Month: November 2021

DETAILS OF THE WATERMILL THEATRE’S SPRING 2022 SEASON AND NEW PLAYWRIGHTS IN RESIDENCE ANNOUNCED

IAN HISLOP AND NICK NEWMAN RETURN TO THE WATERMILL WITH A BRAND-NEW COMEDY – SPIKE

ORIGINAL MUSICALS THE WICKER HUSBAND AND OUR MAN IN HAVANA RETURN POST PANDEMIC

NEWLY CREATED WATERMILL YOUTH ENSEMBLE PERFORM FIRST PRODUCTION

BECCA CHADDER AND TALITHA WING JOIN AS PLAYWRIGHTS IN RESIDENCE

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

TICKETS ON SALE TO FRIENDS OF THE THEATRE FROM WEDNESDAY 3 NOVEMBER

GENERAL ON SALE TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER

Artistic Director Paul Hart, Executive Director Claire Murray and the team at Newbury’s The Watermill Theatre are thrilled to announce details of the spring season, running from January to May 2022, as well as the appointment of two new Playwrights in Residence.

The season opens with the world premiere of SPIKE, a new comedy based on the life of Spike Milligan by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. It is followed by the return of folk-inspired mythic musical THE WICKER HUSBAND, rescheduled following the postponement of its debut run in 2020, due to the pandemic, and a world premiere musical adaptation of Graham Greene’s bestselling novel OUR MAN IN HAVANA. The Watermill’s newly created Youth Ensemble, comprised of young people age 11+, will make their debut in a new production, to be announced. The season takes place inside The Watermill’s auditorium, with both full capacity and socially distanced performances available. Government guidelines will apply throughout the season with adherence to current guidance and restrictions.

The Watermill have appointed Becca Chadder and Talitha Wing as the new Playwrights in Residence. They will be mentored by Watermill Associate Artist, Danielle Pearson, in a programme that forms part of a continued commitment to artists at the early stages in their careers. Further details will be announced soon.

Paul Hart said, “Joyous new work will galvanise our post pandemic recovery as we bring back two new musicals that were cut short by the pandemic, our young actors in the Youth Theatre return to the stage for the first time since 2019 and I’m delighted to be working with Ian Hislop and Nick Newman to bring the life and work of comic genius, Spike Milligan, to The Watermill. I’m proud and grateful that we’re able to continue creating new and innovative work, thanks to the generous support of our brilliant audiences, supporters and funders.

It’s been a long road since The Wicker Husband, a piece that is so perfect for The Watermill’s stage, opened and was forced to almost immediately close, in March 2020. With its beautiful score, and incredible puppets, I can’t wait to welcome back the whole team for this remarkable show. And our commission of a new musical version of Our Man in Havana, will be performed for the first time, finally making it to our stage, after production was halted by the pandemic.  

I’m also excited to be working with Ian Hislop and Nick Newman again, bringing the world premiere of their brilliant new play about the comic genius that is Spike Milligan and his creation of the iconic Goon Show, to The Watermill stage.

We’re also launching a brand new Youth Ensemble, opening up access to young people in our community led by our inspiring Outreach Director; Heidi Bird. For the first time our newly rebranded Youth Ensemble will be made entirely of young people who attend any one of our regular weekly groups, including our specialist access groups for young people who are Home Educated, have Autism, have added complications in their lives or are Deaf/deaf or have a hearing impairment. We are delighted to form this brilliant company of actors who will come together and tell a unique and inspiring story.

Finally, I’m so pleased to welcome Becca Chadder and Talitha Wing as our Playwrights in Residence. They will be mentored by our Associate Artist, Danielle Pearson and I can’t wait to see how their work develops over the coming years.”

SPIKE, a new comedy by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman that delves into the inner workings of one of our most unique and brilliantly irreverent comedy minds, will premiere at The Watermill from Thursday 27 January – Saturday 5 March. SPIKE will be directed by Watermill Artistic Director Paul Hart, with design by Katie Lias. Full creative team and casting will be announced shortly.

“I’m not acting crazy. I’m the genuine article.”

It’s the booming fifties, and Britain is in the clutches of Goon mania as men, women and children across the country scramble to get their ear to a wireless for another instalment of The Goon Show. While Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers get down to the serious business of becoming overnight celebrities, fellow Goon and chief writer Spike finds himself pushing the boundaries of comedy, and testing the patience of the BBC.

Flanked by his fellow Goons and bolstered by the efforts of irrepressible sound assistant Janet, Spike takes a flourishing nosedive off the cliffs of respectability, and mashes up his haunted past to create the comedy of the future.

Will Spike’s dogged obsession with finding the funny elevate The Goons to soaring new heights, or will the whole thing come crashing down with the stroke of a potato peeler?

