Month: January 2016

ENCHANTING NEW PRODUCTION FOR FAMILIES COMES TO YORK NEXT MONTH

Following on from last year’s hugely successful touring production of The Princess and the Pea, the latest York Theatre Royal and tutti frutti co-production, Snow Child comes to the De Grey Rooms Ballroom from Tuesday 23 February to Saturday 5 March 2016.

As Autumn leaves fall and the foxes, wolves and bears hide among the trees, we tell you a magical story about family, love and the power of dreams.

The first snow falls. Watching the village children play, a lonely couple yearn for a child of their own. They build a small figure from the ice and snow, and wish very, very hard… until the strength of their longing brings the magical snow child to life before their eyes!

She’s a girl like no other. As she dances in the wild landscape and talks with the animals, she brings joy, fun and laughter to the whole village. But it’s not easy, bringing up a wild daughter of the blizzards and the wind. As the seasons turn, and winter gives way to spring and summer, will the Snow Child and her parents find their “happily ever after”?

Inspired by Arthur Ransome’s adaptation of the Russian folk tale The Little Daughter of the Snow tutti frutti and York Theatre Royal are thrilled to bring you writer Emma Reeves’ new play following her huge success with her adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather (West End) and her TV triumphs; Tracy Beaker and the Dumping Ground as well as her new up and coming show Eve.

The play will be directed by tutti frutti’s artistic director Wendy Harris and the cast is made up of Mei Mac playing Snow Child, Paula James as Mother and animals and Mark Pearce as Father and animals.

With atmospheric music by Ollie Birch, beautiful movement by Joanne Bernard and an inspired design brought to you by Kate Bunce, this promises to be a wonderland of poignant, inventive storytelling to enchant children and families.

Writer Emma Reeves said:

Like all the best legends, there are many versions available, some of which end happily, others not so much. But the central story is always there, two parents who yearn for a child so much that their very love and desperation wills her into being, and a child who loves her parents but doesn’t understand them – and vice versa. I wanted to write a story about unconditional love, and how we wittingly or unwittingly test the people we love – and how we try to forgive them when they fail.

Snow Child is a performance for children aged 3-8 and their families. Tickets are on sale now priced £12 for adults, £10 for concessions and £6 for children under 16 (£1 transaction fee per booking) and are available from York Theatre Royal Box Office in person, by phone on 01904 623568 or securely online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

 Theatre N16 24 – 28 January.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

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Tom Hartwell’s comedy is a delight from start to finish. If the first thing you do in the morning is check your phone, then this play is right up your street. I am a complete technophobe, and even I understood all of the references

David has elevated procrastination to an art form, spending more time online than with his girlfriend. When she breaks up with him, he responds with hashtags. When a photo of him kissing another girl is shared on Facebook and Charlotte finds out, David tries to sort his life out. But he is visited by personifications of applications that distract him and try to prove their worth. Instagram (constantly taking selfies), Youtube (filming everything in case it goes viral), Hotmail (apparently we all need him?), Snapchat (never standing still for more than 10 seconds), Farmville (providing updates on the fate of Dave’s potatoes and cows) and Tinder (swiping left when things don’t go her way) are all desperate not to follow Myspace into obscurity. Facebook is a Mephistophelean presence, manipulating David’s profile and buying up the smaller apps to maintain his influence on the world, and David.

The script is sharp and clever, drawing laughs and groans of recognition from the audience, and the energetic cast are very funny. Hadley Smith is a scream as shambolic and desperate Hotmail – he seemed to be on a mission to trash the entire set during the play, and Katie Dalzell’s dour and doom laden Farmville is a real treat.  

This is a play full of insight and belly laughs, and well worth seeing.

SEARCH FOR MAN’S BEST FRIEND

The Touring Consortium Theatre Company are on the look out for a dog to appear at Darlington Civic Theatre in Of Mice And Men from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 March.

A Border Collie named Badger was due to tour with the cast of the John Steinbeck classic play Of Mice And Men. Sadly, Badger passed away from old age before rehearsals began, and the producers are now seeking an elderly dog to appear in each venue on the tour.

Most breeds and sizes will be considered, but he or she should ideally look relatively elderly and have the appearance of a ‘working’ dog, and must have a calm temperament. The dog will be on stage for around 5 minutes in total, alongside Dudley Sutton, playing ‘Candy’ and on a lead at all times. No previous acting experience needed.

The successful dog and owner will be required 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday, 7pm to 9pm Wednesday to

Saturday and 2pm to 3.30pm for the Wednesday and Saturday matinees. Expenses of up to £300 per week will be paid.

Interested parties should apply immediately to Janice Taylor via email: [email protected] or telephone 0844 5880 848.

Of Mice And Men is the story of two migrant farm workers held together by a mutual dependence, a deep affection and an undying loyalty. The pair go in search of a new beginning in the hope of attaining their shared dream: of putting together enough money to buy a small piece of land and building a home. No strangers to trouble, George and Lennie soon find themselves reeling from the fallout of an innocent misunderstanding which spirals out of control and leaves the two men, bound together by friendship, facing an earth-shattering climax. A story, raw in speech and action, full of heart and unflinching realism, it remains one of the most poignant statements of being human our contemporary theatre has produced.

Of Mice And Men is at Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 March.

Tickets* £17.40 to £27, discounts available. Thursday and Saturday matinees all seats £18.50. Family ticket Saturday 2.30pm £44. Under 16s and schools all seats £11 plus 1 free with every 10 booked.

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

*All prices include a £1 restoration levy

CLOSE TO YOU
Bacharach Reimagined

• LAST CHANCE TO SEE CLOSE TO YOU: BACHARACH REIMAGINED
• FINAL PERFORMANCES ON VALENTINE’S DAY, SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2016 AT CRITERION THEATRE

New musical CLOSE TO YOU: BACHARACH REIMAGINED will end its limited West End run on Valentine’s Day, Sunday 14 February. Featuring Burt Bacharach’s songbook, CLOSE TO YOU broke box office records at the Criterion Theatre when it opened on 15 October, with the biggest advance in the venue’s history.

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.

Details are yet to be announced for the CLOSE TO YOU: BACHARACH REIMAGINED album. Produced by Kyle Riabko, the album will feature the London cast performing their timeless interpretations of Bacharach’s unforgettable hits.

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. The production at the Criterion Theatre will be the last opportunity for audiences to see the show in the West End.

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 makes 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.

Daniel Bailen, Anastacia McClesky, and James Williams are appearing with the permission of Actors’ Equity Association.  The Producers gratefully acknowledge Actors’ Equity Association for its assistance of this production.

LISTINGS

CLOSE TO YOU

Bacharach Reimagined

Venue:                   Criterion Theatre

Address:                 2 Jermyn St, London SW1Y 4XA

Dates:                    Saturday 3 October – Sunday 14 February, 2016

Times:                   Mon – Sat at 7.30pm; Wed, Sat at 3pm
Additional performances Sun 14 Feb at 2.30pm and 6pm

Box Office:            0844 847 1778

Website:                CloseToYouLondon.com

Facebook:              /CloseToYouLDN

Twitter:                 @CloseToYouLDN

LEGENDARY WHO-DUNNIT TO HIT DARLINGTON

The record-breaking 60th anniversary tour of The Mousetrap comes to Darlington Civic Theatre from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 February.

The Mousetrap is famous around the world for being the longest-running show of any kind in the history of theatre, with over 25,000 performances. Now the 60th anniversary production is back starring Louise Jameson (Dr Who, EastEnders, Doc Martin) as Mrs Boyle.

The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive are finally revealed.

In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

Louise Jameson is best well-known for her long-running roles as Leela, a companion of Tom Baker’s Doctor in Doctor Who, Susan Young in Bergerac¸ Eleanor Glasson in Doc Martin, and Rosa di Marco in EastEnders. In addition to Louise’s illustrious roles on screen, she has also appeared on stage in Love, Loss and What I Wore (The Mill, Sonning), Noises Off (Mercury Theatre), Gutted (Theatre Royal, Stratford East) and Oedipus (The Liverpool Everyman & Nottingham Playhouse).

Louise said: “I thought about doing something special for my 65th birthday in 2016. Just how did I get to be 65? The same way The Mousetrap has run for nearly that length of time I suppose, so we’ll be celebrating together. That’s quite special.”

The Mousetrap comes to Darlington Civic Theatre from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 February.

Tickets* £20 to £31.50

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

*All prices include a £1 restoration levy

YORK’S LEGENDARY DAME BERWICK KALER ANNOUNCES THE NAME OF THE 2016 PANTOMIME.

York Theatre Royal’s once-in-a-lifetime pantomime Dick Whittington (and his meerkat) closed on Sunday 24 January following an incredibly successful run in its temporary home The Signal Box Theatre at the National Railway Museum.  According to tradition, writer, co-director and the UK’s longest serving panto dame Berwick Kaler announced the name of the pantomime for 2016-17:

CINDERELLA

Dick Whittington (and his meerkat) was Berwick Kaler’s 37^th outing as dame in what is believed to have been the first ever pantomime in a traverse theatre.  York Theatre Royal was forced to move its famous pantomime to The Signal Box Theatre following unique architectural discoveries during the theatre’s £4.1million redevelopment project.  The theatre has received its largest ever number of letters, messages, phone calls and social media posts praising the production, which has been seen by an audience of almost 50,000.

Berwick Kaler said:

It’s everyone’s favourite and it just seems fitting to celebrate the newly restored theatre with a title that has all the ingredients for magnificent sets and costumes, pathos, slapstick, inventive lunacy. I’ll even retain the plot – mind you, I’ve not written it yet so don’t quote me!

Tickets for CINDERELLA will go on sale in person only on Tuesday 1 March from the York Theatre Royal Box Office in the De Grey Rooms, St Leonard’s Place.

The theatre’s re-opening spring 2016 season will feature two world premiere co-productions, starting with an adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited with English Touring Theatre from Friday 22 to Saturday 30 April.  This sparkling re-imagining of the classic novel by writer Bryony Lavery and director Damian Cruden will tour nationally before returning to York Theatre Royal from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 June.  From Friday 13 May to Saturday 4 June York Theatre Royal and Pilot Theatre will present The Machine Stops, based on the 1909 short story by E.M. Forster.  The story has been adapted for the stage by Neil Duffield and will be directed by Juliet Forster and features a brand new soundtrack composed by John Foxx, pioneer of electronic music and founder of Ultravox and analogue synth specialist Benge. In addition a wide range of top class touring companies including Northern Broadsides, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English Touring Opera will bring their productions to the newly renovated theatre.

Tickets for the spring 2016 season are on sale now in person at the York Theatre Royal Box Office, by phone on 01904 623568 or securely online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

HiddenCity presents
MORIARTY’S GAME

• NEW TICKETS RELEASED: LAST CHANCE TO EXPLORE HIDDENCITY’S MORIARTY’S GAME, ENDS ON 31 MARCH 2016

• DISCOVER LONDON THROUGH A SERIES OF CRYPTIC CLUES INSPIRED BY ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE’S SHERLOCK HOLMES NOVELS

Don’t miss the chance to explore London with Moriarty’s Game, created by cryptic city trail innovator HiddenCity. New tickets have been released and are available until 31 March 2016.This brand new, immersive game launched on 2 December 2015 and has been garnering an array of strong reviews, selling out on its weekend dates.

Time Out says, “Puzzle fans will love this cross-London game”

Radio Times calls it, “As an entertaining activity to do with your friends, it was perfect – but as an offbeat tour around London it was also a slam dunk.”

The Stage says, “Fascinating urban adventure game that invites participants to explore hidden corners of the city”

Moriarty’s Game is the 28th trail created by HiddenCity and is inspired by characters from Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel, The Final Problem, published in 1893. Players find themselves exploring exhibitions in a Mayfair Townhouse, celebrating contemporary architecture and drinking in Georgian public houses as they solve puzzles sent via text messages, in search of Moriarty’s hidden safe house.

‘Professor James Moriarty invites you to celebrate the finest minds of London by solving his cryptic challenge, which he has personally prepared. Your goal is to find his London safe house. Succeed and he will present you an offer you won’t refuse.’

