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A ballroom & latin dance explosion, Backlash Ballroom is a dance spectacular featuring five professional ballroom & latin couples. These couples are World, European & National champions in dance and will be joined by two professional
singers.
Featuring costumes from the 2016 series of Strictly Come Dancing (kindly provided by DSI), this is a night to remember with dances such as the Waltz, the Quick Step, The Argentine Tango & The Charleston to name just a few.
An intoxicating dance performance guaranteed to wow!
Featuring a wonderful sound track and gorgeous lighting and special effects.
This event is Pay What You Decide - Donations taken at the end of the evening.
There are 3 performances of The Finest Ruin, 19:30 on the 25th, 14:30 and 19:30 on the 26th.
1920. World-renowned architect Edwin Lutyens is approachedby the mayor of Leicester to design a memorial to the victims of the Great War. As he goes through the motions, Lutyens wrestles with the meaning of art and its greater spiritual significance.
1953. In Victoria Park, under the shadow of the Arch of Remembrance, feisty young nurse Betty meets Asha, a shy artist who has justarrived from New Delhi. As their friendship develops, the two women realise theArch connects them in ways neither of them could possibly have imagined.
The story of a Leicester landmark and what it’s come to represent. Written as part of Leicester CityCouncil's Story of Parks project.
Ticket Price: Advance £17.50 / Door £20
After SELL OUT events in London & Birmingham - The Chuckle Singhs returnwith an ALL INDIAN line up
Hosts:
Chuckle Singhs, Bob & Danny provide banter and audience interaction toentertain and keep any event moving.
Acts:
** Sunil Patel **
Sunil Patel is is a calm, ultra-downbeat stand-up with an aloof, outsiderperspective who describes himself as a real misery guts, but can find laughs inthe bleakest of topics.
Chortle Best Newcomer Nominee 2013
BBC New Comedy Award Finalist 2012
Time Out's "One to Watch" 2013
Piccadilly Comedy Club New Act of the Year Winner 2012
Laughing Horse New Act of the Year Finalist 2013
"Beautifully funny" - Evening Standard
"One to watch" - Time Out
"Sunil Patel oozes funny like a jammy doughnut running down a diner’schin. Sometimes looking at his expressionless facade, I wonder whether he evenrealises how funny he is" - Broadway Baby
"...he might be a psychopath" - The Scotsman
** Sukh Kaur Ojla **
Sukh Kaur Ojla is a UK based actress, writer, comedian and professionaldaydreamer.
Sukh has appeared in a number of theatre productions as well as TV appearancessuch as Victoria and Abdul, Black Mirror & EastEnders.
Sukh is one of the names to watch out for on the comedy circuit. Having playedfrom small rooms she was recently selected for the BBC Asian Network Live event- her observation about the disadvantages of having to move back in with herparents, including not being allowed to ever turn over from the Sikh channelfeatured as one of the funniest moments of the night!
** Inder Manocha **
Inder Manocha is the crazy one & headlines this show with materialperformed worldwide
Inder Manocha has performed stand-up comedy all over the world since 2000. Hehas played all the major comedy venues across the country, from the ComedyStore to Jongleurs to the Hackney Empire.
Inder has made successful appearances with the Comedy Store’s criticallyacclaimed ‘Cutting Edge’ team (improvised comedy on topical issues). In 2004 hewon the EMMA Award (Ethnic Multicultural Media Award) for Best Comedy/Comedian,beating Meera Syal, Lenny Henry and Three Non-Blondes.
The Marc Bolan 40th Year Commemorative Concert
Danielz and his great band return for the eagerly anticipated return visit of the world's only officially acclaimed definitive tribute to Marc Bolan and T Rex.
Bring along your bopping shoes, warm up your vocal cords and sing and dance the night away to all your favourite hits including Hot Love, Metal Guru and Jeepster.
One of The Y's most eagerly awaited shows - book early to avoid disappointment!
"Absolutely amazing! If there's anyone who can step into Marc's shoes I'd like it to be him." June Bolan
Up Close & Personal - The Farewell Tour
Join Ian Waite & Camilla Dallerup from Strictly Come Dancing plus professional singer Paul Amer & guests for a spectacular evening of Dance, Singing and stories from their time on the BBC hit show.
This is the couples last professional tour together as Camilla is retiring from dance in 2017. This up close and personal show promises to be a night to remember.
Camilla, one of the original professionals and champion in 2008 is joined by her professional partner (and ladies favourite) Ian Waite who has appeared in nearly every series of the show.
During the show, Ian and Camilla will perform some amazing Latin and Ballroom routines and tell their inside stories from Strictly Come Dancing. PLUS, meet Ian & Camilla for FREE after the show!
