Month: July 2015

His music defined an era; his disappearance stunned the world…

A spectacular new show telling the extraordinary tale of the world’s most famous big band leader is heading to Newcastle Theatre Royal this September. The Glenn Miller Story, starring none other than music legend Tommy Steele, will be swinging into town for a must-not-miss run from 21 – 26 Sep 2015.

 

Accompanied by a live 16-piece authentic Glenn Miller orchestra, as well as full supporting company of singers, dancers and actors, the story of one of the most iconic musical figures of the 20^th century will be told as never before.

 

The show is the brainchild of world famous producer Bill Kenwright and rock and roll legend Tommy Steele (who are professional colleagues and great friends), and the plan was hatched over one of their regular supper meetings together.

 

The “let’s find another show” conversations were long and varied and possibly included adaptations of every screen musical ever written. It was when discussing a particular favourite of theirs; the James Stewart box office smash The Glenn Miller Story, that Bill discovered that his all-encompassing love for Elvis was equal only to Tommy’s adoration for Glenn Miller and his Orchestra. Bill learned that Tommy was a true devotee; travelling all over the world to hear what remains of the original Orchestral Sounds, and was steeped in the knowledge and the glory of what Glenn Miller did for popular music. Tommy enthused that Glenn changed the face of it from 1939 – 1943 when he was the most popular recording artist in the world. Some might say similar to what Elvis did from the mid 50’s when he too was the most popular recording artist in the world.

 

The thought of Tommy Steele and The Glenn Miller Story was a wonderful opportunity to create something special in the mind of a producer like Bill. However, as Tommy told him, there was an obvious problem, although he’s still one of this country’s greatest song and dance men, Tommy was too old to play Glenn! It was three years later – at a dinner party celebrating Tommy’s award as the Most Popular Entertainer of All Time at the London Palladium – that they came up with what they believed to be the answer!! What was it?? Come and see for yourself when The Glenn Miller Story is at a theatre near you. But here’s a clue – Tommy Steele will not be the Narrator.

 

Tommy Steele was Britain’s first rock ‘n’ roll star. Dubbed the UK’s answer to Elvis Presley, he landed his first UK No.1 withSinging the Blues in January 1957, reaching the top spot before Elvis, who didn’t land his until the June that year. The big screen soon beckoned for Tommy, and that same year he filmed The Tommy Steele Story, one of Britain’s great rock ‘n’ roll movies. A soundtrack was released to coincide with the film’s opening and became the first album to reach No.1.

 

His legendary career includes over twenty hit singles, twelve hit movies and countless award winning stage musicals such as Half a Sixpence, Hans Andersen and Singin’ in the Rain. In recent years, Steele has starred as Christmas miser Scrooge in Bill Kenwright’s spectacular production of the festive musical, which enjoyed two successful runs at the world-famous London Palladium. It was a role that also made Steele the theatre’s all-time record breaking performer, having headlined more performances than any other star in the history of the Palladium.

 

Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright team up again to direct the show, having been at the helm of several award-winning musicals including Blood Brothers, Evita, and this year’s new production of Jesus Christ Superstar (at Newcastle Theatre Royal 14 – 19 September). Choreography is by Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer (Top Hat, Evita, Save The Last Dance For Me).

 

The Glenn Miller Story promises to transport audiences young and old back to the days of the big band, and have them up on their feet jiving.

 

It’s been seventy years since Glenn Miller vanished over the English Channel as he flew to Paris to entertain the troops during the Second World War. Did he crash? Was he shot down? Will the mystery ever be solved?

 

The Glen Miller Story  plays Newcastle Theatre Royal from Mon 21 until Sat 26 September 2015, evenings at 7.30pm, matinees Thu 2pm and Sat 2.30pm. Tickets from £13.00 (save 50p per ticket online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online atwww.theatreroyal.co.uk

 

IT’S ELEMENTARY

Sherlock Holmes and The Ripper Murders by Brian Clemens is at Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 July.

Talking Scarlet theatre company brings a star-studded cast to Darlington Civic Theatre as part of a spine-tingling summer thriller season with Sherlock Holmes and The Ripper Murders.

The grisly serial killings in of prostitutes and vulnerable women in Victorian Whitechapel, dubbed by the popular press at the time as the work of ‘Jack the Ripper’, are the talk of London, and from deep within the smog-ridden slums, yet another piercing shriek is heard.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson are drawn into one of the darkest plots ever to shake the foundations of England. There are freemasons, conspiracies and plots at the highest level of the establishment. But for Holmes, there is a uniquely personal element to this new and terrifying case.

The production stars Andrew Paul (Coronation Street, The Bill), Neil Roberts (Holby City, Coronation Street) and Kim Taylforth (London’s Burning, Brookside).

Sherlock Holmes and The Ripper Murders runs from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 July.

Tickets* are priced from £12.60

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

Darlington Civic Theatre announces Autumn 2015 Season

As we head towards the autumn evenings, we have some exciting shows on their way which will be the perfect antidote to those chilly winter evenings. See what’s on offer in our autumn season packed full of delights to please everyone!

The season begins with a variety of music and dance events opening with the uber-talented Joan Armatrading on her last major world tour (Thu 23 July). Recognised as one of the world’s leading singer/songwriter/guitarists, don’t miss this opportunity to see her perform songs spanning her entire career. We then welcome the National Dance Company of Ireland as they bring the Rhythm Of The Dance to the stage (Fri 24 July). Internationally rated as one of the most popular and successful Irish step dance shows on tour this is the live show not to be missed. Fans of ABBA should look out for ABBA Mania (Sat 25 July). Accepted as the world’s number one touring ABBA tribute production, this is your chance to dig out those platforms, dust off those flares and enjoy all your favourite ABBA tracks.

The ever popular Last Night at The Proms returns to the Civic Theatre this year in a special concert to celebrate the best of British achievement (Mon 27 July). Join the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, soloists Anna Clark Monk and Andrew Forbes Lane and presenter Mark Langley for an evening of rousing tunes, flag waving and of course the usual pomp and circumstance!

We welcome the master of mischief and mayhem as The Cat In The Hat comes to the theatre (Wed 29 & Thu 30 July). Based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss, The Cat In The Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children.

Darlington Dance Festival (Mon 7 September) bursts onto stage for an energetic evening presented by dance schools and community groups in a vibrant celebration of dance in Darlington. This is followed by the compelling history of the greatest musical duo of all time in The Simon and Garfunkel Story 50th Anniversary Tour (Tues 8 September). Featuring West End star Dean Elliott and using huge projection photos, original film footage and a full cast of performers this promises to be an evening not to be missed.

We then welcome Channel 5’s hugely popular children’s TV favourites as Milkshake! Live ‘Party Party’ hits the stage (Sat 12 September). This all-new musical extravaganza is bound to have audiences up on their feet singing and jumping with delight along-side the stellar line up including

Little Princess, Bananas in Pyjamas, Noddy and Tessie Bear and a whole host of other special guests.

We are delighted to welcome back the acclaimed National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company with three exciting productions of Gilbert and Sullivan classics (Tues 15 – Sat 19 September). The Mikado tells the story of Nanki-Poo, son of The Mikado, who has fled to avoid an arranged marriage and has fallen in love with Yum-Yum. HMS Pinafore follows the story of a lowly sailor, Ralph Rackstraw, who is deeply in love with Josephine, the daughter of the ship’s Captain. Unfortunately for Ralph he has a rival for Josephine’s affections – Sir Joseph Porter, KCB. The Gondoliers tells the story of two Venetian gondoliers who are informed that one of them is the heir to the throne of Barataria… but which one?

With beautiful settings, costumes and lighting the European Baroque Ensemble bring you Baroque by Candlelight (Mon 21 September). A packed programme of classical music and song including excerpts from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Handel’s Water Music and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

If you want to be entertained then look no further than The Robbie Williams Experience with Let Me Entertain You (Tue 22 September). This fantastic tribute act spans the 25 year career of the legend that is Robbie Williams. Featuring a live band and dancers, Hollyoaks heart-throb Tom Vaughan performs as Robbie with hits including Rock DJ, Angels, She’s The One and many, many more.

For lovers of the Motown sound, Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is will be a delight (Wed 23 September). This stunning live show combines first class music together with the slickest choreography and an amazing band to deliver a truly outstanding performance.

One of the nation’s best loved comedians is celebrated in The Tommy Cooper Show (Thu 24 September). West End leading man Daniel Taylor stars as Tommy Cooper in the knockout performance of the year. With the story, the gags and the magic this promises to be a very special show. Then, roaring on to the stage will be Dinosaur Zoo (Fri 25 & Sat 26 September). From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, marvel and interact with extraordinary, life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious show, live from the West End.

Hear the best songs from the world’s opera houses, Broadway theatres and concert halls as we welcome Tenors Un Limited to the Civic Theatre (Mon 28 September). Their soaring vocals, lush harmonies and fun personalities are the perfect recipe for a great night out. Soaring to different heights is Doug Scott’s Everest The Hard Way (Tue 29 September). Marking the 40th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest ‘the hard way’ by the late Dougal Haston and Doug Scott, this special lecture, lavishly illustrated with Doug’s celebrated photography, will provide a very personal account of this legendary first climb.

Blasting onto the Civic Theatre stage is the Syd Lawrence Orchestra The Swinging Big Band (Wed 30 September). Hear the music of the swing era brought back to life with the youthful verve that made it the smash hit music of its day.

We are proud to welcome back the Russian State Ballet and Opera House with Verdi’s compelling opera La Traviata (Tue 6 October). This production will star the Bolshoi Theatre soloist Irina Bozhenko, an impressive cast and a 30 piece live orchestra. La Traviata combines compelling characters with hugely powerful, moving and instantly recognisable melodies, making it still, 162 years after its 1853 debut, one of the most emotionally engaging and popular operas of all time.

Taking us back to the swinging 60s we bring you the All Star 60s (Wed 7 October). Imagine five iconic 60s bands who have enjoyed phenomenal success throughout their musical careers, getting together to perform all their hits…. And you have the fantastic All Star 60s. Brian Poole and the original Tremeloes, Chip Hawkes, Dave Munden, The Troggs and Badfinger featuring Bob Jackson. The Ivy League and The Pacemakers will round off this fabulous array of talent.

Autumn wouldn’t be the same without a visit from the comedy icon that is Ken Dodd. A comedian of unrivalled legendary status, a national treasure who has been entertaining audiences for a lifetime of happiness and laughter, don’t miss The Ken Dodd Happiness Show (Thu 8 & Fri 9 October). From one comedy icon to another as The Basil Brush Show bounces onto the Civic Theatre stage (Sat 10 October). Basil Brush is a star with an outstanding ability to entertain and make people of all ages laugh and smile – a fantastic show for the whole family.

