Full Casting Announced for UK Tour of DOLLY PARTON’S 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

UK TOUR OF

DOLLY PARTON’S SMASH HIT

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

OPENING 31 AUGUST 2021

AT SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER

Dolly Parton’s smash-hit 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is delighted to confirm full casting for the forthcoming UK Tour opening at Southampton Mayflower on 31 August 2021. Full tour schedule below. 

Joining the previously announced Louise Redknapp as ‘Violet Newstead’ will be Vivian Panka making her professional UK stage debut as ‘Judy Bernly’, Stephanie Chandos (9 to 5 The Musical – previously covering the role of ‘Doralee’, Hairspray and We Will Rock You,) as ‘Doralee Rhodes’, Sean Needham (Kinky Boots, Mamma Mia!, Wicked and Buddy) as ‘Franklin Hart Jr.’ – a role he played on many occasions in both the West End and on tour,  Julia J. Nagle (American in Paris, Aspects of Love, Dirty Dancing) as ‘Roz Keith’ and Russell Dickson (Evita) as ‘Joe’.

The cast is completed by returning ensemble cast members Alexander Bartles, Sierra Brewerton, Demmileigh Foster, Ross Lee Fowkes, Jon Reynolds, Kirsty Anne Shaw, Ricardo Spriggs, Grace Walker, Emily Woodford, and Richard Taylor Woods.  They are joined by Rebekah Bryant, Emily Bull, Sonny Grieveson, Callum Henderson, Joshua Lear, Sarah-Marie Maxwell and Clayton Rosa.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton. It tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy – three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the girls manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Original Broadway Cast Recording is planned for re-release via Dolly Records/Sony Music.

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions with Gavin Kalin Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Glass Half Full Productions.

LISTINGS INFORMATION
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

2021 UK TOUR LISTINGS

9to5themusical.co.uk

TUESDAY 31 AUGUST – SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2021

Mayflower, Southampton

www.mayflower.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2021

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2021

Edinburgh Playhouse

www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2021

The Marlowe, Canterbury

www.marlowetheatre.com

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER 2021

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 5 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER 2021

Venue Cymru, Llandudno

www.venuecymru.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

CASTING TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

TUESDAY 12 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER 2021

Bristol Hippodrome

www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 19 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 23 OCTOBER 2021

New Wimbledon Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 26 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 30 OCTOBER 2021

Nottingham Theatre Royal

www.trch.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 2 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2021

Liverpool Empire

www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2021

Sunderland Empire

www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 16 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2021

The Alexandra, Birmingham

www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 23 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2021

Eden Court, Inverness

www.eden-court.co.uk 

ON SALE NOW

CASTING TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER 2021

Theatre Royal Plymouth

www.theatreroyal.com

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 25 – SATURDAY 29 JANUARY 2022

Glasgow King’s Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow

ON SALE NOW

LOUISE REDKNAPP STARS AS VIOLET NEWSTEAD

TUESDAY 1 – SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2022

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre

ON SALE NOW

CASTING TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

TUESDAY 1 – SATURDAY 5 MARCH 2022

Manchester Palace Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

ON SALE NOW

CASTING TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

Exclusive rehearsal photos and video content of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Exclusive rehearsal photos and video content of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Disney’s Olivier Award-winning stage musical Beauty and the Beast will open a UK & Ireland Tour at The Bristol Hippodrome on Wednesday 25 August 2021.

Courtney Stapleton as Belle and Emmanuel Kojo as Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast rehearsals1. Photo – Johan Persson ©Disney

Courtney Stapleton and Emmanuel Kojo will play the iconic lead roles, Belle and her Beast, as spectacular new designs and state-of-the-art technology fuse with the classic story, bringing the beloved tale to new life.

Courtney Stapleton as Belle and Emmanuel Kojo as Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast rehearsals1. Photo – Johan Persson ©Disney

Also announced are Gavin Lee (Mary Poppins, SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical, Les Misérables) as Lumiere and Tom Senior (The Pirates of Penzance, Eugenius!) who will be Gaston.

Courtney Stapleton as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast rehearsals. Photo – Johan Persson ©Disney

Sam Bailey (The X-Factor winner 2013, Blood Brothers) will play the legendary role of Mrs Potts, with Nigel Richards (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables) as Cogsworth.

Emmanuel Kojo as Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast rehearsals. Photo – Johan Persson ©Disney

Martin Ball (Les Misérables, Wicked, Top Hat) will take the role of Maurice, Samantha Bingley (Martha In The Secret Garden) will be Wardrobe, Emma Caffrey (Curtains, 42nd Street, Funny Girl) will be Babette and Louis Stockil (Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia!) will play Le Fou.

