Leeds Playhouse – until Saturday 3rd November 2018
Reviewed By Dawn Smallwood
5*****
Leeds Playhouse’s exciting Pop-Up Theatre season is now in full swing and the Ensemble Company brings David Greig’s Europe. The political play, written in 1994 at the height of the Balkans Civil War, is set at an unnamed disused station at a border town in Central Europe. It specifically focuses on two economic migrants, Sava (Robert Pickavance) and Katia (Jo Mousley), who seeks shelter and refuge at the station which disgruntles Fret (Joe Alessi), the stationmaster. Adele (Tessa Parr), Fret’s assistant, is intrigued with the passing trains in which she romanticises about travel and yet her husband, Berlin (Dan Parr), is opposed to foreign migrants.
Greig’s work always raises the concerns of the characters’ connections with the impact of political, social and economic changes over time and yet there are human desires and wonders to experience what is beyond their town or community. Europe is no exception and Adele (Parr) wishes she was on a train somewhere else instead of the town that has economically declined and its disillusioned residents who have an apathetic outlook on life and a negative view of migrants arriving. With the town’s morale in mind Adele seeks her desires intimately with Katia (Mousley).
Amanda Stoodley’s set works very well with the station being the main focal point and has a rail track running through. There is also room for simultaneous and aside actions in the bar and on the station roof. David Bennion-Pedley’s lighting and the strobe effects compliment the stage with its diversity reflecting darkly the story’s sombre themes and outlook. The same is said for David Shrubsole’s atmospheric and dramatic sounds and noises of the passing trains and its reflective music which enables audience to think more about its themes and issues.
Europe resonates and relates to what people feel today particularly from socio-economic and political perspectives and how the complexities they bring particularly belonging and identity. It also explores how individual characters tested particularly with personal relationships amidst economic adversity and change. There is yearning for the town not to be forgotten and yet it dramatically and suddenly remembered for the wrong reasons at the play’s closing stages.
Under the direction of James Brining, the ensemble of seven put on an excellent performance and they portrayed well the complex characters. One too can link many of the issues that are explored and what is experienced in the past and today whether in the local community, nationally or globally.
It is concluded that one is in Europe but apart from a physical presence a lot of questions are asked but unanswered. This is due to complexity of the issues especially with regards to identity among many migrants who settle in another country and local residents whose livelihood is affected by the economic and social decline of their towns. The influence of border crossing also plays a big part particularly with monetary and social inequalities. It is left for the audience to discuss this further among themselves.
Europe is fearful, thought provoking and yet there are some human touches of optimism and hope as fantasised through trains and travel. It’s a highly recommended play to see during its run.
The original written by great Italian playwright Dario Fo, has been expertly adapted in to great British humour by Deborah McAndrew . Fo’s template can be used to reflect the political dialogue of any given time and place, always combining tragedy and farce carrying the message through the belly laughs. Northern Broadsides interpretation is no exception.
I loved the outspoken nature of the players and how they understood the workings of the play. The fast pace sometimes caught them off guard, with fumbled lines and costume malfunctions, which added to the humour! Unintentional hilarity was caused by a cupboard door that didn’t want to stay shut, when in fact the door had a prominent part!
Lisa Howard as Anthea, was a convincing council flat tenant and homemaker, desperately wanting to hold things together, weaving an ever growing web of fantastical tales to dodge her way through an increasingly critical situation. Suzanne Ahmet as Maggie, was a quirky, funny, younger and very gullible wife that went along with all the diversionary plans cooked up by her friend. The political idealist husband, Jack (Steve Huison), gave a clear dialogue to understand the social political environment in which the piece was set. He created belly laughs when his actions contradicted his outspoken views. Michael Hugo became the audiences hero, playing 5 parts and just about managing to avoid laughing out loud, despite a few undelivered lines!
Over time ‘The Jarrow Crusade’ has become a metaphor for governmental callousness and working-class fortitude. The reference to it at the end is a fitting tribute to Dario Fo and how he used his art to ensure the work of governments anywhere do not go unnoticed.
The Grand Theatre, Leeds – until 20th October 2018
Reviewed by Sally Richmond
5*****
Cilla the Musical is a charming tribute to the life and work of the legendary Cilla Black.
Jeff Pope, who created the recently televised mini-series staring Sheridan Smith, has now brought Cilla’s uplifting and heart-warming quest for stardom to the stage. The question one may ask is how does it compare to the popular TV show – and the simple answer is that it compares very well! Pope has produced a feel-good, sentimental jukebox show around those songs that were hits of the time and told Cilla’s story through them. Classics such as the amazing Gershwin number Summertime, the high-energy Dancing in the Streets – all taken from the collections of other musicians appear here along with the iconic Beatles, the Mamas and the Papas (California Dreaming), Gerry and the Pacemakers (I Like It) and of course Cilla’s own hits.
Cilla the Musical tells the rags-to-riches tale of the life of ‘our Cilla’ – Cilla Black (born Priscilla White), a regular teenage girl from Liverpool who became a household name and a bright, shining star on both the stage and television. From a young office typist to a 1960s sensational singer managed by Brian Epstein, Cilla’s celebrity journey starts to grow and unfold along with her romance with Bobby Willis, who later became her husband.
Kara Lily Hayworth has been perfectly cast as Cilla and gives a flawless performance from start to finish. Anyone Who Had a Heart, sung at the end of act one, was a standout moment (for all the right reasons), a highlight of the whole show and one that sent those magic tingles down the spine.
Alexander Patmore’s portrayal as Cilla’s husband Bobby Willis is also faultless, his devoted nature highlighting why the couple were an indestructible partnership right to the end. Andrew Lancel, who plays Brian Epstein, brings some sensitive and moving moments to the show as he struggles with his own life issues, whilst trying to deal with Cilla’s.
Scott Alder’s musical score is packed with hits from the period and the atmosphere of Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club, The London Palladium and Abbey Road recording studio are all brought to life by a cast of extremely talented musicians and singers. The stage bursts with energetic musical arrangements but Hayworth’s voice steals the show every time she sings with her amazing voice.
Gary McCann’s simple but extremely effective sets, which together with Nick Riching’s lighting design, help to bring the special places of where Cilla’s career evolved alive and Leeds very own special place – The Grand Theatre – is the perfect venue to host such a fabulous, nostalgic and magical musical biography.
By the end number the audience had taken to their feet to give a standing ovation and were dancing in the aisles to the sound of the beat of the swinging sixties. Cilla the Musical is not just for Cilla fans but for anyone who wants to enjoy an outstanding evening of musical theatre, executed by first class performers.
The Band arrived triumphantly into Sheffield this week, so it seemed apt that I attended press night with the girl I met on my first day of senior school aged 11. 36 years later we saw a musical that epitomises friendship.
16 year old Rachel (Faye Christell) has been friends with Debbie (Rachelle Diedericks) since they were 6, together they all hang around in a tight knit group with flirty, boy-mad Heather (Katy Clayton), studious Zoe (Lauren Jacobs) and sporty Claire (Sarah Kate Howarth).
When Debbie wins tickets to see their boys, The Band, it feels like they have had the best night of their night; vowing to be friends forever, nothing can destroy their friendship. But tragedy strikes and the girls end up going their separate ways and never speaking again.
25 years later, in their early 40’s, Rachel (Rachel Lumberg) wins a competition to see their boys again, with a weekend in Prague. Through modern technology she tracks down the others and meeting at Manchester Airport she is reunited with Heather (Emily Joyce), Zoe (Jane Mckenna) and Claire (Alison Fitzjohn). A weekend of reminiscing begins and the girls reignite a friendship they thought they had lost for ever.
Set against a backdrop of Take That songs, this is one of the best shows I ever seen. The Band (AJ Bentley, Nick Carsberg, Curtis T Johns, Yazdan Qafouri, Sario Solomon) won their roles on the BBC show “Let it Shine” where they competed for the roles. The band are lyrically outstanding, adding depth and meaning to Gary Barlow’s lyrics, giving a resonance to the scene’s in which they appear.
Tim Firth has an amazing gift to be able to write fabulously strong women characters. There are real women, and you can identify with everyone of them. And whilst they are all amazing, it’s the character of Claire that shines for me. Alison Fitzjohn breaks your heart when she explains how she lost her dreams of being an Olympic diver when she started to hang around with the food she was banned from eating. Still sleeping in her single bed, at her parents house in the same town, for her the biggest journey was getting to Manchester Airport.
They realise the tragedy that broke them apart should have been the very thing that kept them together. But when they act as bridesmaids at Rachel’s wedding to Jeff (the multi-talented Martin Miller) you have sense that nothing will ever divide them again.
The Band is an emotional rollercoaster, you will laugh, you will cry and you will be glad that you know 36 years later you have an amazing friend still by your side
In Sheffield until Saturday 20 October and on tour around the UK
Bridlington Spa – until Saturday 20th October 2018
3***
Reviewed by Zoe Lawton
After a thirty minute delay due to technical difficulties Fame the Musical got under way and through a clever use of props, atmospheric music, costume and lighting we were transported back to New York in the 1980’s. The story follows youngsters through their love of dance, music and drama as they find themselves struggling with prejudges, sexuality and fighting drug addiction not to mention unwanted pregnancies, topics as relevant today as there were back then.
From the outset Nick Winston’s adaptation is certainly high energy and full credit to the dancers who performed all their routine’s with great procession and passion.
In act one we discovered little about the characters it’s act two where we really develop our knowledge of the characters with some very funny moments and movements to the sexual acts, which I’m sure not everyone in the audience will appreciate.
At the heart of this production is clearly a close knit cast who have obviously worked hard to put on an extremely entertaining performance, special vocal mention should go to Stephanie Rojas as Carmen, Molly McGuire as Serena but the ultimate performance of the evening was from the fantastic Mica Paris as Miss Sherman.
Disappointment for me was that they did not perform the title song in its fullness and was to be honest over looked I felt such a pity given the show’s title! also being seated to the far left I was unable to see several scenes in their fullness as the actors vanished from sight, not only annoying if not irritating and distracting.
True Fame fans maybe left slightly disappointed that the key songs they recognise had been replaced for new material however overall a good performance from everyone and an enjoyable evening.
W A L L O F F A M EANDREW LLOYD WEBBER TOGETHER WITH HONOURED GUESTS
UNVEIL NEW ART INSTALLATION AT ICONIC LONDON LANDMARK
Today (15 October 2018) Andrew Lloyd Webber with honoured artists Des O’Connor, Jimmy Tarbuck, Cliff Richard and Tommy Steele unveiled the Wall of Fame, a new art installation by Lee Simmons commissioned as part of the renovations to the Grade II listed facade of The London Palladium. Sited at the theatre’s world famous Stage Door on Great Marlborough Street, this ongoing installation is a permanent legacy to the many artists that have headlined at The London Palladium and will provide an intrinsic link between icons of the past and performers of the future.
Further honoured artists depicted on the installation as chosen by an advisory committee of Don Black, Michael Grade and Laurie Mansfield are Arthur Askey, Ronnie Barker, Shirley Bassey, Jack Benny, Cilla Black, Max Bygraves, Nat King Cole, Ronnie Corbett, The Crazy Gang, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jr, Ken Dodd, Gracie Fields, Bruce Forsyth, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Tom Jones, Danny Kaye, Marie Lloyd, Vera Lynn, Liberace, Max Miller, Johnnie Ray, Tommy Trinder, Frankie Vaughan and Norman Wisdom.
Andrew Lloyd Webber said “As part of the theatre’s ongoing refurbishment the opportunity arose to create a Wall of Fame and I am delighted that young artist Lee Simmons agreed to create what is a wonderful tribute to many of the Palladium’s performers throughout its 108 year history. The London Palladium is a very special theatre for me as it is to millions of people around the world and I hope that our new installation will give as much pleasure to locals and visitors to the West End as it has us.”
Lee Simmons said “For this installation, I have been inspired by the history of the rich tapestry of performers that have graced the stage of The London Palladium. I have used stainless steel to create the portraits which have been cut using digital processes. My aim was to embrace the presence of the performers and capture an essence of the Palladium stars who have made the theatre what it is today.”
An award-winning Royal College of Art graduate, Lee Simmons describes his work as a synthesis that brings together architecture, art and design and exploits the relationship between their blurred peripheries. Simmons is currently working on a number of high profile projects around the capital and his work can be found in both public and private collections. His recent commissions include a War Memorial for the City of Westminster.
NEW DIORAMA AND UNDERBELLY OPEN APPLICATIONS FOR THE UNTAPPED AWARD 2019, FOLLOWING STAGGERING 2018 SUCCESS
· New Diorama and Underbelly launch the second year of the Untapped Award for 2019, offering unprecedented support for emerging and mid-career artists
· The Untapped award 2018 was supported by Arts Council England, and Technical Sponsor from The Mandy Network
“theatrical fireworks.”
Lyn Gardner on the Untapped Award-Winning shows 2018
New Diorama Theatre’s award-winning artist development programme, launched in 2016, was described by Exeunt as “the most exciting artist development plan Britain has ever seen”. As part of this continued work, on 15th October NDT are opening submissions for the second year of the Untapped Award for early and mid-career theatre companies.
The Untapped Award presented by Underbelly and New Diorama supports three companies each year– removing the barriers that prevent some of the most talented groups from showcasing their work at the Fringe. The award opened in 2018 receiving over 300 applications, and will run for three years, offering the opportunity to a total of nine companies.
The 2018 Untapped Award saw winning companies Breach Theatre with It’s True It’s True It’s True, Nouveau Riche with Queens of Sheba and ThisEgg with dressed. receive critical acclaim, totally sell-out their runs, and claim two Fringe First Awards, two awards from The Stage and a Total Theatre nomination.
New Diorama Theatre’s Producer, Helen Matravers, says:
“The Untapped Award has proven to be an incredible and game-changing opportunity for the winning companies in 2018, and we cannot wait to work with Underbelly again to open the application process and discover more exciting work from talented emerging and mid-career companies. Alongside a £3,000 investment in each chosen group, each receive a great slot at Underbelly – with no venue deposit or guarantee, press support paid for, a flyering team, free marketing support and an enhanced box office split. We also make it possible for every company to stage accessible performances, covering all costs. It is truly one of the best strands of support that we are able to offer, and we are beyond excited to see what 2019 holds for the Untapped Award”.
Underbelly’s Head of Programming and Producer, Marina Dixon said: “Underbelly is delighted to continue our partnership with New Diorama Theatre for Untapped 2019. We both share a commitment and passion for supporting new artists and new work. We are thrilled that the 2018 Untapped companies could present work of such a high standard at the world’s largest arts festival and that these three award-winning shows were so well received by Fringe audiences and critics alike. We are excited to open applications for Untapped 2019 and offer our support to more intriguing ideas and exceptional talent.”
Artistic Director of 2018 winners ThisEgg, Josie Dale-Jones said:
“We wouldn’t have gone to Edinburgh with our show if we hadn’t won the untapped award. It was the 7th year ThisEgg had taken to a show to the Fringe, but being selected and given the opportunity to present our show at the biggest arts festival in the UK (probably actually the world) with support from New Diorama and Underbelly raised the profile of our show & company like nothing else. “
Applications for the Untapped Award presented by Underbelly and New Diorama will open on the 15th October 2018 and close on 9th January 2019.
The Mandy Network will be New Diorama’s Technical Sponsor 2018/19. Mandy.com brings together the world’s largest network of actors, backstage and theatre professionals working in the UK today. Continuing a collaboration formed in 2018 Mandy.com will support the Untapped Award submission process by providing a bespoke online application portal.
