Real stories and real spectacle: Award-Winning Titanic The Musical sails into Woking

From Thursday 11 – Saturday 13 July Titanic The Musical will be coming to the New Victoria Theatre, Woking. Based on the lives of real people on board the most legendary ship in the world, this production, written by Maury Yeston (music and lyrics) Peter Stone (book), tells the story of those people, their hopes and aspirations, in its final hours on 14 April 1912.

Unaware of the fate that awaits them, the Third Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the newly-enfranchised Second Class dream of achieving the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and the millionaire Barons of the First Class dream of their mastery lasting forever.

The production comes from a successful run in London where it was heralded ‘a modern musical theatre master piece’ by The Stage. The original Broadway production of Titanic The Musical won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book.

Maury Yeston says about the production, ‘It’s a grand story about people’s bravery, cowardice and a coming together of humanity’.

The New Victoria Theatre is the only UK venue to host the show before it sets off on an International tour until December.

Listings

Thursday 11 – Saturday 13 July

Thu – Sat eves 7.30pm

Sat mat 2.30pm

Tickets from £21.90 fees apply

You can book tickets by calling the Box Office on 0844 871 7645 (Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge), Groups Booking Line 0333 009 5386 or online at www.atgtickets/woking (fees apply).

New Victoria Theatre, Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GQ

BRADFORD THEATRES ANNOUNCE
AUTUMN 2019 SEASON

The autumn season at Bradford Theatres is packed with the biggest musicals, world-class dance, family shows and top names in comedy and entertainment.

Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:
“At the award-winning Alhambra Theatre, we open the season with the ‘first class thriller’ The Girl on the Train, followed by a huge choice of musicals including Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Mamma Mia! and The Bodyguard. Don’t forget to book early for Yorkshire’s biggest and most lavish pantomime – this year it’s Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

Following an extensive and transformational refurbishment at St George’s Hall, we look forward to welcoming an array of musicians and singers, including Elkie Brooks, Jools Holland, Lulu and indie rock band Bastille; as well as the return of our international classical music season, with resident orchestra, The Hallé. The new Café at St George’s Hall is now open and we hope you will call in to enjoy a drink and some food with us.

Comedy is in plentiful supply this autumn at both St George’s Hall and King’s Hall in Ilkley with: Count Arthur Strong, Romesh Ranganathan, Henning Wehn, Ben Elton, Lenny Henry, Jimmy Carr, Ed Byrne and more!”

September
The James Bond Concert Spectacular – Friday 6 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
The popular Q The Music Show brings the fabulous and iconic music of James Bond to you in a stunning concert with guest compere Caroline Bliss

The Girl on the Train – Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 September, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thur 12 September 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 13 September 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 14 September 2.30pm Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide – and starring Samantha Womack and Oliver Farnworth, this gripping new play will keep you
guessing until the final moment. Age recommendation 14+

Showaddywaddy – Friday 13 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Dolly & The Moonshine Runners – Thursday 12 September, King’s Hall Ilkley
Rip It Up! Singing & Dancing through the 70s – Tuesday 17 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Join Olympic champion Louis Smith, Rachel Stevens S Club 7, Lee Ryan Blue and Melody Thornton Pussycat Dolls for a groovy evening of singing and dancing.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert – Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 September, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thur 19 September 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 20 September 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 21 September 2.30pm
Starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance. Age recommendation 13+

An Evening with Lesley Garrett – Wednesday 18 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Voice of the Heart The Carpenters – Wednesday 18 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley
Steve Harley Trio – Friday 20 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley
Count Arthur Strong Is There Anybody Out There? – Saturday 21 September 8pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley
Joe Brown 60th Anniversary Tour – Tuesday 24 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley

Tom Gates Live On Stage – Wednesday 25 – Saturday 28 September, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Fri 27 September 10.30am
Based on the best-selling books by Liz Pichon, this brand-new story is brought to you by the award winning producers of Horrible Histories and Gangsta Granny. It’s pure fun for the whole family whether you’re a lover of the books or new to Tom and his friends!

