Month: June 2021

The Lowry Theatre, Salford- until 5 June 2021

Reviewed by J Everton

4****

David Nixon and Northern Ballet delivered a scandalous retelling of Dangerous Liaisons, the 18th Century French novel made famous by the 1982 film starring an all-star cast including John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer and Glenn Close. The ballet, far more intimate than the Lowry’s socially-distanced audience, portrays a tale of deceit, revenge and sexual violence.

A chaise longue, ornate chandeliers and a desk full of incriminating letters made up a simple set whilst the dancers worked their story-telling magic in full 18th Century dress. Set to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, played by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, the performance was a beautiful reminder of what stands to be lost without the powerful influence of the arts on everyday life. It was a complete joy to listen to live music again.

Exploiting the nativity and innocence of those around them, Vicomte de Valmont (portrayed by Joseph Taylor) and Marquise de Merteuil (Abigail Prudames) toy with fellow courtiers for their own sadistic pleasure, resulting in shattered hearts and lives.

Antoinette Brooks-Daw (Madame De Tourvel) and Joseph Taylor (Valmont) treated the audience with a captivating sultry performance, and were most worthy of their standing ovation at the end.

It’s no surprise that Northern Ballet does not disappoint with their 2021 return to live performances. A show that will have you craving for more, Dangerous Liaisons is at the Lowry until 5th June 2021 before embarking on two shows at London Sadler’s Wells on 8th and 9th June.

New cast and revised streaming dates
announced for digital glam rock musical Dorian
Streaming: Friday 16th July – Thursday 12th August 2021

Rising star and Offie Award-winning actor Bart Lambert (Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story) will take on the titular role in the new edgy musical adaptation, Dorian A Rock Musical. Following the success of Gatsby A Musical, filmed and streamed at Cadogan Hall, Ruby in the Dust are thrilled to present their brand new production, reenergising Oscar Wilde’s classic text for a modern audience. The digital glam rock musical will be made available to stream online for a limited run from Friday 16th July to Thursday 12th August.

Lambert will join the previously announced cast, which includes John Addison (The Life,
Southwark Playhouse; A Little Night Music, Garrick Theatre), Fia Houston-Hamilton (Mamma Mia!, UK Tour; Wolf of Wall Street, Immersive London), Robert Grose (Kinky Boots, Adelphi Theatre; EastEnders, BBC), Lewis Rae (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Regents Park Open Air Theatre; Mame, Hope Mill Theatre), Johanna Stanton (The Rocky Horror Show, No. 1 UK Tour; The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Apollo Theatre), Sophie Jugé (Coppelia, Birmingham Royal Ballet; Good Omens, BBC) and Tristan Pegg (The Merry Wives of Windsor, RSC; The Shape of the Impossible, National Theatre).

A rock star, trapped in eternal adolescence, wants to change the course of his life and discover love. But, can you find love if you’ve sold your soul to the Devil? Whilst sitting for the eccentric society painter, Basil Hallward, Dorian is discovered by the influential Lord Henry and is soon under the spell of this dangerous, charismatic music impresario. Dorian, the secret child of love and death, is suddenly thrust into a confusing world where love dare not speak its name.

Bart Lambert comments, I’m so excited to be part of this project, it’s always a pleasure to shed a new light on a classic story, and the evocative world of Dorian Gray is the most pleasurable of them all. After the year we’ve had I think we can all do with a bit of Rock and Roll right now!

Although The Picture of Dorian Gray was written over one hundred and twenty years ago, its themes of vanity, mortality, and corruption still resonate. The show began life as a reading at Cafe Royal, in the very room where Oscar Wilde used to stage his own readings. Its run at the Other Palace was cancelled just two days before opening night as the pandemic forced the first lockdown in March 2020. Now, filmed at a secret location in the heart of the West End, it will be brought to audiences online.

Due to availability, previously announced cast member Keith Ramsay will no longer be involved in the production. Their role has been replaced by the newly announced cast.

A RUSSIAN DOLL TO BE LIVE STREAMED GLOBALLY FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

• THE PRODUCTION’S FINAL PERFORMANCE WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM THE BARN THEATRE ON 12 JUNE 2021 AT 7:30PM BST (2:30PM ET)
• CAT GOSCOVITCH’S PLAY, STARRING RACHEL REDFORD, IS DIRECTED BY NICOLAS KENT WITH DESIGN BY LIZ DA COSTA

“Goscovitch’s writing is fantastically energetic, filled with eloquence and fire”

The Guardian

The Barn Theatre in Cirencester and the Arcola Theatre in London have today announced that the world premiere production of Cat Goscovitch’s one woman play, A Russian Doll, will be live streamed to a global audience for the play’s final performance in Cirencester at 7:30pm BST (2:30pm ET) on Saturday 12^th June 2021.

The play, which is based on a true story, follows twenty-something Masha as she becomes embroiled in the world of data and deceit as a member of Russia’s disinformation campaigns during the EU referendum.

Tickets for the live stream are priced at £13.50 with tickets for the both the Barn Theatre indoor run and the global live stream are now on sale at barntheatre.org.uk.

“Redford’s performance excellent and Goscovitch’s lines crisp”

Observer New Review

The production stars Rachel Redford in the role of Masha. Rachel Redford’s previous credits include originating the role of Beth in Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson’s critically acclaimed play The Jungle, which she played in the original Young Vic production as well as subsequent productions in the West End, Off-Broadway and in San Francisco.

