INTERNATIONAL RECORDING ARTIST AND POP STAR

SINITTA

TO STAR AS ‘MAMA MORTON’

IN THE UK AND IRELAND TOUR

OF

THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING

ALONGSIDE FAYE BROOKES AS ‘ROXIE HART’

KEVIN CLIFTON AS ‘BILLY FLYNN’

AND

DJALENGA SCOTT AS ‘VELMA KELLY’

David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce that international recording artist and pop star Sinitta will join the UK and Ireland tour of CHICAGO as Mama Morton for a strictly limited run, playing Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre (21 – 26 October 2024) and Stoke’s Regent Theatre (25 – 30 November 2024).

Sinitta said today, “I’m so excited to be returning to Chicago, I jumped at the chance to step back into Mama Morton’s shoes for two weeks on the upcoming UK and Ireland tour. To return to the stage with these incredible musicians, and a stunning company doing amazing choreography, is a dream come true. The role of Mama has certainly been good to me, and I can’t wait to rub shoulders with my merry murderesses again!”

Sinitta returns to the role, joining stage and soap star Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart, Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton as Billy Flynn, leading West End talent Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, alongside Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine.

The cast is completed by Bethany Adamson, Victoria Anderson, Josh Crowther, Joe Dale, Jessica Keable, Robin Kent, Annabelle Laing, Jacob McLay Reid, Jonathan Milton, George Olney, Oliver Ramsdale, Elly Shaw, Lucy Anne Stacey, Matthew Sweet and Ria Tanaka.        

Sinitta is an international recording artist having released 15 hit pop records including So Macho, Toyboy and Cross My Broken Heart. No stranger to the stage, she has appeared in the West End productions of Cats, Little Shop of Horrors, Hair, Smokey Joe’s Café and as the female lead in Mutiny! She most recently appeared in the UK and Ireland tour of Now That’s What I Call A Musical. Since the mid-00s Sinitta has remained in the spotlight becoming a mentor to young emerging talent as Simon Cowell’s right-hand woman on The X Factor.

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, CHICAGO’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”.  Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, CHICAGO is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.

Since it opened in New York in 1996, CHICAGO has played in 38 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean.  Worldwide it has been seen by an estimated 34 million people, grossed over $1.7 billion has played over 35,000 performances.

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 current 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.

SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS 

FULL CAST & CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR 

ALICE IN WONDERLAND 

AN INVENTIVE RETELLING WITH A PRESCOT SETTING  

WRITTEN BY NICK LANE 

DIRECTED BY NATHAN POWELL 

WITH HELEN CARTER AS ‘ALICE’ 

SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE  

FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2024 – SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2025 

Shakespeare North Playhouse are pleased to announce the full cast for Alice in Wonderland, adapted by Nick Lane, opening Friday 22 November until Saturday 5 January, with a national press night on Tuesday 26 November at 7pm.  

It’s Christmas in Wonderland, and mischief is afoot! Join Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole again… 

In this inventive retelling, written by Nick Lane and directed by Nathan Powell, Alice returns to Wonderland as a mother, set against the backdrop of Prescot with a touch of Christmas magic. As previously announced, Helen Carter (Boys from the Blackstuff, Love Liverpool, A Christmas Carol, The Last Testament of Lillian Billoca) will take on the title role of Alice. 

Noah Olaoye (The Owl & The Pussycat, Four Minutes Twelve Seconds, The Monstrum) will play ‘Card Two’, with Kelise Gordon-Harrison (A Midsummer Nights Dream, Peter Pan, The Not So Big Bad Wolf) as ‘Card Seven’,Martha Godber (Do I Love You?, Pleasant Land, Ladies Unleashed) as ‘Card Eight’, Milton Lopes (The Burnt City, The Third Day – Autumn, A Unica Mulher) as ‘Card Two’ and understudy Tia Larsen (Vignettes, Approved, Den Festival Manchester). 

Follow the White Rabbit into the Cockpit Theatre this Christmas and be welcomed back to Wonderland! Everything is as Alice remembered… or is it? 

Let Shakespeare North whisk you away to Wonderland with this marvellously whimsical festive retelling of the cherished classic you know and love, Alice in Wonderland. 

