Month: May 2021

Michael Frayn’s Multi Award-Winning 

COPENHAGEN

Opens at Theatre Royal Bath this Summer before UK Tour

Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions are delighted to present COPENHAGEN by Michael Frayn, starring Philip Arditti, Haydn Gwynne, and Malcolm Sinclair which will open at Theatre Royal Bath for three weeks from 9 June before touring to Southampton, Malvern, Cambridge, and Kingston-Upon-Thames.

Frayn’s multi award-winning play will be directed by Emma Howlett, with original direction by Polly Findlay who was mid-rehearsals and due to open the production as part of Theatre Royal Bath’s 2020 Autumn Welcome Back Season before being forced to postpone amidst second national lockdown.

In Nazi-occupied Copenhagen, in 1941, a clandestine encounter is known to have taken place between two Nobel Prize winning physicists, Dane Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, a German. The men were old friends and long-term colleagues, but now found themselves on opposite sides of the divide.

Under the watchful eye of Bohr’s wife, Margrethe, Frayn speculates on the debates which might have taken place; an exchange of transformative ideas which had huge implications for both the Nazis and the Allies, and for our world today.

This totally absorbing historical detective story, conjured from a smattering of scientific facts, is a daring, fascinating and stimulating drama that enjoyed a hugely acclaimed run at the National Theatre before transferring to the West End and Broadway and winning the 2000 Tony Award for Best Play.

Michael Frayn is a journalist and writer, whose diverse range of plays includes Noises Off, Donkey’s Years and Benefactors.

Philip Arditti has recently worked with the Globe Ensemble, a ten strong company of performers producing all of Shakespeare’s History plays at the Globe Theatre in London. He has played Oliver in As You Like It, and the high priest Caiaphas in Salome, both for the National Theatre. Recent screen credits include Dr Silva in the psychological thriller series Sanctuary; Dan Brown thriller Inferno, directed by Ron Howard and BBC series Honourable Women. He first became known for his portrayal of Uday Hussein in the BBC/HBO series House of Saddam.  

Haydn Gwynne is one of our most popular stage and screen actors. She rose to fame as newsreader Alex in Channel 4’s Drop The Dead Donkey, for which she was nominated the BAFTA for Light Entertainment Performance, and has won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in the Broadway production of Billy Elliot The Musical. Other notable stage roles include Margaret Thatcher in Peter Morgan’s The Audienceopposite Helen Mirren, and Queen Elizabeth in Sam Mendes’ Richard III at the Old Vic. Her numerous screen credits include the regular role of Dr Graham in Peak Practice, and appearances in Midsomer Murders, Silent Witness, Rome and Death in Paradise.

Malcolm Sinclair is an Olivier Award nominee for his roles as Eisenhower in Pressure, and Major Flack in Privates on Parade. Other credits in a career spanning more than thirty years include regular appearances for the RSC and National Theatre, film roles in Casino Royale and V for Vendetta, and on TV in Judge John Deed, Silk and Parade’s End.

RESCHEDULED DATES FOR UK & IRELAND TOUR OF

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A MUSICAL COMEDY

STARRING SAMANTHA WOMACK & CAMERON BLAKELY

AS MORTICIA & GOMEZ

NOW OPENING AT NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING IN AUGUST 2021

Following the UK Government shutdown of theatres in March 2020, the producers of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A Musical Comedy, have rescheduled the new UK & Ireland Tour to dates in 2021.  The Tour will now open in Woking at New Victoria Theatre on 17 August 2021.

Samantha Womack and Cameron Blakely will revive their much loved roles as Morticia and Gomez Addams, based on the characters created by Charles Addams.  Kingsley Morton will play Wednesday Addams, Grant McIntyre Pugsley Addams, Valda Aviks Grandma, Sean Kingsley Mal Beineke and Kara Lane Alice Beineke.  Also in the cast will be Abigail Brodie, Sophie Hutchinson, Luke Byrne, Matthew Ives and Sean Lopeman.  Further casting is to be announced.

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she’s fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family! Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.  Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.  All the usual clan are present – Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley et al.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A Musical Comedy, will be directed by Matthew White, with choreography by Alistair David, production design by Diego Pitarch, orchestrations by Richard Beadle, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Richard Brooker and casting by Jane Deitch. Book is by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on the characters created by Charles Addams.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2021 UK Tour is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Music & Lyrics Limited, and is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

For further information, please visit www.theaddamsfamily.co.uk

Twitter: @AddamsFamilyUK

Facebook: @TheAddamsFamilyUK

LISTINGS INFORMATION

2021 DATES

17-21 August                                     New Victoria Theatre, Woking                                     0844 871 7615*                                                                  

                                                          www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre         

31 August – 4 September                   Milton Keynes Theatre                                                0844 871 7615*

                                                          www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre      

7-11 September                                 The Orchard Theatre, Dartford                                    01322 220000

                                                           www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

14-18 September                                The Lowry, Salford                                                    0343 208 6000                                                                  

                                                            www.thelowry.com 

21-25 September                                Glasgow King’s Theatre                                             0844 871 7615*        

                                                            www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre                  

12-16 October                                    Stoke Regent Theatre                                             0844 871 7615*                                                            

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/stoke

19–23 October                                   Liverpool Empire                                                       0844 871 7615* 

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/liverpool 

9-13 November                                  Nottingham Theatre Royal                                          0115 989 5555                                                                 

                                                          www.trch.co.uk                              

16-20 November                                 New Theatre, Cardiff                                                  029 2087 8889

                                                           www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

23-27 November                                 Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                                           0114 249 6000

                                                           www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                                       on sale soon

2022 DATES

18-22 January                                    The Alexandra, Birmingham                                       0844 871 7615*

                                                          www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

25-29 January                                    Festival Theatre, Edinburgh                                       

                                                           www.capitaltheatres.com

1-5 February                                      Alhambra Theatre, Bradford                                       01274 432000

                                                          www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

8-12 February                                     Newcastle Theatre Royal                                           

                                                          www.theatreroyal.co.uk                                             

15-19 February                                   New Theatre, Oxford                                                  0844 871 7615*

                                                          www.atgtickets.com/oxford                                                          

1-5 March                                          Churchill Theatre, Bromley                                          020 3285 6000                                                         

                                                          www.churchilltheatre.co.uk                                                                                                                                                                                                 

*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

Further tour dates to be announced.

Ginger Quiff Media and BroadwayHD
Dalton Harris, Lee Mead, Kerry Ellis and
Grace Mouat lead digital revival of
Maltby and Shire’s Closer Than Ever

Available Exclusively on BroadwayHD – September 2021

Award-winning producers Ginger Quiff Media and BroadwayHD, the premiere streaming service for live theatre, have partnered to create a brand-new digital revival of the Outer Critics Circle Award winning and Drama Desk Award nominated musical revue, Maltby and Shire’s Closer Than Ever. This BroadwayHD original production will star X Factor winner Dalton Harris, alongside musical theatre icons Lee Mead (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat; Wicked), Kerry Ellis (Wicked; We Will Rock You) and Grace Mouat (Six; & Juliet). The film will be available to stream worldwide this September, exclusively via BroadwayHD.

With the pandemic having a major impact on the West End and other live performances in the UK, BroadwayHD is collaborating with Ginger Quiff Media on this streamed production to support and continue to drive buzz and excitement around the UK’s theatre scene. The new revival of Closer Than Ever is a great way for fans both in London and beyond to continue to enjoy the rich performances of the West End as theatres prepare for re-opening later this year

A captivating and hilarious song cycle which delves into the trials and tribulations of modern love, Maltby and Shire’s Closer Than Ever will take audiences on a journey of lust and romance, marriage and ageing, unrequited love and obsession. This uplifting revue is a relatable and easygoing exploration of what it means to be human and to love – the perfect tonic to the last year or so.

This exciting reimaging of the cult classic is directed and choreographed by leading television, film, and theatre maker Stacey Haynes (The Lion King, Grease and Hairspray: The School Musical), and co-directed by Tony Award-winning original lyricist Richard Maltby Jr. (Miss. Saigon, Big, Ain’t Misbehavin), alongside Tony Nominee and Academy Award-winning original composer David Shire (Big, Saturday Night Fever, Baby). Closer Than Ever is produced by Thomas Hopkins and Michael Quinn for Ginger Quiff Media and Stewart F. Lane, Bonnie Comley and Gio Messale for BroadwayHD.

Dalton Harris comments, I’m delighted to be part of this incredible revival alongside a wonderfully talented cast and production team. This is such a fun and captivating show and it’s a pleasure to be able to bring it to life for audiences to enjoy on BroadwayHD.

Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire said, We’re thrilled to be able to revive this project once again, with a fantastic West End cast at the helm! We’re excited to see what the talent will unlock in this brand-new adaptation and can’t wait for audiences around the world to witness the magic

Thomas Hopkins and Michael Quinn of Ginger Quiff Media add, We’re excited to take the next step in our relationship with BroadwayHD to create an original production with this fantastic cast and crew. Although theatres may be re-opening, we still think there is a huge place for digital work allowing people across the world to access high quality entertainment

Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, co-founders of BroadwayHD, said, Closer Than Ever is an iconic production and we are looking forward to collaborating with Ginger Quiff Media and such a talented cast and crew to bring this exciting revival to viewers around the world. It’s a great way for everyone to enjoy the magic of the West End from the comfort of their living rooms.

Malvern Theatres Summer 2021

Malvern Theatres are delighted to announce a full programme of events to reopen the theatres and cinema this June, following one of the most difficult and uncertain years in the establishment’s history.

The Festival Theatre will reopen on 8th June with Cold War thriller A Splinter of Ice presented by the award-winning Original Theatre Company. Oliver Ford Davies (Game of Thrones, Star Wars) and Stephen Boxer (The Crown) star in this new play by Ben Brown.

Later in July, Ralph Fiennes stars in a world premiere adaptation of T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets. Compelling, moving and symphonic, Four Quartets offer four interwoven meditations on the nature of time, faith, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment. Mostly written during WWII when the closure of playhouses during the Blitz interrupted Eliot’s work in theatre, the four parts (Burnt Norton, East Coker, The Dry Salvages and Little Gidding) were the culminating achievement of Eliot’s Nobel Prize winning literary career.

To add to this prestigious line-up, Jodie Prenger stars in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s classic musical Tell Me On A Sunday, and, inspired by real life events, Charlie and Stan is the remarkable story of the greatest comedy double act that nearly was.

Also in July we have work from two of Britain’s greatest living playwrights. Alan Ayckbourn’s comic masterpiece Absurd Person Singular is a social satire set in 1970s suburbia and Michael Frayn’s multi award-winning masterwork Copenhagen is an historical detective story set in Nazi occupied Denmark. When David Mamet’s Oleanna opened nearly thirty years ago, it caused global uproar. Addressing issues which are strikingly current today, this is a fascinating opportunity to see this landmark play from the perspective of our #MeToo era.

Malvern Theatres Young Company returns in August with Sophocles’s Electra. Following the success of their previous productions of Under Milk Wood and Antigone, Electra will be presented ‘in the round’ and with no charge for admission.

Tickets are also available for the previously announced world premiere stage production of Looking Good Dead, starring award-winning actor and EastEnders icon, Adam Woodyatt, and the classic must-see thriller The Woman in Black.

The Forum Theatre will also play host to some fantastic stars of the stage and screen, including Marti Webb, Beyond the Barricade and The Simon and Garfunkel Story. There’s classical music from the celebrated Armonico Consort, who are joined by international soloists Ian Bostridge and Sir Willard White in Bach’s St Matthew Passion, while guitarist Miloš will perform a varied programme that ranges from Dowland to The Beatles. For our youngest visitors, Tall Stories presents

The Snail and The Whale, a magical musical play inspired by the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Malvern Cinema is also set to reopen from 3rd June with a stellar programme of films including the Academy Award winning Nomadland, The Father starring Anthony Hopkins, Minari, Sound of Metal and Judas and The Black Messiah.

Chief Executive Nic Lloyd said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received since the beginning of the pandemic. I’d like to thank our generous community for your continued support. Without our loyal audiences we would not be here today. As our doors reopen, we look forward to this next chapter with renewed confidence; a bright future where we can enjoy live theatre together once again.”

Performances taking place before June 21st will be sold at half capacity in line with Government guidelines. Prevailing Government guidance on face coverings and distancing will be observed and enhanced cleaning routines will remain in place. Please see our website for the latest updates on Covid Safety Guidelines.

All tickets are now on sale online at malvern-theatres.co.uk or by phone 01684 892277 (9:30am-5:30pm Monday-Saturday).

IRIS THEATRE ANNOUNCE PARTICIPANTS FOR #START –

A DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR EARLY CAREER DIRECTORS AND DESIGNERS

Iris Theatre today announces participants for #start, a development scheme for those early in their theatre careers and those getting into theatre for the very first time. The scheme has two strands: #startDIRECTING and #startDESIGNING, offering aspiring practitioners a selection of workshops, online learning and practical placements from May – December 2021.

Paul-Ryan Carberry, Artistic Director of Iris Theatre, said today, “The start scheme marks an important aspect of our work as a charity. Forging opportunities for artists in their early career, is more important than ever as the industry looks to build back from the pandemic. We are excited to welcome these nine incredible individuals and look forward to supporting them on this stage of their creative journey.”

#startDIRECTING

May – December 2021

Iris Theatre will support five people who want to develop or begin a career in directing for theatre, but have yet to receive any formal, vocational training in the role. They will receive regular online sessions from Artistic Director of Iris Theatre, Paul-Ryan Carberry and be offered placements on Iris Theatre’s Summer Festival and Winter Season, to be announced.

Participants are Carol Curtis, Ozioma Ihesiene, Peyton Lee, Natali Servat and Isobel Witcomb.

#startDESIGNING

May – August 2021

Iris Theatre will support four people who want to develop or begin a career in theatre design. The participants will receive regular workshops under the mentorship and guidance of Iris Theatre’s Summer Festival designer, Sophia Pardon, helping to deliver the design for this year’s festival programme.

Participants are Ella Di Gregorio, Aslan Herzen, Ellie Roser and Jack Sheehan.

Paul-Ryan Carberry has been Artistic Director of iris Theatre since 2019. His credits for the company include Festive Folklore and The Three Musketeers. Other directing credits include London – a theatrical film (Online/Mountview), Dead Dog in a Suitcase & other love songs (Backstage Theatre, Peckham), A Serious Business (Luton Hat Factory/The Pleasance), The Nativity (St James’s Church, Paddington), Touched (Bernie Grant Arts Centre), The Outback Games (Edinburgh Festival Fringe – nominated for an MTN Award), Star Jumps Are Not Essential (The Lost Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Central Academy of Drama, Beijing), Half A Sixpence, James Joyce’s The Dead, Heathers, Ourselves Alone, Into The Woods and Parade (Mountview). As an associate director his credits include Grease (UK tour); and as assistant director, Strangers on a Train (UK tour). As an actor, his theatre credits include The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Octagon Theatre), A Christmas Carol (Birmingham Rep/West Yorkshire Playhouse), As You Like It (Grosvenor Park Open Air), Billy Liar (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Everybody Loves a Winner (Royal Exchange Theatre) and All the Fun of The Fair (UK tour); and for television, A Song For Jenny and The Village.

Sophia Pardon is a set, costume and puppet designer. Her credits include A Christmas Carol (Barn Theatre), Once on This Island (Arts Ed), A Doll’s House (UK tour), GORGON: A Horror Story (VAULTS Festival), Faustus (Queen Elizabeth Hall), Neck or Nothing (Pleasance Theatre) and The Little Prince (Omnibus Theatre). Pardon is also currently the designer at Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts.

Iris Theatre’s #start scheme is generously supported by The Boris Karloff Foundation and The Derek Hill Foundation.

Newepisodes featuring leading names of stage and screenannounced for National Theatre’s Life in Stages interview series

Wednesday 5 May 2021 

The National Theatre today announces three new episodes as part of its recently launched interview series Life in Stages featuring conversations with leading names in British Theatre. The new episodes will be available to watch for free on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel on Thursday evenings at 7pm BST.   

The fourth episode of the series which will air on Thursday 13 May will see award-winning actors Bill Nighy, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Andrew Lincoln, 20 years on from starring together in Joe Penhall’s critically acclaimed Blue/Orange at the National Theatre (2000) and in much-loved film Love Actually (2003), reunited to discuss and reflect on their extensive acting careers.  

On 20 May the fifth episode will feature a conversation between director and National Theatre Associate Dominic Cooke together with award-winning actor Sophie Okonedo. The sixth episode will be broadcast on 27 May featuring actor, writer and newly appointed Deputy Artistic Director of the National Theatre Clint Dyer and writer, recording artist and spoken word performer Kae Tempest.  

These conversations were pre-recorded on the empty Lyttelton stage at the National Theatre and see renowned figures from across the theatre industry reflect on their illustrious professional careers and share personal anecdotes, stories and memories along the way.  

The first three episodes featured conversations between Rufus Norris and Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley and Josh O’Connor, and Meera Syal and Adrian Lester, and are all available to catch up on now for free on the NT’s YouTube channel.  

The Life in Stages series is supported by Charles Stanley Wealth Managers.  

Life in Stages is co-produced by WING, an All 3 Media Company.  

Daniel Bye, Boff Whalley and ARC Stockton present

THESE HILLS ARE OURS

Written and performed by Daniel Bye and Boff Whalley

Direction and Lighting Design by Katharine Williams
Commissioned by Beaford Arts, Eden Project North, Lancaster Arts, Leeds Playhouse and Shoreditch Town Hall
Produced by ARC Stockton / Supported by Arts Depot and inov-8

• New project from writer/performer Daniel Bye (Arthur, Edinburgh Fringe) and singer/songwriter Boff Whalley (Chumbawamba).

• Project explores their mutual love of running through story and original songs by Whalley and Bye.

• At each performance, the audience will be invited to join Bye and Whalley (who are both accomplished runners) for a run the following morning from a route the venue town/city to a green place.
  
  

Tour dates: 18 June – 16 July 2021 (also touring in the Autumn)

Do you ever want to run away from it all?

ARC Stockton presents the world première of These Hills Are Ours, written and performed by writer-performer Daniel Bye and singer-songwriter Boff Whalley (Chumbawamba) which explores their mutual love of running, celebrates the freedom to roam wild places – and asks what they are really running from.

Originally set to premiere nearly one year ago before COVID-19 closed theatres, These Hills Are Ours will now start its tour at The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury on Friday 18 June and then touring to 16 July. The production will preview in Devon from the 17-22 May.

For the last three years Bye and Whalley have been running a series of routes, from the centre of the city in which they found themselves, to the top of the peak overlooking that city – culminating in one epic journey for Dan, more than twice as far as he has ever run before. But what were they running from?

In story and in song, this is the story of what they found out – about the relationship between city and country, between wild and controlled, about land ownership, about why we are drawn to wild places – and about how far we are prepared to go for what we believe in. 

At each performance, the audience will be invited to join Bye and Whalley (who are both accomplished runners) for a run the following morning from a route the venue town/city to a green place.

These Hills Are Ours is the most personal piece of work either Dan or Boff has made, the most heartfelt, and the most direct. It’s really funny and genuinely moving.

Daniel Bye said: “Boff and I have worked together on lots of projects, from very small to large enough to warrant an AA road sign. And work conversations always had a habit of drifting into conversation about running. So we thought it was high time to make hay out of that and work together on a show with running as its starting point.

As these things do, it is evolved into something much more than that: non-runners will get just as much from this show as runners. Anyone who has ever enjoyed the countryside, celebrated freedom, done something really hard, or just wanted to run away from it all, will be at home in this show.

For those who want it, though, there is a bonus for runners: in each venue we will invite the audience to join us for a run the following morning. The route will be an escape, a route out of the town or city to the nearest high, wild, or green place. Because that is what we have done together as part of working on the show and it’s great to be able to share that with the audience in a more real setting than a post-show Q&A. Although if you do not run and do want to chat, I expect we’ll be in the bar afterwards.”

These Hills Are Ours is directed by Katharine Williams and produced by Daniel Bye, Boff Whalley and ARC Stockton. It was commissioned by Beaford Arts, Eden Project North, Lancaster Arts, Leeds Playhouse and Shoreditch Town Hall.

These Hills Are Ours will start its national tour at The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury on Friday 18 June and then will tour till 16 July. It will have an extended tour in the autumn.