Bringing a touch of glamour to the Civic Theatre will be Strictly Come Dancing favourites Anya Garnis and Robin Windsor as they present Puttin’ On The Ritz (Sun 11 – Tues 13 October). This song and dance extravaganza takes you on a wonderful musical journey and features music from George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. With a cast of award-winning singers and dancers, the most famous songs of the golden age of Hollywood will be recreated live on stage.

As the nights draw in, there is nothing better than a classic ghost story. We bring you two in one night as Middle Ground Theatre Company present The Signalman and The Waiting Room (Wed 14 – Sat 17 October) – a spine chilling double bill featuring Jack Shepherd. Set in 1880 The Signalman tells of a tormented railwayman haunted by visions of impending disaster on his isolated stretch of line. The Waiting Room follows George Pendlebury as he is forced to spend a night alone in an old station waiting room having missed his connection.

Warming up those cold October nights, DarlingtonOS presents South Pacific (Wed 21 – Sat 31October). Set against the dramatic background of an idyllic South Pacific island during World War Two, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific intertwines the themes of love, duty and prejudice to create a story that is funny, heart-breaking and thought-provoking. For younger audiences, Under Foot (Wed 21 October, Quaker Meeting House) is an interactive sound and movement performance where the audience is invited to explore different floor surfaces, responding to the textures and sensations through movement, dance and play (recommended age 1 – 5).

In the run up to the end the calendar year there is, quite simply, something for everyone. Nigel Havers, Martin Jarvis, Sian Phillips and Christine Kavanagh star in Oscar Wilde’s classic The Importance of Being Earnest (Tue 3 – Sat 7 November). This much loved and brilliantly witty masterpiece elegantly lampoons the hypocrisies of a Victorian society and features some of the finest dialogue to be found in theatre.

The Touring Consortium Theatre Company and Royal & Derngate present Dawn King’s new adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World (Tue 10 – Sat 14 November). Welcome to the future, where a genetically engineered class system has finally brought order and stability to the world. This ‘Brave New World’ has no family, religion or war. People are safe, healthy and not afraid of death. When this stability is threatened, one young woman learns the pain of love and one young man gives in to the love of pain.

They’re here, they’re live on stage and they are going The Full Monty (Mon 16 – Sat 21 November). In 1997, a British film about six out of work Sheffield steelworkers with nothing to lose, took the world by storm! Featuring songs from the film by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones, this award-winning production is one huge package of laughs and emotion.

Stand back, ladies… the Hoff is here. Darlington Civic Theatre welcomes the legendary David Hasselhoff in the all-new musical Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (Mon 23 – Sat 28 November). Packed with hits from the 80s and 90s it’s the story of two generations colliding, as a badly behaved parent tries to control a wild child teenager – all based around the club scene of Ibiza.

We see out 2015 in traditional style with our family pantomime, and this year we present the greatest pantomime of them all – Cinderella (Sat 5 December 2015 – Sun 10 January 2016). A star studded cast headed by Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey with Brendan Sheerin from Channel 4’s Coach Trip and The X-Factor finalist Niki Evans, this promises to be another magical pantomime.

Tickets for the autumn season are on sale NOW!

For further information about the full Autumn Season programme, pick up one of our brochures located in venues across Darlington including Darlington Civic Theatre Box Offices, or contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

 

 

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN – LIVE ON STAGE

TO EXTEND ITS RUN

AT KING’S CROSS THEATRE IN LONDON

UNTIL 3 JANUARY 2016

The Olivier Award-winning production of Mike Kenny’s stage adaptation of E. Nesbit’s novel The Railway Children – Live on Stage will be extending its run at King’s Cross Theatre until Sunday 3 January 2016.  Originally planned to close on 6 September, the production will run for an extra four months due to popular demand.  Tickets for the new period will go on sale at 10.00am on Friday 10 July.

The Railway Children opened at the King’s Cross Theatre to critical and public acclaim on 14 January this year, following previews from 16 December 2014.

The producers of The Railway Children said of the extension, “We have been completely overwhelmed by the way audiences have responded to this incredible production.  Show after show they delight in this beautifully told story, with not a dry eye in the house!  And we are delighted to say that, after some hard negotiation, the most demanding leading lady in the West End will be extending with the show – all 60 tonnes of her!”

The cast of The Railway Children includes Andrew Dunn as Mr Perks, Caroline Harker as Mother, Louise Calf as Phyllis, Clare Corbett as Mrs Perks, Jack Hardwick as Peter, Mark Hawkins as Jim/District Super, Connie Hyde as Mrs Viney, Andrew Loudon as Father/Doctor, Serena Manteghi as Bobbie, Blair Plant as Schepansky and Moray Treadwell as the Old Gentleman, plus a children’s ensemble made up of four teams of ten children aged between 9 and 15.

A purpose built 1,000-seat theatre, complete with a railway track and platforms, and with a state of the art air conditioning and heating system, has been specially created on the site on King’s Boulevard, behind King’s Cross Station, which has been loaned to the production for the duration of the run by Google.  The York Theatre Royal production, which is in association with the National Railway Museum, once again features a live steam locomotive and a vintage carriage, originally built in 1896.

