Month: September 2015

LOCAL TEENAGERS TO STAR IN

GARY BARLOW AND TIM FIRTH’S NEW MUSICAL

THE GIRLS

WORLD PREMIERE AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

BASED ON THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL FILM & AWARD-WINNING STAGE PLAY

CALENDAR GIRLS

After auditioning over a thousand young people, Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, the creators of the new British musical, THE GIRLS, based on the true story, the film and award-winning play by Tim Firth, Calendar Girls, have finally found their three stars-to-be.  Gary and Tim said, “We knew there was talent ‘up North’, we just didn’t realise how difficult it would be to choose from such a wealth of it.”  We’re delighted to announce that, to play the parts of Danny and Tommo, two Yorkshire lads, will be Ben Hunter and Josh Benson.  Ben is 17 and from Hull.  Josh is 18 and from York.  To play the part of Jenny, the Lancashire girl who moves to Yorkshire and falls in love, is 17 year-old Chloe May Jackson from Blackburn.

Tim Firth went on to say, “This musical is about life in the village, so I very much wanted to include the affect the calendar had on everybody – the characters of Danny and Tommo are sons of two of the Calendar Girls, whereas the character Jenny is the mystery teenager who turns up out of nowhere and affects the boys in her own particular way.”

Since being offered their roles, Ben, Josh and Chloe have been working extensively in London with Barbara Houseman.  It was Barbara who was responsible for training Daniel Radcliffe when he made his stage debut in London’s West End in Equus.

THE GIRLS is inspired by the true story of a group of ladies, who decide to appear nude for a Women’s Institute calendar in order to raise funds to buy a settee for their local hospital, in memory of one of their husbands.  This musical comedy shows life in their Yorkshire village, how it happened, the effect on husbands, sons and daughters, and how a group of ordinary ladies achieved something extraordinary.

The world premiere of THE GIRLS is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Saturday 14^th November to Saturday 12^th December

Tickets are on sale now priced from £10 to £45

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call box office on 0844 848 2700

THE GIRLS will be directed by Roger Haines and Tim Firth, designed by Robert Jones, with comedy staging by Jos Houben, lighting design by Tim Lutkin and sound design by Terry Jardine and Nick Lidster.

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research will receive monies from this musical.

THE GIRLS will be produced by David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers and The Shubert Organization.

Website               www.thegirlsmusical.com

Twitter                 @thegirlsmusical

#TheGirlsMusical

Facebook            www.facebook.com/TheGirlsMusical

Instagram            https://instagram.com/TheGirlsMusical/

YouTube              https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrIMklGrxYas5OSgVkSSEZQ

A favourite among young readers, Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather is now set to captivate children at Newcastle Theatre Royal when the heart-warming story is brought to life in a production packed with acrobatics, circus skills, live music and song.

After a sell-out, critically acclaimed West End run in 2014, this Olivier Award nominated production of Hetty Feather comes to the Theatre Royal from 8 – 11 October, as part of a major national tour.

Phoebe Thomas reprises the role of Hetty Feather in this tale that sees Hetty escape from the Foundling Hospital and the terrifying Matron Stinking Bottomly and encounter a world of adventure including Tanglefields Travelling Circus and the scary streets of Victorian London in her quest to find her real mother and a true family of her own.

Author of the original Hetty Feather book, Jacqueline Wilson, said: “I am so thrilled that Hetty Feather has become a stage play! I’ve written exactly one hundred books but Hetty Feather is my number one favourite character and I’m delighted that she will be back on stage again.

“The team behind the production have done a magnificent job bringing the book to life and I’m so pleased that the forthcoming tour will allow even more people to see this wonderful show.”

And Jacqueline Wilson will be paying a visit to Newcastle Theatre Royal herself on Thursday 8 October, when she will be talking about her bestselling books and characters, from Tracy Beaker to Hetty Feather, as she launches her latest Hetty Feather novelLittle Stars. (This event is ticketed separately to the show).

Hetty Feather is published by Random House, and the first in a trilogy of books which includes Sapphire Battersea and Emerald Star – the series has been hugely successful not just in the UK, but also internationally. It is currently being adapted as a new 10 part television series for CBBC, due to be aired later this year.

Jacqueline Wilson is one of Britain’s most popular authors, selling over 38 million books in the UK alone. Her most successful and enduring creation is the Tracy Beaker series, which has also been adapted for television and scenes for which were filmed at locations across the North East. In 2002 she was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and in 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson. In the same year she became the Foundling Museum’s first Coram Foundling Fellow. From 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. Her 100th book Opal Plumstead was published last year.

The production team for Hetty Feather includes Emma Reeves (playwright) who has worked with Wilson on a number of projects, most notably writing the television adaptations for the Tracy Beaker series. Producer Sally Cookson is an Associate Artist at Bristol Old Vic, where her productions have included Jane Eyre (transferring to the National Theatre later this year) and her on-going collaboration with Travelling Light Theatre has resulted in her directing over ten productions for the company, including the Olivier Award nominated Cinderella, Boing!

Designs are by Katie Sykes, original music and score by Benji Bower with additional composition by Seamas H Carey and Luke Potter, aerial direction by Gwen Hales, lighting design by Aideen Malone, and sound design by Leigh Davies.

Hetty Feather appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 October 2015. Tickets from £11 (pay 50p less per ticket when you book 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 at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.

CLOSE TO YOU
Bacharach Reimagined

CLOSE TO YOU, a new musical featuring Burt Bacharach’s songbook, makes its highly anticipated West End transfer to the Criterion Theatre from 3rd October. Tickets go on sale on Friday 4th September at 10am.

Performed by a young, multi-talented cast led by the visionary musician and performer Kyle Riabko, the show features Riabko’s thrillingly new yet beautifully faithful interpretations of Bacharach’s classics.  Blending nostalgia and innovation, generations old and new can now revel in all the hits as if for the very first time.  The show redefines the songbook musical by fusing this extraordinary reinterpretation of over 30 timeless Bacharach melodies with innovative choreography, taking the audience on an emotional and exhilarating journey.

Burt Bacharach has given the show his wholehearted and enthusiastic support, exclaiming, “It’s brilliant. Kyle has done something truly unique with my music. I loved it!”

The show, newly renamed CLOSE TO YOU, premiered to critical acclaim and was a smash hit at New York Theatre Workshop, original home of both Once and Rent, becoming the longest running show in the history of that theatre, followed recently by a sold out and highly acclaimed run at The Menier Chocolate Factory.

Directed by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett, best known for his iconic movement for such hits as Once, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Black Watch, Riabko leads an incredibly talented group of singers and musicians from both sides of the Atlantic through Bacharach’s greatest hits.

CLOSE TO YOU will make hearts sing and spirits soar with such classics as Alfie, Anyone Who Had a Heart, I Say a Little Prayer, Magic Moments, The Look of Love, Walk on By, Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, I’ll Never Fall in Love Again, What’s New Pussycat, I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself, This Guy’s in Love With You, What the World Needs Now is Love and, of course, Close to You.

The New York Theater Workshop / Menier Chocolate Factory production of CLOSE TO YOU is presented in the West End by David Lane Seltzer for Entertainment 360, the producing arm of Management 360, also responsible for the blockbuster TV series Game of Thrones and the upcoming, highly anticipated Danny Boyle-directed Steve Jobs biopic.

CLOSE TO YOU features Music by Burt Bacharach and Lyrics by Hal David and others, with Musical Arrangements by Kyle Riabko who also conceived the show with Seltzer, and is Directed by Steven Hoggett, with Set Design by Christine Jones and Brett Banakis, Costume Design byMatthew Wright, Lighting Design by Tim Lutkin, and Sound Design by Richard Brooker.

Kyle Riabko will be opening the main stage at OnBlackheath Festival on Saturday 12thSeptember at 1.30pm. Also appearing at the Festival are Elbow and Manic Street Preachers. Tickets are available at: www.OnBlackheath.com.