BIRD COLLEGE – DANCE, MUSIC AND THEATRE PERFORMANCE OPENS NEW BUILDING AND ANNOUNCES
STEPHEN MEAR AS PRESIDENT
Bird College – Dance, Music and Theatre Performance today announces the appointment of Stephen Mear as President after an official opening of the new college campus took place yesterday. Mear will be an advocate for Bird College and for the wider dance and musical theatre sector promoting the work of the college as will Gary Avis MBE who was recently announced as a new patron. Both will work alongside existing patrons Christopher Biggins, Baroness Tessa Blackstone, Lara Pulver, Liz Robertson and Dougie Squires OBE.
Principal and Chief Executive, Shirley Coen and Deputy Principal and Artistic Director, Luis De Abreu said today “Stephen Mear is an internationally renowned, award winning director and choreographer. We are so delighted that he has agreed to be the President of Bird College. He has a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in dance and musical theatre as a performer, director and choreographer. No one better understands the complexities of recognising talented artists in the first instance and providing them with outstanding and multi-disciplined training which is at the heart of the College’s ethos. He is inspirational and highly respected, and we know that he will be a great support to us individually and the whole college community. It is such a privilege to have such a prestigious President and Doreen Bird, the College Founder, would be so very proud. As we are.’’
We are equally proud of internationally acclaimed actor Lara Pulver who graduated from Bird College in 2000 to play the lead role, Peggy Sawyer, in 42nd Street. This was just the start of her already glittering career. She and Stephen Mear have collaborated on a range of high-profile musical theatre projects including Gypsy, for which they both received great critical acclaim. They are currently working together on Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall. She has been a Patron of the College since 2010. Lara is equally at home on stage and screen.
The opening of the new campus took place in Doreen Bird Foundation Theatre on the 14 October and was an outstanding success. We were delighted that so many friends of the college came to share our special day. This included trustees and directors (past and present), staff and students, graduates, representatives from the University of Greenwich, the London Borough of Bexley (notably the Leader of the Council Teresa O’Neill OBE). It was very special to have so many key individuals from the theatre industry including members of our Employers Advisory Board who continually share their expertise with us. Stephen Mear and Lara Pulver were inspirational and there could be no better advocates for our college community.”
Stephen Mear said today“I am so delighted to become the President of Bird College. It is an organisation which I admire greatly, and I know how committed the team are to providing world class vocational training. I continually work with many of their graduates and I am always impressed by their professionalism, excellent technique and artistry and I am excited to be an advocate for this great College. I am delighted to be able to support Shirley and Luis in their work through which they ensure remains at the forefront of the dance and musical theatre industry. Through my own training in dance and musical theatre, I understand and value the importance of the work undertaken here and I look forward to mentoring emerging talent.
Sunday 14 October College marked the official opening of the College’s new Campus – which is the first time in its history that the college has been able to work from one site. It is a former school and it has been very significantly renovated and refurbished and this summer an entirely new teaching block was added. Following on from the college’s RIBA architectural competition, they worked very closely with award winning architects Gareth Hoskins. This exciting project was delivered, on time and on budget – an imaginative and innovative development. The Campus is now fully occupied, and it offers the college community an excellent learning and working environment.
‘‘THE WORLD’S MOST PIERCED WOMAN COMES TO DARLO, THIS FRIDAY!’’
Ladies & Gentlemen, Boys & Girls… Roll Up, Roll up… For One Night Only…
Elaine Davidson, from Brazil, is The Guinness World-Record Holding ‘Most Pierced Woman in the World’
Elaine, who is a friend of Chris Cross the Magician, is one of the Variety Performers on bill at ‘MAGIC AT THE MAJESTIC’
She’ll be walking bare-foot on broken glass and lying on a bed of nails!
Chris Cross the Magician is The North East’s Greatest Showman & He will be bringing his Top of the Bill Magic & Variety Show
to Darlington’s Majestic Theatre on Bondgate on Friday 19th October for One Night Only!
Chris Promises ‘Fun for all of the Family in a Proper Old School Variety Show!’
Expect a Splendid Evening of Entertainment by Regional & National Stars of Variety –
The Show is Compered & Hosted by Newcastle’s Favourite Magic Man – Chris Cross the Magician!
