Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until 21 August 2021.
Reviewed by Steph Lott
5*****
When I took my seat last night, it felt like life was starting to go back to normal. The theatre was nearly full, with a family audience and a panto atmosphere. There was cheesy musak playing, a glittering stage curtain and the scene was set for a wonderful evening of belly laughs and silly slapstick fun.
Magic Goes Wrong is a highly entertaining comedy play, created through the combined talents of Mischief and Penn and Teller. It’s part of Mischief’s “Goes Wrong” series of plays, which include “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “Peter Pan Goes Wrong”. The show contains a series of simple, well-known magic tricks that go disastrously wrong, all centred around a very loose plot which is that a gang of accident-prone magicians, whose leader has father issues, have set up a charity fundraiser show. You get to see a woman fired from a cannon, a very tall lady sawn in half, as well as card tricks and mind-reading. The humour is gloriously silly and slapstick. Trousers fall down. There are bare bottoms! German duo Bar & Spitzmaus sport comedy foreign accents. The Mind Mangler gets fed rude lines via the teleprompter.
However, Magic Goes Wrong is so carefully constructed that the constant flow of funny acts, magic tricks, their execution and ensuing surprises, leaves you laughing out loud and it never drags. Whilst the tricks fail spectacularly most of the time, there are still some fantastic feats of magic thrown in for good measure. The influence of Penn & Teller is definitely woven through the play and even the tricks that go wrong are packed with sleight of hand, misdirection and real magic.
The production has a brilliant cast: Daniel Anthony (Mickey), Valerie Cutko (Eugenia), Sam Hill (Sophisticato), Kiefer Moriarty (The Blade), David Nellist (Mind Mangler), Jocelyn Prah (Spitzmaus) and Chloe Tannenbaum (Bar). The German twins Spitzmaus and Bar were my personal favourites – something oddly sinister about them! I also enjoyed the fact that the technicians and assorted stage people are also involved in the action, as with other Mischief productions that I have seen. Director Adam Meggido and movement director Ali James have created between them a complicated entertaining show, with a nostalgic feel to it. I loved Will Bowen’s glittery set – everything sparkled.
Also to note that there is also a cameo appearance on film from Derren Brown who donated his fee for this production to Great Ormond Street.
With an extended run for the summer holidays, this slapstick romp is family entertainment at its best. There is plenty of magic that goes right
First Look: Production Images THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
A first look at production images from THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Her Majesty’s Theatre starring Killian Donnelly as ‘The Phantom, Lucy St. Louis as ‘Christine’ and Rhys Whitfield as ‘Raoul’.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Killian Donnelly ‘The Phantom’ and Lucy St Louis ‘Christine’ – Photography by Johan Persson
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Masquerade -The Company – Photography by Johan Persson
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Killian Donnelly ‘The Phantom’ and Lucy St Louis ‘Christine’ – Photography by Johan PerssonTHE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Killian Donnelly ‘The Phantom’. Photography by Johan Persson
HAMPSTEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES CASTING FOR SHELAGH STEPHENSON’S OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING PLAY THE MEMORY OF WATER, DIRECTED BY ALICE HAMILTON, AND MUFARO MAKUBIKA’S MALINDADZIMU DIRECTED BY MONIQUE TOUKO
LUCY BLACK, KULVINDER GHIR, ADAM JAMES, LIZZY MCINNERNY, CAROLINA MAIN AND LAURA ROGERS WILL PERFORM IN SHELAGH STEPHENSON’S OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING PLAY, THE MEMORY OF WATER, WHICH RECEIVED ITS WORLD PREMIERE AT HAMPSTEAD THEATRE IN 1996
ALICE HAMILTON WILL DIRECT THIS PAINFULLY FUNNY COMEDY HAVING DIRECTED THE 60th ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF THE DUMB WAITER, THE OLIVIER–NOMINATED EVERY DAY I MAKE GREATNESS HAPPEN AND PARADISE AT HAMPSTEAD THEATRE
THE MEMORY OF WATER WILL RUN FROM 3 SEPTEMBER – 16 OCTOBER 2021 ON THE MAIN STAGE
SHYKO AMOS, KUDZAI MANGOMBE, SIFISO MAZIBUKO, TENDAI HUMPHREY SITIMA AND NATASHA WILLIAMS WILL PERFORM IN THE WORLD PREMIERE OF MUFARO MAKUBIKA’S DELICATE, WITTY AND EPICNEW PLAY, MALINDADZIMU
MALINDADZIMU, DIRECTED BY MONIQUE TOUKO IN HER PROFESSIONAL DEBUT
MALINDADZIMU WILL PREMIERE AT HAMPSTEADDOWNSTAIRS FROM 17 SEPTEMBER – 30 OCTOBER 2021
THE MEMORY OF WATER WILL REMAIN SOCIALLY DISTANCED WITH REDUCED CAPACITY FROM 3 – 25 SEPTEMBER. THE THEATRE MAY INCREASE CAPACITY FROM 27 SEPTEMBER. ADDITIONAL DATES WILL GO ON SALE CLOSER TO THE TIME
MALINDADZIMU WILL REMAIN SOCIALLY DISTANCED WITH REDUCED CAPACITY FOR THE DURATION OF ITS RUN
Hampstead Theatre is delighted to announce the cast for Shelagh Stephenson’s Olivier Award-winning play The Memory of Water. Lucy Black, Kulvinder Ghir, Adam James, Lizzy McInnerny, Carolina Main and Laura Rogers will perform in this poignant and painfully funny comedy about conflicting memories, life and loss, which received its world premiere at the theatre in 1996. Directed by Alice Hamilton, the new production will run from 3 September until 16 October 2021. Hamilton returns to Hampstead Theatre after her recent 60th anniversary production of The Dumb Waiter and the Olivier-nominated Every Day I Make Greatness Happen and Paradise.
The theatre is also delighted to announce the cast for the world premiere of Mufaro Makubika’s new play Malindadzimu. Shyko Amos, Kudzai Mangombe, Sifiso Mazibuko, Tendai Humphrey Sitima and Natasha Williams will perform in this delicate, witty and epic new play, which explores a mother and daughter’s search for belonging and their struggle with a multicultural heritage. Malindadzimu will run from 17 September until 30 October 2021 at Hampstead Downstairs, directed by Monique Touko, who will be making her professional directing debut.
Alice Hamilton, director of The Memory of Water, said:
I am so pleased to be back at Hampstead Theatre and directing The Memory of Water with this group of brilliant actors. Shelagh Stephenson’s Olivier Award-winning playis a modern classic, rich with fabulous characters and a deep vein of humour. The past year has placed family at the forefront of our minds, and I can’t wait to share this warm-hearted riot of sibling rivalry with live audiences.
Monique Touko, director ofMalindadzimu,said:
I am delighted to be making my professional debut at Hampstead Theatre with Mufaro’s new play. Having the opportunity to depict Bulawayo, my mother’s birthplace, feels extremely fitting and timely in my development.
I love Mufaro’s coming of age tale, centred on a relationship between a mother and daughter, caught between Nottingham and Zimbabwe. I can’t wait to get to work on Malindadzimu with this wonderful group of actors and create a world that is rooted in history and speaks for now.
***
The Memory of Water makes a highly anticipated return to Hampstead Theatre twenty-five years after its World Premiere in 1996. Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Shelagh Stephenson’s poignant and painfully funny comedy is about conflicting memories, life and loss. Following West End and New York transfers, Stephenson also adapted The Memory of Water into a film, Before You Go (2002), directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Julie Walters, John Hannah, Joanne Whalley and Victoria Hamilton.
Lucy Black, Carolina Main and Laura Rogers will play sisters Teresa, Catherine and Mary, with Kulvinder Ghir, Adam James and Lizzy McInnerny completing the cast.
Lucy Black will play the role of Teresa. Recent theatre credits include The Haystack by Al Blyth (Hampstead Theatre), Girls by Caryl Churchill (National Theatre) and The York Realist by Peter Gill (Donmar Warehouse). Recent TV credits include Endeavour by Russell Lewis, The Durrells by Simon Nye (ITV) and Gentleman Jack by Sally Wainwright(BBC1).
Kulvinder Ghir will play the role of Frank. Theatre credits include Ayub Khan Din’s East Is East (Octagon Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Sir Trevor Nunn (New Wosley Theatre), Comedians by Trevor Griffiths (Lyric Hammersmith) and Much Ado About Nothing (Royal Shakespeare Company). Screen credits include BBC sketch comedy series Goodness Gracious Me (BBC Radio 4/BBC2), the recent TV adaptation of Black Narcissus (BBC1) and Gurinder Chadha’s latest film, Blinded by the Light.
Adam James will play the role of Mike. Recent theatre credits include Girl from the North Country by Conor McPherson (The Old Vic/West End), Consent by Nina Raine (National Theatre/West End); Bull (Young Vic) and King Charles III (Almeida Theatre/West End/New York) by Mike Bartlett. TV credits include forthcoming new thriller Vigil by Tom Edge, Life and Doctor Foster by Mike Bartlettand I May Destroy You by Michaela Coel (BBC).
Lizzy McInnerny will play the role of Vi. Theatre credits include Harriet Martineau Dreams of Dancing and A Northern Odyssey by Shelagh Stephenson(Live Theatre) and The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Chichester Festival Theatre/Duchess Theatre). Recent TV credits include The Crown by Peter Morgan (Netflix), Back to Life co-written by Laura Solon and Daisy Haggard (Season 2, BBC3) and Agatha Christie’s The ABC Murders (BBC1).
Carolina Main will play the role of Catherine. Theatre credits include Valhalla by Paul Murphy (Theatre503/Sheer Drop) and King Lear (Royal Shakespeare Company). TV credits include her role as DC Fran Lingley in crime drama series Unforgotten by Chris Lang (ITV).
Laura Rogers will play the role of Mary. Theatre credits include Pressure by David Haig (Chichester Festival Theatre/Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh/UK Tour/Park Theatre/West End), Rules For Living by Sam Holcroft (English Touring Company) and Winter Solstice by Roland Schimmelpfennig (Orange Tree Theatre/Actors Touring Company).
Shelagh Stephenson’s other plays include An Experiment with an Air Pump (Royal Exchange/Hampstead Theatre), Ancient Lights (Hampstead Theatre), Five Kinds of Silence (Lyric Hammersmith) and Mappa Mundi (National Theatre).
Alice Hamilton returns to Hampstead following her 60th anniversary production of Harold Pinter’s The Dumb Waiter (2020) and the Olivier-nominated Every Day I Make GreatnessHappen and Paradise (both Hampstead Downstairs). Other directing credits include Blood Wedding (Salisbury Playhouse) and While We’re Here (Bush Theatre).
She will be joined by designer Anna Reid; lighting designer Johanna Town; composer and sound designer Harry Blake; assistant director Aysha Kala; voice and dialect coach Stephen Kemble,
with casting by Briony Barnett CDG.
The production has been supported with a philanthropic gift from Lin and Ken Craig, long-standing supporters of Hampstead Theatre.
***
Cecil J. Rhodes’ grave in Matobo (Matopos) NP, Zimbabwe
Shyko Amos, Kudzai Mangombe, Sifiso Mazibuko, Tendai Humphrey Sitima and Natasha Williams will perform in the world premiere of Mufaro Makubika’s delicate, witty and epic new playMalindadzimu. Set in Nottingham and Zimbabwe, Malindadzimu, explores a mother and daughter’s search for belonging, their struggle with a multicultural heritage, and a haunting history that they cannot ignore. Malindadzimu, (“Hill of the Ancestral Spirits”) is situated in the Matobo National Park in south-west Zimbabwe. It is considered to be a sacred place by locals. Controversially, Cecil John Rhodes is buried on the summit of Malindadzimu.
Shyko Amos will play the role of Faith. Theatre credits includes Generations by debbie tucker green(Soho Rep, New York), An Octoroon by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins(Soho Rep, New York), In Time by Bola Adje(Almeida Theatre) and Bob Marley the Musical by Kwame Kwei-Armah (Birmingham Rep). TV credits include, series regular Ruby Patterson in Death in Paradise, A Very English Scandal by Russell T Davies and Celebrity Master Chef 2020 (all BBC1).
Kudzai Mangombe will play the role of Hope. Kudzai graduated from Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts in 2021. Malindadzimu will be her professional debut.
Sifiso Mazibuko will play the roles of Lobengula and Foreman. Theatre credits include A Land Without People by Brian Rotman (both Courtyard Theatre) and Wrought Atlas Theatre Ensemble (New York International Fringe Festival 2015). Musical theatre credits include Hamilton (Victoria Palace) and Motown: the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre).
Tendai Humphrey Sitima will play the roles of Spirit Medium, Doctor and Labourer. Theatre credits include the immersive production of The Great Gatsby (in which he played George Wilson and also composed and produced the original score), Out of the Frame and Frame Narrative (Project Oeuvre Theatre/Edinburgh Festival Fringe).
Natasha Williams will play the role of Gogo.Theatre credits include Off the Endz by Bola Agbaje, (The Royal Court), Black Crows by Linda Brogan(Arcola Theatre) and The Fatherland by Murray Watts (Bush Theatre). Television credits include Channel 4’s It’s a Sin, EastEnders, Doctor Who and Holby City (BBC1).
Malindadzimu isMufaroMakubika’s second play following his critically acclaimed Shebeen (Nottingham Playhouse/Theatre Royal Stratford East), which won the 2017 Alfred Fagon Award for Best New Play. Malindadzimu will be Makubika’s debut at Hampstead Theatre.
Monique Touko will bemaking her professional directing debut at Hampstead Theatre with Malindadzimu. She will be joined by designer Zoë Hurwitz; lighting designer Matt Haskins and sound designer Max Pappenheim.
***
The Memory of Water will remain socially distanced with reduced capacity from 3 September until 25 September. The theatre may increase capacity from 27 September but out of concern for audiences, staff and performing companies, it is exercising caution. Additional dates will go on sale closer to the time.
Malindadzimuwill remain with reduced capacity and social distancing for the duration of its run.
In the event of either of the productions being postponed due to UK Government advice, full refunds or credit vouchers will be offered.
Hampstead Theatre is currently staging Tennessee Williams’The Two Character Playwhich runs until 28 August. Sam Yates has directed this innovative, psychological thriller by one of the world’s great dramatists which originally premiered at the theatre in 1967. Yates has made a highly anticipated return to the theatre following his Olivier-nominated production of The Phlebotomist (2019). The World Premiere of Big Big Sky by Tom Wells is running at Hampstead Downstairs until 11 September. This beautifully tender new play explores nature’s influence on love, friendship and family and is directed by Tessa Walker, Hampstead Theatre’s new Associate Director. Both productions remain as originally sold, with reduced capacity and social distancing for the duration of their runs.
