Mowgli Review

Brunel Tunnel, Rotherhithe, London  – until Saturday 11th August 2018.

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

2**

In 1843 you could pay a penny to descend a 50 foot shaft into the first tunnel under the Thames. Scraped out by miners dodging methane flames and sewage, it was the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, designed by Marc Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel – who nearly drowned when the Thames broke through and roared up the shaft.

Now the tunnel shaft is a deep, dry, bare concrete performance space, where shows are eerily accompanied by the rumble of subterranean trains. You might think there would be lots of potential here to evoke the deep, dark Indian jungle, for an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. But you would be disappointed: the potential is lost in this uninventive production, directed by Jessica Jane, and oddly lacking in theatrical magic. On the good side, the cast are very enthusiastic and throw themselves into their roles. Joe Newton is sleek and authoritative as Bagheera, Maximilian L’Olive is convincingly crazed as Tabaqui the jackal, and Joanna Harker achieves a fine roaring tone as Shere Khan, a role she stepped into at the last minute. There are some moments: singing, chanting and other music are atmospheric in this resonant space. But there is an awful lot of naturalistic talking that is hard to hear and hard to follow. The script (Joe Newton) is sometimes very faithful to Kipling’s book (where interactions between jungle animals are rather formal and serious), and sometimes wildly different and sentimental – more like the Walt Disney version but without the colour, coherence or fun. It gets clunkier towards the end, when Tabaqui’s life is saved – what?? That sound you hear isn’t a train, it is Kipling spinning in his grave.

The Brunel’s had many false starts, and perhaps deep in this play there is the making of something good. But the miners need to get back to work with their little spades, and do a lot, lot more digging.

FIRST LOOK – Alexandra Burke as Roxie Hart in CHICAGO

The first look images of Alexandra Burke as Roxie Hart in CHICAGO, she joins the cast on Monday 13 August, playing through to 14 October

Alexandra Burke will join Martin Kemp as Billy Flynn, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton, Josefina Gabrielle as Velma Kelly and Paul Rider as Amos Hart.  Martin Kemp will be staying in the London production of CHICAGO until 1 September 2018. CHICAGO is booking at the Phoenix Theatre until 5 January 2019.

CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The Broadway revival of CHICAGO was choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.

CHICAGO originally ran in London for 15 years, making it the West End’s longest running revival. CHICAGO has won six Tony Awards, two Olivier awards  and a Grammy. CHICAGO continues to run on Broadway, where it recently celebrated its 21st birthday, and around the world in multiple langues. It is the world’s longest running American musical.

 

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Phoenix Theatre

110 Charing Cross Road

London WC2H 0JP

Box Office: 0844 871 7629 / www.atgtickets.com/shows/chicago/phoenix-theatre

Ticket Prices: From £20.00

Performances: Monday-Saturday 7.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm

Booking Period: Booking Until 5 January 2019

Running Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes (with interval)

Website: ChicagoWestEnd.com

Twitter: @ChicagoOnStage

COMPANY – First Day of Rehearsal Photos

REHEARSALS BEGIN FOR 

Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical

COMPANY

Directed by Marianne Elliott

PHOTOGRAPHS OF FIRST DAY OF REHEARSALS RELEASED TODAY

Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Previews from 26 September 2018

Opening Night 17 October 2018

 

Rehearsals for Marianne Elliott’s highly anticipated new production of George Furth and Stephen Sondheim’s COMPANY which opens at the Gielgud Theatre from 26 September 2018 began today (Monday 6 August 2018). Cast members including Rosalie Craig (Bobbie), Patti LuPone (Joanne), Mel Giedroyc (Sarah), Jonathan Bailey (Jamie) and Richard Fleeshman (Andy) listened to Marianne’s plans for the show and had a first look at Bunny Christie’s designs.

The complete cast for COMPANY is:  Rosalie Craig as Bobbie, Patti LuPone as Joanne, Mel Giedroyc as Sarah, Jonathan Bailey as Jamie, George Blagden as PJ, Ashley Campbell as Peter, Richard Fleeshman as Andy, Alex Gaumond as Paul, Richard Henders as David, Ben Lewis as Larry, Daisy Maywood as Susan, Jennifer Saayeng as Jenny, Matthew Seadon-Young as Theo and Gavin Spokes as Harry.  Joining them are:  Michael Colbourne, Francesca Ellis, Ewan Gillies, Grant Neal and Jaimie Pruden.

