Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Constella presents Christmas Gala in aid of their
Connecting Stars initiative for care home
residents
Available online from Tuesday 8th December 2020

Loneliness among the elderly is a crisis that is only becoming more urgent as Christmas approaches. Earlier this year, the world’s only dedicated opera-ballet company, Constella, launched Connecting Stars to provide free one-to-one virtual performances to isolated care home residents; their upcoming Christmas Gala hopes to raise money to continue their series and meet growing demand

Their Christmas Gala, filmed in Studio Wayne McGregor, will be presented in two acts with instrumentalists in full costume to propel the gala to new theatrical heights. Act 1 will be framed within the context of Constella’s award-winning and critically acclaimed Sideshows. With introductions from The Ringmaster, their diverse repertoire will include an opera-ballet performance of The Bearded Lady from Sideshows, a highly virtuosic solo accordian performance of Piazzola’s Adios Nonino, music from West Side Story and Habanera from Carmen. Harp and violin duet Olivia Jageurs and Phillipa Mo will perform Heifetz’ Deep River and a beautiful Handel sonata

Act 2 will see the musicians enter a Christmassy wonderland. A much-loved classic will have enriched meaning in the world premiere of He shall feed His flock like a shepherd from Handel’s Messiah, now choreographed by Jaered Glavin in true opera-ballet style. This will be followed by three excerpts from Nutcracker, finishing with the original treble chorus from Waltz of the Snowflakes.

Since the launch of Connecting Stars, over 50 care homes have taken part with nearly 150 performances reaching over 2,000 residents. Loneliness amongst the elderly has long been a shocking crisis in the UK and it’s only exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic this year. By fundraising through this beautiful gala, Constella hope to be able to reach more care homes in future months, as well as provide care homes with this digital gala free of charge for their residents to enjoy this Christmas.

Constella founder, Leo Geyer says, We are proud to have redirected our energies to play our part in the battle against the pandemic. It has been our honour to bring joy and happiness to the elderly combating the pressing issues of loneliness and isolation in care homes. Our virtual performances have become an essential and permanent fixture for many care home residents across the country. We hope that you will enjoy our virtual gala and help us to continue Connecting Stars

Burwood Nursing Home comments, Our residents really appreciated the audience participation, the great variety of songs, and the fabulous sense of fun. One resident described your singing as “a burst of sunshine”. After the call we had a great discussion about the songs and the amazing expressions and emotions you had.

THE THEATRE CHANNEL

RELEASE DATE AND LINE UP ANNOUNCED FOR

EPISODE 4 – THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL EPISODE

DROPPING ON WEDNESDAY 23 DECEMBER

MATT CROKE, SOPHIE-LOUISE DANN, CASSIDY JANSON, RACHEL JOHN, ZIZI STRALLEN, MANON TARIS, TOSH WANOGHO-MAUD,

AND THE GRADUATES OF ARTSED 2020

EPISODES 1 – 4 ON SALE NOW – AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE

Adam Blanshay Productions and The Theatre Café are pleased to announce further details for the fourth episode of The Theatre Channel – The Holiday Special.

Episode 4 will feature a host of festive songs and will be released on Wednesday 23 December and with the following line up of talent and performances: 

Matt Croke (Disney’s Aladdin, Wicked) and Tosh Wanogho-Maud (Dreamgirls, Showboat) singing a duet version of a new arrangement of “Happy Holidays” and “Let’s Start The New Year Right” from Holiday Inn

Olivier Award nominee Sophie-Louise Dann (The Girls, Made in Dagenham) singing “We Need A Little Christmas” from Mame

Olivier Award winner Cassidy Janson (&Juliet, Beautiful) singing “White Christmas” from White Christmas

Oivier Award nominee Rachel John (Hamilton, Memphis) singing “A Brand New Day” from The Wiz

Oivier Award nominee Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins, Follies) singing “Turkey Lurkey Time” from Promises Promises

Manon Taris (The Phantom of the Opera) singing “Ave Maria Païen”from Notre Dame de Paris

The Café Four and Graduates from the ArtsEd class of 2020 singing “Seasons of Love” from Rent

Producer Adam Blanshay said, “As we reach the culmination of arguably the most challenging year of the past several decades, our goal with Episode four is to consider and contemplate upon the hardships we have faced, recognize those whom we have lost, but also instil a joyous celebration of the Holiday season, and the promise of the year ahead with brighter times to come. The Holiday episode will exist as a timeless anthem of reflection and hope that will brighten the spirit, no matter the season or time of year. Furthermore, we are so thrilled to be working with the Graduating students of ArtsEd whose burgeoning careers were abruptly halted by the pandemic, hopefully giving them a platform to blossom as the theatre community begins to reopen the doors to live performances once again.”

Sue Sandle, Director of Development at ArtsEd, said, “The whole performing arts industry has been facing significant hardship these last few months.  Recent graduates of drama school have been hit particularly hard, entering a world that is always full of challenges at a time when opportunities are few and far between.  It is important that the industry does all that it can to support these storytellers and theatremakers of the future.  We are thrilled to be working with Adam Blanshay Productions and The Theatre Cafe to offer our recent grads new opportunities and new experiences with The Theatre Channel.”

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

The first three episodes – starring Tarinn Callender, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Oliver Ormson, Matt Henry MBE, Lucie Jones, Jenna Russell, Jodie Steele, Aimie Atkinson, Linzi Hateley, Bradley Jaden, Ria Jones, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Josh Piterman, Jordan Shaw, Shan Ako, Alex Gaumond, Rob Houchen, Francesca Jackson, Aisha Jawando and John Owen-Jones are available to purchase and download via www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/channel – once purchased, audiences are able to watch episodes unlimited times for up to 7 days.

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

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

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

@AdamBlanshayPro

@thetheatrecafe

#TheTheatreChannel

Playful Productions, Stage Play and Cedella Marley present 

GET UP, STAND UP!

THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL
 

TICKETS FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF GET UP, STAND UP! THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL ARE ON SALE TODAY 

THE PERFECT TONIC, MARLEY’S LEGEND WILL LIGHT UP THE WEST END BRINGING HOPE AND POSITIVITY JUST WHEN WE NEED IT MOST 
 

FIRST PREVIEW WILL BE ON MAY 28TH 2021 AT THE LYRIC THEATRE, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE.  

THE PRODUCTION TAKES INSPIRATION FROM MARLEY’S VISIONARY LYRICS TO TELL HIS EXTRAORDINARY PERSONAL STORY, AND FEATURES AN ELECTRIFYING MIX OF HIS HITS PLAYED LIVE  

THE PRODUCTION HAS UNLIMITED ACCESS TO MARLEY’S PLATINUM-SELLING CATALOGUE OF MUSIC 

GET UP, STAND UP! THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL IS BROUGHT TO THE STAGE BY THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING TEAM OF WRITER LEE HALL AND DIRECTOR CLINT DYER  

THE PRODUCTION WILL STAR ARINZÉ KENE AS BOB MARLEY  

BOOKING IS NOW OPEN AT GetUpStandUpTheMusical.com.  OVER 1000 TICKETS AT £25 OR UNDER EVERY WEEK. 

AS PARTNERS OF GET UP, STAND UP! THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL, THE BLACK TICKET PROJECT WILL DISTRIBUTE 1000 TICKETS FOR PERFORMANCES IN THE FIRST BOOKING PERIOD 

THE PRODUCTION IS COMPLYING WITH SOLT’S SEE IT SAFELY CAMPAIGN TO ENSURE AUDIENCE SAFETY IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE 

Producers Playful Productions, Stage Play and Cedella Marley are delighted to announce that tickets for the brand new musical Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical are finally on sale today. Full booking information can be found at  GetUpStandUpTheMusical.com 

‘It’s not all that glitters is gold, half the story has never been told’ 

Lively up yourself and celebrate the story of Jamaica’s global superstar, as the electrifying new production, Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical, bursts into life from June 2021 at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.

From the hills of rural Jamaica, armed only with his overwhelming talent and righteous beliefs, Bob Marley applied himself with resolute determination to achieve international acclaim for his prophetic musical message – a gospel of love and unity.

With unlimited access to Marley’s platinum-selling catalogue of music, the multi award-winning team of Lee Hall (writer), Clint Dyer (director) and Arinzé Kene (playing Bob Marley) capture the rebellious spirit and story of this universal icon.  A euphoric company of performers fuse with the finest reggae musicians to bring this triumphant tale of passion, political unrest and progress from Trenchtown to the West End.

Lose yourself to the rhythm of ‘Exodus’, ‘No Woman No Cry’, ‘Waiting in Vain’, ‘Three Little Birds’, ‘I Shot the Sheriff’, ‘Could You Be Loved’, ‘Redemption Song’ and many more.

‘One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain’.

The full creative team has also been announced:

Choreographer – Shelley Maxwell

Musical Supervisor – Phil Bateman

Set Designer – Chloe Lamford

Lighting Designer – Charles Balfour

Sound Designer – Tony Gayle

Costume Designer – Lisa Duncan

Video Designer – Tal Yarden

Casting Director – Pippa Ailion CDG

Musical Director – Sean Green

Cedella Marley said: “Our father’s music has for so long been an inspiration to so many people. We are proud that audiences will be able to sit in his company for a little while and, we hope, feel better about themselves, and the world. The wonderful team bringing this story to the stage will create a special evening in honour of our father.”

Clint Dyer, Director,  said: “At long last! We have been waiting too long for this moment. It is a dream come true to be part of this project and I cannot wait to get into the rehearsal room to start work with Arinzé and the whole team to bring Bob’s music and story to life. What better way to soothe our souls after this troublesome year than with the music and spirit of one of the world’s great prophets.”

Arinzé Kene said: “It is Time. For. Bob. I am honoured and blessed to be taking on this role. Nothing feels more right, more hopeful than to be stepping into his shoes. I plan to immerse myself in his healing vibes and I hope very much we will be able to do justice to the great man.”

Twitter and Instagram: @TheComebackPlay Facebook: @TheComebackComedy #TheComeback www.TheComebackComedy.co.uk

Sonia Friedman Productions

Tulchin Bartner Productions

in association with

Playing Field, Eilene Davidson Productions, Rupert Gavin/Mallory Factor, David Mirvish

present

THE COMEBACK

A new comedy by Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen

• NEW REHEARSAL IMAGES RELEASED TODAY.

• PERFORMANCES BEGIN ONE WEEK TODAY – DECEMBER 8TH – AT THE NOEL COWARD THEATRE.

• HILARIOUS AND HEARTWARMING, THE COMEBACK DEPICTS THE BACKSTAGE TUSSLE OF TWO RIVAL COMEDY DUOS IN A DIZZYING CONTEMPORARY FARCE

• THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FAVOURITES BEHIND HIT RADIO 4 AND AUDIBLE SHOWS HAVE WON A HUGE TWITTER FOLLOWING DURING LOCKDOWN WITH A SERIES OF VIRAL ZOOM PARODIES

• A SURPRISE GUEST STAR WILL JOIN THE SHOW NIGHTLY

• THE PRODUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE UNDER SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES AT THE NOEL COWARD THEATRE FROM DECEMBER 8TH – JANUARY 3rd. WWW.THECOMEBACKCOMEDY.CO.UK

• OVER 1,000 TICKETS A WEEK AVAILABLE AT £25 OR UNDER

The Comeback, a brilliantly original and hilarious new comedy, is set to delight all generations at the Noel Coward Theatre this December. This debut play from The Pin’s award-winning Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen – ‘destined to become one of the great comedy duos’ (Radio Times) – tells the story of two double acts fighting to wrest control of the most chaotic, farcical and high-stakes gig of their respective careers. Directed by Emily Burns, The Comeback will have audiences doubled over laughing and wiping a tear away at the end with its heart-warming exploration of bittersweet nostalgia and the enduring power of friendship. This show is a much needed dose of feel-good, dizzying escapism with real emotional heart, and a celebrity guest each night to boot.

Up-and-coming comics Alex and Ben have been booked in the warm-up spot for a beloved but fading double act’s comeback tour. Neither duo are delighted to be playing to a sparse crowd in a sleepy, seaside town, but when it’s revealed that a Hollywood director is in the audience, both acts glimpse a final chance for their big break. Cue sabotage, mistaken identity and full on farcical mayhem, as the performance descends into a desperate battle for the limelight. With the action alternating between offstage and on, and the tone between Noises Off and Morecambe and Wise’s old-school charm, this is a warm-hearted, joyful, and dazzlingly funny new comedy.

Each night Ashenden and Owen will be joined on stage by a surprise celebrity guest star playing a cameo role in the production.

Previous praise for The Pin:

“Destined to become one of the great comedy duos” – Radio Times

“Exquisitely silly and very funny…makes you feel as though you might be hearing the next Mitchell and Webb” – The Times

“One of the most dazzling comedy shows in Edinburgh” ★★★★ Guardian

“I had a knot in my stomach from laughing so much” ★★★★ Times

“A very classy, very funny show indeed” ★★★★ Telegraph

“Will simply make you laugh your socks off” ★★★★ Evening Standard

“This absurdist deconstruction of the sketch show is masterful” ★★★★ Sunday Times

“A bulletproof nugget of comic theatre” Guardian

The production, which is the first produced by SFP since lockdown, will play at the Noel Coward Theatre. Audiences and company will observe social distancing guidelines and strict COVID-secure protocols. All practices will be following the most up-to-date government guidance and SOLT’s ‘See It Safely’ campaign.

Tickets for the production which will run at the Noel Coward Theatre from December 8th – January 3rd are available from www.thecomebackcomedy.co.uk.

Pay It Forward: Northern Stage supporters gift festive show to schools, hospitals and care homes across the North East this Christmas 

This December, Northern Stage and Kitchen Zoo are making a brand new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic folktale, The Emperor’s New Clothes for audiences to experience at home from 12-31 December. And thanks the generosity of Northern Stage’s supporters, more than 22,000 North East school children will enjoy the show for free. 

A generous donation from the Hoults Family Grassroots Fund at the Community Foundation means that thousands of North East school children, as well as hospitals and care homes across the region, will be able to enjoy a festive treat this December, despite not being able to visit the theatre. 

Karen Turland from Lobley Hill Primary School in Gateshead said, “It is an absolutely fantastic thing for Northern Stage to do this year when the children and schools have had such a hard year. We really appreciate it. It’s just such a kind and lovely gesture.” 

Peta Hoult and her son Charlie, who is MD of Hoults Yard Hub in Newcastle, visited the theatre to see rehearsals for The Emperor’s New Clothes and hear how their generous donation will benefit pupils at the region’s schools, with children able to watch the play in their classroom bubbles before the end of term. 

During the visit, Peta Hoult chatted with new Northern Stage Artistic director Natalie Ibu about her lifelong love of theatre and of the joy it can bring in challenging times, recalling the time she performed on the main stage at Northern Stage (then called the Newcastle Playhouse) while studying Creative Arts at Northumbria University. 

Peta Hoult said, “As a family, we’ve seen the power of theatre to inspire and change lives. My aunt ran a theatre in Bristol throughout WW2 and long received letters from members in the audience who had enjoyed the escape it gave to daily challenges. The Little Theatre also gave a vital springboard to actors who went on to entertain the nation. Covid has taken a terrible toll on mental health, so we wish to see Northern Stage continue its role as a civic hub to reflect society’s journey through drama.” 

Natalie Ibu said, “We are all very thankful for the Hoult Family support of Northern Stage. Christmas promises to be a rather different celebration for all of us this year but thanks to the generosity of Peta and her family, we are able to share some festive theatrical magic with children across the region this December.” 

Su Legg, Senior Philanthropy Advisor, Community Foundation for Tyne and Wear said, “It is fantastic that the grant from the Hoult Family Grassroots Fund at the Community Foundation has enabled Northern Stage to create this inspired project that will help keep the spirit of Christmas alive for many children who might otherwise miss out on many of their usual Christmas activities.” 

To share the gift of theatre, donations of any amount can be made to the Northern Stage Pay it Forward appeal, an initiative to provide creative, fun experiences for local children and young people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to take part in the arts www.northernstage.co.uk/donate

The Emperor’s New Clothes will be streamed online from Saturday 12 – Thursday 31 December. Tickets are £15 per household. Book online at www.northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151. 

twitter.com/northernstage

facebook.com/northernstage

Tickets and Information: 0191 230 5151
Book online: northernstage.co.uk

National Theatre launches NATIONAL THEATRE AT HOME,  a new streaming service giving worldwide digital access to their much-loved filmed productions 

– Titles available to watch from today include Coriolanus, Dara, I Want My Hat Back, Medea, Mosquitoes, The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, Phèdre and Yerma.  

– With casts including Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Adrian Lester, Helen McCrory, Michaela Coel, Helen Mirren, Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, Zubin Varla, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Alfred Enoch and Lucian Msamati. 

– The platform is now available to watch online and on smart TV, tablet and mobile apps.  

– Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, National Theatre at Home will bring world-leading performances to a global audience. 

National Theatre at Home is available now at ntathome.com

The National Theatre, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, has today launched National Theatre at Home, a brand-new streaming platform making their much-loved productions available online to watch anytime, anywhere worldwide. Launching today with productions including the first ever National Theatre Live, Phèdre with Helen Mirren, Othello with Adrian Lester and the Young Vic’s Yerma with Billie Piper, new titles from the NT’s unrivalled catalogue of filmed theatre will be added to the platform every month. In addition to productions previously broadcast to cinemas by National Theatre Live, a selection of plays filmed for the NT’s Archive will be released online for the first time through National Theatre at Home, including Lucy Kirkwood’s Mosquitoes with Olivia Colman and Inua Ellams’ new version of Chekhov’s Three Sisters (a co-production with Fuel).  

Viewers can choose a monthly or annual subscription to access the full catalogue and exclusive backstage content, or can opt to rent single plays for a 72-hour window. National Theatre at Home is available for streaming online through any web browser and in Apple (iOS / tvOS), Google (Android / Android TV), Roku TV and Amazon Fire TV.  

National Theatre at Home’s digital streaming offer was first made available during the UK’s first COVID lockdown when theatres and cinemas were closed. For 16 weeks from the beginning of April until the end of July, productions were made available for free on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel every Thursday at 7pm UK time, which were then available on demand for the following seven days. This resulted in over 15 million views for 16 productions over four months and reached 173 countries around the world.   

Following this overwhelming response, the NT today launches a new, lasting and extensive iteration of National Theatre at Home, with the ambition of bringing world-class performances to a global audience. The platform will also provide welcome support for artists and theatres during this unpredictable time.   

Lisa Burger, Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said: “We were overjoyed to have had 15 million views for National Theatre at Home earlier this year and to discover we had reached so many audiences new to theatre both in the UK and worldwide. At a time when many people were isolated at home, it was uplifting to see audiences recreate the shared experience of visiting the theatre.  From homemade tickets to interval drinks, NT at Home was a way of making people feel more connected. And so, since the last stream finished in July, we have been determined to find a way to give our audiences access to these stunning filmed productions online once again. With the agreement from artists, we are now able to showcase an extraordinary range of fantastic NT Live productions and, for the first time, some treasured plays from our NT Archive. This is a really exciting day for the National Theatre as we launch a major, online streaming destination for our filmed theatre productions which we hope will continue to provide audiences with the power and joy of theatre for as long as it is needed. We want National Theatre at Home to once again bring people together from all over the world after what has been a very tough 2020 for so many.”  

Jemma Read, Global Head of Corporate Philanthropy at Bloomberg LP said: “At Bloomberg Philanthropies, we believe in the transformative power of art and performance to inspire societal change and economic growth. The pandemic continues to impact creative communities and those with fewer resources disproportionately; as we adjust to a new normal, National Theatre at Home will generate artistic opportunity and will offer a safe way for an audience of unprecedented size and diversity to enjoy world-leading performances.”  

For unlimited access to the catalogue on National Theatre at Home, a subscription will be £9.98 per month or £99.98 per year. For access to a single play in a 72 hour window, it will be £5.99 for an NT Archive title and National Theatre Live titles are available from £7.99. 

The National Theatre will collaborate with Bloomberg Philanthropies to deliver a programme of free subscriptions and discounts to viewers in the UK and globally, reflecting our shared commitment of ensuring National Theatre at Home is available to all.  

National Theatre at Home is available now at ntathome.com.   

#NationalTheatreatHome   

National Theatre Live titles launching today:   

Amadeus  

The 2016 National Theatre production of Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus which first appeared on the National Theatre stage in 1979 and was later turned into an Oscar-winning film. This iconic drama follows rowdy young musical prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played by Adam Gillen (Fresh Meat, Benidorm). Awestruck by Mozart’s genius, Court Composer Antonio Salieri, played by Lucian Msamati (His Dark Materials, Master Harold and The Boys), has the power to promote his talent or destroy it. Seized by obsessive jealousy he begins a war with Mozart, with music and, ultimately, with God. Michael Longhurst’s acclaimed production features live orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia.   

Coriolanus   

The Donmar Warehouse production of Coriolanus staged by former Artistic Director Josie Rourke (Mary Queen of Scots). When an old adversary threatens Rome, the city calls once more on her hero and defender: Coriolanus. But he has enemies at home too. In one of the Donmar’s most popular ever productions, Tom Hiddleston (Avengers, The Night Manager) plays the title role in Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge. Cast also includes Alfred Enoch (Trust Me, Harry Potter), Deborah Findlay (Romeo & Juliet, The Split) and Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Dracula).  

Medea  

This exhilarating, modern adaptation ofMedea was originally staged in the National Theatre’s Olivier in 2014. Helen McCrory (Peaky Blinders, The Deep Blue Sea) plays the title role in Euripides’ powerful tragedy of heartbreak and revenge, as a woman stricken with grief plans appalling revenge on her ex-husband and to destroy everything she holds dear. The cast also includes Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You, Chewing Gum), Danny Sapani (Star Wars, Black Panther) and Dominic Rowan (Press, The Crown) in a version by Ben Power, directed by Carrie Cracknell with music written by Will Gregory and Alison Goldfrapp.    

Othello  

Nicholas Hytner’s (The History Boys, One Man, Two Guvnors) critically acclaimed 2013 Olivier theatre production of Othello, Shakespeare’s timeless tale of envy and brutal revenge. Adrian Lester plays Othello and Rory Kinnear is the duplicitous Iago, in the roles that jointly won them Best Actor at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards. Furious about being overlooked for promotion, Iago plots to take revenge against his General, Othello.    

Phèdre  

The very first National Theatre Live broadcast from the National Theatre’s Lyttelton theatre in 2009. Helen Mirren plays the title role in award-winning director Nicholas Hytner’s production of the classic Greek tragedy by Jean Racine, in a new version by Ted Hughes. Consumed by an uncontrollable passion for her young stepson, played by Dominic Cooper (The History Boys, Mamma Mia), and believing her absent husband is dead, Phèdre confesses her darkest desires and enters the world of nightmare. The cast includes Ruth Negga (Ad Astra, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D). 

The Cherry Orchard 

Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Harry Potter) plays Ranyevskaya in Andrew Upton’s version of Chekhov’s classic play, set in Russia in 1904, which captures a poignant moment in Russia’s history. Ranyevskaya and her brother snub the lucrative scheme of a local entrepreneur to save their family estate and in doing so, they jeopardise the fate of their beloved cherry orchard. Directed by Howard Davies, the cast also includes Conleth Hill (The Antipodes, Game of Thrones), Charity Wakefield (The Great, Wolf Hall) and Mark Bonnar (Catastrophe, Line of Duty).   

Yerma  

The Young Vic’s Olivier Award winning 2017 production Yerma with Billie Piper (I Hate Suzie, Collateral) in the title role that made her the only female actor to have won all six of the currently available UK Theatre Best Actress awards for a single performance. After two sold-out runs at the Young Vic, it transferred to New York in 2018. A young woman is driven to the unthinkable by her desperate desire to have a child in director Simon Stone’s radical production of Lorca’s achingly powerful masterpiece. Set in contemporary London, this portrayal of a woman in her thirties desperate to conceive builds with elemental force to a staggering, shocking, climax. A production from the Young Vic, filmed by National Theatre Live. Yerma is currently not available in the USA.   

National Theatre Archive titles launching today:  

Dara  

This 2015 celebrated production of Shahid Nadeem’s epic tale of the dispute that shaped modern-day India and Pakistan is directed by Nadia Fall (Three Sisters). Set in 1659 Mughal, India, the play follows a ferocious war of succession raging between the heirs to the Muslim empire and two brothers with very different visions of its future. Adapted by Tanya Ronder (Table, Vernon God Little), the play was originally performed by Ajoka Theatre, Pakistan. The cast includes Zubin Varla (Our Girl, Little Dorrit) in the title role and Prasanna Puwanarajah (Doctor Foster).   

I Want My Hat Back 

The Olivier Award nominated 2015 musical adaptation of Jon Klassen’s best-selling children’s picture book classic, I Want My Hat Back, features music by Arthur Darvill (The Antipodes, Doctor Who) with book and lyrics by Joel Horwood (The Ocean at the End of the Lane). Bear’s hat is gone. He loves his hat. He wants it back. He asks all the animals in the forest, but no one has seen it. WAIT! He has seen it somewhere… This production is suitable for children aged three years and older.  

Mosquitoes  

Olivia Colman (The Crown, The Favourite) and Olivia Williams (An Education, Tartuffe) play sisters in this critically acclaimed 2017 play by Lucy Kirkwood (The Welkin, Chimerica), directed by National Theatre Director Rufus Norris. In 2008, as the Large Hadron Collider searches for the Higgs boson, tragedy throws two sisters together. The collision threatens them all with chaos.   

Three Sisters  

Chekhov’s iconic characters are relocated to Nigeria on the brink of the Biafran Civil War in this adaptation by Inua Ellams (Barber Shop Chronicles). Set in Nigeria in 1967, three sisters are grieving the loss of their father and long to return to their former home in Lagos as conflict encroaches on their provincial village. Directed by Nadia Fall, the three sisters are played by Sarah Niles (I May Destroy You), Racheal Ofori (In The Long Run) and Natalie Simpson (Outlander). The production opened at the Lyttelton theatre in December 2019 and ran until 19 February 2020. Originally commissioned by Metta Theatre. A production from the National Theatre and Fuel.   

Rosenblatt Recitals at Home

in aid of Target Ovarian Cancer

Twenty years after the launch of Rosenblatt Recitals and three years after the final concert, the series has returned in digital form to present a season of eight themed programmes – Rosenblatt Recitals at Home, in aid of Target Ovarian Cancer.

Life for singers and musicians has been extremely challenging as most of the world’s opera houses have been silenced and stages left empty.  To help raise the spirits, Rosenblatt Recitals has brought together 30 of the greatest voices in opera performing arias and duets under eight themed programmes.  The singers, all former Rosenblatt Recitalists, perform the music that they love, from the intimate setting of their homes, many during the harshest of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Rosenblatt Recitals at Home is presented by Suzy Klein and Petroc Trelawny.  The concept is simple – a series of eight themed programmes, each around 30 to 45 minutes long.  Individual programmes or the whole season are available as video (On Theatre) or audio only (Exit Live).  Proceeds will be donated directly to Target Ovarian Cancer.  The eight programmes are (full details are set out in the Notes to Editors):

Programme 1:  Verdi

Programme 2:  Belcanto

Programme 3:  From Purcell to Lerner and Loewe – Singing in English

Programme 4:  Salon Music

Programme 5:  Verismo

Programme 6:  From Handel to Wagner – A Journey Through the Ages of Opera

Programme 7:  The World in Music

Programme 8:  Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know – The Men of Opera

The singers are:  Celso Albelo, Richard Berkeley Steele, Angel Blue, Susan Bullock, Eleonora Buratto, Joseph Calleja, Charles Castronovo, Stephen Costello, Tara Erraught, Rosa Feola, Serena Gamberoni, Bryan Hymel, Ben Johnson, Irini Kyriakidou, Ivan Magri, Matthew Rose, Serena Malfi, Ailyn Perez, Michele Pertusi, Simone Piazzola, Saimir Pirgu, Antonio Poli, Jessica Pratt, Artur Rucinski, Luca Salsi, Ekaterina Siurina, Antonino Siragusa, Vladimr Stoyanov, Gianluca Terranova, and Ailish Tynan.  Full details are set out in the Notes to Editors.

