Month: April 2016

Darlington Civic Theatre – a place to dream big.

Following a successful Heritage Lottery Fund Bid, Darlington Civic Theatre is planning a series of events to entertain and educate during the refurbishment period as well as looking forward to the remaining productions of a spectacular season.

Spring is in the air and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a trip to Darlington Civic Theatre prior to the fantastic multi-million pound refurbishment project which commences in June.

We are currently enjoying time at Harvard Law School as DarlingtonOS presents Legally Blonde, running until Saturday 30 April. On Wednesday 4 May Phoenix Dance Theatre celebrate their 35th anniversary year with a triple bill of intense, funny and beautiful works based on Shakespeare’s themes of desire and unrequited love, concepts of the enclosed space that exists within our minds and darkly comic expressions of life and humanity.

Jodie Prenger makes a welcome return to the Civic Theatre following her starring role in Calamity Jane last year. This time for one night only in the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black classic Tell Me On A Sunday on Thursday 5 May. This new production includes an intimate post-show chat with Jodie about life, love and playing the role of Emma in the show.

The UK’s best-selling classical crossover artist of all time, Russell Watson, returns to Darlington Civic Theatre with another stunning collection of best-loved songs. Captivating to watch and enchanting to listen to, Russell continues to wow audiences with his enigmatic live performances, Friday 6 May (limited tickets now available). Saturday 7 May will see you dancing in the aisles to the best Motown hits with Dancing In The Streets. Expect your favourite songs made famous by The Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Ritchie and many, many more.

The hit West End and Broadway show Let It Be celebrates the music of The Beatles and is coming to Darlington from Monday 9 to Saturday 14 May. Seen by over one million people worldwide, Let It Be has established itself as one of the West End’s most popular shows. Travel back to the magical sixties when all you needed was love and a little help from your friends.

The nation’s favourite Strictly Come Dancing stars will grace the Civic Theatre stage as part of their ultimate farewell stage show – The Last Tango. Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have created their most moving production yet for their final ever theatre tour. Don’t miss your last chance to see this beautiful couple do what they do best live, in an intimate, passionate and explosive production from Monday 16 to Saturday 21 May.

As well as being a household name in entertainment, David Walliam’s is the UK’s best-selling author for children. The stage adaptation of his book Gangsta Granny comes to the Civic Theatre from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 May. Ben’s Friday nights are usually so boring – staying with his Granny. It’s going to be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake. But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine.

As a final farewell to the Civic Theatre as we know it, a spectacular fundraising gala evening is in store on Tuesday 31 May. Live At The Hippodrome will be a very special evening to celebrate and anticipate the theatre’s restoration. The night will be hosted by national treasure Christopher Biggins and promises to be an unforgettable evening of live music, comedy, dancing and entertainment with community involvement and further casting to be announced.

In May there are two opportunities to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre. Come and learn how the theatre works from the other side of the curtain, visit the dressing rooms – some said to be haunted, and learn more about the planned restoration project. These Heritage Tours will take place on Tuesday 3 and Monday 23 May at 6pm. Tickets are priced at just £5 and can be booked through the box office.

Looking ahead…

During the restoration process there will be many opportunities to engage with us. Two Royal Geographical Society lectures are to take place at Central Hall at the Dolphin Centre. Tristan Gooley is a best selling author and navigator who will be talking about the mysteries of water from wild swimming in England to Polynesian canoe navigation via the icy expanses of the Arctic (Monday 18 July). Nick Middleton is an award-winning photographer, writer, TV presenter, environmental scientist and lecturer at Oxford University. Nick takes you on an eye-opening tour of countries that don’t exist, countries that lack diplomatic recognition or UN membership that inhabit a realm of shifting borders (Monday 3 October).

This is your chance to be the star attraction as The Touring Consortium Theatre Company in association with Darlington Civic Theatre presents the Charles Dickens classic A Tale Of Two Cities on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November.

Dickens considered this novel to be the best story he had ever written. Interweaving one family’s intensely personal drama with the terror and chaos of the French Revolution. An epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption amidst horrific violence and world changing events.

The production will be staged in the atmospheric setting of Darlington’s Central Hall, where Dickens himself read in 1858 and 1861 and will feature a full community cast working with a professional director from the Touring Consortium Theatre Company. Auditions for the community cast will take place in July. For further information please contact [email protected]

Add your support…

Darlington Civic Theatre stands on the threshold of a new era. With a final £1.6m to fundraise there is a unique opportunity for supporters old and new to take the theatre forward into the next chapter of its incredible story.

A seat naming campaign has begun, supported by renowned north east actor Stephen Tompkinson. This is a fantastic opportunity to personalize your very own seat in the beautifully restored Edwardian auditorium. In recognition of your donation an engraved brass plaque will be placed on your chosen seat and you will receive a commemorative certificate. Seats will be £200 or you can name a pair of seats for £375. Your sponsorship will last for 15 years. To sponsor a seat visit the website or call the box office on 01325 486555.

Tickets for the remainder of the Winter / Spring season are on sale now.

For further information about the full Winter / Spring Season programme, pick up one of our brochures located in venues across Darlington including Darlington Civic Theatre Box Office and the

Cornmill Centre Box Office, or contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

SHAKESPEARE NORTH

• SHAKESPEARE NORTH WINS PLANNING PERMISSION FOR £19M THEATRE AND EDUCATION HUB

• KNOWSLEY WILL BE HOME TO NEW 350-SEAT THEATRE

• NEW INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE WILL FOCUS ON SHAKESPEAREAN PERFORMANCE PRACTICE

Planning permission has been granted to Shakespeare North for a proposed new £19m theatre and education hub, to be built in Knowsley, North West England. The 350-seat Shakespeare North will be the core of a new International University College, the first of its kind focusing upon Shakespearean performance practice.

In March this year, George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced a pledge of £5m to support Shakespeare North’s proposal. The Chancellor’s announcement followed a commitment from Knowsley Council which has contributed £6m to the project, along with providing the building that will be converted into student accommodation and the land on which the theatre and college will be built.

With planning permission granted, Shakespeare North will continue fundraising ahead of building work, expected to commence in Autumn 2016. The Playhouse will be built to designs drawn in 1629 by Inigo Jones, the greatest English architect and theatre designer of his day. Helm Architecture has taken the archive designs and faithfully replicated Inigo Jones’ original vision. The Shakespeare North Playhouse will be the only replica of this indoor Jacobean Court Theatre in the world.

The support and patronage of the Earls of Derby at Knowsley Hall played a notable part in the development of Shakespearean drama. The summer seasons at Knowsley allowed Lord Strange’s Men, later part of Shakespeare’s own company at the Globe, to hone and perfect their acting craft. The Playhouse in Knowsley was the only purpose-built indoor playhouse outside London, allowing the people of the region to enjoy Elizabethan drama.

Peter Scott, Chair of Trustees, Shakespeare North Trust, said, “The creation of an historic theatre and a unique university college in Shakespeare North will commemorate the deep connection between our greatest cultural icon and an area of the country, Knowsley, that played an important role in forging his career. Shakespeare North aims to make Knowsley once again a place where actors, writers, students and young people will be able to study and practice the plays of Shakespeare.”

For more information visit ShakespeareNorth.org

CLAIRE SWEENEY TO PLAY BARONNESS BOMBURST

IN THE 2016-17 UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF

THE SHERMAN BROTHERS’ CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

FROM 3 AUGUST 2016

Claire Sweeney will play the role of Baroness Bomburst in Music & Lyrics and West Yorkshire Playhouse’s production of the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, from Wednesday 3 August 2016. The production is touring across the UK and Ireland until February 2017. Michelle Collins, who currently plays Baroness Bomburst, leaves the production on 30 July 2016.

Michelle Collins said, “I will be really sorry to leave the fantastic CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG tour after my dates at the New Wimbledon Theatre and six months on the road. I love playing the all singing and dancing Baroness Bomburst, but have been advised that the knee problem I have been managing along the way will not fully recover if I carry on for the rest of the 12-month tour. I wish Claire Sweeney every success when she takes over the role this summer.”

John Stalker, Executive Producer of Music & Lyrics, said, “I would like to thank Michelle Collins for being a brilliant Baroness in our production of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. I am thrilled that Claire Sweeney will be joining us in the role in August. We are lucky to be working with two such talented actresses as part of our wonderful cast.”

On television, Claire Sweeney began her career as Lindsey Corkhill in Channel 4’s Brookside and appeared in the first ever Celebrity Big Brother in aid of Comic Relief. She also appeared in the very first Strictly Come Dancing on BBC 1 and has been a regular panellist on ITV’sLoose Women. She could also recently be heard hosting her very own weekly musical theatre-themed show on Magic FM. In theatre, her many roles have included Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago in London’s West End, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls at London’s Piccadilly Theatre with Patrick Swayze, The Girl in a national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s musical Tell Me on a Sunday, Paulette in the first UK tour of Legally Blonde, and she played the eponymous role in the UK tour of Educating Rita with Matthew Kelly. Claire is currently starring as Velma Von Tussle in the UK tour of Hairspray.

Claire Sweeney will join Lee Mead (Casualty, Legally Blonde, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat) as Caractacus Potts, Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Misérables, War of the Worlds) as Truly Scrumptious, Shaun Williamson (The Railway Children, EastEnders) as Lord Scrumptious/Baron Bomburst, Matt Gillett (Jersey Boys, Top Hat) as the Childcatcher and Andy Hockley (The Phantom Of The Opera) as Grandpa Potts.  

Jason Manford (The Producers, Sweeney Todd) returns to the role of Caractacus Potts on 21 September. Phill Jupitus (The Producers, Hairspray) returns to the roles of Lord Scrumptious and Baron Bomburst on 24 August.

Ewen Cummins plays The Toymaker/Mr Coggins, with Sam Harrison as Boris and Scott Paige as Goran, and Kathryn Barnes, Rosanna Bates, Alex Louize Bird, Abigail Climer, Jade Davies, Ewan Gillies, Joanna Goodwin, Nathan Vaughan Harris, Christopher D Hunt, Paul Iveson, Nia Jermin, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, Mollie Melia-Redgrave, Perry O’Dea, Matt Overfield, Ross Russell, Craig Turner and Robert Wilkes.

 

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG has music and lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman, who were also responsible for Mary Poppins, The Slipper and the Rose, The Aristocats and The Jungle Book. The Sherman Brothers have won two Academy Awards with a further nine nominations, two Grammy Awards and they have received 21 gold and platinum albums.

The film made from Ian Fleming’s classic story has been adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, based on the MGM Motion Picture Licensed Script adapted by Ray Roderick.

This new production of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG is directed by West Yorkshire Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining, with new choreography by Stephen Mear. There is a live orchestra with Musical Supervision by Stephen Ridley. Set and costume design is by Simon Higlett, lighting design is by Tim Mitchell, sound design is by Ben Harrison and video design is by Simon Wainwright.

There are sensational sets and stunning special effects and, of course, the memorable score by the Sherman Brothers, which includes such standards as Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

 

The Music & Lyrics Limited and West Yorkshire Playhouse production of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG is presented by permission of JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York.   

                                                                                                     

For more information, visit www.chittythemusical.co.uk

Facebook:  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang The Musical

Twitter:  @ChittyMusical / #chittymusical

LISTINGS INFORMATION for the UK AND IRELAND TOUR

4 – 14 May                                                 Milton Keynes Theatre                   0844 871 7652

                                                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

 

18 – 29 May                                               Nottingham Theatre Royal            

                                                                 www.trch.co.uk                               0115 989 5555

1 – 12 June                                                Theatre Royal, Newcastle

                                                                  www.theatreroyal.co.uk                   08448 112 111

     

15 – 19 June                                              Theatre Royal Plymouth                   01752 267222

                                                                  www.theatreroyal.com

 

29 June – 17 July                                        Sheffield Lyceum

                                                                  www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk            0114 249 6000

20 – 30 July                                                New Wimbledon Theatre                  0844 871 7646

                                                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre

 

3 – 21 August                                              Wales Millennium Centre

                                                                  www.wmc.org.uk                             029 2063 6464

 

24 August – 3 September                             Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury       

                                                                  www.marlowetheatre.com                 01227 787787

7 – 18 September                                        Birmingham Hippodrome

                                                                  www.birminghamhippodrome.com      0844 338 5000

 

21 September – 2 October                            Royal & Derngate, Northampton    

                                                                  www.royalandderngate.co.uk              01604 624811   

 

5 – 16 October                                             Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

                                                                   www.edtheatres.com                        0131 529 6000

 

19 – 29 October                                           King’s Theatre, Glasgow                    0844 871 7648

                                                                  www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre/           

 

9 – 19 November                                          New Victoria Theatre, Woking            0844 871 7645

                                                                  www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre/

 

6 December – 15 January                              The Lowry, Salford                            0843 208 6000

                                                                   http://www.thelowry.com/event/chitty-chitty-bang-bang

 

25 January – 4 February                                Bristol Hippodrome                           0844 871 3012

                                                                   http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/

A SERIES OF STUNNING SHOWS AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE NEXT WEEK

The stage is set for host of events including comedy, dance, musical theatre and classic song

As Riverdance high-kicks out of The Grand, comedian Sean Lock kicks off a week of concerts.  Team captain on Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats and Cats Does Countdown, Sean’s stand-up is a blend of a finely-tuned, hyperactive imagination.

Sean Lock Keep It Light: Sunday 24^th and Monday 25^th April

Strictly Come Dancing fave Pasha Kovalev takes to the stage on for one night onl ywith an evening of spectacular dancing, fabulous music and sparkling costumes

Guest Starring Anya Garnis from Strictly Come Dancing BBC1 and So You Think You Can Dance USA. 

Pasha Kovalev It’s All About You: Tuesday 26th April

Jodie Prenger was in Leeds last year with the whip-crack-away musical Calamity Jane; the musical theatre star returns with the multi-award winning show Tell Me On A Sunday; an iconic musical with an original score including Take That Look Off Your Face and title track Tell Me On A Sunday.

 

Jodie Prenger in Tell Me on a Sunday: Wednesday April 27^th

 

Direct from the London Palladium Des O’Connor and Jimmy Tarbuck, two great icons of show-business, come together in this rare appearance.  Accompanied by music and video they promise a night of pure entertainment.

Des O’Connor and Jimmy Tarbuck Friday April 29th

 

After a packed and successful 2015 – a UK tour, special guest performances at US National Memorial Day in Washington DC, the Caracalla Unicef Concert in Rome and BBC Proms In the Park – Russell Watson returns to Leeds with a stunning collection of his best-loved songs.

Russell Watson Songs from the Heart: Sunday 30^th April

 

The week of concerts precedes the last ever theatre tour from Strictly Come Dancing’s Flavia Cacace andVincent Simone who bring their brand new production The Last Tango to The Grand from Tuesday 3^rd  to Saturday 7^th May.

David Adkin and NewYorkRep

in association with

Joel Fisher, Adam Richman and The Telling Company

presents

The UK premiere of

 

STALKING THE BOGEYMAN

 

by Markus Potter & David Holthouse

with additional writing by Santino Fontana, Shane Zeigler and Shane Stokes.

 

Southwark Playhouse

13 July to 6 August 2016

 

 

Based on an extraordinary true story, Stalking the Bogeyman follows renowned journalist David Holthouse’s secret plot to murder the man who raped him when he was seven years old, and highlights the complexities of childhood sexual assault. Following a critically acclaimed off-Broadway run, where the New York Times called the play “a riveting true story that has only deepened with its trip to the stage“, the play is now receiving its UK premiere.

 

Stalking the Bogeyman, was adapted for the stage by NewYorkRep’s Producing Artistic Director Markus Potter, alongside author David Holthouse. The play is based on an article published in 2004 by Holthouse and later adapted into a story for the popular US radio programme ‘This American Life.’  This critically acclaimed play explores the dangers of vengeance, the power of forgiveness, and the strength of family.

Having heard the American Life broadcast, Potter chose to adapt the story for the stage. The play premiered at North Carolina Stage Company in September 2013 and opened off-Broadway at New World Stages in 2014. As Markus Potter says:

 

“After hearing David’s story on “This American Life”, I thought about my son and I had that overwhelming and animalistic need to protect my family. Male victims of childhood sexual abuse have become an explosive issue with major, headline-grabbing scandals erupting within the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts and many more. This deeply troubling and emotionally charged issue is rapidly and finally coming to the fore of the world’s conscience.”

 

Peter Saunders from Stalking the Bogeyman charity partner NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) says of the play, “What sets this play apart from others is that it pulls no punches as to what child abuse is…..and illustrates the reasons so many victims never speak out. But it also concludes with a proposition that many will find challenging. Did the Bogeyman really only strike once?’‘

 

Stalking The Bogeyman will run at Southwark Playhouse Theatre from Wednesday 13 July to Saturday 6 August. Set & costume design is by Rachel Stone, lighting design by Rob Casey, original music by Eric T. Lawson, sound design by David Gregory and the Casting Director is Anne Vosser.

 

Stalking the Bogeyman is partnered by the following charities NAPAC, Survivors UK, Safeline and 1in6.

Full cast to be announced shortly.

 

David Holthouse is an investigative journalist whose best known work has been published in alternative weekly newspapers including: the Chicago Reader, Denver Westword, Miami New Times and Phoenix New Times.  He’s the winner of numerous journalism and literary non-fiction writing awards, and was senior writer and editor for the Southern Poverty Law Center team that in 2007 won the Utne Reader Independent Press Award for its work exposing right-wing extremism in the U.S. and Europe.

Markus Potter is a NYC based director, and the producing artistic director of NewYorkRep that is committed to developing and producing innovative new plays and musicals that inspire social change. www.NewYorkRep.org

David Adkin is a London based Producer and General Manager. Recent productions include: DUSKY WARRIORS – Workshop (Theatre Royal, Stratford East); Festival Producer/General Manager for THE OLD VIC NEW VOICES FESTIVAL (The Old Vic); OUR FRIENDS THE ENEMY (UK Tour/New York City); NEXT FALL starring Charlie Condou (Southwark Playhouse) and SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET starring David Bedella (Twickenham Theatre – Winner of Whatsonstage Award for Best Off-West End Production 2015).

 

Listings information

Theatre:                      Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD

Dates:                         13 July to 6 August 2016

Times:                         Monday – Saturday at 20.00; Tuesday and Saturday at 15.30

Running Time:            85 minutes

Previews:                    Wednesday 13 July and Thursday 14 July

Press Night:                Friday 15 July

Box Office:                 Tickets are available from the Southwark Playhouse Box Office on020 7407 0234 or online at www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk. Tickets are priced at £20 Full and £16 Concessions. All Preview tickets are £12

NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE LAUNCHES 60TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

• NYT LAUNCHES 2016 SEASON INCLUDING WORK ACROSS THE UK AND IN THE WEST END, FIVE NEW COMMISSIONS, TWO WEST END PREMIERES, A REGIONAL TOUR, FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECTS AND AN ALUMNI GALA, ALL CELEBRATING THEIR 60TH YEAR

• TWO NEW PLAYS BY AISHA ZIA AND MONSAY WHITNEY PERFORMED BY SOCIAL INCLUSION COURSE, ‘PLAYING UP’ MEMBERS AT THE ARCOLA, 30 JUNE – 2 JULY

• A SEASON OF NEW WRITING AT THE FINBOROUGH THEATRE TO INCLUDE PLAYS BY OLIVIER AWARD WINNING PLAYWRIGHTS JAMES FRITZ AND BOLA AGBAJE AND THE FIRST EVER STAGE ADAPTATION OF MOHSIN HAMID’S MAN BOOKER SHORTLISTED THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST, 9 – 27 AUG

• A ONE-OFF ANNIVERSARY GALA IN THE WEST END’S SHAFTESBURY THEATRE STARRING 40 RENOWNED ALUMNI AND  60 MEMBERS CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF NYT

• FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR A COMPANY OF SIXTEEN 18-25 YEAR-OLDS WILL PERFORM IN REPERTORY IN LONDON’S WEST END, 23 SEP – 25 NOV 2016

  o   STEPHEN KELMAN’S MAN BOOKER PRIZE NOMINATED PIGEON ENGLISH EXPLORING KNIFE CRIME IN LONDON, ADAPTED FOR STAGE BY YOUNG VIC NEW GENESIS FELLOW WINNER GBOLAHAN OBISESAN
  o   A TEDDY GIRL TAKE ON WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S ROMEO & JULIET SET IN NYT’S FOUNDING YEAR – 1956, ADAPTED BY CHEEK BY JOWL’S OWEN HORSLEY 

• FORMER NYT MEMBERS ZAWE ASHTON, ROSAMUND PIKE AND SARAH SOLEMANI BECOME PATRONS OF THE COMPANY

• PRODUCTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY INCLUDING THE TEMPEST AT THE ROYAL AND DERNGATE THEATRE, CAROL ANN DUFFY’S THE WORLD’S WIFE AT HAY FESTIVAL AND A FREE REGIONAL TOUR OF LUKE BARNES’ YOU CAN AND KARLA CROME’S IF CHLOE CAN

• TICKETS FOR THE WEST END SEASON GO ON SALE ON 22 APRIL, TICKETS FOR THEFINBOROUGH GO ON SALE ON 2 MAY MORE INFORMATION AT WWW.NYT.ORG.UK

Paul Roseby, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (NYT) has today announced a new season of work for the company in celebration of their 60th anniversary year. Founded in 1956 the NYT is the pioneering force for youth theatre around the world and is recognised as the leading provider of free alternatives to formal theatre training, with alumni including Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Chiwetel Ejiofor CBE and Sir Daniel Day Lewis. Since being founded the world’s leading youth arts charity has nurtured the talent of over 100,000 young people.

To mark the diamond season announcement NYT held the first of a series of alumni play readings of ‘Hidden Gems’ from the NYT Archive at the Hatton Garden vault, the site of the biggest heist in British legal history. The reading of Blue Moon Over Poplar by Rebecca Lenkiewicz featured Ashley Jensen, Sarah Solemani, Downton Abbey’s Daisy Lewis, Rachael Stirling, Grantchester’s Sam Frenchum and 2016 NYT REP member Shalisha James Davis. You can watch the reading here.

The anniversary programme for 2016 includes adaptations of two Man Booker shortlisted novelsPigeon English by Stephen Kelman and the world premiere stage adaptation of The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Moshin Hamid.  Pigeon English, inspired by the tragic killing of Damilola Taylor, looks at the harsh reality of adulthood in modern Britain and The Reluctant Fundamentalist pulls apart the ironies of prejudice and representation in a post 9/11 New York and Pakistan. The company will present their first ever season at London’s Finborough Theatre comprising of three brand new commissions – two from Olivier Award-winning playwrights – as well as two new plays at the Arcola with the company’s social inclusion course ‘Playing Up’. Following the huge success of three previous REP seasons, the NYT is to return to the Ambassadors Theatre in September and alongside the West End premiere of Pigeon English will present William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet in post war London with Teddy girls and Teddy boys running amok. Outside of London, NYT will perform a newly adapted music-theatre versionof The Tempest at Royal & Derngate in Northampton, make their premiere appearance at Hay Festival in Wales with Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy’s The World’s Wife and nationally tour free productions of If Chloe Can and You Can.

Roseby also announced that 2016 will see former members Zawe Ashton, Rosamund Pike andSarah Solemani become patrons of NYT and the company’s plans for a one-off anniversary gala‘The Story of our Youth at 60’ in the West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre on 18 September 2016. The performance, which will celebrate 60 years of the NYT, will star 60 members of the company alongside 40 renowned alumni. Other plans to mark the anniversary include two new commissions outside of theatre. Award-winning filmmaker Martin Stirling, known for his socially committed TV advertising such as Greenpeace’s LEGO: Everything is NOT Awesome, will create a filmed portrait of NYT which will be released later in the year. Alongside Stirling current NYT member and celebrated artist Conor Collins has been commissioned to create a series of portraits of NYT alumni. Collins exhibits primarily through social media and is renowned for his 2014 portrait of Tom Daley and 2016 portrait of Donald Trump, both of which were reprinted across the globe.

Roseby said: “Over the past 60 years NYT has been championing talent and opportunity for thousands of young people and is not just nationally but internationally renowned as a result. In this gem of a diamond year we are continuing to engage the most talented and most in need with our unique passion for being a force for good, a force for positive change and a tour de force on stage. Despite the Diamond year there is nothing ‘precious’ about our programming, with a bold taste for stories that shape our future and a team that will invent and inspire the next generation of excellence across all mediums of entertainment. Thank you to all that have gone before us to enable all who venture forward in our increasingly volatile but thrilling world.” 

New Patron Rosamund Pike said: “Being part of the National Youth Theatre was life-changing. The most fun I had during my teenage years was doing my NYT course, collaborating on productions and with the friends I made there.  I am honoured to become a Patron in their 60th year. I played Juliet at the National Youth Theatre In 1997 and I’m looking forward very much to seeing another NYT production of that play in the West End later this year. Now, more than ever, free opportunities like the National Youth Theatre provides for young people from all walks of life and right across the country are vital for cultivating the future of this country’s acting talent.”

The Reluctant Fundamentalist author Mohsin Hamid said: “I’m delighted that NYT are adapting this story for the stage. It’s wonderful to have such talented young people working on it, and it says something about our world that they were drawn to this story and found relevance in it now, nine years on from the book first being published.”

The National Youth Theatre and Royal & Derngate present
THE TEMPEST
in a new version by Rebecca Lenkiewicz
directed by Caroline Steinbeis
23 June – 2 July 2016
Royal & Derngate, Northampton NN1 1DP
Press Night: 28 June 2016

In June the National Youth Theatre and Royal & Derngate will present The Tempest in a new music-theatre version by Oscar-winning writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz (The Invisible, Ida),directed by Caroline Steinbeis who has directed for the Royal Court, National Theatre and Manchester Royal Exchange. Shakespeare’s magical story of growing up and growing old is performed by an ensemble of 18 – 25 year olds.

‘PLAYING UP’ DOUBLE-BILL

Arcola Theatre
30 June – 02 July 2016

Besieged
by Aisha Zia
directed by Toby Clarke

Ripple
by Monsay Whitney
directed by Carolina Giammetta

Outside of the West End, NYT will stage two new plays starring social inclusion participants at the Arcola Theatre as part of ‘Playing Up’. The double-bill continues the work of the NYT’s ‘Playing Up’ course, now in its seventh year. The course, for 19 -25 year olds not in full time education, employment or training, creates productions and commissions new work. It has an 85% success rate of moving young people into higher education, further training or employment. The productions for 2016 will be Besieged by Aisha Zia (No Guts, No Heart, No Glory), directed by Playing Up Manager Toby Clarke and Ripple by Monsay Whitney (Hand to Mouth), directed by Carolina Giammetta (Swipe). They will explore mental health & isolation in contemporary society.

NYT AT THE FINBOROUGH THEATRE

7 – 27 August 2016
Finborough Theatre
Press Nights: 10, 17, 24 August 2016

The Fall
by James Fritz
directed by Matthew Harrison

Bitches by Bola Agbaje
directed by Valentina Ceschi

The Reluctant Fundamentalist
by Mohsin Hamid
adapted for stage by Stephanie Street
directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah

For the first time in its history, the NYT will present a season of new writing at London’s Finborough Theatre in August. The season is to include world premiere productions from two Olivier Award-winning playwrights and the first ever stage production of Mohsin Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist.

Written by Olivier Award-nominated playwright James Fritz (Four Minutes Twelve Seconds, Ross & Rachel) The Fall will be directed by Bryan Forbes Director Bursary Recipient Matthew Harrison (NYT REP Bryan Forbes Bursary Director 2014). A satire about the property ladder from the perspective of 16-year-olds and 60-year-olds, the production follows a young person considering murdering their grandparents to inherit their property.

Bitches, is a two hander about running a YouTube channel by Olivier Award winning playwrightBola Agbaje (Gone Too Far!) directed by NYT REP 2013 Assistant Director Valentina Ceschi. Bitches follows teenage friends Funke and Cleo as they set up ‘Sons of Bitches’ with the hopes of getting rich quick but everything starts to fall apart when a meme of Funke’s mum goes viral.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist will be the first ever stage production of Mohsin Hamid’s Man Booker Prize shortlisted novel and Hollywood blockbuster film. The production looks at the ironies of prejudice and representation in a post 9/11 New York and Pakistan. It follows Pakistani native Changez’s disenchantment with the West and his journey back to Lahore. The production has been adapted for stage by Stephanie Street (Sisters) and will be directed byPrasanna Puwanarajah (Moth).

2016 REP SEASON

23 September – 25 November 2016
Ambassadors Theatre
Press Nights: 27 & 28 September 2016

Romeo & Juliet
by William Shakespeare
abridged by Owen Horsley
directed by Kate Hewitt

Pigeon English
by Stephen Kelman
adapted by Gbolahan Obisesan
directed by Anna Niland

DNA
by Dennis Kelly

September will see the return of the NYT REP to the West End for an 9-week season. The NYT REP is a completely unique, free talent development initiative allowing the best young talent to work for nine months with leading institutions culminating in three months of performances in the West End.  Inspired by traditional repertory training, it was set up by Artistic Director Paul Roseby in 2012 to provide a much needed free alternative to expensive formal training. Over 30,000 audience members, including over 300 school groups from around the UK, have attended since 2013 and this year the REP returns with a 55% BAME cast. REP company alumni include Sope Dirisu who is currently starring in BBC1’s Undercover, Kate Kennedy who will appear as Helena in the BBC’s Midsummer Night’s Dream later this year, Stuart Wilde currently playing Romeo at the Watermill Theatre, Zainab Hasan currently appearing in Boy at the Almeida and Luke Pierre and Conor Neaves from the 2015 REP who are both about to make their professional debuts at the National Theatre.