Critically acclaimed musical THE WICKER HUSBAND will return to the Watermill following its premature closure in March 2020, where it will play from Friday 11 – Saturday 26 March 2022. Directed by Charlotte Westenra, with Book by Rhys Jennings, Music and lyrics by Darren Clark and based on an original short story by Ursula Wills, this folk-inspired new musical tells the timeless tale of the outsider. Full casting will be announced nearer the time.

‘Once upon a withy on the edge of a deep damp swamp, nestled in the arms of a winding river, stood a pretty little town…’

In a superficial world, where beauty is only skin-deep, meet the so-called ‘Ugly Girl’.

Ostracised by the shallow townsfolk because she doesn’t fit in, the Ugly Girl becomes the envy of her neighbours when the mysterious Old Basketmaker makes her a strong and loving husband woven from living wicker. As bitter rivalry and jealousy threaten to tear the community apart, the townsfolk embark on a cruel and destructive plan. Will the Ugly Girl’s happiness be ruined forever?

OUR MAN IN HAVANA, a world premiere musical adaptation of Graham Greene’s iconic novel by Ben Morales Frost and Richard Hough, will play at the Watermill from Thursday 7 April to Saturday 21 May. Directed by Amy Draper, designed by Kat Heath, with Eliane Correa as co-orchestrator and Musical Director, the production was originally programmed as part of The Watermill’s Spring 2020 season but had to be postponed by the pandemic.

‘And all around them, the night comes alive with the music of Havana…’

It’s 1958 and Havana is on the brink of revolution. All day and night, the streets are filled with dancing and the shadows are filled with criminals. In the midst of the warm tropical air, an English vacuum cleaner salesman lives a quiet life running a modest business, raising his teenage daughter Milly and collecting miniature whisky bottles.

Just as Milly’s love of shopping reaches new heights, James Wormold receives an offer from the British Secret Intelligence Service that is too good to refuse. What Wormold lacks in sleuthing experience, he makes up for with imagination. Nothing stays quiet for long in Havana and his life is soon turned upside down when the fictional events of his intelligence reports start to come true!

Finally, The Watermill welcomes the return of their Sunday Sessions and Saturday morning family shows, one off performances that offer audiences something a little bit different from the main programme. THE BOULEVARDS bring 1950’s Rock & Roll to Bagnor on Sunday 24 April at 3pm, followed by a return for Really Big Pants theatre with another helping of fun and educational family theatre on a Saturday morning with WONKY, playing on Saturday 14 May at 11am.

The Watermill continues to follow measures to control the risk of Covid-19. The wearing of face coverings continues to be strongly encouraged. Enhanced cleaning procedures, including regular fogging of the auditorium, and an efficient ventilation system supplying conditioned and filtered fresh air also remain in place.

To help audience members to book with confidence, The Watermill are operating a flexible booking policy. In the event that their booking is affected by Covid-19, audience members will be offered a ticket exchange, account credit or refund.

UK Theatre & SOLT relaunch 10 Principles to help tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination

Full details and 10 Principles list at uktheatre.org/theatre-industry/guidance-reports-and-resources/10-principles

Download new 10 Principles poster here 

UK Theatre and SOLT have today (Monday 1 November) released an updated version of their 10 Principles for creating safe and inclusive working spaces in the theatre industry. 

Supported by 21 leading industry trade bodies, membership organisations, unions and members of AAPTLE, the Principles will be made available to organisations around the UK as a free, downloadable A3 poster to be printed and displayed in offices, rehearsal rooms and backstage areas. Supporting organisations are encouraging all theatre employers, employees, freelancers, trainees, volunteers, and Board trustees and directors to adhere to these principles.

Among the relaunched Principles is the recognition that harassment and discriminatory language or behaviour may be unlawful, and the commitment to explicitly address and seek to prevent racism and all other forms of discrimination and bias, their manifestations and effects. Theatre employers are urged to accept their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and to respect everyone’s dignity and differences, regardless of seniority.

The 10 Principles were first launched in 2017 as part of UK Theatre’s Safer and More Supportive Working Practices Handbook, designed to help employers meet their legal requirements and promote a shared responsibility for creating and maintaining a healthy working environment.

Originally created largely in response to the #MeToo movement, the Principles have been updated to cover discrimination across all protected characteristics, adapted from the BFI’s recently updated code of conduct for the film and TV industry.

Sebastian Cater, Head of UK Theatre and Workforce Development, said: 

‘While the pandemic has brought huge disruption to our sector, it has also afforded us a unique opportunity to take stock of pre-Covid practices and examine ways in which we can create a more welcoming, inclusive working culture. Change starts with industry leaders and employers, and it’s so encouraging to have the support of our members and boards as well as the main unions and trade bodies in disseminating and upholding the new Principles. Together we can make them become industry standard.

‘We strongly encourage everyone working in the industry to acquaint themselves with these principles and help us move towards a more respectful and inclusive working culture. Hopefully the 10 Principles posters will become a familiar sight in theatre workspaces across the country.’

