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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 Story, Leeds 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! 

Darlington Hippodrome – until 14 September 2019

4****

When it comes to Miss Marple I am a bit of a purist.  I believe the BBC adaptation starring Joan Hickson to be the best versions of Agatha Christie’s spinster sleuth.  And this version, adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon and performed by Middle Ground Theatre Company was a joy to watch.

Set in 1950, we arrive at the home of Letitia Blacklock on Friday the 13^th to the announcement in the Chipping Cleghorn Gazette that “A Murder is Announced”. The murder is due to take place at 6.30pm at Little Paddocks that very evening. Taking care to prepare food for the villagers who are bound to just ‘drop in’, neighbours gather at 6.30pm and the scene is set for the imminent murder.

Letty Blacklock (Kazia Pelka) owns Little Paddocks in the village of Chipping Cleghorn.  Upper middle class and, as we discover, destined to inherit a fortune. Also living at the house are old school friend Dora “Bunny” Bunner (Jenny Funnell), her much younger cousins – sister and brother – Julia and Patrick (Lucy Evans and Patrick Simmons), Phillipa Haymes (Emma Fernell), a war widow working locally as a gardener, and Mitzi (Lydia Piechowiak), a Middle European refugee and Letitia’s cook. Village friends Mrs Swettenham (Cara Chase) and her son Edmund (Tom Gibbons) are in the house by 6.30 to witness the murder – allegedly by hotel employee Rudi Scherz (Adam Lloyd-James).

A clue at the very beginning discovered by Inspector Craddock (Tom Butcher) and Sergeant Mellors (Jog Maher) is that apart from Bunny, all the other people at the house have only really been in the village and known to Letty for around 3 months.  Whilst she knew of Patrick and Julia (her cousins) she hadn’t seen them since they were tiny children.

Enter Miss Marple (Sarah Thomas).  Demonstrating just the right amount of dottiness to hide the steel trap of mind she has.  Seeing and hearing everything – little nuances and characteristics. Side stepping red-herrings and keeping one step ahead of the police as she solves the crime and nails the killer.

For me this was a glorious interpretation, made even better by the fabulous set and stunning costumes all designed by Director Micheal Lunney.  Overall, Middle Ground Theatre Company have excelled themselves in this tantalising and atmospheric production of Darbon’s show. The play, running in Darlington until Saturday 14 September and around the UK, showcases clear hard work and talent all around, from an impressive set, to engaging performances to the effective buildup of tension through out, A Murder Is Announced is not one to be missed as it brings to life the excitement and intrigue of the murder mystery genre.

JAMIE WILSON

ENTERTAINMENT ONE, RAMIN SABI

AND BELGRADE THEATRE COVENTRY

ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE

SHARON OSBOURNE

DANNY DYER

DANI DYER

RYLAN CLARK-NEAL

&

SIMON LIPKIN

TO STAR IN

BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE’S PRODUCTION OF

IN LONDON

AT THE EVENTIM APOLLO FROM 11 – 29 DECEMBER

The highly acclaimed ‘NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL’ is back for a third year in London and the producers of the smash-hit show are thrilled to announce the fabulous

Sharon Osbourne will be joining the company as ‘President of Parker Pictures’.

Sharon will be starring as ‘Crystal Collins’ – the mother in law to ‘Harry Parker’ who will be played by the inimitable Danny Dyer. Dannyis back by popular demand as ‘The Hollywood Producer’ following a roaringly successful Christmas season at the Eventim Apollo last year.

His daughter and winner of ‘Love Island’ 2018 Dani Dyer also returns as ‘Polly Parker’. Completing the star-studded line up is the previously announced Rylan Clark-Neal who will play ‘The Critic’ and Simon Lipkin who will reprise his role as the hilarious ‘Mr Poppy’ for a third year after critical and audience acclaim.

Producer Jamie Wilson said today, ‘Nativity! The Musical has been delighting audiences in London and the U.K since 2017 and we are incredibly proud of our show. We are thrilled with this years’ cast and we can’t wait to see Sharon Osbourne and Danny Dyer on stage together in London’.

They will be joined by Scott Garnham as ‘Mr Maddens’ and Ashleigh Gray as ‘Jennifer Lore’ who both return for a second year.

Completing the cast will be Jonathan Bourne as ‘Lord Mayor’, Charles Brunton as ‘Mr Shakespeare’, Jamie Chapman as ‘Patrick Burns’ and Penelope Woodman as ‘Mrs Bevan’. They will be joined by Dawn Buckland, Connor Ewing, Kade Ferraiolo, Amy Oxley, Helena Pipe and Billy Roberts. They will play all U.K venues and London.

Dani Dyer will play ‘Polly Parker’ in, Wolverhampton, Cardiff, Southampton and London and Scott Paige will play ‘Mr Poppy’ in Wolverhampton, Cardiff, Southampton, Aylesbury and Plymouth and the role of ‘Mr Rye’ in London.

They are joined by a cast of 20 children aged 9 – 12 from across the Midlands as the pupils of ‘St Bernadette’s School’. They are, Thomas Bastable, Evie Bennell-Low, Olivia Brooks, Niamh Crowley, Erin Freeman, Lucas Haywood, Alexander Hogg, Kheiri Isaac-Osmani, Isabel Landers, Evie Mallen, Joshua Millard-Lloyd, Ana Morgan, Ela Morgan, Amy-Louise Mulhall, Alastair Ngwenya, Gerald Ngwenya, Tega Oduko, Kayan Parmar, Lyla Peters, Katelyn Rollason, Teddy Saberton, Grace Townley and Nicholas Vakis.

Sharon Osbourne made her UK theatre debut in ‘Vagina Monologues’ in 2006 and ‘Nativity! The Musical’ will mark Sharon’s second appearance on a UK stage. Shehas worked in the music industry for over 40 years, managing many artists including her husband Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. Her television career first started when she created and produced the reality series ‘The Osbournes’ which won an Emmy Award for Best Reality Show in 2002. She then leveraged her lengthy professional career in the music industry to become a talent judge on the hit UK version of ITV’S ‘The X Factor’ for a total of seven seasons. She later served as a talent judge for five seasons on ‘America’s Got Talent’.Sharon is currently the host of

CBS’ Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show, ‘The Talk’ and won the Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Hosts Daytime Emmy in 2017.  Sharon

Danny Dyer is best known for his role as ‘Mick Carter’ in BBC one’s ‘EastEnders’. Danny has won many awards for his role including ‘Best Soap Actor’ at ‘TV Choice Awards’ and has previously won a ‘National Television Award’ in 2015 and in 2016 for ‘Best Serial Drama Performance’. Danny’s breakthrough role was in cult 90s film ‘Human Traffic’, his other film credits include ‘The Business’ and ‘The Football Factory’. Danny’s previous stage credits Include, ‘Kurt and Sid’ at the Trafalgar Studios, ‘No Man’s Land’ at The National Theatre, ‘Celebration’, ‘Certain Young Men’ and ‘The Homecoming, all at The Almeida Theatre. Danny most recently starred in the Harold Pinter Season in the ‘Dumb Waiter’ alongside Martin Freeman.

After making her stage debut in ‘Nativity! The Musical’ last year, Dani Dyer returns in the role of ‘Polly Parker’.  Dani is best known for winning the 2018 series of ITV’s ‘Love Island’. Since winning ‘Love Island’ Dani has gone on to achieve great success in the fields of fashion, television, books and beauty and has been co-hosting ‘Capital Weekend Breakfast’ alongside presenter Rob Howard. Dani will be back on TV screens in the autumn 2019 as the host of yet-to-be-announced TV series.

Scott Garnham’s previous theatre credits include the UK Tour of ‘Billy Elliot The Musical’ and the West End productions of ‘Les Misérables’ at the Queen’s Theatre and ‘I Can’t Sing’ at the London Palladium. Scott returns as ‘Mr Maddens’ in ‘Nativity! The Musical’ after delighting audiences on tour and in London in 2018.

Ashleigh Gray is best known for playing the leading role of ‘Elphaba’ in ‘Wicked’ in the West End and on UK Tour. Her other theatre credits include ‘Vanities’ and ‘Cool Rider’ both in London. Ashleigh returns as Jennifer Lore in ‘Nativity! The Musical’ for a second year.

Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity, and at St Bernadette’s School they’ve decided to mount a musical version! Join teacher Mr Maddens and his crazy assistant Mr Poppy as they struggle with hilarious children, and a whole lot of sparkle and shine to make everyone’s Christmas wish come true. Featuring all of your favourite sing-a-long songs from the smash-hit films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth and One Night One Moment. NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL promises to be the perfect feel-good comedy for all the family.

Written and Directed by Debbie Isitt with music and lyrics by Nicky Ager and Debbie Isitt, NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL is choreographed by Andrew Wright, designed by David Woodhead, with lighting design by Tim Mitchell, sound design by Tom Marshall and musical supervision and orchestrations by George Dyer.

NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL will first open at the Wolverhampton Grand on 29 October and will then visit, Aylesbury Theatre, Canterbury Marlowe Theatre, Cardiff Millennium Centre, Plymouth Theatre Royal, Mayflower Theatre Southampton finishing with a run at the London, Eventim Apollo from 11-29 December.

www.nativitythemusical.com

NATIVITY – THE MUSICAL 2019 UK Tour and London:

29 October – 2 November 2019

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

www.grandtheatre.co.uk

6 – 10 November 2019

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

13 – 17 November 2019

Canterbury, Marlowe Theatre

www.marlowetheatre.com

*On sale 31 December 2018

19 – 23 November 2019

Wales Millennium Centre

www.wmc.org.uk

26 – 30 November 2019

Theatre Royal, Plymouth

www.theatreroyal.com

3 – 7 December 2019

Southampton, Mayflower Theatre

www.mayflower.org.uk

11 DECEMBER –29 DECEMBER 2019

Eventim Apollo Hammersmith 

[http://www.eventimapollo.com*]www.eventimapollo.com*                                                               

*Danny Dyer will not be playing the following performances

• Wednesday 11 December, 7pm
• Monday 16 December, 1pm
• Thursday 19 December, 1.30pm
• Thursday 19 December, 7pm
• Friday 20 December, 2pm
• Thursday 26 December, 2pm
• Friday 27 December, 2pm
• Friday 27 December, 7pm

*Rylan Clark-Neal will not be playing the following performances

• Friday 13December, 7pm
• Saturday 14 December, 2pm
• Saturday 21 December, 2pm
• Thursday 26 December, 2pm
• Saturday 28 December, 2pm

ABBA: SUPER TROUPERS THE EXHIBITION

A musical journey into the phenomenon that is ABBA.

Discover the story of the band, their music and the era they defined.

At The O2 from December 6^th 2019

Take an in-depth look into each band member’s history as personal items and photographs go on display

Explore a wealth of new highlights including artefacts not previously displayed in the UK

Learn about the role that ABBA’s devotees played, and continue to play, in the band’s success and legacy

Friday 6^th December 2019 – Monday 31^st August 2020

Entertainment Exhibitions International (UK) Ltd (EEI), in association with ABBA The Museum in Stockholm, are delighted to announce ABBA: Super Troupers The Exhibition in a 14,000 square foot space within London’s home of music, The O2. Running from 6^th December 2019 to 31^st August 2020, the immersive exhibition brings to life the world of chart-topping Swedish pop sensation ABBA (Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid (“Frida”) Lyngstad) in a visitor experience that charts their music, lyrics, creative process and influence as one of the most iconic pop bands of the modern age.

The exhibition has been conceptualised and curated by Jude Kelly CBE, former artistic director at The Southbank Centre, and approved by ABBA.

ABBA burst onto the UK music scene with a dazzling win on 6^th April 1974 at the Eurovision Song Contest at the Brighton Dome, introducing the irresistible song that would become their first UK chart-topper, “Waterloo”. ABBA: Super Troupers The Exhibition examines ABBA’s rise to global superstardom through a series of atmospheric rooms, exploring each of ABBA’s 8 multi-million selling albums, alongside the band’s personal and public journey.

Throughout, a specially created audio guide (included in the price of admission) will give context to the developments of the decade, highlighting the global news events and musical soundtrack that defined the era. The experience will contain objects from ABBA The Museum and other archives, some of which have not previously been on display in the UK.

Transforming the traditional exhibition experience, this deeply unique take on the ABBA story takes visitors to the heart of the journey of each band member. Incorporating lyrics, costumes, instruments, experiential backdrops of the key events and locations that defined and shaped the band, album artwork, photography, film and more, ABBA: Super Troupers The Exhibition examines the band’s universal popularity. From their multi-layered sound to their iconic look, the exhibition goes behind-the-scenes to examine the heavy-weight influence of one of the most enduring acts of all time.

ABBA: Super Troupers The Exhibition is set to put objects on display that include:

A look at the lives of the band, pre-ABBA, displaying personal items from each musician’s youth including Björn’s school report, his military book and photographs from his time in service, and pictures of a 13-year-old Frida in a jazz band as a beatnik teenager.

·       Key items from the height of the band’s heyday, reflecting on both the personal – such as a collection of behind the scenes photos taken of the band on their ‘77 Australian “Arrival” tour – and the professional, with iconic items from the height of their success, including:

• A limited-edition replica of the ‘Star Guitar’ played at Eurovision ’74, signed by all four members.

o   Over 40 Gold Discs from ABBA’s personal archive including “Dancing Queen”, their biggest selling single, worldwide.

o   A collection of exquisitely designed, image-defining costumes and personal clothing.

• A recreation of super fan, Andrew and Elizabeth Boardman’s Manchester living room. A shrine to ABBA memorabilia, Andrew began collecting 40 years ago having fallen under the band’s spell at the first concert of theirs he attended, aged 16. This room explores the notion that ABBA may have the most ardent and committed fans of any contemporary band.

Visitors will be fully immersed in the ABBA story, where highlights of the exhibition’s theatrical staging include:

·       Taking a stroll through a Swedish folk park as the band’s pre-ABBA successes and folk roots are explored.

·       A recreation of the Eurovision Song Contest stage at the Brighton Dome, where, from lush deep theatre seats, fans will watch the performance before experiencing the excitement of the vote reveal.

·       Multiple photo-opportunities, where attendees can capture themselves beside:

• A full-sized replica of the helicopter that graced the cover of “Arrival’”
• Replicas of the iconic “Super Trouper” album cover costumes.
• A life-size replica of the scoreboard that saw ABBA secure Eurovision Song Contest victory.

·       A glimpse inside the band’s POLAR Studios, where the hard-working pop perfectionists refined their defining harmonised sound, with interactive elements that include a voice recording booth and mixing desk.

·       Ending the experience on a hedonistic high, guests are invited to sing, dance, add to fan mail, explore memorabilia and indeed say “Thank You For The Music” in The Legacy finale, as a specular audio-visual backdrop documents the very best of the band’s monumental success.

ABBA’s Frida Lyngstad says,

“We are delighted to support ABBA: Super Troupers The Exhibition at The O2 following the overwhelming response to our earlier exhibitions in London. From our Eurovision Song Contest win in Brighton in ’74 to the present day, the UK has long held a special place in ABBA’s heart, and we have always strongly felt the love and support of our British fans. It’s with celebration that we work with Jude Kelly CBE towards this major exhibition and can’t wait for fans to discover a host of surprises in December!”

Jude Kelly CBE, Curator, adds:

“ABBA’s music, image and personal stories not only gripped a generation, but have the transcendental ability to continue to engage millions of fans of all ages across the globe today. It was a great pleasure to see the extraordinary response and enduring respect of fans from all around the world during previous ABBA exhibitions in London. I am delighted to work with EEI and ABBA The Museum to present ABBA: Super Troupers The Exhibition at The O2 and to be able to take visitors deeper into the incredible legacy that is the ABBA story.”  

Ingrid Sutej of Entertainment Exhibitions International (UK) Ltd (EEI) continues:

“EEI is delighted to be working alongside ABBA and Jude Kelly to realise Jude’s vision of one of the most incredible cultural stories of our time. This all-new creative concept takes a different approach to telling the ABBA story through an immersive experience that will show the band and their remarkable legacy to fans in a new light.”

ABBA: Super Troupers The Exhibition will be exhibited at The O2, the home of the world’s most successful arena and within an entertainment precinct that includes the new ABBA-inspired immersive theatrical and dining experience, Mamma Mia! The Party.

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LOCKWOOD PRODUCTIONS AND FOOLS & KINGS ANNOUNCE THE UK PREMIÈRE OF THE GREEN FAIRY AT THE UNION THEATRE

Lockwood Productions and Fools & Kings present

The UK première of

THE GREEN FAIRY

by Jack Sain and Stephen Libby

Director: Jack Sain;Musical Director: William Bullivant; Dramaturg & Associate Writer: Hannah Hauer-King; Set and costume designer: Katharine Heath

Wednesday 30 October – Saturday 23 November

Lockwood Productions and Fools & Kings today announce the UK première of The Green Fairy.Opening at the Union Theatre on 4 November, with previews from 30 October and runs until 23 November.

“Come into my world, for just a minute, and cast all your doubts aside…”

Tonight, Jo saw her daughter Wendy sing for the first time in the pub where she used to work – they don’t seem to have a relationship. Jo doesn’t seem to have a relationship with anyone really, and the Green Fairy wants to know where it all went wrong…

Memories start to surface of Jo’s adolescence and early adulthood in 1990s London. Together, they explore Jo’s relationship with her ex-girlfriend, ex-husband and eventually her daughter.

An ode to queer parenting and overcoming anxiety, The Green Fairy is an immersive pub musical following one woman’s struggle to take back control of her own life before it’s too late. 

Writers Jack Sain and Stephen Libby said today, “We are incredibly excited to bring The Green Fairy to The Union Theatre this autumn. It’s a queer story, a story about Londoners, about growing up and about getting on. The show has evolved and grown, genders have changed, themes have twisted, songs and scenes have been thrown out, new ones created. Writing is incredibly new to both of us, but we’ve truly fallen in love with The Green Fairy. After a successful workshop at The Kings Head, the generous reception from the industry showing galvanised us to turn The Green Fairy into a fully-fledged piece that was true to our own lives and said things that we want to say.”

Jack Sain and Stephen Libby met three years ago and started singing in open mic nights together; The Green Fairy marks their musical theatre writing debut.

Jack Sain directs. His previous theatre credits include Beatrice di Tenda (Bel Canto Opera Festival), How I Learned to Drive (Southwark Playhouse), Four Play (The Old Vic) and Crossing Over (The Other Palace). He was the resident Assistant Director at the Donmar Warehouse in 2016, credits include Welcome Home, Captain Fox!; Elegy; Saint Joan; One Night In Miami…; Limehouse and Faith Healer. Other assistant director credits include Killer Joe (Trafalgar Studios), Jonah & Otto (Park Theatre) and Present Laughter (Gate Theatre Dublin).

The Green Fairy                                                                                                                               Listings                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Union Theatre

OLD UNION ARCHES, 229 UNION STREET, LONDON, SE1 0LR

Box Office:

http://uniontheatre.biz/the-green-fairy.html

Friday 30 October – 23 November

Performance Schedule

Tuesday Saturday:                                          7.30pm

Saturday & Sunday matinees:                    2:30pm

Tickets: from £15

Concessions available via Box Office

Rehearsed reading of the world premiere of a new play based on a remarkable true story.

ADMISSION FREE

FARM HALL

Written by KATHERINE MOAR

Ustinov Studio, Saturday 21 September

Later this month, the Ustinov Studio hosts the first rehearsed reading of a brand new work by Katherine Moar, inspired by a remarkable true story from World War II.

Summer 1945. Hitler is dead. Germany is defeated. The war in the Pacific rages on.

In England, six of Germany’s foremost military scientists have been captured by Allied forces and stowed safely in Farm Hall, a stately home nestled in a quiet corner of the Cambridgeshire countryside. Removed from the chaos of war, they while away the hours playing chess, restoring a broken piano, and rehearsing a production of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit.

