BASED ON STORIES BY ROD SERLING, CHARLES BEAUMONT & RICHARD MATHESON
ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY ANNE WASHBURN &
DIRECTED BY THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING RICHARD JONES
OPENING AT THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE FROM 4 MARCH 2019
★★★★★
METRO, ARTS DESK
★★★★
TIME OUT, EVENING STANDARD, INDEPENDENT, THE STAGE, MAIL ON SUNDAY
You are about to enter another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land of imagination. Next stop, The Twilight Zone.
Full casting has been announced for the highly anticipated West End transfer of the Almeida’s sell-out production of The Twilight Zone, which transfers to the Ambassadors Theatre from 4 March 2019.
Reprising their highly praised performances from the Almeida run are Oliver Alvin-Wilson, Adrianna Bertola and Neil Haigh, who will be joined for the West End premiere by Alisha Bailey, Natasha J Barnes, Nicholas Karimi, Dan Crossley, Dyfan Dwyfor, Lauren O’Neill and Matthew Steer.
Adapted by Anne Washburn (Shipwreck, Mr. Burns) and directed by the multi award-winning director (winner of 7 Olivier Awards), Richard Jones, this production of the acclaimed classic CBS television series The Twilight Zone is an ingenious mixture of morality tales, fables and fantasy that are as relevant today as when audiences first encountered them.
The Twilight Zone has design by Paul Steinberg, with costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, movement direction by Aletta Collins, lighting design by Mimi Jordan Sherin, and D.M Wood, composition and sound by Sarah Angliss, sound by Christopher Shutt, casting by Julia Horan, and illusions by Richard Wiseman and Will Houstoun.
The Twilight Zone is based on original stories by Rod Serling, and two of the most frequent and celebrated contributors, Charles Beaumont and Richard Matheson from the CBS television series. It is one of television’s most revered and influential science-fiction fantasy shows and ran on American network CBS from 1959 to 1964, winning 3 Emmy Awards during its 156-episode run. Its incisive parables explore humanity’s hopes, despairs, prides and prejudices. The programme has had a seminal influence on popular culture; from Stephen King to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan to Steven Spielberg, The Simpsons to Black Mirror.
With the original series celebrating its 60th Anniversary Year, a new version of The Twilight Zone recently began production and is coming to CBS All Access in 2019 with Jordan Peele serving as host and narrator. The upcoming new series is produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and Simon Kinberg’s Genre Films. Jordan Peele and Simon Kinberg serve as executive producers along with Win Rosenfeld, Audrey Chon, Carol Serling, Rick Berg and Greg Yaitanes.
The Twilight Zone stage production is presented under license by CBS Consumer Products and produced by Ron Fogelman for Your Next Stop Limited and the Almeida Theatre. Kenny Wax is executive producer.
JUST ANNOUNCED: FULL CAST TO JOIN KATHARINE McPHEE & JACK McBRAYER FOR THE UK PREMIERE OF
Music and lyrics by six-time Grammy Award-nominee Sara Bareilles Book by Jessie Nelson Based upon the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly Directed by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus
· Shaun Prendergast joins the company as Old Joe opposite the already announced Katharine McPhee as Jenna and 30 Rock’s Jack McBrayer
· Also starring Laura Baldwin, Peter Hannah, David Hunter and Marisha Wallace, Waitress will play at London’s Adelphi Theatre from 8 February 2019
Full casting information for the West End premiere of Sara Bareilles’ Waitress has been released today, featuring Shaun Prendergast as Old Joe. As previously announced, US star Katharine McPhee (Smash) will reprise the role of Jenna having played her on Broadway in 2018 and will appear alongside Emmy-nominated film and TV actor Jack McBrayer, who is best known for playing Kenneth in the multi-award winning US comedy series 30 Rock and will be making his West End debut in the role of Ogie.
Rehearsals are now underway ahead of performances beginning on 8 February and an official opening night on 7 March at London’s Adelphi Theatre. Currently playing its third hit year on Broadway, Waitress will bring with it an all-female lead creative team – a West End musical first.
The full company includes Kelly Agbowu, Laura Baldwin, Piers Bate, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Michael Hamway, Peter Hannah, David Hunter, Stephen Leask, Jack McBrayer, Chris McGuigan, Katharine McPhee, Olivia Moore, Nathaniel Morrison, Sarah O’Connor, Leanne Pinder, Shaun Prendergast, Charlotte Riby and Marisha Wallace.
Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying run-in with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness.
Shaun Prendergast (Old Joe) has had many notable roles across film, television, theatre and radio. He is well known to television audiences for roles such as DS Holt in EastEnders, Robert Bain inWaterloo Road and Greg Doland in Emmerdale as well as frequent guest appearances in The Glee Club, The Bill, Holby City, Doctors, Coronation Street and Heartbeat. He also appeared in Kay Mellor’s A Place of Safety which won a New York Critic’s Choice Award. Shaun’s stage career began as a founder member of Kenneth Branagh’s Renaissance Theatre Company in which he appeared as Don John in Much Ado About Nothing (directed by Judi Dench at the Phoenix Theatre), Fabian in Twelfth Night (directed by Kenneth Branagh at Riverside Studios) As You Like It (UK tour and Phoenix Theatre) and Hamlet (directed by Derek Jacobi). He also starred as Ray in the world premiere of A Going Concern (Hampstead Theatre) and as Macduff in Tom Morris’ production of Macbeth (BAC). Recent stage work includes playing MC in Terry Johnson’s revival of Oh! What a Lovely War (Theatre Royal Stratford East), Mr Boo in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Park Theatre), Geordie the Musical(Customs House) and Cinderella (Theatre Royal Windsor). Shaun is also a writer for stage, screen and radio whose work has been translated into six languages. Awards include a Sony Award, a Time Out Award, Five NSDF Awards and a Writer’s Guild Award.
Jack McBrayer (Ogie) was Emmy-nominated for his portrayal of Kenneth Parcell on the multi-award winning and critically acclaimed series 30 Rock for NBC. He is also known for his work on The Jack and Triumph Show for Universal/Adult Swim, Adult Swim’s first half hour comedy straight to series pickup, which Jack executive produced and starred opposite Robert Smigel. He can be seen inCooties opposite Elijah Wood and Rainn Wilson for Lionsgate which premiered at Sundance. Jack also starred in Forgetting Sarah Marshall opposite Jason Segel, directed by Nicholas Stoller and produced by Judd Apatow for Universal. His other credits include Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby, directed and written by Adam McKay and produced by Judd Apatow for Columbia Pictures;The Campaign opposite Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, directed by Jay Roach for Warner Bros; opposite Bill Hader in The To Do List for CBS Films; and They Came Together opposite Paul Rudd and directed by David Wain for Lionsgate.
Jack can also be seen appearing on ABC’s The Middle, Comedy Central’s Drunk History opposite Derek Waters and USA’s Playing House opposite Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair. He can be heard voicing the lead role of Fix-It Felix in Wreck-It Ralph, directed Rich Moore and produced by John Lasseter for Disney. His other animated film voice credits include Despicable Me for Universal,The Simpsons on Fox and Archer on FX.
Since finding international fame as a captivating singer on American Idol – Season 5, Katharine McPhee (Jenna) has become a successful recording artist, landing numerous songs and albums on Billboard’s pop, jazz, holiday and adult-contemporary charts in her native US. Her latest album of timeless American standards “I Fall In Love Too Easily” was released by BMG in 2017. As an acclaimed actress, she was the breakout star of the 2013 NBC-TV musical series Smash, Executive Produced by Steven Spielberg with music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray). She recently starred in the hit CBS dramatic series Scorpion.
Laura Baldwin (Dawn) trained at Bird College. Her recent stage work has included the roles of Janey in Eugenius!, Story Sandra in Big Fish and Sam in The Little Beasts (all at The Other Palace). Laura has also played Wendy in Peter Pan (The Gordon Craig Theatre), Teen Fiona/Red Riding Hood in Shrek (UK Tour), Veronica/Ensemble in Betty Blue Eyes (UK Tour) and Alice in Alice in Wonderland (The Lichfield Garrick).
Peter Hannah (Earl) graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2013 and has gone on to play roles such as The Devil in The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (National Theatre of Scotland, Spoletto Festival, and McKittrick, New York – Drama Desk Award winner 2017 for unique Theatrical Experience), Captain Ridley in Cockpit (Royal Lyceum Theatre), Mac in the Greater Game(Southwark Playhouse) and Thomas Highgate in The 306 (National Theatre of Scotland). Peter’s other theatre roles include Shakespeare in Love (Noel Coward Theatre), Four Play (Theatre503), A Clockwork Orange (Nottingham Playhouse), One Arm (Southwark Playouse) and Mock Tudor(Pleasance Courtyard). Film and television Credits include Alex in Above The Clouds (Third Light Films), Lucas in Mr Turner (Thin Man Films), Newton in Mary Gloster (Short Film) and Police Constable Stanmore in Doctor Who (BBC).
David Hunter (Dr. Pomatter) trained at The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA). He is currently playing the lead role of Charlie Price in Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre) and previous West End credits include Once (Phoenix Theatre), One Man, Two Guvnors (Adelphi Theatre, National Theatre and UK Tour), Seussical (Arts Theatre) and The Who’s Tommy (Prince Edward Theatre). Other theatre credits include The Hired Man (Leicester Curve and Colchester Mercury), Pub (The Royal Exchange) Spinach (The Royal Exchange) and The Mayor Of Zalamea (Liverpool Everyman). In 2012 David reached the semi-finals of ITV’s Superstar, competing to play the role of ‘Jesus’ in Jesus Christ Superstar. Screen credits include the film Nativity 3 and he has recently filmed an episode ofHolby City for BBC1. As the frontman of pop/rock band ‘Reemer’, David has recorded with the producers responsible for The Rolling Stones and The Who, before earning support slots for artists such as The Feeling, Scouting for Girls and finally McFly on their UK Arena Tour. In April 2018 David released his first Solo EP, Silver Linings, featuring five original songs.
Marisha Wallace (Becky) recently made her West End debut playing Effie White in Dreamgirls(Savoy Theatre) after playing the role at the Tony-winning regional theatre Dallas Theater Center. Since landing in London she has performed in numerous concerts at The Royal Albert Hall, the London Palladium, and she’s a part of Broadway and West End Divas. She recently performed the role of Celie in The Color Purple in Concert at Cadogan Hall and had two sold out nights at Zedel. Marisha’s Broadway credits include the original Broadway productions of Something Rotten and Disney’s Aladdin, and she also appeared in the first US national tour of The Book of Mormon. Other stage credits include Sistas!, Aladdin (Toronto), Oklahoma!, for which she won the Drammy for Best Actress, One Night With Janis Joplin, Rent and Hair. Screen credits include Aladdin (the forthcoming live action film), Disney’s Frozen Fever, The Tony Awards, Good Morning America, The View and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Waitress also recently announced the first of its “Cast Album Karaoke” nights in London, meaning that theatre lovers who have always dreamt of singing on the West End stage will soon be able to make their dream a reality. The first ever karaoke nights will be held post-show on Tuesday 19 Februaryand Monday 18 March 2019. For the chance to sing one minute of any song from the show – live on stage and accompanied by the show’s musical director Katharine Woolley – interested audience members just need to sign up in the theatre before the performance.
Waitress opened on 24 April 2016 at Broadway’s Brooks Atkinson Theater. Based on the 2007 motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly, Waitress was the first Broadway musical in history to have four women in the four top creative team spots, featuring original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Love Song”, “Brave”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland) and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The production is currently touring the US and has also announced it will have its Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.
On its Broadway opening, Waitress was nominated for four Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical; two Drama League Award Nominations, including Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical; six Drama Desk Nominations, including Outstanding Musical; and four Tony Award Nominations, including Best Musical.
The Duchess of Sussex announced as new Royal Patron of the National Theatre
The National Theatre is honoured to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussexhas become its Royal Patron. The patronage reflects Her Royal Highness’s belief in using the arts to bring people from different backgrounds and communities together.
Her Majesty The Queen has passed on the Royal Patronage to The Duchess of Sussex having held the role for the last 45 years and has been associated with the organisation since its earliest days at the Old Vic in the 1960s. Her Majesty last visited the National Theatre in 2013, as part of its 50thanniversary celebrations, where she officially opened the building after major redevelopment and watched some rehearsals before being reunited with Joey from War Horse.
The Duchess has spent decades championing the arts and feels that she can use her position to focus attention on and make a particular difference to the sector. Whilst Her Royal Highness spent ten years working in television, her training is in theatre. As well as a double major in theatre and international relations from Northwestern University, which is renowned for its drama programme, Her Royal Highness volunteered at a performing arts after school programme for children in underprivileged school districts in Los Angeles.
Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre said: “I would like to thank The Queen for Her Majesty’s long and unwavering support and service to the National Theatre. We were honoured when The Queen became our Patron in 1974 and have celebrated many moments together including, in recent years, the Diamond Jubilee and the marking of our 50th anniversary. It is a privilege to welcome The Duchess of Sussex as our new Patron. The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come”.
Her Royal Highness met with Rufus Norris last year and conducted a private visit to the theatre. The Duchess is expected to carry out a public visit to the NT in the coming weeks.
Call Me Vicky Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF Tuesday 19th February – Saturday 9th March 2019
For the last time, it’s not Martin… it’s Vicky!
Written by sisters Nicola and Stacey Bland, Call Me Vicky is a debut play based entirely on a true story. This hard-hitting, comic production charts Vicky’s transition from male to female in a time that was far less understanding than the world we live in today. This poignant play stars Wendi Peters (Coronation Street, ITV; Hetty Feather, BBC; Quartet, UK Tour; Hatched ‘n’ Dispatched, Park Theatre; White Christmas, Dominion Theatre) as Sylvie
It’s 1980 in Elephant and Castle. Martin and best friend Debbie are getting ready for another night out at Martin’s favourite night spot, The Golden Girl – one of Soho’s premier drag clubs. However, tonight is not a regular night out. Tonight is the night that will change Martin’s life forever
Directed by Victoria Gimby, Call Me Vicky is an honest, frank and revealing insight into an important struggle that has been relevant for generations. Having grown up on a council estate in South London and worked in the back streets of Soho, drinking, drugs and violence were common place when Vicky was overcoming all the adversity and ostracism that surrounded her transitioning. Will the love of Vicky’s friends, family and drag queens be enough to get her through the toughest of times?
Stacey and Nicola comment, Call Me Vicky is very personal to us and we are thrilled that this incredible true story is being told. We like to think it has something for everyone. It will make you laugh, cry and gasp in disbelief. In the 1980s it was almost unheard of for someone to transition yet Vicky’s story is still so relevant, and we feel it is important to see how her struggles paved the way for the 21st Century Trans Community.
Completing the cast are: Stacey Victoria Bland (Aladdin, Thameside Theatre; Don’t Dress for Dinner, UK Tour; Home Theatre, Theatre Royal Stratford East), Nicola Bland (Pickles, ITV; Tits/Teeth, Soho Theatre; Casualty, BBC One), Matt Greenwood (Bohemian Rhapsody, 20th Century Fox; The A Word, BBC/Sundance TV; Voya & Goliath, National Youth Theatre), Ben Welch (Mythic, Charing Cross Theatre; Jack Rooke’s Happy Hour, Soho Theatre; The Leftovers, Curve Theatre) and Adam Young (Two For Joy, Blonde to Black Productions; No Quarter, Soho Theatre; Sex Education, Netflix).
Call Me Vicky charts Vicky’s journey to become the person she knows herself to truly be. This powerful production will be part of Pleasance Theatre’s #YouWillKnowTheirNames season which is a game changing line-up of new writing, showcasing the most daring and original new voices.
CASTING UPDATE FOR YOUNG VIC’S PRODUCTIONS OFJESUS HOPPED THE ‘A’ TRAIN AND WILD EAST
Kate Hewitt directs Oberon K. A. Adjepong, Matthew Douglas, Dervla Kirwan, Ukweli Roach and Joplin Sibtain in Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train from 14 February.
Lekan Lawal directs Lucy Briers, Kemi-Bo Jacobs and Zach Wyatt in Wild East from 6 February.
Limited Tickets also on sale for The Jumper Factory, originally created in collaboration with inmates at HMP Wandsworth, which returns to run alongside Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train from 27 February.
With the Young Vic’s recent run of critical-success including The Convert currently running at Young Vic, The Inheritance at the Noël Coward Theatre and The Jungle now playing at St Ann’s Warehouse in New York, Artistic Director of the Young Vic, Kwame Kwei-Armah, today announces the full cast for Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train, directed by Kate Hewitt in the Main House, and April de Angelis’ Wild East, directed byrecipient of Genesis Future Directors Award, Lekan Lawal, in The Clare.
For Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train, Kate Hewitt directs Oberon K. A. Adjepong (Lucius Jenkins), Matthew Douglas(D’Amico), Dervla Kirwan (Mary Jane Hanrahan), Ukweli Roach (Angel Cruz) and Joplin Sibtain (Valdez). The production previews from 14 February, with a Press Night on 20 February, and runs until 30 March.
For Wild East, Lekan Lawal directs Lucy Briers (Dr Pitt), Kemi-Bo Jacobs (Dr Gray) and Zach Wyatt (Frank). The production opens on 6 February and runs until 16 February.
A limited number of tickets are also now on sale for The Jumper Factory by Luke Barnes. Originally conceived by the Young Vic Taking Part department and Justin Audibert, created in collaboration with inmates at HMP Wandsworth, as a parallel production to The Brothers Size in January 2018, The Jumper Factory explores the stories of people behind bars. The production returns to run alongside Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train which examines these experiences through the American justice system. Directed by Josh Parr, The Jumper Factory will be performed in The Maria from 27 February until 9 March, by young men who have all been directly or indirectly affected by the criminal justice system.
JESUS HOPPED THE ‘A’ TRAIN
By Stephen Adly Guirgis
Directed by Kate Hewitt
Director: Kate Hewitt; Designer: Magda Willi; Costume Designer: Kinnetia Isidore
Lighting Designer: Guy Hoare; Sound Designer: Peter Rice; Movement Director: Imogen Knight
UK Casting Director: Julia Horan CDG; US Casting Director: Jim Carnahan CSA
Main House
14 February – 30 March 2019
From Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Adly Guirgis (The Motherf*cker with the Hat), comes this critically-acclaimed dark comedy about the American justice system and the contradictory nature of faith.
Inside the lockdown wing of Rikers Island prison, a frightened young man accused of murdering a cult leader is confronted with a charismatic born-again serial killer and a sadistic guard. Will one man’s redemption lead to another’s damnation?
Stephen Adly Guirgis is a playwright, screenwriter, director, and actor. As a playwright, his other credits includeOur Lady Of 121st Street, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Little Flower of East Orange, The Motherf*cker with the Hat, and Between Riverside and Crazy, which won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. His television writing credits include NYPD Blue and The Get Down.
Oberon K. A. Adjepong plays Lucius Jenkins. His theatre credits include Good Grief (Vineyard Theatre), TheWinter’s Tale, Measure For Measure, Pericles, Tamburlaine (TFANA), Homecoming Queen (Atlantic Theatre Company – AUDELCO nomination), Uncommon Sense (Tectonic Theater Project), Party People (The Public Theater), 12 Angry Men (The Billie Holiday Theatre), Like I Say, Cellophane (Flea Theatre), Mother Courage, The Blacks (The Classical Theater of Harlem/Classic Stage Company), Wabenzi (New Ohio Theatre), Hamlet Project (La MaMa), Sango (NBT – AUDELCO nomination). His television credits include Blacklist, The Knick and Louie; and for film, CrazyFamous and CrownHeights.
Matthew Douglas returns to the Young Vic to play D’Amico. His previous credits for the company include King Lear. Other theatre credits include An Inspector Calls (UK tour/Playhouse Theatre), Far from the Madding Crowd (The Watermill Theatre), The Widowing of Mrs Holroyd (The New Vic), Travesties, TheImportance of Being Ernest (Birmingham Rep), Hay Fever (West Yorkshire Playhouse), She Stoops to Conquer (Birmingham Rep/Chichester Festival Theatre/UK tour), The Big House (Abbey Theatre, Dublin), Salt Meets Wound(Theatre503), Hecuba (RSC/Albery Theatre) and Othello (international tour). His television credits includeMiracle Landing on the Hudson; and for film, Papadopoulos and Sons.
Dervla Kirwan plays Mary Jane Hanrahan. Her theatre credits include King Lear, Frankie and Johnny, Uncle Vanya (Chichester Festival Theatre), Mr Foote’s Other Leg (Hampstead Theatre, Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Weir (Donmar Warehouse and West End), Betrayal (Donmar Warehouse), Aristocrats (National Theatre) and Hush (Royal Court Theatre). Her television credits include White Dragon, The Silence, Material Girl, True Dare Kiss, 55 Degrees North, Hearts and Bones, Ballykissangel and Goodnight Sweetheart; and for film, Trautmann, Interlude in Prague, Luna, Entity, Ondine and Dangerous Parking.
Ukweli Roach plays Angel Cruz. His theatre credits include Nightfall (Bridge Theatre), 5,6,7,8 (rough cuts) (Royal Court Theatre), Romeo & Juliet and Helen (Globe Theatre). Television credits include Humans, Hard Sun, Blindspot (series 1 – 3), Dickensian, The Royals, Grantchester, Silk, Drifters, Starlings, Monroe and Eternal Law. Film credits include One Day, Streetdance 3D and Venus And The Son. Roach is Artistic Director of dance company Birdgang, touring with the Blaze international Hiphop dance show.
Joplin Sibtain plays Valdez. His theatre credits include The Beaux’ Stratagem, Dara, An Oak Tree, Behind The Beautiful Forevers, Othello, The Wind in the Willows, The Absence of War (National Theatre), Godchild(Hampstead Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe), King Lear (Almeida Theatre), The King and I (Curve), An Enemy of the People (Sheffield Theatres), A Street Car Named Desire (Nuffield Southampton Theatres), The Crucible (Octagon Theatre Bolton), Indian Ink (Salisbury Playhouse), The Ark an The Covenant (Battersea Arts Centre), The Fall Guy, The Moonstone (Royal Exchange Theatre), and Romeo and Juliet (RSC). His television credits include Nightflyers, Safe, Hard Sun and No Offence; and for film, Honey in the Head and Naachle London.
Kate Hewitt directs. Her theatre credits for the company include as director Far Away (JMK Young Director Award, 2014) and as Associate Director, Yerma. Her other directing credits include Frost/Nixon, Tribes (Sheffield Theatres), The Ice Road (Raucous Theatre), Kiki’s Delivery Service, Tomcat (Southwark Playhouse), Romeo & Juliet (Ambassador’s Theatre) and Portrait (Edinburgh Festival/UK tour). As Associate Director her credits include, One Love: The Bob Marley Musical (Birmingham Rep), Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (Drury Lane),Medea (Headlong Theatre Company) and Electra (Gate Theatre/Latitude Festival).
Oberon K.A. Adjepong is appearing with the permission of UK Equity, incorporating the Variety Artistes’ Federation, pursuant to an exchange program between American Equity and UK Equity.
Wild East
By April De Angelis
Directed by Lekan Lawal
Director: Lekan Lawal; Designer: Sarah Beaton; Lighting Designer: Amy Mae
Sound Designer: Harry Blake; Casting Director: Charlotte Sutton CDG
The Clare
6 – 16 February 2019
Recipient of Genesis Future Directors Award, Lekan Lawal, directs April De Angelis’ surreal Wild East. This outlandish play artfully turns the most sterile of settings, a corporate job interview, into a sharp comedy about the permeation of human chaos.
April De Angelis’ work includes The Village adapted from Lope de Vega’s Fuenteovejuna (Theatre Royal Stratford East), My Brilliant Friend adapted from Elena Ferrante’s novels (Rose Theatre Kingston), Rune (Old Vic Stoke), After Electra (Plymouth Theatre Royal and Tricycle Theatre), Jumpy (Royal Court and Duke of York’s),Catch (a collaboration with four other female playwrights) and Wild East (Royal Court), A Gloriously Mucky Business (Lyric Hammersmith), Calais (Paines Plough/Oran Mor), Country (Terror Season, Southwark Playhouse), an adaptation of Wuthering Heights (Birmingham Rep Theatre), A Laughing Matter (Out of Joint Theatre Company, National Theatre), The Warwickshire Testimony (RSC, The Other Place), The Positive Hour(Out of Joint Theatre/National Tour) and Playhouse Creatures (Sphinx Theatre Company, later revived by The Old Vic Theatre).
Lucy Briers plays Dr Pitt. Her theatre work includes Forty Years On, The Seagull and Ivanov (Chichester Festival Theatre), Show Boat (Sheffield Theatres and New London Theatre), Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies (RSC, Aldwych Theatre and Broadway), Top Girls (Out of Joint, Chichester Festival Theatre and Duke of York’s Theatre) and Ivanov (Donmar West End). Her recent television work includes Gentleman Jack, Victoria, Mrs Wilson, Press, Father Brown, Count Arthur Strong, Our Girl, Dark Matter, The Thick of It, Twenty Twelve and Einstein and Paddington; for film, Genius, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, and The Children of Men.
Kemi-Bo Jacobs plays Dr Gray. Her theatre credits include The Sweet Science of Bruising (Southwark Playhouse), Betrayal (Derby Theatre), Hedda Gabler (Salisbury Playhouse) and All My Sons (Royal Exchange Theatre). Her television credits include The Letter for the King, The Great, Cheat,McMafia, Delicious, Our Girl Thirteen, The Honourable Woman and Doctor Who; and forfilm, London Has Fallen.
Zach Wyatt plays Frank. He graduated from Guildhall School of Music and Drama this year. His theatre work includes I and You (Hampstead Theatre).
Lekan Lawal’s directing credits include Betrayal (Derby Theatre), HyBrasil (The Old Vic), Stories to Tell in the Middle of the Night (Summerhall), Last Journey (Pentabus/Latitude), Capitalism in Crisis (Arcola Theatre).Associate/Assistant Director credits include Look Back in Anger, Jinny, Sweeney Todd, Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella (Derby Theatre), Measure for Measure (Young Vic), Politrix (The Big House) and The Merchant of Venice (Arcola Theatre).Lawal is currently an Artistic Director of Up Next at Battersea Arts Centre and an Associate Artist at the Hackney Showrooms.
The Jumper Factory
By Luke Barnes
Conceived by Young Vic Taking Part and Justin Audibert
Originally staged by prisoners to fellow inmates, Luke Barnes collaborated with HMP Wandsworth to create a new piece of theatre with eight inmates about how they survive a life behind bars.
This new production, performed in The Maria studio, is presented by a cast of young men aged from 18 – 25, whose lives have all been affected in some way by the criminal justice system.
Josh Parr directs Ayomide Adegun, Raphael Akuwudike, Jake Mills, RushandChambers, Pierre Moullier and Tej Obano.
Casting announced for The Tempest and Lord of the Flies at The Greenwich Theatre. Today we announce our gender switched production of Shakespeare’s legendary The Tempest which sees Prospero now female and Miranda now male; exploring gender, sexuality and identity and Golding’s 20th Century epic Lord of the Flies returns after a triumphant run in 2018 as part of our second season at The Greenwich Theatre in a 50/50 gender cast production.
The Tempest
Returning to the company Micha Colombo takes on the role of Prospero. Micha’s previous Lazarus credits include Troilus and Cressida, Coriolanus and Henry V.
Also returning to the company; David Clayton (Edward II, A Midsummer Night’s Dream) playsTrinculo, Georgina Barley (Lord of the Flies) plays Caliban and Nell Hardy (Lord of the Flies) plays Sebastian.
Making their Lazarus Debuts; Miranda – Alexander da Fonseca, Ariel – Abigail Clay,Alonzo – Nikolas Salmon, Antonio – Peace Oseyenum, Ferdinand – Aaron Peters,Gonzalo – Conor Hadfield and Stephano – James Alston.
Shakespeare’s legendary last play sees a ship caught in a storm, violent and destructive. When the casualties awake on an enchanted island their true self is revealed, an island full of magic, where love is love, revenge and forgiveness.
This new production is adapted and directed by Ricky Dukes, designed by Rachel Dinglewith lighting design by Stuart Glover, sound design by Sam Glossip and songs by Bobby Locke.
Lord of the Flies
Returning to the company Ben Victor plays the role of Simon which he played in the 2018 production.
Making their Lazarus Debuts; Ralph – Alice Hutchinson, Piggy – Tommy Carmichael, Jack – Matt Penson, Roger – Darcy Willison, Eric – David Angland, Sam – Larissa Teale, Percival – Lucy Ioannou, Henry – Oliver Franks, Maurice – Phoebe Stapleton, Bill – Denis Rai. The Voice is voiced by Jennifer Shakesby.
Full cast biographies can be on our company page.
“What are we? Humans? Animals? Or savages?”
Eleven children, one island… an incredible adventure turns into a fight for survival.
The production is directed by Ricky Dukes, with movement direction by Julia Cave designed by Rachel Dingle* with lighting design by Ben Jacobs and sound design by Nicola Chang.
*Based on the original design by Alfie Heywood and costume design by Rebecca Carpenter. Full press releases are attached for both productions along with headshots for Micha Colombo (Prospero), Alexander da Fonseca (Miranda) Aaron Peters (Ferdinand) as the two young lovers in The Tempest and Matt Penson (Jack) and Alice Hutchinson (Ralph) in Lord of the Flies.
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 19 January 2019
Reviewed by Jo Gordon
5*****
Based on a true story and film of the same name , Calendar Girls the Musical written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth has been a touring success story.
Set in the rolling dales of Yorkshire we follow the trials and tribulations encountered by a group of WI ladies and their families. It covers all bases from troublesome teens, relationship breakdowns, friendships, ageing and death of a loved one. With the main focus being on Annie ( Anna-Jane Casey) and the loss of her husband, John, to cancer, much hilarity follows when the group come together to raise funds for a new hospital families room sofa through the means of a naked calendar.
With household names such as Fern Britton, Ruth Madoc and Denise Welch on board it really puts bums on seats. They each portray the real ladies beautifully and the casts comedic timing is next to none. With lots of humorous show tunes such as Celia (Denise Welch) I’ve had a little work done and Annies ( Anna-Jane Casey) heartbreaking Scarborough and Kilimanjaro you are guaranteed to ride an emotional roller-coaster so take tissues!
With a stunningly simple backdrop of green hills and dusky skies you really do feel in the heart of Jam, Cake and Jerusalem country and come away feeling empowered by those ladies ability to bare all to the audience, but not quite enough to feel the need to follow suite!
A definite must see and as a child in the 80’s watching Hi-De-Hi never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d ever utter the words “I saw Ruth Madoc bare her breasts this evening”.
As the new spring season for Storyhouse fast approaches, the award-winning Chester venue has added four new shows to its programme – revealing its first three shows for autumn.
Audiences can look forward to headline shows including West End musicals, comedy giants, beautiful dance, and captivating opera.
Spring highlights include Wise Children; Annie; Ghost – The Musical; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Avenue Q; Brian Blessed; Collabro; Brendan Cole; Julian Clary; Moscow City Ballet; The Noise Next Door; Nick Sharratt; and English Touring Opera.
But before the new season starts, four new shows have been added to the line-up for 2019.
Author Matt Haig has been added to the spring season and comes to Storyhouse this April. Followed by Cabaret in September and Calendar Girls The Musical in October, then comedian Ed Byrnein December – this hat-trick of new shows are the first to be announced for the autumn 2019 programme.
Author Matt Haigcomes to Storyhouse on Sunday 14 April with Notes on a Nervous Planet, apersonal and vital look at how to feel happy, human and whole in the 21st Century and the follow-up to his bestseller Reasons To Stay Alive. Join the author for an evening of positive and insightful discussion about the modern world, offering a closer look at the challenges posed by our ever-changing technological landscape and his advice on how best to navigate it.
Cabaret comes to Storyhouse between Tuesday 24 September and Saturday 28 September for eight performances only, including three matinees.
Bill Kenwright presents the multi award-winning production of Kander and Ebb’s landmark musical, Cabaret. Directed by National Theatre Artistic Director Rufus Norris, the production has enjoyed two smash-hit West End runs at The Lyric and The Savoy theatres. Since its Broadway premiere and the movie version starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey,Cabaret has won numerous stage and screen awards including eight Oscars, seven BAFTAs and 13 Tonys. Cabaret features show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and iconic songs Money Makes The World Go Round, Maybe This Time and, of course, the title song Cabaret.
Make a date with theCalendar Girlsbetween Tuesday 29 October and Saturday 2 November, with matinee performances on the Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Calendar Girls The Musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth is the award-winning production based on the true story of the calendar girls – a group of ordinary women from Yorkshire who achieved something extraordinary. This marvellous musical comedy, based on the smash-hit film of the same name, received fantastic five-star reviews in London’s West End. The Times described Calendar Girls The Musical as “pure gold”.
Comedian Ed Byrne makes his first trip to Storyhouse on Monday 9 December with his new show If I’m Honest.
Join Ed as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has any traits that are worth passing on to his children. A masterclass in observational comedy, the show comes hot on the heels of his 2017/2018 hit tour, Spoiler Alert! In the past year Ed has appeared on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, The Pilgrimage, QI, and Top Gear.
The spring season starts with The Comedy About a Bank Robberyfrom Tuesday 29 January to Saturday 2 February. Mischief Theatre return to Storyhouse with their latest West End smash hit, which follows the hugely successful The Play That Goes Wrong.
Musicals fare strong throughout spring and Storyhouse audiences can look forward to Avenue Q, Ghost – The Musical, Annie, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Avenue Q runs from Monday 25 February and Saturday 2 March. This Tony Award-winning musical ishilarious and cheeky, and full of mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness. With a cast of 11 hugely talented performers and puppets, it’s a musical like no other.
Based on the blockbuster 1990 film starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg,Ghost – The Musical will pull on the heartstrings. It runs from Tuesday 5 March to Saturday 9 March,and includes songs co-written by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart.
West End smash hit Annie stars actress Anita Dobson (EastEnders, Wicked, Chicago) as Miss Hannigan. With songs including Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, and Tomorrow, the show runs from Monday 25 March to Saturday 30 March.
The Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and coat of many colours is portrayed through Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from Tuesday 16 April to Saturday 20 April.
Visionary director Emma Rice presents the new theatrical production of novelist Angela Carter’s Wise Children direct from the West End from Tuesday 19 March to Saturday 23 March. The carnivalesque tale of the tangled fortunes of two theatrical families is inspired by Shakespeare’s greatest comedies.
Laughter is often thought to be the best medicine, so a trip to Storyhouse is a must with appearances from a whole host of comedy giants.
An Evening with Brian Blessedis on Wednesday 6 February; Jason Manford returns to Storyhouse and brings his show Muddle Class for two nights on Wednesday 13 February and Thursday 14 February; risqué comedian Julian Clary presents Born To Mince on Sunday 31 March; while DaraO’Briain is the Voice of Reason from Monday 1 April to Wednesday 3 April.
The Noise Next Door present a double bill on Wednesday 20 February. The improv comedy troupe present new family showThe Noise Next Door At Sea in the afternoon, followed that evening byRemix, a brand new full-length show for the grown-ups.
Music and dance are high on the programme with Collabro performing on Monday 11 February as part of their UK tour Road To The Royal Albert Hall; and Moscow City Balletpresent a double bill ofThe Nutcracker on Thursday 21 February and Friday 22 February, followed by Sleeping BeautyonSaturday 23 February.
Star of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing Brendan Cole is back with new stage production Show Man onSunday 24 February; and English Touring Opera return to present a season of Kings and Queens in the battle for love, loyalty and power with a double bill of Verdi’s Macbeth on Friday 15 March andMozart’s Idomeneo on Saturday 16 March, both will feature a large chorus and live orchestra.BalletBoyz also return with two new works, Them & Us on Thursday 4 April.
Acclaimed children’s writer and illustratorNick Sharrattpresents his Right Royal DrawalongonSaturday 16 February, showing audiences how to sketch their favourite characters. Nick has illustrated close to 260 books including Tracy Beaker.
Young dragonZog flies into Storyhouse from Friday 5 April to Sunday 7 April. The stage adaptation is based on the book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler. Large in size and keen in nature, Zog has promises plenty of adventures and fun for all ages.
Storyhouse Artistic Director Alex Clifton said:“What an exciting and diverse season we have this spring. Showstopping musicals, West End productions, and household comedy names – this is just a taster of the fantastic line-up we have heading to Storyhouse.
“It may only be January, but we’re also thrilled to announce our first shows for autumn – Cabaret, Calendar Girls The Musical, and comedian Ed Byrne. We’re looking forward to a colourful, exciting and entertaining 2019, we hope you can join us.”
Tickets for all spring season shows at Storyhouse are now on sale. Storyhouse has a dynamic pricing policy on the majority of shows, ensuring the earlier you book your tickets, guarantees the best seats at the lowest price.
A play about the unconventional love story between two professional boxers is about to embark on its third UK tour, visiting 11 venues across four weeks.
Gypsy Queen opens its UK Tour 2019 at The Riverfront, Newport, on Thursday 31 January.
The show will then tour for four weeks visiting Nottingham Playhouse; Square Chapel in Halifax; Sheffield Crucible; York Theatre Royal; Hull Truck; Crewe Lyceum; Lawrence Batley in Huddersfield; Theatr Clywd; Leicester Curve; and New Wosley in Ipswich.
Set in the competitive world of boxing, Gypsy Queen is a tale of boxingand finding love in the most unusual circumstances, and explores LGBTQI visibility in sport, faith, sexuality, and the notion of masculinity.
Gypsy Queen tells the story of ‘Gorgeous’ George O’Connell, a bare-knuckle fighter from a traveller family, a hero to his people and a self-proclaimed Gypsy King. George enters the world of professional boxing which puts him on a collision course with his roots, his fears and his very identity.
In the opposite corner, Dane ‘The Pain’ Samson, the young pretender and son of a boxing legend. He is fighting his own battles that lead to a tragedy that neither could predict.
This critically acclaimed love story about two men who find each other in the most unlikely of worlds. But can two men raised to fight ever learn to love?
The play features just two actors, who play nine characters between them, portraying comedy, drama and physicality in equal measure.
Gypsy Queen is written by Rob Ward, who also plays the role of George O’Connell. The role of Dane Samson will be shared during the tour by actors John Askew and Ryan Clayton, who will each perform on specific dates (see listings).
John Askew reprises the role after performing as Dane at the Edinburgh Fringe 2018 and the Gypsy Queen UK Tour 2018; while Ryan Clayton returns after being originally cast as the character in 2017.
The play is directed by Adam Zane and produced by Max Emmerson for Emmerson & Ward Productions, in association with Hope Theatre Company.
Just days before the tour opens in Newport, there is a special immersive performance of Gypsy Queen in Manchester on Sunday 27 January 2019. The site specific performance will be staged atMoss Side Fire Station Boxing Club, where the cast will perform within the ropes of an actual boxing ring. A 3pm family friendly performance will be followed by the full production at 7pm.
Producer Max Emmerson commented:“We’ve had a fantastic response to the site specific performance of Gypsy Queen at Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club, and now we’re excited to announce details of the new UK Tour 2019.
“The play has strong messages of friendship, conflict, challenging prejudice – but most of all love. We’re looking forward to taking Gypsy Queen to new venues and audiences, and continues to help break down barriers.”
Gypsy Queen was nominated for two Manchester Theatre Awards 2018 in the categories of best new play and best fringe production.
The play was a knock-out success at Edinburgh in 2017 and 2018, garnering a host of four and five-star reviews, and was selected as one of LGBT Youth Scotland’s Top Ten Festival Picks at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe. It was also longlisted for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award, with writer Rob Ward named as one of the British Council’s Emerging Artists for 2017. The List also placed Gypsy Queen 39th on its list of best festival shows based on the opinions of a range of reviewers – out of 3,500 overall.
What the critics say…
“A slick, rewarding piece of work” – The List
“A multi-faceted love story…slick yet poignant” – The Stage
“Incredibly moving…brilliantly funny” – Attitude
“Laugh-out-loud lines…a touching romance” – The Independent
“Heart-breaking, raw and emotional; this really is not one to miss” – Broadway Baby
Gypsy Queen is suitable for audiences aged 16 upwards. The play contains strong language, nudity, and scenes of a sexual nature.
New Old Friends present: Crimes on the Nile A new Artemis Arinae thriller from New Old Friends inspired by Christie, Coward and classic Ealing comedies UK Tour, 7th January to 4 May 2019
“a mesmerising mix of murder, mayhem and laugh-out-loud comedy that leaves you exhausted just watching the action unfold” ★★★★ The Stage onCrimes Against Christmas
Following 2018’s sell-out smash hit Crimes Under the Sun, multi-award-winning theatre company, New Old Friends, return with another hilariously inventive comedy thriller.
It’s 1935 and celebrated Belgian detective extraordinaire, Artemis Arinae, is enjoying a cruise along the Nile – when tragedy strikes again. All passengers and staff are suspects, and the body count is growing – will Arinae’s little grey cells identify the murderer in time?!
A cast of just four bring to life lascivious lawyers, crocked captains, fastidious physicians, ardently amorous authors, feuding femme fatales, plodding paramours, colossal kids, friendly first mates and attractive Americans, who all get swept along the driving narrative and inventive set-pieces.
Heather Westwell, co-artistic director says: “Touring with Crimes Under the Sun was such a joyous experience with such an incredible response from the public that we are over the moon to be taking out another Artemis Arinae comedy thriller. This time we see our hero trapped on a river boat with a cast of shady characters, it features the same brand of multi-role mayhem and invention with even more ambition this time around. It should be a lot of fun.”
New Old Friends are an award-winning theatre company dedicated to creating original comedy theatre, founded in 2008 and run by husband and wife team Feargus Woods Dunlop and Heather Westwell. Previous shows include Crimes Against Christmas, Crimes on the Christmas Express, and Crimes under the Sun. In 2014 and 2015, New Old Friends took their adaptation of Anthony Horowitz’s The Falcon’s Malteser on two national tours and to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, enjoying sell-out shows at the Pleasance and great critical acclaim. After a chance conversation via Twitter, the company met Lichfield Garrick’s former artistic director Tim Ford and the opportunity for the Crimesshows began. Crimes on the Nile follows hot on the heels of Crimes of the Christmas Pudding which ran all winter at the Lichfield Garrick.
