Month: October 2018

Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester – until 24th November.  

Reviewed by Joseph Everton

5*****

Although retaining it’s industrial, rugged charms, the warmth and intimacy of the Hope Mill theatre plays the perfect host to Putting It Together, a chocolate box of Sondheim numbers pieced together with a hint of a narrative and just enough, with a little imagination, to turn a collection of songs into a believable tale.

Beautifully performed Sondheim classics paint pictures of juxtaposing relationships, one loveless and one in its honeymoon phase, at a boozy party in a Manhattan apartment. Five performers, choreographed to perfection by venue owner William Whelton, revolve around one another and, if you didn’t know it already, you might not even realise the thirty two musical numbers were plucked from shows with a variety of contexts. And even if you did, each number, performed with the ever-present Michael Webber on piano, will likely put a smile on your face.

The cast deliver a performance full of wit and the compact venue means we can gaze into their eyes as they showcase their considerable talents in a fitting tribute to Stephen Sondheim’s brilliance. Lauren James Ray’s performance is a particular highlight, worthy of five stars and a pleasure to watch. Her portrayal of an unhappy wife in a marriage in its death throes, earned the snorts, giggles and sometimes raucous laughter of her audience and ensured that we could not take our eyes off her. Amongst a wealth of excellent showings by the whole cast, including Alex Cardall’s heart-warming Marry Me a Little and Andrew Gallo’s hilarious Buddy’s Blues from Follies, her rendition of Getting Married Today from Company stole the show.

You can watch Sondheim’s Putting It Together at the Hope Mill Theatre until Saturday 24th November and you really should.

Arts Theatre – until 1 December

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

As the centenary of the Armistice that ended World War One approaches, The Wipers Times returns to the West End after a national tour. Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s play about this extraordinary publication is a wonderful celebration and memorial for the humour, spirit and bravery of the men and women of WW1.

When the men of the 24th Division of the Sherwood Foresters come across a printing press in a bomb-damaged building in Ypres, their commanding officer, Captain Fred Roberts (James Dutton) decides to start their own front line newspaper. With Lt Jack Pearson (George Kemp) as deputy editor and Sgt Tyler (Dan Mersh) using his civilian expertise to run the press the Wipers Times was born.

Hislop and Newman’s clever script blends with original articles from the publication, full of terrible puns, poetry and satirical comment. Adverts, poems and articles are presented as music halls sketches and songs by the brilliantly tight cast, escalating the sense of bewilderment and incredulity of the men at the reality of war. The set feels as if it was built by soldiers, with every inch serving a practical purpose at some stage of the play. Wooden planks serve as the walls of bombed out buildings or trenches, and the cast move props around as they sing more ridiculous war songs.

The humour veers between laugh out loud one liners, dad jokes and infantile humour, but it all works brilliantly. The officers of the General Staff are most abused, and quite rightly, and the Wipers Times main nemesis, Lt Colonel Howfield (Sam Ducane) and his Captain – nicknamed Bobbing Bobby – are instantly familiar to Blackadder fans, but are exactly what the plot needs. The home front is represented by Frank’s wife (Emilia Williams) and her news of their chickens, and the indomitable Lady Somersby (Clio Davies), determined to drive the demon drink from the trenches. The camaraderie on stage is infectious, with the entire cast giving stellar performances.

Amongst the laughs are some harrowing moments, always tempered by an inappropriate laugh – the standouts being when the men are preparing to go over the top at the Somme. The horrors of war are always present, with the sound of artillery and debris from falling bombs scattering the stage, but the way the men coped with these dreadful times by looking for the humour and ridiculousness of their day to day existence speaks to us all. The running joke about the amount of poetry submitted by soldiers reminds us that the publication of the Wipers Times is as emotionally and historically important as the more “noble” works of the WW1 poets, presenting us with the long-forgotten reality that soldiers’ camaraderie and humour is very difficult to extinguish, even in the nightmare of the trenches.

The Wipers Times is a fascinating and life-affirming story told with humour and anarchic energy that the original editors adored. A wonderful way to celebrate the Armistice centenary – pack up your troubles and get to the Arts Theatre.

Soho Theatre – until 10 November 2018

Review by Elizabeth J Smith

5*****

Maddie Rice delivers a one woman, insightful piece of theatre.

Taking us on a journey with “Miss” as she navigates life through her job as a teacher and a single millennial trying to cope with being a grown up and yet still listening to the inner child.

