Waitress announces the next Cast Album Karaoke Night on 14 August

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TIME OUT, THE NEXT LONDON CAST ALBUM KARAOKE NIGHT WILL TAKE PLACE ON 14 AUGUST
 

  • LUCIE JONES AND MARISHA WALLACE WILL BE YOUR HOSTS FOR THE EVENING

Waitress has announced its next Cast Album Karaoke Night will take place on 14 August in partnership with Time Out offering audience members the chance to sing songs from the smash hit comedy musical, by 7-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles, live on the West End stage. The event will be hosted by Lucie Jones and Marisha Wallace who play waitresses Jenna and Becky, respectively, in the production. Audience members who want to take part in the Cast Album Karaoke Night just need to sign up before that evening’s show for the chance to sing one minute of any song from Waitress at the Adelphi and accompanied by the show’s musical director Katharine Woolley.

Waitress celebrated its official opening night at the AdelphiTheatre on 7 March and the Tony-nominated musical has recently announced it is extending by popular demand and is now booking through Christmas and New Year to 4 January 2020.

Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.

Brought to life by a ground breaking, female-led creative team, Waitress features an original score by 7-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland) and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The production is also currently touring the US and Canada and has announced an Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre with further productions to open in Holland next year and Japan in 2021.

Waitress stars Lucie Jones as Jenna, Ashley Roberts as Dawn, Marisha Wallace as Becky,Blake Harrison as Ogie, Peter Hannah as Earl, David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter and Shaun Prendergast as Old Joe.

The full company includes Kelly Agbowu, Piers Bate, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Michael Hamway, Peter Hannah, Blake Harrison, David Hunter, Lucie Jones,Stephen Leask,Chris McGuigan, Olivia Moore, Nathaniel Morrison, Sarah O’Connor, Leanne Pinder, Shaun Prendergast, Charlotte Riby, Ashley Roberts, Marisha Wallace and Mark Willshire. Laura Baldwin will return to the role of Dawn on 12 August.

On its Broadway opening at the Brooks Atkinson Theater where it has since become the  longest running show in the venue’s history, 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.

SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE REVIEW

MACBETH ~ A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM ~ RICHARD III

Blenheim Palace – until 7 September 2019

Reviewed by Catherine Françoise

5*****

Being a Reviewer more familiar with dance, opera and musical theatre, it was with much excitement and anticipation I approached Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre latest ‘Pop Up’ venue at Blenheim Palace.    

This follws from the enormously successful Rose Theatre set up previously in York. ‘Pop Up’ is a slight exaggeration since the theatre takes 3 weeks to build having being planned for year and involves 3000 square meters of protective trackway, 30,000 cubic meters of scaffolding tubes, 1400 sq meters of metal cladding and 22,000 screws. Oh and a pre-fabricated roof. The weight of the structure is around 60 tonnes and required 60 45’ articulated lorries to deliver all materials to build. Also 2 cranes, 6 cherry-pickers, 4 fork-lift trucks and 30 people to build. And “countless ice creams and rocky chocolate bars were consumed in the process”.

The setting at the magnificent Blenheim Palace is wonderful ~ a small ‘village’ surrounds the theatre with food, drink and plenty of seating and there is a relaxed atmosphere.

So far I’ve seen 3 of the 4 productions and have been wonderfully entertained and mighty impressed.  

•Damian Cruden is Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre and directs MacBeth; 

•Juliet Foster directs Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream; 

•Lucy Pitman-Wallace directs Richard III

•Tom Wright is associate director of Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream

•A Creative Team of 18 involving costumes, scenic design, fights, movement, choreography & aerial, composers and musicians (Wonderful music!), voice, lighting & sound. 

•A Fabulous actors company of 38 are cast in 2 plays each though not in the same play groupings. 

Wonderful to see Lady Macbeth become Peter Quince overnight! (Suzy Cooper) and  Titania become an Old Man/Priest (Tom Kanji). Every actor has significant role changes! 

I’m not a Shakespeare expert so cannot much compare with other productions but can say that as a relative newbie I was captivated and engrossed through all 3. Even my 90 year old mother who is French and certainly not familiar with Shakespeare, was absolutely engrossed in Midsummer Night’s Dream exclaiming that although she didn’t really understand what was going on she thought it was all wonderful. I noted she did not nod off at all.

For myself I enjoyed Richard III immensely, understanding the history of this time perhaps for the the first time! William Mannering’s portrayal of  a tyrannical, ruthless, unconscionable king was mesmerising and troubling indeed.  This was fast paced and a real insight into ‘the theatre of politics’ . A huge cast of characters were identifiable, helped in part by impressive ‘colour-coded costumes’ and a series of banners proclaiming who is king at any one time. 

Director Lucy Pittman-Wallace says “Our aim is also to strip bare the machinations within the corridors of power and that requires physical as well as textual clarity. The wonderful openness of our Elizabethan-inspired theatre space seems a fitting stage to entice and display the fascinating persons who inhabit the world of Richard the third, some dangerous, some dude, all to be watched closely at all times.”

Fabulous stuff! 

The Atmospheric use of music ~ wind instruments and drums ~ was very powerful and evocative in Macbeth (and indeed in all productions).  Music should always enhance and never intrude and this was perfectly judged by Musical Director Christopher Madin who composed the score also playing Cello and Percussion, with Guy Passey and Ed Beesley also playing.

Alex Avery as Macbeth and Suzy Cooper as Lady Mcbeth were intense and powerful. Wonderful costumes and set design from Sara Perks. The witches fire looked fearsome! 

Damian Cruden notes in the programme than “One of the joys of preparing for Macbeth in this unique setting is that it fits… The play seems to block itself… All seems to be intuitive. Our desire is that the words, live music, great swordplay and performances should carry the weight of this production”.

And so they did. 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream was tremendously engaging! Juliet Forster chose to double Theseus and Hippolyta with their fairy counterparts … “in which Oberon and Titania are seemingly the night-time personas/dream-selves of the Duke and his Amazonian bride, in turn caught up in the wild dream of the forest…”

The fairies were acrobats and aerialists on ledges and twirling in silks. The workman players final scene was very hilarious. And the mischief and mayhem caused by magic potions amongst the young lovers was wonderfully portrayed by a fabulous cast. 

It’s been an absolute pleasure to visit Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre, and I can say that anyone will be guaranteed to see high quality, intelligent, creative theatre.

I very much enjoyed and appreciated the myriad of roles played by the entire company, all very different and authentic ~ Highly commendable indeed.

The Rose Theatre have triumphed with these productions in an authentic Shakespearian setting. A superb opportunity to see Shakespeare in an engaging, creative, exciting light ~ I can’t imagine anyone leaving after seeing any of these productions with anything other than a desire to see more exciting and exhilarating Shakespeare! 

Avenue Q Review

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – runs until 3 August 2019

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

4****

Take a trip down to Avenue Q at Sheffield Theatres this week and meet the fantastically talented cast of a modern, hilarious and extremely well-written production. This show has hit many a stage, including Broadway and the West End for the last 17 years. It has its dedicated fans who arrive knowing what to expect and then the newbies…newbies beware! this show is not for the prudish.

Avenue Q is Robert Lopez and co-creator Jeff Marx’s coming-of-age parable; a lyrical satire on life’s anxieties and disappointments. The residents of Avenue Q are a mixture of puppets and humans. The musical is told in the manner of an adults version of the children’s tv show, Sesame Street, all the characters are colourful! The puppets certainly have gained an adult rating for this show, there is a liberal use of profanity and there is a sex scene involving naked puppets and an entire number about the event to run alongside it.

Each one of the cast displays wonderful vocals and together they produce some sweet harmonies. Lawrence Smith has a well-suited, well-trained, musical theatre sound to his voice, meeting the great needs of playing two parts, Princeton and Rod. Jasmine Beel who took the lead as understudy in this particular performance, playing Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut really shone. Beel has a tough job playing these two characters (often back to back) but smashed it, fresh out of training too with this being her professional debut.

Vocal star must surely go to Tom Steedon with his stupendous range taking on three characters, Nicky, Trekkie Monster and Bad Idea Bear. He delivers perfection in each of these roles, well done Tom! Great comedy role and stunning stage charisma from Saori Oda, playing the heavily accented Christmas Eve, she had the audience laughing with almost every line.

Musical numbers aplenty in each half, the majority with strong comedic value. Real stand-out songs included If You Were Gay, Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist, the hilarious The Internet Is For Porn and the beautiful solo sang by Kate Monster, There’s A Fine, Fine Line.

The thing that Avenue Q does really well is focus on some of the biggest issues in society today and make light of them, maybe in a way that they would be portrayed on a children’s TV show, like Sesame Street, allowing us to laugh and then reflect on them.

This show is and always has been an essential part of an enthusiastic, comedy musical fans repertoire. This tour does not disappoint and delivers everything you could ask for. If you are looking for talent, entertainment and giggles then you will find it down on Avenue Q.

The Girl on the Train Review

Duke of York’s Theatre – until 17 August 2019

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

4****

Based on the book and the film of the same name, The Girl on the Train captivates audiences and keeps them gripped from start to finish.

Rachel Watson (Samantha Womack) is a divorced alcoholic who has problems remembering things that have happened whilst she has been drinking. When a woman (Kirsty Oswald) from her old neighbourhood goes missing, Rachel sets out to find out what actually happened. Whilst trying to solve the case, Rachel also discovers that her ex-husband is not the man she thought he was and realises his new wife (Lowenna Melrose) and baby daughter are in danger.

Although the story line is a bit hard to follow at times, the story is engrossing and it is easy to feel sorry for Rachel at times, especially where her ex-husband (Adam Jackson-Smith) is involved. The sets are impressive and the costumes are basic but appropriate for each character. Although there is a lot of swearing in the show it doesn’t spoil it but rather enhances it as it gives you an in-site into the characters lives. The train journeys Rachel takes are depicted by train windows being projected onto the stage and when her character remembers something that may help her or the murder investigation she looks into a spot light which is powerful and shows she is taking back control.

The show is excellent but at times makes you think, so this is not a show if you want to escape the real world – but a brilliant show if you love mysteries and trying to solve them

Chelsea Halfpenny to play ‘Judy Bernly’ in West End production of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

DOLLY PARTON IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE

CHELSEA HALFPENNY TO PLAY ‘JUDY BERNLY’


BONNIE LANGFORD,

BRIAN CONLEY, CAROLINE SHEEN

AND NATALIE McQUEEN EXTEND THEIR RUNS

IN THE WEST END PRODUCTION OF

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, Book by Patricia Resnick

and Directed by Jeff Calhoun

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture

The producers of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL announced today that Chelsea Halfpenny will play the role of ‘Judy Bernly’ at the Savoy Theatre from Tuesday 27 August. Chelsea will play the role from 27 to 29 August and will be full time in the role from Tuesday 2 September.

Amber Davies’s final performances in the West End will be on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August.

Bonnie Langford, Brian Conley, Caroline Sheen and Natalie McQueen will extend their runs as ‘Roz Keith’,‘Franklin Hart Jnr’, ‘Violet Newstead’ and ‘Doralee Rhodes’. Bonnie, Caroline and Natalie will all appear in the show until 11 January 2020 and Brian will appear in the show until 30 November 2019.

Chelsea Halfpenny began her career in the popular children’s television series ‘Byker Grove’. She appeared as Amy Wyatt in ‘Emmerdale’ for three years and was most recently seen as Alice Munroe in ‘Casualty’, a part she played for four years. 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL marks Chelsea’s West End debut.

From 2 September, the cast at the Savoy Theatre will include Victoria Anderson, Alexander Bartles, Simon Campbell, Alexander Day, Rhiane Drummond, Demmileigh Foster, Molly-May Gardiner, Llandyll Gove,  Ben Irish, Jenny Legg, Natasha Mould, Jon Reynolds, James Royden-Lyley, Giles Surridge, Antoine Thomas-Sturge, Richard Taylor-Woods, Sasha Wareham and Emily Woodford.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL opened in the West End in February, where Dolly Parton attended the premiere and joined the cast on stage at the finale. The musical features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by multi Grammy Award winner, country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy – three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the women manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Poti Martin, video design by Nina Dunn, original arrangements by Stephen Oremus & Alex Lacamoire, original Broadway orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin, musical supervisor, reductions & extra arrangements by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe and Anne Vosser.

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Gavin Kalin Productions with Benjamin Lowy Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Showtime Theatre Productions, Hartshorn – Hook Productions, Harmonia Holdings and Kilimanjaro Live.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, London, WC2R 0ET

Currently booking in to 2020

Box Office: 0844 871 7687

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

Further Casting for The Prince of Egypt

JOE DIXON, DEBBIE KURUP, GARY WILMOT, ADAM PEARCE,

TANISHA SPRING AND SILAS WYATT-BARKE JOIN “THE PRINCE OF EGYPT”

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT OF NEW MUSICAL BEGINS 5 FEBRUARY 2020

 AT LONDON’S DOMINION THEATRE

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, the brand-new stage musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), a book by Philip LaZebnik(MulanPocahontas) and based on the celebrated DreamWorks Animation film, today announces further casting for its West End premiere production.  Joe Dixon (Seti), Debbie Kurup (Queen Tuya), Gary Wilmot (Jethro), Adam Pearce (Hotep), Tanisha Spring (Nefertari) and Silas Wyatt-Barke(Aaron) join the previously announced Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Christine Allado (Tzipporah) and Alexia Khadime (Miriam). Further casting to be announced.

Joe Dixon (Seti) is an Associate Artist of the RSC where his leading roles have included: ‘Catiline’ and ‘Antony’ in Imperium I & II; ‘Caliban’ in The Tempest with Simon Russell Beale; ‘Tu’an Gu’ in The Orphan of Zhao; ‘Afanasii Pushkin’ in Boris Godunov; ‘Achilles’ in Troilus and Cressida; ‘Bottom’ in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; ‘Armando’ in Love’s Labour’s Lost; ‘Aaron’ in Titus Andronicus; ‘Mendoza’ in The Malcontent;‘King of Bakam’ in The Island Princess; ‘Oberon’ in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; ‘Antipholus of Syracuse’ in The Comedy of Errors and, as part of the Olivier Award-winning Jacobean Season, ‘Paris’ in The Roman Actor (Olivier Award nomination, ‘Best Performance in a Supporting Role’). His many other stage roles include: ‘Camillo’ in A Winter’s Tale (National Theatre); ‘Dionysus’ in The Bacchae (South Bank Centre) and, for Cheek By Jowl, ‘Jacques’ in As You Like It (Ian Charleson Award). His major television roles include: ‘Philip’ in A.D. Kingdom and Empire (NBC); ‘Ramos’ in Atlantis (BBC); ‘Nick’ in 32 Brinkburn Street (BBC); ‘The Chancellor’ in Doctor Who: The End of Time (BBC); ‘Robert Lloyd’ in Criminal Justice (BBC); ‘DI Simon Rush’ in Silent Witness: Suffer The Children(BBC); ‘Eylot’ in Holding On (BBC) and ‘Terry Moir’ in The Manageress (Channel 4). His also played ‘Jacques’ in the film The Mummy Returns alongside Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and John Hannah.

Debbie Kurup (Queen Tuya) is currently appearing in Blues in the Night (Kiln Theatre). Her numerous leading theatre roles include: ‘Helene’ in Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse); ‘Mrs Neilson’ in Girl from the North Country (West End and The Old Vic); ‘Lucy Brown’ in The Threepenny Opera (National Theatre); ‘Velma Kelly’ in Chicago (West End); ‘Reno Sweeney’ in Anything Goes (Sheffield Theatres and national tour); ‘KT’ in the original West End cast of Sister Act; ‘Mimi’ in Rent (West End); ‘Carmen’ in Fame The Musical (national tour) and as ‘Nicki Marron’ in the original West End cast of The Bodyguard, for which she received Olivier, WhatsOnStage and BroadwayWorld Award nominations.

Gary Wilmot (Jethro), the much-loved actor, singer, comedian, impressionist and presenter, first came to prominence on the ITV show New Faces in 1978. Over the subsequent 40+ years, his prolific career has encompassed hundreds of television appearances, with shows including: Cue Gary!PunchlinesThe Saturday GangYou & MeSo You Want To Be Top?Copy CatsGet Fresh; Never Mind the Buzzcocks; Diamonds Are Forever: The Don Black Songbook and the spectacular Showstoppers, and multiple acclaimed stage roles, including his debut in 1989 as ‘Bill Snibson’ in Me and My Girl in the West End (and subsequently on national tour, TMA ‘Best Actor’ nomination) and his most recent show-stopping performances in Dick Whittington and Snow White at the London Palladium. His many other leading stage roles include: ‘Ali Hakin’ in Oklahoma! (national tour); ‘Caractacus Potts’ in Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang (London Palladium and national tour); ‘Fagin’ in the Cameron Mackintosh production of Oliver! (national tour); ‘Billy Flynn’ in Chicago (national tour); ‘Bottom’ in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and ‘Dick Deadeye’ in HMS Pinafore (both at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and ‘Joe’ in Carmen Jones (The Old Vic). He has appeared on the Royal Variety Show, been the subject of This Is Your Life and received an MBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to Drama and charity. Prior to THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, Gary is making his National Theatre debut in Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear – The Musical and will return to the London Palladium to star in Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Adam Pearce (Hotep) is currently playing ‘Augustin Magaldi’ in Evita (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), directed by Jamie Lloyd. He played ‘Max von Mayerling’ in the acclaimed national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, opposite Ria Jones and Danny Mac. His many West End credits include: Les MisérablesSweeney Todd (directed by Jonathan Kent); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (with Lee Mead); Evita (directed by Michael Grandage) and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies. He made his National Theatre debut in The Light Princess (directed by Marianne Elliott).

Tanisha Spring (Nefertari) recently played ‘Crystal’ in Little Shop of Horrors (Storyhouse), directed by Stephen Mear. Her other credits include: Caroline, or Change (West End); Big Fish (The Other Palace); One Love – The Bob Marley Musical (Birmingham Rep); Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (West End) and the film Rocketman, directed by Dexter Fletcher.

Silas Wyatt-Barke (Aaron) played ‘Sir Andrew Aguecheek’ in Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub’s musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night(Young Vic). His other credits include: As You Like It (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre); Much Ado About Nothing (Rose Theatre Kingston); Alan Bennett’s Forty Years On (Chichester Festival Theatre); The Go-Between (West End); Dr Seuss’ The Lorax (The Old Vic and Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto) and Sunny Afternoon (West End).

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT will star Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Christine Allado (Tzipporah), Alexia Khadime (Miriam), Joe Dixon(Seti), Debbie Kurup (Queen Tuya), Gary Wilmot (Jethro), Adam Pearce (Hotep), Tanisha Spring (Nefertari) and Silas Wyatt-Barke (Aaron). Further casting to be announced.

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT is directed by Scott Schwartz with choreography by Sean Cheesman;set designs by Kevin Depinet; costume designs by Ann Hould-Ward; lighting design by Mike Billings; sound design by Gareth Owen; projection designs by Jon Driscoll; illusion designs by Chris Fisher; orchestrations by August Eriksmoen; musical supervision and arrangements by Dominick Amendum; musical direction by Dave Rose and casting by Jim Arnold CDG.

Performances begin at London’s Dominion Theatre on Wednesday 5 February 2020, with an official West End premiere on Tuesday 25 February 2020, for a limited 32-week engagement. Tickets are now available via www.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Philip LaZebnik and features 10 new songs written by Stephen Schwartz, together with 5 of his acclaimed songs from the DreamWorks Animation film, including Deliver UsAll I Ever WantedThrough Heaven’s Eyesand the Academy Award®-winning When You Believe.

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

A milestone in cinematic achievement, DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt captivated audiences across the world and recently celebrated its 20thAnniversary. Hailed as “an outstanding artistic achievement” (Variety) and “a stunning film” (The Guardian), it remains one of the most beloved and acclaimed animated feature films of all time.