Emmanuel Kojo as Beast, Gavin Lee as Lumiere, Theo Querico as Chip, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast rehearsals. Photo – Johan Persson ©Disney[2]

The full company is completed with Jake Bishop, Pamela Blair, Liam Buckland, Jasmine Davis, Autumn Draper, Daisy Edwards, Alyn Hawke, George Hinson, Jennifer Louise Jones, Brontë Lavine, Thomas- Lee Kidd, David McIntosh, Aimee Moore, Sam Murphy, Ashley-Jordon Packer, Emily Squibb, Grace Swaby, India Thornton and Rhys West.

Louis Stockil as Le Fou in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast rehearsals with Director and Choreographer Matt West. Photo – Johan Persson ©Disney

Spectacularly reimagined in startling new designs which will use the latest theatrical innovations, this timeless romantic tale will be brought to life on stage like never before, with all the charm and elegance audiences expect from Belle and her Beast. Among the many new features of this 2021 Beauty and the Beast is an exuberant tap dance within the legendary production number Be Our Guest, created expressly for Gavin Lee, recognised as one of the great tappers on either side of the Atlantic.

Nigel Richards as Cogsworth, Emmanuel Kojo as Beast and Gavin Lee as Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast rehearsals. Photo – Johan Persson ©Disney

Olivier Award nominee Matt West will direct and choreograph this new production, leading a team that includes composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, bookwriter Linda Woolverton, scenic designer Stan Meyer, costume designer Ann Hould-Ward and lighting designer Natasha Katz. The team collectively received five Tony® nominations and a win for Hould-Ward’s costume design, when Disney first debuted Beauty and the Beast on Broadway 26 years ago.

Tom Senior as Gaston in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast rehearsals. Photo – Johan Persson ©Disney

This new Beauty, while retaining the lush period sound of the Oscar-winning and Tony®-nominated score – which brought classics including Be Our Guest and Beauty and the Beast, as well as Change in Me, added to the musical production in 1998 and retained thereafter – will be heard afresh with new dance arrangements by David Chase, allowing original choreographer Matt West to re-visit his work. Longtime Menken collaborators Michael Kosarin and Danny Troob are musical supervisor/vocal arranger and orchestrator, respectively.

Completing the design team, Tony®-winner John Shivers is sound designer, Darryl Maloney is the video and projections designer, and David H. Lawrence is hair designer. Jim Steinmeyer is the illusions designer, as he was on the original 1994 production. Casting for the production is by Pippa Ailion Casting.

Performances will begin in Bristol on Wednesday 25 August, with other engagements also confirmed for Liverpool, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin with more venues to be announced in due course. All tour dates and information at www.beautyandthebeastmusical.co.uk

Beauty and The Beast is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the supervision of Thomas Schumacher.

Smash-hit Show An Evening Without Kate Bush Added To Liverpool Theatre Festival Programme

SMASH-HIT KATE BUSH 

SHOW JOINS LINE-UP FOR

LIVERPOOL THEATRE FESTIVAL 

Unique show has already wowed Edinburgh Festival 

Now see it in Liverpool during national tour before it heads to London 

A new show celebrating the music and career of iconic singer songwriter Kate Bush is the latest production to be added to the Liverpool Theatre Festival programme. 

An Evening Without Kate Bush has already wowed Edinburgh Fringe Festival audiences and critics, and is now coming to Liverpool next month as a guest visiting production during a national tour before it heads to the capital for a London run in early 2022. 

Liverpool Theatre Festival runs between Wednesday 1 September and Sunday 12 September 2021, and is once again being staged at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in Liverpool city centre

Acclaimed performer Sarah-Louise Young has teamed up with theatremaker Russell Lucas to explore the music and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music. The show is produced by John Mackay. 

An Evening Without Kate Bush is on Monday 6 September 2021 at 7.30pm. The show runs for two hours including an interval. Tickets are on sale now. 

With a career spanning five decades, Kate Bush has always attracted a loyal and devoted fanbase. Her fascinating story goes from releasing Wuthering Heights aged 19, to selling out the Hammersmith Apollo almost 40 years later. She has always surprised and confounded her critics, but through it all her fans have stayed strong. Celebrate her ground-breaking music through this critically acclaimed chaotic cabaret cult show. 

Audiences are invited to join performer Sarah-Louise Young to howl with The Hounds Of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights. Kate won’t be there, but fans of her music will be. 

Producer and artistic director Bill Elms commented: It’s quite a coup for us to programme guest visiting production An Evening Without Kate Bush for this year’s Liverpool Theatre Festival. It was a huge sell-out success at Edinburgh with a strong fan following, so we feel very lucky and incredibly excited to bring the show to Liverpool audiences as part of its national tour before it heads to London. This unique show is set to be a real festival highlight and we cannot wait to give the show a warm Liverpool welcome.” 

Liverpool Theatre Festival was first staged in September 2020 and was created by Liverpool theatre producer Bill Elms. Bill stepped in to bring entertainment back to audiences after theatres across the country were ordered to close their doors as part of the first Coronavirus lockdown in March 2020 – giving live performance and creatives a platform during the most challenging of times. The outdoor festival went on to be a huge success, scooping an award and shortlisted for further accolades, winning praise across the industry for once again giving live performance a platform during the most challenging of times. 

The festival has already been expanded for 2021 with the addition of Little LTF, a new strand and sister event to showcase new works and champion talent. Seven-day Little LTF took place in mid-July and attracted more than 1,200 festivalgoers. 

Liverpool Theatre Festival features mainstream and established acts, artists and productions, and already includes 2Gorgeous4U (Wednesday 1 September); The Last Five Years (Friday 3 September); When Another Dragon Roars (Saturday 4 September); Everybody’s Talking About Musicals (Saturday 4 September); Boing…Meow! The Musical (Sunday 5 September); Electric Dreams (Sunday 5 September); An Evening Without Kate Bush (Monday 6 September); Twice Nightly (Tuesday 7 September); Opera Beneath The Stars (Thursday 9 September); Broken Biscuits (Friday 10 September); Twelfth Night By William Shakespeare (Saturday 11 September); Laughterhouse Comedy (Saturday 11 September); Goldilocks And The Fab 4 (Sunday 12 September); with Something About George – The George Harrison Story closing the festival (12 September). More shows will be announced shortly. 

Liverpool Theatre Festival is funded by Liverpool City Council and Culture Liverpool, sponsored by Falconer Chester Hall, and supported by Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres and dBS Solutions. 

The festival will adhere to any Covid-19 and Government guidelines required at the time. 

Visit www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com for the latest news updates. 

Website:         www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com  

Facebook:       /liverpooltheatrefestival 

Twitter:           @lpoolTFestival 

Instagram:      liverpooltheatrefestival 

Hashtag:         #TheatreIsBack 

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY ABOUT 

AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH 

 ‘Joyous!’ 

The Guardian 

‘A tour de force.’  

 ★★★★ Time Out  

‘Even your critic found herself, unprecedentedly, singing along. My cheeks hurt with smiling.’ 

★★★★ Daily Telegraph 

‘This is an evening that ends in triumph, not in tears.’  

★★★★ The Times 

 ‘Young is a versatile performer with a terrific sense of comedy.’  

 ★★★★ Whatsonstage 

LIVERPOOL THEATRE FESTIVAL 2021 LISTINGS 

2GORGEOUS4U  

DATE: Wednesday 1 September 2021 

TIMES: 5pm / 8pm 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: 70 mins no interval 

THE LAST FIVE YEARS 

DATE: Friday 3 September 2021 

TIMES: 5pm / 8pm 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: 75 mins no interval 

WHEN ANOTHER DRAGON ROARS 

DATE: Saturday 4 September 2021 

TIME: 11.30am 

PRICE: £14 / £12 Children 

RUNNING TIME: 45 mins no interval 

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT MUSICALS 

DATE: Saturday 4 September 2021 

TIMES: 6pm / 8.30pm 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: 75 mins no interval 

BOING…MEOW! THE MUSICAL 

DATE: Sunday 5 September 2021 

TIME: 11.30am 

PRICE: £12 / £10 Children 

RUNNING TIME: 50 mins no interval 

ELECTRIC DREAMS 

DATE: Sunday 5 September 2021 

TIMES: 4pm / 8pm 

PRICE: £20 (4pm) £22 (8pm)  

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 10mins including interval 

AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH 

DATE: Monday 6 September 2021 

TIME: 7.30pm 

PRICE: £20  

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours including interval 

TWICE NIGHTLY 

DATE: Tuesday 7 September 2021 

TIME: 7.30pm 

PRICE: £16.50 

RUNNING TIME: 70 mins no interval 

OPERA BENEATH THE STARS 

DATE: Thursday 9 September 2021 

TIME: 7.30pm 

PRICE: £28 

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours including interval 

BROKEN BISCUITS 

DATE: Friday 10 September 2021 

TIMES: 6pm / 8.30pm 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: 60 mins no interval 

TWELFTH NIGHT BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE 

DATE: Saturday 11 September 2021 

TIME: 1pm 

PRICE: £14 / £12 Children 

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours including interval 

LAUGHTERHOUSE COMEDY 

DATE: Saturday 11 September 2021 

TIMES: 6pm / 8.30pm (line-up varies slightly between shows) 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: N/A 

GOLDILOCKS AND THE FAB 4 

DATE: Sunday 12 September 2021 

TIME: 1pm 

PRICE: £14 / £12 Children 

RUNNING TIME: 60 mins no interval 

SOMETHING ABOUT GEORGE – THE GEORGE HARRISON STORY 

DATE: Sunday 12 September 2021 

TIMES: 5pm / 8pm 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: 75 mins no interval 

OVERTURES PIANO BAR Takes Up Residency at The Hippodrome Casino from Thursday 26 August

TAKES UP A WEST END RESIDENCY IN

THE HIPPODROME CASINO, LEICESTER SQUARE

FROM THURSDAY 26 AUGUST

London’s favourite musical-singalong haunt, OVERTURES PIANO BAR returns, taking up its West End residency at The Hippodrome Casino, partnering with Fourth Wall Live, from Thursday 26 August.

OVERTURES PIANO BAR will be opening its doors at Lola’s Underground Casino at The Hippodrome, Leicester Square, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8.00pm.

Considered to be London’s answer to the renowned Marie’s Crisis Café in New York, Overtures Piano Bar offers a spontaneous evening out with just the crowd, the piano, the pianist and the showtunes to see you through the evening.  With no set list, no stage and no microphone, customers are invited to sing as much or as little as they want in an environment that welcomes everyone from all cultures, sexual orientations, backgrounds, and singing levels. 

Songs on offer for people to sing-along range from popular classics such as Les Misérables, Wicked, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and Grease, to the cult showtunes from Stephen Sondheim’s musicals and everything in between.  Overtures will also feature regular guest appearances from the famed pianists and singing bar tenders from Marie’s Crisis Café and will also showcase homegrown talent.   

Talking about the move, Ray Rackham, who founded Overtures and created the London musical theatre singalong scene said: “What started as a one-week folly in 2018 lead to a permanent establishment that only a pandemic could close! Whilst we were in lockdown waiting to reopen one thing was clear to me, we had to find a location right in the heart of Theatreland. And what a venue, the site where Judy Garland played her last London concerts, which welcomed the likes of Sophie Tucker and Liza Minnelli, and where Ethel Merman made her only British appearances. We never anticipated the hunger of the general public of London, in needing a place to sing out loud until the wee small hours; we just needed to make sure our clientele could get from theatre to singalong in a hop, skip or jump. I’m so happy Overtures has teamed up with Fourth Wall Live and the Hippodrome to glow up our very unique singalong experience.”

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 upcoming sold-out Bonnie and Clyde in Concert. Their most recent production, Eurobeat – The Pride Of Europe was loved by audiences and critics alike during its streamed season in May 2021.

https://www.hippodromecasino.com/restaurant-bars-lounges/bars-lounge/overtures/

Twitter: @OverturesLDN

Over 18’s Only www.begambleaware.org  

A £5 cover charge applies after 10.00pm.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE WORLD PREMIER OF WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT? AT BIRMINGHAM REP

CASTING AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED

FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF

WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT?

AT BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE

  • FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR BRAND NEW MUSICAL, WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT?
  • THE CAST WILL INCLUDE DOMINIC ANDERSEN IN THE LEAD  ROLE OF TOM JONES

  • BASED ON HENRY FIELDING’S NOVEL THE HISTORY OF TOM JONES AND FEATURING THE ICONIC HITS OF SIR TOM JONES, WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT? WILL PLAY AT BIRMINGHAM REP FROM 8 OCT – 14 NOV

  • PRESENTED BY THE REP, IN ASSOCIATION WITH FLODY SUAREZ AND KILIMANJARO THEATRICALS

As well as announcing the full cast and creative team for the highly anticipated, brand new musical, What’s New Pussycat?.

Inspired by the novel The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling,  this romantic musical comedy reimagines Fielding’s classic tale in London’s swinging sixties and sets the story to the iconic hit music of Sir Tom Jones

Written by the Tony Award winning Joe DiPietro (Memphis The Musical), with a stellar creative team including director Luke Sheppard and legendary choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips, get ready for music, mods and rocking romance when the show enjoys its world premiere at The REP from 8 October – 14 November

The cast will include Dominic Andersen as Sir Tom Jones, Bronté Barbé as Mary Western, Ashley Campbell as Mr Partridge, Julius D’Silva as Lord Allworthy, Rebekah Hinds as The Girl in the Polka Dot Dress, Harry Kershaw as William Blifil, Kelly Price as Lady Bellaston and Melanie Walters as Mrs Western.

Tom FrancisNaomi KatiyoLemuel KnightsDavid Mairs-McKenzieLisa MathiesonFallon MondlaneJena PandyaNathan RiggOwen Saward and Carrie Willis will make up the ensemble.

The showwill be directed by Luke Sheppard, whose most recent production – the acclaimed & Juliet – has taken the West End by storm and won 3 Olivier Awards and 6 Whatsonstage Awards. He will be joined by choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge, Dame Arlene Phillips DBE.

The full world class creative team includes; Matt Brind (Musical Supervisor/Orchestrator); Jon Bausor (Set Design); Janet Bird (Costume Design); Akhila Krishnan (Video Design); Gareth Owen (Sound Design); Howard Hudson (Lighting Design); Annelie Powell CDG (Casting Director); Dale White (Associate Choreographer); Priya Patel Appleby (Assistant Director); and Josh Sood (Musical Director).

What’s New Pussycat? is set to the soundtrack of Sir Tom Jones’ greatest hit songs: Green, Green Grass of Home, It’s Not Unusual, Leave Your Hat On, Delilah, Mama Told Me Not To Come, Sex Bomb and, of course, What’s New Pussycat? 

Presented by Birmingham Repertory Theatre in association with Flody Suarez, Joshua Andrews and Stuart Galbraith from Kilimanjaro Theatricals. Donna Munday will Executive Produce.
 

What’s New Pussycat? will enjoy its world premiere at The REP from 8 October – 14 November. Tickets are from £17.50 and are on sale now at www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/


In line with current Government regulations, The REP is now open to full capacity, but we continue to take a number of carefully managed steps and precautions to help audiences feel safe and enjoy their chosen performance. The wearing of masks is encouraged throughout the building and additional cleaning will continue.

Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre response to the announcement of a government backed insurance scheme for the live performance and events sector

Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre response to the announcement of a government backed insurance scheme for the live performance and events sector

Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre have today issued the following statement in response to the announcement of a government backed insurance scheme for the live performance and events sector:

Today’s announcement of a government backed insurance scheme for the live performance and events sectors, which is accessible also to theatres and productions is a welcome demonstration of the need for insurance to protect against the severe impacts of the pandemic. These have led to costly cancellations of theatre productions, and a major inhibition to producers, venues, and external investors from making the commitments necessary to bring our world leading theatre sector back to normal levels of activity, with all the employment which that creates, right the way across the UK.

Theatre generates £1.4bn in revenue annually and we estimate that as a sector our total economic impact including to the hospitality, travel and the tourism markets, coupled with the vibrancy theatre brings to our city centres, is worth at least treble this number to the economy as a whole. We also provide critical international earnings as our high quality productions are exported around the world. The sector will not be able to flourish and return to pre pandemic levels without an effective insurance scheme in place, that provides cover for Covid-19 related risks.

Currently commercial insurers are unwilling to offer such crucial cover without government backing. We therefore welcome government intervention to help plug the gap left by this market failure – especially in relation to possible future national or regional lockdowns. 

However today’s proposal addresses only some, and not all, of the major risks that theatre faces. Self-isolation regulations have been forcing the closures of shows at short notice. Social distancing audience number caps have been a constant burden to an industry which requires high audience occupancy levels to be economically viable. The threat of their possible reimposition represents a major risk, that we need to obtain insurance cover for – especially if larger, high cost productions are going to resume at normal levels. Theatre productions need long term sustainable cover for shows running daily over a considerable period of time. These risks and requirements are not addressed properly by the proposal. For any scheme to be effective it has to be comprehensive, and it also has to be affordable.

We recognise the considerable engagement that has been made by DCMS and HMT, over the past year, in working closely with the theatre sector on the issue of insurance. It is important that we continue those negotiations and discussions as we work through the specific detail of the proposal announced today, but also to find ways to mitigate cover to include more of the risks that the sector is facing due to the pandemic, and to making the costs involved significantly more viable.

Hollyoaks Hunk David Tag Announced To Lead The Cast In St Helens Christmas Panto

STAR CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR GOLDILOCKS AT

ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Hollyoaks hunk David Tag will act as Ringmaster for ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’

Roll up, roll up! Goldilocks and the Three Bears comes to St Helens Theatre Royal this Christmas and today producers have announced that Hollyoaks favourite David Tag will appear as the Ringmaster.

The spectacular seasonal production promises St Helens audiences a fantastic festive treat complete with madcap comedy capers and all the fun of the circus.

The theatre’s Christmas pantomimes have become a real highlight of the festive season year after year, and with Goldilocks audiences are being guaranteed ‘the greatest show on earth’.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears will run at St Helens Theatre Royal from Friday 10 December 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022. Tickets are on sale now.

David Tag, who will take on the role of Ringmaster, is best known for playing Sylvester ‘Sylver’ McQueen in award-winning Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks where his character has been involved in a number of key storylines.

The Manchester born star has also enjoyed roles in Emmerdale and the 2020 coming-of-age drama S.A.M, which has been a hit at a host of British film festivals. And he can next be seen as Prince Charming in a new short film.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears marks his pantomime debut, and the actor says: “I’m really thrilled to be cast in my first panto and I can’t wait to get started.”