Alongside the 10 Principles, UK Theatre and SOLT are championing a number of initiatives aiming to create a safer working culture and support the victims of harassment and discrimination. One such resource is the Anti-Racism Touring Rider, launched earlier this year, which UK Theatre is currently consulting with its members on. 

UK Theatre and SOLT have also formed a Safeguarding Working Group consisting of HR and employment law specialists, and are part of the DCMS/Creative Industries Federation Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Working Group.

More details of industry initiatives and resources can be found in the Diversity and Inclusion Resource Library on UK Theatre’s website.

EastEnders brother and sister reunited on stage in Abigail’s Party

Matt Di Angelo, who played Dean Wicks, joins the cast with his on-screen sister Kellie Shirley

Written by Mike Leigh | Directed by Vivienne Garnett

PARK 90, Wednesday 10^th November – Saturday 4^th December 2021

Twitter: @ParkTheatre | facebook: ParkTheatreLondon |

Instagram: ParkTheatreLondon | www.parktheatre.co.uk

Matt Di Angelo has been announced as playing Tony in Abigail’s Party at Park Theatre this November, joining the previously announced cast which includes Kellie Shirley as Beverly. EastEnders fans will remember Matt and Kellie as brother and sister Dean and Carly Wicks, and Matt is also known for Strictly Come Dancing series five, where he came runner-up to Alesha Dixon.

Mike Leigh’s iconic comedy drama returns to the London stage with Kellie Shirley playing Beverly, and Ryan Early (Lee Bryce in The Archers) playing her angst-driven husband Laurence. The 1970s comedy of manners, full of new-found suburban pretensions and social aspirations, was a huge hit when it premiered at the Hampstead Theatre, and the TV adaptation has been voted as one of the greatest British TV programmes by both industry professionals and the public.

Beverly and estate agent husband Laurence are happily ensconced and living the dream in suburbia. They know what records to play, what art prints to buy and what wine to drink. And Beverly just can’t resist the temptation to spread her knowledge and help improve the lives of their neighbours, Tony, Angela and Abigail’s Mum, Susan. What better way to help out than to invite them all for drinks and titbits?

Matt Di Angelo takes on the role of neighbour Tony. He is best known as Dean Wicks in EastEnders, starting in 2006 and making his final appearance in 2016. He is also known for Strictly Come Dancing, when he was runner up with his partner Flavia Cacace, losing to Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler, and for four series of Hustle as Sean. Kellie Shirley takes on the lead role of Beverly, originally played by Alison Steadman. Kellie is best known as playing Carly Wicks, sister of Dean Wicks,in EastEnders and Kirsty De La Croix in Sky One comedy series In the Long Run. Her theatre credits include Great Britain (National Theatre) and One Man, Two Guvnors (Theatre Royal Haymarket). She is joined by Ryan Early, best known as Lee Bryce in The Archers.

Abigail’s Party is Mike Leigh’s classic 1977 play that was first developed through lengthy improvisations, a style which became the hallmark of Leigh’s future success in film and TV. It first ran at the Hampstead theatre for 104 performances and was due to transfer to the West End, but instead it was whisked into a BBC TV studio and the subsequent broadcast quickly became a cult classic repeated many times over the years.

Director Vivienne Garnett said, “In many people’s minds, Abigail’s Party is the epitome of British suburbia in the 1970s, yet despite being very much ‘of its time’, the almost desperate aspirationalism and materialism are certainly themes we can identify with today. These are characters whom we still recognise, even 44 years after their conception, and it had been a joy to reincarnate them with such a tremendous cast. So, whether you’re a fan of olives or ‘a little cheesy-pineapple one’, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this acerbic tragi-comic drama.”

Brill Productions produces drama across theatre and radio. Run by Clive Brill, its most recent productions include G F Newman’s The Corrupted for BBC Radio 4, starring Toby Jones and Believe it for BBC Radio Comedy starring Richard Wilson.  Clive has previously produced and directed two productions at Park 90. Black Chiffon by Lesley Storm, starring Abigail Cruttenden (Offie nominated) and Corpse! by Gerald Moon. Clive is also Producer and Artistic Director of Frinton Summer Theatre.

Park Theatre presents exceptional theatre in the heart of Finsbury Park, boasting two world-class performance spaces: Park200 for predominantly larger scale productions by established talent, and Park90, a flexible studio space, for emerging artists. In eight years, it has enjoyed eight West End transfers (including Daytona starring Maureen Lipman, The Boys in the Band starring Mark Gatiss, Pressure starring David Haig and The Life I Lead starring Miles Jupp), two National Theatre transfers, twenty-five national tours, five Olivier Award nominations, has won Offie Awards for Best New Play and Best Foodie Experience and won a Theatre of the Year award from The Stage. Park Theatre are grateful to all those who have donated to the Park Life fund, supporting the venue through the pandemic.

Running Time: 2 hours (including interval) | Suitable for ages 12+

Company information

Directed by Vivienne Garnett                      Written by Mike Leigh

Set design by Beth Colley              Lighting design by Pip Thurlow   Costume design by Neil Gordon

Cast
Kellie Shirley, Ryan Early, Emma Noakes, Barbara D’Alterio and Matt Di Angelo

Listings information

10^th November – 4^th December

Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP

Previews: Weds 10^th November 7.45pm and Thurs 11^th November 3.15pm | £14.50

Mon – Sat evening 7.45pm, Thurs and Sat matinees 3.15pm

Standard £18, concessions £16.50
www.parktheatre.co.uk | 020 7870 6876*

* Telephone booking fee: 10% capped at £2.50 per ticket

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY’S PRODUCTION OF

ALAN BENNETT’S HABEAS CORPUS

With their critically acclaimed production of Paula Vogel’s Indecent running at the theatre and Brian & Roger – A Highly Offensive Play opening tonight in their new space – The Mixing Room, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announces full casting for their production of Alan Bennett’s Habeas Corpus which begins rehearsals today. Joining the previously announced Kirsty Besterman (Constance Wicksteed), Jasper Britton (Arthur Wicksteed), Matthew Cottle (Canon Throbbing), Ria Jones (Mrs Swabb), Thomas Josling (Dennis Wicksteed), Caroline Langrishe (Lady Rumpers), Catherine Russell (Muriel Wicksteed) and Abdul Salis (Mr Shanks), are Katie Bernstein (Felicity Rumpers), Kelvin O’Mard (Mr Purdue) and Dan Starkey (Sir Percy). Patrick Marber’s production opens on 13 December, with previews from 3 December, running until 27 February 2022.

The Menier Chocolate Factory presents

HABEAS CORPUS

By Alan Bennett

Director: Patrick Marber; Set and Costume Design: Richard Hudson

Lighting Design: Richard Howell; Music and Sound Design: Adam Cork; Movement: E J Boyle

3 December 2021 – 27 February 2022

The antics of the Wicksteed home are a darkly satirical merry-go-round in Alan Bennett’s Habeas Corpus.  Family, friends and the quest for sexual pleasures of the body (“corpus”) are the ruling passions in this farcical comedy of ill-manners. Through an escapade of mistaken identities and carnal encounters, one motto holds fast: “He whose lust lasts, lasts longest.”

Multi-award-winning playwright Alan Bennett is also a screenwriter, actor and author. His other works for the stage include The History Boys, The Habit of Art, The Lady in the Van, Talking Heads, The Madness of George III, Kafka’s Dick, Enjoy, and The Old Country.

Katie Bernstein plays Felicity Rumpers. For theatre, her credits include The Man in the White Suit, Mrs Henderson Presents (Theare Royal Bath and West End), The Play That Goes Wrong (UK tour and West End), Allegro (Southwark Playhouse), Urinetown (St James Theatre and West End), The Payback (Riverside Studios), Rent (UK tour), and Run (Polka Theatre); and for film, Chicken Run 2.

Kirsty Besterman plays Constance Wicksteed. Her theatre work includes Macbeth (National Theatre tour), Genesis Inc, Experience (Hampstead Theatre), Winter Solstice (ATC), Betrayal, Separate Tables (Salisbury Playhouse), They Drink It in the Congo (Almeida Theatre), Tipping the Velvet (Lyric Hammersmith), Arcadia, Tonight at 8.30 (ETT), Private Lives (Royal Lyceum Theatre), The School for Scandal (Park Theatre) and Playhouse Creatures (Chichester Festival Theatre). For television, her work includes Doctor Who, His Dark Materials, Father Brown and Peter Ackroyd’s London; and for film Chicken and An American Nobody in London.

Jasper Britton returns to the Menier to play Arthur Wicksteed – he previously appeared in Pack of Lies and Little Shop of Horrors. His other theatre work includes The Sunset Limited (Boulevard Theatre), Murder at the Cathedral (Scena Mundi Theatre Company), Witness for the Prosecution (County Hall), Jerusalem (The Watermill Theatre), Scrooge, What the Butler Saw (Curve, Leicester), The Blinding Light (Jermyn Street Theatre), The Libertine (Theatre Royal Bath and Theatre Royal Haymarket), Richard II, Henry IV, The Jew of Malta, Marat/Sade (RSC), Race, Private Lives (Hampstead Theatre), The Last Cigarette (Chichester Festival Theatre and West End), Oedipus (National Theatre), Plague Over England (Finborough Theatre) and Rhinoceros (Royal Court Theatre). His television work includes Garrow’s Law, The Royal, Semi Detached, My Dad’s the Prime Minister and Murder in Mind; and for film, Rise of the Foot Soldiers 2, Blood, Anonymous, Morris: A Life with Bells On, Black Beard, Nostradamus and The New World.

Matthew Cottle returns to the Menier to play Canon Throbbing – he previously appeared in Communicating Doors. His other theatre credits include The Windsors: Endgame (Prince of Wales Theatre), A Small Family Business (National Theatre), What Women Did (Southwark Playhouse), Quartermaine’s Terms (Wyndham’s Theatre), A Chorus of Disapproval (Harold Pinter Theatre), Dear Uncle (Stephen Joseph Theatre) and Racing Demon (Sheffield Crucible). For television, his work includes The Dresser, Man Down, Fried, Hoff the Record, Citizen Khan, The Job Lot, Pram Face, Life Begins and Game On; and for film, The Personal Blessed and Bright Young Things.

Making her straight play debut, Ria Jones plays Mrs Swabb. Her musical theatre include Sunset Boulevard (London Coliseum, Curve, Leicester, and European tour), Gypsy (Royal Exchange Theatre), Guys and Dolls (Marigny Theatre, Paris), 42nd Street (Curve, Leicester/Theater du Chatelet, Paris), Les Misérables (UK tour/ Palace Theatre), Chess (Prince Edward Theatre), Cats (New London Theatre), Evita (Opera House, Manchester), Nine (Donmar Warehouse), High Society (UK tour/ Shaftesbury Theatre), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK tour/Hammersmith Apollo), Anything Goes, The Witches of Eastwick, Acorn Antiques (UK tours), Into The Woods (Esplanade Theatre, Singapore), Romance Romance, Victor Victoria (Bridewell Theatre), Personals (New End Theatre), A Twist of Fate (Jubilee Theatre, Singapore), Honk! (Victoria Theatre, Singapore), Jerry’s Girls (St James’s Theatre/ Jermyn Street Theatre), Closer Than Ever (Landor Theatre) and A Little Night Music (Haymarket Theatre, Leicester).

Thomas Josling plays Dennis Wicksteed, marking his professional stage debut. For television, his work includes Masters of the Air.

Caroline Langrishe plays Lady Rumpers. Her theatre work includes How the Other Half Loves (UK tour), Bang Bang (Mercury Theatre Colchester), Much Ado About Nothing (Found 111), Lady Anna: All at Sea (Park Theatre), First Episode (Jermyn Street Theatre), The Nightmare of Carlos Fuentes (Arcola Theatre), The Memory of Water (New Vic Theatre/Stephen Joseph Theatre), The Handyman (Yvonne Arnaud), Private Lives (Chichester Festival Theatre) and ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore (Young Vic). For television, her work includes Tremors, Agatha Raisin, A Confession, Death in Paradise, The Case, Our Numbered, Pete versus Life, Doctors (as semi regular Judith Leicester), Casualty (as semi regular Marilyn Fox), Judge John Deed, Tripping Over and Lovejoy (as Charlotte Cavendish); and for film, Boxing Day, Tremors: Island Fury, Plastic, A Second Son, Love’s Kitchen, Christmas Carol and Rogue Trader.

Kelvin O’Mard plays Mr Purdue. His theatre work includes Saratoga, The IK (RSC), Reggae Britannia (Royal Court Theatre), Class Enemy (Bristol Old Vic), Leadbelly (Contact Theatre), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Leicester Haymarket) and Late to the Party (Edinburgh Festival Fringe). For television, his work includes Minder, TV Club, Paradise is Closing Down and Crown Court; and for film, Water.

Catherine Russell plays Muriel Wicksteed. Her theatre work includes What the Butler Saw (Curve Leicester and Theatre Royal Bath), Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales Theatre), Dreams of Violence (Soho Theatre and Out of Joint tour), The Convict’s Opera (Sydney Theatre and Out of Joint UK tour), The Waltz of the Toreadors (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Day I Stood Still (National Theatre), Talking to Terrorists, The Break of Day, Three Sisters (Royal Court Theatre and Out of Joint tours), and A Chaste Maid in Cheapside (Almeida Theatre). Her television work includes as series regular Serena Campbell in Holby City, Pete vs Life. The Cazalets, Inspector Lynley (as series regular Helen Lynley), Chandler and Co (as series regular Elly Chandler), Single (as series regular Veronica) and Always and Everyone; and for film, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Clockwork Mice, Solitaire for 2 and Soft Top, Hard Shoulder.

Abdul Salis plays Mr Shanks. For theatre his work includes Present Laughter and The American Clock (the Old Vic), The Barbershop Chronicles (National Theatre), A Bit of Light and Birth! (Royal Exchange Theatre), Distance (Park Theatre), Henry V (Unicorn Theatre), War Horse (New London Theatre, National Theatre), Joe Guy (New Wolsey Theatre and Soho Theatre), Don Juan in Soho (Donmar Warehouse) and The Exonerated (Riverside Studios). For television, his work includes Power Monkeys, Hacks, Strike Back, Outnumbered, Gifted, Roger Roger and The Hidden City; and for film, Trendy, Flyboys, Animal, Sahara, Welcome Home and Love Actually.

