Month: November 2015

 

Full casting has been announced today for next year’s UK tour of Tom. A Story of Tom Jones. The Musical, presented by Theatr na nÓg.

Kit Orton stars in the title role of the musical biopic, which will open on Monday 7th March 2016 at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff. Also featured in the touring cast are Elin Phillips as Linda, Nicola Reynolds as Vi, Phylip Haries as Jack Lister, Richard Corgan as Gordon Mills, Deborah Thomas as Jo Mills, John McClarnon as Vernon Hopkins, Daniel Lloyd as Mickey Gee, Kieran Bailer as Chris Slade, Tom Connor as Dave Cooper and Nicola Bryan as Freda and Val. Tim Bonser also joins the company to perform the role of Tom Jones at certain performances.

Step back in time to the dance halls, working men’s clubs and recording studios of the ‘60s where the legend of Tom Jones was born: a Valleys boy with a heart-stopping voice who dreamed of making the big time, no matter what it took.

This inspirational story of self-belief and determination is performed live on stage by a phenomenal cast of actors and musicians, celebrating an ordinary man with an extraordinary talent who became a superstar on a world stage.

Tom. A Story of Tom Jones. The Musical chronicles the rise to stardom of singer Tom Jones and includes an array of hits of the era, from ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’, ‘Spanish Harlem’ and ‘Lucille’ to ‘It’s Not Unusual’, ‘Delilah’, ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’ and ‘What’s New Pussycat’, along with many more.

The TNN production is written by Mike James and directed by Geinor Styles, with musical direction and arrangements Ben Goddard, designs by Sean Crowley and sound design by Mike Beer.

It made its world premiere at the Muni Arts Centre in Pontypridd on 1st March 2014, forty-nine years after Tom Jones gained his first No. 1 single with ‘It’s Not Unusual’. The musical ran there from 1st to 8th March 2014, and then embarked on a small tour that visited venues in Rhyl, Neath, Carmarthen, Dundee, Windsor and Ipswich.

Speaking about Tom, Geinor Styles said: “We are over the moon to welcome back Kit Orton and this great company of talented actors/musicians alongside newcomers John Mclarnon; Deborah Thomas; Richard Corgan, Nicola Bryan and Tim Bonser to take this inspirational story of a true Welsh icon to audiences throughout the UK. This Rock and Roll musical laced with great Welsh humour and charm is guaranteed to have audiences up on their feet in celebration of this living legend’s story.”

Kit Orton is a Welsh actor and composer who played Tom Jones in the workshop of Tom and in the original production, and made his West End debut playing Sir Lancelot in Spamalot (West End/UK Tour). His other stage credits include Oliver!(Watermill Newbury Theatre), Dickens Abridged (Arts Theatre) and The Hired Man (Mercury Theatre Colchester/Leicester Curve). His composing work includes the musical My Land’s Shore, for which he wrote the music and lyrics, with Robert Gould (book and lyrics).

The development of this production has been supported by the Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Government, RCT, NPT Theatres and Wales Millennium Theatre.

The UK tour of Tom. A Story of Tom Jones. The Musical launches at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff on Monday 7th March 2016, where performances will continue until Saturday 12th March 2016). The other confirmed tour dates for 2016 are listed below:
www.tomthemusical.co.uk

Tom. A Story of Tom Jones. The Musical
Monday 7th March – Saturday 12th March 2016
www.wmc.org.uk
Tuesday 15th March – Saturday 19th March (Festival Theatre Edinburgh)
www.edtheatres.com
Wednesday 30th March – Saturday 2nd April (Leicester Curve)
www.curveonline.co.uk
Tuesday 5th April – Saturday 9th April (Aylesbury Waterside theatre)
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/
Tuesday 12th April – Saturday 16th April (Sheffield Lyceum)
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Tuesday 19th April – Saturday 23rd April (Alhambra Theatre, Bradford)
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
Tuesday 26th April – Saturday 30th April (Churchill Theatre, Bromley)
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-churchill-theatre-bromley/
Tuesday 3rd May – Saturday 7th May (Theatre Royal, Newcastle)
www.theatreroyal.co.uk/
Tuesday 10th May – Saturday 14th May (Venue Cymru, Llandudno)
www.venuecymru.co.uk
Tuesday 17th May – Saturday 21st May (Richmond Theatre)
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/
Wednesday 25th May – Saturday 28th May (The Lowry)
www.thelowry.com
Wednesday 1st June – Saturday 4th June (New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham)
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/

The Roundhouse 3-14 November. Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Well, the audience certainly found happiness tonight!

