Month: September 2016

FULL LONDON CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR
The New York Theatre Workshop production of

BY David Bowie and Enda Walsh
DIRECTION Ivo van Hove
INSPIRED BY THE NOVEL The Man Who Fell To Earth by Walter Tevis

Ahead of its hugely anticipated European premiere in a brand new 900-seater venue atKings Cross Theatre, London, full casting for David Bowie and Enda Walsh’s Lazarus is announced today.

Gabrielle Brooks, Sydnie Christmas, Richard Hansell, Amy Lennox, Maimuna Memon,Jamie Muscato, Tom Parsons and Julie Yammanee will be joining previously announced cast members Michael C Hall, Michael Esper and Sophia Anne Caruso, who are reprising their roles from the original New York Theatre Workshop production.

Lazarus broke box office records when it played a strictly limited, sold out run in New York from 18 November 2015 to 20 January 2016. Tickets for the London production are on sale now, with preview performances beginning on Tuesday 25 October and an official opening night on Tuesday 8 November. Lazarus is booking until Sunday 22 January 2017.

Inspired by the book, The Man Who Fell To Earth, Lazarus focuses on Thomas Newton as he remains still on Earth – a ‘man’ unable to die, his head soaked in cheap gin and haunted by a past love. We follow Newton during the course of a few days where the arrival of another lost soul might set him finally free. Michael C Hall stars as Newton, the character famously portrayed by David Bowie in the 1976 screen adaptation directed by Nicolas Roeg.

Directed by Ivo van Hove, Lazarus includes songs from Bowie’s iconic catalogue as well as brand new music written for the stage. The Lazarus Cast Album will be released on 21 October on RCA / ISO Records and features performances by the original NYTW company as well as three of Bowie’s final studio recordings.

Michael C Hall plays Newton. Prior to appearing in Lazarus at New York Theatre Workshop, Michael portrayed the title character in the Broadway production of Hedwig And The Angry Inch and starred in Will Eno’s Broadway production of The Realistic Jones(Drama League Award nomination) directed by Sam Gold and co-starring Toni Collette, Tracy Letts, and Marisa Tomei. Michael made his Broadway debut in 1999 as the Master of Ceremonies in Sam Mendes’ revival of Cabaret and portrayed Billy Flynn in 2002 in the revival of Chicago. Off-Broadway, his credits include the Roundabout Theatre Company’sMr. Marmalade, Cymbeline, Macbeth, Timon Of Athens, and Henry V at the Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival, The English Teachers for MCC, the Manhattan Theatre Club’s Corpus Christi, Romeo And Juliet at Center Stage, R Shoman at Williamstown and Skylight at the Mark Taper Forum. Michael’s television credits includeDexter (SAG, Golden Globe awards; five Emmy nominations) and Six Feet Under (two SAG ensemble awards, Emmy nomination). On film, Hall co-starred in Jim Mickle’s Cold in July and John Krokidas’ Kill Your Darlings. He will next be seen in Antonio Campos’ Christine(which premiered in Dramatic Competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival) with Rebecca Hall. Michael is currently shooting Peter Landesman’s Felt, a political thriller about Watergate, told from the vantage point of Deep Throat. Hall plays White House Counsel John Dean.

Michael Esper plays Valentine. Michael’s previous stage work on Broadway includes Sting’s musical The Last Ship, American Idiot, The Lyons and A Man For All Seasonsopposite Frank Langella. Winner of the Clarence Derwent Award for Most Promising Male, Michael has also appeared in The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide To Capitalism And Socialism With A Key To The Scriptures (The Guthrie and Public Theaters), Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Druid Theatre Company and Dublin Theatre Festival), Bif Bill (Lincoln Center Theatre) and Tales From Red Vienna (Manhattan Theater Club). Michael’s recent feature film work includes Brad Furman’s Runner, Runner, Frances Ha, and The Drop. Additional film credits include the Andrew Jarecki feature, All Good Things, A Beautiful Mind, and Loggerheads, which competed at the Sundance Film Festival. Lazarus will be Michael’s London stage debut.

