The Playhouse, Sheffield – until January 18th 2025
Review by Sharon Farley
5*****
It’s useful to remember that the multi award-winning writer, Mike Bartlett (Cock, Chariots of Fire, Life), devised this play after witnessing a bullfight in Mexico City, which he found both disturbing and thrilling. This prompted him to focus on why we enjoy cruelty, and BULL achieves this with dialogue so cutting you’ll be grateful for the shielding of the fourth wall. The observation earned an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2015 and remains a challenging piece as, under the glare of fluorescent lighting, the audience is exposed to the vicious manipulations of office politics. In the close proximity afforded to spectators by the intimacy of The Tania Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, this might feel more like watching a backroom bare-knuckle brawl than a bullfight.
BULL opens with the character of Isobel, excellently played by Rebecca Blackstone (The Sunshine Boys, Cool Hand Luke, Red Dwarf), observing the twitchy fidgeting of Thomas (Rob Ostlere: Holby City, Game of Thrones, Rough Crossing) as they await the start of a meeting in which one of their team will lose their job. Her steely glare might be interpreted as that of a matador observing the captive bull before the show begins.
Isobel starts by contemptuously mocking Thomas and is soon joined by Tony, played by Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran (Loves Labours Lost, Sandman, McDonald and Dobbs). Combining to mercilessly tear Thomas’ self esteem apart, their role is like that of the picadores, there to weaken the bull by thrusting sharp pikes into its neck and shoulders, aggravating its defence response and weighing it down. They achieve this by conspiring against him even before the meeting begins, and continue by voraciously humiliating him with personal jibes and spiteful goading that descends to the level of schoolyard bullying. Thomas knows he is being bullied and desperately tries to fend them off, but his futile attempts only leave him all the more pathetic as he becomes increasingly confused and panicked.
By the time their boss, Mr Carter (Tim Francis: Citadel, The trial of Christine Keeler, Machinal) arrives, Thomas’ mental state is already exhausted, and Tony immediately tricks him into humiliating himself further under Carter’s judgemental gaze. Carter proceeds to undermine and belittle Thomas before his inevitable public sacking. We might think that Carter has stepped into the ring as the matador to deliver this kill strike, but later we realise he is just the bandarillero there to push yet more painful, debilitating barbs under the skin of the helpless bull in this second act.
For the unfortunate Thomas, worse is yet to come, as Tony and Carter exit leaving him alone with Isobel. Initially, she shows him some pity, just as the bullfighter honours the bull, but despite Thomas being broken and spent, she continues to goad him with relentless cruelty until his only remaining defence is that of attack. It’s too late, he has nothing left and the matador is still strong, holding all the cards and doesn’t back off until the bull stops fighting back, whereby she deals the final humiliating blow.
Though excellently performed by the four actors – a result of perfect casting and masterful direction – this is at times difficult to sit through. The audience is encouraged to laugh along with Thomas’ attackers as the occasional humorous jibe is thrown at him. We may wonder why Thomas doesn’t leave the room after Carter fires him but, of course, the bull’s fate is sealed before he even enters the arena, as he has no option to leave until the performance is complete. There are multiple layers to be peeled away from this examination of corporate cut and thrust: the uneven playing field; the backroom conspiracies; the preliminary nods; and the judgemental classicism. We may be urged to view Thomas’ attack on Isobel as that of a misogynist revealing his true colours, but is it misogyny or desperate self-defence? We might also ask ourselves who we relate to most, the winners or the loser?
Good art provokes a response, and as a think piece examining human behaviour, this is brilliant and well deserving of the accolades received. Perhaps it should also serve to demonstrate how, like bullfighting, this is a behaviour that might best be consigned to the bin of a shameful past. But just as the disturbing spectacle of bullfighting continues as a cultural tradition, the heavily biased inequality gap of current society also becomes increasingly wider. Maybe this dog eat dog performance is a sharply relevant commentaryon the way we are destined to continue.
Kym Marsh makes Royal Exchange Theatre debut in the iconic role of Beverly in ABIGAIL’S PARTY
ABIGAIL’S PARTY
By Mike Leigh
Directed by Natalie Abrahami
4 April – 17 May 2025
Wannabe socialite Beverly Moss has been an iconic character since ABIGAIL’S PARTY first hit stage and screen in 1977. The Royal Exchange Theatre is delighted that north-west born actor, presenter and singer Kym Marsh, whose credits have included everything from CORONATION STREET to ATG’s FATAL ATTRACTION, will be making her Exchange debut in this major revival of Mike Leigh’s cult classic play this spring. In collaboration with award winning Director Natalie Abrahami they will bring this modern masterpiece to the Exchange’s unique in-the-round stage for the first time with performances running from 4 April – 17 May.
Kym Marsh said,
“I have always wanted to work at the Royal Exchange Theatre, it is such a beacon of incredible theatre in Manchester. Pair that with the brilliant Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party and working with Natalie to discover our version of Beverly, I couldn’t be more excited! Bev is fun, the life and soul of the party, but she is so much more than that! She’s a complex character and there is so much to unpack. I can’t wait to get in the rehearsal room!”
Natalie Abrahami added,
“Beverly Moss is a cultural icon and we’re thrilled to have Kym realise this role which is so full of wit, sass and pathos. I cannot wait to get into rehearsals and invite Manchester audiences to join us for the party.”
Actor, presenter and singer Kym Marsh arrived on British TV screens back in 2000 appearing in the hit reality TV show, Popstars and winning a place in the subsequent band Hear’say. The band achieved two UK number one singles and a number one album – and Kym went on to pursue a successful career as a solo artist.
She went on to star in London’s West End, playing the role of Annette in the critically acclaimed musical SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER. An accomplished actress, she appeared in BBC One’s DOCTORS and Channel 4’s HOLLYOAKS: IN THE CITY before joining the cast of ITV’s CORONATION STREET in the role of Michelle Connor in 2006. During the subsequent 14 years on Britain’s famous cobbles, she won a string of prestigious awards for her work
After leaving Coronation Street in 2019, she appeared in hit BBC One drama THE SYNDICATE and can currently can be seen on BBC One’s continuing drama, WATERLOO ROAD, where she plays the role of Nicky Walters. She is also a regular host of BBC One’s MORNING LIVE.
Her love of theatre has not waned and in 2022 Kym returned to tread the boards in the role of bunny boiler Alex Forrest in a nationwide tour of box office hit FATAL ATTRACTION. In 2023 she joined the cast of Take That musical GREATEST DAYS and last year played the iconic role of Cruella de Vil in a nationwide tour of 101 DALMATIANS: THE MUSICAL.
Further cast is to be announced in due course.
The creative team for ABIGAIL’S PARTY also includes Designer Peter Butler, Lighting Designer Jai Morjaria, Sound Designer Melanie Wilson and Movement & Intimacy Director Anna Morrissey..
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE IN 10 DAYS 26 JANUARY – 16 MARCH 2025 CAA ED MIRVISH THEATRE
TRANSFERS TO LONDON’S WEST END SHAFTESBURY THEATRE, LONDON 15 MAY 2025 – 10 JANUARY 2026
Casting is announced for the Toronto and London productions of JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical. This acclaimed new musical had a record-breaking world premiere at London’s The Old Vic theatre January 2024 – where it became the theatre’s fastest selling musical ever. It will make its North American premiere at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto from 26 January to 16 March 2025. This will be followed by its highly anticipated West End season at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End from 15 May 2025 to 10 January 2026.
Marking 40 years since the iconic Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia, 10% from the sale of all tickets to JUST FOR ONE DAY will be donated directly to TheBand Aid Charitable Trust.
Joining the previously announced Craige Els, who originated the role of Bob Geldof at The Old Vic, will be Kelly Agbowu, Julie Atherton, Jason Battersby, Jordan Cambridge-Taylor, Eloise Davies, James Hameed, Fayth Ifil, Melissa Jacques, Hope Kenna, AJ Lewis, Freddie Love, Tim Mahendran, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky, Jack Michael Stacey, Emily Ooi, Ashley Samuels, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Jake Small, Tamara Tare and George Ure,with Kerry Enright, Evan Fox Harrison, Esme Laudat, Eddie Mann, Jaye Marshall, Lukin Simmonds and Dyd Wynford.
**************
On 13 July 1985, music united the world.
Now, 40 years on, discover the behind-the-scenes story of Live Aid in a whole new way at JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical.
This exhilarating night out “rocks in all the right ways” (WhatsOnStage), with hit songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Madonna, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and more of the iconic artists who made history at simultaneous charitable concerts in London and Philadelphia.
Live Aid was an unprecedented global music event that brought 1.5 billion people together, and they all have a story to tell about ‘the day rock ‘n’ roll changed the world’.
Whether you saw it live, watched it from home or weren’t even born yet, you won’t want to miss this “rip-roaring” (The Daily Telegraph) and “remarkable” (Daily Mail) new musical written by John O’Farrell (Mrs. Doubtfire, Something Rotten!) and directed by Luke Sheppard(& Juliet, The Little Big Things).
Director Sheppard has assembled a stellar creative team: Musical Supervision, Arrangements & Orchestration by Matthew Brind, Choreography by Ebony Molina, Set by Soutra Gilmour, Costume by Fay Fullerton, Lighting by Howard Hudson, Sound by Gareth Owen, Video & Projection by Andrzej Goulding and Casting by Stuart Burt CDG.
JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical is produced by Jamie Wilson Productions, Kevin McCollum, Sonia Friedman Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Kenny Wax Ltd, The Ambassador Theatre Group, Mirvish Productions, Nederlander Theatres, No Guarantees, Burnt Umber Productions, Stephen C Byrd, Willette & Manny Klausner and The Old Vic by permission of The Band Aid Charitable Trust.
JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical is presented in Toronto by David and Hannah Mirvish.
Toronto Dates
CAA ED MIRVISH THEATRE – 244 Victoria St. 26 January – 16 March 2025 Media performance Sunday, 2 February at 2PM
Performance schedule: Tuesday – Saturday: 7:30PM Wednesday: 1.30PM Saturday/Sunday: 2PM No matinee Wednesday, 29 January
The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Caledonia Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions today announce the full cast for the upcoming world première of brand-new musical Wild Rose, written by Nicole Taylor (One Day, Three Girls, The C Word, The Nest) and directed by John Tiffany (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Black Watch). Joining the previously announced Dawn Sievewright and Blythe Duff are Andy Clark (Alan Boyne/ Train Traveller/ Belmont), Amber Sylvia Edwards (Eileen), Liz Ewing (Agnes/ Mary), Peter Hannah (Sam/Prison Officer/ Gordon Laverty/ Mark Hagen), Hannah Jarrett-Scott (Kathy/Amanda), Janet Kumah (Susannah), Louise McCarthy (Jackie), Emma Mullen (Nurse), Julia Murray (Ensemble), Mia Musakambeva (BBC Receptionist), Star Penders (Train Lady) and Ashley J Russell (Female Partygoer). The role of Wynonna will be alternated by Lily Ferguson, Jessie-Lou Harvey and Ayla Sherriff; and the role of Lyle by Alfie Campbell, Calum Middleton, and Leo Stephen.
The production begins its life in Scotland where the piece is set, opening The Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh in 2025 as part of the company’s Spring season. Based on the critically acclaimed award-winning film of the same name written by Taylor, directed by Tom Harper and produced by Faye Ward (Fable Pictures), the production opens on 14 March, with previews from 6 March, and runs until 5 April.
Released to critical acclaim in 2018, the film, directed by Tom Harper, produced by Faye Ward for Fable Pictures, and blessed with an incredible soundtrack, won the BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Feature Film, Best Writer for Nicole and Best Actress for Jessie Buckley – the latter was also nominated for a BAFTA Film Award. It was nominated and won several other awards, including 10 Independent Film Award nominations, winning the Best Independent Film Award for Best Music; as well as several awards for Best Original Song for Glasgow (No Place Like Home) including the Critics’ Choice Award.
The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Caledonia Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions present
WILD ROSE
A NEW MUSICAL
By Nicole Taylor
Director John Tiffany; Choreography Steven Hoggett & Vicki Manderson; Set Design Chloe Lamford;
Costume Design Katrina Lindsay; Lighting Design Jessica Hung Han Yun; Sound Design Tony Gayle;
Music Supervision, Orchestration and Arrangements Sarah Travis & Davey Anderson;
Video Design: Lewis den Hertog; Casting Charlotte Sutton CDG and Kahleen Crawford Casting
Executive Producers: Faye Ward of Fable Pictures and Nia Janis of Playful Productions
6 March – 5 April
SING YOUR OWN SONG.
There is only one thing in Rose-Lynn’s life that has ever made sense: country music.
Fresh out of jail for past mistakes, and bursting with incredible raw talent, charisma and cheek, the free-spirited Rose-Lynn dreams of escaping Glasgow to make it as a singer in Nashville.
But her mother Marion has had a bellyful, insisting that she settle down, ditch the fantasy, and focus on raising her two young kids.
Rose-Lynn reluctantly agrees to take a cleaning job and finds an unlikely champion in her new boss Susannah, bringing her dream closer than ever. Now Rose-Lynn must decide if risking everything will really pave the road to Nashville.
From Nicole Taylor, BAFTA-winning writer of the original film and global sensation One Day, and renowned director John Tiffany (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Once),Wild Rose is an uplifting and heartwarming new musical about motherhood, dreams and finding your three chords and the truth.
This world premiere production will feature songs from country music legends including Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Wynonna Judd, Chris Stapleton, Caitlyn Smith, The Chicks, and Patty Griffin, alongside the film’s award-winning original song Glasgow (No Place Like Home).
Based on the film written by Nicole Taylor, directed by Tom Harper and produced by Faye Ward for Fable Pictures.
Andy Clark plays Alan Boyne/ Train Traveller/ Belmont. His recent theatre credits include Weans in the Woods (Carrigan’s Blantyre), Tally’s Blood (Perth Theatre/Cumbernauld/Ayr Gaiety), Stand By (Beacon Arts Centre/ UK tour), Mr Moonlight, Dusty Won’t Play (Òran Mór), Pinocchio, A Christmas Carol, Hamlet, Othello & A Handful of Dust (Citizens Theatre), Antony and Cleopatra, Edward II (Bard in the Botanic) The Deep (10ft Tall Theatre), The Winter’s Tale (Lyceum Theatre), A Steady Rain (Theatre Jezebel/Tron), Lanark (Citizens Theatre/Lyceum Theatre/EIF), Of Mice and Men, Little Sure Shot (Leeds Playhouse) and Gastronauts (Royal Court Theatre). His television credits include Shetland and River City.
Blythe Duff plays Marion. Her theatre credits includes Escaped Alone (Tron Theatre), James IV – Queen of the Fight, The James Plays (NTS), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Cambridge Theatre), Locker Room Talk (Traverse Theatre, Scottish Parliament), Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe), Grain in the Blood (Traverse Theatre), Into That Darkness (Citizens Theatre), Ciara (Citizens Theatre, The Traverse, Datum Point), White Rabbit Red Rabbit (Edinburgh Festival Fringe), Good with People (59East59 Theaters, New York; A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Òran Mór, Paines Plough, Traverse Theatre, Datum Point), and Beautiful Burnout (NTS, Frantic Assembly, St Ann’s Warehouse and international festivals). For television, her credits includes, as series regular DI Jackie Reid in Taggart, and Bringing in the Bells.
Amber Sylvia Edwards plays Eileen/ u/s Rose-Lynn. Her theatre credits include The Good John Proctor (Jermyn Street Theatre), Macbeth (RSC), A Lightweight Disposable Product (Vault Festival), TINA – The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych Theatre), Orphans: A New Scottish Musical (NTS), Dirty Dancing, 20th Century Boy, Cinderella (UK tours) and Fanatical (The Playground Theatre).
Liz Ewing plays Agnes/Mary/Ensemble/ u/s Marion. Her theatre credits include Local Hero (Chichester Festival Theatre), Follies (National Theatre), Séance (The Other Place), Cinderella (London Palladium), Mrs Henderson Presents (Noël Coward Theatre), Gypsy (Savoy Theatre) and Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Palace Theatre). Her television credits include The Primrose Railway Children, Shetland, The Nest, The Tracy Ullman Show and The Sound of Music Live; and for film, The Union and Damaged.
Peter Hannah plays Sam/Prison Officer/Gordon Laverty/Mark Hagen. His theatre credits include Then, Now and Next (Southwark Playhouse), The Oyster Problem (Jermyn Street Theatre), Into the Woods (Lyric Theatre/Northern Ireland Opera), Waitress (Adelphi Theatre), The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (National Theatre of Scotland) and Cockpit (Royal Lyceum Theatre). His television credits include Six Four, Call the Midwife, Serpent Queen, Doctor Who, Unforgotten and I Hate Suzie.
Hannah Jarrett-Scott plays Kathy/Amanda/Ensemble. Her theatre credits include Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) (Tron Theatre, UK Tour, Criterion Theatre – nomination for a Stage Debut Award), Peter Pan (King’s Theatre Glasgow/ UK tour), Medea on the Mic, Burning Bright, Alright Sunshine (Òran Mór), Gunter (Royal Court Theatre and Summerhall), and Class Act, Same Team (Traverse Theatre). Her television credits include Float and Two Doors Down.
Janet Kumah plays Susannah. Her theatre work includes For All the Women That Thought They Were Mad (Hackney Showroom), Anguis (Avalon and BBC Arts), Room (Theatre Royal Stratford East and Abbey Theatre, Dublin), The Winter’s Tale (Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh), Rites (National Theatre of Scotland), and Those Who Trespass Against Us (Hackney Empire). Her television credits include Criminal Record, Breeders, Cobra, Shadow and Bone, Chemistry of Death, Silent Witness, I Hate Suzie Too, London Kills, Enterprise, In the Long Run and Dark Heart; and for film, Marching Powder, By the Throat, and Containment.
Louise McCarthy plays Jackie. Her theatre credits Hen Night Horror (Imagine Theatre), Orphans the Musical, Yer Granny, My Left/Right Foot (NTS), The Dolls Musical Dragged Up (Kings Theatre), The Steamie (The Hydro), Aganeza Scrooge, The Alchemist, Snaw Queen, Sleeping Betty, Three Sisters (Tron Theatre), Bingo! (Grid Iron), Cuttin’ a Rug (Citizens Theatre), The Dolls, The Dolls Abroad (UK tours), Role Shift (Òran Mór), Jacquoranda (Perth Theatre/ UK tour), Sleeping Beauty (Perth Theatre), and Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales Theatre). For television her credits include The Scott’s, Queen of the New Year, Stevens & McCarthy, Dogs Squad, Scots Squad, The Dolls: Friday Night Kerry OOT!, In Plain Sight, Only an Excuse, Two Doors Down, Sketchland and What’s Funny?; and for film, Wild Rose.
