Month: September 2019

Nuclear Future
UK Tour: October 2019

From the award-winning Gameshow, Nuclear Future is a shattering new play about the dangerous potential which sits quietly in bunkers across the globe. As the apocalyptic impact of a nuclear disaster regains a foothold in public conversation, this show presents this threat on a more human scale. How do we explain to our children that we use the same energy that created the universe, to rip it apart?

Astrid’s life is like many others. She dresses her child, she spills her coffee, she catches the bus to work. But her work and her PowerPoint slides bring Astrid and the audience into contact with the world’s most dangerous weapons as she assesses the risks and their consequences. In one moment, life can be changed forever.

Gameshow has created this show guided by the belief that we must understand nuclear weapons in this human context, as opposed to the current public conversation which holds them as theoretical and distant, a problem on the other side of the globe. As citizens of a nuclear nation, we are responsible for weapons that could change the world more fundamentally than the worst effects of climate change or natural disaster. What happens the next time we launch a nuclear attack? Can
we afford to pretend these weapons don’t exist?

Gameshow directors Matt Ryan and Matthew Evans comment, There is a horrific beauty to nuclear weapons because their workings are infinitesimally small but their impact is inconceivably big. We wanted to find a way to explore the everyday human impact of something so enormous we can’t bear to think about it. How can we respond to increasingly regular nuclear threats around the world? The show uses an immersive soundscape designed by Dominic Kennedy and Joshua Pharo’s experimental video-lighting technique to plunge the audience into the world of our story, using the audience’s imagination to create the unimaginable.

Performance Dates
18th – 19th Oct Camden People’s Theatre, 9pm
58-60 Hampstead Road, NW1 2PY
https://www.cptheatre.co.uk/

23rd Oct The North Wall, 8pm
South Parade, OX2 7JN
https://www.thenorthwall.com/

24th Oct The Lowry, 8pm
Pier 8, The Quays, M50 3AZ
https://thelowry.com/

25th Oct Live Theatre 8pm
Broad Chare, NE1 3DQ
https://www.live.org.uk/

29th Oct Cast, 7.15pm
Waterdale, DN1 3BU
https://www.castindoncaster.com/

The Space – until 12th October 2019

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

3***

An off the wall take on the impact of present day politics, The Open has a definite Orwell feel to it. Bell’s dark humour has to be a bit out there to ‘trump’ this unprecedented period of our history. You can be forgiven for feeling a slight sense of fear that the Utopian state created by the rich and powerful, at the expense of the rest of the population, is not that far from reality, particularly in the minds of some of our present day world leaders. Although I think even the most brainwashed westerner might bulk at The GBGC – Great British Golf Course!

The characters of each player are familiar in our every day lives: the laid back dreamer; the conformist; the privileged and the activist. This is an interesting exercise putting them under the microscope in this extreme situation. I think most of us found a little bit of ourselves in their characters somewhere.

Jana (Heidi Niemi) is someone you want to believe in. You hope that you have her strength and foresight in this dystopian state. Patrick (Tom Blake) is the nature boy that believes in love and lives in a dream world. Bell has sensitively written him with a realistically broken mental well-being, commentating on one of today’s big issues – it’s not going away. Arthur (Priyank Morjaria) is the conformist that so wants to believe in this new land of ‘live, work, thrive’, along with the loyalty scheme that looks after all their wages! It is not until he has to inflict real pain and treat people as prisoners, that Arthur allows himself to admit it has become a dystopia. Bella (Emma Austin) reminds me of an 80’s yuppie, with all guff and no substance. She portrays the belief in her right to have anything she wants and how dangerous that is, especially when given power and authority.

The creatives do a good job in creating the atmosphere, using artificial grass, spot lighting and a good sound track. The only weak point for me is the detention centre electrical power source being under the table – it feels like the writer must have gone for a cup of tea at that point! I am sure the creatives can do better.

On the whole this play certainly makes you think, particularly when it is a little too near reality for comfort.

Theatre Royal, York – until 12th October 2019

Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough

4****

Going in to this play I knew very little about the story, but knowing it was written by Arthur Miller I could guarantee it was going to be a good and this version did not disappoint.

This production sees Nicholas Karimi take on the role of Eddie, a hardworking man who would do anything for his family and just wants to help out Marco (Reuben Johnson) and his brother Rodolpho (Pedro Leandro) when they come over from Sicily looking for jobs to send money home to their suffering family. Things begin to take a turn for the worse as Rodolpho grows closer to Eddie’s niece Catherine (Lili Miller), Eddie does not approve. Eddie’s family life with his wife Beatrice (Laura Pyper) and Catherine begins to fall apart and disaster befalls them.

There is some brilliant acting throughout the play, you really believe Karimi could be someone his family could be afraid of, his character develops throughout, with things escalating quickly in the second act to the climax, Karimi does a great job of making you both despise Eddie for his actions but somehow still empathise with him until the end as deep down he is trying to do the best thing for his family.

We are regularly updated by Eddie’s lawyer, taking on a narrator type role, played by Robert Pickavance. This helps to introduce the characters and keep the audience updated throughout the production on things we may not otherwise have known, this only adds to the story so is a nice addition and a good way to open the play.

Another standout performance comes from Laura Pyper, often more a background character she captures the audience and stands out from the rest. The set was cleverly done, almost entirely set in the main characters small apartment, it was all very basic but worked very well. Nothing more was needed for the story. There were smoke machines for the duration of the play really adding to the smoky 1950’s Brooklyn atmosphere.

This is a play that will keep you on the edge of your seat, at the interval you will speculating as to what will happen next, you might not be far off, but the ending will still be a surprise.

Whether a fan of Arthur Miller’s previous work or a first time viewer, this would be a fantastic play to see with lots of twists and turns and an action packed shocking final scene.

FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR 
OI FROG & FRIENDS! 
UK TOUR AND WEST END SEASON

Kenny Wax Family Entertainment is delighted to announce the full cast and creative team of its new family stage show Oi Frog & Friends!. As previously announced, the musical production will make its West End premiere at theLyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue for a strictly limited season from 29 November 2019 to 5 January 2020, as part of a national UK Tour.  

Oi Frog & Friends! will bring together Kes Grayand Jim Field’s bestselling and award-winning picture books Oi Frog!,Oi Dog!, Oi Cat! and Oi Duck-billed Platypus!, published by Hachette Children’s Group. It is created for the stage by Director Emma Earle, Designer Zoe Squire (Co-Artistic Directors of Pins and Needles Productions), Composer Luke Bateman and Lyricist Richy Hughes. Puppet Design is by Yvonne Stonewith Lighting Design by Ric Mountjoy.

The cast line-up for the West End and 2019/20 UK Tour is Darren Seed as DOG,Lucy Tuck as CAT, John Winchester as FROG (Autumn 2019 & WEST END), Robin Hemmings as FROG (Spring / Summer 2020), and Simon Yadoo as CHEETAH, with Rebecca Ayres as Understudy/ASM.

Oi Frog & Friends! is an action-packed play with songs, puppets, laughs and, of course, rhymes! It’s a new day at Sittingbottom school and FROG is looking for a place to sit, but CAT has other ideas and DOG is doing as he’s told. Little do any of them know that chaos is coming… ‘Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools, gophers sit on sofas and frogs sit on logs’ – who knew there were so many rhyming rules, and what will happen when FROG is in charge? The production is an ideal introduction to theatre and the perfect entertainment for families with children aged 3+.

Prior to its West End Winter season, Oi Frog & Friends! previews at Frensham Heights, Farnham (12-13 October) and plays Norwich Playhouse (15-20 October) before heading to the Forum Theatre, Billingham (22-23 October), New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich (24-25 October), Hertford Theatre (26-27 October) and The Rose Theatre, Kingston (29 October – 3 November) for half term fun. 

Kenny Wax Family Entertainment is also delighted to announce the 2020 spring leg of the UK tour with Oi Frog & Friends! heading to Chichester, Nottingham, Liverpool, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cardiff, Salford among others. More dates to be announced.

For the full Oi Frog & Friends! West End and 2019/20 UK tour schedule and to book visit: https://oifrogandfriendslive.com. 

LISTINGS

London – West End

Show: Oi Frog & Friends!

Adapted from the bestselling books by Kes Gray and Jim Field

Dates: 29 November 2019 – 5 January 2020

Venue: Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London W1D 7ES

Press Performances: Thursday 5 December 11am & Saturday 7 December 12pm

Flexible press dates available

Times: Daytime performances at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm

Playing under ‘Thriller’

Tickets: From £15.50

Schools & Groups: 10+ £10 plus 11th ticket free.  Family Ticket (Admits 4): £66 

ACCESS: Thursday 12th December 11am BSL & Relaxed Performance 

For the full performance schedule and prices visit https://oifrogandfriendslive.com 

Box office: 0330 333 4812 / https://oifrogandfriendslive.com 

Category: Theatre / Family Shows / Children / West End / Play with Music

Suitability: Families with children 3+, Early Years, Reception and Key Stage 1

Running time: Approximately 55 minutes (no interval)

UK TOUR 

See your local Box Office for full tour details or visit https://oifrogandfriendslive.com. 

2019

Farnham, Frensham Heights                 12 – 13 October                       

Norwich Playhouse                               15 – 20 October           

Billingham, Forum Theatre                   22 – 23 October           

Ipswich, New Wolsey                            24 – 25 October

Hertford Theatre                                  26 – 27 October                        

Kingston, Rose Theatre                         29 October – 3 November 

2020

Hayes, Beck Theatre                             11 – 12 February

Aylesbury, Waterside                           13 – 15 February

Chichester, Minerva Theatre                17 – 20 February

Nottingham, Theatre Royal                   21 – 23 February

Liverpool, Playhouse                            26 – 29 February          ON SALE SOON 

Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre          18 – 21 March

Bromley, Churchill Theatre                   1 – 4 April                     ON SALE SOON

Newbury, Corn Exchange                      6 – 7 April                     ON SALE SOON 

Birmingham Town Hall                         10 – 13 April

Leicester Curve                                    15 – 19 April                 ON SALE SOON 

Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre         1 – 3 May

Mold, Theatr Clwyd                              4 – 6 May                      ON SALE SOON 

Newcastle, Theatre Royal                     8 – 9 May

Canterbury, Marlowe Theatre               22 – 24 May                  ON SALE SOON 

Salford, Lowry Quays                            26 – 31 May

Radlett Centre                                     8 – 11 June                   ON SALE SOON 

Lichfield Garrick                                   13 – 14 June                 ON SALE SOON 

Leeds, Grand Theatre                           18 – 20 June

More dates to be added…

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 28 September 2019

Reviewed By Jo Gordon

5*****

Mention Romeo and Juliet to others and there is usually two camps of thought, one who remember being force fed it in their school years and would rather let it pass by them as an adult and the other who love all mediums that it could possibly be portrayed. I am the latter so add into the mix Sir Matthew Bourne and you’ve got me! The classic has been re-imagined by Matthew stripping it back to its true meaning of young, passionate love. Set in the Verona Institute, a psychiatric and young offenders unit that over medicates the young patients and makes them partake in group therapies and physical activities. Ruled with an iron fist they are kept well under control, with this, those in power abuse their position and the guard Tybalt (Danny Reubens) has chosen Juliet (Seren Williams) to be his abuse victim. Juliet’s friends try their hardest to save her from this to no avail. Meanwhile a high flying political couple appear with their son Romeo (Andy Monaghan), elections are on the way and to them he is an embarrassment so pay to have him locked away while they try to gain their political dreams. Romeo and Juliet meet and their love is instant but many factors make it difficult for that love to prosper.

Set to  the music of Prokofiev, the choreography will take your breath away at times, from rigid, military timing movements used to portray their controlled lack of freedom within the institute to the stunningly beautiful “balcony”scene where the star crossed lovers entwine and have the longest kiss I may have ever witnessed on stage. The dancers show the passion, sadness and at times happiness that is needed to take your emotions up and down with them and with use of local talent in each production, it stays fresh as everyone brings new energies and a little of themselves to the mix. 

The set is well thought out, with only ever the white tiled, industrialised and cold institute used which when coupled with the stark white costumes adds to that institutionalised feel.

You will absolutely hold your breath at times as you get drawn into Romeo and Juliet’s pain and if like me, the tears come easy, you will shed a few. As ever Sir Matthew Bourne has not let me down and I found it to be just beautifully raw.

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE UNVEILS IT’S STARS FOR THE FAIRY GODMOTHER OF ALL PANTOMIMES, CINDERELLA!

New Wimbledon Theatre have announced this year’s all-star line-up for their forthcoming, enchanting family pantomime, Cinderella, which will see Samantha Womack, Lesley Garrett, Melody Thornton and Pete Firman entertain thousands of festive theatregoers from Saturday 7 December.

Leading the cast in the role of The Wicked Stepmother will be actress and singer Samantha Womack. Best-known for her role in EastEnders as the late Ronnie Mitchell, whose chilling on-screen departure was seen by over nine million television viewers she has appeared on numerous television dramas and comedies including Game On, Home Again and The Grimleys. She has also featured in films including Up’n’Under and Lighthouse Hill establishing herself as one of the country’s most prolific actresses.

Her stage work includes the role of Sandy in Grease at the Dominion Theatre, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls opposite Patrick Swayze, Nellie Forbush in the West End and UK tour of South Pacific and Morticia Addams in the critically-acclaimed UK tour of The Addams Family. Most recently Samantha has starred as Rachel Watson in the critically acclaimed stage adaption of Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel The Girl on the Train which is currently on a second UK tour following a successful season at the Duke of York’s Theatre in the West End.

Joining her as The Fairy Godmother, and making her pantomime debut, will be award-winning soprano, musician, broadcaster and actress Lesley Garrett. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and the prestigious National Opera Studio, Lesley has performed in principal roles across the globe in various operas, appearing at the London Coliseum, Glyndebourne, with Opera North and as a principal soprano for English National Opera which saw her rise to fame. In 2006 she starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s revival of The Sound of Music at the London Palladium and joined the UK tour of Carousel before bringing it to the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End. In 2002 she was appointed a CBE for her services to music.

In addition to her stage work, Lesley was a contestant on the first series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, was a judge on Comic Relief does Fame Academy, had two series of her own and recorded various special concerts for the BBC, hosted and sang at the Classical BRIT Awards at the Royal Albert Hall and was a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women. As a solo recording artist Lesley has released fourteen albums, many of which received gold and silver status, and as a featured soloist on award-winning recordings including The Magic Flute, Così fan tutte and The Mikado.

Starring in the title role of Cinderella will be American singer-songwriter, dancer and television personality Melody Thornton. Having risen to global stardom as the youngest member of the successful pop group The Pussycat Dolls, Melody held a prominent vocal role in the group and can be heard on the band’s most successful hits. Melody and her fellow Dolls achieved worldwide success, with their music winning numerous awards, and released the Grammy Award nominated albums PCD and Doll Domination, which featured the hit singles Don’t Cha, Buttons, When I Grow Up and Jai Ho!. In her solo career Melody has collaborated with hit artists such as Cee Lo Green, Lil Wayne and LL Cool J.

In addition to her music, Melody featured on The Pussycat Dolls Show, Dancing With the Stars, and it’s UK counterpart Strictly Come Dancing, Dance Moms, the World Music Awards, Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls and Popstar to Operastar. Earlier this year Melody swapped her signature heels for skates and was a contestant on ITV’s hit show Dancing on Ice, where she finished in in fifth place.

They will be joined by comedian, magician and television regular Pete Firman as Buttons. Pete’s television appearances include The Generation Game, The Next Great Magician, Tonight at the London Palladium, Let’s Sing & Dance for Comic Relief, Tommy Cooper Forever and the BBC’s primetime Saturday night series The Magicians. His BBC Radio 4 documentary, Pete Firman’s World of Magic, aired to critical acclaim and led to further television appearances alongside John Bishop, Sarah Millican and Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live.

His live performances have taken him all over the world and his one-man shows have entertained sell-out audiences for 10 years in a row at the Edinburgh Fringe and on several UK tours. He’s been invited to perform at Montreal’s prestigious Just For Laughs festival, Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle and London’s home of mystery, The Magic Circle. His other UK theatre productions include Champions of Magic, The All-Star Stand Up Tour and Sandi Toksvig’s Christmas Cracker. Cinderella marks Pete’s third foray into the world of pantomime for producers Qdos Entertainment, and his return to New Wimbledon Theatre having won rave reviews for his role as Wishee Washee opposite Paul Merton in last year’s successful production of Aladdin.

Cinderella will be once again be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer continuing their partnership with New Wimbledon Theatre for a third year, following the previous productions of Aladdin and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Michael Harrison, managing director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomime division said: “I’m thrilled that we have managed to secure Samantha, Lesley, Melody and Pete to lead our Wimbledon pantomime this year. Between them all we have fantastic vocalists, stunning dancers and hilarious comedy that audiences of all ages will love in a production packed full of audience participation, laughter and pure panto magic.”

New Wimbledon Theatre Director Nick Parr said: “Once again New Wimbledon Theatre will be the place to be for the best festive entertainment this year. The theatre team can’t wait to welcome Samantha, Lesley and Melody to their first Wimbledon panto and the return of the hilarious Pete Firman for a second year, will ensure a magical treat for the whole family!.”

Don’t miss your chance to see Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes. The clock is ticking…book your tickets to the Ball today!

Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds – until 28 September 2019

Reviewed By Dawn Smallwood

4****

This exciting contemporary dance company marks the season with their instalment of Phoenix at Home. The instalment celebrates existing works but also new ones including an excerpt of the company’s brand new production, Black Waters.

To begin proceedings and with an introduction from Sharon Watson, the company’s artistic director; Black Waters makes its mark and the audience is given a taste of what is about to come next February when it makes its world premiere at the Leeds Playhouse. This work is co-choreographed by Watson, Shambik Ghose and Dr Mitul Sengupta and looks at the narratives, at the time, about exploration of place, worth and belonging in somewhat then a history of prejudice and violence as far as race and ethnicity are concerned. Under the musical composition of Dishari Chakraborty, Black Waters capture the movement from a story with only more to be told.

Kabbalah, a new work, follows and is performed by the up and coming dancers from Phoenix Youth Academy Juniors. Set to Ramin Djawadi’s Light of the Seven, the company intricately dances and moves to the musical variation which figuratively signifies nature living in the three worlds; earth, heaven and the underworld. Under the choreography of Sandrine Monin, the unity and love are symbolised through collective motions and synchronised interpretations. It is excellently done and certainly a stand out performance from the evening’s programme.

Next is Michael Marquez’s short feature, Lux, and the use of light and luminance is figuratively interpreted by a one’s existence and memories. This dually is slowly and beautifully interpreted to Deep Watch’s Endless fragments of time.

The final work is the The Rite of Spring, produced jointly with Opera North, returns after a successful debut earlier in the year. Jeanguy Saintus brings Stranvinsky’s masterpiece with its contemporary reworking on stage and embraces the Haitian culture. There is a specific emphasis on Haitian Voodoo with the varying musical tempos and moves representing the ceremonial and celebratory elements. Saintus’ provocative, unique and solid choreography and dancing generates an eye catching performance from the company of dancers. The coloured gloves which the dancers wear signify a changing season and circumstance which sells well to the audience.

This Phoenix at Home programme certainly appeases with return works and new works ready to be showcased further. The company take pride in giving opportunities particularly with existing and up and coming dancers. The Phoenix Dance Company successfully continues to tell stories, told and untold, with contemporary dance, movement and rhythm. A wonderful evening of dance!

Musical duo from Paradise Lodge to perform
in local nursing homes alongside London run
Tabard Theatre, Bath Road, Chiswick, W4 1LW
Friday 11th – Thursday 24th October 2019 (not Mondays or Sundays), 7:30pm

Coinciding with their London run, Paradise Lodge’s dysfunctional ukulele musical duo ‘The Doodlebugs’ will come to life this October as they perform in local nursing homes – Chiswick Nursing Home (14th October), Hammersmith Dementia Day Centre (16th October) and Acton Care Home (21st October).

During their acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe the duo raised over £1,000 for Alzheimer Scotland; this charitable partnership was particularly fitting as the production is a musical comedy based on writer Steve Cooper’s experience of caring for his mother-in-law as she lived with dementia.

Residents at homes such as these wouldn’t normally get access to the vast array of shows on the London theatre landscape and it’s important to Cooper that he’s able to connect with local communities, particularly given the subject matter of Paradise Lodge. Singing in care homes is his way of giving something back.

This show is a relatable and compassionate piece that creates an immediate connection with anyone who has had experience with dementia. Told in a series of touching flashbacks and some comic songs from the wartime era, Paradise Lodge transports Vi, Ronnie and the audience back to a time when they had all their lives in front of them – to when they thought they would live forever.

Trying to make sense of dementia and its impact on those affected, Paradise Lodge explores the nature of identity, reality and loss, with a bit of Beyoncé’s Single Ladies thrown in for good measure. A hilarious, heart-wrenching production, it will have audiences laughing, crying and singing their hearts out.

Steve comments, The reactions from audiences young and old has been really touching. People who were apprehensive that the show might be a difficult watch have said they took heart from learning that they weren’t alone. Health professionals have said it could be used to train carers. People with Alzheimer’s, dementia and their families have watched it together and each seems to find something that speaks to them. When people come back the next night and bring others with them it shows that they feel ownership of the play. For me, that’s the highest praise. Whether people have personal experience of the condition or not, they all end up singing!

Paradise Lodge is a compassionate, unflinching look at old age, while in the context of a musical comedy. Informed by real experience, it takes us to places we’d rather not go, and reminds us that they still contain kindness and humanity (★★★★ The Scotsman).

The sheer reality of it is relatable…. a delightful and poignant production (★★★★ London Theatre 1).

HOPE MILL THEATRE IN MANCHESTER TO BECOME CHARITABLE ORGANISATION

• Russell T Davies and Denise Welch join Tracie Bennett as patrons of the theatre

Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester is to move from private ownership to a registered charity, it has been announced.

The critically-acclaimed theatre, which was founded by William Whelton and Joseph Houston in 2015, is to begin operating as a charitable organisation from October.

The charity – A Factory of Creativity – will take over the operating of the venue – which will continue to be called Hope Mill Theatre, with Whelton and Houston continuing in the roles of Executive Director and Artistic Director respectively. A board of trustees, made up of individuals who have supported the venue since it opened, will help support and guide the charity as it moves forward.

Since opening its doors Hope Mill Theatre has won acclaim for its in-house productions premiering in Manchester such as the musicals Parade, Hair, Yank!, Spring Awakening, Aspects of Love and Rags – many of which have transferred to London or on tour. In-house dramas Proof and The Exonerated were also well-received by audiences. The theatre’s latest production, Mame, starring Tracie Bennett and Harriet Thorpe opens this week in Manchester. Hope Mill Theatre was named The Stage’s Fringe Theatre of the Year in 2018 and has today been named a finalist in the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ category at the forthcoming Manchester Culture Awards 2019.

In a joint statement Whelton and Houston said: “Hope Mill Theatre was set up four years ago with a £10K start up loan and has been operating since then as an independent business, receiving no local or national funding. In a small amount of time we have grown rapidly and have struggled to keep up with the expectations and sheer demand of operating such a large endeavour. It has become increasingly hard to support the level of work that we produce in-house as well as supporting a thriving arts community locally.

“Hope Mill Theatre is now in a very crucial stage of its journey with many exciting opportunities, as well as an ever-evolving and developing local landscape. We, along with our small team, recognise the importance of having the venue expand, which will allow us to focus more on nurturing new work and supporting artists.  It is our ambition to secure the venue’s home for many years to come and well as engaging more with our community and making our work accessible to varied audiences. We believe moving forward as a charity will allow us to achieve these ambitions.”

The theatre will continue to build on its acclaimed partnership with Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment, with Hope Mill Theatre and Aria continuing to work together in the future, both at Hope Mill Theatre and around the UK, with their most ambitious show to date – Mame starring Tracie Bennett – opening this week.

Also announced today is the news that award-winning writer Russell T Davies and stage and screen actress Denise Welch are to join Olivier Award-winning actress Tracie Bennett as a patrons of the theatre. 

Russell T Davies said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to become a patron of Hope Mill Theatre.  It’s an amazing place, and I’ve followed Joe and Will’s journey right from the start. Their productions are wonderful, and I love their support for new writers and talent.  I think the future’s full of Hope!”

Denise Welch said: “I’m delighted to become a patron of Hope Mill Theatre. My love of theatre was formed in a company that started like this one and I’m thrilled to be a small part of Joe and Will’s journey. Coming to Hope Mill is not just a night at the theatre – it’s an experience from the minute you arrive, and the productions are first class. Exciting and vibrant…..just like me!”

Tracie Bennett said: “Being from the north myself, it is awe-inspiring to see the true and heartfelt passion and vision of mavericks Joe and Will, and the work they have done in creating Hope Mill Theatre. I had been following their work and have admired from afar the creation of this exciting new venue. I have long thought that a project of this ilk was a long time coming to Manchester. The work they are doing for regional theatre and musical theatre is extremely exciting not only for the city of Manchester but also the industry itself.”

Hope Mill Theatre is now looking ahead to 2020 – its most ambitious year to date – with a number of exciting in-house productions, to be announced.

In the first few months as a charity, there are planned funding applications to fund the purchase and upgrade of lighting and sound equipment. A ‘fund a chair’ scheme will be launched to help replace the venue’s current seating – to help make watching theatre at Hope Mill a more comfortable and accessible experience.  There are plans to also apply for funding to install hearing loops in the venue, as well as an upgrade of the ticket system used to improve the booking experience. There are also plans to launch ‘Friends of Hope Mill Theatre scheme.

Whelton and Houston concluded: “It’s now time to allow Hope Mill Theatre to grow and flourish as it enters the next phase of its very exciting future, regionally and nationally.”

For more information on Hope Mill Theatre please visit www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk

@Hopemilltheatr1

The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussy-cat
Based on the book written by Julia Donaldson
and illustrated by Charlotte Voake

Adapted and directed by Greta Clough

Little Angel Theatre:
Friday 27 September to Sunday 17 November 2019
Press Performance – Saturday 5 October 11.45am

Royal & Derngate Underground Studio:
Thursday 28 November 2019 to Sunday 5 January 2020

A Little Angel Theatre and Royal & Derngate, Northampton co-production

Royal & Derngate, Northampton and Little Angel Theatre are delighted to be collaborating once again to present the world premiere adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Charlotte Voake’s The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussy-cat. This follows on from previous successful co-productions of The Everywhere Bear in 2018 and The Singing Mermaid in 2017. The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussy-cat opens at Little Angel Theatre on Friday 27 September and transfers to Royal & Derngate from Thursday 28 November.

Featuring stunning puppetry, enchanting rhyme and beautiful original music, Julia Donaldson’s sequel to Edward Lear’s classic poem is brought to life on stage for the first time, adapted and directed by Greta Clough, former associate artist of Little Angel Theatre, now artistic director and creative producer of Handbendi, a puppetry and theatre production based in Iceland.

The Owl and the Pussy-cat sailed away
In a beautiful blue balloon.
They took some jam, and a honey-roast ham,
Which they ate with their runcible spoon.

When their beautiful golden wedding ring is stolen, the Owl and the Pussy-cat must travel far from the safety of the Bong-tree glade as their search for the thief leads them across the Sea, on a journey through a nonsensical land full of adventure.

Set and costumes are designed by Kate Bunce whose credits include Why the Whales Came and I Believe in Unicorns (Wizard Presents) and the puppets are designed by Maia Kirkman-Richards, whose previous work for Little Angel Theatre includes David Walliams’ The Slightly Annoying Elephant. Music and lyrics are by Paul Mosely, with lighting design by David Duffy and sound design by Martin Thompson. The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussy-cat is performed by Samuel Dutton and Cass Newby.

To book tickets or find out more about the performances at Little Angel Theatre go to www.littleangeltheatre.com and for Royal & Derngate performances visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

LISTINGS INFORMATION:

Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, Off Cross Street, Islington, London N1 2DN
The Theatre
Dates: Friday 27 September to Sunday 17 November 2019
Times: Times vary – check website for details

Tickets: £13.50 Full-price Adults, £11.50 Children (age 1 – 15) and Concessions
All tickets £8 for previews Fri 27 Sept – Fri 4 Oct
Friday Fives: all tickets £5 at 5pm on Fridays
Box Office:  020 7226 1787 or online at www.littleangeltheatre.com

Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP
Underground Studio
Dates: Thursday 28 November 2019 – Sunday 5 January 2020
Times: Times vary – check website for details
Tickets: Adult £11, Child £9* 
Box Office:  01604 624811 or online at www.royalandderngate.co.uk

* A charge of £3.50 applies for all transactions of £20 and over. Does not apply to Groups, Members or Disabled Patrons, and is per-transaction, not per-ticket.