Month: June 2019

FURTHER TICKETS TO BE RELEASED FOR WEST END PRODUCTION OF

D E A R   E V A N   H A N S E N

BOOKING TO APRIL 2020

WEST END PRODUCTION LAUNCHES FAN SEARCH FOR

YOU WILL BE FOUND MOSAIC ARTWORK

Following a sell-out priority booking period, the West End production of Dear Evan Hansen today announces a second additional ticket release will take place at 10am on Monday 10 June 2019, with tickets on sale to Saturday 4 April 2020.  Dear Evan Hansen begins previews at the Noël Coward Theatre on Tuesday 29 October 2019 with opening night on Tuesday 19 November 2019 at 7pm.  Casting will be announced at a later date. 

Producer Stacey Mindich is also excited to announce an opportunity for fans to appear in the poster artwork for Dear Evan Hansen as part of the mosaic background, which features real people inspired by the production’s Act 1 ending anthem ‘You Will Be Found’.  Dear Evan Hansen has had the support of passionate fans in New York, on tour and internationally – and since the show opened on Broadway in 2016, over 6,000 of those supporters have been ‘found’ in the show’s locally personalised artwork, enabling a further connection to the production.  For participants to be eligible they must submit their photo or video via the official Dear Evan Hansen website before Sunday 4 August 2019.  Full details can be found at www.dearevanhansen.com/london/ from Monday 10 June 2019.

The winner of six Tony awards including Best Musical, as well as the 2018 Grammy award for Best Musical Theatre Album, Dear Evan Hansenis directed byfour-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif and features a book by Tony award-winner Steven Levenson and a score by the Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning composers of The Greatest Showman, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul.

A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in.  Both deeply personal and profoundly contemporary, Dear Evan Hansen is a new musical about life and the way we live it.

Reuniting the original Broadway creative team for this West End production, Dear Evan Hansen is produced by Stacey Mindich and features scenic design by David Korins, projection design by Peter Nigrini, costume design by Emily Rebholz, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, and hair design by David Brian Brown.  Music supervision, orchestrations and additional arrangements are by Alex Lacamoire.  Ben Cohn is the Associate Music Supervisor.  Vocal arrangements and additional arrangements are by Justin Paul. Danny Mefford is the choreographer.  Casting by Jill Green Casting. Sash Bischoff, Adam Quinn andDanny Sharron are the Associate Directors. Judith Schoenfeld is the Production Supervisor. US General Management 101 Productions, Ltd. Adam Speers is Executive Producer.

Dear Evan Hansen has won the Drama League Award for Outstanding Musical Production and for the off-Broadway production, two Obie Awards, a Drama Desk Award, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and two Helen Hayes Awards.  Dear Evan Hansen is also the winner of the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards three years running, and was just proclaimed the Best Long-Running Show and the Best Touring Production in the 2019 Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards.  The Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen produced by Atlantic Records, was released in February 2017, making an extraordinary debut on the Billboard 200 and entering the chart at #8 – the highest charting debut position for an original cast album since 1961. The album went on to win the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album and recently became only the third cast recording this decade to go gold.  A deluxe version of the cast recording, including six bonus tracks and a pop cover from Katy Perry of ‘Waving Through a Window’ is available digitally.

Dear Evan Hansen opened on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre to great critical acclaim on 4 December 2016 where it has broken all box office records and recently celebrated its two-year anniversary.   A record-breaking US national tour launched in October 2018 and is currently touring North America and a limited engagement recently opened at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre, where it runs through to Sunday 21 July 2019.

LISTINGS

Theatre                                Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AU

Dates                                   from 29 October 2019

Opening Night                      19 November 2019 at 7pm

Box Office                            0844 482 5151

Performances                       Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Tickets                                 from £12.50

£2.50 booking fee applies

Laura Elmes Productions and Theatre Deli in association with the King’s Head Theatre presenta Fat Rascal Theatre production

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea WitchA Musical Parody

Wednesday 31st July – Monday 26th August 2019 (not 14th), 18:55 (70 mins)
Book and Lyrics by Robyn Grant & Daniel Foxx
Music by Tim Gilvin

Disney villain. Octo-woman. Plus-size icon. But who is the woman behind the tentacles? From the multi-award winning Fat Rascal Theatre, creators of sell-out hit musicals Buzz and Vulvarine, comes the untold story of Ursula the Sea Witch. It’s time to take the plunge as Fat Rascal Theatre reveal what really happened under the sea, in a tell-all tale of sex, sorcery and suckers.

When Disney released ‘The Little Mermaid’ in 1989, they had no idea they were also giving birth to an icon. Despite having just one song and only a handful of scenes, Ursula the Sea Witch quickly took her place as the queen of Disney villains: a bad bitch, a pop culture legend, and an endless source of quotes, memes, and merchandise. She’s the toast of the film, and yet she’s woefully underused.

So who better to take us on a scorching trip through the problematic minefield that is Disney?

Much of what makes Ursula a ‘villain’ is also what makes her a feminist badass. She’s loud. She’s clever. She’s a ruthless businesswoman, and oh boy is she sexy. Sexy, and unapologetically fat. Even now, in 2019, where posters still demand that we are ‘beach body ready’ and plus-size models remain a controversial topic; where young women are raised on a diet of lithe and limby princesses, fairies and (yes) mermaids; where disproportionately sized heads and minute waists are the animated norm… A woman like Ursula is needed more than ever. She’s not defined by slipper-sized feet, or enchanted blonde hair, or snow white skin. Ursula is plump, purple and proud.

With her character design based on the outlandish drag queen Divine, and brought to life by gay lyricist Howard Ashman, Ursula has become a major icon for the LGBTQ+ community, too. A community still woefully underrepresented by Disney, thrown only the occasional veiled hint or (most recently, in Beauty and the Beast) a two second scrap of dancing. But, once again, there stands Ursula, defiant against her creator and with a message for all us ‘poor unfortunate souls’: love the skin you’re in, value your voice over your body, and don’t be afraid to be a little bit nasty. 

Fat Rascal Theatre are a creative team packed to the brim with the plus size, the gay and the fabulous: and they’re ready to give Ursula the story she deserves. In this parody remix of the classic tale, Ursula spills the ink and tells audiences what really happened beneath the waves. We’ll see how she dealt with the embodiment of toxic masculinity that is King Triton, and tried to teach his airhead daughter, Ariel, to treasure her voice. Our hero is rude, she’s opinionated, and she’s got no time for faint-hearted Disney darlings. Think Wicked, but wider and wetter. And definitely not for kids.

THEATRE 503 until 22 June 2019

Reviewed by Serena Norgren

3***

Carnival is here. The streets of Notting Hill are alive with history and amongst the pulsating soca, dazzling colour, and endless sequins and feathers, Jade (Sapphire Joy) and Nadine (Sharla Smith) are fighting for space in a world they thought was theirs. J’Ouvert is a snapshot of these two best friends and their experience on one summer’s day at the Notting Hill carnival.

This is the debut play of Yasmin Joseph, one of Theatre503s writers-in-residence, and directorial debut of actor Rebekah Murrell: a story of sexual politics, friendship, culture and the Black experience.

The production has clearly been beset with some problems and Sharla Smith had only had a week to rehearse and was very much still on book in this, it’s opening week. It was valiant and energy-infused effort and by the end of the run, she will have nailed it, for sure. It must have been deeply frustrating for everyone involved and contributed to the slightly “work in progress” feel.

Having said that, this is a tale of friendship and culture and it wasn’t long before we were immersed in the girls’ relationship as Nadine prepares for the Queen of the Carnival competition. There is the meeting with Jade’s Y5 teacher, a trip to get food from overpriced Milly’s before a very unpleasant encounter with two white men. We meet Nisha (Annice Boparai), Jade’s politically “do gooder” and wealthier Asian friend, a tour de force of naïve activism, enthusiasm, heart and absolutely no emotional awareness at all.

