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THE ICONIC MUSICAL

ANNOUNCES CAST FOR UK TOUR

SAM LIPS to star as Don Lockwood,

CHARLOTTE GOOCH as Kathy Selden,

ROSS McLAREN as Cosmo Brown and

JENNY GAYNER as Lina Lamont

They are joined at selected venues by special guest stars

ADAM COOPER as DON LOCKWOOD

(Woking, Manchester, Glasgow, Plymouth)

FAYE TOZER as LINA LAMONT

(Canterbury, Woking, Milton Keynes, Edinburgh, Newcastle)

KEVIN CLIFTON as COSMO BROWN

(Bristol, Cardiff, Southampton, Liverpool, Glasgow)

A smash hit in Chichester, in the West End and most recently Sadler’s Wells, Michael Harrison and Jonathan Church present Chichester Festival Theatre and Stage Entertainment’s production of Singin’ in the Rain and are today delighted to announce casting for its major UK and Ireland 2022 tour.

Leading this glorious production are Sam Lips as Don Lockwood (Broadway and US credits include CATS, Chicago, West, Side Story, On the Town and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. UK credits include Strictly Ballroom); Charlotte Gooch (Strictly Ballroom and Top Hat in the West End, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage, first UK Tour and West End) as aspiring actress Kathy Selden; Ross McLaren (Sleepless, Troubadour Theatre; BIG The Musical and White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre) as Don’sslapstick sidekick Cosmo Brown and Jenny Gayner (The Girls, Chicago and Spamalot in the West End and Annieand The Rocky Horror Showon tour) as thestrangulated silver-screen siren, Lina Lamont.

Across the tour, they will be reunited with their Sadler’s Wells co-stars who make special guest appearances at select dates. Steps and stage star Faye Tozer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, West End; Me and My Girl and Tell me on a Sunday) will reprise her role as Lina Lamont in Canterbury, Woking, Milton Keynes, Edinburgh and Newcastle and former professional Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton (Rock of Ages, UK Tour; Burn the Floor, West End, UK and International tours; Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage, West End) will reprise his role as Cosmo Brown in Bristol, Cardiff, Southampton, Liverpool and Glasgow.

Adam Cooper returns to the show with his legendary performance of Don Lockwood in Woking, Manchester, Glasgow and Plymouth having earned critical acclaim in the role at Chichester Festival Theatre and beyond. Adam Cooper is one of the most celebrated stars to perform at Sadler’s Wells, where he has headlined Matthew Bourne’s iconic production of Swan Lake, as well as many other productions.

Further casting includes Sandra Dickinson, who will appear as Dora Bailey, Michael Matus as Roscoe Dexter and Imogen Brooke as Zelda Zanders. The ensemble features Briana Craig, Alastair Crosswell, Lavinia Fitzpatrick, Alex Given, Ryan Gover, Ashleigh Graham, Thomas Inge, Robin Kent, Joshua Lovell, George Lyons, Amonik Melaco, Ashleigh Morris, Peter Nash, Dale Rapley, Molly Rees-Howe, Harriet Samuel-Gray, Heather Scott-Martin, Megan Speirs, Ben Whitnall, and Ellie May Wilson.

Don Lockwood is a silent movie star with everything he could want – fame, adulation and a well-publicised ‘romance’ with his co-star Lina Lamont. But Hollywood is about to change forever. There is rumour in the studio of a new kind of film, where the actors actually talk … and sing … and dance. Can Don and the uniquely voiced Lina make the transition, and will chorus girl Kathy Selden fulfil her dream of stardom and capture Don’s heart along the way?

Directed by Jonathan Church, Singin’ in the Rain opens at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre on Thursday 17^th March 2022, before visiting Woking, New Victoria Theatre; Southend, Cliffs Pavilion; Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes Theatre; Edinburgh, Festival Theatre; Newcastle, Theatre Royal; Manchester, Opera House; Bristol, Bristol Hippodrome; Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre; Dublin, Bord Gais Energy Theatre; Birmingham, Birmingham Hippodrome; Southampton, Mayflower Theatre; Liverpool, Empire Theatre; London, New Wimbledon Theatre; Nottingham, Concert Hall;  Bradford, Alhambra Theatre;  Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre; Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre;  Glasgow, King’s Theatre concluding at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal in August.

Singin’ in the Rain features songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, including Make ‘em Laugh, Good Morning, Moses Supposes and Singin’ in the Rain. Original screenplay and adaptations are by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Reuniting the original Chichester production team, Singin’ in the Rain will be directed by Jonathan Church, with Olivier Award-nominated choreography by Andrew Wright. The production is designed by Simon Higlett, with lighting by Tim Mitchell. Stuart Burt is Casting Director. Please see here for full cast biographies.