The Academy Award®-winning song When You Believe, recorded by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey in 1998, went on to become a global hit. In 2007, Simon Cowell selected it as the winner’s single for the UK’s popular TV show The X-Factor, spending three weeks at the top of the UK charts.

Developmental productions of THE PRINCE OF EGYPT were presented at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley (winner of the 2019 Regional Theatre Tony Award®) and Fredericia Teater Denmark.

The West End premiere production of THE PRINCE OF EGYPT is produced by DreamWorks Theatricals (a division of Universal Theatrical Group), Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw.

Official websitewww.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @PrinceOfEgyptUK

LISTINGS INFORMATION

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT – A NEW MUSICAL

DOMINION THEATRE

268-269 TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD

LONDON W1T 7AQ

The theatre is adjacent to Tottenham Court Road Underground Station.

BOOKING:

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

www.ThePrinceOfEgyptMusical.com

Telephone bookings: 0345 200 7982 (or +44 161 876 2405 if dialling from outside the UK).

Operated by Quay Tickets, 9am-9pm, 7 days a week. No booking fees online, by telephone or in person.

£2.50 transaction charge for online and telephone bookings.

Groups and Schools (10+): www.ThePrinceofEgyptGroups.com or call 0344 847 2311 

Dominion Theatre Groups Department open 10am-5.30pm Monday-Friday (closed Bank Holidays).

Access:  020 7927 0929 or [email protected]

Ticket prices from: £19.50

Ticket prices include a £1.50 theatre restoration levy.

DATES:

32 WEEKS ONLY from Wednesday 5 February until Saturday 12 September 2020.

REDUCED PRICE PERFORMANCES WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY – FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2020.

London Premiere Tuesday 25 February 2020.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Monday-Saturday 7.30pm*

Matinees Thursday** & Saturday 2.30pm

Running time: TBC

*London Premiere Tuesday 25 February 2020 at 7.00pm

**First Thursday matinee: 20 February 2020 at 2.30pm (Half Term)

Please note that there is no performance on Monday 10 February 2020

The production is recommended for ages 7+. Children under 5 cannot be admitted.

Extra shows added: Tuesday 14 April, Tuesday 11 August and Tuesday 25 August 2020, all at 2.30pm

ACCESS PERFORMANCES

Captioned: Saturday 16 May 2.30pm

Audio Described: Thursday 21 May 7.30pm

British Sign Language: Thursday 4 June 7.30pm

Official websitewww.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @PrinceOfEgyptUK

9 to 5 The Musical Announces Full Cast of Second Production

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR THE SECOND PRODUCTION OF

DOLLY PARTON’S

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

OPENING AT

THE ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM

ON 6 SEPTEMBER 2019

The producers of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL today announced the full cast for the second production when it embarks on an 11-city tour of the UK and Ireland from 6 September 2019. Directed by Jeff Calhoun, with a book byPatricia Resnick who wrote the hit movie and music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.

Direct from the West End smash-hit production, Louise Redknapp and Amber Davies will reprise their roles as ‘Violet Newstead’ and ‘Judy Bernly’ in the second production with Amber playing every venue and Louise visiting six cities. West End star Caroline Sheen will play the role of ‘Violet Newstead’ in Cardiff with Laura Tyrer playing the role the remainder of tour.

Joining them from the original West End production, Sean Needham and Lucinda Lawrence will play ‘Franklin Hart Jnr’ and ‘Roz Keith’. Brian Conley will make a special appearance as ‘Franklin Hart Jnr’ in Milton Keynes.

They will be joined by Georgina Castle as ‘Doralee Rhodes’ the role made famous by Dolly Parton. Please see the website www9to5themusical.co.uk for full dates and information.

Louise Redknapp has recently turned her musical talents to the stage and previously appeared as Sally Bowles’ in the national tour of “Cabaret”. Most recently Louise played the lead role of ‘Violet Newstead’ in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.  Louise’s latest solo album will be out later this year.

Caroline Sheen is renowned for her leading roles in the West End including “Les Misérables” at the Palace and Queen’s theatres, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the London Palladium, and the title role in “Mary Poppins” on tour throughout the US and the UK. Caroline is currently playing the lead role of ‘Violet Newstead’ in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.

Amber Davies is best known for being the winner of the hit ITV reality series “Love Island” in 2017. Amber is currently playing the role of ‘Judy Bernly’ in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.

Brian Conley is currently playing the role of ‘Franklin Hart Jnr’ in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.Brian has many West End credits to his name including ‘Edna Turnblad’ in “Hairspray” at the Shaftesbury Theatre, ‘Caractacus Potts’ in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the London Palladium, and ‘Bill’ in “Me and My Girl” at the Adelphi Theatre. His touring credits include the title role in “Barnum” and ‘Fagin’ in “Oliver!”. Brian’s TV credits include “An Audience with Brian Conley”, “The Grimleys” and “The Brian Conley Show”, all for ITV.

Georgina Castle’s theatre credits include the role of ‘Sophie Sheridan’ in the West End production of “MAMMA MIA!” at the Novello Theatre, and ‘Lisa Hausman’ in the UK Tour of “Dirty Dancing”. Her television credits include BBC One’s “Doctors” and “New Tricks”.