Ticket Price: Advance - £12 / £5 Student NUS
Door - £14 / £7 Student NUS
A solo performance by thetotally unique and mesmerising Liane Carroll.
She is capable of reducinglisteners to tears with her heartbreaking ability to inhabit a lyric, or ofmaking an audience jump for joy with her breathtaking vocal virtuosity.
Onceseen never forgotten!
During TheWonder Stuff’s year out in 2007 front man Miles Hunt and violinist EricaNockalls released their debut album together ‘Not An Exit’. A 10 datetour quickly turned into an 18 month tour. In 2009 Miles & Erica were backin the studio to record the follow up album. Touring continued around the globenotching up no less than 150 shows in 2012.
This summersthe most travelled duo in indie rock will be playing songs from both Miles& Erica's and The Wonder Stuff's extensive catalogue interspersed withtales from the road and recent musings.
Gather inside our cosy theatre where we bring you tales full of magic, warmth and giggles. Share a bedtime storyland with hot chocolate and cookies at this ever popular event presented by Leicester Library Services.
Limited spaces available, book early!
2-8 years.
Mark Thomas: A Show that Gambles on the Future.
Few predicted the events of 2016. And even fewer seem to know where we are going. Mark Thomas sets out to discover what the future has in store for us by collecting and examining his own predictions and those of his audiences before gambling on their outcome.
By making futurologists of us all, he will create a fantastical, hilarious and possibly accurate vision of the world. And maybe even make a few quid on the side.
16+
The undisputed Kings of Comedy take to the stage for this hilarious night in.
Join Aurie Styla, Slim, Kane Brown and Kojo as they put on what could possibly be the funniest show of the year.
Suitable for: 16 yrs +
The unique six man tribute to rock's greatest band AC/DC, complete with cannons, a wall of Marshalls and over two hours of High Voltage Rock and Roll.
Packing in the classics like 'Whole Lotta Rosie', 'Highway To Hell', 'Thunderstruck' & 'Back In Black' into a 2 hour plus show, Live/Wire also throw in a few surprises for fans to savour!
This band is as close as you can get to the real thing, you've got to see this show to believe it, check them out for a night of high energy and fun!
Quite Remarkable Productions are over the moon to be back with a new magical and musical space adventure ‘3,2,1 Blast Off!’
Take off with Geoffrey Jumper and his silly little friend Mandy as they blast into outer-space! Learn to moonwalk, meet friendly aliens and help Geoffrey Jumper and Mandy get home in time for tea on an interactive and epic journey through space.
A sensory-swamped galactic voyage for 2-6 year olds with puppetry, live music, magic and mayhem!
Suitable for: 2-6yrs+
Shows at 11:30 & 14:30
A thrilling tale of magic, heroism, love and betrayal adapted from the novel Arthur: High King of Britain, by Michael Morpurgo, the author of War Horse and Private Peaceful.
A drowning boy is rescued by a mysterious figure who claims to be Arthur Pendragon. As the old man tells his stories, he is transported back to the heady days of Camelot, the Round Table, Merlin, Excalibur, Lancelot and Guinevere.
Join award-winning Story Pocket Theatre as they tell exciting stories of brave chivalry, battles and the search for the Holy Grail in a fast-moving family adventure packed with physical theatre and outstanding storytelling.
Suitable for 7 yrs +
“A masterclass in serious theatre for older children” The Stage
Headlining is Tez Ilyas - sharp and astute crowd-pleasing stand up from this TV and radio regular... Star of BBC Radio 4 and as seen on BBC One,BBC Two, BBC Three, ITV2, Channel 4, E4, Comedy Central and Sky Arts.
'Ilyas has a slickness more reminiscent of US comics, and the gags to back it up, though his most prized asset could yet be his bold, subversive streak.'Guardian
''Radiantly entertaining.'Times ★★★★
Support from Bilal Zafar (Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee), Rahul Kohli and Sunil Patel
Previous acts to appear at Asian Persuasion include Romesh Ranganathan, Nish Kumar and Paul Sinha.
Nigerian Tunji Sowande quietly breaks through multiple barriers to become Britain’s first Black judge in 1978. Also a fine concert singer and keen cricket lover, he muses on international politics and history as they affect the Black world from Africa to the USA and Britain, from the point of view of one who would rather watch sports, spread love and peace through the medium of song.
Recalling heroic sporting achievements alongside epoch-defining political events, Tayo Aluko follows the multi-award-winning Call Mr. Robeson with another “brilliantly put together history lesson delivered as art.”
Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive, well and dominating stages worldwide.
The band have also added a tribute into their show to ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist (and world renowned solo artist) Gary Moore.
Limehouse Lizzy enter their 21st year with their most explosive show and critically-acclaimed line-up yet.
Enjoy an evening of musical celebration with Fairport Convention at this golden anniversary concert. Credited with originating British folk-rock, Fairport first took to the stage in 1967’s summer of love. Throughout the intervening five decades (and numerous changes of line-up) the band’s passion for live performance has never wavered.
To mark its fiftieth year, Fairport has released a brand new CD titled 50:50@50. The band will play a selection of tracks from the album as well as long-established favourites from their extensive repertoire. Fairport Convention has attracted critical acclaim throughout its long career.
The band won a coveted BBC Lifetime Achievement Award, Radio 2 listeners voted Fairport’s ground breaking album Liege & Lief 'The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time', and their story and music has often featured on radio and television.
Fairport Convention’s line-up is Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Peggon bass guitar, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Ric Sanders onviolin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion.
Please note this is a seated performance.
“Impressive musicians with a great back catalogue... (they) take chances andclearly enjoy themselves.”
The Guardian
“Vigorous and confident...the music leapt around the room."
The Mirror
LEFTY SCUM Josie Long / Grace Petrie / Jonny & the Baptists Music!
Comedy! Revolutionary socialism! Join us for a riotous evening with three of the UK's most joyfully rabble-rousing acts.
Featuring three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee JOSIE LONG ('Can she please stop grumbling?' The Telegraph),
British Comedy Award & Musical Comedy Award nominees JONNY & THE BAPTISTS ('Distasteful’ The Telegraph) and acclaimed protest musician GRACE PETRIE ('Whining folk singer' The Telegraph).
Early booking is essential for this exclusive show, part of a limited 10-date UK tour.
(NB: Lefty Scum welcomes people of all political persuasions, but we will probably take the piss out of you if you’re a Tory.)
Them Heavy People are ‘Wowing’ audiences with every gig, as their stage show includes projections and iconic costume changes that all add up to make this band the closest interpretation of a Kate Bush show.
Nadine Turner has been an active fan of Kate’s for many years, and has spent time as a solo act, perfecting her Kate impression. She has an uncanny vocal resemblance to Kate, with note perfect renditions of many of Kate’s hits, and is backed by a band of seasoned professionals that strive for authentic recreations of Kate’s songs.
This band is a 'must see’ for any Kate Bush fan!
Stop fearing the worst. It’s already happened. So instead of crying about it, why not crawl out of your homemade nuclear fallout shelters and bear witness to Living Legend and National Treasure in waiting Nick Helm as he delivers some home truths about life, love and how not to be a dick.
This is a call to arms to anyone that feels hard done by and short-changed by this ugly new world. It’s time to take ownership and rise from the ashes as we learn to believe in ourselves again. For one night in your pathetic lives, let’s believe in a better world. Let’s believe in Nick Helm.
British Comedy Award winner, double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, BAFTA nominated filmmaker and star of BBC3’s Uncle, Heavy Entertainment, C4's Loaded, Live at the Apollo and regular on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Nick Helm sets off on his first national tour in order to bring his unique blend of high octane stand up, music and poetry, in person, to the people.
“Genuinely exciting.” The Telegraph ★★★★★
“A genuinely unique comedy brain.” The Guardian
"A smorgasbord of delights. Helm is a comic tour de force, and then some." The Mail on Sunday ★★★★
"A potent mix of soft-voiced fragility and visceral showmanship. An exciting comic presence." The Times
"A true comedy daredevil." "Utterly exhilarating.” Time Out ★★★★
"Original and beguiling." The Sunday Times
“Top tip – the utterly full on Nick Helm.” The Evening Standard ★★★★
“Inspired anarchy.” Scotsman On Sunday
“A full-on assault on the senses of humour, dignity and pathos.” Chortle ★★★★
“Leaves the audience on a massive high. This is worth every penny.” British Comedy Guide ★★★★½
"Very exciting." Daniel Kitson
"Blew my mind." Jimmy Carr
Jason has three brains which kick into action when he hits the stage. His left brain scans the audience and room, looking for improv moments. His right brain collates stand-up material and stunts, poised to dish out the funnies at speed. His centre brain is Jason’s coach, pushing him to the limit.
The fastest thinking comic around will not only trip himself up, but probably you too.
It’s been a busy few years for Byrne. In addition to his extensive touring worldwide, his Radio 2 show was awarded the UK radio industry’s prestigious Sony Radio Gold Award. As well as fronting a brand new studio based comedy chat show Jason Byrne's Snaptastic Show for TV3 in Ireland, he is co-host of Sky’s hugely popular new entertainment programme Wild Things on Sky1.