The production at King’s Cross Theatre is in support of the Railway Children Charity that aims to help homeless and runaway children throughout the world, with £1 per ticket donated to the charity.  To date, £335,000 has been raised by the theatre production since its West End debut in 2010.

Directed by Damian Cruden, the Artistic Director of York Theatre Royal, with design by Joanna Scotcher, lighting by Richard G. Jones, music by Christopher Madin and sound by Craig Vear, Mike Kenny’s adaptation of The Railway Children was first produced by York Theatre Royal at the National Railway Museum, York, where it enjoyed two sell-out and critically acclaimed seasons in 2008 and 2009.  The production then opened at Waterloo Station in the former Eurostar terminal in July 2010, where it again played two critically acclaimed sell-out seasons and won the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Entertainment, before opening in Toronto in 2011 in a temporary theatre built at the base of CN Tower in Roundhouse Park.

 

The Railway Children tells the story of Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis, three children whose lives change dramatically when their father is mysteriously taken away.  They move from London to a cottage in rural Yorkshire with their mother, where they befriend the local railway porter, Perks, and embark on a magical journey of discovery, friendship and adventure.  But the mystery remains – where is Father, and is he ever coming back?

Edith Nesbit’s much loved classic children’s book The Railway Children was first published in 1906 and has subsequently been adapted for the stage and screen, most famously in the 1970 film version directed by Lionel Jeffries and starring Jenny Agutter, Bernard Cribbins, Dinah Sheridan and Sally Thomsett.

The production is presented in London by Tristan Baker & Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Oliver Royds for BOS Productions and Sue Scott Davison, in association with York Theatre Royal and the National Railway Museum.

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN – LIVE ON STAGE

King’s Cross Theatre

Goods Way

King’s Cross

London N1C 4UR

Currently booking until                      3 January 2016

Running Time                                  2 hours 10 minutes (including an interval)

Box Office                                 0844 871 7604               

Performance Schedule:               Tuesday at 2.30pm & 7.30pm

                                               Wednesday at 6pm

                                               Thursday at 2.30pm & 7.30pm

                                               Friday at 7.30pm

                                               Saturday at 2pm & 5.30pm

                                               Sunday at 2.30pm

N.B.  See website for school holiday performance schedules

 

Tickets                                      £25.00-£49.50, with 25% off for Under 16s (Premium Seats available at £69.50 +

                                                Limited edition show poster)

 

Website                                     www.railwaychildrenlondon.com

Facebook                                   www.facebook.com/railwaychildrenlondon

Twitter                                       @TRCKingsCross

Google+                                                plus.google.com/+RailwayChildrenLondon

 

Royal Hall,  Harrogate – 4 July 2015

with guest vocals Annalene Beechey, Anna-Jane Casey, Matt Ford & Richard Morrison

The John Wilson Orchestra return to Harrogate as part of the International Festival.  The hand picked ensemble with its mixture of symphony orchestra and big band replicate the sound of the great Broadway and Hollywood orchestras. At its heart is a high-gloss sound of magnificence and sophistication. Put together and conducted with prodigious flair and attention to detail by the debonair figure of John Wilson. It is truly something very special.

Wilson has shied away from an evening of just familiar tunes, but instead  has mixed the big hitters like “I Get a Kick Out of You”, “Your the Top” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” with lesser known numbers such as “Love of my Life”, “The Physician” and “Please Don’t Monkey with Broadway” and provides a broad representation of Porter.

The soloists were sensitive to the music of Cole Porter’s vocal lines. Annalene Beechey cast an almost operatic aura over So in Love, Richard Morrison brought a huge personality to Where is the Life that late I led and Night and Day. Matthew Ford and Anna-Jane Casey, both remarkably engaging performers, were simply stunning in Who wants to be a Millionaire. But it is the stunningly talented Ms Casey who steals the entire show with the show stopping Blow Gabriel Blow from Anything Goes.  From the beautiful dresses to the outstanding vocals the whole show shines from top to bottom.

The John Wilson Orchestra are touring again in the autumn with a show based on the songs of Gershwin, which is sure to be s’wonderful and s’marvellous

The Skriker is commissioned and produced by Manchester International Festival and the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester.

Maxine Peake will play the eponymous role and Juma Sharkah and Laura Elsworthy will play Lily and Josie respectively in The Skriker at Manchester International Festival. The production will run at Royal Exchange Theatre from 4 July. The ensemble cast will include Sarah Amankwah, Harry Attwell, Alex Austin, Hannah Hutch, Martins Imhangbe, Kate Jackson, Stuart Overington, Beatrice Scirocchi, Andrew Sheridan, Jessica Walker, Leah Walker and Owen Whitelaw.

…long before that, long before England was an idea, a country of snow and wolves where trees sang and birds talked and people knew we mattered…

In a broken world, two sisters meet an extraordinary creature. The Skriker is a shapeshifter; an old woman, a child, a death portent. She is a faerie come from the Underworld to pursue and entrap them, through time and space, through this world and her own

DON’T LET THIS SHOW SLIP THROUGH YOUR FINGERS

ABBA Mania – accepted as the world’s number one touring ABBA tribute production – comes to Darlington Civic Theatre on Saturday 25 July.

It is just over 40 years since ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest and now it’s your opportunity to thank ABBA for the music.

