New season of shows!

The new season kicks off on Monday April 16 with internationally acclaimed ShangHi by Cirque du Ciel – a fantasy adventure featuring more than 30 performers showcasing their skills in modern dance, martial arts, original music and many other traditional and modern Chinese elements.

The colourful extravaganza will be followed by the comedy and cabaret of the Lady Boys of Bangkok on Monday April 21.

Theatre-goers can marvel at the perfect make-up, stunning costumes and fabulous choreography as divas like Lady Gaga and Beyonce are given the lady boy treatment.

The carnival feeling continues a few weeks later, at the start of May, with Chinese State Circus’ UK premiere of Yin Yang – featuring foot juggling with drums, swinging poles, a sensational contortionist and the dynamic hoop divers with their amazing somersaults, leaps and jumps.

Comedy is also on the menu this summer, with turns by television personality Jimmy Tarbuck in June and Danny Bhoy, one of the world’s most popular and travelled comedians, in September.

Humorous play Weekend Breaks, by John Godber Company and Theatre Royal Wakefield, will be making its return to the city in April.

Dance-lovers can enjoy Ballet Theatre UK’s The Sleeping Beauty and Outwood Grange Academy’s Evolution Dance, while fans of musicals can delight at Wakefield West Riding Theatre Company‘s production of The Sound of Music – both on stage in May.

A number of musical acts will also be treading the boards – including Bon Jovi Experience, Ga Ga Tribute to Queen, Liverwire AC/DC and The Cavern Beatles.

Young fans of Lynley Dodd’s book Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy will see their favourite character spring off the page when the Hairy Maclary and Friends 2012 tour hits the city in June.

Following a sell-out run at the Fringe 2010, a UK tour in 2011 and the Christmas season at the Sydney Opera House, Hairy Maclary and his friends are springing off the page once again this summer.

To mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee in June, there will also be a week-long drama festive – featuring plays Terra Nova, The 39 Steps, Outside Edge, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me, Charley’s Aunt, The Glass Menagerie and One Big Blow.

For full details and a brochure visit www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk or call the box office on 01924 211311.