Miriam Margolyes and full cast of Sydney & The Old Girl confirmed


Park Theatre presents the World Premiere of
SYDNEY & THE OLD GIRL

31 October – 30 November 2019 | Park Theatre

The full cast of Sydney & The Old Girl has been confirmed, as previously announced Miriam Margolyes and Mark Hadfield will be joined by Vivien Parry for Eugene O’Hare’s world premiere black comedy. Directed by Phillip Breen, the production will open on 31 October, with a national press night on Tuesday 5 November at 7pm.

London is becoming an alien landscape to Sydney Stock; a man who has lived for over fifty years cooped up with his mother Nell in her grubby East End home. Theirs is a relationship of mutually assured destruction where the ghosts of the past continue to stalk and accuse. As the twisted game around family inheritance reaches breaking point, Irish care worker Marion Fee finds herself an unwitting pawn being played from both sides.

At the centre of Eugene O’Hare’s second full-length black comedy is a family’s obsession with versions of the past, and a paranoia about a future in a city which no longer feels like home.

Following the sell-out hit Madame Rubinstein in 2017, Miriam Margolyes returns to Park Theatre to play Nell Stock. Born in Oxford, England in 1941 & educated at Newnham College, Cambridge, Miriam is a veteran of stage and screen, an award-winning actress who has achieved success on both sides of the Atlantic. Major film credits during her long and celebrated career include Yentl, Little Shop of Horrors, I Love You To Death, End of Days, Sunshine, Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence, Cold Comfort Farm Magnolia. She starred in Stephen Hopkins’ The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, Modigliani, Istvan Szabo’s Being Julia & Ladies in Lavender (dir. Charles Dance, with Dames Smith & Dench). Margolyes was Professor Sprout in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows (Part II).

Her most memorable TV credits include: Old Flames, Freud, Life and Loves of a She DevilBlackadderThe Girls of Slender Means, Oliver Twist, The History Man, Vanity Fair and Supply & Demand. In 2016 Miriam joined an all-star cast in The Real Marigold Hotel, the sequel The Real Marigold On Tour, and presented her own BBC documentary series Miriam’s Dead Good Adventure in 2019.

Mark Hadfield will play Sydney Stock. Mark’s stage credits include The Weatherman (Park Theatre), Tamburlaine (Swan Theatre), Road (Royal Court), The Libertine (Bath/ Theatre Royal Haymarket), Richard III (Almeida), The Painkiller (Garrick Theatre), Made in Dagenham (Adelphi Theatre), Jeeves and Wooster: Perfect Nonsense (Duke of York’s Theatre), Singing in the Rain (Palace Theatre) and Uncle Vanya (Vaudeville Theatre). His screen credits include: Outlander, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, A Cock and Bull Story and Wallander.

Vivien Parry will play Marion Fee. Vivien’s theatre credits include: Les Miserables (Queen’s Theatre), A Christmas Carol, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream & The Shoemaker’s Holiday (RSC); The Girls (UK Tour), Half a Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre), Top Hat (Aldwych Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales Theatre), Which Witch (Piccadilly Theatre), Blood Brothers (Phoenix Theatre). Her screen credits include the live action Disney film Beauty and the Beast, as well as TV roles in: Holby City (BBC), Outside the Rules (BBC), The Bench (BBC) and The Bill (ITV).

Eugene O’Hare is a writer and actor. He has written for National Theatre Connections and short stories for BBC Radio 4. In 2017 he penned the BBC short film The Music Room featuring the Ulster Orchestra. He is currently developing original work for theatre, television and film. Sydney & the Old Girl and The Weatherman are his debut full length plays – both published by Bloomsbury in 2019. Eugene is a member of Field Day Theatre Company. He lives in London.

Director Phillip Breen’s theatre credits include: The Provoked Wife (Royal Shakespeare Company), Shakespeare in Love (Eleanor Lloyd / Bath Theatre Royal national tour, Broadway World Awards, Best Touring Production nomination), The Hypocrite (Royal Shakespeare Company, Hull Truck Theatre and Hull UK City of Culture 2017), Treasure Island (Birmingham Repertory Theatre), Lady Chatterley’s Lover (English Touring Theatre and Sheffield Theatres), Cyrano de Bergerac (Theatr Clwyd), The Shoemaker’s Holiday (Royal Shakespeare Company), The Merry Wives of Windsor (RSC) and Sex With A Stranger (Trafalgar Studios).

www.parktheatre.co.uk

Box office: 020 7870 6876

Antony Costa Stars In Blood Runs Deep At Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre For Halloween Week!

Break A Leg Productions in association with Bill Elms present

ANTONY COSTA TO STAR IN BLOOD RUNS DEEP PREMIERING AT THE EPSTEIN THEATRE NEXT MONTH

NEW PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER TAKES TO THE STAGE FOR HALLOWEEN WEEK

Prepare to be chilled to the bone when a gripping new psychological thriller Blood Runs Deep premieres at The Epstein Theatre this Halloween, starring ex Blue member Antony Costa.

The chilling new play presented by Break A Leg Productions in association with Bill Elms comes to the Hanover Street venue from Tuesday 29 October – Saturday 2 November following a sell-out pilot run at The Unity Theatre last year.

Set in the 1990s, single mother Karen Richards is on the run with her unsuspecting son, praying she can hide their chilling family secret and live a normal life. When an unwelcome visitor arrives at her home, the truth catches up with her, resulting in terrifying consequences.

Set on a northern council estate the two-act thriller will have audiences on the edge of their seats as a tale of lies and family betrayal unfolds.

Written by Emma Culshaw and David Paul (The Ruby Slippers, Achy Breaky Bride) and directed by Margaret Connell (Scouse a Comedy of Terrors, Broken Biscuits)

Blue star Antony Costa willstar as GregAntony rose to fame as a member of the popular boy band, with a career spanning three number one albums. The bands smash hit singles included All Rise, One Love and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.

Antony has also enjoyed a successful stage career. In 2017 he starred in Bill Kenwright’s UK touring production of Ruth Rendall’s murder mystery, A Judgement in StoneHe has also starred in the lead role of Mickey Johnstone in the 2006 London production of the long running musical Blood Brothers. Other credits include Rock Of Ages and Boogie Nights.

The full cast includes Emma Vaudrey as Karen, Brandon McCaffrey as Jake, and Alice Merivale as Zoe, who reprise their roles from 2018’s pilot production.

The play is produced by Break A Leg Productions in association with theatre producer Bill Elms. This is their second collaboration after the acclaimed comedy drama The Ruby Slippers.

Co-producer Bill Elms said: “Blood Runs Deep is definitely a must this Halloween. The production received a fantastic response from audiences during last year’s pilot run, since then we have made some revisions to the show and cannot wait to present the brand-new version at the Epstein in October. It promises to have audiences on the edge of their seats as the blood-chilling action unfolds and we are delighted to welcome Antony Costa in the lead role of Greg, he is going to be wonderful.”

Writers Emma Culshaw and David Paul said: “This psychological thriller deals with ordinary people who find themselves in an extraordinary situation. The greatest threat always comes from within the family but who is actually the prey and who is the perpetrator. Can our deeds be determined by our DNA?”

When the truth surfaces there is no escape!

For more information, please visit: www.wearebreakaleg.com

Like us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/BloodRunsDeepOnStage.

Follow us on Twitter: @BloodRunsDeepOS

LISTING INFORMATION

BLOOD RUNS DEEP

Date: Tuesday 29 October – Saturday 2 November
Time: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 7:30pm / Thu (Halloween) 6pm & 9pm / Sat Matinee 2:30pm
Tickets: From £15

To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 12pm – 6pm Monday – Saturday.

*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy

For more details check out www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk and join our mailing list. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre and twitter @EpsteinTheatre.

Birthdays Past, Birthdays Present Review

Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough – until 5th October 2019

Reviewed by Sara Garner

5*****

Alan Ayckbourn’s most recent and actually his 83rd play is a resounding success.

It is a comedy play set over four scenes, individually set during a birthday of each of the family members.

We see the idea of ‘effect and cause’ being explored over these four scenes, but in reverse chronological order. From the fathers 80th birthday, back to the unseen sisters 18th.

A mixture of misunderstanding, a well meaning lie and bad timing create a wonderfully funny but inaccurate persona and reputation for the son Adrian, played fantastically by Jamie Baughan. Adrian is a man who has spent his life trying to deal with and understand women.

The scenes change from hilarious to seriously emotional with ease, and as we get to know the characters more and more it just gets better and better. So much so in fact that the audience starts to laugh in anticipation of the next hilarious moment.

Pure genius – the writing, the direction and especially the acting.

Russell Dixon was stand out as Micky with some of the best lines but worst wigs (almost certainly intentionally) of the play.

Jemma Churchill equally fantastic as Meg and who also previously appeared in another of my favourite plays.

Finally Naomi Peterson who had to play a different character for each scene. She does this so incredibly well that if you didn’t have prior knowledge you may not have realised.

Fascinatingly the set changes were carried out in such a choreographed way that they were appreciated by the audience in that they received a round of applause each time. I had seen a similar style used previously but that was just an irritating distraction. This was more artistic, and gave a fascinating understanding of the way the simple but clever set worked.

This is a wonderful play which enraptured the audience, making everyone laugh and smile throughout, but also engrossed with the perfectly balanced emotional scenes where we saw the meat of the interpersonal relationships within the family.

I cannot recommend this play highly enough.

Three Short Ballets Review

Cast Doncaster – until 11 September 2019

Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

4****

Last night Northern Ballet stepped away from its normal productions and presented a fabulous programme of Three Short Ballets, relying on the sheer presence and power of the dancing with no fancy sets or costumes. It was a total eye opener to be able to watch the dancers and see exactly how they moved and their sheer power whether in total stillness or in lifts. Cast was an ideal venue for this production giving it an intimacy and allowing the audience to fully appreciate the dancers’ skill. It was also very clear that the dancers were reveling in the freedom of this performance, their glee clear on their faces in the first two ballets.

The Kingdom of Back” choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple was the first ballet telling the story of Nannerl Mozart, Wolfgang’s older sister, a composer and superb keyboard player in her own right but left in the shadows as her brother’s star rose. The music mix for this was totally unexpected and frankly extremely inspired, Bev Lee Harling’s vocal of “Life on Mars” producing goose bumps. The addition of extracts from the family letters helping to tell us the story as we heard “After God comes Papa”, Papa being a driven man. Antoinette Brooks-Daw was a wonderful Nannerl, having all the playful exuberance of a young girl leading to sadness as she is left on the side lines. Javier Torres is a strong stern puppet master as Leopold Mozart pulling the strings of his children. Wolfgang Mozart is danced with puppy dog enthusiasm by Mlindi Kulashe and a total lack of awareness of others. The dancing is superb and unexpectedly funky at times, full of fun and quirkiness. It was over far too quickly for my liking.

Powerhouse Rhumba” choreographed by David Nixon was originally created for Northern Ballet’s 40th Anniversary Gala in 2009 and is indeed a powerhouse. It is a fast moving ensemble piece, giving all the dancers the opportunity to show off their incredible talent, full of jumps and spins and lifts and leaving me in total awe at the skill on show. It was also wonderful to see the men showcased so well and not just as a foil for their partners. Again this was over far too quickly for me.

The final ballet was “For an Instant” choreographed by Amaury Lebrun, starting with a heartbeat this was a total contrast to the previous ballets, sombre and serious with a backdrop of black, showing us the fleeting aspects of life and humanity. The piece at times swirled and at times was still, the dancers as one with the music and at all times it was absolutely beautiful to watch. This was literally breathtaking and the ending left me stunned. I would have loved this to last longer too!

This was a fantastic night of dancing, away from the usual, full of total contrasts, emotion and amazing skill. It was over far too quickly for me, I would have loved it to last longer. I will be watching out for these type of performances from Northern Ballet as they are limited and frankly a total treat.

Saturday Night Fever Review

Storyhouse Live, Chester – until Saturday 14 September 2019

Reviewed by Julie Noller

5*****

Dust off your platforms, shake out your bellbottoms and prepare to let your inner disco diva shine through for quite possibly the best Disco era movie has been brought to the stage by Bill Kenwright; over 40 years after John Tavolta struted and captivated us as disco king Tony Manero.

What is special about this production is the fact Jake Byrom, James Kenneth Haughton and Danny Knott are just as centre stage as the cast in retelling a story that has you twitching in your seat itching to boogie on down reaching new highs as The Gibb Brothers or aka The Bee Gees.

This is truly a musical for it’s toe tapping, dazzling and with tunes that you can’t help but sway and join in with. Many audience members will be reliving their own Disco heydays, some like me remember dancing with parents around the front room. The costumes will have raised a few memorable smiles, there was the odd wolf whistle after the gasps as Tony Stripped to don the infamous white suit. Richard Windsor whilst not as obnoxious as John Travolta, portrays Tony Manero with a confidence that whiffs of self importance and egotism. A young man seeking his place in an ever evolving world, not to follow his Fathers footsteps. His passion for dancing along with pristine clothes and hair (don’t touch the hair) can’t help but raise a smile. So self assured and yet lost deep down here is a young man ready to break away from conventions and smash the mould.

It’s not all a happy, rose tinted trip back down memory lanes. There’s the stories that interweave and highlight friendship, the highs and lows, unwanted pregnancy, promiscuity, church, expectations and suicide along side potential rape. Natasha Firth is brilliant as Annette, poor love lorn and desperate. Seeking solace in pills yet her heart wrenching screams well you can’t help but hold your breath. Her rendition of If I Can’t Have You, highlights her singing credentials, she truly is a talented young lady, it really is superb. Then there’s Olivia Fines as Stephanie Mangano – yes we heard the line ‘your last name is almost the same’ many times, but it wasn’t just the names that were similar but personalities too I feel. Olivia dazzled us with her dancing skills and wow to wear those high cut 70s leotards, such legs! You do get to the end wondering why disco developed such a bad name and died out.

It’s skillful, energetic and joyful, the clothes fitting of the many peacocks showing off; dazzling and shiny. I loved the fact we became not the audience in the theatre but the audience on the sidelines in the disco. The disco ball glittered above us cascading us in light, encouraging our participation. All the dance moves you expect are included and more, the cast can be forgiven for being out of breath, they are as energetic as any HIIT class yet I suspect far more fun. Songs such as Stayin’ Alive, Jive Talkin’, More Than a Woman amongst others will have you singing and clapping along.

Having had a quick look through the programme I was prepared and excited in equal measures to jump to my feet after a well deserved standing ovation to join my fellow audience members to strut my stuff to the Mega mix that included Disco Inferno, Night Fever and You Should Be Dancing. Everyone was reluctant to leave wanting the party to continue, sadness was in the air, why did disco die? Moves like those exhibited by Richard Windsor deserve to live forever and should be treated with the respect such skilful choreography deserve. Unfortunately for me all that was left was to sing Stayin’ Alive (quietly) to myself and walk as only Tony Manero can walk back to my car, ok I strutted!!!

Salisbury Playhouse announces casting for this year’s pantomime

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES CASTING FOR THIS YEAR’S ROBIN HOOD PANTOMIME

Salisbury Playhouse is delighted to announce casting for ROBIN HOOD, which runs in the Main House from Saturday 30 November until Sunday 12 January 2020 and is already Salisbury’s fastest selling pantomime.

Robin Hood will be played by West End star Giovanni Spano (X Factor, ITV; Bat Out of Hell The Musical; Footloose; Rip It Up The 70s) while Nurse Nora Virus, this year’s pantomime dame, will be played by Adrian Grove (The Night Before Christmas, Salisbury Playhouse; Follies, National Theatre).

Maid Marian will be played by Alice Stokoe (Sister Act UK tour, Mamma Mia!) while the Sheriff of Nottingham will be played by Greg Barnett (The Duchess of Malfi, RSC; Fantastic Mr Fox, UK tour). Bernadette Bangura (finalist All Together Now, BBC; Jesus Christ Superstar, London’s Barbican) will play Consuela, the Sheriff’s Spanish housekeeper.

The cast is completed by Leonard Cook (The Play That Goes Wrong and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery) as Friar Tuck; Lauren Azania AJ King-Yombo as Allan A’Dale; and Shane Gibb and Amber Sylvia Edwards in ensemble roles.

Robin and his merry band of men (and women) will set out on a fantastic adventure at Salisbury Playhouse this Christmas. With all the elements of a traditional pantomime including comedy, dance, audience participation, fantastic sets and familiar songs, it’s the perfect seasonal treat for all ages.

Robin Hood is produced by Wiltshire Creative and written by Andrew Pollard, writer of previous hit Playhouse pantomimes Beauty and the Beast, Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin and CinderellaGareth Machin (The Night Before Christmas, Her Naked Skin, Moonfleet all Salisbury Playhouse) will direct.

Set and costume design is by James Button (Beauty and the Beast and Relatively Speaking – both Salisbury Playhouse), choreography is by Nicky Griffiths (Beauty and the Beast, Jack and the Beanstalk – both Salisbury Playhouse), sound is by Michael Scott (Relatively Speaking, Salisbury Playhouse) and lighting is by Nic Farman (Billionaire Boy, UK Tour).

Sales for last year’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast were record-breaking so early booking is advised.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked by calling Ticket Sales on 01722 320333 or by visiting www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

First look at costumes for new musical – & Juliet

FIRST LOOK AT COSTUMES FOR

STARRING:

  • Miriam-Teak Lee as Juliet
  • Cassidy Janson as Anne Hathaway
  • Oliver Tompsett as William Shakespeare
  • Arun Blair-Mangat as May
  • David Badella as Lance
  • Melanie La Barrie as Nurse
  • Jordan Luke Gage as Romeo
  • Tim Mahendran as Francois

New photographs of the stars of the new musical & Juliet

released today:

New photographs of the joyous new West End musical that imagines Juliet’s famous ending as just her beginning show some of the stunning costumes by Paloma Young.

Soaring with the music of Max Martin, the acclaimed song-writer of some of the biggest pop anthems of the last 30 years, & Juliet stars Miriam-Teak Lee as Juliet, Cassidy Janson as Anne Hathaway, Oliver Tompsett as William Shakespeare, Arun Blair-Mangat as May, David Badella as Lance, Melanie La Barrie as Nurse, Jordan Luke Gage as Romeo and Tim Mahendran as Francois.

Previews in Manchester began last night (10 Sepetember 2019).  After its limited season at Manchester Opera House (finishing on Saturday 12 October) & Juliet  begins performances in London at The Shaftesbury Theatre on Saturday 2 November

A timely and timeless tale of one independent young woman, & Juliet is a riotous comic blast of fun and glorious pop music that proves when it comes to love, there’s always life after Romeo…

& Juliet is packed with some of the biggest pop anthems from acclaimed songwriter Max Martin and recorded by artists including Backstreet BoysJustin TimberlakeBritney SpearsKaty Perry and Ariana Grande, all brilliantly arranged by Tony® and Grammy Award-winning orchestrator Bill Sherman.

Songs include:  ROAR, HIT ME BABY ONE MORE TIME, LOVE ME LIKE YOU DO, I KISSED A GIRL and EVERYBODY

Brought to life by an award-winning creative team in an explosive fusion of styles& Juliet is directed by Luke Sheppard (In the Heights) with a book by David West Read (Schitt’s Creek), electrifying choreography from Jennifer Weber, stunning set design from Soutra Gilmour and costume design by Paloma Young.

Max Martin and Tim Headington present & Juliet, which is produced by Max Martin, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele, Jenny Petersson and Martin Dodd.

The Girl on the Train Review

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford – until 14 September 2019

Reviewed by Aimee Liddington

5*****

Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel from the widely successful novel written by Paula Hawkins, The Girl on the Train tells the story of three women whose lives have become permanently tangled through their relationships with one man. As the characters become involved in the case of a missing person, truth and lies become confused and reality becomes distorted. In today’s dysfunctional world where the mind is our worst enemy, this story highlights how we can only ever really trust ourselves and even then, the mind can play tricks.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the novel and the film adaption, I was intrigued to see how the story would translate onto the stage. Anthony Banks, as Director, exceeded my expectations. The production is dynamic and slick and the sound and lighting tricks allow the audience to be transported seamlessly through the action. A special mention should go to Ben and Max Ringham for sound, Jack Knowles for lighting and Andrzej Goulding for his projection designs. I felt emotionally pulled into the lives of the three women and as the story peaked, I felt physically shaken and breathless.

The protagonist of the story, Rachel Watson, is a lost soul who has turned to alcohol and lost all faith in herself. Samantha Womack portrays this character convincingly as she manoeuvres through life with good intentions clouded by unreliable thoughts and feelings. Lowenna Melrose and Kirsty Oswald, in their portrayal of Anna Watson and Megan Hipwell, highlight how in the modern world women are encouraged to see each other as competition rather than as allies. Scott Hipwell, played by Oliver Farnworth, depicts the perfect wounded and conflicted man who forgets his own strength when faced with the hurtful actions of the women in his life. Finally, Adam Jackson-Smith’s slimy portrayal of the manipulative Tom Watson is so believable, it made me feel physically sick to my stomach.