The Happiness Project is a response to the 2007 UNICEF report “An overview of child well-being in rich countries”. Two years have been spent exploring the issues raised, and the show fuses the viewpoints of young people, scientists and academics.

The show centres around Eden, a teenager wondering about her future plans, whose mother has told her “I don’t mind what you do with your life – I just want you to be happy.”

Eden’s friends discuss what makes them happy, give themselves scores out of 10 and talk about experiments to find out what “Happiness =” – and are rudely interrupted by the scientists. Neuroscience, psychiatry, human geography and the scientific method are all discussed – to the dismay of the teenagers. Their expressions of disdain are brilliant. A wonderful explanation of dopamine responses in the brain while one lad eats a bacon sandwich is delivered to explain happiness as a system of rewards and expectations. The scientists’ questions about the teenagers’ actions are hysterical. One tries to explain the happiness felt whilst dressing up as Iron Man using Nietzsche’s theories.

The company use a chalk board to illustrate and annotate their findings. This is a fantastic device, showing the huge divide between the thinking of the two groups when the adults look at the teenagers’ simplistic landscape drawing and begin to label each item with psychiatric and scientific ideas.

The various ideas and ways to find happiness are abandoned until finally talk of finding your flow begins. This seems to appeal to the teenagers until a powerful and moving speech about the stresses and pressures young people have to deal with today. The effects used to convey these pressures are fantastic, considering the limited budget and space. Just as it seems that we cannot define happiness, talk turns to childhood memories, and how we can decide how we remember things. The company then begin to write what happiness is to them on the board. And this is delightful. A wide range of things, deep and meaningful or banal, all equate to happiness. Highlights were – “when you smile”, “when the monkeys stole our passports”, “my 7th birthday”, “bacon” (of course!) and “drumming”. The young boy and the scientist who wrote drumming then deliver a fantastic duet on the drums that left the audience breathless, before an almost wordless and moving finale.

This is a sincere and thought-provoking show, performed by a talented young company. The audience has their own chalkboard to write on as they leave, and this was full of happy and appreciative comments.

Who would have thought that sometimes, Happiness = Drumming?

Shakespeare’s Globe have announced today that Matthew Dunster has been appointed as associate director.

He joins Emma Rice as she begins her role as artistic director designate, officially taking over from current artistic director Dominic Dromgoole on 23 April 2016.

Dunster is an Olivier-nominated director and playwright whose world première production of Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen recently transferred from the Royal Court to the West End. His directorial credits for the Globe include The Frontline and Dr Faustus whilst other credits include Love’s Sacrifice (RSC) and The Seagull (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).

As a writer, his credits include Children’s Children (Almeida) and You Can See The Hills at the Royal Exchange and the Young Vic.

Commenting on the post, Emma Rice said: “Matthew Dunster is not only one of the best directors in the country, but also an artist of great knowledge, integrity and generosity. Beloved by staff, actors and audiences alike, he is a thrilling appointment and I look forward to the many adventures we will have as we open this next chapter for Shakespeare’s Globe.”

A brand new production of Rona Munro’s adaptation of Watership Down will feature in the inaugural programme from new artistic director Paul Hart, as well as a new production of Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet.

The season opens on February 25 with Romeo and Juliet, staged in collaboration with the National Youth Theatre. The show will be staged in the round with live music and will be set in a bar. Hart will direct the show, which will feature an ensemble of young actors.

Craig Taylor’s One Million Tiny Plays About Britain will run from 12 April then on 5 May a new production of Alan Bennett’s double bill Untold Stories will open.

Watership Down, which is a stage adaptation of Richard Adams’ adventure novel about a group of rabbits, will run from 16 June 2016.

Paul Hart commented: “The programme represents just a taste of the broad scope of work I hope to present to audiences over time, a mixture of classics, new writing, great rediscoveries and new adaptations. I’m particularly excited to introduce audiences to the next generation of young talent, particularly in Romeo and Julietwhich we are working on in collaboration with The National Youth Theatre.”

Hart has taken over as artistic director and chief executive from Hedda Beeby, who stepped down after eight years in the role.

Booking for friends opens today, and public booking for the season opens on Monday.

Casting has been announced for Curve’s productions of Roald Dahl’s The Witches and Lionel Bart’s classic musical, Oliver!, which both open at the Leicester theatre in December.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers actress Laura Pitt-Pulford and The Bill star, Cat Simmons, are due to share the role of Nancy in Paul Kerryson’s production of Oliver!.

Simmons will play Nancy for the majority of the show’s run from 27 November to 2 January, with Pitt-Pulford taking over for all performances until 16 January.

The title role of Oliver will be shared by Liam Carr and Albert Hart whilst Joel Fossard-Jones and Kwame Kandekore will both play the Artful Dodger.

Sweeney Todd actor Peter Polycarpou will star as Fagin alongside Oliver Boot as Bill Sikes, Jenna Boyd (Widow Corney), James Gant (Mr Bumble), John Griffiths (Mr Brownlow), Natalie Moore-Williams (Mrs Sowerberry and Mrs Bedwin), Lucy Thomas (Bet) and Jez Unwin (Mr Sowerberry and Grimwig).

The cast will be completed by Cassie Clare, Jaye Elster, Ross Lee Fowkes, Ryan Gover, Ian Gareth-Jones, Emma Harrold, Tim Hodges, Bethany Linsdell, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Louis Stockil and Dickie Wood.

Additionally, Nikolai Foster directs David Wood’s adaptation of The Witches from 16 December to 10 January.

The cast will feature Sarah Ingram (See What I Wanna See, Annie) as the Grand High Witch, Fox Jackson-Keen (Billy Elliot) as Boy, Karen Mann (Alice in Wonderland) as Grandma, Sioned Saunders (Calamity Jane) as Witch, Kieran Urquhart (Scuttlers) as Bruno, Elexi Walker (The Jungle Book) as Mrs Jenkins and Justin Wilman (The Kreutzer Sonata) as Mr Jenkins.

The show, a co-production with The Rose Theatre Kingston, will embark on a national tour in spring 2016.

In a joint statement, Chris Stafford and Nikolai Foster said: “It is with great pride we present two British classics on our stages this winter. We are thrilled to welcome these incredibly talented acting companies and creative teams to our city and, in a first for Curve, The Witches will open in Hong Kong whilst Oliver! premieres in our home town.”

WICKED, the award-winning classic musical that tells the incredible untold story of the witches of Oz, has announced the sixth year of the prestigious WICKED YOUNG WRITER AWARDS, which this year introduces a new non-fiction category. Entries open today 3rd November 2015 and close on 11th March 2016. Full details can be found at www.WickedYoungWriters.com.

Wicked has also announced that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has agreed to extend her patronage for a further five years.

The Duchess of Cornwall said at the award ceremony in 2011, “I believe passionately in nurturing a love of reading and writing in children and young people of all ages. Reading is not only the start of a voyage of personal development and pleasure, but the foundation stone of all education.”

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ author-illustrator Cressida Cowell is also returning to the judging panel as Head Judge. She said, “I am thrilled to be asked to be a judge for the second time. It is wonderful to be involved in an award which fires up the imaginations and confidence of these young writers. As an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust, I’m a real advocate of anything that gets young people reading and writing.”

As in previous years, entrants can enter one of five different age categories; 5-7, 8-10, 11-14, 15-17, 18-25. In addition, the 2016 awards scheme marks the launch of the FOR GOOD Award for Non-Fiction, encouraging 15-25 year olds to write essays or articles that recognise the positive impact that people can have on each other, their communities and the world we live in. The new category celebrates the WICKED: FOR GOOD programme, which supports the charitable causes at the heart of the stage musical.

The Awards were created by the producers of Wicked in 2010, in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust and spearheaded by bestselling author Michael Morpurgo, to recognise excellence in writing, encourage creativity and develop writing talent in young people. Since launching, over 20,000 young people, aged between 5 and 25, have entered original and thought-provoking pieces of writing that consistently reflect the interests, concerns and deepest thoughts of young people, providing a first-look at the emerging voices of a new generation.

A shortlist of 120 entrants from across the UK will see their work published in the WICKED YOUNG WRITER AWARDS Anthology. They are also invited to an exclusive ceremony at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, home to the hit musical since 2006, where judges and members of the Wicked cast will announce who has won in each category.

Previous winners include Charlotte Carter (Winner, 15-17 Category, 2015) who said, “The support shown by everyone involved in the award is fantastic, I cannot thank them enough for the passion, the joy and the hope that they have inspired in me.”

Sophie Max who was short-listed four times and won in 2012 said “I am forever grateful for the impact it had on me; in consequence I will always have writing as a part of my life.”