The piece explores a wide range of concepts – racism, grades of colour, misogyny, rich v poor, modern “me too” girls against their old fashion, religious aunts and mothers, the futility of youth and commercialisation. It is indeed ambitious but these concepts are cleverly woven together in a tight and more often than not hilarious script. Although Grenfell and Windrush are not mentioned directly they permeate through the play. The Carnival’s deep historic and cultural routes are epitomised by the ghost of Claudia Jones, the Mother of Carnival in a slightly random and confusing way not helped by the three performers playing all parts throughout. A special mention to Sapphire Joy whose versatility shone through but was particularly hilarious as Hubert, a 70 year old beer drinking Jamaican.

Overall, this is a sharp, funny and well written work which tackles complex issues with humour and great insight, despite the slightly clunky production and casting issues. Yasmin Joseph is a playwright to watch and this production is worth a visit

St Helens Theatre Royal – until Saturday 8 June 2019

Reviewed by Carla Whittaker

4**** 

On Wednesday evening I was lucky to get tickets to watch Regal Entertainments new show Achy Breaky Bride at St Helen’s Theatre Royal.  I went with my nana and we had been really looking forward to it due to my nana’s love of country music. 

Achy Breaky Bride is a production written by David Paul and Emma Culshaw, directed by S Gatrill and presented by Regal Entertainments. It is a jukebox country musical which features a number of well-known cast members including Radio City’s Leanne Campbell, West End Star Daniel Taylor, and ITV Benidorm’s/ I’m a Celebratory favourite Crissy Rock joined by Divina De Campo from The Voice (2016) and Regal Entertainments favourite Olivia Sloyan. The line-up is completed by Joshua Ford, Jenna Sian O’Hara and Emma Vaudrey.

The story is based around Dolly’s Dream Dresses, a St Helen’s Bridal Boutique run by Jolene (Leanne) and her brother ‘A Boy Named Sue’ (Daniel Taylor). Despite being jilted at the alter by the love of her life; Hank Reynolds,  Jolene works tirelessly with A Boy Named Sue to help brides prepare for their biggest day of their life, however nothing goes to plan. Olivia Sloyan plays Faye a young girl with her own personal chaos going on who helps Jolene and Sue in the shop. Olivia is a very talented actress and her vocals are sensational.

Actress Crissy Rock appeared to be a favourite with the audience due to the comic value of her performances throughout the production. Crissy plays several parts in the show firstly as mother of the brides; Tara, Jackie, Liz and then Miss Wallace who has been saving up for a wedding even though she doesn’t have a husband to be. The highlight for me was Crissy playing Gladys who is an elderly resident of a care home who is marrying her toyboy only to find out when in the shop he has passed away.  Jenna Sian O’Hara plays three character brides firstly as Shelly an Irish gypsy, Hattie, and Lia. Jenna, brilliantly was able to change between three different accents –showing just what a versatile actress she is.   

Drag queen Divina De Campo show cased their versatility as Breathless a performer who has auditioned for the X-Factor, and Sue’s husband businessman Mikey.  I must say Divina De Campo’s stage presence and vocals are excellent! 

Hank Reynolds is played by the handsome Joshua Ford; Jolene’s first love. Hank comes to Dolly’s Dream Dresses with his fiancée, he comes face to face with Jolene and it would appear Jolene was not jiltered at the alter they were both at different chapels! I have never seen my nana laugh so much as when Hank did his Elvis stripper routine on stage. 

Myself and my nana have not laughed so much in a long time, although I did feel that the amount of swearing and sexual references on occasions was not needed. The whole cast were excellent and really connected with the audience with audience participation encouraged.  The songs were catchy and sung enthusiastically by the cast and audience including favourites such as Jolene, Jolene, Achy Breaky Heart, Rhinestone Cowboy and You’re Still the One to name just a few.

If you like a laugh and can appreciate Scouse humour/not easily offended I would recommended this show for an evening of cheesy giggles!

Alexandra Palace Theatre – 5 June 2019

Reviewed by Catherine Françoise

5*****

Having first seen this superb actor in this extraordinary one man play at Edinburgh last summer I was thrilled to be invited to review it at this wonderful new / old north London theatre as part of its 2019 UK tour journey back to Edinburgh again this summer. Having sold out at Edinburgh last summer it is being performed in larger space at the Pleasance this year with double audience capacity. Book your tickets before you go – David William Bryan playing his Great Uncle Arthur (Joe) In Loyal Company is a Must-See. One of the best things I’ve had the privilege of seeing in recent years on any level.

