Seasons

ATC: Studio Nights – a FEATS double bill (6-10 June)

For this edition of Studio Nights, the ATC is proud to present a FEATS double bill, featuring two one-act plays that the ATC has taken to the Festival of European Anglophone Theatrical Societies, or FEATS.

Accelerated Intimacy, by Chiara Venturini, won the 2018 FEATS award for best original script. It is being directed by Carrie Ellwanger, who also brought the play to FEATS that year. It tells the story of two complete strangers who are stuck in a disabled New York City subway car. To pass the time and relieve the awkwardness, they decide to take a quiz they find in a discarded newspaper: a series of questions designed to “accelerate intimacy” between strangers. It’s a premise both find mildly amusing – okay, maybe a little intriguing, as good a remedy for boredom as anything else, right? Certainly nothing more than that…

Baby Boom, by emerging American playwright Lia Romeo, directed by Jeremy Zeegers, was this year’s ATC entry at FEATS in Bad Homburg, Germany (26-29 May). The play is a delightfully quirky, darkly comic, and ultimately tragic exploration of the normalization of guns in American culture. It peeks beneath the facade of suburban utopia and into the lives of two young American families. Through a series of twists and turns, the story features heartbreak, a yearning for family, a flickering love, the desire to be understood, the need for community, and an innocent gun.

Get tickets here: https://www.billetweb.fr/studio-nights-feats-double-bill

ETC: La Grande Duchesse (22-25 June 2023)

La Grande Duchesse poster image

ETCetera presents ‘La Grande Duchess de Gerolstein’ by Jacques Offenbach, directed by Andy Fisk, musical direction by Steven de Mesmaeker and Elizabeth Flynn.

Performances will be;

Thursday June 22nd at 8.00 pm
Friday June 23rd at 8.00 pm
Saturday June 24th at 8.00 pm
Sunday June 25th at 3.00 pm

Venue: De Bosuil Cultural Centre, Witherendreef 1, 3090 Overijse

Click for Googlemap of venue

Tickets here.

ITG Ulster American 17-21 Oct 2023

A new play by David Ireland

A London flat belonging to a successful but nervous theatre producer. He is entertaining a Hollywood Oscar winner, who is to grace his new play written by yet-to-arrive Ruth. 
They discuss women, politics, cinema and tee-totalism. The American, a proud Irish-American, glories in the Hibernian authenticity of the script and relishes meeting the writer. Rehearsals start tomorrow. There is a little tension between the producer and the actor, but nothing that can’t be managed.
Until, that is, Ruth turns up.

Ulster American toys with identity, gender, faux woke-ism, shallow national romanticism, and artisitic pretentiousness. And while that might sound very heavy, The Guardian (2019) said: “David Ireland’s heady black comedy, a satire as timely as it is riotous, (…) If Jacobean revenge tragedies were played as uproarious comedy, they’d look like this.”

Tickets: thelittleboxoffice.com/itg/

BSS: King Charles III (24-28 Oct 2023)

The Brussels Shakespeare Society presents ‘King Charles III’ by Mike Bartlett.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s History Plays, in 2014 Mike Bartlett produced a modern day ‘imagined future’ about the current monarchy. Since it opens with the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth, one might think real events have now overtaken Bartlett’s play, but not so…

Firstly, one soon realises just how prescient the playwright was about those real events, as Charles grapples with imposing his own personality and convictions on the institution he now heads. But also as the play develops – with a clash of principle with both Parliament and family – it builds a credible and steadily increasing tension, leading towards a finale one can easily believe might still happen.

Indeed, it is not fanciful to think it could have happened in very first few weeks of Charles’ reign – when Downing Street bluntly instructed him not to attend the COP27 Climate summit in Egypt, an issue so close to his heart…

First performed in 2014, ‘King Charles III’ garnered wide praise from the press.

DATES
Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th of October 2023, at 20:00.
and Matinee on Saturday 28th at 14:30.