The rest of the all-star cast will be announced soon.

The magical show from Regal Entertainments Ltd promises family fun, unbelievable circus tricks and lots of excitement as Goldilocks, with the help of the Three Bears, tries to save her Big Top from a rival circus owner.

Audiences can also expect high production values, stunning and colourful costumes, laugh out loud comedy and a fantastic selection of chart hits to sing and dance along to.

Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan says: “Our pantomimes have become one of the real highlights of Christmas for many people.

“We had to cut last year’s panto short because of pandemic restrictions, while our Easter show was streamed online. So we really can’t wait to get back on stage and present Goldilocks to our audiences in person this season. It’s a magical show full of fun, excitement and laughter.

“And we’re also absolutely delighted to welcome David into the St Helens panto family – I know he’s going to make a fantastic Ringmaster for our unmissable Christmas circus.”

St Helens Theatre Royal will ensure that any Government guidelines still required in December will be in place to ensure the safety of theatregoers, venue staff, cast and crew.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears will run at St Helens Theatre Royal from Friday 10 December 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022. Tickets are on sale now starting from £16.

Tickets can be booked over the phoneor in person at the box office between 10am and 5pm, from Monday to Friday.Tickets can also be purchased online. For more information please visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Follow St Helens Theatre Royal on social media channels:

Facebookwww.facebook.com/St-Helens-Theatre-Royal

Twitter: @TheatreRoyalStH

Instagram: @TheatreRoyalStH

LISTING DETAILS

Regal Entertainments Ltd Presents: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Dates: Friday 10 December 2021 – Sunday 9 January 2022

Tickets: From £16*

*All prices are inclusive of a £1 per seat booking fee. Online bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat online processing fee.

THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS

Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office, Corporation Street, St. Helens, Merseyside WA10 1LQ (Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm). Alternatively, call 01744 756 000 or log on to: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com.

Arthur/Merlin Review

St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden – until 22 August 2021

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

3***

Only a step away from Covent Garden piazza, you can sit among trees and roses in the gorgeous garden of St Paul’s Church, while the city roars away outside. It’s an idyllic setting for a play about the wizard Merlin and the young King Arthur, and you don’t need to wear a mask – it’s outside and well distanced. Unscripted additions like the cries of seagulls, the church clock and the rain just add to the atmosphere in this lovely spot.

There are four actors, and they’re wearing mics, so you can hear every word. And what a lot of words there are. Playwright Reuben Johnson is on a mission to get us thinking. In the first half, Merlin presents Arthur with knotty questions on the ethics of violence, social inequality, whether hunting can be justified, and some maths. Serious stuff, but Kate Donnachie is a commanding Merlin, and rattles off her rap-inspired speeches with panache. Michael Elcock is an appealingly wide-eyed innocent Arthur, and together with big bluff Lloyd Gorman and Gina Jamieson, they work valiantly to create the mysterious forest and the Lake of Avalon in our imaginations, with the help of excellent sound effects.

So far so good-ish, but the second half lost me. Admittedly it wasn’t helped by foody fragrances coming from nearby restaurants, and the sound of a raucous party. But none of those things would have mattered if the play hadn’t gone off in odd directions. First we had a long comic turn by Gorman and Jamieson, like the jokey interludes you get at pantomimes during a big scene change. But there was no scenery to change, and it added nothing to the plot.

Then Gina Jamieson turned out to be the enchantress Morgan le Fay, who had a bit of history with Merlin. Civil war broke out, and Merlin launched into a long, dark account of his origins. The Antichrist? Child-killing? What? It was both disturbing and boring, and too late in the play. By the time we got back to Arthur and the sword in the stone, it was hard to care.

This was a summery outdoor play with a vast rambling fantasy novel struggling to get out. To give everyone the benefit of the doubt, the play might have worked better with more children in the audience, for the actors to get a bit of backchat going. It’s an Iris Theatre production, led by Artistic Director Paul-Ryan Carberry. The play will go ahead in almost all weathers (ponchos available for £1).

Anything Goes Review

Barbican Theatre – booking to 31 October 2021

5*****

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Photographer credit: Tristram Kenton

A show that radiates joy from the second musical director Stephen Ridley dons his officers’ cap to conduct the overture, Anything Goes is escapist perfection.

The flimsiest of plots involving ridiculous disguises, mistaken identity, dubious celebrity worship and a good old honey trap ensure that true love wins for three seemingly mismatched couples as the SS American sails across the Atlantic. The humour is definitely in dad joke territory, but when the punchlines and visual gags come at this pace and are delivered with such skill, you can’t help but laugh.

Cole Porter’s glorious music never fails to transport an audience, whether it’s the romance of Easy To Love and It’s De-Lovely or the comedy of Friendship and You’re The Top and this cast elevates it even further. Director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall has provided some good old-fashioned song and dance that will take your breath away and gives the stars their chance to shine. Sutton Foster won a Tony portraying Reno Sweeney, and she’ll be odds on to win an Olivier with this performance. Foster knows she has the audience in the palm of her hands from her first entrance and tightens her grip as the show progresses and she gets to show her incredible range. She is generous and funny in the comedy duets and brings the house down with a barnstorming take on the two show stopping numbers. The audience were on their feet before the end of Anything Goes and were buzzing throughout the interval. The whole cast onstage nailing Marshall’s energetic and joyful choreography is a sight to behold. Blow, Gabriel, Blow builds slowly into an electrifying, hypnotic frenzy that is unforgettable.

Robert Lindsay brings effortless charisma to failed gangster Moonface Martin, revelling in any chance to dance and ad lib, and there is lots of fun to be had watching Gary Wilmot trying to woo Felicity Kendal. Samuel Edwards and Nicole-Lily Baisden are wonderful as Billy and Hope, and the hilarious Carly Mercedes Dyer and Haydn Oakley steal every scene they’re in as gangster’s moll Erma and eccentric Lord Evelyn. The main characters are all comedy gold, but the reactions of the rest of the cast to their shenanigans are very funny – especially Clive Hayward as the flustered captain and Graham MacDuff as the unflappable purser.

Anything Goes is the perfect package – a phenomenal cast giving a masterclass in musical theatre performing one of the most uplifting shows ever written – simply irresistible

Family Shows Announced For Liverpool Theatre Festival Next Month

FOUR NEW FAMILY SHOWS 

REVEALED FOR NEXT MONTH’S 

LIVERPOOL THEATRE FESTIVAL 

Music, dancing, fun and laughter awaits young audiences 

at outdoor live event at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church

Four new shows for children form part of this year’s programme for the return of Liverpool Theatre Festival in September. 

The exciting family friendly shows will give youngsters the chance to experience live entertainment in a fantastic outdoor setting during the 10-day event. 

Organisers have this week added four family friendly shows to the line-up – When Another Dragon Roars; Boing…Meow! The Musical; Twelfth Night; and Goldilocks And The Fab 4. Tickets are on sale now. 

Liverpool Theatre Festival runs between Wednesday 1 September and Sunday 12 September 2021, and is once again being staged at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in Liverpool city centre

The programme features mainstream and established acts, artists and productions, and already includes 2Gorgeous4U (Wednesday 1 September); The Last Five Years (Friday 3 September); Everybody’s Talking About Musicals (Saturday 4 September); Electric Dreams (Sunday 5 September); An Evening Without Kate Bush (Monday 6 September); Beneath The Stars (Thursday 9 September); Broken Biscuits (Friday 10 September); Laughterhouse Comedy (11 September); with Something About George – The George Harrison Story closing the festival (12 September). 

When Another Dragon Roars is on Saturday 4 September at 11.30am. The show runs for 45 minutes. The show fuses Altered Scale’s outstanding puppetry with Petite Ullaloom’s unique storytelling style, and is directed by Kevin Dyer. Alfie and his Mum are going camping to get away from everything – and to spend some quality time together. Alfie finds it hard to talk, his Mum does too. They share stories about dragons – scary ones, sulky ones, angry ones, and funny ones. They discover that emotions, like dragons, are tricky beasts. Sometimes they need to be tamed, sometimes they need to be released. Told with charm and humour, this is a thoughtful and heart-warming show for children and adults alike. 

Boing…Meow! The Musical is on Sunday 5 September at 11.30am. The show runs for 50 minutes. This musical adaptation of new children’s book Boing…Meow! comes from Asa Murphy, the writer of The Monkey With No Bum book and stage production, which was recently premiered at Liverpool Theatre Festival’s new works showcase, Little LTF. Stanley is a cat, and this is his story searching for the perfect place to sleep. There is nothing in this world that Auntie May loves more than her ginger cat Stanley – but like all cats, Stanley loves to go wondering around the local neighbourhood looking for the best and most comfortable place to have his afternoon nap. Audiences are invited to join Auntie May as she searches for Stanley with the help of songs, dancing, and interactive games. 

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare is on Saturday 11 September at 1pm. The show runs for two hours. Presented by The Boaty Theatre Company, this is a swashbuckling adventure of love, life, and mistaken identity. When a devastating storm separates and shipwrecks twins Olivia and Sebastian, they must do their best to carve out a new life in a strange land, each believing the other twin has perished. Olivia is the young Governess of Illyria island, but the pirates are thriving – led by Captain Orsina they are over-running the port and controlling the town. Featuring a live pirate band, a fearsome yet lovable Pirate Queen, and a fool or two, the production promises family fun as The Boaty Theatre Company breathes new life into one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies. 

Goldilocks And The Fab 4 is on Sunday 12 September at 1pm. The show runs for 60 minutes. From the team who presented A Fairy Tale Journey Across The Mersey at last year’s Liverpool Theatre Festival, comes a brand new magical, musical, mash-up family panto. Audiences are invited on a journey with Goldilocks as she takes flight on a broomstick. After the fright of her life, Goldilocks runs off into a magical forest to search for her parents. Little does she know that her biggest adventure awaits in a large castle in the middle of the woods, she has stumbled upon a great school of witchcraft and wizardry. She meets the Fab 4, who have something magical to tell her. She must face her greatest fears and save her parents from the Wicked Queen of the Enchanted Forest. 

Producer and artistic director Bill Elms commented: We are delighted to add four exciting new family friendly shows to the Liverpool Theatre Festival programme for 2021. The children’s shows proved very popular during last year’s festival and also at the recent Little LTF, so we’re very keen to ensure this new line-up again includes live entertainment to cater for all ages. Youngsters enjoying Liverpool Theatre Festival are our audiences of the future so we want to give them a positive and memorable experience to start their journey.” 

Liverpool Theatre Festival was first staged in September 2020 and was created by Liverpool theatre producer Bill Elms. Bill stepped in to bring entertainment back to audiences after theatres across the country were ordered to close their doors as part of the first Coronavirus lockdown in March 2020 – giving live performance and creatives a platform during the most challenging of times. 

The outdoor festival went on to be a huge success, scooping an award and shortlisted for further accolades, winning praise across the industry for once again giving live performance a platform during the most challenging of times. 

The festival has already been expanded for 2021 with the addition of Little LTF, a new strand and sister event to showcase new works and champion talent. Seven-day Little LTF took place in mid-July and attracted more than 1,200 festivalgoers. 

Liverpool Theatre Festival is funded by Liverpool City Council and Culture Liverpool, sponsored by Falconer Chester Hall, and supported by Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres and dBS Solutions. 

The festival will adhere to any Covid-19 and Government guidelines required at the time. 

Visit www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com for the latest news updates. 

Website:         www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com  

Facebook:       /liverpooltheatrefestival 

Twitter:           @lpoolTFestival 

Instagram:      liverpooltheatrefestival 

Hashtag:         #TheatreIsBack 

LIVERPOOL THEATRE FESTIVAL 2021 LISTINGS 

2GORGEOUS4U  

DATE: Wednesday 1 September 2021 

TIMES: 5pm / 8pm 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: 70 mins no interval 

THE LAST FIVE YEARS 

DATE: Friday 3 September 2021 

TIMES: 5pm / 8pm 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: 75 mins no interval 

WHEN ANOTHER DRAGON ROARS 

DATE: Saturday 4 September 2021 

TIME: 11.30am 

PRICE: £14 / £12 Children 

RUNNING TIME: 45 mins no interval 

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT MUSICALS 

DATE: Saturday 4 September 2021 

TIMES: 6pm / 8.30pm 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: 75 mins no interval 

BOING…MEOW! THE MUSICAL 

DATE: Sunday 5 September 2021 

TIME: 11.30am 

PRICE: £12 / £10 Children 

RUNNING TIME: 50 mins no interval 

ELECTRIC DREAMS 

DATE: Sunday 5 September 2021 

TIMES: 4pm / 8pm 

PRICE: £20 (4pm) £22 (8pm)  

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 10mins including interval 

AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH 

DATE: Monday 6 September 2021 

TIME: 7.30pm 

PRICE: £20  

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours including interval 

OPERA BENEATH THE STARS 

DATE: Thursday 9 September 2021 

TIME: 7.30pm 

PRICE: £28 

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours including interval 

BROKEN BISCUITS 

DATE: Friday 10 September 2021 

TIMES: 6pm / 8.30pm 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: 60 mins no interval 

TWELFTH NIGHT BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE 

DATE: Saturday 11 September 2021 

TIME: 1pm 

PRICE: £14 / £12 Children 

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours including interval 

LAUGHTERHOUSE COMEDY 

DATE: Saturday 11 September 2021 

TIMES: 6pm / 8.30pm (line-up varies slightly between shows) 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: N/A 

GOLDILOCKS AND THE FAB 4 

DATE: Sunday 12 September 2021 

TIME: 1pm 

PRICE: £14 / £12 Children 

RUNNING TIME: 60 mins no interval 

SOMETHING ABOUT GEORGE – THE GEORGE HARRISON STORY 

DATE: Sunday 12 September 2021 

TIMES: 5pm / 8pm 

PRICE: £22 

RUNNING TIME: 75 mins no interval