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HOSTS, PRESENTERS AND PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED FOR THE

22^ND ANNUAL WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS

WhatsOnStage today announces that Jodie Prenger and Tom Read Wilson will host the 22^nd Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, the only major theatre prize-giving decided entirely by the theatregoers themselves. They are joined by Chris Bush, Graziano Di Prima, Omari Douglas, James Graham, David Harewood, Frances Mayli McCann, Stephanie McKeon, Drew McOnie, Daniel Monks, Tracy Ann Oberman, Johannes Radebe, Kitty Scott Claus, Ella VaDay, Miriam-Teak Lee and Eric Underwood who will present the awards at the Ceremony on 27 February 2022 at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

In addition, Amy Hart and Oscar Conlon-Morrey will be live on the red carpet chatting to the stars as they arrive from 6.30pm via WhatsOnStage’s Facebook page.

The evening will feature performances including:

• The event opens with the new composition – We’re Back in the Game featuring Jodie Prenger, Tom Read Wilson and an all-star ensemble – with music by Alex Parker and lyrics by Katie Lam
• Isaac Gryn, Ryan Anderson, Alex Christian, Michael O’Reilly and Dale White will perform Gee, Officer Krupke from West Side Story
• Julian Ovenden and Gina Beck performing Some Enchanted Evening/ I’m In Love from South Pacific
• Victoria Hamilton-Barritt and Rebecca Trehearn performing I Know You from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella
• Olly Dobson, Cedric Neal and Courtney-Mae Briggs performing The Power of Love from Back to the Future the Musical
• Samantha Barks performing Let It Go from Frozen
• Aimie Atkinson performing I Can’t Go Back from Pretty Woman: The Musical
• Liisi LaFontaine and Jamie Bogyo performing Elephant Love Medley from Moulin Rouge! The Musical
• The evening will conclude with A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim, featuring an all-star ensemble

Leading the nominations this year is the new musical Frozen – currently running at Theatre Royal Drury Lane – with 13 nominations across acting and creative categories including nominations for Best New Musical, for both Samantha Barks and Stephanie McKeon in the Best Performer in a Female Identifying Role in a Musical category, with Oliver Ormson and Obioma Ugoala both nominated for Best Supporting Performer in a Male Identifying Role in a Musical. In addition, the production also receives nominations for Best Direction for Michael Grandage, and nominations for Best Set Design, Best Costume Design, Best Choreography, Best Musical Direction, Best Lighting, Best Video Design and Best Graphic Design.

In the musical categories, Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical receives 10 nominations, with Back to the Future the Musical revving up closely behind with 9 nominations. Cabaret makes its mark with 7 nominations, mirrored by Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella.

In Best Performer in a Female Identifying Role in a Musical, Barks and McKeon face stiff competition from Cabaret’s Jessie Buckley, Aimie Atkinson for Pretty Woman, Beverley Knight for The Drifters Girl and previous WhatsOnStage Award winner Carrie Hope Fletcher for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella. For Best Performer in a Male Identifying Role in a Musical, Back to the Future’s Roger Bart and Olly Dobson go head to head against Ivano Turco for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, Arinzé Kene for Get Up, Stand Up!, Eddie Redmayne for Cabaret, and Julian Ovenden in South Pacific.

In the musical supporting categories, Ormson and Ugoala face Hugh Coles and Cedric Neal both from Back to the Future the Musical, Blake Patrick Anderson from Be More Chill and Robert Lindsay from Anything Goes; and in the Best Supporting Performer in a Female Identifying Role, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella’s Victoria Hamilton-Barritt and Rebecca Trehearn are both nominated, alongside Gabrielle Brooks for Get Up, Stand Up!, Joanna Ampil for South Pacific and Millie O’Connell for Rent.

Leading the straight plays categories is Yaël Farber’s production of The Tragedy of Macbeth, which recently completed its run at the Almeida Theatre, receiving 5 nominations for Saoirse Ronan for Best Performer in a Female Identifying Role in a Play, Akiya Henry for Best Supporting Performer in a Female Identifying Role in a Play, Richard Rankin for Best Supporting Male Identifying Role in a Play, Best Direction and Best Play Revival.

Also performing well in the straight play categories are The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Magic Goes Wrong, 2:22 A Ghost Story and Cyrano de Bergerac with 4 nominations each.

For her stage debut in Anna X as part of Sonia Friedman’s RE:EMERGE season, Emma Corrin receives their first WhatsOnStage nomination for Best Performer in a Female Identifying Role in a Play, nominated alongside Gemma Arterton for Walden in the same season, Lily Allen for 2:22 A Ghost Story, Patsy Ferran for Camp Siegfried, Sheila Atim for Constellations, alongside Saoirse Ronan. Best Performer in a Male Identifying Role in a Play nominees are Henry Lewis for Magic Goes Wrong, Ben Daniels for The Normal Heart, Hadley Fraser for 2:22 A Ghost Story, Richard Armitage for Uncle Vanya and James McAvoy for Cyrano de Bergerac.

For Best Supporting Performer in a Female Identifying Role in a Play, the nominees are Nancy Zamit for Magic Goes Wrong, Michelle Fox for Shining City, Penny Layden for The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Isobel McArthur for Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), Akiya Henry for The Tragedy of Macbeth and Aimee Lou Wood for Uncle Vanya. Best Supporting Performer in a Male Identifying Role in a Play nominees include Jake Wood for 2:22 A Ghost Story, Richard Rankin for The Tragedy of Macbeth and Jonathan Sayer for Magic Goes Wrong – all 3 plays receiving 3 acting nominations each, alongside Stephen K Amos for My Night with Reg, Nathaniel Parker for The Mirror and the Light, and Dino Fetscher for The Normal Heart.

In the fiercely fought Best New Musical category, Frozen faces competition from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, Back to the Future the Musical, Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical, Pretty Woman the Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical; and in Best New Play, the nominees are Magic Goes Wrong, 2:22 A Ghost Story, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), J’Ouvert and last year’s Olivier Award winner Leopoldstadt.

Best Play Revival nominees are The Normal Heart, Constellations, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Uncle Vanya, My Night with Reg and Cyrano de Bergerac; and Best Musical Revival sees the recently opened Cabaret face off against Anything Goes, Rent, South Pacific, Carousel and West Side Story.

Best Direction sees a split between musical theatre with Frozen’s Michael Grandage nominated alongside Clint Dyer for Get Up, Stand Up!, and Rebecca Frecknall for Cabaret, and straight plays with The Tragedy of Macbeth’s Yaël Farber, Katy Rudd for The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Jamie Lloyd for Cyrano de Bergerac completing the category.

South Pacific receives 6 nominations in total, having opened at Chichester Festival Theatre and been streamed, including Best Regional Production, where it faces competition from RENT – with 5 nominations, What’s New Pussycat?, West Side Story, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Bloody Elle; and for Best Off-West End Production, the nominees are My Son’s a Queer (but What Can You Do?), The Last Five Years, Pippin, Saving Britney, Old Bridge and Anything is Possible If You Think About It Hard Enough.

Mischief Theatre receives 5 nominations in total – 4 for Magic Goes Wrong, and also for The Play That Goes Wrong in the popular Best West End Show category. Other nominees in the Best West End Show category are SIX the Musical, Wicked, Les Misérables, Come From Away and Hamilton.

Tickets are available via awards.whatsonstage.com 

awards.whatsonstage.com

Twitter @WhatsOnStage #WOSAwards

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TARON EGERTON, JONATHAN BAILEY

JADE ANOUKA & PHIL DANIELS

IN

BY MIKE BARTLETT

NEW IMAGES RELEASED TODAY

New images of Taron Egerton, Jonathan Bailey, Jade Anouka and Phil Daniels, the stars of C O C K by Mike Bartlett were released today (15 February 2022).

Directed by Tony and Olivier award winning Marianne Elliott, the award-wnning play about love and identity will have a limited run at the Ambassadors Theatre in London from Saturday 5 March 2022 to Saturday 4 June 2022. 

“The fact is that some of us like women and some like men and that’s fine that’s good in fact that’s good, a good thing, but it seems to me that you’ve become confused.”

In a world full of endless possibilities why must we still limit ourselves with labels?

Taron Egerton, Jonathan Bailey, Jade Anouka and Phil Daniels star in Mike Bartlett’srazor sharp play which redefines the battle of the sexes. 

Marianne Elliott said  ‘I feel so excited to be working on this beautifully crafted and hilarious play by Mike Bartlett. It keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. A truly theatrical piece in that it asks the audience to enter the imagination of the storytelling – as only live theatre can do. It’s also all about the acting so to have such a talented, highly experienced, stellar cast is an absolute dream!’

Mike Bartlett added:  ‘I love Marianne Elliott’s work and have done for a long time, so I’m thrilled to be able to collaborate with her on this revival. Especially with this incredible cast, which I know will bring both a fresh take and vast experience to a play about love, identity and the passionate human being.” 

Taron Egerton won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Sir Elton John in Rocketman and also recorded the original song for the film I’m Gonna Love Again with Sir Elton which went on to win Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. He will next be seen starring in Blackbird, a limited series drama for Apple TV alongside Paul Walter Hauser, Tetris directed by Jon S. Baird and produced by Matthew Vaughn for Apple + and is also set to star in Claire Denis’ romantic drama thriller Stars at Noon, opposite Margaret Qualley. Egerton shot to fame when he played Gary ‘Eggsy’ Unwin in Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman: The Secret Service and reprised the role in Kingsman: The Golden Circle.  Other credits include Eddie the Eagle, Testament of Youth, Legend, Sing, Robin Hood, and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. On stage he has appeared in The Last of the Haussmans at the National Theatre and Tommy in No Quarter at the Royal Court Theatre. 

Jonathan Bailey won an Olivier Award for his ground-breaking role of Jamie in Marianne Elliott’s West End revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical Company.  Jonathan plays Viscount Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix’ period drama, Bridgerton, a role he is reprising in the second series scheduled for release in 2022.  His other TV credits include the ITV series Broadchurch, Leonardo da Vinci in Leonardo, Me and Mrs Jones, Doctor Who and WIA (all for the BBC) and Crashing and Chewing Gum for Channel 4.  His theatre credits include David Hare’s South Downs, American Psycho at the Almeida Theatre, The York Realist at The Donmar Warehouse, and King Lear (alongside Sir Ian McKellen) for Chichester Festival Theatre.

Jade Anouka’s recent TV credits include Ruta Skadi in BBC/HBO’s His Dark Materials, Channel 5’s The Drowning and ITV’s Cleaning Up. Her film credits include Ear For Eye, Fisherman’s Friends and Last Christmas. In theatre Jade has played the title roles in Hampstead’s Olivier nominated The Phlebotomist and Queen Margaret at The Royal Exchange. Other theatre credits include Moon On A Rainbow Shawl at The National Theatre, Doctor Faustus in the West End and the Donmar Warehouse Shakespeare Trilogy where she played Mark Antony in Julius Caesar, Hotspur in Henry IV and Ariel in The Tempest.  She wrote, directed and co-starred in a short film –  Her & Her for BBC’s Culture In Quarantine series which has since got in to 23 film festivals. 

Phil Daniels’ early films include Anoop and the Elephant, Bugsy Malone, Breaking Glass, Scum and the central role of Jimmy in Quadrophenia. He starred in a 1985 British snooker musical, Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire. More recent films include playing the voice of Fletcher in Chicken Run, Free Jimmy, Freebird, Vinyl and The Hatton Garden Job.  He narrated tracks Parklife and Me, White Noise on the Parklife and Think Tank albums for Blur.  On TV,  he played Kevin Wicks in EastEnders and appeared in Sunnyside Farm, Time Gentlemen Please, and Rock and Chips.  His theatre credits include: The Merchant of Venice, The Jew of Malta and A Clockwork Orange for the RSC, This House for the National Theatre, King Lear at Chichester Festival Theatre and Thenardier in Les Miserables in the West End.

Mike Bartlett is a multi-award-winning writer for both stage and screen. His five part drama series Doctor Foster won the National Television Award for Best New Drama and was seen by almost 10 million viewers. Other television work includes  Life, Doctor Foster series 2, King Charles III,  Sticks and Stones, Trauma, Press, Doctor Who and The Town. Bartlett’s stage plays include: Vassa, Albion and Game for the Almeida Theatre,  Snowflake for Arts at the Old Fire Station; Wild at Hampstead Theatre; the Olivier Award winning King Charles III at the Almeida Theatre, Wyndham’s Theatre and Music Box Theatre in New York (also winner of the Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play 2014);  An Intervention for Paines Plough and Watford; Bull at Sheffield Theatres, Off Broadway and the Young Vic (Winner of Best New Play at the National Theatre Awards 2013); Medea for Headlong, Glasgow Citizens, Watford Theatre and Warwick; Chariots of Fire at the Hampstead Theatre the Gielgud Theatre in the West End; 13 at National Theatre; Cock for the Royal Court; Decade for Headlong; Earthquakes in London for Headlong and the National Theatre; Love, Love, Love for Paines Plough, Plymouth Theatre Royal, the Royal Court, Roundabout Theatre Company, New York and the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre; Contractions for the Royal Court and Crucible Theatre, Sheffield; My Child for the Royal Court; Artefacts for the Bush Theatre and Honest for the Theatre Royal Northampton.

Marianne Elliott recently directed Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company at the Gielgud Theatre.  It won four Olivier Awards including ‘Best Revival of a Musical’.  Its Broadway transfer will re-open (following the Covid shutdown) in New York this autumn. Her other shows for Elliott & Harper include the Olivier Award winning Death of a Salesman (co-directed with Miranda Cromwell) in the West End and at the Young Vic.  For the National Theatre she directed the Olivier and Tony award-winning Angels in America (in London and on Broadway), the Olivier and Tony-award-winning The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (at the NT, West End, on Broadway and on tour).  She co-directed the world-wide hit War Horse alongside Tom Morris (at the NT, West End on Broadway and on tour).  She received a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for War Horse. On winning the Tony Award for Curious Incident in New York, Marianne became the first woman in Broadway history to have won two Tony Awards for Best Direction of a Play.  Other productions at the NT include The Light Princess, Women Beware Women, Port, Saint Joan (Olivier Award for Best Revival, South Bank Show Award) and Pillars of the Community (Evening Standard Best Director Award). Elliott recently directed two of the episodes of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads for the BBC.

Joining Marianne Elliott on the creative team are:  Designer Merle Hensel, Lighting Designer Paule Constable, Sound Designer Ian Dickinson, Composer Femi Temowo, Movement Director Annie-Lunette Deakin-Foster, Casting Director Charlotte Sutton, Vocal Coach Hazel Holder and Associate Director Chloe Christian.

C O C K is produced by Elliott & Harper Productions.

Chatback Theatre announces cast for the UK Tour
of the acclaimed If This Is Normal
Wednesday 13th April – Saturday 30th April 2022

Chatback Theatre has announced the cast of the coming-of-age hit If This is Normal, which is heading on a UK tour this April. Critically acclaimed at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019 and VAULT Festival in 2020, the show is set in the no-man’s land between childhood and adulthood, complicated by unfiltered access to technology and pop-feminism. The audience will follow a trio of teenagers coming of age whilst exploring the power of weaponised language when applied to human emotion.

The full cast returns from the previous Edinburgh Fringe Festival and VAULT festival runs with Aoife Smyth as Alex (On Railton Road, Brixton Base; If I Can Get This Part Right At Least, Nottingham Playhouse), Isambard Rawbone as Madani (Midnight Hustle, Rogue Productions/ VAULT Festival, Hamlet and Sense and Sensibility, Aquila Theatre/ US Tour) and Zarima McDermott as Maryam (Beast on the Moon, Finborough Theatre, which earned her a “Best Lead Female Performance” nomination at the Off West End Awards 2019; It’s a London Life for Me, Greenwich Theatre; The Seagull, National Theatre, Dublin).

In If This Is Normal the characters make the transition from the relative ease of childhood to the complications of adulthood, their personalities and desires no longer quite as aligned over the course of a ten-year friendship. Written by Lucy Danser (Lost in Thought, Edinburgh Fringe Festival /Theatre503 and Rachael’s Café, UK Tour) and directed by Helena Jackson (Resident Director of the repertory company Theater KR/MG and Offie-finalist La Traviata, King’s Head Theatre) the tour will visit The Wardrobe Theatre, Old Fire Station, Mill Studio and 53Two.

Growing up in Kilburn, siblings Madani and Maryam plus schoolmate Alex hit it off from the moment they meet. 10 years later, playful chats about ninja turtles and bobble pens have been kicked out by teen opinions powered by podcasts, porn and politics. Still, best friends can talk about anything. So why are there suddenly so many unspoken thoughts between the three?

Writer Lucy Danser comments, After the pandemic forced us to stop the show more than two years ago it’s wonderful to be able to return with If This is Normal. It’s this type of small-scale, fringe theatre that I really missed. The opportunity to have an entertaining, moving and intimate experience with a group of strangers, live and in person! It is however somewhat sad that the themes in the play are even more relevant two years on. I’m excited to share the play and start some important conversations.

Director Helena Jackson comments, I´m thrilled to have the time and space to be able to further develop If This Is Normal creatively, and especially excited to share Maryam, Alex and Madani with audiences all around England. Directing Lucy´s writing has always been a complete and utter joy!

Chatback Theatre is committed to delivering accessible performances for audiences. At 53Two as part of the venue’s outreach programme, there will be a BSL signed performance and a post-show Q&A/workshop.

CAST AND TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL

Molly-Grace Cutler as Carole King
Tom Milner as Gerry Goffin
Seren Sandham-Davies as Cynthia Weil
Jos Slovick as Barry Mann

A Curve, Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Mayflower Theatre Southampton co-production

Leicester’s Curve, Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Mayflower Theatre Southampton have announced the company of talented actor-musicians joining their new UK tour of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.

Opening at Curve on Monday 28 February 2022, the company will be led by Molly-Grace Cutler (The Worst Witch, Girls Don’t Play Guitars, We’ll Live and Die in these Towns) as Carole King. Tom Milner (Holby City, Waterloo Road) will play Gerry Goffin, Carole’s former husband and collaborator. Seren Sandham-Davies (Crazy For You, Brassed Off) and Jos Slovick, who performed in the original West End production of Once, will play husband and wife song-writing duo Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann.

Garry Robson returns to Curve as music producer and talent manager Don Kirshner. Garry was last seen on-stage in Leicester as General Henry Waverly in the 2018 Made at Curve production of White Christmas.

Claire Greenway, who originated the role of Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act at the London Palladium, will play Carole’s mother Genie Klein, and Dan de Cruz will join as the production’s on-stage Musical Director. The cast is completed by Naomi Alade, Kemi Clarke, Chris Coxon, Amena El-Kindy, Louise Francis, Dylan Gordon-Jones, Jessica Jolleys, Sorrel Jordan, Myles Miller, Peter Mooney, Adrien Spencer and Kevin Yates.

After its run in Leicester, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical will tour to Theatre Royal Bath 17 – 26 March, Theatre Royal Brighton 29 March – 2 April, Festival Theatre Edinburgh 5 – 9 April, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 12 – 16 April, Newcastle Theatre Royal 19 – 23 April, Orchard Theatre Dartford 26 – 30 April, Malvern Theatres 3 -7 May, Cambridge Arts Theatre 10 – 21 May and New Theatre, Cardiff 24 – 28 May.

Based on the story of Carole King’s remarkable rise from singer/songwriter to chart-topping music legend, this production of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical will take audiences back to the heart of King’s landmark 1971 album ‘Tapestry’.

The musical will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, whose recent credits include acclaimed five-star productions of A Chorus Line, West Side Storyand 2020’s streamed production of Sunset Boulevard – at Home.

Speaking about the cast, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“Carole King’s body of work speaks for itself and it is an honour to work on a show which celebrates some of the greatest pop songs ever written and the extraordinary life of the woman who has provided the soundtrack to our lives across the decades.

“In Molly-Grace Cutler, we have the perfect actor to lead our production and embody the spirit of King’s supreme artistry. Molly leads a phenomenal company of actor-musicians, who will recreate all the hits live onstage, under the supreme musical talents of Grammy winner Steve Sidwell and Tony winner Sarah Travis.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with our friends at Theatre Royal Bath and Southampton Mayflower, flying the flag for Leicester once Beautiful tours from Curve.”

Carole King’s music will be brought to life by Grammy Award-winning Orchestrator Steve Sidwell and adapted by Tony Award-winning Curve Associate and Musical Supervisor Sarah Travis. The production will be choreographed by rising star Leah Hill (The Wiz, Hope Mill Theatre), with Associate Choreographer Tarik Frimpong, and the creative team also includes Set Designer Frankie Bradshaw, Costume Designer Edd Lindley, Lighting Designer and Curve Associate Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer Tom Marshall, Associate Director Jennifer Lane Baker and Casting Director and Curve Associate Kay Magson CDG. The production will also provide training opportunities for Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme (RTYDS) Resident Assistant Director Lilac Yosiphon and Birkbeck Trainee Director Thyrza Abrahams.

Featuring countless classics such as You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman, Take Good Care of my Baby, You’ve Got a Friend, Up on the Roof, Locomotion and You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical is written by Douglas McGrath, with songs by Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical was originally produced on Broadway and in London by Paul Blake, SONY/ATV Music Publishing and Mike Bosner.

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical

Book by Douglas McGrath

Words & Music by Gerry Coffin & Carole King, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil

Music by arrangement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing

JEREMY EDWARDS TO STAR IN WORLD PREMIERE UK TOUR OF

HILARY BONNER’S DEBUT PLAY DEAD LIES

Billed as ‘The Most Scandalous Thriller Of The Year’, Red Entertainments Dead Lies, written by No.1 Best Selling Crime Novelist Hilary Bonner, will receive its world premiere this Spring opening at The Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple (14-16 April) prior to a UK Tour.

Dead Lies is a political thriller inspired by the Jeremy Thorpe scandal of the 1970’s set against the political backdrop of current day Westminster. In this fast-moving, hard-hitting political English thriller the action takes place during a fiercely fought election campaign, following Peter George, a politician who promises a new kind of politics beyond sleaze and spin. He is welcomed as a messiah by the British public and expected to restore trust in a broken political system. But a shocking secret lies in the past of our country’s hero. As buried truths rise from the ashes, personal and political influences begin to shake the faith of those closest to him, and a media cascade threatens to bring down Britain’s new saviour.

Making an eagerly awaited return to the stage is Hollyoaks and Holby City actor Jeremy Edwards who plays would be Prime Minister Peter George.

Jeremy Edwards said: “Joining the cast of Dead Lies is a phenomenal opportunity for me. It has that rare combination of the right script at the right time. I have been waiting for such a strong piece of drama to come along for quite some time. Not only because it is sexy, scandalous and mysterious it is incredibly on point, I’m delighted”.

Joining Jeremy on stage will be Alicia Charles (Coronation Street, Holby City) who plays Kate Compton, Press Secretary to Peter George. Kate is to Peter what Alistair Campbell was to Tony Blair and Dominic Cummings to Boris Johnson.  Portia Booroff (Doctors, EastEnders) as Peter’s devoted wife Jo George, and Claire Dyson, fresh from appearing opposite Liam Neeson in Made In Italy, as ex-supermodel Stephanie Jones.  Making his UK tour debut is George Verghis in the role of Peter George’s Campaign Manager James Gillen.

Dead Lies is directed by directed by the critically acclaimed Joe Harmston who said:   “Hilary does that rare thing writing a thriller for the stage: like Agatha Christie, she puts psychology first, making Dead Lies the best sort of whodunnit”

The parallels between the real-life scandal that saw Barnstaple MP Jeremy Thorpe disgraced and stripped of his leadership in the 70’s and the fiction of Dead Lies are plain to see. It’s no artistic coincidence that North Devon culture heavily influences the script, a natural choice for writer Hilary Bonner who was born and raised there, prior to embarking on her illustrious career in Fleet Street where she reported on the Thorpe scandal. The opening night of Dead Lies will see Bonner’s theatrical journey turn full circle as her first experience of live theatre was as a small child sat in the stalls at the Queen’s.