For more information on These Hills Are Ours visit

http://www.danielbye.co.uk/these-hills-are-ours.html

NEW POSTER IMAGE RELEASED FOR AMELIE THE MUSICAL

ONE OF THE FIRST WEST END SHOWS TO REOPEN POST 17 MAY

FIRST PREVIEW THURSDAY 20 MAY

Following its opening at the Watermill Theatre, a critically acclaimed sell-out tour in 2019, a highly successful Christmas season at The Other Palace in 2019, a Grammy nomination and 3 Olivier Award nominations, Amélie The Musical arrives in the heart of the West End this summer. Following the government roadmap announcement, tickets are on sale now for a socially distanced audience at the Criterion Theatre from Thursday 20 May, with a press night on Wednesday 2 June. Olivier-nominee Audrey Brisson (The Elephantom, Pinocchio and Pericles (National Theatre), The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (Kneehigh), and The Grinning Man (Bristol Old Vic)), will return to the role of ‘Amélie’.

Amélie secretly improvises small, but extraordinary acts of kindness discovering the possibilities around every corner and bringing happiness to those she encounters. When a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realises that to find her own contentment she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. Experience this beautiful story and be inspired by this imaginative dreamer who discovers her voice, uncovers the power of human connection and sees possibility around every corner.

The five – time Oscar®-nominated film will be brought to life by a cast of actor-musicians and set to a critically acclaimed re-orchestrated score. With music by Hem’s Daniel Messé, lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Daniel Messé and book by Craig Lucas, this musical adaptation of the five-time Oscar®-nominated film written by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant, is directed by Michael Fentiman.

The producers acknowledge that all current government guidelines will be adhered to in terms of Covid security, and they will keep them under constant review. The seating plan at the Criterion has been designed to facilitate social distancing. The box office system is responsive to demand and will automatically auto-distance seats during the booking process to ensure a minimum 1 metre space between patrons until such a time that social distancing is no longer a legal requirement.

Louis Hartshorn, CEO of Hartshorn-Hook Productions, said, “Amélie is about kindness, distance and human connection, and resonates deeply with what we have all been through over the last year. We’re very excited to be bringing this beautiful production to the West End and contributing to the reopening of the theatre industry. We thank the Arts Council and DCMS for the support of the Culture Recovery Fund and our hard working producing and creative teams for their passionate and careful work to bring our shows back to the stage.”

The full cast includes Sioned Saunders as ‘Gina’ (Camelot– The Watermill, Made in Dagenham – Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), Flora Spencer-Longhurst as ‘Georgette’ / ‘Sylvie’ (Once – Phoenix Theatre, The Real Thing– Rose Theatre Kingston), Rachel Dawson as ‘Amandine’ / ‘Philomene’ (The Jungle Book – UK Tour, A Little Night Music – The Watermill), Oliver Grant as ‘Lucien’ / ‘Mysterious Man’ (War Horse – UK Tour, Twelfth Night – Chichester Festival Theatre), Chris Jared as ‘Nino Quincampoix’ (946: the Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips – Shakespeare’s Globe, The Duchess of Malfi – Nottingham Playhouse), Caolan McCarthy as ‘Hippolito’ / ‘Elton John’ (The Plough and the Stars – NT, The Beggar’s Opera/Alice in Wonderland – Storyhouse), Samuel Morgan-Grahame as ‘Joseph’ / ‘Fluffy’ (Sister Act – UK Tour, All My Sons – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Kate Robson-Stuart as ‘Suzanne’ (Crazy For You – UK Tour, Untold Stories – Watermill Theatre), Jack Quarton as ‘Blind Beggar’ (Assassins – The Watermill, Wonderland – Nottingham Playhouse), Jez Unwin as Raphael / Bretodeau (Oliver – Leicester Curve, Once – Phoenix Theatre) and Johnson Willis as Collignon / Dufayel (Harold and Maude – Charing Cross Theatre, Dido Queen of Carthage & Salome – RSC Swan). Nuwan Hugh Perera, Miiya Alexandra, Robyn Sinclair and Matthew James Hinchliffe complete the ensemble.

The original film, Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain, was released in 2001, starring Audrey Tautou and Matthieu Kassovitz. Taking over $33 million in a limited theatrical release, it remains the highest-grossing French-language film released in the United States, and one of the biggest international successes for a French film. Amélie won Best Film at the European Film Awards, four César Awards in 2002 (including Best Film and Best Director), two BAFTA Awards (including Best Original Screenplay), and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including best foreign language film. Amélie The Musical was first staged in California in 2015 and was described as an ‘enchanting act of theatrical reinvention’ (The Los Angeles Times).

