Swallows and Amazons Review

York Theatre Royal until Saturday 24th August 2019

Reviewed by Michelle and Marcus Richardson

5*****

A taste of adventure, childhood innocence and endless days spent outside created memories of summer that stick with us way into our adulthood. Swallows and Amazons is a tale of such a summer, written by Arthur Ransome in 1930.

We follow a group of children, the Walkers, who are on holiday. They have been given permission from their absent father, via telegram, to take their boat, the Swallow, out onto the lake. With the wind behind their sail, their adventures begin as they create stories of pirates and Spanish conquistadors. York Theatre Royal brings this all to life to remind us what summer should really be about.

The cast of nine, played instruments, sang and of course acted. The Walker siblings made up of John, Susan, Titty and Roger, were the Swallows. John (Alex Wingfield), is the eldest and is the Captain of the ship. Susan (Laura Soper), is the First Mate and likes sticking to the rules. Titty, whose name elicited a giggle from the young audience, (Hanna Khogali), is the Able Seaman and dreams of adventure and pirates the most. Roger (William Pennington), is the youngest and the Shipsboy. The actors playing these children have great stage chemistry and really sell the desire of adventure each one of them has.

The Amazon Pirates, who are the Swallows arch enemy, at least at the start, are two sisters, Nancy (Anne-Marie Piazza) and Peggy (Rachel Hammond). Both do a great job of creating their persona as ruthless ‘pirates’. These two provided the audience with a lot of the comic element within their roles.

The adults of the show are played by Ellen Chivers (mother), Kieran Buckeridge (Uncle Jim/Captain Flint and also the Musical Director) and Ed Thorpe (Mr Jackson/Policeman), as well as their main roles they take on other characters at times. According to all the children all the adults are barbarians. Buckeridge playing along as Captain Flint was thoroughly enjoyable.

The whole cast were strong and each actor made sure the performance went smoothly as possible. The interaction between all the cast is wonderful, and the six who played the children were 100% believable. I certainly enjoyed Pennington’s young Roger, even though he was by far the tallest of the six, his mannerisms and innocence totally encapsulated the part. Khogali’s Titty was full of bravo, fearless and enthralling to watch. Honestly, I could not find fault in any of the actors, they all delivered splendidly, with such talent.

While we didn’t get to see an actual boat, we used our imagination, something that we often use in our childhood, but somehow gets forgotten as we get older. As with various shows directed by Damian Cruden, the stage is smart and simple but with tricks and hidden secrets. I loved how the cast played instruments, sung and acted too, it kept things lively and made sure the children in the audience didn’t get too bored. The show also used a few bird puppets, with the cast stepping in to control the birds at different times.

Swallows and Amazons is Damien Cruden’s last show, after 22 years, at the York Theatre Royal as the Artist Director at York Theatre Royal. This is fabulous show to end his tenure, ending on such a high.

This is a family friendly show, which is suitable for children, however I would say it is aimed at 6+. It’s important to remind ourselves of what summer should be about, yearning for the forgotten freedom of going out and creating your own adventures during the long summer holidays. It was lovely and so refreshing to see an era where children are not glued to televisions, tablets, or mobile phones. This sweet, innocent bygone tale is a real must for all, take your children, parents, grandparents, you will not be disappointed.

LAMBERT JACKSON PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE FULL CASTING FOR DR ZHIVAGO – THE UK CONCERT PREMIÈRE

Lambert Jackson Productions today announce full casting for Dr Zhivago – The UK Concert PremièreJoining the previously announced Ramin Karimloo (Yurii Andreyevich Zhivago) and Celinde Schoenmaker (Lara Guishar) are Rhys Bailey (Young Yurii, Sasha), Maisey Bawden (Olya), Isabella Djuve-Wood (Young Lara), Emma De-Anne Edwards (Anna Gromeko), Darcy Jacobs (Young Tonia), Kelly Mathieson (Tonia Gromeko), Charlie McCullagh (Pasha Antipov, Strelnikov), Matthew Woodyatt (Viktor Komarovksy), Graham Hoadly (Alexander Gromeko) , and Trinity Laban Musical Theatre as the ensemble. The production takes place at Cadogan Hall, on Sunday 1 September, 2pm and 6.30pm. 

LAMBERT JACKSON PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE FULL CASTING FOR DR ZHIVAGO – THE UK CONCERT PREMIÈRE

Based on the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Boris Pasternak, prepare to be taken on an epic journey of heart-breaking romance, following the search for love during the final days of Czarist Russia. Raised as an aristocrat, Yurii Andreyevich Zhivago is a political idealist, physician, and poet whose life is tossed by the tides of history as he is torn between a life with his close childhood friend and wife, and the passionate and mysterious Lara Guishar. Zhivago, however, is not alone in his yearnings for Lara, and must compete with both revolutionaries and aristocracy alike to win the heart of the woman he cannot live without.

Written by Academy Award nominee Michael Weller (Ragtime), the show features music by two-time Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Lucy Simon, with lyrics by Tony Award nominee Michael Korie and Emmy Award nominee Amy Powers. This classic story opened on Broadway in 2015, and can now be experienced for the first time as a UK concert at Cadogan Hall.

Rhys Bailey plays Young Yurii, Sasha. He recently performed as a competition winner in Lambert Jackson Productions’ Main Men of Musicals, and is currently attending Michael Xavier’s MX Masterclass. This marks his professional debut.

Maisey Bawden plays Olya. Her theatre credits include An Officer and A Gentleman (UK tour), 35mm (The Other Palace), Honeymoon In Vegas (London Palladium), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying(Wilton’s Music Hall), The Tempest (Stafford Gatehouse Theatre), 27 (The Cockpit), The Tempest (Shakespeare’s Globe), King Charles III Royal Gala (Almeida Theatre) and Little Shop of Horrors (Theatre Clwyd). For television, her credits include You, Me and The Apocalypse, and The Sound of Music Live.

Isabella Djuve-Wood plays Young Lara. Her theatre credit includes The Secret Garden (Ambassador’s Theatre), and Godspell (The Actor’s Church).

Emma De-Anne Edwards plays Anna Gromeko. Her theatre credits include The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre, UK tour), Sunset Boulevard (UK tour), Gambler (Munchengladbach, Germany), Sweeny Todd (Bridewell Theatre, Royal Festival Hall), and Hair (Pavilion Theatre, Brighton).

Darcy Jacobs plays Young Tonia. Her theatre credits include The Ferryman (Gielgud Theatre), and Les Miserables (Queen’s Theatre).

Ramin Karimloo plays Yurii Andreyevich Zhivago. His theatre credits include Chess (The Kennedy Centre), Anastasia (Broadhurst Theatre, Broadway), Murder Ballad (Arts Theatre), Les Miserables (Imperial Theatre, Broadway – for which he was nominated for the 2014 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical; Princess of Wales Theatre, Queens Theatre, Palace Theatre), The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary (Royal Albert Hall), Love Never Dies (Adelphi Theatre – for which he was nominated for the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical), Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert (O2 Arena), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), and Miss Saigon (UK tour).

Kelly Mathieson plays Tonia Gromeko. Her theatre credits include The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), and Sweeney Todd (Huddersfield Music Festival).

Charlie McCullagh plays Pasha. His theatre credits include Elegies for AngelsPunks and Raging Queens (Union Theatre), The Divide (Edinburgh Festival Theatre), and The Family Hoffman’s Christmas Mystery Palace (The MAC Belfast).

Celinde Schoenmaker plays Lara Guishar. Her theatre credits include The Light in the Piazza (Royal Festival Hall, and forthcoming LA Opera), Barnum (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Les Miserables (Queens Theatre). For film, her credits include Rocketman.

Matthew Woodyatt plays Victor Komarovsky. His theatre credits include The Light in the Piazza(Southbank Centre), The Assassination of Katie Hopkins (Theatr Clwyd), The Invisible Man (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), Fiddler on the Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre), Moving StoriesMuch Ado About NothingWar Horse (National Theatre), One Man, Two Guvnors (West End, UK and international tour), AllegroA Christmas Carol (Southwark Playhouse), The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Sherman Cymru), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Arts Theatre), and Mack & Mabel (West End, UK tour and Watermill Theatre). For television, his credits include Grandpa in My PocketThe Passion – It Has Begun, and Arrows of Desire; and for film, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life, and The Gospel of Us.

Jordan Murphy is currently Assistant Director on Matilda The Musical (Cambridge Theatre) and takes up the position of Resident Director & Children’s Director on Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre) in September. Credits as Director include The Railway ChildrenSouth Pacific (Cadogan Hall), After You (Queen Mary 2 Theatre), Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (Upstairs At the Gate House), Living A Little(The Vaults), Honk! (National Youth Musical Theatre/ Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds/ Rose Theatre Kingston), Double Bubble (Theatre N16), Living A Little (The Wee Theatre), The Dreaming (Chain Theatre), Zombie PromRadium Girls (Stagedoor Manor) and Blind Bet (The Hen & Chickens Theatre). Credits as Assistant/ Associate Director include Side Show (Southwark Playhouse), Wonderland (UK tour), The Busker’s Opera (Park Theatre), Sweet CharitySpring Awakening (Curve Theatre), Eugenius (The London Palladium) and The Hired Man (St James Theatre).

Dr Zhivago – UK Concert Première                                                                                                             Listings

Cadogan Hall

5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ

Box Office: 020 7730 4500 

Sunday 1 September, 2pm & 6.30pm

LAMBERT JACKSON

Lambert Jackson is a production company dedicated to producing musical theatre shows and stunning one-night performances. Founded by Jamie Lambert (CEO) and Eliza Jackson (Creative Director), the company made its debut at Cadogan Hall in August 2018 with There’s Nothin’ Like a Dame – 100 Years of Women in Musical Theatre, and has since produced West End Women – A Celebration of Women in Musicals, Main Men of Musicals and a very successful first season ofSunday Favourites at The Other Palace. Due to popular demand, they have just announced their second season of Sunday Favourites. 

Twitter:                @LJProds

Instagram:          @lambertjacksonproductions

Facebook:           /lambertjacksonproductions

TV Actors Sian Reeves, Parry Glasspool and Lucy Dixon Complete Cast For By The Waters Of Liverpool Spring 2020 UK Tour

Pulse Records Limited in association with Bill Elms present


TELEVISION STARS SIAN REEVES,

PARRY GLASSPOOL AND LUCY DIXON

COMPLETE CAST OF

BY THE WATERS OF LIVERPOOL

Trio join Mark Moraghan, Eric Potts, Lynn Francis, Danny O’Brien,

Chloe McDonald and Roy Carruthers for 2020 UK Tour

The final three cast members for the Spring 2020 UK Tour of Helen Forrester’s By The Waters Of Liverpool have been revealed.

After a hugely successful premiere run at the Liverpool Empire Theatre last Autumn, the play will now make its way round the country bringing Helen’s fascinating story to life on stage.

Star of stage and screen Sian Reeves is joining the tour. Sian is best known for her television roles inEmmerdale, Mount Pleasant, Still Open All Hours, Lunch Monkeys, Hope Springs, City Lights, Where The Heart Is, and Cutting It.

Hollyoaks’ Parry Glasspool and Lucy Dixon, from Waterloo Road and Hollyoaks, join Sian to complete the cast.

The cast also includes the recently announced Mark Moraghan and Eric Potts.

Mark Moraghan will play Helen’s Father. Mark previously played ‘Father’ in the 2007 and 2009 adaptations of Twopence To Cross The Mersey.  He returned to play the role in By The Waters Of Liverpool in 2018. Mark is best known for his roles in Holby CityCoronation Street and Brookside.

Coronation Street and Doctor Who’s Eric Potts will play ‘Mr Ellis’, Helen’s fiery-tempered boss. Eric has also appeared in Peak Practice, Heartbeat, The Royal, Last Of The Summer Wine, and Steel River Blues.

Other confirmed cast members are Lynn Francis as the ‘Deaconess’; Danny O’Brien as ‘Harry O’Dwyer’; Chloe McDonald as ‘Fiona’ (Helen’s sister); and Roy Carruthers as ‘The Detective’.

By The Waters Of Liverpool is the stunning production from the team that brought you Helen Forrester’s timeless story, Twopence To Cross The Mersey.

To celebrate what would have been Helen Forrester’s 100th Birthday, the 11-week tour opens at New Brighton Floral Pavilion, in Wirral, from Tuesday 3 March to Sunday 8 March 2020 –just a few miles from where the writer was born.

The production will then travel to Stockport, Warrington, St Helens, Lancaster, Crewe, Southport, Rhyl, Swansea, Darlington and Malvern. The second leg of the tour will be announced shortly.

Sian Reeves will play Helen’s Mother, Parry Glasspool will play Helen’s brother Alan, while Helen Forrester will be portrayed by Lucy Dixon.

West Bromwich born Sian Reeves is an original cast member of the 1985 stage production of Les Misérables. She also later appeared in the 25th anniversary performance at London’s O2.

Sian has already shared a stage with fellow cast member Mark Moraghan. They competed against each other on celebrity TV singing contest, Just The Two Of Us. Paired up with opera singer Russell Watson, Sian took the winning honours, while Mark was runner-up with Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton. The pair will be reunited on stage as Helen Forrester’s parents.

Sian Reeves commented: I’m thrilled to be part of the telling of this wonderful book. I’ve been a fan of Helen Forrester for years, I’ve read nearly all her books – and I can’t wait to help tell her story. It’s also just fabulous to be teaming up with Mark Moraghan again.”

Sian’s television credits also include Casualty; Mountain Goats; Doctors; Holby City; Linda Green; Making Waves; Swallow; In A Land Of Plenty; Making Astronaughts; The Bill; Gypsy Girls; and Sum Of The Parts. Films include Time Of Their Lives; No Deposit No Return; Five Seconds To Spare; Love Bites; This Little Life; Sweet Night Good Heart; and Intimacy.

Theatre credits include Love Me Tender; It’s A Family Affair; God Of Carnage; Misconception; Vernon God Little; Talk Of The City; The Merchant of Venice; The House Of Bernada Alba; The Case Of Rebellious Susan; Red Balloon; West Side Story; Kiss Me Kate; And Then There Were None; Pere Goriot; The Good Natured Man; and The Little Match Girl.

Parry Glasspool is best known for playing Harry Thompson in Hollyoaks. He was born and raised in the Midlands, before moving to London to study for his BA Hons in Acting for Stage and Media at the University of West London. After five years in Hollyoaks, Parry recently made a dramatic exit in a high-profile storyline when he was murdered.

Parry was nominated for Best Newcomer at the prestigious National Television Awards 2016 for his role in the Channel 4 soap. His character was first introduced to the show in Hollyoaks Later in 2013. Other television credits include Hollyoaks Later; Our Zoo; and film The Cutting Room. Theatre credits include Proud.

Parry commented: After five amazing years on television, I’m excited to finally step onto a stage again. It’ll be a shock to the system, playing five different characters, but I love a challenge – bring it on. I can’t wait!”

Lucy Dixon, who hails from Greater Manchester, is widely known for her television roles as Danielle Harker in Waterloo Road and Tilly Evans in Hollyoaks. Lucy received a nomination for Best Actress at the TV Choice Awards 2012 for her portrayal of Tilly. The following year, she also featured on the longlist for Best Serial Drama Performance at the National Television Awards 2013.

Last year, Lucy took to the stage to play Catherine in Proof at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre. Her starring role as “shepherd number one” at an early age sparked her love for acting! She went on to train at The David Johnson and Vernon Acting Method.

Lucy added: “I am thrilled to be joining the cast of By The Waters Of Liverpool – and to be playing such a strong female role. I am particularly excited for my family to watch me following in Helen’s footsteps, a story they have read and know well themselves. Liverpool has always felt like home to me, even more so now I live there, and I am so excited to welcome people of all ages to this heart-felt story.”

Lucy’s other TV credits include Birds Of A Feather; Casualty; Scott And Bailey; Endeavour; Hollyoaks Later; Waterloo Road Reunited; The Power of Poetry; Doctors; and short film Comedienne. Theatre credits include The Stretch; Proof; ​Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons; Merchant Of Venice; Rehearsal For Murder; The Girl From The Ward; Keeper; Aladdin; Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs; Lord Of The Flies; Lysistrata; Snoopy The Musical; The Rivals; Love On The Dole; Maria Marten; Sweet Charity; Sleeping Beauty The Musical; The Wiz; and Peter Pan.

The new touring production of By The Waters Of Liverpool is again produced by Pulse Records Limited in association with Bill Elms and is directed by Gareth Tudor Price.

Writer and friend of Helen Forrester, Rob Fennah has written both the stage play versions ofTwopence To Cross The Mersey and By The Waters Of Liverpool.

During the Great Depression, Helen’s father lost his fortune when the stock market and the family were suddenly thrown into poverty. Leaving behind the nannies, servants and comfortable middle-class life in the South West of England, the Forrester’s chose Liverpool as the place to start over. They were in for a terrible shock. Taken out of school to care for her younger brothers and sisters while her parents struggled to re-build their shattered lives, Helen is treated as an unpaid slave and desperate to escape.

By The Waters Of Liverpool is a period drama set in the 1930s. The story opens in 1935. Helen Forrester is 16-years-old, and fighting a bitter battle with her parents for the right to educate herself and go out to work. By 1939, Helen is now aged 20 and with Britain on the brink of war, she has never been kissed by a man. But things start looking up for Helen when she meets a tall strong seaman and falls in love.

By The Waters Of Liverpool by Helen Forrester has sold more than a million books. Now this is your chance to see it come to life in this exciting new stage play adaptation.

By The Waters Of Liverpool’s Spring 2020 UK Tour opens at New Brighton Floral Pavilion from 3 March to 8 March 2020, before heading to the Stockport Plaza (10 March to 12 March); Warrington Parr Hall (14 March and 15 March); St Helens Theatre Royal (17 March to 21 March); Lancaster Grand (23 March and 24 March); Crewe Lyceum (25 March and 26 March); Southport Theatre (27 March and 28 March); Rhyl Pavilion Theatre (31 March to 4 April); Swansea Grand Theatre (6 April and 7 April); Darlington Hippodrome (9 April to 11 April); followed by Malvern Theatres (14 April and 15 April).

Helen’s best-selling volumes of autobiography include Twopence To Cross The Mersey, Liverpool Miss and By The Waters Of Liverpool.

Adapted by Rob Fennah   ·   Directed by Gareth Tudor Price

Produced by Pulse Records Limited in association with Bill Elms

Fully endorsed by the Helen Forrester Estate

Website:         www.bythewatersofliverpool.com

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/ByTheWatersThePlay

LISTING INFORMATION

Helen Forrester’s

BY THE WATERS OF LIVERPOOL

FLORAL PAVILION

Tuesday 3 March – Sunday 8 March 2020

Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 2JS

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.floralpavilion.com

Box Office:      0151 666 0000

STOCKPORT PLAZA

Tuesday 10 March – Thursday 12 March 2020

Mersey Square, Stockport, SK1 1SP

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Box Office:      0161 477 7779

WARRINGTON PARR HALL

Saturday 14 March – Sunday 15 March 2020

Palmyra Square, Warrington, WA1 1BL

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          https://parrhall.culturewarrington.org/whats-on

Box Office:      01925 442345

ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL

Tuesday 17 March – Saturday 21 March 2020

Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1LQ

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Box Office:      01744 756000

LANCASTER GRAND THEATRE

Monday 23 March – Tuesday 24 March 2020

St Leonardgate, Lancaster, LA1 1QW

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.lancastergrand.co.uk

Box Office:      01524 64695

CREWE LYCEUM

Wednesday 25 March – Thursday 26 March 2020

Heath Street, Crewe, CW1 2DA

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Box Office:      01270 368242

SOUTHPORT THEATRE

Friday 27 March – Saturday 28 March 2020

The Promenade, Southport, PR9 0DZ

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.waterfrontsouthport.co.uk/events/whats-on

Box Office:      01704 500036

PAVILION THEATRE RHYL

Tuesday 31 March – Saturday 4 April 2020

East Parade, Rhyl, LL18 3AQ

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.rhylpavilion.co.uk

Box Office:      01745 330000

GRAND THEATRE SWANSEA

Monday 6 April – Tuesday 7 April 2020

Singleton Street, Swansea, SA1 3QJ

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseagrandtheatre

Box Office:      01792 475715

DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Thursday 9 April – Saturday 11 April 2020

Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Box Office:      01325 405405

MALVERN THEATRES

Tuesday 14 April – Wednesday 15 April 2020

Grange Road, Malvern, WR14 3HB

Tickets from £22 plus booking fee

Website:          www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Box Office:      01684 892277

Waitress announces the next Cast Album Karaoke Night on 14 August

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TIME OUT, THE NEXT LONDON CAST ALBUM KARAOKE NIGHT WILL TAKE PLACE ON 14 AUGUST
 

  • LUCIE JONES AND MARISHA WALLACE WILL BE YOUR HOSTS FOR THE EVENING

Waitress has announced its next Cast Album Karaoke Night will take place on 14 August in partnership with Time Out offering audience members the chance to sing songs from the smash hit comedy musical, by 7-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles, live on the West End stage. The event will be hosted by Lucie Jones and Marisha Wallace who play waitresses Jenna and Becky, respectively, in the production. Audience members who want to take part in the Cast Album Karaoke Night just need to sign up before that evening’s show for the chance to sing one minute of any song from Waitress at the Adelphi and accompanied by the show’s musical director Katharine Woolley.

Waitress celebrated its official opening night at the AdelphiTheatre on 7 March and the Tony-nominated musical has recently announced it is extending by popular demand and is now booking through Christmas and New Year to 4 January 2020.

Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.

Brought to life by a ground breaking, female-led creative team, Waitress features an original score by 7-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland) and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The production is also currently touring the US and Canada and has announced an Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre with further productions to open in Holland next year and Japan in 2021.

Waitress stars Lucie Jones as Jenna, Ashley Roberts as Dawn, Marisha Wallace as Becky,Blake Harrison as Ogie, Peter Hannah as Earl, David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter and Shaun Prendergast as Old Joe.

The full company includes Kelly Agbowu, Piers Bate, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Michael Hamway, Peter Hannah, Blake Harrison, David Hunter, Lucie Jones,Stephen Leask,Chris McGuigan, Olivia Moore, Nathaniel Morrison, Sarah O’Connor, Leanne Pinder, Shaun Prendergast, Charlotte Riby, Ashley Roberts, Marisha Wallace and Mark Willshire. Laura Baldwin will return to the role of Dawn on 12 August.

On its Broadway opening at the Brooks Atkinson Theater where it has since become the  longest running show in the venue’s history, Waitress was nominated for four Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical; two Drama League Award Nominations, including Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical; six Drama Desk Nominations, including Outstanding Musical; and four Tony Award Nominations, including Best Musical.

SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE REVIEW

MACBETH ~ A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM ~ RICHARD III

Blenheim Palace – until 7 September 2019

Reviewed by Catherine Françoise

5*****

Being a Reviewer more familiar with dance, opera and musical theatre, it was with much excitement and anticipation I approached Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre latest ‘Pop Up’ venue at Blenheim Palace.    

This follws from the enormously successful Rose Theatre set up previously in York. ‘Pop Up’ is a slight exaggeration since the theatre takes 3 weeks to build having being planned for year and involves 3000 square meters of protective trackway, 30,000 cubic meters of scaffolding tubes, 1400 sq meters of metal cladding and 22,000 screws. Oh and a pre-fabricated roof. The weight of the structure is around 60 tonnes and required 60 45’ articulated lorries to deliver all materials to build. Also 2 cranes, 6 cherry-pickers, 4 fork-lift trucks and 30 people to build. And “countless ice creams and rocky chocolate bars were consumed in the process”.

The setting at the magnificent Blenheim Palace is wonderful ~ a small ‘village’ surrounds the theatre with food, drink and plenty of seating and there is a relaxed atmosphere.

So far I’ve seen 3 of the 4 productions and have been wonderfully entertained and mighty impressed.  

•Damian Cruden is Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre and directs MacBeth; 

•Juliet Foster directs Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream; 

•Lucy Pitman-Wallace directs Richard III

•Tom Wright is associate director of Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream

•A Creative Team of 18 involving costumes, scenic design, fights, movement, choreography & aerial, composers and musicians (Wonderful music!), voice, lighting & sound. 

•A Fabulous actors company of 38 are cast in 2 plays each though not in the same play groupings. 