Sophia Anne Caruso plays Girl. Sophia recently made her Broadway debut in Joe Mantello’s Blackbird opposite Jeff Daniels and Michelle Williams. Previous stage credits include Runaways (New York City Center), The Nether (MCC Theater, New York) and Little Dancer (Kennedy Center, Washington DC). For her performance in Lazarus at New York Theatre Workshop, Sophia received a 2016 Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical. Her screenwork includes the films 37 and Jack Of The Red Hearts, and on television The Sound Of Music Live and Smash.

Amy Lennox plays Elly. Amy most recently starred as Lauren in the London production ofKinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre), for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award. Other stage work includes Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre and UK Tour), 9 To 5 (UK Tour), The Sound Of Music (London Palladium), Soho Cinders (Soho Theatre), Decade (Headlong),Tracks (Arcola Theatre), The Secret Garden (Birmingham Rep) The Last Five Years (Lyric Theatre, Belfast) and The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (Royal & Derngate/Assembly Rooms). Amy’s film credits include Never Let Me Go alongside Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield, Wrong Turn 5 and The Cab Ride. 

Gabrielle Brooks plays Teenage Girl. Gabrielle’s previous work on stage includes The Book Of Mormon (Prince of Wales), I Can’t Sing (London Palladium), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang(London Palladium), Redsnapper (Belgrade Theatre), Hairspray (Cork Opera House and UK Tour), Our House 10th Anniversary Concert (Savoy), Whistle Down The Wind (Aldwych) and The Stranger’s Case (Liverpool Everyman). In addition to her work on stage, Gabrielle has also appeared in workshops for Love Me Tender, Perfect Pitch, Big Fish and Becoming Nancy. Gabrielle has appeared on television in The Royal Variety Show, The Paul O’Grady Show, Grange Hill, Coming Down The Mountain and her film credits include Notes On A Scandal.

Sydnie Christmas plays Teenage Girl. Sydnie is a recent graduate from D&B Academy of Performing Arts in Musical Theatre. Her previous credits include the feature film Kick Ass 2 and short film Can You Keep A Secret.

Richard Hansell plays Zach. Richard recently worked with Ivo van Hove in the Young Vic production of A View From The Bridge, in which he appeared both in the West End and on Broadway. Other stage work includes Jamie Lloyd’s Macbeth opposite James McAvoy (Trafalgar Studios), Tonight At 8.30 (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Madness Of King George (Apollo Theatre), Troilus And Cressida (Shakespeare’s Globe) and Sam Mendes’ productions of As You Like It and The Tempest for The Bridge Project (Old Vic/BAM). Richard’s screen credits include roles in Downton Abbey, The Royal, Spooks, And Then There Were None and Shine.

Maimuna Memon plays Teenage Girl. Maimuna recently graduated from The Oxford School of Drama. She made her professional debut in Into The Woods at The Manchester Royal Exchange in December 2015 and recently performed in The Buskers Opera at London’s Park Theatre.  

Jamie Muscato plays Ben. Jamie most recently played Joe in Bend it Like Beckham(Phoenix Theatre). Other stage credits include The Light Princess (National Theatre), Rock Of Ages (Duchess Theatre), Spring Awakening (Lyric Hammersmith and Novello Theatre) and Sweeney Todd (Welsh National Opera). Screen work includes Les Miserables (Working Title), Cilla (ITV) and My Parents Are Aliens (ITV).

Tom Parsons plays Michael. Tom’s recent theatre work includes Guy in Once (Princess Theatre, Melbourne, The Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Charlotte Theatre, Seoul), Peter inJesus Christ Superstar (Arena World Tour, including the UK and Australia), Monkee Business at the Manchester Opera House, Avenue Q  (Noel Coward, Wyndham’s and Gielgud Theatres) and Mamma Mia at (Prince of Wales Theatre).