So it’s time to dig out your platforms and dust off those flares and enjoy all of your ABBA favourites including Mamma Mia, Voulez Vous, Dancing Queen, Winner Takes it All, Super Trouper and many, many more. Featuring a special concert presentation which celebrates the music of ABBA and reviving special memories of when ABBA ruled the airwaves, ABBA mania brings fans old and new a night not to be missed.

ABBA Mania is at Darlington Civic Theatre on Saturday 25 July. Tickets* are £17.50 and £19.50.

*Includes £1 restoration levy

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

15^th Anniversary Tour, July 2015

 

 

To celebrate the 15^th Anniversary of his acclaimed The Hour of Bewilderbeast album, Badly Drawn Boy has embarked upon a 7 date UK tour which arrives at City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds on Thursday 30^th July.

Badly Drawn Boy, (aka Damon Gough), and his band will be performing the Mercury Prize winning album in its entirety – including the much loved singles ‘Once Around The Block’, ‘Pissing In The Wind’ and ‘Disillusion’. The gig will also feature an additional set comprising other Badly Drawn Boy classics and old favourites.

 

The album was originally released on BDB’s own label Twisted Nerve through XL Recordings on June 26^th2000. XL will be releasing a remastered, expanded version of the album featuring unheard tracks later in the Autumn.

Badly Drawn Boy appears at City Varieties Music Hall on
Thursday 30^th July at 7.30pm.

 

Tickets from £18.10

 

Online Booking: www.cityvarieties.co.uk

Box Office: 0113 243 0808

Wilton’s Music Hall has announced the final strand of events for The Chrysalis Club, an eclectic interim arts programme of events, gigs, screenings, classes and performances which will run until September 2015, as the world’s last surviving Grand Music Hall in London’s East End enters the final months of vital building works.

Over the summer, Wilton’s will welcome two opera companies to the hall. Firstly, on the 22 and 23 July Ryedale Festival Opera will present The Merry Widow which has held audiences spellbound ever since its premiere in 1905. In the first performance of a new English translation by John Warrack, The Merry Widow is the story of Hanna Glawari, a sophisticated widow who captivates all of Paris. Following this on 6 August, Wilton’s will host Les Bougies Baroques who will perform Il Parnaso Confuso by C W Gluck. Led by conductor Ian Peter Bugeja, Les Bougies Baroques are an internationally-acclaimed, young generation of Baroque pioneers who specialize in bringing 16th – 19th century music to intimate settings.

Ole Bull aficionado Peter Sheppard Skӕrved will bring the work and unique style of the influential musician to Wilton’s on 8 July in Barnstorming with Ole Bull. A pioneer of 19th century violinists Ole Bull achieved international acclaim after an appearance in Bologna in 1834. On 31 July, award-winning company Familia de la Noche will return to Wilton’s for an exclusive preview of their new Edinburgh Fringe show The Very Grey Matter of Edward Blank.

Wilton’s film programme this summer includes Cinema Club’s James Dean Season which will screenRebel Without A Cause and Giant on 7 and 14 July respectively. In addition to the James Dean Season, Wilton’s will also hold a Live Scored Season in which the Lucky Dog Picturehouse will present classic silent films accompanied by a live musical score. Rounding off the summer programme, the 1921 silent film of Hamlet directed by Svend Gade and Heinz Schall will be screened on 27 August accompanied by a live score from Robin Harris.

 

Further information on Wilton’s and its conservation can be found here: www.wiltons.org.uk

THE CHRYSALIS CLUB AT WILTON’S

Cinema Club: James Dean Season
Rebel Without a Cause
Dates: 7 July
Times: 7:30pm
Prices: £4

Nicholas Ray’s juvenile-delinquent film (originally a vehicle for Marlon Brando) opened after the death of its star James Dean in a car crash and made Dean into an icon of rebellion. The storyline takes place over a 24-hour period and follows Jim Stark (Dean), a restless teenager always in trouble with the law. His mother smothers him, while his father is weak and ineffectual and the family has only recently moved to Los Angeles to try and save Jim from a life of crime. However, when Jim is picked up for being drunk and disorderly he notices Judy (Natalie Wood) at the police station and determines to ask her on a date at high school the next day. This leads him into conflict with Judy’s boyfriend, Buzz (Corey Allen). He is determined to prove himself with his new found ‘friends’ by taking part in switchblade fights and a ‘chickie’ game where cars race to the edge of a seaside cliff.

Barnstorming with Ole Bull – Maverick Virtuoso
Dates: 8 July
Times: 7pm pre-concert talk, 7:30pm concert
Prices: £12.50 adult, £6 child

Ole Bull was the true pioneer of 19th Century violinists. Mainly self-taught, he was catapulted to international fame almost by chance after an appearance in Bologna in 1834. He went on to conquer audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, quite literally giving concerts where no one had gone before, knife-fighting in the old west, playing on the top of the Pyramid of Cheops and bringing classical music to previously excluded audiences, dovetailing popular songs of the time with classical compositions.

Ole Bull aficionado, Peter Sheppard Skӕrved, is delighted to bring the work and unique style of this massively influential musician to Wilton’s. This special performance will recreate those which Bull loved to give in salons and small theatres, weaving together his transcriptions of Nordic folk music, virtuoso works and music by his favourite composers such as Mozart, Gounod and Bach. Peter will also present the British premiere of his reconstruction of Bull’s American Fantasy, a ‘barnstorming’ piece incorporating Home Sweet Home, Pop! Goes the Weasel, Arkansas Traveler and Hazel Dell; Peter first performed this to great acclaim at last year’s Bergen Festival.

In association with the Bergen International Festival

Gabrielle Aplin
Dates: 9 July
Times: 7.30pm doors
Prices: £15

After 63.5 million Spotify streams, 80 million YouTube views, 1.5 million sales of singles from her debut album English Rain, and #1 chart positions in the UK and Australia, Gabrielle Aplin performs songs from her new album including title track Light Up The Dark, being released 10th July.

Written by Gabrielle with long time writing partner Luke Potashnick, Light up the Dark immediately telegraphs Aplin’s fresh Feist-meets-Cat Power style. Mixed by Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, The National, Florence + The Machine), Light Up The Dark is available as an instant grat track for fans who pre-order her upcoming second album which shares the same title.

Yoga Nights… and Relax
Dates: 13 July
Times: 7.30pm
Prices: £12

Yoga puts us into challenging positions (sort of like the tube in rush hour) and then teaches us to breathe our way through it. So many of today’s illnesses result from a buildup of stress and, as we know, there are very good reasons why London life is never characterised as leisurely. We want to help you stretch and ease away the strain.

The class will be run by Sarah Hunt, the founder of Fresh Living Yoga + Nutrition, an exclusive health and wellness company based in London. Her classes are designed to boost your energy levels, improve your core strength, minimise stress and help you take steps towards finding your inner balance.

Cinema Club: James Dean Season
Giant
Dates: 14 July
Times: 7.30pm
Prices: £4

Living up to its title, everything in this picture is big, from sprawling ranch location to the high-powered stars. Rock Hudson stars as the confident, stubborn young ranch baron Jordan ‘Bick’ Benedict, who woos and wins the hand of Southern belle Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor), a seemingly demure young beauty who proves to be Bick’s match after she settles into the family homestead. The film sees James Dean’s final performance before his tragic death, as poor former ranch hand Jett Rink, who strikes oil and transforms himself into a flamboyant millionaire playboy, earning a second posthumous Academy Award nomination. The talented supporting cast includes Mercedes McCambridge as Bick’s frustrated sister, put out by the new woman of the house and with Carroll Baker and Dennis Hopper as the Benedict’s rebellious children.

Sunset Boulevard, presented by Cine-Real
Dates: 16 July
Times: 7:30pm
Prices: £10

Gloria Swanson stars as Norma Desmond, an ageing silent-film queen, and William Holden, as the struggling young screenwriter who is held in thrall by her madness. Winner of three Academy Awards, director Billy Wilder’s powerful orchestration of the bizarre tale is a true cinematic classic. From the unforgettable opening sequence – a body found floating in a decayed mansion’s swimming pool – through to the inevitable unfolding of tragic destiny, Sunset Boulevard is the definitive statement on the dark and desperate side of Hollywood.

This evening will be brought to you by Ciné-Real, one of the only film clubs in the UK to exclusively play films in their original 16mm format. For this special one-off evening, you will be able to enjoy a classic film with the same sound and quality audiences would have experienced when it was originally released.

Ciné-Real  is a non-profit which aims to unite film makers, actors, writers, directors, producers, photographers and enthusiasts in their appreciation of classic film.

The Trad Academy Sea Shanty Choir
Dates: 17 July
Times: 7.30pm
Prices: £12.50 advance, £15 on the door, £8 concession

The Trad Academy Sea Shanty Choir, London’s finest non-audition community choir, will be singing songs of the sea alongside folk singer and WWII veteran of the Normandy Landings, Jim Radford. Well-established favourites of the UK’s shanty festivals, join them for an evening of maritime music that will whisk you back to the days when Wilton’s was busy with the sound of sailors fresh from the London docks.

The Merry Widow
Presented by Ryedale Festival Opera
Dates: 22 July – 23 July
Times: 7:30pm to 10pm
Prices: £25 Best Seats, £20 Standard Seating, £18 Partially Restricted Views

Franz Lehár’s Merry Widow has held audiences spellbound ever since its premiere in 1905. Sung here by a cast of outstanding young singers, in the first performance of a new English translation by John Warrack, it tells the story of Hanna Glawari a rich and sophisticated widow who captivates all of Paris. Her wealth could save her near-bankrupt little country of Pontevedro, if only she does not marry a foreigner! The diplomats who surround her are desperate to keep her money in the country by persuading her to marry Count Danilo. He’s an old flame, just waiting to be re-kindled, but also a proud man who still enjoys his bachelor lifestyle and the easygoing ladies he finds at Maxim’s nightclub.

In a sub-plot, the charming Frenchman Camille de Rosillon does his best to seduce the ambassador’s wife Valencienne, who is bored enough to be tempted but too ‘respectable’ to succumb. Meanwhile, the irrepressible Hanna flirts, charms and dances her way through the farcical events surrounding her. The conflict between political duty and romantic intrigue brings out the best in Lehár in this winning streak of intimate waltzes, flirtatious polkas, exuberant can-cans and catchy melodies.

