Suffolk
18 May 2019 The Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, Wales
21 May 2019 The Core Theatre, Solihull, West Midlands
22 June 2019 The Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre, Hants ***SOLD OUT***
29 June 2019 Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, Surrey ***SOLD OUT***
30 June 2019 The Hawth, Crawley, West Sussex ***SOLD OUT***
7 July 2019 Sunbury & Shepperton Arts Festival
20 July 2019 The Place Theatre, Bedford ***SOLD OUT***
21 July 2019 The Place Theatre, Bedford ***SOLD OUT***
27 July 2019 The Berry Theatre, Southampton
6 Sept 2019 Dore Abbey, Herefordshire ***SOLD OUT***
7 Sept 2019 Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Birmingham
20 Sept 2019 Strafford Gatehouse Theatre, Staffs
21 Sept 2019 Ralph Court Gardens, Bromyard, Herefordshire
28 Sept 2019 South Hill Park Arts Centre, Berks
5 Oct 2019 Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Cambs
9 Oct 2019 Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth, Devon ***SOLD OUT***
10 Oct 2019 Cygnet Theatre, Exeter, Devon
11 Oct 2019 Vera Fletcher Hall, Thames Ditton, Surrey ***SOLD OUT***
12 Oct 2019 Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs, Kent
9 Nov 2019 The Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone, Kent
15 Nov 2019 Quay Theatre, Sudbury, Suffolk ***SOLD OUT***
17 Nov 2019 Milton Rooms, Malton, N Yorks
11 Jan 2020 Cryer Arts Centre, Carshalton, Surrey ***SOLD OUT***
12 Jan 2020 Cryer Arts Centre, Carshalton, Surrey
18 Jan 2020 Players Theatre, Thame, Oxon
23 Jan 2020 Corn Hall, Diss, Norfolk
30 Jan 2020 The Spring, Havant, Hants ***SOLD OUT***
31 Jan 2020 Cranleigh Arts Centre, Cranleigh, Surrey ***SOLD OUT***
1 Feb 2020 Cotswold Playhouse, Stroud, Glocs ***SOLD OUT***
5 Feb 2020 The Stables Theatre, Wavendon, Milton Keynes
7 Feb 2020 Ropery Hall, Barton-upon-Humber, N Lincs ***SOLD OUT***
8 Feb 2020 The Middlesbrough Theatre, N Yorks
9 Feb 2020 Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley, W Yorks
26 Feb 2020 Lincoln Drill Hall, N Lincs
27 Feb 2020 Grantham Guildhall, Grantham, Lincs
28 Feb 2020 Riverhead Theatre, Louth, Lincs ***SOLD OUT***
29 Feb 2020 Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead
4 Mar 2020 Hangar Farm Arts Centre, Totton, Hants
6 Mar 2020 Brunton Theatre, Edinburgh
23 Apr 2020 Eden Court, Inverness ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE - Sat 6 March 2021***
24 April 2020 Number 8, Pershaw, Worcs ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
26 April 2020 Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar, Herts ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE - Sun 20 Sept 2020
30 Apr 2020 Cliff House, Salcombe, Devon ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE - 25 Feb 2021***
1 May 2020 Palace Theatre, Paignton, Devon ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE - 26 Feb 2021***
2 May 2020 The Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington, Devon ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE - 27 Feb 2021***
3 May 2020 The Acorn Theatre, Penzance, Cornwall ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE - 28 Feb 2021***
7 May 2020 Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Ceredigion, Wales ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE - 6 Feb 2021***
15 May 2020 Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft, Suffolk ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
21 May 2020 Stable Theatre, Great Comp, Kent ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
22 May 2020 Barn Theatre, Smallhythe Place, Kent ***CANCELLED***
5 June 2020 Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury, Bucks ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
13 June 2020 Miserden Estate, Stroud, Glos ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
19 June 2020 Skipton Little Theatre, Skipton, Yorks ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
27 June 2020 Weald & Downland Living Museum, Sussex ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
18 July 2020 Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, Anglesey ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
31 Aug 2020 Weald & Downland Living Museum (OA)
20 Sept 2020 Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar, Herts ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
3 Oct 2020 Joyce Grenfell Centre, Claremont Fan Court School, Surrey ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
9 Oct 2020 Haverhill Arts Centre, Suffolk ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
8 Oct 2020 The Astor, Deal, Kent ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
12 Nov 2020 The Lights, Andover, Hants ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
18 Nov 2020 The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, Lancs ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
6 Feb 2021 Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Ceredigion, Wales ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
25 Feb 2021 Cliff House, Salcombe, Devon ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
26 Feb 2021 Palace Theatre, Paignton, Devon ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
27 Feb 2021 The Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington, Devon ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
28 Feb 2021 The Acorn Theatre, Penzance, Cornwall ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
6 March 2021 Eden Court, Inverness, Scotland ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***
25 April 2021 Gladstone Theatre, Merseyside ***POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA***