Winner of a 2016 RIBA National AwardRIBA London Award 2016

RIBA London Conservation Award 2016 & RIBA London Building Of The Year 2016

We are thrilled to present an outstanding autumn season. Highlights include the world premier of Britten in Brooklyn, Zoe Lewis’s portrait of Britten’s time in New York with Gypsy Rose Lee and W H Auden, starring Sadie Frost and directed by Oli Rose. Next up is a brand new version of Floyd Collins directed by the amazing Jonathan Butterell. If that isn’t enough we also have James Phillips’ exquisite City Stories, which comes directly from a hit run in New York. Those who dare can brave a chilling Halloween performance of Society of Strange, from the makers of Olivier award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical. For families, we have massive fun from the renowned Chickenshed’s Tales from the Shed and our next free Scene in Time weekender, packed with lovely things to see, make and do.

There’s wonderful music for everyone this season, bringing to life Wilton’s unique and beautiful acoustic. From the world of cabaret we are excited to present Camille O’Sullivan for her first time ever at Wilton’s. We also have the gorgeous Miss Hope Springs, Christopher Green’s The Singing Hypnotist and Seabright Productions’ Black is the

Color of My Voice, written and performed by Apphia Campbell, telling the story of Nina Simone and delighting audiences with a selection of her songs. We also present the unmissable Royal Opera House’s Jette Parker Young Artists.

The season culminates with Wilton’s very own pantomime! We are overjoyed to present Mother Goose from the same creative team that attracted star-laden reviews with last year’s Dick Whittington. We guarantee a classic festive recipe of song and dance, love and romance and arch villains versus good fairies and we can’t wait for the roar of the crowd and the smell of the greasepaint. Or is it the other way round?

Wilton’s Music Hall would like to thank the Lucie Allsop Memorial Fund, The Boris Karloff Charitable Foundation, United Agents and The Peter Wolff Trust for their support towards our autumn season.

Photograph of the Hackney Colliery Band by Alberto Pezzali, 2016.

Wilton’s is a hub for exceptional live music alongside vibrant and adventurous theatre productions. We also run a packed community, heritage, learning and participation programme.

After decades of near dereliction Wilton’s completed its’ much needed £4 million capital project and is now a RIBA Award-winning building winning not one but four awards including a 2016 RIBA National Award.

With light and airy multi-purpose spaces opened up throughout, Wilton’s is expanding its artistic programme through in-house productions and collaborations with world class organisations as well as growing its community, heritage and learning and participation work.

Wilton’s has the chance to reach out, inspire and delight thousands more people each year for generations to come. As a charity that is not regularly publicly funded, we rely on an economic mix of ticket sales, bar and catering,

film hires and private events in addition to fundraising from the private sector, trusts and foundations. We need your support to help us raise funds and fulfil all our ambitions.

There are many ways you can get involved. You could join our Friends or Patrons, support as a local business, help through donating in-kind, give through a trust or quite simply make a donation on our website or when booking a ticket. All support makes such a difference so thank you in advance.

To find out more visit wiltons.org.uk/support or call the Development Director on 020 7702 2789.

Image of local school children and volunteers during their Heritage Lottery Funded project.

Support our work

Rousing sea shanties from The Salts and Chris Ricketts

Rocking five piece sea shanty band The Salts are joined by internationally renowned shanty singer, Chris Ricketts, for a rousing night mixing classics with original sea-faring folk.

Brace yourselves, m’hearties, to join in with the songs y’all know and love including Bound for South Australia, Blow the Man Down, Drunken Sailor and many more, and enjoy a barrel-load of stirring original tunes along the way. Appealing to all ages, this will be a nautical night to remember. The Salts are a co-operative of seasoned musicians, creating what is fast becoming one of the most exciting and energetic folk concepts of recent times. Chris Ricketts was discovered at the age of 15 and has been tossed on waves of international bookings and acclaim ever since.