At Bobbie’s 35thbirthday party all her friends are wondering why she isn’t married; why she can’t find the right man and why she hasn’t settled down to have a family. The multi-award winning musical comedy about life, love and marriage includes Stephen Sondheim’s iconic songs, The Ladies who Lunch, Being Alive, Side by Side and You Could Drive a Person Crazy.

Marianne Elliott, Artistic Director of Elliott & Harper Productions, a company she founded in 2016 with producer Chris Harper, was awarded an OBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List for her services to theatre. Elliott is the first woman in Broadway history to win two Tony Awards for Best Director and her recent Broadway transfer of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America received the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.  Angels in America at the National Theatre also received the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play. Marianne’s ground-breaking production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time received 7 Olivier Awards in London, including Best New Play and Best Director and 5 Tony Awards for its run on Broadway, including Best Play and Best Director and continues to tour internationally. Her production of Saint Joan earned her the Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play and Pillars of the Community earned her the Evening Standard Award for Best Director.  War Horse, which she co-directed, and has been seen by over 7 million people world-wide, and is on its second UK tour.

Joining director Marianne Elliott on the creative team for Company are:  choreographer Liam Steel, designer, musical supervisor and conductor Joel FramBunny Christie, lighting designer Neil Austin, sound designer Ian Dickinson (for Autograph Sound), illusions designer Chris Fisher, orchestrator David Cullen, dance arranger Sam Davis and casting directors Alastair Coomer CDG and Charlotte Sutton CDG.

 

The producers for Company at the Gielgud Theatre are: Elliott & Harper Productions,Catherine Schreiber, Grove Entertainment, Jujamcyn Theaters, LD Entertainment, David Mirvish, Aged in Wood Productions/Ricardo Hornos, Bob Boyett/Tom Miller, Bruno Wang Productions/Salman Al-Rashid, Across the Pond Theatricals/Trio Theatricals and Greek Street Productions/Christopher Ketner.

Official Statement regarding Barry Chuckle

Cinderella at Hull New Theatre – The Chuckle Brothers

Everyone at Hull New Theatre was saddened this weekend to learn of the passing of Barry ‘Chuckle’ Elliot who, along with his Brother Paul, made-up the legendary comedy double-act The Chuckle Brothers

The Chuckle Brothers have been an important part of the New Theatre’s heritage, having performed at the venue many times since 1995, including as stars of the Theatre’s fabulous 2012 pantomime Sleeping Beauty and more recently in their own children’s touring productions.

We know how much Hull and our wider audiences were looking forward to seeing Barry and Paul in Cinderella this Christmas.

Hull New Theatre’s manager, Janice Wincott said:

“The thoughts of us all at Hull New Theatre are with Barry’s family and friends at this time.

Audiences can be reassured that Cinderella will proceed as scheduled and in honour of Barry we will be working closely with our pantomime producer Qdos Entertainment to focus on making this year’s show a spectacle of family-friendly comedy featuring the very best of panto tradition.

We are also currently working closely with Qdos Entertainment to announce a revised star line-up for Cinderella and will share casting news as soon as possible.”

Nick Thomas, chairman of Qdos Entertainment said:

“Barry’s passing is a tragic loss to the pantomime art-form and the world of entertainment. The warmth and versatility of The Chuckle Brothers’ comedy has kept them relevant to generations of TV viewers and theatregoers.

We know how important pantomime is to so many people in Hull and we’re working closely with the theatre to make sure this year’s New Theatre show lives up to the long tradition of brilliant festive productions at the venue. We will share further casting news over coming weeks.”

Cinderella opens at Hull New Theatre on Thursday 6 December.

Official statement from The Chuckle Brothers management

“We are devastated to confirm that Barry Chuckle the veteran television and theatre entertainer has died at the age of 73.”

A statement from his manager Phil Dale said:

“It is with great sadness that the family announce that Barry passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Ann and all his family.

Barry with Paul had recently filmed a new series titled ChuckleTime for Ch5 and he said it was just like the wonderful days of filming ChuckleVision for BBC1.

Barry hadn’t been well towards the end of the filming and summer work was cancelled whilst he rested at his doctor’s request. Unfortunately, not long after this, his health deteriorated.

The family would like to express their thanks to the many people who have been fans of The Chuckle Brothers and they know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel.

Paul added ‘I’ve not just lost my brother; I’ve lost my theatrical partner of many, many years and my very best friend.’

There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be much appreciated if the privacy of Barry’s family is respected at this most difficult time.”

Bring the history of St George’s Hall to life – Appeal for memorabilia for new permanent displays

Bring the history of St George’s Hall to life
Appeal for memorabilia for new permanent displays

Have you ever been to the notable St George’s Hall in the heart of Bradford? Did you see your favourite band there? Enjoy a classical performance? Been captivated by a magic show? Laughed your socks off at a comedy event? If you have, then we want to hear from you!

From Bowie to Bollywood or Hallé to Houdini, an amazing variety of famous personalities and performers have visited and performed at St George’s Hall since it opened in 1853

The first ever monumental civic building of its type in the North of England, and one of the largest and lavish concert halls in the country, St George’s Hall has a rich and fascinating past

Now, as a major refurbishment nears completion, the people of Bradford and the surrounding areas are being asked to help to piece together the story, so it can be brought to life with unique dynamic displays that weave along all four levels of the venue

Adam Renton, General Manager of Bradford Theatres, says:

“We are looking forward to recording the wonderful story of St George’s Hall, for current and future generations to understand and treasure. There are many items in our archive that will enable us to do this, but there are also some gaps, and we are really hopeful that the people of Bradford, and indeed West Yorkshire and beyond, can help us to fill them, whether it’s a poster from a music gig or a programme from a classical concert.”

Memorabilia is particularly needed for any bands and singers, speakers or personalities who appeared at the venue in the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Other souvenirs are needed for: David Bowie who performed at St George’s Hall in 1972/73, Queen in 1973, The Stranglers in 1987 or 1990, New Model Army in the 1980s; as well as Cleo Laine in 1953, Shirley Bassey, Beverley Knight and
Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty more recently

Historical items which may have been passed down to family members are also wanted, particularly relating to Charles Hallé, the Hallé Orchestra and the early classical subscription concerts which began in the late 1850s and 1860s; plus appearances by the likes of Clara Novello in 1855; and John Suchet & the European Union Chamber Orchestra, Tasmin Little, or James Galway as part of the more recent classical music seasons

Mystery and magic performers have appeared at St George’s Hall over the years and anything related to the late great Harry Houdini would be a great asset to the displays. Or perhaps you know of other magicians, illusionists or performers who incorporated magic into their acts at St George’s Hall, such as Tommy Cooper or children’s favourite, Sooty!

There is also a gap in the archive relating to political rallies known to have been held at St George’s Hall by the likes of Winston Churchill; and appearances by the actor Henry Irving in 1878 and the explorer Rev. Dr Livingstone in relation to his discoveries in Central Africa in 1857

If you have any memorabilia that you could share with us or loan to the collection when the venue reopens, please contact [email protected] or call 01274 433634

How to Hide a Lion to embark on its first national tour | September – November 2018

Pigtails Productions, Polka Theatre and Oxford Playhouse present

How to Hide a Lion

UK Tour: 8th September – 18th November 2018

Having first roared into life at Polka Theatre and Oxford Playhouse in 2016, Helen Stephen’s much-loved children’s story How to Hide a Lion will now embark on its first national tour, enchanting young audiences around the UK. Adapted and directed by Peter Glanville, this magical play features dazzling puppets and lively jazz by acclaimed jazz and cabaret artist Barb Jung

With playful humour and lots of roars, How to Hide a Lion tells the story of Iris, a little girl who develops an unexpected friendship with a lion. When the lion is chased out of town, Iris helps him to find somewhere to hide. Join Iris on her mission to squash her new friend into a variety of sneaky tight spots, as the misinformed town folk try to track him down

Adapted from Helen Stephen’s award-winning first book, which has now been sold in fourteen languages worldwide, the central character of Iris is lovingly based on Stephen’s own daughter

