Month: November 2020

THE WEST END SINGS

FOR

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

IN NEW CHRISTMAS SINGLE

“CHRISTMAS AGAIN (THE SHOW MUST GO ON!)”

RELEASED TODAY

ON iTUNES, APPLE MUSIC and SPOTIFY

“CHRISTMAS AGAIN (THE SHOW MUST GO ON!)” is a brand-new original song written by Anna Hale, Joe McNeice and Matthew Spalding which features 30 performers from the West End and is available to buy now (Friday 27^th November) from iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify. 

“Christmas Again (The Show Must Go On)” celebrates Christmas in what has been a challenging year for all involved the theatre industry. All profits from the single will go to Theatre Support Fund+ who will distribute the profits to Acting For Others, The Fleabag Support Fund and the NHS COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.

The track features, Mark Anderson (School of Rock), Marc Antolin (Matilda), Luke Bayer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Tracie Bennett (Follies), Norman Bowman (Les Misérables), Alex Cardall (Evita, The Season), Oscar Conlon-Morrey (Only Fools and Horses), Matthew Croke (Aladdin), Adam Davidson (Mary Poppins), Janie Dee (Follies) Alice Fearn (WICKED), Tyrone Huntley (Jesus Christ Superstar),) Rachel John (Hamilton) Ryan Kopel (The Book of Mormon), Rebecca Lock (The Phantom of the Opera), Jack Loxton (Dear Evan Hansen), Robert Madge (Les Misérables), Rebecca McKinnis (Dear Evan Hansen), Claire Moore (The Phantom of the Opera), Martha Pothen (The Visit), Joanna Riding (The Girls), Clive Rowe (Guys and Dolls), Savannah Stevenson (Mary Poppins), Noah Thomas (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Harriet Thorpe (MAMMA MIA!), Sally Ann Triplett (MAMMA MIA!), Lauren Ward (Dear Evan Hansen). William Huke and Ellie Sayles, recent Royal Central School of Speech and Drama graduates also feature in the track.

Writer and producer of the track Joe McNeice said today,

“We couldn’t have done this without the tireless efforts of everyone involved, and the dedication of our creative team. Not to mention the singers, who either trekked through London to come to the studio or pulled out all the stops to get professional standard recordings to us remotely, people were just overwhelmingly generous with their support for the project, and I think that’s testament to the fact that everyone in our industry is absolutely desperate to do anything they can to get us all back to doing what we love.

It’s an incredibly volatile time and there are days where the future feels paper thin, so we just wanted to spread some festive cheer and hopefully raise a bit of cash for the Theatre Support Fund+ to raise monies for those struggling in the industry in these times. They have been an amazing support system to many so far and I hope our single can help many more.”

Joe McNeice is an up-and-coming theatre producer and director.  Joe was a director on the European premiere of DIVA: Live From Hell at the Brockley Jack, but the run was cut short due to the pandemic and never made it to opening night. Joe previously worked on The Great Gatsby and The Wolf of Wall Street productions and recently wrote a song for On Hope: A Digital Song Cycle (MP Theatricals, 2020) with Matthew Spalding.

Anna Hale is a theatre director, performer and song writer. Her Directing & Assistant Directing credits include: Legend Trippers (The Other Palace, NYMT) and Doctor Faustus (Oxford Playhouse). Performance credits include Jessica in London Road (National Theatre/BBC Films).

Matthew Spalding is a Musical Director, pianist and composer/arranger. His previous credits as Assistant Musical Director include Curtains (UK and Ireland tour/Wyndham’s Theatre) and Camelot (London Palladium). Matthew was also the Andrew Lloyd Webber Associate Musical Director for the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama’s BA Acting Musical Theatre course 2018/19. His previous writing credits with Joe McNeice include a song for On Hope: A Digital Song Cycle (MP Theatricals) and workshop productions of Twilight Robbery in Surrey and York.