Julie Yammanee plays Maemi. Julie’s previous theatre credits include Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (UK Tour), Here Lies Love (National Theatre), Avenue Q (UK Tour), The World Goes Round (Yellow Glass Theatre), Aladdin (The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury) and Peter Pan (Towngate Theatre). In addition to her performances on stage, Julie has also appeared on screen in The Sleepover Club, Streetsmartz, Angriest Video Store Clerk andThe Potato House.

The 2016 International Centre for Women Playwrights 50/50 Applause Awards:

Celebrating Gender Parity on Five Continents for our 5th Anniversary!

The International Centre for Women Playwrights (ICWP) is thrilled to report that a record-breaking number of recipients will receive the 2016 50/50 Applause Awards, which recognizes theatres that produced 50% or more women playwrights in their 2015/16 season of shows. ICWP defines 50/50 by the number of qualifying performances in a theatre’s season. This allows a concrete measurement of the resources being devoted to women playwrights.

For the awards’ 5th anniversary, ICWP recognized 107 recipients in ten countries on five continents. The list includes theatres in Australia, Canada, England, Italy, Kenya, the Philippines, Scotland, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States. Approximately 32% of the theatres are repeat recipients, demonstrating gender parity in two or more seasons. Recipients range from community and college theatres to internationally renowned theatres. Meet some of the theatres in the ICWPcelebration video. http://www.womenplaywrights.org/50-50-awards-video-2016

For several years, the international performing arts industry has been scrutinized for its underrepresentation of women playwrights as well as women in leadership positions in theatre. According to the League of Professional Theatre Women’s (LPTW) 2015 study “Women Count: Women Hired Off-Broadway 2010-2015”, women playwrights were produced 28%-36% of the time. Among ten Australian theatres, 39% of original and adapted works were by women (The National Voice 2106, Australian Writers Guild). The UK’s Purple Seven study “Gender in Theatre” of 2012-2015 seasons reported 28% of playwrights were female.

Though these numbers are higher than they have been in the past, women playwrights are still not receiving their due, and there are many potential reasons. The LPTW study points out that new works by women are more likely to be produced today than those by women in the past, although there are many classic women playwrights. The AWG cites that commissioned adaptations are where women are making the least amount of headway.

A full list of the qualifying seasons by our 50/50 recipients can be found on our website.http://womenplaywrights.org/50-50-awards-2016
In addition, theatres researching plays by contemporary female playwrights can look at the Kilroys List, the 49 List, the New Play Exchange, and Treepress.com.

ABOUT ICWP

ICWP started in 1988 with a mission to support women playwrights worldwide and bring attention to their work. The ICWP 50/50 Applause Awards were founded in 2012 to increase awareness and applaud theatres that produced a season with an equal or greater number of plays written by female playwrights. More information about the award can be found at:http://www.womenplaywrights.org/award

Congratulations to the Recipients of the 2016 ICWP 50/50 Applause Awards!

16th Street Theater * (Berwyn, IL, USA), Actors for Children Theatre * (Flatwoods, KY, USA), Actors Theater of Charlotte (Charlotte, NC, USA), Althea Theatre (London, England, UK), Aurora Theatre Company (Berkeley, CA, USA), b current (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Babes with Blades Theatre Company (Chicago, IL, USA), Birds of Paradise Theatre Company (Glasgow, Scotland), Black Theatre Workshop (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), Book-It Repertory Theatre (Seattle, WA, USA), Borderlands Theater (Tucson, AZ, USA), Bread & Roses Theatre * (London, UK), Broken Nose Theatre (Chicago, IL, USA), Brooklyn Repertory Theatre (Brooklyn, NY, USA), Bush Theatre * (London, England, UK), Cadence Theatre (in partnership with Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond, VA, USA), Cape May Stage (Cape May, NJ, USA), Capital Repertory Theatre (Albany, NY, USA), Castlereigh Theatre Project (Vancouver, BC, Canada), Centaur Theatre * (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), Centenary Stage Company (Hackettstown, NJ, USA), Center Stage (Baltimore, MD, USA), Checkpoint Theatre (Goodman Road, Singapore), Chicago Dramatists * (Chicago, IL, USA), City Theatre Company (Pittsburgh, PA, USA), Cleveland Public Theatre * (Cleveland, OH, USA), Congo Square Theatre Company (Chicago, IL, USA), Crowded Fire Theater * (San Francisco, CA, USA), Curious Theatre Company (Denver, Colorado, USA), Detroit Public Theatre (Detroit, MI, USA), Drew University Department of Theatre and Dance (Madison, NJ, USA), EgoPo Classic (Philadelphia, PA, USA), Factory Space Theatre Company * (Sydney, NSW, Australia), Farmington Valley Stage Company (Canton, CT, USA), Firehall Arts Centre (Vancouver, BC, Canada), Forward Theater (Madison, WI, USA), Frank Theatre (Minneapolis, MN, USA), Genesis Theatrical Productions * (Chicago, IL, USA), Great Canadian Theatre Company * (Ottawa, ON, Canada), Halcyon Theatre (Chicago, IL, USA), HERE Arts Center * (New York, New York, USA), Horizon Theatre Company * (Atlanta, GA, USA), Hothouse (Albury-Wodonga Australia), Imagination Stage (Bethesda, MD, USA), Inis Nua Theatre (Philadelphia, PA, USA), InnerMission Productions (San Diego, CA, USA), InterAct Theatre Company (Philadelphia, PA, USA), Israeli Stage (Boston, MA, USA), Keen Company (New York, NY, USA), Kitchen Theatre (Ithaca, NY, USA), Know Theatre of Cincinatti (Cincinatti, OH, USA), Larrikin Entertainment (Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada), Latino Theater Company/Los Angeles Theatre Center * (LATC) (Los Angeles, CA, USA), Luna Stage * (West Orange, NJ, USA), Magic Theatre (San Francisco, CA, USA), Manbites Dog Theater * (Durham, NC, USA), McCarter Theatre Center (Princeton, NJ, USA), Milagro (The Miracle Theatre Group, Portland, OR, USA), Mitch and Murray Productions (Vancouver, BC, Canada), National Black Theatre (New York, NY, USA), New Theatre (Miami, FL, USA), New York Theatre Workshop * (New York, NY, USA), NextStop Theatre Company * (Herndon, VA, USA), North Carolina Stage Company (Asheville, NC, USA), Obsidian Theatre Company * (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Off the Wall Productions * (Carnegie, PA, USA), Orlando Repertory Theatre * (Orlando, FL, USA), Ovalhouse Theatre (London, England, UK), Pacific Theatre (Vancouver, BC, Canada), Pangdemonium Theatre Company (Ubi Road 4, Singapore), Peridot Theatre (Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia), PETA Philippine Educational Theater Association (Quezon City, Philippines), Plan-B Theatre (Salt Lake City, UT, USA), PlayGround * (San Francisco, CA, USA), Playwrights Realm (New York, NY, USA), Poetic Justice Project * (Santa Maria, CA, USA), Prairie Theatre Exchange * (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), Profile Theatre (Portland, OR, USA), Punctuate! Theatre (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), Ragged Wing Ensemble * (Oakland, CA, USA), Renaissance Theatreworks (Milwaukee, WI, USA), Rep Stage (Columbia, MD, USA), Riot Act, Inc. (Jackson, WY, USA), Round House Theatre * (Silver Spring, MD, USA), Royal Court Theatre (London, England, UK), Salvage Vanguard Theater * (Austin, TX, USA), Second Stage Theatre (New York, NY, USA), Shameless Hussy Productions * (Vancouver, BC, USA), Shelterbelt Theatre * (Omaha, NE, USA), Ship’s Company Theatre (Parrsboro, NS, Canada), Shotgun Players (Berkeley, CA, USA), Synchronicity Theatre * (Atlanta, GA), Tamasha Theatre Company (London, England, UK), Tantai Teatro (Puerto Rico, USA), Teatro Paraguas * (Santa Fe, NM, USA), Tennessee Women’s Theater Project * (Nashville, TN, USA), The English Theatre of Rome * (Rome, Italy), The Road Theatre Company * (North Hollywood, CA, USA), The Theatre Company of Kenya (Nanyuki/Mombasa/ Nairobi/ Nakuru Kenya), Theatre Alliance of Washington DC (Washington DC, USA), Theatre Conspiracy (Fort Myers, FL, USA), Theatre Passe Muraille * (Toronto, ON, Canada), Timeline Theatre (Chicago, IL, USA), Tita8lou (Geneva, Switzerland), Urban Stages (New York, NY, USA), WhoDunnit Murder Mystery Theater (Louisville, KY, USA), and Windy City Playhouse * (Chicago, IL, USA).