Dates: 4th August Times: 8pmPrices: £12 - £15 full price £10- £12 concessions

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History Tours Hear how a Victorian sailors’ pub went from a music hall to the venue it is today. Days: Selected Mondays Times & Prices: 6pm, £6

Swing Patrol Dance Classes Learn to dance with the best in the business in these beginner-friendly classes. Days: Selected Mondays Times & Prices: 7pm, £10

Monday Night Music The Mahoghany Bar plays host to some of London’s best acoustic jazz, folk and swing.Days: Selected Mondays Times & Prices: From 6:30pm, free

Weekly Craft Join us for these fun sessions where we make everything from bunting to show props and traditional Victorian decorations. Days: Thursdays Times & Price: 10:30am, free

Keep Active Weekly Walks Come along and explore the area around Wilton’s. The group follows a different route each week, finishing at Wilton’s for free tea and coffee. Perfect for meeting locals and exploring some hidden gems on our doorsteps. Days: Fridays Times & Prices: 9:30am, free

Please note Wilton’s is closed on Bank Holidays. We recommend checking with the Box Office before planning your visit as regular activities may be postponed.

regular events

Comedy cabaret chanteuse Miss Hope Springs with songs and stories from her ‘Ritz to the pits life’

The towering blonde ex-Vegas showgirl turned nightclub chanteuse brings her laugh-out-loud-move-you-to-tears one woman West End smash-hit show to Wilton’s for the very first time. Hope will deliver witty and moving songs from her acclaimed all-original self penned repertoire and spill the beans with hysterical tales from her ‘Ritz to the pits’ life.

Hope is alter-ego of award-winning composer, lyricist, pianist and comic actor Ty Jeffries, whose formative years in Hollywood lend authenticity to his portrayal of never-quite-made-it show business trouper Hope.

★★★★★ Broadway Baby★★★★★ Fringe Review★★★★★ sosogay.com“tragi-comic genius” Julian Clary

Dates: 9th to 11th AugustTimes: 7:30pmPrices: £14 - £20 full price £10 - £16.50 concessionsRecommended age: 18+

miss hope springs

Step out with swing patrol

More friendly fun with the kings and queens of swing

Swing Patrol are back with their usual taster class at 7pm, followed by fun and friendly social dancing until 10:30pm. Everyone is welcome, regardless of ability so, whether you’re an old hand or a complete beginner with two left feet, this is an evening of guaranteed good times. There will be performances by some of the swing scene’s very best dancers and guaranteed good times for all so put on your dancing shoes and step out.

Dates: 12th August and 18th OctoberTimes: 7pm to 10:30pmPrices: £15

Love Swing Patrol? Look out for regular Monday classes in our AALP Studio at 7pm.

With The Lovely Aimi Macdonald

Aimi began her career as a dancer in Paris and Las Vegas, going on to star in West End productions such as Lady Be Good, The Mating Game and Run for your Wife. Many national and international tours followed, including the title role in Miss Jean Brodie and, more recently, Summer Holiday with Christopher Biggins. A favourite role for her was playing Lucia in the musical of E F Benson’s Mapp & Lucia.

Aimi’s television credits include At Last the 1948 Show, Sez Les, Rentaghost, Doctors, and Shirley’s World with Shirley Maclaine. Film credits include Take a Girl Like You with Oliver Reed, Vendetta with Roger Moore, and Man About the House with Richard O’ Sullivan.

Aimi’s one woman show is a delightful melange of gossip and music from Sondheim to Dolly Parton.

Dates: 17th AugustTimes: 7:30pmPrices: £15 - £20 full price £10 - £15 concessions

I did it this way

Artificial Hip Hop - Get Old Or Die Tryin’

The resurrected, faded star that is Wilton’s welcomes a kindred spirit in the incomparable form of Ida Barr.

This former music hall singer used to be quite the shining star. Now, she’s embracing a whole new musical genre which she has christened Slipped Disco or Artificial Hip Hop. She invites you to join her for an old fashioned, new wave sing-a-long. Mashing up Rhianna with Dan Leno, Omi with Noel Coward and Marie Lloyd with Eminem, believe us, you ain’t heard nothin’ like it.

Ida Barr is the creation of Olivier-award winner Christopher Green. Ida has graced stages at the National Theatre, Tates Modern and Britain and the Barbican and has appeared in her own series, Artificial Hip Hop, on BBC Radio 4.

Dates: 16th August and 19th October Times: 8pmPrices: £12.50 - £15 full price £10 - £12 concessions

Ida Barr

Caradine’s Cockney Sing-A-Long

An evening of timeless songs round the ol’ Joanna

Join our piano-playing host for an uproarious evening. Leading you in a traditional sing-a-long, music includes ditties from the Music Hall era, WWI and II, the West End stage and traditional popular songs from across the decades. It’s a good old-fashioned knees-up!

“Carradine’s Cockney Sing-a-long is a deceptively simple, winning formula, brilliantly executed. A terrific night out.” Cabaret Scenes

“Musical Director and Pianist Tom Carradine is a talented dapper chappie. Versatility is his name and he compliments the 1920s and ‘30s era with his musical prowess, adapting from suave sophistication to the very jaunty Cockney Sing-a-Long! Three cheers for Mr Carradine, the Music Hall and Cabaret artist aficionado.” Art Deco Traveller - A Guide to Britain

Dates: 23rd AugustTimes: 8pmPrices: £10 seated £8 concessions £5 standing (balcony)

Opera della Luna in Tales of Offenbach

Two outrageous operas in one crazy evening

Croquefer or The Last of the Paladins and L’Ile de Tulipatan by Jacques Offenbach.Sung in English in a new version by Jeff Clarke.

Opera della Luna make their first visit to Wilton’s with two hilarious one-act comedies by the French master of comic opera. The company’s recent production of Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld was showered with four-star rave reviews.

“rumbustious, unpretentious and jolly... executed with tremendous verve.” The Daily Telegraph ★★★★

“Contemporary, clever, cheeky.” The Guardian ★★★★

“What a romp! ... giggles galore... absolute delight.” Manchester Theatre Awards

Dates: 18th to 19th AugustTimes: 7:30pmPrices: £15 - £25 full price £12 - £18 concessions

tricity vogue’s all girl swing band

Dance your socks off to floor-filling, feel-good tunes!

Led by ukulele strumming cabaret star, Tricity Vogue, this all-female ensemble oozes musical talent and irrepressible charm. They’ll have you on your feet in no time to an energetic and entertaining mix of ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s swing, plus Tricity’s irresistibly catchy originals and witty, retro arrangements of pop favourites. The icing on tonight’s cake comes in the vivacious form of special guest tap dancer, Josephine Shaker, with her jaw-dropping moves and hilarious antics.

Inspired by legendary ‘40s all girl band leader, Ivy Benson, Tricity presents her full 9-piece line-up this evening so don’t miss this rare opportunity to enjoy her critically acclaimed band in all its glory, complete with horn section, piano and four-part harmonies. Swing along, sing along and bring spare socks.

Dates: 26th AugustTimes: 7:30pmPrices: £15Age rating: PG

benoit viellefon & his orchestra

A swing party featuringDJ Natty Bo

Voted best band to dance to at Twinwood Festival 2015, Benoit Viellefon & His Orchestra sweep you away to a bygone age of elegance, evoking the golden era of music between the roaring 1920’s and Big Band Jazz.

Reminiscent of Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Fats Waller, this seven-piece presents a classic repertoire from the ‘20s to the early ‘50s, captivating audiences and keeping them on their feet at countless vintage festivals and residencies at London’s top nostalgic venues, as well as appearing on national television and radio. Along with classic songbook favourites, the orchestra also play their own original music in true vintage style and will present their new album, Mon Amour, at this special one-off performance here at Wilton’s.