The Girl on the Train is a captivating thriller that seems so real it chills you to the bones. The light-hearted and relatable references to the everyday make the more twisted aspects of the story seem even more terrifying. For a fully immersive theatre experience, I would whole-heartedly recommend this production.

1ST LUV – DEBRIS STEVENSON AND NED BENNETT TO COLLABORATE ON NEW PRODUCTION FOR THE BIG HOUSE THIS AUTUMN

DEBRIS STEVENSON (WRITER AND STAR OF THE POET IN DA CORNER AT THE ROYAL COURT) AND

NED BENNETT (DIRECTOR OF EQUUS FOR ENGLISH TOURING THEATRE, THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST AND TRAFALGAR STUDIOS)

TO COLLABORATE ON BRAND NEW PRODUCTION

1ST LUV AT THE BIG HOUSE

OPENING WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER

1st Luv, written by Debris Stevenson (writer and star of the critically acclaimed Poet in Da Corner at the Royal Court) and directed by Ned Bennett (whose production of Equus for the English Touring Theatre and Theatre Royal Stratford East has just finished a run in the West End at Trafalgar Studios) will premiere at The Big House – The Big House’s Islington venue – from Wednesday 20 November, with press night on Tuesday 26 November.

The Big House opened their venue in Islington in October 2018, offering both a theatre space and a centre to help young care leavers. The company’s work offers training and workshops for young people to unleash their creativity and build confidence whilst participating in theatre. These members take part in weeks of workshops and rehearsals, eventually becoming the theatre company and producing a show.

This has now drawn Debris Stevenson to work with The Big House on her hotly anticipated second show 1st Luv, whichtells the universal story of first love through poetry, music, theatre and movement in what will be The Big House’s second production at its new Islington premises. Stevenson’s unique talent and style last year saw her nominated for the 2018 Evening Standard’s Emerging Talent of the Year Award.

With music by Jammz, this production brings together an incredible team of artists with young performers for a show that represents the company’s ethos of making high-quality artistic work with a social impact. Director Ned Bennett had previously worked with The Big House on Brixton Rock before they had the space in Islington and returns to the company after his production of Equus hit the West End this summer.

Debris Stevenson said, “Writing for The Big House is a everything writing has ever meant to me – it’s 3D hybrid magic. On top of that Ned is pushing me in new ways and I have been given permission to learn into the magic realism within my work. For me, grime – my entry point to poetry and theatre – really demonstrated how real (and often grimy, gritty) life can hover above the ground. As an artist who set up a company from nothing at 20, teaching thousands of young people creative writing and performance as a life skill – working with Maggie is beautiful because she understands great art comes from community.”

Ned Bennett said: “This feels like such a massive, exciting chapter for The Big House, I’m excited to come back and make a show in their new space. The Big House have created an environment that is utterly empowering for its members. The way in which they support young people and push boundaries creatively is such a thrilling combinationThere’s a universality to 1st Luv that’s being handled with Debris’ particular heightened and astonishing imagination. It’s 1st Luv through the lens of magic realism and technicolour. Her work has an incredible sense of humour and pathos to it.”

The venue’s first production Bullet Tongue received four and five stars across the board and became such a success that it returned for a second run, a phenomenal achievement for a brand-new London venue.

Maggie Norris, Artistic Director of The Big House, said:

1st LUV brings together Ned Bennett, Debris Stevenson and Jammz to create a brand new piece of work for The Big House that promises to be dazzlingly modern and joyful. Fifteen marginalised young people will take us on a journey that explores how the templates of love that we are given as children shape our lives. The play weaves music, movement and poetry into a theatrical event that will be both magical and heartbreakingly raw. The enthusiasm and excitement that this team brings to The Big House and their unique understanding of the young people that we work with is rare and hugely inspiring.”

Leeds Grand Theatre announces additional shows for 2020

FROM WEST END CLASSICS TO HOT ‘NEW’ HISTORICAL HITS; 

Leeds Grand Theatre announces additional shows for 2020 

CABARET *** MY FAIR LADY (LAOS) *** SIX *** OI FROG & FRIENDS! *** SOME MOTHERS DO ‘AVE ‘EM *** 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL *** DIAL M FOR MURDER *** BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL *** THE MOUSETRAP 

PRIORITY TICKETS ON SALE FROM WED 11 SEPTEMBER/GENERAL FROM WED 18 SEPTEMBER 2019 

***** 

CABARET 

Tue 3 – Sat 7 March 

Bill Kenwright presents the multi-award winning production of Kander and Ebb’s landmark musical, Cabaret, starring John Partridge (Celebrity MasterChef 2018, EastEnders, A Chorus Line, Chicago, La Cage Aux Folles) as Emcee, Kara Lily Hayworth (Cilla The Musical) as Sally Bowles, and Anita Harris (Carry On films, Cats). 

It’s 1931, Berlin is a haven of divine decadence, and the legendary Sally Bowles is about to take the stage at the infamous Kit Kat Klub. Cabaret features show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and iconic songs, including Money Makes the World Go Round, Maybe This Time and Cabaret

***** 

MY FAIR LADY (LAOS) 

Tue 31 March – Sat 4 April 

Following their critically acclaimed performances of Cats and West Side StoryLeeds Amateur Operatic Society (LAOS) returns to The Grand with the six-time Tony® Award, and eight-time Oscar winning play My Fair Lady

Based on George Bernard Shaw’s play, Pygmalion, My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady by the acclaimed professor and confirmed bachelor, Henry Higgins. It has been entrancing audiences since 1956 when it was first performed on Broadway and includes the songs Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, With a Little Bit of Luck, I Could Have Danced All Night, On the Street Where You Live, and Get Me to the Church on Time

***** 

SIX 

Tue 16 – Sat 20 June 

Nominated for five Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, the sell-out international smash hit SIX is the phenomenon everyone is losing their head over! 

From Tudor queens to pop princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII finally take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing 500 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. 

Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE! 

***** 

OI FROG & FRIENDS! 

Thu 18 – Sat 20 June 

Frog is looking for a place to sit, but Cat has other ideas and Dog is doing as he’s told.  

Little do any of them know that chaos is coming… 

Join Frog, Cat and Dog in this new action-packed stage adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling books. Expect songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at.  

55 minutes of fun for ages 3+ 

***** 

SOME MOTHERS DO ‘AVE ‘EM 

Tue 23 – Sat 27 June 

Hilarious mishaps and DIY disasters are bringing the house down, quite literally, as Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em comes to The Grand starring Joe Pasquale as lovable accident-prone Frank Spencer. Susie Blake stars as his disapproving mother-in-law and Sarah Earnshaw as his long-suffering wife Betty.  

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em is the ultimate feel-good night out, washed down with lashings of nostalgia and mother’s prune wine. 

Quite Frank-ly, it’s a hit! 

***** 

9 to 5 the MUSICAL 

Mon 29 June – Sat 4 July 

Dolly Parton’s rip-roaring musical 9 to 5 tumbles outta’ bed and stumbles back to The Grand direct from sold out audiences in London. 

9 to 5 the Musical tells the hilarious story of three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist boss. Based on the iconic movie, this tongue-in-cheek tale of kidnapping and girl power features an Oscar-nominated score written by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton

***** 

DIAL M FOR MURDER 

Tue 7 – Sat 11 July 

Can you ever get away with the perfect crime? 

A brand new production of the blueprint for the modern thriller, Dial M For Murder is back.  

TV and stage favourite, Tom Chambers (Top Hat, Strictly Come Dancing) stars as the charismatic and manipulative Tony Wendice, a jaded ex-tennis pro who has given it all up for his wife Margot. When he discovers she has been unfaithful his mind turns to revenge and the pursuit of the ‘perfect crime’.  

Made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s world-renowned film of 1950, the iconic Dial M For Murder will leave you spellbound as Tony becomes more tangled in the web of his own making.  

***** 

BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL 

Mon 25 – Sat 29 August 

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom; from being part of a hit song writing team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. 

King wrote the soundtrack to a generation, with countless classics such as (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Take Good Care of My Baby, You’ve Got a Friend, So Far Away, It Might as Well Rain Until September, Up on the Roof and The Locomotion. 

***** 

THE MOUSETRAP 

Tue 1 – Sat 5 September 

The Mousetrap has become the longest running show of any kind in the world by keeping audiences on the edge of their seat in this masterful whodunit by the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie. 

A snowstorm closes in on a guest house, trapping a group of strangers inside with a murderer. Who is it and why have they come to Monkswell Manor?  

And remember – keep the secret!