Lucinda Lawrence’s West End credits include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, “White Christmas” at the Dominion Theatre at “Follies in Concert” at the London Palladium. Lucinda’s further credits include “On The Town” at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and the UK Tours of “Hairspray” and “Mary Poppins”. Lucinda is currently starring in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.

Laura Tyrer’s West End theatre credits include the role of ‘Velma Kelly’ in “Chicago” at the Phoenix Theatre, “Spamalot” at the Palace Theatre. Her other credits include the UK Tours of “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “White Christmas” and “Beauty and the Beast”.

Sean Needham’s West End credits include “Kinky Boots” at the Adelphi and “MAMMA MIA!” at the Prince of Wales. He has appeared in the UK Tours of “Our House” and “Godspell”. His television credits include ITV’s “Emmerdale”, “Crossroads” and Channel 4’s “Hollyoaks”. Sean is currently starring in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.

The cast is completed by Joe Atkinson, Georgia Bradshaw, Sierra BrewertonAshford Campbell, Stephanie Chandos, Edward Chitticks, Conor Crown, Ross Lee Fowkes, Ryan Goscinski, Jemima Loddy, Christopher Jordan Marshall, Jacob Maynard, Matt Overfield, Kirsty Anne Shaw, Ricardo Spriggs, Leah St. Luce, andGrace Walker.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy – three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the women manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Poti Martin, video design by Nina Dunn, original arrangements by Stephen Oremus & Alex Lacamoire, original Broadway orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin, musical supervisor, reductions & extra arrangements by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Anne Vosser.

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL was originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt in April 2009. This production opened in the West End in February 2019, where Dolly Parton attended the premiere and joined the cast on stage at the finale. The musical features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by multi Grammy Award winner, country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Gavin Kalin Productions with Benjamin Lowy Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Showtime Theatre Productions, Hartshorn – Hook Productions, Harmonia Holdings and Kilimanjaro Live.

The West End production of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL continues to run at the Savoy Theatre and is currently booking until April 2020.

TOUR DATES

FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2019

The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/alexandra-theatre-birmingham

*Laura Tyrer will play Violet Newstead*

TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2019

Palace Theatre, Manchester

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/palace-theatre-manchester

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead

TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2019

Milton Keynes Theatre

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/milton-keynes-theatre

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead and Brian Conley will play Franklin Hart*

TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019

Liverpool Empire

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dolly-parton-9-to-5-the-musical/liverpool-empire

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead

TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER 2019

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical-2/kings-theatre

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead

TUESDAY 15 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER 2019

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/new-victoria-theatre

*Laura Tyrer will play Violet Newstead*

TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2019

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/his-majestys-theatre

*Laura Tyrer will play Violet Newstead*

TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2019

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

www.wmc.org.uk

*Caroline Sheen will play Violet Newstead

TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2019

Sunderland Empire

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/sunderland-empire

*Laura Tyrer will play Violet Newstead*

TUESDAY 12 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2019

Edinburgh Playhouse

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/edinburgh-playhouse

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead

TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2019

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead

The Worst Witch Review

Vaudeville Theatre – until 8 September 2019

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

5*****

Possibly the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon is to reminisce about your childhood, so going to see The Worst Witch really does bring back memories.

With the show introduced by Miss Cackle (Polly Lister), the pupils of Miss Cackles academy put on a play as a showcase event during the schools open day, in which Miss Hardbroom (Rachel Heaton) only agreed to take part to make sure the girls don’t mess around. The play starts with Mildred (Danielle Bird) arriving at the wrong school but with a bit of help from new best friend Maud (Rebecca Killick) she soon settles in, despite the constant put downs from Ethel (Rosie Abraham), a witch who believes she is better than the others as she is from a family of witches who were all head girls at the academy. As well as potions with Miss Hardbroom, the girls also have chanting with Miss Bat (Molly-Grace Cutler) and fitness lessons with Miss Drill (Megan Leigh Mason). Although the first half goes well, the second half is interrupted by the arrival of Agatha, Miss Cackles’ evil twin sister who plans on taking over the academy and the world. However the girls combine forces and defeat Agatha, and save the school.

The set is designed to look like the outline of the school with different platforms to represent Mildred’s room, Miss Cackle’s office and the band pit, the band consisting of members of the cast. The costumes are a nod back to the books with the girls in the school uniform of the academy, Miss Cackle in a plum dress and cardigan and Miss Hardbroom in a long black dress.

A show full of laughs, audience participation and good overcoming evil, this is a family friendly show, or just a really good show if you were a fan of The Worst Witch when you were younger. The best line in the whole show belongs to Miss Cackle “This is the oldest magical school in Britain, you might even say the original” which got laughs and cheers from the audience as it is a sly dig at a certain other magical school.

