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THE THEATRE CHANNEL

SPECIAL HALLOWEEN THEMED EPISODE

ON SALE NOW – LAUNCHING ON 30 OCTOBER

LINZI HATELEY RETURNS TO CARRIE –

THE MUSICAL IN WHICH SHE MADE HER DEBUT

ALSO STARRING

AIMIE ATKINSON, SOPHIE ISAACS, BRADLEY JADEN, JOSH PITERMAN

ON SALE NOW – TICKETS AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE

Adam Blanshay Productions and The Theatre Café are pleased to announce details for the second episode of The Theatre Channel – a specially extended Halloween themed episode with songs from Dracula, Carrie, and Jekyll and Hyde. The episode is available to purchase now, ahead of its release on 30 October, and details will be released in the coming weeks of further exciting and high-profile performers who will join the line-up.

The Theatre Channel is a brand-new web series showcasingwell-known musical theatre classics – a unique hybrid of stage and screen. Performed by the cream of British and international musical theatre talent, each episode is staged and filmed with high production values on location at The Theatre Café in the heart of the West End, making full use of the whole space – from the bar seating area all the way up to the roof – and feature a mix of 5-6 standalone performances, ordinarily set in a café, bar or restaurant. Many of the performances are supported by the Café Four, a regular cast made up of other West End talents.

British musical theatre legend Linzi Hateley will revisit the musical that launched her career at the age of seventeen when she played the title role in Carrie in Stratford and on Broadway. She will perform the number “When There’s No One” – returning to the show as Carrie’s mother, the role originally performed by Barbara Cook and Betty Buckley.

The Halloween episode will include the following talent and performances:

Linzi Hateley (Mamma Mia!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Blood Brothers) singing When There Is No One from Carrie

Bradley Jaden (Les Misérables, Wicked) and Sophie Isaacs (Six, Heathers: The Musical) singing Life After Life from Dracula

Josh Piterman (The Phantom of the Opera) singing The Confrontation from Jekyll and Hyde

Aimie Atkinson (Pretty Woman, Six) with song to be announced.

The first episode – starring Tarinn Callender, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Oliver Ormson, Matt Henry MBE, Lucie Jones, Jenna Russell and Jodie Steele is available to purchase and download via www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/channel – once purchased, audiences are able to watch episodes unlimited times.

The Theatre Channel’s Café Four is comprised of Alyn Hawke (Oklahoma, Follies, 42^nd Street), Emily Langham (The Boy Friend, Oklahoma, West Side Story), Sadie-Jean Shirley (City of Angels, Ghost: The Musical, Aladdin) and Alex Woodward (Mamma Mia, Hairspray). 

Adam Blanshay said, “Halloween is beloved by children of all ages, and what better way to mark the holiday than to celebrate with a special Halloween-themed episode! There are many spooks and surprises in store. We hope the episode combines the right amount of camp fancy-dress fun with stirring epic performances. Moreover, may theatre fans rejoice as Linzi Hateley groundbreakingly revisits her roots with a stirring performance from Carrie- for the first time ever stepping into the shoes of Margaret White.”

The Theatre Channel is produced by Adam Blanshay Productions and The Theatre Café, with direction and choreography by Bill Deamer and musical supervision by Michael England, set and costume design by Gregor Donnelly, lighting design by Jack Weir, sound design by Keegan Curran, videography by Ben Hewis and hair and makeup by Diana Hudson.

www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/the-theatre-channel

@AdamBlanshayPro

@thetheatrecafe

#TheTheatreChannel

THE SHOW WILL GO ON WITH CONNECT2YOU

     LIVE ENTERTAINMENT WITH A PURPOSE

Starting this month, West End stars and some of the UK’s most talented stage and screen artists will perform to care home residents through Connect2you, a campaign which provides COVID safe bespoke live performances ensuring that the ‘Show Will Go On’ for members of the community across the UK who have been hardest hit by COVID 19 Pandemic.