* Denotes repeat recipients

York Theatre Royal – Until Saturday 24th September.  Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

When were married is a Priestly classic, most famously known for An Inspector Calls, the comedy first performed in 1938 made an appearance at the York Theatre Royal for a show case of great acting and greater laughs.

The play follows a group of 6 people who are all celebrating there 25th wedding anniversary, with all three couples getting married on the same day, or so they thought. Northen Broadsides teamed up with YTR to bring this show to life sporting a cast of 15 being directed under the wing of Barrie Rutter. The play mainly aimed towards the older generation but however is suitable to all audiences over 14, brought in a comedic night with the whole audience laughing at the events on stage and the couples squabbling and bickering over the 25 years of marriage.

With the play being set in Yorkshire it only seemed fitting that it would be done in York itself, most actors taking on a broad Yorkshire accent and showing the well-known Yorkshire attitude towards southerners. Gerald Forbes played by Luke Adamson a whimsical southern man who is in love with Nancy Holmes played by Sophia Hatfield, are wanting to get married. The three ‘married’ women, Maria Helliwell played by Geraldine Fitzgerald, Annie Parker played by Sue Devaney and Clara Soppit played by Kate Anthony, all together with their partners, Joseph Halliwell played by Mark Stratton, Albert Parker played by Adrian Hood and finally Herbert Soppit played by Steve Huison.

My personal favourite was Annie Parker as the small lady had a funny character and a great way of delivering lines that made everyone laugh, she was both equally funny and stern, getting on along with the women and looking down on the men. But all the actors were outstanding.

The costumes were very traditional 1920s and made for a classic taste that suited the staging and props to a T. The whole play being set in a room of the Helliwell’s the script made sure of nosy maids behind doors, and arguments between each couples in private. The first half was absolutely amazing with loads of things happening at once and with a chaotic pre-interval climax that will leave you going to the bar laughing your socks off, however the second half was good but it just went so quickly, and I wished I could watch more of the great play.

The only thing I really found was iffy was the character of Lottie a prostitute from Blackpool, I don’t know what it was about her; maybe the costume or the character itself, but the actress was very good and was amazing at playing a jolly tune on the piano. A very stunning and laughable performance, and I would recommended that anyone should go and see it at York Theatre Royal.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

THE UK PREMIERE

OF BROADWAY MUSICAL

SIDE SHOW

From the composer of Dreamgirls

AT SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE

FROM FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER TO SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2016

Full casting is announced today for Broadway musical Side Show, which will receive its UK Premiere in a brand new production at Southwark Playhouse, opening on Wednesday 26 October with previews from Friday 21 October.

Joining the previously announced Louise Dearman and Laura Pitt-Pulford as conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, are Haydn Oakley as Terry Connor, Jay Marsh as Jake, Dominic Hodson as Buddy Foster,Christopher Howell as The Boss/Sir, Lala Barlow as Bearded Lady, Oliver Marshall as Dog, David Muscatas Human Pin Cushion, Nuwan Hugh Perera as Sheik Fakir, Agnes Pure as Snake Lady, Nuno Queimado as Reptile Man, Kirstie Skivington as Half Man Half Woman and Genevieve Taylor as Dolly Dimples.

