Month: August 2019

45 YEARS SINCE THE OSCAR WINNING FILM’S UK CINEMA RELEASE
FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE TOUR OF THE WEST END HIT

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS
THE EXORCIST

DIRECTED BY SEAN MATHIAS

STARRING PAUL NICHOLAS, SOPHIE WARD & BEN CAPLAN

★★★★

‘A grand polished blockbuster. Visually miraculous. It is a thrill to watch’
Metro

★★★
‘A storming version of The Exorcist’ 
Daily Mail

★★★★
‘A genuine crowd pleaser’
London Theatre

The full cast has been announced for the UK and Ireland tour of The Exorcist, starring national treasure and BAFTA Award Winner, Paul Nicholas, most recognised for playing the role of Vince Pinner in the celebrated British sitcom Just Good Friends, who will play Father Merin. Alongside Paul will be TV star Sophie Ward, best known for her roles in Holby City and Heartbeat playing Chris MacNeil, and household name Ben Caplan best known for his time as Sgt. Peter Noakes in Call the Midwife, who will play Father Damien. This talented trio will lead the cast for the UK and Ireland tour of the spine-tingling live production of The Exorcist,based on the best-selling novel by William Peter Blatty.

The cast is completed by Tristram Wymark, Henry Labouchere in Victoria; Stephen Billington, D.I. Knight in Armchair Detectives; Patrick Toomey Christopher Sutherland in Holby City; Joseph Wilkins of Young Marx at The Bridge Theatre; Susannah Edgley who starred in The Exorcist in the West End;Jonathan Blakeley from The Mousetrap and making her professional debut is Eliza Capel.

Inspired by true events, this devilishly thrilling tale has been adapted for stage by John Pielmeier and directed by Sean Mathias (Waiting for Godot, No Man’s Land), featuring the voice of Ian McKellen as the Demon.

When the medical profession fails to provide answers to young Regan’s strange symptoms, her desperate mother Chris turns to a local priest for help. But before Father Damien can tackle what’s before him, he must overcome his own shaken beliefs, as this fight is for more than just one girl’s soul…

Widely considered the scariest movie of all time, the film adaptation of The Exorcist sparked unprecedented worldwide controversy when it was released in cinemas in 1973. Winner of two Academy Awards, William Friedkin’s masterpiece saw audiences petrified to the point of passing out and went on to become one of the top ten highest grossing films of all time. Now, 45 years after its release, fans of the film and theatre alike get to experience a visually astounding, intelligent and thrilling theatrical experience.

This production is designed by Olivier Award winning set designer Anna Fleischle (Death of a Salesman, Young Vic and Home, I’m Darling, National Theatre). Lighting Design is by multi-award winning designer Philip Gladwell (A Very Very Very Dark Matter, The Bridge Theatre). Composition and Sound Design is by Tony Award winning Adam Cork (London Road, National Theatre). Illusions are by Gold Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle Ben Hart best known for his mind-blowing illusions on Britain’s Got Talent. Projection Design is by long-time collaborators Jon Driscoll and Gemma Carrington (Brief Encounter, Birdsong and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland).

Opening at the Theatre Royal Windsor on 4 September 2019, the production will then visit Glasgow,Wimbledon, Stoke, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin, Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen.

LISTINGS

THE EXORCIST

A PLAY BY JOHN PIELMEIER

ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL BY WILLIAM PETER BLATTY

DIRECTED BY SEAN MATHIAS

PRODUCED BY BILL KENWRIGHT

Facebook: @BKLProductions

Twitter: @BKL_Productions

Please note this production contains adult material and scenes of a sexual nature, which may shock and offend.

Theatre Royal, Windsor                                          theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
Mon 2 Sep – Sat 14 Sep                                           01753 853 888

Theatre Royal, Glasgow                                          atgtickets.com/theatreroyalglasgow

Tue 17 Sep – Sat 21 Sep                                          0844 871 7647

Wimbledon New Theatre                                        atgtickets.com/newwimbledon-theatre 

Tues 24 Sep – Sat 28 Sep                                          0844 871 7646

Stoke, Regent Theatre                                             atgtickets.com/regent-theatre

Tues 01 Oct– Sat 5 Oct                                             0844 871 7649

Milton Keynes Theatre                                            atgtickets.com/miltonkeynestheatre

Tues 8 Oct – Sat 12 Oct                                            0844 871 7652

Birmingham Alexandra Theatre                             atgtickets.com/birmingham

Tues 15 Oct– Sat 19 Oct                                            0844 871 3011

Manchester Opera House                                        atgtickets.com/operahousemanchester

Mon 21 Oct – Sat 26 Oct                                           0844 871 3018 

Dublin Gaiety Theatre                                                gaietytheatre.ie

Tues 29 Oct – Sat 2 Dec                                              0818 719 38

                                                                                        00 353 (0)818 903 001 (UK residents)

Kings Theatre, Edinburgh                                          capitaltheatres.com/kingstheatre

Tues 5 Nov – Sat 9 Nov                                               0131529 6000

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness                                eden-court.co.uk

Tues 12 Nov – Sat 16 Nov                                          01463 234 234

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen                           aberdeenperformingarts.com

Tues 19 Nov – Sat 23 Nov                                          01224 641 122           

The Royal Theatrical Support Trust and Curve, in partnership with English Touring Theatre and Rose Theatre Kingston, announce Anthony Almeida as winner and Maria Crocker as runner-up of the RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award 2019

The Royal Theatrical Support Trust (RTST) and Leicester’s Curve have announced Anthony Almeida as the winner of the 2019 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award and Maria Crocker as the runner-up. Now in its fourth year, the award – which honours the memory of RTST co-founder, Sir Peter Hall – is made to an up-and-coming director demonstrating exceptional directing skills in a rigorous competitive process.

As the winner of the 2019 award, Anthony will now get the opportunity to direct a full-scale, fully funded production to open in 2020 at Curve, as a Made at Curve co-production between Curve, Rose Theatre Kingston and English Touring Theatre (ETT), then tour across the UK. The RTST will make a grant of £50,000 to Curve to be applied towards the costs of the winner’s production.

Anthony and Maria were selected by a panel comprising: Nikolai Foster (Artistic Director of Curve) as chair, and judges Jerry Gunn (Executive Producer at Rose Theatre Kingston), Carol Leeming (Poet and Playwright, Resident Assistant Director of Curve), Richard Twyman (Artistic Director of English Touring Theatre), Lindsay Posner (Theatre Director), Grace Smart (Theatre Set & Costume Designer), Cathy Tyson (Actor), Erica Whyman (Deputy Artistic Director, Royal Shakespeare Company).

The scheme promotes the RTST’s charitable objectives by nurturing up-and-coming talent in the theatre and supporting British regional theatres. It is also intended to appeal to a wide range of candidates and to play a part in promoting diversity in the theatre, onstage, offstage and among audiences.

Chairman of the RTST, Sir Geoffrey Cass, said: “The 2019 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award had 8 finalists of the very highest quality, selected from a strong field of 53 candidates. Directing workshops – held over two full days, in which the finalists had to direct actors, observed by our immensely experienced panel of judges, and then be interviewed by the panel – constituted a unique and exacting test of their directing skills. The winner’s prize is the exceptional opportunity to direct a production that will premiere on the stage of Curve, Leicester, move on to the Rose Theatre, Kingston, then go on a main-stage national tour with English Touring Theatre (ETT). The RTST’s collaboration with Leicester’s Curve, Kingston’s Rose Theatre, and English Touring Theatre is admirably fulfilling the RTST’s twin primary charitable objectives of identifying and encouraging emerging theatre professionals and promoting British regional theatre”.

Deputy Chairman, Mark Hawes, said: “This unique Award propels Anthony Almeida deservedly into mid-scale regional tour direction. While there can only be one winner, the selection process has given other hugely talented directors rare and valuable exposure to the influential theatre practitioners who served on the judging panel.”

Curve Chief Executive Chris Stafford, Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director of English Touring TheatreRichard Twyman and Rose Theatre Kingston Executive Producer Jerry Gunn said: “Anthony impressed the entire panel with his vision, rigour and ability to inspire actors. He showed a real passion for making work for audiences outside of London and we’re incredibly excited to collaborate with him on this production which will be seen in Leicester, Kingston and across the UK. We’d like to thank all of the directors that took part in the workshop weekend, who displayed such talent and inspired us all with their commitment to the process and craft of directing.”

Winner, Anthony Almeida said: “Being named the 2019 winner of the mighty RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award is a gift. I’m feeling moved. I’m feeling ecstatic. At a time of ever increasing financial uncertainty, when up-and-coming directors can be seen as unnecessary risks, this opportunity is a true lifeline. The process encouraged and challenged all of me. It offers genuine warmth and demands utmost rigour. Now there’s work to be made – I’m thrilled to be taking the vital next steps in my artistic adventures with the big-hearted, wildly ambitious folk at Curve, ETT and Rose Theatre Kingston – to you all, and to the essential RTST: thank you.”

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE SECOND YEAR OF 

THE UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF

CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S

ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

“LES MISÉRABLES”

FURTHER VENUES FOR 2020 ALSO ANNOUNCED

BRISTOL HIPPODROME – 7 APRIL – 9 MAY 2020 
GLASGOW THEATRE ROYAL – 3 – 27 JUNE 2020

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE – 23 JULY – 15 AUGUST 2020

DUBLIN BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE – 25 AUGUST – 12 SEPTEMBER 2020

CANTERBURY MARLOWE THEATRE – 25 SEPTEMBER 24 OCTOBER 2020

AND HULL NEW THEATRE – 28 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER 2020

Cameron Mackintosh announced today casting for the second year of the UK and Ireland tour of his acclaimed production of the Boublil and Schönberg musical “LES MISÉRABLES”.From 18 November 2019 Dean Chisnallwill play ‘Jean Valjean’, Nic Greenshields ‘Javert’, Katie Hall ‘Fantine’, Ian Hughes ‘Thénardier’, Harry Apps‘Marius’, Charlie Burn ‘Cosette’, Barnaby Hughes ‘Enjolras’ and Helen Walsh ‘Madame Thénardier’.

Also in the cast will be Joseph Anthony, George Arvidson, Adam Boardman, Olivia Brereton, Danny Colligan, Rebecca Ferrin, Aimee Good, Jenna Innes, Ebony Jonelle, Robert Madge, Liam Marcellino, Emily Owens, Jordan Simon Pollard, Corinne Priest, Jamie Pritchard, Aaron Pryce-Lewis, Dean Read andJanne Snellen. Further casting to be announced soon.

Further 2020 dates were also announced today with “LES MISÉRABLES” now confirmed to play Bristol Hippodrome (7 April – 9 May 2020), Glasgow Theatre Royal (3 – 27 June 2020), Leeds Grand Theatre (23 July – 15 August 2020), Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre (25 August – 12 September 2020) Canterbury Marlowe Theatre (25 September – 24 October 2020) and Hull New Theatre (28 October – 21 November 2020).Full tour schedule with on sale dates below.

Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this new production of “Les Misérables” in 2009 to celebrate the show’s 25^th anniversary it has taken the world by storm. Originally touring the UK throughout 2009/10, and concluding with 22 performances at the Barbican, this production was hailed by audiences and critics alike.

Now this UK and Ireland tour, embraced by modern audiences across the globe as a Les Mis for the 21^st century, has sold out in record breaking time in each venue it has played since opening in 2018.

This production inspired the hugely successful movie version starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne. This brilliant new staging has scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo,and has to date already been seen in North America, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Spain, France, Manila, Singapore, Dubai and Broadway.

Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent score of “LES MISÉRABLES” includes the songs, “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Stars”, “Bring Him Home”, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, “One Day More”, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”, “Master Of The House” and many more.  Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, “LES MISÉRABLES” is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of “LES MISÉRABLES” is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and original adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. The original “LES MISÉRABLES” orchestrations are by John Cameron with new orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke, Stephen Metcalfe and Stephen Brooker. The production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and Geoffrey Garratt, projections by Fifty-Nine Productions and musicsupervision by Stephen Brooker and Graham Hurman.

LISTINGS

LES MISÉRABLES UK AND IRELAND TOUR 2019/2020 – lesmis.com

NOW PLAYING UNTIL SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019

NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

theatreroyal.co.uk

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2019

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

atgtickets.com/venues/Liverpool

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2019

SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER

mayflower.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2019 – SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2020

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE CARDIFF

wmc.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH – SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020

NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL

theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 7 APRIL – SATURDAY 9 MAY 2020

BRISTOL HIPPODROME
atgtickets.com/venues/Bristol

ON SALE 25 SEPTEMBER 2019

WEDNESDAY 3 – SATURDAY 27 JUNE 2020  
GLASGOW THEATRE ROYAL

atgtickets.com/venues/Glasgow

ON SALE 30 OCTOBER 2019

TUESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 30 MAY 2020

SALFORD LOWRY

thelowry.com

ON SALE NOW

THURSDAY 23 JULY – SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2020
LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

leedsgrandtheatre.com

ON SALE 16 SEPTEMBER 2019

TUESDAY 25 AUGUST – SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2020

DUBLIN BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE

bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

ON SALE 3 SEPTEMBER 2019

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER 2020

CANTERBURY MARLOWE THEATRE

marlowetheatre.com

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2019

WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2020

HULL NEW THEATRE

hulltheatres.co.uk

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2019

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY

PERFORMANCES BEGIN TONIGHT, THURSDAY 29 AUGUST

AT THE O2 LONDON

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY, the new immersive entertainment experience, begins performances in a specially adapted venue at The O2 London this evening, Thursday 29 August 2019.

Created by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is a unique concept that puts guests in the heart of the action: over the course of more than four hours, they can enjoy a spectacular show, a four-course Mediterranean feast and an ABBA disco, all in one unforgettable evening.

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is set in a taverna on the island of Skopelos, where most exteriors of the first MAMMA MIA! film were shot. Nikos and his wife Kate run this exotic and wonderful restaurant together with their family and friends. Told through dialogue and ABBA songs, a warm, romantic and funny story evolves and unfolds during the evening, taking place around the guests as they sit at their tables enjoying a gourmet Greek meal. The evening ends with the main floor transforming into a 1970s disco, where audience members are welcome to stay to sing and dance to original ABBA recordings.

Björn Ulvaeus said, “I can’t believe we’re finally here, opening the iconic blue doors to Nikos Taverna! I have always felt very at home in the UK, so it means a lot to me to bring MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY to London.  I can’t wait for the British public to experience it, because I know they know how to have fun!”

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY has music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (some songs with Stig Anderson), and a story by Calle Norlén, Roine Söderlundh and Björn Ulvaeus, adapted for the UK by writer, comedian and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig.

The London cast and musicians include (in alphabetical order) Oscar Balmaseda, AJ Bentley, Jonathon Bentley, Molly Cleere, John Donovan, Luke Higgins, Allie Ho Chee, Julia Imbach, Linda John-Pierre, Elin König Andersson, Joanna Monro, Steph Parry, Mark Pusey, Kimberley Powell, Steve Rushton, Jessica Spalis, Dawn Spence, Gregor Stewart, Pauline Stringer, Kathryn Tindall, Matt Wesley, Fed Zanni.