A Russian Doll, which is directed by Nicolas Kent (All The President’s Men?, Another World), is currently running in Cirencester until 12 June 2021.

The world premiere features design by Liz da Costa, lighting by Sam Rowcliffe-Tanner, sound and composition by Harry Smith, AV design by Alex Tabrizi with Benjamin Collins as AV supervisor, Amy Ball as casting director and Katherine Heath as voice and accent coach.

Following the run in the Cotswolds, the production will move to Arcola’s new outdoor space, Arcola Outside, in East London. Performance dates to be announced in due course.

“a chilling glimpse into our post-truth world”

The i Paper

KAY MELLOR’S

SMASH HIT
FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL

TO TOUR THE UK AND IRELAND

STARRING LEE MEAD

OPENING AT DARTFORD ORCHARD THEATRE
ON 14 JANUARY 2022

Following a highly successful sell-out tour in 2017, producer Joshua Andrews is delighted to announce that Kay Mellor’s smash hit FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL will return to tour the UK and Ireland opening at Dartford Orchard Theatre on 14 January 2022. With original music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber, the show will star Lee Mead as ‘Paul’ with further casting to be announced soon. The tour will visit venues including Cardiff New, Leeds Grand, Edinburgh Festival, Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre, The Lowry, Salford, Southampton Mayflower, Wolverhampton Grand, Canterbury Marlowe and Newcastle, Norwich and Plymouth Theatre Royals. Full tour schedule below.

This hugely entertaining musical is based on the hit ITV show Fat Friends, that starred James Corden and Ruth Jones. Fat Friends – The Musical reunites our favourite foodie friends as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local slimming club, whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. This show of hope, humour, love and weight loss, delivers a fun night out full of laughter and encourages us all, as the final song sings, to Love Who You Are!  

The show toured the UK to a rapturous response from critics and sell out audiences in 2017 and after a tough year for all, Kay Mellor feels that it’s the perfect time to bring this feast of a feel-good show back. Kay Mellor said today “Issues of body image and online trolling are more pertinent today than ever, and will resonate with people everywhere. Despite this, using song, dance and humour I can guarantee that audiences will leave the show with a smile on their face and feeling better about themselves – something we all need right now. I’m delighted to be remounting Fat Friends the Musical, thrilled to be working with the brilliant and talented Lee Mead and can’t wait for us to bring the show to so many fantastic venues around the UK and Ireland.”

Lee Mead is a much loved actor of stage and screen. Having won the nations hearts when they voted him their Joseph in BBC One’s ‘Any Dream Will Do’, Lee has gone on to star in the West End in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Legally Blonde and Wicked before establishing himself as a TV favourite on Casualty and then Holby City in the role of ‘Lofty’. Lee Mead said today “I am so excited to be returning to musical theatre after an enjoyable few years on Casualty and Holby City and I’m so thrilled to be starring in Fat Friends The Musical. I saw the show when it first ran and absolutely loved it, so I can’t wait to now play the lovelorn vicar, Paul. I’m so looking forward to performing live again to wonderful audiences around the country and working with the incredible and iconic Kay Mellor.”

FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL is created, directed and has a book and lyrics by the multi award winning Kay Mellor, whose latest hit series of The Syndicate recently ran on BBC One. It has Music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber with Set and Costume design by Bretta Gerecke. Choreography is by Karen Bruce, Sound by Ben Harrison, Lighting by Nick Richings with Orchestrations, Arrangements and Musical Supervision by Simon Lee, Casting by Stephen Crockett CDG for David Grindrod Associates, with Additional Casting by David Shaw. It is produced by Joshua Andrews and Rollem Productions.

FAT FRIENDS – 2022 UK AND IRELAND TOUR LISTINGS

FatFriendsMusical.com

Facebook – FatFriendsTheMusical

Twitter – @FatFriendsShow

Instagram – @FatFriendsShow

FRIDAY 14 JANUARY – SATURDAY 15 JANUARY 2022

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 18 JANUARY – SATURDAY 22 JANUARY 2022

New Theatre, Cardiff

www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

(Lee Mead will not perform on Saturday 22 January 2022)

MONDAY 24 JANUARY – SATURDAY 29 JANUARY 2022

Theatre Royal, Nottingham

www.trch.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 31 JANUARY – SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2022

The Lyceum, Sheffield

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

MONDAY 7 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2022

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 14 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2022

Theatre Royal, Newcastle

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 21 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 5 MARCH 2022

Leeds Grand Theatre

www.leedsheritagetheatres.com

ON SALE SOON

MONDAY 7 MARCH – SATURDAY 12 MARCH 2022

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

www.capitaltheatres.com

ON SALE SOON

MONDAY 14 MARCH – SATURDAY 19 MARCH 2022

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 28 MARCH – SATURDAY 2 APRIL 2022

The Alexandra, Birmingham

www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 4 APRIL – SATURDAY 9 APRIL 2022

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

www.mayflower.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 11 APRIL – SATURDAY 16 APRIL 2022

The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

www.marlowetheatre.com

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 25 APRIL – SATURDAY 30 APRIL 2022