But the world and the war cannot be shut out forever. The scientists’ tranquil summer is shattered by a shocking revelation, that the unthinkable has occurred, that the Americans have succeeded where they have failed…

During their seven-month detainment, unbeknownst to its occupants, almost every inch of Farm Hall was bugged. The scientists’ recorded conversations were translated, transcribed and, finally, in 1992, declassified and published as The Farm Hall Transcripts. This play is inspired by those transcripts and by true events that occurred at Farm Hall between July 1945 and January 1946.

This performance is a script-in-hand rehearsed reading presented by Theatre Royal Bath’s Creative Learning programme. The reading is directed by Lizzie Wiggs.

Katherine Moar studied at Edinburgh University where she received a First Class degree in History. She will shortly begin an MPhil in the History and Philosophy of Science at Darwin College, Cambridge University. FARM HALL is her first play

FARM HALL is at the Ustinov Studio on Saturday 21 September.

Tickets are FREE, but must be booked in advance from the Box Office on 01225 448844 or online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk/ustinov

LISTINGS INFORMATION

FARM HALL

Venue:        Ustinov Studio

Dates:          Saturday 21 September 2019, 7.30pm

Tickets:      FREE ADMISSION, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Box Office:                01225 448844

Website:    www.theatreroyal.org.uk

FURTHER CASTING ANNOUNCED AND CAST IMAGES RELEASED FOR DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT AT HACKNEY EMPIRE

• THEY’RE HERE – OH YES THEY ARE! HACKNEY EMPIRE RELEASES FIRST 2019 PANTO IMAGES FOR DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
   
• TARINN CALLENDER, ANNETTE MCLAUGHLIN, CHRISTINA TEDDERS AND SUE KELVIN ANNOUNCED TO JOIN CLIVE ROWE, KAT B AND TONY WHITTLE IN LONDON’S FAVOURITE PANTOMIME
   
• PERFORMANCES WILL RUN FROM 23 NOVEMBER 2019 TO 5 JANUARY 2020
   

Hackney Empire is delighted to announce further casting for Dick Whittington and his Cat and reveal the first cast images of its sparkling new adaptation as it gears up for panto season! Tarinn Callender, who made his West End debut with the original London cast of Hamilton playing Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, will mark his first Hackney panto in the title role of Dick Whittington. The production will also welcome debut panto appearances from Annette McLaughlin (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child) as Queen Rat, Christina Tedders (Once The Musical) as Alice Fitzwarren and Sue Kelvin (Caroline, Or Change) as Fairy Bowbells. As previously announced, they will star alongside Hackney stalwarts Grand Dame Clive Rowe who marks a 13th panto appearance, this year starring as Sarah the Cook, the loveable Kat B as Vincent the Cat and the ever trusty Tony Whittle as Alderman Fitzwarren. Dick Whittington and His Cat will run from 23 November 2019 to 5 January 2020, with opening night for press on Wednesday 4 December 2019.

The production marks a record 21st pantomime from Writer and Director Susie McKenna  with Original Music by Steven Edis who will once again bring all the Hackney trademark magic and spectacle in a dazzling reimagining of this classic rags-to-riches tale, bursting with laugh-out-loud topical gags, knockabout comedy, show-stopping song and dance numbers, the most boo-able baddies and enough festive cheer to fuel a ship half way round the world.

In Jamaica, young Dick Whittington is boarding the Empire Windrush, chasing the dream of a new life in the gold-paved streets of glorious London. Little does he know, magic awaits him and his enchanted feline friend far across the ocean… He’ll embark on the adventure of a lifetime: reuniting with his Mum, fighting rodent royalty, meeting an eccentric fairy and winning the heart of his true love – all whilst trying to find fame and fortune.

Tarinn Callender (Dick Whittington) will make his debut panto performance at the Hackney Empire for Christmas 2019. Tarinn made his West End debut in 2017 playing the dual roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in the original London cast of Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre). He also performed with the company at the 2018 Olivier Awards ceremony. His other theatre credits include Paul in Kiss Me, Kate.

Annette McLaughlin (Queen Rat) has performed in numerous West End productions and international tours. Her recent career highlights include Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (Palace Theatre), Pinocchio (National Theatre), Billy Elliot (UK Tour), Twelfth Night (Shakespeare’s Globe), Matilda (Cambridge Theatre), Volpone, Measure for Measure, Love’s Sacrifice, The Jew of Malta, Written on the Heart (RSC), Kneehigh’s production of Brief Encounter (UK, Australian tour, US tour and Broadway), Chicago (West End) Anything Goes (Drury Lane), Our Town (Almeida Theatre), She Loves Me, 5/11, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying -TMA nomination (Chichester Festival Theatre).

Christina Tedders (Alice Fitzwarren) made her professional and West End debut in the original London cast of Once The Musical (Phoenix Theatre). Other theatre roles include The Commitments (UK Tour), Carmen the Gypsy (NT Studio/Arcola Theatre/Tour), the title role of Maggie May (Liverpool’s Royal Court) and Oranges & Elephants (Hoxton Hall). Her screen credits include ITV’s Victoria.

Sue Kelvin (Fairy Bowbells) recently appeared in Caroline, Or Change at Hampstead Theatre and in the West End transfer at the Playhouse Theatre in the role of Grandma Gellman, and previously as Madame Morrible in Wicked (Apollo). Other credits include Jonathan Kent’s Private Lives (Gielgud Theatre) and Barmitzvah Boy (Upstairs at the Gatehouse). Sue also regularly performs as a jazz and cabaret singer.

Clive Rowe (Sarah the Cook) returns following a triumphant East End comeback in last year’s 20th anniversary production of Aladdin which saw him receive the accolade for Best Dame in the 2019 Great British Pantomime Awards.  He has played the Dame in 12 pantomime appearances at Hackney Empire, and previously in Dick Whittington in 2007. He recently appeared in Blues in the Night at the Kiln, also directed by Susie McKenna. Rowe was recognised with an MBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list. His extensive theatre credits include his Olivier Award-winning performance in Guys and Dolls (National Theatre), The Light Princess, Carousel (for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award), Fuente Ovejuna, Caroline, or Change, The Villains Opera, Money, Candide, Peter Pan (all National Theatre), Kiss Me, Kate (Chichester and Old Vic Theatre), The Ladykillers (West End and UK Tour), Me and My Girl (Chichester Festival Theatre) and In The Willows (UK tour). He is well known for his role as Duke in the BBC’s The Story of Tracey Beaker and has been seen in the Disney series The Evermoor.

Kat B (Uncle Vincent the Cat) is a familiar face to Hackney Empire audiences following numerous appearances including as the Genie of the Lamp in last year’s Aladdin, and he has previously performed in Dick Whittington in 2012. Other Hackney pantos include Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, Mother Goose, Puss in Boots, Cinderella, The Wiz and A Christmas Carol. Kat is best known for MTV Base where he has presented shows around the world. His film and television credits include Waterland and Street Wise (BBC) and the Richard Blackwood Show (Channel 4). He is also the resident host of the Real Deal Comedy Jam and a regular on the Jongleurs Circuit.

Tony Whittle (Alderman Fitzwarren) is a seasoned Empire panto performer most recently seen as Sergeant Dumplin’ in Aladdin in 2018. His many previous pantomimes include Sleeping Beauty, Dick Whittington, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Mother Goose. Other extensive theatre credits include Les Misérables (Palace Theatre), Neville’s Island (Bolton Octagon), Fur Coat and No Knickers (Nottingham Playhouse), A View From the Bridge (Greenwich Theatre), and three seasons at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

Dick Whittington and His Cat brings together the creative team of Writer and Director Susie McKenna, Original Music by Steven Edis, Choreographer Richard Roe, Production Design by Lotte Collett, Musical Direction by Mark Dickman, Lighting Design by David Howe and Sound Design by Daniel Higgott.

Tickets for Dick Whittington and His Cat are now on sale at www.hackneyempire.co.uk.

LISTINGS

DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
A Hackney Empire Pantomime

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ

First performance: Saturday 23 November 2019

Final performance: Sunday 5 January 2020

Signed Performances
7 December 2.30pm and 7pm and 12 December 1.30pm and 7pm

Dementia Friendly and Relaxed Performance
7 December 2.30pm with familiarisation tour at 12.45pm (advance booking required)

www.hackneyempire.co.uk
020 8985 2424
Please Note:  Children under 14 years need to be accompanied at all times by a paying adult
Tickets from £10 – £38, A+ seating £42 – £32, concessions available
Groups of 10+ discount available at certain of performances

Twitter: @hackneyempire
Facebook: /HackneyEmpire
Instagram: /HackneyEmpire

THE OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATED STAGE PRODUCTION OF

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA 

RETURNS TO THE WEST END FOR CHRISTMAS

A musical play by David Wood based on the book by Judith Kerr

Theatre Royal Haymarket

9 December 2019 – 5 January 2020

The Olivier Award nominated stage production of The Tiger Who Came to Tea, adapted and directed by David Wood OBE, based on the classic tale by the late Judith Kerr OBE, today announces its return to the West End for Christmas, opening at Theatre Royal Haymarket on 9 December 2019 and playing until 5 January 2020. This will be the production’s sixth West End run.

Hailed as Britain’s best-loved picture book, The Tiger Who Came To Tea celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Selling over 5 million copies since it was first published in 1968, it has become a timeless classic, enchanting generations of children worldwide. Coinciding with the stage show’s triumphant return to the West End in December, this Christmas sees the premiere of a new hand-drawn animated television special of the book to be broadcast on Channel 4. Benedict Cumberbatch leads the all-star cast, joined by David Oyelowo, Tamsin Greig, Paul Whitehouse and David Walliams. 

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her Mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger!

When Sophie and her Mummy welcome the hungry Tiger to tea, he proceeds to eat all the sandwiches, buns, biscuits and more. He even manages to drink all the water in the tap! What will Sophie’s Daddy say when he gets home? 