The London version of MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY, which originally opened in Stockholm in January 2016 and is now in its fourth sold-out year, is co-directed and choreographed by Stacey Haynes and Roine Söderlundh, with set designed by Bengt Fröderberg, lighting designed by Patrick Woodroffe, sound designed by Gareth Owen, costumes designed by Annsofi Nyberg, music supervision by Robin Svensson and casting by David Grindrod for David Grindrod Associates.

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is produced by Björn Ulvaeus and Ingrid Sutej for MM! The Party Ltd.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTYThe O2
Peninsula Square
London SE10 0DX

Performances:
Until 18 November 2019: Mondays & Wednesdays to Sundays at 7.30pm*, Saturdays & Sundays at 1pm**
From 19 to 25 November 2019: Wednesday to Sunday at 7.30pm*, Saturday & Sunday at 1pm**
From 26 November 2019: Tuesdays to Sundays at 7.30pm*, Saturdays & Sundays at 1pm**
(N.B. No performances Tuesday 19 & Monday 25 November 2019)
*Doors open at 6.30pm
**Doors open at 12pm

Tickets: From £135 (plus booking fees), to include admission and meal (drinks extra)

Box Office: www.mammamiatheparty.co.uk / 0844 844 9545

Currently Booking to 16 February 2020

Recommended Age: 5+Website: www.mammamiatheparty.co.uk
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @mammamiapartyuk
#mammamiatheparty

NUFFIELD SOUTHAMPTON THEATRES ANNOUNCE CinderELLA THE MUSICAL AS ITS 2019 CHRISTMAS SHOW

Nuffield Southampton Theatres presents

CinderELLA The Musical

Book and Lyrics by Michael Fentiman

Music and additional Lyricsby Barnaby Race

Directed by Michael Fentiman; Designed by Madeleine Girling

Nuffield Southampton Theatres – NST City

23 November 2019 – 5 January 2020

Nuffield Southampton Theatres today announces CinderELLA The Musical, adapted and directed by Michael Fentiman with music and additional lyrics by Barnaby Race,as their 2019 Christmas show. This new adaptation of the classic myth features two protagonists, the younger Cinders who feels old beyond her years and the older Ella who remembers when she danced as a girl at the Midnight Ballroom. The production opens at Nuffield Southampton Theatres – NST City on 29 November, with previews from 23 November, and runs until 5 January 2020.

Cinders feels old before her time and Ella feels like she’s running out of time. Throw in the reopening of the Grand Ballroom, a not so charming Prince and two nasty step-nieces and you’ve got yourself a CinderELLA story: the musical remix.

Join Cinders and Ella this Christmas as they explore what it means to feel a little lost and find yourself again.CinderELLA is a magical fairytale extravaganza featuring step-nieces Ivanka and Melania, that even Love Island would reject, the hapless and hopelessly in love Daniel Deeni and the nice (but dim) Prince Tim. (Charming!).

This CinderELLA story combines Freaky Friday with a tale as old as time, to offer a hilarious musical Christmas treat for the whole family.

Director Michael Fentiman said today “I am incredibly excited to be developing CinderELLA The Musicalwith Nuffield Southampton Theatres this Christmas. Barnaby and I wanted to write a musical that refocused the famous fairytale. We wanted to find a way of talking about isolation and transformation not just from the perspective of a downtrodden ingenui, but also from the perspective of an older lady. I am looking forward to developing a musical with two female leads, that talks about how fairytale can be possible, whatever your age.”

Michael Fentiman’s theatre credits as director include Amélie: The Musical (The Watermill Theatre/UK tour/The Other Palace), The Taming of the Shrew (Sherman Theatre/Tron Theatre), The Importance of Being Earnest (Vaudeville Theatre), The Last Days of Anne Boleyn (Historic Royal Palaces/Tower of London), Loot (Park Theatre/The Watermill Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew, Titus Andronicus, Ahasverus (RSC), Babe, the Sheep-Pig (Polka Theatre/UK tour), The War Has Not Yet Started (Drum Theatre, Plymouth), Minotaur(Theatr Clwyd/Polka Theatre), Raising Martha (Park Theatre), The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe(Kensington Palace Gardens – as co-director with Rupert Goold), Crackers (Belgrade Theatre), Spoonface Steinberg (Theatr Clwyd/Citizens Theatre/UK tour), East (UK tour), Ajax (European tour), The Comedy of Errors, Robin Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk (Cambridge Arts Theatre), Sweeney Todd (RAM/Theatre Royal Stratford East), and Made in Dagenham (Adelphi Theatre – as Associate Director to Rupert Goold).

Barnaby Race is a musical director and composer. His credits include Amélie: The Musical (The Watermill Theatre/UK tour/The Other Palace), A Christmas Carol (Theatre Clwyd), The Secret Garden (Theatre by the Lake/York Theatre Royal), Romeo + Juliet, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (Secret Cinema), The Last Days of Anne Boleyn (Historic Royal Palaces/Tower of London), Babe, the Sheep-Pig (Polka Theatre/UK tour), Pine (Hampstead Theatre), Minotaur (Polka Theatre/Theatr Clwyd), The Devil Speaks True (VAULT Festival), How to be Immortal (Soho Theatre/UK tour), Alice: The Ballet (Marlowe Theatre), Cesario (National Theatre). Race was Musical Director for the Welcome Ceremonies at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. His film credits include additional music, orchestral arranging/vocal recording for The Harry Hill Movie; song writing for Lizard Girl and composition and sound design for Playing the Game.

CinderELLA The Musical                                                                                                                                Listings

NST City, Above Bar Street, Guildhall Square, Southampton, SO14 7DU

23 November 2019 – 5 January 2020

Box Office: 023 8067 1771 / www.nstheatres.co.uk

Monday – Friday:             10am – 6pm

Saturday:                             10am – 4pm

#CinderellaTheMusical

Recommended age: 5+

Yeadon Town Hall – until Sunday 1 September 2019

Reviewed by Sally Richmond

4****

Get your popcorn ready and roll up to the best circus in Yeadon town!  Mr Montgomery and his spectacular troupe are now treading the boards for your entertainment! 

Be prepared to be blown away by aerial artists, dancers, a hula hooping genius and a little bit of old fashioned, traditional magic.  Codswallop CIC are a multi award winning arts group who devise and perform accessible theatre within Aireborough and all week that entails a magical montage of mesmerising acts with Montgomery and his gang. 

The show kicks off with a huge and hilarious welcome from The Ringmaster (Jacob Phillips), who introduces each act whilst engaging with the audience and making some lucky young people part of the show too!  All hands went up as he asked for volunteers to participate in the magic!  

The first act was Kiki – Miss Hula Hoop herself, who never stopped wowing the crowd with her awesome tricks and marvellous moves!  Following on next came the bendiest person in Britain, Catherine Moglia, who gave a faultless sequence of trapeze style aerial acrobatics, that left the audience stunned with delight.  These two creative performers then gave us even more spellbinding entertainment after a short interlude of laughs hosted by the magical Mr Montgomery. 

The final act was a  jaw-dropping dance duo who would give Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity a run for their money any day!  These young men proved to be two of the most talented in their field and showered us with back flips, jumping tricks and free style aerial spins a plenty!  The audience were left a gasp and wanting more. 

For a fantastic family-friendly show, treat your loved ones to an absolutely amazing show at Yeadon Town Hall and finish off the summer holidays with a smile!

New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until 31 August 2019

Reviewed by Becky Doyle

4****

I really had little idea what this show was about but boy was it explosive! The singing was amazing and by far the highlight of the show. I can’t pick fault with any of the actors voices each superb, Audrey Brisson (Amelie) and Caolan McCarthy were in particular wonderful to listen to. The musical talent on stage was beyond what I was expecting. From the very first song where each characters instrument was introduced the music had me.