Peter Glanville comments, It has been a pleasure to adapt Helen Stephen’s captivating tale with the talented composer Barb Jungr. The show was a roaring success at Polka and I’m delighted that Pigtails Productions are taking this production out on a national tour. The story of this young girl who is the only person in town to befriend a kind Lion is a heart-warming tale of friendship and acceptance of the outsider – a strong social message in the world we live in. Barb Jungr’s ‘cool’ jazz score brings a joyful quality to the musical alongside beautifully designed puppets that magically bring the beautiful book illustrations to 3D life. Whilst Polka present theatre at their base in Wimbledon all year round, we are keen to reach audiences across the country. This UK tour will allow us to share our expertise in creating world-class theatre

Staying true to the terrific tale and delightful drawings, with an extra pawful of stagey sprinkles… this makes for a very classy production (Curious Mum)

Generously supported using public funding by Arts Council England

Tour Dates

Sat 8th – Sat 15th Sept New Wimbledon Theatre

 

Sun 16th Sept Hertford Theatre

 

Tues 18th Sep Westcliff Palace

 

Wed 19th Sept Letchworth Broadway

 

Thurs 20th Sept Redbridge Drama Centre

 

Sat 22nd – Sun 23rd Sept Oxford Playhouse

 

Thurs 27th Sept Memo Arts Centre

 

Fri 28th Sept The Welfare Ystradgynlais

 

Sat 29th Sept Riverfront Newport

 

Sun 30th Sept HighTide Festival

 

Thurs 4th Sept Uppingham Theatre

 

Wed 3rd Oct Trinity Theatre

 

Fri 5th Oct Radlett Arts Centre

 

Sat 6th Oct Greenwich Theatre

 

Sun 7th Oct The Hawth Crawley, Studio

 

Tues 9th Oct Guildhall Arts Centre

 

Wed 10th Oct Lincoln Drill Hall

 

Thurs 11th Oct Mitchell Arts Centre

 

Fri 12th Oct The Neeld, Chippenham

 

Sat 13th Oct Chipping Norton Theatre

 

Sun 14th Oct Epstein Theatre

 

Wed 17th Oct Malvern Theatre

 

Thurs 18th Oct Taleisin Arts Centre

 

Fri 19th Oct Royal Spa Centre

 

Sat 20th Oct Lyric Hammersmith, London

 

Sun 21st Oct Broadway Theatre, Peterborough

 

Mon 22 – Tues 23 Oct Winchester Theatre Royal

 

Thurs 25th – Sun 28th Oct The Lowry

 

Tues 30th – Wed 31st Oct Hull Truck

 

Thurs 1st – Fri 2nd Nov Theatre Clywd

 

Sat 3rd Nov Roses Theatre Twekesbury

 

Sun 4th Nov artsdepot

 

Tues 6th Nov Rhodes Arts Centre

 

Wed 7th Nov The Beacon Wantage

 

Thurs 8th Nov The Albany Studio, Coventry

 

Fri 9th – Sat 10th Nov The Haymarket Basingstoke

 

Sun 11th Nov Kenton Theatre

 

Tues 13th Nov Stantonbury Theatre

 

Wed 14th Nov The Old Court Windsor

 

Thurs 15th Nov Ropetackle Arts Centre

 

Fri 16th Nov Burgess Hall

 

Sat 17th Nov Chequer Mead, East Grinstead

 

Sun 18th Nov Margate Theatre Royal

 

FINTY WILLIAMS AND JASPER BRITTON JOIN THE COMPANY OF THE MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF HUGH WHITEMORE’S PACK OF LIES

FINTY WILLIAMS AND JASPER BRITTON JOIN THE COMPANY OF

THE MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF

HUGH WHITEMORE’S PACK OF LIES

 

PACK OF LIES

By Hugh Whitemore

 

Direction: Hannah Chissick; Set and Costume Design: Paul Farnsworth

Lighting Design: Paul Anderson

 

With Spamilton: An American Parody recently extending its run at the theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factorytoday announces initial casting for their major revival of Hugh Whitemore’s Pack of LiesHannah Chissick directs Finty Williams as Barbara Jackson and Jasper Britton as Stewart. The production opens on 1 October, with previews from 20 September, and runs until 17 November. The full company will be announced shortly.

The Jacksons are a nice middle aged English couple. Their best friends are the Krogers, their Canadian neighbours. All is blissful in their world until a detective from Scotland Yard asks to use their house as an observation station to foil a Soviet spy ring operating in the area. They are really put to the test when the detective asks them to help set a trap. Should they betray their friends… Or their country?

Hugh Whitemore adapted Pack of Lies from his Act of Betrayal which was part of the Play for Today television series. Inspired by a real-life events, the story is based on Bill and Ruth Search and their teenage daughter Gay Search (who later became a television presenter and journalist), who find themselves at the centre of the investigations into the Portland Soviet spy ring. This new production is the first London revival since it premièred at the Lyric Theatre in 1983 with real life husband and wife Judi Dench and Michael Williams – Dench received an Olivier Award for her performance.

 

Finty Williams plays Barbara Jackson. Her theatre work includes The Divide (The Old Vic), Blithe Spirit (The Mill at Sonning), Dinner with Friends (Park Theatre), The Vote (Donmar Warehouse – also More4), The Armour(Defibrillator Theatre), The Lightning Child, Macbeth, Bedlam (Shakespeare’s Globe), Luise Miller (Donmar Warehouse) and Twelfth Night (National Theatre). Her television work includes Doc Martin, The Cranford Chronicles, Born and Bred and Tales From the Crypt; and for film, Six Minutes to Midnight, We Can Be Heroes, Delicious, The Good Night, Ladies in Lavender, Gosford Park, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Secret Rapture and Mrs Brown.

Jasper Britton returns to the Menier Chocolate Factory to play Stewart – he previously appeared in Little Shop of Horrors. His theatre work includes Scrooge, What the Butler Saw (Curve, Leicester), The Blinding Light(Jermyn Street Theatre), The Libertine (Theatre Royal Bath and Theatre Royal Haymarket), Richard II, Henry IV, The Jew of Malta, Marat/Sade (RSC), Race, Private Lives (Hampstead Theatre), The Last Cigarette (Chichester Festival Theatre and West End), Oedipus (National Theatre), Plague Over England (Finborough Theatre) and Rhinoceros (Royal Court Theatre). His television work includes Garrow’s Law, The Royal, Semi Detached, My Dad’s the Prime Minister and Murder in Mind; and for film, Rise of the Foot Soldiers 2, Blood, Anonymous, Morris: A Life with Bells On, Black Beard, Nostradamus and The New World.

 

Hugh Whitemore (1936 – 2018) began his writing career in British television (contributing to The Wednesday Play, Armchair Theatre and Play for Today) and twice received Writers’ Guild Awards. Film credits include The Return of the Soldier (an adaptation of the novel by Rebecca West), Mel Brooks’ production of 84 Charing Cross Road, Utz, (an adaptation of Bruce Chatwin’s novel) and Franco Zeffirelli’s Jane Eyre. His other stage plays include Stevie, Breaking the Code, The Best of Friends, It’s Ralph, A Letter of Resignation, Disposing of the Body, God Only Knows and a new version of Pirandello’s As You Desire Me. These plays have been translated into many languages and produced throughout the world. His work has twice been named Best Single TV drama by the UK Broadcasting Press Guild, he has received the Scripter Award in Hollywood (for 84 Charing Cross Road), the Script Prize at the 1998 Monte Carlo Festival (for his adaptation of A Dance to the Music of Time) and a special Communications Award from the American Mathematical Society (for Breaking the Code). He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and an Honorary Fellow of King’s College, London.

Hannah Chissick directs. Her most recent work includes Mother Courage and Her Children and the UK professional première of the musical Side Show (Southwark Playhouse), Down the Dock Road (Liverpool Royal Court), both for the NYMT – Brass (Hackney Empire) and Sunday in the Park With George (The Other Palace), Rags and Amour (Royal Academy of Music), Marry Me a Little (St James Studio) and Teechers (John Godber Theatre Company). She was Assistant Director to Matthew Warchus on the play Art in London and New York and was Associate Director on his acclaimed production of Boeing Boeing, directing casts in London, on Broadway and in Melbourne. In 2003, she became the youngest women to become an Artistic Director in the UK, when Harrogate Theatre appointed her at the age of 25. Other credits include the critically-acclaimed revival of Side by Side by Sondheim (The Venue, London), Abigail’s Party (Northcott Theatre Exeter), Teechers(Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke), a tour of Grumpy Old Women Live, the world première of Horrid Henry – Live(tour and West End), and the world premiere of Pushing Up Poppies (Theatre503).

Listings Information

Pack of Lies

Venue:                                Menier Chocolate Factory

Address:                             53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

Press performance:         1 October at 8pm

Dates:                                 20 September – 1 October

Times:                                For the performance schedule, please see the website

Box Office:                         020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website:                        www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

Tickets:                               Prices vary, as below from discounted preview tickets to premier seats. With the emphasis on ‘the sooner you book, the better the price’:

                                             Prices from £32.50

A meal deal ticket includes a 2-course meal from the pre-theatre menu in the Menier Restaurant as well as the theatre ticket.

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

For further information contact Kate Morley

Tel: 07970 465 648 / [email protected]

August Newsletter from the Majestic

Welcome to the August Newsletter from the Majestic Theatre Darlington

Lyall Events and Entertainment are delighted to announce a whole host of shows to suit all ages and tastes

To book all shows just go to http://www.majestictheatre-lee.com/box-office.html

For Music lovers we have

Thursday 30 August

New Jersey Nights

A tribute to the Jersey Boys

 

Friday 7 September

All Shook Up

A live musical experience featuring songs from the golden era of Rock ‘n’ Roll

 

Friday 21 September

Live/Wire – the AC/DC Show

The hugely successful and unique six-man tribute to rock music’s greatest band AC/DC, complete with cannons, a wall of Marshalls’ and over two hours of High Voltage Rock ‘n’ Roll in a show critically acclaimed for its closeness in look and sound to the real thing

 

Friday 9 November

Made in Motown

If you’re a fan of Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Supremes, Mary Wells, Four Tops & many more Motown legends, then this is the show not to be missed

 

Saturday 10 November

Bon Giovi

Covering every aspect of Bon Jovi’s extensive career, BON GIOVI perform all the greatest hits such as ‘Living On A Prayer’, It’s My Life, Wanted Dead or Alive, as well as many others from every album ever produced in one amazing stage show which include all these hits and more, not to mention performing rare tracks that even Bon Jovi haven’t performed for many years.

 

Saturday 24 November

Hazel O’Connor Breaking Glass

A very special evening with award-winning singer songwriter Hazel O’Connor,featuring a rare screening of the digitally re-mastered uncut version of the film followed by an intimate Q&A and live performance of some of the films best loved songs

 

For lovers of Variety and Comedy

23 and 24 September

Majestic Summer Showcase

From the makers of A Night Amongst the Stars, they are coming together once again to make a thrilling show full of different kind of acts to entertain your evening!

 

Saturday 29 September

Nish Kumar

Double Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee, Nish Kumar is taking his brand new show on a national tour of the UK

 

Friday 19 October

Magic at the Majestic

Roll Up, Roll Up … For a World Class Variety Show Featuring Acts of Magic, Comedy, Circus, Sideshow, Song, Dance & Much More – Expect the Unexpected in this Old school Music Hall-esque eccentric Evening of LIVE Variety Entertainment!

 

Friday 2 November

Mat Ricardo vs The World

Award-winning cabaret star, and the UK’s most successful juggler, Mat Ricardo had run out of new tricks. So he bet everyone in the world that he could learn any trick they could think of

If you want to see some high class acting

Friday 5 October

Communicate

An intimate and gripping account of life and death, developed in association with Cruse Bereavement Care

 

Thursday 25 October

The Goon Show

Apollo Theatre Company and Spike Milligan Productions are proud to team up to celebrate Spike’s centenary year by bringing this timeless comedy classic to the stage in the first major theatrical production of the show in its illustrious history

And pure family entertainment

Sunday 9 September

Da Silva Marionette Circus Troop

This traditional family show, now in its second generation, has been brought right up to date with all the thrills and spills of a real-life circus

 

Thursday 1 November

Double Trouble and The Pirates of the Spooky Lagoon

The Pirates are coming back to Darlington this Halloween with a brand new show full of swashbuckling fun for all the family

 

11 to 24 December

Peter Pan

The Majestic Theatre & Darlington College Performing Arts Department bring to life one of the most magical stories ever written. Join our fabulous cast of pirates, lost boys and Indians for a thrilling journey to Neverland!

Hazel O’Connor at the Majestic Darlington

Lyall Events and Entertainment

are proud to present

Hazel O’Connor

at the Majestic Theatre Darlington

 

Hazel O’Connor Breaking Glass      Sat 24 Nov 2018, 7:30PM http://www.majestictheatre-lee.com/box-office.html

 

HAZEL O’CONNOR AND BREAKING GLASS

The Film, a Q&A and Live Performance

 

They were absolutely fantastic, bringing the entire audience roaring to its feet” Daily Telegraph

 

A very special evening with award- winning singer songwriter Hazel O’Connor, featuring a rare screening of the digitally re-mastered uncut version of the film, followed by an intimate Q&A and live performance of some of the films best loved songs.

 

Striding into the spotlight and catapulted into fame in 1980 in the iconic movie Breaking Glass, Hazel not only made the lead role her own, but also wrote all the songs . The soundtrack album Breaking Glass went on to go double platinum during its 38 week chart run, defining Hazel O’Connor as a powerful passionate performer and a force to be reckoned with. Joined here onstage by Clare Hirst (Belle Stars, Communards, David Bowie) on sax, Sarah Fisher (Eurythmics) on keyboards and Josh Blackmore (Troyka/Strobes ) on percussion, the superb blend of the three voices and stunning musicianship add a sweet touch of class to their vibrant performance

 

Live onstage, her unforgettable songs from the film including Eighth Day, Will You, Big Brother, Decadent Days, If Only and more seem even more relevant in our present times. With a special Meet & Greet immediately after the show you’re in for a treat. Unmissable, book early!

 

www.hazeloconnor.com

Julia Donaldson’s STICK MAN returns to the West End, celebrating 10th Anniversary of the book

Freckle Productions present

STICK MAN

From the book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler

 

Returning to Leicester Square Theatre on Saturday 20 October 2018

for its 8th annual West End season

and celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the book

 

Freckle Productions are delighted to announce that Stick Man, based on the book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler, will return to London in 2018 for its eighth annual West End season. Playing at Leicester Square Theatre from Saturday 20 October 2018 to Sunday 6 January 2019, the run will coincide with the 10th Anniversary of the book.

 

‘Stick Man lives in the family tree
With his Stick Lady Love
and their stick children three…’

 

But what starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? Packed full of puppetry, live music and funky moves, Stick Man is a touching, funny and utterly original adaptation that will delight all ages.

Stick Man is adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson, the multi award-winning author of some of the world’s best loved children’s books, most notably the modern classic The Gruffalo which has sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Julia is best known for her popular rhyming stories for children, especially those illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which have sold millions of copies and have been translated into over 40 languages.

 

Stick Man is a perennial bestseller and has been translated into 23 languages. In 2015, Magic Light Pictures premiered the animated film of Stick Man with an all-star cast including Martin Freeman, Jennifer Saunders and Hugh Bonneville. The film was the 4th most-viewed 2015 Christmas Day TV programme in the UK, and the book went to number one in the children’s chart. In 2018 Stick Mancelebrates its 10th anniversary.

 

Stick Man is produced by Freckle Productions, who have brought many of Julia Donaldson’s books to the stage including Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and the forthcoming premiere UK Tour of Tabby McTat. It has original direction by Sally Cookson (A Monster Calls, Old Vic Theatre) with design byKatie Sykes (Jane Eyre, National Theatre), lighting by Elanor Higgins (Private Peaceful, UK Tours) and music by Benji Bower (A Monster Calls, Old Vic Theatre).  The Associate Director is Mark Kane.

 

LISTINGS

Saturday 20 October 2018 – Sunday 6 January 2019

LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE

6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX

 

Performances:          Wed – Fri 11.00am and 1.30pm, Sat – Sun 10.30am, 12.15pm, 2.00pm (additional peak performances, see website for details)

Tickets:                   £19.00 (Child), £24.00 (Adult), £75.00 (Family – 4 tickets, max 2 adults)

Box Office:                   www.leicestersquaretheatre.com | 020 7734 2222

Running time:               55 minutes

 

Suitable for all ages