Dan Starkey plays Sir Percy Shorter. His theatre work includes The Night Before Christmas (Southwark Playhouse), Frost/Nixon (Sheffield Theatres), The Sunshine Plays (Scene and Heard), Peter and the Starcatcher (Royal & Derngate), The Fitzrovia Radio Hour (various venues), Making News (Pleasance Courtyard), and Muswell Hill (Orange Tree Theatre). For television, his work includes Doctor Who (various roles including Strax), Miss Scarlett and the Duke, Brassic, Years and Years, Good Omens, Class Dismissed, Inside No. 9, and Wizards Vs. Aliens; and for film, Soundproof, Love Type D, and Sherlock Gnomes.

As a director, Patrick Marber’s work includes Leopoldstadt (Wyndham’s Theatre), Travesties (Menier Chocolate Factory, Apollo Theatre, Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre), Steve Coogan/John Thompson in Characters (Edinburgh/Purcell Room/Touring), and his own plays Dealer’s Choice (National Theatre/Vaudeville Theatre), Closer (National Theatre/Lyric Theatre/Broadway), Howard Katz and Three Days In the Country (both National Theatre).  Other productions include ‘1953′ (Almeida Theatre), Blue Remembered Hills (National Theatre), The Old Neighborhood (Royal Court at Duke of York’s Theatre), The Caretaker (Comedy Theatre) and I Remember (devised piece at Royal Court). For television, he directed After Miss Julie and The Curator (both for the BBC). As a writer, his other work includes The Musicians (NT Connections) After Miss Julie, Don Juan in Soho (Donmar Warehouse and Wyndham’s) and The Red Lion (National Theatre). For television, his work includes: co-writer of The Day Today, Knowing Me Knowing You with Alan Partridge, Paul Calf Video Diaries, The Curator, Natural Born Quizzers (all BBC); for film, Closer (dir. Mike Nichols), Notes on a Scandal (dir. Richard Eyre) and Love You More (dir. Sam Taylor-Wood); and for radio, Hoop Lane (BBC Radio 3) and Bunk Bed with Peter Curran (BBC Radio 4).

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

INDECENT

Until 27 November

BRIAN & ROGER

Until 18 December

HABEAS CORPUS

3 December 2021 – 27 February 2022

Box Office:                         020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website:             www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

Tickets:                               Prices vary, as below from discounted preview tickets to premier seats. With the emphasis on ‘the sooner you book, the better the price’:

Please note at this time the restaurant is unable to open due to circumstances beyond the company’s control.

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

Instagram: @menierchocolatefactory

ACCLAIMED ACTRESS AND TV PERSONALITY

KYM MARSH

TO HEADLINE PROVOCATIVE NEW STAGE THRILLER

OF THE ICONIC MOVIE PHENOMENON

OLIVER FARNWORTH AND SUSIE AMY TO STAR IN NEW PRODUCTION

2022 UK TOUR OPENS AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, BRIGHTON

FRIDAY 14^th JANUARY

Smith and Brant Theatricals and Ambassador Theatre Group Productions are today delighted to announce casting for a new production of Fatal Attraction, based on the classic Paramount Pictures Corporation film. Kym Marsh * (ITV’s Coronation Street)will perform the iconic role of Alex Forrest, Oliver Farnworth (ITV’s Coronation Street)her lover,Dan Gallagherand Susie Amy (ITV’s Footballers’ Wives)his wife, Beth.

KYM MARSH is an actress and well-loved star of the British music and television scene. The former singer was part of the hugely successful noughties pop band Hear’Say, who had two UK number one singles and a UK number one album. A treasured star of UK television also, Marsh played the role of Michelle Connor in ITV’s Coronation Street for 13 years, winning many awards including the coveted Best Female Dramatic Performance in 2017. Earlier this year she appeared in Kay Mellor’s long-running BBC comedy-drama The Syndicate and has been presenting BBC One’s hit day-time show Morning Live. The award-winning actress now returns to the stage as the Alex Forrest in the UK tour of Fatal Attraction.

OLIVER FARNWORTH’S theatre credits includes: The Girl On The Train (UK Tour); The Marilyn Conspiracy (International Tour); Down The Dock Road (Theatre Royal Liverpool); Dobbo (Royal Court Liverpool); Inherit the Wind (New Vic Theatre); Beautiful Thing (Arts Theatre/ UK Tour); Santa Claus The Musical (Grand Theater, Singapore); The Widowing Of Mrs Holroyd (New Vic Theatre); A View From The Bridge (Theatre By The Lake); Holding The Man (Trafalgar Studios); Kes (Liverpool Playhouse & UK Tour); Merchant Of Venice (Changeling Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (British Shakespeare Company); Saturday Night Sunday Morning (Harrogate Theatre/ Oldham Coliseum); London Plays: London Tongue (Old Red Lion); Under Milk Wood (New Vic Studio); The Roaring Girl (New Vic Studio) and The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (Redgrave Theatre).Television includes: Endeavour Vi, Coronation Street, Mr. Selfridge, Doctors Xiv, The Royal and Hollyoaks.Films include: Love Type D.Workshops include: Dracula (New Vic Theatre).

