The Prince of Egypt Returns Triumphantly to London’s West End

“THE PRINCE OF EGYPT” RETURNS

TRIUMPHANTLY TO THE WEST END STAGE

HIT MUSICAL HAS RESUMED PERFORMANCES IN ACCORDANCE

WITH ‘STEP 3’ PROTOCOLS (SOCIALLY DISTANCED AUDIENCES)

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, the “huge popular hit” (LBC) based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film, returned triumphantly to London’s Dominion Theatre on Thursday (1 July 2021), with standing ovations and an extended 14-minute curtain call.

Having been turned down by UK Government for a Culture Recovery Fund grant, producers Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw spoke of their long and difficult battle to bring the production back to the stage. With no insurance against any future COVID-related shutdowns and now at the mercy of the Contact Tracing rules – which could temporarily shut the production at any time – the future remains “fragile”.  They celebrated their “world class” UK company (whom they described as “resilient, viable and extraordinary”) their pride at mounting the show in London, employing UK businesses and supporting the UK economy and their subsequent shock at the Government’s failure to provide the production, which is one of the industry’s biggest single employers, with any direct support.

Brought to life in truly epic fashion” (Daily Mirror), the Grammy® Award nominated musicalis now booking until Saturday 8 January 2022.Performances until Saturday 4 September 2021 are all currently expected to operate with socially distanced audiences and, thereafter, in accordance with Step 4 protocols (full capacity but in compliance with UK Government public health guidance). Should current restrictions be lifted earlier, the production will revert to full capacity as soon as practicably possible. The Dominion Theatre Box Office opens daily on performance days at 12 noon. Tickets are available now for all performances via www.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

The “utterly stand-out cast” (WhatsOnStage) of 46 features Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Christine Allado (Tzipporah), Alexia Khadime (Miriam), Joe Dixon (Seti), Debbie Kurup (Tuya), Clive Rowe* (Jethro), Mercedesz Csampai (Yocheved), Adam Pearce (Hotep), Tanisha Spring** (Nefertari), Silas Wyatt-Barke (Aaron), Simbi AkandeCasey Al-ShaqsyJoe AtkinsonDanny Becker, Felipe BejaranoPàje CampbellCatherine CornwallAdam FilipeSoophia ForoughiNatalie GreenJack Harrison-CooperKalene JeansChristian KnightJessica LeeOliver LidertDaniel LuizJay MarshScott MauriceCarly MilesAlice ReadieSamuel Sarpong-BroniChristopher ShortMolly SmithRicardo WalkerDanny WilliamsNiko Wirachman and Sasha Woodward together with young performers Cian Eagle-ServiceMaiya EastmondJersey Blu GeorgiaTaylor JenkinsMia LakhaGeorge Menezes CuttsIman Pabani and Vishal Soni. *Clive Rowe appears until 16 Oct 2021 / **Tanisha Spring appears until 18 Sept 2021

The orchestra is Dave Rose (Musical Director); Mark Collins (Associate Musical DirectorKeyboards); Nina Foster/Fiona McCapra (job share), Sonya FairbairnPenny AinscowSebastian Rudnicki (Violins); Fiona Davies (Viola); Magda Pietraszewska (Cello); Rory Dempsey (Bass); Rupert Widdows (Woodwind); Tony Cross (TrumpetFlugelhorn); Duncan FullerDavid McQueen (Horns); John Gregson (Guitars); Murdoch MacDonald (Percussion) and Dan Ellis (Drums).

The Stage Management team is Anthony Field (Company Stage Manager); Dominique Pierre-Louis (Stage Manager); Ryan Quelch (Deputy Stage Manager); Nuri ChangCharlotte Johnson (Assistant Stage Managers/Book Cover); Simon HumphrisChrissie Huxford and Tracey Farrell (Assistant Stage Managers), who, together with a further 84 backstage staff, complete the production’s huge cast, orchestra and company of 154.

This lavish stage adaptation” (The Guardian) of the classic DreamWorks Animation film features a cast and orchestra of more than 60 artists and Stephen Schwartz’s acclaimed score includes his Academy Award®-winning song When You Believe, which was a global hit for Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, and the “spine-tingling” (Time Out) Deliver Us. The Original Cast Recording, released by Ghostlight Records, received a 2021 Grammy® Award nomination for `Best Musical Theatre Album’.

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

The Prince of Egypt has music and lyrics by multi-Grammy® and Academy Award®-winner Stephen Schwartz (WickedGodspell), a book by Philip LaZebnik (MulanPocahontas) and features 10 new songs written by Stephen Schwartz together with 5 of his beloved songs from the DreamWorks Animation film (When You BelieveDeliver UsAll I Ever WantedThrough Heaven’s Eyes and The Plagues).

The Prince of Egypt is directed by Scott Schwartz with choreography by Sean Cheesman;set designs by Kevin Depinet; costume designs by Ann Hould-Ward; lighting design by Mike Billings; sound design by Gareth Owen; projection designs by Jon Driscoll; illusions by Chris Fisher; wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates; orchestrations by August Eriksmoen; musical supervision and arrangements by Dominick Amendum; musical direction by Dave Rose; casting by Jim Arnold CDG and children’s casting by Verity Naughton CDG.

The Prince of Egypt is produced by DreamWorks Theatricals (a division of Universal Theatrical Group), Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw together with John Gore, Tom Smedes and Peter Stern, Ramin SabiThe Araca Group, James L. Nederlander and Michael Park.

A milestone in cinematic achievement, the classic DreamWorks Animation film has been captivating audiences across the world for more than two decades. It has been hailed as “one of the greatest animated films of all time” (Evening Standard) and “a stunning film” (The Guardian).

LONDON PREMIER FOR 360 ALLSTARS – OPENING LONDON WONDERGROUND EARLS COURT!

Underbelly and Onyx Productions presents

THE WORLD WIDE SMASH HIT

PREMIERS IN LONDON

Summer bursts into life with the supercharged urban circus 360 ALLSTARS. The global sensation and magnificent, colourful and revolutionary production opens the big top at LONDON WONDERGROUND EARLS COURT from 17 July – 15 August 2021.

360 ALLSTARS is a phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, connecting the street with the elite in 360 degrees!

360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. An adrenaline fuelled performance that will leave audiences dizzy with excitement. Replacing acrobats, jugglers and unicyclists, with break-dancers, a basketball freestyler and a BMX rider, 360 ALLSTARS is an electrifying and exhilarating reinvention of circus.

Boasting a stellar international cast of elite athletes and artists including: the two-time world champion BMX Flatlander Peter Sore, two champion break-dancers Bboy Chris and Bboy Daz, internationally acclaimed basketball freestyler Trickstar, and the world renowned cyr wheel artist Josh Curtis.

Add to this a stunning LIVE soundtrack delivered by Ball-Zee, the world champion and three-time UK champion beatboxer, alongside the award-winning master percussionist, Mikey Sorbello. Add incredible video projections and 360 ALLSTARS is as aurally exciting as it is visually astounding.

With jaw-dropping artistry guaranteed to blow audiences away, 360 ALLSTARS brings top family entertainment to the big top this summer.

A world-wide success with sell out seasons on Broadway, in Edinburgh and the Sydney Opera House; at last 360 ALLSTARS has its London premier in the BIG TOP at LONDON WONDERGROUND EARLS COURT.

360 ALLSTARS is THE summer show for everyone – and is the pure entertainment that London has seriously been waiting for.

“The most thrilling stage show ever” – Weekend Notes ★★★★★
“Blindingly talented. The energy is infectious” 
– Broadway Baby ★★★★★

“Freaking phenomenal performers” – Fritz Magazine ★★★★★
“Spectacular tricks and stunts”
 – The Pop Chronicles ★★★★★
“Dazzling, thrilling, and exceptionally good fun” – Kiddo Magazine ★★★★★
“Supercharged urban circus”
 – Scenestr ★★★★★

360 ALLSTARS

Listings Information

Dates: Saturday 17 July –  Sunday 15 August 2021

Venue: BIG TOP, LONDON WONDERGROUND EARLS COURT

Time: 7pm Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm (Sunday),

Matinees: 3pm (24 July and 31 July), 1pm (1 August)

Running time: 60 minutes of non-stop phenomenal physical performance with 360 ALLSTARS

Ticket Prices: Tickets from £12.00

Tickets: londonwonderground.co.uk

Tickets purchased through londonwonderground.co.uk are subject to a £1.50 booking fee.

LONDON WONDERGROUND EARLS COURT

Empress Place, Earls Court, London SW6 1TT

NICK OF TIME PRODUCTIONS LTD IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE PLAYGROUND THEATRE PRESENTS GRENFELL: VALUE ENGINEERING SCENES FROM THE INQUIRY EDITED BY RICHARD NORTON-TAYLOR & DIRECTED BY NICOLAS KENT RUNNING ON STAGE AT THE TABERNACLE FROM 13 OCT – 13 NOV 2021

NICK OF TIME PRODUCTIONS LTD

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE PLAYGROUND THEATRE PRESENTS

GRENFELL: VALUE ENGINEERING

SCENES FROM THE INQUIRY

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EDITED BY RICHARD NORTON-TAYLOR

& DIRECTED BY NICOLAS KENT

RUNNING ON STAGE AT THE TABERNACLE FROM 13 OCT – 13 NOV

BIRMINGHAM REP FROM 16-20 NOVEMBER 2021

The Grenfell fire did not happen in a vacuum… it happened within a pocket of one of the smallest yet richest boroughs in London.”

Leslie Thomas QC in evidence to the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, July 2020

“It’s one thing to work out how the fire was caused, and how the deaths were caused; the bigger question is: why did this happen?”

Michael Mansfield QC at the Inquiry, March 2021

Grenfell: Value Engineering – Scenes From The Inquiry sets out to discover why the devastating fire of 14 June 2017 happened after the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower, and who was responsible for the deaths of 72 people.

The dramatic evidence, based entirely on the words of those involved in the current Grenfell Tower Inquiry, is brought to the stage by the creative team responsible for the dramatisation of The Colour of Justice – The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry at the Tricycle Theatre, the National Theatre, in the West End and on BBC TV, and the Olivier Award-winning Saville Inquiry play Bloody Sunday.

The not-for-profit production of Grenfell: Value Engineering – Scenes From The Inquiry is running from 13 October – 13 November at the recently renovated Tabernacle in Notting Hill and at Birmingham Rep from 16 – 20 November. The play is edited by Richard Norton-Taylor and directed by Nicolas Kent, with casting by Amy Ball at CDG.

Richard Norton-Taylor said: “Grenfell Tower, engulfed in flames in less than half an hour in the deadliest fire in a residential building since the Blitz, the worst loss of life in a single incident in London for more than 60 years, was still smouldering when survivors and families of the bereaved demanded a wide-ranging public inquiry into a disaster they had warned was waiting to happen. Their concerns about the risks of fire and obstacles in the way of evacuating the 24-storey building were dismissed by officials in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, one of the richest local authorities in Britain.

The inquiry, under a former appeal court judge who is unlikely to report his conclusions before well into next year, has said the principal reason why the fire spread so rapidly was the decision to wrap the tower in extremely flammable material in its recent refurbishment. The inquiry exposed what lay behind the decision that led to the fatal conflagration, what a lawyer for the survivors and bereaved described as “a chronic culture of neglect, of indifference and discrimination underpinned by a theme of dishonesty”, and another called an “epidemic level of incompetence”.

What has emerged from the inquiry is an extraordinary catalogue of greed, fraud, cheating and lying, secret fixing of fire tests on their products, subtle layers of corruption and racism, fatal cost-cutting, casual indifference, and practices which one young company executive called “completely unethical” and which some even joked about. It exposed fatal consequences of austerity and deregulation. The switch to cheaper, more combustible, material saved less than £300,000 on the £10m refurbishment. The cost was 72 lives and hundreds of bereaved relatives and friends. The cost to tenants and mortgage holders living in over 250 residential blocks clad with similar dangerous cladding – and to taxpayers – will amount to many hundreds of millions of pounds.

The evidence in the Grenfell Inquiry reflects many of the problems deeply embedded in contemporary British society. I believe that presenting it to a theatre audience will lead to a wider understanding of the story behind a fire whose repercussions will be felt for many years.

Nicolas KentProducerNick of Time Productions said: “The Grenfell Tower Inquiry is vitally important in getting to the truth and holding to account those who were responsible for the disastrous refurbishment of the Tower. The resulting fire caused so many people to lose their lives, and so many others to endure such pain and trauma as well as the loss of their homes. We are grateful to The Tabernacle and The Playground Theatre for helping us bring this dramatisation of the Grenfell Inquiry to the local community. We are determined that people living around Grenfell Tower will be able to see this play for less than the price of a newspaper, and the rest of the country will be able to share the forensic work of the inquiry through this play and better understand the truth behind this avoidable tragedy.”

The Grenfell Inquiry is one of the most important public inquiries of the past two decades. It is a powerful example of the investigatory reach of the law and its ability to call people to account. It is of profound importance to the survivors of the tragedy and their families. The tragedy has also left an estimated 700,000 people still trapped in dangerous homes and has revealed hazardous construction problems going back many years that are now preventing three million others from selling their flats. The inquiry’s work has huge repercussions for present policy and better future regulation for millions of people living in social or private housing in the UK.

The inquiry has now been running for four years. This edited verbatim account of the inquiry is aimed at giving the public a clearer overview and access to the evidence.

Alongside the production The Playground Theatre is providing an important education programme. The programme, VALUED, will be available to local schools and the local community. It aims to provide schools with information about the production alongside the contemporary issues of importance that it addresses and the key links to the national curriculum and wider understanding of communities, social justice and human rights.

Major supporters of Grenfell: Value Engineering – Scenes From The Inquiryarethe Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and Nimax Theatres.

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Talent Review

The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield – until 24 July 2021

Reviewed by Sal E Marino

5*****

Do you remember a time when: you’d had bangers and mash followed by a desert of arctic roll for your tea, drank irn-bru pop, watched Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy wrestle in the morning and then later on – the whole family would settle down to watch ‘New Faces’ …?  Well Talent, written and first performed by Victoria Wood in 1978, will take you right back to that era – from the clothes, music, references of long forgotten popular minor celebrities and foods we used to eat –  to the less savoury and overtly sexist attitudes some had towards women.  

Although I doubt this play was written with the main intent of bringing feminist issues to light and was more simply an autobiographical account of Wood’s own experiences of life (when she was doing the rounds at talent shows), it does now (forty plus years later), highlight what times were like back in the 1970s for young working class women.  Through Julie (Lucie Shorthouse – originally performed by the fabulous Julie Walters) and her pal Maureen (Jamie-Rose Monk – originally played by Victoria Wood herself), we explore the hopes, dreams, confused (and in Julie’s case) reluctant acceptance of their sexual destinies; coupled with the sad bleak outlook that they’ll probably end up in their forties – ‘with a double chin’ and drinking a ‘bottle of gin’.  But, this play is not heavy and obviously themed throughout with serious issues in any sense or form and instead it’s laced wall-to-wall with Ms Wood’s unmistakable unique and stand-out humour!  She had a genius knack of really making you remember ‘what it’s like to be fourteen again’ and laugh at many of the foibles of life in a most heart-warming and nostalgic way. 

Directed by Paul Foster, Talent is set in the back stage dingy dressing room at Bunter’s nightclub, where Julie (a 24 year old secretary), is nervously awaiting her star turn at the talent show with her faithful and less confident pal Maureen.  With many of Wood’s comedies, she often played on the contrast of what were her own insecurities about her body size and low-self esteem against the smaller and more zestful Julie Walters and this is what we see in the characters of Julie and Maureen.  Within the relationship though things do unfold on a deeper level than just the surface comedy of their differences and as the plot unfolds, we learn that Julie, like Maureen,  has her issues and insecurities too that challenge her.  Simply being slimmer and more attractive doesn’t guarantee Julie a  life of success and happiness and it sometimes appears that Maureen is actually more content within her awkward and uncomfortable world.  

Throughout the sketches Julie and Maureen sing an array of light-hearted and very amusing songs that reflect their feelings and observations about life and it’s ups and downs.  We meet a few other characters along the way who really bring the humour home and had the audience laughing out loud.  One being in the form of Arthur, played by the brilliant Richard Cant, who is the lovable side-kick of George (the talented James Quinn) and who just in his opening line had your heart captured with his child-like enthusiasm for a pretty hopeless act fronted by his chum.  Together this duo really do bring back nostalgic memories of characters gone by with their very simple and so-bad-it’s-brilliant ensemble of magic, song and dance.  Arthur brings back to life the voice and disposition of the man from the Hovis bread ads back in the day and his fervour and belief in his pal’s talent, which he lets overshadow his own card tricks, is very touching.

Far less likeable characters come in the form of Mel (Jonathan Ojininaka), an arrogant ex boyfriend of Julie’s who works as a musician at the club.  Through him we learn of Julie’s school-girl pregnancy and the first very hard hurdle in life she was faced with.  Today, Mel would be viewed as being something much worse than what he was back then and as with the comedy hit ‘Rita, Sue and Bob too’, the older man going out with a young teen – not too uncommon back in the 70s –  is something that brings about uncomfortable questions and is totally unacceptable today.  The other oily and sleazy to the extreme character in the play is the compere (Daniel Crossley), who insults and bargains for sex with Julie by telling her she’s, ‘got a mediocre voice, a terrible Lancashire accent, no experience and no act’ – but if she sleeps with him then he’ll make her dreams come true … Five minutes later, he’s telling Maureen to get her girdle off and meet him in his car!  Crossley gives a great performance of this quick-talking slimeball making you feel disgusted by actions and praying that Maureen won’t fall for the obvious fake flattery due to her innocence and naivety. 

Thankfully, our two friends see sense – escape these two leches, Bunter’s (and it’s corrupt competition) and head for a night at the cinema together.  Female friendship and supporting each other wins through and one feels relieved that neither of the women ended up in a bad situation where they’d be used and abused.   Leaving the audience with a smile inside and out, the cast come together to celebrate and sing one last song that gave a wave of whimsical warmth across the theatre. Talent is a must see if you’re a Wood and Walters fan (which most of us are!) and if you want to see a play about a slice of life in a time gone-by, that will uplift your spirits with it’s joke-packed script and delightful, amusing songs then book now – you definitely won’t be disappointed!

The Haunted Season at York Theatre Royal

THE HAUNTED SEASON AT YORK THEATRE ROYAL

Anthony Robling

World premieres by Emma Rice, Matthew Bourne and Tonderai Munyevu plus appearances from Dracula, The Hound of the Baskervilles and the Headless Horseman all feature in The Haunted Season at York Theatre Royal this autumn. 

Season highlights include:

  • Emma Rice’s Wise Children company with a fresh theatrical take on Emily Brontë’s epic tale of love, revenge and redemption Wuthering Heights in a co-production with the National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic
  • New Adventures explore the underbelly of 1930s London in Matthew Bourne’sThe Midnight Bell
  • Tonderai Munyevu writes and performs Mugabe, My Dad & Me, a high voltage one man show exploring familial love, identity and what it means to return ‘home’
  • The return of Phoenix DanceBallet Black and English Touring Opera 
  • An adaptation by Philip Meeks of Gothic horror novel The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with a cast led by Wendi Peters and Bill Ward
  • Appearances by horror favourites Dracula and The Hound of the Baskervilles

As nights start to draw in, York Theatre Royal is filling its stage with spirits and shadows in The Haunted Season.

Emma Rice’s Wise Children follow appearances at the Theatre Royal in Angela Carter’s Wise Children and Malory Towers with Wuthering Heights (9-20 November) in a York Theatre Royal co-production with the National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Lucy McCormick plays Cathy in this epic story of love, revenge and redemption as Rice’s celebrated musical and visual style brings new life to the classic story.

Emma Rice said: “It is with an earthy spring in my step and epic twinkle in my eye that I announce our new plans for Wuthering Heights. So many projects have fallen by the wayside during lockdown that there were times when I lost hope – but there was no need! Wise Children are back; stronger, wiser and grateful for the chance to sing and dance again. The exceptional cast, crew, administrative and creative teams are ready to go and we are fizzing with ideas, dreams and anticipation.”

The second world premiere in the Haunted Season presents “intoxicated tales from darkest Soho” in Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell (30 Sept-2 Oct) inspired by English novelist Patrick Hamilton and exploring the underbelly of 1930s London life. New Adventures invite audiences to step inside The Midnight Bell, a tavern where one particular lonely hearts club gather to play out their lovelorn affairs of the heart; bitter comedies of longing, frustration, betrayal and redemption.

Tonderai Munyevu is writer and performer of the season’s third world premiere Mugabe, My Dad & Me (9-I8 Sept). The one man show charts the rise and fall of one of the most controversial politicians of the 20th century through the personal story of Tonderai’s family and his relationship with his father.

Philip Meeks – whose play Murder, Margaret and Me proved a big hit at York Theatre Royal – has adapted  The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (5-9 October), Washington Irving’s classic tale of the Headless Horseman, for the stage. A pair of familiar TV faces, Wendi Peters and Bill Ward, lead the cast of a production featuring illusions by Filipe J Carvalho.

Director Jake Smith said: “Sleepy Hollow is undoubtedly one of the greatest horror stories ever written and a tour de force to stage. The production has at its heart the power of nomadic storytelling and gathering round the campfire for a good ghost story. It is an important story for now as we look at conversations around the identity of nations, communities and humankind throughout the world.”

Two familiar figures from the world of horror put in appearances although not quite as you might expect. Award-winning kings of comedy La Navet Bete sink their teeth into Dracula: The Bloody Truth (24-25 Sept) which mixes slapstick with carefully-crafted comedy and a healthy dose of things going wrong as the action moves from dark and sinister Transylvania to the ‘awkwardly charming seaside town of Whitby’.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles (19-23 Oct) gets a farcical overhaul in Lotte Wakeham’s production that has been dubbed ‘rib-bustingly hilarious’ by The Times. This twist on the classic detective story promises an ‘exhilarating collision of farce, theatrical invention and wonderfully comic performances’.

Pride and Prejudice’s most roguish gentleman George Wickham is ready to set the record straight as Adrian Lukis performs in Being Mr Wickham (14-16 Oct). Lukis, who played Mr Wickham in the BBC TV adaptation, will reveal what really happened with Darcy, how he felt about Lizzie and, of course, what happened at Waterloo.

Two popular dance companies return to the Theatre Royal stage. Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black Double Bill (26 October) features Then and Now, in which Olivier award-winning choreographer Will Tuckett blends classical ballet, poetry and music to explore ideas of home and belonging. The second piece finds another Olivier award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November contemplating the purpose of life in The Waiting Game.

Leeds-based Phoenix Dance celebrate 40 Years of Phoenix (23-24 Nov) with a birthday programme  featuring a selection of work by internationally acclaimed and award-winning choreographers, including former artistic directors and collaborators.

A new theatrical version of The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff (28-30 Oct) is performed by BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners The Young ‘uns. This musical celebration of northern working class activism features songs from the original album alongside new material and animation. It’s the true story of one man’s journey from poverty and unemployment in Stockton-on-Tees through the Hunger Marches of the 1930s, the mass trespass movement and the Battle of Cable Street  to fighting fascism in the Spanish Civil War.

English Touring Opera returns with Handel’s Amadigi (11-12 Oct) based on a chivalric romance about three young people imprisoned by a sorceress. York Opera presents The Magic Flute (2-6 Nov), Mozart’s magical and last great opera sung in English with an orchestra.

For younger audiences, Rod Campbell’s much-loved lift-the-flap book leaps off the page in Dear Zoo Live! (28-29 Sept), a show packed full of puppetry, songs and, of course, all the animals from the zoo.

THE HAUNTED SEASON AT A GLANCE (press nights in brackets)

9-18 September Mugabe, My Dad & Me 

24-25 September – Dracula:The Bloody Truth 

28-29 September – Dear Zoo Live ! 

30 Sept-2 Oct – Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell

5-9 October – The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Hollow 

11-12 October – English Touring Opera: Amadigi 

14-16 October – Being Mr Wickham

19-23 October – The Hound of the Baskervilles

26 October – Ballet Black 

28-30 October The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff 

2-6 November – The Magic Flute 

9-20 November – Wuthering Heights 

23-24 November – 40 Years of Phoenix 

Tickets from £15

Up to 50 per cent off season ticket shows for York Theatre Royal Members

Box office 01904 623568 | yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

A Little Night Music Review

Leeds Playhouse – until 17th July 2021

Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough

4****

Opera North’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music has everything, music, comedy, romance, and drama.

It tells the story of Desiree Armfeldt (Stephanie Corley) and her romantic entanglements with two married men, Fredrik Egerman (Quirijn De Lang) and Count Carl-Magnus Malcom (Christopher Nairne). When the two men and their wives Anne Egerman (Corinne Cowling) and Countess Charlotte Malcom (Helen Evora) join Desiree, her mother (Dame Josephine Barstow) and her daughter Fredrika (Agatha Meehan) in the country along with Fredrik’s son Henrik (Laurence Kilby) hilarity ensues.

This is a fantastic light-hearted production to introduce you back to the world of theatre. 

Dame Josephine Barstow, delivers hilarious one liners throughout as she gives advice to her granddaughter Fredrika, she is also excellent at portraying a character you would not want to get on the wrong side of. 

It’s not all fun and games and A Little Night Music also shows how the characters suffer due to the actions of the rest of the cast leading you to empathise with them and hope things work out, despite a lack of morals from many of them. The whole cast is wonderful and they all do an excellent job of bringing their characters to life.

A special mention must also go to the Opera North Orchestra who perform Sondheim’s music exquisitely, the lyrics are catchy and are performed beautifully by all the cast.

Although the stage is small the set is cleverly utilized throughout, particularly during act 2. 

A Little Night Music is a joy to watch and a must see at Leeds Playhouse. 

Families flock back to theatre for Kids Week – over 55,000 tickets bought on day 1

Families flock back to theatre for Kids Week with over 55,000 sales on day 1 
Tickets still available at officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week 

Kids Week, the long-running audience development scheme offering free London theatre tickets for children throughout August, got off to a phenomenal start after going on sale this week, with families showing their loyalty and support for the initiative as they plan for a return to theatre this summer.

Despite a shorter lead-up and fewer shows on offer this year due to the pandemic, Kids Week’s 2021 sales have so far surpassed all expectations, with more than 55,000 tickets sold on the first day alone, for over 30 top London shows. 

With thousands of tickets still available and new shows being added, now is the perfect time to book for a variety of shows – from hit musicals and plays like The Prince Of Egypt, Come From Away and The Play That Goes Wrong to family favourites like What The Ladybird Heard, Zog and Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain.

Emma De Souza, Kids Week founder and Head of Marketing and Communications at the Society of London Theatre, said:

‘It has been truly astonishing to see the level of demand for Kids Week. Having been forced to cancel last year due to the pandemic, we weren’t sure what to expect this time round – but this confirms the importance of live culture for families, and the hunger to get back into theatres once restrictions are fully lifted. Whether you’re a Kids Week veteran or bringing your children to a show for the first time, the West End can’t wait to welcome you through our doors to experience the magic of live theatre!’

During Kids Week, a child goes free to participating shows when accompanied by a full-paying adult. For the first time, Kids Week has been extended to ages 17 and under (previously 16 and under) for families with teenage children who missed out in 2020. The offer looks slightly different this year; although it will be the same fantastic deal in terms of what you pay, instead of one full price adult ticket and one free child ticket (as in previous years) all tickets are presented as half price. As always, there are no booking fees.

The safety of audiences and staff throughout Kids Week is our highest priority. Our industry-wide See it Safely mark, displayed at theatres across London, assures theatregoers that participating venues are following the latest Government guidance for live arts events.

Kids Week bookers can benefit from our ‘Book with Confidence, Exchange with Ease’ pledge, allowing them the opportunity to exchange up to 24 hours prior to a performance if they are unable to attend due to Covid. 

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Darlington Hippodrome – Faye Tozer heads pantomime cast

DARLINGTON PANTOMIME FANS SHALL GO TO THE BALL!

Steps star Faye Tozer leads the cast of this year’s Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes, Cinderella, at Darlington Hippodrome in December.

Darlington Hippodrome has announced that much-loved singer and television personality Faye Tozer will headline this year’s Hippodrome pantomime, Cinderella, from Friday 10 December.

As one fifth of the multi award-winning pop band Steps for the last two decades, Faye and her band-mates released over twenty hit singles, five chart-topping studio albums and toured the nation nine times with their inimitable style of pop and famous dance routines, amassing record sales of over 20 million worldwide. After a brief hiatus the group reformed to celebrate their 20th anniversary, releasing new critically acclaimed material delighting existing fans and winning them legions of new ones. Most recently the group combined forces with Michelle Visage, releasing their celebrated hit Heartbreak in this City.

Outside of the Steps-phere, Faye has also enjoyed an extensive theatre career, starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s one-woman musical Tell Me On A Sunday to great critical acclaim, the UK tour of Love Shack, Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens in London’s West End, Me and My Girl and Over The Rainbow where she played the late Eva Cassidy as well as appearing in numerous pantomimes. In 2018 Faye took part in the sixteenth series of BBC1’s primetime show, Strictly Come Dancing. Coupled with Giovanni Pernice, the pair sashayed into the final and wowed audiences with their incredible footwork, only narrowly missing out on winning the coveted glitter ball trophy. Before she line-dances her way into Darlington, Faye will star in the hit musical Singin’ in the Rain at London’s Sadler’s Wells theatre.

Cinderella will see pantomime make its long-awaited return to Darlington Hippodrome following the closure of the venue due to the Covid pandemic, brought to audiences by the critically-acclaimed production team behind the last twenty festive productions. The show will be packed full of the magical ingredients Darlington audiences have come to expect from their annual festive pantomime, including special effects, hilarious comedy and plenty of audience participation in a celebration of festive joy following such unprecedented times.

Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes Michael Harrison said: “Faye is undoubtedly an absolute star, and a natural at pantomime, bringing all of her undeniable warmth, humour, fancy footwork and stunning vocals. We’re delighted to be able to team up with her once again and let her cast her spell over Darlington audiences and bring back the magic of pantomime now that we are able to do so.”

Heather Tarran-Jones, Programming and Development Director of Darlington Hippodrome said “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Faye will be with us for Cinderella and I am sure she will be a great hit with audiences of all ages.”

Cinderella runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Friday 10 to Friday 31 December 2021. Tickets are on sale now, with early booking advised. For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.

Brian Epstein Legacy Project To Honour Late Liverpool Music Legend

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BRIAN EPSTEIN PROJECT TO HONOUR LATE LIVERPOOL MUSIC LEGEND

New £100,000 fundraising target to develop a further lasting legacy in the name of the ‘Fifth Beatle’

Partnership announced with Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association Hall of Fame & Museum

The whole world is being urged to ‘come together’ to honour the late Brian Epstein with a lasting memorial to the man who helped change the face of popular music forever.

The Brian Epstein Legacy Project – which is being relaunched following a pause in activity due to the pandemic – will see the creation of a statue of the late legendary music entrepreneur, while additional money that is raised will be dedicated to developing a wider legacy in his memory.

And the campaign, first unveiled as The Brian Epstein Statue Project in 2019, today also announced a new Stateside partnership with the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association Hall of Fame & Museum – helping to champion plans on the global stage.

The appeal is currently a third of the way towards an initial £60,000 target for the proposed new statue which will be created by renowned Liverpool sculptor Andy Edwards and sited at a key Liverpool location yet to be revealed.

Generous sums have so far been received from people in more than a dozen countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Sweden, Italy and France – as well as a substantial anonymous donation.

Now it is hoped the appeal will go on to raise a minimum of £100,000, enabling it to further honour Brian’s energy and vision.

The Beatles’ former manager, born in Liverpool in 1934, is credited with catapulting the Fab Four to global success and has been fondly dubbed the ‘Fifth Beatle’ to underline his central role in their stratospheric rise to become the most famous band the world has ever seen.

Yet while there are dozens of Beatles’ statues and monuments across several continents, there is no lasting tribute to recognise and celebrate the vital part he played in the band’s history, nor how he changed the face and sound of popular music.

Brian owned NEMS record shop in Whitechapel. It was a lunchtime visit to The Cavern Club in the heart of Liverpool to watch a four-piece rock and roll band on 9 November 1961 which would change the course of history. Music and life in Liverpool would never be the same again. That band was The Beatles – whom Brian would go on to manage.

In addition to the Fab Four, he also nurtured a number of other star performers including Cilla Black, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Billy J Kramer and The Dakotas, The Chants, The Scaffold and The Moody Blues.

There are several film projects about his life and career which are currently in development.

The Brian Epstein Legacy Project committee includes cultural campaigner and activist Tom Calderbank; Beatles fan Marie Darwin who waspart of a group who campaigned for a plaque to be placed on the birthplace of Brian Epstein; Beatles historians, researchers and authors Kevin and Julie Roach, and son Robert; Larry Sidorczuk was the personal assistant to the late Joe Flannery, Brian Epstein’s original business partner and bookings manager; and Bill Elms, a producer of the smash hit play Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, which was staged in Liverpool and London’s West End.

Tom Calderbank, who is leading the project, said: “Following the pause in our campaign due to the pandemic, we’ve now got fresh wind in our sails.

“Our new partnership with the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame & Museum is a major part of that. They have helped us revamp our marketing and web presence and injected fresh energy into the project. Watch this space for future announcements.

“In addition, an anonymous donor has given us £10,000, doubling our funds so far.

“We now need £40,000 to complete the statue. Once completed, however, the sculpture will be only phase one of the wider project.

“Phase two aims to raise at least another £40,000 to establish a musical instrument library, to give access to music to underprivileged young people across the Liverpool City Region and help develop the next generation of talent.

“Phase three will then look further afield to see what can be achieved to celebrate and develop Brian’s legacy.

“We’re all very excited at what’s to come.”

And Ralph Kluseman, President of the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame & Museum, added: “As a lifelong Beatles fan, and a great admirer of Brian Epstein’s vision, drive and determination, I’m really pleased to be connected with the project – and with the dedicated team based in Liverpool.

“Brian needs his legacy to be recognised and we want to help; without him the world would never have been blessed with The Beatles and so much more.”

Andy Edwards is best known for his famous statue of The Beatles located at Liverpool’s world-famous Liverpool Pier Head, and co-sculpted the statue of Cilla Black in Mathew Street.

Meanwhile his poignant sculpture The Truce can be found in the grounds of St Luke’s the Bombed Out Church and depicts the historic moment on Christmas Day 1914 when a game of football spontaneously broke out between British and German soldiers on the First World War battlefield.

The Brian Epstein Legacy Project also has the support of Liverpool-born actor Andrew Lancel, who portrayed Brian in the smash hit play Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles on stage in Liverpool and London’s West End to critical acclaim.

He later played Brian again in a UK wide tour of Cilla The Musical –and is a huge advocate of recognising all Brian achieved.

He said: Brian’s contribution to the music industry, The Beatles, Liverpool, and the world really was incomparable. And I can think of few people more worthy of this tribute in his home city.”

Donations can be made by visiting https://www.thefifthbeatlestory.com/

FOLLOW:

Website:         www.thefifthbeatlestory.com/

Facebook:       @BrianEpsteinLegacyProject

Twitter:           @epsteinlegacy

Video:             https://vimeo.com/359005122

Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/thefifthbeatlestory 

THE TURBINE THEATRE, THE CINEMA IN THE ARCHES AND BATTERSEA POWER STATION PRESENT SUMMER SHOWTIME ON THE COALING JETTY

THE TURBINE THEATRE, THE CINEMA IN THE ARCHES AND BATTERSEA POWER STATION PRESENT 

SUMMER SHOWTIME ON THE COALING JETTY 

RUNNING FROM 17 JULY – 30 AUGUST 2021 

Following its smash 2020 run, Summer Showtime on The Coaling Jetty is back for 2021. Hosted on the historic Coaling Jetty on the River Thames in front of the Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station, London’s only open-air cinema and theatre experience will feature special theatre and comedy performances from The Turbine Theatre and film screenings from The Cinema in The Arches, formerly known as Archlight Cinema. Both retailers can usually be found nestled under the railway arches in Circus West Village, a thriving riverside neighbourhood for London and the first completed chapter in the regeneration of Battersea Power Station. 

Following sold out performances last year of popular musical Hair, theatre fans heading to Summer Showtime on The Coaling Jetty will be spoilt for choice with exciting performances from members of the renowned Brit School, productions of Jane Eyre, Romeo & Juliet, The Best of Frankie Valli, family-friendly Wind in The Willows, Beauty in the Beast and Three Little Pigs, as The Turbine Theatre takes to the stage again. There will also be double the laughs this year as comedian and member of comedy sketch group Daphne, Phil Wang, joins the line-up.   

Paul Taylor-MillsArtistic DirectorThe Turbine Theatre, said: 

“After a successful Summer Showtime last year, we’re thrilled to be welcoming audiences back to the beautiful Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station. The notion of presenting live entertainment came out of necessity to ensure we continue to engage our audiences. It’s wonderful that we can bring this outdoor experience back for a second year and extend the theatre’s reach across this exciting riverside neighbourhood at the foot of the iconic Battersea Power Station. We’re looking forward to hosting a variety of work such as Shakespeare, compilation musical performances, comedy and our first children’s musical; Wind in the Willows.  

The Wind in the Willows is a beautiful and enchanting musical production written by Academy Award winner Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) with music by the award-winning Stiles & Drewe (Mary Poppins). The show was last seen at the London Palladium in 2018 and has been specially adapted for a more intimate outdoor performance. It promises to be the perfect Summer treat for all the family, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Summer Showtime on The Coaling Jetty.” 

Extra measures are being taken to ensure the safety of visitors attending Summer Showtime on The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station. One-way systems and signage have been installed for guidance to help everyone entering the development keep a safe distance and hand sanitisers are located across the site.  

Travelling to Battersea Power Station couldn’t be easier. The riverside destination is accessible by bus, bike, car, train and tube. Or why not hop on board an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to Battersea Power Station pier for a one of a kind journey on the Thames – only a 15-minute journey from Embankment, 20 minutes from Blackfriars, 30 minutes from Putney and 40 minutes from Canary Wharf.  

For the full Summer Showtime schedule including film screenings from The Cinema in The Arches and more information on Battersea Power Station, please visit https://bpwrstn.com/summershowtime and follow @BatterseaPwrStn to keep up to date with the latest news and events. 

SUMMER SHOWTIME ON THE COALING JETTY

THE TURBINE THEATRE PERFORMANCES

 

HENRY V 

The Brit School 

Saturday 17 July @ 11:00 

Running Time: 70-90 Minutes – No Interval  

Recommended Age: 12+ 

7th July @ 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00 

In this version of Henry V, the eponymous hero acts not to save the country, but to save face and his own career. Twas ever thus, of course – but the stakes were never anywhere near this high. A Covid ridden, post-Brexit Britain appears as a post-apocalyptic wasteland, standing in stark contrast to a vibrant, multicultural Europe. The villains of politics wash us with verbose rallying calls while our reality yields to further swathes of grey, turgid, English blandishments. We are the living animals being tested upon by the privileged, as they buffered and untarnished with offshore bank accounts statements as shields. 

*** 

THE TEMPEST 

The Brit School 

Saturday 17 July @ 13:00 

Running Time: 70-90 Minutes – No Interval  

Recommended Age: 12+ 

A group of migrants arrive in a new land and through Shakespeare’s Tempest they explore the meaning of love, forgiveness and new beginnings. Prospero uses magic to conjure a storm and torment the survivors of a shipwreck. Prospero’s Caliban, plots to rid himself of his master, but is thwarted by Prospero’s spirit-servant Ariel. The King’s young son Ferdinand, thought to be dead, falls in love with Prospero’s daughter Miranda. Their celebrations are cut short when Prospero confronts his brother and reveals his identity as the usurped Duke of Milan. The families are reunited and all conflict is resolved. Prospero grants Ariel his freedom and prepares to leave the island. 

*** 

AS YOU LIKE IT 

The Brit School 

Saturday 17 July @ 15:00 

Running Time: 70-90 Minutes – No Interval  

Recommended Age: 12+ 

In the kingdom of Duke Frederick, it’s the cold harsh grey world of business and money, money, money! Rosalind, the daughter of Fredrick’s brother the banished Duke Senior is cast out by Frederic and forced to run away to a new life in the forest of Arden with Celia, Frederick’s daughter and their motley friend Touchstone. Orlando tries to prove himself in Frederick’s world, but is forced to flee to the forest, to escape the jealousy of his brother Oliver, where he meets the banished Duke with his alternative way of living in harmony with the world. The Duke teaches Orlando this alternative way. It is here that he meets again Rosalind disguised as Ganymede, they both discover what it is to love, to be open, to be kind. A fun caper of mistaken identity, freedom to express and be yourself, in an open and inclusive world. Where you can live AS YOU LIKE IT

*** 

OUT OF THE THUNDERDOME 

​Sunday 18 July @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – Including interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

David Breeds: failed footballer, failed royal marine, accidental rock-climbing instructor, night shift factory worker, theme park ride operator and Apple genius, decided to try his hand at acting and singing. Isolated in lockdown, the Dear Evan Hansen star created a bizarre group of mythical friends who became way more popular than he ever was. 

The show features some of David’s favourite songs. Check out his TikTok account @david_breeds to get all the in jokes. Bring your own onesie.  

*** 

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS 

Wednesday 21 – Sunday 25 July 

Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes – Including interval  

Recommended Age: 3+ 

1st – 2resented with Theatrical Rights Worldwide 

Join Ratty, Badger, Mole and the impulsive Toad as they embark on a series of riotous adventures spiralling from Toad’s insatiable need for speed! 

The Wind in the Willows is a beautiful and enchanting musical production written by Academy Award winner Julian Fellowes with music by the award-winning Stiles & Drewe, presented by the Turbine Theatre, London.  

Last seen at the London Palladium in 2018, The Wind in the Willows has been specially adapted for a more intimate outdoor performance. 

*** 

QUEENS OF MT 2 feat. Tiana Biscuit 

Sunday 25 July @ 20:00

Running Time: 2 hours – Including interval

Recommended Age: 14+ (This performance contains scenes of an adult nature and strong language) 

An Evening of Show tunes on the River Thames with Drag Queens: River Medway, Kate Butch, Samantha Stone and your Host: Tiana Biscuit! 


Join these Broadway babes for ‘One Night Only’. They‘ll be singing some of your favourite tunes. This is guaranteed to be a ‘Sunday In The Park With George’ you’ll never forget! So, ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’ and BOOK NOW!!! 


After the success of the first “Queens Of MT’, they’re back, back, back, back, back again, this time even bigger & better than before, and on The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station!! Featuring some of your favourite musical theatre hits from some of London’s best Drag Queens! Last time sold very fast so make sure to grab a ticket now, to avoid missing out! 

*** 

JANE EYRE 

DOT Productions 

Tuesday 27 July @ 14:00 

Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes – Including interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

Charlotte Bronte’s masterpiece is brought vividly to life in this new stage adaptation. From the cruelty of Jane’s life as a child to the passions and mysterious secrets of her adult life, this is the story of Jane Eyre, an orphan with no love or family. Only the spirit to endure and grow into a strong and independent women. 

DOT Productions return in their 11th year of touring with another adaptation of a well-loved English classic. Charlotte Bronte’s bold and enduring novel is full of gothic drama and heart wrenching choices that translate onto the stage in a powerful production played out by 5 actors that is not to be missed! 

*** 

BARD IN THE YARD 

​A Will & Co Production  

Monday 2 August @ 14:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 10+ 

Will & Co Production 

They say Shakespeare Macbeth in plague quarantine… what they don’t say is that you helped, a lot. 


This “irresistible” (The Guardian) play by author and director Victoria Gartner is “funny and moving, not to mention immersive” (The Independent). 

William Shakespeare is stuck. Like, really stuck. Blank parchment stuck. He is trying to write a new masterpiece and has the weight of his company’s eager return to the stage on his shoulders. 


What’s more, his rival Ben Jonson, on top of making the best sourdough bread ever, also has a new play in the works… So he has decided to pick your brains and make sure this new show is the smash hit it is promising to be. 

This year, you can help the Bard write Macbeth!This new play is urgently requested by the King, on pain of all of our heads ending up on spikes. 

Bard in the Yard is an antidote to lockdown blues, as well as a moving and fun conversation between Shakespeare and you, the audience. 

Join us for this roller-coaster ride of classic monologues and plague quarantine travails, “delivered to perfection” (The Telegraph). 

*** 

ROMEO & JULIET 

A Sirrah Sisters Production  

Tuesday ​3 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

Production 

An ancient grudge has torn the city and families apart, two teenagers find solace within each other, but at what cost? 

You know the story from GCSE English, now it’s our time to tell it with our female and non-binary cast. 

The Sirrah Sisters engage with audiences and communities from all backgrounds, presenting fun, dynamic, relatable and energetic productions of Shakespeare’s works, concentrating on Shakespeare’s imagery and storytelling, allowing the plays to be accessible and clear for all. We are forging our female and non-binary mark in productions famously and historically performed by all male casts. 

*** 

THE BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS 

​Wednesday 4 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – No interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is a spectacular high-pitched celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest selling groups of all time. 

This nostalgic musical journey pays tribute to the life and career of those four boys from Jersey, who started singing under a street lamp but soon went on to become one of the most recognised groups in history. 

From the streets of New Jersey to the dizzying heights of the West End and Broadway, this incredible music has delighted audiences for over five decades. The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons features all your favourite songs including Sherry, My Eyes Adored You, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and many more. 

Featuring cast members from the smash hit Tony award-winning show Jersey Boys and other hit West End musicals, The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons will leave you on a ‘high’ and guarantee you’ll be saying ‘Oh, What A Night! 

*** 

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS 

​An Unusual Theatre Company Production  

Wednesday 4 – Saturday 7 August 

Running Time: 55 Minutes – No interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

 Theatre Company Production 

This new version of the classic story is full of catchy songs, clever rhymes and silly charm, but also has some very smart things to say about home and family. 

Join Bar, Bee and Q, this Summer as they set off into the big wide world, to build their three little houses out of hay, sticks and bricks, but will they escape the Big Bad Wolf? 

He can huff and puff until the cows come home, but will the Wolf get the better of the three little superstar piglets in this new version of the family musical, retelling the classic story live on stage! 

From the award-winning writers of the international smash hit Mary Poppins, this fun-filled musical is directed by Victoria Gimby (Rock Of Ages UK tour & Myth with Arlene Phillips) along with Musical Director Flynn Sturgeon (Soho Cinders at The Charing Cross Theatre & The Roles We’ll Never Play at The London Palladium). 

Full of catchy songs, jokes and japes for little ones and adults alike, this endearing musical will leave you squealing with glee and howling with laughter. It’s the perfect family show to keep your little piggies entertained this summer! 

*** 

THE GRAD FEST 

​A Grad Fest Production  

Thursday 5 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – No interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

Liam Gartland and Alice Croft of The Grad Fest have brought together a group of 10 incredibly talented 2021 drama school graduates to showcase the future of our industry. Directed by Alex Conder, the show will also feature a very exciting special guest host/keyboard player for the graduates. 

*** 

 

THE PHANTASTICS 

​Friday 6 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

An extraordinary male classical crossover group featuring some of London’s top leading men from The Phantom of the Opera and other West End musicals! Let your fantasies unwind as they showcase the world’s greatest musical theatre and incredible pop, rock and opera ballads. Here are the exceptional vocal talents of The Phantastics. 

*** 

ROLES WE’LL NEVER PLAY 

​A Tom Duern Production – Hosted by Grace Mouat  

Sunday 8 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes – Including interval

Recommended Age: 3+ 

After two successful West End weekends at The Apollo Theatre (December 2020) & The Vaudeville (May 2021), we are excited to be back on The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station. 

Roles We’ll Never Play will see a star-studded cast singing songs outside of their casting brackets. Notable performances in the last concert included a show stopping ‘All Male’ version of ‘Ex-Wives’ from Six the Musicaland power house leading lady Alice Fearn ending the show with an incredible rendition of Santa Fe from Disney’s Newsies

This is an exceptional cast so expect big performances and show stopping vocals. 

*** 

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 

​A Scott Theatre Production  

Tuesday 17 August @ 14:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 5+ 

 Theatre Production 

Hermia loves Lysander. Lysander loves Hermia. But Demetrius loves Hermia. And Helena loves Demetrius. They all run into the woods where the mischievous sprite Puck has plenty of tricks in store for them! Meanwhile, the local cricket team is getting together to rehearse a play… 

Join Scoot on The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station for our family-friendly, sixty-minute production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Whether you’re five or 105, a Shakespeare newcomer or a Bard aficionado – we’ve got something for everyone! 

**** “I loved it” The Telegraph 

“Hilarious…accessible for all ages” The Family Stage 

*** 

 

CRIME SCENE IMPROVISATION 

​Thursday 19 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 12+ 

No one knows who the killer is; not even the cast! Crime Scene Improvisation is a rip-roaring comedy entirely made up on the spot to solve a surreal murder chosen by the audience.  

“The slickest and quickest improv at the [Edinburgh] Fringe” – Wee Review 2019 

Once you’ve picked your victim, grab your detective hats and prepare to laugh as you meet the suspects, grill them in a line up, and ultimately decide who’s off to the clanger. 

“Innovation and top-tier entertainment” ★★★★★ – The Wee Review 

“A spectacular must see” ★★★★★ – Bunbury Magazine 

“Spontaneous mastery” ★★★★ – Fringebiscuit 

*** 

VOICES & LYRICS 

A G&J Production

Friday 20 August @ 17:00 

Running Time: 1 hour – No interval

Recommended Age: 15+ (This performance contains strong language)  

  G&J Production 

Voices & Lyrics debuted at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton as a musical theatre cabaret show celebrating “b” side musicals and musical theatre writers. Over the years Voices & Lyrics has returned featuring some incredible musical theatre performers sharing many stand-alone songs that don’t get heard as often as commercial musicals touring the country. 

*** 

FATT BUTCHER’S DISCO BINGO 

Presented by Fatt Projects  

Friday 20 August @ 20:30 

Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes – Including interval

Recommended Age: 16+ (This performance contains strong language)  

20th August @ 20:3rojects 

WARNING: this is not your ordinary bingo, Fatt Butcher’s Disco Bingo is a FULL-ON PRODUCTION BABES!

Join Birmingham’s queen of [bingo] balls, statement earrings and sausage rolls, Fatt Butcher for an unmissable night of outrageous performance, party poppers, and prizes, with a wall to wall soundtrack of disco beats from superstar DJ Sophie Ellis Bisto. 

A critically acclaimed artist and winner of many awards, Fatt’s Butcher has been described by NME as ‘ramshackle’ and by trolls on Twitter as ’the accelerating decline of humanity’ (accolades of which they are understandably proud). See you there babes! 

*** 

BEAUTY & THE BEAST 

Presented by IPK

Saturday 21 August @ 14:30 

Running Time: 2 hours – Including interval

Recommended Age: 3+  

Following their sell-out success with The Wonderful Wizard of Ozin 2021, IKP are proud to present this enchanting production which promises to be fast-paced, family-friendly and fun, so prepare to be amazed and amused as IKP give this tale of adventure and acceptance their trademark ‘bonkers’ treatment. 

*** 

IN PIECES 

​Future Spotlight Productions  

Sunday 22 August @ 20:00 

Running Time: 1 hour 20 minutes – No interval

Recommended Age: 12+ (This performance contains strong language)  

Get lost in theatrical magic as we see this brand-new musical by Joey Contreras come to life in one exhilarating feature film with live performances from the stars of the film and West End Stars alongside some new talent. 

Directed by Louis Rayneau, Choreography by Rachel Sargent & Produced by Future Spotlight Productions. 

Our love lives are constantly in pieces. Shifting in and out of feeling fully complete. But you never know how a single spark one day can unlock a new you, so we make a choice at the crossroad, we say yes to the coffee date, and wherever that leads, we learn to embrace the journey. 

Could it be another New York love story? 

LISTINGS

SUMMER SHOWTIME ON THE COALING JETTY  

17 JULY – 30 AUGUST 2021 

Address: The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station, Circus West Village, London, SW11 8EZ 

Website/Box Office/Tickets: TheTurbineTheatre.com 

The Theatre Cafe:  The Turbine Theatre ticketing will be powered by The Theatre Cafe, West End’s stagiest destination and social platform. 

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @TurbineTheatre 

#PoweringTheImagination