Emma Mullen plays Nurse/Ensemble. Her theatre credits include Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre, UK and international tour), Sunshine on Leith (Leeds Playhouse, UK tour), A History of Paper and August: Osage County (Dundee Rep). Her television credits include So Long Marianne and Shetland.
Julia Murray plays Ensemble and u/s Rose-Lynn. Her theatre credits Pinocchio (Cumbernauld Theatre), Bookcut (UK tour), Islander (UK and international tour), and Underwood Lane (Tron Theatre).
Mia Musakambeva plays BBC Receptionist/Ensemble. Her theatre credits include TINA – The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (UK tour), and Footloose (Norwegian Cruise Line).
Star Penders plays Train Lady/Ensemble. Her theatre credits include SCOTS (PPP, 54 Below: Off-Broadway), and Macbeth (An Undoing) (Royal Lyceum Theatre, Rose Theatre, TFANA).
Ashley J Russell plays Female Partygoer/Ensemble. Her theatre credits include TheWaiting Room (Traverse Theatre), We Will Rock You (UK and international tour), Sister Act (London Palladium), Jest End (Leicester Square Theatre), Shrek The Musical (Newcastle Theatre Royal), Mamma Mia! (international tour), and Tommy the Rock Opera (Blackpool Winter Gardens).
Dawn Sievewright returns to The Royal Lyceum Theatre, where she previously appeared in Twelfth Night (also Bristol Old Vic). Sievewright received critical acclaim and an Olivier Award nomination for her role in Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour – an NTS production which also played at Live Theatre, National Theatre and in the West End at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Her other theatre credits includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream (RSC), No Love Songs (Dundee Rep and Traverse Theatre), The Welkin (National Theatre), Spuds (A Play, A Pie and A Pint), My Left/Right Foot (NTS), Pinocchio (National Theatre), The A-Z of Mrs P (Southwark Playhouse), Glasgow Girls (Theatre Royal Stratford East, National Theatre of Scotland, Citizens Theatre), Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre) and Quadrophenia (UK tour). Her television credits includes The Undertow, Shetland and Star Wars: Andor; and for film Man & Witch and Never Seen the Sea.
Acclaimed screenwriter Nicole Taylor’s credits for television include Three Girls (which won five BAFTAs including for Best Writer and Best Mini Series), The C Word and The Nest. She most recently adapted David Nicholls’ novel One Day into a critically acclaimed smash-hit 14-part series for Netflix. For film, Nicole wrote the multi-award-winning Wild Rose.
John Tiffany studied Theatre and Classics at Glasgow University. He trained at the Traverse Theatre and has been an Associate Director at the National Theatre of Scotland and the Royal Court. For his work on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, John received Tony and Olivier Awards. He directed Once at NYTW and on Broadway, for which he received a Tony Award. For the Royal Court, his work includes Road, Hope, and The Pass. For the National Theatre of Scotland his work includes Black Watch, for which he received an Olivier Award, Let the Right One In (also West End and international tour),Macbeth (also Broadway), Enquirer, The Missing, Peter Pan and The Bacchae. Other credits include The Glass Menagerie at American Repertory Theater (also Broadway, EIF and West End) and The Ambassador at BAM. Tiffany was a Radcliffe Fellow at Harvard University in the 2010-11 academic year.
WISE CHILDREN ANNOUNCES THE FULL CAST OF EMMA RICE’S WORLD PREMIÈRE ADAPTATION OF NORTH BY NORTHWEST
Wise Children today announces the full cast for the world première of Emma Rice’s adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest. Rice directs Mirabelle Gremaud (Anna), Patrycja Kujawska (Eva Kendall), Simon Oskarsson (Valerian), Katy Owen (The Professor), Karl Queensborough (Philip Vandamm) and Ewan Wardrop (Roger Thornhill).
North by Northwest is a co-production with York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, opening on 26 March at York Theatre Royal, with previews from 18 March, before touring to HOME Manchester, Liverpool Playhouse, Bath Theatre Royal, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham, and concluding its run at Alexandra Palace Theatre on 22 June.
Additional venues and dates to be announced.
A Wise Children, York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse co-production
ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S
NORTH BY NORTHWEST
Adapted and directed by Emma Rice
Director: Emma Rice; Set and Costume Designer: Rob Howell; Sound Designer: Simon Baker;
Lighting Designer: Malcolm Rippeth; Choreographer and Movement Director: Etta Murfitt;
Creative Consultant: Mark Kaufman
It would be strange, would it not, if, in a city of seven million people, one man were never mistaken for another…
But that is exactly what happens to Roger Thornhill, reluctant hero of North by Northwest, when a mistimed phone call to his mother lands him smack bang in the middle of a Cold War conspiracy. Now he’s on the run, dodging spies, airplanes and a femme fatale who might not be all she seems.
Emma Rice takes on film legend Alfred Hitchcock in this riotously funny reworking that turns the original thriller on its head. With just six shape-shifting performers, a fabulous ‘50s soundtrack and a LOT of hats, this dazzling production plays with the heart, mind and soul. Join us for a night of glamour, romance, jeopardy and a liberal sprinkling of tender truths.
Based on the Turner Entertainment Co. Film North by Northwest
Produced by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Kay & McLean Productions
North by Northwest is a 1959 film, produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason.
Emma Rice is the Artistic Director of Wise Children and is an internationally respected theatre-maker and director. For Wise Children she has adapted and directed The Buddha of Suburbia, Blue Beard, The Little Matchgirl and Happier Tales,Wuthering Heights, Bagdad Café, Angela Carter’s Wise Children, Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers and Romantics Anonymous. As Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe: Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Little Matchgirl (and Other Happier Tales). Rice worked for Kneehigh as an actor, director and Artistic Director, creating critically acclaimed productions including: The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, The Wild Bride, The Red Shoes, Cymbeline (in association with RSC), A Matter of Life and Death (in association with National Theatre), Brief Encounter (in association with David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers Productions), Don John (in association with the RSC and Bristol Old Vic), Wah! Wah! Girls (in association with Sadler’s Wells and Theatre Royal Stratford East for World Stages), and Steptoe and Son. She received the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre award at the 2019 UK Theatre Awards.
Mirabelle Gremaud returns to the company to play Anna and Others – she previously appeared in Blue Beard (UK tour), Wise Children (Old Vic Theatre/UK tour), Malory Towers (Bristol Passenger Shed/UK tour), and Wuthering Heights (Bristol Old Vic/National Theare/UK tour).Her theatre credits as an actress/dancer and contortionist includeLe Conte des Contes (Théâtre Kléber-Mélau), Peter Pan (Birmingham Rep), Swan Lake (The Lost Estate), Acrojou (Roundhouse), Falling (Complicité), and her solo show Sombre Sloughing (UK and European tour).
Patrycja Kujawska returns to the company to play Eve Kendall and Others – she previously appeared in Blue Beard (UK tour), Bagdad Cafe (Old Vic Theatre), and Wise Children (Old Vic Theatre/UK tour). Her other theatre credits include Cyrano, The Grinning Man (Bristol Old Vic), The Tin Drum, Midnight’s Pumpkin, 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips (Kneehigh), The Red Shoes, The Wild Bride, Tristan and Yseult (Kneehigh/UK tour/US tour), Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and Other Love Songs) (Kneehigh/UK tour/Shanghai tour), Don John (RSC), Drop Dead Gorgeous, Let The Mountains Lead You To Love, Punch Drunk, Fairy Tale, Test Run, If We Go On, Underworld (Vincent Dance Theatre), Broken Chords and Motherland (Vincent Dance Theatre/UK tour/US tour).
Katy Owen returns to the company to play The Professor and Others – she previously appeared in The Little Match Girl and Happier Tales, Blue Beard (UK tour), The Buddha of Suburbia (RSC/Barbican Centre), Wise Children (Old Vic Theatre/UK tour), and Wuthering Heights (Bristol Old Vic/National Theatre). Her other theatre credits include UBU Karaoke!, Rebecca (Kneehigh), David Copperfield (Riverside Studios), The Little Matchgirl and Happier Tales (Bristol Old Vic/Shakespeare’s Globe), Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe), 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tipps (Kneehigh/Shakespeare’s Globe/UK tour), The World of Work, The Night Before Christmas (Chapter Arts Centre), Apparitions of Spirits with the Forsythe Sisters (Gaggle Babble), Maudie’s Rooms, Plum – and Me, Will!, Cinders (Sherman Theatre), Ill Met by Moonlight (Wales Millennium Centre)and The Tempest (Theatr Iolo). Her television credits include The Story of Tracy Beaker; and for film, Cyrano and Daddy’s Girl.
Simon Oskarsson plays Valerian and Others. His theatre credits include Hadestown (Lyric Theatre), The Book Thief (Curve Leicester/Belgrade Coventry), Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written, 101 Dalmatians, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Claus (The Lowry, Salford), Assassins (The Watermill Theatre), Kiss Me Kate (Sheffield Theatres), Return to the Forbidden Planet (Upstairs at the Gatehouse – Stage Debut Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical); and his international theatre credits include Kärlek Skonar Ingen, Julia Capulet and Ögonblick. His television credits include Lotta På Liseberg – Kärlek Skonar Ingen and So Awkward.
Karl Queensborough plays Phillip Vandamm and Others. His theatre credits include Lady M (Shanghai Culture Square), The Big Life – The SKA Musical (Stratford East), Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre), White Teeth, A Wolf in Snakeskin Shoes (Kiln Theatre), Sylvia (Old Vic Theatre/Zoo Nation), The Little Matchgirl and Happier Tales (Shakespeare’s Globe/Bristol Old Vic), The Machine Stops (York Theatre Royal/Pilot Theatre), Only the Brave (Soho Theatre/Wales Millennium Centre/Bird Song), Aladdin, Cinderella, Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk (Lyric Theatre Hammersmith), Dayglo, Mind the Gap, (Y Touring); Morning (Lyric Theatre Hammersmith/Traverse Theatre), 365 (National Theatre of Scotland), and Ignition Out of Reach (Frantic Assembly). His television credits include The Talent, The Crown, Enterprice, Misfits, Wednesday’s Child, and Sex, Lies and DVDs.
Ewan Wardrop returns to the company to play Roger Thornhill – he previously appeared in The Buddha of Suburbia (RSC/Barbican Theatre) and Bagdad Café (Old Vic Theatre). His other theatre credits include A Monster Calls (UK tour, US tour), The American Clock (Old Vic Theatre), Formby, Rebecca, Far From The Madding Crowd, Treasure Island (UK tours), Much Ado About Nothing, 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Wind in the Willows (Vaudeville Theatre/Duchess Theatre), The Deep Blue Sea, Rattigan’s Nijinsky (Chichester Festival Theatre), Enron (Noël Coward Theatre/Royal Court Theatre/UK tour), Johnno (Derby Playhouse/Brisbane Powerhouse), Up from the Waste (Soho Theatre), Promises Promises (Sheffield Theatres), Beauty and the Beast (RSC), On Your Toes (Royal Festival Hall), Play Without Words (National Theatre) and Dick Whittington (Sadlers Wells). His television credits include Matthew Bourne’s Christmas and Greek Vase.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – until the Saturday 18th January 2025
Reviewed by Rachel Clark
5*****
You felt like you were sat in the The Deadwood Stage.
Calamity Jane the musical is based on the 1954 Doris Day film musical. I haven’t seen the Doris Day movie and didn’t need to, to enjoy this wonderful show. Calamity Jane lives in Deadwood and is a hard wild west heroine who dresses as a man and acts as though she an indestructible person. She lives in Deadwood and brings in the local stage coaches safely. On the stage coach there was meant to be a beautiful woman actress that would be showing on stage at Deadwood, but the actress is actually a man, Francis rather than Frances which doesn’t go down to well with the locals. Calamity who often stretches out her stories to Wild Bill Hickok and the rest of the bar and to prove herself after an incidence at the Deadwood stage Calamity goes to Chicago to bring back Adelaide Adams , but Calamity being Calamity mistakes her maid Katie Brown for her and brings back the wrong actress.
This musical is brilliant, you feel like you are in the Wild West and sat in the Deadwood Stage. The show starts with a Buck on stage played by Tomas Wolstenholme a proper wild west Hillbillie that gave the character his all. Calamity is played by Carrie Hope Fletcher and I can’t sing her appraises enough, she was brilliant, so clear and you clearly heard every word she sang or said, such clarity and projection. Calamity arrives of the stage in a whirlwind from just seeing the latest stage coach in. Carrie not only has played in theatre, television and concerts she has also written books including a children’s book . Alongside Calamity was Wild Bill Hickok played by Vinny Cole who has also done extensive theatre work. Calamity believes she is in love with Danny Gilmartin played by Luke Wilson. All actors in this musical have a great background in theatre and all performed a top class show. The audience also enjoyed the sense of humour and there were plenty of laughs at the capers and one liner comments.
The array of musical instruments were a delight, from banjo to guitar, trumpet to piano all played on stage that you couldn’t fault.
Katie Brown who put on an outstanding and enjoyable performance was played by Seren Sandham-Davie and again same a Carrie the clarity of her voice was superb and I couldn’t fault her.
Well worth going out in these dark , foggy nights to brighten up the evening, it took me a while to get to sleep after the show and I was still singing and humming away to whip crack away!
In this production Francis Fryer was played brilliantly by Samuel Holmes replacing Isaac Savage.
FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR MAJOR NEW UK TOUR OF ANNE-MARIE CASEY’S NEW STAGE ADAPTATION OF
LITTLE WOMEN
BELINDA LANG, HONEYSUCKLE WEEKS, JACK ASHTON AND GRACE MOLONY
LEAD THE COMPANY
Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann today announce the full cast for Anne-Marie Casey’s new stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s much loved classic novel Little Women – starring Belinda Lang best known for her roles in Sister Boniface Mysteries and 2point4 Children (Aunt March), Foyles War’s Honeysuckle Weeks (Marmee), Call the Midwife’sJack Ashton (Brooke and Bhaer) and, The Great’s Grace Molony (Jo).
Completing the company are Cillian Lenaghan (Laurie), Jade Kennedy (Meg), Catherine Chalk (Beth), Imogen Elliott (Amy).
Directed by Loveday Ingram, Little Women opens atBelgrade Theatre, Coventry on 19 March, before playing Grand Theatre, Blackpool 25-29 March and then touring to a further 10 venues across the UK and concluding its run at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 21 June.
Director: Loveday Ingram; Designer: Ruari Murchison; Lighting: Mike Roberston; Composer and Sound Designer: Mathew Bugg; Movement: Mike Ashcroft
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women was an immediate critical and commercial success. The book was inspired by Alcott’s experiences growing up and is one of the best loved novels of all time.
Experience the enduring journey of the March sisters – tomboy Jo, beautiful Meg, sensitive Beth, and spoilt Amy, as they as they navigate the challenges of the Civil War era, forging unbreakable bonds of love and family. Step into the world of sisterhood, courage, ambition and follow them as they progress into womanhood.
Still as relevant today Little Women is a celebration of women proving that women can be heroes of their own story, can be bold, persistent, self-assured to stand strong in who they are, and what they desire for themselves in their present and future.
Anne-Marie Casey’s masterful new adaptation of the classic story offers a captivating rendition of Little Women that breathes new life into a cherished classic.
The recent success of the Greta Gerwig film, the nostalgia of the classic book, combined with a beautiful adaptation provides an exciting theatrical experience guaranteed to be a night (or afternoon!) filled with laughter, tears, and a heart-warming lifting of the spirits.
Anne-Marie Casey’s play adaptations include Wuthering Heights – adapted from the novel by Emily Brontë and Tess – the circus adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel. For television, her credits include Miss Haversham, The Shockers, The Story of Lucy Gault – adapted from the novel by William Trevor, Wild Irish Girl, The Master
Belinda Lang plays Aunt March. Her theatre credits include Duet For One, Single Spies, Ladies in Lavender, The Reluctant Debutante, Present Laughter, Duet For One (National tours), The Country Wife (Chichester Festival Theatre), Humble Boy (Orange Tree Theatre), Oklahoma (Albert Hall Prom) ,The Constant Wife (Gate Theatre, Dublin), School For Scandal (Park Theatre), The Letter of Last Resort (Traverse Theatre) The Bomb (Tricycle Theatre), The Killing of Sister George (Arts Theatre), An Hour and A Half Late (Bath Theatre Royal), Hayfever (Manchester Royal Exchange/ Haymarket Theatre) Liberty (Globe Theatre) and What The Butler Saw (Criterion Theatre), Dead Funny (Savoy Theatre), Mrs Klein (National Theatre). Her television credits include Sister Boniface Mysteries (as series regular Mrs Clam), This England, Citizen Khan, My Family, Three Minute Moments, Rosemary & Thyme, Justice in Wonderland, Midsomer Murders, 2point4 Children (as series regular Bill Porter), Second Thoughts (as series regular Liza), The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (as series regular Agatha Troy), Dear John (as series regular Kate)and To Serve Them All My Days.
Honeysuckle Weeks plays Marmee. Her theatre credits include Accolade, Calendar Girls, Absurd Person Singular (UK tours), The Best Man (Playhouse Theatre), These Shining Lives (Park Theatre), and A Daughter’s A Daughter (Trafalgar Studios, Theatre Royal Windsor). Her television credits include Frankie Drake Mysteries, Lewis, The Five, Death in Paradise, and as series regular Samantha Stewart in Foyle’s War.
Jack Ashton plays Brooke/Bhaer. His theatre credits include Strangers on a Train (UK tour), The Guinea Pig Club, Twelfth Night, The Homecoming, End of Desire, Escaping Alice (York Theatre Royal), A Streetcar Named Desire (Donmar Warehouse), Our Boys(Criterion Theatre), Unscorched(Bristol Old Vic) andA Thrashing(Southwark Playhouse). His television credits include Flight 103, Professor T, Waterloo Road, Call the Midwife (as series regular Reverend Tom Hereward), and Broadchurch.
Grace Molony plays Jo. Her theatre credits include The Enfield hunting (Ambassador Theatre), The Watsons (Menier Chocolate Factory/Chichester Festival Theatre), The Glass Piano (The Coronet Theatre), Lady Windermere’s Fan (Vaudeville Theatre), and The Country Girls (Chichester Festival Theatre). Her television credits include The Great (as series regular Queen Agnes); and for film, We Live in Time, Morning Sickness and Mary Queen of Scots.
Cillian Lenahan plays Laurie. His theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Little Women, Blackout (The Lyric Theatre), The Steward of Christendom (Gate Theatre), Dubliners (Dublin Theatre Festival), The Lieutenant of Inishmore (The Gaiety Theatre. His television credits include Small Town Big Story, The Women in the Wall and The Spectacular.
Jade Kennedy plays Meg. Her theatre credits include Rebus: A Game Called Malice, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World (UK tours), Fun Home (Gate Theatre), The Snow Queen (Brighton Open Air Theatre), and Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace). Her television credits include Winter Place.
Catherine Chalk Plays Beth. Her stage credits include The Circle (UK tour), and Dear Elizabeth (Gate Theatre). Her film credits include Hilma.
Imogen Elliott plays Amy. Her theatre credits include The Voice of the Turtle (Jermyn St Theatre), for which she was nominated for a Stage Debut Award. Her television credits include Grantchester.
Loveday Ingram’s directing credits include Room 13 (Barn Theatre), Rebus: A Game called Malice, Fatal Attraction (UK tours), Dinner with Groucho (Dublin Theatre Festival, Belfast International Festival and Arcola Theatre), The Girl on the Train (Salisbury Playhouse) The Rover (RSC), My One and Only, Pal Joey (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Blue Room (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Liverpool Playhouse), Baskerville (National Centre for the Performing Arts, China) Julius Caesar, Henry V (Storyhouse Theatre), Macbeth (Theatre Severn), Boston Marriage and Hysteria (B*Spoke Theatre Company). Additional directing credits include the original Assistant Director for Mamma Mia! and Associate Director at Chichester Festival Theatre. Her writing credits include a short film selected to represent Women’s Aid internationally for the campaign for Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Amanda Abbington and Rosie Day reunite to lead the company for the world première of (This is not a) Happy Room at King’s Head Theatre, which Day has also written. Hannah Price directs this brand-new dark comedy, which opens on 31 March, with previews from 26 March and runs until 27 April.
Full casting will be announced shortly.
Amanda Abbington said today “I have admired Rosie’s writing since Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon, so when she mentioned she was creating a brand-new play I had to read it. The script is hilarious and utterly gripping, I can’t wait to further explore the Henderson’s chaotic family dynamic and bring them to life on stage.”
Rosie Day added “(This is not a) Happy Room is a very farcical dark comedy about the most dysfunctional of families, it’s going to be a riot to put on. I can’t wait to bring it to the King’s Head Theatre.”
Katy Galloway Productionspresents
The world première of
(THIS IS NOT A) HAPPY ROOM
By Rosie Day
Cast includes Amanda Abbington, Rosie Day
Director Hannah Price; Sound Design: Adrienne Quartly; Lighting Design: Rory Beaton; Set and Costume Design: Georgia de Grey
26 March – 27 April 2025
Meet the Hendersons, a happily dysfunctional family, reuniting for their dad’s third (or fourth?) wedding. Nobody expects the death of his bachelorhood to become an actual funeral… but it would be a waste of the buffet not to repurpose it, right?
Following the West-End run of her critically acclaimed Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon, and hailed as Saltburn meets Schitt’s Creek, Rosie Day’s new searingly sharp dark comedy premieres at the King’s Head in March 2025.
Amanda Abbington plays Esther. Her theatre credits include When it Happens to You (Park Theatre),
The Unfriend (Criterion Theatre), The Son (Kiln Theatre, Duke of York’s Theatre), The Little Princess (Royal Festival Hall), The God of Carnage, Abigail’s Party (Theatre Royal Bath), God Bless the Child (Royal Court Theatre) and Love Me Tonight (Hampstead Theatre). Her television credits include Desperate Measures, Wolfe, The Net, Sherlock, I Hate Suzie, Mr. Selfridge (as series regular Miss Mardle), Cuffs, The Queen and I, Unsaid Stories, Safe, Married Single Other and After You’ve Gone; and for film, The Lost King, Three Pints and a Rabbi, Decrypted, The Six Days of Sistine, Crooked House, Another Mother’s Son and Ghost.
Playwright Rosie Day also plays Elle. As a writer, her debut play Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon opened in the West End in Spring 2024 and is now being produced for television by BBC3 and Emma Thompson. Her theatre credits include When It Happens to You (Park Theatre), The Fellowship (Hampstead Theatre), Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon (Southwark Playhouse), Again, The Girl who Fell (Trafalgar Studios), Spur of the Moment (Royal Court Theatre), Velocity (Finborough Theatre), A Winter’s Tale, Playboy of the Western World and Summerfolk (National Theatre). Her television credits include Outlander, Living the Dream, Good Omens, Urban Myths, The Sandman and Prime Suspect 1973; and for film, All Roads Lead to Rome, Down a Dark Hall, The Seasoning House, Good Night and Butterfly Kisses.
Hannah Price directs. Her directing credits include The Girl Who Fell, Boa, Again (Trafalgar Studios), End of the Pier, The Dead Monkey (Park Theatre), Down and Out Live (Stone Nest, London/La Generale, Paris), Permanence (Tarragon Theatre, Toronto), Escape the Scaffold (Theatre503/ The Other Room), Run the Beast Down (Marlowe Theatre/Finborough Theatre), 1984 Live (Senate House), Rainbow Class (Bush Theatre/Assembly Rooms), TEST (Scala Theatre, Basel), Cello/Fragile (Yard Theatre), Bud Take the Wheel, I Feel a Song Coming On (Shaw Theatre/Underbelly), That Moment (King‘s Head Theatre & UK tour).
For Theatre Uncut her credits include Refugee (Teater Grob, Copenhagen), In Opposition (Paines Plough Roundabout), Knowledge is Power: Knowledge is Change (Traverse & tour), Referendum Plays (Traverse), TU Istanbul: Power and Protest (Dot Tiyatro/Istanbul International Theatre Festival/Traverse), TU 2013: The Rise of the Right (Young Vic), The Cuts Plays (Southwark Playhouse/ Soho/Latitude/Traverse).
Award-winning cast announced for explosive musical comedy Miss I-Doll at The Other Palace The Other Palace Studio, 12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5JA Tuesday 18th February – Sunday 9th March 2025
What would happen if during a live reality TV show final one of the contestants simply revealed…the truth?
West End performer Daisy Steere (Dirty Dancing, UK Tour; JERSEY BOYS, UK and Ireland Tour; JACKIE THE MUSICAL, UK Tour) will star in the electric one-woman musical comedy Miss I-Doll, playing the seemingly perfect reality TV show contestant Mia. Steere’s central role also offers a powerful multi-rolling performance as she takes on twelve other characters in the reality TV show. Natalie Casey (Legally Blonde, Savoy Theatre; Rock / Paper / Scissors, Sheffield Crucible; In The Next Room, The Other Palace) brings her TV background to the musical comedy, as she personifies the reality show as a voiceover, guiding Mia and the audience through the production. This modern tale of capitalism gone wrong, staged for a limited three-week run, is an entertaining, satirical statement of resilience, showing how women can be valued for who they truly are.
Mia enters the Miss I-Doll competition with the singular aim of fulfilling her dreams to become a global superstar but, on the night of the final, Mia’s world is disrupted as she loses her filter. As Mia speaks her mind on the true nature of the prime-time show’s feminine stereotypes, green washing, unethical marketing and pink washing, the show spirals out of control in a satirical, ruthless exploration of reality TV and the complex pressures often placed on women in today’s media age.
Protagonist Daisy Steere comments, I feel totally inspired to be a part of this production which I hope to do justice to, by bringing stereotypical versions of ourselves to life! The witty writing allows us to laugh as we reflect on modern days’ engagement with reality television. I can’t wait to take on the challenge of Miss I-Doll, it certainly will be a humorous journey.
Director Ruthie Stephens adds, I think now more than ever it is important to shine a light on how we, the British public are so easily drawn in and hooked to reality TV and social media and how that has an impact on society and the pressures of women and young girls today.
WICKED, the West End stage musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is proud to announce its full new London cast who are set to begin performances at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre on Tuesday 25 March 2025. Leading the company are Emma Kingston (Heathers: The Musical) as Elphaba, opposite West End sensation Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins) as Glinda. The current 2024 / 25 company’s final performance will take place on Sunday 23 March 2025.
Wicked London welcomes back Carl Man (& Juliet) as Fiyero. Carl played Fiyero to sensational reviews across the UK and Ireland 2023 – 2025 tour, having previously covered the role in London’s 15th-anniversary cast. Sarah Ingram (whose many and varied credits include Legally Blonde: The Musical through to Richard III) joins the principal cast as Madame Morrible alongside Michael Matus (known for his Oliver Award-winning relationship with the RSC and musicals including Singin’ in the Rain and Stephen Schwartz’s The Baker’s Wife) as The Wizard. Wicked marks the fourth production that Sarah and Michael have worked on together. Hannah Qureshi (Hamilton) will star as Nessarose,David McKechnie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) as Doctor Dillamond and Ross Carpenter (Book of Mormon) as Boq. Laura Emmitt (Frozen: The Musical) returns to Wicked London as Alternate Elphaba having previously covered the role in the West End and Lydia Gerrard (The Phantom of The Opera, UK & Ireland Tour) joins as Standby for Glinda having covered the role on the recent tour.
The 2025/6 company is completed by Iroy Abesamis, Zac Adlam, Steph Asamoah, Meg Astin, Rebecca Bowden, Shaun Chambers, Erin Gisele Chapman, Grace Durkin, Onyemachi Ejimofor, Aaron Elijah, Aimee Hodnett, Nat Ingham, Holly Lawrence, Jemima Loddy, Josh Lovell, Rory Maguire, PaddyJoe Martin, JoJo Meredith, Ayden Morgan, Rina Punwani, Abbie Quinnen, Jemma Revell, Jeanie Ryan, Charlotte Anne Steen, Chris Tarsey, Hannah Taylor, James Titchener and Jacob Young.
Emma Kingston’s theatre credits include: The Purists (Kiln Theatre), The Band’s Visit (Donmar Warehouse); Carousel (Kilworth House); Heathers: The Musical (The Other Palace); Evita (International Tour); Children of Eden (Cadogan Hall); The Last 5 Years (Minack Theatre); Fiddler on the Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre); In the Heights (King’s Cross Theatre/Southwark Playhouse); Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre); Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Grease (UK Tours). Her television credits include Sound of Musicals with Neil Brand; and for film, BKLYN The Musical (Lambert Jackson) and Been So Long (Netflix).
Zizi Strallen is best known for playing Mary Poppins in Cameron Mackintosh’s West End production at the Prince Edward Theatre, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Other stage credits include; Cake (The Other Palace and Lyric Theatre); Nine (The Hopemill); Rock Follies (Chichester Festival Theatre); Oklahoma in Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Sunset Boulevard (Royal Albert Hall); Follies (National Theatre); Strictly Ballroom (Piccadilly Theatre); Pippin (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Matthew Bourne’s The Carman (Royal Albert Hall); CATS (London Palladium); Hairspray (Leicester Curve); Rock of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre); Merrily We Roll Along (Menier Chocolate Factory and Harold Pinter Theater); Dirty Dancing (Aldwych Theatre); The Music Man (Chichester Festival Theatre). Screen work includes: CATS (universal and working title); Dinotopia (Hallmark); Victoria and Albert (ITV); and Bramwell (ITV).
“One of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News), Wicked opened in London in 2006 and is already the 10th longest-running West End production in history. Winner of more than 100 global awards, the production has now been seen by more than 12 million people in London alone and celebrated its 7000th performance at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on Friday 15 November 2024.
Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s celebrated stage musical is based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire and imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.Wicked reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming ‘Glinda The Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’.
Wicked has music and lyrics by multi-Oscar® and Grammy® Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt,Disney’s Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Enchanted). It is based on the multimillion-copy best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire and written by Emmy® and Tony Award® nominee Winnie Holzman (creator of the landmark American television series ‘My So-Called Life’). Musical staging is by Tony Award® winner Wayne Cilento with direction by two-time Tony Award® winner Joe Mantello.
Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman have collaborated on the two-part Universal Pictures film version of Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Part 1 of the blockbuster opened on November 22nd, 2024, and has become the highest-grossing film, based on a stage musical, in history.
Performances continue Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, and Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2.30pm. The following twelve added shows are also on sale, including Christmas 2025: Thursday 20 February 2:30pm, Thursday 17 April 2:30pm, Thursday 7 August 2:30pm, Thursday 21 August 2:30pm, Thursday 30 October 2:30pm, Friday 19 December 2:30pm, and Monday 22 December 7:30pm, Tuesday 23 December 2:30pm, Monday 29 December 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Tuesday 30 December 2.30pm 2025 and Friday 2 January 2:30pm 2026.
A spectacular touring production of Wicked recently concluded a year-long, critically acclaimed tour in Manchester – where it closed the tour having completed a Christmas season at the Palace Theatre on Sunday 12 January 2025.
The stage musical Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK) Michael McCabe.
The Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1L