Watching it in the amazing old Alexandra Palace Theatre, recently reopened to the public again for the first time in over 80 years, was a added treat. It’s so evocative ~ you can sense all the (wonderful!) ghosts and theatrical stories in the lofty walls! Looking forward to seeing more here for sure!

But more importantly, back to the outstanding actor/writer David William Bryan in a tour de force solo performance recreating the incredible true story of his Great Uncle Arthur (known as Joe) who went missing in World War II where he was a prisoner of War in the Far East before returning home to Birkenhead, somewhat broken and sick after the war.

Bryan plays every character in his Great Uncle’s story including every member of his family: his mum, dad, Bill (one of his 6 brothers), his best friend Frank, his unattainable perfect gal Mary, his 3 army pals, commanding officers, and more! It’s quite astounding. Every character totally believable, voice and physicality changed in an instant and then swiftly switched again to another, or back to Arthur who addresses us the audience throughout the entire performance. Upbeat 1940s music is playing before the play begins which sets us in a different, simpler, era and as the music fades Bryan literally leaps on to the stage with an energy and immediacy that never dims throughout the 75 minutes. He completely owns the space and propels you along his story with him.

Arthur Robinson, whose family call him Joe because… “when you’ve got six children it’s faster if you get rid of a few syllables,” was a young lad living in Birkenhead in 1941. His mum has the cleanest front step on their street nestled under the shadow of Cammell Lairds shipbuilders. Arthur tells us he packs aircraft parts in a factory and is dead excited to get his best clobber on and go to the dance hall to see Mary who he is desperate to ask out but too shy. A bombing raid on the city changes everything and Arthur decides to join the army to fight Hitler.

Young Arthur had no idea where he was going, what he was going to do, what he would face and we are swept along in the innocence of this youthful, optimistic though shy unknown soldier’s life. Bryan is a totally engaging, always interesting, extremely personable actor who with no set or props manages to portray the entirety of the second world war in Asia, aided only by dramatic story telling and Jonny Ryan’s superb lighting and sound effects. Bryan transports us on board ships and trains on epic journeys with him to countries Arthur had no knowledge of, to the heat of dreadful battlefields, the exhausting jungles of the far east and to the unspeakable brutality of Japanese prisoner of war camps. It’s exhausting, and quite extraordinary. The abrupt end of the war and Arthur’s return home full of anticipation, and joy, to possibly be reunited with Mary is incredibly poignant but there is no happy ending. Yet the story of a young soldier’s life who determined to be optimistic come what may is incredibly uplifting. There were hundreds of thousands of Arthur’s in the second world war. Unknown soldiers full of ordinary hopes and dreams and aspirations, who made life better for the people around them, made people laugh and kept hope alive despite dreadful brutality and the most horrendous circumstances.

Bryan’s wonderful writing is resourceful, clear, heart-warming and beautifully paced. I’m intrigued and excited to see future work from this exceptionally talented writer and actor. It is especially poignant seeing In Loyal Company as we are commemorating the D Day Normandy landings when so many thousands of young men so bravely risked, and lost, their lives for future generations. Seeing men in their 90s still jumping out of planes reminds us of real ‘ordinary’ heroes like Arthur Robinson – Uncle Joe. Bryan’s tribute to his beloved unsung Great Uncle is a tribute to all these service men of WWII

In Loyal Company is a tour de force masterclass of superb and immense acting from David William Bryan. Intelligent, witty, fierce, physical, smart, poignant, incisive, reflective and fast paced. If you get a chance to see this do not miss it! For upcoming In Loyal Company tour dates, visit www.DavidWilliamBryan.com

DARLINGTON’S PANTO HAS ADDED TALENT!

Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson joins Shirley Ballas in this year’s GIANT family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Darlington Hippodrome are delighted to announce that George Sampson, Phil Walker and Daniel Taylor are joining Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas in the festive family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk from Friday 6 December.