Care homes are one of the sectors hit hardest by Covid-19 with many cut off from their loved ones to keep them safe. Connect2you is bringing a little magic to their doorsteps with live outdoor shows from self-contained solar powered stage vehicles of differing sizes to fit small or large spaces, where performances will always be from a safe distance.

Conceived during the pandemic, Connect2you’s goal is to lift spirits and connect people with song, joy and laughter by bringing live entertainment to their doorsteps; whilst offering many talented artists who usually appear in West End shows, tours, pantomimes and concerts the opportunity to perform.

Following a hugely successful pilot in September at Gold Care Homes – Acton Care Centre, where Connect2you brought joy and delight to the faces of the residents and care workers, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback, The Fremantle Trust Care Homes are hosting a series of performances starting later this month kicking off the official launch of Connect2you.

Lisa Denning founder of Connect2you says “We want to take our shows to people of all ages across the UK who are shielding, vulnerable, isolated, or are not able to access the ‘new’ wave of on-line entertainment, whilst giving talented professional artists the opportunity to perform and be paid.

We will visit care homes, hospitals, hospices, respite centres, day centres, homeless shelters, food banks and more to reach out to people and communities of all ages who will benefit live outdoor shows especially created for each audience to include music, comedy, ‘celebrity anecdotes’ and individual segments and video messages. We know that specific songs not only give pleasure to all but can be invaluable for dementia sufferers”.

Connect2you will continue to operate through the winter, but if the weather is too severe or an area goes into total lockdown, the show will be rescheduled for the first available opportunity.

Audiences in care homes, hospitals, hospices or sheltered accommodation will be able to see and hear the live performances through open doors and windows and if they can’t be outside and live feeds can be facilitated to screens inside, plus the show can also be streamed to friends and family in their own homes too.

During the Christmas season Connect2you will include carol singing, mini panto sketches and Father Christmas with his elves to add extra seasonal cheer up and down the country including children’s hospitals.

Companies can get involved by sponsoring live shows in the social care sectors, donating goods and by booking Connect2you for their staff or customers to enjoy. 

Connect2You relies on donations and partners to help this important work happen. There are many ways you can get involved with Connect2you to find out more visit www.connect2you.co.uk and follow us on Twitter@connect2_you  Instagram @conn.ect2you Facebook @ Connect2You and Linked In to make a donation [page%20gf.me/u/y3bfs4]click here  

Watch the video here

CHARLOTTE LUND APPOINTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF IRIS THEATRE

Iris Theatre, the resident theatre company of the Actors’ Church in Covent Garden, today announces the appointment of Charlotte Lund as Executive Director working alongside Artistic Director Paul-Ryan Carberry. She takes up her role immediately.

Charlotte Lund said today, “Iris Theatre has always been a unique place for artists, in particular those in the early stages of their careers and I’m really excited to work with Paul-Ryan and the team to continue to grow and expand the companies offering. I look forward to further developing our START and PLATFORM programmes over the coming months, supporting bold, inventive and inspiring theatre makers and finding new ways to reach audiences in this challenging time. We’re hugely grateful to our amazing audiences and patrons for their generous donations through the summer and their ongoing support as we continue to secure Iris’ future.”

Paul-Ryan Carberry, Artistic Director of Iris Theatre, also commented, “I’m so delighted to be welcoming Charlotte to our team here at Iris Theatre. Charlotte carries with her an incredible passion for artist development and I’m really looking forward to working alongside such a talented producer and facilitator. Together, we will continue to battle through this crisis ensuring that Iris Theatre will always be a home for early-career artists in the heart of central London.”

Sofi Berenger, Chair of the Board, added, “If there is one thing Iris Theatre has proved over the last year, it’s that we refuse to stand still or be defeated. We are delighted to welcome Charlotte to our Iris family. Her experience and passion for nurturing theatre makers looking to establish careers within the industry is undeniable and makes her a perfect fit for our charity. I am very excited for the future of the organisation under this leadership team – if I were you, I’d watch this space.”

