THERE will be plenty of familiar faces at Warwick Arts Centre in the coming year.
Among those heading to the University of Warwick venue will be comedians Sir Lenny Henry and Mo Gilligan, I’m A Celebrity… disruptor Ruby Wax, tenor Alfie Boe, and broadcasters Professor Brian Cox and Michaela Strachan.
There will be music from returning ’80s popsters Haircut 100, the boundary-defying Mammal Hands, bluesman Eric Bibb and blueswoman Elles Bailey, together with other big names including Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones and violinist Nigel Kennedy.
Other highlights include electric Bridgerton favourites the Vitamin String Quartet and Belgian theatre-makers Ontroerend Goed, while Hijinx celebrate the 10th anniversary of their globe-trotting Meet Fred, and Paula Varjack dissects a pop icon Janet Jackson’s downfall in Nine Sixteenths.
After launching in the autumn, the Handle With Care! season continues with the family-focused Ruby’s Worry and Brave Bettie among the highlights.
The arts centre’s ongoing commitment to championing regional talent remains to the fore with a return visit from Ascension Dance, whose Early Weaves is choreographed by WAC’s associate artist, Ashley Jordan, Edinburgh comedy award-winning comedian Sam Nicoresti, while the Made In The Midlands commissioning programme showcases three new pieces.
For younger visitors, Tales Of Acorn Wood Live celebrates 25 years of the much-loved stories, Zog flies in ), and Sisters360 tells the story of skateboarding step-sisters, while the new Pop-Up Family Fest promises a packed day of creativity for all ages.
Over in the Mead gallery, there’s the last chance to see the acclaimed UK debut of Japanese ceramic artist Takuro Kuwata followed by Daiga Grantina, who represented Latvia at the 2019 Venice Biennale, and whose Mead show represents her first UK solo exhibition.
And there will also be a range of free workshops and activities, from Jazz Fridays and Songwriting Workshops, to Mini Creatives, Family Sundays and more, as well as a cinema programme featuring big blockbusters, indie faves and special screenings.
Visit warwickartscentre.co.uk for full details.