Winner of the 18-25 Category Gregory Maguire Award 2014 Chris Pritchard has gone on to be published in a variety of journals and anthologies but his favourite part of the award was hearing the stories by the younger contestants!

Caitlin Jenkins, (Winner, 11-13 Category, 2010), said “The biggest thrill I had from the competition was seeing my writing in print, and of course meeting Michael Morpurgo the year I won.”

The WICKED YOUNG WRITER AWARDS raises money for the National Literacy Trust, who campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy. Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust will be returning as part of the judging panel.

Michael McCabe, Executive Producer (UK) of Wicked said, “All of us at Wicked are incredibly proud of this project and greatly indebted to Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, Michael Morpurgo and Cressida Cowell for their support. Their passionate commitment to encouraging creative writing and improving literacy standards amongst young people in the UK is an inspiration to us all”.

Pieces of original writing can be submitted, either individually or as part of a school group, until 11 March 2016. The overall winners from each category will win a VIP family experience to the West End production of Wicked, including an exclusive backstage tour and cast meet-and-greet, £50 book/eBook tokens, plus £100 worth of books for their school library donated by Hachette Children’s Books. The individual school with the highest number of entries will receive a bespoke writing workshop at their respective school.

 

 

Hit comedy musical show Jest End returns to Waterloo East Theatre later this month for a limited run from 24th November to 6th December 2015.

The full line-up for this year’s show was announced late last night, and will include West End stars Scott Garnham, Simon Bailey, Lizzy Connelly and Jodie Jacobs.

Jest End is London’s answer to Forbidden Broadway. It is a satirical musical exploring and ‘exposing’ the hits, flops and gossip of Theatreland, featuring the latest and most popular musicals with a hilarious and firmly tongue in cheek twist. The cast for the revived 2015 show will be taking on such musicals as Wicked, Bend It Like Beckham, Matilda, Billy Elliot, Guys and Dolls, Miss Saigon, Sunny Afternoon, The Phantom of the Opera and Jersey Boys.

Jest End was created by British composer Garry Lake and first appeared at Jermyn Street Theatre in 2007. He writes and directs this latest production, which also has choreography by Rebecca Howell, set design by Sebastian Noel, sound by Gareth Tucker, lighting by Jack Weir and musical direction by James Doughty.

Scott Garnham is a musical theatre performer and co-creator/producer of the musical theatre super-group Boys of the Barricade with Simon Schofield, also performing as a member of the group. His stage credits include Grand Hotel(Southwark Playhouse), Made in Dagenham (Adelphi Theatre), I Can’t Sing! The X Factor Musical (London Palladium),Titanic (Toronto), Les Miserables (Queen’s Theatre) and Never Forget (UK Tour)

Simon Bailey has played leading roles in I Can’t Sing! The X Factor Musical (London Palladium), The Phantom of the Opera (West End & 25th Anniversary Tour), Parade (Southwark Playhouse) and Les Miserables (Queen’s Theatre). He released his debut solo album, Looking Up, in December 2012.

Lizzy Connelly is an Arts Educational Schools, London graduate who was most recently seen in the world premiere of MrsHenderson Presents (Theatre Royal Bath), which is set to transfer into the West End in 2016. Her other stage credits include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Savoy Theatre), WAG The Musical (Charing Cross) and The Boys From Syracuse (Union).

Jodie Jacobs is a musical theatre actress with a long list of credits to her name. Her stage credits include Legally Blonde (Kilworth House Theatre), Carrie (Southwark Playhouse), Rock of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre), Evita (Adelphi Theatre), Fame (Aldwych Theatre) and We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre).

Garry Lake is a British composer and actor. He is the composer/lyricist for the social media musical Like Me, which features a book by Jon Smith and was showcased earlier this year at Waterloo East Theatre. His stage credits include Batman (O2 Arena), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre) and Saturday Night Fever (Apollo Victoria).

Jest End is presented by Garry Lake in association with Waterloo East Theatre. It runs at Waterloo East Theatre from Tuesday 24th November to Sunday 6th December 2015

90s pop star KAVANA and Hollyoaks favourite GEMMA MERNA star in the very best yuletide party in town with festive cheer, glitter, magic and sparkle… and all your favourite Christmas songs!

Derek Nicol and Paul Walden in association with Hal Carter Organisation present

So This Is Christmas!

