The Octagon Theatre is currently home to the world premiere of the new musical based on the novel by Markus Zusak, The Book Thief.
The play begins with an introduction from our Narrator, played by Ryan O’Donnell who sets the scene of Nazi Germany and follows the story of Liesel, played by Niamh Palmer. Palmer shone among her cast of elders and I was mesmerised by her vocal talent. She brought Liesel to life in a way that was truly entrancing and we felt every emotion alongside her in this harrowing story. Her character was courageous and proud, and became very close friends with a Jewish Boxer named Max when they began hiding him from the Nazis in their basement.
Max played by Daniel Krinkler was the stand out performer for me in this production. His emotion and diction was impeccable in musical numbers such ‘Hello Stars Reprise’. His interaction with Liesel was spectacular and I was overcome with emotion during the musical number ‘In This Book’. We felt empathy for his character who was prejudiced for simply being different, for being himself, for being Jewish.
Whilst the actions of the Nazis during this play were something we hope history will never repeat the play sent an important message and reminder of how kindness grows to be so much more than hatred could ever be.
The atmosphere in the theatre was magical and the set design by Good Teeth was impeccable. The musical is based on the book, The Book Thief and so the numerous books that acted both as lighting and a reminder of the importance of books was an element to the design I found particularly pleasing.
High regard must also be given to the puppet designer Samuel Wilde. The use of puppetry throughout and in the final scenes of the play made it particularly moving. I found myself seated at the edge of my seat entranced and amazed at how the puppets became as real as the characters on stage operating them.
This musical is outstanding and I have many hopes that we will soon see it on the West End and Broadway. This if not a play to miss. It is harrowing, it is emotional, it is endearing. If you’re a lover of the book or a lover of musicals this is one for you.
Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 24th September 2022
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
4****
Northern Ballet swims in to the Lyceum theatre with this beautiful performance. Whether familiar with the Disney adaptation or not, the ballet is easy to follow with the fantastic talents that lay within the entire cast. Get ready to take a dive…
The ballet was premiered in 2017, so still relatively new, and was chosen due to its popularity. Artistic Director David Nixon CBE also wanted the challenge of creating an underwater world, which he has left no stone unturned. This stage version of The Little Mermaid follows the original theme of Hans Christian Andersen’s and with this you don’t get the typical happily-ever-after ending with it. However, there is a resonating moral to the story.
The opening scene introduces you to the wonderful life under the sea and its inhabitants, there is lots going off but this is done really elegantly as you would expect from Northern Ballet. Meeting Marilla (Abigail Prudames) the little mermaid and her sisters Erina (Rachael Gillespie) and Evelina (Dominique Larose) is a real treat, all expressive and magnetic with their exquisite stage presence. Prudames often travelling across the stage en-pointe seamlessly in her feminine and graceful manner. The way that the mermaids appear to be swimming while propped up high on fellow dancers is just so fluid and believable.
There are many notable dancers and a healthy number of cast on stage. Playing Lyr is Sean Bates and what a great character he is. He is the ballets villain and is perfect for this part. The choreography for him is so well suited and well executed. Dillion the Seahorse is played by Filippo Di Vilio, he takes on the role of Marillas best friend and adds some colour and playfulness to the piece. Prince Adair (Joseph Taylor) could charm you off your seat with his seductive gaze and masterful moves, he is such an engaging dancer and you can’t take your eyes off him.
The set portrays under the sea with excellence. The simple shell-like set doesn’t take anything away from the show but adds enough to transport you straight down to the seabed. This is complemented by some magnificent props in the way of jelly fish and other sea creatures, compliments to Kimie Nakano. Costumes are out of this world, just as they should be! Lots of sparkly and glimmering mermaids.
The entire performance is moving and enthralling as you would expect from a ballet. All the performers leave you in awe of their talent and strength. A must see for all ages.
RETURNING TO THE TURBINE THEATRE FROM 07 OCTOBER TO 27 NOVEMBER 2022
Making the perfect dismount into The Turbine Theatre and playing, Megan, our typical, all American, high school senior with a love of cheerleading is Jessica Aubrey(Bedknobs and Broomsticks). Taking on role of True Directions’ resident rebel will be Megan Hill (Maria Friedman and Friends – Legacy), as Graham.
The rest of the cast is completed by Louis Amir Hook (Here Comes Santa Claus) as Jalal and will cover Mike, Kenneth Avery-Clark (Violet)as Dad/Larry, Inez Budd (Heathers) as Sinead, Georgina Hagen (Heathers) as Mary Brown, Freddie Love (Crash Course) as Mom/Lloyd and will cover Mary Brown, Michael Mather (Jet Set Go) as Jared/Rock, Patrick Munday (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) as Dolph, Julian Quijano (The 12 Tenors) as André, Noel Sullivan (How To Survive an Apocalypse) as Mike, Ash Weir (Dr Who: Time Fracture) as Kimberly/Hilary, Ciaran Spencer (making his professional stage debut) and Josie Kemp (Les Misérables) as the Super Cheerleaders.
Paul Taylor-Mills & Bill Kenwright, in association with Adam Bialow, by special arrangement with LIONSGATE® are pleased to bring back, But I’m A Cheerleader: The Musical, book and lyrics by Bill Augustin and music by Andrew Abrams, based on the LIONSGATE® motion picture, directed and story by Jamie Babbit and screenplay by Brian Wayne Peterson. First presented as part of MTFestUK 2019, the musical saw its first full staging at TheTurbine Theatre earlier this year and is now back this autumn!
But I’m A Cheerleader: The Musical is the story of Megan, an all-American high school cheerleader who has the perfect life.
That is, until she finds out her friends and family suspect her of being a lesbian and send her packing to ‘True Directions,’ a rehabilitation camp to set her straight. It is at this camp, under the strict tutelage of headmistress Mary Brown that Megan meets Graham, a sexy tomboy who shows her exactly what her ‘true direction’ is. Hilarious, irreverent and full of heart, But I’m A Cheerleader: The Musical is a quirky coming-of-age comedy about sexual awakening and self-realization.
But I’m A Cheerleader: The Musical, has book and lyrics by Bill Augustin, music by Andrew Abrams and direction by Tania Azevedo. It will run at The Turbine Theatre from 7 October – 27 November, with Gala Night on 11 October and press night on 12 October.
Wiltshire Creative today announces the cast for their pantomime, Cinderella – Wiltshire Creative’s Artistic Director Gareth Machin directs Lucy Aiston, (Hastag), Samuel Ashall (Swing), Alex Crandon (Deldini), Fergie Fraser (Viral), Daniel Goode (Lady Stella Hardup), Dani Hardy (Swing), Jade Johnson (Fairy Showbiz), George Olney (Prince), and Jasmine Triadi (Cinderella), in a wonderful retelling of this classic tale.
Following the success of their previous award-winning pantos, this brilliant adaptation of Cinderella written by Plested, Brown and Wilsher willkickstart Salisbury’s Christmas festivities. With James Button returning for another year of imaginative stage design. The production opens on 30 November with previews from 26 November and runs until 8 January 2023.
Gareth Machin, Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative said today: “I am delighted to be directing Cinderella this year with such a brilliantly talented cast and creative team. Salisbury Playhouse will be full of laughter and festive fun. Adam Brown, Clare Plested and Amanda Wilsher have written a wonderful and hilarious adaptation of a much-loved family classic. Combing the classic tale with contemporary flare, I know it will keep audiences young and old equally enthralled!”
A Wiltshire Creative production
CINDERELLA
by Plested, Brown & Wilsher
26 November – 8 January
Director: Gareth Machin; Designer: James Button; Lighting Designer: Nic Farman
The classic rags to riches tale has delighted generations and now Plested and Brown (Clare Plested, Adam Brown and Amanda Wilsher) are back with their fresh take on this beloved story.
Will Cinderella make it to the ball? Will the Fairy Godmother save the day? And will her step-sisters ever give her a rest and help her with the housework?
Cinderella is full of traditional pantomime fun with plenty of jokes, songs from across the decades, and more magic and sparkle than you can shake a wand at.
Dig out your best frock, polish your glass slippers and prepare for a pantomime party like no other.
Lucy Aiston plays Hastag. Her theatre credits include, Spring Awakening (Newcastle College),
The Little Mermaid (Chinese tour), Redhead (Bridewell Theatre), The Guinea Pig Club (Perfect Pitch), Trioperas (Peacock Theatre), Brass the Musical (Union Theatre), A Christmas Carol (Lyceum Theatre) Songs for Jeremy (Southwark Playhouse), No Limits (Soho Theatre), The Hold (Graeae Theatre) Peter Pan (Under the Bridge), Squad Goals (Dagenham and Redbridge Football Stadium), The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Northern Stage), and Chess (Theatre Royal Drury Lane).
Samuel Ashall (Swing). His theatre credits include, Gypsy (BIF), The Knights of Music, Industry Mind Awards (The Grad Fest), Sleeping Beauty (UK tour), and Roles We’ll Never Play (Lyric Theatre).
Alex Crandon plays Deldini. His theatre credits include, 3 Winters (Corbett Theatre), Consent (Bridewell Theatre), The Drowsy Chaperone (Harlow Playhouse), and Bugsy Malone (Bloomsbury Theatre). His film credits include, Love Without Walls, Love is Thicker Than Water, and Coffee Break.
Fergie Fraser plays Viral. Her theatre credits include Restless Natives (Sympathetic Ink Ltd).
Daniel Goode plays Lady Stella Hardup. His theatre credits include, Beauty and the Beast (Rose Theatre) A Christmas Carol, Treasure Island, The Second Mrs Tanqueray, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Alice in Winterland (Rose Theatre Kingston), The Taming of the Shrew, The Phoenician Women, Julius Caesar (RSC), Hamlet (Peter Hall Company), Chicago (West End), Great Expectations, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Lady Chatterley’s Lover (Tilted Wig), The Beggar’s Opera, Alice in Wonderland (Storyhouse Chester), The Misanthrope (ETT/Liverpool Playhouse), Hamlet (ETT, West End), The Taming of the Shrew, Don Juan, Mother Courage (English Touring Theatre), The Merry Wives Of Windsor, Romeo and Juliet, The Wind in the Willows (Chester Performs), Maurice (Above The Stag), The Taming of the Shrew (Wilton’s Music Hall), Noel & Gertie (Salisbury Playhouse), Sympathetic Magic (The Steam Industry), Brontë (UK tour), Blue Murder (Manchester Library Theatre), Oscar (King’s Head Theatre), and The Government Inspector, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Wings, Private Lives (Harrogate Theatre). His television redits include Hustle; and for film, Shadowlands, Another Life, The Re-distributors, Queen’s Evidence, Beyond Death, Gateway to Heaven, and Catflap.
Dani Hardy (Swing). Her theatre credits include, Rapunzel (UK tour), Beauty and The Beast, Pinocchio (Worthing Pavilion Theatre), The Night Before Christmas, Cinderella (PHA), and A Little Night Music, Dare to Dream, The Laine Show (Laine Theatre Arts).
Jade Johnson plays Fairy Showbiz. Her theatre credits include, The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), Sweet Charity (Leicester Curve), Mad on Her (Arts Theatre), All Killer: The Midnight BeastMusical (Live Nation Pleasance King Dome), and The Color Purple (Cadogan Hall). Her television credits include, World’s End, and Shelf Life.
George Olney plays Prince. His theatre credits include Mamma Mia!(Novello Theatre), Eurobeat The Pride of Europe (Fourth Wall Live),Aladdin (The Corn Exchange Newbury), Saturday Night Fever (UK tour), Fiddler On The Roof (Playhouse Theatre), Starlight Express (Starlighthalle), Grease, Top Hat (UK tour), Eurobeat Moldova (Pleasance Grand), Deepover(Camden Fringe Festival), and Children of Eden (Prince of Wales Theatre). His film credits include Poisoner and Hamlet.