Nathan Powell said “I am so excited to be working with Shakespeare North Playhouse and this incredible company to bring some Christmas joy with Nicks absolutely bonkers Alice in Wonderland. I can’t wait to welcome audiences into our Wonderland and truly start the festive period.” 

Shakespeare North Playhouse Creative Director Laura Collier said, “We are thrilled to collaborate once again with writer Nick Lane, who captivated our audiences with his version of A Christmas Carol in 2022. The beloved and whimsical world of Wonderland will receive Nick’s unique twist. Coupled with wonderful direction from Nathan Powell we can’t wait to see what lies beyond the rabbit hole in our version of Alice in Wonderland.” 

Alice in Wonderland will be directed by Nathan Powell, Nicole Behan as Associate Director, with set and costume design by Sascha Gilmour, original composition and lyrics by Simon Slater, lighting design by KJ, sound design by Ernest Acquah, with Claire Bleasdale as casting director and Wendy Hesketh-Ogilvie on aerial direction. 

Theatre Royal, Windsor – until 19th October 2024

Reviewed by Joanna Huggett

5*****

We were delighted to go see ‘Filumena’ at the Theatre Royal Windsor, a play originally written by Eduardo De Filippo and adapter by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, and starring Felicity Kendal (playing Filumena Maturano) and Matthew Kelly (playing Domenico Soriano).

Don Soriano has been duped into marrying Filumena, his long time prostitute and now live in partner under the pretence that, from her death bed, she would probably not have long live – only to discover, once married, that she is indeed as fit and as well as Don Soriano himself.

The entire play takes place in the lounge of Don Domenico’s house in Naples, slowly revealing Filumena’s true objectives for the marriage and what she is prepared to do in order to achieve them. Both Kendal and Kelly are exemplary throughout, and they are supported by a wealth of talent in Julie Legrand, Jamie Hogarth, Lee Peck, Jodie Steel, Sarah Twomey, Ben Nealon, Gavin Fowler, Fabrizio Santino, George Banks and Hilary Tones – many of whom we have seen on this stage before.

I don’t want to give away too much of the plot since the story continuously unfolds throughout the performance, but suffice to say that Filumena has a lot of history and she’s steadfast in her goals for a future too, but not necessarily her own future.

This is a must-see play, we rarely get the opportunity to see Felicity Kendal and Matthew Kelly deliver a masterclass of stage-play, don’t leave it too late to book your tickets.

MAX HARWOOD
SET TO MAKE WAVES AS PERCY JACKSON

THE MYTHICAL ADVENTURE MUSICAL EXPLODES ONTO THE STAGE
AT THE OTHER PALACE FOR ITS LONDON PREMIERE
FROM 23 NOVEMBER 2024

“Worthy of the gods!”                             “A blast!”

Time Out New York                                    Boston Globe

Becoming a demigod and taking the lead role of Percy Jackson for the London Premiere of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is Max Harwood (Stranger Things: The First Shadow; Everybody’s Talking About Jamie). 

Breaking onto the scene in 2021 with a critically acclaimed performance as the titular Jamie New in the film adaptation of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Max Harwood has since appeared on both stage and screen in the Netflix hit show Black Mirror, and the Olivier award winning Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Now he’ll be grabbing the lightning bolt to lead the cast in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.

Presented by Bill Kenwright Ltd. and Paul Taylor-Mills and based on the much-loved best-selling book series by Rick Riordan (with over 180 million copies sold worldwide), Percy Jackson’s story has been adapted into both films and recently a major hit TV series for Disney+. The musical first premiered off-Broadway in 2014 to rave reviews and went on to have two US tours, an off-Broadway run in 2017 and a 16-week limited run on Broadway in 2019.

London will finally get to experience this magical musical for the first time this November. Crafted by an exceptional creative team, audiences will be transported to a world like no other…

When New York City teenager Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.

With newly discovered powers he is unable to control, an unwanted destiny and a whole textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his trail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.

The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.

This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling The Lightning Thief has a book by Joe Tracz (Be More Chill), music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs) and is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day).

Further casting and full creative team to be announced.

The Lightning Thief is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

LISTINGS

BILL KENWRIGHT LTD & PAUL TAYLOR-MILLS PRESENT

THE LIGHTNING THIEF

THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL

Book by Joe Tracz

Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki

Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Direction and Choreography by Lizzi Gee

From: 23 November 2024– 02 February 2025

Performance Schedule: Tuesday – Friday at 7.30pm
                                        Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
                                        Sunday at 1.30pm and 6pm
Christmas Schedule:
Tuesday 24 December at 1pm and 5.15pm
Friday 27 and Saturday 28 December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday 29 December at 1.30pm and 6pm
Tuesday 31 December at 2.30pm

Thursday 2 January at 7.30pm

Friday 3 January at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Run Time: approximately 2hrs 30 minutes including interval

Ticket Price: from £26

Venue: The Other Palace

Address: 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA

Box Office: 020 7592 0302

Website: theotherpalace.co.uk

Socials:

Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok: @percyjacksononstage

Twitter/X: @PercyOnStage

WEST END & BROADWAY STARS

JOEL HARPER-JACKSON & SIERRA BOGGESS
JOIN FORCES TO HEADLINE EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF

I AM HARVEY MILK

HOSTED BY VANESSA WILLIAMS & ALEX JENNINGS

ALONG WITH 50 STRONG CHOIR & 26-PIECE ORCHESTRA

IN SUPPORT OF STONEWALL CHARITY

FOR TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY AT CADOGAN HALL

Sunday 27 October 2024 2.30pm & 6.30pm 

cadoganhall.com/whats-on/i-am-harvey-milk-in-concert/

I AM HARVEY MILK, based on the life of American LGBTQ+activist, will see the West End’s Joel Harper-Jackson (Standing at Skys Edge, Cock) and Broadway’s Sierra Boggess (Love Never Dies, Phantom of the Opera), lead a 50 strong choir and 26-piece orchestra for two special performances of Andrew Lippa’s oratorio at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 27 October 2024. Vanessa Williams (The Devil Wears Prada, Ugly Betty) and Alex Jennings (My Fair Lady, The Crown) will join as host. These European Premiere concerts will raise money for LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall.

Harvey Milk was famously the first openly gay man elected to public office in California,  serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in the late 1970s until his assassination. Milk championed anti-discrimination laws, affordable housing, and equal rights, while giving a powerful voice to marginalised communities. The artist Gilbert Baker designed the first rainbow flag in 1978 on Milk’s urging to create a symbol of pride for the gay community. Harvey Milk’s legacy endures as a symbol of hope and perseverance in the fight for justice, inspiring countless activists and movements for equality worldwide. This concert honours his life and the lasting impact of his work.

Joel Harper-Jackson will star as Harvey, fresh off the back of his run as Harry in the Olivier Award Winning Standing at the Sky’s Edge (Gillian Lynne Theatre). Joel notably stepped into the role of M in Marianne Elliott’s critically acclaimed West End production of Cock (Ambassadors Theatre) in 2022. Further theatre credits include Charlie Price in the UK Tour of Kinky Boots and Jesus Christ Superstar at Regents Park.

Joining Joel – and making her return to the London stage – is renowned Broadway actress and Olivier Award Nominee Sierra Boggess. Sierra originated the roles of Christine in Love Never Dies in London (Adelphi Theatre) for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical; Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, Broadway), Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock (Winter Garden Theatre, Broadway) and starred as Christine in the 25th Anniversary Concert production of Phantom of the Opera (Royal Albert Hall). Other theatre credits include Fantine in Les Misérables (West End), Mary in Harmony (Broadway) and Rebecca in It Shoulda Been You (Broadway).

Vanessa Williams and Alex Jennings will share hosting duties with Williams helming the 2.30pm performance and Jennings the 7.30pm show.

Vanessa Williams is currently preparing for the original West End production of The Devil Wears Prada, in which she stars as Miranda Priestly. Perhaps best known for her role as Wilhelmina Slater in the American TV show Ugly Betty, Williams boasts a long list of Broadway credits, including Aurora in Kiss of the Spiderwoman and the Witch in Into the Woods. 