This production of Singin’ in the Rain opened at Chichester Festival Theatre and extended due to unprecedented public demand, before a transfer to London which received huge critical acclaim and four Olivier Award nominations.

It played to more than 750,000 people…. some leaving the theatre a little wetter than when they arrived! The iconic rain scenes:

• Use 6k litres of water, equivalent to 5 tonnes (here’s a list of things which also weigh 5 tonnes: 2 Rhinos, 11 Grand Pianos or 30 Panda Bears!)

• Uses over 100 metres of heavy-duty rubber hose
• Takes 15 minutes to drain. Afterwards, it is recovered, it is then recycled, cleaned and used again
• Heats the water to 37 degrees for performer comfort!

The stage production of Singin’ in the Rain is based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, regularly voted the most popular film musical of all time.

It’s Show Time! Amazing deals on top West End shows until 31 March with Official London Theatre

officiallondontheatre.com/showtime

£10, £20, £30, £40 & £50 tickets to over 40 West End shows

For the first time ever, London’s world-famous West End is offering £10, £20, £30, £40 and £50 tickets (with no booking fees) to over 40 top shows from now until 31 March, as Official London Theatre extend their New Year promotion and relaunch it as Show Time – adding a wide array of offers from restaurants, shops and hotels through OfficialLondonTheatre.com, so audiences can make the most of their trip.

Theatre fans have an extra month to take advantage of the much-loved annual promotion, making it easier than ever to see a show for less in 2022. Show Time is supported by the Mayor of London as part of his ‘Spring into London’ campaign, encouraging people into the city centre to sample its unparalleled culture, entertainment and hospitality. 

From legendary long-runners like Wicked, The Phantom Of The Opera, Mary Poppins and The Play That Goes Wrong to new hits including Back To The Future – The Musical, Dear Evan Hansen, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella and The Drifters Girl, now is the time for theatre lovers to revisit an old favourite or sample something new.

As part of the campaign, Official London Theatre is partnering with Network Rail throughout February for ‘Show Time in Stations’, livening up the daily commute with a series of special theatre pop-ups. There will be performances from leading cabaret singers and the chance for the public to unleash their inner diva and sing to win theatre tickets with Lucky Voice musical theatre karaoke – plus surprise appearances from hit West End shows. The pop-up begins at Waterloo Station from 9 to 13 February, followed by Victoria Station from 16 to 20 February and Charing Cross Station from 23 to 27 February.

And as the perfect accompaniment to a London theatre day out, theatregoers 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.

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre, said:

“We are delighted to bring so many leading West End shows together to launch Show Time, giving audiences even more of a chance to experience the thrill of world-class live entertainment this Spring. We are hugely grateful to the Mayor of London for his support in making this happen. We urge you to take advantage of Show Time and book your tickets now!”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: 

“It’s great to see our world-class theatres back in business. Nothing compares to these fantastic live performances and I am delighted to support this brilliant offer to encourage Londoners and visitors back to the West End.”

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

A GLIMPSE BEHIND THE SCENES…

BIRMINGHAM REP ANNOUNCE FREE OPEN DAY

Birmingham Rep are offering members of the public a chance to take a peek behind the scenes at the city’s only premiere producing theatre with a free Open Day on Saturday 26 February.

The full day of activities for all the family will take members of the public behind the scenes of Birmingham’s famous theatre, the only large-scale theatre in the city that builds all of its own productions on site from scratch, including huge sets and beautiful costumes.

From 10am-4pm, families can enjoy backstage tours, workshops, performances, technical demonstrations, heritage talks plus the chance to purchase incredible garments in The Rep’s costume sale.

Artistic Director, Sean Foley and Executive Director, Rachael Thomas said; “We are thrilled to be throwing open our doors and inviting the people of Birmingham and beyond into their theatre for a day packed full of free activities on 26 February.

“The Rep is a theatre for everyone, all are welcome. Please come and join us for exciting backstage tours, see the workshops where our sets and theatre designs come to life, tread the boards on our huge main stage where some of the UK’s greatest actors have performed, or join us for a series of workshops and learn about the theatre’s rich history.”

The Open Day will include short backstage tours led by The Rep’s dedicated volunteers as they take you on a look around the fascinating theatre building. Learn about The Rep’s long theatrical history and take a peek at backstage spaces usually closed to the public including the huge workshop and paintshop where sets are created from scratch for Rep productions.

The Rep’s Costume Sale will allow visitors a rare chance to riffle through rails of fabulous items and outfits from the theatre’s costume stores and take them home. The Rep’s renowned wardrobe department has been making costumes in our current building for 50 years, with many gems to discover. All proceeds raised will go toward the Open House Appeal.

Families can also discover backstage secrets with exclusive interactive demonstrations from The Rep’s leading Technical and Production team. Professionals in lighting, sound, costume, technical drawing, carpentry and stage management will be offering a peek at how theatre magic is made.

From early years through to ages 11-16, young people can join The Rep’s renowned Creative Learning team for a series of four different theatre-based workshops throughout the day. All workshops will have a sign-up sheet from 10am onwards with a limit of 25 participants per workshop.

Attendees can also delve into The Rep’s rich theatrical history with a variety of fascinating talks hosted by The Rep’s volunteers plus the chance to watch as Young Rep members aged 18-25 perform extracts from some of Shakespeare’s most notable works throughout the theatres Foyer spaces.

With so much to discover, early arrival is recommended but advance booking is not required.

The Rep’s Open Day will take place between 10am-4pm on Saturday 26 February. For more information visit Birmingham-rep.co.uk.

Please find below production images for the World Premiere of the UK and Ireland tour of THE OSMONDS: A New Musical, which began performances on Thursday 3 February at Curve, Leicester. 

THE OSMONDS: A New Musical with story by Jay Osmond tells the true story of the five brothers from Utah who were pushed into the spotlight as children and went on to create smash hits, decade after decade.  From their star residency on The Andy Williams Show from 1962 to 1969, to pop stars and ‘Osmondmania’ from 1971 to 1975, to the arrival of The Donny & Marie Show, a popular variety TV show, from 1976 to 1979, The Osmonds lived a remarkable life recording chart-topping albums, selling out vast arena concerts and making record-breaking TV shows – until one bad decision cost them everything.  

THE OSMONDS: A New Musical stars Ryan Anderson as Merrill Osmond, Jamie Chatterton as Alan Osmond, Alex Lodge as Jay Osmond, Danny Nattrass as Wayne Osmond, and Joseph Peacock as Donny Osmond, with Georgia Lennon as Marie Osmond. 
The musical features a list of 1970s anthems, including One Bad Apple, Down by the Lazy River, Crazy Horses, Let Me In, Love Me for a Reason, (We’re) Having a Party, Puppy Love, Long Haired Lover From Liverpool, Paper Roses and many more.  

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIRST MAJOR REVIVAL OF

BRUCE NORRIS’ AWARD-WINNING CLYBOURNE PARK

Trish Wadley Productions and David Adkin

in association with Park Theatre present

CLYBOURNE PARK
By Bruce Norris

Director: Oliver Kaderbhai; Set and Costume Designer: James Turner;Lighting Designer: Alex Lewer; Sound Designer: Will Tonna; Casting Director: Lucy Casson

16 March – 23 April 2022

Having had to shut down the production of Bruce Norris’ seminal play Clybourne Park at final dress rehearsal in March 2020, Trish Wadley Productions and David Adkin, in association with Park Theatre, are delighted to announce that Oliver Kaderbhai’s production, originally planned for the play’s 10^th anniversary year, will open at the venue in March. Joining the previously announced Michael Fox (Jim/Tom), Andrew Langtree (Karl/Steve), Richard Lintern (Russ/Dan), Imogen Stubbs (Bev/Kathy) and Eric Underwood (Albert/Kevin) are Katie Matsell (Betsy/Lindsey) and Aliyah Odoffin (Francine/Lena). The production opens on 21 March 2022, with previews from 16 March, and runs until 23 April.

Winner of both the Tony and Olivier Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for author Bruce Norris, Clybourne Parkis a razor-sharp satire about the politics of race and real estate. The play returns to London following sell out runs at The Royal Court and in the West End.

In 1959, Russ and Bev are moving to the suburbs after the tragic death of their son and have sold their house to the neighbourhood’s first black family. 

Decades later, the roles are reversed when a young white couple buys the lot in what is now a predominantly black neighbourhood, signalling a new wave of gentrification. In both instances, a community showdown takes place – are the same issues festering beneath the floorboards fifty years on?

Michael Fox plays Jim/Tom. For theatre his credits include All in a Row, A Lie of the Mind (Southwark Playhouse), An Enemy of the People (Chichester Festival Theatre), As You Like It (Transport Theatre), Leaves of Glass (Alma Tavern) and Edmund Kean (Watford Palace Theatre). For television his credits include Bombing Auschwitz, Endeavour, Downton Abbey, Marvellous, The Ark, New Worlds; and for film, Downton Abbey, Dunkirk, Good People and the forthcoming Downton Abbey: A New Era. 

Andrew Langtree plays Karl/Steve. His theatre work includes Stages (The Vaults), A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic), The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole (Ambassador’s Theatre), Troilus and Cressida (RSC), Imperium (RSC and Gielgud Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (Sheffield Theatres), Albert’s Boy (Orange Tree Theatre), The Hypocrite (RSC and Hull Truck), Treasure Island (Birmingham Rep), Groundhog Day (The Old Vic), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Theatr Clwyd) and Oppenheimer (RSC and Vaudeville Theatre). For television, his work includes The Tower, The Royal and Cutting It, and as Jason Gallagher in Emmerdale and Leon in Coronation Street; and for film, Matilda and Delovely.

Richard Lintern plays Russ/Dan. His theatre work includes Blue/Orange (Birmingham Rep), Elephants (Hampstead Theatre), Jumpy, My Night with Reg (Royal Court Theatre), Women Beware Women, The Royal Hunt of the Sun, His Girl Friday, Life after Life (National Theatre), As You Desire Me (Playhouse Theatre), and The Philadelphia Story (The Old Vic). For television his work includes Young Wallander, Stephen, The Outpost, Shakespeare and Hathaway, Silent Witness – as series regular Thomas Chamberlain, Pennyworth, White House Farm, The Crown, Top Boy, Crossing Lines, Le Grand, Threesome, Spies of Warsaw, Hunted, The Minor Character, The Shadow Line, Lead Balloon and Clapham Junction; and for film, The Christmas Ball, Side by Side, The Nanny State, Page Eight, The Domino Effect, Cassandra’s Dream and Lucan.

Katie Matsell plays Betsy/Lindsey. Matsell recently graduated from LAMDA. Her theatre credits include The Mirror Crack’d (Wales Millennium Centre and Wiltshire Creative), and Museum of Austerity (English Touring Theatre and National Theatre).

Aliyah Odoffin plays Francine/Lena. Odoffin recently graduated from RADA. Her theatre credits include Billy the Kid (NYMT); and for television, her credits include Everything I Know About Love.

Imogen Stubbs plays Bev/Kathy. Her extensive theatre experience includes productions at the RSC, National Theatre, The Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse and various West End productions. Recent stage credits include Honour (Park Theatre), The Be All and End All (York Theatre Royal), Things I Know To Be True (Frantic Assembly), Communicating Doors (Menier Chocolate Factory), Elephants (Hampstead Theatre), Alecky Blythe’s Little Revolution (Almeida Theatre) and Strangers On A Train (Gielgud). For the Royal Shakespeare Company, she appeared in Othello, Two Noble Kinsmen, The Rover and Richard II. Additional stage credits include Gertrude in Hamlet (The Old Vic), Orpheus Descending, Private Lives (Royal Exchange), Salt, Root and Roe (Donmar at the Trafalgar) and A Marvellous Year For Plums (Chichester Festival Theatre). Her television work includes Parents, Collusion, Big Kids, Blind Ambition and Anna Lee; and for film, Jack & Sarah, Twelfth Night, True Colours, Deadline, A Summer Story and Sense and Sensibility.

Eric Underwood plays Albert/Kevin. He was a soloist with the Royal Ballet, where he created many roles including in Wayne McGregor’s Chroma, Infra and Raven Girl and in Christopher Wheeldon’s DGV, as well as the Caterpillar in Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. He has worked for the BBC across radio and television presenting shows including Can Hip Hop Save Ballet (BBC R4) and Inside Out – Ballet Boys (BBC One). For film, his work includes Cats.

Bruce Norris is an American playwright who lives in New York. He is the author of Clybourne Park, which premiered at Playwrights Horizons in New York, in 2010, before transferring to the Royal Court Theatre, Broadway, and the West End. His other plays include The Infidel (2000), Purple Heart (2002), We all Went Down to Amsterdam (2003), The Unmentionables (2006), A Parallelogram (2010) and Downstate (2018) which were all first produced by Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago;The Pain and the Itch (Playwrights Horizons, Steppenwolf, 2004, Royal Court Theatre, 2007; The Low Road (Royal Court Theatre, 2013), Domesticated (Lincoln Center, 2013), and The Qualms (Playwrights Horizons, 2014). He is the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2011), Tony Award (Best Play, 2012), Joseph Jefferson Award (2003, 2005, 2019), the  Steinberg Playwright Award (2009) and the Whiting Foundation Prize for Drama (2006). As an actor he can be seen in the films A Civil Action, The Sixth Sense among others.

Oliver Kaderbhai is an actor, director, producer and founding Artistic Director of DELIRIUM. His experience in the UK spans Fringe to the West End working with actors such as Andrew Scott, Kate Fleetwood, James Norton and Orlando Bloom, and he has created six productions with DELIRIUM which have sold out venues across the UK. Director credits include Striking 12 (Union Theatre), Songs of Abdulkarim (59 Productions), Peter Pan (Co-Director, Chichester Festival Theatre), One Minute (The Vaults), The Provok’d Wife (Go People), From Where I’m Standing (Pegasus Theatre), Oranges on the Brain (Pegasus Theatre), Go To Your God Like A Soldier (Old Vic Tunnels) and Your Nation Loves You (Old Vic Tunnels). Movement Director credits include Killer Joe (Trafalgar Studios), The Dazzle (Found 111), BUG (Found 111), Almost Maine (Park Theatre), Phenomena (The Albany), Dhow Under The Sun (KSF/META, UAE); and Assistant or Associate Director credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, Running Wild (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and Guys and Dolls (Playmakers Rep, USA).  

