Presented by Raw Material & Capital Theatres in association with the National Theatre of Scotland
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh – until 8th October then various venues around Scotland
Reviewed by Rachel Farrier
4****
This production is the fourth in ‘The James Plays‘ history cycle by Rona Munro, which brings to life the Scottish medieval court from a fascinating and fresh perspective. Based upon individuals who appear in the histories written of James IV’s court, the central characters of Ellen and Anne are ‘moorish’ women who arrive in Scotland, having escaped the plague that has killed their families in Spain. Historically they were part of a larger group of entertainers who were part of the life of the court, and the events of the play are told from their perspective. As they jostle to find their place within the court, their fortunes rise and fall according to the whims of those around them. The play brilliantly and masterfully examines both the misogyny and racism that was at work in all levels of society in that time, whilst weaving plays within the play which allows the characters to brilliantly reflect on their own place in the story.
Much of the play has a wonderful playful energy, with sharp and incisive humour – Keith Fleming as the Makar William Dunbar exemplifies this and the thread of his humour sustains and enlivens many a scene. Danielle Jam and Laura Lovemore as Ellen and Anne are strong centres of the play, and their capricious friendship is movingly portrayed with both ferocity and gentleness.
Daniel Cahill is an exceptional King James IV – by turns the charismatic and swaggering leader, as well as the frustrated and reflective monarch who longs to travel but cannot.
Sarita Gaboney brilliantly portrays the 17 year old Queen Margaret who is expected to conform and behave in a way that she finds impossible for her years, a teenager-trapped-as-Queen.
I really enjoyed and appreciated the on-stage music provided by Gameli Tordzo, which brings an unobtrusive but authentic soundscape to the production.
I came away from the play feeling that I would need to see it several times in order to appreciate it fully, as there are so many fascinating stories and perspectives to examine. There were a number of school parties in attendance at the performance last night, and I found myself envying them for the opportunity they will have to fully appreciate this play as they study it in depth.
Michael Ball to star in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love, reimagined for the 21st century and directed by Jonathan Kent.
Michael Ball to star in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love, reimagined for the 21st century and directed by Jonathan Kent.
Michael Ball said: “Aspects of Love holds a very special place in my heart. I am absolutely delighted to revisit Andrew Lloyd Webber’s glorious score in a re-imagined chamber production in the West End from May next year. I am so happy to be collaborating again with the brilliant director Jonathan Kent who was so inspiring when we worked together on Sweeney Todd.
We are just at the start of our journey so the big question is will I be singing my favourite song Love Changes Everything – what do you think? All will be revealed soon…”
With lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart, and produced by Nica Burns, Aspects of Love will play at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.
Performances from 12 May 2023 Press Night 25 May 2023 Tickets go on sale 5 October 2022
Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce that Paul O’Grady will star as ‘Miss Hannigan’ in their smash hit production of the musical ANNIE when it plays Newcastle Theatre Royal (7 – 11 March 2023), Edinburgh Playhouse (21 – 25 March 2023), Mayflower, Southampton (24 – 29 April 2023), Liverpool Empire (5 – 10 June 2023), Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre (28 August – 2 September 2023) and Bristol Hippodrome (20 – 25 November 2023).
Casting for the role of ‘Miss Hannigan’ in other venues on the tour to be announced in due course. www.anniethemusicaltour.uk
BAFTA Award winning television, radio and stage star PAUL O’GRADY returns to Annie having first played the role of Miss Hannigan at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 1998. His other theatre credits include playing the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium and many pantomimes including Cinderella and Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the London Palladium. On television he is best known as the host of ITV’s Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, Paul O’Grady’s Great British Escape, The Paul O’Grady Show, Channel 4’s Blind Date and BBC One’s Blankety Blank. He is also a highly celebrated writer, having written both autobiographical and fictional books and recently completed a 14 year run as a presenter on BBC Radio 2.
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…
With its award-winning book and score, this stunning production includes the unforgettable songs ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and ‘Tomorrow’.
ANNIE has Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and a Book by Thomas Meehan. It is directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster with set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Richard Brooker.
NATIONAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES UPCOMING PROGRAMMING INCLUDING THREE NEW PRODUCTIONS, SHAKESPEARE IN SCHOOLS AND A US TOUR
– Simon Stone makes his National Theatre debut in the Lyttelton theatre with his new play Phaedra, with a cast that includes Janet McTeer (Ozark), Assaad Bouab (Call My Agent) and Mackenzie Davis (Station Eleven)
– Award-winning musical Standing at the Sky’s Edge has its London premiere in the Olivier theatre, directed by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director Robert Hastie
– Romeo and Julie, a new play by Gary Owen and a co-production with Sherman Theatre, opens in the Dorfman theatre in February with Callum Scott Howells (It’s a Sin) and Rosie Sheehy (King John, RSC) in the title roles
– Full cast announced to join Fay Ripley in Kerry Jackson, a new play by April De Angelis, playing in the Dorfman theatre from November
– Hamlet for younger audiences, originally directed by Tinuke Craig and adapted by Jude Christian, returns to the Dorfman theatre in March and will embark on a six-week tour to state schools across England
– Emma Rice’s Wuthering Heights, a co-production with Wise Children, Bristol Old Vic and York Theatre Royal, in association with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, will run at St Ann’s Warehouse in New York this October before touring the US
Simon Stone (Yerma, Young Vic) makes his National Theatre debut in the Lyttelton theatre in February, directing his striking new play Phaedra after Euripides, Seneca and Racine. After years of fierce focus on her political career, Phaedra turns her attention to her personal life. The reappearance of her stepson shakes the foundations of her house and the beliefs that have underpinned her power. As buried lust and loneliness surge to the surface, Phaedra’s actions threaten to destroy everything she has built. Janet McTeer (Ozark) takes the title role alongside Assaad Bouab (Call My Agent) and Mackenzie Davis(Station Eleven) who both make their UK stage debuts.
Set design is by Chloe Lamford, costume designer and associate set designer is Mel Page, lighting designer is James Farncombe, composer and sound designer is Stefan Gregory and associate director is Nimmo Ismail.
Standing at the Sky’s Edge, a co-production with Sheffield Theatres in association with Various Productions, will transfer to the Olivier theatre in February 2023 as it makes its London premiere following a return to the Crucible Theatre this winter. A love letter to Sheffield and ode to the iconic Park Hill Estate, Standing at the Sky’s Edge charts the hopes and dreams of three generations over the course of six tumultuous decades. Directed by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director, Robert Hastie, featuring songs by Richard Hawley and with book by Chris Bush, it is a heartfelt exploration of the power of community and what it is we call home.
The cast includes Darragh Cowley, Ahmed Hamad, Samuel Jordan, Bobbie Little, Robert Lonsdale, David McKechnie, Maimuna Memon, Baker Mukasa, Alastair Natkiel, Faith Omole, Adam Price, Nicola Sloane, Jake Small, Deborah Tracey, Rachael Wooding and Alex Young.
Set and costume designer is Ben Stones, with choreography by Lynne Page, music supervisor, arranger and orchestrator is Tom Deering, lighting design by Mark Henderson, sound design by Bobby Aitken, wigs, hair & make-up design by Cynthia De La Rosa, music director is John Rutledge, the associate choreographer is Thomas Herron, assistant music director is Ehsaan Shivarani, staff directors are Thomas Herron and Elin Schofield and casting by Stuart Burt CDG.
Romeo and Julie, a new play by Gary Owen and a co-production with Sherman Theatre, opens in the Dorfman theatre in February. Two Welsh teens raised a few streets apart – but from entirely different worlds – crash into first love and are knocked off their feet. But at the crossroads to the rest of their lives, Julie’s family fears the worst in a world of unequal opportunity. Following their critically acclaimed productions Iphigenia in Splott and Killology, director Rachel O’Riordan reunites with Gary Owen to deliver his new play inspired by Romeo and Juliet. The cast includes Catrin Aaron, Paul Brennen, Anita Reynolds, Callum Scott Howells and Rosie Sheehy.
Set and costume designer is Hayley Grindle, with lighting design by Jack Knowles, sound design by Gregory Clarke and staff director is Kwame Owusu.
Tickets for Phaedra, Standing at the Sky’s Edge and Romeo and Julie go on sale to the public on Thursday 20 October.
In the Dorfman theatre from November, Indhu Rubasingham will direct the previously announced world premiere of April De Angelis‘ biting new comedy, Kerry Jackson. Fay Ripley plays Kerry, owner of a new restaurant in fashionable Walthamstow. Wearing her working-class roots as a badge of honour, Kerry navigates the local characters in a bid to make the tapas restaurant a success – without losing herself in the process. Madeline Appiah, Michael Fox, Michael Gould, Kitty Hawthorne and Gavin Spokes complete the company.
Set and costume design is by Richard Kent, lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, composer and sound design by Nicola T Chang, movement director is Lucy Hind and casting director is Juliet Horsley CDG.
An energetic retelling of Shakespeare’s most well-known tragedy, Hamlet will return to the Dorfman theatre in March and as part of a tour to 5,000 pupils in state schools in six areas including Knowsley, Lincolnshire and Essex. Introducing young audiences to the world of Shakespeare, this version is adapted for audiences aged 8–12 years old by Jude Christian (Dick Whittington, National Theatre) and originally directed by Tinuke Craig (The Colour Purple, Vassa). The revival will be directed by Ellie Hurt. Last year Hamlet was watched by over 5,600 pupils from 50 schools across England. Education packages to support teaching of the production are available for primary schools and include workshops, training and teacher resources.
Set and costumes designs by Frankie Bradshaw with lighting designed by Paul Knott. Sound is designed by Clark Henry-Brown and Dom Coyote. Music is composed and directed by Dom Coyote and the fight director is Jeremy Barlow.
National Theatre nationwide
Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane is touring the UK and Ireland from December, direct from the West End, visiting 29 towns and cities for a total of 40 weeks. Directed by Katy Rudd (Camp Siegfried, Eureka Day) and adapted by Joel Horwood (Skins, I Want My Hat Back), the first major stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s work is a thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, which blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it.
Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He’s transported to his 12th birthday when his remarkable friend Lettie claimed it wasn’t a pond, but an ocean – a place where everything is possible…
Plunged into a magical world, their survival depends on their ability to reckon with ancient forces that threaten to destroy everything around them.
Featuring an ensemble cast of 17, the tour will open at The Lowry in Salford where it will play over Christmas (12 December 2022–7 January 2023), before visiting a further 28 venues up to September 2023. Casting is to be announced. Check oceanonstage.com for full touring schedule and to book tickets.
Bill Kenwright presents a Theatr Clwyd and National Theatre production of Home, I’m Darling. This new production begins an extensive national tour opening at Theatre Royal Windsor on 25 January 2023, with further venues to be announced.
Starring BAFTA award winner Jessica Ransom (Doc Martin, Armstrong and Miller, Horrible Histories) as Judy, this sparkling, thought-provoking comedy by Laura Wade (Posh, The Riot Club) is about one woman’s quest to be the perfect 1950s housewife. Further casting to be announced.
Home, I’m Darling received its world premiere at Theatr Clwyd in 2018, before playing at the National Theatre and then transferring to the Duke of York’s Theatre in the West End, winning the 2019 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. This production reunites the entire original creative team, led by Theatr Clwyd Artistic Director and Co-Director Designate of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Tamara Harvey. It is co-directed by Hannah Noone, with design by Olivier Award winner Anna Fleischle, lighting by Lucy Carter, sound design by Tom Gibbons and choreography by Charlotte Broom.
National Theatre in the West End
A co-production with Neal Street Productions, The Lehman Trilogy is returning to London’s West End, playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from 24 January to 20 May 2023 for a strictly limited season. The Lehman Trilogy won a total of five 2022 Tony Awards – including Best Play and Best Director – making it the most awarded play on Broadway this season.
Written by Stefano Massini and adapted by Ben Power, the story of a family and a company that changed the world is directed by Sam Mendes. The Lehman Trilogy features a cast of three playing the Lehman brothers, their sons, and grandsons, in an extraordinary feat of storytelling told in three parts on a single evening.
The Tony Award-winning set design is by Es Devlin, with costume design by Katrina Lindsay, video design by Luke Halls, and Tony Award-winning lighting design by Jon Clark. Composition and sound design are by Nick Powell, the co-sound designer is Dominic Bilkey, with music direction by Candida Caldicot and movement by Polly Bennett. The West End director is Zoé Ford Burnett. Casting is by Jessica Ronane CDG CSA. Casting is to be announced. Tickets, including information about assisted performances, can be booked via thelehmantrilogy.com
International
Emma Rice returns with Wise Children’s Wuthering Heights, adapted from Emily Brontë’s legendary novel. Interspersed with music, dance, passion and hope, Emma Rice catapults Brontë’s brooding love story into an intoxicating revenge tragedy for our time. A co-production with Wise Children, Bristol Old Vic and York Theatre Royal, in association with Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
This production will run at St Ann’s Warehouse, Brooklyn, New York from 14 October to 6 November 2022, before continuing to tour the US; playing at Berkeley Rep, California 18 November–2 January 2023, Wallis Annenberg, California 11–22 January 2023 and Chicago Shakespeare Theater 25 January–28 February 2023, with further dates and venues soon to be announced.
National Theatre Digital
Coming next on National Theatre Live is riotous summer comedy, Jack Absolute Flies Again, co-written by Richard Bean (One Man, Two Guvnors) and Oliver Chris (Orsino in the National Theatre production of Twelfth Night), based on Sheridan’s The Rivals. Emily Burns (The Comeback) directs this spectacularly entertaining new version of the play, with the cast including Caroline Quentin (Jonathan Creek), Laurie Davidson (Guilty Party), Natalie Simpson (Three Sisters) and Kelvin Fletcher (Emmerdale), available in cinemas worldwide from 6 October.
Anton Chekhov’s classic tale of love and loneliness, The Seagull, is broadcast to cinemas in this uniquely modernised new adaptation by Anya Reiss for The Jamie Lloyd Company. Featuring Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) in her West End debut, the full company includes Jason Barnett, Robert Glenister, Tom Rhys Harries, Mika Onyx Johnson, Gerald Kyd, Daniel Monks, Sara Powell, Indira Varma and Sophie Wu. Jamie Lloyd directs following his Olivier Award-winning production of Cyrano de Bergerac. Captured live on stage in London’s West End, The Seagull is set for release in cinemas around the globe from 3 November.
In the new year, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, directed by Lyndsey Turner (Hamlet) with set design by Tony Award-winner Es Devlin (The Lehman Trilogy), is broadcast to cinemas. This captivating parable of power includes Erin Doherty (The Crown) as Abigail Williams and Brendan Cowell (Yerma) as John Proctor and will be released in the UK and Ireland from 26 January and internationally from 2 March.
Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy, Othello, comes to cinema screens in an extraordinary new production directed by Clint Dyer (Death of England: Parts 1, 2 and 3). Giles Terera (Hamilton) is Othello, Rosy McEwen (The Alienist) is Desdemona and Paul Hilton (The Inheritance) plays Iago. Broadcast to cinemas in the UK and Ireland from 23 February and internationally from 27 April.
On our streaming platform, National Theatre at Home, new productions available from 11 October include recent National Theatre Live broadcasts, The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage, a gripping adaptation of Philip Pullman’s prequel to His Dark Materials trilogy, adapted by Bryony Lavery for the Bridge Theatre. Audiences in the UK can also watch the National Theatre’s 2011 production of Frankenstein adapted by Nick Dear, based on the novel by Mary Shelley, and directed by Danny Boyle. There are two versions of this production available, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller sharing the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature.
The hit production TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL today (4 October 2022) announces that Kristina Love will join the West End production to share the title role with Elesha Paul Moses from 12 October 2022. Love joins the Company having previously played the title role in Hamburg to great critical acclaim. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL continues at the Aldwych Theatre and has recently extended booking to 3 September 2023. Caleb Roberts continues as Ike Turner.
Kristina Love said: “I am so excited and humbled to revisit such a wonderful role, having previously played Tina in the Hamburg production. After having met her on my birthday in 2018, performing with her and receiving her blessing at the Hamburg opening, I count it a great honour to be entrusted with performing her life story. I am grateful to be continuing my Tina journey at the same time as making my West End debut, and I can’t wait to join such an amazing and talented cast at the Aldwych Theatre.”
The critically acclaimed production of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL which is based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner and produced in association with Tina Turner herself, received its world premiere in April 2018 in London and subsequently broke all Box Office records at the Aldwych Theatre. The Broadway production recently completed its run and as well as the West End, the show is currently playing across Europe in Utrecht and Madrid, with a North American Tour recently launched. The production will open in Stuttgart in March next year and Australia in May.
Discover the heart and soul behind the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll at TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, the undeniable mega hit in London’s West End. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, experience Tina Turner’s triumphant story live on stage as this exhilarating celebration reveals the woman that dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers, and conquer the world—against all odds.
Kristina Love was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in Houston Texas. At the age of two, she began singing gospel in her church and at the age of eleven her family moved to Houston Texas where she began studying classical music. She received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance from the University of Oklahoma, and upon graduation, relocated to Germany where she has had the privilege of working in the ensembles of Dirty Dancing, Rocky the Musical, Sister Act, Disney’s Aladdin and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Her breakout role came when she played the title role in the first non-English version of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL in Hamburg Germany.
Elesha Paul Moses has had a career in the music industry for over 25 years. She was mentored by Matthew Knowles, as well as Will.I.Am and Tom Jones while appearing on The Voice. She has written and performed with the likes of house production duo Ku De Ta, superstar Lionel Richie and industry steadfast Nicky Graham and has backed Andy Abraham on his Eurovision performance. She recently led the two touring shows Whitney: Queen Of The Night and Tina: What’s Love Got To Do With It and has completed a successful tour in Denmark.
Caleb Roberts studied at The Brit School and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2017. He made his professional debut playing The King of France opposite Sir Ian McKellen in King Lear at Chichester Festival Theatre and in the West End. His other theatre credits include Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne Theatre for which he won a Black British Theatre Award; I Think We Are Alone for Frantic Assembly, She Ventures and He Wins for the Young Vic Theatre and Richard III for Headlong. His television and film credits include Stephen Frears’ A Very English Scandal and Petrichor.
Paula Kay plays Tina’s mother Zelma Bullock, Charis Alexandra playsTina’s sister Alline Bullock,George Jennings plays Tina’s Manager Roger Davies, Irene Myrtle Forrester plays Tina’s Grandmother, Kelly Hampson plays Ike and Tina’s manager Rhonda Graam, Gregory Haney plays Tina’s father Richard Bullock, Cordell Mosteller plays Tina’s first love Raymond Hill, Chris Grahamson plays Record Producer Phil Spector and Lyricist Terry Britten and Joseph Richardson plays record company Marketing Manager Erwin Bach.
Ensemble members are Megan Armstrong and Vanessa Dumatey,Thomas Sutcliffe who plays Carpenter, Turrell Barrett-Wallace who plays Tina’s son Ronnie and Joey James plays Tina’s son Craig, the Ikettes are played by Karis Anderson, Marie Finlayson and Natorii Illidge and swingsare Lauren Allan, Richard Appiah-Sarpong, Joshua Da Costa, Miles Anthony Daley, Amber Sylvia Edwards, Livvy Evans,Imogen Rose Hart,Jaz Robinson, Brad Veitch, Saran Webb and Samuel J Weir.
The children’s cast currently comprises Isabella Francis, nine years old from Bromley, Tia Roche, twelve years old from Bedfordshire and Maya Parks, eleven years old from Bromley, who share the role of Young Anna Mae; Cece Somolu, ten years old from Richmond, Kizzy Murrell, eleven years old from Surrey and Eden Butcher, ten years old from Barking, share the role of Young Alline; Spencer Salami, nine years old from Lambeth, Jhobe Duncan, nine years old from Waltham Forest, and Cohen March, eight years old from Lambeth, share the role of Young Craig.
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Bruno Poet,sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg and orchestrations by Ethan Popp.
TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced in the West End by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Theatre: Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF
Dates: Currently playing to 3 September 2023
Performances:Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday at 3pm
A Sheffield Theatres and National Theatre co-production In Association With Various Productions
SHEFFIELD THEATRES ANNOUNCE CAST FOR THE RETURN OF STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE
By Chris Bush Music and Lyrics Richard Hawley Director Robert Hastie Designer Ben Stones Choreographer Lynne Page
Sat 10 Dec 2022 – Sat 21 Jan 2023
Sheffield Theatres’ award-winning musical Standing at the Sky’s Edge, a co-production with the National Theatre in association with Various Productions, returns to the Crucible this Christmas ahead of its transfer to the Olivier theatre in February 2023.
Returning to the Crucible, having performed in Standing at the Sky’s Edge in 2019 are: Darragh Cowley, Robert Lonsdale, Maimuna Memon, Alastair Natkiel, Faith Omole, Deborah Tracey, Rachael Wooding and Alex Young.
Joining the production are: Ahmed Hamad, Samuel Jordan, Bobbie Little, David McKechnie, Baker Mukasa, Adam Price, Nicola Sloane and Jake Small.
Poppy wants to escape her old life. Joy and Jimmy want to spend the rest of their lives together. Rose and Harry want the new life they’ve been promised.
Winner of the Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards and the 2020 South Bank Sky Arts Award for Theatre, Standing at the Sky’s Edge is a celebration of strength and solidarity across six decades, set to the irresistible sounds of Richard Hawley.
Written by Chris Bush (ROCK / PAPER / SCISSORS) and directed by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Guys and Dolls), the production is a love letter to Sheffield and ode to the iconic Park Hill Estate. Captivating audiences during its sell-out 2019 debut, Standingat the Sky’s Edge makes its return to the Crucible stage this Christmas, before transferring to the Olivier theatre in London in February 2023.
Tickets for Standing at the Sky’s Edge are on sale now. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.
FUN-FILLED FESTIVE PROGRAMME COMES TO ALLY PALLY THIS WINTER
This Christmas, swap the north pole for north London and head up the hill for a fun-filled festive season for all the family!
A jam-packed programme runs from 28 November until 15 January 2023 including Bugsy Malone, Santa’s Grotto, festive Skate Sessions and the Cazoo World Darts Championships!
Alexandra Palace is all set for a festive spectacular kicking off this November with activities on offer for all ages including ice skating, theatre, pantomime and Santa’s Grotto, plus the world famous darts!
Enter the Palace’s beautiful Victorian Theatre and be transported to New York 1929, a city full of mobsters, showgirls and dreamers. That’s right, splurge guns at the ready because Bugsy Malone The Musical (3 Dec-15 Jan) is coming to town! Packed with instantly recognisable songs from Oscar-winner Paul Williams including My Name is Tallulah, You Give A Little Love and Fat Sam’s Grand Slam, this fun-filled and riotous musical comedy offers the perfect festive treat for all the family.
As you make your way to the theatre, festive lights, decorations, and carol singing will transform our East Court. Here you will find our Santa’s Grotto (2-23 Dec) where children can meet, receive a gift from and have their photos taken with the big man in red.
Skating is a year-round activity at Ally Pally, but the ice rink feels particularly merry at Christmas time and gives an opportunity for a full-on festive day out. Book onto one of our Christmas Skate Sessions or Christmas Club de Fromage Discos and enjoy whizzing around the rink to your favourite Christmas tunes, followed by a mulled wine, Baileys hot chocolate, and mince pie in our festive East Court Café.
Our beloved annual pantomime on ice is back and this year Ally Pally Amateur Productions presents a magical re-telling of the story of Rapunzel (5-12 December) by the Brothers Grimm put on by a cast of home-grown talent of all ages and Disney on Ice professionals.
On the west side of the Palace we welcome back the raucous Cazoo World Darts Championships (15 Dec-3 Jan) for the 29th staging of this prestigious event. Although tickets are well and truly sold out, we couldn’t talk about Christmas without mentioning the darts and look forward to another star-studded field and some ridiculous fancy dress!
We’re delighted to say that Christmas at Ally Pally has something for everyone. Make a day of it, make a night of it, make a day and night of it, Ally Pally looks forward to welcoming you back for a Christmas celebration to remember.
RSC REVEALS CHILDREN CAST IN “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”, INCLUDING THE ICONIC ROLE OF TINY TIM
The Royal Shakespeare Company has revealed the names of the children who will appear alongside Adrian Edmondson (who plays Scrooge) in its forthcoming production of Dickens’ classic festive tale, A Christmas Carol. The roles the children play include the iconic part of Tiny Tim, which will be shared by four young actors.
Adapted by David Edgar, the show runs in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon between 26 October 2022 – 1 January 2023.
Photo by Manuel Harlan (c) RSC
The role of Tiny Tim will be shared by Jasiri Brown (aged 9), Gracie Coates (aged 7), Jasper Dance (aged 11), and Alexander Joseph (aged 11).
Jasiri, who has a limb difference, is a successful model, and has previously taken part in several modelling campaigns, TV work and commercials. A Christmas Carol is his professional debut as a child actor. His interests are playing football, video games, reading and playing basketball.
Gracie, who has Cerebral Palsy, is making her professional theatre debut. She loves to perform and was previously in a Lego commercial to celebrate International Day of The Girl.
Jasper, who has lower limb differences and mobility problems, loves drama, swimming, cooking, table tennis and is always singing. A Christmas Carol is his professional debut.
Alexander, who has juvenile arthritis and other medical conditions, loves music producing, singing, acting and dancing. Last year he performed in The Wonderful at Theatre Peckham.
Rachel Kavanaugh, the director of A Christmas Carol, said: “Alexander, Gracie, Jasiri and Jasper all bring something exceptional and joyous to the role of Tim Cratchit through their own unique experience and talent. It is a privilege to work with them, along with all the children in the show. And great fun!”
The children’s cast also includes:
Benjamin Kuehl, Joseph Kuehl and Alastair Ngwenya share the roles of Peter Cratchit, Doctor’s Boy, Schoolboy, Tinder and Miner.
Aiden Cole, William Derbyshire and Joey Unitt share the roles of Joe Cratchit, Boy Scrooge, Henry, Master Clippy, Second Fezziwig child and Ignorance.
Aashirya Budathoki, Emilia Danks Smith and Serena Ram share the roles of Christmas Future, Miss Kwiff, Schoolboy, Victoria, Caroller and First Fezziwig child.
Bella Avi, Geneva Kaur Mann and Evangeline Parker share the role of Susan Cratchit, Charlotte, Schoolboy, Want and Fred’s daughter.
A Christmas Carol is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and designed by Stephen BrimsonLewis with lighting by Tim Mitchell. Music is by Catherine Jayes, Sound Design by Fergus O’Hare with Movement by Georgina Lamb.
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Charles Dickens, adapted by David Edgar
Wednesday 26 Oct 2022 – Sunday 1 Jan 2023
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB
Producers Barney Wragg, Liz Murdoch, Xavier Marchand, Mark Crowdy and Craig Ferguson are delighted to invite audiences to anintimate first run ofthe new musical Saving Grace which will have twelve performances only at theRiverside Studios from Tuesday 22 November – Sunday 4 December 2022. Tickets for the show are from £30 and are released for sale today, 4 October 2022.
With book by April De Angelis and music and lyrics by KT Tunstall, Saving Grace will be directed by Laurence Connor. Musical supervision and arrangements are by John Rigby with set and costume designs by Laura Hopkins, lighting by Bruno Poet, sound by Richard Brooker, orchestrations by KT Tunstall and John Rigby and casting by David Grindrod for Grindrod Burton Casting. Casting will be announced in due course. The production is based upon the original Sky film Saving Grace, written by Craig Ferguson and Mark Crowdy, based on a story by Mark Crowdy.
Grace’s new joint venture makes the most of her skills as a gardener but stepping into the underworld was never part of the bargain. The sudden death of her husband leaves Grace alone and on the verge of bankruptcy. But can an unlikely friendship and a surprising idea for a business save the day? Discover how Grace reaches new “highs” in this hilarious and heart-warming adventure.
Saving Grace was originally released in 2000 as the British comedy film starring Brenda Blethyn and Craig Ferguson, was directed by Nigel Cole and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it won the World Cinema Audience Award. After the success of the film, two prequels were made which were eventually developed into the hit ITV series Doc Martin.
Barney Wragg said: “It’s great to be working with Laurence again, the last time we worked together was on School of Rock on Broadway. As part of the development for School of Rock, we presented an early version of the show to live audiences at the Gramercy Theatre. This allowed the creative team to see a real audience reaction to the piece and allowed us to tweak and improve the work before we began the formal previews and opening at the Winter Garden. We’re excited to present Saving Grace at Riverside this November in the same vein. We are inviting audiences to have a first look at what goes into the creation of a new musical. It is a chance for them not only to see and enjoy Saving Grace, but to respond to the show and help our team improve and develop the piece. We are very much looking forward to the run at the Riverside Studios and sharing the next stage of our Saving Grace journey.”
KT Tunstall (credi Cortney Armitage)
KT Tunstall burst onto the music scene with her 2004 multi-platinum debut Eye to the Telescope which spawned the global hits “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and “Suddenly I See” establishing her as a performer as well as a Songwriter, with an ability for balancing introspective folk and propulsive rock. In the last few years, the Grammy-nominated Scottish Musician has expanded on these musical selves by focusing on a trilogy of records, where each album zeroes in on a single concept: soul, body and mind. The first, 2016’s KIN, was the soul record, 2018’s WAXwas the body record, and the new NUTis the mind record. Saving Grace will be Tunstall’s first project for the theatre.
April De Angelis (Credit Andy Woods)
April De Angelis is an acclaimed playwright who has worked in stage, radio and television. Her work includes My Brilliant Friend (Rose Theatre Kingston and National Theatre), The Village (Theatre Royal Stratford East), Frankenstein (Royal Exchange Theatre), Jumpy (starring Tamsin Greig, Royal Court and Duke of York’s Theatre, West End, Melbourne and Sydney), an adaptation of Wuthering Heights (Birmingham Rep), Wild East (Royal Court), A Laughing Matter (Out of Joint at National Theatre), A Warwickshire Testimony (Royal Shakespeare Company), The Positive Hour (Out of Joint at Hampstead Theatre), Playhouse Creatures (Sphinx Theatre Company at the Haymarket Theatre, at the Old Vic Theatre and at Chichester Festival Theatre), The Life and Times of Fanny Hill (The Old Fire Station Oxford and Bristol Old Vic). Other work includes the opera libretti Flight (Glyndebourne) and the Silent Twins (Almeida Theatre). Her television credits include Aristophanes (C4) and she has written extensively for radio including an acclaimed adaptation of Peyton Place (BBC Radio). Her original musical Gin Craze opened at Theatre Royal Northampton to rave reviews in July 2021 and will be revived in 2022/2023. She is currently under commission to Hampstead Theatre, Glyndebourne and Fiction House. Her new play Kerry Jackson will premiere at the National Theatre later this year.
Laurence Connor (Credit Brandon Bishop)
Laurence Connor’s directing credits include Cinderella (Gillian Lynne Theatre); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (The London Palladium); Chess (English National Opera); Unmasked (The Other Palace); Miss Saigon (Broadway, West End, US tours, UK tours, Australia, Japan, Korea, Austria); School of Rock (Broadway, West End, US tour, UK tour, Australia, China and Korea); Les Misérables (West End, Broadway, US tours, UK tours, Australia, Japan, Korea and Spain); Jesus Christ Superstar (UK and Australian arena tour); The Phantom of the Opera (UK and US tours) and Oliver! (UK tour). He directed the 25th anniversary concert of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall and the 25th anniversary concert of Les Misérables at the O2 in London, both of which were simultaneously broadcast in cinemas worldwide and subsequently released on DVD. His other DVD credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (world arena tour) and Miss Saigon (Prince Edward Theatre).
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Theatre: Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline St, London W6 9BN
Dates: 22 November – 4 December 2022
Performances:Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Sundays at 2pm
AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP PRODUCTIONS PROUDLY PRESENT A UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF MOTHER GOOSE
THE NATION’S PANTOMIME
STARRING IAN McKELLEN, JOHN BISHOP, MEL GIEDROYC
WRITTEN BY JONATHAN HARVEY DIRECTED BY CAL McCRYSTAL
OPENING AT THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON ON 3 DECEMBER 2022 BEFORE A SEASON IN THE WEST END AT THE DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE
FROM 15 DECEMBER 2022 TO 29 JANUARY 2023
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Ambassador Theatre Group Productions are delighted to announce a UK and Ireland Tour of the pantomime MOTHER GOOSE. The first of its kind to tour the country and play all the way to Easter! www.mothergooseshow.co.uk
Starring Ian McKellen as Mother Goose, John Bishop as Vic Goose and Mel Giedroyc as the Goose, the show will play at the Theatre Royal Brighton from 3 – 11 December 2022, before a season at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London’s West End (15 December 2022 – 29 January 2023). It will then play Chichester Festival Theatre (7 – 11 February 2023), Sheffield Lyceum (14 – 18 February 2023), Wolverhampton Grand (22 – 26 February 2023), Liverpool Empire (28 February – 4 March 2023), Oxford New Theatre (7 – 11 March 2023), Bord Gais Energy Theatre Dublin (22 – 26 March 2023), and Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff (28 March – 1 April 2023) with further venues to be announced soon.
This very special pantomime is written by Jonathan Harvey (Coronation Street, Gimme Gimme Gimme) and directed by award-winning director Cal McCrystal. Set and Costume design is by Liz Ascroft, Choreography by Lizzi Gee, Lighting design by Prema Mehta, Sound design by Ben Harrison andPuppet Design and Creation by Chris Barlow. Casting is by Anne Vosser and the Production Manager is Ben Arkell.
The show will also star Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Jack, Simbi Akande as Jill, Sharon Ballard as Evil Fairy Malignia and Karen Mavundukure as Good Fairy Encanta. The cast also includes Adam Brown, Gabriel Fleary, Richard Leeming and Genevieve Nicole. Further casting to be announced soon.
Mother Goose (McKellen) and her husband Vic (Bishop) run an Animal Sanctuary for waifs and strays and live a wholesome life inside an abandoned Debenhams. But when a goose (Giedroyc) flies in, will fame and fortune get the better of them?! Will Ma’s feathers be seriously ruffled? Will Pa tell everyone to get stuffed?! And is their fair life about to turn fowl? Get ready for fairies with hefty vocal chords, puppets with tap dance qualifications and impeccably constructed mayhem that will quack up the whole family. This hilarious family-friendly mother of all pantos is the ultimate theatrical feast full of fun, farce and more than a couple of surprises that will make you honk out loud.
Mother Goose is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Hunter Arnold, Seaview, Wessex Grove, Richard Winkler & Dawn Smalberg, Caiola Productions and George Waud for Groove International.
The Londoner is the official hotel partner of Mother Goose.
For further press information please contact Simon Raw, Emily Webb, Daniel O’Carroll on