RED Entertainment’s Executive Producer Matt Brinkler said: “North Devon is intrinsic to Hilary’s gripping contemporary script and her powerful, dramatic plot will have extra resonance when it plays on the Queen’s stage in its opening week. It’s so fitting that theatre goers in North Devon get to see Dead Lies on home soil before we share its brilliance with the rest of the UK.”

Mark Farley Director of the Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple said: “We are delighted that we are able to stage the world premiere of Dead Lies prior to its national tour and welcome home its writer Hilary Bonner. We know our audiences will be on the edge of their seat for this cutting edge drama” 

Dead Lies is a roller-coaster ride of a play, packed with twists and turns until the very last scene. Expect the unexpected. No one is safe. 

For tickets and more information visit www.deadlies.co.uk

H A R R Y   P O T T E R   A N D   T H E   C U R S E D   C H I L D

PARTS ONE AND TWO

NOW BOOKING TO FEBRUARY 2023

WWW.HARRYPOTTERTHEPLAY.COM

Today (15 February 2022), the producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions – are delighted to announce a further extension to booking for the original two-part multi award-winning production at London’s Palace Theatre to 26 February 2023. Tickets for the extended booking period are now exclusively on sale through Ticketmaster and with all Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s official trade and group booking partners. The Harry Potter Fan Club will have access from 17 February 2022 and on-sale to the general public from 21 February 2022.

Tickets are now on sale for the Relaxed Performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Wednesday 27 July 2022. The performance will be specially adapted for autistic patrons and their families. A further set of access performances are also available – on Saturday 24 September 2022 the performances will be audio described and on Saturday 7 May 2022 they will be captioned. There will also be British Sign Language performances on Saturday 17 September 2022. For patrons with physical access needs and to book for the Autism-Friendly/Relaxed performance call 0330 333 4410 (please note, there are no general ticket sales on this number) or email [email protected]

Tickets remain priced from £15 per part.  Harry Potter and the Cursed Child partners with TodayTix for The Friday Forty, the production’s Lottery for Patrons to apply for some of the very best seats in the theatre priced at £40 (£20 per part) which will secure a seat for both Part One and Part Two on consecutive performances. 

The regular performance schedule is now as follows – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday – no performance; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – 2pm Part One & 7pm Part Two; Sunday – 1pm Part One & 6pm Part Two.

The original production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, one play presented in two parts, is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage.  The critically acclaimed production received its world premiere in July 2016 at the Palace Theatre in London.  The most awarded new play in theatre history, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has won 24 major theatre awards in the UK and is the most awarded play in the history of the Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking nine awards including Best New Play.  The production has also won 25 major US awards with six Tony Awards including Best Play.

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a new play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany with movement by Steven Hoggett, set by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, music & arrangements by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, illusions & magic by Jamie Harrison, music supervision & arrangements by Martin Lowe, and casting by Julia Horan CDG.  Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions.

New Victoria Theatre – until 19th February 2022

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

5*****

Waitress is a story of love and lust, nightmares and dreams, ultimately the strength of women going through hard times. Jessie Nelson (book) has done Adrienne Shelly (film writer) proud, writing a truly modern musical, with real people in mind and realistic story lines.

The musical talent is outstanding. Chelsea Halfpenny (Jenna) fills the auditorium with a depth of emotion that sinks right into your soul. Sandra Martin (Becky) belts out with passion ‘I didn’t plan it‘ . Michael Starke’s (Joe) ‘Take it from an old man‘ is sweet and lovely. All supported by a talented band that is a natural part of the set.

The Director Diane Paulus and choreographer Lorin Latarro create an extension of the spoken word with dance and movement, that emphasises the impact of the moment. A stella ensemble that work in unison.

The light and shade in the piece gave us hilarity and heartbreak. A well rounded performance that deserves the standing ovation received at the end.

Stream Theatre on demand – until 28th February 2022

4****

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

This polished production of Riot Act streaming to celebrate LGBT+ History Month is a compelling and heart-breaking show. Filmed at the Hackney Empire, celebrating their 120th anniversary, Rikki Beadle-Blair directs with intuition, compassion and an underlying sense of urgency, making you wish for more.

Written and performed by Alexis Gregory, his interviews with three people who lived through different eras of LGBTQ+ activism form the monologues in the show. Gregory’s portrayal of three very different people is extraordinary – the mannerisms and accents are spot on and are never caricatures. The pain in his eyes is palpable as deaths and violence are described, and the fighting spirit shines through in each performance.

