One week to go: Northern Ballet premieres three new dance works in Leeds

One week to go

Made in Leeds: Three Short Ballets

Northern Ballet premieres three new dance works at Leeds Playhouse

Pictured: Minju Kang and Jonathan Hanks in rehearsals for Nostalgia, photo George Liang.

Next Saturday Northern Ballet will open their autumn season with the World Première of three exhilarating new dance pieces in Made in Leeds: Three Short Ballets at Leeds Playhouse.

Yorkshire audiences will be the first to see exciting new works from award-winning choreographers Mthuthuzeli NovemberStina Quagebeur and Dickson Mbi, performed by Northern Ballet’s world-class dancers. Made in Leeds: Three Short Ballets will première at Leeds Playhouse from the 10-17 September before moving onto London’s Linbury Theatre from the 1-3 November.

Olivier award-winning Mthuthuzeli November’s Wailers is described as a work that gives thanks to life. To its struggles, beauty and its people. Those with us and no longer with us. It is a prayer for guidance.

Stina Quagebeur, Associate Choreographer with English National Ballet, will present Nostalgia, an exploration of that familiar state of longing, poignancy and piercing joy, the quiet force that transforms our pain and connects us together.

Following the release of a short film of the same title, world-renowned hip hop dancer and choreographer Dickson Mbi will reimagine Ma Vie on stage, exploring Giacomo Casanova’s thirst for love, his complex relationship with the church and his eventual downfall.

Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director Federico Bonelli said:

“We’re delighted to be premiering Made in Leeds: Three Short Ballets in Leeds this autumn.

It is my passion to work with a wide range of creative talent and to allow our dancers to expand their horizons. Dickson Mbi, Stina Quagebeur and Mthuthuzeli November are all exceptionally talented choreographers with unique voices and perspectives which bring a wonderful quality to this programme.

It is also a great source of pride that this world-class trio of works has been created, rehearsed and brought to life in our home town of Leeds. I can’t wait for you to see how our dancers shine in these new pieces.”

Tickets are on sale now, to book visit northernballet.com/three-short-ballets

Darlington Hippodrome full casting announced for panto

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THIS YEAR’S HIGH-FLYING PANTO AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME STARRING CHRISTOPHER BIGGINS

Darlington Hippodrome has today announced further casting for this year’s high-flying family pantomime, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.

Previously announced panto legend Christopher Biggins, who is returning to Darlington where his panto dame career began over 45 years ago, will be joined by comedian Rikki Jay, North-East panto favourite Steve Arnott, Darlington returner Peter Peverley, West End performers James Hameed and Tegan Bannister and newcomer Sheri Lineham.

Comedian Rikki Jay joins the line up as Smee. With a television career launched from ITV’s The Big Big Talent Show, Rikki went on to appear on comedy programmes across UK television including The Big Stage, Jay Walking and Gagging For It and is a regular on Sky TV. Rikki has been a mainstay of pantomime for several years starring alongside the biggest names in UK theatre and television. Rikki also regularly entertains global audiences on board the QE2 and world cruises, in cabaret venues across the United States, and has entertained British troops across the Middle East and the Falkland Islands.

Whitley Bay born, Steve Arnott started his professional career as a voice-over artiste for radio and television and appeared on national television as the original Dairy Crest milkman. He toured extensively with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra as the production manager. Steve has done many a panto in the North-East and returns to Darlington for a fourth time for The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.

Peter Peverley trained at Newcastle College and spent three years with the RSC long ensemble performing in Stratford London and New York. He spent 15 years with the Northern Stage ensemble based at the Old Newcastle Playhouse Theatre appearing in many productions including Animal Farm, A Clockwork Orange, and 1984, touring nationally and internationally. His TV credits include Byker Grove (BBC/Zenith), Emmerdale (YTV), Harry, Spender and The Parables (BBC), The Bobby Thompson Story, Show People and Planet North. Peter returns to Darlington Hippodrome after a successful season in Cinderella last year.

The cast is completed with Sheri Lineham as Wendy and West End performers James Hameed, Tegan Bannister as Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will be a fun-filled Christmas extravaganza with a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and of course, plenty of audience participation.

Join Biggins and the rest of the cast on a swashbuckling trip this Christmas at Darlington Hippodrome where laughter is guaranteed by the barrel-load. Be part of the panto magic and hook your tickets today!

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan runs from Friday 9 to Saturday 31 December. Tickets are on sale now with early booking advised. For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the box office on 01325 405405

Beauty and the Beast at Tyne Theatre and Opera House

A UNION (J) MADE IN A CASTLE………. 

Casting Directors at Enchanted Entertainment are proud to announce JJ Hamblett from Union J will play the lead character of Prince/Beast at this year’s Christmas pantomime of Beauty & The Beast at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle. 

Alongside his character, Amelle Berrabah from Sugababes will play Good Fairy, stalwart panto funny man Charlie Richmond playing the Comic and panto regular Lewis Denny will be returning as Dame. 

JJ rose to fame as a member of the Top British boy band, Union J, who competed on the popular TV talent show The X Factor UK in 2012. They then released five top 10 singles, had an iTunes #1 and a sold-out UK Tour. 

Since JJ’s boy band days, he has been making the transition into his true passion that is acting. JJ made his feature film debut in ‘Tango One’ (Universal) in Spring 2018 playing Parker.  

He then played ‘Bobby Warren’ in the feature film ‘Once Upon a Time in London’ and starred as the lead in film ‘Ethel’ alongside Miriam Margolyes, as well as recently supporting Christina Aguilera on stage, alongside Union J. 

JJ will tread the boards at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House from 9th December to 8th January 2023.  Tickets are on sale now – but selling fast.  To book your seats or for more information go to www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk 

Al Murray : Gig for Victory Review

Grand Opera House, York – Thursday 1st September 2022

Reviewed by Aimee Liddington

5*****

Al Murray, aka The Pub Landlord, has returned post-Covid to give us a well-deserved humorous run down of the past few years. From Brexit to the Pandemic and everything in between, Al Murray gives us an outlet to laugh at all the absurdity and idiocy of life as a Covid survivor.

With the people skills of a pub landlord and the intelligence of a cleverly crafted comedian, Al Murray welcomes the audience in with open arms and unsuspecting spectators become the backbone of his performance. It’s a talent to behold when a comedian is able to stand in front of hundreds of people and make them laugh but it’s something else entirely when they can do it spontaneously, designing new jokes on the spot in response to hilarious heckles from the audience.

People could mistake Al Murray for being unintelligent, foolish or ignorant due to the persona he adopts on stage but the truth is that The Pub Landlord has an incredible knowledge of the world and people who are in it. This show is relevant to everyone from young to old and is accessible to people from all walks of life. In all times of hardship, communities come together and Al Murray brings us even closer with a mutual mocking of our efforts in the face of a global pandemic in comparison to the efforts of our parents and grandparents in the face of world wars. As well as being an endearing mick take of British society and people over the past few years, the Gig for Victory is steeped in historical and political satire.

The Gig for Victory is packed full of new and hilarious content as well as providing the gimmicks and banter that Al Murray is known all too well for. If you want to be part of what feels like the best lock-in of all time after being locked down for far too long then the Gig for Victory is for you.

THE EIGHTH CAST IS ANNOUNCED FOR AGATHA CHRISTIE’S ‘WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION’ AT LONDON COUNTY HALL

Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions present

Witness for the Prosecution
By Agatha Christie

  • THE EIGHTH CAST IS ANNOUNCED FOR AGATHA CHRISTIE’S ‘WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION’ AT LONDON COUNTY HALL AS THE PRODUCTION PREPARES TO CELEBRATE ITS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY IN OCTOBER.
  • HARRY REID RETURNS TO THE CAST TO PLAY THE ACCUSED LEONARD VOLE ALONGSIDE NAOMI SHELDON AS HIS WIFE ROMAINE.
  • DUGALD BRUCE-LOCKHART WILL PLAY SIR WILFRID ROBARTS WITH NICHOLAS DAY AS MR JUSTICE WAINWRIGHT, JUSTIN AVOTH AS MR MYERS QC, AND JONATHAN COOTE AS MR MAYHEW.
  • THE CAST ALSO INCLUDES ROSANNA ADAMS, LORRAINE AMAKO, DANIEL BRAVO, MYLES DEVONTÉ, GREG FITCH, KEVIN N GOLDING, LAWRENCE HAYNES, ISABELLA KIBBLE, PAUL MCEWAN, SIMON RHODES, TOM SYMS, AND LUCY TREGEAR.

As this iconic production approaches its fifth anniversary, producers Eleanor Lloyd and Rebecca Stafford are delighted to announce the eighth cast to join Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution. Audiences can book to see Witness for the Prosecution until 16th April 2023 at the historic London County Hall.

Eastenders star Harry Reid returns to the cast to reprise his role as the accused, Leonard Vole. He is joined by Naomi Sheldon (The Comedy of Errors, RSC; Good Girl, Trafalgar Studios/ Roundabout/ Old Red Lion) as Romaine Vole. Dugald Bruce-Lockhart (Private Lives, Bath Theatre Royal/Nigel Havers Theatre Company – UK Tour; The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson, Park Theatre) will play Sir Wilfrid Robarts QC, with Jonathan Coote (The Crown, Netflix; The Audience, West End) as Mr Mayhew, Justin Avoth (My Brilliant Friend, National Theatre/ Rose Theatre, Kingston; Love From a Stranger, Fiery Angel) as Mr Myers QC, and Nicholas Day (Yellowfin, Southwark Playhouse; After All These Years, UK Tour) as Mr Justice Wainwright. 

The company is completed by Rosanna Adams (The Mirror and the Light, RSC/ Playful Productions), Lorraine Amako (Off the Record, Southwark Playhouse; Happily Ever After, Bunker Theatre), Daniel Bravo (Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens, King’s Head Theatre), Myles Devonté (BBC Doctor Who: Time Fracture), Greg Fitch (A Murder is Announced, UK Tour; The Verdict, UK /Ireland Tour), Kevin N Golding (SAD, Omnibus Theatre; Much Ado About Nothing, RSC), Lawrence Haynes (As You Like It, Tour), Isabella Kibble (making her West End debut), Paul McEwan (The Canterville Ghost, Unicorn Theatre; Othello, English Touring Theatre), Simon Rhodes (Posh, UK Tour;, No Man’s Land, Wyndham’s Theatre/ UK Tour), Tom Syms (Alice’s Adventures Underground, LET/The Vaults; Captain Flinn & The Pirate Dinosaurs, UK Tour) and Lucy Tregear (Room, Stratford East; Romeo and Juliet, Metcalfe Gordon Productions).

Witness for the Prosecution has captured the imagination of thousands gripped by the case of Leonard Vole, accused of murder in cold blood. Director Lucy Bailey (Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s Globe) thrillingly places the audience in the thick of the action as Christie’s enthralling tale of justice, passion and betrayal unfolds around them.

Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth. The stakes are high. Will he be able to convince the jury of his innocence and escape the hangman’s noose?

The twists and turns of the case are played out in a spectacular courtroom setting inside the atmospheric London County Hall as prosecution battles defence and witnesses take the stand to give their shocking testimonies. The production received Best Revival nominations at the 2018 Olivier and WhatsOnStage Awards.

The production is designed by William Dudley, with lighting by Chris Davey, sound design by Mic Pool, and casting by Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG.

Cinderella Panto cast announcement!

FURTHER CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR BRISTOL’S MAGICAL FAMILY PANTOMIME, CINDERELLA

A magical star cast has been announced with the judge everyone loves to hate, Craig Revel Horwood starring as the Wicked Stepmother in this year’s Bristol Hippodrome family pantomime Cinderella, running throughout December 2022.

Joining the fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood will be Bristol panto favourite Andy Ford (The Royal Variety Performance) as Buttons marking his tenth pantomime appearance at the Bristol Hippodrome alongside popular musical theatre and cabaret artist Alison Jiear (Britain’s Got Talent) as the Fairy Godmother. Joining them in the title role is Lauren Hampton as Cinderella and Daniel Norford as Dandini.

Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her dashing Prince Charming. Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses along the way.

The clock is ticking, so don’t miss your chance to see the Fairy Godmother of all pantos at the Bristol Hippodrome. Book your tickets today – you shall go to ball this Christmas!

Tickets for Cinderella (Friday 2nd December – Saturday 31st December 2022) are on sale from Bristol Hippodrome Box Office tel: 0333 009 6690 or online at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/cinderella/bristol-hippodrome/

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN REVIVAL CAST & CREATIVES ANNOUNCED

THE BARN THEATRE ANNOUNCES FULL CAST & CREATIVE TEAM OF

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

RUNS FROM 26 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER

The Barn Theatre in Cirencester has today announced the full cast and creative team for their new staging of Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel’s adaptation of the gripping mystery, suspense thriller The Girl on the Train which runs at the Barn Theatre from 26 September – 29 October.

Based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and the blockbuster DreamWorks film, The Girl on the Train follows Rachel Watson as she finds herself a witness and suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could have ever anticipated.

Kirstie Davis returns to the award-winning theatre to direct the new staging, having previously directed the theatre’s critically acclaimed production of the musical Daddy Long Legs. For six years Davis was the Associate Director of Watford Palace Theatre where she directed acclaimed productions of Top Girls, The Daughter-in-law and The Beauty Queen of Leenane and was CEO and Artistic Director of Forest Forge from 2009 to 2016 where she commissioned and directed over 20 new plays.

The full cast of The Girl on the Train announced today are Claudius Peters (HALO) as Scott Hipwell, Kareem Nasif as Kamal Abdic, Nick Read as D.I. Gaskill, Brinsley Terence (Cyrano de Bergerac) as Tom Watson, Emily Tucker (Blithe Spirit) as Anna Watson, Sophie Walter (Grantchester) as Megan Hipwell and Gemma Yates-Round as Rachel Watson.

Joining Kirstie Davis on the creative team are Charlotte Henery (MAGDALENE) as Set & Costume Designer, Sam Rowcliffe-Tanner (Stones in His Pockets) as Lighting Designer, Harry Smith (The Mozart Question) as Sound Designer and Kaitlin Howard (The Famous Five) as Fight Director.

Tickets for the production are now on sale at www.barntheatre.org.uk

Happy Meal Review

York Theatre Royal Studio – until Saturday 3rd September 2022

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

5*****

Coming straight from the Edinburgh Fringe, where it received a Fringe First, Tabby Lamb’s Happy Meal, has hit York and is currently performing in the Studio at York Theatre Royal.

On entering the studio, we are greeted by two penguins. One going about their own business, the other enthusiastically waving at the audience, making sure that nobody is excluded, even if you’re sitting there in your own world, until you realise that yes, it’s you who they’re waving at, you can’t help but excitedly reciprocate.

Directed by Jamie Fletcher, Happy Meal tells the story of Bette (Allie Daniel) and Alex (Sam Crerar) who find each other on the internet as young teenagers. Starting off playing Club Penguin, hence the costumes, we see their relationship evolving through social media platforms as they grow up, from MySpace to TikTok.

Through their online conversations we get to see their relationship grow, even though they have never met in person. They can present themselves as whoever they want to be. They both have different vulnerabilities, but Bette appears to be the more confident one of the pair, but it is Alex who embraces his gender identity and talk about transitioning into Alec. This only highlights Bette’s insecurities, not being confident enough to also come out as trans to her best friend. This ultimately leads to the friends falling out. As time goes on, they just can’t ignore the strong bond that they have and reconnect online and finally meeting IRL (in real life). Bette is now comfortable in her own skin and can share who she really is.

The set comprises of two booths, designed as clouds, with rainbow arches above. It wasn’t until the Q&A after that it dawned on me that they looked like Happy Meal boxes. Following the actors’ interactions with the set, video is projected onto the booths, depicting the chat of the two, just as you would see it on a phone or tablet screen. Interesting to see how the online world can be transferred to stage.

Both Daniel and Crerar are excellent in their roles, bringing the stage and story to life, compelling to watch. You could not help but be invested in both their characters, we laughed and felt heartbroken along with them. They share great chemistry and Bette’s statement of “I was born in exactly the right body. You were born in exactly the right body. These journeys we’ve taken were the journeys we were meant to take in order to find ourselves and maybe each other”, was very profound and so heartfelt.

Happy Meal is a show about friendship, identity and is ultimately a heart-warming love story, a lot to pack into a show that is about an hour long. This delightful two-hander is labelled as a joyful trans rom-com for the MySpace generation, and the roles played by two trans actors. As someone who isn’t a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I found it a really beautiful and insightful transgender narrative.

It is a wonderful piece of theatre, full of fun, and suitable for all. I implore you to go and see it. Playing in York until Saturday, then visiting Plymouth, Oxford and Coventry

The Story of Soul Review

Grand Opera House, York – 31st August 2022

Reviewed by Sal E Marino

5***** 

The beautiful Grand Opera House, York, hosted what was an evening of pure unfettered joy as we were taken on a non-stop musical jaunt of world-class songs from world-class artists in the form of The Story of Soul.  This highly polished performance is just the ticket to take you on a journey of musical magic as you get hear the golden tunes of the last five decades from amazing stars such as: Ben E King, Wilson Pickett, Tina Turner, Earth, Wind and Fire, Barry White and many, many more.  

The six singers and their star guest were all absolutely sensational due to being note and pitch perfect, giving spine-tingling sensations throughout.  The whole performance was undeniably smooth and flowed effortlessly from chart topping hit after hit.  A stand out moment for me personally was when the song ‘Freedom‘ (Aretha Franklin) was performed as it was not just simply outstanding singing but emotional too.  It was great to see people out enjoying themselves again and long may it last!  