Norwich Theatre Royal

www.norwichtheatre.org

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 3 MAY – SATURDAY 7 MAY 2022

Southend Cliffs Pavilion

www.southendtheatres.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 9 MAY – SATURDAY 14 MAY 2022

Curve, Leicester

www.curveonline.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

MONDAY 16 MAY – SATURDAY 21 MAY 2022

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

ON SALE SOON

MONDAY 23 MAY – SATURDAY 28 MAY 2022

Liverpool Empire

www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 30 MAY – SATURDAY 4 JUNE 2022

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

ON SALE 14 JUNE

MONDAY 6 JUNE – SATURDAY 11 JUNE 2022

The Lowry, Salford

www.thelowry.com

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY13 JUNE – SATURDAY 18 JUNE 2022

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

www.grandtheatre.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

MONDAY 20 JUNE – SATURDAY 25 JUNE 2022

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

www.theatresevern.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 27 JUNE – SATURDAY 2 JULY 2022

Theatre Royal, Plymouth

www.theatreroyal.com

ON SALE 6 JULY

MONDAY 4 JULY – SATURDAY 9 JULY

Bristol Hippodrome

www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 18 JULY – SATURDAY 23 JULY

Hull New Theatre

www.hulltheatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Fiery Angel Entertainment present…

CIRCUS 1903

• THE EXHILARATING INTERNATIONAL SMASH HIT CIRCUS 1903 BURSTS BACK ONTO THE STAGE AT THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL, BRINGING SOME MUCH-NEEDED LAUGHTER AND JOY THIS CHRISTMAS
• FROM 16 DECEMBER – 2 JANUARY 2022, CIRCUS 1903 WILL SHOWCASE A JAW-DROPPING ARRAY OF OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE ALONGSIDE MANY OF THE MUCH-LOVED ACTS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS
• THIS EXTRAORDINARY SHOW BRINGS ALL THE GLAMOUR AND ROMANCE OF THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS TO THE STAGE, ALONG WITH TWO ICONIC, LOVABLE ELEPHANTS, TO DELIGHT ALL THE FAMILY
• TICKETS GO ON SALE TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY 4 JUNE AT 10AM. VISIT WWW.CIRCUS1903.COM FOR FURTHER DETAILS

The world-class performers at Circus 1903 are limbering up in preparation to entertain thousands of people as they flock to the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall this Christmas to marvel at the wonders of the Golden Age of Circus. Producers are delighted to announce today that the show will return for its third Christmas season at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall from 16 December 2021 – 2 January 2022. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday 4th June at 10am from www.circus1903.com.

Ringmaster David Williamson said: “I’m so happy that Circus 1903 is returning to Southbank Centre this festive season. There’s no better tonic for tough times than the sights and sounds and magic of the circus! I’m excited to get in front of an audience again and hear the roar of the crowd and see the smiling faces of the children as they thrill to our amazing show.”

Producer Michael Stevens said: “Circus 1903 has become an important part of the holiday season, for audiences old and young, and so we are delighted to be able to bring it back to Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall this year. After such a long period of not being able to see each other or to go out, this is a wonderful opportunity to get together at Christmas and celebrate while enjoying one of the most extraordinary shows on earth!”

Hosted by the charming and charismatic ringmaster David Williamson, Circus 1903 will feature many of the incredible acts from previous years, including Peanut and Queenie, the most charming elephants on any stage around the world. A range of dizzying new acts will join the troupe to astound and mesmerize audiences this festive season.  The full line-up will be announced in due course.

The HandleBards present:

Macbeth

Something bike-powered this way comes..

Directed by Emma Sampson

UK Tour 4 June – 19 September

“Explodes with energy and is a genuine treat from start to finish” ★★★★★ The Stage (on Twelfth Night)

@HandleBards | #HandleBardsMacbeth | handlebards.com

Cycling from theatre to farm, from castle to park, The HandleBards’ all-female company are touring their irreverent Macbeth across the UK this summer. The most environmentally friendly Shakespearean theatre company there is, and naturally one of the most Covid-safe, are packing The Scottish Play onto their bikes and taking it to outdoor venues. To ensure good sight lines for a socially distanced audience, the company are using a bespoke wooden stage with bicycle powered mechanisms, which travels with them in an electric van, in order to keep their emissions as low as possible. Forget the tears and tragedy – this is a frantic, delirious, full-of-beans, bike-powered farce!

The HandleBards sister company Slapstick Picnic will also be touring with a two-person The Importance of Being Earnest from 26th June.

Macbeth director Emma Sampson said, “It’s great to get back into the rehearsal room with the HandleBards. Working with them is always the most fun job of my calendar year and the all-female cast has been a delight to direct. They are truly three of the funniest women I have ever met in my life.”

The HandleBards began with a sense of adventure, a love of Shakespeare and a nifty little pun. Since four fearless friends (Callum Brodie, Callum Cheatle, Tom Dixon and Paul Moss) pedalled Twelfth Night to twenty UK venues in 2013, the company has grown to become an internationally renowned theatre company, bringing a uniquely irreverent brand of Shakespeare to audiences all over the globe. The HandleBards travel by bike because they care about the planet and want to promote sustainability and healthy living. In 2014, they won the Edinburgh Fringe Sustainable Practice Award. They were nominated again in 2015, and in 2016 were nominated for The Stage’s inaugural Sustainability Award.