Audrey Brisson’s theatre credits include: The Elephantom, Pinocchio and Pericles (National Theatre), Midnight’s Pumpkin and The Wild Bride (Kneehigh), The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Kensington Gardens), Dead Dog in a Suitcase & Other Love Songs (Kneehigh), Romeo and Juliet (Rose Theatre, Kingston), The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (Kneehigh), The Grinning Man (Bristol Old Vic), The Strada (UK Tour & The Other Palace). Her film credits include: Hereafter directed by Clint Eastwood and W.E. directed by Madonna. Television includes: Outlander and Money. Radio includes the title role in Amy Dorrit.

Amélie The Musical is directed by Michael Fentiman, designed by Madeleine Girling, with musical supervision and arrangements by Barnaby Race, movement direction by Tom Jackson Greaves, lighting design by Elliot Griggs, sound design by Tom Marshall, puppet design and construction by Dik Downey andmusical direction, additional orchestrations and arrangements by Samuel Wilson.

The Grammy®-nominated original London cast recording of Amélie is available digitally and will be released on CD on 1^st April. It can be streamed, downloaded, or pre-ordered here: https://found.ee/amelie-mus

Amélie The Musical, is produced by Hartshorn – Hook Productions, Broadway Asia International and Selladoor Worldwide in association with The Watermill Theatre, Piers Cottee-Jones Entertainment, Just Entertainment and Concord Theatricals.

NEW SEASON OF OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED FROM

THE WATERMILL THEATRE

THE RETURN OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED COMEDY VERSION OF
THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES

A SUSTAINABILITY FOCUSSED WATERMILL ENSEMBLE PRODUCTION OF 
AS YOU LIKE IT

A CONCERT VERSION OF STILES & DREWE’S
JUST SO

PERFORMANCES FROM 21 MAY – 4 SEPTEMBER

GENERAL ON SALE FROM TUESDAY 11 MAY

PRIORITY BOOKING FOR FRIENDS OF THE WATERMILL FROM THURSDAY 6 MAY

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

Artistic Director Paul Hart and the team at Newbury’s The Watermill Theatre are thrilled to announce a new summer season of outdoor performances, following the sell-out success of the 2020 season. Audiences from far and wide will once again be able to enjoy alfresco theatre from socially distanced tables seating 2, 4 or 6 people in the idyllic setting of The Watermill’s glorious gardens. A limited number of individual seats will also be available. Young people aged 18 – 30 years will be able to access a limited number of discounted solo tickets priced at £15 for each show.

The first show opening on 21 May on the front lawn is the return of the critically acclaimed comedy version of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Holmes tale, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES. A trio of actors bring this production to life, devised by the company anddirected by Abigail Pickard Price. Performances take place from Friday 21 May – Saturday 19 June, with a press night on Monday 24 May.

This will be followed by the Watermill Ensemble’s brand-new sustainability focussed production of Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT, adapted by Yolanda Mercy and directed by Paul Hart, with a cast of twelve actor-musicians and an atmospheric modern folk soundscape, inspired by the music of Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver and Taylor Swift. AS YOU LIKE IT will open on the main lawn on Thursday 24 June and run until Saturday 24 July, with a press night on Monday 28 June.

Using responsibly sourced, repurposed, or recyclable materials to create the set, props and costumes, this production of Shakespeare’s famous pastoral comedy will celebrate the unique environment of The Watermill gardens. With a focus on eco-friendly practices both on and off stage, this season marks a new direction for the venue in terms of sustainability and access for future generations.

The third production will be a new semi-staged concert version of Stiles & Drewe’s JUST SO. This wondrous family musical blends five of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So stories to tell a tale of courage, friendship and the power of an individual to make a difference. Directed by Abigail Pickard Price, with Tarek Merchant as the Musial Director, JUST SO will run from Friday 30 July to Saturday 4 September, with a press night on Monday 2 August.

To ensure the safety of all, the season will take place outside in The Watermill Theatre’s beautiful gardens with shows performed to a socially distanced audience. Audience members can book their own socially distanced seating area, with aisles and space between each seating area. Tables are reserved, and audiences will be able to select a seating area when booking their tickets. Seats will be uncovered, and performances will go ahead whatever the weather. Audiences are advised to bring appropriate clothing for the conditions and may also wish to bring extra cushions and blankets.