Starring in the title role of Jack Trot will be Britain’s Got Talent winner, George Sampson. The Warrington-born dancer, presenter, singer and actor rose to fame when he entered the second series of ITV’s flagship talent show Britain’s Got Talent where he wowed audiences with his impressive street dance abilities and performance skills, which he showcased in front of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at the Royal Variety Performance. Since then George has gone on to headline at regular summer festivals across the UK, host weekend specials at UK resorts, host various product launches, released his debut single ‘Get Up on the Dance Floor’, and released his debut dance DVD, Access 2 All Areas.

He continues to dance, but is now also known for his acting, having starred in the hip-hop musical Into the Hoodz in London’s West End and in the feature films Streetdance 2 and Streetdance 3D, held roles in Waterloo Road and Casualty for the BBC, starred in Mount Pleasant on Sky One, appeared in The Dumping Ground for CBBC and made his soap debut as Ryan in Emmerdale for ITV. Last year he starred in the Madness musical Our House and made his pantomime debut for producers Qdos Entertainment at the Crewe Lyceum.

Starring as Jack’s hapless brother Simon will be comedian Phil Walker. Having started his career as a Butlins redcoat, Phil went on to forge a successful career as a stand-up comedian, appearing regularly across the northern club scene and winning accolades including the City Life Comedian of the Year. Since then he has headlined at comedy clubs across the UK, entertaining thousands of people every year. He has also starred at the Edinburgh Fringe, winning rave reviews for his show ‘Is this it?’ and has entertained over 4,000 troops on two tours of Afghanistan, The Falkland Islands, Bosnia and Germany. A regular in pantomime, Phil spent 11 years starring at the King George’s Hall in Blackburn, and the last four years at Preston’s Guildhall. Jack and the Beanstalk marks his Darlington Hippodrome debut.

Joining them as the evil villain Fleshcreep will be actor and comedy writer Daniel Taylor. On stage he is best known for his portrayal of Sammy in Blood Brothers, Mickey in Down the Dock Road at the Royal Court, Tommy Cooper in the critically acclaimed The Tommy Cooper Show and as John Lennon in the off-Broadway production, Lennon – Through a Glass Onion at the famous Epstein Theatre in his native Liverpool.

Jack and the Beanstalk will be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and the team behind Darlington’s annual pantomime, who guarantee another must-see production packed with audience participation, sensational music and even more spectacular dance routines, jaw-dropping special effects and fantastic festive entertainment suitable for all ages.

Jake Hine, Executive Producer for Qdos Entertainment, said: “I’m thrilled that George, Phil and Daniel will be joining the wonderful Shirley in Darlington’s pantomime this year. Between the four of them we have every facet of dance imaginable, hilarious comedy and the ultimate panto villain. Together they will ensure Darlington can be sure of one of the best pantomimes yet, with plenty of exciting things planned.”

Darlington Hippodrome Director Lynda Winstanley said: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that George, Phil and Daniel will be coming to Darlington Hippodrome to join Shirley Ballas. I’m sure Darlington audiences will be as excited as we are to see this fantastic cast in action ensuring Jack and the Beanstalk is another festive, family pantomime success.”

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Friday 6 December 2019 to Sunday 5 January 2020. For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.

Northern Ballet announces 50^th Anniversary Programme

Northern Ballet has announced details of their 50^th Anniversary Programme including three world premières, a star-studded Gala and tours of some of the Company’s best-loved productions. Worldpremières in 2020 include Geisha by Kenneth Tindall, Merlin by Drew McOnie and a new children’s ballet. David Nixon OBE’s blockbusters Cinderella and The Great Gatsby return for national tours.Northern Ballet will also perform Three Short Ballets in Newcastle and tour Mariana Rodrigues’ Little Red Riding Hood nationally.

50^th Anniversary Celebration Gala

Marking the start of the Company’s anniversary programme, Northern Ballet’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration Gala will see dancers from some of the world’s leading companies unite in a unique eventcelebrating Northern Ballet’s 50-year journey. Northern Ballet will be joined by guest stars from The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, English National Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre performing excerpts from Northern Ballet’s repertoire and worksconnected to the Company’s history. The gala will be a magnificent celebration of the Company’s 50-year story so far.