Haydn Oakley will star as Henri Baurel in An American in Paris when it opens in the West End in March. Previous credits include English National Opera’s production of Sunset Boulevard (London Coliseum), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre) and The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre). Jay Marsh’s recent credits include Sunny Afternoon (Harold Pinter Theatre) and Porgy and Bess (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). Dominic Hodson’s recent roles include Captain Nicholls in War Horse (New London Theatre) and Tony in West Side Story (UK Tour). Christopher Howell’s recent credits include Guys and Dolls (UK Tour),Made in Dagenham (Adelphi Theatre) and Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre). Lala Barlow’s credits include Hair(Australian Tour) and Legally Blonde (Ballarat Lyric). Oliver Marshall recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, where credits include Company and The Happy Prince. David Muscat’s recent credits include Mr Braithwaite in Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace Theatre) and Miracle on 34^th Street (UK Tour). Nuwan Hugh Perera recently graduated from Guildford School of Acting, where credits include Our House and Ghost. Agnes Pure’s credits include Sinatra and Friends (German and Swiss Tour) and Beauty and the Beast (Eastbourne Theatres). Nuno Queimado’s stage credits include The Little Match Girl (UK Tour), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre) and From Here to Eternity (Shaftesbury Theatre). TV work includesCold Feet (ITV). Kirstie Skivington’s recent credits include Anybody’s in West Side Story (Salzburg), Viva Forever (Piccadilly Theatre) and Ghost (Piccadilly Theatre). Genevieve Taylor recently graduated from the Musical Theatre Academy. Professional credits include West End Women (UK Tour) and Cool Rider (Lyric Theatre).

Louise Dearman (Daisy) is best known for being the first actress to star as both Glinda and Elphaba in the hit musical Wicked, playing both roles to great acclaim in the West End. Her many other theatre credits include Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (UK Tour), Bianca in Kiss Me Kate (Royal Albert Hall), Mrs D in The Water Babies(Leicester Curve), Eva Peron in Evita (UK Tour) and Jan in Grease (West End).

Laura Pitt-Pulford (Violet) received a 2016 Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Other recent credits includeFlowers for Mrs Harris (Sheffield Crucible), Nancy in Oliver! (Leicester Curve), The Smallest Show on Earth (UK Tour), Follies in Concert (Royal Albert Hall), Maria in The Sound of Music (Leicester Curve) and The Light Princess(National Theatre).

Inspired by the true story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, Side Show is a remarkable musical about love, acceptance and embracing the unique.

We meet the Hilton Sisters as the headline act at a seedy side show, languishing under the rule of an oppressive ringmaster. But when spotted by a talent agent, they are thrust into the spotlight of the famed 1920’s Orpheum Circuit. They soon become the highest paid vaudeville stars of their time, but whilst Daisy relishes the spotlight, Violet wishes for a quiet life with a man she loves, and who loves her. Can they balance their individual dreams with their inescapable physical connection? Side Show is a heartwarming musical about the search for love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame.

Side Show first opened on Broadway in 1997, where it was nominated for four Tony Awards; Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, the only time a nomination has been shared by two actresses; Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner.

Side Show features a score by Dreamgirls composer Henry Krieger, with both shows making their London debuts a month apart from each other when Dreamgirls opens in the West End in November. Krieger was nominated for Tony Awards for Best Score for Side Show and Dreamgirls, won a Grammy Award for the cast album of Dreamgirls, and received three Academy Award nominations for the additional songs he wrote for the 2006 film.

It has a Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell, who received a Tony Award nomination for Best Book, and shared the nomination for Best Score with Krieger. Russell’s other musicals include Elegies for Angels and Punks and Raging Queens. Additional Book material is by Bill Condon, who reworked Side Show for its 2014 Broadway revival. Condon is an Academy Award-winning screenwriter and director, best known for writing the screenplay for the 2002 film Chicago, and directing and writing the critically acclaimed films Gods and Monsters and Dreamgirls, for which he won a Golden Globe.

Side Show is presented by Paul Taylor-Mills, who returns to Southwark Playhouse following his acclaimed productions of In The Heights and Carrie: The Musical. In The Heights won three 2016 Olivier Awards for its transfer to King’s Cross Theatre, whilst Carrie: The Musical won the 2016 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Off West End Production.