Festival promoter Harvey Goldsmith said: ‘I caught Kyle in the show and was blown away by his performance. Booking him for the main stage for OnBlackheath made perfect sense. He will make a fantastic addition to the festival line-up’.

LISTINGS

CLOSE TO YOU
Bacharach Reimagined

Venue:         Criterion Theatre
Address:       2 Jermyn St, London SW1Y 4XA
Dates:          3 October – 10 January, 2016
Press Night:  15 October at 7pm
Times:          Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat at 7.30pm; Wed, Sat at 3pm; Sun at 2.30pm & 6pm
Box Office:   0844 847 1778
Website:       CloseToYouLondon.com
Facebook:    /CloseToYouLDN
Twitter:       @CloseToYouLDN

The Jewish Legends – Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate 1st – 12th September.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

The Jewish Legends returns to Highgate following a successful run in March – along with most of the audience! As I sat down I was assured by the ladies in front of me that I would love the show and would want to see it again, just like them.

Joanna Lee, Molly Marie Walsh, Martin Neely and Martin Milnes perform a selection of songs made famous by eight Jewish legends: Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker, Fanny Brice, Groucho Marx, Zero Mostel, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler and Burt Bacharach.

In between, and often during, the songs, stories of each performer’s Jewish background, personal life (usually chaotic) and career ups and downs are shared with the audience, along with some fantastic one-liners. Writer Chris Burgess has created a musical version of QI – interesting facts, corny jokes and uplifting music coming together to form a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

Neely and Mills are energetic and playful in their routines – “Lydia the tattooed lady” had some moves that even my dad wouldn’t attempt in public. Lee and Walsh are passionate and flirty, especially singing Sophie Tucker numbers. Lee’s “My Yiddishe Mama” was especially moving.

The humour and energy of Bette Midler’s songs is infectious. “The Rose” is a standout number with Lee’s and Walsh’s voices blending hypnotically.

My only gripe is about the Streisand section – classic songs sung brilliantly and then… Yentl. I know some people love that film, but I’ve never met any of them. Knowing that Yentl is showbiz Marmite, a comedy ending is cleverly signposted when Marsh begins “A piece of sky”, making me feel less guilty when I giggled at the ‘Papa can you hear me?’ part.

Both acts build to big endings. Act one has a superb “Fiddler on the Roof” medley which showcases the vocal talents of the cast superbly. The Burt Bacharach finale is lots of fun. The cast’s voices are perfect for all the whoa whoa harmonies and it’s hard to tell who’s having more fun, them or the audience. It gets a little emotional when Cilla Black’s big hits are performed, but once “What’s new pussycat?” has started you are riding a wave of nostalgia and pure enjoyment.

The wise ladies in the audience were right! The Jewish Legends has the perfect mix of chutzpah and schmaltz to leave you smiling and singing all night.

David Hasselhoff visited Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre in London on Friday 28 August and popped backstage to meet the cast afterwards.

THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL “JERSEY BOYS” EXTENDS ITS BOOKING PERIOD NOW BOOKING AT THE PICCADILLY THEATRE UNTIL 14 FEBRUARY 2016 WITH CHRISTMAS 2015 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE CONFIRMED

JERSEY BOYS, the smash hit musical, is extending its booking period at the Piccadilly Theatre until 14 February 2016, with tickets now on sale.

JERSEY BOYS stars Michael Watson as Frankie Valli, Edd Post as Bob Gaudio, Jon Boydon as Tommy DeVito and Gary Watson as Nick Massi. Sandy Moffat plays the role of Frankie Valli at certain performances. Also in the cast are Simon Adkins, Nicola Brazil, Matthew Cutts, Stuart Dawes, Lucinda Gill, Thomas Goodridge, Nicky Griffiths, Matthew Hunt, Mark Isherwood, Charlotte Jeffery, Ben Jennings, Joseph Peters, Chris Stoddart, Helen Ternent, Matt Thorpe and Ben Wheeler.

JERSEY BOYS opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre in 2008 and moved to the Piccadilly Theatre in March 2014. The musical has now been seen by over 22 million people worldwide and is firmly established as one of the West End’s longest running and most popular shows. A second UK production of JERSEY BOYS is currently breaking box office records on its first ever tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

JERSEY BOYS is the remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their rise to stardom from the wrong side of the tracks. These four boys from New Jersey became one of the most successful bands in pop history, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and sold 100 million records worldwide, all before they turned 30. The show is packed with their hits, including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You.

Winner of Broadway’s Tony, London’s Olivier and Australia’s Helpmann Awards for Best New Musical, JERSEY BOYS is the winner of 57 major awards worldwide. As well as still running on Broadway and in the West End, and on tour in the UK and Ireland, JERSEY BOYS can be seen in Las Vegas and across the United States on its US National Tour.

JERSEY BOYS is written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. The London production is staged by the entire original Broadway creative team, led by director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, with scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projection design by Michael Clark. The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and the music supervision and vocal arrangements by Ron Melrose.

JERSEY BOYS is produced in London by the Dodgers, with Joseph J. Grano, Tamara and Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group, in association with Latitude Link, Rick Steiner, and a small clutch of UK colleagues.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Piccadilly Theatre

16 Denman Street

London W1D 7DY

Performances: Tuesdays – Saturdays at 7.30pm, Tuesday & Saturday matinees at 3.00pm, Sundays at 5.00pm

2015-16 CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Monday 21 December No Performance

Tuesday 22 December 3.00pm & 7.30pm

Wednesday 23 December 7.30pm

Thursday 24 December 3.00pm

Friday 25 December No performance

Saturday 26 December 7.30pm

Sunday 27 December 5.00pm

Monday 28 December 3.00pm & 7.30pm

Tuesday 29 December 3.00pm & 7.30pm

Wednesday 30 December 3.00pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 31 December 7.30pm

Friday 1 January No Performance

Saturday 2 January 3.00pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 3 January 5.00pm

Current booking period to 14 February 2016

Tickets from £24.50

Box Office: 0844 871 7630

Website: www.jerseyboyslondon.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JerseyBoysLondon

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JerseyBoysUK

The greatest family musical of all time – The Sound of Music is returning to Newcastle Theatre Royal in September to celebrate the Hollywood film’s 50^th anniversary, so prepare to head for the hills and get ready for one of your favourite things! Running from 1 – 12 September 2015.

Based on the story of the Trapp Family Singers and Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, The Sound of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII.

Created as a Broadway musical in 1959 by Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, including ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘So Long, Farewell’ and of course, the title song, ‘The Sound of Music’. The musical was adapted into a multi academy-award winning film released in 1965 starring Julie Andrews.  It was an instant hit and went on to break Box Office records in 29 countries, becoming the most successful movie musical in history.

Playing the iconic role of Maria von Trapp in this new production is Danielle Hope, who captured the hearts of the country when she won BBC Television’s Over the Rainbow and made her professional debut as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Danielle has since played Eponine in Les Misérables in London’s West End and Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The role of Captain von Trapp is played by much-loved stage and television star Steven Houghton. Well-known for his longstanding television roles in Coronation Street and London’s Burning, Olivier-Award nominated actor Steven has taken on leading roles in Spend Spend Spend, Blood Brothers, White Christmas, Martin Guerre and Grease.

This wonderfully lavish new staging of the classic musical is produced by Bill Kenwright, directed by Martin Connor, choreographed by Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer and with musical direction by David Steadman. Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe.

Click here to watch the trailer.

