New glam rock science fiction musical about space travel at the VAULT Festival this February

Hannah Elsy Productions presents:

SUMMER NIGHTS IN SPACE
February 15th – February 19th 2017, VAULT Festival

Coming to the VAULT Festival in February 2017, Hannah Elsy Productions presents a new science fiction musical odyssey from the creators of critically acclaimed rock musical The Quentin Dentin Show. Summer Nights in Space is a glam space rock musical rooted in classic science fiction, using the bizarre setting of musical theatre to combine the song and dance of entertainment with the really big questions.

***** “This rock musical is a winner” The Upcoming on The Quentin Dentin Show

Astronaut John Spartan has finally made it into space – only to discover that it is not all he had hoped. Marooned in space with a ferocious alien and a moody computer, the reluctant crew of Auxiliary Transport Shuttle 4 must stave off Space Madness and work together to survive in the void. But when Spartan receives a distress signal from an attractive Astro-nette, his newfound mission to find and save her threatens to uncover the dark truth of space itself. Some things are better left unknown…

**** “High voltage mayhem (…) absolutely unmissable” Grump Gay Critic on The Quentin Dentin Show

Summer Nights in Space, a sequel to The Quentin Dentin Show, continues writer Henry Carpenter’s breakdown of a “broken future”. This production is part of VAULT Festival’s “Proxima V” programming strand of science fiction/ futuristic work for 2017.

Hannah Elsy Productions is at the forefront of new musical theatre development in the UK, founding and running new musical scratch night The Lowdown as well as producing The Quentin Dentin Show in both London and Edinburgh, which scored rave reviews and led to a transfer into the West End. The Lowdown is the only public scratch night for new musical theatre in London, and shows that debuted there have gone on to successful full productions at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe, The Phoenix Artists Club and VAULT Festival. The Lowdown is hosted and supported by Rich Mix, who are also supporting Summer Nights in Space.

**** “dangerously sexy musical numbers” London City Nights on The Quentin Dentin Show

One-woman extra-live show from the producer of Backstage in Biscuitland at VAULT Festival in February 2017

Kriya Arts presents:

HIP
February 1st – February 5th 2017, VAULT Festival

Jolie Booth (producer of Winner of the 2014 Total Theatre Emerging Artist Award, Touretteshero’s hit show Backstage in Biscuitland) takes to the stage in her first one-woman show, HIP, to be performed at VAULT Festival 2017. HIP transports the audience, in this extra-live performance, to a cosy living room with hypnotic OHP, cushions, incense, tequila and nibbles.

A squatter makes her way up to a long-forgotten flat above a shop in the centre of Brighton. A flat full of someone else’s past. A women’s hip bone lies on the side, amongst diaries, letters and clutter. In a tale of addiction, sexuality, mortality, choices and enlightenment, she embarks on a journey to discover how one might avoid dying alone, and losing one’s hip bone in the process.

Based around found objects, this semi-autobiographical one woman show starts by introducing you to a flat caught between two timelines and personalities: the home of Anne Clarke during 70s bohemian Brighton, and a squat established by Jolie in 2002. Jolie’s soothing and passionate storytelling interweaves Annie’s real letters and diaries with vestiges from her own life, to reveal an immediate and clear association.

“Hip is an hour drifting through the Jungian collective unconsciousness [and is] an authentic and human exploration of inherently unstable modern tribalism” The Sick of the Fringe

As a producer Jolie Booth has been responsible for many award winning theatre productions, including Backstage in Biscuitland and Winner of the 2015 Off West End Award, Tangram Theatre’s Albert Einstein: Relatively Speaking. As a performer, Jolie has starred in various productions such as Fabian in the Winner of the 2012 Latest Fringe Award, Festival Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and Richard II in Jonathan Kay’s 2011 production of Richard II by the Nomadic Academy of Fools.

HIP is a gently-paced, wonderfully warm-hearted celebration of the ideas, ideals and idiosyncrasies of life and those who paved the way for the freedoms we all enjoy today. Through her various work, Jolie has discovered the merits of relaxed performances. This means you are welcome to make noise and move around during the show – in fact, you are actively encouraged to do so. This adds a whole new dimension to the performance, which has come to be known as ‘Extra-Live’– with the promise that no two shows can ever be the same.

Full Casting for THE ADDAMS FAMILY Tour

Please find below and attached for immediate release:

 
PRESS RELEASE
 

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR  

THE UK & IRELAND PREMIERE OF

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A MUSICAL COMEDY

 

Aria Entertainment and Music & Lyrics Limited are delighted to announce the full cast for the UK and Ireland tour of the musical comedy, The Addams Family.

Cameron Blakely will be joining the family in the role of Gomez Addams. Cameron’s previous theatre credits include the role of Thenardier in Les Misérables, a role he played for two years in London’s West End. Cameron was also part of the 25thAnniversary at the O2, where he played Bamatabois. Other credits include Smee in Stiles and Drewe’s Peter Pan at the Adelphi Theatre and Fagin in Oliver! at The Watermill Theatre. He has also appeared in many productions at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew.

Also joining the family is Valda Aviks in the role of Grandma Addams. Her previous theatre credits include Mrs Meeker in Funny Girl (Savoy Theatre/Menier Chocolate Factory), Barushka in Once(Dublin/ Phoenix Theatre) and Granny in Into the Woods (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).

Charlotte Page will play Alice Beineke. Her previous theatre credits include the role of Christine in Phantom of the Opera (West End), A Little Night Music (Menier Chocolate Factory), the UK tour of Pygmalion for Theatre Royal Bath and Follies in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

Dale Rapley will play the role of Mal Beineke. His previous theatre credits include King John(Rose Theatre Kingston), Richard III (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Women on the Verge of A Nervous Breakdown (West End), The Wizard in Wicked (UK tour), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and for the RSC.

Grant McIntyre will be playing the role of Pugsley Addams in his first UK tour, following recent roles in We are Here at the National Theatre and Bugsy Malone at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Dickon Gough will play LurchHis previous credits include Pirates of Penzance at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and on National tour, Carmen, Krol Roger, Guillaume Tell and Die Fliegende Hollander (Royal Opera House), and Dulcamara and L’Elisir d’Amore (Ravenna Festival, Italy).

 

Oliver Ormson will appear as Lucas Beineke. Most recently, he played Elder Price in The Book of Mormon in the West End.

In addition, the ensemble includes Kathryn Barnes, Jessica Buckby, Perola Congo, Gavin Eden, Jacob Fisher, Christopher D Hunt, Kirsty Ingram, Rhona McGregor, Scott Paige and Jak Skelly. 

They will all be joining the previously announced Samantha Womack (BBC 1’s Eastenders, Sky 1’s Mount PleasantSouth PacificGuys and Dolls) as Morticia Addams, Les Dennis (Coronation Street, Chicago, Hairspray) as Uncle Fester and Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Misérables, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as Wednesday Addams.

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she’s fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family! Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. All the usual clan are present – Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley et al.

 

The Addams Family will be directed by Matthew White, with choreography by Alistair David,production design by Diego Pitarch, musical supervision by Richard Beadle, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and musical direction by Andrew Hilton. Book is by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on the characters created by Charles Addams.

 

THE ADDAMS FAMILY UK & Ireland Tour is produced by Aria Entertainment and Music & Lyrics Limited, in association with the Festival Theatre Edinburgh, and is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide. The UK Tour will open in Edinburgh on 20 April 2017.

 

For further information, please visit www.theaddamsfamily.co.uk Twitter: @AddamsFamilyUK

 

2017 TOUR SCHEDULE

20-29 April 2017                               Festival Theatre, Edinburgh                                         

                                                          www.edtheatres.com                                                   0131 529 6000

 

9-13 May 2017                                 Royal & Derngate, Northampton                                     

                                                         www.royalandderngate.co.uk                                        01604 624811   

 

16-20 May 2017                               New Wimbledon Theatre

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre    0844 871 7646

                                                         

23-27 May 2017                               Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury                                       

                                                         www.marlowetheatre.com                                             01227 787787

 

30 May – 3 June 2017                      Cliffs Pavilion, Southend                                               

                                                         www.southendtheatres.org.uk                                      01702 351 135

 

6-10 June 2017                                Birmingham Hippodrome                                                                                                                                                                              www.birminghamhippodrome.com                                0844 338 5000

 

13-17 June 2017                              Theatre Royal, Bath                                                      

                                                         www.theatreroyal.org.uk                                               01225 448844   

 

20-24 June 2017                              Hall for Cornwall, Truro                                                

                                                         www.hallforcornwall.co.uk                                             01872 262466

 

27 June – 1 July 2017                      Nottingham Theatre Royal                                            

                                                          www.trch.co.uk                                                             0115 989 5555

                                                                                                                                                      

4-8 July 2017                                   The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford                                 

                                                         www.bradford-theatres.co.uk                                        01274 432000

 

18 – 29 July 2017                             Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                                 

                                                         www.mayflower.org.uk                                                  02380 711811

 

1-12 August 2017                             Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre                                 

                                                          www.wmc.org.uk                                                           029 2063 6464 

 

15-26 August 2017                           Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin

                                                         www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                                     0844 847 2455

 

29 August – 9 September 2017        The Lowry, Salford 

                                                         www.thelowry.com                                                        0843 208 6000  

 

12-16 September 2017                    Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield                                           

                                                         www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                                         0114 249 6000

 

19-23 September 2017                    Bristol Hippodrome                                                       

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome           0844 871 3012

 

26-30 September 2017                    New Victoria Theatre, Woking                                                                                                                                                                     www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre           0844 871 7645

 

3-7 October 2017                            Grand Opera House, Belfast                                       

                                                         www.roh.org.uk                                                             028 9024 1919

              

10-14 October 2017                         Glasgow King’s Theatre                                                

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre                    0844 871 7648

 

17-21 October 2017                         Wolverhampton Grand                                                  

                                                         www.grandtheatre.co.uk                                               01902 429 212 

 

24-28 October 2017                         Milton Keynes Theatre                                                  

                                                         www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre       0844 871 7652

 

31 October – 4 November 2017       Orchard Theatre, Dartford                                            

                                                         www.orchardtheatre.co.uk                                             01322 220000

Darlington Civic Theatre Winter / Spring 2017 listings

Darlington Civic Theatre

Listings Winter / Spring 2017

Box Office: 01325 486 555

Website: www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*Includes £1 restoration levy

DECEMBER

Making a Manuscript

Wed 14 December 2.30pm

Tickets £5

This engaging manuscript writing workshop invites you to explore the world of Dickens’ famous A Christmas Carol; you will be guided through Victorian London and consider the influence of Dickens’ own life within his works.

You will have the opportunity to examine special editions of A Christmas Carol before working on your own Dickens-inspired Christmas tales using quill pens and ink. This workshop will be led by Eleni Veltanioti from the Charles Dickens Museum, London.

Recommended for ages 16 and over.

Please note this workshop takes place in the Institute Room, The Friends Meeting House, Skinnergate, Darlington.

All proceeds to go directly to the Civic Theatre’s restoration fund. Darlington Civic Theatre Foundation, Registered Charity Number 147625.

……….

The Changing Face of Darlington’s Hippodrome

Thurs 15 December 7pm

Tickets £2.50

Join us for an illustrated one hour talk exploring the rich heritage of the theatre, some of the key architectural and design features, as well as the challenge of preserving and restoring the building throughout its redevelopment. The evening will feature guest speakers David Wilmore, lead heritage consultant from Theatresearch and Sean McNicholas, on site Operations Manager from the building contractors, Willmott Dixon, who will share their own experiences in restoring the theatre and embracing its Edwardian heritage.

The evening will also include a heritage question and answer session with the speakers.

The Changing Face of Darlington’s Hippodrome will be the first of a wide variety of public talks and lectures over 2017, leading up to the reopening of the theatre.

Please note this event takes place in The Pease Suite, The Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

All proceeds to go directly to the Civic Theatre’s restoration fund. Darlington Civic Theatre Foundation, Registered Charity Number 147625.

JANUARY

Starlight

Sat 28 January 11.30am & 2.30pm

Tickets £4, family ticket £14 (4 people, min 1 adult)

With Chris Bostock – the storyteller

Starlight is the charming story of little possum who collects starlight from the night sky. When his mother is ill, he is sent out alone into the big wide world to find his own food. He is helped on his journey by other animals who become his friends, but lost in the dark he has to find his own way home again by starlight. Everyone who comes to hear the story will be given some starlight to take home!

Storytelling for children between 2 and 6 years old with their families.

Please note this performance takes place at Crown Street Art Gallery, Crown Street Library, Darlington.

FEBRUARY

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) presents

Hidden Histories: A Spotter’s Guide to the British Landscape

Sat 11 February 7.30pm

Tickets £12, general concessions £11, RGB / IBG members and one guest £10 each (quote membership number)

Join TV presenter and archaeology writer Mary-Ann Ochota on a journey through Britain’s historic landscape. What clues should you look for to puzzle out the origins of a village, or the age of a hedgerow? What are the secrets hidden in tumuli, chambered tombs and churchyards? Drawing on her new book, Hidden Histories, this talk will be packed with clues and examples of what to look for and where to go to decipher the story of the landscape around us. A must for all landscape detectives!

Mary-Ann Ochota is a broadcaster and anthropologist whose work has taken her across the world, including into the Chernobyl exclusion zone, the Algerian Sahara, across Australia’s Simpson Desert, and to the slums of Dhaka and Delhi. She writes regularly for Geographical, The Great Outdoors and The Telegraph. She has presented programmes such as Time Team and Unreported World. Her new book, published in October 2016 and entitled Hidden Histories: A Spotter’s Guide to the British Landscape, will be the subject of her talk.

Please note this event takes place in Central Hall, Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

……….

The Spark Arts, Big Imaginations and Turned On Its Head present

Sponge

Thu 23 February 11am & 2pm

Tickets £5, family ticket £16 (4 people, min 1 adult)

Roll, squeeze and pop yourself through a new malleable kind of family dance show, set to a 1970s-influenced score, perfect for babies, young children and families. Sponge is about all things spongy, a child’s ability to soak information up like a sponge and the squishy, squashy texture that fascinates children and adults alike.

Dance company Turned On Its Head makes exciting participatory theatre for early years, taking children on a creative journey, engaging audiences throughout its performances and encouraging lots of family interaction. Everything in Sponge can be made with simple materials at home so there’s plenty more fun to be had after leaving the theatre.

A performance for babies aged 4 months to children under 4, and their grown-ups

Please note this performance takes place at Central Hall, Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

MARCH

Sammy and the Snow Leopard

Sat 11 March 2pm & 4pm, Monday 13 March 10.30am & 1.30pm

Tickets £5

Sammy LOVES animals, but his Mum won’t let him have any in the house. When he hears about the ‘Adopt a Snow Leopard’ programme, Sammy reckons he’s found the perfect way to have a pet. But then a parcel arrives – and Sammy finds himself on a crazy adventure, involving stuffed animals, evil neighbours, school projects and limes…

Recommended age 5-10

Please note this performance takes place at Crown Street Art Gallery, Crown Street Library, Darlington.

JUNE

Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards – Try Hard

Tues 13 June 7.30pm

Tickets* £16

Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards is a unique British sporting hero with an incredible story to tell.

In Try Hard, Eddie talks through his incredible life-journey; from self-learning ski-jumping and being shunned by the sporting establishment, to the extensive surgery to rebuild his face and body following years of spectacular crashes on the snow as he set out to break world-records in stunt jumping (10 cars & six buses) and speed-skiing (106.8mph); from bankruptcy through trustees’ mismanagement, to gaining a law degree, and even how he became a most unlikely pop-star in Finland, above all, what will shine through is the steely resilience of a fearless man determined to overcome huge sporting and life hurdles.

Please note this performance takes place at Central Hall, Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

The Commitments Review

It was a cold, wet and foggy evening in Leeds yesterday, but inside the Grand we were transported to back to the glorious mid eighties in Dublin as we watched The Commitments, the new stage version of Roddy Doyle’s novel that the author has himself adapted.

Doyle’s 1987 novel The Commitments was a story with music at its heart.  The characters were revealed so vividly through Doyle’s dialogue that they spawned a trilogy of novels. The 1991 film adaptation, directed by Alan Parker, portrayed the economic and social decay in mid-1980s Dublin.  The stage version, adapted by Doyle, opened in the West End in 2013. It remains loyal to earlier incarnations of the story.

The Commitments tells the story of Jimmy Rabbitte,  a young working-class music fan who somehow turns a rather unlikely and motley crew of amateur musicians into an amazing live soul band, the finest Dublin has ever produced. We follow the auditions and the setting up of the band as they come to know each other and to learn to play together, then through the rehearsals to the all-important first gig and beyond, with all that this entails. Sex, drugs (well, alcohol) and a rock n roll lifestyle. It’s all there. And the implosion at the end.

The first part of the show is mainly concerned with how The Commitments became a band. It’s a plot driven section, full of comedy and rowdy behaviour. The second half follows the fortunes of the band as a record deal looms on the horizon, and is mainly performance based. As you’d expect from a show about soul music, the relevant cultural touch stones are belted out in a grand old fashion.

Cast-wise, it’s a strong affair with not a single disappointment amongst the young performers.  Andrew Linnie takes on the central role of Jimmy Rabbitte and does a superb job all round. Brian Gilligan as lead singer Deco holds the stage and encapsulates the whole story. With charisma and an incredible soul voice. His passion for singing those songs is unmistakable. He portrays the egoistic and nasty sides of Deco convincingly. His rendition of  Try A Little Tenderness towards the end of the show is enough to make the hairs stand up on the back of one’s neck.

Alex McMorran was unavailable so Jon Bonner played Joey the Lips with all his pontifications and does so with a charm that suits the lascivious character. Kevin Kennedy performs the role of ‘Jimmy’s Da’ (father) in a nicely understated way. The three “Commitmentettes” are played by Amy Penston, Leah Penston and Christina Tedders each one has an individually powerful voice and is fortunately given a chance to shine alone as well as in the trio. The acting from all three is spot on too. A solid supporting cast and excellent musicianship with the live off stage band led by Matthew J Loughran add to the whole production

The show features classic soul songs including I Heard It Through The Grapevine,  Knock On Wood, You Keep Me Hanging On and Mustang Sally. From the Motown medley of What Becomes of the Broken Hearted to rock’n’roll classics such as (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

The set, designed by Soutra Gilmour, is simple but very effective and evokes Dublin social housing as well as various other slightly seedy venues of the 80s. Gilmour is also responsible for the costumes, which work perfectly and very much depict the era.  And I know we’re not supposed to notice the technical crew but I must say how hard they worked moving the magnificent set around the Grand’s stage.  

This is much more than a bog-standard compilation musical. The dialogue has a splendid wit and the exhilaration of making music is beautifully caught. There’s a strong sense that for these kids – living in bleak council estates and struggling along in dead end jobs or on the dole – being in a band offers the one real chance of hope and escape

All in all, it’s a fantastic show.  It’s the story of a band struggling to be a band. Their struggles along the way are hilarious and when they finally make it and the pieces click into place, it’s magnificent.

In Leeds until Saturday 10 December and on tour around the UK

Ed Balls confirmed for Strictly Tour, along with Ore Oduba and Lesley Joseph

STRICTLY COME DANCING

10TH ANNIVERSARY

LIVE TOUR

20 JANUARY – 12 FEBRUARY 2017

images-1ED BALLS, ORE ODUBA & LESLEY JOSEPH

ARE THE LATEST CELEBRITIES

ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2017 TOUR

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, sports presenter Ore Oduba and actress Lesley Joseph are the latest celebrities announced to appear on the Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour, which kicks off in Birmingham on 20 January 2017.

Ed, Ore and Lesley will join fellow celebrities Louise Redknapp, Danny Mac and Daisy Lowe on the 10th anniversary tour, alongside tour host Anita Rani, and the new tour judging panel of Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Karen Hardy.

Ed Balls*, described by many as the ‘people’s champion’, became the 10th celebrity to leave the TV series on Sunday night, after losing in the dance-off to Judge Rinder. On joining the tour, Ed said: “My time on Strictly has been incredible. I’ve been overwhelmed by the huge support I’ve had from the public voting for me. Going on tour is going to be another first for me and I plan to give it everything I’ve got for the audiences across the country.”

Ore Oduba, BBC Sports presenter, who scored 36 for his Paso Doble on Saturday night’s show said: “Taking part in Strictly has surpassed my wildest dreams. So much so it’s difficult to imagine life without it! The live tour means I don’t have to wake up from this Strictly dream. I can’t wait to travel the country with my friends and meet the fantastic audience that made our whole experience possible.”

Lesley Joseph, best known for playing Dorian Green in the popular television series Birds of a Feather, exited the series in week five. On joining the tour she said: “This has been a very special Strictly series and I am very proud to have been part of it. But now I can’t wait for the tour. I’m getting ready to put my dancing shoes back on and hit the dance floor again!”

The full tour line-up, including the professional dancers, will be announced soon.

The 30 show spectacular, Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour, will open at the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham on 20 January 2017. The tour will then visit the biggest entertainment venues across the UK: Metro Radio Arena Newcastle, Sheffield Arena, The SSE Arena Glasgow, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, First Direct Arena Leeds, Manchester Arena, Liverpool’s Echo Arena, The SSE Arena Wembley, before culminating at The O2 in London on 12 February.

Tickets for STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR 2017 are on sale now

20 – 22 January Birmingham: The Barclaycard Arena 0844 338 8000

(Friday 20th at 7.30pm, Saturday 21st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 22nd at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

24 January Newcastle: Metro Radio Arena 0844 493 6666

(Tuesday 24th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

25 – 26 January Sheffield Arena 0114 256 5656

(Wednesday 25th at 7.30pm, Thursday 26th at 7.30pm)

27 – 29 January Glasgow: The SSE Hydro 0844 395 4000

(Friday 27th at 7.30pm, Saturday 28th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 29th at 1.30pm)

31 January – 1 February Nottingham: Motorpoint Arena 0843 373 3000

(Tuesday 31st at 7.30pm, Wednesday 1st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

2 – 3 February Leeds: First Direct Arena 0844 248 1585

(Thursday 2nd at 7.30pm, Friday 3rd at 7.30pm)

4 – 5 February Manchester Arena* 0844 847 8000

(Saturday 4th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 5th at 1.30pm)

7 – 8 February Liverpool: Echo Arena 0844 8000 400

(Tuesday 7th at 7.30pm, Wednesday 8th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

9 – 10 February London: The SSE Arena, Wembley 0844 815 0815

(Thursday 9th at 7.30pm, Friday 10th at 7.30pm)

11 – 12 February London: The O2 0844 856 0202

(Saturday 11th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 12th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

*Please note that due to prior commitments, Ed Balls will not be appearing at Manchester Arena (4th – 5th February).

Ticket costs: £35 – £65 (bands venue dependent)

The O2 prices are £36 – £66 (Inclusive of a £1 per ticket venue facility fee)

All ticket prices are subject to a booking fee

To book tickets please contact the venue or call 0844 875 8758 For online bookings visit www.ticketzone.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.co.uk For more information visit www.strictlycomedancinglive.com

Twitter: @scd_live_tour Facebook: www.facebook.com/strictlylive

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR is produced by Stage Entertainment and Phil McIntyre Entertainments, in association with BBC Worldwide.

For more information please contact:

Lana Lay / Neil Reading

Neil Reading PR

020 7839 2277 [email protected]

Notes to editors:

About BBC Worldwide Ltd

BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Its vision is to build the BBC’s brands, audiences, commercial returns and reputation across the world. This is achieved through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. The business also champions British creativity globally.

In 2014/15, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £138.64m and headline sales of £1,001.8m and returned £226.5m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website: http://www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

bbcworldwide.com twitter.com/bbcwpress

Darlington Civic Theatre – Making a Manuscript

Civic-Theatre-Hi-Res-Logo-1-117x300KEEPING TO THE SCRIPT

An opportunity for budding writers to explore the world of Charles Dickens on Wednesday 14 December at 2.30pm.

As part of the Dickens in Darlington season, Darlington Civic Theatre is offering an exciting writing workshop, Making A Manuscript, where people can explore the world of Charles Dickens’ famous A Christmas Carol and be guided through Victorian London to consider the influence of Dickens’ own life within his works.

There will also be the opportunity to examine special editions of A Christmas Carol before writing your own Dickens-inspired Christmas tales using quill pens and ink.

This unique workshop will be led by Eleni Veltanioti from the Charles Dickens Museum in London. Recommended age 16 and over.

Making A Manuscript is at the Institute Room, The Friends Meeting House, Skinnergate, Darlington on Wednesday 14 December at 2.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £5

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or for more information visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk. All proceeds to go directly to the Civic Theatre’s restoration fund. Darlington Civic Theatre Foundation, Registered Charity Number 147625.

Darlington Civic Theatre – The Changing Face of Darlington’s Hippodrome

Civic Theatre Hi Res Logo (1)THE MANY FACES OF DARLINGTON’S HIPPODROME

Darlington Civic Theatre will be hosting a talk exploring the rich heritage of the theatre on Thursday 15 December at 7pm in The Pease Suite, The Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

Darlington Civic Theatre is hosting a special, illustrated talk exploring the rich heritage of the theatre, some of the key architectural and design features, as well as the challenge of preserving and restoring the building throughout its redevelopment.

The evening will feature guest speakers David Wilmore, lead heritage consultant from Theatresearch and Sean McNicholas, on site Operations Manager from the Civic Theatre’s restoration building contractors, Willmott Dixon, who will share their own experiences in restoring the theatre and embracing its Edwardian heritage.

The evening will also include a question and answer session with the speakers.

The Changing Face of Darlington’s Hippodrome will be the first of a wide variety of public talks and lectures over 2017, leading up to the reopening of the theatre.

Tickets are priced at £2.50

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or for more information visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk. All proceeds to go directly to the Civic Theatre’s restoration fund. Darlington Civic Theatre Foundation, Registered Charity Number 147625.

Adam & Eve…and Steve//King’s Head/Spring 2017

Flying Entertainment and AES in association with The King’s Head

 present the London premiere of

Adam & Eve… and Steve

King’s Head Theatre, London N1

21 March to 29 April 2017

 

God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve” (1977, unknown)

 steve-dale-adams-eve-hayley-hampson-adam-joseph-robinson-1-jpg-2

Adam & Eve… and Steve is a brand new five star musical farce set in a newly created paradise, the Garden of Eden. The basis of every love story, every romantic ballad, and every sentimental poem ever written is man meets woman, they disagree, they resolve their differences, they fall in love.   But…..

Adam & Eve… and Steve  is the story of the first couple up to a point…everything in the Garden is going according to God’s plan until the pesky Beelzebub adds the hunky Steve into the mix.  Fun, mischief and mayhem ensues as Adam & Eve compete for Steve’s affections and God tries to impose some order on the chaotic love tangle that ensues.

 

Adam & Eve…and Steve won Best New Musical at the Hollywood Fringe 2015 and comes to London after a highly acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2016

Dale Adams (Steve) trained at the Arts Ed, London. His stage appearances include Prince Charming in Cinderella and Frankie Valli in Oh What a Night! He has also appeared at Glyndebourne and was in the ensemble for the Olivier Awards.

Michael Christopher (God) played Sir Thomas Moore in Robert Bolt’s A Man For All Seasons and Monk Tetzel in John Osborne’s Luther.

Hayley Hampson (Eve) trained at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and her credits include: Blue Girl in Shout! The Mod Musical; Faryl in Golden Oldies; Daisy in Pharaoh Cross the Mersey; and Sophie in Departure Lounge.

Stephen McGlynn (Beelzebub) has appeared in the West End in Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia (original cast), Les Miserables, Witches of Eastwick, and State Fair. He has also appeared in Romeo and Juliet, It’s A Wonderful Life, Hairspray, Macbeth, Beauty and the Beast and Evita.

Joseph Robinson (Adam) trained at The Guildford School of Acting and this is his professional debut.

