Joseph is my go to musical. The first musical I ever saw, just under 40 years ago. The first musical I ever saw in the West End around 30 years ago and a perennial favourite ever since.
This re-imagined version by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice was first performed at the London Palladium in 2019 and is now on its first tour around the UK. Produced by Michael Harrison, this version is gloriously colourful and full of fun. For me, it was reminiscent of a school assembly, but in a good way and the use of the children with the adults worked really well.
Alexandra Burke led the cast in her role of Narrator. Beautifully pregnant, I’m amazed how she managed to carry a whole musical in her advanced condition – although I think the sparkly trainers may have been a concession to her gravidity. Rarely off the stage, Burke played multiple roles including Joseph’s dad, Potiphar’s wife and various others with very impressive singing and dancing. I was incredibly impressed, but I hope she gets to rest between performances though.
Jac Yarrow had his first professional role playing Joseph at the Palladium, nominating and winning multiple awards for his performance. And it’s easy to see why, lyrically versatile and immensely likeable. His vocals were outstanding for Close Every Door, showing a huge range of emotions and he seemed to be genuinely enjoying himself in the role. We also get a performance by Joseph alumni, Jason Donovan as the Elvis inspired Pharaoh and his breakout number where he explains his troubling dreams to Joseph was an audience favourite.
But this is an ensemble piece and all the performers are excellent the brothers – Shane Antony-Whitely, Tyler Ephraim, Zac Frieze, MattGibson, Will Hawkesworth and Sam Stones perform a variety of musical styles from calypso, to a tango, a hoe-down and in the case of Those Canaan Days a song that wouldn’t sound out of place being sung in a French wine bar by the Little Sparrow herself. All aided by Erica-Jayne Alden, Natalie Benyworth, Gemma Buckingham, Meg Darcy, Abbie Platts, Rochelle Sherona and Holly Willock and a group of 8 children interacting and harmonising beautifully.
John Rigby clearly enjoyed himself leading the orchestra and Joann M. Hunter’s choreography, Morgan Large’s design and Laurence Connors expert direction all combine to give us an outstanding production.
In Manchester until April 2nd and on tour around the UK, with a standing ovation and an encore that goes on forever, expressive singing of well written songs, comic interaction and spellbinding performances make this a show not to be missed.
Rehearsal images are released today for BONNIE AND CLYDE.
Frances Mayli McCann and Jordan Luke Gage will star as the titular Bonnie and Clyde in the West End premiere of the cult-sensation BONNIE AND CLYDE THE MUSICAL, opening at the Arts Theatre from Saturday9 April 2022. www.bonnieandclydemusical.com
They join the previously announced Natalie McQueen as ‘Blanche Barrow’ and George Maguire as ‘Buck Barrow’. The full company includes Cleve September as ‘Ted’ and Ako Mitchell as ‘Preacher’, Pippa Winslow as ‘Cumie Barrow/Governor Miriam Ferguson/Eleanore’, Gracie Lai as ‘Emma Parker/Stella’, Alistair So as ‘Sheriff Schmid’, Alexander Evans as ‘Henry Barrow/Deputy Johnson’, Ross Dawes as ‘Captain Frank Hamer’, Barney Wilkinson as ‘Bud/Archie’ and swings Charlie McCullagh and Annie Guy. Casting for the roles of ‘Trish’ and Young ‘Bonnie’ and ‘Clyde’ to be announced.
Hugh Dichmont’s entertaining exploration of the search for happiness shows exciting potential but needs sharper focus.
The audience sit around the stage area, strewn with sequins, confetti, and balloons, with the cast sitting at opposite ends as if we are joining their party a little late. Some clowning from Valeria Rodríguez and Tosin Olomowewe sets up the seemingly random nature of the performance, and then things get a little darker.
The plots follow a rape survivor who attends acting school to learn to laugh again, a tech entrepreneur trialling a watch that injects endorphins to the wearer for a brief feeling of happiness, a Colombian house cleaner who uses her sexuality to hide her pain and a couple celebrating Christmas every day. Directed by Tom Ward, the tone swerves violently between absurdity and emotional honesty, with lots of dark humour that occasionally misses the mark as the scene ends and another begins. With various storylines unfolding episodically, the order in which the sections of the play are performed varies at each performance, with the clowns encouraging audience members spinning a wheel of fortune to determine the running order. With the titles of each section written faintly on small pieces of paper above the stage, this may aid the cast, but has no impact on the audience, making it easy to forget this conceit as the play progresses. Other shows following this model have spun the wheel between scenes, which slows the pace but could continue the silliness of the clowning opening; also giving the audience a chance to process what they have just seen and not be confused as to whether they are watching part of the same story. The plotlines are all really interesting and important, and the reasons behind the actions of some of the characters are revealed in different episodes, but none of them feel quite complete and the weak transitions mean that each section ends with a whimper rather than a bang.
The tough topics are approached sensitively, and although some dialogue is clunky, the impressive cast keep the audience engaged. Kate Sketchley’s rape survivor is a standout both in her comedic scenes learning to laugh with the ridiculous child diva Hugo (Evan L. Barker) and more serious moments facing the same actor as a more sinister character. Mohana Rajagopal is heart-breaking as the wife of John (James Heatlie), who is suffering from dementia and has sacrificed everything to ensure he is safe and happy. Tosin Olomowewe’s tech entrepreneur Daniel’s drive to provide fake and transient happiness for the masses and himself while he ignores the misery of his own family results in a particularly disturbing scene where his young son (James Heatlie) uses the technology himself.
With more development, Who You Are And What You Do has the makings of a remarkable play. As it is, the production is an entertaining but confusing night out that will spark lots of discussion on the journey home.
Fourth Wall Live and Frank Wildhorn are delighted to announce that West End stars Trevor Dion Nicholas, Natalie McQueen, John Owen-Jones, Christine Allado, Natalie May Paris, Frances Mayli McCann, Jordan Luke Gage and The Arts Ed Choir will be joining the composing icon on stage for FRANK & FRIENDS – The Music of Frank Wildhorn at the Cadogan Hall on Sunday 17 April 2022 at 6.30pm. Tickets on sale now www.fw-live.com/frank
Frank Wildhorn is delighted to be performing FRANK & FRIENDS for the first time in London. Presented by Fourth Wall Live FRANK & FRIENDS celebrates the breadth of renowned work from composer Frank Wildhorn, with selections from his pop, jazz, and theatre catalogues, including music from his musicals, Jekyll and Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Bonnie and Clyde, Wonderland and Dracula.
Frank Wildhorn is a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award nominated celebrated composer of both musical theatre and popular songs including having written the Number One international hit “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” for Whitney Houston. Throughout his career he has written songs that have been recorded and performed by artists such as Hootie & the Blowfish, The Moody Blues, Stix, Johnny Mathis, Patti LaBelle, Trisha Yearwood, Colm Wilkinson, Anthony Warlow, Michael Ball, Beverley Knight, Kenny Rogers, Sammy Davis Jr, and Natalie Cole, to name a few. Among his forty original shows around the world are Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Civil War, Dracula, Wonderland, Bonnie & Clyde, Victor/Victoria, The Count of Monte Cristo, Carmen, Rudolf, Camille Claudel, Mata Hari, Death Note, Excalibur/Artus, and The Man Who Laughs. At the end of 2021 the Vienna Symphony Orchestra’s recording of an original composition by Wildhorn was released, making him the first American to have a full-length symphony premiered by the World-renowned company.
Trevor Dion Nicholas’s West End credits include ‘George Washington’ in Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre and ‘Genie’ in Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre. He also presents on Magic at the Musicals and appears as a panellist on ITV’s All Star Musicals. In January 2022 he played the role of ‘Preacher’ in Bonnie and Clyde In Concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Natalie McQueen’s West End credits include playing ‘Doralee Rhodes’ in 9 to 5 The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre. Her other theatre credits include the UK tour of Wonderland, Murder Ballad at the Arts Theatre and Starlight Express at The Other Palace. She is currently due to star as ‘Blanche Barrow’ in the West End premiere of Bonnie and Clyde The Musical at the Arts Theatre, a role she played in the sold-out Bonnie and Clyde In Concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
John Owen-Jones is Broadway and West End star and recording artist, whose credits include playing Jean Valjean in Les Misérablesand The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. He has now recorded six studio albums, with his most recent, Spotlight, having been released in February 2019.
Christine Allado is best known for her award-winning performance as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds in the original West End production of Hamilton and for playing Vanessa in the Olivier Award winning production of In The Heights. Most recently she has been playing the role of Tzipporah in The Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre.
Natalie May Paris is best known as ‘Jane Seymore’ in the West End production of Six The Musical, a role she played both in the West End and during the UK Tour as well as appearing on the show’s cast recording.
Frances Mayli McCann is an Olivier Award nominated actress, who originated the role of ‘Kylah’ in Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour. Her other West End credits include ‘Heather McNamara’ in Heathers at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, ‘The Mistress’ in Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and ‘Eponine’in the UK and International Tour ofLes Misérables. She is currently due to star as ‘Bonnie Parker’ in the West End premiere of Bonnie and Clyde The Musical at the Arts Theatre, the role she played in the sold-out Bonnie and Clyde In Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Jordan Luke Gage is best known for his portrayal of ‘Romeo’ in the Olivier Award winning &Juliet at The Shaftesbury Theatre. His other West End credits include ‘Strat’ in Bat Out Of Hell at The Dominion Theatre and ‘JD’ in Heathers at Theatre Royal Haymarket. His television credits include playing ‘Adrian Barber’ in ITV’s Cilla, and ‘Luc’ in Cucumber on Channel 4. He is currently due to star as ‘Clyde Barrow in the West End premiere of Bonnie and Clyde The Musical.
Fourth Wall Live is an exciting new collaboration between boutique concert producer Club 11 London and theatrical producers DLAP Group. Having previously successfully produced Chita Rivera at Cadogan Hall together, the teams have now combined to bring audiences a plethora of international artists in concert at leading venues including the sold-out Bonnie and Clyde in Concert. Their recent production, Eurobeat – The Pride Of Europe was loved by audiences and critics alike during its streamed season in May 2021.
Tonight’s programme was a varied and extremely interesting one with works covering the Classical, Romantic and 20th Century periods, presenting two composers who are latterly getting the acclaim they deserve alongside one of the two giants guaranteed to pull in a crowd.
First up was Fanny Mendelssohn’s mature String Quartet in E flat, written in 1834. A fantastic work that enjoys a wistful, melancholic air – as if battling with the requirements of polite society whilst wishing to kick off its shoes and run through the long grass. The final movement really lets loose, allowing the Carducci String Quartet to show off their virtuosity in a thrilling display of tight filigree passagework at breakneck speed. A passionate, dramatic performance superbly opening an intriguing program.
A welcome addition to the concert was being regaled with some anecdotes and facts about tonight’s music, putting the pieces in context. It was timely to hear that the second piece was conceived after a visit to bombed out Dresden, giving us an apposite reminder of the futility of war with Putin’s invasion of Ukraine still raging!
I find a deep vein of sadness in Shostakovich’s works and his ninth quartet (also in E flat, written in 1964) is no exception. There’s also that defiance to retain his unique voice in the face of Stalin’s “Socialist realism” (aka propaganda). The fourth movement is very sparse with pizzicato, long held notes and a great outpouring of emotion; like someone walking through a warzone and remembering fragmentary, joyous memories interspersed with crushing despair. The sheer effort that goes into wringing every ounce of emotion out of a piece such as this was astounding to experience, wrought in glorious technicolor with playing that was urgent, vibrant and spellbindingly intense.
Mozart’s String Quintet in G (completed in 1787) is also a brooding affair, perfectly complementing the preceding works – a masterstroke in programming. Perhaps the addition of
the second viola (Peter Lale seamlessly joining the Carduccis) is the reason for the darker palette which nonetheless ends on a sunlit vein, rounding out a perfect concert.
There’s a visceral intimacy in experiencing a quartet up close that is impossible to replicate. I was incredibly impressed by the quartet’s tone throughout and by their almost telepathic tightness. Their physicality was astounding, with first violinist Matt Denton positively dancing in his seat; often leaving it to put extra umph into a strident chord – all adding to the excitement. Cellist Emma Denton digging into a passionate phrase and that gorgeous (almost vocal like) tone that the cello has were further highlights. And with violinist Michelle Fleming and violist Eoin Schmidt-Martin thrilling in equal measure we see why this is an award winning quartet.
A stunning, enthralling performance that engulfed my heart, reminding one in these cynical times that humanity can be sublime. A challenging program to play but a total pleasure to hear. I can’t wait to explore their CDs and see them in concert again and I implore you to do the same. A massive slice of Heaven.
Europe’s biggest free musical theatre festival, West End LIVE, will transform Trafalgar Square into an open-air theatre like no other over the weekend of 25 and 26 June 2022, treating tens of thousands of theatre fans to performances from the West End’s top shows.
This unique celebration of theatre, a joint production by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), unites London’s world-leading theatres every year, with dozens of shows and acts performing. Last year’s event involved a record 830 performers, creatives and production staff.
As well as showcasing the best of the West End, West End LIVE encourages families and people of all ages to come into central London for an entertaining day out – with attendees travelling from all over the country and even further afield. The event is a vital driver to surrounding businesses, shops and restaurants, which always enjoy a significant boost across the weekend.
Sky VIP are welcomed back as sponsor for West End LIVE 2022, having also supported last year’s event. Once again, they will be offering their VIPs the chance to watch from the exclusive Sky VIP viewing area onsite, plus win some fabulous prizes. Sky VIP were a hugely important champion of theatre during the pandemic, working with SOLT and a raft of London shows to create exclusive videos for their customers, giving vital opportunities to performers. They continue to be a key partner, offering tickets to their VIP customers, up and down the country.
They join returning partners Covent Garden capco, The Crown Estate, Derwent London, Great Western Railway, Heart of London Business Alliance, New West End Company, Shaftesbury and Veolia.
Eleanor Lloyd, President of the Society of London Theatre, said:
‘We are delighted to be working with Westminster again to produce West End LIVE, a spectacular display of the unparalleled talent on our stages. Each year, everyone involved in West End LIVE – including the incredible performers onstage – feels immensely privileged to be part of such a unique event, bringing audiences together with the shows they love, thanking theatre fans and welcoming new ones.
‘We are also very grateful for the support of Sky VIP, who return as a key partner for 2022 and have a long history as dedicated champions of theatre and the arts – I want to thank them for helping to make this year’s event possible.’
Stuart Love, CEO of Westminster City Council, said:
‘We are really pleased West End LIVE is returning to the heart of our city this year, bigger and better than ever. Theatre is so important for the recovery of the West End and hosting this much-loved event is not only a celebration of the world-class theatre we have right on our doorstep, but it also brings people back to the city to enjoy everything that Westminster has to offer. We’re grateful for our sponsors and partners in supporting us to make this event happen and we hope that the performers, theatre fans and visitors alike can enjoy this special weekend together.’
The line-up of performances at this year’s West End LIVE will be announced closer to the event.
Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Glass Half Full Productions present
THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE
FIRST LOOK PRODUCTIONS IMAGES FOR ‘THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE’ ARE RELEASED TODAY.
THIS BRAND NEW PRODUCTION OPENED THIS WEEK IN SOUTHAMPTON AND TOURS THE UK UNTIL 16 JULY.
THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE STARS CHRISTINA BIANCO AS LITTLE VOICE, SHOBNA GULATI AS MARI HOFF, IAN KELSEY AS RAY SAY, AKSHAY GULATI AS BILLY, WILLIAM ILKLEY AS MR BOO AND FIONA MULVANEY AS SADIE.
New productions photographs have been released from the UK touring production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice by Jim Cartwright. The new production opened on 23 March at MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton and tours until 16 July. For full dates and venues please see littlevoiceuk.com. The national press night for The Rise and Fall of Little Voice will be on Monday 11 April at Malvern Theatres.