Theatre Support Fund+ was set up in April by theatre industry workers Chris Marcus and Damien Stanton who wanted to form an initiative to help individual workers who are no longer working due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. They created and designed ‘The Show Must Go On!’ t-shirt, the design of which is an amalgamation of the world-famous artwork of 16 of the biggest musicals in the West End. Since Theatre Support Fund’s inception, the team have raised over £500,000 with all profits from merchandise sold goes to Acting for Others, Fleabag Support Fund and the NHS Covid-19 Urgent Appeal. 

The track is orchestrated by Tom Curran, Musical Director is Chris Ma and Musical Supervisor is Matthew Spalding. The track isproduced by Joe McNeice for Theatre Support Fund+ and is available from Apple music, iTunes and Spotify.

Playing ON Theatre Company
celebrates 10th anniversary

Playing ON Theatre Company celebrates their 10th anniversary in a year like no other. Originally founded by Jim Pope and Philip Osment, Playing ON marks this milestone by looking to the future, providing new training and education schemes and developing their community of associates. A newly formed leadership structure will deliver the company’s vision over the coming years with Jim Pope as Artistic Director and CEO supported by Producer Rhian Davies.

Over the past 10 years, the company has nurtured their associates to grow as facilitators and writers – mentoring emerging practitioners, delivering training and leading intensive devising programmes. Philip’s legacy will be honoured with a formal writing opportunity in collaboration with his long-time friend, collaborator and literary executor Lin Coghlan as well as formalising their facilitator training with a two-day course available from March

Playing ON have produced three full-scale theatre productions to date and worked with prisoners and prison staff, mental health service users and NHS staff, hospital patients, drama students, those in recovery for addiction, young people in care and youth offending teams. Their work is only just beginning.

They are in development with UNshore, in partnership with Rose Bruford and their Masters students, and Lewisham College. The show is a verbatim exploration of gender fluidity, nonbinary identities and sexuality through the prism of fish in an aquarium. They are also working with the East London NHS Foundation Trust to deliver a project about coproduction mental health contexts, working with service users, medical and non-medical mental health staff, as well as developing their partnership with Drilling Diamonds, working with young Black Londoners. Playing ON’s amazing work with children has also seen them shortlisted for Children and Young People Now’s Art and Culture Award

Artistic Director Jim Pope comments, Philip and I had a vision to create a permanent theatre company, which would enable disenfranchised people to have their voices heard in community spaces and in theatres. A lot has happened since we started in 2010… Philip is sadly no longer with us having passed away last year; he left a powerful legacy of theatre practice as a tool for transforming people’s lives. As lives become more isolated and the gap between rich and poor widens during the pandemic, the need for our work has increased. We have made it to the tenyear mark and I am now convinced that we will be playing on for many years to come.

Sherlock in Homes – an online murder mystery

Don your Deerhunter, grab your notepad and boil your kettle! It’s time to Zoom in to a murder mystery from your own home.

As Christmas approaches, audiences can enjoy an interactive theatrical experience, with online murder mystery Sherlock in Homes. With a variety of dates available between Friday 4 and Wednesday 23 December, tickets go on sale from Royal & Derngate on 27 November.

Sharp Teeth Theatre, associate artists of the Wardrobe Theatre and creators of Polly: The Heartbreak Opera and Parlour Games, have created a murder mystery for audiences to solve from the comfort of their own home, providing some much needed entertainment over the winter months.

Audiences will be invited to interview the suspects and deduce the identity of the murderer. Split into detective teams online, it’s a great way to spend an evening with friends and family who we can’t currently see in person. Suitable for ages 8 to 100, this show is for anyone who loves murder mysteries, enjoys raucous fun or wants a good night out from home.

Sherlock in Homes is written by Peter Baker (previously Trigger in Only Fools and Horses the Musical at Haymarket Theatre Royal) in collaboration with a company of brilliant performers and improvisers. Peter previously worked for the Agatha Christie estate, and, having improvised over 200 murder mysteries with the notoriously brilliant Degrees of Error in Murder, She Didn’t Write, he brings a wealth and knowledge and experience to creating this murder mystery.

The production is directed by Sharp Teeth’s artistic director Stephanie Kempson (Polly: The Heartbreak Opera, Spooky Ship for Bristol Old Vic, Documental Theatre’s Score and Pulling Out).

Tickets for Sherlock in Homes are £12* per device (with the recommendation of 1-2 people per device for the best experience). There are 17 performances between Friday 4 December and Wednesday 23 December. For a full schedule of dates and start times, and to book, visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call Royal & Derngate’s Box Office on 01604 624811 (phonelines currently open from Tuesday to Friday 10am to 2pm).

* 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.

SAM TUTTY & EMILY REDPATH

STAR IN A FILMED THEATRE PRODUCTION OF

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S

ROMEO & JULIET

Ryan Metcalfe and Simon Gordon on behalf of Metcalfe Gordon Productions are delighted to announce a new filmed theatre production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet starring Sam Tutty and Emily Redpath in the title roles, with direction by Nick Evans. This production has utilised new, cutting edge technology to produce and film the show whilst working to the restrictions and regulations in place.

Sam Tutty shot to fame in 2019, making his West End debut in the title role in Dear Evan Hansen (Noel Coward Theatre), for which he recently won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Earlier this year, he also won the What’s on Stage Award for Best Actor in a Musical for Dear Evan Hansen. Prior to this, he starred as Daniel in Once on This Island at Southwark Playhouse. 

Emily Redpath graduated from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in 2019 and has since appeared in P**n Flakes for Spilt Milk and the feature film Help for Ridder Films.

Also in the cast are Brandon Bassir (a Grammy and NAACP nominated songwriter and a 2020 graduate from Guildhall) as Mercutio, Daniel Bowerbank (a recent RADA graduate) as Benvolio, Jonny Labey (Paul Coker in EastEnders, contestant in Celebrity X Factor, the first winner on the ITV show Dance Dance Dance UK, judge on CBBC dance show Taking The Next Step and Scott Hastings in Baz Luhrmann’s original West End cast of Strictly Ballroom at the Piccadilly Theatre) as Paris, Sylvester Akinrolabu (recent graduate of the London College of Music) as Tybalt, Helen Anker (Tanya in Mamma Mia! UK and International Tour, Jellylorum in Cats at Kilworth House, Medda Larkin in the original production of Newsies at Papermill Playhouse, New Jersey, Miss Olsen in Promises Promises at Broadway Theatre, Broadway, Ivy Smith in On The Town and Candide for ENO, and Mrs Phagan/Sally Slaton in Parade at Donmar Warehouse) as Capulet, Mark Ozall (John Major in season 4 of The Crown) as Montague, Lucy Tregear (Room at Stratford East and Abbey Theatre Dublin, Coriolanus, The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and A Woman Killed with Kindness for RSC, The Country Wife at Theatre Royal Haymarket, By Jeeves at Lyric Theatre and Three Sisters at Chichester) as Nurse, Vinta Morgan (Claudius in Hamlet, Duke of Alba in Don Carlos, Geraldo Salas in Death and the Maiden, Tom Snout in A Midsummer Night’s Dream) as Friar, Jessica Murrain (Macbeth atThe Globe, Peter Pan at the National Theatre/Troubadour Theatre White City, A Christmas Carol for theRSC) as Prince, Timmy Driscoll (a 2020 graduate from Performers College) as Sam, Tats Nyazika (since graduating in 2019, credits include Comedy of Errors with Two Gents Productions, a short film Irreversible with the National Film & Television School and the government’s current Hand, Face, Space coronavirus campaign advert) as Gregory, Iskandar Eton (a 2020 graduate from Mountview) as Abe and Ollie Tennant (a 2020 graduate from Mountview, making his professional debut) as Balthasar.

Producers Ryan Metcalfe and Simon Gordon said: 

“During a time when it has not been possible to produce shows in venues, this first of its kind production uses ground-breaking technology to film a high production value theatrical performance without the cast and creative team ever stepping foot inside a theatre. We are excited about the future of this technology and the creative possibilities it presents.

“We set out with some clear goals in mind: this production would give back to the industry, both directly by employing creatives, production staff and actors – some of whom had just graduated into a closed industry – and indirectly through a donation to Acting For Others, an umbrella charity that provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need. We are proud to have made a production of this classic play that is inclusive and accurately represents the diversity of modern society.”