Adam and Eve… and Steve is directed and choreographed by Francesca Goodridge. Francesca Trained at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. She has worked as an actor, singer and director. Her directing credits include Shout! The Mod Musical at LIPA, Edinburgh Festival and Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre.

The book and lyrics are by Chandler Warren, a noted US entertainment lawyer, producer and writer. Warren has written extensively for television and theatre, as well as penning numerous books and articles. He has also produced movies, for television and theatre productions, both on and off Broadway.

The original music is composed by Wayne Moore, whose previous original works include; There’s No Place Like Hollywood (Stella Adler Theatre), Freeway Dreams (The Gardenia), I Know I Came In Here For Something and The Real Desperate Housewives (Taconic Playhouse, New York).

Musical direction is by Dean Austin, whose extensive credits include Allegro at Southwark Playhouse, Zorroat the Garrick, as well as TV appearances on Jonathan Ross, Royal Variety Show and Paul O’Grady.  Set and Costume designer is Roberta McKeown, whose credits include Shout! The Mod Musical.   Roberta was Wardrobe Assistant for the UK tour of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and the UK tour of Jeeves and Wooster and for Disney’s The Lion King.

Lighting is by Richard Williamson, production manager for C Venues at the Edinburgh Festival; his many credits include Easter Rising at the Jermyn, Richard lll at Stratford, and Play Size at Young Vic.   Sound Design is by Django Holder who graduated from The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in 2016 with a BA (Hons) in Sound Technology.  This is his professional debut.

The King’s Head Theatre is London’s first and foremost pub theatre and is led by Artistic Director, Adam Spreadbury-Maher. New writing, revivals, musicals, opera, cabaret and queer work sit side by side in an unashamedly eclectic programme of work. Thanks to an in-house agreement with Equity, we’re leading the way when it comes to ethical employment on the fringe whilst our resident trainee director’s scheme continues to provide comprehensive, vocational training to the rising stars of tomorrow. With high profile co-productions, national touring and transfers to and from the biggest arts festivals in the world, we’re certainly not slowing down!

 

Listings Information:

Venue: King’s Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, London, N1 1QN

Dates: Tuesday 21st March – Saturday 29th April 2017

Press Night: Tuesday 28th March 2017

Times: Tuesday – Friday @  8.40pm: Saturday @  3pm &  8.40pm: Sunday @ 5pm

Tickets: £10 – £35

Box office number:  020 7226 8561

 

Facebook: Facebook.com/AdamEveSteve

Twitter: @Adam_Eve_Steve

 

Scrooge and The Seven Dwarves Review

Theatre503 23 November – 7 January.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Sleeping Trees patented brand of festive lunacy is back with another brilliantly bonkers mashup of panto favourites. Just as Santa is loading his sleigh, disaster strikes – the Wicked Witch steals all the Christmas Spirit, leaving Santa’s mum (much scarier) to save the day. She realises that a tiny bit of Christmas Spirit is hidden deep, deep, deep, deeeeeeeep down inside Ebenezer Scrooge, so hatches a plan to force him to rediscover his humanity and save the day.

Sleeping Trees – Joshua George Smith, John Woodburn and James Dunnell-Smith – have written a fast-paced and whip smart show that embraces every panto cliché, with the added drama of tensions in the company over potential casting for a Hollywood movie. Composer Ben Hales, accompanies the madness on a range of instruments with an endearing air of bewilderment and a range of ridiculous hats. The knowing humour whisks us through a cast of Fairy-tale characters including the seven dwarves (played by 2 actors – just wait for the handshake scene!), Snow White, the Wizard of Oz; and in Old Victorian London Town (which MUST be said in your best Christopher Guest accent) Bob Cratchett and his tiny son, and a maudlin Mary Poppins “I’m Supercalafragile…”.

Sleeping Trees are all fine physical comedians with amazing onstage chemistry, and seem to be having as much fun as the audience. There is a joyful and refreshingly filth free innocence to the whole show – it’s as if Miranda Hart and David Mitchell had triplets.

Forget those huge productions – a cast of 3 is all you need. Get down to Theatre503 and this perfectly formed panto will banish the winter blues and get the party season started. I dug out my Christmas jumper as soon as I got home. A true Christmas cracker.