The 50^th Anniversary Celebration Gala will be at Leeds Grand Theatre for one night only on Saturday 4 January 2020. For information visit northernballet.com/gala

Geisha – World Première

In the first of three world premières, Kenneth Tindall, choreographer of the Company’s acclaimedCasanova, creates his second full-length ballet. Based on a true story, Geisha is the haunting tale of two young women trapped in a world of duty and sacrifice, who can only be saved by a promise frombeyond the grave.

Geisha will feature original music composed by Alexandra Harwood (The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society), an original scenario and dramaturgy by Gwyneth Hughes (ITV’S Vanity Fair), set and costume designs by Christopher Oram (Casanova and Disney’s Frozen, Broadway) and lighting by Alastair West (Casanova).

Geisha will première in Leeds on 14 March 2020 followed by a tour to Sheffield, London, Edinburgh and Cardiff until May 2020. For information visit northernballet.com/geisha

Cinderella

A family favourite, David Nixon OBE’s Cinderella will tour nationally in the spring. An enchantingadaptation of the world’s most famous rags to riches story, Cinderella is whisked away from her wicked Stepmother and a desolate life of servitude, to the glistening lake of ice where she first meets her Prince and changes her destiny forever.

Cinderella features an original score by Philip Feeney, sets designed by Duncan Hayler, lighting by Tim Mitchell and costumes by David Nixon OBE. The ballet will tour to Leicester, Milton Keynes and Salford from March to June 2020. For more information visit northernballet.com/cinderella

The Great Gatsby

David Nixon OBE’s smash hit The Great Gatsby, returns for a new national tour in the autumn. Based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby tells the story of mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby as the sparkling façade of his world starts to slip, revealing the loneliness, obsession and tragedy that lies beneath.

Set to a toe-tapping score by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett CBE, with sets designed by Jérôme Kaplan, lighting by Tim Mitchell and costumes by David Nixon OBE, The Great Gatsby will tour to Leeds, Nottingham and Sheffield from September – October 2020. For more information visitnorthernballet.com/gatsby

Merlin – World Première

The second full-length world première of Northern Ballet’s 50^th anniversary season will see DrewMcOnie make his debut with Northern Ballet. The choreographer, whose previous projects includeBroadway’s King Kong and Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom, will create Merlin, a magical spectacle inspired by the story of the legendary wizard.

Merlin will feature original music by Grant Olding (One Man Two Guvnors, National Theatre), a scenario by Gwyneth Hughes (ITV’s Vanity Fair), set and costume designs by Colin Richmond (Grease, UK Tour) and lighting by Anna Watson (A Christmas Carol, Bristol Old Vic). In addition, Chris Fisher, International Illusions and Magic Associate on Harry Potter & the Cursed Child has been appointed as Illusionist for Merlin.

Merlin will première in Bradford on 16 October 2020 followed by a tour to Norwich, Newcastle, Southampton, Woking and Leeds until December 2020. For more information visitnorthernballet.com/merlin

Three Short Ballets

Following the success of the Company’s debut at Newcastle’s Northern Stage this year, Northern Ballet will return in April 2020 with an exhilarating programme of Three Short Ballets featuring The Kingdom of Back by Morgann Runacre-Temple, Powerhouse Rhumba by David Nixon OBE and For an Instant by Amaury Lebrun. For information visit northernballet.com/three-short-ballets

Ballets for Children

Continuing its pioneering programme of short ballets created specifically for young children, Northern Ballet will première a new children’s ballet in October 2020. The title is yet to be announced but will follow in the footsteps of the recently announced world première of Little Red Riding Hood (October 2019) which is choreographed by Mariana Rodrigues and will tour nationally in spring 2020 (details to be announced). For updates visit northernballet.com/whats-on

Digital Dance

Continuing the Company’s exciting developments in its digital dance offering, Northern Ballet’s popular children’s ballets Ugly Duckling and Goldilocks & the Three Bears will be screened in cinemas nationwide from January 2020. The Company will also present three new dance films on its Digital Dance platform, including an original direct to digital creation by Kenneth Tindall. For updates seedigitaldance.org

Other Activities and Opportunities

In addition to its programme of performances, Northern Ballet will be holding a number of other activities and opportunities for audiences and supporters to engage with the Company during its 50^thanniversary year. These include an exhibition of ballet costumes in Leeds city centre during April and May 2020 and an exclusive fundraising dinner and performance in Leeds in autumn 2020. For more information on these and other activities as they get announced, see northernballet.com for updates. 