Each clue directs participants to a hidden location within walking distance, and asks a specific question about the surroundings. If participants reply with the correct answer they receive the next clue.

In Moriarty’s Game, explorers interact with the real world. As they progress on their journey, participants find themselves studying botanical books, inspecting classical French paintings and delivering codewords to people they meet, as they uncover Moriarty’s true nature.

HiddenCity was created by two brothers who wanted to organise an alternative city experience for friends. HiddenCity now has trails operating in London, Manchester and Brighton.

To book tickets visit inthehiddencity.com/moriartysgame.

LISTINGS

2 Dec 2015 – 31 March 2016
Moriarty’s Game
Start point: Royal Institute of British Architects, 66 Portland Place, W1B 1AD
Start time: 11.30am – 2pm (Trail takes 2 – 4 hours to complete)
020 7112 8951
www.inthehiddencity.com/moriartysgame
Price: £60 for a team of up to four people
Strictly adults, 18 or over
Dress appropriately to gain entry to Moriarty’s safe house. No shorts or tracksuits.

Apollo Theatre Company presents:

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR RIGHT NOW BY CATHERINE-ANNE TOUPIN

BUSH THEATRE 23 MARCH – 16 APRIL 2016

TRANSLATED BY CHRIS CAMPBELL
DIRECTED BY MICHAEL BOYD

The cast is announced and rehearsals begin today for RIGHT NOW, a co-production between the Bush Theatre, Traverse theatre Company and Theatre Royal Bath Ustinov Studio.

The roles of Juliette, Ben, Alice, Francis, and Giles will be played by Maureen Beattie, Sean Biggerstaff, Lindsey Campbell, Dyfan Dwyfor and Guy Williams.

The co-production, directed by former RSC Artistic Director Michael Boyd, runs at the Bush Theatre from 23 March – 16 April 2016. Press night is 29 March.

Director Michael Boyd said, “Our challenge to do justice to this heart-breaking, hilarious and disturbing play begins today, and I couldn’t feel better equipped than with this brilliant dare-devil cast.”

Written by Catherine-Anne Toupin and translated by Chris Campbell, RIGHT NOW is a disquieting exploration of one woman’s crisis and darkest desires. It walks a delicate line between playful laughter and deep trauma, teasing and thrilling audiences from beginning to end.

As Alice and Ben settle into their beautiful new flat they realise that the family across the hall hope to be more than just good neighbours. Soon, Juliette, Giles, and their son Francis are wearing out the welcome mat; suggesting drinks, hors d’oeuvres and dancing. Things begin to heat up as innocent invitations lead to passionate encounters and unsettling revelations.

Maureen Beattie trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and graduated with the James Bridie Gold Metal. Since then Maureen has gone on to play many roles with companies across the UK including the National Theatre of Scotland, National Theatre of Great Britain, the Globe, and the RSC, as well as touring internationally. Previous theatre credits include: The List, The Carousel, The Deliverance (Stellar Quines); John Gabriel Barclay (Óran Mór); Yer Granny, 27 and The Enquirer (National Theatre of Scotland); Romeo & Juliet (Rose Theatre Kingston); Dark Road, The Cherry Orchard (Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh); Noises Off (The Old Vic); No Quarter (Royal Court Theatre); Ghosts (Citizens Theatre); Masterbuilder, Othello, The Merry Wives of Windsor (National Theatre); The History Plays, Richard III, Titus Andronicus, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe  (Royal Shakespeare Company). Maureen’s television and film credits include: Outlander, Doctor Who, Vera, Casualty, Lewis, Midsomer Murders, Taggart, Bramwell, The Bill, Hard to Get, The Worst Week of My Life, Doctors, Moving On and Decoy Bride.

Sean Biggerstaff obtained his first professional acting role at ten, playing the son of MacDuff in a Michael Boyd production of Macbeth at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow. He then joined the Scottish Youth Theatre and spent six years with the group. Other theatre work includes: Solid Air (Theatre Royal Plymouth); The Girl with the Red Hair (Lyceum/Bush/Hampstead Theatre);An Appointment with the Wicker Man (National Theatre of Scotland).