Gareth Machin is the Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative. Previously, he was studio associate at the National Theatre, artistic director of Southwark Playhouse and associate director at Bristol Old Vic. Previous Christmas shows for Wiltshire Creative, include Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon, Robin Hood, Little Robin Redbreast and The Night Before Christmas.
WILTSHIRE CREATIVE
Wiltshire Creative brings together Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury International Arts Festival and Salisbury Playhouse. Salisbury Playhouse is one of Britain’s leading producing theatres, with a national reputation for home-grown work of the highest quality that attracts audiences from across Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and beyond. Recent theatre productions include the world premieres of Blood Wedding by Barney Norris and The Mirror Crack’d by Rachel Wagstaff. Recent audio and digital productions include the world première of Making Massinger by Simon Butteriss, the British première of Call Cutta at Home by Rimini Protokoll and Shift a significant youth led project amplifying young voices.
CAKE: THE MARIE ANTIONETTE PLAYLIST WILL BE ON THE ROAD FROM MARCH 2023!
AND PAUL TAYLOR-MILLS’ NEW MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
MTFESTUK
RETURNS FOR 2023! WITH SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN
Paul Taylor-Mills, Artistic Director, Turbine Theatre said, “we are thrilled to announce that, Cake – A Parisienne Dance Gig inspired by Marie Antoinette, will be going on a UK tour in Spring 2023. We’re delighted to be partnering with some of our leading regional theatres to present a development production of this brilliant new show.
I first commissioned the show at The Other Palace five years ago and seeing it evolve over the last few years has been a real privilege. To be working with some of the best theatre makers we have; Drew McOnie, Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, Tasha Taylor Johnson and Jack McManus, is a real honour. The show started life at our first MTFestUK and it’s great to see all the regional theatres involved be as passionate about its future as I am.
Also, importantly, submissions are open for MTFestUK 2023. We want to hear from you, and see if your show can be the next one we bring to the stage.”
CAKE: THE MARIE ANTIONETTE PLAYLIST
This brand-new musical, come gig, come ballet, is from some of the most exciting figures in modern British Theatre. Cake: The Marie Antionette Playlist will be venturing on a UK tour from March 2023, starting at the Mayflower Studios, Southampton.
Cake: The Marie Antionette playlist has an award-winning creative team including Olivier winner’s Drew McOnie (In the Heights; Jesus Chris Superstar) and Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Emilia– The Globe) a book co-written by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and Tasha Taylor Johnson with songs also by Tasha Taylor Johnson
Cake combines rap and RnB with 18th century France to retell a story that sparked a revolution. When Marie Antoinette married King Louis, her reputation was already tarnished by gossip. But when she is implicated in a crime to defraud the crown jewellers of a diamond necklace, it is not just her reputation at stake, but the monarchy and France itself.
Cake was originally commissioned by Paul Taylor-Mills (Heathers & In the Heights) and promises to re-define our expectations of what a musical can be.
MTFEST 2023
Paul Taylor-Mills presents the return of the highly celebrated annual festival of new musical theatre, MTFestUK 2023, running from 30 January – 11 February 2023 at The Turbine Theatre in Battersea.
Submissions to be part of this festival are now open, and to submit shows for consideration please email [email protected] by the closing date on Friday 29 October 2022.
The Festivalsets out to promote quality artistry, showcasing new musicals to UK audiences with a view to elevating them to full production, and giving audiences an insight into the process of creating new work and the art of collaboration. Paul Taylor-Mills launched the inaugural MTFestUK season at The Other Palace in 2019, followed by a 2020 & 2021 season at The Turbine Theatre.
Tilted Wig presents York Theatre Royal’s Around the World in 80 Days February – July 2023
Tilted Wig (Murder, Margaret and Me; Lady Chatterley’s Lover; The Picture of Dorian Gray) are heading on tour with York Theatre Royal’s Around the World in 80 Days. This exciting adventure, adapted from Jules Verne’s iconic story, is touring the UK from February – July 2023. Circus meets theatre in this rip-roaring caper for a dazzling and delightful show for all the family.