Also seen on Live at the Apollo (BBC1), The Royal Variety Show (ITV1), The John Bishop Show (BBC1), and Father Figure (BBC1) of which he is creator and star.
“Unmissable”
Evening Standard
“Watching a new Jason Byrne show is a bit like witnessing lightning in a botttle”
Edinburgh Evening News
“Byrne is consistently brilliant”
The Metro
“The outright king of live comedy”
Times
www.jasonbyrne.ie
Twitter: @theJasonByrne
After previous sell out shows around the UK Desi Central comes to The Y Leicester with an amazing line-up and night of nothing but laughter.
Acts: Patrick Monahan, Eshaan Akbar, Jay Sodagar, Nabil Abdul Rashid
Comedians:
Patrick Monahan,Desi Central audience favourite and regular host Patrick Monahan brings high energy comedy style with hilarious and engaging topical and observational material.
Jay Sodagar,Jay terms his comedy as Social Conscience Comedy, this genre underlines observational, political and straight stand-up, and he likes to make people think about his material after they've laughed.He was heavily involved with Comedy Improvisation, as part of the first all Asian Impro Team, which now tours Canada and the US.Writing is a passion of Jay's and he has written a material including sketch shows for TV and a feature length film script.He also made a short film and entered it into a major short film competition, and made it through to the final.In the little spare time he has, Jay teaches stand-up comedy.He has appeared everywhere from tiny comedy clubs to large theatres to Television and even around the world (France, Croatia, New York, LA).'What night would not be complete without the razor sharp acerbic wit of Jay Sodagar' - BBC'Very Very Funny a film-maker in the making' - Jean Lynch (Director of 2 Days Laughter Film Festival)'Amusing and Funny' - Time Out Magazine'Side-splittingly funny' - Eastern Eye
Eshaan Akbar,Eshaan Akbar has established himself as an act with exciting potential. Winner of the Piccadilly Comedy Club New Comedian of the Year 2016, Eshaan has been in the finals of other prestigious competitions. He performs worldwide & his professional career has taken him from private banking through to corporate communications via a career in local government public policy.
Nabil Abdul Rashid,Nabil Abdul Rashid is the very long awaited comedic breath of fresh air.Born in London but raised in Northern Nigeria to a Medical doctor father and a politician/business woman mother he has been fortunate to travel around the world at young age and had a private school education before moving to back to England to live in Croydon south London (or croy croy as he fondly calls it).Nabil Abdul Rashid switches from surreal to satirical in his dichotomy of being a middle-class educated man yet simultaneously a street-smart urban youth while avoiding clichés when dealing with topics such as being a black Muslim in South London. He switches accent and languages and blends them into his material.
After selling out an often-extended Off-Broadway run, an Australian tour and a sell-out run at Soho Theatre, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon presents The Vaudevillians, a bawdy, rowdy musical comedy co-starring composer and musician Major Scales.
***** ‘The Vaudevillians has charm and has a hell of a lot of laughs.’Gay Times
Throughout the 1920’s husband and wife performers Kitty Witless and Dr. Dan Von Dandy toured the United States as The Vaudevillians, wowing audiences with their edgy, original music. One day, while touring through Antarctica, they were victims of a devastating avalanche and were buried under two tons of sleet and snow – instantly freezing them alive.
**** ‘As funny as it is chair-dancing-inducing.’ Time Out
But thanks to Global Warming, they recently thawed out only to discover that pop artists had stolen their music and passed it off as their own. Now, at long last, they are taking to the stage to reclaim their songs, performing their music as originally composed. It’s a vintage cabaret with a twist of drag.
**** ‘The laughs are jam-packed and the musicianship is flawless.’Time Out Melbourne
‘Straight or gay, everyone leaves this show with sides aching from laughter.’ New York Times
Ever felt like you should be better at feminism?
Join comedian Deborah Frances-White for her comedy podcast, recorded in front of a live audience.
Each episode Deborah and her guests discuss their noble goals as 21st century feminists and the paradoxes and insecurities which undermine them. The podcast has been a huge success with over 10,000,000 downloads since it started at the beginning of last year.
“Hilarious, irreverent, eternally surprising, classy as hell, genius.” The Guardian
14 yrs +
One of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions and a popular Christmas ballet presentation, The Nutcracker, will be brought to life by Ballet Theatre UK, Christmas 2017.