Hot Flush! The Musical – Wed 25 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
The Manfreds – Thursday 26 September 7.45pm, King’s Hall Ilkley – SELLING FAST!
The Magic of Motown – Thursday 26 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers – Saturday 28 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

October
Steve Steinman’s Anything For Love – The Meat Loaf Story – Wed 9 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Jimmy Carr – Terribly Funny – Thursday 10 October 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 18+ SELLING FAST!
Believe – The Cher Songbook – Friday 11 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
One Night of Elvis Lee Memphis King – Saturday 12 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Dance Consortium presents Dada Masilo – Giselle – Friday 11 & Saturday 12 October, Alhambra Theatre
Opening in a lively South African village, Masilo’s Giselle tells the story of a trusting peasant girl who is thrust into a world of betrayal and shame when her lover rejects her. Spurned by her family and killed by heartbreak, Giselle returns from the grave as a supernatural being, bent on revenge. Age recommendation 12+, contains some partial nudity. Post-show Q&A with members of the company on Friday evening. Free to ticket holders.

Kinky Boots – Tuesday 15 – Saturday 26 October, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thur 17 October 7.30pm, Captioned: Thur 24 October 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 26 October
2.30pm
With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots takes you from the factory floor to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. West End star Kayi Ushe will be putting on the boots to play Lola. He will be joined by Paula Lane as Lauren, best known for her role as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street, and Joel Harper-Jackson, who recently starred in the UK tour of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, will be playing Charlie Price. Age recommendation 10+.

Lulu On Fire – Friday 18 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Elkie Brooks – Saturday 19 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Stick Man – Monday 21 – Wednesday 23 October Mon 3.30pm; Tue 11am & 1.30pm; Wed 11am & 1.30pm, St George’s Hall. Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back!

Gilbert O’Sullivan in Concert Just Gilbert – Tuesday 22 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Suzi Ruffell Dance Like Everyone’s Watching – Wednesday 23 October 8pm, The Studio
The Cavern Beatles – Wednesday 23 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
The Unthanks The Emily Brontë Song Cycle + Special Guests – Thursday 24 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Royal Shakespeare Company First Encounters: The Merchant of Venice – Thursday 24 October, The Studio
Big Girls Don’t Cry – Friday 25 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall Celebrating the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, St George’s Hall
Lee Mead – My Story – Friday 25 October 7.45pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Darren Harriot – Good Heart Yute – Friday 25 October 7.30pm, The Studio
Flanders Symphony Orchestra – Saturday 26 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Part of Bradford’s International Classical Music Season 2019/20 – 152nd Orchestral Concert Season
Fastlove A Tribute to George Michael – Thursday 31 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Mamma Mia – Wednesday 30 October – Saturday 23 November, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Thur 7 November 7.30pm, Signed: Thur 14 November 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 16 November 2.30pm
Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Age recommendation 5+.

November
An Evening with Lenny Henry: Who Am I Again? – Tuesday 5 November 7.30pm, St George’ Hall
Prague Symphony Orchestra – Saturday 9 November 7.30pm, St George’ Hall
Part of Bradford’s International Classical Music Season 2019/20 – 152nd Orchestral Concert Season
The Stylistics – A Night of Back to Back Hits – Tuesday 12 November 7.30pm, St George’ Hall
Richard & Adam – The Greatest Songmen UK Tour 2019 – Thursday 14 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Neil Oliver – The Story of The British Isles in 100 Places – Friday 15 November 7.30pm, St George’ Hall
Broken Ring Wrestling – Saturday 16 November 7pm, St George’s Hall

Paul Zerdin’s Puppet Party – Tuesday 19 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers Tribe 25 – Tuesday 19 November 7.30pm, St George’ Hall
Psychic Sally Morgan – Wednesday 20 November 7.30pm, St George’ Hall
This show is investigational and for the purposes of entertainment.
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra – Thursday 21 November 7.30pm, St George’ Hall
Michael Starring Ben – Friday 22 November 7.30pm, St George’ Hall
Featuring the UK’s ultimate Michael Jackson tribute star, Ben Bowman
Pasadena Roof Orchestra with singer and band leader Duncan Galloway – Thursday 28 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley

The Bodyguard – Tuesday 26 November – Saturday 7 December, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Fri 29 November 7.30pm, Signed: Thur 5 December 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 7 December 2.30pm
The international, award-winning smash-hit musical based on the blockbuster film, The Bodyguard is back! Following her triumphant West End run and sell-out UK Tour, Alexandra Burke* returns to the role of Rachel Marron in Bradford. Age recommendation 12+
*Alexandra Burke will perform the role of ‘Rachel Marron’ at evening performances only. The producers of The Bodyguard cannot
guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays. Please check before booking.

December
Christmas Crooners Santa Baby – Tuesday 3 December 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Bastille – Doom Days Club Nights – Tuesday 3 December 7pm, St George’s Hall. SOLD OUT!
Romesh Ranganathan – The Cynic’s Mixtape – Wednesday 4 December 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 14+
Henning Wehn – Get On With It – Thursday 5 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 16+
The Bootleg Beatles – Friday 6 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Sounds of The 70s with The Zoots – Friday 6 December 7.45pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Darkside The Pink Floyd Show – Which One’s Pink? Tour – Saturday 7 December 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
The Drifters – Saturday 7 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Ben Elton Live – Sunday 8 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Dear Santa – Monday 9 & Tuesday 10 December Mon 1pm & 4pm; Tue 10.30am & 1.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Rod Campbell’s Dear Santa is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged 2 to 7 years old – they will get to meet Santa after the show!

Comedy Dinner Shows – Del & Rodney – Monday 9 & Tuesday 10 Dec Doors 7pm, events start 7.30pm,
Restaurant 1914 at the Alhambra Theatre (includes three-course dinner)
Comedy Dinner Shows – René & Edith – Wednesday 11 December Doors 7pm, event starts 7.30pm,
Restaurant 1914 at the Alhambra Theatre (includes three-course dinner)

A Christmas Evening with Merrill Osmond – Thursday 12 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Into The Groove – The Ultimate Tribute to Madonna – Thursday 12 December 7.45pm, King’s Hall Ilkley

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Saturday 14 December 2019 – Sunday 26 January 2020, Alhambra Theatre. Signed: Thur 19 December 2pm, Audio Described: Thur 2 January 2pm/7.15pm, Captioned: Sun 12
January 1pm, Relaxed Performance: Tue 14 Jan 6pm.
Don’t miss the magic of this year’s enchanting family pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Alhambra Theatre panto legend Billy Pearce, Steps star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Faye Tozer and family TV favourite Paul Chuckle.

The Snowman – Wednesday 18 December 1.30pm & 6.30pm, St George’s Hall
Ed Byrne – If I’m Honest… Saturday 14 December 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 16+
The Chicago Blues Brothers Christmas Party – Saturday 21 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Amateur
Centre Stage Theatre Productions – The Wizard of Oz – Thursday 3 – Saturday 5 October, St George’s Hall
CC Dance Company presents – The Greatest Show – Tuesday 8 & Wednesday 9 October, Alhambra Theatre
Stage 84 Presents – Christmas Spectacular 2019 – Saturday 30 November, St George’s Hall
The Great Yorkshire Chorus presents – A Great Yorkshire Christmas – Friday 20 December, St George’s Hall

To book for all of these shows please contact the Box Office on 01274 432000
or visit our website: bradford-theatres.co.uk
Booking fees apply:
Phone/Counter/Online – £2 per ticket plus postage charge where applicable.

STRICTLY STAR JOINS SHEFFIELD LYCEUM PANTOMIME CAST

Today, Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Pantomimes are delighted to announce that Strictly Come Dancing favourite, Joanne Clifton, will be joining the cast for this year’s Sheffield Lyceum pantomime, Cinderella.