Since becoming a household name in Footballer’s Wives, SUSIE AMY has taken on various parts including the lead role in the American miniseries La Femme Musketeer, which also starred Gerard Depardieu and Nastassja Kinski, and a lead role in ITV’s Echo Beach and Moving Wallpaper with Ben Miller. Other Television includes: Hollyoaks, Plus One, My Family, Coronation Street, New Street Law, Hotel Babylon, Death In Paradise, The Royal, Sam’s Game, Holby City, Casualty, Dark Realm and Sirens. Films include: Andy Garcia’s Modigliani, House of 9 with Dennis Hopper and Peter Capaldi, Lesbian Vampire Killers, The Pimp, Psych:9, Two Families, Dead Fish, Bonded By Blood and Silent Hours in which she played Hugh Bonneville’s wife Rosemary. Theatre includes: The Marilyn Conspiracy (Edinburgh Festival); Out Of Order (UK Tour); Rehearsal For Murder (UK Tour); Wait Until Dark (UK Tour); After Juliet (Young Vic/ National Theatre); The Mummy (Belgrade Theatre) and Murder On The Nile (UK Tour).

The cast will also include John Macaulay as Jimmy, Troy Glasgow as O’Rourke and Emma Laird Craig as understudy Beth / Alex.

Fatal Attraction is the latest grip-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller from the producers of the celebrated tours of Patrick Hamilton’s Gaslight and Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train. Fatal Attraction is written by James Dearden, who based the stage play on his Oscar-nominated screenplay, which in turn was adapted from his 1980 short film, Diversion. This brand-new production is directed by Loveday Ingram and features set and costume design by Morgan Large, lighting design by Jack Knowles, sound design by Carolyn Downing. Paul Englishby is the show’s composer and Fatal Attraction has been cast by Anne Vosser.

Director Loveday Ingram says of today’s announcement:

“I am excited to be working on this brilliant new stage adaptation of the iconic film Fatal Attraction. It’s a gripping, fast-paced psychological thriller that deals with complicated issues of consent, trust and responsibility. The play asks some difficult questions. Audiences today will no doubt respond differently to the ‘bunny boiler’ character Alex, made famous by Glen Close, and the debate it ignites today will be very different from 1988 as our awareness of mental health has progressed significantly. We have an exceptional cast, led by Kym Marsh, together with a first-class creative team, and set against the glamour and romance of Manhattan, the show promises to provide an evening of passion and debate.”

One of the most iconic films of the era, Fatal Attraction was one of 1987’s highest-grossing US Box Office releases, securing six major Oscar nominations at the following year’s Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Glenn Close’s mesmerising depiction of urbane sophisticate Alex Forrest, Best Supporting Actress (Anne Archer), Best Writing Adapted Screenplay (James Dearden), Best Director (Adrian Lyne), Best Editing, and Best Picture. Michael Douglas – at the peak of his Hollywood powers – was omitted from the list only as he was nominated elsewhere in the Best Actor category for his role as Gordon ‘greed is good’ Gecko in Wall Street, which he went on to win. Fatal Attraction’s success was such that the film inspired a generation of psychosexual thrillers in the years that followed.

Loveday Ingram trained with John Barton at the RSC and was previously Associate Director at Chichester Festival Theatre. Loveday’s credits include: The Rover, The Merchant of Venice (Royal Shakespeare Company); Henry V, Julius Caesar (Storyhouse); Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Liverpool Playhouse/National Centre for the Performing Arts, China); My One and Only (Piccadilly Theatre/Chichester).  Nominated for 4 Olivier Awards and Evening Standard Award); The Blue Room (also Chichester), When Harry Met Sally (Theatre Royal Haymarket); Bedroom Farce (Aldwych Theatre); Three Sisters, Pal Joey (nominated for TMA and Barclay Best Musical Awards), Dead Funny, Insignificance (Chichester Festival Theatre); Macbeth (Theatre Severn); Richard III (Nottingham Playhouse/York Theatre Royal); These Shining Lives (Park Theatre); Rockabye (Beckett Centenary Festival/Gate Theatre Dublin/Barbican); Boston Marriage, Hysteria (Irish Times Award) (Project Theatre Dublin); Outlying Islands, Lettice and Lovage (Bath Theatre Royal); The Messiah (National Theatre of Brent/Bush Theatre).  Opera credits include All About Love (Linbury Studio); Brittain’s Rape of Lucrece (BAC) and Barber’s Vanessa (Lyric Hammersmith).  Music Video includes This Time It’s Forever (Women’s Aid).

Tipped to be provocative and gripping in equal measures, Fatal Attraction is a tale of seduction and suspense that asks the question; what happens when desire becomes deadly?

