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Is there a theatre on board?

Yes, there’s a Royal Court Theatre on board each of our ships.

Queen Anne - The theatre is located forward on decks 2 and 3 with a capacity of 722. 

Queen Victoria – The theatre is located forward on decks 1, 2 and 3 with a capacity of 865. 

Queen Elizabeth – The theatre is located forward on decks 1, 2 and 3 with a capacity of 861 (751 seated and eight wheelchair spaces)

Queen Mary 2 – The theatre is located forward on decks 2 and 3 with a capacity of 1094 seats. 

 

For information about accessibility / wheelchair spaces, please click here.

Performances

  • During a typical 14 night voyage, guests will have the opportunity to see up to six Cabaret performers and up to five Production Shows. All shows are played twice on the same evening, usually at 20:00 and 22:00, once for the first dinner sitting and once for the second dinner sitting.
  • Full details of the acts, shows and performances will be made available once on board via the Daily Programme.
  • If guests are travelling on a back to back voyage i.e: Southampton to New York and then New York to Southampton, the productions and Guest Speakers are alternated so guests should have the option to see different productions on each voyage.
  • There is no set opening time for the theatre, it will open for individual events which can vary day to day. Please see the Daily Programme, for entertainment events and times. 
  • Children under the age of thirteen must be accompanied by a parent/carer in the theatre during show times. Unescorted children will not be permitted to enter the theatre.
  • Please also see What entertainment and activities are available on board? for more details on the type of activities you will find on board. 

Introducing Cunard Showcases

With unexpected theatre like nothing else at sea, guests can find themselves transported into another world again and again, with Cunard Showcases…

Taking place in the Royal Court Theatre and around Cunard's ships, we call it "Cunard Showcases" because that’s exactly what it is: a celebration of live performance, showcased through extraordinary experiences. We like to immerse guests in the action, with our ships setting the stage for some of the most unique productions at sea. On selected voyages, guests can find performances of a more intimate nature, delivered in places they probably wouldn’t expect. 

Cunard Showcases:

Queen Elizabeth
  • Circa (Q406-410) - Circa Contemporary Circus join Queen Elizabeth for 6-week residency, where they will present three 45-minute incredible full-scale acrobatic and theatrical productions in the Royal Court Theatre. They will also present a late-night 20-minute show in the Queens Room, as well as offer workshops and Q&As. The four shows are:
      • Humans 2.0
        A symphony of acrobatics, sound and light, this is next level circus by Circa. Ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap and are caught, as physical limits are pushed to their extreme. Can we ever find a perfect balance or is adapting to constant change the only way forward?
    •  
      • Peepshow (Ocean Remix)
        Circa’s smash-hit Peepshow has astonished audiences in Berlin, London and Sydney. On this seductive circus thrill-ride, flashes of cheeky cabaret, grinding nightclub and raw humanity explode into view before disappearing into darkness. Now the team from Circa has created Peepshow (Ocean Remix). Featuring some of the best acrobatic talent on the planet under the direction of circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz, this remix is outrageously skilled, delightfully funny and razor sharp. Circa’s Peepshow (Ocean Remix) is 45 minutes of big beats, playful acts and thrilling acrobatics. Welcome to life on the other side of the mirror.
    •  
      • Seas the Night: a Circa Cabaret
        Circa has spent two decades creating new frontiers for circus. In Seas the Night we have curated a cabaret from our repertoire. Marvel as people stand in each other in staggering configurations, groove with abandon and try (yet fail) to lick their own elbows. Superhuman and approachable, fun and touching, Seas the Night is an exclusive creation for Cunard.
    •  
      • Cheekshow
        Cheekshow is a thrill ride through highlights of Peepshow - more adult, more playful and more sweaty - it’s the best bits crammed into 20 joyous minutes. 

 

  • South Pacific (Q411) - Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, produced by the Rockdale Musical Society, will take to the stage on an 18-night Sydney to Tokyo sailing in March, making cruise line history as the first performance of this classic musical at sea. The show has won 17 Tony Awards, had sell-out shows on Broadway and the West End, and made Australian box office history for the number of tickets sold to its shows. The romantic and thrilling tale is set to sweep Cunard guests away.
    Celebrating 80 years of Rodgers & Hammerstein the following concerts will also be performed:
      • Some Enchanted Evening
      • My Favourite Things
      • Big Band Night: a celebration of the life of Tony Bennett and friends

 

  • Discovering Antarctica: Heroic Tales of Shackleton, Crean and Scott (Q421) - The great southern polar explorers Shackleton, Crean and Scott have been well and truly blown off course this week! Aidan Dooley sails onwards, crying valiantly “Am I going the wrong way?” with his remarkable and acclaimed polar performance on board Queen Elizabeth. As we enter the enigmatic and very exciting northern world, he will recount for us the intrepid tales of the ‘other side’ – those who ventured south, into similar waters, over 100 years ago. A fantastical tale of heart-warming heroism and extraordinary polar endeavours. Best Solo Performance Award Winner, New York International Fringe Festival. Fringe First Award Winner, Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Queen Mary 2
  • Cluedo! The Interactive Game (M406) - Following their success on board Queen Elizabeth in 2023, Brisbane Immersive return with two interactive and immersive theatre experiences. Step into the world of 1930s high society, with the exciting interactive theatre production ‘Cluedo! The Interactive Game’. You're invited to Dr Black's opulent soiree where intrigue and secrets flow freely, and tensions turn to murder after the death of the host spurs an investigation into the secret lives and motives of the party’s peculiar guests. Step through the hidden ‘Speakeasy’ doors and into the dazzling world of 1920’s recklessness and romance in this one night only musical extravaganza. An immersive world of jazz age danger with song, dance, and devilish drama! Say goodbye to prohibition and your inhibitions, as you enter the Queens Room ‘Speakeasy’ to find powerhouse performances, bump and grind burlesque, and colourful characters mixing with the crowd in a cocktail of glamour and intrigue.
  • Twelfth Night (M416) - “What country friends is this…?" Pursuit Theatre present their unique take on Shakespeare’s greatest comedy. Be transported by an immersive hour of theatre & live music, tumbling through the love, loss, mistaken identity and bittersweet chaos of Illyria in the 1930s.

"This is Illyria, lady"

A shipwreck; a new beginning.

A grieving Countess, a flinty steward, a pair of sozzled aristos, and a lovelorn Duke, all revolving to the tune of...

The fool.

As the record spins, will Viola find the pull of Illyria irresistible, and will she be reunited with her twin brother?

  • Here You Come Again: The New Dolly Parton Musical (M418) - Packed with hits "Jolene",’ "9 to 5", "Islands in the Stream’ and more, this lively and touching new musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose imagined version of country music icon, Dolly Parton gets him through trying times. With her wit, humour and trademark charm, Dolly teaches him a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps… even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones! Co-written by BAFTA-nominee Jonathan Harvey (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, Coronation Street), this is one musical that is sure to make you smile.

  • The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness (M420) - A comedic and poignant one-woman play inspired by the true stories of Irish nurses during World War Two. But it is not the blood, the bombs, or even the wise-cracking soldiers that make her question her place here. It’s the fact that she is not just a nurse, but a poet too.  

  • Victorine: The Artist’s Model (M420) - 1860s Paris is a place of romance and art, but for Victorine, it is an escape from her grey life in Dublin. While surviving as an artist's model, she discovers her own artistic passions within and starts to see the world in a whole new light. A world of art, colour and fire. Victorine is an inspiring and emotive one-woman show, exploring the lives of female Impressionists and artists' models during a turbulent decade in 19th-century Europe.

  • Watson: The Final Problem (M423) - Watson is alone. His beloved wife, Mary, and the great Sherlock Holmes are gone. London seethes with false reports. It is time to set the record straight. So Watson tells his tale of long-buried secrets, betrayal and death; a journey across Europe pursued by Moriarty, the Napoleon of Crime, leading to a deathly embrace at the Reichenbach Falls. Based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, one-man play Watson is performed by Tim Marriott (star of BBC's "Brittas Empire").

  • Appraisal (M423) - Appraisal is a real time comedy drama that follows an annual professional work review that goes horribly wrong... Middle manager Nicky just wants to get on with her job, but boss Jo has a plan, and he thinks she’s going to like it…. What follows is a power-play of manipulation, subtext and subterfuge that explores explosive consequences arising out of a seemingly innocent conversation. Winner of the Best Actor award at Edinburgh Festival Awards 2023 and Best Theatre award at Adelaide Fringe 2023.

Private Boxes - Production Show evenings

Guests on Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth can experience private boxes.

Celebrate special evenings in the Royal Court Theatre with our Theatre Box programme. Guests will be offered finger desserts and champagne cocktails in a private lounge area. At performance time, guests will be guided to their private box, where bar staff will serve chocolates and cocktails. Guests can make a reservation via the Purser's Office. Please note reservations close at 15:00 on the day of the performance. A charge of US$55 + 15% Service Charge per couple applies, which will be added to guest's on board account. 