Cheek by Jowl’s Owen Horsley has abridged William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet for the NYT’s brand new production. Set in 1950s post war London, Teddy girls mix with teddy boys and as immigration booms, so does brutality, prejudice and a ruthless gang culture. The adaption is directed by Kate Hewitt (Far Away and associate director, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory the Musical).

The West End premiere of Pigeon English, Stephen Kelman’s moving 2011 Man Booker prize shortlisted novel has been adapted for stage for by award-winning playwright and Young VicGenesis Fellow Gbolahan Obisesan (Off the Page microplay, How Nigeria Became). The production follows 11-year-old Ghanaian school boy Harri who lives on an inner city London council estate. Inspired by one of the most powerful events in modern history, the tragic killing of Damilola Taylor, the production will look at the sometimes harsh reality of adulthood in modern day Britain. Directed by NYT Associate Director Anna Niland, Pigeon English was co-commissioned by NYT and Bristol Old Vic in 2013 and premiered at Bristol Old Vic before a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival.

The 2016 REP season will also include a one week run of Dennis Kelly’s DNA. The play follows a group of teenagers after a practical joke goes tragically wrong, pushing them towards the edges of society. The piece explores violence, guilt and solidarity.

IF CHLOE CAN & YOU CAN UK TOURS

If Chloe Can
by Karla Crome

You Can
by Luke Barnes

The NYT are to tour their free productions of You Can and If Chloe Can for school groups. The shows mark another strand of the National Youth Theatre’s work to improve education and opportunity in the arts and their commitment to nurturing young and diverse talent.

If Chloe Can was conceived by Esther McVey, former MP and Minister of State for Employment, who interviewed some of the world’s most successful women, many of whom have got to the top in the face of huge adversity. She published their life stories in a magazine to inspire young girls to achieve their potential. After the huge success of the project McVey launched You Can,a male version of the magazine. The NYT commissioned award winning-writer, star of Game of Thrones and NYT alumnus Luke Barnes and Karla Crome, of E4’s BAFTA winning Misfits to write  plays in response. If Chloe Can fosters active debate through a live voting system, encouraging the young audience to consider what choices the characters make throughout the piece. The event has now inspired over 10,000 young females in the UK.

The productions will tour to the Wirral, Dewsbury, Stockport, King’s Lynn and Norwich, dates are still to be announced.

More information at www.nyt.org.uk

@NYTofGB / @NYTREPcompany

LINZI HATELEY RETURNS AS DONNA IN

“MAMMA MIA!”

AT LONDON’S NOVELLO THEATRE

FROM MONDAY 13 JUNE 2016

NOW BOOKING TO 4 MARCH 2017 –

TICKETS ON SALE FROM FRIDAY 22 APRIL 2016

 

 

Linzi Hateley returns to the role of Donna Sheridan in the global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! at London’s Novello Theatre from Monday 13 June 2016.  This is a role she has played twice before in London – from 2007-2009 and in 2010.  Her other recent theatre credits include the national tour ofBarnum, London Road (National Theatre) and Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre).  Linzi also appeared in the film version of London Road.

 

Also joining the cast of MAMMA MIA! are Sanne Den Besten (Les Misérables, Queen’s Theatre, London) as Sophie Sheridan, Richard Carson (Miss Saigon, Prince Edward Theatre, London;Wicked, UK & Ireland Tour) as Sky, Dugald Bruce-Lockhart (original member of the Propellor Theatre Company; David Cameron in The Three Lions, Edinburgh Festival and St. James Theatre; Richard Hannay in 39 Steps) as Bill, Jemma Revell as Ali, Amy Webb as Lisa, Filippo Coffano as Pepper and Jake Small as Eddie, with Sorelle Marsh playing the role of Donna Sheridan at certain performances.  They will be joining Mazz Murray as Tanya, Jo Napthine as Rosie, Richard Trinder as Sam and Alasdair Harvey as Harry.

 

New to the ensemble will be Felipe Bejarano, Tabitha Camburn, Georgina Castle, Edward Chitticks, Louise Dalton, Ben Darcy, Rebecca Giacopazzi, Katy Hards, Jennifer Hepburn, Robert Knight, Rebecca McKinnis, Samira Mighty and Amy West, who will be joining Adam Clayton-Smith, Stephen John Davis, Craig Anthony Kelly, George Miller and Robbie Scotcher.

 

From West End to global phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise.  To date, it has been seen by 60 million people in 50 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $2 billion at the box office.  In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China. MAMMA MIA! is currently on its first ever UK Tour, receiving great critical and public acclaim.

MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004.  The musical re-opened at the Novello Theatre in 2012 and celebrated its 17^th London Birthday on 6 April 2016.  The new booking period, until 4 March 2017, goes on sale on Friday 22 April 2016. 