There were highs and lows throughout the life of Amelie, and one that many could understand and appreciate. Her relationship with her parents was saddening yet with a happy yet surprising ending.

On the subject of her parents, an area of this storyline brought great laughs and humor whilst absorbed into the thoughts and dreams of a young woman. Many of the audience had the same response as I did with fully belly laughs and surprise throughout the second half when an unusual piece of garden memorabilia stole the stage. The stage was laid out and fully utilized – wherever you were sat you could see the whole range of the stage and props which were highly effective and thought out.

My only negative was that sometimes the music overpowered the singing and it became difficult to focus on the spoken words which made some time the story hard to follow.

Overall, I would recommend Amelie to anyone who is looking for a feel good, light hearted show filled with warmth and the ultimate love story.

Grand Theatre, Leeds – Saturday 31 August 2019

Reviewed By Dawn Smallwood

5*****

Saturday Night Fever returns with a new Bill Kenwright Production which is based on the well known 1977 film starring John Travolta. Featuring the lyrics and music of the Bee Gees, Saturday Night Fever is adapted collaboratively on stage by Robert Stigwood and Bill Oakes. The stage musical has made its debut in the West End in 1998 and since then has toured nationally and internationally.

Set to Bee Gees infamous musical numbers, Saturday Night Fever tells the story of Tony Manero who seeks dancing as escapism from the stereotypical and tough realities of the working class life in Brooklyn. Tony goes on a rollercoaster journey of self-discovery with dance which projects thoughts and feelings linking into the story telling. The story is creatively re-imagined in a music and dance fiesta and is spectacularly done from the very beginning to the very end.

Audience engagement immediately begins from the start with the introduction of the many well known Bee Gee hits, under the arrangement of Scott Alder, including Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever, Jive Talkin’ and the set backing Tragedy and the calling You Should Be Dancing. The music fits so well in the story and emotively connects with the realities of Tony’s life and those in the community.

Richard Winsor, a reputed dancer and actor, exclusively projects the portrayal of Tony so well with his intricate, slick and polished dancing and movements. Winsor is supported inclusively by an excellent and energetic cast of very talented performers and dancers. The dancing is timely synchronised to the music and under the superb choreography amid the bright, flashing, colourful and innovative staging and lighting, courtesy of the creative team of Gary McCann, Nick Richings and Dan Samson. The songs are harmoniously sung in the spirit of the legendary band by Jake Byrom, James Kenneth Haughton and Danny Knott who form the Bee Gees.

This unmissable production is excellently well put together with show stopping choreography. It celebrates the era of the discotheque and dancing which expresses hope and solace to many who dream and pursue different things from their existing predicaments. Dancing isn’t exclusive and Tony demonstrates this as an inclusive opportunity for one to support their self discovery journey and daring to be different. This production inspires and finishes on a high with a finale medley of some of the well known Bee Gees’ hits which feverously draws audience to its feet. It is a night out to remember with plans being made to see the musical again either on stage or on screen.

• TAMLYN HENDERSON ANNOUNCED TO JOIN THE HIT MUSICAL WAITRESS IN THE WEST END
   
• HENDERSON WILL TAKE OVER THE ROLE OF EARL FOLLOWING PETER HANNAH’S LAST PERFORMANCE ON 7 SEPTEMBER

It is today announced that Tamlyn Henderson will join the London cast of Waitress the musical from 9 September in the role of Earl. Henderson has performed across the world including in the UK and international tour of Mamma Mia and Australian productions of Les Misérables and The Sound of Music. He will take over the role from Peter Hannah who has his final performance on 7 September. West End performer Cindy Belliott will also join the ensemble following Nicole Raquel Dennis’s last show on 7 September. As recently announced, YouTuber and Strictly 2018 finalist Joe Sugg will also join the cast from 9 September, making his theatrical debut in the role of Ogie.