Carradine’s Cockney Sing-A-Long
Dates: 27 July
Times: 8pm
Prices: Pay What You Can (£1 minimum)

After an uproarious series of sing-a-long sessions in the Mahogany Bar and a festive spectacular in the hall last year, our piano playing host is back. Leading you in a traditional sing-a-long, music includes ditties from the Music Hall era, WWI and II, the West End stage and traditional popular songs from across the decades. It’s a good old-fashioned knees-up!

Buster Keaton & Harold Lloyd
The Lucky Dog Picturehouse Present a silent classic with live musical score
Dates: 28 July
Times: 7:30pm
Prices: £10

Join us for an evening of hilarity as we show four iconic short films by American masters of silent comedy Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd.

Harold Lloyd’s Number, Please? sees him vying for the affections of a young lady intent on keeping both he and his rival dangling, whilst in An Eastern Westerner, he learns that his city charm may not be enough to survive in cowboy country.

In One Week, Buster Keaton suffers all the trials and tribulations of home DIY as he and his young wife attempt to build a house by numbers. Our second Keaton short The Scarecrow is one of the most perfect examples of 1920’s silent comedy, with a love triangle, stunts and set-pieces aplenty and even a canine co-star!

Dancing in the Dark
Dates: 30 July
Times: 7.30pm doors, 8pm performance
Prices: £15

London’s one and only blindfolded charity gig is back with a bang for 2015. Join us to experience and explore music like never before. With a few a capella songs from Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Imogen Heap and performances from internationally acclaimed beatboxer Shlomo and the London Contemporary Voices, this will be a show like no other.

The Very Grey Matter of Edward Blank
Dates: 31 July
Times: 8pm
Prices: £12.50

Edward Blank is extraordinary.

An exceptional literary talent and ghost writer, Edward Blank has the ability to change Mills and Boon into James Joyce before breakfast. The demand for his work is so great that the letterbox clatters non-stop with tapes for transcription and he never leaves the solitary world of his tiny magnolia flat.

But Edward is far from alone. Breaking out from his fractured conscience are an anarchic family of imagined companions, each with a hook in Edward’s life that pulls him deeper into fantasy. His mind is broken and Edward can’t leave.

Edward seems happy in his ordinary-extraordinary life until, one day, a voice on an audio tape changes everything, challenging how far he will go to protect his fragile reality when visions of his forgotten past begin to creep in.

Award-winning company Familia de la Noche return for an exclusive preview of their new Edinburgh Fringe show.

Il Parnaso Confuso by C W Gluck
Dates: 6 August
Times: 7.30pm
Prices: £18 full price, £15 concessions

Les Bougies Baroques bring the true spirit of Baroque to Wilton’s. Take our auditorium’s glorious acoustic, add the exquisite accompaniment of historic instruments to the sublime tones of three sopranos and a countertenor, then simply sit back and enjoy.

Led by conductor – harpsichordist/fortepianist, Ian Peter Bugeja, this internationally acclaimed, young generation of pioneers in early music perform with zest, energy and passion and specialise in bringing 16th to 19th century music to intimate and historic settings. Performed on original and reproduction instruments, this is the frivolous, light and frothy tale of Apollo, the Muses and a misunderstanding over a wedding date. First performed in Vienna in 1765 by four archduchesses and conducted from the harpsichord by the future Emperor Leopold II as a surprise wedding gift for his brother, Les Bougies Baroques’ production is the perfect marriage of historical and contemporary operatic values.

Step Out With Swing Patrol
Dates: 7 August
Times: 7pm class, 7.30pm dancing and entertainment
Prices: £15 (including class)

Continuing this series of hugely popular dance nights, Swing Patrol are returning with the usual taster class at 7pm, followed by social dancing until 10.30pm. There will be performances by the pros and guaranteed good times for everyone, regardless of ability. Look out for displays by some of the best dancers on the scene as we welcome old hands, first-timers and everyone in between!

Hitchcock’s The Lodger (1927)
The Lucky Dog Picturehouse Present a silent classic with live musical score
Dates: 12 August
Times: 7:30pm
Prices: £10

Inspired by the chilling mythology of Jack the Ripper, Hitchcock’s silent masterpiece stars legendary singer and actor Ivor Novello as a secretive young man with a past shrouded in mystery. His arrival at a London lodging-house coincides with a series of grisly murders carried out by a figure known only as The Avenger, leading to suspicion, jealousy and a true Hitchcockian climax.

Yoga Nights… and Relax
Dates: 13 August
Times: 7.30pm
Prices: £12

Yoga puts us into challenging positions (sort of like the tube in rush hour) and then teaches us to breathe our way through it. So many of today’s illnesses result from a buildup of stress and, as we know, there are very good reasons why London life is never characterised as leisurely. We want to help you stretch and ease away the strain.

The class will be run by Sarah Hunt, the founder of Fresh Living Yoga + Nutrition, an exclusive health and wellness company based in London. Her classes are designed to boost your energy levels, improve your core strength, minimise stress and help you take steps towards finding your inner balance.

Hamlet: Drama of Vengeance
With live score by Robin Harris, performed by Robin and Laura Anstee
Dates: 27 August
Times: 7pm
Prices: £10

For those who know the Shakespeare play, this Hamlet is not without its surprises. The film’s departures from Shakespeare are as striking and conspicuous as are its points of adherence. Asta Nielsen’s unmannered performance at its centre, coupled with eloquent use of breath-taking, expressionist sets, which so strikingly showcase her performance, ensure that the film’s imagery and resonances linger in the mind long after the final frame. In 2005, a colour-tinted print of the film was rediscovered in Germany and it is this print, beautifully restored by the Deutsches Filminstitut that is being screened today.

Robin Harris will be performing his musical score for this suspenseful re-imagining of the epic Shakespearean story.

Tricity Vogue’s All Girl Swing Band
Dates: 28 August
Times: 8pm
Prices: £15

Ukulele strumming cabaret star, Tricity Vogue, presents her All Girl Swing Band for a night of sunny, feel-good vintage music with modern attitude. This all-female ensemble oozes musical talent and irrepressible charm. They’ll have you on your feet in no time to an energetic and entertaining mix of 20s, 30s and 40s swing, plus Tricity’s irresistibly catchy originals and witty, retro arrangements of pop favourites. The icing on tonight’s cake comes in the vivacious form of special guest tap dancer, Josephine Shaker, with her jaw-dropping moves and hilarious antics. Inspired by legendary 40s all girl band leader, Ivy Benson, Tricity presents her full 9-piece line-up this evening so don’t miss this rare opportunity to enjoy her critically acclaimed band in all its glory, complete with horn section, piano and four-part harmonies. Swing along, sing along and bring spare socks.

In celebration of the new partnership between the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda The Musical and Radisson Blu Edwardian, London, members of the cast of the award-winning musical were photographed today enjoying the new official Matilda The Musical Afternoon Tea.

Craige Els and Haley Flaherty, who play Miss Trunchbull and Miss Honey respectively, were joined by the four actresses who share the role of Matilda (Anna-Louise Knight, Lara McDonnell, Matilda Shapland and Violet Tucker) at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street hotel, which is just across the road from the Cambridge Theatre. Matilda The Musical is booking through to 29 May 2016.

The official Matilda The Musical Afternoon Tea, which is now open for bookings at the stylish boutique four-star hotel, features an assortment of sandwiches, scones and desserts. Both adults and children alike can enjoy the menu’s decadent layered chocolate cake, fruit scones with clotted cream and preserves, and classic cucumber finger sandwiches, amongst other teatime treats. For grown-ups, there are also elderflower and prosecco jelly shots and mini bagels with Scottish smoked salmon. The children’s menu also comes with a few delicious extras, such as candied newts and apple mojito mocktails, plus a mystery Matilda gift.

The Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street hotel has also created an official Matilda The MusicalCocktail, a clever yet simple twist on the iconic Bellini, which can also be enjoyed on its own or as part of an exclusive new two-course meal package.

Matilda The Musical has now received 50 awards in Stratford-upon-Avon, London and New York, and has been seen by over three million people worldwide.  Sweeping the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking seven awards, Matilda The Musical has gone on to take Broadway by storm winning four Tony Awards® and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for each of the four girls sharing the title role. During 2015, the London and Broadway productions of Matilda The Musical are joined by the US tour which opened in Los Angeles in May and the Australian premiere in Sydney this August.

Inspired by the incomparable Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda The Musical premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2010, before transferring to London’s West End in October 2011.

Matilda The Musical is written by playwright Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus.

Matilda The Musical is produced in the West End by the Royal Shakespeare Company with André Ptaszynski and Denise Wood as Executive Producers. The production was developed with the support of Company Dramaturg Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.

 

CHILDREN’S AFTERNOON TEA

SANDWICHES
Ham & dried tomato with soft herb mayo on mini baguettes
Cheese and spring onion on multigrain bread
Cucumber finger sandwich
Free range hen’s egg and watercress on white bread

SCONES
Fruit scone with clotted cream and preserves

DESSERTS
Decadently layered chocolate cake with candied orange drizzle
Lemonade jelly shots with candied newts
Little sponged Victoria’s
Messy meringues with fresh raspberries and cream

BEVERAGES
Apple Mojito Mocktail

£16 per child aged 11 and under, includes complimentary Matilda Gift

ADULTS’ AFTERNOON TEA

SANDWICHES
Ham & dried tomato with soft herb mayo on mini baguettes
Cucumber finger sandwich
Free range hen’s egg and watercress on white bread
Scottish smoked salmon and Thousand Island sauce on mini bagel

SCONES
Fruit scone with clotted cream and preserves

DESSERTS
Decadently layered chocolate cake with candied orange drizzle
Elderflower and prosecco jelly shots
Little sponged Victoria’s
Fabulously fruity strawberry tart

BEVERAGES
Tea or Coffee

£32 per adult

Allergies and dietary requirements can be catered to.

SHOW PACKAGES

Cocktail + ticket package £67.50
Afternoon Tea + ticket package from £70
Pre-show 2 course dinner, cocktail + ticket package £87
Accommodation packages also available

Packages can be purchased online at: www.matildathemusical.com/showpackages

Matilda The Musical Afternoon Tea and Cocktail available to purchase from Scoff and Banter at the Mercer Street Hotel from 3 July.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, WC2H 9HU
Booking until 29 May 2016
Tuesdays 7pm
Wednesday – Saturday 7:30pm
Wednesday & Saturday 2:30pm
Sundays 3pm

Extra matinee performances – Thursday 30 July & Thursday 29 October
Box Office: Cambridge Theatre 0844 412 4652 / RSC Ticket Hotline 0844 800 1110
To book online visit: www.matildathemusical.com