The London production of MAMMA MIA! has been seen by more than 10% of the entire UK population.  The show has celebrated over 7,000 performances in London and has broken box office records in all three of its London homes.  

 

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie, starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan, is the highest grossing live action musical film of all time.

 

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

 

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

 

Novello Theatre

Aldwych

London WC2B 4LD

 

Ticket Prices to 22 October 2016: 

Monday to Friday:  £65.00, £39.50, £25.00, £15.00

Saturday:  £69.50, £52.50, £39.50, £25.00, £15.00

 

Ticket Prices from 24 October 2016: 

Monday to Friday:  £67.50, £39.50, £25.00, £15.00

Saturday:  £72.50, £52.50, £39.50, £25.00, £15.00

 

Please note: Saturday pricing applies to all performances 30 May – 4 June 2016, 25 July – 3 September 2016, 24-29 October 2016, 26-31 December 2016 and 13-18 February 2017.

 

A £2.25 per ticket booking fee applies to tickets booked online, and a £2.75 per ticket booking fee applies to tickets booked by phone. No booking fee on tickets purchased in person at the Novello Theatre Box Office.

 

All prices include £1.25 restoration levy.

 

Early Bird Pricing – anyone booking four months or more in advance of the performance they are attending (Monday to Thursday performances only) will be able to purchase £65* tickets for £45*, a saving of £20 on the regular top price, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online, in person at the theatre, or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office. (*£67.60 tickets for £47.50 for performances from 24 October 2016)

 

Performance Times:

Monday – Saturday 7.45pm

Matinees – Thursday & Saturday 3.00pm*

*extra Tuesday matinees on 9 & 23 August 2016, 25 October 2016, 14 February 2017

Christmas 2016/17 Performance Schedule

 

Monday 19 December           3.00pm and 7.45pm

Tuesday 20 December          7.45pm

Wednesday 21 December     7.45pm

Thursday 22 December         3.00pm and 7.45pm

Friday 23 December              7.45pm

Saturday 24 December         NO PERFORMANCE

Monday 26 December           7.45pm

Tuesday 27 December          3.00pm and 7.45pm

Wednesday 28 December     3.00pm and 7.45pm

Thursday 29 December         7.45pm

Friday 30 December              3.00pm and 7.45pm

Saturday 31 December         3.00pm and 7.45pm

 

Currently booking to 4 March 2017

 

The performance lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes (including a 15-minute interval)

 

Box Office: 0844 482 5115

 

http://www.mamma-mia.com/

http://www.facebook.com/mammamiamusical

http://twitter.com/MammaMiaMusical  

Next month, Sheffield Theatres stage the World Première of Flowers For Mrs Harris – an uplifting new musical based on the novel by Paul Gallico.  Written by Richard Taylor and Rachel Wagstaff, the production, onstage at the Crucible from Wednesday 18 May – Saturday 4 June, will be Artistic Director Daniel Evans’ last for Sheffield Theatres.

In Battersea, London, just after the war, salt-of-the-earth Ada Harris spends every day cheerfully cleaning for her wealthy clients. But when she happens upon something that takes her breath away, she sets off on a life-changing journey that takes her from the cobbled streets of London to the magical avenues of Paris.  Transforming the lives of everyone she meets along the way, can Ada let go of her past and finally let her own life blossom?

With a beautifully evocative original score, played live by a 10-piece orchestra, Flowers  For Mrs Harris is the heart-warming story of an ordinary woman who makes an extraordinary difference.

 

Clare Burt, having appeared on both the Lyceum and Studio stages in her role as Yvonne in Tim Firth’s musical This Is My Family, makes her debut on the Crucible stage in the title role of Mrs Harris, alongside Anna-Jane Casey (Mack And Mabel, Forbidden Broadway, Billy Elliot) last seen in Sheffield in Company and Louis Maskell, familiar to audiences from his role in the award-winningMy Fair Lady and the UK tour of West Side Story. Completing the company are Moyo Akandé(White Christmas), Rebecca Caine (Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera), Luke Dale(Holby City), David Durham (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King), Mark Meadows (High Society), Olivier nominated Laura Pitt-Pulford (Oliver!, The Sound Of Music, Piaf) and Nicola Sloane, who audiences will remember from her roles in My Fair Lady and Me & My Girl.

Flowers For Mrs Harris will be the final Sheffield Theatres production from Artistic Director Daniel Evans before he takes up his new role as Artistic Director at Chichester Festival Theatre.  He teams up once again with Designer Lez Brotherston (Show Boat, Pride & Prejudice) and Musical DirectorTom Brady (Show Boat, Anything Goes), along with Lighting Designer Mark Henderson, Sound Designer Mike Walker and Movement Director Kay Shepherd

Tickets for Flowers For Mrs Harris can be purchased from Sheffield Theatres’ Box Office in-person, by phone on 0114 249 6000 or online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk and are priced from £17.00 (concessions available).  A transaction fee of £1.50 (£1.00 online) applies to all bookings made at the Box Office (excluding cash).