The HandleBards share actors and creatives with new sister company Slapstick Picnic including theatre director Nel Crouch (RSC, Young Vic), using their experience of outdoor theatre and adapting Shakespeare to produce classic tales with an untraditional twist.

Running Time: 2hrs (inc interval) | Suitable for ages 8+

Company information

Produced by Tom Dixon and Paul Moss                        Directed by Emma Sampson

Designed by Lucy Green                                              Musical Direction by Guy Hughes

Stage design by Mark Parsons (Studio Polpo)               Assistant Direction by Olivia Race

Bicycle mechanism design by Electric Pedals

Cast

Kathryn Perkins, Natalie Simone, Jenny Smith

Listings information

4 June – 19 September

Tickets from www.handlebards.com/tickets

4 June                                 Wellesley Woodlands, Surrey

Fleet Road, Aldershot, Surrey GU11 2HL

7pm | £16 – Free

6 June                                 The Walled Garden, Luton Hoo Estate

Luton, LU1 4FL

7pm | £18 – Free

8 June                                 The Quarry Theatre, Bedford

26 St Peter’s Street, Bedford MK40 2NN

7.30pm | £14 – £12

9 June                                 The Millennium Pavilion, Cambridgeshire

The Trundle, Somersham, Cambridgeshire PE28 3JS

7pm | £18 – Free

10 June                               Stow Hall Gardens, King’s Lynn

Stow Bardolph, King’s Lynn, PE34 3HU

7pm | £18 – Free

11 June                               Castle Acre Priory, King’s Lynn

King’s Lynn, PE32 2XD

7pm | £18 – Free

12 June                               Pensthorpe Natural Park, Norfolk

Fakenham, Norfolk NR 21 0LN

7pm | £18 – Free

13 June                               North Lodge Park, Cromer

6 Overstrand Road, Cromer NR27 0AH

7pm | £15 – £10

15 June                               St George’s Theatre, Norfolk

King Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 2PG

7pm | £10

17 June                               The Seagull, Lowestoft

Morton Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0RU

7pm | £10

(Indoor performance)

18 June                               Framlingham Castle

Church Street, Framlingham IP13 9BP

Luton, LU1 4FL

7pm | £18 – Free

19 June                               Diss Park

9 Park Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4AU

7pm | £18 – Free

20 June                               Hollow Trees Farm, Ipswich

Semer,Ipswich IP7 6HX

7pm | £18 – Free

23 June                               Layer Marney Tower, Essex

Nr. Colchester, Essex C05 9US

7pm | £18 – Free

24 June                               South Mill Arts

1 -3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

7pm | £16.50

(Indoor performance)

25 June                               Shuttleworth Estate, Biggleswade

Old Warden, Biggleswade, SG18 9EP

7pm | £18 – Free

26 June                               Old Royal Naval College, London

London SE10 9NN

7pm | £17

27 June                               Home Farm Glamping, Borehamwood

Aldenham Road, Elstree, Borehamwood WD6 3AZ

7pm | £18 – Free

30 June – 1 July                 Globe Neuss, Germany

                                             Hammer Landstraße 2, Neuss, 41460 Germany

                                             3pm and 7pm | Ticket prices TBC

7 July                                  Cogges, Whitney

                                             Church Lane, Witney, OX28 3LA

                                             7pm | £16.50 – £10

8 July                                  EM Forster Theatre, Kent

                                             Tunbridge School, High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1JP

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

9 July                                  Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead

                                             Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4FP

                                             8pm | £17 – £15

10 July                                Maumbury Rings, Dorchester

                                             Dorchester, DT1 1TY

                                             7pm | £14 – £12

11 July                                Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis

                                             Church Street Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3QA

                                             7pm | £17 – 10

13 July                                The Hall, Bradford-On-Avon

                                             Holt Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1AJ

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

14 July                                Corsham Almshouses, Corsham

                                             Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HT

                                             7pm | £12 – £10

15 July                                St Michaels Park, Cirencester

                                             St Michaels Park, King St, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1JT

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

16 July                                Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick

                                             Gloucester Road, Painswick, Gloucestershire GL6 6^TH

                                             6.30pm | £18 – Free           

17 – 21 July                        Pudlicote House, Chipping Norton

                                             Pudlicote, Chipping Norton, OX7 3HX

                                             2pm & 7pm | £16 – £14

22 July                                Coventry Cathedral, Coventry

                                             Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

23 July                                 Moira Furnace Museum, Swadlincote

                                             Furnace Lane, Swadlincote, DE12 6AT

                                             7pm | £15 – £10

24 July                                 Southwell Minster and the Archbishop’s Palace, Southwell

                                             Church Street, Southwell, NG25 0HD

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

25 July                                Cromford Mills, Cromford

                                             Mill Rd, Cromford, Matlock DE4 3RQ

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

27 July                                High Lea Park, New Mills

                                             St Mary’s Road, New Mills, SK22 3BW

                                             7pm | £30 – £8

28 July                                Ordsall Hall, Salford

                                             22 Ordsall Lane, Salford, Greater Manchester M5 3AN

                                             7pm |. £18 – Free

30 July                                 Hoghton Tower, Preston

                                             Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SH

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

31 July                                Lancaster Castle, Lancaster

                                             Castle Park, Lancaster, LA1 1YJ

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

1 August                             The Richard Whiteley Theatre, North Yorkshire

                                             Giggleswick School, Settle, North Yorkshire BD24 0DE

                                             5pm | £18 – Free

5 August                             Bolton Castle, Near Leyburn

                                             Near Leyburn, DL8 4ET United Kingdom

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

6 August                             Kiplin Hall, Richmond

                                             Richmond, DL10 6AT

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

11 August                           Hexham Abbey, Hexham

                                             Hexham, NE46 3NB

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

12 August                           Rede Tyne & Coquet Sports Centre, Northumberland

                                             Otterburn Northumberland NE19 1HE

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

13 August                           Northumberlandia, Northumberland

                                             Blagdon Lane. Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 8AQ

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

17 August                           Heeley People’s Park, Heeley

View Rd, Heeley, Sheffield S2 3DJ

7pm | Pay What You Can

19 August                           Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield

Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP

3pm & 7pm | £12

20 – 21 August                   Holker Hall and Gardens, Cark

                                             Holker, Cark, LA11 7PL

                                             6.30pm | £12.45 – Free

22 August                           Theatr Clywd, Mold

                                             Raikes Lane, Mold, CH7 1YA

                                             7pm | £12

24 August                           Monkey Park, Chesterfield

                                             128 Chester Street, Chesterfield, S40 1DN

                                             7pm | Pay What You Can

26 August                           Thirlestane Castle, Lauder

                                             Lauder, Borders, TD2 6RU

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

31 August                           Scone Palace, Perth

                                             Perth, PH2 6BD

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

1 September                       Glamis Castle, Forfar

                                             Glamis, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1RJ

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

2 September                       House of Dun, Montrose

Dun, Montrose, DD10 9LQ

7pm | £18 – Free

5 September                       Haddo House, Ellon

                                             Methlick, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 7EQ

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

9 September                       Cawdor Castle, Cawdor

                                             Cawdor, Nairn, IV12 5RD

                                             7pm | £16.50 – £10

12 September                    Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham

                                             68 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, Greater London TW1 4ST

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

14 September                     Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, Westerham

                                             Main Road, Westerham, TN15 3EJ

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

15September                     Warninglid Grange, Haywards Heath

                                             Warninglid Lane, Haywards Heath, RH17 5TQ

                                             7pm | Pay What You Can

17 – 18 September             The Church Field, Witley

                                             Witley, GU8 5PP

                                             7pm | £18 – Free

19 September                     The Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre, Bordon

                                             Station Road, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 0LR

                                             7pm | £15 – Free

Supported by Arts Council England and Pashley Cycles

The Barn Theatre, Cirencester – until 12 June 2021 and then onto the Arcola Theatre, London

5*****

Reviewed by Josie Armand Smith

The Barn Theatre in Cirencester, along with the Arcola Theatre in London have put together a brilliant show. This is the world premiere of A Russian Doll which is a one woman play written by Cat Goscovitch. It’s directed by Nicholas Kent.

The play is set in Russia in the run up to the EU referendum. It follows the story of Masha who is a student who naively starts working for an oligarch in a troll factory. she explains how she falls into the world of data and deceit and how facebook can be used to influence choice and incite racism. Weapons do not have to be guns anymore but can be data instead. Masha is played by Rachel Reford who is bone chillingly convincing. She showed how it easy it is to spread misinformation and how easily you can lie on the internet. You can pretend to be anyone online with astounding consequences. 

After its run at the Barn Theatre it will be moving to the Arcola Theatre in east London with performance dates to be in announced in due course.

ONE-WOMAN WORLD PREMIERE REOPENS THE ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE WITH A BLAST OF ORIGINAL MUSIC SET TO RAISE THE ROOF

A Royal Exchange Theatre production in association with Rebel Productions.

BLOODY ELLE – A GIG MUSICAL

Written and Performed by Lauryn Redding

Directed by Bryony Shanahan

23 June – 17 July

Written and performed by Lauryn Redding and directed by Joint Artistic Director Bryony Shanahan BLOODY ELLE – A GIG MUSICAL reopens the Royal Exchange Theatre 15months after it closed its doors. This brand-new World Premiere is an uplifting, one-woman show about falling in love for the very first time. BLOODY ELLE is set to an original score, which Redding single-handedly builds into loops and layers of sound that make you feel like there’s a ten-piece band on stage, transporting the audience to a sweaty, packed out gig in the back of a pub or a 10,000 seat arena. It opens on 23 June and runs until 17 July.

Eve’s eyes are green like guacamole, she has posh-hair and a freckle on her chin (that Elle thinks might be chocolate) and when she puts her hand on Elle’s arm… This heart-warming and belly-achingly funny story is stuffed full of those stomach-flipping-time-stopping moments; a touch, a glance, a kiss, that everyone will recognise. BLOODY ELLE – A GIG MUSICAL is a Royal Exchange Theatre production in association with Rebel Productions.

Writer, performer and musician Lauryn Redding makes her Royal Exchange debut with BLOODY ELLE – A GIG MUSICAL (both as a writer and performer). Recent theatre credits include: THE WORST WITCH (Vaudeville Theatre, West End – Olivier Award Winner); THE HIRED MAN (Queens Theatre, Hornchurch/Hull Truck/Oldham Coliseum); MACBETH/MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM/TWELFTH NIGHT (Wilton’s Music Hall); SEAGULLS (Bolton Octagon); OLIVER TWIST (Hull Truck); EDUCATING RITA (UK Tour); BREAD AND ROSES/UP ‘N’ UNDER/OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR/DREAMERS (Oldham Coliseum); ROMEO AND JULIET (The Watermill Theatre); HORRIBLE HISTORIES (The Garrick Theatre, West End); THE COMEDY OF ERRORS (Shakespeare’s Globe and UK/European Tour). Television credits include: EASTENDERS (BBC) and EMMERDALE (ITV).

Bryony Shanahan is Joint Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange Theatre. In 2016 she won the Genesis Future Directors award and directed TRADE at the Young Vic.  During the past 12months as Artistic Director she has developed projects such as ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS and OH WOMAN! for the Royal Exchange. Her directing credits for the theatre include WUTHERING HEIGHTS, ADIEU, QUEENS OF THE COAL AGE and NOTHING (winner of Manchester Theatre Award). Other directing credits include ENOUGH (Traverse Theatre); CHICKEN SOUP (Sheffield Crucible); OPERATION CRUCIBLE (Finborough Theatre, Sheffield Crucible/UK tour/59e59 New York); WEALD (Finborough Theatre); BITCH BOXER (Soho Theatre/national tour/Adelaide Fringe Festival); BOYS WILL BE BOYS (Women Centre Stage, National Theatre); CHAPEL STREET (National Tour) and YOU AND ME (Greenwich Theatre/National Tour).

Alexandra Faye Braithwaite is a sound designer and composer. She returns to the Royal Exchange following her work on the World Premiere of Simon Stephens’ LIGHT FALLS and a brand-new version of WUTHERING HEIGHTS. Other recent theatre credits include GROAN UPS (Vaudeville Theatre); NEVILLE’S ISLAND (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch); THE AUDIENCE, JUICY & DELICIOUS (Nuffield Theatre); THE REMAINS OF MAISIE DUGGAN (Abbey Theatre); TOAST (The Other Palace/Lowry Theatre/Traverse Theatre); HAMLET, TALKING HEADS, RUDOLPH (Leeds Playhouse); THINGS OF DRY HOURS (Young Vic); COUGAR, DEALING WITH CLAIR, THE ROLLING STONE (Orange Tree Theatre); ROMEO AND JULIET (China Plate); ACCEPTANCE (Hampstead Downstairs); CHICKEN SOUP (Sheffield Crucible Studio); DUBLIN CAROL (Sherman Theatre); KANYE THE FIRST (Hightide Festival); ROOM (Theatre Royal Stratford East/Abbey Theatre); IF I WAS QUEEN (Almeida).

Amanda Stoodley is an award-winning set and costume designer, working in theatre, opera, installation & exhibition. She trained at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and graduated in 2009 with a first-class honours degree in theatre and performance design. Amanda previously studied and worked in illustration, graphic, interior & stained-glass design. Amanda has worked regularly at the Royal Exchange, her credits for the theatre include : QUEEN MARGARET, MOMENTS THAT CHANGED OUR WORLD, HAMLET, BLACK ROSES (& UK Tour), ALL I WANT IS ONE NIGHT (& Wilton’s Music Hall), TWO, WINTERLONG (& Soho Theatre); PUB, TRUTH ABOUT YOUTH Festival and MAKING AN EXHIBITION OF OURSELVES (AT HOME). Other recent theatre credits include DECADES – STORIES FROM THE CITY, EUROPE, AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS, BE MY BABY, UNTOLD STORIES (Leeds Playhouse); THE LAST TESTAMENT OF LILLIAN BILOCCA (Hull UK City of Culture 2017);  HERE’S WHAT SHE SAID TO ME, TRIBES, THE EFFECT (Sheffield Theatres); THE RISE & FALL OF LITTLE VOICE, SUMMER HOLIDAY, THE BIG CORNER, EAST IS EAST (Bolton Octagon Theatre); A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Eclipse, Sheffield Theatres, Belgrade Theatre & UK Tour); MASQUE OF ANARCHY (MIF); MANCHESTER LINES (Library Theatre) and FIREFACE (Young Vic).

The creative team is completed by – Associate Director Hannah Sands, Lighting Mark Distin Webster, Movement Director Yandass Ndlovu, Company Stage Manager Scott McDonald and Deputy Stage Manager Amber Chapell.

From Dirty Dancing to The Play That Goes Wrong: New shows now on sale at the Belgrade Theatre

The Russian State Ballet, Being Mr Wickham and A Christmas Carol starring David Bradley among new Autumn Season highlights

Two weeks after the Belgrade Theatre Coventry first reopened its doors, the team is pleased to announce that a whole host of new shows for its 2021 Spring and Autumn Seasons are now on sale. Highlights include the return of Dirty Dancing, The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency, a co-production with Cardboard Citizens for Coventry UK City of Culture, and Mischief Theatre’s The Play That Goes Wrong.

The Belgrade’s Autumn Season kicks off with a series of live music acts. The Best of Take That featuring Rule the Worldcelebrates 30 years of Take That dominating the charts on Wednesday 1 September. The Illegal Eagles then take to the stage on Thursday 2 September, celebrating 50 years since the formation of the legendary West Coast Country Rock band. The Real Thing also arrive in Coventry on Friday 10 September, with original vocalists Chris Amoo and Dave Smith and a live band. Later in the season, The Bluejays present Rave On, a celebration of ‘50s and ‘60s Rock n Roll, on Friday 22 October.

Acclaimed Mischief Theatre once again bring The Play That Goes Wrong to the Belgrade this autumn. The multi award-winning international smash hit comedy has been hailed “a gut-busting hit” by the New York Times and is now in its seventh year in the West End. The slapstick comedy can be seen in Coventry from Monday 13 – Saturday 18 September.

From Thursday 30 September – Saturday 2 October, Original Theatre Company present Being Mr Wickham. Adrian Lukis, who starred in the renowned BBC TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, returns to the role of Mr Wickham to set the record straight. Written by Adrian Lukis and Catherine Curzon and directed by Guy Unsworth.

As part of its Coventry UK City of Culture programme, the Belgrade has teamed up with Cardboard Citizens to co-produce the new musical The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency from Saturday 9 – Saturday 16 October. Based on a true story from the 1970s, we follow the story of the workings of the world’s first ‘estate agency for squatters’ and the foundation of a new nation, Frestonia. The show is enlivened by a chorus of Coventry citizens who have experienced homelessness. Prior to this, a brand-new performance, carefully created with local people with experiences of homelessness in Coventry as part of their three-week Cardboard Camps residency, will be staged on Friday 23 July.

Following two West End runs, four UK tours, and multiple international productions, Dirty Dancing is back at the Belgrade this autumn from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 November. Featuring the iconic hits Hungry Eyes and (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, we follow two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

The Russian State Ballet return this autumn with three classic ballets, accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra. Experience the beauty of Swan Lake on Thursday 11 November, Sleeping Beauty on Friday 12 November and The Nutcracker on Saturday 13 November.

The Belgrade’s annual Christmas treat for children aged 2-6 arrives this year with Santa’s Magical Mystery Guest. The latest in Imagine Theatre’s hugely popular Santa series, little ones can experience songs and laughter from Thursday 9 – Friday 24 December.

Finally, from Monday 13 – Thursday 23 December, the Belgrade and Chipping Norton Theatre present A Christmas Carol, starring David Bradley (Broadchurch, Game of Thrones). Charles Dickens’ classic novel has been adapted for the stage by Simon Callow. Bradley will be joined on stage by acclaimed folk musician and actor Sophie Crawford.

An eclectic range of live music acts, drama, comedy and family entertainment are already on sale as part of the Belgrade’s Spring 2021 Season. Live music events begin on Thursday 3 June with I’m Still Standing – The Music of Elton John, as Joel Buckingham performs Sir Elton John’s biggest hits, backed by a live band. The only tribute artist to be chosen by Michael Jackson himself, Navi returns to the Belgrade with The King of Pop – The Legend Continues on Wednesday 30 June. Spirit of Elvis also arrives in Coventry this season, led by acclaimed frontman Gordon Hendricks on Friday 2 July.

Calling Planet Earth celebrates the defining music of the 1980s with symphonic arrangements on Saturday 17 July. Music celebrations continue on Wednesday 21 July with A Crazy Little Thing Called Queen – a dynamic tribute to one of the world’s greatest and most iconic rock bands. The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons glides into Coventry on Thursday 22 July. Audiences can also celebrate the classic songbook that made The Carpenters legendary with The Carpenters Story – Goodbye to Love on Friday 23 July.

Then in August, the UK Pink Floyd Experience recreate the sights and sounds of the legendary band with video projection on Friday 13 August. To complete the series of live music acts, Justine Riddoch stars in Totally Tina on Saturday 14 August, celebrating the golden anniversary of the signature tune Proud Mary.

Comedy acts take centre stage in June, as Oddosocks present The Comedy of Errors from Monday 14 – Thursday 17 June. Showcasing their usual brand of chaotic comedy, we follow a servant and master from far off Syracuse who arrive in Ephesus in search of their long-lost twin brothers. In no time at all they are trapped in a terrifying chain of chaotic events.

Alan Ayckbourn’s classic comedy Absurd Person Singular features as the first non-socially distanced performance of the year. Directed by Michael Cabot, the comic masterpiece of social climbing in 1970s suburbia fuses a potent mix of farce and black comedy, and will run from Wednesday 23 – Saturday 26 June.

The Belgrade’s Spring Season also features children’s show Twirlywoos Live! on Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 16 June. From the producers of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Sarah and Duck Live on Stage, Twirlywoos Live! uses inventive puppetry to share the delight of discovery with young fans. The fun for young ones continues from Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 August with Dragons and Mythical Beasts. The creators of Dinosaur World Live present a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new show for all the family.

The Spring Season is rounded up with drama from New Earth Theatre and Storyhouse. British-Hong Kong playwright Amy Ng (Under the Umbrella) has adapted August Strindberg’s psychological classic Miss Julie into a new, politically charged production, playing from Thursday 8 – Saturday 10 July. Directed by Dadiow Lin, we follow Julie, the daughter of the island’s British Governor, who crashes the servant’s party downstairs. What starts as a game descends into a fight for survival as sex, power, money and race collide on a hot night in the Pearl River Delta.

All shows in the Belgrade’s Spring Season are now on sale. Shows from September onwards are currently on sale to Members and will go on general sale on Tuesday 15 June. More shows in the Belgrade’s Autumn Season will be announced on Monday 12 July.

Tickets are available to book now by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055 (phone lines open Mon – Sat 10.30am to 2pm) or visit www.belgrade.co.uk where prices are cheaper. Please note thatshows until Sunday 20 June are socially distanced. Performances from Monday 21 June onwards are being sold at full capacity.

HOPE THEATRE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR KENNEDY BLOOMER

TO STEP DOWN

TO PURSUE A CAREER IN TEACHING AND THEATRE FUNDRAISING

As The Hope Theatre looks towards reopening at the end of June, the Board of Trustees are saddened to announce that Kennedy Bloomer will be stepping down as the Artistic Director of The Hope Theatre, Islington in August 2021 to pursue a career in teaching and theatre fundraising. Before she leaves, she will direct her first and last in-house show in September, with details to be announced.

Kennedy was appointed in August 2019 to take over from Matthew Parker, taking over the role in January 2020. Two months into her Artistic Directorship the theatre was forced to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kennedy Bloomer said, “It was devastating, a real blow to the plans and future I saw for the theatre. It went from programming shows, working with brilliant artists and seeing incredible work to emergency planning for our very survival. It was the support of everyone at The Hope Theatre, the audience, the postponed companies and other Artistic Directors that really helped me be able to see light at the end of the tunnel. Our community is so strong, creative and resilient but both mentally and physically it was a massive challenge.”

Bloomer started at The Hope Theatre as a Theatre Assistant in 2017 whilst graduating from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts MA Directing course, run by Peter James at the time. Her recent productions include: Oh No It Isn’t (The Hope Theatre/UK Tour), JEW…ish (Edinburgh Festival Fringe/Kings Head Theatre/KHTV) and she’s currently set to announce her first and last in-house show at The Hope which will open their Autumn season. 

Speaking on why she has made the decision to step down, she says, “It’s a really bittersweet moment to be leaving The Hope after such a rollercoaster of a time. The staff, our patron and the Board of Trustees have been my rock throughout this past 15 months and also have fully supported me in applying for a teacher training programme. I’m so proud of the plans we have to re-open and the exciting programming. For me, my Drama teachers supported, inspired and motivated my own journey into performing arts and I now hope to do the same. The Hope Theatre gave me my start as a Theatre Assistant and is the most special venue with captivating productions and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for it.” 

Jane Mayfield, Chairman of the Hope Theatre Board of Trustees said, “We are very sad that Kennedy will be leaving us especially as for so much of her tenure the theatre was forced to close. She did an incredible job in creating a very imaginative and innovative online platform, and her highly successful fundraising has secured the Hope’s future, for which we are very grateful. She will make a terrific teacher, and we wish her all the best in her new adventures.”

Hope Theatre Patron Paul Clayton said, “In so many ways Kennedy has been the saviour of the Hope, helping it hang on in there in a very difficult time. However the Hope goes forward, it owes a great deal to the fabulous Kennedy Bloomer. She’s a marvel!”

Applications for the Artistic Director of The Hope Theatre open today and close on 14th June at 12pm midday. For more information on how to apply, see: https://www.thehopetheatre.com/work-with-us/

Closed since March 2020, this acclaimed 50 seat pub theatre in the heart of Islington plans to reopen on the public on 29 June at full capacity, in accordance with the government’s roadmap.

Opening in 2013, The Hope Theatre was originally a sister theatre of Islington’s King’s Head Theatre, renovated from a function room above the famous Hope & Anchor pub and music venue into a black box studio theatre. The Hope Theatre has transferred two productions to the West End (Ushers to the Charing Cross Theatre and the Snoo Wilson’s Lovesong Of The Electric Bear to The Arts) and has been home to many world premieres. It also housed the professional world premiere of Joe Orton’s Fred And Madge.

The Hope Theatre is a place for audiences and companies to explore BIG ideas. It nurtures and develops new producing models, working with exciting companies to present a mix of new writing, lost gems from well-known writers, re-polished classics and innovatively staged musicals.

Although The Hope Theatre has received no regular public subsidy since its 2013 opening, it was the first Off West End venue to open with a house agreement with Equity. This ensures a legal wage for all actors, stage managers and box office staff working at the theatre.

In 2020, Kennedy Bloomer became Artistic Director of the theatre and navigated the theatre through the global Covid-19 pandemic and total closure by taking The Hope Theatre online. 

The Hope Theatre was successfully granted funds from the Arts Council England Emergency Response Fund, the ACE and DCMS Culture Recovery Fund 1 and 2. The Hope Theatre team would like to gratefully acknowledge the role that this funding has played in enabling the venue to survive and reopen this summer.

Artistic Director: Kennedy Bloomer 

Deputy Artistic Director: Toby Hampton 

Technical Manager: Gianluca Zona 

Theatre Assistant: Rebecca Tessier

Patron: Paul Clayton 

Support The Hope Theatre: https://www.thehopetheatre.com/support-us/

Or visit www.thehopetheatre.com for more information.