Joanne, best known for her time on Strictly, has most recently been seen in productions such as Flashdance and Rocky Horror Show at the Lyceum and is currently brushing up her magic to play the Fairy in this year’s pantomime spectacular.

Also announced are Ben Thornton (People Just Do Nothing) as Dandini, Evelyn Hoskins (This Is My Family, Sheffield Lyceum and UK tour) as Cinderella and Oliver Watton (Wicked, West End) as Prince Charming. They will head to the ball alongside Phil Gallagher (CBeebies’ Mister Maker) as Buttons, plus Sheffield legend Damian Williams and Matt Daines (The Go Go Go Show), as the Ugly Sisters.

The show will once again be written by Paul Hendy, and produced by the same team who brought Peter Pan to the Lyceum last year. Expect big laughs, bigger costumes and spectacular special effects in our most dazzling panto yet!

Cinderella runs at the Lyceum Theatre from Friday 6 December – Sunday 5 January. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from Sheffield Theatres’ Box Office in-person, by phone on 0114 249 6000 or online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk and are priced from £15.00 [limited availability].

FROM THE EAST END TO THE WEST END

RITA SIMONS TO PLAY MISS HEDGE IN

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the award-winning feel good musical sensation, is delighted to announce that award-winning TV and stage actress, Rita Simons, best known for playing Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, will take to the stage in the role of Miss Hedge. Rita takes over the role from Faye Tozer on 5 August 2019 for a limited season.

Rita Simons said:

I am so excited to be playing Miss Hedge in what is by far my favourite show…I went to see it when it opened and always wanted to be part of this incredible show…roll on August!

Nica Burns, Producer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie said:

Rita is a very popular and much loved actress. Before she burst onto our TV screens winning Most Popular Newcomer at the National Television Awards, she had a successful career as a singer and two hit singles with the band, Girls @ Play.  She will knock you out with her voice as she rocks it as Miss Hedge.

Rita Simons is best known for playing Roxy Mitchell in BBC’s EastEnders and is one of Britain’s best loved TV actresses. She won Most Popular Newcomer at the National Television Awards and Best Newcomer at the Digital Spy Soap Awards. Rita most recently starred in the film The Krays: Dead Man Walking and was a campmate on the hit ITV reality show I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2018.

Rita’s theatre credits include Legally Blonde (UK Tour) and The House in Cold Hill (UK Tour).

Rita will join cast members: Layton Williams (Jamie New), Bill Ward (Hugo/Loco Chanelle), Alex Anstey (Laika Virgin), Luke Baker (Dean Paxton), Courtney Bowman (Fatimah), Marvyn Charles (Swing), Marlon G Day (Dad), Momar Diagne, Zahra Jones (Becca), James Gillan (Tray Sophisticay), Ryan Hughes (Mickey), Daniel Jacob (Sandra Bollock), Melissa Jacques, Emily Kenwright (Vicki), Sejal Keshwala (Ray), Luke Latchman (Sayid), Jordan Laviniere (Cy), Rebecca McKinnis (Margaret New), Harriet Payne (Bex), Rachel Price (Swing), Sabrina Sandhu (Pritti Pasha), Biancha Szynal (Swing), Adam Taylor (Swing) and Ziggy Tyler Taylor (Levi).

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield.

Jamie doesn’t quite fit in.

Jamie is terrified about the future.

Jamie is going to be a sensation.

Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. With catchy songs by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, and book and lyrics by writer Tom MacRae, this funny, fabulous, feel-good, musical sensation has been wowing audiences and critics alike. Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true.

THEATRE ROYAL, GLASGOW – UNTIL SATURDAY 29TH JUNE

REVIEWED BY SIOBHAN WILSON

5*****

I am completely in awe of how full-on the performance was and how much they managed to get into such a short space of time without making the audience feel overwhelmed by it all.

Set during the war, on a small Greek Island occupied by the Italians. There is a forbidden love blossoming between a local girl and an Italian occupying officer. The first act sets the scene impeccably ready for emotional rollercoaster of a second act. Get your tissues at the ready. The show reflects how war impacts civilians incredibly well.

The set was extremely effective, the giant sheets of metal allow for the projections to act like an additional character. From the red light of fire or blue of the Mediterranean to the Army Tank projections. You really get a feel for where you are and how you would feel.

Drosoula (Eve Polycarpou) may have a supporting role but she commands the stage whenever she enters. Yet manages to take nothing away from the main characters Pelagia (Madison Clare), Carlo (Ryan Donaldson) or Mandras (Ashley Gayle) when she is there. Whilst they manage to hold your attention and make their acting appear so natural.

Every little detail is considered including the bleets of the Goat (Louisa Guerreiro) to comedic effect and so realistic sounding, and the animalist details of Psipsina (Elizabeth Mary Williams) the pine marten.

If you appreciate the exquisite detailing and full impactful artistry of a novel brought to life then this tear jerker is the one for you.

Chiswick House and Gardens – until 8th July 2019, then touring

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

5*****

You wouldn’t think a big top would be difficult to find, but getting to this meant an anxious dash along shadowy paths, past high walls and locked gates with no signs. Some of us audience were pretty frazzled on arrival. But by the end of the evening, all that was forgotten and we were dancing our hearts out in the middle of the arena. (I’m sure the signage will be fine from now on.)

This is a fabulous evening, with classic circus acts – astonishing acrobats, juggling, gorgeous trapeze and strap artists, clowning and the rest – brought together with terrific energy and style (Cal McCrystal directs; design is by takis). The Xanadu name comes from Coleridge’s dream-like 1797 poem, but the look is gloriously 1970s psychedelic. That means flares, afros, colour, bandannas, more colour, and classic 1960s and 70s songs, excellently performed by James Keay, Lil Rice and the band. There are clowns but don’t be alarmed – they’re funny and not at all creepy. The main one, Tweedy, has been with Giffords for 12 years. Circus founder Nell Gifford appears as a lovely lady on a white horse. Cuban acrobats come on as ‘The Beautiful People’ and do improbable leaps with skipping ropes and high bars. The Hungarian Donnert family do gymnastics on horseback (somehow horses are an acceptable exception to the rule that circuses shouldn’t have animals.) The Curatola Brothers do a bonkersly brilliant little acrobatic routine. A couple called Duo Imagine move enchantingly through the air held up by a strap and a lot of faith in each other. And so on – all with bags of charm and lots of dance, ending in a party-like finale, which is how we all ended up in the sawdust, boogying along with the performers.

Tasty end note: this circus travels with its own restaurant, Circus Sauce, which does very tasty nosh. You have to book: giffordscircus.com/sauce. Candyfloss, popcorn and the like are also on sale.

The Grand Theatre, Leeds – 20 July 2019

Reviewed by Sally Richmond

5*****

Grease is the word – and the apt words for the new musical tour are: exhilarating, electrifying and energising! The world’s best-loved musical is back and it’s better than ever!

Grease originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time!

Headlining the show as Teen Angel was the fabulous entertainer Peter Andre and he did not disappoint! The multi-talented, fresh, young cast gave non-stop, jam-packed flawless performances but the show hit an all time high when Mr Andre entered the stage, standing at the top of a stairway dressed in white satin with pink tinted wings and hair. The crowd erupted into screams and whistles as he soulfully sang ‘Beauty School Dropout’.

The show, wonderfully choreographed by Arlene Phillips, was filled with favourite Grease tunes (including: Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That I Want) but also included some songs not associated with the movie – or within a different order to what was expected – which was refreshing and made you feel like you were watching something familiar but new!

Dan Partridge and Martha Kirby portrayed the two love-struck teenagers, Danny and Sandy, with charm and gave them a likability factor and it was uplifting to see Sandy having a little bit more spunk and spirit than in the famous film. Rizzo (Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky) had some real show-stopping moments when delivering pitch perfect lyrics and amusing, sarcastic lines – usually towards Sandy or her on/off boyfriend Kenickie (Louis Gaunt), who wowed us with his impressive back-flips!

Director Nikolai Foster encapsulated the thrilling commemoration of the birth of what it was to be “cool” and the whole phenomena of teenage culture in his adaptation of the Grease the Musical (originally born from the book, music and lyrics of Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey). Society was changing and Grease takes us back to that time in 1959, when Elvis was taking the world by storm as was the hand-jive. Scenes were cleverly introduced and smoothly linked through radio DJ commentary provided by the sleazy Vince Fontaine ( Darren Bennett), who gave the audience many laugh out loud moments, alongside whipping the dance contestants of the Rydell High into a frenzy, as they all tried to eagerly to win the coveted trophy..

By the mega thrilling finale, the production of Grease the Musical had the audience up on their feet in seconds, as Peter Andre invited one and all to join in a phenomenal music and dance medley which he fronted. I couldn’t see anyone still sitting as the whole cast gave such infectiously, enthusiastic performances so that no one could want to miss out on becoming part of the celebration and the party.

Feel-good, fabulous and family-show sum up this musical perfectly and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to start their Summer Dreams now.

N O E L    S U L L I V A N

JOINS THE CAST OF THE AWARD-WINNING WEST END PRODUCTION OF

S C H O O L   O F   R O C K  –  T H E   M U S I C A L

WWW.SCHOOLOFROCKTHEMUSICAL.COM

Noel Sullivan will join the award-winning show School of Rock – The Musical from 19 August 2019 and will play the lead role of Dewey Finn at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.  The hit West End production, based on the iconic film of the same title, is currently booking to January 2020.

Sullivan will lead the adult cast alongside Laura Tebbutt as Rosalie Mullins, Mark Anderson will take over the role of Ned Schneebly from Alan Pearson from 8 October 2019, Rebecca LaChance continues as Patty Di Marco and Jake Sharp will play Dewey Finn at certain performances. 

The remaining adult cast comprise Keisha Amponsa Banson, Ryan Bearpark, Rob Falconer,Kelly Hampson, Suzie McAdams, Richard Morse, Jayde Nelson, Andy Rees, Alex Tomkins,James Wolstenholme and Benjamin Yates with swings Jessica Kirton, Paul Kemble, Billy Mitchell, Catherine Morris, and Andy Prosser.  Three teams of twelve kids who play live at every show make up Dewey’s band.

Noel Sullivan said: “It’s been a lifelong ambition of mine to perform in a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. I have been a huge fan since I was a child and to get the opportunity to work on such an incredible production is absolutely a dream come true. I loved School of Rock the movie and this hilarious musical doesn’t disappoint. I look forward to not only taking on one of my most challenging roles to date but also working alongside some of the most talented kids in the country. I’ve been in some great bands before but this one is really going to take some beating!” 

Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.

School of Rock – The Musical features music from the movie, as well as new music written byAndrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Julian Fellowes. School of Rock – The Musical is directed by Laurence Connor with choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, set and costume designs by Anna Louizos,lighting design by Natasha Katz,sound design by Mick Potter, music supervision by John Rigby with Matt Smith as musical director.

Noel Sullivan Is best known for his part in the record-breaking pop group Hear’Say, winners of ITV’s hit show Popstars. After the band, Noel went on to carve out a successful career in theatre and television. He can currently be seen in the new Russell T Davies drama for BBC1 and HBO, Years and Years.  His previous TV credits include Ordinary Lies 2 and Gavin and Stacey, both for BBC1. As a West End actor, his theatre credits include Galileo in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre, Danny Zuko in Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre as well as leading roles in Rock of Ages, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Fame, Flashdance, Love Shack and many more.  Noel created the role of Seamus O’Rourke in Tiger Bay the Musical which had its world premiere in Cape Town before a run at the Wales Millennium Centre.  Noel regularly performs as a concert soloist and most recently starred in the Best of Rock Musicals at the Eventim Apollo as well as creating his first solo show “If you don’t Noel me by now” an evening with Noel Sullivan. 

Produced by Paramount Pictures, the 2003 hit film School of Rock was directed by Richard Linklater and starred Jack Black in a career-defining performance.

School of Rock — The Musical is produced in the West End by Andrew Lloyd Webber for The Really Useful Group and Warner Music Group & Access Industries with Madeleine Lloyd Webber as Executive Producer.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Theatre:                    Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PW

Dates:                       booking to January 2020

Running time:            approximately 2 hours 40 minutes including interval

Box Office:                020 7087 7750

Performances:           Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm, Sundays at 3pm

                                Prices:   from £15.00

Student rush tickets for £10 on Wednesday evening

All ticket prices include a £1.50 restoration levy.  No booking fee via official box office channels

Website:                   www.SchoolOfRockTheMusical.co.uk

Twitter & Instagram: @SchoolofRockuk

Facebook:                  facebook.com/schoolofrockmusical

TREVOR NUNN’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF EXTENDS FOR A FINAL TIME DUE TO PUBLIC DEMAND – MUST END 2 NOVEMBER 2019

★★★★★
‘A thrilling experience. The best Fiddler I’ve seen in the West End’

Daily Telegraph

Chocolate Factory Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions and Michael Harrison present

The Menier Chocolate Factory production of

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Book by Joseph Stein               Music by Jerry Bock          Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick         

Director Trevor Nunn; Choreographers Jerome Robbins & Matt Cole; Set Designer Robert Jones  

Costume Designer Jonathan Lipman; Hair and Make Up Designer Richard Mawbey

Lighting Designer Tim Lutkin; Sound Designer Gregory Clarke

Musical Supervisor & Director Paul Bogaev; Orchestrations Jason Carr

Fiddler on the Roof today announces a final extension until 2 November at the Playhouse Theatre, where it broke box office records with the highest advance for any production there. Trevor Nunn directs Andy Nyman(Tevye), Maria Friedman (Golde), Anita Dobson (Yente), Nicola Brown (Chava), Harriet Bunton (Hodel), Dermot Canavan (Lazar Wolf), Stewart Clarke (Perchik), Joshua Gannon (Motel), Matthew Hawksley (Fyedka), and Molly Osborne (Tzeitel), as well as Miles Barrow, Sofia Bennett, Philip Bertioli, Lottie Casserley, Elena Cervesi, Lia Cohen, Talia Etherington, Shoshana Ezequiel, Isabella Foat, Fenton Gray, James Hameed,  Adam Linstead, Adam Margilewski, Robert Maskell, Robyn McIntyre, Gaynor Miles, Ellie Mullane, Tania Newton,George Olney, Craig Pinder, Valentina Theodoulou, Ed Wade and Taylor Walker in the reconfigured auditorium.

★★★★★

‘Musically, geopolitically, emotionally, this Fiddler raises the roof.’

The Guardian

Direct from its sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Tony and Olivier award-winning director Trevor Nunn’s ‘exuberant revival’ (Daily Telegraph) of the classic Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof is now playing in the West End for a strictly limited run. The Playhouse Theatre has been transformed into an intimate space especially for this production.

★★★★★

‘An evening to be celebrated as a spikily poignant reminder of what it is to be human in politically dark times. Both whirlingly energetic and achingly moving, it marks itself out straight away as one of the most uplifting nights possible to be had in the West End right now.’
The Arts Desk

Old traditions and young love collide in this joyous and timely celebration of life. Tevye’s daughters’ unexpected choice of husbands opens his heart to new possibilities, as his close-knit community also feel winds of change blowing through their tiny village.

Featuring the iconic score including ‘Tradition’, ‘Matchmaker, Matchmaker’, ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ and ‘If I Were a Rich Man’, and featuring original choreography from Tony Award-winning Jerome Robbins alongside new choreography by Matt Cole, Fiddler on the Roof ‘bursts from the stage’ (Financial Times), bringing new life to one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Listings                                                                                                                         Fiddler on the Roof

Playhouse Theatre

Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5DE

Box Office: 0844 871 7631

Tickets from £20

www.fiddlerwestend.com

Twitter: @FiddlerWestEnd

Instagram: @FiddlerWestEnd

Facebook: /FiddlerWestEnd

Performances:

Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, from 2 September Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm

Matinees Tues (Until 27 August), Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm

Please check the website for full details of performance schedule.

Groups Bookings: 020 7206 1174

Access Bookings: 0800 912 6971

Captioned Performance: Monday 16th September 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance: Monday 9th September 7.30pm

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED TO JOIN

JAY McGUINESS, WENDI PETERS,

KIMBERLEY WALSH & MATTHEW KELLY

IN

BIG THE MUSICAL

AT THE DOMINION THEATRE

FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED 9-WEEK SEASON

FROM 6 SEPTEMBER TO 2 NOVEMBER 2019

WITH A GALA NIGHT IN AID OF MAKE-A-WISH® UK

ON TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2019

Joining the previously announced Jay McGuiness, Wendi Peters, Kimberley Walsh and Matthew Kelly as Josh Baskin, Mrs Baskin, Susan Lawrence and George MacMillan respectively in BIG The Musical, will be Lori Haley Fox as Mrs Kopecki/Miss Watson and Edward Handoll as Paul Seymour, with Harrison Dadswell, Jamie O’Connor and Jake Simon sharing the role of Young Josh and Jobe Hart, Austen Phelan and Theo Wilkinson sharing the role of Billy. 

Also in the cast will be Charlie Bull, Colin Burnicle, Christie-Lee Crosson, Vicki Davids, Alex Fobbester, Leanne Garretty, Stuart Hickey, Matt Holland, Tash Holway, Ross McLaren, Richard Murphy, Eddie Myles, Katharine Pearson, Anton Fosh, Gemma Fuller, Gary Murphy and Katy Osborne.  There will be two teams of children in the musical, made up from Olufemi Alaka, Coco Cousin-Brown, Asher Ezeguiel, Ellis Griffiths, Imogen Law Hing Choy, Noah Leggott, Amaya Lucas, Cassia McCarthy, Ophelia Parsons, Bailey Razdan, Lucinda Wicks and Chanel Zinyemba.

Based on the smash-hit movie starring Tom Hanks, BIG The Musical makes its West End premiere at the Dominion Theatre for a strictly limited nine-week season from 6 September to 2 November 2019, with a Gala Night in aid of Make-A-Wish on Tuesday 17 September.

BIG is a joyous, heart-warming musical about 12 year-old Josh Baskin who longs to be big.  When a mysterious Zoltar machine grants his wish, he finds himself trapped inside an adult’s body and he is forced to live and work in a grown-up world, but his childlike innocence has a transforming effect on the adults he encounters.

With music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, BIG has a book by John Weidman and direction and choreography by Morgan Young.  Associate choreographer is Helen Rymer, orchestrator and musical supervisor Stuart Morley, set and costume designer Simon Higlett, lighting designer Tim Lutkin, video designer Ian William Galloway, and sound designers Terry Jardine and Avgoustos Psillas, wig and hair designer Richard Mawbey, musical director Jeremy Wootton, illusions by Chris Fisher, casting directors Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion Casting and Sarah Bird CDG, and general management by David Pearson for Encore Theatre Productions Ltd.

Based on the Twentieth Century Fox Film BIG written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg, Michael Rose, Damien Sanders and Paul Gregg for Encore Theatre Productions Limited present the Theatre Royal Plymouth production of BIG.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

BIG

6 September – 2 November 2019

Dominion Theatre

268-269 Tottenham Court Road

LONDON W1T 7AQ

Box Office 0845 200 7982

Tickets from £29.50 (£1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Make-A-Wish® UK)

Performances Monday to Saturday 7.30pm*, Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm(*7pm on 17 September)

Website www.BigTheMusical.co.uk  

 #BigTheMusical