NEW MADE AT CURVE PRODUCTIONS AND CO-PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCED

Leicester’s Curve theatre has revealed new Made at Curve productions and co-productions coming to its stages and beyond in 2025 and 2026, including a revival of an iconic Kander and Ebb musical, a rehearsed reading of a great American play and a UK premiere of a docu-concert.

As part of Curve’s Black History Month programme, from Thursday 30 October to Saturday 1 November the theatre – in partnership with Curve Associate Company Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage – will present a rehearsed reading of Ossie Davis’ satire, PURLIE VICTORIOUS. The performance follows previous Black History Month rehearsed readings at Curve, including Katori Hall’s THE MOUNTAINTOP and Lorraine Hansberry’s A RAISIN IN THE SUN.

PURLIE VICTORIOUS is an anarchic comedy that uses humour to meet racism head-on and celebrate the strength of a community standing up for what’s right.

Set in the American South, when Black Americans faced the full force of Jim Crow’s segregation, this landmark play tells the story of Reverend Purlie Victorious Judson, a bold and inspiring preacher.

Purlie returns to rural Georgia with a daring plan. Together with the determined Lutiebelle, he’s going to outsmart the racist plantation owner who controls their town and win back the Big Bethel church for his community.

Using his quick wit, deep faith and refusal to give up, Purlie takes on injustice with both courage and laughter.

More than 60 years later, Davis’ sharp humour and hopeful message continue to resonate. A rare opportunity to see a truly original and boundary-busting play, this is comedy with purpose – entertaining, uplifting and unafraid.

Black History Month activity at Curve, including this rehearsed reading of PURLIE VICTORIOUS, is sponsored by Leicester-based music licensing company PPL PRS.

From Harmony House music hall on Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, to Toronto’s CAA Theatre, INSIDE AMERICAN PIE has been thrilling audiences for more than five years. Now, from 26 February to 14 March 2026, the docu-concert experience will make its UK premiere in Leicester.

So bye-bye, Miss American Pie

Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry

You know the chorus, but do you know the stories behind Don McLean’s groundbreaking song? Written to commemorate the 1959 plane crash that took the lives of American musical icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper, the song about ‘the day the music died’ is crammed with riddles and references to world-changing events in 20^th century history.

What led to that tragic night in 1959? How do The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Charles Manson all fit in? Why were the Rolling Stones blamed for a murder? And who was the real Miss American Pie?

Direct from Harmony House in Hunter River, Prince Edward Island, Mike Ross and an incredible band of Island musicians unlock the mysteries behind this classic song in a concert experience that’s been thrilling audiences for five years and counting. Combining an iconic setlist – including Janis Joplin’s ‘Piece of my Heart’, Bob Dylan’s ‘The Times they are-a Changin’, The Beatles’ ‘Helter Skelter’ and of course, Don McLean’s American Pie – with remarkable stories, Inside American Pie will take you on a musical journey from the ‘50s all the way through the ‘60s. You’ll never hear ‘American Pie’ the same way again.

Next spring, Curve, Bristol Old Vic and Mayflower Southampton will co-produce a brand-new production of Kander and Ebb’s ground-breaking Broadway musical, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, the first major UK revival of the musical since 1992. Directed by Paul Foster (A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Watermill Theatre and KISS ME, KATE, Sheffield Crucible) the production will run in Curve’s Studio Theatre 3 to 25 April, at Bristol Old Vic 29 April to 16 May and at Mayflower Studios 2 to 6 June.

Initial casting has also today been announced, as it is revealed Anna-Jane Casey will star as Aurora, the legendary actress who plays the Spider Woman. With a career spanning over four decades, Casey’s previous credits include the original revival cast of CABARET (The Kit Kat Club), the UK and Ireland tour of MOTHER GOOSE, GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY (Gielgud Theatre) and BILLY ELLIOT (Victoria Palace).

Based on the novel by Manuel Puig and adapted for the stage by Terrence McNally, the 1993 Broadway production of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN received seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. A new film adaptation of the musical, starring Jennifer Lopez, will be released later this year.

Obsession or salvation? One kiss from the Spider Woman can change everything.

In a brutal prison, Molina – condemned for his sexuality, and Valentin – a political prisoner, are forced into an unlikely friendship in the cell they share. To escape their harsh reality, Molina conjures dazzling fantasies of glamorous movies, spinning tales of the seductive and dangerous Spider Woman. As their conditions worsen and the line between truth and fiction blurs, the two men find a deeper connection – one that could cost them everything.

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN is directed by Paul Foster, with Choreographer Joanna Goodwin (MY FAIR LADY, Curve), Set Designer David Woodhead (TITANIC, UK and international tours, ABIGAIL’S PARTY, Curve), Olivier and Tony Award-winning Costume Designer Gabriella Slade (SIX THE MUSICAL), Tony Award-winning Orchestrator and Arranger Sarah Travis (MISS LITTLEWOOD, RSC, BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, both at Curve and on UK tour), Lighting Designer Howard Hudson (STARLIGHT EXPRESS, Troubadour Theatre, A CHORUS LINE, Curve), Sound Designer Matt Peploe (ROBIN HOOD, London Palladium, INDIGO, Curve) and Casting Director Stuart Burt CDG (CABARET, Kit Kat Club). Further cast and creative team members will be announced in due course.

Musicians for this Made at Curve production of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN are sponsored by music licensing company PPL.

Curve has also announced details of a new musical currently in development, in partnership with Lowry in Salford, ROYO and Future Artists Entertainment. Inspired by the real-life story of self-made Burnley businessman Dave Fishwick, BANK OF DAVE is directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (KINKY BOOTS, A CHORUS LINE, MY FAIR LADY, all at Curve), with a book by Rob Madge (CABARET, The Kit Kat Club and MY SON’S A QUEER, Ambassadors Theatre and UK tour), music by Pippa Cleary (THE SECRET DIARY OF ADRIAN MOLE AGED 13 ¾, Ambassadors Theatre, Curve and THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF MUSICAL, Noël Coward Theatre) and lyrics by Rob Madge and Pippa Cleary. BANK OF DAVE is based-on the BAFTA Award-winning documentary, Sunday Times best-selling book and global-hit Netflix film of the same name. Further details will be revealed in due course.

Speaking about the Made at Curve announcements, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“We have wanted to produce Kander and Ebb’s epoch-defining Broadway musical KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN for many years and we are thrilled it arrives at Curve in a brand-new production by the acclaimed director Paul Foster, with the fearless and incomparable Anna Jane Casey in the title role. Working with our partners at Bristol Old Vic and Mayflower Southampton, we can’t wait to experience the intensity and excitement of this magnificent musical, up close in our Studio Theatre.

“Ossie Davis’ remarkable play PURLIE VICTORIOUS was a revelation to us both when we first saw it in America last year and we are thrilled it is part of Black History Month at Curve later this year. Like all great theatre, Davis’ perfect play is seriously entertaining, thought-provoking and illuminates how we experience our world together today; it’s a rare opportunity to hear this magnificent play in the UK.

“Also looking across the pond and from Canada, we are excited to present the UK premiere of Mike Ross and Sarah Wilson’s stunning INSIDE AMERICAN PIE, which dissects Don McLean’s iconic song in an innovative way and we are proud to introduce this docu-concert to our audiences, an exciting and totally original theatrical experience.

“And landing back on home shores, we are proud as punch of our continued work on Pippa Cleary and Rob Madge’s electrifying new musical, BANK OF DAVE, based on the astonishing life story of the inspirational philanthropist Dave Fishwick. Collaborating with our partners at Lowry, ROYO and Future Artists Entertainment, we are looking forward to sharing more information about this quintessential British musical shortly.”

Tickets for PURLIE VICTORIOUS – A REHEARSED READING, INSIDE AMERICAN PIE and KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN at Curve will be on sale to Made at Curve Circle, Patrons and Champions from Monday 4 August, Curve Friends from Tuesday 5 August, Curve Loyalty Pass, Groups and Access Register Customers from Wednesday 6 August, and on general sale from Tuesday 12 August, all from 12 noon. To find out more and book, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit Curve’s Box Office in-person.

Tickets for KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN at Bristol Old Vic will be on sale from September. For dates at Mayflower Southampton, tickets will be on sale soon.

PURLIE VICTORIOUS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. On behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk