Strictly’s 2019 Arena Tour judging panel announced

STRICTLY COME DANCING

LIVE UK ARENA TOUR

18 JANUARY – 10 FEBRUARY 2019

 

LIVE TOUR JUDGING PANEL ANNOUNCED –

FOR THE FIRST TIME

CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD, DAME DARCEY BUSSELL,

SHIRLEY BALLAS & BRUNO TONIOLI

WILL STAR TOGETHER IN THE

STRICTLY COME DANCING UK ARENA TOUR!

There’s FAB-U-LOUS news for Strictly fans across the country today, as it’s announced that all four TV Judges will join the 2019 Strictly Come Dancing UK Arena Tour.  Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli will star alongside Head TV Judge Shirley Ballas – who makes her debut on the live extravaganza – for 29 supersized sparkle-filled shows fox-trotting around the country in January and February next year.  Tickets are on sale now!

 

The awesome foursome will join tour host and 2016 Strictly winner Ore Oduba, at some of the biggest entertainment venues across the UK. Opening at the Arena Birmingham on 18 January, the tour will then visit Leeds’ First Direct Arena, Manchester Arena, Liverpool’s Echo Arena, Sheffield’s Fly DSA Arena, The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena and The SSE Arena, Wembley.  The tour culminates with four shows at The O2 Arena in London on 9 and 10 February.

 

The live show will also be directed by Craig Revel Horwood and feature many of the celebrities and professional dancers from the current series of the award-winning BBC One show.  Further casting announcements will be made over the coming weeks.

 

Shirley Ballas said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Darcey, Bruno and Craig on the Strictly live tour judging panel. I’ve heard so much about the amazing audiences at the arena shows and can’t wait to get the show on the road in January!”

 

Darcey Bussell added: “I had a wonderful experience with the Strictly company on the 2018 tour and am really excited to be able to join them again in January, and to meet the show’s fantastic audiences across the country!”

 

Bruno Tonioli remarked: “It’s great news that Shirley will be joining us on the judging panel on the live tour next year. We are all in for a treat – with the amazing dance routines, the stunning costumes and the incredible live music – it’s going to be fantastico!”

 

Craig Revel Horwood agreed: “2019 is going to be our best Strictly tour yet. There’ll be the glitz, there’ll be the glamour and of course the Glitterball winner at every show. And Shirley joining us on tour and Ore back as our host, it’s the perfect night out for all the family to enjoy. One word, three syllables: FAB-U-LOUS!”

 

Arena audiences are in for a real treat, as they enjoy a fantastic evening of entertainment, showcasing all the amazing choreography and incredible live music that Strictly is famous for.  They will experience a host of breathtaking dance routines guaranteed to leave them spellbound, together with all the glitz, glamour and magic of the TV show live on stage. This is a must-see spectacle for fans of all ages.

 

As well as enjoying the glittering routines, arena audiences have the power to decide who wins the coveted Live Tour Glitterball Trophy at the end of each show.  After each celebrity couple has performed, the judges will provide their invaluable critique and scores – but the audience can also vote via text for their favourite couple and ultimately they will decide who wins!

 

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR 2019

1821 January                        Arena Birmingham                                        0844 338 8000

(Friday 18th at 7.30pm, Saturday 19th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 20th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm, Monday 21st at 7.30pm)

24-25 January             Leeds First Direct Arena                                0844 248 1585

(Thursday 24th at 7.30pm, Friday 25th at 7.30pm)

26-27 January             Manchester Arena                                         0844 847 8000

(Saturday 26th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 27th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

29 January                  Liverpool Echo Arena                                                0344 8000 400

(Tuesday 29th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

30-31 January             Sheffield Fly DSA Arena                                0114 256 5656

(Wednesday 30th at 7.30pm, Thursday 31st at 7.30pm)

1-3 February               Glasgow The SSE Hydro                                0844 395 4000

(Friday 1st at 7.30pm, Saturday 2nd at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 3rd at 1.30pm)

5-6 February               Nottingham Motorpoint Arena                   0843 373 3000 

(Tuesday 5th at 7.30pm, Wednesday 6th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

7-8 February               London The SSE Arena Wembley                0844 815 0815

(Thursday 7th at 7.30pm, Friday 8th at 7.30pm)

9-10 February             London The O2 Arena                                               0844 856 0202

(Saturday 9th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 10th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)        

 

Tickets: £35 – £65 (bands venue dependent) 

All ticket prices are subject to a booking fee and may be subject to a venue facility fee

 

To book tickets please contact the venue or call 0844 875 8758

For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.strictlycomedancinglive.com

Twitter: SCD_Live_Tour

Facebook: @strictlylive

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR is produced by Stage Entertainment and Phil McIntyre Entertainments, in association with BBC.

Gala Night for Take That Musical in Aid of Elton John AIDS Foundation

TAKE THAT’S MUSICAL

THE BAND

BY TIM FIRTH, WITH THE MUSIC OF TAKE THAT

WILL OPEN ITS WEST END SEASON

AT THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET, LONDON

WITH A SPECIAL GALA CHARITY FOR

THE ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION

ON TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2018

 

A special Gala Charity event for Tim Firth’s award-winning new musical THE BAND, with the music of Take That, is being hosted by the musical’s co-producers, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams, with David Furnish, Chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.  The Gala will take place at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on Tuesday 4 December 2018.

 

For one night only, all seating in the Stalls of the Theatre Royal Haymarket will be removed and replaced with dinner tables for a one-off experience, which will feature a very special performance by Take That.  The red carpet will begin at 6.00pm, followed by a Gala Dinner at 7.00pm.  The musical will begin at 8.30pm.  Dress code is Black Tie.  The Gala tables are available from £1000 per head –for further information, Gala tickets or to become a sponsor, people should contact the Elton John AIDS Foundation on 020 7603 9996 or [email protected].  Dress & Upper Circle tickets are also available from £50, available direct from the theatre Box Office on 020 7930 8800 or www.trh.co.uk.  100% of the evening is to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

 

Tim Firth’s award-winning new musical THE BAND, with the music of Take That, opened at Manchester Opera House on 8 September 2017 to huge critical acclaim and has taken £20 million at the box office.  It will play a six-week West End season at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 1 December 2018 to 12 January 2019.  The tour will then continue until 16 March 2019.

 

The musical stars Rachel Lumberg as Rachel, Alison Fitzjohn as Claire, Emily Joyce as Heather, Jayne McKenna as Zoe, AJ Bentley, Nick Carsberg, Curtis T Johns, Yazdan Qafouri and Sario Solomon, winners of BBC’s Let It Shine, as The Band, Faye Christall as Young Rachel, Katy Clayton as Young Heather, Rachelle Diedericks as Debbie, Sarah Kate Howarth as Young Claire, Lauren Jacobs as Young Zoe, Martin Miller as Jeff and Andy Williams as Dave.

 

THE BAND is a new musical about what it’s like to grow up with a boyband.  For five 16 year-old friends in 1992, ‘the band’ is everything.  25 years on, we are reunited with the group of friends, now 40-something women, as they try once more to fulfil their dream of meeting their heroes.

 

THE BAND is directed by Kim Gavin and Jack Ryder, designed by Jon Bausor and choreographed by Kim Gavin, with lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, video design by Luke Halls and sound design by Terry Jardine and Nick Lidster.

 

THE BAND is produced by David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers and Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams.

 

 

Website – www.thebandmusical.com

Twitter – @TheBandMusical

Instagram – BandMusical

Facebook – /TheBandMusical

LISTINGS INFORMATION

1 December 2018 – 12 January 2019

 

Theatre Royal Haymarket

18 Suffolk Street

London SW1Y 4HT

 

Box Office: 020 7930 8800

 

Performances:  Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm*

 

Ticket Prices From: £16.50**

 

*Tuesday 4 December from 6.00pm for an 8.30pm start

** Tuesday 4 December, tickets from £50.00

Evita: legendary musical comes to the Kings Theatre Portsmouth, 13-17 November

TIM RICE & ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S WORLD-RENOWNED MUSICAL MASTERPIECE

 

EVITA COMES TO THE KINGS THEATRE PORTSMOUTH

     13-17 November, Kings Theatre Portsmouth

       Including West End Stars Lucy O’Byrne, Mike Sterling & Glenn Carter

 

After captivating audiences for the past 10 years in the UK, embarking on two West End seasons and following an international tour, Evita will conclude its UK tour at the historic Kings Theatre Portsmouth this November.

 

Led by three of the finest musical theatre stars and saying ‘Hello, Buenos Aires’ for the first time is Lucy O’Byrne (The Sound of Music, Les Misérables) in the iconic role of Eva Perón, with Mike Sterling (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables) as Juan Perón and, award-winning West End leading man, Glenn Carter (Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar – on stage and screen, Les Misérables) as Ché. They will be joined by: Oscar Balmaseda (Magaldi) and Cristina Hoey (Mistress).

 

Completing the cast is: Emmanuel Alba (Ensemble), Verity Burgess (Ensemble), Callum Fitzgerald(Ensemble), Riva Grant (Ensemble), Samuel John Humphreys (Ensemble), Bethan Jacks (Ensemble), Joe McCourt (Ensemble), Benjamin McMillan (Ensemble), Chrissie Perkins (Ensemble), Oliver Slade (Ensemble), Chris Stoddart, (Ensemble), Mike Ward (Ensemble), Kirsty Whelan (Ensemble) and Yuval Zoref (Ensemble).

 

Telling the story of Eva Perón, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Perón, Evita follows Eva’s journey, which ultimately led her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people.

 

With more than 20 major awards to its credit, an Oscar winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, and featuring some of the best loved songs in musical theatre, including Don’t Cry for Me ArgentinaOn This Night of a Thousand StarsYou Must Love Me, and Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary musical Evita is an iconic classic not to be missed!

 

****

The Independent, The Sunday Times, The i, Mail On Sunday, Radio Times, What’s On Stage, Gay Times, Broadway World, British Theatre

 

*****

‘Stunning’ Mark Shenton

 

*****

‘A sensationally good production of Webber and Rice’s greatest musical’ The Stage

LISTINGS

EVITA

Lyrics by Tim Rice

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright

Designed by Matthew Wright

Choreographed by Bill Deamer

Sound Design by Dan Samson

www.kenwright.com

 

DATES & VENUES

Kings Theatre Portsmouth                                             kingsportsmouth.co.uk

Tues 13 – Sat 17 Nov                                                      023 9282 8282

Evening Performance: 7:30pm

Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday Matinee: 2:30pm

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL REVIEW

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford – until Saturday 27 October 2018

Reviewed by Sally Richmond

5*****

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL is a fun-packed, all-singing, all dancing extravaganza – perfect for the whole family and must see show for half-term!

Selladoor Family and Hartshorn – Hook Productions, in association with Stephen MCGill Productions, Libby Brodie Productions and Rigmarole Productions / Rachel Kraftman Productions and directed by Kirk Jameson have brought MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL to Bradford’s very own spectacular Alhambra theatre, which is perfect for a King (King Alex of New York City) to perform in. Matt Terry, star of the popular show X Factor, plays the main character Alex – who’s an arrogant yet lovable and loyal soul all rolled into one. Terry is consistently pitch-perfect throughout and heads the lead role with smooth confidence.

The opening number gets the party started, show-casing a lively cast who have cool dancing moves (choreographed by Fabian Aloise) and superb voices to match. Puppeteers cleverly switch roles from animals to zoo staff whilst moving stage equipment with an easy transition that can be barely noticed. The set is simple but effective and due to the larger than life characters complex, staging would be wasted anyway.

The plot starts to unfold when Marty (Antoine Murray-Straughton) the zebra, Alex’s adorable side kick, decides he wants to see what else is out there other than his current home, the Central Park Zoo. After a birthday wish that comes true, Marty’s wish materialises and he finds himself, along with Alex and some other crazy friends, on a train heading to who knows where!

In the second half of the show the plot thickens as the music tempo gets even more up-beat and the zoo animals find themselves facing more mayhem and mishaps as they enter Madagascar. Here, in paradise, we meet some wild but fluffy lemurs (the cutest ever child-sized Beanie babies) and another king – King Julien, played by the hilarious Jo Parson’s. Julien gets his floss moves on as the Madagascans welcome their new visitors.

The crux of the story starts to develop and deepen when Alex’s animal instincts start to kick in and he dreams of steak whilst performing a jazzy number, executed with a mix of style and humour. The gang starts to pick up on the change in Alex when on more than one occasion he is caught trying to bite his best friend Marty’s butt! Alex has to go! Friendship is tested but does manage to withstand nature’s laws and the fun-loving crew are reunited and decide to return back to the zoo in Central Park.

Based on the book by Kevin Del Aguila and original music and lyrics by George Noriega and Joel Someillan, MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL seems to naturally translate on the stage just as well as it does on film, in fact the stage version makes

it easier for the audience to fall in love with characters due to the heart-warming performance given by all the actors. Timmika Ramsay, who plays Gloria the hippo, has show stealing moments with her humorous, physical comedy which is coupled with an amazing voice. MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL is a jukebox of high-energy pop numbers and the penultimate number has it all – with twerking, flossing and dabbing – which delighted the younger members of the audience, who eagerly joined in.

The popular ‘I like to move it, move it’ song was the closing medley of madness and everyone got to their feet to join in the rumpus. If you want your spirits lifting and to see a show that is suitable for all the family, then MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL will the bill.

The Bodyguard Karaoke @ Theatre Royal

WE WANNA SING WITH SOMEBODY!

THEATRE ROYAL TO HOST “THE BODYGUARD” THEMED KARAOKE AS HIT MUSICAL KICKS OFF UK TOUR IN GLASGOW THIS CHRISTMASSING ALONGS WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER EVENING WEEKEND PERFORMANCES AT VENUE’S UPPER CIRCLE BAR

Theatre Royal, Glasgow is to host The Bodyguard-themed karaoke during the hit musical’s four-week run at the venue this Christmas.

Following the success of Mamma Mia! karaoke at Theatre Royal last Christmas, the sing alongs will take place after the 7.30pm performance on Fridays and Saturdays at the venue’s upper circle bar.

Entry is included with the ticket price so if you’ve already booked your seats for a night karaoke is taking place, you’re sorted.

If you’ve yet to book and want to sing all the Whitney hits including Queen of the NightRun To You,How Will I KnowI Will Always Love You and I Wanna Dance With Somebody, be sure to book for one of the following performances:

Friday 7 December 7.30pm

Saturday 8 December, 7.30pm

Friday 14 December, 7.30pm

Saturday 15 December, 7.30pm

Friday 21 December, 7.30pm

Saturday 22 December, 7.30pm

Friday 28 December, 7.30pm

Saturday 29 December 7.30pm

Grab somebody who loves you and sing the night away!

The Bodyguard, starring Alexandra Burke as Rachel Marron, opens on Monday 3 December and runs until Saturday 29 December, the first dates of an extensive UK tour.

Based on the hit 80s film of the same name, the classic story tells of former Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. They both expect to be in charge, but they don’t expect to fall in love.

Alexandra Burke returns to the role of Rachel Marron following her triumphant run in the show in both the West End and the subsequent sell out UK tour which ran at King’s Theatre in March 2015 to a sold out crowd.

She first rose to fame after winning the fifth series of The X Factor and her debut number one single Hallelujah sold over one million copies in the UK, a first for a British female soloist. She most recently appeared as Svetlana in Chess at the London Coliseum and will soon appear as Roxie in Chicago at the West End’s Phoenix Theatre. Last year she reached the final of Strictly Come Dancing. Her other theatre credits include Deloris Van Cartier in the national tour of the musical Sister Act.

Alexandra Burke will perform the role of Rachel Marron at evening performances only with the exception of evening performances on Thursday 20, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 December.

Salad Days Review

Salisbury Playhouse – until 27 October 2018

Review by Nicky Wyatt

4****

Lively, non stop, energetic toe tapping show that makes you laugh out loud.

Salad Days written by Dorothy Reynolds and Julian Slade is a crazy and dare I say thin story line. Set in the 1950’s with post war excitement taking over from the worry of war and rations. A young couple finishing uni and setting off into a world of expectation, somethings don’t change, today’s youngsters are just the same. Timothy ( Mark Anderson) and Jane (Jessica Croll) meet at the train station after their last day in uni, it’s clear they are attracted to each other and are sweetly flirtatious with each other, singing their song We Said We Wouldn’t Look Back. They agree to meet in a few days time secretly as their parents have other ideas for them.

The totally fabulous Wendi Peters belts out some strong notes and can easily be heard above the rest of the cast. Funny lines ooze out of this show, which have the audience chuckling away throughout.

Timothy and Jane meet up and share the news that their parents have plans for them which include a coming party of eligible bachelors and list of interviews with various uncles for Timothy. They decide to usurp the parental plans and get married and for him to take a job of his choice.

Just as they decide this a tramp with a piano on wheels comes along and asks them to look after it for a month. It’s a magic piano which makes people dance! They have no control once the music starts.

The piano is the focus of this crazy show. It seems even those that think they can’t play it can and those that can’t dance can! There are some fantastic high energy dance routines in this show from waltzing policeman to Charleston routines. As it unfolds we learn right at the end that the tramp who owns the piano is one of Timothys many uncles but not the one he was meant to get a job from, he’s known as the black sheep. Ultimately everyone’s plans are fulfilled. I really
enjoyed this show, It’s great fun for all ages. The cast are so energetic and clearly enjoying themselves throughout.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time Review

Ridgeway School, Doncaster – 22 October 2018

Reviewed by Lottie Davis-Browne

4****

Seven years since it first premiered at the Cottesloe theatre (part of the Royal National Theatre), London, The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night-time – an award winning adaptation of the Mark Haddon novel of the same name – is about to make a long over due return to the West End.

But before that, the company behind the production – National Theatre Company – are currently bringing the West End to various schools to Performing Arts GCSE and A level students – with Wakefield being last weeks venue for visiting various schools and landing in Doncaster from the 22nd October visiting five lucky schools. I was fortunate enough to be invited to my choice of the five selected Doncaster Senior Schools, with Ridgewood High School on the edge of Scawsby being my chosen venue.

When I was a GCSE student we didn’t have much opportunity to watch any live theatre within the School curriculum, nor were the books we read as part of our studies anything near as engrossing as Curious Incident so I it is refreshing to see that times have changed and more is being done to encourage the next generation of teens towards the arts and languages. As part of the tour students were also given the chance to ask the cast and crew questions at the end, plus the opportunity to discuss performing and behind-the-scenes opportunities with Doncaster based Cast (more about Cast later!)

Whilst the usual set design comprises of several visual screens to bring the book to life and give the audience a clearer picture into Christopher’s autistic mind, this particular production was scaled back and performed under bright lights. This was brought up at the end during the Q&A session and this was because of the size of the venue – a purpose built theatre within the school grounds – a fairly new addition to the School – which did not provide the right amount of space needed. This did not deter from the story in anyway shape or form, intact having seen the production at the National Theatre, Apollo Theatre and on tour before, there was something more relaxing about watching a production in clear bright lights.

For those of you unfamiliar with the story, it is play-within-a-play as seen through the eyes of fifteen year old Christopher John Francis Boone; a mathematical genius on the autistic spectrum. Following the mysterious death of his next-door-neighbour (Mrs Shears) dog Wellington. Deciding to turn Detective, he writes his thoughts down in a notebook – which he shares with his teacher Siobhan who reads parts of the book out throughout the production making it a play-within-a-play. Whilst trying to uncover the mystery (whilst comparing himself to Sherlock Holmes) Christopher goes out of his comfort zone to come face to face with the neighbours he has lived on the same street to for years but avoided due to his daily struggles living on the autistic spectrum.

Whilst searching for clues Christopher uncovers a secret and discovers that his father has been lying to him for a couple of years regarding the death of his mother and decides to make the journey from Swindon to London to search for answers. Will Christopher find out the reasons behind his fathers lies? Will he uncover the mystery and true identity and Wellingtons killer? Will he achieve his A level maths A* grade despite taking it two years early?

The cast of eight did a straight run of the production (no usual interval before Christopher decides to head into London) without the usual stunning visual effects which for those who have seen the production before are a real memorable part of the set) but still had the students and myself gripped from start to finish. Whilst there was unfortunately no information as to regards to the cast names, we were given a quick run through who they all were at the start of the Q&A session (sadly much quicker than what I can write!), with the students eager to ask a few questions ranging from the choreography and lighting and about getting into performing. The students were then given the opportunity to discuss becoming involved with Doncaster based Cast, with Director Debbie Rees from the Cast team who also attended today’s performance.

Cast is a purpose built theatre venue in Doncaster which opened in September 2013. Cast have played a huge role in increasing the profile of Doncaster and inspiration within the town. They work hard with partners to bring the World to Doncaster and Doncaster to the World. Cast also have a thriving Youth Theatre with weekly classes for ages 3-18, giving aspiring performers in Doncaster and the surrounding area the chance to learn and develop in a nurturing environment. Of course there is much more to theatre than just performing and Cast aim to offer a variety of experience within all things theatre.

For further information regarding Cast, contact 01302 303 959 or [email protected].

The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time is set to visit a few more schools in Doncaster this week before returning to London at the Piccadilly Theatre from 29th November – 27th April 2019.

I hope that the lucky Year 10, Year 11 and Sixth Form students studying Performing Arts at either GCSE or A Level at Ridgewood School enjoyed this performance as much as I did and I wish them all every success for the future and hope that today’s opportunity has given them some food for thought, and who knows, maybe in a few years time they might be performing as part of the National Theatre at a school near you!

 

Fell Review

Antwerp Mansion, Manchester – Until 25th October 2018.

Reviewed by Joseph Everton

5*****

Away from the bustle of Manchester’s Rusholme, down a deserted side street, through the autumn decay, hidden in the gloom and here lies Antwerp Mansion. Clinging onto life by exposed nails, reincarnated by layers of fluorescent graffiti, the ramshackle venue playing host to Obscura Theatre’s debut production, Fell, was the perfect backdrop to this chilling piece of folk horror, set in the valleys of Cumbria.

We, the unsettled audience, were led from the half lit bar area, up candle lit stairs and to our seats. I sat before the mountainous set, before a movable door, wondering what lay behind it. Some were perched in camp chairs; most keen not to sit at the at the extremes of the room, where they might be dragged away into the shadows. A low rolling bass-line played and a sharp erratic banging sound added to an ever building sense of foreboding.

Then we were introduced to the performers, Florence Rose King as Detective Jane Shipley, who had travelled out of her jurisdiction to attend to a new case, and Sean McGlynn as Beckett. The plot centred around the disappearance of Beckett’s daughter, a disappearance that this disconcerting character surely had something to do with.

Shipley’s narration guided the audience through a cycle of meetings between the characters at Beckett’s home and an uncomfortable introduction to the landlord at the local pub. Although warned not  to go, Shipley journeyed to the fell where Obscura Theatre explore the use of fantasy and, later, the demons in their Detective’s conscience, which was riddled with old guilt and grief.

The involving and immersive use of sound and staging was effective and ensured that the audience felt part of the tale, our skin prickling uncomfortably as Shipley’s fear built and the volume increased. I wanted to be scared and, at times, I really was. I could have watched Fell a dozen times and still left the room with more questions than answers but it was an engaging experience nonetheless.

Fell is a spooky watch and a perfect Halloween treat, running at Antwerp Mansion in Manchester until Thursday 25th October.

The Comedy About a Bank Robbery Review

Leeds Grand Theatre – until 27 October 2108

4****

I have a huge love for Mischief Theatre, I was there at the beginning for The Play That Goes Wrong – now a Worldwide success.

Bank Robbery is equally as hysterical as its predecessors.  The highly complex plot, set in the 1950’s,  involves a giant diamond, deposited for safeguarding in a  Minnesota bank, and some already imprisoned crooks who plot a heist from their prison cell. First they need to break out of prison — a task for which they are easily facilitated by their equally crooked, yet gormless,  guards who want in on their criminal plans – and then break into the bank.

There are word gags with the character of Freeboys and Three Boys being used often.  And many laughs at Robin Freeboys and robbing three boys.  You can imagine the laughter when the character of Roger Freeboys appears!  And, as Mischief are famous for, visual gags – involving seagulls (Stephen and Deborah), a pull down bed and a sideways office scene are among the many hilarious scenes.

Sam Monaghan (Dave Hearn) is a petty criminal who promises his mum Ruth (Ashley Tucker) he is on the straight and narrow.  Ruth works at the bank holding the diamond, run by Robin Freeboys (Damien Lynch), also working at the bank are Freeboys’ incompetent nephew Roger (George Hannigan) and 67 year old intern Warren Slax (Jon Trenchard).  Warren is in love with Caprice Freeboys (Julia Frith), the daughter of Robin. Caprice is a con artist but is in love with Sam. However her ex boyfriend Mitch Ruscitti (normally Liam Jeavons but on press night Eddy Westbury) breaks out of jails with the help of Neil Cooper (David Coomber) a jail guard who loves amateur dramatics.  Helping to guard the bank is Officer Shuck (Killiam Macardle) who falls for Ruth.

Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, the show has feats of physical daring, and exquisite comic timing.  Rounded off with musical interludes in between the scenes.

This is a laugh out loud comedy that could and should be a 5 star show.  However two things stopped that for me. The first was the door in Caprice’s flat, it wouldn’t remain shut – so when one actor was trying to escape the flat having a door that wouldn’t shut spoilt the comedy.  And the second thing was that the music, at times, drowned out the exquisite voice of Ashley Tucker when she sang. Sort these two little things and you’ll have a 5 star tour right there.

In Leeds until 27 October and on tour around the UK, one of the funniest things I’ve seen this year

Selladoor Productions and the Arcola Theatre present the European Premiere of Little Miss Sunshine

Selladoor Productions and Arcola Theatre Present

THE EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF

AT THE ARCOLA THEATRE, LONDON IN MARCH 2019 BEFORE

UK REGIONAL TOUR

Little Miss Sunshine, the quirky off-Broadway hit musical will make its European Premiere in a brand new production at the Arcola Theatre, London on 21 March 2019, running for a 7 week season before embarking on a UK tour starting at New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich on 20 May 2019. Tickets for the tour go on sale from 26 October, tickets for the Arcola from 5 November.

Based on the Academy Award-winning film by Michael ArndtLittle Miss Sunshine is the off-beat musical comedy created by the Tony Award-winning team of James Lapine (who collaborated with Stephen Sondheim on Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George) and William Finn (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling BeeFalsettos). This new production will be directed by the Arcola’s Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen with design by David Woodhead, lighting design by Richard Williamson, choreography by Anthony Whiteman and musical supervision by Mark Crossland.

The Hoover family has more than a few troubles, but young Olive has her heart set on winning the Little Miss Sunshine beauty contest. When an invitation to compete comes out of the blue, the Hoovers must pile into their rickety, yellow VW camper van. Can it survive the 800-mile trip from New Mexico to California – and more importantly, can they? This inventive and uplifting musical celebrates the quirks of every family, the potholes in every road, and the power of overcoming our differences.

Arcola Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen said:

“In uncertain times, we all need a little bit of Sunshine. This is the story of a family coming together to celebrate their differences – and that speaks to the heart of Arcola Theatre’s ethos. Our diverse family of artists and audiences is growing every year, and we’re delighted that thousands more people outside London will get to experience Little Miss Sunshine, through our first major co-production with Selladoor Worldwide.”

Established in 2000, Arcola is one of London’s leading Off West End theatres. Locally engaged and internationally minded, its diverse and cutting-edge programme includes plays, operas and musicals. Previous musical productions include Sweet Smell of SuccessThe Cradle Will Rock, I Can Get It for You Wholesale and The Seven Deadly Sins, all directed by its Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen.

Arcola Executive Producer Leyla Nazli commented:

“Arcola Theatre is making bigger shows for longer runs, investing in artists while still providing tickets that are accessible for everybody. All seats for the London run of Little Miss Sunshine will be £10-£30, and as ever, we will keep Pay What You Can tickets available every week.”

2019 marks the 10th anniversary of Selladoor Worldwide (originally Sell a Door Theatre Company) and since it was founded it has become an integral part of the regional theatre landscape in the UK and Ireland and increasingly globally as its international touring arm develops. Its aim is to engage young and adult audiences, along with first-time attendees to encourage the next generation of theatre goers by producing dynamic and diverse productions.

 

David Hutchinson, Executive Creative Producer from Selladoor Worldwide comments:

 

“We founded Selladoor to bring original work to the UK and I’m delighted that we are able to present the European Premiere of Little Miss Sunshine. We have worked hard over the last 10 years to build strong relationships with regional audiences and venues to make such a premiere possible. This new co-production with the Arcola allows us to create an adaptable musical production which will be seen in both an intimate London venue and in larger theatres across the country thus reaching a wider theatre audience. I am a huge fan of James Lapine and William Finn’s work, one of the company’s debut productions in 2009 was Falsettoland – one half of the brilliant collaboration from Finn and Lapine’s masterpiece ‘Falsettos’ so it seems fitting to again present another of their works in our 10th anniversary year”.

The show runs from 21 March – Saturday 11 May 2019 (press night on 1 April) at the Arcola Theatre, London then touring.

 

Casting to be announced.

www.littlemisssunshinemusical.com

@LMissSun

Listings Information

Arcola Theatre

24 Ashwin Street

Dalston

London E8 3DL

Arcola Studio 1

Thursday 21 March – Saturday 11 May 2019

(Previews: 21 March – 30 March 2019)

 

Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm

Saturday matinees at 3pm

Wednesday matinees – 24 April, 1 May, 8 May at 3pm

£30 | £25 | £20 | £10

Previews £26 | £22 | £18 | £10

Pay What You Can Tuesdays – limited allocation in person from 6pm

 

www.arcolatheatre.com / 020 7503 1646

 

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE 2019 TOUR DATES

Monday 20 – Saturday 25 May

Box Office: 01473 295900

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich                                                                    Website: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Monday 27 May – Saturday 1 June

Box Office: 0843 208 6000

Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Salford                                           Website: www.thelowry.com

Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 June

Box Office: 0844 871 3024

Grand Opera House, York                                                                                            Website:www.atgtickets.com/york

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 June

Box Office: 0844 871 7650

Theatre Royal, Brighton                                                                                               Website:www.atgtickets.com/brighton

Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 June

Box Office: 01274 432000

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford                                                                       Website: www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 June

Box Office: 0844 871 7645

New Victoria Theatre, Woking                                                                    Website:www.atgtickets.com/woking

Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 July

Box Office: 0844 871 7648

Kings Theatre, Glasgow                                                                                                Website:www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

Tuesday 16  – Saturday 20 July

Box Office: 0844 871 3011

New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham                                                      Website:www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

Tuesday 30 July – Saturday 3 August

Box Office: 01227 787778

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury                                                                    Website: www.marlowetheatre.com

Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 August

Box Office: 0844 856 1111

Blackpool Opera House                                                                                                Website:www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Tuesday 27 – Saturday 31 August

Box Office: 01684 892277

Malvern Theatre                                                                                                            Website: www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 September

Box Office: 0116 296 1236

Leicester Haymarket Theatre                                                                     Website: www.haytheatre.com

Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 September

Box Office: 01224 641122

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen                                                              Website:www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/ hismajestys-theatre

Tuesday 31 September – Saturday 5 October

Box Office: 01392 72636

 Exeter Northcott Theatre                                                                               Website:www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 October

Box Office: 01323 412000

Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne                                                         Website:www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED