Month: August 2021

Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham – until Saturday 15 August 2021

Reviewed by Louise Ford.

5*****

Don’t Dream it, be it! 

Well what a way to get back into the theatre and blow away those lock down blues. The Rocky Horror Show (written by Richard O’Brien back in 1973) returns to the UK, as part of a world-wide tour. The show is Directed by Christopher Luscombe. 

From the start there’s a nod to the world of cinema, the sexy usherette and ice cream seller Roxy, introducing the show in song (Science Fiction/Double Feature), and setting the scene, whilst welcoming you to the show. The set is a mix of B movie horror and cartoon images, with more than a nod to the classic Hammer films of the 1940s. 

The plot is helped along with explanations, side quips and double entendres by The Narrator (Philip Franks), who had a very warm welcome from Nottingham!  

So our two squeaky clean college sweethearts  Brad (Ore Oduba) and Janet (Hayley Flaherty) are on the way back from a friend’s wedding on their way to visit Dr Scott (Joe Allen) their former science tutor (with a dark past) when, oh no…they hit a thunderstorm and  their car breaks down. They see a castle where they go to use the telephone to call for help. This is where the dark, crossdressing fun begins!

The pair are taken by Riff Raff (Kristian Lavercombe) the creepy hunch backed live-in butler into the laboratory, where they are relieved of their clothes, so that they can dry off and given lab coats to wear! Cue lights, smoke, stars in their eyes entry … for our very own “Sweet Transvestite from Transexual Transylvania“, Frank (wonderfully played by Stephen Webb). 

Brad and Janet are nicely underplayed and contrast with the high camp of the other inhabitants of the castle . 

The story moves along at quite a lick with high camp renderings of the iconic songs; Let’s Do The Time Warp Again; Damn It, Janet and Sweet Transvestite. The audience, many splendidly dressed up for the evening singing along and ad-libbing to the story and the songs.  

All in all a fast paced evening of high camp, crossdressing, knowing looks, catchy tunes and sexy energetic dance routines. A great evening’s entertainment, go see it! 

MARTIN MARQUEZ TO JOIN SAFFRON COOMBER IN WORLD PREMIERE OF ALYS METCALF’S “LEOPARDS” AT ROSE THEATRE

“LEOPARDS” AND “THE SEVEN POMEGRANATE SEEDS” TO REMAIN SOCIALLY DISTANCED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Martin Marquez will join the previously announced Saffron Coomber in the world premiere of Alys Metcalf’s Leopards, the opening Rose Original production in Artistic Director Christopher Haydon’s inaugural season at Rose Theatre. 

Leopards will premiere at Rose Theatre from 2 to 25 September, with a national press night on 7 September.  The theatre has made the decision, in the interest of audience safety and comfort, to keep audiences socially distanced for Leopards and the second Rose Original, Seven Pomegranate Seeds, until further notice.

Martin Marquez has an extensive repertoire of stage work with the Donmar Warehouse, The National and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.  He most recently starred as Nathan Detroit in Sheffield Theatre’s production of Guys & Dolls and in Josie Rourke’s revival of Sweet Charity at the Donmar playing Vittorio Vidal.  Prior to this, Martin appeared in the UK tours of Still Alice and Headlong’s This House.  Martin is perhaps best known for his role as Gino Primirola in the BBC comedy drama Hotel Babylon and as Paul in the sitcom The Job Lot.  Lately, he has appeared in the E4 comedy Dead Pixels, series 2 of The Crown and the BBC’s Decline and Fall.

Saffron Coomber’s recent theatre credits include Emilia (West End), for which she was nominated for ‘Best West-End Debut’ at The Stage Debut Awards 2019, Sonnet Sunday (Globe) and A New and Better You (Yard Theatre).  Her television credits include: Small Axe (BBC/Amazon), The Deceived (Channel 5), Strike: Lethal White (BBC), EastEnders (BBC), Holby City (BBC) and as Sapphire Fox in Tracy Beaker: Series 1 – 3 (BBC).  Films includeElectricity (Stone City Films) and Dustbin Baby (BBC).  Most recently, Saffron appeared in the live-streamed production of A Cold Supper Behind Harrods, alongside David Jason, Stephanie Cole and Anton Lesser.

Sex, power and consent – can we ever atone for the sins of our past?  When Niala arranges to meet celebrated charity leader Ben in the bar of a London hotel for career advice, their evening unfolds into something far less professional.  As the weather closes in and secrets start to surface, the consequences of their choices leave them nowhere to hide.  Leopards is a new play about the image we construct of ourselves and explores what it truly means to be good. 

Alys Metcalf’s other plays include You Only Live Forever at Soho Theatre, Reel Life at Ustinov Studio Theatre Royal Bath and Unearthed, which was chosen as one of the Guardian Readers’ Favourite Plays of 2015 and played the Arcola and a UK Tour.  She is currently developing several films and TV sitcoms and dramas, and is a member of the BBC Comedy Room

Leopards is directed by Christopher Haydon, designed by Lily Arnold, with sound design by Gareth Fry and lighting design by Colin Grenfell. Asha Jennings-Grant is the intimacy director and Amber Sinclair-Case the assistant director.

Leopards is produced by Rose Theatre and the Olivier Award-winning Francesca Moody Productions (Fleabag, Baby Reindeer, Shedinburgh) in association with Emmy Award-winner Kater Gordon (Mad Men). Christopher Haydon makes his Rose directorial debut.

rosetheatre.org

Booking link for Leopards:

https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/leopards

Twitter:@RoseTheatre

Instagram:@RoseTheatreKingston                

Facebook:/rosetheatrekingston  

“THE PRINCE OF EGYPT” TO RESUME  

PERFORMANCES TOMORROW

HIT MUSICAL SELLS OVER 8500 TICKETS IN ‘KIDS WEEK’

ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC GRADUATE NARDIA RUTH JOINS 17 SEPTEMBER  

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, the “huge popular hit” (LBC) based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film, is pleased to resume performances tomorrow (12 August 2021) at 2.30pm and 7.30pm following its recent suspension due to UK Government Track and Trace legislation.

The Grammy® Award nominated“West End blockbuster” (The Guardian)is one of the top two best-selling shows in this year’s Kids Week event, with an incredible 8500+ tickets sold to date. Further tickets are available at applicable performances until Tuesday 31 August. A child (aged 17 and under) goes free when accompanied by a full price paying adult. For tickets, visit: www.theprinceofegyptmusical.com/KidsWeek

Nardia Ruth will join the production as Nefertari from Friday 17 September 2021. Nardia is a 2021 graduate of London’s  Royal Academy of Music. and a Disney Theatrical Productions Scholar and an Ian Fleming Musical Theatre Award recipient. The role of Nefertari in The Prince of Egypt will mark Nardia’s professional and West End debut.

Featuring Stephen Schwartz’s “miraculous music” (Time Out) and Sean Cheesman’s “astonishing choreography” (The Guardian), director Scott Schwartz’s “truly epic” (Daily Mirror) production is booking until Saturday 8 January 2022.In line with recent UK Government guidance, all performances are now operating in accordance with Step 4 protocols (full capacity) while maintaining stringent public health and COVID-secure audience protocols throughout the venue. Tickets are available via the official website: www.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com 

The “utterly stand-out cast” (WhatsOnStage) of 46 currently includes 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 Akande, Casey Al-Shaqsy, Joe Atkinson, Danny Becker, Felipe Bejarano, Pàje Campbell, Catherine Cornwall, Adam Filipe, Soophia Foroughi, Natalie Green, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Kalene Jeans, Christian Knight, Jessica Lee, Oliver Lidert, Daniel Luiz, Jay Marsh, Scott Maurice, Carly Miles, Alice Readie, Samuel Sarpong-Broni, Christopher Short, Molly Smith, Ricardo Walker, Niko Wirachman and Sasha Woodward together with young performers Cian Eagle-Service, Maiya Eastmond, Jersey Blu Georgia, Taylor Jenkins, Mia Lakha, George Menezes Cutts, Iman Pabani and Vishal Soni.  *Clive Rowe appears until 16 October 2021 / **Tanisha Spring plays Nefertari until 9^th September 2021

The orchestra is Dave Rose (Musical Director); Mark Collins (Associate Musical Director, Keyboards); Nina Foster/Fiona McCapra (job share), Sonya Fairbairn, Penny Ainscow, Sebastian Rudnicki (Violins); Fiona Davies (Viola); Magda Pietraszewska (Cello); Rory Dempsey (Bass); Rupert Widdows (Woodwind); Tony Cross (Trumpet, Flugelhorn); Duncan Fuller, David McQueen (Horns); John Gregson (Guitars); Murdoch MacDonald (Percussion) and Dan Ellis (Drums).

The Stage Management team is Anthony Field (Company Stage Manager, until 28 August); Debra Tidd (Company Stage Manager, from 24 August); Dominique Pierre-Louis (Stage Manager); Ryan Quelch (Deputy Stage Manager); Nuri Chang, Charlotte Johnson (Assistant Stage Managers/Book Cover); Simon Humphris, Chrissie 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 (Wicked, Godspell), a book by Philip LaZebnik (Mulan, Pocahontas) and features 10 new songs written by Stephen Schwartz together with 5 of his beloved songs from the DreamWorks Animation film (When You Believe, Deliver Us, All I Ever Wanted, Through 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 Sabi, The 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).

ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL WELCOMES BACK

AUDIENCES WITH MUSIC AND LAUGHTER

St Helens Theatre Royal reopens its doors this month with the promise of a fantastic season of shows to welcome back live audiences.

The theatre bursts into life from Monday 23 August, bringing brilliant entertainment back to the heart of St Helens through a packed programme of music, comedy and family fun.

And measures remain in place to ensure audiences can enjoy a Covid-safe experience, including hand sanitiser stations, a one-way system inside the building and a special new at-seat ordering app.

The doors reopen on 23 August with swashbuckling panto Treasure Island starring Grange Hill, EastEnders and Dancing on Ice star Todd Carty as pirate Long John Silver.

He will be joined by Theatre Royal favourite Reece Sibbald, playing Silly Billy, and Britain’s Got Talent’s Cal Herbert in a High Seas adventure.

Meanwhile superstar Geordie comedian Sarah Millican brings her new Bobby Dazzler of a live stand-up show to St Helens on 29 August as part of a new tour. Learn about what happens when your mouth seals shut, how to throw poo over a wall and find out how truly awful a floatation tank can actually be. 

Are you ready to party? The join We Love Little Mix on 30 August. The show features four fabulous singers and dancers who capture the looks, sounds and dance moves of one of the UK’s best-loved girl bands.

The ladies take centre stage too on 9 September with Here Come The Girls, which promises no fewer than 11 great tribute acts in one incredible evening. Celebrate the music of icons like Blondie, Madonna, Cher, Adele and Lady Gaga plus the irresistible pop of Bananarama.

Chaos reigns in All Above Board on 14 September. The new farce, penned by actor Nigel Planer (The Young Ones, Blackadder, Death in Paradise), centres on an unlikely bunch of modern-day do-gooders and is a riot of mistaken identities and disastrous decisions.

The writers of the brilliant Hormonal Housewives return to the stage in September with a new musical comedy – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Not only is it packed with all your favourite night-out anthems, but the show also has an unmissable cast including Maureen Nolan, Niki Evans, Stephanie Dooley and Olivier Award winner Leanne Jones. Catch it at the Theatre Royal on 17 September.

Bye Bye Baby, arriving at St Helens on 24 September, is a tribute to the hit musical Jersey Boys and the iconic hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, packed with roof-raising vocals, stylish choreography and more than 30 timeless tunes.

Another Frankie makes a date with St Helens Theatre Royal on 25 September – the ‘UK’s most feared comedian’ Frankie Allen. Will Cranny hosts and support comes from James Kilvington.

Expect a night of powerhouse vocals, precision harmonies and iconic melodies on 26 September courtesy of The Upbeat Beatles. If you’re not ready to twist and shout when you sit down, you’re guaranteed to be on your feet long before it’s time to get back to where you belong.

American R ‘n’ B legends and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Drifters appear on 29 September, performing all their massive hits including Saturday Night at the Movies, Stand By Me and Under the Boardwalk.

And on 30 September, Forbidden Nights invites audiences to abandon their inhibitions at the door and enjoy an evening in the company of talented acrobats, fire eaters, singers, aerial artists and big top performers in one exhilarating sexy circus.

Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan says: “We’re so excited to reopen our doors to our wonderful, loyal audiences.

“While we have hosted a small handful of standalone events, it’s more than seven months since St Helens Theatre Royal has been able to offer a full programme of shows.

“Now we can’t wait to bring the theatre to life once again with fantastic performances from a huge range of talented artists and with the sound of laughter and applause filling the auditorium.

“There’s a really busy programme planned during August and September – and beyond – packed with music, comedy, drama, dazzling acrobatics and family fun.

“We’ve also worked hard to put measures in place which mean audience members can be assured of a Covid-safe visit. We can’t wait to see old friends, and new faces, in the months to come.”

St Helens Theatre Royal has a range of Covid-secure measures in place.

They include increased cleaning, hand sanitiser stations at points throughout the building, a one-way system inside the theatre, and a QR code app for audiences to order food and beverages to be delivered to them at their seats.

Customers are also being asked to continue to wear face coverings, unless exempt, as a courtesy to others, and are being encouraged to take a lateral flow test up to 48 hours before attending a show. People are asked not to visit the theatre if they have Covid symptoms.

Meanwhile theatre staff are taking daily Covid tests.

Follow St Helens Theatre Royal on social media channels:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/St-Helens-Theatre-Royal

Twitter: @TheatreRoyalStH

Instagram: @TheatreRoyalStH

SHOW LISTINGS

TREASURE ISLAND

Date: Monday 23 August 2021
Time: 1pm and 5pm
Tickets: Adult: £18, Concession: £16. Family of 4 £64. Family of 5 £80. Family of 6 £96. All family tickets minimum 3 children.

SARAH MILLICAN: BOBBY DAZZLER

Date: Sunday 29 August 2021
Time: 8pm
Tickets: £28.50

WE LOVE LITTLE MIX

Date: Monday 30 August 2021
Time: 6pm
Tickets: £17

HERE COME THE GIRLS

Date: Thursday 9 September 2021
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: Standard: £21, Concession: £19.50

ALL ABOVE BOARD

Date: Tuesday 14 September 2021
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £19

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

Date: Friday 17 September 2021
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: Standard: £27, Concession: £24

BYE BYE BABY

Date: Friday 24 September 2021
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: Standard: £25.50. Child: £21.

FRANKIE ALLEN

Date: Saturday 25 September 2021
Time: 7pm
Tickets: £22.25

THE UPBEAT BEATLES

Date: Sunday 26 September 2021
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £22.50

THE DRIFTERS

Date: Wednesday 29 September 2021
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £28

FORBIDDEN NIGHTS

Date: Thursday 30 September 2021
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: Standard: £22.50, VIP: £26

THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS

Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office, Corporation Street, St. Helens, Merseyside WA10 1LQ (Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm). Alternatively, call 01744 756 000 or log on to: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com.

CANOLFAN MILENIWM CYMRU YN AIL AGOR YN LLAWN

O ddydd Iau 9 Medi 2021, bydd ein hadeilad yn ailagor yn llawn i gwsmeriaid a’r cyhoedd.

Rydym yn parhau i baratoi’n raddol ac yn ddiogel ar gyfer y dyddiad hwn er mwyn sicrhau ein bod yn cadw ein cynulleidfaoedd, perfformwyr, criw, staff a gwirfoddolwyr mor ddiogel â phosibl wrth i ni ddod allan o’r pandemig.

Mae hyn yn golygu y byddwn yn barod i gyflwyno sioeau heb ymbellhau cymdeithasol yn ein Theatr Donald Gordon boblogaidd o 9 Medi ar gyfer Tymor yr Hydref Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru, gyda The Barber of Seville a Madam Butterfly. Cysylltwn yn uniongyrchol â chwsmeriaid ar gyfer y perfformiadau hyn, a’u hysbysebwyd yn flaenorol fel rhai sydd wedi ymbellhau’n gymdeithasol, â manylion pellach.

Drwy gydol yr haf, mae gennym raglen o weithgarwch ar gyfer amrywiaeth o gynulleidfaoedd, gan gynnwys ein Tymor Cabaret ar bellter cymdeithasol, Eich Llais: Arddangosfa, Carnifal Trebiwt, a bwyd stryd a bar Teras sydd ar agor bob dydd.

Pan fyddwch yn ymweld â ni, byddwch yn sylwi ein bod yn mynd drwy rai newidiadau yn yr adeilad ar hyn o bryd i wella’r cyfleusterau, a bydd y rhain yn cael eu cwblhau yn y misoedd i ddod.

