Month: May 2022

WEST END REVIVAL OF C.P. TAYLOR’S GOOD STARRING DAVID TENNANT
ANNOUNCES NEW DATES FOR AUTUMN 2022

• David Tennant returns to the West End in a new production of the acclaimed play GOOD by
  C.P. Taylor, directed by Dominic Cooke and also starring Elliot Levey, with further cast to be announced.
• Production to run at the Harold Pinter Theatre for a limited 11 week run from Thursday 6
  October until Saturday 24 December.
• GOOD is the debut West End production for Fictionhouse, launched by Dominic Cooke and
  Kate Horton.
• Tickets go on sale to the public on Wednesday 8 June. 100 £25 tickets available for every
  show with a third of tickets available at £35 and under.

C.P. Taylor’s GOOD, starring David Tennant and directed by Dominic Cooke has announced new dates for 2022 at the Harold Pinter Theatre. The production also stars Elliot Levey (Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club) and is designed by Vicki Mortimer. Further casting to be announced.

Produced by Fictionhouse and Playful Productions, GOOD will play a strictly limited 11-week season from Thursday 6 October, two years after its original scheduled run was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

GOOD will be the debut West End production for Fictionhouse, an independent producing company, established by Dominic Cooke and Kate Horton. Their long and fruitful working relationship, which began at the Royal Shakespeare Company, developed into a celebrated partnership at the Royal Court Theatre where they were Artistic Director and Executive Director respectively from 2007 – 2014. At the Royal Court they produced over 100 new plays and were the original producing team behind a series of notable award-winning productions including Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem, Nick Payne’s Constellations and Mike Bartlett’s Cock all of which have received recent West End revivals. Their productions have been nominated for 210 major awards, winning 59, and their partnership saw the development and launch of an exciting new generation of playwrights including Mike Bartlett, Polly Stenham, Bola Agbaje, Nick Payne, Lucy Kirkwood and Tarell Alvin McCraney. Recent productions include The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer (NT, London) and current projects include The Music Man (Broadway) and The Narcissist (Chichester Festival Theatre).

Previous ticket holders for GOOD will be contacted and given a priority booking period in which to rebook their tickets. Tickets will go on general sale to the public on Wednesday 8 June 2022.

John Halder is a good man.
But John Halder must adapt to survive.

How is it possible to be a good person when things are falling apart?

As the world faces a World War, John Halder, a decent, intelligent, music-loving German professor, finds himself swept along in a movement that crescendos towards an unthinkable finale. GOOD is a warning for our times.

Olivier Award-winning director Dominic Cooke reimagines one of Britain’s most powerful, political plays with David Tennant returning to the West End, for 11 weeks only.

Speaking about making his West End return in GOOD, David Tennant said:
‘Dominic is one of the UK’s all-time great theatre directors. I am really inspired and delighted to finally… FINALLY… get a chance to work with him, and especially on a wonderful play like C. P. Taylor’s GOOD – a fantastic bit of writing that is more pertinent and resonant now than it has ever been’.

Speaking about directing GOOD, Dominic Cooke said:
‘David Tennant is one of our finest actors and has the ideal combination of wit, warmth and charisma to bring John Halder vividly to life. I’m delighted that he has stuck with the show after such a long delay and am looking forward to finally starting work with him and the talented Elliot Levey on this remarkable play. C.P. Taylor’s modern classic, about the perils of denial, is an apposite fable for our troubled times and a great fit for Fictionhouse’s first West End production’.

Speaking about GOOD being the debut West End production for Fictionhouse, Kate Horton said: ‘I am thrilled that we can finally confirm that our production is happening. Such is our drive to bring this superb play to audiences that David and Dominic have remained steadfast throughout. GOOD encompasses all we hope for with our work at Fictionhouse – brilliant and absorbing writing that illuminates our world, made by our greatest actors, directors and designers’.

Tickets for the new dates for GOOD at The Harold Pinter Theatre go on sale at 8am, Wednesday 8 June 2022 – www.goodtheplay.com.

CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER,

DANIELLE STEERS &

LAURA PITT-PULFORD STAR IN

THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK IN CONCERT

AT SONDHEIM THEATRE

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

ON MONDAY 20 JUNE 2022

Producer Jack Maple, by arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, is delighted to announce that West End stars Carrie Hope Fletcher, Danielle Steers and Laura Pitt-Pulford will star as Sukie, Alexandra and Jane respectively in a special one-off concert of THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK at the Sondheim Theatre on Monday 20 June 2022, directed by Olivier Award-winning Maria Friedman. They join the previously announced Olivier Award-winning actor Giles Terera as Darryl Van Horne.

THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK has a book and lyrics by John Dempsey and music by Dana P. Rowe, based on the novel by John Updike and the Warner Brothers motion picture. This will be the first time the musical has been seen in London since it originally played at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2000, transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2001.

Further casting is to be announced.

Carrie Hope Fletcher is currently starring as Cinderella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella until 12 June 2022. She has played both Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables at the Queen’s/Sondheim Theatre and Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End and the Opera House in Dubai. In the UK, she originated the roles of Wednesday Addams in the UK tour of The Addams Family and Veronica Sawyer in Heathers at the Theatre Royal Haymarket which transferred from The Other Palace. Her other credits include Beth in the arena tour of The War of the Worlds, Emily in A Christmas Carol and Brenda Payne in The Christmasaurus Live at the Eventim Apollo. Carrie is also a Sunday Times Best Selling author.

Danielle Steers is currently starring as Cher in the UK and Ireland tour of The Cher Show. Her previous credits include Catherine Parr in Six The Musical (London), Zahara in the original cast of Bat out of Hell: The Musical (Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum, Ed Mirvish Theatre Toronto, Dominion Theatre, New York City Centre), Carmen in Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse), Lead Shirelle in the original London cast of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), swing and cover Nikki Marron in The Bodyguard (Adelphi Theatre) and cover Killer Queen in We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour). Her debut album, The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be, was released in 2021.

Laura Pitt-Pulford’s theatre credits include Louise in Gypsy in concert (Alexandra Palace), Marlene Dietrich in Piaf (Nottingham Playhouse/Leeds Playhouse), Falsettos (The Other Palace), Little Miss Sunshine (Arcola Theatre), Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity (Pimlico Opera), Flowers for Mrs Harris (Chichester Festival Theatre & Sheffield Crucible), Nancy in Oliver (Curve), Milly Bradon in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), for which she received an Olivier Award nomination, and Maria in The Sound of Music (Curve).

The Witches of Eastwick tells the tale of the people of the little town of Eastwick. It is a town where everyone knows everything about everyone else, and it is presided over by the indomitable Felicia Gabriel. Bored with their small town lives, three women – Alexandra (Alex), Sukie, and Jane–share a desire for “all manner of man in one man” to provide excitement and variety. That man arrives, literally in a flash, in the devil-like form of Darryl Van Horne. Darryl seduces the women and teaches them powers, which they never knew they had. 

THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK has musical staging by Chrissie Cartwright, lighting design by Simon Sherriff, sound design by Adam Fisher and associate direction by Jack McCann.

Website: www.sondheimtheatre.co.uk

Twitter: @jackmapleprods @DMTWestEnd

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Monday 20 June, 7pm

Sondheim Theatre

51 Shaftesbury Avenue

London

W1D 6BA

Tickets: from £35

Box office: 0344 482 5151*

*Calls to Delfont Mackintosh Theatres: 03 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number

Sheffield Theatres donate over 1,000 tickets for upcoming shows to NHS staff and Sheffield charities with Tickets for Good

Tickets for Chris Bush’s ROCK / PAPER / SCISSORS are to be made available via Sheffield-based company, Tickets for Good

Sheffield Theatres are celebrating the upcoming opening of their production ROCK / PAPER / SCISSORS, a new trilogy of plays by Chris Bush, with the allocation of up to 1,200 free tickets for use by NHS Staff and Sheffield charities. Sheffield Theatres have allocated tickets in this way previously including tickets for recent Sheffield Theatres productions and visiting guest shows, offered to various local charities and NHS staff.

November 2021 marked the 50th anniversary of the Crucible and Studio theatres. Their anniversary season includes a theatrical first: Chris Bush’s new trilogy ROCK / PAPER / SCISSORS being performed across the three venues housed at Sheffield Theatres with the same cast at the same time! Sheffield Theatres have kindly allocated 1,000 tickets to NHS staff through the Tickets for Good platform. These performances take place between Thurs 16th June and Sat 2nd July with various times and dates available in that period.

Dan Bates – Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres  said,

‘We’re so grateful to the team behind Tickets For Good, for enabling us to invite more people into our theatres who we might not ever have reached. We really felt the impact of the pandemic and are lucky to have come through it fighting, so to offer local NHS workers a good night out at the theatre feels only right. We hope this partnership will open doors to new audiences and support new ways to bring theatre into the lives of more people.’

Tickets for Good is a ticketing company with a social purpose, they use a secure ticket delivery platform to distribute free and discounted tickets to NHS staff, key workers and charitable organisations.

NHS workers nationwide can sign up to access these free tickets and discounts to major events via Tickets for Good’s NHS-only platform here. 

Theatr Clwyd, Yr Wyddgrug – until 28th May then Nationwide Tour

Reviewed by Julie Noller

4****

Boeing Boeing originally written by Italian Marc Camoletti and presented in 1962 at Londons Apollo Theatre. It quietly slipped away so you can be somewhat forgiven of never having heard of it’s existence however if you enjoy kitsch this may just be your dream ticket. This revival is Directed by Michael Cabot and hopefully will be visiting a city near you soon.

Take a look through any dictionary under the word farce you will find detailed descriptions but in small italic writing you will note Boeing Boeing. The whole cast must be commended for the skill they have to not only remember lines but the movements and fast paced action that sees them coming and going jumping around; sitting mid row I felt I was in a tennis match my head was bouncing left and then right attempting to keep up with the hilarious chaos on stage. I loved the music playing before each act, giving that continental 60’s feeling. I delighted in the stage set up those 60’s sitcom round lines, wanted those chairs, eyes feeling giddy at the totally dated deliciousness. Yes the idea behind a middle aged man juggling 3 young attractive Air Hostesses (all with perfect credentials and readily chosen by another man) is outdated and somewhat squirmmy. Yet if you choose to watch as a historical comedy, then sit back and enjoy. This is a time before social media instantly made any deception virtually impossible.

John Dorney is Bernard a succesful business man who lives his life by timetables, his bible is the flight schedule in and out of Paris Orly Airport and as long as everything runs on time then the three ladies he states he loves will never find out. He is surprised by an old school friend Paul Sandys as Robert a rather traditional quiet country type. The trouble begins with small slips of the tongue, the audience giggling. Our 3 young ladies fly with their national airlines and each is stereotypically wonderful. Isabel Della-Porta is Gloria our very longlegged American somewhat easy going, free spirited. Nathalie Barclay is Gabriella our hotheaded and passionate Italian, Jessica Dennis is Gretchen our very nationalistic sauerkraut loving German. It is somewhat easy for us to tell them apart as each each wears a different coloured uniform complete with bag baring the name of their airline. Put them together and I found myself in Eurovision mode. It has to be said though my absolute favourite character is the Mrs Overall esque Bertha portrayed to perfection by Jo Castleton. Despite her protesting her cheeriness her downright misery and witty dry one liners left me wondering if Julie Walters character had slipped on stage.

Now it’s no spoiler that you sense everything must and will go wrong and that’s where Bernard channels his inner Basil Faulty complete with exaggerated leg and arm movements as he struggles to regain that smug composure of a man potentially set to become very lonely. Planes get delayed, storms over the Atlantic, changes to flight routes eventually mean the 2 men (Robert begins to enjoy this life with it’s trimmings) are virtually shouting NO every few seconds. As it transpires it is the ladies who rather unbelievably move on. Gloria receives a letter from another fiance and leaves to marry him. Gretchen after mistaking Robert for Bernard and kissing him suddenly declares her love. Bernard finally has to decide to answer the phone and expand his so called harem or remain loyal, become a one woman man and marry Gabriella. It is rather far fetched and one could say farcical but with such fast paced action it has to end for not only would the actors be worn out but the audience would be exhausted. So go along, enjoy the warmth of the 1960’s the humour and that amazing set, more importantly marvel at the skills of talented actors on display

Malvern Festival Theatre – until 28th May 2022

Reviewed by Julie Bellerby

4****

This much loved show was witty and expertly performed by Tessa Peake-Jones as Irene Spencer and Gwyneth Strong as Vera Small. Adapted by Jonathan Harvey and directed by Joanna Read, the play looks at the juxtaposition of two middle class ladies now in their 60’s who meet under a table at the wedding of Irene’s daughter.

These ladies become ‘frenemies’ from a simple hand written thank you note from Vera, in an age of technology where a thank you note was much appreciated by Irene.

You have an insight into their lives of now being free from family commitments and throwing caution to the wind, as their lives unfold with ‘insanity’ and ‘destruction’, to a carefree existence wanting to travel the world in a camper van.

It was lovely to see the actresses, as they are much loved from their previous roles, including Only Fools and Horses, showing again their ability to deliver comedy, a fine art, in which they are masters in performing. With a friendship which has been over 30 years these ladies have a bond which is reflected in this production, bouncing off each other delivering an excellent script in this production.

The stage set created by Francis O’Connor was amazing in its simplicity with props expertly changing to create a reflection of their surroundings. The lighting designed by Chris Davey, was innovative and drew you completely to the characters. I was very impressed.

The first act I found a little slow, having to set the scene of their lives, it took a while to appreciate the wit but moving to the second act, I was laughing all the way through until the end, leaving me wanting more. My worries, as reaching the same age as the ladies, is which one will I become!

Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre – until 28^th May 2022

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge  

4.5**** 

The Dickens Theatre brings you the story of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde.  

In 1886 Robert Louis Stevenson (Ryan Philpott) was having money problems after originally writing the classic – Treasure Island. He needed to produce another read that would hopefully become a hit and would get him out of financial trouble. One night when a fever took hold and his brain became muddled and his thoughts out of control, he experienced the strangest of dreams where a story was developed and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde were created. Telling the story about an evil presence that appears to be on the loose in Soho, London with the name of Mr Hyde (Rob Gull). He plays his part well, as a character with a deep darkness within, that’s evil as well as an antagonistic mastermind. Not to mention, he also happens to have a murderess streak. His transition between his Jekyll and Hyde characters offers much impact with a distilled, belligerent voice that comes across frightening. On the other hand, his Dr Jekyll character plays a well respectable doctor who is an outstanding pillar of the community that is intelligent, ambitious and well spoken. He portrays both characters well and was powerful and interesting to watch. 

When a murder takes place and is linked to Mr Hyde. Dr Jekyll’s closest friends Utterson (Dave Keeling) and Dr Lanyon (Louise Faulkner) begins to wonder what the connection between the two could be. Mr Utterson who plays his part as a lawyer has an interest in the crime, joins the dots with his persistence. Leading him to discover the truth that his oldest friend is also a monster. He plays his part on point with a solid vision and determination but also has compassion and always plays by the book. He was an absorbing character to take in and entertaining to watch. Dr Layon plays a deeply scared character when he finds out that his friend Jekyll has experimented in something so unnatural and has a great difference of opinion. that later embarks on his downward fall! The Character plays at a stable and constant pace throughout as well as taking on many other roles in the production. His change of characters was impressive to watch. 

Then we come to Robert Louis Stevenson who narrates throughout telling the story in great detail with the use of rhyme which came across entrancing and was satisfying to watch. 

Although there were only four cast members to this production each one gave a remarkable change in character for the duration of the show. 

This production was a gripping and compelling one to watch and I thoroughly enjoyed myself throughout. I loved the fact that the venue was small and you were able to engage with the cast members at the end of the show. Definitely worth a visit a marvellous night had. 

I feel a mention is needed for the lighting and sound for this small venue as it was done remarkably well during dramatic parts of the show. Along with using red lighting to enhance certain scenes this giving it more depth, madness and terror. Showing a darker side and offering a change of mood to each situation! I particularly liked the sound effects of potions bubbling away in the background giving the feeling you were in the laboratory was quite fun. 

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME – UNTIL SUNDAY 29TH MAY 2022

REVIEWED BY NADIA DODD

4****

Mischief who brought us the ‘goes wrong’ plays and also the famous magicians Penn and Teller they have put a twist to their ‘Goes Wrong’ masterpieces by adding magic into the mix.

From the moment you step into the auditorium you see the ‘stage hands’ setting up the scene starting the show off before it actually commences, the laughs start immediately, and so do the disasters!

We get introduced to ‘Sophisticato’ played by Sam Hill who is carrying on the family tradition being a magician and he is hosting a charity fundraiser for all performers who have lost their lives whilst carrying out some kind of act on the stage. This sets the scene for the evening. He introduces all the performers who will be taking part in the fundraiser and we then get treated to their individual acts that obviously are not going to go to plan.

We see the ‘Mind Mangler’ played by Rory Fairburn who can read peoples minds plus many other special talents. Lots of audience participation involved especially if you are sat within the first 5 or 6 rows of the stalls, so please don’t be shy.

‘The Blade’ played by Keifer Moriarty is addicted to danger and his act is to prove just how dangerous he can be, knives, rat traps and a water chamber all involved, what on earth could go wrong?

The final act are a duo, sisters Spitzmaus and Bar played by Jocelyn Prah and Chloe Tannenbaum, dancers and gymnasts that try to outdo each other thoughout the show, which one is the best?

A total of nine cast members that you see throughout the show and they are all as hilarious as each other in their own way. From the stage hands coming on carrying ladders to help fix something or clearing up the numerous white doves who come to a tragic end, their timing is spot on to raise a laugh, cheer and applause from the audience. No actual live white doves were harmed during the performance, just to make that clear !

Majority of the show is good humoured slapstick comedy but there are a handful of good tricks where my son and I looked at each other and both mouthed ‘How did they do that?’ Perfect night out for families but not very young children due to a couple of squeamish scenes, but otherwise hilarious, harmless fun.

Theatre Royal, York – until 28^th May 2022

Reviewed By Katie Goldsbrough

3***

Red Ellen tells the story of Labour MP Ellen Wilkinson, one of the first MPs in the country. The play starts with Ellen already a member of the labour party with big dreams about ending fascism, poverty, unemployment etc. Beginning in the 1930s and continuing until Ellens death in 1947 with learn of her involvement with the Communist party and her journey to become Labour MP for Jarrow where she helps organise the Jarrow Crusade. We see her visiting Spain during the Spanish civil war and Berlin just before the second world war. She then finds herself in charge of air raid shelters, visiting women during the Blitz and suffering her own personal tragedies. She becomes overworked, trying to help everybody and keep her personal life in check.

Caroline Birds play is based on facts but also some educated guesses as Ellen’s personal papers were all burned after her death. In the play she is seen having affairs with multiple married men including Russian Spy Otto (Sandy Batchelor) and government minister Herbert (Kevin Lennon).  Ellen is played by Bettrys Jones who has to deal with a very fast paced show, barely leaving the stage for the almost 3-hour performance. It would have been nice to see more of a focus on what Ellen achieved during her political career with some of the information about her personal life, which was more speculation cut down. 

With costume changes taking place on stage with the cast doubling as stage hands and playing different characters, the play is a little disjointed in places with some parts being difficult to follow but the story it interesting and shows the passion of Ellen Wilkinson and her desire to change the world.  Before seeing this play I had no knowledge of Ellen Wilkinson or what she did, her’s is definitely a story which should be shared.

Southampton Mayflower – until 28th May 2022

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

5*****

Chelsea Halfpenny and Matt Willis astound in the perfect pick me up musical ‘Waitress’.

Sara Bareilles musical score is well known and from this cast is performed with such raw emotion and heart, that you will not leave the auditorium dry eyed! Chelsea Halfpenny as Jenna, the waitress of a pie shop who discovers she is expecting a baby with her abusive husband Earl (Tamlyn Henderson), excels and is the perfect casting for this show. The emotion that was put into the performance was incredible and left me with a tear through the whole of Act 2. She was completely loveable and the audience were truly taken by her. A tour de force, she showcased incredible vocals and was exquisite during the highly anticipated ‘She used to be Mine’. When faced with her dreamy gynaecologist who she embarks upon an affair with, Dr Pomatter (Matt Willis) this pairing was stupendous. The two had the perfect chemistry, mixed with nervous energy and passion, they carried the show perfectly. Willis had incredible stage presence and during ‘You Matter to Me’ filled the stage with his soaring singing.

Wendy Mae Brown and Evelyn Hoskins as Becky and Dawn, Jenna’s best friends, created a perfect harmony both in song and stage. Hoskins showed a sweet and awkward demeanour that blossomed as the show unfolded, giving us the perfect coming of age performance. Wendy Mae Brown as Becky, was an incredibly sassy and soulful character with her highlight being ‘I didn’t plan it’. This was superb, with her effortless riffs and ability blowing the audience away. George Crawford as ‘Ogie’ Dawn’s new boyfriend and soon to be husband managed to steal his scenes, giving an uplifting performance with such comedic timing that the audience couldn’t help but love him. During ‘Never ever getting rid of me’, the first time we meet Ogie, we were completely taken by him, making Crawford a stand out in our minds.

Every member of this cast is fabulous, with Micheal Starke, Scarlet Gabriel and Christopher D Hunt as Joe, Nurse Norma and Cal were the perfect support to provide depth, sass and humour to the show.

The other fabulous thing about this show is the integration of the band on stage with the characters, so we were able to appreciate the music fully. This is a truly expert piece, that should not be missed.

Make sure you make it to the diner and find out what’s inside this show, you will not be disappointed and will want to come back for another slice!

MAISIE SMITH
TO JOIN

KEVIN CLIFTON

IN THE CAST OF

2022/23 UK TOUR

DIRECTED BY CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD

Strictly Come Dancing finalist and much loved former EastEnders star, Maisie Smith, will make her musical theatre debut later this year, as she co-stars in the 2022/23 UK tour* of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical in the lead female role of Fran, alongside her former Strictly dance partner, Kevin Clifton, who she waltzed her way to victory with in the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 Children In Need Special.

The musical, based on the award-winning global film phenomenon of the same name, inspired the world to dance and spawned the smash hit TV series Strictly Come Dancing. And now, new for 2022/23, this all-singing, all-dancing and all-glitteringshow – directed and co-choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood – is set to dazzle audiences once more with this glittering cast. Kicking off in Portsmouth on 26 September, the musical will then waltz around the UK before culminating in Bristol in July 2023. Tickets are on sale now from strictlyballroomtour.co.uk

Maisie first wowed Strictly fans with her dancing in 2019 in the Children In Need TV special with Kevin Clifton. After winning the hearts of the public, the following year she danced her way into the BBC One Strictly Come Dancing final.  Earlier this year, Maisie joined the cast of the Strictly Live Arena Tour. She will now add another jewel to her Strictly crown, as she makes the move into musical theatre in Strictly Ballroom The Musical.

Maisie Smith said: “Dancing in Strictly has been a huge part of my life, and been so much fun. I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to continue that journey in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. Not only do I get to make my musical theatre debut with my former partner in crime, Kevin Clifton, but I get to work with Craig Revel Horwood and Jason Gilkison again too – I can’t wait.”

Kevin Clifton said: “I’m beyond excited to be performing with Maisie again – she’s amazing! And I’ll finally be fulfilling my lifelong ambition to play Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom The Musical.  When I was 10 years old I first watched the movie that would become my favourite film of all time. This is my dream role. I can’t wait to don the golden jacket and waltz all over the UK with Maisie in what’s set to be an incredible show!”

Craig Revel Horwood said: “I’m delighted that the super talented Maisie Smith is joining Kevin Clifton on the Strictly Ballroom UK tour. I can’t wait to see them dance together again. Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening! I know that they’ll both be FAB-U-LOUS!”

Strictly Ballroom The Musical, co-choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Creative Director Jason Gilkison, tells the beguiling story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer – played by former Strictly Come Dancing professional and 2018 champion, Kevin Clifton. When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran (Maisie Smith), a beginner with no moves at all. Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom.

Featuring a show-stopping book by Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce, and bringing together a sublime cast of over 20 world class performers, Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time with dynamic and joyous verve. This tour will also feature some amazing new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.The show’s scintillating singing, dazzling dancing and eye-popping costumes will combine together to bring audiences a story of heart, comedy and drama, and promises to be an unforgettable night under the glitter ball.

This uplifting and courageous musical originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann devised with a group of classmates at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1984. Eight years later he made his screen directorial debut with ‘Strictly Ballroom’, the first instalment in Luhrmann’s acclaimed Red Curtain Trilogy. The vibrant film enjoyed staggering success, winning three awards at the 1993 BAFTA awards and a 1994 Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture, going on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time, earning more than $80 million at the box office. In April 2014 Strictly Ballroom The Musical had its world premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.

Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom the Musical is a fabulous, feel-good evening full of sequins, singing and salsa. This unmissable kaleidoscope of glitz and glamour is a tonic for the soul and will send your heart soaring and toes tapping long after you leave the theatre!