All in all an amazing magical show which everyone should go and see this summer whether or not they have children

Prestigious judging committee and exciting shortlist announced for inaugural Popcorn Group Writing Award – Edinburgh Fringe

Prestigious judging committee and exciting
shortlist announced for inaugural Popcorn
Group Writing Award
Winners Presentation: Wednesday 14th August, 10am, Cabaret Bar,
Pleasance Courtyard

This year will see the inaugural Popcorn Group Writing Award in association with the Pleasance Theatre celebrate writing excellence at the Fringe. Platforming writers and artists that ignite and challenge the status quo, the award will be presented on 14th August at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to the most fearless and topical piece of new writing

All new writing works in Pleasance’s festival programme were eligible for consideration and the shortlist has been selected by an incredible committee that includes Emmy Nominated actress Lena Headey, Michael Longhurst, Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse, Academy Award winning Gareth Ellis-Unwin, Popcorn Group and the Pleasance Theatre. The shortlisted shows are: A Womb of One’s Own by Claire Rammelkamp which explores sisterhood, love, sexual freedom and selfacceptance whilst also aiming to shed light on the unnerving and difficult circumstances surrounding abortion; I’m a Phoenix, Bitch by Bryony Kimmings which is a powerful, dark and joyful piece surrounding post-natal depression; and Drowning by Jessica Ross, based on the true story of four Austrian nurses that were charged with murdering 49 patients in their beds in 1991

The winner of the Popcorn Group Writing Award will receive a cash prize of £2,500 to provide support to further develop their talent

Charlotte Colbert and Jessica Malik of The Popcorn Group, comment, We are excited to have brought together this brilliant committee of trail-blazing artists to judge the first year of the Popcorn Writing Award. We are proud to be partnering with the Pleasance to champion bold and thought provoking new material which positively and playfully contributes to public debate and addresses current affairs

Anthony Alderson, director Pleasance Theatre Trust comments, The Pleasance is delighted to be working with The Popcorn Group and to be hosting the inaugural Popcorn Writing Award to celebrate the importance of new writing at the Fringe. The quality of writing on the Fringe has never been more powerful and awards such as this will help to provide some necessary attention and recognition for this group of hugely talented writers

The illustrious committee judging the winner for this exciting new award are:
• Emmy-nominated Lena Headey, best known for playing the lead role of Queen Cersei in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Michael Longhurst, new Artistic Director at the Donmar Warehouse in London.
• Academy Award and BAFTA winning film producer, Gareth Unwin-Ellis, who was behind the multiple Oscar-winning, The King’s Speech, and is Head of Film at Screenskills.
• Director Carrie Cracknell, whose National Theatre credits include, Julie starring Vanessa Kirby and The Deep Sea and Medea with Helen McCrory. She has been Artistic Director of the Gate Theatre in London, was Associate Director at the Young Vic and Royal Court and is currently on the board of the Almeida Theatre.
• Filmmaker Charlotte Colbert who co-founded Popcorn Group in 2018 and is currently developing numerous films and TV projects, including a TV adaptation of Angry Alan.
Enda Walsh, a Tony and multi-award-winning Irish playwright. His credits include: the Tony Award winning Once, Lazarus with David Bowie, Ballyturk and Misterman.
• Producer Francesca Moody, known for award-winning and Olivier-nominated Fleabag by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Gonzalo Maza, writer of A Fantastic Woman, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 2018 as well as numerous other accolades.
Jessica Malik who heads Popcorn Film and TV and is also the incumbent chair of the London Board of Cinemagic.
Tony Grisoni, writer of several of director Terry Gilliam’s films, including Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Tideland.
• Artist Philip Colbert is known for his multidisciplinary approach, creating a “World of Art”.
Penny Martin, Editor-in-Chief of The Gentlewoman.
Art Malik, an award-winning film, TV and stage actor.
The Pleasance Theatre Team: Anthony Alderson, Nic Connaughton, Jonny Patton and Ellie Simpson

THE JAMIE LLOYD COMPANY ANNOUNCES CYRANO DE BERGERAC STARRING JAMES MCAVOY AS THE OPENING PRODUCTION IN NEW WEST END SEASON

THE JAMIE LLOYD COMPANY ANNOUNCES

CYRANO DE BERGERAC STARRING JAMES MCAVOY AS THE OPENING PRODUCTION IN NEW WEST END SEASON

The Jamie Lloyd Company and Ambassador Theatre Group, supported by British Airways, offer 15,000 free tickets to first-time theatregoers and 15,000 £15 tickets for under 30s, key workers and those receiving job seeker’s allowance and other government benefits

The Jamie Lloyd Company, the hugely successful partnership between the UK’s leading theatre companyAmbassador Theatre Group (ATG) and Artistic Director Jamie Lloyd, today announces Golden Globe and Olivier Award nominated James McAvoy is to lead the company of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, freely adapted by Martin Crimp. The production marks the first in a new season directed by Jamie Lloyd at the Playhouse Theatre from November 2019 to August 2020. Further productions to be announced.

Cyrano de Bergerac sees Jamie Lloyd and James McAvoy continue their long-standing  collaboration followingThe Ruling Class and Macbeth at Trafalgar Studios, Three Days of Rain at Apollo Theatre and Heart of Darknessfor BBC Radio 4. The production opens at Playhouse Theatre on 6 December, with previews from 27 November and runs until 29 February.

The Jamie Lloyd Company, supported by British Airways, deepens its commitment to making theatre more accessible, offering 15,000 free tickets to first time theatre-goers, invited through a special outreach programme and 15,000 tickets for £15 for key workers, under 30s, and those receiving job seeker’s allowance or other government benefits.