Wonderful to see Lady Macbeth become Peter Quince overnight! (Suzy Cooper) and  Titania become an Old Man/Priest (Tom Kanji). Every actor has significant role changes! 

I’m not a Shakespeare expert so cannot much compare with other productions but can say that as a relative newbie I was captivated and engrossed through all 3. Even my 90 year old mother who is French and certainly not familiar with Shakespeare, was absolutely engrossed in Midsummer Night’s Dream exclaiming that although she didn’t really understand what was going on she thought it was all wonderful. I noted she did not nod off at all.

For myself I enjoyed Richard III immensely, understanding the history of this time perhaps for the the first time! William Mannering’s portrayal of  a tyrannical, ruthless, unconscionable king was mesmerising and troubling indeed.  This was fast paced and a real insight into ‘the theatre of politics’ . A huge cast of characters were identifiable, helped in part by impressive ‘colour-coded costumes’ and a series of banners proclaiming who is king at any one time. 

Director Lucy Pittman-Wallace says “Our aim is also to strip bare the machinations within the corridors of power and that requires physical as well as textual clarity. The wonderful openness of our Elizabethan-inspired theatre space seems a fitting stage to entice and display the fascinating persons who inhabit the world of Richard the third, some dangerous, some dude, all to be watched closely at all times.”

Fabulous stuff! 

The Atmospheric use of music ~ wind instruments and drums ~ was very powerful and evocative in Macbeth (and indeed in all productions).  Music should always enhance and never intrude and this was perfectly judged by Musical Director Christopher Madin who composed the score also playing Cello and Percussion, with Guy Passey and Ed Beesley also playing.

Alex Avery as Macbeth and Suzy Cooper as Lady Mcbeth were intense and powerful. Wonderful costumes and set design from Sara Perks. The witches fire looked fearsome! 

Damian Cruden notes in the programme than “One of the joys of preparing for Macbeth in this unique setting is that it fits… The play seems to block itself… All seems to be intuitive. Our desire is that the words, live music, great swordplay and performances should carry the weight of this production”.

And so they did. 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream was tremendously engaging! Juliet Forster chose to double Theseus and Hippolyta with their fairy counterparts … “in which Oberon and Titania are seemingly the night-time personas/dream-selves of the Duke and his Amazonian bride, in turn caught up in the wild dream of the forest…”

The fairies were acrobats and aerialists on ledges and twirling in silks. The workman players final scene was very hilarious. And the mischief and mayhem caused by magic potions amongst the young lovers was wonderfully portrayed by a fabulous cast. 

It’s been an absolute pleasure to visit Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre, and I can say that anyone will be guaranteed to see high quality, intelligent, creative theatre.

I very much enjoyed and appreciated the myriad of roles played by the entire company, all very different and authentic ~ Highly commendable indeed.

The Rose Theatre have triumphed with these productions in an authentic Shakespearian setting. A superb opportunity to see Shakespeare in an engaging, creative, exciting light ~ I can’t imagine anyone leaving after seeing any of these productions with anything other than a desire to see more exciting and exhilarating Shakespeare! 

Avenue Q Review

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – runs until 3 August 2019

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

4****

Take a trip down to Avenue Q at Sheffield Theatres this week and meet the fantastically talented cast of a modern, hilarious and extremely well-written production. This show has hit many a stage, including Broadway and the West End for the last 17 years. It has its dedicated fans who arrive knowing what to expect and then the newbies…newbies beware! this show is not for the prudish.

Avenue Q is Robert Lopez and co-creator Jeff Marx’s coming-of-age parable; a lyrical satire on life’s anxieties and disappointments. The residents of Avenue Q are a mixture of puppets and humans. The musical is told in the manner of an adults version of the children’s tv show, Sesame Street, all the characters are colourful! The puppets certainly have gained an adult rating for this show, there is a liberal use of profanity and there is a sex scene involving naked puppets and an entire number about the event to run alongside it.

Each one of the cast displays wonderful vocals and together they produce some sweet harmonies. Lawrence Smith has a well-suited, well-trained, musical theatre sound to his voice, meeting the great needs of playing two parts, Princeton and Rod. Jasmine Beel who took the lead as understudy in this particular performance, playing Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut really shone. Beel has a tough job playing these two characters (often back to back) but smashed it, fresh out of training too with this being her professional debut.

Vocal star must surely go to Tom Steedon with his stupendous range taking on three characters, Nicky, Trekkie Monster and Bad Idea Bear. He delivers perfection in each of these roles, well done Tom! Great comedy role and stunning stage charisma from Saori Oda, playing the heavily accented Christmas Eve, she had the audience laughing with almost every line.

Musical numbers aplenty in each half, the majority with strong comedic value. Real stand-out songs included If You Were Gay, Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist, the hilarious The Internet Is For Porn and the beautiful solo sang by Kate Monster, There’s A Fine, Fine Line.

The thing that Avenue Q does really well is focus on some of the biggest issues in society today and make light of them, maybe in a way that they would be portrayed on a children’s TV show, like Sesame Street, allowing us to laugh and then reflect on them.

This show is and always has been an essential part of an enthusiastic, comedy musical fans repertoire. This tour does not disappoint and delivers everything you could ask for. If you are looking for talent, entertainment and giggles then you will find it down on Avenue Q.

The Girl on the Train Review

Duke of York’s Theatre – until 17 August 2019

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

4****

Based on the book and the film of the same name, The Girl on the Train captivates audiences and keeps them gripped from start to finish.

Rachel Watson (Samantha Womack) is a divorced alcoholic who has problems remembering things that have happened whilst she has been drinking. When a woman (Kirsty Oswald) from her old neighbourhood goes missing, Rachel sets out to find out what actually happened. Whilst trying to solve the case, Rachel also discovers that her ex-husband is not the man she thought he was and realises his new wife (Lowenna Melrose) and baby daughter are in danger.

Although the story line is a bit hard to follow at times, the story is engrossing and it is easy to feel sorry for Rachel at times, especially where her ex-husband (Adam Jackson-Smith) is involved. The sets are impressive and the costumes are basic but appropriate for each character. Although there is a lot of swearing in the show it doesn’t spoil it but rather enhances it as it gives you an in-site into the characters lives. The train journeys Rachel takes are depicted by train windows being projected onto the stage and when her character remembers something that may help her or the murder investigation she looks into a spot light which is powerful and shows she is taking back control.