Riot Act begins with Michael-Anthony Nozzi, a teenager fresh from Pennsylvania when he was caught up in the Stonewall riot. The state of the Stonewall Inn is described in dirty, dingy detail but the sense of safety and home that was found there shines through in his description. The series of events that led to violence would be laughable in other circumstances – Judy Garland looming large, as always. “There was something about gays and Judy Garland”. Nozzi’s description of the different types of gay men are hilariously bitchy and upbeat, making the stark description of the violence and his dawning realisation that nobody would help them even more devastating. Lavinia Co-op’s story is full of fire. From thinking they were sick as a young boy to becoming a drag artist living in a dump in Notting Hill, Lavinia’s story of the beginning of gay liberation in 70s London and the freedom drag gave them is an emotional roller coaster, laughs and gasps coming fast as the political undertones and the emergence of AIDS loom ever larger to create a rallying cry for recognition – “We need a museum to explain all of this shit!” The final interviewee, Paul Burston, was an activist in 90s London. A member of ACT UP, Paul describes his average day being a funeral, getting arrested and going to court, and the lack of interest and compassion from the public as AIDS ravaged the gay community. Paul is honest about the splits and prejudice amongst the gay community towards AIDS sufferers and warns of complacency in the modern generation that their rights cannot be taken away. The three recognise the chasm between those who lived through the darkest days of the AIDS crisis and the younger generation, and the bittersweet knowledge that they will never understand the pain so some do not appreciate the older generation as they should. Their stories are poignant, very funny and gut-wrenchingly sad, but each end with a note of pride and resilience – a battle cry for the future and an inspirational memorial for those that came before.

Riot Act is available on stream.theatre on demand until 28th February https://www.stream.theatre/season/224

Stage One announces regional trainee producer partners for 2022

Stage One is partnering with Birmingham Hippodrome, Hull Truck Theatre, MAST Mayflower Studios and Sheffield Theatres to deliver their Regional Trainee Producer Placement Scheme for 2022.  

The Trainee Producer Placements offer aspiring producers a 12-month fixed term contract within an established production company or producing theatre. Stage One launched the National branch of this scheme in 2013 to increase communication and shared knowledge across the subsidised and commercial sectors. The placement not only benefits the producer but also the host theatre or organisation, as the producer becomes an additional member of the in house production team.   

Since 2006, Stage One has facilitated 112 paid placements in West End commercial producing offices to 79 producers and 26 paid placements in Regional houses (launched 2013). 75% of participants in the placement scheme are still actively working in the theatre industry. 

Joseph Smith, Chief Executive of Stage One, said: “We are pleased to be back delivering our Trainee Producer placement scheme now that theatre doors are open after the uncertainty of the last two years. This scheme will offer four emerging producers hands-on training and the opportunity to produce in-house productions, commercial tours and transfers, as well as immerse themselves in the daily activity of these busy organisations. In turn, we hope that the addition of a trainee producer can support the theatres with resources needed to plan commercial opportunities  alongside  building back their local audiences.” 

Birmingham Hippodrome 

As the cultural beating heart of the city, Birmingham Hippodrome reaches over one million people a year through an on and off-stage programme of work, digital presence, and performances in Birmingham and beyond. 

Long recognised as one of the UK’s premier presenting theatres, the past three years have seen Birmingham Hippodrome develop into a creative producing organisation focused on access, diversity and inclusion, doubling their impact to match their annual audience of 550,000 with a further 450,000 people engaged via festivals, learning, participation and produced work, including their 2019 youth musical West Side Story, award-winning co-production with Curve of The Color Purple and forthcoming collaboration with Rambert on Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby. 

With 10 Associate Companies, the Hippodrome produces and commissions bold new work, telling fresh and engaging stories, reflecting the youth and diversity of the city and region.  

The Hippodrome is also the largest dance campus outside London, home to Birmingham Royal Ballet (led by Carlos Acosta), DanceXchange, Dance Consortium, OneDanceUK and digital agency The Space. 

Chris Sudworth, Director of Artistic Programme at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “We are thrilled to be working with Stage One to welcome a Trainee Producer into our team at Birmingham Hippodrome. Their passion, ideas, creativity and commitment to bringing bold new stories to both of our stages, on tour nationally and into the heart of communities will be an asset to our venue and our city. The Trainee Producer will gain insight into a unique organisation that is renowned as one of the UK’s leading presenting theatres and increasingly as a producer of award-winning live theatre, festivals and learning experiences, committed to access, diversity and inclusion. We are excited to meet people interested in joining us in a year where Birmingham welcomes the world for the Commonwealth Games and as we showcase new work of all scales made here, throughout the UK and beyond.” 

Hull Truck Theatre 

Hull Truck Theatre is a pioneering theatre with a unique Northern voice, locally rooted, global in outlook, inspiring artists, audiences and communities to reach their greatest potential. Their vision is to produce and present inspiring theatre that reflects the diversity of a modern Britain. To provide the resources, space and support to grow people and ideas, be an ambassador for our city, a flagship for our region and a welcoming home for our communities.  

In 2022 we celebrate 50 years of Hull Truck Theatre. We’re doing this by focusing on the thing that makes Hull Truck Theatre magic – the people. Without our supportive audiences, generous funders, talented artists, passionate participants and dedicated staff, this theatre wouldn’t have kept its place at the heart of Hull’s creative core for half a century.  With the inspiring leadership of Mark Babych (Artistic Director) and Janthi Mills-Ward (Executive Director), the theatre is on the next stage of its exceptional journey, creating a vibrant 21st-century cultural organisation.   