Simon Gordon continued:

“One of the most exciting things about Romeo & Juliet is the way we created it – we have produced a theatre show in a time when theatres are closed. We faced several challenges throughout and thanks must go to the creative team, production team, and the actors, who adapted at every turn in order to create it. It simply would not have been possible without the people involved going above and beyond.

“Our production of Romeo & Juliet was born out of a love for theatre. This unique, modern day retelling will be available in 2021 & we can’t wait to share it with you.”

Ryan Metcalfe added:

“We’re incredibly excited about Romeo & Juliet; excited for the cutting-edge technology that we’ve used, the modern retelling of this story and the increased accessibility that this filmed production brings.

“The ongoing pandemic presented a huge challenge for us, as it does for all producers at the moment: the difficulties with having actors work in close proximity, theatre buildings being forced to close, and a huge list of health and safety concerns. Our team was truly fantastic in putting measures in place to ensure that we complied with all regulations in place and create a safe working environment for all.

“Full credit to our cast, creative and production teams. We’re so thrilled with the end result and can’t wait for you to see it in 2021.” 

The release details for Romeo & Juliet will be announced in due course, but you can sign up for further information via romeojuliet2021.com.

Romeo & Juliet is directed by Nick Evans, with assistant direction by Gwenan Bain, edited by Ryan Metcalfe, production design by Jamie Osborne for Preevue, costume design by Natasha Bowles, lighting design by Elliot Smith, visual effects by Preevue, production management by Gary Beestone and casting by Jim Arnold CDG.

The filmed theatre production of Romeo & Juliet is produced by Metcalfe Gordon Productions.

Website: romeojuliet2021.com

Twitter: @RomeoJuliet2021

Instagram: @RomeoJuliet_2021

Facebook: Romeo & Juliet 2021

CASTING AND NEW DATES ANNOUNCED FOR

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

ACTOR MUSICIANS PETE ASHMORE AND TILLY-MAE MILLBROOK TO STAR IN THIRD SOCIALLY DISTANCED SHOW AT THE WATERMILL THEATRE

THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER– SUNDAY 3 JANUARY

BOOK ONLINE AT WATERMILL.ORG.UK OR VIA THE BOX OFFICE ON 01635 46044

Casting and new dates have been announced for A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Newbury’s The Watermill Theatre – the third and final show in the autumn / winter season of work featuring shows with smaller cast sizes, reduced capacity inside the auditorium and socially distanced seating. Following the Government’s announcement on Saturday 31 October of new national Coronavirus measures, the theatre was forced both to bring the run of LONE FLYER to an end, and to cancel the first scheduled performances of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, which was due to open on 26 November.

With today’s announcement that Berkshire has been placed in Tier 2 measures, A CHRISTMAS CAROL will now play from Thursday 3 December to Sunday 3 January. A limited number of press seats are available on request for various performances from 5 December.

It’s Christmas Eve, and whilst London is alive with festive cheer and seasonal goodwill, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge grows meaner by the minute. A heartless money lender, who cares more about counting his coins than for his fellow man, Scrooge despises Christmas and everything to do with it. But will a timely visit from the haunting ghosts of Christmas past, present and future change his wicked ways before it’s too late?

Two actor-musicians introduce us to Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and a host of extraordinary characters as you have never seen them before in a festive retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. 

Actor musicians Pete Ashmore and Tilly-Mae Millbrook will star as ‘Scrooge’ and ‘The Narrator’ respectively. Adapted by Danielle Pearson, directed by Georgie Staight and designed by Isobel Nicolson, A CHRISTMAS CAROL will see the cast working together as joint Musical Directors in order to create a magical festive soundscape. Lighting is designed by Harry Armytage with sound design by Tom Marshall and costume design by Emily Barratt.

Paul Hart said, “I’m incredibly proud that once again the team here will be opening a show so quickly – in fact we’ll be open the very next day after restrictions are lifted and hope to welcome as many audiences as is safely possible over the Christmas period. Despite everything this year we’ve still managed to launch five new productions, welcoming 3438 audience members, 1774 outreach participants and employing 79 talented freelancers. I think we all need some Christmas joy more than ever and I’ve no doubt this production will deliver exactly that in a bold and innovative new version of this perennial favourite.”

New government guidelines for venues in Tiers 1 and 2 state that the capacity of the auditorium should be reduced to 50% of full capacity (which for the Watermill is 213 seats). As part of Stage 4 of the existing DCMS roadmap, the auditorium was already reduced to 74, to create socially distanced seating bubbles – this equates to 34% of full capacity.

As well as these strict social distancing measures, other safety measures were implemented when the theatre reopened, including all audience members being required to wear face masks, hand sanitiser stations throughout the venue, a one-way system for accessing the toilets and signage to indicate routes and procedures. To enhance audience safety, a fogging machine is used to regularly sanitise all public areas at The Watermill, and to avoid recirculating air in the auditorium, the theatre is heated before audience members arrive, and then fresh air is continuously fed through the theatre during performances. 

The Watermill Theatre will continue to operate in accordance with all government guidance at the time of the performance and will be constantly reviewing and adapting to the government’s guidelines. In the event that a show is unable to go ahead i.e. because of a change to the area’s tier for example, patrons will be contacted as soon as possible via email or phone and offered a transfer or credit or a refund for their tickets.

THE COCKPIT
LONDON’S ONLY CUSTOM-BUILT THEATRE-IN-THE-ROUND
ANNOUNCES REVISED PLANS FOR ITS SOCIALLY DISTANCED FESTIVE SHOWS

A PERFECT CHRISTMAS
A FESTIVE MUSICAL REVUE

CHRISTMAS IS RUINED!
A FUN FAMILY SHOW

PERFORMANCES FROM 6 – 24 DECEMBER

https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/show/a_perfect_christmas

https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/christmasisruined

Further to the government’s announcement that London will be in Tier 2 when the enhanced national restrictions are lifted on 2 December, The Cockpit in Marylebone – the only custom-built theatre in the round in Central London, which opened to socially distanced audiences in July – are pleased to confirm that live performances will restart on Sunday 6 December. The venue is fully Covid-secure, adhering to all current government guidelines.

A PERFECT CHRISTMAS, a festive musical revue directed and devised by Tim McArthur, featuring Sarah Dearlove, Nathan Kiley, (aka Topsie Redfern), Tim McArthur and Jo Wickham, with musical direction by Ben Papworth, will now play eight performances only from Monday 7 – 24 December.

How we all long for a perfect Christmas! A festive celebration with those most dear to us and just the right amount of overindulgence! This Christmas revue promises to bring you the magic of a traditional Christmas, with carols, songs, poems and all sorts of holly jolly fun! ‘A Perfect Christmas’ will bring you and your families seasonal cheer, a sense of tradition and, in these strange times some normality, as we celebrate the magic of the festive season.

CHRISTMAS IS RUINED! a children’s show written and directed by Kathryn Gardner and starring Harriett O’Grady, Eric Mitchell and Paul Collin Thomas, will now play from Sunday 6 – Thursday 24 December. The show will also be available to enjoy as a filmed version via the Cockpit website from midnight on Sunday 6 December, as part of the theatre’s commitment to the hybrid model of live and digital, in order to increase access for audiences, both local and further afield.

Bo is cross. He’s really cross… He’s just been told the horrible news that there won’t be many presents this year, so obviously this means that Christmas is RUINED!

A fun, family show with well-known songs, larger than life characters, and a generous dose of theatre magic. All performed in the round.

Is Christmas ruined? There’s only one way to find out!

Owned and run by United Colleges, The Cockpit began online broadcasts in March, with their first being an online version of their monthly music night JAZZ IN THE ROUND, streamed live from the artist’s garage. This led to online versions of other regular events, including their scratch night THEATRE IN THE POUND, and rehearsed reading night NEW STUFF. The theatre adapted to the new normal with an increased focus on Broadcast, and a programme of online events including a comedy series, classes, dance, film, talks, children’s theatre, and workshops – all available for the audience to enjoy from home.