Private Boxes further information:

  • If the theatre is showing a comedian, film or other such entertainment the boxes are complimentary and available on a "first come first served" basis.
  • It's not possible to reserve a box or any seat in the theatre prior to embarkation.
  • Please note that Queen Mary 2 does not have any Royal Boxes.
  • There are steps that lead down into each box, however there are two boxes which are wheelchair accessible. A guest may join, however please note that space is restricted to one wheelchair and this may lead to guests feeling a little cramped.

Production Shows:

Queen Elizabeth
  • The Great British Songbook - The combined musicians across the ship join together in an 18 piece orchestra, alongside our four lead singers, in a spectacular evening which features the music of Queen, Elton John, Adele, Ed Sheeran, Dusty Springfield, the Beatles and many more.
  • Hollywood Nights - Experience a roller coaster ride through the history of the silver screen. See the movie icons of yesteryear get ready for their big moment, then journey through time before clicking your heels and arriving in the 21st century. Prepare to be astounded by this brilliant and spectacular must-see show. Your Hollywood Night could be tonight.
  • Palladium Nights - This is an homage to the iconic and much-loved British TV show, ‘Sunday Night at the London Palladium’, showcasing songs from the stars of the 60s and 70s. Starting with Britain’s ‘Mr. Showbiz’ with his signature hat and cane, moving to the romantic ballads of Engelbert Humperdink, "Blue-Eyed Soul" from Dusty Springfield, Eurovision fun from Lulu, classic Tom Jones, the ever popular songs of Cliff Richard and a glamorous finale featuring the songs of Shirley Bassey tied up with a James Bond theme.
  • The Outsider - Personne was once bustling, joyful and vibrant, but now the whole town has lost its spark. Even childhood sweethearts Constance and Hubert haven't spoken to each other for several years. Can the arrival of a mysterious Outsider breathe joy and passion back into their hearts? A story of love, life and lavender; told to the tune of vibrant gypsy jazz.
Queen Victoria
  • Thank You For The Movies - The ship's four lead singers join with an 18 piece orchestra comprised of musicians for a very special evening celebrating music from some of the most successful movies of all time.
  • Land of Make Believe -  A young designer finds her life changes forever one day through her uncle's intervention which leads her to discovering something about herself. Directed and choreographed by Olivier-award winner and Strictly choreographer, Bill Deamer.
  • One Way or Another - Journey around the world at the speed of light in this tour-de-force of song and dance. Fly across the Atlantic to New Orleans and Miami before diverting to “steamy” Argentina. Experience the romance of Paris and the elegance of Vienna before arriving back in London. This is a night to remember… jaw-dropping, eye-popping, show-stopping and amazing.
  • Hollywood Rocks - Experience a roller coaster ride through the history of the silver screen. Meet the stars of the silent movies, then journey through the entire history of the cinema before clicking your heels and arriving in the 21st century. From here to eternity prepare to be astonished by this brilliant and spectacular must-see show.
Queen Mary 2
  • Apassionata – An extravaganza of exciting styles of dance from around the world. From Fred & Ginger’s Quickstep to the upbeat Jumpin’ Jive, this show features some of the most incredible dances ever seen at sea.
  • Broadway Rocks – Join a turbo-charged cab ride through the streets of New York City’s world famous theatre district. Take in the classics – West Side Story and South Pacific before journeying on to enjoy all the blockbuster Broadway hits of the 21st century. Prepare to be astounded by this brilliant and spectacular must-see show. Broadway Rocks – so be there! Oh… and don’t forget your Hairspray.
  • Symphony – The Royal Court Theatre Company vocalists and Musicians of Queen Mary 2 take you on a whistlestop tour of the most iconic music venues in London. From the Royal Opera House to the Royal Albert Hall, from Ronnie Scott’s to Abbey Road, Symphony is a music experience not to be missed.
  • Rhythm of the Night – Go on a magical journey through the sights and sounds of Latin America. From the passion of the tango and the mighty beats of the samba to the hypnotic glamour of the salsa and the heat of the Paso doble. May your hearts beat in time with the "Rhythm of the Night" tiempo de fiesta.

*Prices subject to change and inclusive of service charge.

An exclusive collaboration with David Pugh

Acclaimed theatre producer David Pugh is bringing award-winning shows to Queen Anne. David is one of the most successful theatre producers on both sides of the Atlantic, winning every major theatre award across the globe. The renowned West End and Broadway producer will work with Cunard to launch two iconic stage shows during Queen Anne’s maiden season. Neither production has ever graced an ocean stage. The collaboration will kick off with a uniquely adapted production of Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter, directed by Emma Rice, which will debut on Queen Anne’s maiden voyage in the Royal Court Theatre.

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