The artistic director of a Kenilworth theatre has said it is currently one of the most exciting times for the venue in his 40 years of involvement there.

Steve Smith, who first performed at the Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre in 1979, said there is a lot to be excited about on and off the stage as the theatre announces its full 2023 programme.

The Barrow Road theatre has just completed its first show of the season - Amanda Whittington's Ladies Down Under - and Steve said audiences can look forward to many more great plays this year.

"After the interruption of Covid, we are delighted that audiences are returning to our productions in large numbers," he said.

"Pride and Prejudice in June will undoubtedly be a highlight. Bafta winner and Talisman Patron Andrew Davies has adapted his BBC TV version of the Jane Austen classic for the stage. This world premiere will be a real coup for the theatre.

"Our vibrant Youth Theatre will present Around the World in 80 Days in March.

Artistic director Steve Smith first performed at the Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre in 1979 (image supplied)

"The group meets weekly and their annual production is a highlight in the calendar - a chance for the talented youngsters to grow and develop their confidence.

"In August we have four episodes of Blackadder Goes Forth - the triumphant finale to this much-loved sitcom and October brings our first musical for several years. Sweet Charity - the score peppered with unforgettable numbers including Big Spender, I'm a Brass Band, and The Rhythm of Life.

"We strive to provide a blend of comedies, dramas, thrillers and, of course, our annual family-friendly pantomime (Beauty and the Beast this year, written by Stephen Duckham) so all audience members will certainly find something to their taste.

"Although we're a non-professional theatre, new audience members shouldn't expect to see 'am-dram' or 'church hall' standards of production.

"Whilst we fully embrace the fact that we are a community-based theatre, entirely run by volunteers both on and off stage, we aim for professional standards with imaginative direction, quality acting, and brilliant technical facilities."

The next production coming to the main stage at the Talisman is 'Around the World in 80 Days' (image supplied)

Steve continued to talk about the new fringe nights, which grew out of the weekly online Tea with the Tali short plays produced during the pandemic.

"Fringe has just had its first outing in 2023. On the first Thursday of each month, you can see two short plays and a performance by another community group or singer at the Holiday Inn. This development is bringing in a new audience who we are beginning to see coming to our mainstage productions."

Details on the line up for the next Fringe on Thursday 2 March are available here.

In addition to the monthly fringe, the theatre also offers regular cinema nights with the chance to see films once they have been released - these proved very popular in 2022 and the theatre's first cinema night of 2023 is now scheduled for Saturday 25 March showing Operation Mincemeat, starring Colin Firth.

Full details are available here.

As the theatre looks ahead towards the end of the year it has just announced audition details for its musical Sweet Charity in October and Blackadder Goes Forth in August, Steve added: "We very much have an open audition policy at the theatre for every show and welcome a diverse range of people to come along. Roles are cast on an individual's acting ability regardless of their diversity in race, ethnicity, faith, disability, gender identity, neurodiversity, class, and economic disadvantage."

For details on how to sign up for the audition for Sweet Charity, click here.

The Talisman Theatre and Arts Venue has recently released its new branding and launched a new website (image supplied)

Steve went on to talk about the Talisman's major redevelopment plan: "The imminent completion of phase one and the opening of our new foyer is incredibly exciting and we look forward to welcoming audiences and the wider community into a beautiful new space.

"The foyer will be themed in line with our new logo which you can see on the lively new website."

For full details on what you can expect to see at The Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre for the season ahead and decide what you might want to book tickets for, head over to its new website.

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