Chris has Performed for The British Royals and Many Celebrities – including The Hoff, Boy George, Mike Tyson, The Hairy Bikers & Tulisa!
He’s appeared on National & International TV including CBBC’s The Slammer and The ONE Show on BBC1.
The Audience will be Amazed by Magic with Doves and Big Fancy Props by The Great Aziz from Glasgow,
Sideshow Stunts from Iain Jay of Hartlepool, whilst Charlie Burns from Newcastle will be Juggling Knives & Eating Fire!
Paul Derek (known as ‘The Birdman of Magic’) will be Performing his ‘Animal Magic’ Act
Paul was the Supporting Act for Ken Dodd for many years on Doddy’s ‘Happiness Show’ Theatre Tours…
Artistic Director & Promoter, Chris Cross Says:‘‘I’m really looking forward to staging my show in Darlington. The Majestic Theatre is such a lush venue – I’d never been inside until I got asked to perform at the re-launch of the theatre earlier this year… It’s a real hidden gem! As soon as I saw the venue I knew I HAD to bring a show there, so that’s what I’m doing!
On 19th October at my Show you’ll laugh, you’ll be amazed and you’ll have a cracking night out with Family & Friends at the Theatre! LIVE Entertainment should be and NEEDS to be supported before it, too, makes a Disappearing Act of itself. This is a proper magic and variety show. The kind of show you just don’t, unfortunately, see anywhere anymore! I’m really passionate about keeping Variety Alive. There are so many Wonderfully skilled and exceptionally talented Performers around and they really do deserve to be seen.
So, get yourselves away from your TV screens, put on your best gear & enjoy a more than affordable evening of Magic and Laughter at your Local Theatre! I hope to see you all there!’’
See this video of Chris talking about the Darlington Show, here:
Greater Manchester Dancers in full casting announcement for Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’
Manchester dancer Isaac Bowry started his training in ballet and contemporary at The Lowry’s Centre for Advanced Training in dance
Swan Lake Tue 20 November – Sat 1 December
New Adventures production of Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake‘ returns to The Lowry from Tue 20 November to Sat 1 December and features a strong line up of local talent.
Greater Manchester dancers Shoko Ito, Andrew Ashton and Isaac Bowry are making their debut with New Adventures. Parsifal James(PJ) Hurst returns to New Adventures having previously performed in Swan Lake in 2013.
Isaac Bowry said today: “I started my training in ballet and contemporary at The Lowry’s Centre for Advanced Training in dance. The Lowry was where I watched my first ‘New Adventures’ production and was the place I saw my first ever professional dance production ‘The Nutcracker.’ Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is iconic and I can’t wait to perform it on my home stage.”
Manchester dancer Shoko Ito makes her debut with New Adventures in ‘Swan Lake’ at The Lowry.
Prior to joining the company, whilst in her final year of training at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Shoko Ito performed with the Encore Dance Company UK tour featuring works by Drew McOnie, Kerry Nicholls, Ernst Meisner, Layla Ellison, Gaz Davis and Jodie Blemings.
Oldham born Andrew Ashton previously performed in the acclaimed New Adventures production of “Lord of the Flies” in 2014
Andrew Ashton previously performed in the acclaimed New Adventures production of “Lord of the Flies” in 2014 which bought together the New Adventures company with young people, many of whom had never danced before. Having graduated from Laine Theatre Arts this year “Swan Lake” marks his professional debut.
Isaac Bowry also previously performed in “Lord of the Flies” in 2014. His other career highlights include Principal dancer with Ballet Theatre UK, Principal dancer with Chantry Dance Company, Guest principal dancer for The Japanese International Youth Ballet and guest principal dancer for Midland Theatre Ballet.