Festival Theatre, Malvern – Sunday 6th February 2022

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

Taking my seat I wondered if it was being given a bag of goodies on the way in that made it such a party atmosphere. You don’t, after all, go to many shows where much of the crowd gathers for group photos in front of the stage before the show has even begun. Like attending a house party with friends, just that one of them was Jessica Fletcher.

The aforementioned goodies were a placard (joyously low-tech) with our heroine Jessica on the front and “Fame!” on the reverse, a party popper, pink balloon and a raffle ticket. Intriguing. Were these clues to what lay ahead?

Our host, Tim Benzie, wasted no time – bursting on stage enacting the opening credits of Murder, She Wrote as it played on a large screen behind him. He set the scene, he set the tone of the evening and he set us off nicely for one fast and furious joy-ride back to Cabot Cove (and beyond) with an entire episode of Murder, She Wrote to enjoy. But, it turned out, to enjoy even more than usual!

Tim revelled in the quirkiness, (at times) questionable acting and ludicrous plot points. Without giving too much away, if you’ve ever found humour in the A-Team being locked up in a garage with some acetylene torches, scrap metal and farm machinery whilst 3 inept guards “guard” them by playing poker in a hut 200 yards away – you will understand the level of fun poking here.

There is plenty to enjoy whether you’re a fan of the show or not with a genuinely funny, very personable host who is an absolute pleasure to spend time with. Tim is no static host. He races around the stage from word go in a rather fetching Jessica Fletcher style wig. A couple more costume changes throughout the night complete the effect.

Tim’s solve-along show has everything: a quiz, prizes, some wonderful facts about the guest stars (including introductions to their other work which was truly hilarious! You will know what I’m referring to once you’ve seen this show).

Tim had us on our feet, singing, shouting out…. 100% engaged throughout. It was enormous fun looking out for the clues and suspicious activity and making our predictions regarding the killers identity. And Tim’s original material (did I mention a sing along?) is both thoroughly entertaining and knowingly clever!

If you have the slightest interest in Murder, She Wrote, classic TV, whodunnits, comedy, partying or just enjoying yourself you will laugh yourself silly during this show. This is a gently camp, fabulous celebration of a time when television gave us an hour of escapist entertainment rather than the need for trauma therapy which TV these days can often require.

Whodunnit? Tim dunnit – and he did it so well I can’t wait for the next one! A wonderfully guilty pleasure I will definitely see again and again, like the original show. In fact, I can feel a boxset purchase coming on.

The Northern Stage, Newcastle – until 19 February 2022

Reviewed by Hayley Waters

4****

“Being invisible is good for three things.” Yet the new adaptation of the Wells Book, “The Invisible Man” makes us feel intrigued, nervous and scared. Not forgetting the comedy elements which allows the audience to feel at ease to give us a nice break.

Griffin played by Daniel Watson is the invisible man, or is he? Griffin is a troubled 16-year-old boy who has been sectioned to Morpeth due to a fire incident involving his mother. As Griffin wants to be heard and not seen as invisible, he seeks help from Dr Kemp who everyone knows from the radio, played by Kate Louise Okello. The relationship between Dr Kemp and Griffin comes across professional but brushed off at the beginning as Dr Kemp tends to relate invisibility to not being heard when yet Griffin is arguing as he has scientifically proven he can become The Invisible Man. This discussion tends to argue back and forth between both characters as we get to know their background. Griffin is not heard from others, and we soon learn that Dr Kemp is also shunned due to money being a big part in her family life and Dad saving the day.

Seeing past the arrogance and the desperation for proving science to be seen, the creative input still needs to be acknowledged. The set may look basic with scene locations being set next to each other, but the actor’s characterisation is rather impressive. Observing two cast members, Izzy Ions and Jack Fairley playing multiple roles and assisting with sound effects for instance. Both actors brought humour and realism to the play. Characters which became rather relatable such as stereotypical workies looking forward to their after-work pint, a care worker who typically cares but shows the side that we would never want to associate with, a priest who doesn’t believe in the working class, a news reporter who is all show and my personal favourite the judge who becomes very intimidating. Bravo to Izzy and Jack. Sound effects were produced live by using household items put together, instruments or voice. Without saying too much, a great example of how this becomes effective to the audience is when the invisible man becomes outraged due to the negative comments made towards his mother who has passed away. In drink, the two work men are laughing and referring to her as the local ghost which makes Griffin rage. In anger Griffin throws glasses to scare/warn these characters. Of course, the glasses were not thrown but me writing this does make you think how did they represent this in an effective way?

Take away anything you have seen with the title “The Invisible Man” as this is not anything like them and see this with an open mind.

WILTSHIRE CREATIVE ANNOUNCES

NEWLY APPOINTED SHIFT ASSOCIATE ARTISTS FOR 2022

Wiltshire Creative today announces the appointment of Roisin McCay-Hines and Edward Scott as new SHIFT Associate Artists for 2022. A key part of their remit this year will be to lead the SHIFT programming which forms an integral part of the Salisbury International Arts Festival 2022; as well as working with the in-house team led by Louise Dancy, Wiltshire Creative’s Take Part Director, who oversees the year-long programme of events amplifying the voices of young people across the company.

Roisin McCay-Hines and Edward Scott said today, “The SHIFT programme has already set a fantastic precedent for high quality, inclusive and responsive art. We hope to further that legacy by expanding our outreach and continuing to diversify the range of opportunities there are for young people in the local, national and international communities. It is an initiative which is designed to evolve and for this next iteration, which centres around the Salisbury International Arts Festival, the focus will be on taking practical steps in order to empower young creatives to take ownership of their unique voice and bring them to a public facing platform.”

Louise Dancy commented, “SHIFT has informed the work of the Take Part Department and wider organisation since its conception, putting young people at the heart of decision making. We are building a strong model of authenticity and relevance which will serve us well now, and as we plan forwards.  I am looking forward to working with Ed and Roisin along with our young ambassadors to make plans for the International Arts Festival and beyond, I can’t wait to learn from what they have to say.”

Roisin McCay-Hines is a director and arts worker who graduated from Exeter University in 2020 with a degree in English and Drama. Her recent work includes writing/directing her debut play GAMBIT (Exeter Fringe); directing the Hall for Cornwall’s Youth Theatre; assisting on O-Region/Hall for Cornwall’s Marthusow ha Mysteris and The Triumphant Sea for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Playmaking Festival. She champions opportunities and services for young people within the arts and mental health sectors, having recently finished a two-year term as trustee for the Exeter Northcott Theatre and currently holding a seat on the board of the Youth Arts and Health Trust.

Edward Scott is a visual artist with a keen interest in curation, arts education and engagement, who recently graduated from Falmouth University with a BA in Fine Art. He hopes to bring a new perspective to the SHIFT programme by championing artistic expression across creative disciplines and backgrounds. He is committed to increasing accessibility to the arts, while facilitating a platform through and within which young voices can be developed, seen and heard through the arts and excited to be working with local emerging creatives and audiences.

Wiltshire Creative’s first SHIFT Associate Artists Harrison Brodie and Kate Potter are continuing their association with the programme working as SHIFT Ambassadors.

SHIFT is an ongoing programme created by Wiltshire Creative, amplifying young voices through the arts. In 2021, SHIFT collected and shared the views of young people aged 14-25 through the Off Your Chest project and the SHIFT Hub, platformed young musicians on stage at SHIFT Social events and SHIFT NOW digital event, and created a regional Youth Arts Network who produced a feature length film displaying their creative work in theatre, dance and music.

SHIFT continues in 2022, with the next SHIFT Social live music event taking place on the Friday 26 February at Salisbury Arts Centre.

Other SHIFT projects for 2022 include Woke Songs – a project drawing on experiences of the South West’s queer youth and its rich heritage of folk music to create a new canon of songs and ultimately a musical, relevant to the narratives of young people living today. Theatre makers Mich Sanderson and Ryan Wilce have worked with young people aged 14-19 from across Salisbury and the wider county. The resulting verbatim performance piece is a vibrant and valid celebration of queer existence formed from the true testimony of the participants. Performed by Bonnie Schwarz, the first work in progress performance took place on 28 January, in the Salberg at Salisbury Playhouse. The company will continue to develop the piece over the company months, with the initial showing having generated positive feedback from external producers.

Mich Sanderson and Ryan Wilce are the recipients of the SHIFT Development Fund 2021. This fund was created as part of the SHIFT programme designed to amplify young voices through the arts, led by and for young people. 

Further SHIFT programming will be announced in due course.

ONE-MAN MUSICAL SHOW
GRANDMOTHER’S CLOSET (AND WHAT I FOUND THERE)
TO BE STAGED AT WMC

Wales Millennium Centre will co-produce a brand new, solo musical by first-time writer (and long-time theatre-maker) Luke Hereford, Grandmother’s Closet (and What I Found There) is an autobiographical play about queer identities, and how Luke learned to love his with the help of his grandmother and her colourful wardrobe.

Featuring modern arrangements of pop classics from female icons including Madonna, Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Judy Garland and Björk, and directed by first-time director (and long-time actor) François Pandolfo, this brand new production will be performed 20-23 April 2022 at the Centre’s Weston Studio.

There will be two, dementia-friendly matinee performances on Fri 22 and Sat 23 April.

This musical romp down the Yellow Brick Road promises mischief and mashups, dresses and divas, and a whole lot of heart.

Grandmother’s Closet (and What I Found There) is made possible by the generous support of Arts Council of Wales.

Announcing the show, writer and performer Luke Hereford said: “This play is a manifestation of the joyful, glamorous spirit of my grandmother; my ultimate enabler. Every queer person has been on a journey of self-discovery at some point in their life, and though we take most of that journey alone, if we’re lucky we’re guided through it by unexpected formative moments with unexpected personal cheerleaders. Grandmother’s Closet honours those moments and cheerleaders, the power of memory, and is a salute the sacred art of dressing up.”

Wales Millennium Centre Producer Peter Darney said: “This is a beautiful and personal show about Luke’s relationship with his grandmother and the effect her support for him has had on him as an artist. We are very proud to commission Luke’s first production as a writer, and François’ first as a director, combining their considerable talents to make a compassionate and celebratory show.”

Writer and performer Luke Hereford (he/they) trained at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Luke has worked as a director with National Theatre Wales, Tron Glasgow, Lincoln Center Theater, and Sherman Theatre, as a participant of the JMK Directors Programme, funded by the Carne Trust. As Visiting Director for University of Wales Trinity St. David, shows include Growth, Spring Awakening, Every Day a Little Death and A New Brain. As Associate Artist for Leeway Productions, Luke is developing Queerway; a verbatim song cycle celebrating queer life in Wales and was Assistant Director for their acclaimed production of The Last Five Years.

Director François Pandolfo (he/him) trained at East 15 Acting School and has worked extensively as an actor across theatre, television and radio. Television credits includes Quintis in Doctor Who, Tati’s Hotel, Casualty, Doctors, Eastenders and Baker Boys. He was also series regular Roberto in BBC’s The Tuckers, Dread-head in Wasted and Fraser in Big Boys for Channel 4 Comedy. François’ theatre credits include The Taming of the Shrew, The Motherf***er with the Hat and Alice in Wonderland for Sherman Theatre, A Small Family Business, Macbeth and A History of Falling Things for Theatr Clwyd, Lifted by Beauty and Mission Control for National Theatre Wales, Wuthering Heights for Aberystwyth Arts Centre, The Compleat Female Stage Beauty and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Mappa Mundi, The Magic Flute for Welsh National Opera, Double Vision for Wales Millennium Centre and Bad Girls for Polka Theatre. François is the co-director and partner of difficult|stage. Productions include: A Cold Spread and The World of Work, and critically acclaimed shows Alix in Wundergarten amd Looking Through Glass, both written by François.

Musical Director David George Harrington is a composer, arranger and musical director who has worked and performed professionally for 12 years all over the UK. He has arranged music commercially for clients including Katherine Jenkins, Connie Fisher, Jonny Wilkes, Aled Jones, Shirley Bassey, and has had music performed by the London Philharmonic and London Concert Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Cory Brass Band. He regularly arranges for Decca Records, Warner Music Group and has had music broadcast on ITV, BBC, and BBC Radio 2. David frequently collaborates with leading West End performers and is currently writing two musicals.  

Bydd Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru yn cyd-gynhyrchu sioe gerdd newydd sbon gan yr awdur tro cyntaf (a gwneuthurwr theatr hir-amser) Luke Hereford. Mae Grandmother’s Closet (and What I Found There…) yn ddrama hunangofiannol am hunaniaethau queer, a sut y dysgodd Luke i garu ei fam-gu a’i chwpwrdd dillad lliwgar.

Yn cynnwys trefniadau modern o glasuron pop gan eiconau benywaidd gan gynnwys Madonna, Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Judy Garland a Björk, a’u cyfarwyddo gan gyfarwyddwr am y tro cyntaf (ac actor amser hir) François Pandolfo, bydd y cynhyrchiad newydd sbon hwn yn cael ei berfformio 20-23 Ebrill 2022 yn Stiwdio Weston y Ganolfan.

Bydd dau berfformiad matinee sy’n ystyriol o ddementia ar ddydd Gwener 22 a Sad 23 Ebrill.

This musical romp down the Yellow Brick Road promises mischief and mashups, dresses and divas, and a whole lot of heart.

Mae Grandmother’s Closet (and What I Found There…) yn bosib oherwydd cefnogaeth hael Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru.

