Month: December 2019

THE REUNION WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!

THE PARODY MUSICAL INSPIRED BY THE ICONIC TV SHOW FRIENDS

ONCE “ON A BREAK” NOW RETURNS FOR AN EXTENSIVE 2020 UK TOUR

The 2019 Edinburgh Festival smash-hit, Friendsical, returns to the stage in 2020 on an extensive UK tour, opening at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley on 20 February.

This original and unique parody musical inspired by the gang in Friends, the iconic TV show, premiered at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe as part of Assembly Festival’s programme, before going on tour. The show opened to a rapturous response from audiences, becoming one of Assembly’s top 10 best-selling shows of the festival.

With updates to the script and further developments to the design, Friendsical returns bigger and funnier than ever before. 

When Ross’ wife leaves him for another woman, he fears he will never find love again. But then Rachel runs back into his life… will he end up with his one true love?

Featuring original songs such as ‘(He’s her) Lobster!’, ‘Richard’s Moustache’ and ‘You’re Over Me, When Were You Under Me?’.

The gang take on naked Thursdays, a power cut, and a dinosaur convention! What could possibly go wrong?

Following Bromley, Friendsical continues its 2020 nationwide tour visiting: Poole,Peterborough, Barnstaple,Cardiff, Guildford, Huddersfield, Leicester, Oldham, Bradford, Coventry, Dartford, Sheffield and Aberdeen. Further dates will be announced in due course.

Both Thomas Mitchells (Chandler) and Ally Retberg (Phoebe) will reprise their acclaimed roles in the hilarious show, and will be joined by a new set of friends for the 2020 tour. The new cast consists of Ewan Gillies (Ross), Alexandra Robinson (Rachel) Tanya Shields (Monica) and Joshua Steel (Joey). They will be joined by Calum Gulvin (Ensemble) and Stephanie MacGaraidh (Ensemble).

Friendsical is written and directed by Miranda Larson,with designs by Anthony Lamble, sound by Olly Steel, lighting by Dom Jeffery, musical composition by Barrie Bignold, choreography by Darren Carnall, associate choreography by Michael Vinsen, casting by Anne Vosser and is produced by Birdbrooke Entertainment ltd.

This is a loving parody not to be confused with the Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. series Friends.

Theatr Clwyd,

Mold, Flintshire, North Wales CH7 1YA

Theatr Clwyd’s Jack and the Beanstalk the Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantomime is to be screened live to six hospitals and care homes across North Wales.

Oh yes they can! People in hospital and care homes in North Wales over the Christmas period will be able to watch Theatr Clwyd’s Jack and the Beanstalk the Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantomime live from their beds.

The production will be live screened for free for 500 patients across six hospitals in North Wales on Tue 17 December at 2pm. Hospitals where participants can watch Jack and the Beanstalk live are – Wepre House, Llys Jasmin, The Neuro Therapy Centre Saltney, Ruthin Hospital, Denbigh Hospital and in Glan Clwyd Hospital’s EQ Seminar Room, Surgical Assessment Room and A&E. DVDs of the performance will also be given to Hydref Residential Home, Haf Nursing Home, Gwanwyn Care Home, Stansty House, Holywell Hospital and Deeside Hospital.

The live screenings are organised by Hester Evans of Theatr Clwyd’s Creative Engagement Team. Today Hester said “It is wonderful to be part of this initiative and be able to transport the magic of pantomime to adults and children too unwell to visit Theatr Clwyd during the festive period. The live screening is especially filmed so patients can see close-up shots of the actors as well as the whole stage, and the actors will be able to do ‘shout outs’ to those watching from their hospital beds. We can’t wait to help make special memories for those who might otherwise be missing out”.

The pantomime live screening forms part of Theatr Clwyd’s award-winning programme of arts, health and wellbeing projects which make a seismic difference to vulnerable people in the community. Work in 2019 in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has included Arts From The Armchair, for people with memory loss and Singing For Lung Health improving the wellbeing, health and breathing of those living with lung conditions. In June, Theatr Clwyd launched the Atgof Memory Arts Café for those living with dementia, their families and friends.

Jack and the Beanstalk the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is at Theatr Clwyd until Sat 18 January. Tickets are available from the Theatre Clwyd Box Office on 01352 344101 or at www.theatrclwyd.com

Jack Studio Theatre – until 4 January 2020

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

The Christmas offering at The Jack is always a treat, and this year’s production of The Invisible Man is a silly but classy delight.

A mysterious stranger swathed in bandages turns up in the sleepy village of Iping and immediately raises the suspicions of the locals. Griffin’s experiments have led to his becoming invisible, and he soon takes advantage of his situation to exact revenge on the society that have always made him feel ignored and belittled. HG Wells’ classic has been adapted with great wit by Derek Webb, ramping up the comedy and keeping exposition to the minimum. Wells’ more serious themes of freedom, anonymity and immorality are still here, but the daft and deft theatrical tricks that surround them keep the production light-hearted.

With a cast of three playing 15 parts, there are a lot of quick changes, but each character becomes easily recognisable thanks to Martin Robinson’s costume design and the actors’ skill under Kate Bannister’s expert direction. The set and sound design (Karl Swinyard and Philip Matejtschuk) add to the magic, with Griffin’s disembodied voice sneering from all around the theatre, and a signpost that takes a starring role among the other prop gags.

The cast are tremendous, with Shaun Chambers hissably deranged as Griffin and hilarious as the three dim-witted policemen on his trail; Matthew Parker is a joy as landlady Mrs Hall, the gossiping Rev Bunting and a bizarre mariner who would be at home in an old Will Hay film and Scott Oswald throws himself around the stage as Griffin’s unwilling sidekick Marvel most convincingly as he is assaulted by the invisible man. They work together brilliantly, and the energy never drops in this fast-paced production. Witty, irreverent and charming, this Invisible Man is a must see.

The Turbine Theatre, London – until 11 January 2020

Reviewed by Donna Easton

3***

I was delighted to see The Turbine transformed into the unmistakable world of Dr Zuess. The colour palette of the set is one that is instantly recognisable and we are in no doubt where we are so I was feeling excited to see the much loved Cat in the Hat brought to life and so was my little daughter. 

I should say at the outset that my daughter (aged 4) loved the show. She gave it 5 stars but I on the other hand didn’t quite feel it. The story was clear, there were indeed some clever moments, great use of props, the odd little modernisation and some clever ad-libs but I felt it was lacking energy and somehow muted. The Cat in the Hat has to be one of the biggest characters in literary history but I felt Jonathan Ray’s performance seemed to be played down rather than heightened. I think this could have been down to the minimal script as he was clearly adept with the (seemingly off the cuff) one liners to the audience and the physical characterisation. 

Grace Kelly Miller’s Sally and Fish hit the right tone for me but I’m afraid the rest of the cast especially Thing 1 and Thing 2’s performances were a little too slapstick and relied on tongues poking out and raspberry blowing for the humour. It seemed a little obvious ‘naughty = blowing raspberries’ but again, I wonder if this was down to the minimal vocabulary? 

Now, ask my daughter and you would get a very different review, 5 stars! She loved it. She thought the Cat in the Hat was hilarious, loved Thing 1 and Thing 2, thought the fish was great and adored the bit when loads of beach balls flew into the audience. 

I get that I am not their target demographic but as a mum, I was filled with joy watching my daughter’s happy little face enthralled with the action. As a Sunday afternoon family trip, it was fun and hey, it’s the review of a 4 year old that matters here anyway, right? 

LAMBERT JACKSON PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE SEARCH FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS TO STAR IN

THE SECRET GARDEN

Lambert Jackson Productions today announce a search to find talented young people to star as Mary Lennox and Colin Craven in their concert performances of The Secret Garden, alongside Lucie Jones, Ramin Karimloo,and Jac Yarrow. The performances will take place at The London Palladium, on Saturday 4 April, 3pm and 7.30pm.

Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved Victorian classic novel, The Secret Garden, blossoms anew in this enchanting musical by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon.

Jamie Lambert and Eliza Jackson today said “It is very important to us that we create opportunities for new, emerging talent in this industry. We have had huge success with these competitions for our past shows and we can’t wait to see what talented young people we find this time!”

All applicants must enter via video and must be available for rehearsals and performances in London, Monday 30^th March to Saturday 4^th April 2020. This is a paid opportunity.

The Secret Garden                                                                                                                            Listings

The London Palladium

Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF

Box Office: 020 7087 7755

https://lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/the-london-palladium/

Tickets from £26.50

Twitter: @secretgardenLDN

Instagram: @secretgardenLDN

On sale dates:
Wednesday 11^th December: Priority Lloyd Webber Theatre sign ups
Thursday 12^th December: Ticketmaster
Friday 13^th December: General

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE WORLD PREMIÈRE OF JULIE TSANG’S FIX AT THE PLEASANCE

Unbroken Theatre

in association with The Pleasance and Yellow Earth Theatre presents

FIX

By Julie Tsang

Directed by Jen Tan; Assistant Director: Zhui Ning Chang; Designer: Rachel Wingate; Lighting Designer: Ali Hunter; Sound Designer: Richard Bell

The Pleasance

14 January – 1 February 2020

Unbroken Theatre in association with The Pleasance and Yellow Earth Theatre today announces the full cast for the world première of Fix written by Julie Tsang. The British East Asian cast, directed by Jen Tan, is Mikey Anthony-Howe (Kevin) and Tina Chiang (Li Na). The production opens on Thursday 16 January, with previews from 14 January and runs until 1 February.

Fix tells the story of Kevin, a washing machine repairman who finds himself inexplicably drawn to an old woman and her house in the woods. At first it seems like a simple fix but as a storm starts to close in, he is forced to confront the ghosts from his past. 

Director Jen Tan today said, “It is a real privilege to be working with Tina Chiang and Mikey Anthony-Howe on Fix – bringing together Tina’s wealth of experience with Mikey’s fresh new talent promises to be thrilling. I can’t wait to start rehearsals and see what they bring to the roles.  ”

Through East Asian and Western influences Julie Tsang’s debut play is a dark and unsettling psychological thriller, and alongside the performances, the Pleasance are also hosting screenings of East Asian horror films Lady Vengeance and Audition.

Fix has been supported by Arts Council England, the Cockayne Foundation and Greenwich Theatre.

Julie Tsang is a Scottish playwright. Her previous credits include The Family Unit (Barons Court Theatre – longlisted for the Bruntswood Prize), Lilyburgh Lane (Scotland Short Play Award – Cumbernauld Theatre), Troon (Theatre503) and I’m With Chico (Tron Theatre).

Mikey Anthony-Howe plays Kevin. His previous credits include Privates on Parade (Union Theatre), The Neath (Vault Festival) and Romeo & Juliet (The Everyman Theatre, Cardiff).

Tina Chiang plays Li Na. Her previous theatre credits include E8 (The Pleasance/The North Wall, Oxford), Mountains: The Dreams of Lily Kwok (Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester), Labour of Love (Noël Coward Theatre), Chimerica (Harold Pinter Theatre), Cyrano de Bergerac (Southwark Playhouse), Fox Attack (National Theatre Scotland/ Òran Mór) and Why The Lion Danced (UK tour). Her credits for TV include Chimerica and Bodyguard.

Jen Tan directs. Her previous credits include A.I.D.A.N, Of Being Alone in a Forest (Arcola Theatre), Romeo & Juliet (Papergang Theatre), Being Norwegian (The Albany), The Plot and Peace Code (Soho Theatre). Her credits as assistant director include Tao of Glass (Manchester International Festival).

Fix                                                                                                                                                                          Listings

The Pleasance

Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF

Box Office: 020 7609 1800

www.pleasance.co.uk

14 January – 1 February 2020

Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm

Sundays at 6pm

Saturday matinee at 3.30pm

Tickets: £12 previews / £14 concessions / £16 full price

PANTOMIME RETURNS

TO BLACKPOOL WINTER GARDENS

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 60 YEARS

BIGGEST EVER FAMILY PANTOMIME

CINDERELLA

TO PLAY THE OPERA HOUSE

SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER 2020 – SUNDAY 3 JANUARY 2021

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

The Winter Gardens Blackpool announced today their partnership with West End Producer Mark Goucher (Hairspray, Priscilla Queen of the Desert) to bring Blackpool’s biggest ever family pantomime to the Opera House Blackpool next Christmas. CINDERELLA will play at the Opera House Blackpool from Sunday 13 December to Sunday 3 January 2021. Tickets on sale now with star casting to be announced soon. www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk.

The Opera House has enjoyed years of Christmas musicals, but not since the production of Dick Whittington in 1956, has a family pantomime played at the Winter Gardens. To celebrate the return of pantomime to the venue, each performance will have over 100 tickets priced at just £10 providing unbelievable value and the opportunity for all to experience theatre at Christmas time.

Michael Williams, Managing Director of the Winter Gardens said “This is really exciting news for the venue and the people of Blackpool. After such a long absence we can’t wait to put on the best pantomime that the Opera House has ever seen. This large scale production of Cinderella will really put the magic into Christmas 2020!”.

West End Producer, Mark Goucher said “After years of touring our first-class hit musicals Hairspray and Priscilla Queen of the Desert to Blackpool and entertaining sold out audiences across Christmas time with pantomime this year, this new partnership with the Winter Gardens will see Blackpool’s biggest family pantomime, focused on local references, topical jokes and above all – high quality production values and special effects all at affordable prices with recognisable faces from screen and stage!”.

CINDERELLA is written by Samuel Holmes (Club Tropicana, Curtains, Shrek, Monty Python Live), Directed and Choreographed by Nick Winston (Annie, Club Tropicana, Fame, Royal Variety Performance), Musical Supervision & Arrangements by Charlie Ingles with designs by Phil R Daniels & Charles Cusick Smith, produced by Mark Goucher for Charming Pantomimes in association with Winter Gardens Blackpool. 

Audiences can expect jaw dropping special effects, a fabulous fairy, stunning costumes, some very wicked ugly sisters and a toe-tapping soundtrack of hit songs that will have everyone singing along. So, polish your pumpkins, dust off your gowns and grab your glass slippers to find out if Cinderella will go to the ball. Will she find her Prince Charming or will the Ugly Sisters ruin the day?

The Lowry, Salford – until Sunday 5 January 2020

Reviewed by Angharad Crabtree

4****

A good adaptation of a much-loved Christmas tale. It would always be hard to out-perform the 2000 film of The Grinch, but the theatrical interpretation worked well through incorporating existing themes and music, whilst initiating some of its’ own story lines. Instead of the usual anonymous narrator, the Grinch’s dog Max is instead brought to life, providing a retrospective view (Giff Rhys Jones), looking back on his younger self (Matt Terry) and his interactions with the Grinch. This brought an interesting new perspective on the tale, as from the dog’s slightly more moral viewpoint, we experience the moral dilemma of whether he should assist the Grinch or follow his heart. The acting from both ages of Max were excellent, with some amazing musical performances from Matt Terry especially. Although, there may have been a bit too much digression into the dog’s story to begin with, when people were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Grinch, and the familiar story line to interject.

The next characters we are presented with are a chorus of ‘Whos’, which all seem to have an almost frantic abundance of energy, allowing the audience to empathise slightly more than traditionally with the Grinch’s irritation for them. However, the gaudy costumes, make up and general aura from the actors gave undeniable cheer to the audience, with their upbeat tunes portraying their adoration for the festive period. The star of the Whos – as to be expected – was most definitely Cindy Lou-Who, providing the adorable and heartwarming good nature that we have grown to know and love from this character, in addition to an angelic singing voice.

However, the ultimate star of the show was the Grinch, played by Edward Baker-Duly. His excellent performance channeled the cheek and charm of Jim Carrey’s performance, whilst also executing original humour, plotlines and choreography. He perfectly embodies the Grinch in a way I wasn’t sure was possible without enhanced cinematics, but Mr Baker-Duly had the audience enchanted by his interpretation of this outlandish character.

The costumes for all cast members were excellent, the Whos were appropriately bright and the Grinch was excellently furry. In addition, the set was beautifully designed, with transitions between scenes seamlessly made and the props were fantastically representative of Dr Seuss’ style of drawing. The orchestra performance on some of the traditional musical numbers was outstanding. Perfectly executed, which allowed the audience to sing along to songs they were familiar with.

The Rose Theatre, Kingston – until 5 January 2020

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

5*****

The Snow Queen was first published in 1844 by Hans Christian Anderson and has been adapted many times over the years.

Gerda (Parisa Shahmir) who has been protected from the world around her in which Freya (Davina Moon) has had a big part in, until Gerda starts to realise she is different from the others. She feels a power within her hands that is magical and is ready to discover and find out who she really is. She entrusts Kai (Jack Wolfe) who is her closest friend by showing him her magic, but by doing this she exposes her whereabouts to the Snow Queen (Helena Blackman).

As things start to unravel Kai is enticed by the Snow Queen and taken far away to the frozen north leaving Gerda to make the journey herself to rescue her best friend, whilst also trying to save Christmas. This adventure takes Gerda on a enchanting yet dangerous journey of elves, trolls, pirates and a very funny reindeer called Bancu, who really wants to fulfill his dreams.

Can she talk her way through situations to make it to the Frozen North?

This production is well worth a see with Helena Blackman as the Snow Queen giving a very dramatic, harsh and fearful performance with her vicious troll army and her stern and sarcastic voice along with her fabulous glittery outfit and high head piece.

Parisa Shahmir as Gerda was extremely magical on stage and very into her roll giving a strong performance along with her sensational singing voice.

Jack Wolfe as Kai was also fantastic and played  a very effective and convincing role.

All in all this performance was brought together with an amazing set very traditional and festive, the lighting was superb and brought it all together with great sound affects throughout each scene. I loved the way they used the whole theatre by coming through the doors near seated areas, making you feel apart of it. You could tell that the cast had a strong connection which made this a fantastic show which I would highly recommend to watch.

Bridlington Spa – until 5 January 2020

Review by Zoe Giles

5*****

From the first moment Didi appeared on stage she was engaging with the audience and I just knew it was going to be a hit, as straight away everyone was intrigued to see what was going to happen next.

This year’s pantomime a Paul Holman and Associates Production stars Didi Conn the legendary Frenchy from the 1978 smash hit musical film Grease, a firm favourite of mine however the younger members of the audience will probably know her best from her time on Dancing on Ice! Returning once again to the stage alongside Didi is the much-loved and respected actor John Lyons from A Touch of Frost fame, who plays Baron Hardup.

From the outset this truly is a magical pantomime with all the classic story telling of the family favourite story of Cinderella, from her humble beginnings to the glitz and sparkle when the magical glass slipper is placed upon her slender foot, and finally she gets her prince charming.

Throughout the dancers gave very professional performances and showcased years of practice and skill alongside the children who joined them on stage.

Personally, I felt Troy Harris as Buttons was the stand out character of the night for me with his antics, audience participation not to mention the Twelve Days of Christmas. Tristan Ward also demonstrated a strong powerful voice and stage presence.

We loved the comic acting skills displayed by Paul Winterford and Aaron Spendelow as the ugly sister’s the brought the audience to fits of laughter with their funny antics and many costume changes.

The costume and set design are amazing add in lighting ,special effects and sound and the stage truly comes to life transporting us to the various locations Cinderella’s house, the ball room, palace etc. and even providing Cinderella with her golden carriage.

Music and chorography are a major factor in this stage production and full credit must be given to the entire cast and band as they were flawless throughout.

We all LOVED this pantomime as it is what a true traditional panto should be, funny believable entertaining and thankfully easy to follow given the fact that it follows the classic story of Cinderella and doesn’t differ from the very well known and loved story as other pantomimes I have seen recently tend to, which gave my children a greater understanding and enjoyment of what was going on as they were able to follow the story fully and relate to what they were seeing on stage.

Afterwards a lovely gesture by the main cast is that they came out into the main entrance of the Spa so you could have photos taken with them without any cost and they greet you and thank you for coming to see the pantomime again a memory maker for myself and my children, Thank you

Bridlington Spa for an outstanding pantomime and if I could give more stars I would, recommend everyone come and see this panto it is truly outstanding.

Merry Christmas Everyone