David Nixon OBE, Artistic Director of Northern Ballet said: ‘Northern Ballet is a truly extraordinary organisation and has endured so many challenges in its history to arrive, 50 years after its inception, as the successful, confident and innovative company that we are today. I am privileged to be the Artistic Director as we reach this milestone anniversary and to be continuing the incredible work of all the artists and staff who have gone before us. Our programme of events for our anniversary year showcases Northern Ballet’s strengths in creating new work, reviving some of our most popular productions and making exciting progress with our digital ambitions. As we take our next steps in the Company’s journey, I wish to thank all of our supporters past and present, and we look forward to what the future will bring.’

Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford – until 8 June 2019

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

With such an award-winning and talented cast, writer and director Poppy Burton-Morgan could not fail. The result is a high energy, roller coaster ride, through a musical, modern twist on the classic tale of The Wind in The Willows. We have the additional back story for Mole (Victoria Boyce) which gives the storyline pace and depth.

The individual characters are distinctive and each one is important to the story. The strong and dependable presence of Badger (Clive Rowe) as the school teacher, earthed the production, whilst Toad (Harry Jardine) is the troubled youth who has everything and nothing. The speed of Jardine’s rapping increases to an insane level as the story progresses. He brings chaos and humour and is a believable lovable rogue. Mole (Victoria Boyce) is his opposite, with a secret, troubled past and a soulful voice that reaches right into your heart. The cast is like a well-oiled wheel, performing as one, singing with one voice, dancing as one ensemble.

The Creative Team have to be commended for the way British Sign Language is an integral part of the performance. It adds a grace and flow to the movement of the cast. The use of posed shapes and styles in the production are a feast for the eyes. The cast move with such ease it belies how difficult the synchronicity of their dances is.

If you want a feel-good factor show for the whole family, this is it. The professionalism of the cast is an inspiration to any would-be actor of the future.

Grand Opera House York – until Saturday 8th June 2019

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

3***

Based on the quirky 2006 film, Little Miss Sunshine follows the Hoover family on their quest to reach California, from Albuquerque, in order for the young daughter Olive to participate in a beauty pageant of the same name. No mean feat, as this entails travelling across country in their dilapidated camper van.

The story is fundamentally a road trip with a dysfunctional family. We have dad Richard (Gabriel Vick), who after losing his job, is positive he has a book deal coming his way. Mother Sheryl (Lucy O’Byrne), trying to hold it all together. Uncle Frank (Paul Keating) is visiting his sister after slitting his wrists. Grandpa (Mark Moraghan), who can only be described as an aged teenager, coke-snorting, porn loving, cap on back to front and lewd comments aplenty. Son Dwayne (Sev Keoshgerian), stroppy to say the least, who is now in his 85th day of not speaking, using his mobile phone to frantically type out anything he wants to communicate. All of them end up accompanying Olive (Lily Mae Denman), this role is played by three different actresses on this tour, on her trip to California, as no one can be left behind because of various issues. What ensues are a variety of disasters, one after another, but somehow, through resilience, the family manage to push through.

The iconic yellow campervan is portrayed here using a revolving stage, kitchen chairs and a platform. At times it worked, but at the same time it was underwhelming. What worked for me was the physical scenes, the attempts at push starting the bus and when the family were running and weaving around in their mission to get back once this has been accomplished.

The stands out for me were, Grandpa’s sex song is hilarious and of course Olives pageant talent performance is worth a mention, though was missing the crawling on all fours from the film. Another standout was Imelda Warren-Green’s performance as Miss California, the parody of the beauty contestant was just fabulous. You couldn’t fault the cast at all.