Charlotte Lund is an independent creative producer with over 10 years’ experience working in the UK and internationally. She has worked with some of the UK’s leading companies including Tall Stories, Fuel, Punchdrunk and Gate Theatre in Notting Hill, as well as producing large scale community projects with The National Trust and with remote communities in Spain. Lund specialises in international touring and artist development, working with independent artists and theatre makers around the world to develop exciting, innovative opportunities and platforms for new work. Making theatre accessible and affordable is a key component of her work, from designing and implementing access strategies and programmes for companies, working with Mousetrap Theatre Projects on their relaxed performances in the West End and producing work with and for neuro-diverse artists and audiences.

IRIS THEATRE

Iris Theatre is a charity and the resident theatre company of the Actors’ Church, committed to developing artists early in their careers. As well as its long-running outdoor summer season, Iris presents new work through the year at the Actors’ Church and creates opportunities for training for artists of all backgrounds and disciplines through its PLATFORM and START programmes.

Facebook:           /IrisTheatre

Twitter:               @iristheatre

Instagram:          iris_theatre

ST PAUL’S COVENT GARDEN, ACTORS’ CHURCH
Known affectionately as the Actors’ Church because of its long association with the theatre community, St Paul’s is located in the heart of the West End on Covent Garden Piazza. Designed by the theatre designer and architect Inigo Jones and built in 1633, St Paul’s serves as the Parish Church of Covent Garden and much of Theatreland. As well as Iris’s events, the church hosts a wide variety of theatre, memorial services and concerts, totalling around 300 events a year.

www.iristheatre.com

Facebook:          /IrisTheatre

Twitter:               @iristheatre

Instagram:         iris_theatre

The Industry Minds Awards 2020 will be held on Monday 30th November 2020 at
The Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester.
The ceremony will be hosted by Industry Minds & The Hope Mill Theatre Patron
Denise Welch, who is a leading advocate for mental health in the arts industry.
For the second year, the ceremony will recognise those pioneering and furthering
mental and physical health in the creative arts.

The ceremony will welcome a socially distanced audience into The Hope Mill
Theatre to celebrate, support and raise awareness for mental health in the creative
arts. The ceremony will further be live streamed to ensure everyone can access
this years awards.

Joseph Houston, Artistic Director of Hope Mill Theatre said:

“We are so thrilled to be hosting this years Industry Minds Awards at Hope
Mill Theatre. We have long admired and supported the work that the Industry
Minds teams have been doing within our currently fragile industry, supporting
new graduates as well as offering mental health support. It has been the
toughest year our Industry has faced in a lifetime and being able to offer
something positive at this time, as well as something that celebrates the
amazing work many in our industry have continued to do is so important. It is
also very special to have our own Patron and industry minds advocate
Denise Welch hosting.”

Founders Scarlett Maltman & Cathy Read said:

“We are delighted to still be able to run the awards this year as we feel awareness
of mental health is needed more than ever right now.
We are equally delighted to be hosting the ceremony at The Hope Mill Theatre in
Manchester. We were welcomed to The Hope Mill in January by founders Joseph
Houston and William Whelton where we ran our first mental health seminar of the
year, so to end the year with the awards is very significant to us, especially in the
current climate.”

Alongside other mental health charities, The Industry Minds Patron and Trustee
Committee will finalise this years shortlist and winners. Nominees will be
announced at the beginning of November.

The evening will include special guest performances from Northern talent and 2020
graduates. Further details on this will be announced later this month.

Tickets will go on sale on Monday 5th at 5pm. All tickets will be available by
visiting The Hope Mill Theatre Website:

Behind-the-scenes images and casting revealed for Dr Blood’s Old Travelling Show

imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse have today announced full casting for the outdoor premiere of DR BLOOD’S OLD TRAVELLING SHOW. New rehearsal images have also been revealed, giving an enticing glimpse of the high-tech treats in store for returning theatre audiences.

The production’s cast will feature imitating the dog regulars Laura Atherton (Night of the Living Dead™ – Remix and A Farewell To Arms, imitating the dog); Matt Prendergast (Night of the Living Dead™ – Remix and The Zero Hour, imitating the dog) and Keicha Greenidge (Heart of Darkness, imitating the dog, and In the Club, BBC).

The inventive storytelling skills of theatre innovators imitating the dog are used to great effect as they create a deliciously dark tale of mischief, immorality, and long-buried secrets. Drawing on horror movies and the traditions of carnival shows, Dr Blood and his motley crew tell a tale of the price paid for pursuing ambition, hypocrisy, and greed. Set in a mythical ‘North’ and made for these strange times of lockdown, imitating the dog bring all their theatrical and technical acumen to this unique outdoor entertainment.

Produced by imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse, DR BLOOD’S OLD TRAVELLING SHOW is written and directed by imitating the dog’s co-artistic directors Andrew Quick and Pete Brooks and will premiere on Playhouse Square from 7–8 October. It will then tour to the Piece Hall, Halifax (9–10 Oct), The Lowry, Salford (17 Oct), Lancaster Square, Lancaster Arts and Dukes Lancaster (20–21 Oct) and Belgrade Square, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (23–24 Oct).

Dr Blood’s Old Travelling Show, Playhouse Square, Leeds Playhouse

7 – 8 October

Book online leedsplayhouse.org.uk. Box office 0113 213 7700.

2020 TOUR DATES

7­–8 Oct, Playhouse Square, Leeds Playhouse

leedsplayhouse.org.uk

9–10 Oct, The Courtyard, The Piece Hall, Halifax

thepiecehall.co.uk

17 Oct, The Lowry, Salford

thelowry.com

20–21 Oct, Lancaster Square, Lancaster Arts

lancasterarts.org

23–24 Oct, Belgrade Square, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

belgrade.co.uk

Full tour info: imitatingthedog.co.uk

National Theatre partners with Audible to support next generation of young playwrights across UK

The National Theatre is partnering with Audible as the Official Audio Partner for its New Views playwriting competition to support the next generation of writing talent across the UK.

Through this partnership the National Theatre and Audible plan to work with a young writer to adapt their script and publish it in audio. The participant will be supported throughout the process, gaining invaluable experience in audio development.

New Views is the National Theatre’s annual playwriting programme and competition for 14 – 19-year olds which supports students to write their own play with mentoring from professional playwrights, online workshops and masterclasses alongside bespoke training for teachers. Each year one play is selected from hundreds of entries to be produced at the NT with a professional cast and crew, alongside rehearsed readings of eight shortlisted plays. Previous winning and shortlisted scripts will act as a catalogue of plays that may be adapted by the playwright for Audible.

Audible, the leading provider of audio storytelling, is also supporting the National Theatre with the digital delivery of the adapted programme in response to Coronavirus. Participants will be able to access playwriting masterclasses and Audible’s expansive back-catalogue of audio content, in addition to online recordings of NT productions and digital workshops from the NT. 

Lisa Burger, Joint Chief Executive of the National Theatre said, “Young writers and theatre-makers are the future of our theatre industry and we are committed to supporting the development of new talent by continuing to provide opportunities and platforms for young people right across the UK in these challenging times. New Views encourages participants to explore their creativity, engage in debate and develop their ideas with the support of fantastic contemporary writers. We are excited to begin our partnership with Audible to develop brilliant new scripts for their platform and ensure the talented voices of the next generation are heard far and wide”. 

Kevin Addley, Country Manager at Audible said, “This exciting partnership with the National Theatre’s New Views programme allows us to help support the theatre at a difficult time for the arts. Discovering and supporting young talent has never been more vital, and we look forward to being able to celebrate new young talent in the coming months”.