Directed by Bronagh Lagan (Cruise, West End), the production stars international YouTube sensation Christina Bianco (Funny Girl, Theatre Marigny Paris) in the title role. Christina is joined by Shobna Gulati (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Dinnerladies) as Mari Hoff, Ian Kelsey (Coronation Street; Emmerdale) as Ray Say, AkshayGulati (East is East, Bolton Octagon) as Billy, William Ilkley (War Horse, UK/ International Tour) as Mr Boo, Fiona Mulvaney (The Ferryman, West End) as Sadie, and James Robert Moore (All That, Lion and Unicorn) as Phone Man. The company is completed by Anna Hale (London Road, Cuba Pictures/BBC Films) as understudy LV and Sadie.
In a role she was born to play, two-time Drama Desk nominee Christina Bianco will perform beloved ballads by icons such as Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey and Cilla Black live on stage, capturing their unique style through her extraordinary impressions. Just like LV, Christina is ‘the girl of a thousand voices’ and has performed to sold out crowds in New York and across the US. In the UK, she’s enjoyed extended runs headlining at London’s Hippodrome, Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, Live at Zedel’s and The Charing Cross Theatre. In 2019 Christina won great critical acclaim in the role of Fanny Brice in Stephen Mear’s production of Funny Girl at Theatre Marigny Paris, for which she was awarded the Trophees De Le Comedie Musicale.
Meet Little Voice and Mari Hoff. A mother and daughter central to the heart of this Northern fairy-tale, but as far apart in character as can be. Left to her own devices, Little Voice starts to embody the famous divas she plays on repeat, from Judy Garland to Shirley Bassey, and becomes an overnight sensation. With humour, heart and countless timeless classics all performed live on stage, ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ explores the highs and the lows of small-town dreams, family rivalry and finding your voice in a noisy world.
Cartwright’s tender and life-affirming play won both the Olivier award and Evening Standard award for Best Comedy when it premiered at the National Theatre in 1992 in a production directed by Sam Mendes which transferred to the Aldwych Theatre, starring Jane Horrocks and Alison Steadman. Horrocks later reprised the role of LV in a film adaptation also starring Brenda Blethyn, Michael Caine, Ewan McGregor and Jim Broadbent.
With Musical Director and Associate Sound Designer Eamonn O’Dwyer, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice will feature set and costume design by Sara Perks, casting by Jane Deitch, lighting design by Nic Farman, Andrew Johnson as Sound Designer and Chris Matanlé as General Manager. The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is co-produced by Bonnie ComleyandStewart F Lane, Neil Gooding Productions and Tiny Giant Productions.
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice opened at MAST Mayflower Studios in Southampton on 23 March 2022 and tours to The Capitol Horsham, Exeter Northcott, Malvern Theatres, Theatre Clwyd, Theatre Royal Brighton, Derby Theatre, Salisbury Playhouse, Liverpool Playhouse, Theatre Royal Wakefield, Crewe Lyceum Theatre, The Lowry Salford, Blackpool Grand, Mercury Theatre Colchester, Richmond Theatre, York Theatre Royal and Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.
The producers of the brand-new production of SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL are delighted to announce that television and musical theatre star Sandra Marvin will play ‘Deloris Van Cartier’ in the UK and Ireland tour, alongside Lesley Joseph as ‘Mother Superior’, Clive Rowe as ‘Eddie Souther’ and Lizzie Bea as ‘Sister Mary Robert’. Direct from a London season at the Eventim Apollo, the tour begins in Dublin from Tuesday 20 September 2022 before visiting Birmingham, Leicester, Cardiff, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Norwich, Belfast, Dartford, Llandudno, Woking, Bristol, Leeds, Sheffield, Ipswich, Southampton, Nottingham, Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Canterbury, Newcastle and Oxford with more dates to be announced soon. www.sisteractthemusical.co.uk
The cast also includes Jeremy Secomb, Graham MacDuff, Tricia Deighton, Lori Haley Fox, Damian Buhagiar,Tom Hopcroft, Bradley Judge, Tanya Edwards, Catherine Millsom, Anne Smith, Emma Ralston, Jermaine Woods, Michael Ward and Caroline Bateson. Complete casting to be announced soon.
Having played ‘Jessie Grant’ in ITV’s “Emmerdale” for two years, Sandra Marvin joined the West End production of “Waitress” to play ‘Becky’, before reprising the role in 2021 and 2022 for the UK Tour of the production. Her many other West End theatre credits include most recently ‘Mrs Fezziwig/Mrs Mops’ in “A Christmas Carol” at the Dominion Theatre, “City of Angels” and “Committee” at the Donmar Warehouse, ‘Miss Motormouth Maybelle’ in “Hairspray” at the Shaftesbury Theatre, ‘Queenie’ in “Show Boat” at the New London Theatre, ‘Rose’ in “Stepping Out” at the Vaudeville Theatre, “Porgy and Bess” at the Savoy Theatre and “Ragtime” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Her other credits include “Romantics Anonymous” at Bristol Old Vic and on tour in the US and ‘Mama Morton’ in “Chicago” at Leicester Curve. In 2016 Sandra performed with Kate Bush on her 22-date sold-out “Before the Dawn” concerts and features on her live album of the same name. Sandra also sings the title track on the Grammy Award winning soundtrack for the George Clooney film, “Gravity”.
Lesley Joseph is best known for playing ‘Dorien Green’ in the hugely successful sitcom “Birds of a Feather” alongside Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson. They recorded over 100 episodes over a period of nine years. Lesley and her co-stars returned to our screens in “Birds of a Feather in 2013. She has been seen on screen in ITV’s “Night and Day” and appeared on BBC One’s “Strictly Come Dancing” and most recently Channel 4’s “Celebrity Coach Trip” alongside Linda Robson. Lesley’s theatre credits include ‘Miss Hannigan’ in “Annie” at the West End’s Victoria Palace and also on national tour, and her Olivier Award nominated performance as ‘Frau Blucher’ in “Young Frankenstein”. Her other touring credits include “Calendar Girls” and “Hot Flush!”.
Clive Rowe won the Olivier award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for “Guys and Dolls” at The National Theatre and was also nominated for Best Supporting Performance in “Carousel”,also at The National Theatre. At 2009’s Oliviers, he was nominated for the Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre award for “Mother Goose” at Hackney Empire. His many West End and touring credits include “Ladykillers” at the Gielgud Theatre,“Chicago”at the Adelphi Theatre, “Sweet Charity”at the Donmar Warehouse, the UK tour of “The Wind in The Willows” and “Me and My Girl”at Chichester Festival Theatre.
Lizzie Bea is currently starring as ‘Martha Dunnstock’ in “Heathers The Musical” at The Other Palace. She recently received critical and audience acclaim for her portrayal of ‘Tracy Turnblad’ in “Hairspray” at the London Coliseum. Her other theatre credits include ‘Abigail’ in the World Premiere of “Becoming Nancy” at the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta and performing in the UK Tours of “Kinky Boots”, “Fat Friends the Musical”, “Chicken Little”, “The Shakespeare Revue” and “The 3 Little Pigs”.
Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
SISTER ACT has direction by Bill Buckhurst, choreography by Alistair David, Set Design by Morgan Large, Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell, Sound Design by Tom Marshall and Musical Supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt.
SISTER ACT features original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted), lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. SISTER ACT is produced by Jamie Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg.
When Dan Gallagher (Oliver Farnworth) a successful New York Attorney enjoys an evening out with a friend, due to his wife Beth (Louise Redknapp) and their daughter being away for the weekend. He meets the chatty confident beautiful and easy to talk to Alex (Susie Amy). As the night presses on they realise they have things is common. their companies are well known to one another. When the conversation begins flowing with a desire from both sides being shown they make the decision to spend a passionate night together.
Although Dan is about to discover that being unfaithful to his wife wasn’t the best decision, he could have made. With Alex starting to show signs of being slightly unhinged and not leaving him alone will Dan be able to escape what hes started or will things simply become too much to handle!
Susie Amy played her part exceptionally well. She was very believable to watch as she built on her character throughout the production. Taking the audience through a whole range of emotions as well as acting out some excessive and extreme meltdowns that she achieved with excellence.
Oliver Farnworth played a very complexed character that started out quite cocky and arrogant at times. Then followed by torment which he played remarkably along with the self-pity and regret. He was amazing to watch as he went through the different stages of his character.
