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World’s oldest surviving grand music hall, Wilton’s Music Hall announces stunning 2021 autumn season with a brand-new Christmas show

The world’s oldest surviving grand music hall Wilton’s Music Hall today announces its spectacular autumn season, welcoming the very best in theatre and music through its iconic doors in a true celebration of the arts.

Nowhere does festive magic better than Wilton’s and this year is no different as a brand-new Christmas show The Child In The Snow (26^th November – 31^st December) is brought to this historic stage for the very first time. A thrilling, eerie and ultimately uplifting adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s famous seasonal ghost story The Old Nurse’s Tale;  the same team who brought audiences the critically-acclaimed The Box of Delights are taking on a spine-chilling festive drama guaranteed to have you looking over your shoulder in the auditorium…. This is a ghost story – not suitable to those of a nervous disposition!

Unearthing little-known folk tales through 1927’s signature fusion of handcrafted animation and storytelling, Wilton’s is the perfect setting for the stylish, subversive and utterly unique Roots (5^th – 30^th October). From tales of tyrannical ogres to magic bird’s hearts to very, very fat cats, the show playfully considers the narratives of the past and how they might shape the stories of our future, with a live score involving Peruvian prayer boxes, donkey’s jaws, violins, and musical saws. A co-production by 1927, Edinburgh International Festival, HOME Manchester, Spoleto Festival USA, and Théâtre de la Ville Paris, it is a fascinating and visually stunning anthology of graphically glorious, twisted tales.

Audiences can stay in the grimy yet beautiful underworld with performances from cult band The Tiger Lillies and their show Love for Sale (14^th – 25^th September) as they reimagine the music of Cole Porter, uncovering the dark, despair and delirium that lies beneath the surface of Porter’s more romantic and mysterious works. Their eclectic fusion of pre-war Berlin cabaret, anarchic opera and gypsy music never ceases to shock, surprise, and entertain.

Internationally acclaimed singer Camille O’Sullivan has chosen Wilton’s for some of her first live performances since before lockdown began – the stunning Camille O’Sullivan Live at Wilton’s (16^th – 20^th November) will showcase her beautiful talents in a new show with a stripped back evening with accompanied on piano by the brilliant musician Feargal Murray. A rare opportunity to see the star in an intimate setting as she performs songs and stories of loss, love, joy, light, and darkness, choosing music from her favourite writers along with some new originals.

Following an acclaimed run at the Arcola Theatre’s Grimebourne, director Emma Jude Harris brings the extraordinary Cabildo (7^th – 11^th September) to Wilton’s. The opera, set in high summer in New Orelans, follows a battlefield tour group who have waded through swamps and hurricane damage to see where notorious pirate Pierre Lafitte was imprisoned in 1814. Captivated, one tourist imagines the story of Lafitte’s escape. Could it be that love was his key to freedom? Or is that just wishful thinking from Mary, whose honeymoon is turning out to be less romantic than she’d hoped…? Incorporating folk and Creole influencers, this adaptation is thrillingly re-conceived for the present to uncover the dark underside of the American Dream. Cabildo is one of the first operas by an American woman and the only opera by American composer Amy Beach.

It’s anarchic and surreal satire at its finest with Horse Country(28^th September – 2^nd October), presented by Flying Bridge Theatre and Rive Productions and directed by Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery). The show follows Sam and Bob, two clowns hunting the elusive nine of diamonds, talking capitalism to sea-lions and everything in between.

Be prepared for belly laughs with FRIEND (The One with Gunther) (8^th – 13^th November) as acclaimed comic actor Brendan Murphy reimagines the TV classic through the eyes of everybody’s favourite blonde barista . Following its hit Edinburgh Fringe debut, this is the London premiere of a hilarious, whistle-stop tour of all 236 episodes of the cult sitcom – in just one hour!

Holly Kendrick, director of Wilton’s Music Hall says “The arts have been through an incredibly tough time, and we feel very lucky not only to have our doors open again but to be programming such a brilliant line-up of work this autumn – we wanted our season to be a celebration of the diverse and stellar array of talent the UK has to offer, and we think it does just that. Wilton’s has always been a very special place to see a live performance, but our brand-new customised seats and enhanced acoustics in the auditorium mean that now the experience is better than ever before.” 

www.lionwitchonstage.com  Twitter @LionWitchOnTour  Instagram @lionwitchonstage 
 

CAST ANNOUNCEMENT FOR

SPECTACULAR 5 STAR STAGE ADAPTATION

OF C.S. LEWIS’ MUCH LOVED CLASSIC

TOUR BEGINS AUTUMN 2021

WITH SIX-WEEK RUN IN SALFORD OVER

CHRISTMAS

Casting was announced today for the smash-hit Leeds Playhouse production of C.S. Lewis’ classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, voted the nation’s favourite book in 2019. 

It begins a major tour of the UK and Ireland at Curve, Leicester on Tuesday 2 November 2021, travelling to Aylesbury, Southampton, Sunderland, Salford, Cardiff, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Canterbury, Plymouth, Glasgow, Birmingham, Dublin, Woking and finally completing the tour in Norwich on 9 April 2022.

The show broke box office records at Leeds Playhouse in 2017 and played to packed houses and critical acclaim at the Bridge Theatre in London in 2019. 

The Pevensie children are:  Ammar Duffus as Peter, Shaka Kalokoh as Edmund, Robyn Sinclair as Susan and Karise Yansen as Lucy.   Aslan is played by Chris Jared, Mr Tumnus by Jez Unwin, Mr Beaver by Sam Buttery and Maugrim by Michael Ahomka-Lindsay.  They are joined by Oliver Bingham (Mr Brinkworth, March Hare and Aslan Puppeteer), Kate Parr (Miss Gumley-Warmley and Phoenix), Grace Wylde (Mrs Pevensie, Robin and Falcon), Johnson Willis (Mr Willis, Professor Kirk, Father Christmas, Wise Owl and Whie Mouse), Rachel Dawson (Miss Chutney, Badger and Spirit of the Moon), Oliver Grant (Mr Wilson, Schrodinger, Red Squirrel and Aslan Puppeteer), Matthew James Hinchliffe (Mr Marsden, Mauve Mole and Professor), Sophie Naglik (on stage Swing), Anthony Starr (on stage Swing), Tash Holway (on stage Swing) and Brad Veitch (on stage Swing). Further cast are yet to be announced.

Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet a Faun, talking Beavers, Aslan, the noble king of Narnia, and the coldest, most evil White Witch.

This critically acclaimed production is “A theatrical miracle” (The Times).

The tour will be directed by Michael Fentiman, based on the original production by Sally Cookson with original Set and Costume design by Rae Smith.  Michael’s previous productions include the Olivier Award-nominated Amélie (Watermill Theatre/The Other Palace/UK Tour and currently running in the West End), The Windsors: Endgame (also running in the West End), The Importance of Being Earnest (Vaudeville Theatre), the 50^th anniversary production of Joe Orton’s Loot (Park Theatre/Watermill Theatre), Titus Andronicus and Ahasverus (Royal Shakespeare Company), The Taming of the Shrew (Sherman Theatre/Tron Theatre) and, as director and writer, CinderELLA (Nuffield Southampton) and The Last Days of Anne Boleyn (Tower of London). 

Joining Michael Fentiman on the creative team are Set and Costume Designer Tom Paris, Composer Benji Bower with additional composition by Music Supervisor Barnaby Race, Choreographer Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, Lighting Designer Jack Knowles, Sound Designer Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker for Autograph, Puppetry Director Toby Olié, Puppetry Designer Max Humphries, Aerial Director Gwen Hales, Illusionist Chris Fisher, Music Director Toby Higgins , Fight Director Jonathan Holby, Costume Supervisor Joanna Coe, Wigs and Make Up Supervisor Susanna Peretz, Props Supervisor Lizzie Frankl, Dramaturg Adam Peck and Movement Consultant Dan Canham.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is produced on tour by Elliott & Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber and based on the original Leeds Playhouse production.

Producer Chris Harper said:

“C.S. Lewis wrote “they open a door and enter a world” and this is what every child imagines and dreams about. This is exactly why we’re thrilled to be able to bring this incredible new version of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe on a tour of the UK in time for Christmas 2021. Following a record breaking success at the Leeds Playhouse and the Bridge Theatre in London, the Pevensie children will travel from Narnia to venues across the UK and Ireland. 

It has been a challenging time for all of us, but we can’t wait for children and adults alike to join us on this truly magical journey through the wardrobe.”