Jamie Lloyd said today, “I can’t wait to get back into the rehearsal room with James McAvoy, who shares my commitment to accessibility in the arts. In a radical move for the West End, we will invite thousands of people who have never visited a theatre before to experience our work, performed by world-class actors, for free. That’s 15,000 completely free tickets across the season, thanks to our relationship with Ambassador Theatre Group and the new partnership with British Airways. Every day, we talk about making theatre more accessible to absolutely everyone, but, inspired by free museum and gallery entry, I believe that true and meaningful access actually means free tickets. I hope that this inspires other theatre companies and producers to investigate similar schemes in the future, changing the landscape of West End theatre forever.”

Carolina Martinoli, Director of Brand and Customer Experience at British Airways added, “Theatre is a central part of Britain’s culture which attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. British Airways has a history of championing British talent, so it is a natural fit to support this season and champion extraordinary creativity in British theatre – both at home and around the World.”

With design by Soutra Gilmour, Lighting Design by Jon Clark, Sound and Composition by Ben and Max Ringham and Fight Direction by Kate Waters. Casting by Stuart Burt CDG

Tickets for Cyrano de Bergerac will be available to book from September 2019. Individuals can register their interest here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/cyrano-de-bergerac/playhouse-theatre/

Martin Crimp’s theatre credits include When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each OtherIn the Republic ofHappinessPlay HouseThe CityFewer EmergenciesCruel and TenderThe CountryAttempts on Her LifeTheTreatmentPlay with RepeatsDealing with ClairDefinitely the BahamasFour Attempted Acts and Living Remains. His work in the UK has been produced by Orange Tree Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Stephen Joseph Theatre, RSC, Young Vic and the Royal Court Theatre where he was writer-in-residence in 1997. In New York his work has been seen at the Public Theater and the Classic Stage Company, as well as on Broadway.

James McAvoy plays Cyrano de Bergerac. His theatre credits include The Ruling Class, Macbeth (Trafalgar Studios), Three Days of Rain (Apollo Theatre), Breathing Corpses (Royal Court Theatre), Privates on Parade (Donmar Warehouse) and Out in the Open (Hampstead Theatre). His television credits include Watership DownShamelessEarly DoorState of Play and the upcoming His Dark Materials. His film credits include the upcoming It 2X-Men: Dark PhoenixGlassSherlock GnomesSubmergence, Atomic Blonde, Split, X-Men: ApocalypseVictor FrankensteinThe Disappearance of Eleanor RigbyX-Men: Days of Future PastFilth – for which he won BIFA Best Actor Award, London Critics Circle Best British Actor Award, British Academy Scotland Best Actor Award and Empire Award for Best Actor, X-Men: First ClassThe ConspiratorGnomeo and JulietThe Last StationAtonement – for which he won Best Actor at the London Film Critics Circle, Best Actor at Empire Film Awards and Richard Attenborough Film Awards; and was nominated for a BAFTA and Golden Globe, Becoming JaneStarter for TenThe Last King of Scotland – for which he won Best Actor BAFTA Scotland Award, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Bright Young Things.

Jamie Lloyd directs. His credits for the company include BetrayalPinter OneTwoThreeSix and Seven (Pinter at the Pinter, Harold Pinter Theatre), Doctor Faustus (Duke of York’s Theatre), The MaidsThe Homecoming,The Ruling ClassRichard IIIThe PrideThe HothouseMacbeth (Trafalgar Studios). Other theatre credits include Evita (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Apologia (Trafalgar Studios), Guards at the Taj (Bush Theatre), The Pitchfork DisneyKiller (Shoreditch Town Hall), Assassins (Menier Chocolate Factory), Urinetown (St James Theatre/Apollo Theatre), The Commitments (Palace Theatre), The Duchess of Malfi (The Old Vic), She Stoops to Conquer (National Theatre), The Faith MachineThe Pride (Royal Court Theatre – Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre), Inadmissible EvidenceThe 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling BeePolar BearsPassion (Donmar Warehouse – Evening Standard Award for Best Musical and Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Musical Revival), Piaf (Donmar Warehouse/Vaudeville Theatre – Olivier Award nomination for Best Musical Revival), The Little Dog Laughed (Garrick Theatre), Three Days of Rain (Apollo Theatre – Olivier Award nomination for Best Revival), The LoverThe Collection (Comedy Theatre), Elegies: A Song Cycle (Arts Theatre), The School for Scandal (Theatre Royal Bath), Salome (Headlong), Eric’s (Liverpool Everyman) and The Caretaker (Sheffield Theatres). Lloyd was Associate Director of the Donmar Warehouse from 2008 to 2011 and is a former Associate Artist of Headlong.

Listings                                                                                                                                                                                

CYRANO DE BERGERAC

Playhouse Theatre

27 November 2019 – 29 February 2020

Booking for Cyrano de Bergerac opens from September 2019. Individuals can register their interest here:https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/cyrano-de-bergerac/playhouse-theatre/

Twitter: @JamieLloydCo

Instagram: @jamielloydco