Join the Tiger, Sophie and her Mummy and Daddy, in this musical slice of teatime mayhem with sing-a-long songs, oodles of magic and interactive fun. The show is an ideal introduction to live theatre for children aged three and above and the perfect Christmas treat for the whole family.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea was first performed at the Bloomsbury Theatre in 2008 prior to a UK tour. The production has since gone on to tour nationally and internationally, playing five seasons in the West End, Christmas seasons at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Arts Centre, as well as sold out dates in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Bahrain. The production was nominated for the 2012 Olivier Award for ‘Best Family Entertainment’. The show is currently enjoying a major UK tour which opened on 26 March 2019, with dates booking through until summer 2020.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the best-loved book by Judith Kerr, designed by Susie Caulcutt, assistant director/choreographer Emma Clayton, music arranger & supervisor Peter Pontzen, magical illusions designed by the President of the Magic Circle Scott Penrose,lighting design by Tony Simpson and sound design by Shock Productions. The West End cast includes: Jocelyn Zackon as ‘Sophie’; Stephanie Summers as ‘Mummy’; David Scotland as ‘Daddy’/’Milkman’/‘Postman’/’Tiger’, with Sarah Horton (Understudy/Wardrobe) and Glen Newham (Understudy/ASM). Produced by Nick Brooke Ltd by arrangement with Phil Macintyre Entertainments Ltd.

TICKETS FOR OPEN AIR CLIMBING CONCERT GIANT NOW ON SALE

• WALTHAM FOREST LONDON BOROUGH OF CULTURE 2019 WILL SHOWCASE GIANT, A ‘CLIMBING CONCERT’ CREATED BY ARTS AND GARDENS, SUNG FROM THE CANOPIES OF TREES IN EPPING FOREST
   
• PREMIERING NEW TREE SONG ‘EPPING’ BY ROBERT MACFARLANE AND MUSIC BY OLIVER WEEKS, GUEST SOLOISTS, LOCAL CHILDREN, LONDON FOREST CHOIR, AND TOTTENHAM COMMUNITY CHOIR COME TOGETHER IN THE FOREST OVER TWO NIGHTS
   
• PERFORMANCES OF GIANT WILL TAKE PLACE IN EPPING FOREST ON FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER AND SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER

Tickets now on sale for climbing concert, GIANT, premiering a new tree song ‘Epping’ written by Robert Macfarlane with music by Oliver Weeks, within an hour-long programme of tree-inspired music and poetry that includes a reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant, the classic short story about a giant banning children from playing in his garden, and works by Epping Forest poet John Clare, Benjamin Zephaniah, Grace Nichols and Handel.

The two concerts will take place at Barn Hoppitt in Epping Forest on Friday 18 October and Saturday 19 October at 7.30pm.

Developed by Arts and Gardens, climbing concerts aim to connect children with parks and forest environments in a creative way. The theatrical concert will feature guest soloists, supported by a chorus from the London Forest Choir and Tottenham Community Choir. Thirty-five children from Waltham Forest schools will accompany the choirs, including students from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Selwyn Primary School and Longshaw Primary Academy School.

Robert Macfarlane, writer of Underland (2019) and The Lost Words (2017), will premiere his new tree song ‘Epping’ with music by British composer, Oliver Weeks, whose works include Cat Sticks (2019) and Rising Silence (2019).

Robert Macfarlane said: “Children singing from the trees alongside the birds, a forest canopy filled with music, the audience watching from the woodland floor:  this has been a very special project to be involved with, and I’ve loved both the vision of the idea of a ‘climbing concert’ and the collaboration with the other dramatists, performers and musicians involved.  I can’t wait to see the event take final flight in Epping Forest early this autumn.”

Ruth Oakley, Director, Arts and Gardens said: “The idea of a ‘climbing concert’ is about children reclaiming a foothold between branches and a sense of big possibilities from being outdoors and up high; broadcasting their experience to the forest through music.  It is a total joy watching children scale a forty-foot tree for their first time.  It’s also about introducing the name of the tree, learning to trust it, having an exchange with it and, best of all, singing from it.”

Sam Hunt, Creative Director, Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019, said: “Throughout this year we’ve been exploring how arts and culture can have the power to help us form new and more powerful relationships with the world around us. GIANT provides an incredible opportunity for the children and young people of Waltham Forest to connect with the natural landscape that is on their doorstep, celebrating the forest that runs through our Borough. This autumn, when the ancient woodland is at its most magical, Epping Forest will be alive with the words of Robert Macfarlane set to new music by Oliver Weeks and it is going to be beautiful.”

GIANT will be composed by Oliver Weeks, directed by David Antrobus, designed by Samantha Dowson, with music direction by Tom Appleton and movement direction by Beatrice Perini

Sohini Alam and Elenor Bowers-Jolley will feature as guest sopranos, with music performed by Anisa Arslanagic, Ben Heartland and Oliver Weeks.

Arts and Gardens will also offer singing and climbing workshops to the general public in September.  Ticket holders can attend a one-hour session where music leaders will teach a group song, and learn to climb with expert instructors from The Great Big Tree Climbing Company, before combining the two to sing from the treetops

Daytime climbing and music sessions are also available to the public for ages 8+ on Sunday 15 and Sunday 29 September offering people the opportunity to experience what it is like to be part of GIANT.

GIANT is part of a collection of children’s activities in the autumn as part of Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture.