Commenting, Ian Rosenblatt OBE, founder of Rosenblatt Recitals, said:

“Rosenblatt Recitals at Home aims to bring some much-needed sunshine from artists’ homes to those of music lovers around the world. The majority of singers had to film and record themselves and all were socially distanced; at the outset, we didn’t really know what to expect. The result is beyond anything I could have wished for

and a wonderful celebration of the voice on the 20th anniversary of Rosenblatt Recitals. I do hope that the eight programmes will raise everyone’s spirits as well as provide much needed funds for this amazing charity, Target Ovarian Cancer.”

Annwen Jones OBE, Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, commented:

“Singers shouldn’t be silent and nor must we about this devastating disease. This special edition of Rosenblatt Recitals is a world-class initiative, and we are thrilled that the proceeds will benefit women with ovarian cancer, now and in the future. One in 50 women will receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis – we desperately need funds to ensure that everyone knows the symptoms, receives an early diagnosis and the very best support and treatment, and that we fund research to help save lives. The pandemic has hit hard, and the work of Target Ovarian Cancer has never been more needed.”

Full details and links to buy/donate are available at:  www.rrsah.com
Video streaming at £5 per programme or £30 for the 8 programme season

Audio only streaming at £3.99 per programme or £24.99 for the 8 programme season

Proceeds to Target Ovarian Cancer:  www.targetovariancancer.org.uk

Clare Grogan and Colin McCredie to star in the premiere of Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s The Magic of Christmas   

Pitlochry Festival Theatre in partnership with the Macrobert Arts Centre have today announced the casting for their forthcoming filmed Christmas production of The Magic of Christmas.

 The production’s exciting cast will feature singer and actress Clare Grogan (Gregory’s Girl, Barefoot in the Park, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Royal Lyceum Edinburgh and lead singer of iconic Scottish band, Altered Images) as Mrs Claus, Colin McCredie (DC Stuart Fraser in Taggart and Nick Morrison in River City) as Santa, Barbara Hockaday (North and South and Summer Holiday, Pitlochry Festival Theatre) as Lari and Ali Watt (A Christmas Carol and The Monarch of the Glen, Pitlochry Festival Theatre) as Hari.

As the journey begins, our favourite Christmas elves Lari and Hari have a big problem! The cheeky duo were playing football with Prancer, Dancer and Vixen and have lost the North Star! With no North Star, how will Santa find his way to all the houses to deliver the presents this Christmas?

The Magic of Christmas will take audiences on a quest for the vital guiding North Star, which has been kicked out of its place in the heavens by Santa’s over-enthusiastic reindeer team.

Suitable for everyone, from babes-in-arms to the forever young-at-heart, the collaborative event will be brimming with story, music, and plenty of surprises.

To comply with the latest restrictions, The Magic of Christmas is being filmed as a live performance for all the family to enjoy in the warmth and safety of their homes during the Christmas season.

The Magic of Christmas is written and filmed by award-winning filmmaker Russell Beard and Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman. The film will feature music composed and arranged by Barbara Hockaday, lighting designed by Jeanine Byrne andsound designed by Ben Occhipinti.
 

The filmed production of The Magic of Christmas will be available from 9– 23 December and will be screened in the Cinema at the Macrobert Arts Centre from 11-21 December.

Due to the high demand for tickets for The Magic of Christmas, Pitlochry Festival Theatre is currently working on increasing availability. Further details will be announced on the theatre’s website on Thursday 3^rd December.

For information on The Magic of Christmas visit www.pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

Produced by TheatreMAD for the Make a Difference Trust

Featuring Tom Allen, Samantha Bond, Kerry Ellis, Clive Rowe, Oliver Tompsett

Marisha Wallace and Robin Winsor & Anya Garnis with a host of West End Stars:

“A West End Christmas”

Will Premiere Online at 7.30pm on Thursday 10 December

Put on your sparkles, your reindeer Christmas jumper, switch on the Christmas tree lights and settle down for an evening of festive fun and music.  The Make a Difference Trust today announces “A West End Christmas”, the most Christmassy Christmas show ever and the perfect antidote to these extraordinary and difficult times.

With a cast of 80 and a 17-piece orchestra, including stars from “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Only Fools and Horses”, “Wicked”, “Come From Away” as well as the West End Kids, “A West End Christmas” will also feature special guest performances from Tom Allen, Samantha Bond, Kerry Ellis, Clive Rowe, Oliver Tompsett, Marisha Wallace and Robin Winsor & Anya Garnis.

“A West End Christmas” will premiere online at 7.30pm on Thursday 10 December on www.stream.theatre  The show will also be streamed on Friday 11th December at 7.30pm, Saturday 12 December at 2.30 and 7.30pm and Sunday 13th December 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

With the prospect of a very different family Christmas this year, the Make A Difference Trust have decided that their festive show must go on! For the last 17 years, A West End Christmas has been the highlight of the Christmas calendar for the theatre community and its loyal audiences. The one-night-only sold out show has heralded the start of Christmas in a way only the West End can.

And this year the show will indeed go on, with stars and companies of the West End joining together once more for a very special recorded show.  St Paul’s Church in London’s Covent Garden will again be transformed into a world of magic and joy, the Christmas of all our dreams.

With all of their fundraising shows cancelled this year, this is an important chance for the Make a Difference Trust to be able to share something truly unique and spectacular with as many people as possible whilst raising funds and awareness.  Everyone, whether on stage or backstage, has given their time for free.

The majority of the performers have been out of work since theatres closed in March and they have no idea when they will work again.  But still they come together, supporting the Make A Difference Trust’s philosophy of community making a difference.  Working together, the theatre community use their skills and talents to help both their own colleagues and others.

Normally, a West End Christmas would raise funds for those living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.  This year, the charity has revived and repurposed their hardship fund into the Covid-19 Emergency Fund, to help the theatre community directly, by providing Emergency Hardship Grants for those on stage and off who are  struggling financially due to theatre closures and the monies raised will go to the Emergency fund as well as to fund HIV work.  

www.madtrust.org.uk

Sage Gateshead launches The Magic Of Music

Part of A Future for Live Music in the North East

Sage Gateshead celebrates The Magic of Music showcasing Musicians from the North East this winter and sharing in what makes music life-changing.

2020 has been a hard year for musicians all around the world, unable to perform and for the majority who are freelance unable to earn or access financial support. Musicians have always been at the heart of Sage Gateshead, the North East’s world-class music centre, and so this winter they are showcasing the many musicians from all genres of music, young and old, beginners and professionals that live or frequently perform in the North East and making them visible to many again.

Working with Newcastle company Sail Creative, Sage Gateshead is creating a wintery North East landscape which will glow with musicians sharing their passion for music, their favourite musical memories, their hopes for 2021 and their favourite Christmas song or carol. You can explore the scene at www.sagegateshead.com from 1 December with musicians being added throughout December. Sage Gateshead will also celebrate these musicians on its popular social channels.

So far musicians signed up to take part range from participants from In Harmony Newcastle Gateshead, our intensive long-term music programme with 600 primary pupils, in West Newcastle through orchestral music making, professional musicians from Royal Northern Sinfonia, local bands including The Futureheads and Lanterns by the Lake to the DJ Man Power, Jayne Dent, Joe McElderry and Kathryn Tickell.

Abigail Pogson, Managing Director of Sage Gateshead said: “Throughout 2020 so many people have told us how important music is to them and how much it has helped them deal with the year’s challenges. At the same time, so many musicians have been unable to work. We want to celebrate what music and musicians have done for us this year and through The Magic of Music we want to bring them to the front of people’s minds. And in proper Sage Gateshead spirit, we want to mark all kinds of music and all kinds of music making – from the international names we all know through to young people just starting out. The Magic of Music is part of our longer-term conversation with our audiences, A Future for Live Music in the North East, about what kind of future we should make together after the pandemic. We have been really struck by the hundreds of messages from our audiences in response to questions we have asked about music in their lives and how they would like to see music performed, listened to and created in the North East in the future.”

A Future for Live Music in The North East is a campaign created by Sage Gateshead in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign instigates a conversation with its audiences about how to shape the long-term future of music and the future of Sage Gateshead.

Audience responses to campaign questions include:

Future for Live Music in the North East is…

“…. Essential as it provides solace in times of grief, joy in times of celebration. It brings people together to relive memories and produce new ones – it feeds the soul.”

How has the absence of music affected you, and how you have filled the gap it left behind?

“It’s been one of the most upsetting aspects of the pandemic for me – it’s music that lifts my mood whenever I feel down – nothing can replace being in a hall for a live performance whether to hear familiar pieces or something new. I had so many events booked and each time I find them listed in my diary it’s a real blow.

There has to be live music again at Sage Gateshead as well as in all the other halls around the country.”
 

Read more here –

https://sagegateshead.com/looking-to-the-future/