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LEEDS HERITAGE THEATRES PARTNERS WITH LEEDSBID FOR LEEDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF IDEAS

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• GRACE DENT (FOOD CRITIC) AND MICHAELA STRACHAN (TV PRESENTER) AMONGST PANELLISTS
• TICKETS ON SALE TODAY AT LEEDSHERITAGETHEATRES.COM

Leeds Heritage Theatres is delighted to be partnering with LeedsBID at this year’s Leeds International Festival of Ideas as City Varieties Music Hall is chosen as one of the host venues that will see renowned names, experts in their field, and some of the world’s most exciting thinkers share thoughts and ideas through a series of compelling discussions and talks.

From Monday 13 to Monday 27 September, the festival, formerly Leeds International Festival, presents five thought-provoking panel debates running alongside four inspirational keynote speeches exploring and challenging key issues and viewpoints – all impacted on during the last extraordinary 18 months.

The Varieties presents:

13 Sept 7-8.30pm – ARE WE MORE LONELY?

Panel: Deborah Francis-White – comedian, writer & coach / Alix Fox – writer & broadcaster / Bolu Babalola – writer & columnist for Dazed / Emilia Van Hauen – cultural sociologist & author / Dr Melrose Stewart MBE – physiotherapist.

Loneliness can kill. What can we do to sustain a life full of love and companionship?

Join our panel of intimacy and relationship experts to dissect dating apps, discuss the intimacies of relationships and explore how we might grow old – together.

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20 Sept 7-8.30pm – DOES THE FUTURE HAVE ENOUGH FOOD?

Panel: Grace Dent – food critic / Dr Morgaine Gaye – food futurologist / Mike Lee – founder of the Future Market / Ness Knight – explorer & conservationist / Ben Davy – culinary development chef.

What does the future hold for the production of food? How will our environment change how and what we eat? If you’ve wondered if bugs are tasty, whether pub grub will be grown in a lab, or if there are enough fish in the sea for us to continue to eat them, this event is a must-see. Will we overhaul how and what we eat through modern innovations, or should we be looking back to regenerative and traditional processes?

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27 Sept 7-8.30pm – GREEN OR GROWTH?

Panel: Michaela Strachan – TV presenter / Henri Murison: Director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership / Prof. Paul Chatterton – professor, researcher & campaigner / Noga Levy-Rapapport – climate justice activist (additional panellists TBC).

Sustainability and capitalism have long been sworn enemies. But must sustainability and capitalism be opposites, or can they go hand-in-hand? What if growth can be Green? Can economic success be compatible with our planet’s ecology, and on a micro, citywide level: how can we protect and expand Leeds’ green spaces? Will HS2 allow positive ecological and economic growth? And does Leeds Bradford airport really need a new terminal?

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Chris Blythe, CEO of City Varieties, said: “We are thrilled to be working alongside LeedsBID as one of several key city venues at this year’s Leeds International Festival of Ideas.

“As the longest running theatre in Leeds, The Varieties has a rich history steeped in entertaining audiences with the best of the day’s cultural entertainment, from world famous musicians and comedians to panel discussions such as the three we present this September.

“Partnering with LeedsBID, solidifies our commitment to working collaboratively with Leeds-based organisations, and participating in city-wide events that promote Leeds as a hub for new ideas and innovation.”

To buy tickets to all three events, or for more information, visit leedsheritagetheatres.com.

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP APPOINTS THEATRE DIRECTOR FOR THE ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM

SIMON CREED APPOINTED AS THEATRE DIRECTOR

The world’s leading operator of live entertainment venues, Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) today announces the appointment of Simon Creed as Theatre Director at The Alexandra, Birmingham.

Simon joins The Alexandra at a hugely exciting time for the Second City venue, which earlier this week spectacularly reopened its doors following a 491-day hiatus due to the pandemic. The dynamic venue welcomed an audience of around 800 for a performance of Anton & Giovanni – Him & Me featuring Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice.

As The Alexandra prepares to stage an extravaganza of musicals, shows and plays in a bumper schedule for the remainder of the year, a vastly experienced Simon cannot wait to take the reins.

Over the past 25 years Simon has worked for some of the best arts and entertainment venues and organisations in the Midlands including Alton Towers, Birmingham Hippodrome, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Town Hall/Symphony Hall and Roundhouse Birmingham (National Trust/Canal & River Trust).

Simon, originally from Cardiff but now living in Bromsgrove, said: “Becoming Theatre Director at The Alexandra is a fantastic opportunity and I’m confident I can rise to the challenge. I have worked in the arts and entertainment sector in the Midlands for almost 25 years and have an extensive network of contacts and connections across the region.

“I am excited and honoured to be able to continue the great work of Lisa Mart (previous Theatre Director at The Alexandra) and Cheryl Taylor (Acting General Manager) and to carry on making The Alexandra a vital part of the Birmingham community – taking part in city-wide events such as Birmingham Pride, Birmingham International Dance Festival and of course Birmingham 2022.

“The key thing we have all learnt over the last 16 months is how adaptable and flexible we are and need to be. This mindset shouldn’t change now that we have reopened.

“We should always remember things need to change for the better and look at ways to evolve, listen and react to audience needs and demands. Alongside programming world-class entertainment, the priority must be the safety of our audiences, performers, and staff.”

Claire Dixon, ATG Business Director – UK Venues, said: “I am delighted to welcome Simon to The Alexandra team and the wider ATG family. His appointment comes at a significant time for the theatre and the city, as we finally got to throw open our doors after 16 months in hibernation.

“Simon has a real passion for theatre, great connections across Birmingham and a strong desire to further raise the profile of the Alex. I am confident that, with his previous experience, he is going to be just the driving force we need as we strive to delight our audiences once again; exciting times ahead!”