Alex Jennings is perhaps best known for his on screen portrayal of public figures including King Charles in The Queen, The Duke of Windsor in The Crown and Alan Bennett in the screen adaptation of The Lady in the Van, where he stars opposite the late Dame Maggie Smith. Jennings’ countless stage credits include Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady and Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Written by Andrew Lippa (Big Fish, The Addams Family), I Am Harvey Milk weaves the story of Harvey Milk’s life – from boyhood, to his rise as the first openly gay man to hold public office in California and finally to his assassination in 1978.

Part choral work, part theatre piece, I Am Harvey Milk is a triumphant and emotional celebration of an LGBTQ+ icon.

All profits from these concerts will go to the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall.

Joining Andrew on the creative team for I Am Harvey Milk are Director Kirk Jameson (Song From Far Away starring Will Young, Home MCR and Hampstead Theatre; Buyer and Cellar starring Rob Madge), Musical Director Jonathan Gill and Movement Director Khiley Williams.

Andrew Lippawas originally commissioned to compose I Am Harvey Milk by The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for their 35^th Anniversary in 2013. The chorus’ first ever public performance took place at a vigil on the night of Harvey Milk’s assassination in 1978.

Founded in 1989, Stonewall is a leading LGBTQ+ charity made up of LGBTQ+ people, allies, family and friends dedicated to fighting for freedom, equity and potential. With a mission to create a world where all LGBTQ+ people can live their lives to the full freely and without fear, Stonewall works tirelessly to support communities, influence policies, and promote inclusivity across society.

I Am Harvey Milk is produced by Chorus Productions.

DAME ARLENE PHILIPS ANNOUNCED 

AS EXECUTIVE CO-PRODUCER FOR 

ENCHANTING NEW MUSICAL TOYS 

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR TOYS – A NEW MUSICAL SET TO CAPTIVATE WATFORD FAMILIES THIS DECEMBER.

Socials: Facebook | Instagram | X 

West End Producers, Paul Morrissey Ltd with the Pump House Trust in association with Harlequin Theatricals, are pleased to announce Dame Arlene Philips will be joining the creative team as an executive co producer. 

From the visionary mind of musical maestro Phil Edwards (Miss Saigon, Starlight Express, Saturday Night Fever), together with an incredible cast of stars from the biggest west end shows, Toys is a story of courage, friendship, and the extraordinary power of imagination. 

Dame Arlene Philips, producer of Toys said: “I’ve been involved with Toys for many years, with the super talented and much missed Phil Edwards. I am delighted that Paul Morrissey and I can start the adventure of Toys coming to life and I’m thrilled to be producing this show with him.” 

The producers of Toys are also pleased to announce the cast for this exciting new musical for the whole family, which will captivate audiences across Hertfordshire when it opens this Christmas at the renowned Watford venue.

Millie Robins (The Tiger who Came to Tea) as Victoria, Davina Manuel-Mokwenye (Shrek The Musical) as Hera, Tomas Aleman as Joe (Made in Dagenham In Concert),  Mikel Sylvanus as The Captain (Disney’s Lion King), Clair Gleave as Mitsy (Bring it On), Jasmine Hackett as Lily (SIX) Shyanne Barnes as Brandi (Blippi the Musical) and Santino Zapico as Stinky Lomax (School of Rock). 

Toys will be directed by Chris Wheeler and choreographed by Julia Ruiz Fernández. 

On one magical Christmas Eve, Victoria, a lonely young girl, discovers Ludus: a world beyond her wildest dreams – a world inhabited by living toys.

As she journeys through Ludus, she finds herself embarking on a magical adventure with the toys she once had as a child. But she soon learns that not all of her old friends are pleased to see her. 

After all, isn’t she the one that abandoned them? 

Can Victoria help rebuild a crumbling Ludus and ultimately, find comfort and strength amidst the enchanting chaos? 

Toys will run at The Pump House Theatre for a limited five-week season from Wednesday 4th December until Tuesday 31st December 2024. 

Tickets are on sale now. 

FULL CAST

ANNOUNCED FOR

UK & IRELAND TOUR OF

KINKY BOOTS THE MUSICAL

Producers ROYO and Curve are delighted to announce the full cast for the brand-new Made at Curve production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical KINKY BOOTS The Musical, which will tour the UK and Ireland from 17 January 2025.