For programme updates visit: https://wfculture19.co.uk/events/giant

THE ORIGINAL CALENDAR GIRLS

HAVE NOW RAISED OVER £5MILLION FOR BLOODWISE

GARY BARLOW AND TIM FIRTH’S AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

CALENDAR GIRLS

RETURNS THIS AUTUMN, AS IT CONTINUES TO BREAK BOX OFFICE RECORDS

AND WELCOMES BACK

RUTH MADOC

Gary Barlow and Tim Firth are delighted to be able to welcome back Ruth Madoc, who returns to play the role of Jessie in the autumn tour of CALENDAR GIRLS The Musical. Ruth has made a full recovery following an injury earlier this year: “I’m a fighter and I’m back in this wonderful show and I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.”

Following a summer break, CALENDAR GIRLS The Musical, based on the true story, the film and the award-winning play, will open at Bournemouth Pavilion on 17 September, with the tour ending on 23 November at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Ruth Madoc is perhaps best known for playing Gladys Pugh in the 1980s BBC television comedy Hi-de-Hi! & Dafydd’s Mum in Little Britain (also BBC).  Her other notable TV appearances includeBev in Casualty (BBC One), Mayor Mary Meyer in Stella (Sky One),Florence in Mount Pleasant (Sky One) and Rhiannon in Benidorm (ITV). Ruth’s theatre credits include Grandma Rose in The Wedding Singer (UK Tour), Matron in Be My Baby (UK Tour), Marie in Calendar Girls (UK Tour), Miss Hannigan in Annie (UK Tour), The Vagina Monologues (UK Tour), Dorothy Brook in 42nd Street (UK Tour) and Mama Rose in Gypsy (Newpalm Productions).

Ruth joins current cast members Sarah Jane Buckley (Blood Brothers and Kathy Barnes in Hollyoaks) as Annie, Sue Devaney (Years and Years on BBC 1, Jane in Dinnerladies, Liz Harker in Casualty, Debbie Webster in Coronation Street and Rosie in the musical Mamma Mia!) as Cora, Julia Hills (Doctor Kemp in Broadchurch, Annabelle Shrivener in The Archers) as Ruth, Judy Holt (Cold Feet, Scott & Bailey) as Marie, Lisa Maxwell (panellist on Loose Women, Tracey Donovan in Hollyoaks, Samantha Nixon in The Bill and various roles in The Les Dennis Laughter Show and The Russ Abbot Show) as Celia and Rebecca Storm (discovered by Willy Russell and cast as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers, and her handprints are part of the Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre Walk of Fame) as Chris.

Also in the cast are Claudia Bradley as Miss Wilson, Phil Corbitt as John, Ian Mercer as Rod, Sebastian Abineri as Colin, Alan Stocks as Denis, Derek Elroy as Lawrence, Pauline Daniels as Lady Cravenshire, Ellie Leah as Miss Wilson, Danny Howker as Danny, Isabel Caswell as Jenny and Tyler Dobbs as Tommo.

The critically acclaimed and award-winning production played a six-month London season at the Phoenix Theatre in 2017, and, before that, this musical comedy played sold-out seasons in Leeds and Manchester.   

Gary Barlow and Tim Firth grew up in the same village in the North of England and have been friends for 25 years.  With Take That, Gary has written and co-written 14 number one singles, has sold over 50 million records worldwide and is a six times Ivor Novello Award winner.  Tim has won the Olivier Award and UK Theatre Award for Best New Musical, and the British Comedy Awards Best Comedy Film for Calendar Girls.

CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL is inspired by the true story of a group of ladies, who decide to appear nude for a Women’s Institute calendar in order to raise funds to buy a settee for their local hospital, in memory of one of their husbands, and have to date raised almost £5million for Bloodwise. This musical comedy shows life in their Yorkshire village, how it happened, the effect on husbands, sons and daughters, and how a group of ordinary ladies achieved something extraordinary. 

Bloodwise, the UK’s specialist blood cancer charity, will continue to receive monies from this production.

CALENDAR GIRLS The Musical is directed by Matt Ryan and designed by Robert Jones, with comedy staging by Jos Houben, movement by Lucy Hind and casting by Sarah Bird.

Website: www.calendargirlsthemusical.com

Facebook: @thegirlsmusical

Twitter: @thegirlsmusical

2019 TOUR SCHEDULE

17 – 21 September                 Bournemouth Pavilion                                                0844 576 3000         

                                               www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

24 – 28 September                 Wolverhampton Grand                                               01902 42 92 12

                                               www.grandtheatre.co.uk

1 – 5 October                         New Wimbledon Theatre                                             0844 871 7646

                                               www.atgtickets.com/new-wimbledon-theatre

8 – 12 October                       Royal & Derngate Northampton                                  01604 624811

                                               www.royalandderngate.co.uk

15 – 19 October                     Blackpool Opera House                                             0844 856 1111

                                               www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

22 – 26 October                     Ipswich Regent Theatre                                              01473 433100

                                               www.ipswichregent.com                                            

29 October – 2 November       Chester Storyhouse                                                   01244 409113          

                                                www.storyhouse.com

5 – 9 November                      Theatre Royal Bath                                                    01225 448844

                                                www.theatreroyal.org.uk

13 – 23 November                  Chichester Festival Theatre                                         01243 781312

                                                 www.cft.org.uk                                                         On sale 14 September