Side Show will be directed by Hannah Chissick (Down the Dock Road, Royal Court Liverpool, Brass, NYMT,Marry Me a Little, St. James Studio), with choreography by Matthew Cole (Footloose and Little Shop of HorrorsUK Tours), design by takis (In The Heights, Southwark Playhouse/King’s Cross Theatre), musical direction by Jo Cichonska, musical supervision and additional orchestrations by Simon Hale and sound design by Dan Simpson. Casting is by Will Burton. Side Show has music by Henry Krieger and Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell, with additional Book material by Bill Condon.

Twitter @Side_ShowUK

Milk Bottle Productions presents:

TaleGate Theatre Productions presents:

Maud Dromgoole presents:

Today, Monday 12 September 2016, Theatres Trust reveals the 36 theatres at most risk across the UK, and Trustee Dara Ó Briain calls on everyone who cares about theatre to join the campaign to protect them.

Of the 36 theatres on the 2016 Register there are 6 new theatres: 3 in England, and 3 in Scotland – these include 3 theatres which have, sadly, returned to the Register.

There has been some fantastic progress for theatres still on the Register, and in this, our 40th year, we’re celebrating those campaign groups who fight so hard to demonstrate their potential viability, and the role that those theatres can play in their communities.

Theatres Trust Trustee, Dara Ó Briain, has lent his support to raise awareness of our campaign by fronting a video introducing some of the excellent work done by community groups around the country, many of whom have submitted video reports highlighting their work protecting the theatres they love.

Dara Ó Briain, said: “As a touring standup comedian I have travelled up and down this country and worked in many of the theatres here and you have a unique and rich heritage of theatres that were built in the last 200 years. But we can’t take that for granted. Local community support is vital in breathing new life into theatres. If a theatre in your community was in danger of being lost forever would you help fight for it?  There are 36 theatres all over the country on our Register at the moment. Please join the campaign to save them or make a donation.”

Rebecca Morland, Interim Director of Theatres Trust, said: “Each theatre on the Register has an important place in its community. Our experience shows us that where    campaign groups are in place, they can make a real difference to the future of these theatres.  The progress that has been made with theatres in Brighton, Burnley and Kirkcaldy – to name but three – is a real testament to this.”

The Trust’s At Risk Register launch is generously supported by theatre insurance brokers Integro. Andy Rudge, Head of Theatre, said: “We have been a long standing supporter of the valuable work Theatres Trust undertake within the theatre industry – the Theatre Buildings at Risk Register is integral to their activities – identifying and providing much needed support to organisations when the sustainability and viability of their venue is threatened. It’s vital this work continues to help maintain the cultural landscape of the UK.”

New on the Register
New to the Register in 2016 is the Broadway Theatre, Peterborough, currently under threat from redevelopment for residential use. It has one of the finest remaining interiors from the Odeon chain, having been converted to theatre use in 2001. In Scotland two Category B-listed theatres also feature. The King’s Theatre in Dundee, the only surviving large touring theatre in the Dundee area, is increasingly deteriorating due to lack of maintenance. Whilst the King’s Kirkcaldy has been dark for 11 years, with various unfulfilled proposals for redevelopment. Both now have campaign groups who see the buildings’ potential and are working to secure their long term sustainable future.

Re-entries
Leith Theatre in Scotland has been placed back on the Register, despite tremendous work by the community group in securing a lease on the premises, due to the amounts of funding still required to secure its future. The Secombeand the Charles Cryer in Sutton were removed from the Register only last year after reopening, but now make a re-entry as the operator has gone into administration, leaving the future of these theatres in doubt.

Future secured
One theatre whose future has been secured however is the Muni Arts Centre in Pontypridd, a Grade II listed former Wesleyan Chapel. Thanks to a local consortium of private, public and charitable organisations, the New Muni is open with volunteer advisory panels informing its future artistic and cultural programming.

Ensuring theatres’ viability
Whilst we passionately believe in protecting theatre buildings for live performance use, their regeneration and future survival hinges on their viability. This year many groups have undertaken studies to show the value that their reopened theatre could bring to their local community.