BOOK, MUSIC & LYRICS BY LAURENCE O’KEEFE & KEVIN MURPHY
DIRECTED BY ANDY FICKMAN
WINNER OF BEST NEW MUSICAL – WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS 2019
Liverpool Empire Theatre
17 August – 28 August 2021
Heathers the Musical (WhatsOnStage 2019 award for Best New Musical) launched its Number 1. touring production from 5 August 2021, opening at Leeds Grand Theatre, before spreading corn nuts throughout the UK and Ireland.
Produced by Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor-Mills, this high-octane black-comedy rock musical, based on one of the greatest cult teen films of all time, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, is back with a bang!
The 2021 touring Class of Westerberg High includes Rebecca Wickes (Veronica Sawyer), Simon Gordon (JD), Maddison Firth (Heather Chandler), Merryl Ansah (Heather Duke), Lizzy Parker (Heather McNamara), Georgina Hagen (Ms. Fleming/Veronica’s Mom), Mhairi Angus (Martha Dunnstock), Liam Doyle (Kurt Kelly), Rory Phelan (Ram Sweeney), Andy Brady (Kurt’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Principle Gowan) and Kurt Kansley (Ram’s Dad/Big Bud Dean/Coach Ripper).
Completing the cast in the ensemble is Callum Connolly, Rhiane Drummond, Bayley Hart, Benjamin Karren, Sam Stones, May Tether and Daisy Twells.
Westerberg High’s Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity may finally come true. Mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody.
The award-winning writing team, Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy’s hit musical adaptation enjoyed successful runs in Los Angeles and New York; the UK productions are directed by acclaimed its original off-Broadway director, Andy Fickman. Choreography is by Thriller Live’s Gary Lloyd, design by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Dan Samson.
Heathers the Musical previously enjoyed two record-breaking seasons, launching at London’s The Other Palace and transferring to the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2018.
In conjunction and running in parallel to the touring production, the hit show has also made its return to the West End’s Theatre Royal Haymarket for a strictly limited 12-week run, running until 11 September 2021.
Past Production Images – 2021 West End Cast – Heathers the Musical
National treasure Su Pollard returns to the stage with tour of Harpy Tuesday 28th September – Tuesday 16th November 2021
TV personality and national treasure Su Pollard (Hi-De-Hi!; You Rang M’Lord?; Celebrity Masterchef, BBC) will reprise her role in a brand new production of the one-woman Edinburgh Fringe hit, Harpy. Previously scheduled to run in 2020, the production makes a welcome return as part of a new countrywide tour.
Written by award-winning playwright Philip Meeks (Kiss Me Honey, Honey!; Murder, Margaret and Me; The Legend of Sleepy Hollow), the play was originally crafted with Su Pollard in mind. This exciting reinterpretation will be helmed under the direction of Abigail Anderson (Pride and Prejudice, UK and South Korean tour; Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing, Merely Theatre).
A tour-de-force performance from Pollard, Harpy is a heart wrenching exploration of one woman’s struggles with mental health and loneliness, manifesting itself through extreme hoarding. At heart it’s a bittersweet dramatic comedy, which showcases a grittier side to the Su Pollard of the eighties, and also asks us to look beyond our prejudices against those who appear to disrupt the norm.
Su comments, I am beyond excited to be bringing Harpy across the country at last – we’ve waited a long time! It’ll be terrific to be performing for a live audience and connecting with people once again, bringing this beautiful play to new audiences. Entertainment is essential, especially after the year we’ve had, and I can’t wait to get back on the road.
The neighbours call Birdie a harridan and a harpy even though most of them have never even met her. They see her obsessive hoarding as detrimental to the value of their own homes. For Birdie, saving what others regard as junk allows her to make sense of the world around her; her possessions are memories of a time past. Shunned by conventional society, she regards it as her duty to salvage these tiny histories that without her would be entirely forgotten.
Su Pollard gives the performance of her life, an unmissable tour-de-force of comedy and drama brought together in a fantastically constructed piece of theatre. (★★★★★ Theatre Weekly, Edinburgh Fringe 2018)
Martin Jarvis OBE, one of the UK’s most distinguished and beloved actors, reprises his role as Sir Edward Heath in MAGGIE & TED at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in October. The week-long run follows a critically acclaimed sell-out West End première earlier this year.
Martin Jarvis is widely celebrated both for his stagecraft and also for his numerous radio and audio performances, including his legendary readings of the Just William books. “Maggie” will be played by Clare Bloomer, who has been described by Gyles Brandreth as “quite the best Margaret Thatcher I’ve seen”. They will be joined by Jon Glover, star of Spitting Image and Week Ending (and known as television’s Mr. Cholmondley-Warner) and Lisa Bowerman, a former regular on BBC TV’s Casualty and who is widely known as Professor Bernice Summerfield in the celebrated Doctor Who spin-off audio series.
ABOUT MAGGIE & TED
Staged as a radio play, the comedy-drama follows “Ted” Heath and his hilarious and relentless feud with his successor, Margaret Thatcher. For over 20 years Margaret Thatcher and Edward Heath enthralled and appalled the British public with their profound political disagreements, reinforced by their intense personal dislike for one another. Now Maggie and Ted are back!”Mr. Europe” and the “Boadicea of Brexit” rollick their way onto the Surrey stage! Expect plenty of hand-bagging as these two titans of British politics reignite their long-running bitter feud.
“Maggie” and “Ted” defined British politics for much of the 1970s and 1980s. Maggie ousted Ted as Leader of the Conservative Party, becoming the first woman to lead a major political party in Britain, and went on to become our first woman Prime Minister, winning three elections in a row. Ted never forgave her for her impudence, for her good fortune – or for her formidable electoral success. In due course, Maggie built the bonfire of Brexit, lit it, then spent the rest of her life fanning the flames. Ted’s life’s work was in ruins, and he never forgave her. How could he?
“A remarkable play – a fabulous piece of drama” – Glenn Chandler (creator of “Taggart”)
Written by playwright and author Michael McManus who worked for both protagonists, knew them well and researched and edited Sir Edward Heath’s biography, The Course of My Life (1998), as well as writing another biography on him, A Singular Life (2016). He explains: “I knew both Ted Heath and Baroness Thatcher – and I seek to represent them in this play, not as pastiche or as parody, but as they really were. They both had their flaws, of course, but they could also both be very funny, deeply impressive and also very kind and considerate. It is a great honour – both daunting and exhilarating – to have written the first new, political play to make its West End début since the beginning of the pandemic and I am looking forward to bringing it to Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.”
Maggie and Ted were improbable Tories – working-class warriors who became an extraordinary double act. Mrs Thatcher served loyally in Ted Heath’s government from 1970 –1974 before challenging and defeating him in the Conservative Party leadership election in 1975, to become Leader of the Opposition. She went on to win the General Elections of 1979, 1983 and 1987. Heath returned to the back-benches, where his bitter 25-year feud with her became known as “the incredible sulk”; he became one of the most dogged critics of Thatcherism – and of the woman who inspired it.
The hilarious, rancorous, running battle between these colossal personalities opened up the schism over Europe that divided party and nation – and ultimately led to Brexit. The play shines an intense and sometimes uproariously funny light on Maggie and Ted and the Birth of Brexit. Helped by a supporting cast of characters including: Sir Winston Churchill; Harold Wilson; Tony Benn; Denis Healey; Sir John Major; Sir Denis Thatcher; Roy Jenkins; our P.M. Boris Johnson, and of course Her Majesty The Queen!
“like a public hustings….The audience whoop with delight when Thatcher speaks up defiantly for women or they groan in dismay when Heath drops another clanger”– Lloyd Evans, The Spectator
“Ted”:The Rt. Hon Sir Edward Richard GeorgeHeathKG MBE
The first working-class leader of the Conservative Party. His ill-fated premiership had one long-lasting consequence: UK membership of the European Union.
“Maggie”: Margaret Hilda Thatcher, The Rt. Hon. Baroness Thatcher, LG, OM, DStJ, PC, FRS, HonFRSC
The second working-class leader of the Conservative Party and the UK’s first female Prime Minister. Both reviled and admired, she ousted Ted Heath as party leader and turned the Conservative Party against Europe.
CAST: Martin Jarvis OBE (Ted Heath); Clare Bloomer (Maggie); Lisa Bowerman (Edith Heath) and Jon Glover (Alderman Roberts). Further casting to be announced.
TICKET BOOKINGS
Dates: Tuesday 12th October – Saturday 16th October 2021 Tickets from £22.50 Concessions and Members’ discounts apply Early Bird Saver Offer Applies! Limited Number of tickets available at £20 (£15 for concessions) from General On-Sale date. Available across all performances, excluding Friday and Saturday evenings.
Show Times: Tuesday – Saturday evenings at 7:30pm Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2:30pm Running Time: to be confirmed Theatre: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Age Recommendation: 12+ Booking link:https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/maggie-and-ted Box Office: 01483 44 00 00
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham – until Saturday 15 August 2021
Reviewed by Louise Ford.
5*****
Don’t Dream it, be it!
Well what a way to get back into the theatre and blow away those lock down blues. The Rocky Horror Show (written by Richard O’Brien back in 1973) returns to the UK, as part of a world-wide tour. The show is Directed by Christopher Luscombe.
From the start there’s a nod to the world of cinema, the sexy usherette and ice cream seller Roxy, introducing the show in song (Science Fiction/Double Feature), and setting the scene, whilst welcoming you to the show. The set is a mix of B movie horror and cartoon images, with more than a nod to the classic Hammer films of the 1940s.
The plot is helped along with explanations, side quips and double entendres by The Narrator (Philip Franks), who had a very warm welcome from Nottingham!
So our two squeaky clean college sweethearts Brad (Ore Oduba) and Janet (Hayley Flaherty) are on the way back from a friend’s wedding on their way to visit Dr Scott (Joe Allen) their former science tutor (with a dark past) when, oh no…they hit a thunderstorm and their car breaks down. They see a castle where they go to use the telephone to call for help. This is where the dark, crossdressing fun begins!
The pair are taken by Riff Raff (Kristian Lavercombe) the creepy hunch backed live-in butler into the laboratory, where they are relieved of their clothes, so that they can dry off and given lab coats to wear! Cue lights, smoke, stars in their eyes entry … for our very own “Sweet Transvestite from Transexual Transylvania“, Frank (wonderfully played by Stephen Webb).
Brad and Janet are nicely underplayed and contrast with the high camp of the other inhabitants of the castle .
The story moves along at quite a lick with high camp renderings of the iconic songs; Let’s Do The Time Warp Again; Damn It, Janet and Sweet Transvestite. The audience, many splendidly dressed up for the evening singing along and ad-libbing to the story and the songs.
All in all a fast paced evening of high camp, crossdressing, knowing looks, catchy tunes and sexy energetic dance routines. A great evening’s entertainment, go see it!
MARTIN MARQUEZ TO JOIN SAFFRON COOMBER IN WORLD PREMIERE OF ALYS METCALF’S “LEOPARDS” AT ROSE THEATRE
“LEOPARDS” AND “THE SEVEN POMEGRANATE SEEDS” TO REMAIN SOCIALLY DISTANCED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Martin Marquez will join the previously announced Saffron Coomber in the world premiere of Alys Metcalf’s Leopards, the opening Rose Original production in Artistic Director Christopher Haydon’s inaugural season at Rose Theatre.
Leopards will premiere at Rose Theatre from 2 to 25 September, with a national press night on 7 September. The theatre has made the decision, in the interest of audience safety and comfort, to keep audiences socially distanced for Leopards and the second Rose Original, Seven Pomegranate Seeds, until further notice.
Martin Marquez has an extensive repertoire of stage work with the Donmar Warehouse, The National and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. He most recently starred as Nathan Detroit in Sheffield Theatre’s production of Guys & Dolls and in Josie Rourke’s revival of Sweet Charity at the Donmar playing Vittorio Vidal. Prior to this, Martin appeared in the UK tours of Still Alice and Headlong’s This House. Martin is perhaps best known for his role as Gino Primirola in the BBC comedy drama Hotel Babylon and as Paul in the sitcom The Job Lot. Lately, he has appeared in the E4 comedy Dead Pixels, series 2 of The Crown and the BBC’s Decline and Fall.
Saffron Coomber’s recent theatre credits include Emilia (West End), for which she was nominated for ‘Best West-End Debut’ at The Stage Debut Awards 2019, Sonnet Sunday (Globe) and A New and Better You (Yard Theatre). Her television credits include: Small Axe (BBC/Amazon), The Deceived (Channel 5), Strike: Lethal White (BBC), EastEnders (BBC), Holby City (BBC) and as Sapphire Fox in Tracy Beaker: Series 1 – 3 (BBC). Films includeElectricity (Stone City Films) and Dustbin Baby (BBC). Most recently, Saffron appeared in the live-streamed production of A Cold Supper Behind Harrods, alongside David Jason, Stephanie Cole and Anton Lesser.
Sex, power and consent – can we ever atone for the sins of our past? When Niala arranges to meet celebrated charity leader Ben in the bar of a London hotel for career advice, their evening unfolds into something far less professional. As the weather closes in and secrets start to surface, the consequences of their choices leave them nowhere to hide. Leopards is a new play about the image we construct of ourselves and explores what it truly means to be good.
Alys Metcalf’s other plays include You Only Live Forever at Soho Theatre, Reel Life at Ustinov Studio Theatre Royal Bath and Unearthed, which was chosen as one of the Guardian Readers’ Favourite Plays of 2015 and played the Arcola and a UK Tour. She is currently developing several films and TV sitcoms and dramas, and is a member of the BBC Comedy Room
Leopards is directed by Christopher Haydon, designed by Lily Arnold, with sound design by Gareth Fry and lighting design by Colin Grenfell. Asha Jennings-Grant is the intimacy director and Amber Sinclair-Case the assistant director.
Leopards is produced by Rose Theatre and the Olivier Award-winning Francesca MoodyProductions (Fleabag, Baby Reindeer, Shedinburgh) in association with Emmy Award-winner Kater Gordon (Mad Men). Christopher Haydon makes his Rose directorial debut.
HIT MUSICAL SELLS OVER 8500 TICKETS IN ‘KIDS WEEK’
ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC GRADUATE NARDIA RUTH JOINS 17 SEPTEMBER
THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, the “huge popular hit” (LBC) based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film, is pleased to resume performances tomorrow (12 August 2021) at 2.30pm and 7.30pm following its recent suspension due to UK Government Track and Trace legislation.
