SHOW TIMES & BOOKINGS

Here comes UGLY! This will be the third production since our return. This is our third chapter in a long history of presenting theatre in English in Orihuela. Our first chapter took place in the original theatre in C/ Reyes Católicos which was home to the first and second production of Ugly! back in 2004 and 2011 respectively. This comedy musical along with a total of 60 shows allowed us to build a repertoire of musicals, plays and pantomimes that stood us in good stead when we moved to the current larger black box theatre in 2012.
From that date, our second chapter, a further 47 shows were produced until everything closed down in March 2020. When programming the theatre for our return we wanted to pick a show that not only showed us at our best but was a celebration of life!
When I wrote the show nearly 20 years ago, I wanted to create something where all three ages of our actors could be represented. The youngest students play the chicks, older ones get to play the cats and the adults are the principal characters. It’s been a joy to rehearse and has been put together in just 6 short weeks.
As a director, it’s been wonderful to work with the actors and I need to thank the parents of the younger actors who agreed to let me have them in rehearsal sometimes late into the evening! I’m proud of all the actors and the work they have produced. They listen so carefully to my direction and when you see the show you’ll see they are all stars in the making.
This will be the last show of Inés Ruiz who has been my theatre “right hand man” for many years now. This show marks her last show at Networks as she is off to London to continue her studies and her dream of becoming a performer. That dream will come true. She is a remarkable talent as you can tell from her choreography, performing and technical prowess.
Ugly looks great thanks to Dennis Carpenter who has not only painted the stage design but has organised the costumes to make us all look so brilliant.
Finally, I have to mention David Murcia. This remarkable young actor, who at just ten years old is playing the central character of Number 9, an amazing talent. This is why we come to work! It’s thanks to Networks Theatre that thousands of young people have had the chance to act in English, not only enjoying the thrill of theatre, but learning English and all the other lessons that producing theatre can bring. Long may it continue. Whether you miaow, woof, quack or honk, UGLY! is a show that has something for everyone. Enjoy the show!