Joining the company are Newtion Matthews (ONCE ON THIS ISLAND) playing Lola at certain performances and Simon Snr for all other performances, Kara Lily Hayworth (CILLA THE MUSICAL) as Nicola, Joe Caffrey (BILLY ELLIOT) as Don, Kathryn Barnes (GUYS & DOLLS) as Pat, Lucy Williamson (FAME!) as Trish, Jonathan Dryden Taylor (FIDDLER ON THE ROOF) as Mr Price, Scott Paige (I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY) as George and Liam Doyle (HEATHERS) as Harry.

The cast is completed by Kofi Dennis (HAMLET), Ru Fisher (SOMETHING ROTTEN! LIVE IN CONCERT), Ben Middleton (GREASE), Ashley-Jordon Packer (A CHORUS LINE), Cerys Burton (THE ODYSSEY), Cole Dunn (THE WIZARD OF OZ), Kaya Farrugia (THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME), Jordan Isaac (EVITA), Deena Kapadia (GREASE), Tori McDougall (BILLY ELLIOT) and Liam McEvoy (LEGALLY BLONDE).

They join the previously announced Johannes Radebe (STRICTLY COME DANCING) as Lola, Dan Partridge (GREASE) as Charlie Price and Courtney Bowman (LEGALLY BLONDE) as Lauren.

KINKY BOOTS The Musical features a score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein. It will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (THE WIZARD OF OZ, A CHORUS LINE, BILLY ELLIOT).

KINKY BOOTS The Musical was a Broadway and West End phenomenon based on a true story and movie of the same name released in 2005.

After inheriting his family’s failing shoe factory and with a relationship on the rocks, life is proving to be very challenging for Charlie Price. That is until he meets Lola, a drag queen whose sparkle and unsteady heels might just hold the answer to saving the struggling business.

Guaranteed to RAISE YOU UP and celebrate everybody’s individuality, don’t miss KINKY BOOTS on tour commencing January 2025!

KINKY BOOTS is directed by Nikolai Foster with choreography by Leah Hill, set and costume design by Robert Jones, musical supervision by George Dyer, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Adam Fisher, casting by Harry Blumenau CDG CDA, wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates with associate direction by Michaela Powell, associate choreography by Johnny Bishop, associate sound design by Harry Barker with production management by Setting Line.

KINKY BOOTS is produced by ROYO and CURVE.

KINKY BOOTS

Book by

Harvey Fierstein

Music And Lyrics by

Cyndi Lauper

Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell

Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots

Written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth

KINKY BOOTS is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International www.mtishows.co.uk

URL: www.kinkybootstour.com

X: KINKYBOOTS_UK

Instagram: KINKYBOOTS_UK

TikTok: Kinkyboots_uk

2025 TOUR SCHEDULE

17 – 25 January                      Leicester Curve                                             0116 242 3595

                                               www.curveonline.co.uk                                  

28 January – 1 February         Woking New Victoria Theatre                                                                                                           

                                                www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

4 – 8 February                         Manchester Palace Theatre             

                                                www.atgtickets.com/manchester                  

11 – 15 February                     Glasgow Kings Theatre

                                                www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

18 – 22 February                     Edinburgh Playhouse

                                                www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh         

25 February -1 March             Truro Hall for Cornwall                                   01872 262 466

                                                www.hallforcornwall.co.uk                               

4 – 8 March                             Norwich Theatre Royal                                  01603 630 000

                                               www.norwichtheatre.org                  

11 – 15 March                         Milton Keynes Theatre

                                                www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes    

18 – 22 March                         Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre                                                                                                       

                                                www.wmc.org.uk                     

25 – 29 March                         Brighton Theatre Royal                                 **

                                                www.atgtickets.com/brighton

15 – 19 April                            Birmingham Hippodrome                              0844 338 5000

                                                www.birminghamhippodrome.com

22 – 26 April                            Plymouth Theatre Royal                               01752 267222

                                                www.theatreroyal.com          

29 April – 3 May                      Stockton Globe

                                                www.stocktonglobe.co.uk

6 – 10 May                               Newcastle Theatre Royal                              0191 232 7010

                                                www.theatreroyal.co.uk

13 – 17 May                            Bristol Hippodrome                                                                    

                                               www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol   

20 – 24 May                             Leeds Grand Theatre                                     0113 243 0808                                                            

                                                www.leedsheritagetheatres.com                   

27 – 31 May                             Southampton Mayflower Theatre                 02380 711 811                                                         

                                                www.mayflower.org.uk

3 – 7 June                                Southend Cliffs Pavilion                                0343 310 0030                                                            

                                                 www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

10 – 14 June                            Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                        01227 787787                                                             

                                                 www.marlowetheatre.com    

17 – 21 June                            Belfast Grand Opera House                                     

www.goh.co.uk                                                          

24 – 28 June                            Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                             0114 249 6000                                                            

                                                www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                           

1- 5 July                                  Nottingham Theatre Royal                            0115 989 5555

                                                www.trch.co.uk

8 – 12 July                              Liverpool Empire Theatre                                                                                                                 

                                                www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

15 – 19 July                             Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre                 0818719377 (ROI)                                                      

                                               bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                                

                                                                                                                      08442485101 (UK)

22 – 26 July                            Oxford New Theatre                                      **

                                                www.atgtickets.com/oxford

Please note, Johannes Radebe will not be performing at every performance on the tour.

Patrons are advised to check the website for his performance dates and further information.

** Johannes Radebe will not be appearing in this venue.

Curve Theatre Leicester – until 12^th October 2024

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

3***

Based on the 1990 Oscar-winning movie, the musical adaptation of Ghost has been brought to the stage by the film’s original screenplay writer Bruce Joel Rubin. The story centers around lovers Sam and Molly, who are held up at gunpoint one evening, whilst walking home after Molly’s art exhibition. Caught in a tussle with the attacker, trying to protect Molly, Sam is shot dead. He tries to make sense of what he has become, a ghost, but more importantly, he needs to find a way to protect Molly. His death is not all it seems and Molly is in danger. Enlisting the help of a dubious medium and a terrifying subway ghost, Sam embarks on a journey to save the woman he loves.

Bruce Joel Rubin’s book speedily translates the classic story from screen to stage, retaining key moments which those familiar with the film will recall fondly, whilst taking artistic license with others as needed. However, heavily focusing on Molly and Sam and the love and loss aspect of Ghost really misses out on what made the film an Oscar winner. There are so many characters in this production who are left 2 dimensional with very little light and dark. Integral characters who have scarce motivation for their actions. If you haven’t watched the film, the story as a whole doesn’t quite fit. The relationship between Oda Mae and Sam is sorely underdeveloped. Along with others, it would have been great to have had more character development, giving them depth and enriching the story. In the film, the bond between Sam and Oda Mae is as important as the connection between Sam and Molly. 

The set is well done, switching from Sam and Molly’s apartment to a street scene, to an impressive subway train to a bank in the blink of an eye. The special effects are hit and miss. There are moments where you are truly baffled as to where or how certain ghostly things happened and then others where you feel as if you are watching a children’s parlor trick.

The action is accompanied by original music and lyrics created by Rubin alongside Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics and Glen Ballard. Consisting mostly of ballads the songs are not catchy or ones that stick with you. Sung to perfection by the cast, the quality of their performance is what stays with you rather than the songs themselves.

Rebekah Lowings is enchanting as the delicate Molly, her vocals are to die for. Josh St Clair is an endearing Sam, drawing us into his plight effectively. James Mateo-Salt is a deliciously devious Carl, he did his absolute best to inject some depth into the role and was a delight to watch. Les Dennis is the consummate entertainer in his duel roles as hospital ghost and Lionel but its Jacqui Dubois who steals the show as Oda Mae Brown. Larger than life, medium to the dead, she embodies the role to perfection.

There is thunderous applause as the dulcet tones of unchained melody rings out across the theatre, there are tears and a standing ovation. Ghost will have you feeling the love…or at least ditto.

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 12th OCTOBER 2024

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

Sebastian Faulks’ sweeping tale of love and heartbreak is back on stage to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved novel. The highly praised show is making a comeback in a fresh production for 2024. Birdsong, based on Faulks’s novel, delves into the themes of love and the devastating experiences of World War I. The play beautifully weaves together ideas of memory, loss, and how the horrors of war affects human connections.

I have watched films, documentaries, and plays, as well as listened to accounts about being a soldier during times of war. However, I have never felt the impact of it as intensely as when I was sitting in the audience, at the beautiful Playhouse Theatre, last night. The narrative raises crucial themes of existentialism, the futility of war, the depths of the human psyche under extreme conditions, and ultimately our ability to endure and find hope.

The set designed by Richard Kent is simple yet very effective. It gradually transforms as the action unfolds, mirroring the characters increasingly stripped-back lives. This shift puts the focus squarely on the characters. Jason Taylor and Dominic Bilkey’s skilful use of lighting and sound also darkens to match the mood of the play.

Taking place in the trenches and the French countryside, the story revolves around Stephen Wraysford as he deals with both love and the harsh realities of war. The incorporation of flashbacks to showcase his pre-war relationship enriches the narrative, emphasising the striking difference between the peacefulness of love and the tumult of war.

It’s difficult to single out one specific performance because I was truly impressed by all the actors last night. The entire cast delivered an outstanding performance that grabbed my attention right from the beginning.

The duration of the performance is 3 hours, which includes 2 intervals. The show contains content warnings for loud noises, violence, suicide and scenes with sexual content and nudity, thus making it suitable for audiences aged 15 and above.

Birdsong is a beautifully crafted play that combines poetic writing with strong performances, creating a poignant tribute to those who endured one of history’s darkest periods. It is a must-see for anyone intrigued by history, depicting a heartfelt portrayal of a war that was meant to, but unfortunately did not, end all wars.

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 19^th October 2024

Reviewed by Sally Lumley

5*****

War Horse is the National Theatre’s acclaimed production based on the book by Michael Morpurgo. It tells the story of the eponymous Joey (Head – Rianna Ash, Heart – Chris Milford, Hind – Tommy Goodridge), from his early days in rural Devon bonding with young Albert (Tom Sturgess), before being sold by Albert’s father to the Cavalry at the start of World War One. The story follows the plight of both Joey and Albert, as he enlists to search for his best friend across the battlefields of Europe. 

War Horse is not for the faint hearted. It is, as it should be, unflinching in its battlefield scenes. The action takes us right to the Western Front and through Joey’s extraordinary journey we see the best and worst of humanity on both sides of the conflict. The impact of the brutal war on its innocent players is made clear and there are some very intense moments throughout. 

The staging is sparse and dark, with a single giant strip of torn paper suspended across the top of the stage. This is used to great effect to project Rae Smith’s line drawn images, representing those that might have been done by a soldier at the time. This allows the audience to travel with Joey and Albert through different seasons and locations, but also helps to set the scene and the mood. The greatest benefit of this simplicity is that the stage is left free for the wonderful horses to be used to their full advantage.

For all of the darkness of the war, this is a beautiful production. Core to this are the incredible life-sized horses from South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, breathed into life by the astounding puppeteers. The horses are so life-like, so nuanced in their movements, that it really doesn’t take long to forget that the puppeteers are there at all. The impact of two huge horses, rearing up towards the audience as they prepare to jump across enemy lines was absolutely breathtaking, and is one of those rare moments in a theatre that I know I will never forget. 

Sally Swanson as The Singer travels alongside the audience through Joey’s story, adding another layer to the story with beautiful folk inspired songs. What works really well in this production is the combination of multiple elements so that it is never too dark for the audience, never too intense. My ten-year-old son came with me to see War Horse, and although he understood the more serious parts, he did particularly enjoy the naughty goose, who had the audience laughing every time it came onto the stage. It is the balance between the moments of light and darkness that make War Horse such a memorable play. It transforms a tale set during some of the worst times of human history into a heartwarming beautiful story that can be enjoyed by audiences across the globe. 

I will, quite simply, remember War Horse forever. This is a captivating story that is both heart breaking and full of hope, delivered by truly exceptional creatives. It is quite unlike anything else that I’ve seen on a stage, and something that I truly believe everyone should experience.