There were a few parts of the show that I really enjoyed but ultimately the show lacked oomph. The songs were not memorable enough, didn’t pack a punch, which they should be doing, after all this is a musical. A shame really, as the promise of so much more was there to be had.

Phil McIntyre Live proudly presents

NIGEL PLANER TO PLAY GRANDPA IN

DAVID WALLIAMS’

GRANDPA’S GREAT ESCAPE LIVE

2019 UK ARENA TOUR

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Tickets on sale now

GrandpasGreatEscapeLive.co.uk

Actor and comedian Nigel Planer will star as Grandpa in the first ever stage adaptation of Grandpa’s Great Escape, the exhilarating number one best-selling children’s book by David Walliams which will tour UK arenas this Christmas. Tickets are on sale now

Best known for playing Neil in the much loved BBC2 cult comedy The Young Ones, Nigel has worked extensively in TV, film and radio throughout his illustrious 40-year career. He is also certainly no stranger to the stage, with theatre credits including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Hairspray, Chicago, Wicked and We Will Rock You.

Nigel Planer said: “It’s a great honour to be asked to play Grandpa in the live version of this amazing and cockle-warming story by David Walliams. It’s set to be such an amazing spectacular and I can’t wait to drive a tank and fly a life-size Spitfire over audiences around the country!”

The live version of the kids’ favourite, which has sold over two million copies around the world begins in Birmingham on 23 December. It will then visit London, Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow before culminating in Liverpool on 4 January

Grandpa’s Great Escape Live follows the acclaimed television film which aired on BBC One in December 2018, and will be directed by double Olivier Award winner and Tony® Award nominee Sean Foley (The Catherine Tate Show Live & The Painkiller). Grandpa’s Great Escape is the eighth book by Walliams and was published in September 2015 by HarperCollins Children’s Books.

The wonderous stage design for Grandpa’s Great Escape Live will see arenas around the UK transformed into London and its landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and the River Thames, from thousands of feet in the sky, as Grandpa’s life size Spitfire soars through the air. The set for this multi-million pound production has been created by Stufish Entertainment Architects (Cirque du Soleil, Beyonce & Jay Z, Madonna, The Rolling Stones). The script adaptation of the book has been written by Kevin Cecil (Little Britain & Gangsta Granny television film). Casting for the show will be announced soon.

Grandpa’s Great Escape, which has been translated into 39 languages received a wealth of glowing reviews with the Evening Standard declaring Walliams as “the new Roald Dahl”, while The Times describe the story as “a beguilingly funny, original and thought-provoking tale… hilarious”.

Many years ago, Grandpa was a World War II flying ace. But when he is sent to old folk’s home Twilight Towers – run by sinister Matron Swine – it’s up to Grandpa and his grandson, Jack, to plot a daring escape. Little do they know, the wicked matron is on to them.

Tickets are available online, from the booking hotline number 0844 493 6666 or from 11.00am in person from the Utilita Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply.

Grandpa’s Great Escape Live 2019 UK Tour

Monday 23 December Birmingham: Arena Birmingham 4.00pm & 7.00pm

Tuesday 24 December Birmingham: Arena Birmingham 1.00pm & 4.00pm

Thursday 26 December Birmingham: Arena Birmingham 4.00pm & 7.00pm

Friday 27 December London: The SSE Arena, Wembley 4.00pm & 7.00pm

Saturday 28 December London: The SSE Arena, Wembley 4.00pm & 7.00pm

Sunday 29 December Sheffield: FlyDSA Arena 4.00pm & 7.00pm

Monday 30 December Nottingham: Motorpoint Arena 4.00pm & 7.00pm

Wednesday 1 January Manchester: Arena 4.00pm & 7.00pm

Thursday 2 January Newcastle: Utilita Arena 4.00pm & 7.00pm

Friday 3 January Glasgow: The SSE Hydro 4.00pm & 7.00pm

Saturday 4 January Liverpool: M&S Bank Arena 4.00pm & 7.00pm