Fatal Attraction is co-produced with Gavin Kalin Productions.

www.fatalattractionplay.com

Fatal Attraction 2022 Tour List

*Kym Marsh performs as Alex Forrest until Saturday 5^th March

Fri 14 – Sat 22 Jan                         Box Office: 0844 871 7650

Theatre Royal, Brighton                  www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton

Tue 25 – Sat 29 Jan                        Box Office: 08448 11 21 21 

Theatre Royal, Newcastle               www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Tue 1 – Sat 5 Feb                            Box Office: 0131 5296000

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh               www.capitaltheatres.com

Tue 8 – Sat 12 Feb                          Box Office: 01225 448815

Theatre Royal, Bath                         www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Tue 15 – Sat 19 Feb                    Box Office: 0844 871 3011

Theatre Royal, Nottingham              www.trch.co.uk 

Mon 21 – 26 Feb                                   Box Office: 0333 009 5399
Opera House, Manchester                  www.atgtickets.com/shows/fatal-attraction/opera-house-manchester/

Tue 1 – Sat 5 March                        Box Office: 0844 871 3011

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham      www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham

Tue 8– Sat 12 March                         Box Office: 029 2087 8889

New Theatre, Cardiff                         www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk   

Mon 14 – Sat 19 March                     Box Office: 01242 572573

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham         www.everymantheatre.org.uk

Mon 21 – Sat 26 March                     Box Office: 03330 096 690

Richmond Theatre, Richmond            www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre

Mon 28 March – Sat 2 April                Box Office: 01604 624 811 

Royal and Derngate, Northampton      www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Mon 4 – Sat 9 April                            Box Office: 0844 871 7627

Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury             www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre

Mon 18 April – Sat 23 April                 Box Office: 0844 8717647

Theatre Royal, Glasgow                      www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow

Mon 25 –  Sat 30 April                             Box Office: 01223 503333

Arts Theatre, Cambridge                          www.cambridgeartstheatre.com/whats-on/fatal-attraction

Mon 2 – Sat 7 May                              Box Office: 0333 009 6690

York, Grand Opera House                      www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york

COMPLETE CAST ANNOUNCED FOR BEST OF ENEMIES

Bold new play from James Graham, in a co-production with Headlong

Charles Edwards and David Harewood play Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley Jr.

Tickets for live and broadcast performances on sale today

A Young Vic / Headlong co-production

Best of Enemies

A new play by James Graham

Directed by Jeremy Herrin

Inspired by the documentary by Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon

Main House

From 2 December 2021 – 22 January 2022

“A man should never turn down two things. Sex, and appearing on television.”

The Young Vic today announce the complete cast and creative team for James Graham’s bold new play Best of Enemies, directed by Jeremy Herrin, in a co-production with Headlong.

1968 – a year of protest that divided America. As two men fight to become the next President, all eyes are on the battle between two others: the cunningly conservative William F Buckley Jr., and the iconoclastic liberal Gore Vidal. Beliefs are challenged and slurs slung as these political idols feud nightly in a new television format, debating the moral landscape of a shattered nation. Little do they know they’re about to open up a new frontier in American politics, and transform television news forever…

Charles Edwards plays Gore Vidal and David Harewood plays William F. Buckley Jr. The complete cast also includes Margo Cargill, Emilio Doorgasingh, Clare Foster, Tom Godwin, John Hodgkinson, Justina Kehinde, Syrus Lowe, Kevin McMonagle and Sam Otto.

Best of Enemies is Written by James Graham and Directed by Jeremy Herrin, with Set and Costume Design by Bunny Christie, Lighting Design by Paule Constable, Sound Design by Tom Gibbons, Video Design by Luke Halls, Composition by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, Movement Direction by Shelley Maxwell, Associate Movement Direction by Sarita Piotrowski, Casting by Charlotte Sutton CDG,Voice and Dialect by Hazel Holder, Gurkiran Kaur and Salvatore Sorce, with Jerwood Assistant Director Annie Kershaw, Jerwood Assistant Designer Amy Finch and Boris Karloff Trainee Assistant Director Sabrina Richmond.

Best of Enemies will be broadcast live for four performances 20 – 22 January as part of Best Seat in Your House, the Young Vic’s immersive multi-camera player that allows audience members to pick their preferred camera angle during the live show. The broadcast experience is designed uniquely for the production, with multiple cameras positioned to offer unique perspectives of the show.

The broadcast will be available worldwide. Captions, audio description and BSL-interpretation will be available for every stream.

Live Broadcast performances: 20, 21, 22 January, 7.30pm and 22 January 2.30pm GMT

Socially Distanced performances:17 December 7.30pm, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13 January, 7.30pm and 5, 8 January 2.30pm

Audio Described performance: 17 December, 7.30pm

Captioned performance: 6 January, 7.30pm

Relaxed performance: 13 January, 7.30pm

Best of Enemies is generously supported by The Charlotte Aitken Trust.