Face coverings, unless exempt, will be required to enter indoor spaces, such as the toilets. There will be hand sanitiser stations, a one-way system for accessing the toilets and signage to indicate routes and procedures. There will also be free onsite parking in the main car park.  All current government guidelines will apply throughout the season and The Watermill will keep these under constant review.

A two-course pre-show menu from the restaurant will be available to enjoy from 5pm before evening shows starting at 7pm and from midday before matinée performances starting at 2pm. Cream teas will also be available to enjoy in The Watermill’s riverside gardens after matinée performances.

Paul Hart said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce another joyous summer season after the sell-out success of last year. Audiences absolutely loved our production of ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ which was devised in the midst of the pandemic. I was struck by the idea of a group of individuals trying to solve a murder whilst observing social distancing measures(!) and we’re delighted to bring back the production for a very limited run. 

The rest of the season integrates themes of the environment and sustainability, an issue we’re really passionate about, not least because of our stunning location which backs onto a nature reserve in the heart of the Berkshire countryside. 

Our Shakespeare ensemble return with a radical new version of ‘As You Like It’ which focuses on the importance of connecting with nature and as ever, will be filled with glorious music performed live by our cast. After this we’ll be presenting a very special concert performance of our summer musical, ‘Just So’. The show began its life at The Watermill to great acclaim in 1989. It feels like a perfect moment to celebrate this uplifting musical and to bring it to life once again, this time in our beautiful gardens!

I couldn’t be more excited to welcome back audiences and to be creating brilliant theatre again.”

To help The Watermill rebuild its artistic programme and resume its important outreach and education activities on-site, the theatre has also launched ACT 2 – a new fundraising appeal. The ACT 2 appeal invites supporters to help The Watermill Celebrate Theatre, Inspire Creativity and Connect Communities. For further information please visit watermill.org.uk/ACT2

Paul Hart said: “The past year has undoubtedly been a challenging time for us, but the generosity of our community has truly blown us away. Buoyed by your encouragement we are delighted to be reopening, and hope that you feel able to continue to support our mission to uplift and inspire people through great theatre.”

Additional headlining shows announced at Birmingham Hippodrome

Ceri Dupree: A Star Is Torn!!!, What the Ladybird Heard

and The Play That Goes Wrong

Birmingham Hippodrome have announced three new productions for this Autumn with the ever-popular drag superstar Ceri Dupree’s A Star Is Torn!!! (11 Sep), family favourite What the Ladybird Heard (16-18 Sep) and the smash-hit West End comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong (26-30 Oct). Tickets are on sale now to Birmingham Hippodrome Friends and Patron scheme members and go on general sale 11am, Wed 5 May at birminghamhippodrome.com.

Seating for these productions will be based on a socially-distanced model at this moment in time, subject to change depending on Government guidance closer to the performance date.

Ceri Dupree has performed almost everywhere! Throughout the UK, Europe and overseas and has impersonated almost every female star in the world at one time or another. A Star Is Torn!!! (11 Sep) features all live vocals, impersonations, stand up comedy, specially written sketches and songs… and a clever twist at the end. No two shows are ever the same as Ceri chooses up to 15 of her fabulous impressions of some of the globe’s biggest female icons.

What the Ladybird Heard (16-18 Sep), the bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks bursts into life on stage featuring live music, puppetry and a whole farmyard of fun. This 55-minute family favourite is the perfect treat! Join the clever Ladybird as she leads the animals on their quest to save the day in this joyous stage adaptation.

The Play That Goes Wrong (26-30 Oct) is the brilliantly funny West End comedy that’s guaranteed to leave audiences aching with laughter. The Cornley Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! The accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences!

More exciting productions and events for 2021 will be announced soon – to be amongst the first to find out and benefit from priority booking become a Birmingham Hippodrome Friend today at birminghamhippodrome.com/friends.

Tickets for Ceri Dupree’s A Star Is Torn!!!, What the Ladybird Heard and The Play That Goes Wrongare now on sale to Birmingham Hippodrome Friends and Patron scheme members. Tickets go on general sale 11am, Wed 5 May 2021 at birminghamhippodrome.com.