Join a raggle-taggle band of travelling circus performers as they embark on their most daring feat yet: to recreate the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he sets off on his race around the world, led by the Ringmaster. But the Acrobat is biting at his heels, determined to have the star turn as Nellie Bly and see a woman win the race.
Audiences can sit back and enjoy as skilled performers traverse countries across the globe, embracing each character from the book and navigating different modes of transport. Join the Ringmaster, the Acrobat, the Clown, the Trick Rider and the Knife Thrower on their journey as fact clashes with fiction in this madcap adventure around the world.
Around the World in 80 Days is adapted and directed by Juliet Forster (Cinderella, York Theatre Royal; The York Radio Mystery Plays, BBC Radio and York Theatre Royal).
Haunting site-specific theatre show opens at the Old Royal Naval College Thursday 13th October – Saturday 12th November 2022 Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN
A thrilling evening of dark comedy and suspense awaits audiences at the Old Royal Naval College this autumn. The five week run also offers a chilling treat over the Halloween weekend, with an extra-special spooky tour. 1797: The Mariner’s Revenge is a haunting theatrical tale set in the never-before-seen attics of the historic Admiral’s House, written by HistoryRiot’s Mark Knightley and directed by Briony O’Callaghan.
It’s 1797 and Admiral Nelson has returned to England and dines in the grand rooms of Admiral’s House at Greenwich Hospital. Upstairs in the dark attic rooms, an injured mariner and a mercurial albatross plot revenge. 1797: The Mariner’s Revenge is a tale rooted in the history of the building as a hospital for injured sailors. This unique site-specific show, which moves through the upper rooms of Admiral’s House in the Old Royal Naval College, fuses physical theatre, puppetry and booming sea shanties to immerse the audience in a salty struggle for revenge.
Pre-show, audiences will have the chance to enjoy a complimentary rum cocktail and explore the rarely opened Lord Admiral’s House, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. This imposing building on the banks of the Thames is reportedly the site of sinister and otherworldly apparitions, the perfect location for this haunting theatrical journey with the lonely Mariner.
An extra-special spooky experience over Halloween includes a 30-minute after-dark guided tour of gory stories from the Old Royal Naval College in some of the hidden areas of the site. This thrilling tour-and-show combo includes access to areas of the site rarely open to the public.
The Old Royal Naval College are collaborating with HistoryRiot and Tramshed on this site-specific show, which will include two relaxed performances with BSL interpretation.
Northern Ballet’s magical festive favourite returns to theatres
10 November 2022 – 7 January 2023
Touring to Woking New Victoria Theatre, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Norwich Theatre Royal, Hull New Theatre and Leeds Grand Theatre
This winter Northern Ballet’s enchanting festive favourite The Nutcracker, returns to stages across the UK, taking audiences on a sparkling adventure as one child’s Christmas dreams come true. The Nutcracker will open at Woking New Victoria Theatre on Thursday 10 November and tour to Nottingham Theatre Royal, Norwich Theatre Royal and Hull New Theatre before arriving at Leeds Grand Theatre for a three week run over the Christmas period.
In the midst of a festive party, as the fire crackles and the pile of presents grows ever higher, Clara is caught up in the warmth and excitement of Christmas and becomes enthralled by her new Nutcracker doll. But, as the clock strikes midnight, her Nutcracker proves to be no ordinary toy.
After saving her Nutcracker from the wily Mouse King, Clara is whisked away on the magical journey of a lifetime through a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and the famous Sugar Plum Fairy.
Choreographed and directed by former Artistic Director David Nixon CBE, The Nutcracker is set to the famous Tchaikovsky score played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia. The production features stunning Regency-style sets by Charles Cusick Smith with lighting by Mark Jonathan.
Director, Choreographer and Costume Designer David Nixon CBE, said:
“The Nutcracker is not just a ballet, it is a tradition for many families and generations, a way of having shared memories at a time of year when togetherness turns to the fore.
I believe that The Nutcracker offers the perfect festive escapism for every generation, a chance to revel in the child-like magic of Christmas.”
Northern Ballet is presenting audio-described performances and touch tours for visually-impaired patrons at each venue. For more information about additional events at the theatre, visit northernballet.com/nutcracker-events
Theatre Royal Concert Hall Nottingham – until Saturday 24 September 2022
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
1*
The Wicked Lady is a 2-hander play, written and directed by James Williams, the play is inspired by the legend of a noblewoman turned highway-woman Katherine Ferrers, known as the Wicked Lady, who is said to haunt the village of Markyate in Hertfordshire. We are led to believe that Ferrers’ tale is the background to a modern-day mystery in which a child has been abducted, but here begins the bewildering experience that was The Wicked Lady.
It started out marvellously, as we took our seats in the theatre, atmospheric sounds were being played and there were ominous sheets draped and a forest scene on the stage. Then boom, on walks a police detective to set the scene and implant seeds of fear. He spoke directly to the audience and told us that the police were on the case of the missing child and how they needed to call in the help of a paranormal debunker to support the case. We were then introduced to Alice Beaumont. After some initial reluctance, Alice agreed to spend a few nights at Ferrers’ disused manor house Markyate Cell, which is where they suspect the missing child is, and where things begin to go bump in the night.
The story of The Wicked Lady made no sense. There appeared to be a moral, and a message the writer was trying to get across, but it was lost in translation with a lot of unnecessary dialogue, static and stilted staging and a very strange choice of pace. The sound levels were poor, and we were unable to hear a lot of what was being said, but even when this was rectified in the second half, it didn’t seem to improve viewing. The narrative would benefit from stripping out some of the lengthy explanations, the story would not need it had it made sense.
The initial jump scares were effective, from slams to shadows, some of the audience actually jumped, unfortunately these became repetitive and expected.
The lighting and smoke effects were great, but the set was strange. It did not give images of gothic architecture but more that of a ski cabin. Also, there were some parts of the set which didn’t make sense. There was furniture that was suddenly accessible because it now lended itself to the story: A locked bureau is now open and contains whiskey glasses and a fresh apple, but they are in a disused gothic manor house?
The characters did questionable things which made them comical and unbelievable. The intentional jokes did not land, and the audience were laughing during the supposed scary parts. The Wicked Lady missed the mark on so many levels.
Nicki Davy plays Alice Beaumont and is largely a sole actor during the manor house scenes. She did exceptionally well with the amount of dialogue she needed to deliver, but it was difficult to endear ourselves to her as she was pretty one note in her story and delivery. I feel this is more down to the writing than the performance.
Saul Bache plays the detective sergeant Sean Fenton. He is slick and likeable, helping us to understand his diligent efforts to discover the whereabouts of the missing child. Again, the writing let is performance down, as it meandered into the ridiculous.
The Wicked Lady could have been amazing, it has all the basics for a wonderful gothic horror story, with a truly horrific modern twist, but unfortunately it fell foul to being verbose, having glaring plot holes and it was at best, an amateur production.
THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING, INTERNATIONAL CABARET SENSATION IS BACK!
Underbelly today announces that the critically acclaimed, genre-defining and world-renowned cabaret, La Clique is returning to London’s glittering West End this Christmas, fresh off a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe season. Starting on the 9th of November and concluding on the 7th of January 2023 in the majestic Spiegeltent in Leicester Square. With less than 100 days until Christmas, a night with La Clique is the ultimate, awe-inspiring experience to get you into the festive spirit. Featuring a brand-new cast bringing you spectacular entertainment, jaw-dropping acrobatics and never seen before performances – plus some returning favourites.
The outstanding cast will be announced in due course and will feature incredible and breath-taking acts from around the globe – a night with La Clique is not to be missed, prepare to be amazed and astounded this festive season. La Clique is returning to the Leicester Square Spiegeltent after successful seasons in 2019 and 2021 and has become a well-loved staple on the London festive scene.
Born at the Edinburgh Festival in 2004 and subsequently travelling the world to international acclaim, La Clique is widely regarded as THE original Spiegeltent cabaret show that created a genre of its own with its award winning and superlative family of circus, cabaret and music performers as well as its unique and irreverent atmosphere.