Louise Redknapp played a very understated person but she couldn’t have done it any better by being the complete opposite contrast to the other women. She done this with ease and was wonderful to watch.
The stage was very intelligently done, with all the different scenes brought to you using the many screens on stage. One moment an apartment in New York then changed to being in the country to a swanky bar, office. With the ability for props to come out from certain sections like a bed or a bar making it even more affective to watch.
Some scenes were very intense with the screens adding to the situations showing visually to enhance your experience along with the tremendous sounds and lighting helping your imagination through the dramatic parts giving it a whole new depth!
All in all, a dark thriller of affairs, mystery and revenge served up at its very best!
Australian star singer and actor Jason Donovan will play Teen Angel at certain performances in a new production of Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE, opening at the Dominion Theatre on Tuesday 17 May 2022, with previews from Tuesday 3 May 2022. Donovan’s first performance will be Wednesday 29 June. Patrons are advised to check the website for his performance schedule.
GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips.
Jason Donovan first appeared as Scott Robinson in the hit Australian series Neighbours in the 1980s. He then followed on as a recording artist and had several hit songs in the late 1980s. His album Ten Good Reasons was the best-selling album of 1989. His hit songs included Too Many Broken Hearts, Especially For You (with Kylie Minogue), Any Dream Will Do, Sealed With A Kiss, and many more. On stage, he had a record-breaking run in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat and subsequently starred in The Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, The King’s Speech, Million Dollar Quartet, Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds and Chicago. In 2019 and 2021, Jason spent the summer months at the London Palladium as Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and is currently starring in the UK tour. Jason’s recent TV credits include ITV’s Dial M for Middlesbrough and Dave’s Meet the Richardson’s.
Jason Donovan said “As a lifelong fan of the show, I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of Grease in the role of Teen Angel at the Dominion Theatre for 6 weeks this year. While I may have missed the boat on playing Danny, the Teen Angel seemed like the perfect fit. I especially look forward to those few performances I get to perform with Peter Andre as Vince Fontaine. Who would have thought two Aussie’s would take to the West End in such a well-loved musical, singing the most iconic songs? Roll on June.”
Also in the cast are Dan Partridge (Link Larkin in Hairspray UK tour & Pepper in MAMMA MIA! West End) and Olivia Moore (Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre & Heathers at Theatre Royal Haymarket) as Danny and Sandy respectively, with Jocasta Almgill (& Juliet at Shaftesbury Theatre) as Rizzo, Paul French (Grease UK tour) as Kenickie, Noah Harrison (Arts Educational School graduate) as Roger, Mary Moore (Little Women at Park Theatre) as Jan, Jake Reynolds (professional debut) as Doody, Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly (A Chorus Line at Curve) as Marty, Damon Gould (Pretty Woman: The Musical at Savoy Theatre) as Sonny, Eloise Davies (Be More Chill at The Other Palace) as Frenchie, Darnell Mathew James (Urdang Academy graduate) as Eugene, Jessica Croll (Hairspray UK tour) as Patty Simcox, Katie Lee (Matilda The Musical at Cambridge Theatre) as Cha Cha, Ronan Burns (West Side Story at Curve) as Johnny Casino and Corinna Powlesland (An Officer and A Gentleman at Regents Park Open Air Theatre) as Miss Lynch. Darren Bennett (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre) will play Officer Mailie and Vince Fontaine at certain performances. They are joined by Jack Harrison-Cooper, Pearce Barron, Ben Culleton, Rishard-Kyro Nelson, Ellie Kingdon, Kamilla Fernandes, Remi Ferdinand, Kalisha Johnson, Zack Guest, Imogen Bailey, Kevin O’Dwyer and Carly Miles.
GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show’s eight-year run at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere. GREASE was first performed at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 before transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in 1996. It returned to the West End, opening at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2007.
The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want.
GREASE has designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and Richard Brooker, video and projection design by Douglas O’Connell and casting by David Grindrod CDG.
This production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram for InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, Playing Field, Gavin Kalin, and Curve.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
3 May – 29 October 2022
Dominion Theatre
268-269 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7AQ
Performances: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday* & Saturday at 2.30pm