Adam Pownall, Senior Producer for Hull Truck Theatre said: “We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Stage One and offer this placement during a flagship season celebrating 50 years of Hull Truck Theatre. We are keen to add a new voice to our artistic team to help us bring unique stories to our stages whilst gaining valuable insight into our in-house productions, programming of our two theatre spaces, talent development and continue to grow our passion for culture, diversity, and inclusion. The Trainee Producer will have the opportunity to learn alongside our nurturing and collaborative team and be connected into our various networks locally, regionally and nationally.” 

MAST Mayflower Studios 

MAST is a multi-art form cultural hub presenting and producing theatre, dance, musicals, music, comedy, circus, cabaret, spoken word, visual arts and family shows. MAST’s vision is to be nationally recognised in providing Inspiring Experiences. They aim to:  

• Preserve and maintain MAST for the community and provide a diverse programme of quality arts experiences  

• Be valuable to the community and local cultural offer as a creative hub and centre of excellence for culture in Southampton  

• Be community led with engagement and consultation at its heart 

MAST Mayflower Studios is the partner venue of Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and is operated under the registered company name Mayflower Academy Ltd. The Mayflower Theatre Trust established Mayflower Academy Ltd to operate MAST Mayflower Studios to be a key cultural partner within the City, and to be an integral part of Southampton’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid. 

Jamie Smith, Creative Producer of MAST Mayflower Studios said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer a Trainee Producer placement here at MAST Mayflower Studios through Stage One at an extremely exciting time for the organisation. Having personally experienced the wonderful workshops and support network Stage One provides, I’m eager to see not only what the successful candidate will learn whilst here but also what they will be able to bring to our team.  In a post-pandemic world, recognising and nurturing future talent will be essential not only for an individual’s personal development, but also for the health, wealth and prosperity of the Theatre Industry and its networks, particularly in the regions.  With multiple in-house productions and co-productions in the pipeline for the next 18 months, as well as a wealth of knowledge to be imparted by a supportive and collaborative team, this placement provides on the job training and real opportunity for input into our vision of inspiring experiences.”   

Sheffield Theatres
Sheffield Theatres is home to three theatres: the Crucible, the Sheffield landmark with a world-famous reputation; the Studio, an intimate, versatile space for getting closer to the action; and the gleaming Lyceum, the beautiful proscenium that hosts the best of the UK’s touring shows. Committed to investing in the creative leaders of the future, Sheffield Theatres’ dedicated talent development hub, The Bank, opened in 2019 to support a new cohort of emerging directors, writers and producers every year. 

John Tomlinson, Producer at Sheffield Theatres said: “We’re delighted to be able to host a Stage One Trainee Producer at Sheffield Theatres for 12-months. These opportunities are vital for the development of the next generation of talented leaders and we’re excited to support someone’s journey. I know from personal experience that this scheme can be the catalyst to a career in this industry – and if you’re wondering whether to apply, wonder no more and introduce yourself to us.”

Stage One is a charity whose work would not be possible without the support of many generous individuals, businesses, trusts and foundations.  

Applications for 2022/23 placements open on Friday 11 February and close on Monday 7 March 2022. The application form can be found on the Stage One website: www.stageone.uk.com as well as information on their other development programmes.  

For more information please contact Louise Goodman (Programme Director): 0207 557 6737 / [email protected] 

Show Time in Stations – London commuters entertained with pop-up West End performances and musical theatre karaoke throughout February

officiallondontheatre.com/showtime

Watch Dirty Dancing surprise performance at Waterloo Station here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKPIJrxKjNU

The daily commute will be livened up this month by a series of West End theatre pop-ups at London stations. 

As people continue to return to the office, ‘Show Time in Stations’ will offer special performances from leading cabaret singers, surprise appearances from hit West End shows and the chance for the public to unleash their inner diva and sing to win theatre tickets with Lucky Voice musical theatre karaoke.

Last week saw a special performance at Waterloo Station from the West End cast of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, which has just opened at the Dominion Theatre.

The pop-up is a partnership between Network Rail and Official London Theatre, coinciding with the launch of Show Time, a new theatre promotion offering £10, £20, £30, £40 and £50 tickets to over 40 West End shows until 31 March.

Show Time in Stations began at Waterloo Station from 9 to 13 February, and will be at Victoria Station from 16 to 20 February and Charing Cross Station from 23 to 27 February.

Also this month, theatre-loving visitors to central London can visit Performance by Rankin, a landmark free exhibition by celebrity photographer Rankin, shining the spotlight on over 150 incredible on and offstage theatre workers from nearly 60 shows and venues. The exhibition is currently running until 12 March at the FUJIFILM House of Photography in Covent Garden.

To book £10, £20, £30, £40 & £50 Show Time tickets to top West End shows visit officiallondontheatre.com/showtime

Follow Official London Theatre’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook channels for the latest updates on Show Time in Stations surprises to look out for this month