The show is excellent but at times makes you think, so this is not a show if you want to escape the real world – but a brilliant show if you love mysteries and trying to solve them

Chelsea Halfpenny to play ‘Judy Bernly’ in West End production of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

DOLLY PARTON IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE

CHELSEA HALFPENNY TO PLAY ‘JUDY BERNLY’


BONNIE LANGFORD,

BRIAN CONLEY, CAROLINE SHEEN

AND NATALIE McQUEEN EXTEND THEIR RUNS

IN THE WEST END PRODUCTION OF

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, Book by Patricia Resnick

and Directed by Jeff Calhoun

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture

The producers of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL announced today that Chelsea Halfpenny will play the role of ‘Judy Bernly’ at the Savoy Theatre from Tuesday 27 August. Chelsea will play the role from 27 to 29 August and will be full time in the role from Tuesday 2 September.

Amber Davies’s final performances in the West End will be on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August.

Bonnie Langford, Brian Conley, Caroline Sheen and Natalie McQueen will extend their runs as ‘Roz Keith’,‘Franklin Hart Jnr’, ‘Violet Newstead’ and ‘Doralee Rhodes’. Bonnie, Caroline and Natalie will all appear in the show until 11 January 2020 and Brian will appear in the show until 30 November 2019.

Chelsea Halfpenny began her career in the popular children’s television series ‘Byker Grove’. She appeared as Amy Wyatt in ‘Emmerdale’ for three years and was most recently seen as Alice Munroe in ‘Casualty’, a part she played for four years. 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL marks Chelsea’s West End debut.

From 2 September, the cast at the Savoy Theatre will include Victoria Anderson, Alexander Bartles, Simon Campbell, Alexander Day, Rhiane Drummond, Demmileigh Foster, Molly-May Gardiner, Llandyll Gove,  Ben Irish, Jenny Legg, Natasha Mould, Jon Reynolds, James Royden-Lyley, Giles Surridge, Antoine Thomas-Sturge, Richard Taylor-Woods, Sasha Wareham and Emily Woodford.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL opened in the West End in February, where Dolly Parton attended the premiere and joined the cast on stage at the finale. The musical features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by multi Grammy Award winner, country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy – three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the women manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Poti Martin, video design by Nina Dunn, original arrangements by Stephen Oremus & Alex Lacamoire, original Broadway orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin, musical supervisor, reductions & extra arrangements by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe and Anne Vosser.

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Gavin Kalin Productions with Benjamin Lowy Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Showtime Theatre Productions, Hartshorn – Hook Productions, Harmonia Holdings and Kilimanjaro Live.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, London, WC2R 0ET

Currently booking in to 2020

Box Office: 0844 871 7687

Performances: Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday 2.30pm

Further Casting for The Prince of Egypt

JOE DIXON, DEBBIE KURUP, GARY WILMOT, ADAM PEARCE,

TANISHA SPRING AND SILAS WYATT-BARKE JOIN “THE PRINCE OF EGYPT”

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT OF NEW MUSICAL BEGINS 5 FEBRUARY 2020

 AT LONDON’S DOMINION THEATRE

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, the brand-new stage musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), a book by Philip LaZebnik(MulanPocahontas) and based on the celebrated DreamWorks Animation film, today announces further casting for its West End premiere production.  Joe Dixon (Seti), Debbie Kurup (Queen Tuya), Gary Wilmot (Jethro), Adam Pearce (Hotep), Tanisha Spring (Nefertari) and Silas Wyatt-Barke(Aaron) join the previously announced Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Christine Allado (Tzipporah) and Alexia Khadime (Miriam). Further casting to be announced.

Joe Dixon (Seti) is an Associate Artist of the RSC where his leading roles have included: ‘Catiline’ and ‘Antony’ in Imperium I & II; ‘Caliban’ in The Tempest with Simon Russell Beale; ‘Tu’an Gu’ in The Orphan of Zhao; ‘Afanasii Pushkin’ in Boris Godunov; ‘Achilles’ in Troilus and Cressida; ‘Bottom’ in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; ‘Armando’ in Love’s Labour’s Lost; ‘Aaron’ in Titus Andronicus; ‘Mendoza’ in The Malcontent;‘King of Bakam’ in The Island Princess; ‘Oberon’ in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; ‘Antipholus of Syracuse’ in The Comedy of Errors and, as part of the Olivier Award-winning Jacobean Season, ‘Paris’ in The Roman Actor (Olivier Award nomination, ‘Best Performance in a Supporting Role’). His many other stage roles include: ‘Camillo’ in A Winter’s Tale (National Theatre); ‘Dionysus’ in The Bacchae (South Bank Centre) and, for Cheek By Jowl, ‘Jacques’ in As You Like It (Ian Charleson Award). His major television roles include: ‘Philip’ in A.D. Kingdom and Empire (NBC); ‘Ramos’ in Atlantis (BBC); ‘Nick’ in 32 Brinkburn Street (BBC); ‘The Chancellor’ in Doctor Who: The End of Time (BBC); ‘Robert Lloyd’ in Criminal Justice (BBC); ‘DI Simon Rush’ in Silent Witness: Suffer The Children(BBC); ‘Eylot’ in Holding On (BBC) and ‘Terry Moir’ in The Manageress (Channel 4). His also played ‘Jacques’ in the film The Mummy Returns alongside Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and John Hannah.

Debbie Kurup (Queen Tuya) is currently appearing in Blues in the Night (Kiln Theatre). Her numerous leading theatre roles include: ‘Helene’ in Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse); ‘Mrs Neilson’ in Girl from the North Country (West End and The Old Vic); ‘Lucy Brown’ in The Threepenny Opera (National Theatre); ‘Velma Kelly’ in Chicago (West End); ‘Reno Sweeney’ in Anything Goes (Sheffield Theatres and national tour); ‘KT’ in the original West End cast of Sister Act; ‘Mimi’ in Rent (West End); ‘Carmen’ in Fame The Musical (national tour) and as ‘Nicki Marron’ in the original West End cast of The Bodyguard, for which she received Olivier, WhatsOnStage and BroadwayWorld Award nominations.

Gary Wilmot (Jethro), the much-loved actor, singer, comedian, impressionist and presenter, first came to prominence on the ITV show New Faces in 1978. Over the subsequent 40+ years, his prolific career has encompassed hundreds of television appearances, with shows including: Cue Gary!PunchlinesThe Saturday GangYou & MeSo You Want To Be Top?Copy CatsGet Fresh; Never Mind the Buzzcocks; Diamonds Are Forever: The Don Black Songbook and the spectacular Showstoppers, and multiple acclaimed stage roles, including his debut in 1989 as ‘Bill Snibson’ in Me and My Girl in the West End (and subsequently on national tour, TMA ‘Best Actor’ nomination) and his most recent show-stopping performances in Dick Whittington and Snow White at the London Palladium. His many other leading stage roles include: ‘Ali Hakin’ in Oklahoma! (national tour); ‘Caractacus Potts’ in Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang (London Palladium and national tour); ‘Fagin’ in the Cameron Mackintosh production of Oliver! (national tour); ‘Billy Flynn’ in Chicago (national tour); ‘Bottom’ in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and ‘Dick Deadeye’ in HMS Pinafore (both at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and ‘Joe’ in Carmen Jones (The Old Vic). He has appeared on the Royal Variety Show, been the subject of This Is Your Life and received an MBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to Drama and charity. Prior to THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, Gary is making his National Theatre debut in Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear – The Musical and will return to the London Palladium to star in Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Adam Pearce (Hotep) is currently playing ‘Augustin Magaldi’ in Evita (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), directed by Jamie Lloyd. He played ‘Max von Mayerling’ in the acclaimed national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, opposite Ria Jones and Danny Mac. His many West End credits include: Les MisérablesSweeney Todd (directed by Jonathan Kent); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (with Lee Mead); Evita (directed by Michael Grandage) and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies. He made his National Theatre debut in The Light Princess (directed by Marianne Elliott).

Tanisha Spring (Nefertari) recently played ‘Crystal’ in Little Shop of Horrors (Storyhouse), directed by Stephen Mear. Her other credits include: Caroline, or Change (West End); Big Fish (The Other Palace); One Love – The Bob Marley Musical (Birmingham Rep); Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (West End) and the film Rocketman, directed by Dexter Fletcher.

Silas Wyatt-Barke (Aaron) played ‘Sir Andrew Aguecheek’ in Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub’s musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night(Young Vic). His other credits include: As You Like It (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre); Much Ado About Nothing (Rose Theatre Kingston); Alan Bennett’s Forty Years On (Chichester Festival Theatre); The Go-Between (West End); Dr Seuss’ The Lorax (The Old Vic and Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto) and Sunny Afternoon (West End).

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT will star Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Christine Allado (Tzipporah), Alexia Khadime (Miriam), Joe Dixon(Seti), Debbie Kurup (Queen Tuya), Gary Wilmot (Jethro), Adam Pearce (Hotep), Tanisha Spring (Nefertari) and Silas Wyatt-Barke (Aaron). Further casting to be announced.

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT is directed by Scott Schwartz with choreography by Sean Cheesman;set designs by Kevin Depinet; costume designs by Ann Hould-Ward; lighting design by Mike Billings; sound design by Gareth Owen; projection designs by Jon Driscoll; illusion designs by Chris Fisher; orchestrations by August Eriksmoen; musical supervision and arrangements by Dominick Amendum; musical direction by Dave Rose and casting by Jim Arnold CDG.

Performances begin at London’s Dominion Theatre on Wednesday 5 February 2020, with an official West End premiere on Tuesday 25 February 2020, for a limited 32-week engagement. Tickets are now available via www.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Philip LaZebnik and features 10 new songs written by Stephen Schwartz, together with 5 of his acclaimed songs from the DreamWorks Animation film, including Deliver UsAll I Ever WantedThrough Heaven’s Eyesand the Academy Award®-winning When You Believe.

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

A milestone in cinematic achievement, DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt captivated audiences across the world and recently celebrated its 20thAnniversary. Hailed as “an outstanding artistic achievement” (Variety) and “a stunning film” (The Guardian), it remains one of the most beloved and acclaimed animated feature films of all time.

The Academy Award®-winning song When You Believe, recorded by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey in 1998, went on to become a global hit. In 2007, Simon Cowell selected it as the winner’s single for the UK’s popular TV show The X-Factor, spending three weeks at the top of the UK charts.

Developmental productions of THE PRINCE OF EGYPT were presented at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley (winner of the 2019 Regional Theatre Tony Award®) and Fredericia Teater Denmark.

The West End premiere production of THE PRINCE OF EGYPT is produced by DreamWorks Theatricals (a division of Universal Theatrical Group), Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw.

Official websitewww.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @PrinceOfEgyptUK

LISTINGS INFORMATION

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT – A NEW MUSICAL

DOMINION THEATRE

268-269 TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD

LONDON W1T 7AQ

The theatre is adjacent to Tottenham Court Road Underground Station.

BOOKING:

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

www.ThePrinceOfEgyptMusical.com

Telephone bookings: 0345 200 7982 (or +44 161 876 2405 if dialling from outside the UK).

Operated by Quay Tickets, 9am-9pm, 7 days a week. No booking fees online, by telephone or in person.

£2.50 transaction charge for online and telephone bookings.

Groups and Schools (10+): www.ThePrinceofEgyptGroups.com or call 0344 847 2311 

Dominion Theatre Groups Department open 10am-5.30pm Monday-Friday (closed Bank Holidays).

Access:  020 7927 0929 or [email protected]

Ticket prices from: £19.50

Ticket prices include a £1.50 theatre restoration levy.

DATES:

32 WEEKS ONLY from Wednesday 5 February until Saturday 12 September 2020.

REDUCED PRICE PERFORMANCES WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY – FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2020.

London Premiere Tuesday 25 February 2020.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Monday-Saturday 7.30pm*

Matinees Thursday** & Saturday 2.30pm

Running time: TBC

*London Premiere Tuesday 25 February 2020 at 7.00pm

**First Thursday matinee: 20 February 2020 at 2.30pm (Half Term)

Please note that there is no performance on Monday 10 February 2020

The production is recommended for ages 7+. Children under 5 cannot be admitted.

Extra shows added: Tuesday 14 April, Tuesday 11 August and Tuesday 25 August 2020, all at 2.30pm

ACCESS PERFORMANCES

Captioned: Saturday 16 May 2.30pm

Audio Described: Thursday 21 May 7.30pm

British Sign Language: Thursday 4 June 7.30pm

Official websitewww.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @PrinceOfEgyptUK

9 to 5 The Musical Announces Full Cast of Second Production

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR THE SECOND PRODUCTION OF

DOLLY PARTON’S

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

OPENING AT

THE ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM

ON 6 SEPTEMBER 2019

The producers of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL today announced the full cast for the second production when it embarks on an 11-city tour of the UK and Ireland from 6 September 2019. Directed by Jeff Calhoun, with a book byPatricia Resnick who wrote the hit movie and music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.

Direct from the West End smash-hit production, Louise Redknapp and Amber Davies will reprise their roles as ‘Violet Newstead’ and ‘Judy Bernly’ in the second production with Amber playing every venue and Louise visiting six cities. West End star Caroline Sheen will play the role of ‘Violet Newstead’ in Cardiff with Laura Tyrer playing the role the remainder of tour.

Joining them from the original West End production, Sean Needham and Lucinda Lawrence will play ‘Franklin Hart Jnr’ and ‘Roz Keith’. Brian Conley will make a special appearance as ‘Franklin Hart Jnr’ in Milton Keynes.

They will be joined by Georgina Castle as ‘Doralee Rhodes’ the role made famous by Dolly Parton. Please see the website www9to5themusical.co.uk for full dates and information.

Louise Redknapp has recently turned her musical talents to the stage and previously appeared as Sally Bowles’ in the national tour of “Cabaret”. Most recently Louise played the lead role of ‘Violet Newstead’ in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.  Louise’s latest solo album will be out later this year.

Caroline Sheen is renowned for her leading roles in the West End including “Les Misérables” at the Palace and Queen’s theatres, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the London Palladium, and the title role in “Mary Poppins” on tour throughout the US and the UK. Caroline is currently playing the lead role of ‘Violet Newstead’ in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.

Amber Davies is best known for being the winner of the hit ITV reality series “Love Island” in 2017. Amber is currently playing the role of ‘Judy Bernly’ in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.

Brian Conley is currently playing the role of ‘Franklin Hart Jnr’ in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.Brian has many West End credits to his name including ‘Edna Turnblad’ in “Hairspray” at the Shaftesbury Theatre, ‘Caractacus Potts’ in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the London Palladium, and ‘Bill’ in “Me and My Girl” at the Adelphi Theatre. His touring credits include the title role in “Barnum” and ‘Fagin’ in “Oliver!”. Brian’s TV credits include “An Audience with Brian Conley”, “The Grimleys” and “The Brian Conley Show”, all for ITV.

Georgina Castle’s theatre credits include the role of ‘Sophie Sheridan’ in the West End production of “MAMMA MIA!” at the Novello Theatre, and ‘Lisa Hausman’ in the UK Tour of “Dirty Dancing”. Her television credits include BBC One’s “Doctors” and “New Tricks”.

Lucinda Lawrence’s West End credits include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, “White Christmas” at the Dominion Theatre at “Follies in Concert” at the London Palladium. Lucinda’s further credits include “On The Town” at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and the UK Tours of “Hairspray” and “Mary Poppins”. Lucinda is currently starring in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.

Laura Tyrer’s West End theatre credits include the role of ‘Velma Kelly’ in “Chicago” at the Phoenix Theatre, “Spamalot” at the Palace Theatre. Her other credits include the UK Tours of “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “White Christmas” and “Beauty and the Beast”.

Sean Needham’s West End credits include “Kinky Boots” at the Adelphi and “MAMMA MIA!” at the Prince of Wales. He has appeared in the UK Tours of “Our House” and “Godspell”. His television credits include ITV’s “Emmerdale”, “Crossroads” and Channel 4’s “Hollyoaks”. Sean is currently starring in the West End production of “9 to 5 The Musical”.

The cast is completed by Joe Atkinson, Georgia Bradshaw, Sierra BrewertonAshford Campbell, Stephanie Chandos, Edward Chitticks, Conor Crown, Ross Lee Fowkes, Ryan Goscinski, Jemima Loddy, Christopher Jordan Marshall, Jacob Maynard, Matt Overfield, Kirsty Anne Shaw, Ricardo Spriggs, Leah St. Luce, andGrace Walker.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy – three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the women manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Poti Martin, video design by Nina Dunn, original arrangements by Stephen Oremus & Alex Lacamoire, original Broadway orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin, musical supervisor, reductions & extra arrangements by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Anne Vosser.

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL was originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt in April 2009. This production opened in the West End in February 2019, where Dolly Parton attended the premiere and joined the cast on stage at the finale. The musical features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by multi Grammy Award winner, country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Gavin Kalin Productions with Benjamin Lowy Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Showtime Theatre Productions, Hartshorn – Hook Productions, Harmonia Holdings and Kilimanjaro Live.

The West End production of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL continues to run at the Savoy Theatre and is currently booking until April 2020.

TOUR DATES

FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2019

The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/alexandra-theatre-birmingham

*Laura Tyrer will play Violet Newstead*

TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2019

Palace Theatre, Manchester

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/palace-theatre-manchester

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead

TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2019

Milton Keynes Theatre

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/milton-keynes-theatre

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead and Brian Conley will play Franklin Hart*

TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019

Liverpool Empire

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dolly-parton-9-to-5-the-musical/liverpool-empire

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead

TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER 2019

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical-2/kings-theatre

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead

TUESDAY 15 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER 2019

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/new-victoria-theatre

*Laura Tyrer will play Violet Newstead*

TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2019

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/his-majestys-theatre

*Laura Tyrer will play Violet Newstead*

TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2019

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

www.wmc.org.uk

*Caroline Sheen will play Violet Newstead

TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2019

Sunderland Empire

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/sunderland-empire

*Laura Tyrer will play Violet Newstead*

TUESDAY 12 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2019

Edinburgh Playhouse

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/edinburgh-playhouse

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead

TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2019

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

*Louise Redknapp will play Violet Newstead