We are introduced to influencing characters in her class room. Carly, the surly teenager who calls Miss out on many subjects. But Miss has a respect for Carly and even emulates her dance moves, very funny outcome to that impression of youth. We meet a fellow teacher who everyone, teachers and pupils alike, fancy the pants off. He seems to charm all females in an unthreatening friendly way. Can looks be deceiving? Her hilarious Irish flat mate Mairead who is also a teacher but has a somewhat devil-may-care attitude. Pina colada’s on a school night? Drawing Miss out of herself and into an unsuspected dangerous situation. Mairead also provides the metaphor of what Pickle jar is all about.

The story takes a dramatic twist when a suicide is discovered and Miss blames herself for this tragedy.

Maddie Rice evokes all the sympathy one needs for Miss on this journey with great humour, sharp writing and convincing performance. All characters come to life, you feel you have watched a full cast. With laugh out loud moments and tear jerking scenes, an emotional rollercoster, a modern day masterpiece

LAMBERT JACKSON ANNOUNCES WEST END WOMEN 

A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN MUSICALS AT CADOGAN HALL

 

Lambert Jackson present

West End Women

A Celebration of Women in Musicals

 

Cadogan Hall

Saturday 2 February, 7:30pm

Following the sell-out success of their debut production, There’s Nothin’ Like a Dame, Lambert Jackson today announces West End Women – A Celebration of Women in Musicals. Rachel John, Lauren Samuels andCelinde Schoenmaker come together for one night only to perform some of the most famous musical theatre hits from across the decades at Cadogan Hall on 2 February.

 

From Lerner and Loewe to Lloyd Webber, Gershwin to Guettel; these three incredibly talented women will take you on a journey through time. With these three superstars singing some of the biggest and best-loved showstoppers, it will be a night you won’t want to miss.

Jamie Lambert, CEO of Lambert Jackson, “After the phenomenal success and fantastic critical response for There’s Nothin’ Like a Dame, which has been nominated for a BroadwayWorld Award for Best Theatrical Event of 2018, we are thrilled to be continuing our celebration of women in musical theatre with West End Women”

Rachel John’s theatre credits include Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre – for which she received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical), The Color Purple in Concert (Cadogan Hall), The Bodyguard (Dominion Theatre/UK tour), Memphis (Shaftesbury Theatre), Rent (UK tour), We Will Rock You, Sister Act (The Palladium)and The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre/international tour).

 

Lauren Samuel’s theatre credits include Romantics Anonymous (Shakespeare’s Globe), La Ronde (Bunker Theatre – which received a 2018 WhatsOnStage Award nomination for Best Off West End Production), Bend It Like Beckham (Phoenix Theatre – for which she was nominated for a WhatsOnStage Award for Best Supporting Actress In A Musical), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre/ international tour), The Buskers Opera (Park Theatre), Love Story (Bolton Octagon), Water Babies, Peter Pan A Musical  (Curve), Vampirette (Manchester Opera House), Children of Eden (Prince of Wales Theatre), The Last Five Years (Tabard Theatre) and Grease (Piccadilly Theatre).  

Celinde Schoenmaker’s theatre credits include Barnum (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Phantom of the Opera(Her Majesty’s Theatre), Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre), Musicals in Concert (Ziggo Dome), Hundred City Story (Prince of Wales Theatre) and Ghost (Landestheater Linz, Holland).

 

West End Women – A Celebration of Women in Musicals                                                          Listings

Cadogan Hall

5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ

 

Box Office: 020 7730 4500 

www.cadoganhall.com/event/west-end-women

 

Cadogan Hall

Saturday 2 February, 7:30pm

 

Tickets: from £25

 

LAMBERT JACKSON

Lambert Jackson is a production company dedicated to producing musical theatre shows and stunning one-night performances. Founded by Jamie Lambert (CEO) and Eliza Jackson (Creative Director), the company made its debut at Cadogan Hall in August 2018 with There’s Nothin’ Like a Dame – 100 Years of Women in Musical Theatre.

 

Twitter:                @LJProds

Instagram:           @lambertjacksonproductions

Facebook:           /lambertjacksonproductions

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – runs until 27th October 2018.

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

3***

Before curtain up at the Lyceum there is a rapturous round of applause in anticipation. The audience are clearly fully aware of what Northern Ballet can deliver and the majority feel like regulars to the companies dramatic productions.

David Nixon has rejuvenated his 2006 adaptation of The Three Musketeers for this tour, we join the heroic trio in a tale of love and friendship against church tyranny in 17th Century France.

Nixons’ version of Alexandre Dumas’ tale contains the main thread of the original storyline, paying homage to it with the most intricate and well choreographed fight scenes. The blend of classical ballet and physical dance theatre is just about right but slightly more traditional than some of Northern Ballets other recent pieces.

Dashing D’Artagnan, played by Kevin Poeung takes on a mission to find his fortune and a place with the fabled royal musketeers, on the mean Parisian Streets. Things take a turn

When he happens to have a run in with the three famous musketeers while out on a session! The challenge takes place and we see some fantastically well oiled fight choreography, made even more challenging by many men on the stage at once. Once the altercation is over, the four men join forces and a beautiful friendship starts to blossom.

The four friends are then drawn into some regal power play between the scheming Cardinal and Queen Anne, who the Cardinal is bent on humiliating over a relationship with the Duke of Buckingham. Will we see the musketeers successful in their plight to retrieve a diamond necklace the Queen gave in a moment of madness to the English Duke? And will it be in time for a royal ball where the Cardinal has manipulated to get King Louis to demand his wife wear the jewels he gave her? All will be revealed in a desperate race across France battling the mysterious spy Lady D’Winter and her evil men.

Real highlights have to include the oriental style dance with a group of females donning fan like dresses. The pas de deux sections are exquisite, a solid display of true talent, some intricate lifts danced in the most elegant manner; this is seen during superb performances between love interests D’Artagnan and Constance, played by Antoinette Brooks-Daw.

The set is rather simple but is that really important? Credit to David Nixon for the beautiful graceful costumes, adding an extra string to the bow of the visual effects. The men are dressed possibly more elegantly than the ladies, creating the charming feeling in which their characters are based around.

Another great tour from the Northern Ballet, maybe not as different or modern as some of their others but if you are wanting a hearty, somewhat traditional chunk of ballet then this is the show for you.

Majestic Theatre, Darlington – 25 October 2018

5*****

The Apollo Theatre Company brought their absolutely hilarious Goon Show to the Majestic Theatre in Darlington.  With over 250 episode’s, many written by Spike Milligan, who would have been 100 years old this year.

Fans of the show need not worry about the transfer of The Goons to the stage. The scripts have not been adapted, but are performed exactly as Spike wrote them, even if some of the references are not understood by modern audiences!  A very simple but effective set shows behind the scenes of the BBC radio broadcasting’s that ran from 1951 to 1960 right down to the ON AIR sign. Julian Howard McDowell (Peter Sellers), Colin Elmer (Spike Milligan), Clive Greenwood (Harry Secombe) and their announcer Tom Capper (Wallace Greenslade) bring to life original scripts from the radio show in the style of The Goons and much hilarity ensues

Each of the episodes served up the legendary, surreal characters that made The Goon Show such a success, with Sellers providing the voice for Major Dennis Bloodnok, Henry Crun, and the still hilarious Bluebottle, among others, Secombe mainly delivering the voice of Ned Seagoon, and Milligan giving us the likes of Eccles, Count Jim Moriarty and Minnie Bannister. Other diverse characters ranged from working-class Cockney, Willium Cobblers, to Little Jim, voiced by Milligan, who had only one line – the famous “He’s fallen in the water”. The line-up, who combined on an encore of the very silly ‘Ying Tong Song’, was completed by Tom Capper as BBC announcer Wallace Greenslade and Rachel Davies and Anthony Coote, aka Java Jive, who provided the music and sound effects.

The rest of the evening proceeds exactly as dictated by Spike Milligan’s original scripts. Many of the audience seemed to be familiar with these and laughed enthusiastically in all the right places. The three performers playing The Goons did a brilliant job

This is a joyous laugh out loud comedy, heralding back to a much more innocent time.  You’ll go home with a smile on your face and the Ying Tong song stuck in your head. Well worth a visit for a very funny night out

 

THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW TO HOLD DEMENTIA FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE OF STILL ALICE

THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER, 2.30PM

Theatre Royal, Glasgow is to hold a Dementia Friendly performance of Still Alice next month as part of the venue’s ongoing commitment to providing an accessible theatre environment.

Still Alice, which is based on the novel of the same name by Lisa Genova, runs at the city centre venue from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 November with the Dementia Friendly performance taking place on Thursday 15 November at 2.30pm.

Still Alice tells the story of Alice Howland, stubborn, clever and driven – a professional at the top of her game. But, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 50, she is compelled to confront her new reality and draw on her resilience to remain independent for as long as possible.

Starring Sharon Small with a ‘spellbinding’ performance as Alice, this tender and touching play is a unique insight into the experience of a woman fighting to maintain her identity as her world changes.

Industry publication The Stage described Still Alice as, ‘a moving production that manages to find the positivity at the centre of an otherwise devastating illness.’

The Dementia Friendly performance is carefully tailored for people living with dementia as well as their families and carers so everyone can enjoy this wonderful production in an environment that is comfortable and supportive.

The house lights will be partially left up throughout the performance and quiet break-out rooms will be available before, during and after the performance. Specially informed theatre staff will also be on hand during the show to answer any questions people may have. There will also be an Alzheimer Scotland information stand available during each screening.

A bucket collection will be taken throughout the week in support of Alzheimer Scotland.

Familiarisation visits are available should anyone wish to undertake one of these prior to attending the performance.

This Dementia Friendly staging follows successful Dementia Friendly showcases of Scottish Opera productions at Theatre Royal, Relaxed Performances of pantomime at Theatre Royal’s sister venue, the King’s Theatre alongside several Captioned and BSL aided shows every year across both theatres.

James Haworth, Theatre Director at Theatre Royal, said: “Working with the producers of Still Alice and Alzheimer Scotland to bring a Dementia Friendly performance of this poignant play to Theatre Royal has been extremely rewarding.

“Alzheimer Scotland have been a tremendous support to our staff, ensuring we as a venue understand how to assist those living with the illness when they visit our theatres. I do hope our patrons will consider leaving a donation for this fantastic organisation during their visit to see Still Alice.”

Sarah Burgess, Head of Localities from Alzheimer Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to be working alongside the Theatre Royal Glasgow to create a dementia friendly performance of Still Alice.

“Knowing that the theatre is aware of what dementia is and how staff can support people can really help those living with the illness become less isolated and more engaged with the arts. This is another crucial step towards building a Dementia Friendly Scotland, where nobody should face dementia alone.”

For any questions you may have about the performance or any specific additional requirements, please our dedicated Access Booking Line on Freephone 0800 912 6971.

FACT BOX 

Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge faced by society today.

There are around 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland and it is now estimated that 20,000 people will be diagnosed with the condition every year by 2020.

If you have any questions about dementia, or the support available in your area, call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24 Hour Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000.

Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s leading dementia organisation, providing care, activities, support, information and advice to people with dementia, their carers and their families.   The charity aims to improve public policies relating to dementia and be a voice for the estimated 90,000 people in Scotland currently living with dementia.  For further information on Alzheimer Scotland visit www.alzscot.org.

 

5 things about dementia

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain

Dementia is not just about losing your memory

It’s possible to live well with dementia

There’s more to the person than their dementia

To read more about the 5 Things about Dementia download the leaflet from www.alzscot.org/5_things

JOIN ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT LIVE ON STAGE

IN A BRAND NEW 30^TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

In 2019 Elmer the Patchwork Elephant celebrates his 30th Birthday and will be heading out on an extensive tour across the UK.  The brand-new Live stage adaptation is based on the classic children’s book series by David McKee and opens in The Churchill Theatre Bromley on 17th January 2019.

Elephants, as everyone knows, are big, have trunks, and are grey. But Elmer is a patchwork of brilliant colours! His fun-loving and cheerful personality keeps everyone in a playful mood, until the day he gets tired of being different and tries to blend in with the herd.

Elmer The Patchwork Elephant Show tells the tale of an elephant that stands out – both with his patchwork-coloured skin and his sense of humour – but ultimately realizing that his friends have always valued his unique characteristics.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show will be brought to life on stage by Selladoor Family, the producers behind James And The Giant Peach, Seussical , The Owl And The Pussycat, Guess How Much I Love Youand Madagascar the Musical;  and MEI Theatrical, producers of family entertainment across Asia and the Middle East and The Very Hungry Caterpillar show and Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday in the UK.

A favourite of young people since the book was first published in 1989, this classic tale has been created by Jonathan Rockefeller and adapted for the stage by Suzanne Maynard Miller, with songs by Allison Leyton-Brown Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show will be directed by Scott le Crass with Puppet Direction from Yvonne Stone and Design by Richard Evans.

David Hutchinson CEO of Selladoor Family says “we are committed to engaging young people in theatre and strongly believe these experiences help to develop a sense of imagination, playfulness and confidence. Elmer is a wonderful story with a powerful message which will delight children and families who love the hugely popular series of books”

Alex Parker, Lead Producer for Selladoor adds “We are thrilled to be bringing this much-loved character to life alongside the important stories that Elmer represents. Expect puppetry, colour and a trunk-load of fun!”

The show’s subtle message that it is always best to be yourself, combined with the vibrant colour and cheeky humour of the main character, makes Elmer a great show for children of all ages.  A celebration of individuality and the power of laughter!

Book your tickets at www.elmertheshow.com

LISTINGS

Jan 17 – 19              Churchill Theatre Bromley www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

Jan 22 & 23             Billingham Forum www.teesactive.co.uk/billingham-forum

Jan 25 & 26             Radlett Arts Centre www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Jan 29 & 30             Alban Arena www.alban-arena.co.uk

Jan 31                    Towngate Theatre Basildon www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Feb 02                    Albany Theatre Coventry www.albanytheatre.co.uk

Feb 03                    Corner Stone Arts Centre Didcot  www.cornerstone-arts.org

Feb 05 & 06             Richmond Theatre www.atgtickets.com/richmond

Feb 12 & 13             Theatre Royal Brighton www.atgtickets.com/brighton

Feb 16 & 17             Hertford Theatre www.hertfordtheatre.com

Feb 19 – 21             The Lowry Manchester www.thelowry.com

Feb 22                    Royal Spa Centre, Warwick  www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre/site/index.php

Feb 23 & 24             Norwich Playhouse www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk

Feb 26                    Uppingham Theatre www.uppinghamtheatre.co.uk

Feb 27 & 28             New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

Mar 01 – 03             Haymarket Theatre Basingstoke www.anvilarts.org.uk

Mar 11 & 12             Grand Opera House York www.atgtickets.com

Mar 14                    The Maltings –  Berwick Upon Tweed www.maltingsberwick.co.uk

Mar 16                    Live Borders Selkirk www.liveborders.org.uk

Mar 17 & 18             Falkirk Town Hall www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Mar 29 & 30             Loughborough Town Hall www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

Mar 31                     Parr Hall, Warrington www.parrhall.culturewarrington.org

Apr 03                      Waterside Sale www.watersidearts.org

Apr 06 – 10              Arts Depot , London www.artsdepot.co.uk

Apr 12 & 13              Connaught Theatre Worthing www.worthingtheatres.co.uk

Apr 14 – 16              Westcliff Palace Southend www.southendtheatres.org.uk

Apr 18  – 20              Winchester Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

Apr 27                      The Met, Bury www.themet.org.uk

Apr 28                       Lowther Pavilion www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk

Apr 30                      Taliesin Arts Centre www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk

May 05                   Civic Theatre Stourport  www.thecivicstourport.co.uk

28 May – Jun 02        Camberley theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz

KILN THEATRE, TAMASHA AND LIVE THEATRE ANNOUNCE FULL CAST FOR THE WORLD PREMIÈRE OF ISHY DIN’S APPROACHING EMPTY

 

Kiln Theatre, Tamasha and Live Theatre presents

The World Première of

Approaching Empty

by Ishy Din | Directed by Pooja Ghai

Kiln Theatre 9 January – 2 February 2019

Then on tour until 13 April 2019

 

Designer: Rosa Maggiora; Lighting Designer: David Plater

Composer and Sound Designer: Arun Ghosh; Dramaturg: Lin Coghlan; Casting Director: Polly Jerrold

 

Kiln Theatre, Tamasha and Live Theatre today announce the full cast for the world première of Ishy Din’s Approaching Empty in a first-time creative collaboration for the three companies. Pooja Ghai directs Kammy Darweish (Mansha), Rina Fatania (Sameena), Karan Gill (Shazad), Nicholas Khan (Raf), Nicholas Prasad (Sully) and Maanuv Thiara (Tany). The production opens at Kiln Theatre on 14 January, with previews from 9 January, and runs until 2 February. Following performances at Kiln Theatre, the production tours to Live Theatre, Newcastle; Tron Theatre, Glasgow; Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh; Derby Theatre; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry; Curve, Leicester; Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, and Coliseum Theatre, Oldham.

 

‘Forget friendship… this is business.’

 

In a scruffy minicab office, Mansha decides it’s time to create his own destiny and offers to buy a business from his lifelong friend Raf. As the realities of the state of the business slowly unravel, these two best friends must confront the difficulties of going into business with those closest to them.

Set in North East England, in the aftermath of Margaret Thatcher’s death, this compelling drama by award-winning playwright Ishy Din, lays bare the everyday struggles of a post-industrial generation of South Asian British men.

Ishy Din’s theatre work includes Snookered (Tamasha, Oldham Coliseum and Bush Theatre) and Beats North(Edinburgh Fringe). He was the 2012 Pearson Writer in Residence at the Manchester Royal Exchange and in 2013 Snookered won Best New Play at the Manchester Theatre Awards. For television, his work includes Ackley Bridge, Taxi Tales and Doughnuts; for film, Fraud, Perfume and Our Lad; and for radio John Barnes Saved My Life.

Kammy Darweish plays Mansha. His theatre credits include All My Sons (Nottingham Playhouse), East is East(Nottingham Playhouse/Northern Stage/UK tour), Wild Honey (Hampstead Theatre), Antony and Cleopatra, Holy Warriors (Shakespeare’s Globe), City Madam, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Marat Sade (RSC), Blood and Gifts, Conduct Unbecoming, Romeo and Juliet, Hiawatha, Peer Gynt (National Theatre), Mirror for Princes, The Bottle, Pericles, Midnight’s Children (Cardboard Citizens/RSC), Dance Like a Man (Tara Arts), The Merchant of Venice (Phoenix Theatre), The Snow Queen, Don’t Drink the Water, Julius Caesar, Woyzeck (Bristol Old Vic). His television credits include Ackley Bridge, Saddam’s Tribe: Bound by Blood, White Teeth; and for film Skyfall, 31 North 62 East, The Omen and Colour Me Kubrick.

 

Karan Gill plays Shazad. His theatre credits include The Lovely Bones, Child of the Divide (UK tour), The Captive Queen and That the Eye of Heaven Visits (Shakespeare’s Globe); and for film, Boogieman.

Nicholas Khan plays Raf. His theatre credits include Wonderland (Nottingham Playhouse), Our Town, Animal Crackers (Royal Exchange Theatre), A Tale of Two Cities (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Kite Runner(Wyndham’s Theatre/UK tour), Love N Stuff (Theatre Royal Stratford East), The Beaux’ Stratagem, Dara(National Theatre), Nur Du (Pina Bausch/Barbican), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Liverpool Playhouse), Mincemeat (Cardboard Citizens), Meet the Mukherjees (Octagon Theatre Bolton), Ramayana (Lyric Hammersmith), Gaddafi: A Living Myth (Coliseum, London), A Passage to India (UK tour), The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Winter’s Tale, Romeo and Juliet, The Comedy of Errors, Henry V (RSC), Arabian Nights(Young Vic) and Maa! (Royal Court Theatre). His television credits include Outnumbered and Genie in the House.

               
Rina Fatania plays Sameena. Her previous credits for Tamasha include The House of Bilquis Bibi, Wuthering Heights, A Fine Balance, Child of the Divide and Strictly Dandia. Other theatre credits include The Village, Sinbad the Sailor, Anita and Me, Love N Stuff, Guantanamo Boy (Theatre Royal Stratford East), The Tin Drum, Dead Dog in a Suitcase (HOME Manchester), Oliver Twist (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Roller Diner (Soho Theatre), Paradise of the Assassins (Tara Arts), Mummyji Presents (Birmingham Rep), The Empress (RSC), Wah! Wah! Girls (Sadler’s Wells), Britain’s Got Bhangra, It Ain’t All Bollywood, Meri Christmas, The Deranged Marriage (UK tour) and Bombay Dreams (Apollo Victoria). Her television credits include Wanderlust; and for film, Connection.

Nicholas Prasad plays Sully. His theatre credits include Henry V (New Generation Festival), Much Ado About Nothing (Rose Theatre Kingston), Miss Meena and the Masala Queens (Watford Palace Theatre), Treasure Island, The BFG, The Wind in the Willows (Birmingham Rep), Ross (Chichester Festival Theatre), A Mad World, My Masters (RSC/Barbican), Titus Andronicus, Maydays (RSC),The Tempest (Tobacco Factory), Baghdad Wedding (Soho Theatre), Colours (Bloomsbury Theatre) and Mustard (Bristol Old Vic). His television credits include Krypton, Drifters and The Five; and for film, Hearts & Minds.

Maanuv Thiara plays Tany. His theatre credits include King Lear (Bristol Old Vic), Hamlet (Almeida Theatre), and A Passage to India (Park Theatre); and for television, Hamlet and The Boy with the Topknot.

Pooja Ghai directs. She was the Associate Director at Theatre Royal Stratford East where she directed Rapunzel, Counting Stars, The House of In Between, Home Theatre and Angelic Tales. Other theatre credits as director include Lions and Tigers (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse), The Empress (The Embassy Theatre), Vestige for Wayne Parsons Dance (Wilton’s Music Hall/ Rich Mix/ 2018 tour), Tamasha 25, Shakti & Seva, Mother India (Rich Mix), 13 (Corbett Theatre), As You Like It (Ellen Terry Theatre), The Accordian Shop (Curve), The Tune is Always Better on the Outside, Oysters, Mirad a boy from Bosnia (The Bedford) and The Difference (Soho Theatre). Theatre credits as an associate /assistant director include The Infidel The Musical (Theatre Royal Stratford East) and The Memory of Water (UK tour).

 

KILN SEASON AT A GLANCE

WHITE TEETH

26 October – 22 December 2018

Audio Described: 11 December

Captioned: 27 November

Relaxed: 24 November

 

APPROACHING EMPTY

9 January – 2 February 2019

Audio Described: 22 January

Captioned: 31 January

THE SON

20 February – 23 March 2019

Audio Described: 21 March

Captioned: 14 March

 

THE HALF GOD OF RAINFALL

26 April – 17 May 2019

Audio Described: 16 May

Captioned: 9 May

 

WIFE

30 May – 6 July 2019

Audio Described: 4 July

Captioned: 20 June

 

BLUES IN THE NIGHT

18 July – 7 September 2019

A FRIENDLY SOCIETY (WORKING TITLE)

26 – 29 September 2019

 

WHEN THE CROWS VISIT

23 October – 30 November 2019

APPROACHING EMPTY ON TOUR

Live Theatre, Newcastle

6 – 23 February

www.live.org.uk

Box Office: 0191 232 1232

Tron Theatre, Glasgow

5 March

www.tron.co.uk

Box Office: 0141 552 4267

Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh

7 – 9 March

www.assemblyroxy.com

Box Office: 0131 623 3001

Derby Theatre, Derby

13 – 15 March

www.derbytheatre.co.uk

Box Office: 01332 59 39 39

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

20 – 23 March

www.belgrade.co.uk

Box Office: 024 7655 3055

Curve, Leicester

28 – 30 March

www.curveonline.co.uk

Box Office: 0116 242 3595

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch

2 – 6 April

www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Box Office: 01708 443333

Coliseum Theatre Oldham

11 – 13 April

www.coliseum.org.uk

Box Office: 0161 624 2829

NEW PRODUCTION IMAGES RELEASED FOR
THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S
MATILDA THE MUSICAL

THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING SHOW IS NOW PLAYING ITS EIGHTH YEAR IN THE WEST END

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical has released new production images featuring the previously announced new cast of the multi-award winning show, which is now playing its eighth year in the West End having opened at the Cambridge Theatre seven years ago today on 25 October 2011.

Hayden Tee stars as Miss Trunchbull alongside Rob Compton and Holly Dale Spencer as Mr and Mrs Wormwood, and Gina Beck who joined the company Miss Honey in 2017. Isobel Hubble and Francesca McKeown have joined Sara Munday and Olivia Wells in sharing the title role of Matilda.

The London production of Matilda The Musical is booking until 20 October 2019 whilst the UK and Ireland Tour will be playing in cities across the country until 17 August 2019. For more information see www.matildathemusical.com.

Matilda The Musical is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, developed and directed by Matthew Warchus. The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

The full adult cast includes Alex Louize Bird, Gina Beck, Rob Compton, Holly Dale Spencer, Jaye Elster, Glen Facey, Alex Hammond, Peter Houston, Jessica Joslin, Bethany Kate, Sammy Kelly, Ben Kerr, Bryan Mottram, Malinda Parris, James Revell, Gemma Scholes, Simon Shorten, Hayden Tee, Callum Train and Robert Tregoning.

The young performers who play the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall are as follows: Lois Abercrombie, Jacob Bland, Tom Brown, Emilia Bosi, Toby Brandon, Mia Byers, Quincy Miller-Cole, Lottie Cook, Imogen Darwen, Darmani Eboji, Asher Ezequiel, Jimmy Fordham Reed, Clara Freeman Alves, Stella Haden, Jobe Hart, Noah Leggott, Archie Lewis, Sadie Victoria Lim, Henry Littell, Austen Phelan,Marley Quinlan-Gardner, Daisy Statham, Cherry Vaughn-White, Sam Winser and Rochelle Wyatt.

Gina Beck (Miss Honey) is renowned for leading roles in musical theatre. Previous roles have included Glinda in Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre & US Tour), Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Magnolia Hawks in Daniel Evan’s production of Show Boat (New London Theatre) and Cosette in Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre).  A graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, her other theatre credits include Far From the Madding Crowd (The Watermill Theatre) and The Belle’s Stratagem (Southwark Playhouse) both directed by Jessica Swale, I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change (Arts Theatre Upstairs), Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (Charing Cross Theatre),  The Sound of Music (Kuala Lumpur), Peter Pan (Birmingham Rep), The Kissing Dance (Jermyn Street Theatre) and Imagine This (Plymouth Theatre Royal). Her television credits include the BBC’s Doctors and Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Silk Stocking. Opera credits include Madame Butterfly and L’elisir d’amore (Opera Holland Park). She was a soloist in the 21st and 25th anniversary celebrations of Les Misérables as well as in the recent blockbuster film version. She made her BBC Proms debut in 2016 as a soloist in the BBC’s Bernstein prom.

Rob Compton (Mr Wormwood) known for his work across stage, television and film. His theatre credits include Wonder.land (Manchester Palace, Manchester International Festival, and National Theatre), Bat Boy (Southwark Playhouse), Mother Courage and her Children (The Lowry, Manchester), A Chorus of Disapproval (Harold Pinter Theatre), All the Fun of the Fair (UK Tour),Merlin and the Woods of Time and As You Like It (Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre), Great Expectations (English Touring Theatre & Watford Palace) and A Christmas Carol (West Yorkshire Playhouse). Film and television credits include American Assassin, Rellik, Babs, Ripper Street, Silent Witness, EastEnders, and Endeavour.

Holly Dale Spencer (Mrs Wormwood) is best known for previous stage roles such as Grace Farrell in Annie (Piccadilly Theatre and UK Tour), Nicky in Sweet Charity (Royal Exchange, Manchester), Judy Haynes in White Christmas (Leeds Playhouse) and Sabrina in American Psycho (Almeida Theatre). Other theatre credits include Holly Golightly and Words and Music (Sadler’s Wells), Kiss Me Kate (Chichester Festival Theatre and The Old Vic), Oliver! (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), The Grapes of Wrath (Chichester Festival Theatre and UK Tour), Crazy For You (Novello Theatre), Betty Blue Eyes (Novello Theatre) and Children Will Listen (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane). Previous roles in film include the 2012 film adaption of Les Miserables.

Hayden Tee (Miss Trunchbull) is an award-winning musical theatre actor from New Zealand. Previous roles have included Javert in Les Miserables (Broadway, West End and International Tour), Joe Cable in South Pacific (Adelaide Festival Centre and Australian National Tour), Prof Bhaer inLittle Women (Australian National Music Theatre), and Thomas Andrews in Titanic (Theatre Royal, Sydney). Having trained at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts, Australia, his other theatre credits include Three Winters Green (Stables Theatre, New South Wales), Kiwi Fruits 2 (The Court Theatre, Christchurch), Only Heaven Knows (The Hayes Theatre), Songs for a New World (Australian National Music Theatre), I Love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Australian National Music Theatre), My Fair Lady (Opera Australia), Cats (International Tour), Jekyll and Hyde (South Korea, Taiwan), Into the Woods (Alliance Theatre, Atlanta), and Camelot (Pittsburgh Public Theatre). He is the recipient of the Gluggs Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actor, and the Gluggs Theatre Award for Best Cabaret Performance of the Year. Hayden’s debut solo cabaret show Me to a Tee was performed to great acclaim in Sydney, Auckland and New York. Other cabaret shows includeQuarterlife Crisis (Sydney), Hayden Tee (Sydney, Melbourne and New York) and Muftee which was a nightly cabaret and chat show which opened at the Stables Theatre, Sydney, in 2003 and ran for a record breaking seven months. His show The Gin is Cold…But the Piano Is Hot, which focused on the music of Kander and Ebb, also toured Australia.

Matilda The Musical has now been seen by 8 million people worldwide, having toured to over 68 cities and played more than 6000 performances in the West End, on Broadway and on tour across North America, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

Winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical is also now touring the UK and Ireland. The tour began performances in March at Leicester Curve and is currently playing at Manchester Palace Theatre until 24 November. Running until 17 August 2019, the tour will play Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre, Theatre Royal Plymouth, the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, Edinburgh Playhouse, The Bristol Hippodrome, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and Norwich Theatre Royal.

Inspired by the incomparable Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda The Musical was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon home in November 2010, before transferring to London’s West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews. The New York production of Matilda The Musical opened in April 2013 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre and was celebrated on 10 “Top Ten” lists for 2013, including TIME Magazine’s #1 Show of the Year.

Matilda The Musical swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway.

The North America production toured 52 cities. The Australian and New Zealand production won a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Musical in 2015, and played sold-out seasons in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Auckland. The show broke further records in July 2016 by winning all 13 Helpmann Awards for which it was nominated.

Matilda The Musical is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company with André Ptaszynski and Denise Wood as Executive Producers. The production was developed with the support of Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Cambridge Theatre
Earlham Street
London WC2H 9HU

Tuesday – Friday 7pm
Wednesday 2pm
Saturday 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Sundays 3pm

Box Office: Cambridge Theatre 020 7087 7745 / RSC Ticket Hotline 01789 403493
No booking fee.
Booking until 20 October 2019

www.matildathemusical.com

Twitter: @MatildaMusical
Facebook: @MatildaTheMusical
Instagram: @MatildaTheMusical