New Online Production of Sebastian Faulks’s BIRDSONG Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

BIRDSONG

ADAPTED BY RACHEL WAGSTAFF

FROM THE SEBASTIAN FAULKS NOVEL

TO BE SPECIALLY STAGED IN COSTUME AND WITH DIGITAL SCENIC DESIGN

FOR ONLINE STREAMING ON 1 JULY 2020

TO MARK THE 104TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME

There will be a fully cast, abridged virtual production of Rachel Wagstaff’s highly acclaimed adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’s best-selling novel BIRDSONG, streamed online on 1 July 2020, the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.  Told using video technology, live performance, sound design and music, all weaved together to create a unique portrayal of one of the greatest love stories in modern literature, the cast will be in full costume, with digitally designed scenes and lighting, making this the most ambitious online production yet.  The performance will be introduced and narrated by Sebastian Faulks, with a special reading by him from his novel during the interval.  The whole experience should last under two hours.  The show will be released online via www.birdsongonline.co.uk at 7pm on 1 July and will then be available for a further 72 hours.

The virtual production is taking place in association with The Royal British Legion, who have, for nearly 100 years, helped all those who have served, or are serving, in the British Armed Forces and their families. Their work is as vital today as it was back in 1921, when they helped those suffering from the aftermath of the First World War. For more information, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk.

BIRDSONG tells a mesmerising story of love and courage, before and during the war. In pre-war France, a young Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their worlds upside down. As the war breaks out, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground beneath the battle fields.  Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war, Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle and the idyll of his former life as his world explodes around him.

The critically acclaimed Original Theatre Company and Birdsong Productions production toured between 2013 and 2018, receiving 4- and 5-star reviews, with audiences calling the show ‘simply stunning’.  It was seen by over 250,000 people in over 75 theatres across the UK and in Ireland. 

The cast for the virtual production, made up from members of the previous four companies, will be Tom Kay (Stephen Wraysford), Madeleine Knight (Isabelle Azaire), Tim Treloar (Firebrace), Liam McCormick (Arthur Shaw), Malcolm James (Captain Gray), Poppy Roe (Jeanne Fourmentier), Jeffrey Hamer (Colonel Barclay), Stephen Boxer (Rene Azaire), Olivia Bernstone (Lisette Azaire), Samuel Martin (Evans), Max Bowden (Private Tipper), Christopher Harper (Levi), James Findlay (Cartwright) and Tony Green (Military Policeman), with narration by Sebastian Faulks.

Sebastian Faulks said of the virtual production, “This is a great initiative from The Original Theatre Company and technically very ambitious.  The adaptation of novel to play continues to evolve and I’m confident it has reached its best incarnation yet.  Some of the best actors in its long life have signed up.  Should be enormous fun.”

Rachel Wagstaff said, “I am thrilled to see our show taking life in this new online format. I have really enjoyed re-working it with Sebastian Faulks’s ongoing support and participation and in these challenging times, the story seems to mean more than ever.”

She continued, “I’m also really pleased to be teaming up again with directors Alastair Whatley and Charlotte Peters and The Original Theatre Company.  Their work means a great deal to me and I’m very glad to be able to both support and promote it.  I’m also very impressed that they have found a new way of making and creating work which, with theatres being closed for the foreseeable future, will be so essential for many of us.With the support of audiences around the world, I hope we can continue Birdsong’sjourney from page to stage to being made online, and keep alive the flame of theatre, storytelling, and the sacrifices of so many, for us.”

The Original Theatre Company’s Artistic Director and Director of BIRDSONG, Alastair Whatley, said, “Birdsong is a story that explores the endurability of the human spirit and above all the power of love. Sebastian’s novel highlights how, even in times of unimaginable horrors and hardships, there is more that binds us together than breaks us apart; that we are all part of something bigger.” 

He went on, “Never has this incredible story had more to offer and we wanted to find a way to share it at what is a very difficult time for so many people. The Battle of the Somme began on 1 July 1916, and, 104 years later to the day, we hope people will join with us and come together to remember, reflect and experience something we hope will be a little bit special.”

Playwright Rachel Wagstaff wrote the book for the multi award-winning musical Flowers for Mrs Harris (Best Musical, UK Theatre Awards 2016), which played Sheffield Crucible and Chichester Festival Theatre, and a new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d (UK Tour).  With Duncan Abel, she adapted Paula Hawkins’s The Girl on the Train (UK Tour and West End) and wrote the BBC Radio 4 Afternoon Play When I Lost You.  Also for radio, Rachel adapted Sebastian Faulks’s novel The Girl at the Lion d’Or for Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4.

Sebastian Faulks’s most recent novel, Paris Echo, is published by Hutchinson.  HIs new novel, provisionally entitled Snow Country, is due out in 2021. 

The virtual production of BIRDSONG is directed by Alastair Whatley and Charlotte Peters, with digital production design by David Woodhead, costumes by Siobhan Boyd, sound by Dom Bilkey and musical direction by James Findlay. It will be edited by Tristan Sheppard.

The virtual production of BIRDSONG is produced by The Original Theatre Company and is based on the original touring production produced by Anne-Marie Woodley and Jon Woodley for Birdsong Productions Ltd and The Original Theatre Company.

Age guidance 12+

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Online Performances:

Available from Wed 1 July 7:00pm to Sat 4 July 11:59pm via www.birdsongonline.co.uk

Ticket Prices (including a donation to The Royal British Legion):

Early bird – £10 – if booked before 15 June

Standard – £12.50

Premium – £15

Includes:

  • A digital copy of the programme for Birdsong

Supporter – £25

Includes:

  • Your name added as thanks on the credits
  • A digital copy of the programme for Birdsong

Must be purchased per credited name and before 21 June

Benefactor – £100 

Includes:

  • A personalised and signed copy of Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
  • Your name added as thanks on the credits
  • A digital copy of the programme for Birdsong

Must be purchased per credited name and before 21 June

Executive Producer – £1000

Includes:

  • An Executive Producer credit 
  • A personal thank you from our director
  • A personalised and signed copy of Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
  • A digital copy of the programme for Birdsong

Must be purchased per credited name and before 21 June

Martin McDonagh’s THE PILLOWMAN in the West End is delayed

THE NEW PRODUCTION OF

MARTIN McDONAGH’S THE PILLOWMAN

IS DELAYED

The Pillowman, written by the multi Olivier, BAFTA and Academy Award-winning playwright and screen-writer Martin McDonagh, which was due to make it West End premiere this Summer, is to be delayed.

The Pillowman was due to begin performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre on Friday 24 July, for a 12-week season. Due to the current global situation, the production is now postponed and new season details and all further information will be announced at a later date.

Ticket holders do not need to do anything, the point of purchase will be in touch with ticket holders soon.

McDonagh and director Matthew Dunster said: “Whilst we are naturally disappointed that The Pillowman can’t go ahead this Summer, we are fully committed to realising this new production in the near future. We have an extraordinary cast and creative team and can’t wait to bring this new vision of the play to audiences.”

The Pillowman will star Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Golden Globe Award winner, Nocturnal Animals) and Steve Pemberton (Bafta Award winner, The League of Gentlemen).

Taylor-Johnson said: I’m excited to hold the promise of a return to theatre, a place of magic, creativity and Unity.”

Pemberton said: “It’s been a dark time for the performing arts and I can’t wait to have the theatres open again.  Unfortunately The Pillowman has to be put to bed for now, but I very much hope that we’ll be able to bring Martin’s dazzling play to the West End before too long.”

James Bierman,the producer of The Pillowman, said:“Postponing The Pillowman until 2021 due to Covid -19 related issues is, sadly, the right thing to do. Since we announced the show, we have been blown away by the public response and all of us are really looking forward to being able to finally deliver the great play to audiences next year.”

HACKNEY EMPIRE LAUNCHES ONLINE SERIES WITH ITS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR – YAMIN CHOUDURY: IN CONVERSATION WITH…

Yamin Choudury: In Conversation With…

With theatres across the country closed under government guidance, Hackney Empire is producing new online content to connect with its community and attempt to process what is happening in the world. Alongside free online workshops and masterclasses is a new video series titled Yamin Choudury: In Conversation With…

Throughout lockdown, Hackney Empire’s Artistic Director Yamin Choudury will be regularly joined by a new guest from the creative industries to have a frank, open discussion about how the global pandemic is reshaping how we make art, the purpose of art at time like this and what it means to be an artist or creative right now. These conversations, dealing with the physical, emotional and mental realities of the Covid-19 crisis and offering practical advice for when a “new normal” emerges, are streamed for free online.