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Thursday 26 November at 7:30pm

 

Nineties pop star Kavana and glamorous actress Gemma Merna are to star in So This Is Christmas, aseasonal

spectacular for all the family, featuring a collection of festive favourites that are guaranteed to make even the most dedicated Scrooge Wish It Could be Christmas Every Day!

Kavana, with his unique combination of Northern charm and soulful vocals, and Gemma, best known for her award-winning comedy performance as Carmel McQueen in C4’s Hollyoaks, a role she played for eight years, will be supported by a talented cast of singers and dancers and a live on-stage band.

 So This Is Christmas will feature two hours of seasonal classics, including White Christmas, Let It Snow, The

Christmas Song, Jingle Bell Rock, Last Christmas, Merry Christmas Everybody, All I Want For Christmas Is You and Fairytale of New York.

 A 16-date UK tour will open in York on Thursday 26 November. Full tour list below.

 Gemma said: I LOVE Christmas! My favourite Christmas song has to be Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland. I put on a Christmas CD last week and was doing the dishes singing along! When I was in Hollyoaks we always had 2 weeks off from filming over Christmas and New Year so my husband Ian and I went away – usually to America, Vegas or New York. My favourite place at Christmas has to be New York: the trees, the lights, they really go to town. Just like in the movies! We are currently doing major renovations on our Liverpool home so we won’t be dressing the house but last year I splashed out and had two trees professionally decorated. One was upstairs where there is a window to the street and it looked amazing. This year I’m looking forward to touring all over with this show -Manchester is going to be a blast as it is the hometown of both Kavana and me. Everyone we know is coming along that night – it will be a massive party night!”

Kavana adds: “My favourite Christmas track is Fairytale of New York. Christmas for me is a great family affair – everyone together, sisters and cousins, the lot. Very Shameless! Dinner is not served until very late in the day!” In 1997, after being discovered by Nigel Martin Smith, manager of Take That, Kavana left his job at McDonalds and spent a year writing his debut album, before being signed to Virgin Records in the very same week as The Spice Girls. His breakthrough hit I Can Make You Feel Good made the Top 10, and was quickly followed by an award of Best Male Artist at the Smash Hits Poll Winners beating Gary Barlow and Peter Andre. His follow up albumInstinct went on to selling excess of half a million copies in South East Asia. In 2014 he took part in TV’s The Big Reunion as part of supergroup‘5th Story’ which proved a massive success and led to a sold out nationwide arena tour.

Manchester born actress Gemma Merna is best known for her role as Carmel McQueen in Hollyoaks. Since first appearing in 2006, Gemma has been nominated for numerous awards including the National Television Awards for ‘Best Female Soap Actress’. In 2007 Gemma won the coveted British Soap Award for ‘Best Comedy Performance’. Gemma left Hollyoaks in late 2014 in some of the most dramatic scenes a British soap had ever screened, leaving the nation mourning her character’s loss. Gemma trained at the prestigious Manchester School Of Acting with Mark Hudson– which led to her landing the role in Hollyoaks. Growing up Gemma attended a number of theatre workshops and groups in her home town of Manchester, as well as appearing in a number of productions. Gemma is a TV favourite, having appeared in shows including Family Fortunes, Celebrity Juice, Big Brothers Bit On The Side &Britain’s Got More Talent. In 2014 Gemma appeared on the TV 1 prime time showSplash where she faced her fears of the water after receiving guidance by Olympian Tom Daley.

Tickets: From £16

Box Office: 0844 871 3024

Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/york

 

TOUR DATES

YORK – Grand Opera House

Thursday 26 November

ST ALBANS – Alban Arena

Friday 27 November

WOKING – New Victoria Theatre

Saturday 28 November

TORQUAY – Princess Theatre

Sunday 29 November

MANCHESTER – Palace Theatre

Tuesday 1 December

BASINGSTOKE – Anvil Arts

Wednesday 2 December

NORTHAMPTON – Royal & Derngate

Friday 4 December

OXFORD – New Theatre

Sunday 6 December

CHELTENHAM – Town Hall

Tuesday 8 December

EDINBURGH – Playhouse

Thursday10 December

DUNDEE – Caird Hall

Friday 11 December

BIRMINGHAM – Town Hall

Wednesday 16 December

CROYDON – Fairfield Halls

Thursday 17 December

FOLKESTONE – Leas Cliff

Saturday 19 December

EASTBOURNE – Congress Theatre

Tuesday 22 December

GATESHEAD – Sage

Sunday 27 December

Civic Theatre – Darlington.  3 November 2015

Presented by the Bunbury Company of Players