VENUE: Petit Théâtre Mercelis, Rue Mercelis, 13, 1050  Ixelles

Tickets

ECC: Rules For Living (14-18 Nov 2023)

The English Comedy Club presents Rules for Living by Sam Holcroft at the Warehouse Studio Theatre, opening on 14 November 2023. Click on the link below to get your tickets!

In this “wildly funny” (The Age) play, two adult sons come home for Christmas with their respective partners. Building on the best tradition of Alan Ayckbourn, and going a bit further, Holcroft takes us through this familiar set-up to deliver laughter, tears, and a few home truths.

Let the bedlam begin!

Directed by Antonia Mochan. Produced by Kerry Lydon.

Cast: Shannon Damery, Leslie Holden, Lauren Holleboom, Kirstie Millar, Silvia Scaglia, Conrad Toft, Sammy van Greuningen

Tickets on sale here.

BLOC: Young Frankenstein (23-26 Nov 2023)

Stage Director – Andrew Fisk, Music Director – Steven De Mesmaeker

When Frederick, grandson of the late infamous Victor von Frankenstein, has to visit Transylvania to sort out Victor’s estate, he has absolutely no intention to create a monster… but things of course don’t turn out quite as planned and chaos ensues! Mel Brooks’ adaptation of his cult movie of the same name combines the glamour of Broadway with his monstrous sense of humour. Packed full of catchy tunes, witty one-liners and of course the legendary “Putting on the Ritz”, this show is guaranteed to leave you “in stitches”! Live Orchestra!

Venue: Auderghem Cultural Centre

Tickets here…

ECC Auditions: December 8-15

AUDITIONS for the next ECC PRODUCTION

Anna Holmén will be directing the ECC’s production of The Boss Of it All, an office farce by Lars von Trier, adapted for stage by Jack McNamara, performing in The Warehouse Studio Theatre in April 2023. This will be a two-week production.

Auditions will be held in The Warehouse, Rue Waelhem 69a, 1030 Schaerbeek, on the following dates:
Thursday 8 Dec, 19.30-21.00 in the Studio
Sunday 11 Dec, 14.00-17.00 in the Back room
Monday 12 Dec, 19.30-21.00 in the Bar room
Thursday 15 Dec, 19.30-21.00 in the Studio

If you want to audition, but can’t make it any of those dates, get in touch with Anna: annaholmen@hotmail.com

The boss of an IT company is secretly selling up. To save face in front of his staff he hires an actor to take the blame as ‘the boss of it all’ having travelled to Denmark from abroad.

Roles:
Kristoffer, an actor, 45-60 years
Ravn, the head of a company, 35-55
Lise, employee, 25-40
Gorm, employee, 30-45
Nalle, employee, 25-40
Mette, employee, 30-55
Finnur, an Icelandic businessman, 30-60
Interpreter (male or female), 25-65

ECC: Jack and the Beanstalk (26-28 Jan 2024)

The ECC is proud to present Jack and the Beanstalk at the Auderghem Cultural Centre from 26-28 January 2024!

Jack is back! Jack Twanky (Kriti Bami) needs to find money to stop his mother, Widow Twanky (Kieran Watkins), losing their farm to the villainous Baron Hardup (Pieter Gossens). Along the way, we’ll meet Simple Simon (Nathan Daly) and Goldilocks (Cara Davies), Milka the cow, Red Bull, Jill Hardup (Eliza Popper) and many others.

Conrad Toft (director) and Hannah Riley (choreographer) are putting together a wild show for you, so come along and enjoy it!  Bring your energy, your families and your friends to help Jack defeat the evil, old giant before he gobbles up the villagers of Murky Botham.

Friday, 26 January – 8pm 
Saturday, 27 January & Sunday, 28 January – 1.30pm & 5pm

Tickets: Adult 20€, Child 16€ (Child tickets valid for ages 0-15) from http://thelittleboxoffice.com/ecc
For any questions about group bookings and payment issues, please email info@ecc.theatreinbrussels.com

ATC: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (30 Jan – 3 Feb 2024)

The American Theatre Company is proud to present this classic American play by Tennessee Williams, directed by Carrie Ellwanger.

Set in Mississippi in 1955, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is a classic family drama soaking in secrets, recriminations, and booze.

Venue: The Jacques Franck cultural center in Saint-Gilles.

Start time: 7:30 pm. Doors (and bar) open at 7:00 pm.

Tickets available at: https://www.billetweb.fr/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof

The play is in three acts, so there will be two intermissions of fifteen minutes each. To avoid a long wait at the bar during the intermissions, please take advantage of the option to pre-order your intermission drinks before the start of the show. Just stop by the pre-order station in the lobby to select and pay for your drinks. Your refreshments will be waiting for you at the start of the intermission(s) so that you don’t have to waste time waiting in line!

Please be aware that the play is not suitable for children under age 12. Babies and young children will not be admitted into the auditorium. Thank you for your understanding.

If you would like to organize tickets for a school group (of students over 12 years of age), please go to the ticketing website and click on the “send a message” button. Message us with your request, and one of our team members will be in touch. 

We look forward to seeing you soon. Enjoy the show! 

BSS: Charles III (Feb-Mar 2023)

The Brussels Shakespeare Society will be auditioning for Charles III, written by Mike Bartlett, directed by Johanna Kainz. The play will be perfomed from the 24th to 28th October 2023 at Mercelis Theater, Rue Mercelis, 13 1050 Ixelles.

The Play (written in 2014!):
Prince Charles has spent his entire life yearning for the crown, which is now within reach. But even before the coronation, King Charles III’s idealism is put to the test as Parliament just enacted a new bill that drastically restricts journalistic freedom. It is customary for the monarch to sign the bill, but Charles refuses. And so within a month of his mother’s funeral he sees himself in a direct clash with the Prime Minister.
Whilst most of the family struggles with what King Charles’ actions mean for the future of the monarchy, Prince Harry meets someone who makes him wonder about his own future potentially away from it all.

Audition Dates:
Wednesday 22nd February 19:00 – 21:00
Saturday 25th February 10:00 -12:00
Thursday 2nd March 19:00 – 21:00
Sunday 5th March 11:00-14:00

Audition Location: Rue de Belle-Vue 40, 1000 Bruxelles
https://goo.gl/maps/opKbUwyDi9m2odpw8

We are looking for

Male Cast

  1. Charles, the King of England (yet uncrowned) male, 50-70
  2. William, the heir to the throne, male 25-35
  3. Harry, the second son of Charles III, male 25-35
  4. James Reiss, the royal press advisor, male 45-55
  5. Prime Minister Tristram Evans, labour, male 40s/50s

Doubled Roles

  1. Cootsey (friend of Harry’s) /Sir Michael (Head of the Met), male any age
  2. Spencer(friend of Harry’s) /Sir Gordon (Head of the armed forces), male any age
  3. Speaker of the House of Commons/Achbishop of Canterbury, male 60+
  4. Nick (royal underbutler)/Clive (Kebab salesman) male any age

Female Cast

  1. Camilla, wife of Charles, queen consort, female 50-70
  2. Kate, William‘s wife female 25-35
  3. Jess, Harry’s Girlfriend female, 20s
  4. Leader of the Opposition Ms. Stevens, Conservative, female, 40s/50s

Doubled Roles

  1. Ghosts/ TV Producer, female mid 20s to mid 30s
  2. Sarah (Right hand of the PM)/Newspaper Lady, female any age

ITG: Irish Shorts (12-15 March 2024)

(NOTE: No Saturday performance)

A selection of short plays from Ireland.

Love, relationships, lack of love, lack of relationships. Good things, not so good things, funny, poignant, thought provoking and thoroughly entertaining.

Love in a Glass Jar by Nancy Harris
You’ll think about your hotel room differently, next time you check in. The unexpected and significant life events and the key decisions that can happen in such sterile places.

I heart Alice heart I by Amy Conroy
Two women, of a certain age, are bringing it all up. Shying away from nothing as they review the decades that have gone before

And some bonus pieces…

Book your tickets

Performance starts at 8pm

Warehouse Studio, rue Waelhem, 1030 Brussels

Green Parrot: Alice Through The Looking Glass (21-24 March 2024)

Green Parrot Productions is delighted to present the official Belgian premiere of “Alice through the Looking Glass“, a new musical by Piers Chater Robinson and Chris Blackwood, directed by Kathy Lemerle, Jenny Clarkson, Klara Poelemans and with musical direction by Vivienne McKay.

Step through the Looking Glass into a wonderland of music, magic and madcap adventure! This fabulous, fun show brings you 12 original songs that you will be humming long after the curtain has closed, witty dialogue and a lot of visual comedy, performed by a large multinational cast of children and adults, and suitable for musical theatre lovers of all ages!

Venue: W:HALLL, Avenue Thielemans 93, 1150 Woluwe-St Pierre

Dates: 21st to 24th March 2024

Tickets available from January 2024 via the website: www.greenparrot.productions

ECC: Ten by Ten (17-27 Apr 2024)

The ECC is proud to present Ten by Ten, a compilation of short plays with a loopy attitude written by Andrew Biss, directed by Heli Pärna and performed by an international cast at the Warehouse Studio Theatre from 17-27 April 2024.

What do you get when you put together 10 plays, each 10 minutes long? Play along and find out!

  • 10 down – a lighthearted play with roots in realism
  • 17 across – an upended theatrical custom 
  • 27 down – the space between reality and fiction
  • 10 across – wry and uproarious

Tickets (€17) available from https://thelittleboxoffice.com/ecc.

ATC: Studio Nights (4-8 June 2024)

This edition of Studio Nights features the winning entries in the ATC’s latest playwriting competition!

These two wildly different one-act plays – with some surprising thematic intersections – were written by two members of the Brussels anglophone theatrical community. They were selected in a blind competition from among a large number of innovative entries. It was a tough call, but we think you’ll agree that these plays deserve the spotlight!

ALL SALES FINAL, written by Shannon Damery (directed by Karen El Haddad), takes us to a strange yet eerily familiar place, where “checking out” really does mean “checking out.”

THE LAST MARTINIS, written by Méabh Maguire (directed by Nastassia Maes), tells the story of an unlikely friendship that emerges from the demise of a largely forgotten but once glamorous piece of Brussels history.

In the convivial spirit of Studio Nights, a variety of drinks and American-themed snacks and goodies will be available before and after the show as well as during a slightly extended intermission.

Tickets available at https://www.billetweb.fr/studio-nights-2024

BSS: Merry Wives of Windsor (11-16 June 2024)

It’s summer 2024. Falstaff arrives at the Garter Hotel in Windsor with his semi-criminal ‘retinue’, looking to scam some easy money by romancing two wealthy wives there with his fading charms, Mrs Ford and Mrs Page. His overtures to the former excite the jealousy of Mr. Ford, leading to comically furious scenes.

Meanwhile the hotel’s host enjoys setting up practical jokes between two other guests, the Reverend Sir Hugh and Doctor Caius. A further guest, the ancient retired Justice Shallow, is there to find a suitable wife for his cellar-dwelling video gamer nephew, Slender.The Pages are on the same quest for their daughter Anne. Her father favours Slender; Mrs Page, Doctor Caius. But anyone is better than Anne’s current squeeze, louche aristo ‘bad boy’ Fenton.

Will the scatterbrained Ms. Quickly – personal message deliverer to all of them – manage to get the right messages to the right people? Who will marry Anne? Who will come out top practical joker? Will Falstaff’s scheming succeed? Come and enjoy Shakespeare’s light frothy farce – and the worst joke he ever wrote!

11-16 of June at 20:00
Matinée: Saturday 15th of June 14:00
Venue: Théâtre Mercelis, Rue Mercelis 13, 1050 Ixelles
Googlemap of location

Tickets on sale here: https://thelittleboxoffice.com/bss

BLOC: The Mikado (20-23 June 2024)

Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado, is head over heels in love with Yum-Yum, and he is willing to lose his head to marry her! But, whilst Katisha is trying to claim Nanki-Poo for herself, Yum-Yum is about to be married to Ko-Ko …! The Mikado, meanwhile, is ordering that heads must roll in Titipu! Will anyone keep their head in this crazy, colourful, classic comic opera? 

Click here for more information.

BUTT Awards 2023-24

Voting has now closed for the 2023-24 Brussels United Theatre Technician Awards (fondly known as the Butties). The votes have been counted and the awards awarded (ably hosted this year by Brian Hartnett and Michelle van der Straaten, pictured). Here is the list of the nominees in each category, with the award winner first and highlighted in bold and underlined. The other nominees appear in alphabetical order.

Our thanks again to Martin Blackwell for once more providing the delightful venue!

Continue reading

BUTT Awards 2022-23

The votes have been counted and the awards awarded (ably hosted this year by Mark Prescott, pictured). Here is the list of the nominees in each category, with the award winner first and highlighted in bold type. The other nominees appear in no particular order.

Our thanks once again to Martin Blackwell for providing the delightful venue!

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ETC La Grande Duchess (5-6 July 2024)

For two nights in July ETC brings back its successful summer ’23 production of Offenbach’s opera bouffe comedy ‘La Grande Duchesse de Gerolstein’, before the show transfers to a theatre run in France..

Directed by Andy Fisk, with Musical Direction by Steven de Mesmaeker.

Dates: 5 and 6 July 2024 – 20h

Venue: Théâtre Comédie Claude Volter, Avenue des Frères Legrain 98, 1150 Bruxelles

Link to Googlemap of venue

In French with English and Dutch surtitles
With small orchestra/ avec petit orchestre / met klein orkest

Tickest €20 available at https://etcetera.littleboxoffice.com

PYP: A night of British comedy (11 Oct 24)

Play Your Part will be continuing our community events throughout the 2024-25 season with our first of 4 events….

If you want good friends, a couple of drinks and a lot of laughs on your menu, don’t miss this event!  This is our way to hang out with like-minded people and build our community as a whole!

The bar will open from 7pm and the performances will begin at 8pm.

Buy tickets here

ITG: Jump! (22-26 Oct 2024)

Who hasn’t had an utterly disappointing New Year’s Eve? While yours may have ended without a snog in a half-empty nightclub, it probably doesn’t compare to the New Year’s Eve journey we’ll take you on in JUMP! In this comedy-thriller by Lisa McGee of Derry Girls fame, three “party gals”, a couple of hapless, wannabe gangsters and two strangers struggling to find meaning in life collide in overlapping stories full of heartbreak, shock, and hilariously sharp dialogue. You’re guaranteed a night you’ll remember with more fondness than your last New Year’s Eve!

Sold out!

ATC: POTUS (7-16 Nov 2024)

‘…Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive’
by Selina FillingerSOLD OUT

The subtitle pretty much sums it up: seven women managing mayhem, controlling chaos, keeping the world spinning on its axis – or ensuring the spin is right while the world looks the other way. Seven fierce, ambitious women working hard and being smart, cleaning up the mess, and living in the President’s shadow, until they find themselves at the epicenter of a frantic attempt to save face for America – and save POTUS from himself.

The play is about a group of women all affiliated in some way with the White House, one of the most powerful nerve centers in the world. But in the words of the author, it is dedicated to “any woman who’s ever found herself the secondary character in a male farce.”

Please note that the play contains profanity and adult subject matter and is therefore not suitable for children under the age of 16.

BLOC: Legally Blonde (21-24 Nov 2024)

Brussels Light Opera Company presents ‘Legally Blonde; the Musical’, directed by Cath Howdle, Musical Director Steven De Mesmaeker.

Based on the iconic movie, this smash hit musical tells the tale of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who, in a bid to win back an ex-boyfriend, works her way into Harvard law school. This bright and bubbly show follows Elle as she makes new friends and takes on the challenges of a high-profile court case in her journey to the love and happiness she seeks.

Legally Blonde is a high-energy production full of catchy songs and toe-tapping dance numbers and is sure to put a smile on your face!

Live Orchestra!

Click here for box office

ECC: Things I know to be true (10-14 Dec 24)

We’re delighted to announce a fabulous cast and crew for our next production, Andrew Bovall’s family drama, Things I know to be true. The production will be at the Warehouse on 10-14 December 2024.

Cast
Aravind Dhakshinamoorthy, Hattie Easton, Jane McBride, Hugo Shotter, Conrad Toft, Izzy Vivian

Crew
Director – Leslie Holden, Producer – Kerry Lydon, Stage Manager – Andy Ing, Technical Director – Steve O’Byrne, Props – Michelle van der Straaten, Costumes – Iona Hamilton

Buy tickets here

PYP: Christmas Countdown (20 Dec 2024)

‘Tis the season… For Something Jolly with a Tinge of Folly!

Back by popular demand, PYP is hosting our another Christmas bash!

With music, singing, poetry and performances, some of Brussels’ finest, curated by the fabulous Caraigh McGregor, will entertain you with everything thing you need to get your Christmas cheer on.

Bring your own mistletoe !

For seating, there will be 6 cosy tables for upto 4 people on the floor, along with spacious theatre seating for 35 people to book individually. The ‘ticket prices’ are our suggested donation for this fantastic evening! The tables will be for max. 4 people and your donation will include a bottle of red or white for the table, depending on your preference on the day.  The rest of the seating is open.

Celebrating Christmas Together!

all proceeds will go to CAST asbl to continue impoving our facilities

Book your tickets here!

BSS: Julius Caesar (21-25 Jan 2025)

The Brussels Shakespeare Society presents Julius Caesar directed by Emily Bowles.

With a few brief exceptions, Rome’s proud boast was that it had been a republic for several hundred years. But the familiar internal strains of Left and Right – the ‘Plebeians’ versus the wealthy ‘Patrician’ families – had always been there. They came to a head in 44 BCE with Caesar, a deeply ambitious Roman general, the darling of his troops and of the Roman populace who had benefited from the spoils of his foreign conquests. It suited him well to be seen in that light, even though he himself was descended from one of Rome’s oldest Patrician families, the Claudian line. Does this seem familiar…?

Tickets available at https://thelittleboxoffice.com/bss.

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ECC: Cinderella (24-26 Jan 2025)

Step into a world of enchantment and wonder with our spectacular pantomime, Cinderella! 🌟 Join us for a magical journey where dreams come true (eventually), pumpkins (if seasonally available) transform into dazzling carriages, and a glass slipper will change a life forever… but whose?

With a cast of unforgettable characters, from the no-nonesense Cinderella, lovable Buttons, the wickedly funny stepsisters and their evil parents, not one but two fairy godparents, a King and Queen who really want to retire and the ever-charming eco warrior Prince plus his latin sidekick Dandini, this timeless tale with our own personal twist is brought to life with stunning costumes, breathtaking scenery, and laugh-out-loud comedy. Perfect for the whole family, our Cinderella pantomime promises an evening of joy, laughter, and a sprinkle of fairy dust. Don’t miss out on the most magical event of the season—book your tickets now and let the magic begin! ✨👠🎭

Buy tickets here

BLOC: All is Calm (6-9 Feb 2025)

Stage Director – James Klarich, Music Director – Matthew Carver

Producers – Barbara Bauer, Alexander Just

All is Calm is a moving musical production that brings to life one of the most extraordinary moments in history. Set during World War I, it recounts the remarkable, spontaneous truce between enemy soldiers on Christmas Eve, when men from opposing sides laid down their weapons and shared songs, stories, and goodwill.

Through captivating a capella music and powerful storytelling, this production offers a poignant reminder of our shared humanity, even in the darkest of times. It is an unforgettable celebration of peace, unity, and hope that resonates across generations.

Tickets available now at The BLOC box office