The number one theatre on the At Risk Register for the last 4 years has beenBrighton Hippodrome. In 2015, Theatres Trust paved the way for a viability study and the local community group have built on that to secure more funding and do more work, with the overall aim of returning this gloriously unique Grade II* listed circus theatre to live performance use.

Another great example is Burnley Empire. Languishing without use for many years, its appearance on the 2015 Theatres at Risk Register led to the formation of an active community group. Their fundraising, together with support from the local Council and Theatres Trust, has led to a viability study which is currently underway, exploring potential uses for the theatre.

Other theatres on the Register actively considering their viability, working hard on business plans, or undertaking options appraisals, include the King’s Theatre, Dundee who are currently fundraising for their viability study,Mechanics Institute in Swindon, a former social community and staff centre for the Great Western railway, Doncaster Grand, an ornate Grade II listed Victorian theatre, and Dudley Hippodrome, whose campaign group recently secured a 5-year lease for the venue.

Videos
We asked the At Risk theatres campaign groups to provide us with videos highlighting their work in campaigning for the theatres they are passionate about. Included in these reports are: Bradford Odeon, the Mechanics Institute in Swindon, the Theatre Royal in Hyde, Spilsby Theatre in Lincolnshire, Doncaster Grand, Tameside Hippodrome, the King’s Theatre in Kirkcaldy, Burnley Empire, Brighton Hippodrome, the Futurist in Scarborough, Alexandra Palace in London, Plymouth Palace, Colwyn Bay Pier Pavilion, and Leith Theatre.

Support the campaign to protect theatres at risk
www.theatrestrust.org.uk/theatre-buildings-at-risk/tbar-2016

Darlington Civic Theatre is looking for volunteers to assist with the creation of costumes for the forthcoming community production of A Tale of Two Cities, which will be performed in the Dolphin Centre’s Central Hall in November.

The theatre is looking for volunteers with sewing skills of all levels and or knitting skills. The work will involve making period garments and altering contemporary clothes. Making will include full length skirts, bustles, waistcoats, cockades, dirtying down costumes and alterations of garments to fit our cast. All volunteers will work alongside an experienced wardrobe supervisor during the sessions.

Anyone interested should email [email protected] or call her on 01325 405510.

A Tale of Two Cities is at Central Hall, Dolphin Centre, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November. Charles Dickens considered his novel A Tale Of Two Cities 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, it is an epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption amidst horrific violence and world changing events. This will be a promenade performance.

The Touring Consortium Theatre Company, who most recently brought Of Mice And Men, A View From The Bridge and Brave New World to Darlington Civic Theatre are now working in partnership with the theatre to present A Tale Of Two Cities using a cast of community actors.

This new adaptation by Mike Poulton (Fortune’s Fool, Old Vic; Wolf Hall, RSC) will feature a cast of approximately 30 local actors alongside a professional production team led by director Eduard Lewis. The production will be staged in the atmospheric setting of Darlington’s Central Hall, where Dickens himself read on 21 September 1858.

Tickets* are priced £18 for adults, under 16s £10

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

*Includes £1 restoration levy

THE PURR-FECT FAMILY TREAT COMES TO THE LYCEUM THIS OCTOBER

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking Oliver award-nominated musical Cats comes to the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield from Monday 3 – Saturday 15 October, direct from its sell-out seasons at the London Palladium.

On just one special night of the year, all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball where Old Deuteronomy, makes the Jellicle choice and announces which of them will go up to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.

Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the world famous musical is a sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse, and has now taken on a new life for a new generation.

With an outstandingly talented cast, magnificent sets, breathtaking choreography and a stunning score, including the unforgettable Memory, Cats is a magical musical that will thrill the whole family this autumn.

Cats comes to the Lyceum Theatre from Monday 3 – Saturday 15 October.  Tickets 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 £23.50 (a transaction fee of £1.50 (£1.00 online) applies to all bookings made at the Box Office, excluding cash).  Concessions and group discounts are available.