Waitress celebrated its official opening night at the Adelphi Theatre on 7 March and the Tony-nominated musical is now booking through Christmas and New Year to 4 January 2020.

In Waitress the Musical the ingredients of life don’t taste too good for our heroine Jenna, but a blend of true friendship, rare talent and sweet, sweet music combine to deliver a story of hope, love and a delicious future. You will leave with a spring in your step and tears of joy in your eyes.

Tamlyn Henderson (Earl) has performed in the UK and international tour of Mamma Mia and international productions of Les Misérables. Other musical theatre credits for Australian theatre include The Sound of Music, Ladies in Black, Calamity Jane and Falsettos. Tamlyn has also appeared on stage in The Dark Room (Theatre503), The Importance of Being Earnest (Seymour Centre),Circumspecto (Sydney Opera House), The Jinglists (Edinburgh Fringe/Soho Theatre). On screen, Tamlyn in known for Careless Love, Love Letters and Redfern Now.

Cindy Belliot (ensemble) has performed regularly in the West End including in Aladdin (Prince Edward), Motown (Shaftesbury), The Hurly Burly Show (Garrick), Dirty Dancing (Aldwych) andWicked (Apollo). Previous credits also include: Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors (Storyhouse); Hattie in Kiss Me Kate (Crucible); Sweet Charity (Nottingham Playhouse); Fela (Broadway, National Theatre & USA tour); Bubbling Brown Sugar, Cats (Dutch Tour); The Lion King (The Netherlands) and Saturday Night Fever (The Netherlands).

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.

Alongside Tamlyn Henderson as Earl, Waitress stars Lucie Jones as Jenna, Laura Baldwin as Dawn, Marisha Wallace as Becky, Joe Sugg as Ogie, David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter and Andrew Boyer as Old Joe.

The full company includes Kelly Agbowu, Laura Baldwin, Piers Bate, Cindy Belliot, Andrew Boyer, Michael Hamway, Peter Hannah, Tamlyn Henderson, David Hunter, Lucie Jones, Stephen Leask, Chris McGuigan, Olivia Moore, Nathaniel Morrison, Sarah O’Connor, Leanne Pinder, Charlotte Riby, Joe Sugg, Marisha Wallace and Mark Willshire.

Waitress premiered on Broadway in March 2016 and has since become the longest running show in the history of the Brooks Atkinson Theater. 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.

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 Lowry, Salford – 27 August 2019

Reviewed by Joseph Everton

4****

Within the theatre bearing the Lowry name, the gala premiere of Mrs Lowry and Son took place last night, telling the story of a simple man, a man who paints and who is controlled by his bedridden mother.

Mrs Lowry, played beautifully by Vanessa Redgrave, does not mourn the death of her late husband, but the business failures that led to the loss of her middle-class existence in the well-to-do Victoria Park. From her bedroom in Pendlebury, a symbol of her fall from grace, she abuses her son’s devotion and desire to please her, stifling his creativity and ambition for recognition with disdain for his work.

Her treatment of her son constitutes abuse, but Martyn Hesford’s script paints Mrs Lowry as more troubled than monstrous. At times, she is wickedly spiteful, but there are moments of warmth, with both characters seeming wholly dependent on the other for their happiness.

The complexities of the relationship on which the film centres are portrayed with an understated quality by both Redgrave and Spall. However, at times, Spall’s portrayal of Lowry does seem overly meek. Between their scenes, we follow a less obsequious Lowry around industrial landscapes which could be a gallery of his work, with narration explaining his affection for his home and the people within it.

Much like an exhibit in a museum, the film is a well-crafted window into Lowry’s life and, although lacking the substance to have you on the edge of your seat, a suitable testament to the life and work one of Lancashire’s most famous sons.