The Sound of Music is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tues 1 until Sat 12 September 2015, playing evenings at 7.30pm, matinees on Wed 2pm (2 Sept only), Thu 2pm and Sat 2.30pm. Tickets from £14.50 (save 50p per ticket online), children £5 off all performances (restrictions apply). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (all calls are charged at 7p a minute plus your phone company’s access charge, calls from mobiles may vary, please contact your operator for details) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Priscilla Queen of the Desert – Sunderland Empire Theatre

September 2, 2015 

For: West End Wilma 

https://www.westendwilma.com/priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-sunderland-empire-theatre/

Priscilla motored in to Sunderland this week with quite an unexpected bang.

Starring Duncan James as disillusioned drag queen Tick (Mitzi), Priscilla (the bus) takes Tick from Sydney to Alice Springs at the request of his estranged wife Marion (Naomi Slights) to meet his 6 year old son Benji (Cameron Lant and Christian Odell-Lowery sharing the role). Tick takes with him recently widowed transexual Bernadette (Simon Green) and fellow drag artist Adam (Felicia) played by Adam Bailey. Picking up mechanic Bob (Philip Childs) along the way.

You know you are in for a fun time when the warning at the beginning of the show tells you take off your wig so the people behind can see. And fun it is, with dancing diva’s descending from the heavens, a myriad of colourful costumes (designed by Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner) and a cheesefest of songs played by the band led by Matthew J Loughran.

Priscilla (the bus) is much more substantial than previous incarnations on the tour but unfortunately for us the motor caused mechanical mayhem and refused to join in during the second half. However, a non working bus didn’t completely spoil the show.

The lack of scenery is a challenge in this show. The vast Australian desert is either a blue background or red curtains and whilst it sets off the array of colourful costumes it doesn’t give any geography to the tale. Equally spoilt in comparison to the film is what should be the awesome Sempre Libera, in the film sung on the back of the bus in a haze of silver, now on a giant sparkly shoe in a piece that no longer makes sense in the tale.

Duncan James is surprisingly good in the role, his Australian accent never wavers and his doubts and worries about the trip make him human beneath the make-up. Another bonus is that he looks good whether in jeans, one piece swimming costume, ball gown or just his tiny y-fronts! Green and Bailey are also a delight to watch, with the former stealing the show and limelight from the other two leads on many an occasion.

Whilst full of glitz and glam, feathers and sequins, at the heart of the show is story of overcoming prejudices whether it be their own or from rednecks and hillbillies they encounter on their travels. And a tale of love; Tick and the love he has for his son, the blossoming romance between Bob and Bernadette and Adam learning to love himself for who and what he is.

Packed with well known numbers like I Will Survive, It’s Raining Men, Don’t Leave Me That Way, Go West and Hot Stuff, you can’t help but tap your feet. But it’s the Pat Benatar classic We Belong that steals the show for me. Showing in one song how to overcome everything life throws at you, it is the rightful final showstopper.

Priscilla is a show to see with your friends on a fun evening out, it doesn’t take itself seriously and neither should you. Its camp and kitsch and feel good from the first spin of the glitterball to the last.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

TONY AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY MUSICAL

IN THE HEIGHTS

RETURNING TO LONDON AT KING’S CROSS THEATRE

FOLLOWING A SELL-OUT RUN AT SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE

Full casting is announced today for Tony Award-winning Broadway musical In The Heights, which returns to London in October following a critically acclaimed sell-out UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse in 2014. The production will transfer to King’s Cross Theatre on 3rd October 2015 and is booking for a limited four week period until 1st November 2015.

Reprising their roles following the run at Southwark Playhouse are David Bedella as Kevin, Josie Benson as Camila, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Daniela, Sam Mackay as Usnavi, Sarah Naudi as Carla and Eve Polycarpou as Abuela. They are joined by Jade Ewen as Vanessa, Lily Frazer as Nina, Antoine Murray-Straughan as Graffiti Pete, Joe Aaron Reid as Benny and Cleve September as Sonny. The cast also includes Jocasta Almgill, Courtney-Mae Briggs, Michael Cortez, Gabriela Garcia, Reiss Hinds, Alexandra Sarmiento and Spin.

David Bedella will reprise his performance as Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Show when it returns to the West End in September. David is also known for his Olivier Award winning performance as Satan in Jerry Springer the Opera (National Theatre), with other credits including Sweeney Todd (Twickenham Theatre), Putting It Together (St James Theatre), Road Show (Menier Chocolate Factory) and Chicago (Cambridge Theatre).

Josie Benson’s theatre credits include Sweeney Todd (Chichester Festival Theatre and Adelphi Theatre), The Cradle Will Rock (Arcola Theatre), Porgy and Bess (Savoy Theatre) and The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre).

Victoria Hamilton-Barritt previously starred as Diana in the revival Broadway production of A Chorus Line at the London Palladium, with other credits including Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy (Leicester Curve), Alex in Flashdance (Shaftesbury Theatre) and Rizzo in Grease (Piccadilly Theatre).

Sam Mackay’s recent stage credits include Wonder.Land (Manchester International Festival), 5,6,7,8 (Royal Court), Flashdance (Shaftesbury Theatre) and Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales Theatre). Television credits include Game of Thrones for HBO.

Sarah Naudi has film credits including By The Sea directed by Angelina Jolie, which is due for release later this year. Television credits include Casanova for Amazon Studios.

Eve Polycarpou’s theatre credits include Mother Courage and Her Children (Manchester Library Theatre Company), The Bacchae and Palace of the End (Manchester Royal Exchange), and Threepenny Opera (National Theatre).

Jade Ewen is widely recognised as one third of the multi-million selling pop group Sugababes. Since joining the band in 2009, Jade has toured extensively around the world and had numerous international and UK hits. Jade originally came to prominence in 2009, representing the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s song It’s My Time. More recently, Jade has been seen on stage as Clara in Porgy and Bess at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and Dee Dee in the 2014 UK Tour of Tonight’s The Night.

Lily Frazer’s recent theatre credits include Demeter in the UK Tour of Cats, the Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour and Les Misérables in the West End. Television includes Suzy in E4 series Drifters.

Antoine Murray-Straughan played Rum Tum Tugger in the recent West End revival of Cats at the London Palladium. Other credits include the Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour and Britain’s Got Talent.

Joe Aaron Reid’s many Broadway credits include If/Then, Ghost, Catch Me if You Can and Chicago, with regional US credits including On The Town (5th Avenue Theater), Ragtime (Paper Mill Playhouse) and Finian’s Rainbow (City Center Encores). Television credits include NBC’s Smash.

Cleve September recently graduated from Mountview Academy where credits include Curtains, Parade and Fiddler on the Roof. Other work includes Elaine Paige’s 50th Anniversary Tour at the Royal Albert Hall and The Last Days of Troy at the Globe Theatre.

Watch the cast announcement trailer: http://youtu.be/371kkXIUNRo

In The Heights is an uplifting and exhilarating journey into Washington Heights, one of Manhattan’s most vibrant communities – a place where the coffee is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggle can be deciding which traditions to take with you, and which ones to leave behind. With a gripping story and unforgettable Latin and hip-hop infused score, In The Heights is a ground-breaking contemporary musical about what it takes to make a living, what it costs to have a dream, and what it means to be home.

In The Heights opened at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2008 where it was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, winning four for Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations. It also won the 2009 Grammy Award for its Original Broadway Cast Album and was nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize in Drama.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is the Tony-winning composer-lyricist of In the Heights. He also originated the lead role of Usnavi for which he received a Tony-Award nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Lin-Manuel is currently starring in the title role in his newest musical Hamilton, which had its world premiere at The Public Theater in January 2015 before transferring to Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre in July 2015. The production has so far received a record-breaking 10 Lortel Awards, 3 Outer Critic Circle Awards, 8 Drama Desk Awards, the 2015 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best New Musical and the 2015 OBIE Award for Best New American Play.

In The Heights is directed by Luke Sheppard whose recent credits include Oliver! (Watermill Theatre), Adrian Mole (Curve Theatre, Leicester), Next Fall (Southwark Playhouse), Peter Pan (Beck Theatre), Mort (Rose Theatre), Bed And Sofa (Finborough Theatre) and Jet Set Go! (Jermyn Street Theatre). Luke is also Associate Director of Matilda in the West End and on Broadway.