Sean’s film work includes: Whisky Galore, Mary Queen of Scots, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2) playing the part of Oliver Wood. His television work includes: Marple, Charles II, and Consenting Adults for which he won BAFTA Scotland’s Best Actor Award for his performance.

Lindsey Campbell trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 2013. Previous stage credits include: Nights (White Bear Theatre); The Harvest (Theatre Royal Bath/Soho); The Big Meal (Theatre Royal Bath/Hightide). Television credits include: Casualty, Doctor’s, Dani’s House, Blue Haven, Single Father.

Dyfan Dwyfor graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in 2007. He won the Richard Burton Award at the National Eisteddfod in 2004. Most recently he has appeared inCandylion (National Theatre Wales). Other theatre credits include: The Harvest (Soho Theatre/Ustinov Studio Bath); Titus Andronicus (The Globe); Praxis Makes Perfect (National Theatre Wales);Too Clever by Half (Royal Exchange); Fortunes Fool (The Old Vic); Ahasverus, Hamlet,  Little Eagles, Romeo & Juliet, The Drunks, As You Like It, Comedy of Errors (RSC). Film and Television work includes: Yr Oedi, Hinterland, Caerdydd, A470, Y Llyfrgell, The Passing, I Know You Know and The Baker.

Guy Williams trained at LAMDA and has gone on to perform in a huge range of theatre, television and film roles. Previous theatre credits include: Spanish Tragedy (Arcola); King Lear, The Seagull, The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Winters Tale (RSC); The Duchess of Malfi (West Yorkshire Playhouse); Present Laughter (Theatre Clwyd); Rebecca (National Tour); Journey’s End (Comedy); The Romans in Britain (Crucible Theatre); Pravda, The Government Inspector, Venice Preserved, Antigone, Coriolanus, (National Theatre), Timon of Athens (Leicester); Rose Rage (Propeller, Watermill, Theatre Royal); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Propeller, Watermill, Comedy). Guy’s film credits include: London Has Fallen, The Man from U.N.C.L.E, The Cosmonaut, Sherlock Holmes, Middleton’s Changeling, To Walk With Lions, Thin Ice. Television work includes: Indian Summers, Young Cilla, Peaky Blinders, Downton Abbey, Mr Selfridge, Father Brown, Ripper Street, This is England 88, Land Girls, Law and Order, The Queen, Silent Witness, Spooks, King Lear, A Very Social Secretary, Trial and Retribution and Happy Valley.

Pink Mist, the acclaimed Bristol Old Vic production, runs at the Bush Theatre from 21 January – 13 February 2016.

LISTINGS

23 March – 16 April 2016
RIGHT NOW
by Catherine-Anne Toupin
translated by Chris Campbell

Director Michael Boyd
Designer Madeleine Girling

Mon to Sat at 7.30pm (excluding 25-26 March)
2.30pm Saturday matinees (from 2 April)

Audio described performance 9 April 2.30pm

Captioned performance 15 April 7.30pm

Ticket prices:

Evenings: £20

• £12.50 concessions (registered unemployed and disabled)
• £15.50 for Senior Citizens
• £12.50 for students/under 26s
• 10% off for Bush Local members

Previews: £15.50

• £10.50 concessions (registered unemployed and disabled)
• £12.50 for Senior Citizens
• £10.50 for students/under 26s
• £12.50 for Bush Local members

Matinees: £15

• £10.00 concessions (registered unemployed and disabled)
• £10.00 for students/under 26s
• £10.00 for Senior Citizens
• 10% off for Bush Local members

Season Offers*

Season 3 for 2
See 3 shows for the price of 2. Valid for top price tickets only, shows must be purchased at the same time. Not valid for previews, matinees or RADAR.

Live or work locally – Join our free local membership scheme Bush Local for £12.50 preview tickets, 10% off all other performances and a 10% discount at the Cafe Bar. For more information and to become a member, visit bushtheatre.co.uk

Educational Groups – Schools tickets are £10 (matinees) and £12.50 (evenings), plus one teacher goes free with every 10 pupils. To reserve tickets, please call the Box Office between 12 – 8pm.