Reviews for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe include:

★★★★★
Sunday Times
“This vision of Narnia will restore your faith in theatre”

★★★★★
DAILY MAIL 
“Spectacular new life for Narnia” 

★★★★
THE TELEGRAPH
‘An absolutely spellbinding return to Narnia’

Website:   www.lionwitchonstage.com

Social:          Twitter @LionWitchOnTour   Instagram @lionwitchonstage 

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

KILN THEATRE’S NW TRILOGY

BY MOIRA BUFFINI, SUHAYLA EL-BUSHRA AND ROY WILLIAMS

With the critically acclaimed The Invisible Hand by Ayad Akhtar currently playing at the theatre, Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham announces the cast for the forthcoming NW Trilogy – three short plays by Moira Buffini, Suhayla El-Bushra and Roy Williams performed together for each performance. For Waking/Walking by Suhayla El-Bushra – Anoushka Chadha (Meera Mehdi), Natasha Jayetileke (Anjali Mehdi), Rina Fatania (Susheela Parekh), Ronny Jhutti (Deepak Mehdi), and Claire Keenan (Niamh O’Connell); for The Dance Floor by Moira Buffini – Claire Keenan (Aoife Gallagher), Emmet Byrne (Sean), Aoife McMahon (Katie O’Driscoll), and Harmony Rose Bremmer (Veronica); and for The Life of Riley by Roy Williams – Harmony Rose Bremmer (Paulette) and Chris Tummings (Riley). NW Trilogy opens on 14 September, with previews from 6 September, and running until 9 October. The trilogy, directed by Kiln Theatre Associate Directors Taio Lawson and Susie McKenna, is now on sale.

Susie McKenna said today, “We’re so excited about the cast we have assembled – some professional debuts and some very experienced veterans of the stage. Every evening they will give audiences a lively celebration of three migrant communities, where we take a journey through Kilburn and Brent and hear the different sounds, music and languages, watch our characters building a future and explore their different stories.”

Taio Lawson added, “As we move through these plays, we also get soundbites and reality checks about the hostile environments that these migrant communities were living amongst, and by doing that, it makes their stories resonate with greater vibrancy because despite that hostile environment they shone, and continue to shine so bright. After the last 18 months, it’s so important to us that we take time to come together to recognise and celebrate our local communities.”

For audience safety and the safety of staff, cast and crew, NW Trilogy will play to a reduced capacity which allows more room between audience members.

For more information https://kilntheatre.com/your-safety/.

Building on the success and resonance of their Kiln Community Appeal which raised over £100,000 to support local initiatives, Kiln Theatre has launched the NW Trilogy Fundraising Appeal. With a target of £25,000, all funds raised will go towards putting these Brent stories on stage, showcasing the vibrancy, activism and brilliance of the borough.

For further information: https://kilntheatre.com/nw-trilogy-appeal/

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MARIE JONES AND MATTHEW MCELHINNEY REFLECT ON THE LEGACY OF STONES IN HIS POCKETS AND SHARE DETAILS OF THE 25^TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION

• SHAUN BLANEY & GERARD MCCABE WILL STAR AT THE BARN THEATRE FROM 27 JULY – 22 AUGUST 2021
• MATTHEW MCELHINNEY, SON OF PLAYWRIGHT MARIE JONES, WILL DIRECT THE UPCOMING 25^TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF HER AWARD-WINNING TRAGICOMEDY

Playwright Marie Jones has shared her thoughts on the 25^th Anniversary of her Olivier award-winning tragicomedy Stones in His Pockets and details on the play’s upcoming revival, directed by her son Matthew McElhinney, which will debut at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester next week.

Jones said that the tragicomedy, which started life at a West Belfast theatre festival in 1996, was inspired by her career as an actor which began as being an extra on an Irish movie set. She noted that a fellow actor told her at the time that she should “write a play someday about the two extras and not about the movie stars, about the people”.

Following its first run, the play returned in 1999 when the Lyric Theatre in Belfast reached out to Marie Jones and her husband, director Ian McElhinney, to stage a production for their upcoming season. Due to limited budget, Jones said the set was “just a backdrop of Ireland and a load of shoes at the back of the stage” but that “from the opening night in the Lyric in Belfast we kind of knew it was special… and the rest was history.”

Following its success in Belfast the production gained momentum with runs at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Dublin and London’s Tricycle Theatre (now Kiln) before heading to successful runs in the West End, on Broadway and across the globe. The play went on to receive two Olivier Awards for Best New Comedy and Best Actor (Conleth Hill) as well as three Tony Awards nominations. 

She noted that when it transferred to the West End“none of us [were] well known, we [didn’t] have big production values… and it still worked.”

On the upcoming 25^th Anniversary production, that is helmed by her son Matthew McElhinney and begins performances at Cirencester’s Barn Theatre from 27 July (Press Night: 29 July), Marie Jones said, “he’s grown up with it, he’s lived with it, with us and his father as an actor and director… and then he went into theatre himself and started to direct and because he has a very analytical mind I knew that he would never let anything get in the way of the narrative even though this particular production has different production values that will be very important to him. When Iwan [Lewis, Barn Theatre CEO & Artistic Director] asked to do it again I asked Matthew if he would direct it… as I trust him totally.”

Director Matthew McElhinney said of the production, “‘Stones in his Pockets,’ began life in small community halls and regional venues in Ireland before going on to run for four years on the West End and then Broadway, winning two Olivier Awards and several Tony nominations and has now been translated into over 30 languages. A dream come true; but as a consequence of its success, throughout its many iterations it slowly began to drift away from its original essence and into the more farcical, the pantomime and the Irish with a capital O. This production, on the year of its 25^th anniversary, is an opportunity, for us, to reclaim the story.”  

The 25^th Anniversary production, which will utilise the Barn’s renowned technical capacity to bring and embed cinematic techniques and “the movies” into the new production, will star Shaun Blaney as Jake and Gerard McCabe as Charlie with direction by Matthew McElhinney, design by Gregor Donnelly, choreography by Fleur Mellor, lighting design by Sam Rowcliffe-Tanner, sound design by Harry Smith, AV design by Benjamin Collins and Alex Tabrizi and Denise Cleal as costume supervisor.

Stones in His Pockets runs in Cirencester from 27 July – 22 August with tickets now on sale from £11.50 at barntheatre.org.uk.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR RETURN OF

WEST END PRODUCTION OF MULTI AWARD-WINNING

H A M I L T O N 

Jeffrey Seller and Cameron Mackintosh, producers of the West End production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s HAMILTON, are delighted to announce full casting for the return performances which begin on 19 August 2021 at the Victoria Palace Theatre. 

Karl Queensborough returns to play the title role of Alexander Hamilton with Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Aaron Burr, Ava Brennan as Angelica Schuyler, Sharon Rose as Eliza Hamilton, Trevor Dion Nicholas as George Washington, Waylon Jacobs as Marquis De Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Emile Ruddock as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Khalid Daley as John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton, Emilie Louise Israel as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds and Harry Hepple as King George.  At certain performances the role of Alexander Hamilton will be played by Nuno Queimado.

The cast also comprises Jade Albertsen, Curtis Angus, Robson Broad, Matthew Caputo, Filippo Coffano, Ashley Daniels, Kelly Downing, Lydia Fraser, Jordan Frazier, Manaia Glassey-Ohlson, Jake Halsey-Jones, Olivia Kate Holding, Peter Houston, DeAngelo Jones, Nicolais-Andre Kerry, Travis Kerry, Ella Kora, Natasha Leaver, Aaron Lee Lambert, Phoebe Liberty Jones, Sinead Long, Louis Mackrodt, Jay Perry, Lindsey Tierney and Brandon Williams.

Karl Queensborough’s previous theatre credits include White Teeth at the Kiln Theatre, Sylvia and The Girl From the North Country at The Old Vic, The Little Matchgirl for Shakespeare’s Globe/Bristol Old Vic/UK Tour, Aladdin, Cinderella, Dick Whittington and Jack and the Beanstalk for the Lyric Hammersmith, A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Filter, The Machine Stops for Theatre Royal York/Pilot Theatre, A Wolf in Snakeskin Shoes for the Tricycle Theatre, Only the Brave  for Soho Theatre/Wales Millennium Centre/Bird Song, Morning for the Lyric Hammersmith/Traverse Theatre, Dayglo and Mind The Gap for Y Touring and Ignition Out of Reach for Frantic Assembly.

Simon-Anthony Rhoden’stheatre credits include The Color Purple for Leicester Curve, Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre for which he won the Broadway World UK Award for Best Long-Running West End Show Performer, If I Should Stay for Soho Theatre and Parade at the Edinburgh Fringe.  His screen credits include Feel Good, Let It Snow and Blue.

Ava Brennan’s theatre credits include Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych, A Christmas Carol for The Old Vic, the West End and UK tour productions of The Lion King, The Count of Monte Cristo and Hairspray in St Gallen Switzerland and the German tour of Aida. Her film credits include Hellboy, Rocketman, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Beauty and the Beast.

Sharon Rose’s previous theatre credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the Aldwych Theatre, Motown The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre and Caroline or Change at the Hampstead Theatre.

Trevor Dion Nicholas originated the role of Genie in the West End production of Disney’s Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre.  He also played the role at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway and the U.S Tour.  His other theatre credits include The Wiz, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Ragtime, The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, Rent, The Exonerated and This is the Life All for the ETA Hoffman Theatre, Germany.

Waylon Jacobs makes his return to London production of Hamilton. His previous theatre credits include Treason for the Cadogan Hall, The Last Five Years for the Minack Theatre, Peter Pan for the Barn Theatre, YANK! at the Charing Cross Theatre, Chicago at the Phoenix Theatre, Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre, We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre and on tour, Rent at the Tabard Theatre, Ragtime and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Children of Eden at the Prince of Wales Theatre and The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre.

Emile Ruddock’s previous theatre credits include Me and My Girl at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Five Guys Named Moe at the Marble Arch Theatre, Crazy for You at the Watermill Theatre, Kiss Me Kate on UK Tour and The Scottsboro Boys at the Young Vic and at the Garrick Theatre.

Khalid Daley is making his West End debut. His theatre credits include Dick Whittington and War Horse for the National Theatre, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on UK and Ireland tour, Hamlet on UK tour for Changeling Theatre, Careen – The True History of Bonnie and Clyde at Birmingham Rep, Godspell at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Lord of the Flies for New Adventures and Birmingham Hippodrome. His television credits include Doctors and 4 O’Clock Club: Hollywood.

Emilie Louise Israel is making her West End debut in Hamilton.  Her previous theatre credits include Nala in The Lion King and Jungle Festival for Disneyland Paris, The Womanin the US Tour of Gobsmacked! and the UK Tour of The Magic of Motown.

Harry Hepple’s theatre credits include Romantics Anonymous at Bristol Old Vic, A Taste of Honey, Follies and Burnt by the Sun for the National Theatre, The Lightening Child and Macbeth for Shakespeare’s Globe, Privates on Parade at the Noël Coward Theatre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Pippin at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Hot Mess at the Arcola Theatre, 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Donmar Warehouse, Been So Long for the Young Vic and Alaska for the Royal Court. His film credits include Peterloo and Stan and Ollie.  On television his credits include Moving On, Boy Meet Girl, Hustle, Misfits and Inspector George Gently.

Nuno Queimado’s previous theatre credits include Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Mother Courage and her Children and Side Show for Southwark Playhouse, From Here To Eternity at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown at the Playhouse Theatre, The World’s Greatest Show for the Royal Opera House, God’s Garden UK tour, and The Little Match Girl at Sadlers wells. He also appeared in the ITV drama Cold Feet.

HAMILTON has book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire and is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton.  HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.

The Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning production opened at the newly re-built and restored Victoria Palace Theatre in London in December 2017 and continued to play there until the start of lockdown in March last year.

HAMILTON is produced in London by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.

Obtaining Government backed contingency insurance to protect against further unscheduled closures remains a priority.  All plans for the re-opening of HAMILTON are in accordance with the Government’s latest directives and therefore subject to change. 

Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions present

Witness for the Prosecution
By Agatha Christie

• CASTING IS ANNOUNCED FOR AGATHA CHRISTIE’S ‘WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION’ AS THE PRODUCTION PREPARES TO REOPEN FROM 14 SEPTEMBER IN THE MAGNIFICENT LONDON COUNTY HALL ON THE SOUTHBANK
• JOE MCNAMARA MAKES HIS PROFESSIONAL STAGE DEBUT AS LEONARD VOLE, OPPOSITE EMER MCDAID AS ROMAINE.  JONATHAN FIRTH IS SIR WILFRID ROBARTS AND MARTIN TURNER WILL PLAY MR JUSTICE WAINWRIGHT
• THE CAST ALSO INCLUDES TEDDY KEMPNER, MILES RICHARDSON, CHRISTOPHER DICKINS, NICHOLAS FRETWELL, YVONNE GIDDEN, SAM GRAHAM, ELIOT GIURALAROCCA, ELLIE-ROSE MACKINLAY AND ELANA MARTIN. MORE CASTING TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON.

Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions are delighted to announce casting for Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution as they look forward to welcoming audiences back to the acclaimed play at London County Hall from 14 September. The production is booking through to 20 March 2022. Tickets are on sale at www.witnesscountyhall.com.

Joe McNamara makes his professional stage debut as the accused, Leonard Vole. He will be joined by Emer McDaid (Game of Thrones, HBO; Soft Border Patrol, BBC) as Romaine,  Jonathan Firth (Gaslight, Royal and Derngate; Father Brown, BBC) as Sir Wilfrid Robarts, Teddy Kempner (Caroline or Change; Bitter Wheat, both West End) as Mr Mayhew, Miles Richardson (The Crown, BBC; King Charles III, West End/ Broadway) as Mr Myers and Martin Turner (The Son, Kiln Theatre/ West End; The Plague, Arcola Theatre) as Mr Justice Wainwright.   The rest of the new cast includes Christopher Dickins (War Horse; The Phantom of the Opera, both West End), Nicholas Fretwell (Love from A Stranger, Royal & Derngate/UK tour) who makes his West End debut,Yvonne Gidden (Cat on A Hot Tin Roof, West End; Coronation Street, ITV), Sam Graham (Peterloo, Film4; The Country Wife, Southwark Playhouse), Eliot Giuralarocca (Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, West End; The Tempest, UK Tour), Ellie-Rose Mackinlay who also makes her West End stage debut and Elana Martin (Miss Saigon, UK/European Tour; Travesties, West End).  More casting is to be announced in due course.

When theatres were closed in March 2020 Witness for the Prosecution had just celebrated its 1000th performance having played to more than 325,000 people over two and a half years.  The production has captured the imagination of audiences gripped by the case of Leonard Vole, accused of murder in cold blood. Director Lucy Bailey (Oleanna, Theatre Royal Bath/ West End; soon to direct Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, Royal and Derngate/ UK tour) thrillingly places the audience in the thick of the action as Christie’s enthralling tale of justice, passion and betrayal unfolds around them.

Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth. The stakes are high.  Will he be able to convince the jury of his innocence and escape the hangman’s noose?

The twists and turns of the case are played out in a spectacular courtroom setting inside the atmospheric London County Hall as prosecution battles defence and witnesses take the stand to give their shocking testimonies. The production received Best Revival nominations at the 2018 Olivier and WhatsOnStage Awards.

Witness for the Prosecution opens its doors again to audiences on 14 September, just in time to celebrate Agatha Christie’s birthday on 15 September. In her autobiography, Christie wrote: “One night at the theatre stands out in my memory especially; the first night of ‘Witness for the Prosecution’. I can safely say that that was the only first night I have enjoyed…It was one of my plays that I like best myself.’” Also this September, Witness for the Prosecution director Lucy Bailey’s new production of And Then There Were None begins a UK tour.

Witness for the Prosecution is now booking for performances from 14 September 2021 – 20 March 2022. The production is designed by William Dudley, with lighting by Chris Davey, sound design by Mic Pool and casting by Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG.

New dates for SIX – The Musical at Hull New Theatre

Hull New Theatre is delighted to announce rescheduled dates for SIX – The Musical. The Queens will be back on the block next spring from Tuesday 5 – Sunday 10 April, 2022.

The news comes after the production, which was scheduled to take place from Tuesday 20 – Sunday 25 July, 2021, had to be postponed when members of the company tested positive for Covid-19.

We wish everyone affected a speedy recovery, however, a global pandemic can’t silence these women whose musical journey through divorce, beheading and death with a touch of survival, has taken the theatre world by storm.

SIX is the phenomenon everyone’s losing their head over with the Queens – Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr – all vying for supremacy at the Royal Court.

From Tudor queens to pop princesses, SIX sees the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their own personal tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power.

These queens may have green sleeves, but their lipstick is rebellious red. Think of the rhyme, think again… Divorced. Beheaded. Live.

NEW DIORAMA THEATRE ANNOUNCES THEIR TENTH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

• In September New Diorama Theatre embarks on its tenth anniversary with their most ambitious season of ensemble and company work ever

• Nouveau Riche, curious directive, Police Cops and Ugly Bucket will each present their largest scale shows to date
  

• The season consists of three newly-commissioned world premieres and one London premiere, and coincides with the full re-opening of New Diorama Theatre and their City NDT Broadgate space

Artistic Director David Byrne says

“This September, New Diorama turns 10.

We’ve decided to celebrate with a total, complete blowout of a season – premiering four unmissable shows, concocted as an antidote for the last year. While other theatres might be focused on solo shows and revivals, we’re betting on new artists and ambitious work – resulting in the most thrilling season we’ve ever presented.

There’s going to be some tears, some moments of wonder, and a lot of laughter. Most importantly, we’ll be doing it all together again.

Come and join us. There’s ten candles on our cake this year, let’s blow it out together.”  

The season opens with the world premiere of internationally-renowned curious directive’s DECIPHERING (7 Sept – 2 Oct, 21). Inviting the audience on an inter-continental journey to the origins of human creativity, this new show blends expansive storytelling, innovative technology and international collaboration, taking them inside the real-life cave network containing the oldest graphic communication ever found. Conceived with Indonesian artist collective Bombo, who’ve been granted world-first access to this extraordinary site.

Following their ★★★★★ (Guardian) hit Typical and multi-award-winning Queens of Sheba, Nouveau Riche are one of the UK’s most exciting theatre companies. Commissioned by New Diorama, co-commissioned by Boundless Theatre, the world premiere of FOR BLACK BOYS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE HUE GETS TOO HEAVY (12 Oct – 6 Nov, 21) is the company’s biggest show to date. Written by Nouveau Riche’s Artistic Director Ryan Calais Cameron and directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, this landmark new play is located on the threshold of joyful fantasy and brutal reality: a world of music, movement, storytelling and verse – where six men clash and connect in a desperate bid for survival.

New Diorama has always been about young companies and new work. One of the most exciting groups to come out of the last few years is Liverpool-based Ugly Bucket, who blew us away at the National Student Drama Festival. Originally slated for the 2020 Edinburgh Fringe and shortlisted for the New Diorama and Underbelly Untapped Award, we’re thrilled to present the London premiere of GOOD GRIEF (14 & 15 Nov, 21), a hilarious gut-punch of a show on national tour. A dying man’s last wish: for Ugly Bucket to create a show about death. Will it be subtle? Will it be sophisticated? Probably not, but it’s his funeral. Literally.

And finally, we end the year with POLICE COPS: THE MUSICAL (23 Nov – 23 Dec, 21). Yes, really. Based on their multi-award-winning stage show that’s toured the world over, POLICE COPS THE MUSICAL is a cinematic comedy blockbuster joyride full of grit, guns and uncompromising facial hair – all set to a blasting 80s power-pop soundtrack. Commissioned by New Diorama and co-commissioned by the Lowry and New Wolsey Theatre, an expanded cast and a live band supercharge the company’s unique physical comedy mayhem for their most ambitious show yet.

Hackney Empire presents
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

• FOR THE FIRST TIME OLIVIER-AWARD WINNER CLIVE ROWE AND PANTO VETERAN TONY WHITTLE WILL CO-DIRECT, AS WELL AS STAR IN, HACKNEY EMPIRE’S PANTOMIME JACK AND THE BEANSTALK THIS CHRISTMAS.
• IN WHAT WILL BE 120 YEARS SINCE OPENING, HACKNEY EMPIRE’S PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED PANTOMIME JACK AND THE BEANSTALK WILL OPEN ON 20 NOVEMBER 2021 AND RUN TO 2 JANUARY 2022.
• FULL PRINCIPAL CASTING IS ANNOUNCED WITH CLIVE ROWE TAKING TO THE STAGE ONCE MORE IN THE ICONIC ROLE OF THE DAME ALONGSIDE TONY WHITTLE AS COUNCILLOR HIGGINBOTTOM AND KAT B AS SIMPLE SIMON.
• TICKETS FOR JACK AND THE BEANSTALK ARE ON SALE NOW AT WWW.HACKNEYEMPIRE.CO.UK

For the first time, Olivier-Award winner Clive Rowe and Hackney panto veteran Tony Whittle will co-direct and star in Hackney Empire’s 2021 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk which will run from 20 November to 2 January 2022. Both making their 14th pantomime appearance, Grande Dame Clive Rowe will star as Dame Daisy Trott while Tony Whittle will play Councillor Higginbottom.

Tony and Clive have a theatrical connection spanning the last 20 years and are really looking forward to working together as co-directors of this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. Troilus and Cressida at Regent’s Park for the New Shakespeare Company was their first job together in 1998, a far cry from the custard pie-filled world they find themselves in now.

Clive Rowe and Tony Whittle said:
“We have a similar sense of humour and it is not uncommon for us to be in floods of tears making each other laugh, sometimes even on stage. We are both really looking forward to working with this new exciting pantomime team and having the best fun whilst creating a multi-generational, traditional Hackney pantomime.”

Full principal casting includes the legendary Kat B as Simple Simon, Zoe Curlett as Fenella Fleshcreep, Julie Jupp as Fairy Fusia, Ellie Ruiz Rodriguez as Jill Higginbottom, Rochelle Sherona as Jack Trot, Tony Whittle as Councillor Higginbottom and Clive Rowe as Dame Daisy Trott.  

Yamin Choudury, Artistic Director, and Jo Hemmant, Executive Director, from Hackney Empire said: “We are over the moon at the thought that panto will be happening at Hackney Empire this year. Seeing our beautiful theatre full of our wonderful audiences and friends once again will be amazing. We look forward to welcoming you in true Hackney Empire style – Oh yes we do!”

Marking the 22nd pantomime at the East End venue, Jack and the Beanstalk which was previously scheduled to open in December 2020 will have a press night on Thursday 2nd December 2021.  Tickets are on sale now from www.hackneyempire.co.uk.

So, as only Hackney Empire can, Jack and the Beanstalk will get the festive season underway once more, with all the fun, magic, mischievous mayhem, and razzle-dazzle that Hackney audiences love and sadly missed last Christmas.

When happy-go-lucky Jack is tempted into selling his family’s beloved cow for a fistful of magic beans, he finds himself tangled in an adventure of epic proportions! Join Jack on his journey up an enchanted beanstalk as he tries to outwit a rampaging giant, all with the help of his larger-than-life mum.

This tall-tale is packed full of slapstick comedy, laugh-out-loud gags, stunning costumes, dazzling song, and dance numbers, and plenty of chances to cheer, boo and hiss.  Hackney Empire’s pantomime has become one of the city’s most anticipated annual highlights bringing West End value at East End prices to attract an ever-growing local, national and global fanbase.

Over 44,000 people attended the 2020 pantomime Dick Whittington and His Cat including 10,000 schoolchildren. 41% of the audience were first-time visitors to Hackney Empire.
 

SAM MENDES ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF THEATRE ARTISTS FUND INTO TWO-YEAR PILOT BURSARY PROGRAMME

At today’s South Bank Arts Awards, in recognition of his leadership in the creation of the Theatre Artists Fund, Sam Mendes was awarded the Sky Arts Individual Award for Innovation in the Arts During the Pandemic.  Accepting the Award, Mendes announced the development of a two year pilot bursary scheme offering longer term support to the cultural workforce. Theatre Artists Fund is working in conjunction with Backstage Trust on this scheme. This new programme has a specific goal of empowering theatre workers and freelancers to be part of the next stage of recovery. It aims to create multiple employment opportunities and to include specific involvement and guidance from theatre practitioners across the entire sector. Initially a two year pilot scheme it will seek to reinforce equality, inclusion and diversity focus and encourage peer support in the freelance community and organisations and skills development. Further details will be announced later this year.

Mendes said: “We want to take what we’ve learned from our work and create a new and permanent way of empowering freelancers for the future…In the coming months we will be piloting a special bursary programme working to make this fund into a foundation in conjunction with the Backstage Trust to ensure our theatre professionals are championed and included in the way they deserve for the benefit of the UK’s entire cultural sector.”

The Theatre Artists Fund, part of the charity Theatre Development Trust and administered by SOLT and UK Theatre has so far given 7,291 emergency grants, having raised just over £7.3million since its inception in July 2020. The financial security of many thousands of vital theatre artists remains in grave peril as the continuing uncertainty created by the pandemic and the Government’s response to it makes finding and keeping work extremely difficult. During his announcement, Mendes cited the extra-ordinary support of the numerous entities and foundations that helped initiate the Theatre Artists Fund and hoped they would continue their support ongoing. The fund continues to provide a lifeline for many and continues to appeal to people’s generosity and support. Donations can be made at https://theatreartists.fund/donate/