What’s on

BEST BEFORE: The Mark Thomas Comedy Product Vintage Cuts 3

Tue 16 Mar • 7:30pm • Full £5 • Comedy

Mark says “Yes my loves, this is the third show of the best bits, stories, facts, updates and behind the scenes gossip from the ground breaking Mark Thomas Comedy Product!”

In this show, series producer and friend Geoff Atkinson joins Mark to go through flying hot air balloons over US listening bases, posing as a PR firm at an international arms fair, forming the Peoples’ Militia to protect nuclear waste, chasing Tory party leaders and getting Home Secretaries.

Before The Revolution Will Be Televised or Dom Joly, or any of the prank shows Balls of Steel, Phone Jacker, Lee Nelson and Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, the Mark Thomas Comedy Product was out there and the original.

This is the series that Amnesty International mentioned in dispatches at their media awards ceremony, and had tabloids screaming that it was irresponsible.

How could you miss that combination!

Please note that this show will be streamed live online. When you book a ticket, you will be send a link to watch the show.

Laura Lexx: Knee Jerk

Sat 10 Apr • 8pm • Full £12 • Comedy

This is a livestream event. Please see below for more information.

Star of Live at the Apollo (BBC Two) and Hypothetical (Dave), ‘tour-de-force’ ★★★★ (Telegraph) Laura Lexx shines a light on how hard it is to be a good person these days. Why don’t we just leave each other alone and get on with the big stuff?

Following a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe which earned her a prestigious Comedian’s Choice Award for the second year in a row, Lexx takes on society’s big issues: social media, mental health, climate change and conceiving…but come for the jokes, not answers.

★★★★ “A stand-up star is born. Laura Lexx is a tour-de-force” – Telegraph
★★★★ “A must-see for all” – The List
★★★★★ “Utterly brilliant” – London Theatre
★★★★★ “utterly brilliant at spinning hilarious narratives” – London Theatre
★★★★★ “the jokes don’t stop coming… a magnificent show, one you’d be a fool to miss” – Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

Please note that this performance will be streamed live via Zoom. You’ll have the option to turn your camera and microphone on so that Laura will be able to see and hear you, just like a real, in-person gig! Once you book your ticket, you’ll receive an email from the Rondo with instructions on how to watch the show.

The Curse of The Sapphire Blade

Wed 14 Jul • 7:30pm • Full £10 • Professional Theatre

By Russell Eccleston
Presented by Black Dog Productions

Two bounty hunters, a mercenary, a pixie and a living legend, what could possibly go wrong?

When Rivac stumbles upon a grouchy looking fellow in a forest clearing whilst pursuing his latest bounty, the thought doesn’t cross his mind that this person may not be all he seems.

After discovering that he has been cursed with everlasting life in the forest by the self-same creature he is pursuing, Rivac begins to think twice about his charge. When Rivac’s hot headed rival Johanna shows up, they try to discover who this man is and how to break his curse, with unexpected and magical results…

The Curse of The Sapphire Blade is a comedic, light-hearted fantasy romp that will whisk you away to an adventure in the forest.

Tom Stade: You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet

Thu 16 Sep • 8pm • Full £18 • Comedy

Proudly Presented by Blue Jeans Management

Following his last smash-hit UK tour and direct from this year’s Edinburgh festival Tom is back on the road with a brand-new show. The kids have moved out and it’s the dawn of a new era! Tom’s embracing change with his usual spirit and irrepressible sense of mischief; what’s coming is way better than what has gone!

30 years on the comedy frontline and this Canadian legend remains as engaging, innovative and hilarious as ever. As seen on Ch4’s Comedy Gala, BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The John Bishop Show and Live at the Apollo.

“For energy think Porsche 911: 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds. Wouldn’t be out of place in an arena. Career-wise he’s just getting into his stride.” Mail on Sunday

“Swagger of a rock star, charisma of a talk show host. Hilarious. See for yourself before the secret gets out.”
Warrington Guardian

“UNMISSABLE” Edinburgh Evening News

Please note that we have temporarily increased our theatre restoration levy from £1 to £1.50 per ticket until the end of 2020, due to the coronovirus pandemic. This levy applies to all transactions, whether made in person at our Box Office, by post or by phone, for all payment types. Telephone bookings incur an additional £1.75 booking fee per transaction.
The Rondo opens half an hour before the start of each show. Please ensure that you arrive before the advertised start time, as it may not be possible to admit late-comers.

Robyn Hitchcock

Fri 17 Sep • 8pm • Full £20 • Music

Proudly Presented by RMT Music

Robyn Hitchcock is one of England’s most enduring contemporary singer/songwriters and live performers. A surrealist poet, talented guitarist, cult artist and musician’s musician, Hitchcock is among alternative rock’s father figures and is the closest thing the genre has to a Bob Dylan (not coincidentally his biggest musical inspiration).

Since founding the art-rock band The Soft Boys in 1976, Robyn has recorded more than 20 albums as well as starred in ‘Storefront Hitchcock’, an in-concert film recorded in New York and directed by Jonathan Demme.