Dates: 25th August Times: 7pmPrices: £15 advance £20 on the door

Image by Jam

es Millar

New York City, 1940. A dilapidated house in Brooklyn Heights The bohemian lifestyle of Benjamin Britten, W H Auden, Carson McCullers and Gypsy Rose Lee in the artistic community at 7 Middagh Street starts to unravel as World War II becomes a brutal reality.

Exiled in America for his beliefs and a national disgrace, Benjamin Britten must decide which way his conflicted political ideals lie but the constant parties, doomed affairs and John Dunne, the mysterious stranger, provide an easy distraction.

Based on true events, the World Premiere of Zoe Lewis’s passionate and thought-provoking play takes place in the beautiful and unique setting of Wilton’s Music Hall.

Starring Sadie Frost and directed by Oli Rose, Britten in Brooklyn plays for a strictly limited season of 21 performances.

Presented by Jimmy Jewell Ltd for Positive Entertainment in association with Wilton’s Music Hall.

Dates: 31st August to 17 SeptemberTimes: 7:30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays 2:30pm Wednesdays & Saturdays 6pm & 8:30pm FridaysPrices: £19 - £27.50

Britten in Brooklyn at Wilton’s is supported by the Lucie Allsop Memorial Fund & The Peter Wolff Trust.

britten in brooklyn

emailed everyone

Photo by Rachell Smith

Chamber Ensemble of London present a concert for the Thames Estuary Partnership

Led by Peter Fisher, the Chamber Ensemble of London celebrate London’s river with baroque, classical, light music, folk and jazz pieces for string orchestra.

Handel’s Water Music, a Boyce symphony (Vauxhall Gardens), Sullivan’s Yeomen of the Guard (the Tower), the Westminster Waltz (Parliament), The Lambeth Walk, the Eton Boating Song, and London Bridge are just some of the items. At the end, the anthem - Old Father Thames. Sing if you wish!

CEOL’s CDs often feature on Classic FM. Director-violinist Peter Fisher is “in a handful of the world’s finest musicians” The Times

There will be film to accompany some items.

Dates: 12th SeptemberTimes: 7:30pmPrices: £17 - £20 full price £12 - £15 concessions

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open house london

Discover Wilton’s Music Hall

Open House was founded in 1992 to promote public awareness and appreciation of the capital’s building design and architecture. In the year that Wilton’s repair and conservation project has scooped four awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects, it is fitting indeed that we will be opening our doors for this event again this year. If you’ve been meaning to come along to see first-hand the magnificent work that has been done, but haven’t quite got round to it, this is your ideal opportunity.

Please note the main bar will be open, serving teas and coffees.

Dates: 17th SeptemberTimes: 10am to 1pmPrices: Free

A hauntingly beautiful true story featuring Adam Guettel’s extraordinarily powerful score

“the original and daring musical of our day.” New York Magazine

It’s 1925 in Kentucky and fearless cave explorer Floyd Collins dreams of finding fame and fortune deep underground. When he becomes trapped, it’s a race against time for his family and friends as they fight to set him free. The media circus above ground turns their extraordinary rescue effort into a national sensation. Floyd’s determination will inspire the whole community…

Journey to Floyd’s breathtaking Sand Cave in this all-new immersive production of Adam Guettel and Tina Landau’s award- winning musical.

Directed by Jonathan Butterell.Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe and in Association with Wilton’s Music Hall

Dates: 21st September to 15th OctoberTimes: 7:30pm Mondays to Saturdays 3pm SaturdaysPrices: £25 - £35 full price (main run) £23 - £27 concessions (main run) £29.50 early bird best seats £25 full price (previews) £23 concessions (previews)

floyd collins

Tales of love and magic in London

“The London that exists in the mind of James Phillips is a wondrous, languid place made of silky metaphor... seductive and consistently well-acted production” New York Times

City Stories is a new type of cabaret drama, a sequence of interwoven love stories, and a love-letter to London. It returns to London fresh from a critically acclaimed hit run in New York.

An exquisite suite of short plays written and directed by award-winning playwright James Phillips and with original music composed and performed live by singer-songwriter Rosabella Gregory (winner of New York Songwriter’s Circle Song Contest), City Stories is a magical journey through a magical city.

“uber sharp... dense with wit and irony... the music is charming. You MUST see this. You have never seen anything like it. It is life changing” Tony Visconti, Legendary Record Producer

“a gem of a piece of writing” ★★★★★ BritishTheatre.com

Dates: 20th and 21st OctoberTimes: 7:30pmPrices: £12.50 - £15 full price £10 - £12 concessions

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Part of Scene in Time, Wilton’s annual heritage weekends

Join us for a fun event for all the family inspired by the impact of trade and immigration on Wilton’s history. There will be school and community shows to watch and participate in, arts and crafts stalls for making and doing, sea shanties for singing along and, of course, everyone’s favourites - face painting and balloon stalls. This will also be an ideal opportunity to spend an hour or a day soaking up the atmosphere in this very special RIBA award-winning building.

The Mahogany Bar will be open all day for food, teas, coffees, alcoholic and soft drinks and a full programme for each day will be announced nearer the time.

Baby changing facilities are on the ground floor. There is limited buggy parking.

Dates: 22nd and 23rd OctoberTimes: Saturday 10am to 6pm Sunday 10am - 4pmPries: Free

gateway to the world

Written and performed by Apphia Campbell

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Black Is The Color Of My Voice follows a successful jazz singer and civil rights activist seeking redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

The second part of the evening is Apphia’s Soul Sessions cabaret, celebrating Simone’s brilliant music.

Directed by Arran Hawkins and Nate Jacobs Presented by Seabright Productions Ltd

“Apphia Campbell is nothing short of sensational… she will make you cheer for her, smile with her and then sting your eyes with tears” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby

Dates: 25th to 29th October Times: 7:30pmPrices: £15 - £25 full price £15 - £20 concessions

black is the color of my voice & Soul Sessions Double Bill

duet

A new play by Katharine Armitage with music by Robert Schumann

In spite of opposition, Robert Schumann marries his beloved Clara. Their wedding party is one to remember and, as the anniversaries go by, the couple are determined to keep the magic and music of that occasion alive. However, although Clara and Robert return each year to the place where they celebrated their union, nothing else remains the same. Each visit seems to tear them apart; jealousy, frustration, family, insanity, and music strain their relationship to breaking point. Has the Schumanns’ harmonious duet become two discordant musical lines?

A new production from Re:Sound Music Theatre, in collaboration with Oxford Lieder Festival and Arts Council England.

Dates: 2nd and 3rd NovemberTimes: 7:30pmPrices: £7.50 full price £5 concessionsVenue: In the Cocktail Bar

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Specially for Halloween: tales of the strange, sinister and downright spooky

Three actors spin three tales of the weird, macabre and uncanny. If you thought improv was only comedy – prepare to be spooked!

Sometimes hilarious, sometimes disturbing, The Society of Strange explores the thin line between comedy and horror - between this world and the next… Inspired by the works of Neil Gaiman, HP Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, Algernon Blackwood, Jules Verne, H G Wells, Mary Shelley, M R James and many others.

From Extempore Theatre, creators of Olivier award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical. Extempore Theatre has played the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Royal Court and the BBC.

“Fearsomely able improvisers” The FT ★★★★“Unique and pushes the boundaries of improvisation” Broadway Baby ★★★★

Dates: 31st OctoberTimes: 8pm Prices: £10 - £12 full price £8 - £10 concessionsAge rating: 16+

the society of strange

Jette Parker Young Artists presented by The Royal Opera

See the opera stars of tomorrow in a blackly comic production of Handel’s masterful pasticcio.

Richard Gerard Jones directs this new production starring the Royal Opera House’s Jette Parker Young Artists. They take to Wilton’s atmospheric setting, following on from The Royal Opera’s series of acclaimed productions of Baroque operas in intimate venues such as the Roundhouse (Orfeo) and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (L’Ormindo and Orpheus). Jones’s contemporary production revels in the story’s violence and gore, and is run through with a thick vein of dark humour.

Oreste was the first of Handel’s three pasticcios – a popular 18th-century genre in which composers brought together pre-existing music to tell a new story. This tale of a brutal battle

to overcome a tyrannical king is a masterful compilation of ensembles and arias from Handel’s previous works and has remarkable dramatic cogency and intensity. Though performed only three times in Handel’s lifetime, since the 1980s Oreste has been increasingly performed and recorded.

Music: George Frideric HandelDirector: Richard Gerard JonesDesigns: Richard Gerard Jones and Matt CarterLighting Design: Mimi Jordan Sherin

A Royal Opera House production in association with Wilton’s Music Hall.

Dates: 8th to 19th November plus matinee on Sunday 13thTimes: 7:30pm, 2pm on Sunday 13thPrices: £20 - £25 full price £15 - £20 concessions

Sung in Italian with English surtitles

oreste by handel

The Jette Parker Young Artists Programme is generously supported by Oak Foundation

A hugely entertaining show for 0 - 6 year olds presented by Chickenshed

Tales from the Shed are vibrant, interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. They are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space within an inclusive environment.

Chickenshed’s shows and audiences reflect the diverse world we live in where everyone is included. Children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. They guarantee that every show will be fun, really silly and that there will be plenty of colourful puppets and live songs.

Every week Chickenshed present different stories featuring the same much loved characters – from Can-Can the beautiful bird to laid back Lion Down and The Thing That Goes Blurgh!

Dates: 16th to 19th NovemberTimes: 11.30amPrices: £6 full price £5 educational groups free for babies under 6 months

The Singing Hypnotist

He will change your life...

The Singing Hypnotist will change your life. He uses songs to heal, transform and put you under. It’s a combination of clinical hypnotherapy, stage hypnosis, original music and good old fashioned showbiz.

Researched by Christopher Green, as part of his work as the first Artist in Residence at the British Library and supported by the Wellcome Trust. This is part revivalist meeting and part medicine show. The Singing Hypnotist may be a showman, even a snake oil salesman, but his skills are based in the latest scientific research. How would it be if he really could help you let go of pain and painful habits? Who is to say that every word he sings isn’t true? What if you’re laughing too much to notice?

Christopher Green is known for his comedy creations such as Tina C and Ida Barr. The Science & Showbiz of Hypnosis is published by The British Library. This show will be followed by a Q&A with the performer/author on all aspects of hypnosis.

Dates: 17th NovemberTimes: 7:30pmPrices: £12.50 - £15 full price £10 - £12 concessions

tales from the shed ‘on tour’

‘She is the Brel Queen’ Marc Almond

Multi award-winning singer Camille O’Sullivan returns to London to perform at the magical Wilton’s Music Hall for the first time ever andfor one week only. In this very special show she will sing the songs of one of her greatest inspirations, Jacques Brel, the master of emotional storytelling in song.

Camille says “Brel is the reason I’m a singer today – I essentially ended my career as an architect to become a performer after falling in love with singing his music.”

Camille has stunned audiences around the world with her five-star sell-out performances including Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival

Hall, La Clique, Roundhouse, Later with Jools Holland (BBC).

Dark, sexy, fierce, amusing and mesmerizing, she transforms each song she performs into an intense, emotional and theatrical experience Expect joy and pure passion.

“When she sings it’s as though her breath is soaked in paraffin one spark, and the whole room would ignite” ★★★★★ The Daily Telegraph

“a masterclass in living a lyric - mesmerising” ★★★★★ Mail on Sunday

Dates: 22nd to 26th NovemberTimes: 8pmPrices: £15 - £22.50 full price £13 - £20.50 concessions

Camille O’Sullivan Sings Brel

Mother Goose

Wilton’s Music Hall presents a right rollicking romp Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat and the creative team that brought our house down with Dick Whittington is back to spice up your festive season. Yes, it’s literally the Mother of all Pantos: Mother Goose!

First created in 1902 for music hall legend Dan Leno, this classic story of the battles between good and evil and the quest for youth, beauty, wealth and happiness has been written specially for Wilton’s by none other than the venerable Roy Hudd.

Debbie Flitcroft is once more in the director’s chair and husband Roy is back in a frock as the titular Dame. With their stellar cast and crew, they are taking us on Mother Goose’s roller coaster journey and from rags to riches (and, of course, to Gooseland) and back again with a few surprises, endless fun for all ages and much hilarity along the way.

There’ll be song and dance, love and romance and arch villains versus good fairies so brace yourselves for booing, cheering, uproarious laughter and 400 year-old stuffing jokes.

Better start exercising those chuckle muscles and vocal chords now… all together now… HE’S BEHIND YOU!

Written by & Starring: Roy Hudd Director: Debbie FlitcroftMusical Director: Steve GeraghtyDesigner: Mark HintonLighting Designer: Barry AbbottsCostume Designers: Tony Priestley & Paula Patterson

“If there’s a more festive venue in London than Wilton’s... I’ve yet to find it” The Observer

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Praise for last year’s panto by Roy & Debbie Hudd:

“Sometimes the festive stars align… Hudd’s script is a joy” ★★★★ The Telegraph

“Uproarious, energetic and effervescent entertainment, led by one of comedy’s true masters”★★★★ What’s On Stage

“Witty, warm, unadulterated delight” ★★★★ The Guardian

“a huge treat”★★★★ Independant

“A total joy”★★★★ The Stage

Offers Order 10 or more tickets and get 10% off your total purchase value. Schools can access £12 pupil tickets for previews (£14 for the main run) with 1 free teacher for every 10 children. Call the box office to book.

Dates: 2nd to 31st DecemberTimes: 7pm evenings 2pm matineesPrices: £20 - £30 full price £17.50 - £26 full price concessions £17.50 - £26 previews £15 - £22 preview concessions

Image of Roy H

udd adapted from a photograph by Peter D

azeley. Image of D

ick Whittington & H

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Our story

Situated in the heart of the historic East End, within easy walking distance of The Tower of London, the river and the City, Wilton’s is a focus for theatrical and East End history.

Wilton’s Music Hall is the only intact survivor from the early Grand Music Hall era. The bar’s origins date back to 1690 and the existing hall was built by John Wilton in 1858. Lavishly decorated and furnished, spectacularly lit and equipped with the cutting edge heating and ventilation systems of its day, it saw many of the best-remembered music hall acts, from George Ware, who wrote The Boy I Love is Up In The Gallery, to Arthur Lloyd and George Leybourne (Champagne Charlie).

By 1888, the music hall had closed and its new owners, the East London Wesleyan Methodist Mission, spent the next 70 years serving the local community. They fed starving dockers during the 1889 strike, housed an African and West Indian working men’s club in the 1930s and offered support through two world wars. In the mid-50s they moved out and, after a stint as

a rag warehouse, the building stood empty and derelict.

Saved from demolition in the 1960s by campaigns led by influential figures such as Sir

John Betjeman and Spike Milligan, the building was awarded Grade II* listing but it was not until 2004 that the Wilton’s Music Hall Trust took ownership and the building began to open for regular public performances

again. Funds were raised from many sources, including Heritage Lottery Fund, SITA Trust and Viridor Credits and, between 2012 and 2015, comprehensive yet sympathetic repairs were carried out. Completion of the work was commemorated in January 2016 by a visit from TRHs The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Find out more on one of our regular history tours

wilton’s learning

Images: Amateur sketch of the auditorium (1871), the Mahogany Bar (circa. 1930) and a Royal Visit (2016)

Wilton’s at home and in the classroom

Looking for fun things to make and do? Why not build a model of Wilton’s Music Hall as it was in 1690 or 1853, or make your very own playbill? Visit wiltons.org.uk/learning/2 for all our downloadable resources.

Piecing together our history

Many people have helped our history come to life by passing on historical information about the local area and sharing their own research and memories. If you have a story to tell about Wilton’s before 2004 we would love to hear from you. Contact us at memories@wiltons.org.uk.

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Contact: David (d.graham@wiltons.org.uk) · wiltons.org.uk · Box O�ce 020 7702 27891 Graces Alley, London E1 8JB · Wilton’s Music Hall Trust Registered Charity No. 1003041

BUILD Wilton’s: 1690. Page 2

“the most important surviving early music hall to be seen anywhere... It is of outstanding architectural and archaeological significance” - The Theatres Trust

visit us

The John Wilton Room

Anyone is welcome to visit the John Wilton Room, our dedicated heritage space, and pick up a copy of our free history booklet. Open Monday - Friday, 11am - 6pm.

Tour Groups

We run regular history tours on selected Mondays at 6pm and groups of 15 or more can book a private tour. Email Liz at the box office at: info@wiltons.org.uk to find out more.

Schools Groups

Our Learning and Participation programme includes a variety of fun and educational events, workshops and outreach projects for schools and community groups. To find out more contact our Learning and Participation Manager, David Graham at: d.graham@wiltons.org.uk.

“highly engaging and the children thoroughly enjoyed it.”- Class Teacher (Year 4)

SMALL ACT NAMES - WILTON’S PLAYBILLS

Contact: David (d.graham@wiltons.org.uk) · wiltons.org.uk · Box O�ce 020 7702 2789

1 Graces Alley, London E1 8JB · Wilton’s Music Hall Trust Registered Charity No. 1003041

Whether you’re looking for a quick drink before a show, a night to remember with friends or family, a special office party venue or a romantic corner for an important date, our incomparable spaces will fit your bill.

The Mahogany Bar: Monday to Saturday, 5pm to 11pm The Cocktail Bar: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 11pm

“Wilton’s Music Hall is a nostalgic haven of crumbling plasterwork and artfully faded splendour.” Time Out

GATHERERSCATERING CO

Cooking at Wilton’s

wiltons.org.uk/eat-drink

eat+drink

GATHERERSCATERING CO

HireThis unique building has a number of rooms available for hire, including the Champagne Charlie Room, which adds atmosphere to small meetings and parties and our new Learning and Participation Studio, which offers a bright, airy rehearsal space.

Weddings

Wilton’s is the most magical of wedding venues. Since 1859, our auditorium has been home to stars of music hall, variety, stage and screen. George Leybourne, Spike Milligan, Liza Minelli, Fiona Shaw, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Jude Law, Annie Lennox, Michael Fassbender and many more have played their part in the history of this remarkably atmospheric building. Why not join this illustrious roll call and make history of your own by getting married here?

For all hire enquiries email info@wiltons.org.uk. Please note that, although priority for the studio will be given to learning and community events, all enquiries will be considered.

OPENING HOURSThe Mahogany Bar: Monday - Saturday, 5pm - 11pm The Cocktail Bar: Tuesday - Saturday, 6pm - 11pm

The John Wilton Room: Monday - Friday, 11am - 6pm

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wiltons.org.uk · BOX OFFICE 020 7702 2789

Cover image by Photographer James Mackenzie & Lighting Designer Tony Simpson (White Light Ltd)

Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, London E1 8JB Aldgate East, Tower Hill, Tower Gateway & Shadwell

@wiltonmusichall /wiltonsmusichall /wiltonsmusichall

Wilton’s Music Hall Trust Registered Charity No. 1003041