Guests so far have included songwriter, composer and producer Renell ShawHaydn Corrodus from career progression, mentoring and coaching company WeAreStripes; poet, academic and writer of the Royal Court’s Poet in Da Corner Debris Stevenson and her collaborator, MC and record producer, Jammz; founder of the Hackney-based charity Safe House London Bisola Popoola and founder of creative recruitment agency LEVILE Ola Christian. New videos are released on Hackney Empire’s Instagram and YouTube channel regularly, with more guests to come in future weeks.

In Conversation With… has been created as part of Hackney Empire’s Creative Futures programme. Hackney Empire’s Creative Futures programme is designed to nurture and provide support for free, fuelling the next generation of artists, activists and creative entrepreneurs. Regardless of background or ability, Hackney Empire’s Creative Futures programme offers young people a chance to have their voice heard.

Watch Yamin Choudury: In Conversation with on Hackney’s Empire’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/TheHackneyEmpire, or visit hackneyempire.co.uk for the latest updates.

Website: www.hackneyempire.co.uk
Facebook – /HackneyEmpire
Twitter – @HackneyEmpire
Instagram – @HackneyEmpire
YouTube – TheHackneyEmpire

CHICAGO THE MUSICAL – 2021 UK TOUR ANNOUNCED

DAVID IAN

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BARRY AND FRAN WEISSLER

PRESENT
THE 2021 UK TOUR OF

THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING

OPENING AT THE

BIRMINGHAM ALEXANDRA THEATRE

ON 12 MARCH 2021

David Ian in association with Barry and Fran Weissler announced today the 2021 UK tour of the multi award-winning musical CHICAGO. The show will open at the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre on 12 March 2021. Tour schedule below with further dates and casting to be announced soon. www.chicagothemusical.com

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, CHICAGO’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”.  Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, CHICAGO is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.

Since it opened in New York in 1996, CHICAGO has played in 36 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean.  Worldwide it has been seen by an estimated 33 million people, grossed over $1.7 billion has played over 32,500 performances.

CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.  The 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO was choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.

Richard Hadfield entertains with his daily ‘Song A Day Keeps Corona Away’ videos during lockdown, inspiring his Crowdfunder campaign

Richard Hadfield entertains thousands of music and theatre fans with his daily 

‘Song A Day Keeps Corona Away’ videos during lockdown,

inspiring his Crowdfunder campaign for a live tour which gives back to charity

Professional singer Richard Hadfield (formerly of the vocal group Collabro) has been releasing his ‘Song A Day Keeps Corona Away’ videos every day for over two months on Instagram and YouTube, raising the spirits of music lovers during lockdown and inspiring a Crowdfunder campaign for a tour of live shows, from which half of profits will go to charities.  

With more than 200,000 views of nearly 80 daily videos since the project started, the most popular choice with fans has been The Confrontation from Les Misérables – featuring Richard duetting with himself as both Javert and Valjean, which was no easy task to film! Other musical theatre and film favourites include Till I Hear You Sing from Love Never Dies and You’ll Be In My Heart from Tarzan (a duet with Richard’s brother James), and pop and rock hits such as Just The Two Of Us and A Thousand Years have gone down well.

Originally, Richard filmed the videos on a phone camera but in order to bring a more professional sound to his listeners he decided to start a Crowdfunder campaign which would enable him to upgrade his home studio. Richard says he was “completely blown away” by his supporters’ generosity as his initial £2,000 fundraising goal was surpassed within 12 hours. Having been heartened and encouraged by donors’ comments about how much joy and comfort his music was bringing them during these difficult times, Richard was inspired to set a revised £10,000 fundraising goal. If Richard reaches this target, he will be able to bring his music live to audiences on tour once venues reopen, and also to give back to the community by donating 50% of tour profits to charity (to be split between Music Minds Matter and Age UK). 

For more information about Richard’s Crowdfunder campaign, which closes on 1 July, visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/song-a-day-keeps-corona-away

Richard who originally hails from Sussex, but now lives Mitcham in South West London, found fame winning the ITV television show Britain’s Got Talent with musical theatre vocal group Collabro. He has since transitioned to a successful solo career, touring the world’s most prestigious jazz clubs. 

He said: “I started recording my videos for ‘Song A Day Keeps Corona Away’ on 23 March, after fully recovering from Coronavirus myself. I was keen to battle the pandemic of loneliness and wanted to do something proactive which would both entertain people at home and allow me to bridge the gap in these isolated times.  I’m really proud of the reach of the project, and the feedback of thousands of people who have enjoyed the series all over the world.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to able to perform to many of them in person before long.”

For more information about Richard Hadfield, visit: https://www.richardhadfield.london

THE NATIONAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTION OF THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III TO BE STREAMED AS PART OF NATIONAL THEATRE AT HOME – 11 June

THE NATIONAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES
the Nottingham Playhouse production of 
THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III 
TO BE STREAMED ON YOUTUBE 
 AS PART OF NATIONAL THEATRE AT HOME

Alan Bennett’s epic multi award winning drama The Madness of George III, will be streamed on 11 June via the National Theatre’s YouTube channel as part of National Theatre at Home. The 2018 broadcast from Nottingham Playhouse marked the first collaboration between the two organisations, and is the first production from outside of London to be streamed as part of the National Theatre at Home series. The production will be available to watch on demand for seven days. More productions for National Theatre at Home will be announced at a later date. 

Directed by Nottingham Playhouse’s Artistic Director Adam Penford, the cast includes Olivier award-winners Mark Gatiss (DraculaThe League of GentlemenDoctor Who) and Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and StaceyUpstairs DownstairsAfter the Dance), alongside Debra Gillett (Call the MidwifeDoctor Who). It’s 1788 and George III is one of the most powerful men in the world, but his behaviour is becoming increasingly erratic as his mind unravels at a dramatic pace. As the Queen and Prime Minister attempt to hide the king’s illness, ambitious politicians and a scheming prince begin a power struggle, endangering the stability of the crown.

The Madness of George III was first performed at the National Theatre in 1991 before being turned into an Oscar and BAFTA winning film in 1994. 

National Theatre at Home is available for free but should viewers wish to make a donation to support the National Theatre, we have launched a public appeal on our home page: nationaltheatre.org.uk. 

Money donated via YouTube for The Madness of George III will be shared with Nottingham Playhouse’s Curtain Up Appeal: nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

LEEDS THEATRE COMPANY SEEKS MEMBERS AGED OVER 60

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LEEDS THEATRE COMPANY SEEKS MEMBERS AGED OVER 60

Leeds theatre company The Performance Ensemble is on a quest to grow its company and gather 1000 stories from the city’s older population that will ultimately create a piece of theatre for the Leeds Cultural Festival in 2023.

The Performance Ensemble is a company of performers over the age of 60; they create high quality contemporary performances from their own life experiences.

They are now looking to recruit new members and collect more stories that will help them create unique performance events with the experience of age.

“We are actively looking for new members to join The Performance Ensemble,” explains Artistic Director Alan Lyddiard.  “There is no prerequisite – you don’t have to have experience in theatre or the arts, but you must be over 60 years old.”

Some of the company members work as actors, writers, and dancers but others joined the company as a first-time experience; all are from a range of different backgrounds and diverse cultures.

“We celebrate the fullness of life and explore vulnerability, resilience, and ageing,” Alan continues.

“I want to work with people in what I call ‘the space between professional, amateur and community arts practice’, concentrating on shared knowledge and experience; when you are older you have many things to contribute and each of us will learn from the other.”

Alan was a theatre and film director for 40 years and formed The Performance Ensemble in 2014 when he was 65. It now has a core company of 35 people and a wider membership of over 100.

“I don’t think the desire to create work and discover new things ever goes away,” he concludes.  “And that is why I started The Ensemble – I want to explore new ways to create theatre and engage with others.”

For more information and to get involved

email [email protected] or call 07846 575 377

Lawrence Batley Theatre to bring a new online adaptation of Nigel Slater’s Toast to audiences at home from 1 – 31 July 2020

Adapted by Henry Filloux-Bennett, the Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield present:

A NEW ONLINE ADAPTATION OF

NIGEL SLATER’S TOAST

BROADCASTING FROM 1st – 31st JULY 2020

Following its hugely successful 2019 West End run and national tour, Nigel Slater’s Toast returns to the Lawrence Batley Theatre as a brand-new online play for audiences to enjoy from the comfort of their own home.Available to listen to, or watch as an animated film, all ticketholders will receive a recipe card from Nigel Slater enabling them to immerse themselves in this sensory and heart-warming play where Nigel’s flavour and stories come to life.

Featuring the original West End cast of ToastGiles Cooper, a close friend of Nigel himself who will be recording his lines in his London home where Nigel lived in when he began writing his book, will be reprising his role at Nigel Slater. The cast also includes Lizzie Muncey (Twelfth Night, National Theatre) as Mum and Stephen Ventura (The 39 Steps, West End) playing Dad. Joan will be played by Marie Lawrence (Murder in Successville, BBC3) with Jake Ferretti (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Apollo Theatre/National) as Josh.

Toast is based on Nigel Slater’s award-winning biography,which vividly recreates his childhood through the tastes and smells he shares with his mother, culminating in the young Nigel’s escape to London. From making the perfect sherry trifle, through the playground politics of sweets, the rigid rules of restaurant dining, and a domestic war over cakes, this is a moving and evocative tale of love, loss and…toast.

As a regional theatre, Lawrence Batley Theatre are at the forefront of making a difference during this cultural shift and are rising above many other organisations while continuing to adapt and bring innovative online theatre to the world at a time when the theatre industry faces ongoing struggles. For a play relying on its interactive nature through the smell of food on stage, Lawrence Batley Theatre have created new ways for audiences to feel, hear, smell, and taste(!) the memories of Nigel Slater.

Toast follows the success of Lawrence Batley Theatre’s recently-broadcast production of The Understudy which, in a bid to raise money for the theatre industry, reached audiences in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, USA, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

The cast and creative team involved in Toast will take part completely in isolation and actors will record their lines at home that will be brought to life by an exceptional sound design team including Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Annie May Fletcher and Sophie Galpin. Toast will be directed by once again by Jonnie Riordan (Man Up, Frantic Assembly Ignition, Stratford Circus, Lattitude; Boy Magnet and White Noise, ThickSkin; and Found, The Albany).

Commenting on this timely project, Nigel Slater said: “Toast has already had a life as a book, a film and a stage production and I am thrilled to see it in its latest format as an animated radio play. To bring the play to such a wide audience is a brilliant idea from The Lawrence Batley Theatre and The Lowry and working with so many of the original production team and cast again has been an absolute joy.”

Henry Filloux-Bennett, writer of Toast, comments: “I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to bring ‘Toast’ back to this new virtual stage. We were completely blown away by the response the play had from audiences across the country, and we’re so excited that people who weren’t able to catch the play before now can, and that for those who enjoyed it on stage we can bring the story (and the walnut whips) back again.”

Nigel Slater’s Toast is an online play – part radio play, part animated film. You could choose to just listen to the broadcast, but you will also be able to watch it. It will be available from Wednesday 1st – Friday 31st July For more information, see www.thelbt.org

CITY VARIETIES MUSIC HALL CELEBRATES 155TH BIRTHDAY DURING LOCKDOWN

CV Logo1

CITY VARIETIES MUSIC HALL CELEBRATES 155TH BIRTHDAY DURING LOCKDOWN

The world-famous City Varieties Music Hall – and Guinness World Record holder for the longest running music hall in the UK – turns 155-years-old on Sunday 7 June 2020.

On a day that should be marked with great occasion, the doors to Leeds oldest theatre remain firmly closed as a result of Coronavirus (COVID-19); it is the first time in its long and colourful history that the venue has ceased operation (other than in 2009-2011 when it underwent a £9million restoration). Now Its future is uncertain.

Regarded by many as one of the finest comedy and music venues in Britain, due to its intimate atmosphere and ‘brutally honest’ audience, The Varieties began life in 1865 as the ‘New Music Hall and Fashionable Lounge’ – a room above a pub established by business entrepreneur, Charles Thornton, for the working people of Leeds to be entertained; its affluent sister venue, Leeds Grand Theatre, was meant only for the higher classes. A popular saying at the time was: ‘wear your flat cap to The Varieties and your top hat to The Grand.’

In its early years the Varieties welcomed many weird and wonderful acts, including the world-renowned escapologist Harry Houdini, singer, comedian and actress Marie Lloyd, and Victorian music hall beauty Lily Langtree – for whom it is rumoured Prince Edward would sneak into a private box to watch and court.

Over the years, The Varieties became known for quality entertainment, attracting stars of the highest calibre. It is probably best known for hosting the BBC’s The Good Old Days from 1953 to 1983.

First broadcast on 20 July 1953, The Good Old Days recreated old-time music hall entertainment – with audiences encouraged to dress in Victorian garb. Produced by Barney Colehan, it featured Leonard Sachs as the alliterative Chairman and many well- and lesser-known performers, including Les Dawson, Barbara Windsor, Bruce Forsyth, Danny La Rue, Ken Dodd and Barry Cryer. Albeit untelevised, The Good Old Days still runs today, and the original series has recently enjoyed a re-run on BBC4.

In 2009, The Varieties benefitted from a £9million regeneration project, largely funded by Leeds City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Reopening in 2011 – Ken Dodd being the last act to perform before closure, and the first act to perform on reopening – the restoration project undertook a considerable amount of work, including demolition and reconstruction of the backstage areas, ceiling and plasterwork repairs (inspired by a 1900 design discovered during the restoration), new carpeting and seating throughout the auditorium, and the fitting of an external glass lift to greatly improve access to the building.

Today City Varieties Music Hall is renowned for hosting the very best in live music, variety, comedy and National Theatre Live and delayed screenings, as well as the hugely popular Rock ’n’ Roll Pantos that showcase the very best of live actor/musicians in a break from the traditional pantomime. Since relaunch in 2011 the Varieties has played host to John Bishop, Russell Crowe, Kerry Ellis, Boy George, Michael McIntyre, Sara Pascoe, Romesh Ranganathan, Phil Wang, Jack Whitehall, and the Queen and Prince Phillip who officially opened the refurbished venue in 2012 as part of their Jubilee tour.

The Company’s Learning Programme also provides young people with opportunities to develop new skills and gain hands on training experience using the rich resource of its heritage theatres. Be it through the school’s partnership programme (primary, secondary and colleges), Youth Theatre or holiday workshops, it offers young people a chance to voice their experience about life in Leeds and invite a fresh creative response to the city’s artistic life.

Chris BlytheCEO, said: “The Varieties is a Leeds, if not a national institution. A hidden gem with a warm Yorkshire welcome. Contributing to the vital cultural life of the city, City Varieties Music Hall is a significant employer in the area, supporting many neighbouring bars and restaurants with a regular influx of theatregoers.

“Whilst we’re all working towards and looking forward to the day that we can reopen our doors and welcome our audiences back, we must face facts, venues like ours will be the last to open. Our income generation will be limited potentially months after other parts of the economy start to grow. The whole industry will need to take stock as investors and producers of our wonderful shows have also taken a massive hit.

“And when we do reopen (notice the emission of the word ‘if’), the future is going to be much changed. Reserves will be exhausted, and patrons will have difficult choices to make with a financial recession and their own well-being and safety to consider. We will have to continue to operate with appropriate safety measure in place – careful consideration will need to be given to both staff and patron welfare, our cleaning regime, appropriate distancing measures and potentially a period of cashless transactions. The list goes on.

“But however daunting, I am certain we have a future. We must.

Throughout closure, The Varieties is asking patrons (if financially viable) for donations that will help support the Company throughout this financially difficult period – www.cityvarieties.co.uk.

THE GREAT GATSBY SET TO RE-OPEN IN THE WEST END IN OCTOBER

PRODUCERS TO TRIAL RE-OPENING OF IMMERSIVE SHOWS THIS AUTUMN WITH

THE GREAT GATSBY

GATSBY’S PARTY RE-IMAGINED AS A 1920s MASQUERADE BALL

ENABLING AUDIENCES TO WEAR MASKS AND GLOVES

WITH TEMPERATURE CHECKS AND REDUCED CAPACITY

TO ENABLE SOCIAL DISTANCING

The Guild of Misrule and Immersive Everywhere’s critically acclaimed THE GREAT GATSBY, created and directed by Alexander Wright– which had previously set a record as the UK’s longest running immersive production – is planning to re-open at West End venue IMMERSIVE | LDN on THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER 2020As with all UK theatres and productions, the show was forced to close down in March, due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent UK shutdown.

Olivier Award winning producers Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook have re-imagined and re-set the production as an Art Deco Masquerade Ball, with audience members wearing compulsory face coverings to complement their fabulous attire.

The capacity of the venue will be significantly reduced to help patrons – coming as individuals or in household groups – to keep a safe distance from others; and the nature of the show means that audience members can choose where they stand and move throughout the performance, naturally enabling social distancing. The show content is being altered and updated to avoid any activity that would be considered high risk, and the actors will be further trained to keep groups of audience following the story, whilst remaining at a safe distance.

Amongst other measures to ensure full compliance with government Covid-Secure guidelines, temperature checks will be undertaken for audience and staff on arrival. The venue will be deep cleaned before and after every performance, bar equipment sterilised, and hand sanitisers will be available throughout the venue.

The Producers are confident that smaller-scale immersive productions are inherently suited to social distancing measures and will be able to open safely in that time frame, complying with the expected government guidelines on mass gatherings, social distancing and good hygiene practices. The hope is that the immersive nature of THE GREAT GATSBY might enable it to be the first long running show to responsibly re-open in 2020.

The Producers are also planning for the eventuality that the show can’t proceed, or individual patrons can’t attend, and are offering a no-questions-asked exchange policy.

These Covid-Secure policies will be under continuous review and are by no means exhaustive – any additional measures recommended will be adopted as appropriate.

Tickets can be booked via www.immersivegatsby.com.

Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook said “We want to offer something for people to look forward to following this extended lockdown. Our show has several inherent features that make it safer than a trip to the supermarket, so we’re embracing that and innovating. Hopefully we can provide a blueprint for other productions to open safely and be part of the process of restoring employment and the economy of the creative industries. 

Naturally, public health is the highest priority of all, and this will be the driving force behind all of our decisions. We’re implementing a no-questions-asked exchange policy so that if circumstances change, whether in general or for any individual, our patrons will be fully protected. We would like to thank our landlord, Grosvenor Estates, and our producing partners and investors for their creativity, camaraderie and continued support”.

Jay Gatsby invites you to one of his infamous large parties. Re-imagined and re-set to meet covid-19 secure guidelines, the champagne flows and as the drama unfolds the man himself will be the perfect host. As invites go, this is the hottest in town.

A hedonistic world of red hot rhythms, bootleg liquor and pure jazz age self-indulgence awaits. Don your masquerade, dress to the nines and immerse yourself in this heart racing adaption of F Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal tale of the Roaring Twenties.

Olivier Award winning producers Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook, who are currently co-producing the immersive production of DOCTOR WHO TIME FRACTURE – launched a new company in 2019, IMMERSIVE EVERYWHERE, entirely dedicated to developing and staging theatre-led immersive experiences, and IMMERSIVE | LDN is the newest of their network of venues, which will house cafes, bars and rehearsal and workshop spaces to help the development of new work.

IMMERSIVE | LDN is a 32,000sq ft historic building in the heart of Mayfair, which was home to the Queen Victoria’s Rifles Association until 2017. It includes three floors of immersive theatre and event spaces designated for performance, live gaming, events, escape rooms and private parties. For information about programming and venue hire visit www.immersiveldn.com

First conceived in 2015 when director Alexander Wright and producer Brian Hook were running The Fleeting Arms – a pop arts and community pub in an abandoned building in York, the show then ran in York in 2016 with a parallel production in Sheffield, and was produced by the Guild of Misrule . The Great Gatsby first came to London as part of VAULT Festival in 2017 and sold out before the show opened. Since then the show has run in Wales in co-production with Theatr Clwyd, at Halifax’s Square Chapel, and at Castle Howard in North Yorkshire. All the while the show has played night after night at Gatsby’s Drugstore in London SE1, inviting audiences into the hedonistic world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s extraordinary tale, and in 2018 it became the UK’s longest running immersive production.

Amie Burns Walker and Oliver Tilney are Associate Directors. Choreography is by Holly Beasley-Garrigan, design by Casey Jay Andrews, costume design by Heledd Rees, sound design by Phil Grainger and lighting design by Rachel Sampley. The original score was composed and produced by Glen Brown and Tendai Humphrey Sitima, with arrangement and additional composition by David Sims. The original production was created by Holly Beasley-Garrigan, Amie Burns Walker, Hannah Davies, Phil Grainger, Michael Lambourne, Thomas Maller and Oliver Tilney.

This new production of The Guild of Misrule’s THE GREAT GATSBY is produced by Immersive Everywhere with co-producer Gavin Kalin Productions, and with Glynis Henderson Productions, Theatr Clwyd, We Culture Connects and Damier NV as Associate Producers.

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www.immersivegatsby.com