The Grammy® Award nominated“West End blockbuster” (The Guardian)is one of the top two best-selling shows in this year’s Kids Week event, with an incredible 8500+ tickets sold to date. Further tickets are available at applicable performances until Tuesday 31 August. A child (aged 17 and under) goes free when accompanied by a full price paying adult. For tickets, visit: www.theprinceofegyptmusical.com/KidsWeek
Nardia Ruth will join the production as Nefertari from Friday 17 September 2021. Nardia is a 2021 graduate of London’s Royal Academy of Music. and a Disney Theatrical Productions Scholar and an Ian Fleming Musical Theatre Award recipient. The role of Nefertari in The Prince of Egypt will mark Nardia’s professional and West End debut.
Featuring Stephen Schwartz’s “miraculous music” (Time Out) and Sean Cheesman’s “astonishing choreography” (The Guardian), director Scott Schwartz’s “truly epic” (Daily Mirror) production is booking until Saturday 8 January 2022.In line with recent UK Government guidance, all performances are now operating in accordance with Step 4 protocols (full capacity) while maintaining stringent public health and COVID-secure audience protocols throughout the venue. Tickets are available via the official website: www.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com
The “utterly stand-out cast” (WhatsOnStage) of 46 currently includes Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Christine Allado (Tzipporah), Alexia Khadime (Miriam), Joe Dixon (Seti), Debbie Kurup (Tuya), Clive Rowe* (Jethro), Mercedesz Csampai (Yocheved), Adam Pearce (Hotep), Tanisha Spring** (Nefertari), Silas Wyatt-Barke (Aaron), Simbi Akande, Casey Al-Shaqsy, Joe Atkinson, Danny Becker, Felipe Bejarano, Pàje Campbell, Catherine Cornwall, Adam Filipe, Soophia Foroughi, Natalie Green, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Kalene Jeans, Christian Knight, Jessica Lee, Oliver Lidert, Daniel Luiz, Jay Marsh, Scott Maurice, Carly Miles, Alice Readie, Samuel Sarpong-Broni, Christopher Short, Molly Smith, Ricardo Walker, Niko Wirachman and Sasha Woodward together with young performers Cian Eagle-Service, Maiya Eastmond, Jersey Blu Georgia, Taylor Jenkins, Mia Lakha, George Menezes Cutts, Iman Pabani and Vishal Soni. *Clive Rowe appears until 16 October 2021 / **Tanisha Spring plays Nefertari until 9th September 2021
The orchestra is Dave Rose (Musical Director); Mark Collins (Associate Musical Director, Keyboards); Nina Foster/Fiona McCapra (job share), Sonya Fairbairn, Penny Ainscow, Sebastian Rudnicki (Violins); Fiona Davies (Viola); Magda Pietraszewska (Cello); Rory Dempsey (Bass); Rupert Widdows (Woodwind); Tony Cross (Trumpet, Flugelhorn); Duncan Fuller, David McQueen (Horns); John Gregson (Guitars); Murdoch MacDonald (Percussion) and Dan Ellis (Drums).
The Stage Management team is Anthony Field (Company Stage Manager, until 28 August); Debra Tidd (Company Stage Manager, from 24 August); Dominique Pierre-Louis (Stage Manager); Ryan Quelch (Deputy Stage Manager); Nuri Chang, Charlotte Johnson (Assistant Stage Managers/Book Cover); Simon Humphris, Chrissie Huxford and Tracey Farrell (Assistant Stage Managers), who, together with a further 84 backstage staff, complete the production’s huge cast, orchestra and company of 154.
“This lavish stage adaptation” (The Guardian) of the classic DreamWorks Animation film features a cast and orchestra of more than 60 artists and Stephen Schwartz’s acclaimed score includes his Academy Award®-winning song When You Believe, which was a global hit for Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, and the “spine-tingling” (Time Out) Deliver Us. The Original Cast Recording, released by Ghostlight Records, received a 2021 Grammy® Award nomination for `Best Musical Theatre Album’.
Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.
The Prince of Egypt has music and lyrics by multi-Grammy® and Academy Award®-winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), a book by Philip LaZebnik (Mulan, Pocahontas) and features 10 new songs written by Stephen Schwartz together with 5 of his beloved songs from the DreamWorks Animation film (When You Believe, Deliver Us, All I Ever Wanted, Through Heaven’s Eyes and The Plagues).
The Prince of Egypt is directed by Scott Schwartz with choreography by Sean Cheesman;set designs by KevinDepinet; costume designs by Ann Hould-Ward; lighting design by Mike Billings; sound design by Gareth Owen; projection designs by Jon Driscoll; illusions by Chris Fisher; wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates; orchestrations by August Eriksmoen; musical supervision and arrangements by Dominick Amendum; musical direction by Dave Rose; casting by Jim Arnold CDG and children’s casting by Verity Naughton CDG.
The Prince of Egypt is produced by DreamWorks Theatricals (a division of Universal Theatrical Group), Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw together with John Gore, Tom Smedes and Peter Stern, Ramin Sabi, The Araca Group, James L. Nederlander and Michael Park.
A milestone in cinematic achievement, the classic DreamWorks Animation film has been captivating audiences across the world for more than two decades. It has been hailed as “one of the greatest animated films of all time” (Evening Standard) and “a stunning film” (The Guardian).
St Helens Theatre Royal reopens its doors this month with the promise of a fantastic season of shows to welcome back live audiences.
The theatre bursts into life from Monday 23 August, bringing brilliant entertainment back to the heart of St Helens through a packed programme of music, comedy and family fun.
And measures remain in place to ensure audiences can enjoy a Covid-safe experience, including hand sanitiser stations, a one-way system inside the building and a special new at-seat ordering app.
The doors reopen on 23 August with swashbuckling panto Treasure Island starring Grange Hill, EastEnders and Dancing on Ice star Todd Cartyas pirate Long John Silver.
He will be joined by Theatre Royal favourite Reece Sibbald, playing Silly Billy, and Britain’s Got Talent’s Cal Herbert in a High Seas adventure.
Meanwhile superstar Geordie comedian Sarah Millican brings her new Bobby Dazzler of a live stand-up show to St Helens on 29 August as part of a new tour. Learn about what happens when your mouth seals shut, how to throw poo over a wall and find out how truly awful a floatation tank can actually be.
Are you ready to party? The join We Love Little Mix on 30 August. The show features four fabulous singers and dancers who capture the looks, sounds and dance moves of one of the UK’s best-loved girl bands.
The ladies take centre stage too on 9 September with Here Come The Girls, which promises no fewer than 11 great tribute acts in one incredible evening. Celebrate the music of icons like Blondie, Madonna, Cher, Adele and Lady Gaga plus the irresistible pop of Bananarama.
Chaos reigns in All Above Board on 14 September. The new farce, penned by actor Nigel Planer (The Young Ones, Blackadder, Death in Paradise), centres on an unlikely bunch of modern-day do-gooders and is a riot of mistaken identities and disastrous decisions.
The writers of the brilliant Hormonal Housewives return to the stage in September with a new musical comedy – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.
Not only is it packed with all your favourite night-out anthems, but the show also has an unmissable cast including Maureen Nolan, Niki Evans, Stephanie Dooley and Olivier Award winner Leanne Jones. Catch it at the Theatre Royal on 17 September.
Bye Bye Baby, arriving at St Helens on 24 September, is a tribute to the hit musical Jersey Boys and the iconic hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, packed with roof-raising vocals, stylish choreography and more than 30 timeless tunes.
Another Frankie makes a date with St Helens Theatre Royal on 25 September – the ‘UK’s most feared comedian’ Frankie Allen. Will Cranny hosts and support comes from James Kilvington.
Expect a night of powerhouse vocals, precision harmonies and iconic melodies on 26 September courtesy of The Upbeat Beatles. If you’re not ready to twist and shout when you sit down, you’re guaranteed to be on your feet long before it’s time to get back to where you belong.
American R ‘n’ B legends and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Drifters appear on 29 September, performing all their massive hits including Saturday Night at the Movies, Stand By Me and Under the Boardwalk.
And on 30 September, Forbidden Nights invites audiences to abandon their inhibitions at the door and enjoy an evening in the company of talented acrobats, fire eaters, singers, aerial artists and big top performers in one exhilarating sexy circus.
Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan says: “We’re so excited to reopen our doors to our wonderful, loyal audiences.
“While we have hosted a small handful of standalone events, it’s more than seven months since St Helens Theatre Royal has been able to offer a full programme of shows.
“Now we can’t wait to bring the theatre to life once again with fantastic performances from a huge range of talented artists and with the sound of laughter and applause filling the auditorium.
“There’s a really busy programme planned during August and September – and beyond – packed with music, comedy, drama, dazzling acrobatics and family fun.
“We’ve also worked hard to put measures in place which mean audience members can be assured of a Covid-safe visit. We can’t wait to see old friends, and new faces, in the months to come.”
St Helens Theatre Royal has a range of Covid-secure measures in place.
They include increased cleaning, hand sanitiser stations at points throughout the building, a one-way system inside the theatre, and a QR code app for audiences to order food and beverages to be delivered to them at their seats.
Customers are also being asked to continue to wear face coverings, unless exempt, as a courtesy to others, and are being encouraged to take a lateral flow test up to 48 hours before attending a show. People are asked not to visit the theatre if they have Covid symptoms.
Meanwhile theatre staff are taking daily Covid tests.
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Date: Monday 23 August 2021 Time: 1pm and 5pm Tickets: Adult: £18, Concession: £16. Family of 4 £64. Family of 5 £80. Family of 6 £96. All family tickets minimum 3 children.
SARAH MILLICAN: BOBBY DAZZLER
Date: Sunday 29 August 2021 Time: 8pm Tickets: £28.50
WE LOVE LITTLE MIX
Date: Monday 30 August 2021 Time: 6pm Tickets: £17
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.