By about the fourth song people were out of their seats having the best time singing and dancing so this is the perfect show to celebrate with friends on a hen party or family and loved ones as you just can’t help but get into the grove.  Even more reserved audience members were tapping along and ‘getting down’ by the end numbers as the up-beat atmosphere was electric.  By the end we were all simply having a party!  

Kudos must be given to the band who were phenomenal and like all of the singing performers – clearly professionals.  I actually enjoyed most acts more than the originals because I was getting to hear this music live and that added an even bigger cherry on the cake which I wasn’t expecting.  The ladies were like singing goddesses – so captivating with spell-binding voices and the males dazzled with an effervescent energy that filled the opulent Grand.  

A very special moment of the show was when Mel Day came on and gave a non-stop rendition of some rip-roaring hits and wow – this man is a powerhouse of soul – amazing!  The Story of Soul is a memorable production and one that will simply get you moving and singing which is exactly the point – it will touch your soul and so I would like to give a huge thank you to all of the musicians – you touched mine. 

New Casting Announced For Autumn 2022 Of Heathers The Musical

NEW CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR AUTUMN 2022 OF

BY LAURENCE O’KEEFE & KEVIN MURPHY

DIRECTED BY ANDY FICKMAN

FROM

06 SEPTEMBER 2022 – 19 FEBRUARY 2023

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT THE OTHER PALACE

WINNER OF BEST NEW MUSICAL

WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS 2019

GREETINGS, SALUTATIONS AND WELCOME TO

THE ‘OTHER PALACE’ CLASS OF WESTERBERG HIGH!

With the graduating cast leaving the halls of Westerberg High, it’s time to welcome in some new students to the cast of Heathers the Musical.
Taking on the role of high school geek Veronica Sawyer will be Erin Caldwell and at her side as the dark and moody teen Jason ‘J.D’ Dean is Nathanael Landskroner.

Continuing as the eponymous ‘Heathers’ are Maddison Firth as Heather Chandler, Vivian Panka as Heather Duke and Jasmine Beel as Heather McNamara.

They are joined by Ashleigh Harvey (Ms Fleming/Veronica’s Mom), Lydia Eliza Roberts (Martha Dunnstock), Tobias Turley (Kurt Kelly), Brandon Gale (Ram Sweeney), Stuart Turner (Ram’s Dad, Veronica’s Dad, Principal Gowan), Ryan Bennett (Kurt’s Dad, Big Bud Dean, Coach Ripper), Elliot David Parkes (Beleaguered geek/ U/S Jason J.D Dean), May Tether (Drama Club Drama Queen/U/S Veronica Sawyer), Lewis Asquith  (Hipster Dork / Officer /U/S Kurt’s Dad, Kurt Kelly, Coach, Ripper, Big Bud Dean, Principal Gowan, Veronica’s Dad), Georgia Gagen (New Wave Party Girl / U/S Heather Chandler, Heather McNamara), Amonik  Melaco (Preppy Stud / Officer /U/S: Ram Sweeney), Bayley Hart (Stoner Chick / U/S Ms. Fleming / Veronica’s Mom, Martha Dunnstock), Eleanor Morrison-Halliday (Young Republicanette) / U/S Heather Duke) and Billie Bowman (Midwestern Surf Punk / U/S Heather Chandler, Heather McNamara, Heather Duke).

Heathers the Musicalthewickedly funny and high-octane rock musical continues at its original London home at The Other Palace, having re-opened on 25 November 2021, now until 19 February 2023.

Produced by Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor-Mills, the musical started its UK journey with a cult following and was a box office record-breaker at The Other Palace in 2018, before transferring to the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited season later that year. The production then returned to the Haymarket and played a hugely successful summer season this year, kick-starting the West End’s pandemic recovery. In addition to its London staging’s, the production also had a hugely successful UK tour in 2021.

With a dazzling book, music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’KeefeHeathers the Musical is based on one of the greatest cult teen films of all time, and starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. The production is directed by Andy Fickman, withchoreography by Thriller Live’s Gary Lloyd, designs by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Dan Samson.  

Westerberg High’s Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity may finally come true. Mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody…

The UK premiere of Heathers the Musical enjoyed two record-breaking opening seasons, launching at London’s The Other Palace and transferring to the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2018; going on to win the WhatsOnStage award for Best New Musical 2019.