Theatre is in the blood in Simon’s family, with wife Suzi a professional theatre director, choreographer and actor, while daughter Seren Lily loves to dance at her ballet school and on stages across the region.

Prior to the pandemic, Simon was head of operations at Artrix Arts Centre in Bromsgrove where he played a key role in stabilising the venue following the withdrawal of public funding in 2018. After Covid-19 caused huge disruption to theatre and the arts, Simon enjoyed a change of career by working with North Worcestershire Economic Development & Regeneration as Bromsgrove Centres Manager – helping to develop and implement strategies which improved the commercial vitality and viability of towns and centres across the district.

Highlights of Simon’s first few months at the helm of the 120-year-old theatre include dazzling musicals Rock of Ages (9 – 11 Sep), Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (14 – 18 Sep), Heathers The Musical (21 – 25 Sep) and The Rocky Horror Show (27 Sep – 2 Oct). The year then concludes with The Alexandra’s gala performance of Jersey Boys (7 Dec – 1 Jan).

THE HOPE THEATRE ANNOUNCES

FURTHER DETAILS OF ITS AUTUMN SEASON

TICKETS ON SALE HERE

The Hope Theatre can today announce further details of the shows in its autumn 2021 season, which will kick off with the recently announced in-house show FEVER PITCH, running from 31 August – 25 September in the 7pm early slot. Running alongside Fever Pitch in the late slot will be THE GOOD DAD from 31 August – 11 September, followed by KING, from 21 – 25 September. RAT KING will play from 5 – 9 October, LOVESICK will play from 2 – 6 November, followed by DARLING from 9 – 27 November, and this year’s festive offering will be a live adaptation of one of the Hope at Home shows put out digitally during the pandemic, 21 ROUND FOR CHRISTMAS, playing from 30 November – 18 December.

Artistic Director Kennedy Bloomer, said, “Our incredible line-up this Autumn have mostly been waiting for 17 months for us to get here together. We’ll be recommending the wearing of face-masks and keeping our enhanced cleaning and sanitisation this season to keep everyone as safe as possible. We’re so proud, relieved and grateful to still be here. I wish all the best to the new Artistic Director who is yet to be announced – The Hope really is the little theatre with BIG ideas and long may it continue!”

THE GOOD DAD

Written by Gail Louw, directed by Anthony Shrubsall, starring Sarah Lawrie

31 August – 11 September @ 9pm

The whole family knew he was a good dad. But he wasn’t well, he had a weak heart, so they gathered around him to protect him – from everything, because he really was a good dad. And Donna was special; he loved her the most. So why is Donna in prison?

ON SALE NOW

KING

Written and performed by award winning Greek playwright & stand-up comedian Dennis Matsikas, directed by Liz Arday

21 – 25 September @ 9pm

Meet King: a down-on-his-luck migrant dishpig locked out for the night with only the bins – and you – to keep him company. KING is a satirical state-of-the-nation monologue about surviving as an economic migrant in a hostile post-Brexit England.

ON SALE NOW

RAT KING

Written by Bram Davidovic and directed by Natasha Kathi-Chandra

5 – 9 October @ 9pm

School is boring and the medication she takes looks like tic tac’s and tastes like crap. The more her parents worry, the more suffocated she feels living under their roof. The world is a big place that she’s determined to explore, so she’s preparing to run away. Jack is living on the streets, life’s hard for a homeless youth like him but he’s surviving. As Kelly takes her first steps towards freedom she lands herself in trouble. Jacko comes to her rescue and they are catapulted into a journey together that will change their lives forever.

ON SALE FROM SEPTEMBER 2021

LOVESICK

A debut play by Australian actor and writer Georgina Barley, directed by Marlie Haco, alongside producer Adele Reeves and the rest of their all-female creative team.

2 – 6 November @ 8.30pm

“I can feel it. You did this. You put it in me. It was planted in me. Literally. This thing, this feeling, attached to the heart, hanging off it like a tick.” Sarah needed a heart transplant. Maggie performed the operation. There were no complications – but things have become complicated. Weaving together dialogue, movement and poetry, Lovesick looks at the extent to which our organs hold memory, and explores the strong connections we forge with those that have saved our lives, and those that leave us behind after death.

ON SALE FROM SEPTEMBER 2021

DARLING

Written by award-winning American playwright Kathy Rucker and directed by Scott Le Crass.

9 – 27 November @ 7pm

It’s 1985 in small town Indiana. Dave is a charismatic man with literary ambitions… He’s also a con artist. Angie, fleeing her past and desperate to belong, joins Dave to pull off a monumental scam – what some would call “old school catfishing”. Their victims are the lonely. When the law finally catches up to them, their strongest defender is one of their most aggrieved victims. An American tale of love, mercy and mail fraud. Pretending to be someone else forfun and profit began long before computers were invented. Inspired by a true story that took place during the 1980’s in the American Midwest. Could you spot a catfish?

ON SALE FROM SEPTEMBER 2021

21 ROUND FOR CHRISTMAS

Written by Toby Hampton and Matt Ballantyne, directed by Toby Hampton.

30 November – 18 December @ 7pm

Wine, turkey, laughter and dirty family history swept neatly under the carpet until Boxing Day. We join the world of Tracy, a day-dreaming, list-making extroverted introvert who is in the midst of cooking Christmas Dinner for her family – her very, very large family. A proud mother, wife, friend and family member who feels she may be starting to become surplus to requirements… except at Christmas.

ON SALE FROM SEPTEMBER 2021

Closed since March 2020, this acclaimed 50 seat pub theatre in the heart of Islington reopened on the public on 29 June with a critically acclaimed production of THE BOY WITH THE BEE JAR, alongside HOPE BOX, a week of comedy celebrating live theatre, in the late slot.

The Hope Theatre is also hosting a series of shows encompassing sketch and stand-up comedy, drama, new writing and drag as part of the CAMDEN FRINGE during August, including HORRIGAN & HOWELL: A SKETCH TOO FAR from 2-8 August, TIER THREE SISTERS from 9 – 15 August, POSSIBILITIES also from 10 – 15 August, FOUR SISTERS from 16 – 19 August, OLIVES AND BLOWJOBS from 20 – 22 August, ASÒ from 16 – 22 August, TH’WILDCAT OF SHEFFIELD: UNSHIELDED from 23 – 27 August, and EDDIE BRIMSON: NAUGHTY BOY from 23 – 27 August.

Opening in 2013, The Hope Theatre was originally a sister theatre of Islington’s King’s Head Theatre, renovated from a function room above the famous Hope & Anchor pub and music venue into a black box studio theatre. The Hope Theatre has transferred two productions to the West End (Ushers to the Charing Cross Theatre and the Snoo Wilson’s Lovesong Of The Electric Bear to The Arts) and has been home to many world premieres. It also housed the professional world premiere of Joe Orton’s Fred And Madge.

The Hope Theatre is a place for audiences and companies to explore BIG ideas. It nurtures and develops new producing models, working with exciting companies to present a mix of new writing, lost gems from well-known writers, re-polished classics and innovatively staged musicals.

Although The Hope Theatre has received no regular public subsidy since its 2013 opening, it was the first Off West End venue to open with a house agreement with Equity. This ensures a legal wage for all actors, stage managers and box office staff working at the theatre.

In 2020, Kennedy Bloomer became Artistic Director of the theatre and navigated the theatre through the global Covid-19 pandemic and total closure by taking The Hope Theatre online. She recently announced that she was stepping down in August, and the new Artistic Director appointment will be announced shortly.

The Hope Theatre was successfully granted funds from the Arts Council England Emergency Response Fund, the ACE and DCMS Culture Recovery Fund 1 and 2. The Hope Theatre team would like to gratefully acknowledge the role that this funding has played in enabling the venue to survive and reopen this summer.

Artistic Director: Kennedy Bloomer 

Deputy Artistic Director: Toby Hampton 

Technical Manager: Gianluca Zona 

Theatre Assistant: Rebecca Tessier

Patron: Paul Clayton 

Support The Hope Theatre: https://www.thehopetheatre.com/support-us/

Or visit www.thehopetheatre.com for more information.

ADAM J BERNARD, TARINN CALLENDER, MATT HENRY & TOSH WANOGHO-MAUD

TO STAR AS THE DRIFTERS
IN NEW MUSICAL ABOUT THE ICONIC GROUP

BEVERLEY KNIGHT

TO PLAY FAYE TREADWELL, THE DRIFTERS’ LEGENDARY MANAGER

Hit songs include Stand By Me, Saturday Night at the Movies, Under The Boardwalk, Save The Last Dance For Me 
and Kissin in the Back Row of the Movies

Premieres in Newcastle before West End season at Garrick Theatre

Michael Harrison and David Ian are thrilled to announce today that Adam J Bernard, Tarinn Callender, Matt Henry and Tosh Wanogho-Maud will play The Drifters in a brand new musical also starring Beverley Knight, which tells the remarkable story of one of the world’s greatest vocal groups and the woman who made them.

The Drifters Girl will begin performances in Newcastle on Saturday 9 October 2021, playing until Saturday 23 October. Performances at the Garrick Theatre in London start on Thursday 4 November 2021 (Press Night: Thursday 25 November 2021).

The Drifters Girl brings together a brilliant collection of performers to play the iconic group. Adam J Bernard exploded into the West End limelight when he originated the role of Jimmy ‘Thunder’ Early in Dreamgirls, for which he was awarded an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

Tarinn Callender originated the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in the West End production of the international musical phenomenon Hamilton. His other credits include the Olivier Award winning production of Come From Away.

Award-winning actor, singer, songwriter and artist Matt Henry won an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as Lola in Kinky Boots, for which he also received a Grammy Award nomination for the London cast recording.

As a finalist on the BBC’s The Voice, Matt’s performance of Ray LaMontagne’s ‘Trouble’ racked up over four million hits on YouTube and the original ‘Trouble’ re-entered the UK charts that week, testament to Matt’s performance.

Tosh Wanogho-Maud played Jimmy in the West End musical Dreamgirls. His other West End credits include ShowBoat, TheBookof Mormon and playing the role of Simba in The Lion King.

Beverley Knight will star as Faye Treadwell, the legendary manager of The Drifters, who, alongside her husband, fought for three decades to turn Atlantic Records’ hottest vocal group into a global phenomenon.

From the highs of hit records and sell out tours to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, The Drifters Girl charts the trailblazing efforts of the world’s first African American, female music manager and how she refused to ever give up on the group she loved. Thirty years, and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl.

With an incredible soundtrack of some of the most famous songs in history, including Save The Last Dance For Me, Under The Boardwalk, Kissin In The Back Row Of The Movies, Stand By Me, Come On Over To My Place, Saturday Night At The Movies and many more, The Drifters Girl will play for just 15 performances in Newcastle before transferring to London for a limited 20 week season.

Beverley Knight is the Queen of British Soul. She has enjoyed several Top 10 Albums, including the platinum selling Voice: The Best Of Beverley Knight. Her most recent solo album Soulsville was released in June 2016 and went straight into the UK Top 10. She was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2007 for services to British music and charity, has won three MOBO Awards, and been nominated for Best Female at the Brit Awards three times and for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize.

Beverley has also made several, highly acclaimed performances in the West End. Her debut in London was in the star role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard in 2013. In 2014 she received an Olivier Award Nomination as Best Actress in a Musical for her much praised role of Felicia Farrell in the Tony Award winning hit show Memphis The Musical, and in 2015 she played the iconic role of Grizabella in Cats at The London Palladium. In 2018 she starred as Emmeline Pankhurst in much praised new funk and hip hop musical Sylvia at The Old Vic, for which she won a best supporting actress award at the inaugural Black British Theatre Awards.

The Drifters Girl, with abook by Ed Curtis, based on an idea by Tina Treadwell, and which is co-created by Beverley Knight, Adam J Bernard, Tarinn Callender, Matt Henry and Tosh Wanogho-Maud will be directed by Jonathan Church, with set design by Anthony Ward, choreography by Karen Bruce, costume design by Fay Fullerton, orchestrations and musical supervision by Chris Egan lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and video design by Andrzej Goulding. Associate Director is Tyrone Huntley and Associate Choreographer is Myles Brown with casting by Stuart Burt and children’s casting by Jo Hawes.

The Drifters Girl is produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian.

THE DRIFTERS GIRL

LONDON SEASON INFORMATION|
Garrick Theatre
2 Charing Cross Road
Charing Cross
London
WC2H 0HH

Performance Dates

From Thursday 4 November 2021
Press Night: Thursday 25 November 2021
Booking through until Saturday 26 March 2022

Performance Times

Mon – Sat at 7.30pm; matinee Weds & Sat at 2:30pm

Tickets

www.nimaxtheatres.com
Box Office: 0330 333 4811

Beverley Knight is not scheduled to perform in The Drifters Girl from 17-22 January 2022

NEWCASTLE SEASON INFORMATION

Newcastle Theatre Royal
100 Grey Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6BR

Performance Dates

Saturday 9 – Saturday 23 October 2021

Performance Times

Tues – Sat at 7:30pm; matinees Thurs at 2:00pm & Sat at 2:30pm

SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK @thedriftersgirl
TWITTER @thedriftersgirl
NSTAGRAM @thedriftersgirlmusical

For further information, please see www.thedriftersgirl.com

Domitius Production Collective presents:

Domitius

A brand new musical about infamous Roman Emperor Nero and his burning desire to be a performer, at any cost

Conway Hall, London, 6 – 8 August 2021

The world-wide debut of new musical Domitius comes to London for a strictly limited 6 performance run this August telling the story of Nero, and how his pursuit of the arts leads him to all the infamous decisions of his reign.

Thrust into power at the tender age of sixteen, young Roman Emperor Nero seeks life as a musician and performer, and passionately chases this dream, but a series of threats against his life may prove to be his final act. 1st century Roman history, politics and characters are brought to musical life through a contemporary score inspired by the 1970s and 1980s and a script laced with 21st century pop culture references and humour.

The Domitius Production Collective LLP is passionate about championing diversity in new original Musical Theatre both on and off-stage. The group hopes to push the West End towards positive change for their off-stage roles and encourage other young underrepresented writers and creators to take up the pen. Domitius has; a libretto by Henry Cao, music, lyrics and libretto by Lux Knightley (shortlisted for NCEM’s Young Composer Award 2021) and music and lyrics by Luke McCormick.

Composer and Librettist Lux Knightley said, “With the devasting affects the pandemic had on the theatre industry, we want to show independent creators that it is still possible to bring theatre back and also lead by example with diversity both on and off-stage. Diversity has improved in casts, but creative teams behind lots of West End shows still have a long way to go. We at Domitius are striving towards a future Musical Theatre industry where diversity not only exists in the public’s eye within a show, but also behind the scenes.”

Running Time: 2hrs (including interval) | Suitable for ages 12+

Company information

Librettist: Henry Gu Cao                                                          Composer & Librettist: Lux Knightley  

Composer & Conductor: Luke McCormick                                Directed by Lux Knightley & Luke McCormick

Choreographer & Production Assistant: Bethan Carys            Lighting design by Petr Vocka

Cast

Judy Blu, Stewart Briggs, Matt Colyer, Tom Driver, Mahalia Fontaine, Ben Gad-Briggs, Max Himmelreich, Hannah Kiss, David Malcolm, Reece Raymond and Nicolle Smartt

Listings information

6 – 8 August 2021

Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL

1pm and 7pm daily

£11 | www.domitiusmusical.com/tickets

Supported by Ecospot (www.ecospot.io), black female founded and owned cleantech company

BROADWAY STARS

LAURA OSNES AND JEREMY JORDAN

REUNITE FOR

BONNIE AND CLYDE

IN CONCERT

TUESDAY 18 JANUARY 2022

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

Broadway stars Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan reunite for a one-off performance of the cult hit musical BONNIE AND CLYDE IN CONCERT produced by Fourth Wall Live at the newly refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Tuesday 18 January 2022 at 7.30pm. Ticket presale opens on Wednesday 28 July at 10.00am, with general on sale Friday 30 July at 10.00am.

Presale sign up is available NOW www.bonnieandclydeconcert.com

A decade on from their Broadway run as the titular pair, Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan reprise their roles for the first time for a one-off concert performance of BONNIE AND CLYDE in the West End’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. This marks the first time Laura and Jeremy have performed together in the capital, and Laura’s London debut.

Tony Award nominated performer, LAURA OSNES was most recently seen on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning musical “Bandstand” and on television in the Hallmark Channel’s original movie “One Royal Holiday”, following lead appearances in the network’s “A Homecoming for the Holidays” and “In The Key Of Love”. Her other Broadway credits include Cinderella in “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella”; Bonnie Parker in “Bonnie and Clyde”, Hope Harcourt in the Tony Award winning revival of “Anything Goes”, Nellie Forbush in Lincoln Center Theater’s “South Pacific”; and Sandy in “Grease”.

JEREMY JORDAN is best known for his Tony and Grammy-nominated portrayal of Jack Kelly in Newsies on Broadway, as well as his many roles on television including series regulars on CW’s “Supergirl”, NBC’s “Smash” and Disney Channel’s “Tangled.” Recently, he starred on Broadway opposite Kerry Washington in the provocative new play, “American Son”, and then reprised his role in the Netflix film adaptation. Additional Broadway credits include starring as Clyde in “Bonnie & Clyde”, Tony in “West Side Story”, and lead roles in “Waitress” and “Rock of Ages”. On television he has guest starred on “The Flash,” “Elementary” and “Law and Order: SVU”.

BONNIE AND CLYDE IN CONCERT has a book by Ivan Menchell (Blended [movie], The Cemetery Club, The Prince and The Pauper Musical), music by Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll and Hyde, The Scarlett Pimpernel), lyrics by Don Black (Tell Me On a Sunday, Sunset Boulevard, Mrs Henderson Presents) and is directed by Nick Winston (Rock of Ages, Fame, Chess in Concert, Royal Variety Performance) with musical direction by Katy Richardson (SIX, Rent, Jersey Boys). BONNIE AND CLYDE IN CONCERT is produced by Fourth Wall Live and co-produced by DLAP Group, Jason Haigh-Ellery and David Treatman Creative.

At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from two small-town nobodies in West Texas to America’s most renowned folk heroes and the Texas law enforcement’s worst nightmares. Fearless, shameless, and alluring, Bonnie & Clyde is the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire country. The show features the songs “Raise A Little Hell”, “This World Will Remember Me” and “Made In America”.

When Bonnie and Clyde meet, their mutual cravings for excitement and fame immediately set them on a mission to chase their dreams. Their bold and reckless behaviour turns the young lovers’ thrilling adventure into a downward spiral, putting themselves and their loved ones in trouble with the law. Forced to stay on the run, the lovers resort to robbery and murder to survive. As the infamous duo’s fame grows bigger, their inevitable end draws nearer.

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. Their most recent production, EUROBEAT – THE PRIDE OF EUROPE was loved by audiences and critics alike during its streamed season in May 2021.

hampsteadtheatre.com | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

#HTMEMORYOFWATER #HTMALINDADZIMU #BackOnStage 

HAMPSTEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES SHELAGH STEPHENSON’S OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING PLAY THE MEMORY OF WATER, DIRECTED BY ALICE HAMILTON, AND THE WORLD PREMIERE OF MUFARO MAKUBIKA’S MALINDADZIMU DIRECTED BY MONIQUE TOUKO 

• HAMPSTEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES TWO NEW SHOWS FOR 2021 
   
• SHELAGH STEPHENSON’S OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING PLAY THE MEMORY OF WATER, WHICH ORIGINALLY PREMIERED AT THE THEATRE IN 1996,WILL RUN FROM 3 SEPTEMBER – 16 OCTOBER 2021 ON THE MAIN STAGE 
  
• ALICE HAMILTON WILL DIRECT THIS POIGNANT AND PAINFULLY FUNNY COMEDY HAVING DIRECTED THE 60^th ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF THE DUMB WAITER, THE OLIVIER–NOMINATED EVERY DAY I MAKE GREATNESS HAPPEN AND PARADISE AT THE THEATRE 
  
• MALINDADZIMU, MUFARO MAKUBIKA’S DELICATE, WITTY AND EPIC NEW PLAY, WHICH EXPLORES A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER’S SEARCH FOR BELONGING, WILL PREMIERE AT HAMPSTEADDOWNSTAIRS, FROM 17 SEPTEMBER – 30 OCTOBER 2021 
• MALINDADZIMU WILL BE DIRECTED BY MONIQUE TOUKO WHO WILL BE MAKING HER PROFESSIONAL DEBUT  

• THE MEMORY OF WATER WILL REMAIN SOCIALLY DISTANCED WITH REDUCED CAPACITY FROM 3 – 25 SEPTEMBER.  THE THEATRE HOPES TO INCREASE CAPACITY FROM 27 SEPTEMBER BUT IS EXERCISING CAUTION SO THESE ADDITIONAL DATES WILL NOT GO ON SALE UNTIL CLOSER TO THE TIME  
  
• MALINDADZIMU WILL REMAIN SOCIALLY DISTANCED WITH REDUCED CAPACITY FOR THE DURATION OF ITS RUN 
• PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS FROM THURSDAY 29 JULY AT 10.30AM  

Hampstead Theatre is delighted to announce further live productions for 2021.  Shelagh Stephenson’s Olivier Award-winning play The Memory of Waterwill run from 3 September until 16 October 2021.  Alice Hamilton will direct this poignant and painfully funny comedy about conflicting memories, life and loss. The play originally premiered at the theatre in 1996.  Hamilton returns to Hampstead Theatre after her recent 60^th anniversary production of The Dumb Waiter and the Olivier-nominated Every Day I Make Greatness Happen and Paradise.   

The World Premiere of Malindadzimu by Mufaro Makubika will also run from 17 September until 30 October 2021 at Hampstead Downstairs.  This delicate, witty and epic new play, which explores a mother and daughter’s search for belonging and their struggle with a multicultural heritage, will be directed by Monique Touko who will be making her professional directing debut.   

Tickets will go on sale from Thursday 29 July at 10.30am at hampsteadtheatre.com. 

Roxana Silbert, Artistic Director of Hampstead Theatre said:  

“I am delighted to be announcing The Memory of Waterby one of our pioneering female playwrights, Shelagh Stephenson.  This Olivier Award-winning funny, timeless and vibrant play offers three female actors great roles as sisters who come together and behave outrageously, sorting out their family home in the wake of their mother’s death.  

Downstairs, twenty-five years later, another Hampstead commission premieres.  Monique Toukomakes her professional debut as a director of Mufaro Makubika’s Malindadzimu, a beautiful investigation of dual identity told through the relationship between a mother and daughter.” 

Shelagh Stephenson, playwright of The Memory of Water said: 

“The Memory of Water has been on quite a journey since it premiered at Hampstead Theatre all those years ago.  I look back, and I see we were in a more hopeful place then.  So I’m happy it’s coming home in these dark, uncertain times.   I hope it brings laughter, and despite the subject matter, joy.  Alice Hamilton is  going to do a great job.  I can feel it in my bones.” 

Mufaro Makubika, playwright of Malindadzimu said:   

“I am so excited to be making my debut at Hampstead Theatre with Malindadzimu.  It is a play that questions belonging, and the concept of ‘home’ and I very much look forward to exploring these themes with Monique.” 

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. 

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 60^th anniversary production of Harold Pinter’s The Dumb Waiter (2020) and the Olivier-nominated Every Day I Make Greatness Happen 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 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. 

Malindadzimu by Mufaro Makubika is a delicate, witty and epic new play, set in Nottingham and Zimbabwe, which 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. 

Malindadzimu isMakubika’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 with reduced capacity and socially distancing from 3 September until 25 September.  The theatre hopes to increase capacity from 27 September but out of concern for audiences, staff and performing companies, it is exercising caution and will not be putting these dates on sale until closer to the time.   

Malindadzimu will 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 will run until 28 August.  Sam Yates is directing this innovative, psychological thriller by one of the world’s great dramatists which originally premiered at the theatre in 1967.  Yates is making 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 will run from 30 July until 11 September at Hampstead Downstairs.  This beautifully tender new play, which explores nature’s influence on love, friendship and family, will be directed by Tessa Walker, Hampstead Theatre’s new Associate Director.  Both productions are remaining as originally sold, with reduced capacity and social distancing for the duration of their runs. 

FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL

RESCHEDULED TOUR CAST ANNOUNCED

Following two critically acclaimed tours and huge popular demand, Footloose The Musical is back and better than ever! The musical which was postponed in 2020 is set to burst back onto stage in 2022 opening in the UK at the Theatre Royal Plymouth on 14 Feb following 3 weeks in Zurich before an extensive UK tour.

Selladoor Productions confirms today that the previously announced Darren Day will remain in the role of Reverend Moore and will be joined on stage by newly cast Dancing on Ice Winner and Theatre star Jake Quickenden.

Jake first hit our screens in The X Factor in 2012 and again in 2014 where he went through to the live shows followed by appearances on Chart Show TV, ITV’s Kellys Heroes, as a regular panelist on Big Brothers Bit On The Side and as a contestant on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.  Following his win of the 2018 season of Dancing on Ice Jake has most recently been seen in hit TV show Hollyoaks. Jake is no stranger to the stage having performed in the title role of Peter Pan at Blackpool Opera House; also touring with the Dreamboys and appearing in Pantomime. He most recently starred in the acclaimed 50^th  anniversary production of Hair the Musical.

Jake says;

“I can’t wait to get out on Tour with Footloose, after such a strange and difficult time we will finally be able to join our friends and family in the theatre for a truly feel -good night out.  This show is packed full of amazing 80’s hits I can’t think of a better tonic for 2022”

Jake will join Musical Theatre favourite Darren Day in the production.  Following his first starring theatre role in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Darren has enjoyed an extensive career in the West End including Summer Holiday, Copacabana and Grease.   Tours include Alfie, Carousel, Great Expectations, Godspell, The Rocky Horror Show, We Will Rock You and many more – most recently Mame, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Rita Sue and Bob Too and new musical Bumblescratch at the Adelphi Theatre,  Darren can be seen later this year in the role of Billy Flynn in smash-hit musical Chicago. His TV career has included roles in  Sky’s Stella, Hollyoaks and Holby City, as well as many presenting appearances. Darren was a finalist in the 2016 series of Celebrity Big Brother. Recent feature films include White Island, Name of the Game, Rudy and Demon Eye as well as The Krays – Dead Man Walking. Darren is also an established recording artist and has made guest appearances as a singer on a wide range of television shows.

Having been previously cast in the 2020 tour which was postponed due to Covid 19 Darren tells us;

“I am so delighted to be able to stay with the tour of Footloose for the 2022 tour. I was a teenager in the 80’s, which is such an impressionable age for movies and music. This is one of the most iconic films and soundtracks from my teenage years.  I can remember hearing Footloose on the radio for the first time and thinking… what a tune! I’m really looking forward to seeing you there”

City boy Ren thinks life is bad enough when he’s forced to move to a rural backwater in America. But his world comes to a standstill when he arrives at Bomont to find dancing and rock music are banned. Taking matters into his own hands, soon Ren has all hell breaking loose and the whole town on its feet.

Based on the 1980s screen sensation which took the world by storm, Footloose The Musical sizzles with spirit, fun and the best in UK musical talent. With cutting edge modern choreography, you’ll enjoy classic 80s hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and of course the unforgettable title track Footloose.

Footloose The Musical will be presented by Selladoor Productions and Runaway Entertainment with casting by Debbie O’Brien, and will be directed by Racky Plews, with choreography from Matt Cole, musical supervision by Mark Crossland and design by Sara Perks with lighting design from Chris Davey and sound design from Chris Whybrow. Further casting will be announced soon.

Everybody cut loose for a night of dazzling excitement music and dancing! Tickets are on sale now – for full listings visit www.footloose-musical.com  follow on social media @FootlooseTour  #EverybodyCutLoose.