Blending folk and psychedelia with a wry British nihilism, Robyn describes his songs as “paintings you can listen to”. His most recent album is self-titled and marks his 21st release as a solo artist. Out on April 21st 2017, the album is produced by Brendan Benson (The Raconteurs). Hitchcock describes it as an “ecstatic work of negativity with nary a dreary groove.” It has received rave reviews from UNCUT, Rolling Stone, Paste, Tidal and more.

“A gifted melodist, Hitchcock nests engaging lyrics in some of the most bracing, rainbow-hued pop this side of Revolver. He wrests inspiration not from ordinary life but from extraordinary imaginings…” – Rolling Stone

“These 10 gems slither, rock, roll, glide and shapeshift, coalescing around Hitchcock’s typically anxious, strained but striking and immediately identifiable vocals.” – American Songwriter

Rob Newman: Work in Progress

Sat 18 Sep • 8pm • Full £14 • Comedy

Phil McIntyre Live Ltd Proudly Presents

Catch Rob Newman as he tries out new material for the next series of his BBC Radio 4 stand-up philosophy show Total Eclipse of Descartes.

“Hugely entertaining, gleefully jaunty and refreshingly intelligent… I loved it.” ★★★★ The Guardian 2018

“He is one amazing comedian” Time Out

“Intellectually charged and adorably ambitious…a delightfully digestible dose of brain food” The Times 2018

Winner: Best Scripted Comedy – BBC Audio Drama Awards 2019
Winner: Best Comedy with a live audience – BBC Audio Drama Awards 2019

Soho Cinders

Wed 22 – Sat 25 Sep • 7:30pm • Full £12 • Community Theatre

Music by George Stiles, Lyrics by Anthony Drewe, Book by Anthony Drewe and Elliot Davis
Presented by Merriman Productions

When impoverished student Robbie becomes romantically involved with engaged London mayoral candidate James Prince, his lap-dancing step-sisters become the least of his problems! James and Robbie’s worlds collide forcing them to fight for their own fairy-tale ending in this hilarious, satirical twist on the classic Cinderella story.

The potent mix of politics, sex-scandals and true love come together in this contemporary musical with an infectious score that you’ll be humming long past the stroke of midnight!

Merriman Productions return to the Rondo following their recent highly-acclaimed productions of Spamalot, One Man Two Guvnors and The History Boys.

Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope

Wed 29 Sep • 7:30pm • Full £16 Concs £14 • Professional Theatre

Written and Performed by Mark Farrelly
Directed by Linda Marlowe

Fresh from its Off-Broadway debut and milestone 100th performance, Mark Farrelly’s hugely acclaimed solo play comes to The Rondo.

From a conventional upbringing to global notoriety via The Naked Civil Servant, Quentin Crisp was one of the most memorable figures of the twentieth century. Openly gay as early as the 1930s, Quentin spent decades being beaten up on London’s streets for his refusal to be anything less than himself. His courage, and the philosophy that evolved from those experiences, inspire to the present day. Naked Hope is a glorious, uplifting celebration of the urgent necessity for all of us to be our true selves.

Mark Farrelly’s West End credits include Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? opposite Matthew Kelly. He is directed by EastEnders star Linda Marlowe (Berkoff’s Women).

★★★★ “Brilliant” Time Out

★★★★ “A masterclass” Broadway Baby

★★★★ The Stage ★★★★ British Theatre Guide

Jarred Christmas & Hobbit: The Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show

Wed 27 Oct • 2pm • Full £8 Family Ticket £30 • Comedy

Proudly Presented by Blue Jeans Management

Calling kids aged 5 to 100, join our MIGHTY gang! A sensational interactive show, where the worlds of comedy and beatboxing collide with electrifying results. Pick-up beatboxing tips to impress your friends, make mind-blowing music, win prizes and laugh through your pantaloons!

Direct from a sell-out run at the Edinburgh festival; fantastic family fun and silliness galore, with award-winning comedian Jarred Christmas (as seen on CBBC’s Joke Machine and The Dog Ate My Homework) and world champion beatboxer & UK Loopstation Champion, Hobbit.

‘Best Kids Show’ nominee – Leicester Comedy Festival.
★★★★★ “A must see. The kids loved every second of it. Definitely recommended but it does come with a warning – by the end of it your kids may believe that they too are world class beatboxers or stand-up comedians” – Families Edinburgh Magazine
★★★★ “Phenomenal…children are captivated. Fast & Furious. Raw talent and pure entertainment” – The Wee Review
★★★★ “Who knew comedy and beatboxing went so well together? This fun show for children of all ages (and their grown-ups) fuses the two seamlessly” – The List

Tez Ilyas: Populist

Thu 11 Nov • 8pm • Full £15 • Comedy

Presented by Live Nation in association with UTC Artist Management

The brand-new stand-up show from the star of The Tez O’Clock Show (Channel 4), TEZ Talks (BBC Radio 4) and the multi-award-winning Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three).

Join Tez as he uses his trademark silly, smart and subversive approach to pit ordinary people against the establishment.

Expect huge laughs, groans and shocks as Tez confronts the state of the world with his cheeky, provocative flair.

★★★★ ‘Radiantly entertaining’ The Times
★★★★ ‘Blackburn’s Chris Rock’ The Guardian
★★★★ ‘Tez Ilyas’s political stand-up takes serious talent to pull off’ The Telegraph

@tezilyas
www.tezilyas.com