Sarah Singleton looks at the week's theatre shows

Showstopper sells out

BELOVED singer, songwriter and performer Lulu will be visiting Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre on Wednesday for a sell-out gig as part of her biggest tour yet.

Following last year’s smash hit tour, the legendary Lulu will deliver a packed show of hits, new songs and songs that have influenced and guided her throughout her incredible career.

An actress, businesswoman, Grammy and Novello Award nominee, Lulu celebrated her 50th year as a recording artist with her latest album with Decca Records, Making Life Rhyme, which is out now.

She says: “I toured for the first time in 15 years in 2015 and haven’t stopped since.

“I absolutely love playing live and can’t wait to be out on the road again in autumn this year, performing the music that I have shared with you throughout my career.

“It has always been all about the music, so please come and join me.”

Lulu’s Swindon performance is sold out.

For details of where else you can catch her live, visit the website luluofficial.com

An exploration of abusive relationships

A GRITTY new play exploring modern-day abusive relationships will be performed at Swindon’s Shoebox Theatre next week.

Following its run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the play You Forgot The Mince is touring prisons and theatres and will stop off at Swindon on Friday and Saturday, October 6 and 7, at 7.30pm.

Inspired by real-life events and set in Leeds, the play by Francesca Joy tells the story of Rosa, who lived with her grandmother Lily. She has just finished college and she cannot wait to leave Yorkshire – until she meets Niko. They fall in love and the future looks bright but things start falling apart when Rosa leaves for London and Niko ends up in prison.

Francesca Joy, who researched and wrote the play with the support of the BBC’s Mark Catley, grew up in care from the age of 15 and has experienced various forms of abuse throughout her life. She uses these experiences to inform her art.

Tickets are £10, but free to young adults in care. To book, visit www.shoeboxtheatre.org.uk. Suitable for ages 14 plus.

A post-show chat with the cast will follow the show.

Tribute to iconic pair

THE music of the King and Queen of Country, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, will fill the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon on Tuesday.

The thigh-slapping show celebrates the much-loved songs of these legends of American country music.

Bringing together the glamour and personality of Dolly and the charm and energy of Kenny, the tribute act will perform a host of favourite songs, including Jolene, Ruby, 9 to 5, Lucille, Here You Come Again, Coward of the County and the smash hit, Islands in the Stream.

With a superb score and great musicianship, the show is billed as the ultimate tribute to the two country music stars. It begins at 7.30pm and tickets are £23.50- £25.50, concessions £2 less.

To book visit the website www.swindontheatres.co.uk or telephone 01793 524481.

Dark magician

Comedian, magician and self-described psychopath Jerry Sadowitz will bring his own brand of humour, hatred and card tricks to the Swindon Arts Centre.

The American-born Scottish performer is famous for his unique brand of dark humour and his skill at magic. He reckons every moment of his show, on Sunday October 1 at 8pm, is guaranteed to make you feel better about yourself.

The show is for adults aged 18 plus and tickets are £21. To book visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk or telephone 01793 524481.