This well-loved traditional Christmas ballet will be performed in a unique setting with 24 international dancers, from companies around the world. The Nutcracker ballet recounts the adventures of a young girl Clara the night before Christmas. When Clara falls asleep with her Nutcracker, an army of mice attack her toys and the Nutcracker.
On her journey she sees magical Snowflakes, dancing dolls and a Christmas tree that reaches the sky. This opulent new production promises everything you love about The Nutcracker, brighter and more splendid than ever before. Tchaikovsky's most loved and unforgettable musical score combines with magical choreography, exquisite costumes and breathtaking scenery that together creates an atmosphere of fantasy and illusion. In this, the most traditional tale, Clara and The Nutcracker travel together to the Land of the Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy is reunited with her prince - and where the magic of Christmas is born. With grand sets and stunning costumes,
The Nutcracker, promises to be a highlight on the Christmas calendar for the whole family. Ballet Theatre UK’s Nutcracker is sure to leave you with a sense of warmth and treasured memories that will last a lifetime.
Now in its 10th year, join us for our annual Christmas special - four top comedians bringing you laughter and Christmas good cheer.
This year, headlined by Seann Walsh...
'He remains one of the most entertaining observational comics on the block' Independent However dishevelled he may be, the Foster's Comedy Award nominee is also one of the best comics in the country. With a keen observational mind, Seann Walsh can spot the absurdity in everything and convert it to perfectly delivered stand-up comedy.
Team captain of Channel 4 and E4's Virtually Famous and regular on ITV's Play To The Whistle. 'One of comedy's hottest properties...Very talented, very funny' Evening Standard
Support comes from Rhys James (As seen on Mock the Week) and Jake Lambert ("Brilliant one-liners" - Chortle.co.uk)
Shows at 11:00 & 13:00
OLIVER JEFFERS’ Lost and Found
Once there was a boy and one day he found a penguin at his door.
He didn’t know where it had come from or who it belonged to. The penguin looked sad and the boy thought it must be lost. So he decided to help it find its way home, even if that meant rowing all the way to the South Pole.
This funny, charming tale of friendship is the perfect treat for a younger audience. Brought to life with puppetry, songs and music, this fantastic new show is suitable for ages 3+ and their grown-ups.
"Perfectly charming." The Guardian
Will the Scarecrow find a brain?
The Lion some courage?
The Tin Man a heart?
The Audience some ice cream?
The “irresistibly anarchic” Oddsocks Productions are bringing another classic adventure to life with a hearty dollop of their trademark comedy: new songs, familiar faces and laughs aplenty! In a brand-new adaptation of L Frank Baum’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’, the Oddsocks troupe invite you to meet Dorothy as you’ve never seen her before. Join the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man as they travel through the weird and wonderful land of Oz, encountering Wet Witches, Flying Monkeys, Poisonous Poppies and a multitude of Munchkins along the way! What could possibly go wrong?
“You have to be very clever indeed to be this daft and get away with it!” William Stafford - Bumonaseat
Ticket Price: £14.50
*** Please note new Date ***
John Robins: The Darkness of Robins
Double Chortle Award winning comedian John Robins – one of the most exciting and distinctive voices in comedy – returns reflecting on love, loss and lamenting the fact he can’t breakup with himself.
The stand-up, vibe magnet and London’s saddest DJ ™ would love to promise The Darkness of Robins won’t be an hour-long yell of a show, but he can’t. He’ll shout, snarl and sneer in his attempts to grapple with life’s fall-outs in what promises to be a pivotal moment in his being. Powerful, angst-ridden comedy at its finest, this is a must-see from one of the UK’s brightest talents.
John has firmly established himself on the comedy circuit since his debut in 2005, and with fellow comedian Elis James has enjoyed a meteoric success with The Elis James and John Robins show on Radio X, which, like RickyGervais, Stephen Merchant and Adam & Joe before them, has spawned one ofthe UK’s most popular podcasts. The pair recently completed an acclaimed UK tour, selling out Shepherd’s Bush Empire within minutes.
He will headline the upcomingseries of Live from the BBC (BBC2)and is a regular face on TV, with recent appearances including Mock The Week (BBC2), Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled (Dave) and Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC3). Healso has a host of radio credits under his belt including BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show, The News Quiz and Dilemma.
Press about John:
“Hugely Entertaining” THE DAILY MIRROR *****
“A formerflatmate of a clutch of successful Bristol-based comics that included Russell Howard and Jon Richardson, John Robins could be the next of his peer group togo on to greater things.” THE INDEPENDENT****
“An hour inhis charming, generous and honest company is so effortlessly entertaining” CHORTLE ****
“One of the most naturally gifted comedians I’ve seen” THE TELEGRAPH