The Cockpit first opened its doors to a live post-lockdown audience in July, staging socially distanced opera in collaboration with Tete a Tete Opera and The Dept for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

As well as performances, the theatre hosts classes and professional development courses. Both the auditorium and studios are available to hire, for shows, rehearsals, photo or film shoots, auditions, workshops, and seminars.

@Cockpittheatre across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Government tier three restrictions announced – Red Ladder Theatre Company postpones tour of My Voice Is Heard But It Was Ignored

Due to the government announcement that West and South Yorkshire will go into Tier 3 restrictions, it is with great sadness that Red Ladder will not be touring our new production My Voice Was Heard But It Was Ignored. The play was due to be performed CAST in Doncaster, Cluntergate Centre in Horbury and Holbeck WMC in Leeds next month; a number of tour dates have already been postponed, having fallen into the second national lockdown period in November.

Rod Dixon, artistic director of Red Ladder Theatre Company said,

“While this is the news that none of us wanted, we are incredibly proud of our cast and creative team, company and freelance staff who have worked incredibly hard to create this new play. Whether adapting to making this work in a Covid-secure rehearsal room or working remotely, everyone has put an incredible amount of time, passion, dedication and hard work into bringing Nana Kofi-Kufuor’s powerful debut play to life.

More than anything we wish that circumstances were different and that we were welcoming our audiences on tour of our new production. We press on with hope and optimism to bring our show to the stage in 2021 – and Red Ladder stands in solidarity with all our fellow theatre-makers in these difficult times.”

For further information please visit www.redladder.co.uk

Controversial drama to reopen the Ustinov Studio next week

• OLEANNA rescheduled from lockdown to run in the Ustinov Studio through December and January.

• Social distancing and Covid secure measures in place throughout the Ustinov Studio, which reopens for the first time since March.

Following the Government’s announcements regarding post-lockdown tiers today, the Theatre Royal Bath is delighted to confirm that the hotly anticipated production of OLEANNA, David Mamet’s provocative drama, will now open in the socially distanced Ustinov Studio from Thursday 3 December.

When David Mamet’s Oleanna opened nearly thirty years ago, it caused uproar amongst audiences from New York to London. Set on an American campus, a seemingly innocuous conversation between a college professor and his female student warps into a nightmare which threatens to destroy them both, when she files a claim of sexual harassment against him. With its take on the corrosive excesses of political correctness and exploration of the use and abuse of language, this is the ultimate drama of pupil power and student revenge.

Addressing issues which are strikingly current, this will be a fascinating opportunity to see this landmark play from the perspective of our #MeToo era. This powerful new production stars Jonathan Slinger and Rosie Sheehy, and is directed by Lucy Bailey.

Jonathan Slinger is the leading Shakespearean actor of his generation, having played a remarkable number of leading roles for the RSC including Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard II, Richard III, Prospero and Malvolio. He starred in Plastic at the Ustinov Studio and in the West End transfer of Trouble in Mind. Jonathan has also worked extensively for the National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe, and other significant West End roles have included Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Bernard Woolley in Yes, Prime Minister. He was recently seen on screen in The Salisbury Poisonings, I May Destroy You and Kiri.

Rosie Sheehy’s theatre credits include the title role in King John for the RSC, Uncle Vanya (Theatre Clwyd/Sheffield Theatres) for which she won the ‘Best Female Performance in the English Language’ award at the Wales Theatre Awards 2018; The Whale (Ustinov Studio), Strife (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Hairy Ape (The Old Vic) and Chicken (Paines Plough). Her recent screen credits include IRE, Call The Midwife and Chernobyl.

Director Lucy Bailey is well known to Bath audiences from her productions of King Lear staring David Haig, and Switzerland starring Phyllis Logan, in recent Theatre Royal Bath Summer Seasons.

David Mamet is one of the most distinctive voices in stage and film writing today. His multi award-winning plays include Glengarry Glen Ross, Speed-the-Plow and American Buffalo.