LISTINGS

Performance times and matinee days may vary – ticket prices may vary – please check website for details

14- 19 FEB – Plymouth Theatre Royal  – www.theatreroyal.com  01752 267222

21– 26 FEB – Brighton Theatre Royal – www.atgtickets.com/brighton   0333 009 6690

28 FEB – 05 MAR – Manchester Opera House – www.atgtickets.com/manchester  0333 009 6690

14– 19 MAR – Peterborough New Theatre  – www.newtheatre-peterborough.com 01733 852992

21 – 26 MAR – Stoke Regent Theatre – www.atgtickets.com/stoke 0333 009 6690

28 MAR – 02 APR – York Theatre Royal – www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk 01904 623568 – ON SALE SOON

04 – 09 APR – Cheltenham Everyman Theatre – www.everymantheatre.org.uk  01242 572573

11 – 16 APR – Blackpool Opera House – www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk  0844 856 1111

18 – 23 APR – Birmingham Alexandra  – www.atgtickets.com/birmingham – 0333 009 6690

25 – 30 APR – Doncaster Cast  – www.castindoncaster.com 01302 303959

02 – 07 MAY – Southampton Mayflower  – www.mayflower.org.uk 02380 711811

09 – 14 MAY – Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury 0333 009 6690

16 – 21 MAY – Malvern Festival Theatre – www.malvern-theatres.co.uk 01684 892277

23 – 28 MAY – Llandudno Venue Cymru  – www.venuecmryu.co.uk 01492 872000

30 MAY – 04 JUN – Cardiff New Theatre – www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk – 07925 659065

06 – 11 JUN – Sunderland Empire – www.atgtickets.com/sunderland – 0333 009 6690

13 – 18 JUN – Woking New Victoria – www.atgtickets.com/woking – 0333 009 6690

20 – 25 JUN Bradford Alhambra – www.bradford-theatres.co.uk  01274 432000

28 JUN – 02 JUL – Oxford New Theatre – www.atgtickets.com/woking 0333 009 6690

04 – 09 JUL  – Wolverhampton Grand – www.grandtheatre.co.uk 01902 429212

11 – 16 JUL  – Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple – www.queenstheratre-barnstaple.com 01271 316523

18 – 23 JUL – Edinburgh Playhouse – www.atgtickets/edinburgh 0333 009 6690

25  – 30 JUL – His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen – www.aberdeenperformingarts.com *

01 – 06 AUG – Glasgow Kings www.atgtickets.com/glasgow 0333 009 6690 *

15 – 20 AUG – Wimbledon New Theatre – www.atgtickets/wimbledon 0333 009 6690 *

* Please note Jake Quickenden will not be performing at these venues – star casting to be announced

Francesca Moody Productions, Soho Theatre and Theatre Royal Plymouth in association with Popcorn Group present

MUM
By Morgan Lloyd Malcolm

• CASTING IS ANNOUNCED FOR ‘MUM’, A NEW PLAY FROM THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING WRITER OF ‘EMILIA’ MORGAN LLOYD MALCOLM AND THE ACCLAIMED PRODUCER OF ‘FLEABAG’ AND ‘BABY REINDEER’ FRANCESCA MOODY.
   
• ‘MUM’ RUNS AT THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH FROM 30 SEPTEMBER – 16 OCTOBER BEFORE TRANSFERRING TO SOHO THEATRE FROM 20 OCTOBER – 20 NOVEMBER.

                                                       

Francesca Moody Productions, Soho Theatre and Theatre Royal Plymouth in association with Popcorn Group are delighted to announce Sophie Melville, Denise Black and Cat Simmons will appear in the world premiere of MUM.  This provocative and unflinching portrayal of early motherhood and mental health, written by Olivier award-winning playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Emilia, The Globe/ West End) and directed by Abigail Graham (soon to also direct Aladdin at Lyric Hammersmith) will run at Theatre Royal Plymouth from 30 September – 16 October before transferring to Soho Theatre from 20 October – 20 November where it will have a press night on Tuesday 26 October.

Sophie Melville, whose credits include Iphigenia in Splott (for which she won The Stage Award for Acting Excellence, the Wales Theatre Award for Best Female Performance and was nominated for an Evening Standard Award and a Drama Desk Award), Herding Cats (Soho Theatre), Pops (Roxy Theatre – for which she won The Stage Award for Outstanding Performance), the forthcoming Masks and Faces (Finborough Theatre) and on television Call the Midwife, The Pact and The Missing (all BBC) will play Nina.  Denise Black, widely known for her leading TV roles in shows such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale (ITV) and Queer as Folk (Channel 4) as well as many acclaimed theatre performances including The Cherry Orchard (Sherman Theatre – for which she won the UK Theatre Award for best performance in a play) and Deep Blue Sea (Chichester Festival Theatre) will play Pearl. The cast is completed by Cat Simmons, who most recently appeared on stage in Come From Away (West End), The Lady in the Van (Theatre Royal Bath) and One Love (Birmingham Rep) and whose TV credits include her long running role in The Bill (ITV), Killing Eve (BBC) and Vera (ITV) will play Jackie.

This unmissable world premiere is a collaboration between Francesca Moody Productions (original producer of Fleabag, the Olivier award-winning Baby Reindeer, Shedinburgh Fringe Festival which is soon to return for a second year and the forthcoming Leopards opening this September at the Rose Theatre) and writer Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (whose hit show Emilia won three Olivier Awards in 2020 and whose new punk musical play Typical Girls premieres at Sheffield Crucible this September).

Motherhood. No one can prepare you for it. No matter how much you tell yourself you can do it – can you?  Where’s the rush of love? When will you sleep again?  What if the thing you fear most is also the thing you crave?  All you wanted was one night of unbroken sleep, what have you done? 

Nina is a new mum and tonight is her first night off. Tonight is about pizza and wine and letting go. But Nina didn’t feel prepared for motherhood and isn’t sure she fits the job description. Nina feels like she’s losing her grip.

This thought-provoking, funny and honest new play shines a light on early motherhood, anxiety and mental health. MUM examines the pressures and complex emotions many women experience when they have a baby. At a time when mothers have been disproportionally affected by the pandemic, never has it been more pertinent to explore these issues.

MUM is written by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, directed by Abigail Graham, the associate director is TD Moyo, set and costume is designed by Sarah Beaton, lighting by Sally Ferguson, sound by Anna Clock and movement by Annie-Lunette Deakin-Foster.

Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and
Glass Half Full Productions present
THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE

A BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF JIM CARTWRIGHT’S THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE WILL EMBARK ON A UK TOUR NEXT SPRING OPENING IN SOUTHAMPTON ON 23 MARCH 2022.

SHOBNA GULATI WILL STAR AS MARI HOFF, IAN KELSEY AS RAY SAY AND TWO-TIME DRAMA DESK AWARD NOMINEE AND YOUTUBE SENSATION, CHRISTINA BIANCO AS LITTLE VOICE.

DIRECTED BY BRONAGH LAGAN, THIS BITTERSWEET COMEDY FEATURES MUSIC FROM THE GREATEST DIVAS OF ALL TIME INCLUDING EDITH PIAF, JUDY GARLAND, BARBRA STREISAND, MARILYN MONROE AND SHIRLEY BASSEY.

Producers Katy Lipson and Glass Half Full Productions are thrilled to announce the UK tour of a brand-new production of Jim Cartwright’s The Rise And Fall of Little Voice directed by Bronagh Lagan (Cruise, West End).  Two-time Drama Desk nominee Christina Bianco, whose extraordinary diva videos have been viewed over 25million times on YouTube to great international acclaim, will play LV.  Shobna Gulati, whose work includes Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (West End/film), Cinderella (Lyric Hammersmith), Coronation Street and Dinner Ladies will play Mari Hoff.  While Ian Kelsey, much loved for his many leading roles in the West End and on TV including Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Doctors and Casualty will play Ray Say. 

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice will open in Southampton on 23 March 2022 and tour to The Capitol Horsham, Exeter Northcott, Malvern Theatres, Theatre Royal Brighton, Liverpool Playhouse,  Theatre Royal Wakefield, Crewe Lyceum Theatre, The Lowry Salford, Blackpool Grand, Mercury Theatre Colchester, Richmond Theatre and York Theatre Royal. For full dates and listings information please see ‘Notes to Editors’.

Further tour dates and full casting and creative team will be announced in due course.

From Judy Garland to Shirley Bassey, Marilyn Monroe to Billie Holliday, Christina Bianco will vividly bring to life performances from the great chanteuses in Cartwright’s tender and life-affirming play.  The Rise and Fall of Little Voice won both the Oliver award and Evening Standard award for Best Comedy when it premiered at the National Theatre in 1992 in a production directed by Sam Mendes which transferred to the Aldwych, starring Jane Horrocks and Alison Steadman. Horrocks later reprised the role of LV in a film adaptation also starring Brenda Blethyn, Michael Caine, Ewan McGregor and Jim Broadbent.

Meet Little Voice and Mari Hoff. A mother and daughter central to the heart of this Northern fairytale, but as far apart in character as can be. Left to her own devices, Little Voice starts to embody the famous divas she plays on repeat, from Judy Garland to Shirley Bassey, and becomes an overnight sensation.

With humour, heart and countless powerhouse ballads all performed live on stage, Cartwright’s timeless and iconic tale explores the highs and the lows of small-town dreams, family rivalry and finding your voice in a noisy world.

Christina Bianco made her West End debut in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s Forbidden Broadway (Vaudeville Theatre).  In New York she was nominated for Drama Desk awards for Application Pending and Forbidden Broadway; Goes To Rehab. Most recently she won great acclaim as Fanny Brice in the Théâtre Marigny Paris production of Funny Girl.  Described as ‘the girl of a thousand voices,’ she became a YouTube sensation when her impression videos were viewed by millions internationally and has performed on many major television programs such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Today Show.

Shobna Gulati became a household name for her roles as Sunita in Coronation Street and Anita in Dinnerladies.  She has performed extensively on stage and screen, most recently as Ray in the West End production and upcoming film of Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, Cinderella (Lyric Hammersmith) and as a presenter on Loose Women.  Her memoir Remember Me was published last year.

Ian Kelsey is well known for his many long-running TV roles as Dave Glover in Emmerdale, Dr Patrick Spiller in Casualty, Detective Inspector Richard Maynard in Blue Murder, Howard Bellamy in Doctors and Vinnie Ashford in Coronation Street.  On stage his leading roles include Legally Blonde (Curve, Leicester), Grease (West End/ Tour), The Shawshank Redemption (UK Tour), Chicago (West End) and Kes (West Yorkshire Playhouse).

Jim Cartwright is an international, award-winning dramatist, director and screenwriter and one of Britain’s most celebrated modern playwrights. His plays are consistently in production and have been translated into over 40 languages and have been performed in most major theatres of the world, including the West End, Royal Court, National Theatre and on Broadway. His theatre works include amongst many others, Road, Bed, Two, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice and more recently Raz, (Edinburgh Festival, Trafalgar Studios, London and nationwide tour). Among his extensive award-winning television and film works are; Road, Johnny Shakespeare, Vroom, Wedded, and most recently King of the Teds starring Alison Steadman, Brenda Blethyn and Sir Tom Jones.