Applications for schools to take part in New Views 2020-2021 are currently open until Wednesday 7th October. To find out more and to sign up visit: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learning/schools/secondary-and-fe/new-views

MARCH FOR THE ARTS PROTEST RALLY TO TAKE PLACE

IN LIVERPOOL THIS WEEKEND

Muster begins 12pm on Saturday 3 October at Metropolitan Cathedral

Rally to March through the city centre to St Georges Hall with Speeches

Organisers appeal to attenders to put Covid safety at forefront of minds

A protest March will take place in Liverpool city centre this weekend to raise awareness of the devastating impact lockdown has had on the Arts Industry across the region.

The March on Saturday 3 October from 12noon will bring people together who work in and support the industry which currently lies in ruins due to the Coronavirus pandemic, with restrictions continuing further. The Governments support has been welcome but is not enough. The protest was originally postponed when the 1.57bn was announced, three months later, the rescue package hasn’t been delivered, furlough is ending, SEISS is ending, organisations remain closed and Rishi Sunak recently described the industry as ‘unviable’.

The peaceful March will begin at the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral and move through the city centre to a rally with speakers at St George’s Hall Plateau, the speakers will represent a diverse section of the industry including the Artistic Director of Everyman Playhouse Gemma Bodinetz,Adam Flanders of BECTU and actor Tayo Aluko to name a few.

This weekend was chosen to build on a weeklong of protests up and down the country, from the Creative Performance Protest to We Make Events to The Panto Parade. Monday 5th October is the deadline for the Arts Council to have informed/distributed the arts rescue package for round one applicants and this Saturday is also the start of the Conservative Party Conference.

March For The Arts has been organised collectively by three people working in the industry, Liz Barker, Becky Webb and Gemma Dunne, who are dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of the arts and championing those who work in arts industries.

The organisers said “We believe the time is now to march and rally, without further financial support our industry cannot afford to operate with social distancing in place. Until social distancing is no longer required, we must have financial support that reflects our economic value of £111.7bn annually outside of this crisis. We can’t raise awareness to the changes we want to see, if we can’t be seen.

“We also understand there are concerns with the rising number of Covid cases in Liverpool.  Protests are still allowed in current legislation and whilst people are able to eat out, drink out, play sports in groups both at professional level and at amateur then we can protest at the Government’s lack of support for an industry that is unable to open, affecting hundreds and thousands of workers up and down the country, as well as the health and wellbeing of us as a society.

“Social distancing is important to us – we want to ensure everyone attending is 1m+ from the next bubble, is wearing a facemask unless medically exempt, and have plenty of hand sanitizer! We are keeping a track on numbers through the facebook event or by people emailing us confirmation of attendance, to ensure it remains a safe March.”

People can register at [email protected] or

via the facebook event www.facebook.com/events/841228963296071/

People are encouraged to attend in their work clothes or costume, to create banners or placards and are welcome to bring their musical instruments or other theatrical props such as puppets and to display their art.

The protest encourages all genres across the creative industries to come together, such as theatre, music, comedy, events, dance, or community engagement. If people are unable to attend or are cautious about attending, then they can also support the protest via social media on the day.

Website: www.marchforthearts.com

Twitter: @MarchforTheArts

Instagram: @MarchforTheArts

Facebook: /MarchforTheArts

Hashtags we use are: #FairFundingForAll #MarchforTheArts #SaveTheArts #WeMakeEvents #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #WeAreViable #LetTheMusicPlay #CreativePerformerProtest

The Kenton Theatre announce  

fundraising campaign 

KENTON FOR KEEPS 

• The Kenton Theatre set a target to raise £35,000, hoping to match the £35,000 received from the Arts Council England Emergency Response Fund, supported by the National Lottery. 

• Mary Berry, Simon Williams, Pam Ayres and others speak out to support Kenton For Keeps. 

• West End star Mike Sterling performs a live stream concert in aid of Kenton For Keeps. 

The Kenton Theatre, the UK’s fourth-oldest working theatre based in the centre of Henley-on-Thames, has today announced its plans to raise £35,000 through their fundraising campaign Kenton For Keeps. Like most theatres in the UK the Kenton Theatre has suffered financially during the COVID-19 pandemic when it had to close its doors to the public in March. 