OLEANNA runs at the Ustinov Studio from Thursday 3 – Tuesday 22 December, and again from Monday 4 – Saturday 16 January. This replaces the original timescale and venue of November and December in the Main House. Full details and ticket information can be found at www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Following all government guidance and in consultation with health and safety advisors, covid-secure measures in place include reduced capacity to allow for socially distanced seating, mandatory face coverings (unless exempt), hand sanitiser units, thermal temperature checks, dedicated entry points, staggered arrivals and audience flow, fresh air circulation and enhanced cleaning. In line with the regional regulations, patrons are advised to only visit the theatre with members of their household or support bubbles.

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BARN THEATRE ANNOUNCES SCHOOLS DIGITAL TOUR OF PETER PAN

• THE NEW ONE-MAN REIMAGINING OF THE J.M. BARRIE CLASSIC STARRING WAYLON JACOBS BEGINS PERFORMANCES ON THE 3^RD DECEMBER

• SCHOOLS WILL BE ABLE TO PURCHASE STREAMING LINKS TO WATCH A LIVE PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCTION ON SELECT DATES

• FREE STREAMING ACCESS WILL ALSO BE OFFERED TO HOSPITALS AND CARE HOMES OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD

The Barn Theatre have announced today that their reimagined one-man production of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan will be available for schools to live stream as part of an “digital schools tour”.

The one-man production, which will star Waylon Jacobs (Hamilton, Memphis, The Last Five Years) from 3 December 2020 – 3 January 2021, will be available for schools to purchase streaming links to watch a live performance direct from the Barn Theatre to their classrooms.

This new take on the classic tale, adapted by Alan Pollock and co-conceived by Kirk Jameson and Nick Barstow, follows a father in a hotel room, three thousand miles away from home. Desperate not to miss bedtime, he recreates his daughter’s favourite story: an epic tale of adventure, pirates, fairies – a crocodile with gigantic teeth! – and a little boy who refuses to grow old….

The digital school tour will be available with show times on the following selected dates:

• Tuesday 8 December at 1pm
• Wednesday 9 December at 1pm
• Thursday 10 December at 1pm
• Tuesday 15 December at 10am & 1:30pm
• Wednesday 16December at 10am & 1:30pm
• Thursday 17 December at 2:30pm

This latest digital announcement follows the Barn Theatre’s recent acclaimed stream of their production of Stephen Sondheim’s Marry Me A Little, also directed by Kirk Jameson,and their critically acclaimed digital co-production of Henry Filloux-Bennett’s adaptation of What a Carve Up!, directed by Tamara Harvey.

Barn Theatre Artistic Director and CEO Iwan Lewis said “We are so proud to be launching this digital schools tour. In a year that has been unprecedently challenging for children across the country we are so happy that we are able to still offer schools a chance to make their annual trip to see a live performance at the theatre, albeit virtually this year from the comfort of their classroom.”

The Barn Theatre have also announced plans to make their production available for free to stream to hospitals and care homes over the festive period.

This brand-new adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan by Alan Pollock is co-conceived and directed by Director-in-Residence Kirk Jameson, co-conceived with music by Nick Barstow, movement direction by Tosh Wanogho-Maud, set and costume design by Gregor Donnelly, projection design by Benjamin Collins, sound design by Harry Smith and LX design by Joe Price.

The Barn Theatre also have plans to run international live streams for the general public, with more information to be announced at a later date.

For more information on the digital schools tour and/or hospital and care home screening please contact [email protected]

Tickets for the production at the Barn Theatre are on sale, beginning at £10 (excluding booking fee), and can be purchased at barntheatre.org.uk or by calling the box office at 01285 648255.

Following the new Tiers announced today in England, Theatres Trust Director Jon Morgan comments on how they will affect the theatre industry:

It is a terrible blow for the theatre sector that so many large towns and cities in England are now in Tier 3 where theatres are not permitted to open. There are many theatres that we know were planning pantos and other shows for December and this news will be devastating for those organisations. They will have invested in rehearsals and other preparations for reopening and will now find themselves unable to recoup those costs, facing further financial strain in what has already been a catastrophic year.