Wrth gyhoeddi’r sioe, dywedodd yr awdur a’r perfformiwr Luke Hereford: “Mae’r ddrama hon yn ymddangosiad o ysbryd llawen, hudolus fy mam-gu; fy mhrif alluogwr. Mae pob person cwiar wedi bod ar daith o hunan-ddarganfod ar ryw adeg yn eu bywyd, ac er ein bod yn y rhan fwyaf o’r daith honno’n un unig, os ydym yn lwcus cawn ein harwain drwyddo gan adegau ffurfiannol annisgwyl gyda chodwyr hwyl personol annisgwyl. Mae Grandmother’s Closet yn anrhydeddu’r eiliadau a’r codwyr hwyl hynny, grym y cof, ac mae’n saliwt i’r grefft sanctaidd o wisgo i fyny.”

Dywedodd Cynhyrchydd Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru, Peter Darney: “Mae hon yn sioe hardd a phersonol am berthynas Luke â’i fam-gu a’r effaith y mae ei chefnogaeth iddo wedi’i chael arno fel artist. Rydym yn falch iawn o gomisiynu cynhyrchiad cyntaf Luke fel awdur, ac un cyntaf François fel cyfarwyddwr, gan gyfuno eu doniau sylweddol i wneud sioe dosturiol llawn dathlu.”

Hyfforddodd yr awdur a’r perfformiwr Luke Hereford (fe/nhw) yng Ngholeg Brenhinol Cerddoriaeth a Drama Cymru. Mae Luke wedi gweithio fel cyfarwyddwr gyda National Theatre Wales, Tron Glasgow, Lincoln Center Theater, a Theatr y Sherman, fel cyfrannog ar y JMK Directors Programme, ariannwyd gan y Carne Trust. Fel Cyfarwyddwr Ymweld ar gyfer Prifysgol Cymru y Drindod Dewi Sant, mae ei sioeau’n cynnwys Growth, Spring Awakening, Every Day a Little Death a A New Brain. Fel Artist Cyswllt ar gyfer Leeway Productions, mae Luke yn datblygu Queerway; cylch caneuon air am air sy’n dathlu bywyd cwiar yng Nghymru, ac mi oedd yn Isgyfarwyddwr ar gyfer eu cynhyrchiad poblogaidd The Last Five Years.

Hyfforddodd y Cyfarwyddwr François Pandolfo (fe) yn East 15 Acting School ac mae e wedi gweithio’n eang fel actor ar draws theatr, teledu a radio. Mae ymddangosiadau teledu’n cynnwys Quintis yn Doctor Who, Tati’s Hotel, Casualty, Doctors, Eastenders a Baker Boys. Fe oedd hefyd y cymeriad rheolaidd Roberto yn The Tuckers gan y BBC, Dread-head yn Wasted a Fraser yn Big Boys ar gyfer Channel 4 Comedy. Mae ymddangosiadau theatr François yn cynnwys The Taming of the Shrew, The Motherf***er with the Hat ac Alice in Wonderland ar gyfer Theatr y Sherman, A Small Family Business, Macbeth a A History of Falling Things ar gyfer Theatr Clwyd, Lifted by Beauty a Mission Control ar gyfer National Theatre Wales, Wuthering Heights ar gyfer Canolfan Celfyddydau Aberystwyth, The Compleat Female Stage Beauty ac A Midsummer Night’s Dream ar gyfer Mappa Mundi, The Magic Flute ar gyfer Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru, Double Vision ar gyfer Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru a Bad Girls ar gyfer Polka Theatre. François yw cyd-gyfarwyddwr a phartner difficult|stage. Cynyrchiadau’n cynnwys: A Cold Spread a The World of Work, a’r sioeau Alix in Wundergarten a Looking Through Glass, ill dwy wedi’u hysgrifennu gan François.

Mae’r Cyfarwyddwr Cerdd David George Harrington yn gyfansoddwr, trefnwr a chyfarwyddwr cerdd sydd wedi gweithio a pherfformio’n broffesiynol am 12 mlynedd ar draws y DU. Mae e wedi trefnu cerddoriaeth yn fasnachol ar gyfer cleientiaid sy’n cynnwys Katherine Jenkins, Connie Fisher, Jonny Wilkes, Aled Jones, Shirley Bassey, ac mae ei gerddoriaeth wedi’i berfformio gan y London Philharmonic a’r London Concert Orchestra, Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru, Cerddorfa Cenedlaethol Cymru’r BBC a Cory Brass Band. Mae e’n trefnu’n rheolaidd ar gyfer Decca Records, Warner Music Group ac wedi darlledu ei gerddoriaeth ar ITV, BBC, a BBC Radio 2.  

Mae David yn cydweithio’n rheolaidd gyda pherfformwyr arweiniol y West End ac wrthi yn ysgrifennu dau sioe gerdd ar hyn o bryd.