The Kenton Theatre received financial aid from the Arts Council England’s Emergency Response Fund, supported by the National Lottery, in May 2020. The Kenton has set a target to match the £35,000 received through its own fundraising campaign. Asking the public to generously support the intimate 240 seat theatre will help invest in the venue’s immediate future. With 70% of theatres warning they will run out of cash by the end of the year The Kenton want to preserve the heritage of the theatre, and keep it safe for the generations to come. 

Local actor to Henley and West End actor Mike Sterling (The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables) will be hosting a live stream concert through The Kenton Theatre’s YouTube channel on Friday 9 October at 7pm to support Kenton For Keeps. The concert will consist of songs and anecdotes from West End hit shows.  

British stage and screen actor Simon Williams, known for playing the role of James Bellamy in the ITV BAFTA award-winning Upstairs, Downstairs, National treasure Mary Berry and comedian/poet Pam Ayres all show their support towards Kenton For Keeps. 

Julie Huntington, Chair of the trustees at The Kenton Theatre said: 

“With not being able to do our job – that is, entertain and delight our audiences for the last 6 months, this period has had a huge financial impact on our beloved Kenton Theatre. She, The Kenton, the “Grand Old Lady” of theatre, 215 years old this year, has survived many battles. Built in the time of the Napoleonic Wars, she has come through many testing times, including bankruptcy, abandonment and two world wars. This latest challenge however – this unseen enemy, Covid-19, is probably one of the most difficult to overcome, but overcome we will and this is where the local community and the Kenton’s patrons are so very important to her survival. This is also why the new Board of Trustees are very excited to relaunch the highly successful “Kenton for Keeps” campaign that saw the purchase of the freehold of the theatre back in 2011 and would urge audiences, past and present and FUTURE to support the campaign as much as they can. We shall shortly be publishing our plans for the future. Our “Grand Old Lady”, The Kenton Theatre is a much-loved landmark of Henley, we want to make sure that we secure her future for generations to come.” 

Mike Sterling, local actor and supporter of The Kenton Theatre said: 

“It’s vital that all the public near and far, get behind this campaign for such a piece of national treasure as the Kenton. There are not many venues like this and its preservation is vital. I believe also that Henley can indeed set a benchmark for venues such as The Kenton. It’s only when these venues disappear that people truly realise what they have lost in their midst. Personally, I truly ‘feel’ the Kenton and what it stands for. If everyone was to get behind our cause and support it, the long-term financial impact for them is minimal, but for The Kenton, it’s a case of it flourishing.” 

Mary Berry, supporter of The Kenton Theatre said:  

“The Kenton Theatre is one of the treasures of Henley. Please support ‘Kenton For Keeps’ – a historic icon of Henley and it needs to be here forever.” 

Simon Williams, supporter of The Kenton Theatre said: 

“I love the theatre, I love theatre in general, I love the buildings, the actors, the idea of audiences gather to watch a story being told – in particular I love The Kenton Theatre. Please help support the Kenton during these grim times.” 

Pam Ayres, supporter of The Kenton Theatre said:  

“I’ve been appearing at the Kenton Theatre now for many years and have always loved it! I’ve been there for literary festivals and to do my own show on many occasions and I’ve always come away thinking what a valuable place it is. I’m appealing to you today to donate whatever you can to help keep The Kenton open. Please help us ensure that The Kenton Theatre is here for the future generations in Henley and for everyone who is interested in theatre to come along and enjoy.” 

New Associate Theatre Company Finally to Perform at the Space 

How does an emerging theatre company become associates at a venue they’ve never performed at? Well, when they’re as dynamic, committed and super-talented as Mrs C’s Collective are, it should come as no surprise.  

The company were due to stage That Was All at the Space back in March, they were the next ones in when the lockdown hit. Since then, they’ve staged The Big Share online, presenting the work of their Writer’s Collective and launched The Reading Room, engaging theatre luminaries such as Marina Carr, Kwame Kwei-Armah and Mark Ravenhill, in discussions with emerging playwrights. For the Space, members of the company have been employed in different areas of the Locked Down, Looking Up online programme. 