As well as performing in the 2013 UK and international tour of “Swan Lake”, ParsifalJames (PJ) Hurst has also delivered many workshops for the company, including on the Dance for Life programme for those living with dementia. Other career highlights include: Protein Dance “LOL”, Garsington Opera “Death in Venice”, Fallen Angels Dance Theatre “Upon Awakening & Hell Can Wait” and Gary Clarke’s award-winning “COAL”. On top of all of this, he has remained loyal to his northern connections, where dance began for him, in the company Homegrown Dance Theatre by returning several times per year teaching and choreographing on seasonal projects.
New Adventures’ star Will Bozier, currently dancing to great acclaim as ‘Harry, the Pilot’, in Matthew Bourne’s “Cinderella” and former English National Ballet star Max Westwell, who was also recently seen in the West End in “An American in Paris”, are both making their debuts in the role of ‘The Swan’.
Both returning to the role of ‘The Prince’, two much loved New Adventures Principal dancers, Liam Mower (currently wowing audiences as ‘The Angel’ in “Cinderella”) and Dominic North (acclaimed star of “Edward Scissorhands”, “The Car Man”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “The Red Shoes” and currently “Cinderella”). They are joined by New Adventures’ newcomer, James Lovellwho is making his professional debut.
‘The Queen’ will be performed by two long-time New Adventures favourites,Nicole Kabera and Katrina Lyndon both making their debuts in this role.
‘The Girlfriend’ will also be performed by Katrina Lyndon. She is joined by Freya Field and Carrie Willis who are both returning to the Swan Lake Company.
‘The Private Secretary’ will be played by long-time Company Principal Glenn Graham (recently seen as ‘Grischa’ in “The Red Shoes”) along with Max Westwell and Ashley-Jordon Packer.
Returning to New Adventures are Tom Broderick, PJ Hurst and Alex Sturman.
Making their debuts with New Adventures are: Nicole Alphonce, Leigh Alderson, Jonathan Luke Baker, Alistair Beattie, Benjamin Bazeley,Megan Cameron, João Castro, Zanna Cornelis, Kayla Collymore, Keenan Fletcher, Michaela Guibarra, Bryony Harrison, Nicholas Keegan, Shoko Ito, Courtney Liu, Jack Mitchell, Barnaby Quarendon, Jack William Parry, Sam Salter, Stan West and Milwhynne Williams.
Also making their New Adventures debut are Andrew Ashton from Newcastle, Isaac Bowry from Glasgow and Harry Ondrak-Wright from Birmingham who all performed in the acclaimed New Adventures production of Lord of the Fliesin 2014.
New Adventures is committed to finding and developing diverse young talent from across the UK and their annual open auditions were attended by over 400 dancers. Since Lord of the Flies in 2014 New Adventures has been supporting young dancers from this production on their journey into training and professional work. The company have delivered various initiatives, including Swan School, two week-long intensives designed to prepare graduate level dancers for the audition process. This production of Swan Lake is the first New Adventures production to feature dancers who had their first experience of dance with the company in Lord of the Flies.
New Adventures is delighted to continue its relationship with Central School of Ballet and will this year be joining forces for the third year of our Student Associates Programme. This year making their New Adventures debuts on the Sadler’s Wells stage will be third year students, Lewis Bondu and Alex Fadayiro. The Student Associates are generously sponsored by the Archie Lloyd Charitable Foundation.
Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’ returns with a fresh look for the 21st century.
Retaining the iconic elements of the original production loved by millions around the world, Matthew Bourne and his Associate Artists, award-winning designers Lez Brotherston (Set & Costumes) and Paule Constable (Lighting) will create an exciting re-imagining of the classic production.
Thrilling, audacious, witty and emotive, this ‘Swan Lake’ is perhaps still best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered conventions, turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm.
Collecting over thirty international accolades including an Olivier Award in the UK and three Tonys on Broadway, Matthew Bourne’s powerful interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece is a passionate and contemporary Swan Lake for our times.
New Adventures is a national portfolio organisation supported using public funds by Arts Council England.
Listings Information Swan Lake
Date: Tue 20 November – Sat 1 December
Times: 7.30pm. Thu & Sat 2pm.
Tickets: £33.50 – £47.50. Concessions £3 off (selected performances) Website