It is choreographed by Drew McOnie, who won the 2015 Off West End Award for Best Choreography for his work on In The Heights at Southwark Playhouse. Recent credits include Bugsy Malone (Lyric Hammersmith), Oklahoma! (UK Tour), Chicago (Curve Theatre, Leicester) and Drunk (Bridewell Theatre). Drew is also the Artistic Director of The McOnie Company and an Associate Artist at The Old Vic, for which he is currently creating a new dance-thriller version of Jekyll and Hyde.

Tickets start at £19.50, with a selection of best seats available for Under 25s at a special rate of £15 at every performance.

In The Heights is conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda with Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a Book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. It is directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Drew McOnie, musical supervision by Tom Deering (Made In Dagenham, From Here To Eternity), set design by takis (Chicago, Curve Theatre), costume design by Gabriella Slade (Alice in Wonderland, Oxford Playhouse), lighting design by Howard Hudson (Adrian Mole, Titanic) and sound design by Gareth Owen. Casting is by Will Burton. It is produced in London by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment Ltd and Paul Taylor Mills Ltd.

King’s Cross Theatre is a brand new purpose built theatre at King’s Cross Station. The venue is currently home to The Railway Children which has just extended its run until 3rd January 2015 and will continue to play in rep with In The Heights. King’s Cross Theatre will also be opening a late night bar to coincide with the run of In The Heights, opening an hour before every performance until late, with live music and DJs after certain performances.

Twitter @InTheHeightsLDN

www.intheheightslondon.com

LISTINGS

Saturday 3 October – Sunday 1 November 2015

KING’S CROSS THEATRE

Good’s Way, King’s Cross, London, N1C 4UR

Press Night: Tuesday 13 October, 7.00pm

Performances: Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday 8.00pm, Friday 3.00pm, Saturday 8.30pm, Sunday 6.00pm (except for Sun 4 and Sun 11 October at 2.30pm)

Tickets: From £19.50 (with a guaranteed selection of £15 tickets per performance for U25)

Box Office: 0844 871 7604 | www.intheheightslondon.com

Theo Bosanquet, outgoing Managing Editor of WhatsOnStage.com, will join The Corner Shop PR in October 2015 in the new role of Digital Manager.

The Corner Shop is the UK’s largest specialist theatre and performing arts PR agency, with offices in London and Edinburgh.

Theo joined leading theatre website WhatsOnStage.com in 2008, becoming editor in 2012. During this time the site has grown to monthly page views of 1.5million and a community of over 150,000 followers on social media. Prior to this he worked as a content manager for Bayswater Media and a script reader for Handmade Films. He studied drama at Bristol University, graduating in 2004.

As Digital Manager, Theo will oversee the agency’s growing digital operations, which include online PR campaign work on behalf of its clients, content creation, and The Corner Shop’s own digital platforms.

Clair Chamberlain, Managing Director of The Corner Shop PR, said:
 “As a company we have always worked hard to ensure that the needs of digital media are incorporated into our work as a matter of course. With Theo’s appointment we are realising an ambition to put this at the forefront of our offering to clients, more closely reflecting the contemporary face of the media and feeding its ever-growing hunger for arts coverage.”

Established in 2007 by Ben Chamberlain, Ryan Petersen and Clair Chamberlain, The Corner Shop PR works with a diverse range of clients, spanning multiple art forms on a national and international basis. It has built a reputation for a clear-thinking, creative and strategic approach to campaigns. In 2015 the company opened an office in Edinburgh which runs year-round under the management of Susie Gray. A sister company, The Corner Shop Events, managed by Hannah Osborne, offers event management, general management and production services. www.thecornershoppr.com

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

THE 2015 NATIONAL TOUR OF

TERENCE RATTIGAN’S EPIC WARTIME ROMANCE

FLARE PATH

IN A NEW PRODUCTION DIRECTED BY JUSTIN AUDIBERT

The producers of the forthcoming UK tour of Terence Rattigan’s FLARE PATH, directed by Justin Audibert, are delighted to announce the full cast, headed by the previously announced Leon Ockenden as Peter Kyle, Olivia Hallinan as Patricia Graham and Philip Franks as Squadron Leader Swanson.

They will be joined by Adam Best as Flying Officer Count Skriczevinsky, James Cooney as Percy, Simon Darwen as Sergeant Miller (Dusty), Stephanie Jacob as Mrs Oakes, Shvorne Marks as Mrs Miller (Maudie), Siobhan O’Kelly as Countess Skriczevinsky (Doris), William Reay as Corporal Jones (Wiggy), Holly Smith as Maid and Alastair Whatley as Flight Lieutenant Graham (Teddy).

As previously announced, the FLARE PATH tour will open on 18 August at Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne (national press night, 2 September at Richmond Theatre). FLARE PATH will then tour to Richmond, Bath, Malvern, Exeter, Cambridge, Salisbury, Winchester, Ipswich, Coventry, Liverpool, Southend and Guildford.

Based on Rattigan’s experiences as a tail gunner during World War II, FLARE PATH paints an evocative portrait of life in wartime Britain for the life-and-death existence of the RAF bomber crews, and their wives and sweethearts who were left waiting their return.

Set in 1942 against a backdrop of heartache and quiet bravery, FLARE PATH tells the story of former actress Patricia, the wife of RAF pilot Teddy, whose marriage is tested to the limits by the surprise arrival of Patricia’s ex‐lover and Hollywood idol Peter Kyle. An unexpected and dangerous mission over Germany puts Patricia at the centre of an emotional conflict as unpredictable as the war in the skies.

FLARE PATH combines highly charged drama with a truly authentic taste of the fear, camaraderie and passion experienced by the men and women who fought to save their country, their families and each other.

This new production of FLARE PATH will be directed by Justin Audibert, who is currently directing The Jew of Malta for The Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford. Justin is an Artistic Associate for HighTide Festival Theatre and Red Ladder, and his directing credits include productions at Soho Theatre, the Young Vic and West Yorkshire Playhouse.

FLARE PATH will have Set and Costume Design by Hayley Grindle, Lighting Design by Alex Wardle and Sound Design by Dominic Bilkey.

Most recently seen in London’s West End in 2011, in a production directed by Trevor Nunn, this major revival of FLARE PATH comes from the producers behind the current critically-acclaimed and hugely successful touring production of BIRDSONG.

FLARE PATH is produced on tour by Alastair Whatley for The Original Theatre Company and Anne-Marie Woodley and Jon Woodley for Birdsong Productions Ltd.

Official website: www.flarepaththetour.com Twitter: @flarepathtour Facebook: @flarepaththetour

2015 TOUR SCHEDULE

18 – 29 August Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk 01323 412000

1 – 5 September Richmond Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre 0844 871 7651

7 – 12 September Theatre Royal, Bath

www.theatreroyal.org.uk 01225 448844

15 – 19 September Festival Theatre, Malvern

www.malvern-theatres.co.uk 01684 892277

22 – 26 September Exeter Northcott Theatre

www.exeternorthcott.co.uk 01392 493 493

28 September – 3 October Cambridge Arts Theatre

www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 01223 503333

5 – 10 October Salisbury Playhouse

www.salisburyplayhouse.com 01722 320 333

12 – 17 October Theatre Royal Winchester

www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 01962 840440

19 – 24 October The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

www.wolseytheatre.co.uk 01473 295900

3 – 7 November The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

www.belgrade.co.uk 024 7655 3055

10 – 14 November Liverpool Playhouse

www.everymanplayhouse.com 0151 709 4776

16-21 November The Palace Theatre, Southend

www.southendtheatres.org.uk 01702 351135

23 – 28 November Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

Further venues to be announced