Now, their rescheduled show is finally going to perform at the East London venue, regardless of whether an audience can be there or not. 

Artistic Director of the Space, Adam Hemming, explains ‘I knew when I met Francis and Charlotte, before I saw That Was All at Oso Arts Centre, that they had something special. Their ethos of supporting others, particularly new playwrights, and their passion for storytelling, resonated strongly. Then I saw Jennie perform this beautiful piece of theatre and it was pretty much nailed on from there. Since then, I’ve worked with each of them individually and as a collective and they’ve shown heart, insight and compassion in all that they do. I’m delighted that our audiences will finally be able to see That Was All.” 

You might explore a selection of belief systems, dip your toes in some new age sciences. You might take up yoga, meditation and a plant-based diet. You might even spend a day with a world-renowned Mexican healer wondering why you keep walking around with the strangest feeling, and a distant memory of a pub-crawl with your dad. The endless pints, the samba dancing, the drunken philosophy and the look in dad’s eye when he got a free round on the house. “Jesus Christ” dad said, “Finally get a free pint now that I’m…”. 

That Was All is a one woman show about families, memory and how to make sense out of the unspoken. 

The Saturday matinee performance will be live-streamed so, even if government restrictions mean socially-distanced audiences can’t attend in person, the company will finally be able to perform at the Space 

View the trailer for That Was All and check out the COVID guide for audiences at https://space.org.uk/event/that-was-all/  

The Space has recently launched a crowdfunder, as part of the Theatres Trust’s #SaveOurTheatres campaign. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/saveourtheatresthespace  

 
The performance details are:- That Was All
8th-10th October, 7:30pm 
10^th October 2:30pm (also live streamed)

Everyone’s got their own beliefs. Dad worshipped ‘good times.’ Years later, you’re searching for meaning, clinging on to new age jargon and a memory of that final pub crawl. 

Written by Francis Grin 
Directed by Charlotte Everest 
Performed by Jennie Eggleton 
Producer by Darcy Dobson 
Sound Design by JP Guerrier 
Stage Managed by Jen McTaggart  

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PANTO ANNOUNCED FOR 2021 AT CITY VARIETIES MUSIC HALL

City Varieties Music Hall is pleased to announce that Beauty and the Beast will get the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto treatment for 2021.

The exciting news comes on the back of the announcement that Leeds’ oldest theatre will reopen for the first time in six months from Friday 9 October 2020 with a programme of film presented in collaboration with sister venue Hyde Park Picture House.

Having closed its doors on March 17^th due to the pandemic, the news of reopening unfortunately comes too late to save this year’s panto but tickets for 2021 will go on sale today (Thursday 1 October) at 10am from www.leedsheritagetheatres.com.

Ian Sime, General Manager at City Varieties said: “Like so many other theatres across the country, we are absolutely devastated that this years’ panto won’t be going ahead, but we’re thrilled to be able to bring Beauty and the Beast, a brand new production from the enchanted pen of Peter Rowe, to The Varieties in 2021.

“Our Rock ’n’ Roll Pantos have been extremely popular since they were first introduced in 2011 and have grown year on year to become a Christmas tradition for so many families in Leeds and beyond.”

A very different format to the traditional Christmas pantomime, Rock ’n’ Roll Pantos mix traditional elements of audience participation and corny gags with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers – all performed live on stage by an ultra-talented cast of actor-musicians. Be sure to keep your wits about you, or you may just get rocked by the legendary Boulder Battle!

“One of the secrets of its success lies with its cast of actor-musicians who waste no time in developing a great rapport with the audience in the intimate atmosphere of this historic old theatre. Full of audience participation you can cheer the goodies, hiss the baddie and shout until you are hoarse and that’s what pantomime is all about.” (YORKSHIRE EVENING POST – Aladdin, 2017).

Beauty and the Beast The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is at City Varieties Music Hall from Friday 26 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022.