Gofynnwn i gwsmeriaid barhau i fod yn ystyriol i’n staff a pharhau i fod yn ofalus drwy wisgo masgiau wyneb yn ein mannau perfformio ac wrth gerdded o amgylch yr adeilad, yn unol ag argymhellion Llywodraeth Cymru. Gellir dod o hyd i wybodaeth am ein mesurau diogelwch Covid yma

Hoffem ddiolch i’n cwsmeriaid, ein cefnogwyr a’n cymuned am eu hamynedd a’u cefnogaeth. Edrychwn ymlaen at eich croesawu’n ôl i Ganolfan Mileniwm Cymru yn fuan iawn.

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE TO REOPEN FULLY

From Thursday 9 September 2021, our building will be fully reopening to customers and the public.

We’re continuing to prepare gradually and safely for this date to ensure that we keep our audiences, performers, crew, staff and volunteers as safe as possible as we emerge from the pandemic.

This means that we will be ready to present shows without social distancing in our much-loved Donald Gordon Theatre from 9 September for Welsh National Opera’s Autumn Season, with The Barber of Seville and Madam Butterfly. Customers for these performances, previously advertised as socially distanced, will be contacted directly with further details.

Throughout the summer, we have a programme of activity for a range of audiences, including our socially distanced Cabaret Season, Your Voice: An Exhibition, Butetown Carnival, and the Teras street food and bar which is open daily.

When you visit us, you will notice that we are currently undergoing some changes within the building to improve the facilities, and these will be completed in the months ahead.

We ask customers to remain considerate to our staff and to continue to exercise caution by wearing face masks in our performance spaces and when walking around the building, in line with Welsh Government recommendations. Information on our Covid safety measures can be found here.

We would like to thank our customers, supporters and community for their patience and support. We look forward to welcoming you back to Wales Millennium Centre very soon.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre announces Autumn 2021 Season

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre has an exciting autumn season planned!

If you need a laugh after the past 18 months there’s comedy aplenty, including the latest production from the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong, Groan Ups (20 to 25 Sep); Agatha Christie-inspired romp, Crimes in Egypt (8 & 9 Sep); and evenings with Miriam Margolyes, David Suchet, Andy Hamilton and Arthur Smith and more. A stand out production of the season is new political comedy Maggie and Ted (12 to 16 Oct), starring Martin Jarvis and Clare Bloomer. Shining a light on the relationship between Margaret Thatcher and Ted Heath, this uproariously funny play comes to Guildford only, direct from a sell-out West End debut.

Are thrillers more your thing? If so, you’re in luck! The most scandalous political thriller of the year, Dead Lies (2 to 6 Nov), stars Clive Mantle, Harriet Thorpe, Kimberley Wyatt and more. There’s also ghost stories galore, with a gripping new adaptation of American classic, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (18 to 23 Oct), starring Wendi Peters and Bill Ward; and terrifying new spine-chiller When Darkness Falls (28 to 30 Sep).

Families can enjoy a delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ award-winning picture book, What the Ladybird Heard (5 & 6 Oct) packed full of live music and puppetry. The theatre’s much-loved panto will also return (3 Dec to 9 Jan) for lashings of slapstick silliness for all aged 5 to 105!

Other season highlights include Being Mr Wickham, with Adrian Lukis as Pride and Prejudice’s most roguish gentleman (28 to 30 Oct); Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s iconic musical, Tell Me On A Sunday (16 to 20 Nov), starring Jodie Prenger; and Olivier Award-winning Ian McDiarmid in the world premiere of Julian Barnes’ The Lemon Table (9 to 13 Nov).

As well as Main House productions, the Yvonne Arnaud team are thrilled to bring performance back to the Mill Studio after a long period of closure. There’s a diverse programme on offer, including the acclaimed Paines Plough Theatre’s Sessions (30 Oct), and award-winning Who Cares (23 Oct) from Lung Theatre, as well as a delightfully festive recreation of Charles Dickens’ famous performance of A Christmas Carol, performed by John O’Connor, in the lead up to Christmas (20 to 24 Dec).

To find out more or to keep up to date with the latest news, visit www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or sign up to the theatre’s mailing list and social media channels.

Birmingham Hippodrome announce further headline shows to their stellar new season

Newly announced shows include:

• The new London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• Comedy legend Jimmy Carr’s Terribly Funny Book Tour
• Dear Santa, from the author of the much loved children’s book Dear Zoo

The new productions join the previously announced The Cher Show, The Play That Goes Wrong, What The Ladybird Heard and the National Theatre’s Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Jimmy Carr will be coming to Birmingham Hippodrome for one night only on Sun 10 Oct to celebrate the release of his brand-new book Before and Laughter: A Life Changing Book.

Also new on sale is Dear Santa, from the author of the well-loved children’s book Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell. This charming family show is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged 2+ and will run at the Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio Wed 15 – Fri 24 Dec.

 Following a triumphant sold-out season in 2019, and currently the hottest ticket in town this summer at The London Palladium the sensational brand-new production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat comes to the Hippodrome for just two weeks in April 2022. The multi award-winning show has been performed in over 80 countries worldwide including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway and has become one of the worlds most beloved family musicals.

 Birmingham Hippodrome will re-open for live performance on Monday 30 August with the joyous, award-winning musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Tickets for all productions are on sale now.

TRAFALGAR ENTERTAINMENT

ANYTHING GOES BREAKS BARBICAN RECORDS

TOPPING £1 MILLION SALES

IN 4 DAYS SINCE OPENING NIGHT

The smash hit musical of the summer ANYTHING GOES, has broken Box Office records at the Barbican and taken over £1 million at the Box Office since the show opened in London last week to universal rave five star reviews.

Night after night audiences have been on their feet, giving this multi Tony Award-winning show multiple standing ovations at every performance. ANYTHING GOES is now playing to sell out houses, as audiences are flooding to the Barbican to witness this truly spectacular musical comedy. And due to phenomenal demand for tickets, last week the show announced a two-week extension to 31 October.

Producer Sir Howard Panter said: “We are delighted with the response at the Box Office for ANYTHING GOES. Taking over £1 million since Thursday last week demonstrates that people really do want to be back in theatres – they have missed it so much, as we all have – and as I’ve said before, this show really is the perfect tonic to lift people’s spirits. Our audiences go wild as soon as leading lady, Broadway legend Sutton Foster, steps onto the stage. They are then treated to over two hours of world class entertainment from our incredible cast and orchestra which includes Robert Lindsay, Felicity Kendal and Gary Wilmot.”

★★★★★

‘THE SHOW OF THE YEAR. I would give it six stars if I could’

‘Makes you gasp in wonder and laugh till it hurts.

PURE CLASS.’

The Telegraph

★★★★★

‘When a musical packs this much energy and spectacle, nothing else goes!’

Daily Mail

★★★★★

’The musical equivalent of sipping one glass of champagne after another’

The Times

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

First Performance: 23 July 2021

Final performance: 31 October 2021

Performances: Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm

Running time: approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, including interval

Barbican Box Office: barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2021/event/anything-goes

Website: AnythingGoesMusical.co.uk

Twitter: @AnythingGUK

Facebook: @AnythingGoesUK

Instagram: @AnythingGoesUK

Presented in association with the Barbican

By arrangement with Three Knights Limited, The Shubert Organisation Inc and Robert Fox Limited Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre presents

CHESS The Musical

BENNY ANDERSSON | TIM RICE | BJORN ULVAEUS

By arrangement with Three Knights Limited, The Shubert Organisation Inc and Robert Fox Limited Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre presents

CHESS The Musical

BENNY ANDERSSON | TIM RICE | BJORN ULVAEUS

at the Liverpool Empire 13 – 14 August 2021

The Liverpool Empire Creative Learning team is proud to present the Youth Theatre’s production of Chess. A cast of young people from the local area, working with a professional creative team will star in a vibrant production of Chess. Following the success of their production of Rent in 2019, the Youth Theatre’s much anticipated return finally comes this week!

Senior Creative Learning Manager Natalie Flynn said, “Thanks to the generous support of the Liverpool Empire Theatre Trust and the government’s Cultural Recovery Fund, we have continued to be connected to our young people during the past year. This has given them an opportunity to work creatively during this challenging period of time, combatting feelings of loneliness and isolation and providing a much needed sense of normality. The group have put in an incredible effort working on the project: first online, and now, finally, in person. We’re sure that this production will be very special when it’s performed this week on the Empire’s iconic stage, and such a reward for the young people after all the obstacles they’ve faced. Chess is a classic musical with music from ABBA songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice. We can’t wait to put our spin on it”

The Empire’s Youth Theatre company works under the guidance of industry professionals, which enables them to experience a professional environment, preparing them for the world of work within the theatre industry and many of those involved go on to pursue professional careers in performing arts. The company has been meeting regularly and working hard in preparation of the full scale musical, which plays at the Empire Theatre from 13th to 14th August 2021.

Natalie added, “Being a part of the Youth Theatre is a journey of pure passion and dedication. It’s a wonderfully supportive experience. The performers’ dedication and hard work is an inspiration to see, they genuinely love being a part of this

project and have truly become a company. These productions offer them the opportunity to put into practice everything they have already learned.”

Written by ABBA songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice, Chess tells a story of love and political intrigue, set against the background of the Cold War in the late 1970s/early 1980s, in which superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.

Two of the world’s greatest chess masters, one American, one Russian, are in danger of becoming the pawns of their governments as their battle for the world title gets under way. Simultaneously their lives are thrown into further confusion by a Hungarian refugee, a remarkable woman who becomes the centre of their emotional triangle. This mirrors the heightened passions of the political struggles that threaten to destroy lives and loves.

Includes the international hit singles ‘I Know Him So Well’ and ‘One Night In Bangkok’. Other well-known songs from the score include ‘Anthem’, ‘Heaven Help my Heart’ and ‘Pity The Child’.

Leeds Grand Theatre -until 14 August 2021

Reviewed by Sal E Marino

5*****

On entering The Grand Theatre, Leeds there was an uplifting energetic beat coming from the tunes blasting out from behind the set and a very excited audience!  Maybe the eager crowd knew what was in store but having only watched the 1988 film Heathers as a teenager, I really had no idea how it would translate on stage.  What unfolded was something that can only be described as high-energy and on full-blast continuously!  The very talented young cast never stopped giving us pitch-perfect phenomenal performances with tight, slick well choreographed moves throughout. From start to finish each performer really was top-rate!  For anyone who’s not seen or heard of Heathers, I’d describe it as an updated Grease – more risque and yes, I dare say it, better!  It’s darker and delves deeper into that high-school world where with one careless whisper your reputation can be ruined overnight and so explores the themes of teenage angst to the extreme!  

At the centre of the controls at Westerberg High of ‘who’s cool and who’s not’, is the monstrous beast (but most beautiful to look at) Heather Chandler (Maddison Firth).  From the swish of her hair to the sashay of her walk Firth plays Heather Chandler like a true iconic, first-class bitch to perfection – you can’t take your eyes off her!  You really should hate her due to the hideous values she exercises but by the end, as she appears as a ghostly apparition with the funniest quips, you can’t help but warm to her and see she’s just another mixed up teen too.  Dressed in her distinctive red outfit, Heather Chandler is accompanied by her side-kicks the other two Heathers – Heather Duke (Merryl Ansah) in green and in yellow, Heather McNamara (Lizzy Parker).  Bullied and put down by Chandler they follow her every command as their biggest fear is to be one of the geeks or a nobody that sits alone at lunch.  

Challenging Heather and the girl everyone wants to be is brave Veronica (Rebecca Wicks) who after being initiated into the Heather gang and enjoys some kudos for doing so, drifts away to team up with the mysterious, moody outsider J.D. – Jason Dean (Simon Gordon).  Together, but unknowingly to Veronica, they kill Heather Chandler, Ram (Rory Phelan) and Kurt (Liam Doyle).  Ram and Kurt are a couple of high-school jocks who disrespect girls and who J.D. and Veronica set up to teach them a lesson.   J.D. actually loads the guns with real bullets and makes their deaths look like a gay suicide pact.  Eventually, Veronica realises that J.D. is unhinged to the point of blowing up the school and that their deep, dark love isn’t romantic afterall and that he is psychologically damaged.  In the end, the school is saved and all comes well as diversity and being uncool is celebrated – ‘everyone is beautiful!’  

Brilliantly directed by Andy Fickman and superbly choreographed by Gary Lloyd with fantastic musical direction from Phil Cornwell, Heathers really is a non-stop carousel of effervescent and vibrant performances.  The voices of the cast were some of the best I’ve ever heard and I make no apologies for using the cliche ‘spine tingling’ because they really were!  Unbeknown to me, some of the songs and dance routines are popular on Tik-Tok as my thirteen year old daughter informed me after – needless to say she loved every second of the show!  If you enjoyed Grease (and most of us do) then you’ll love Heathers and the current generation of young people certainly already do.  Heathers is a perfect evening of camp, kooky, laughter, songs you can sing-along to and in a ‘corn nut’ shell – fun!