Bush Connect scheme – A free membership scheme for students and under 26s, BUSH CONNECT offers its members £10-£12.50 tickets for all Bush Theatre productions, a 10% discount at the Cafe Bar, special offers, giveaways and competitions, and exclusive events and networking opportunities.

Group Bookings – Book for a group of 11 or more people and the 11th person will go for free.

*Terms and conditions apply, see the Bush website for further information.

FOUND & LOST
by Emily Hall
at Corinthia Hotel London
25 January – 3 February 2016

• CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON RELEASE MORE TICKETS FOR SOLD OUT WORLD PREMIERE OF EMILY HALL’S BRAND NEW PROMENADE OPERA

• AUDIENCES EMBARK ON A SONIC JOURNEY THROUGH THE HOTEL’S INTIMATE AND EXCLUSIVE SPACES AS NARRATIVE UNFOLDS THROUGH LIVE PERFORMANCE AND SOUND INSTALLATION
  

The Corinthia Hotel London has today released more tickets for the premiere of Emily Hall’s site-specific opera, Found & Lost. Hall’s brand new piece was conceived in collaboration with the internationally renowned sound designer David Sheppard during her stay at the distinguished five-star hotel as its Artist in Residence. It will be performed for audiences of 12 at a time in the beautiful rooms, intimate spaces, and restricted areas of the hotel from bedrooms through to boiler rooms. The piece invites audiences to embark on a sonic journey of discovery in a promenade performance where they will be led by a live choir and find musicians where least expected accompanied by   specially recorded music. Rooms will spontaneously break into song and drama will unfold along the corridors. An opera unlike any other, Found & Lost will have its official opening night at the hotel on 27 January.

Alongside Hall and Sheppard, poet and Jerwood-Aldeburgh winner Matthew Welton (The Book of Matthew, We Needed Coffee But…) has created the libretto exclusively from texts found within Corinthia Hotel London, including wine lists, housekeeping check lists, and lost and found records. Award-winning Director Ella Hickson (Wendy & Peter, Eight, Boys) has advised on the production. The composition integrates music recorded in a variety of spaces on-site, intertwined with a live chorus sung by members of Siglo de Oro, and live performances from James McVinnie on a specially simulated organ. Recorded artists featured in the production include: tenor Allan Clayton; singer-songwriter Mara Carlyle; cellist Oliver Coates; vocalist Sofia Jernberg; singer songwriter Puzzle Muteson, and treble Duncan Tarboton, allrelayed in crystal clear sound through a series of portable Bowers & Wilkins speakers which will be woven seamlessly into the fabric of the hotel.

Emily was selected in April 2015 from eleven finalists to create the piece at Corinthia Hotel London after entering the hotel’s fourth Artist in Residence competition – a search to find a composer or company to produce a brand new opera inspired by the luxury five star hotel. Her idea was selected by a panel of music and arts industry leaders including opera luminaries Alex Beard CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, Joseph Calleja, internationally acclaimed award-winning tenor and James Conway, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of English Touring Opera among others.

Previous residencies saw winning commissions from aspiring filmmakers Zawe Ashton and David Petch (2014), immersive theatre company Look Left Look Right (2013) and photographic artist Noémie Goudal (2012).

Champagne provided by Laurent-Perrier.

All speakers for the production have been provided by Bowers & Wilkins.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Found & Lost
Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD

Monday 25 January – Wednesday 3 February 2016
Monday – Friday evening performances: 7.00pm & 8.15pm (except Monday 25 January, just 8.15pm)
Saturday performances: 3.00pm, 7.00pm & 8.15pm
Booking: corinthia-air.com / +44 (0) 8444 77 1000

Website: corinthia-air.com/opera
Twitter: @CorinthiaLondon

Ticket prices:
Standard: £27.50 including a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne
Premium: £35 including a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and an exclusive libretto
Concessions*: £20
*Under 26, full-time students, job seekers, seniors (60+) and people with a disability.

Running Time: 1 hour

Full performance schedule: