Month: May 2017

Antic Disposition presents: Richard III

UK Cathedral Tour: 14th July – 28th July 2017

Temple Church, London: 22nd August – 9th September 2017

Award-winning theatre company Antic Disposition present a thrilling new production of Shakespeare’s Richard III. This darkly comic drama will be staged in six of England’s most historic cathedrals and London’s ancient Temple Church.

The tour will include two special performances in Leicester Cathedral – the first production of Richard III to be performed in the building since the king’s remains were discovered buried under a nearby car park and reinterred in the Cathedral in 2015. Antic Disposition’s Richard III also visits Ely, Peterborough, Gloucester, Bristol and Salisbury Cathedrals.

The Wars of the Roses are over and King Edward IV rules England. But his brother, Richard, is in no mood to celebrate. With murder, deceit and dark humour as his weapons, Richard overcomes friends and foes alike to seize the crown. But as the body count rises, he soon learns that a throne founded on blood offers little security.

Richard III concludes at Temple Church in London for a run of fifteen performances. Located in the secluded and tranquil heart of London’s legal quarter between Fleet Street and the River Thames, Temple Church was built by the Knights Templar in the 12th Century and is one of London’s most beautiful and historic buildings. Known for its unusual circular design, Temple Church recently gained fame as a key location in Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code.

Directors Ben Horslen and John Risebero comment: After two sell-out cathedral tours with our First World War Henry V, we are delighted to be returning to these spectacular venues with a modern updating of Richard III. The historical Richard had his reputation trashed by his Tudor successors, and Shakespeare’s play is packed with ‘alternative facts’ designed to portray the king as a villain. By bringing our production to Leicester Cathedral, the king’s final resting place, we hope to entertain the audience with Shakespeare’s version of his story, while encouraging them to look beyond it at the more nuanced assessment of Richard that is now emerging.

Award-winning theatre company Antic Disposition, founded by director Ben Horslen and director/designer John Risebero, is best known for presenting innovative and visually striking productions of classic plays and stories in spectacular historic buildings. Past productions include A Christmas Carol in Middle Temple Hall, The Comedy of Errors in Gray’s Inn Hall and Henry V, which recently toured twelve UK cathedrals marking the centenary of the First World War and Shakespeare400.

TRH Productions, Scott Landis, Tulchin Bartner Productions and Zeilinger Productions present the Royal Shakespeare Company Production of

QUEEN ANNE
www.RSCQueenAnne.com / @RSCQueenAnne / #RSCQueenAnne

• FURTHER CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR QUEEN ANNE AT THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET
• QUEEN ANNE WILL PLAY FROM 30 JUNE UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER 2017, TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE AT WWW.RSCQUEENANNE.COM

Romola Garai will star as Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough alongside Emma Cunniffe as the eponymous monarch in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Queen Anne.

Completing the cast will be Daisy Ashford as Lady Clarendon, Sheena Bhattessa as Lady Somerset, Gabrielle Brooks as Jezebel and Lady Russell, Dave Fishley as King William III and Groom, Jonny Glynn as Jonathan Swift, Chu Omambala as John Churchill and Sid Sagar as Samuel Masham and Inns of Court Singer.

They join the previously announced Jonathan Christie (Arthur Maynwaring), Michael Fenton Stevens (Dr John Radcliffe), James Garnon (Robert Harley), Richard Hope (Sidney Godolphin), Hywel Morgan (Prince George), Beth Park (Abigail Hill) and Carl Prekopp (Daniel Defoe).

Queen Anne originally opened at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2015. It will transfer to Theatre Royal Haymarket for a thirteen week limited run from 30 June until 30 September, with a press night on 10 July. Tickets are now on sale at www.RSCQueenAnne.com.

Written by Helen Edmundson (The Heresy of Love, RSC) and directed by Natalie Abrahami(Happy Days, Young Vic), this gripping new play explores the life of one of England’s little-known sovereigns and her intimate friendship with her childhood confidante Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough. A timely production for turbulent political climes, the reign of Queen Anne saw the rise of the free press as well as the Act of Union between England and Scotland.

Daisy Ashford will play Lady Clarendon. Daisy trained at LAMDA and her theatre credits includeLove for Love, Queen Anne (both RSC), The Middlemarch Trilogy, Adam Bede, The Twelve Pound Look, The Skin Game, Diana of Dobson’s, Playgoers and The Beggars Opera (all Orange Tree Theatre), The Rivals (Theatre Royal Bath/ No1 UK Tour), All You Ever Needed(Hampstead/Royal Court), Quality Street (Finborough), Antigone (Southwark Playhouse) and The Norman Conquests (Sherringham). In addition to her work on stage, Daisy’s television credits include Wallander, Spotless, Bonekickers and Like Father Like Son and her film appearances include Jack Ryan, Captain America and The Sweeter Side of Life. In addition to this, Daisy has appeared on radio in Ruth and Love Lessons (Radio 4), and several Doctor Who audio plays (Big Finish).

Sheena Bhattessa will play Lady Somerset. Sheena’s theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet(National Theatre), My Generation (West Yorkshire Playhouse), The Great Game: Afghanistan(The Tricycle – Olivier Award Nomination), Lotus Beauty (The Gate) and The Lemon Tree (The World’s End Theatre). Sheena has appeared on screen in films including Canaries, Love Aaj Kal, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Take 2. Her television credits include Ransom, Midsomer Murders, Doctors, EastEnders, Whitechapel and The Fixer.

Gabrielle Brooks will play Jezebel and Lady Russell. Gabrielle’s theatre credits include Lazarus(Kings Cross Theatre), Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Sheffield Crucible), Red Snapper(Belgrade Theatre), The Strangers Case (Liverpool Everyman), The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales), I Can’t Sing (London Palladium), Hairspray (UK No 1 Tour/ Stage Entertainment), Our House (Savoy), Avenue Q (UK No 1 Tour/ Cameron Mackintosh). Gabrielle has also appeared in workshops for Synergy Play (Theatre 503), Perfect Pitch (St James Theatre), Becoming Nancy(Playful Productions), Big Fish (ATG), Love Me Tender (Adam Spiegel). Gabrielle has appeared on screen in the film Notes on a Scandal, as well as Paul O’Grady Show and Coming Down The Mountain.

Dave Fishley will play King William III and Groom. Dave’s theatre credits include Macbeth(Theatre Severn), Treasure Island and Of Mice And Men (Birmingham Rep), Hamlet, As You Like It and All’s Well That Ends Well (all RSC), Taming of the Shrew (Southwark Playhouse), Rough Crossings (UK Tour), The Odyssey (Lyric Hammersmith/Bristol Old Vic/Tour), Macbeth (Out of Joint), Paradise Lost (RNT Studio), The Special Relationship (UK Tour), Dido, Queen of Carthage(The Globe), Crime and Punishment in Dalston (Arcola), Caledonia Road (Almeida), The Nativity(Young Vic), Twelfth Night (Nuffield Southampton), Eritrea The Other War (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Marat/Sade (RNT), Silver Face and Ballad of Wolves (Gate), Now You Know(Hampstead), The Tempest (Battersea Arts Centre), Asylum! Asylum! (Abbey Theatre Dublin),Smoke (Royal Exchange), Macbeth and The Tempest (ESC). In addition to his work in theatre, Dave has also appeared on film in Bridget Jones’ Diary, The Man with Rain in His Shoes, The Fifth Element and Solitaire for Two. His television credits include Moses Jones, Casualty, Judge John Deed, Macbeth, Between the Lines (BBC), See How They Run (KEO Films), Buried (World),The Bill (Thames TV), A Touch of Frost (Yorkshire TV).

Jonny Glynn will play Jonathan Swift. Jonny trained at The Drama Centre and his credits for the RSC include Henry IV Parts I & II, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Much Ado About Nothing,Romeo and Juliet, The Blue Angel, Measure for Measure and King John. Jonny’s further theatre credits include Richard II, (Shakespeare’s Globe), Coriolan/Us (National Theatre Wales), Lucky Seven (Hampstead Theatre), Pera Palas (The Gate), Arcadia and Amy’s View (Manchester Library Theatre), Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo (Lyric Hammersmith), Lady Windermere’s Fan(Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Rivals, I Have Been Here Before, Tartuffe, The Count of Monte Cristo and Crimes of the Heart (all Royal Exchange), Hamlet (Birmingham Rep), The Taming of the Shrew (West Yorkshire Playhouse), The Merchant of Venice (English Shakespeare Company),Gawaine and the Green Knight (Royal Opera House), The Broken Heart (Arts Threshold) and The New Apartment (Waterman Arts Centre). In addition to his work on stage, Jonny’s television credits include The Fixer, Clocking Off, The Bill, Heartbeat and Moll Flanders, he has also appeared on film in Submarine and in the Video Game The Witcher.

Chu Omambala will play John Churchill. Chu trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and his theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hecuba, The Canterbury Tales (all RSC), Intimate Apparel (Theatre Royal Bath/Park Theatre), King Lear (Chichester Festival Theatre/BAM New York), Sunset Baby (Gate Theatre), Danton’s Death, Women Beware Women, Statement of Regret, Candide, The Darker Face of the Earth, The Merchant of Venice, Troilus and Cressida (all National Theatre), Twelfth Night (Liverpool Playhouse), Bedroom Farce (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Macbeth (Out of Joint), Edward II, Richard II, Macbeth (all The Globe) andArabian Nights (Young Vic).  In addition to his work on stage, Chu’s television credits includeMidsomer Murders, Liar, Houdini & Doyle, Lucky Man, Common, Wolfblood, Treasure Island, Spooks, Casualty, Doctors, The Bill, Whistleblower, Doctor Who, Judge John Deed, Holby City, Richard II, White Teeth, Doomwatch. Chu has also appeared on film in The Merchant of Veniceand The Seventh Scroll and his radio credits include Troilus and Cressida, The Duel, Arabian Nights and Old Letters.

Sid Sagar will play Samuel Masham and Inns of Court Singer. Sid trained with the National Youth Theatre and Identity School of Acting and read History at the University of Bristol. Sid’s theatre credits include The Invisible Hand (Tricycle Theatre), The Tempest, Cymbeline, The Oresteia,The Taming of the Shrew (all Shakespeare’s Globe), Treasure (Finborough Theatre), The History Boys (UK Tour), True Brits (HighTide/Edinburgh/Bush Theatre), Eternal Love (English Touring Theatre/Shakespeare’s Globe) and Orpheus and Eurydice (National Youth Theatre). Sid’s short play, Raj, was produced by Little Pieces of Gold at the Southwark Playhouse in 2016. In addition to his work in theatre, Sid has also appeared on screen in EastEnders, Career of Evil, The Hollow Crown and The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies. His film credits include Murder on the Orient Express, Ready Player One and Karma Magnet and Sid has also appeared on radio in ECCo (BBC Radio 4).

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The RSC Acting Companies are generously supported by THE GATSBY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION and THE KOVNER FOUNDATION.

The work of the RSC Literary Department is generously supported by THE DRUE HEINZ TRUST.

#DL2017

9-11 JUNE 2017

SYSTEM OF A DOWN * BIFFY CLYRO * AEROSMITH ANNOUNCED AS 2017 DOWNLOAD HEADLINERS

SLAYER, ROB ZOMBIE, PROPHETS OF RAGE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, AFI,

OF MICE & MEN, SLEEPING WITH SIRENS, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE,

SIMPLE PLAN, EVERY TIME I DIE, THE STORY SO FAR,

AND FOZZY ALSO JOIN THE INCREDIBLE BILL

Download Festival, the world’s premier rock and metal event has announced System of a Down, Biffy Clyro and Aerosmith as its 2017 headliners, as well as twelve of the world’s most exciting bands in rock, pop punk, hardcore and metal. The three day festival takes place on 9 – 11 June 2017 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets are on sale now at downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets.

Alt rock / metal favourites System of a Down make a welcomed return to headline Download Festival for the third time on Friday 9 June. Always putting on a live performance of epic proportions, the dynamos behind some of the biggest selling metal hits of all time; Toxicity, Chop Suey, B.Y.O.B and Aerials will open the show with their unique blend of disjointed hardcore metal.

Speaking about their return to Download, System of a Down said:

“It’ll have been a couple of years since our memorable Wake Up The Souls show at Wembley, so returning to the UK to headline Download, a festival we always love to play, is really exciting for us. The energy and atmosphere there is always electric.”

The current unstoppable rock force that is Biffy Clyro will step up for their Download headline debut on Saturday 10 June, bringing their full-throttle stadium-sized show to Donington Park. Having scored their second Number 1 album with Ellipsis in 2016, the band are embracing stratospheric success built on a foundation of huge hits such as Wolves Of Winter, Bubbles, Mountains and many more. Biffy Clyro have arrived and Download is theirs for the taking.

Classic rock powerhouse Aerosmith make their spectacular return to headline the Main Stage on Sunday 11 June, in what will be their only UK appearance of 2017. After consistently proving they are one of the best bands in the world, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton, and Brad Whitford will close the festival weekend with style and panache as they rip through Dude (Looks Like a Lady), Walk This Way, Don’t Want to Miss a Thing and more.

Joe Perry of Aerosmith said:

“Every time we go on tour I look at the schedule for cities, towns or events that I look forward to playing. Download Festival is always one of the ones I circle. Donington is like home to us. I have some great memories playing there and I can’t wait to make some more.”

For 35 years Californian thrash giants Slayer have rampaged through the metal world. The genre defining band set the bar for all that followed and are still unmatched with their ferocious brand of infernal aggressive riffs, pounding drums and face melting solos. As well as being masters of darkness, Slayer are masters of their craft and remain as vital as ever. Download 2017 will see these metal royalty legends make a memorable return to Donington, having last performed there in 2007.

Horror rock legend Rob Zombie will turn Download into his trademark twisted carnival with stomp-laden classic and new tracks. With massive hits such as Dragula, Superbeast and Living Dead Girl, both dedicated fans and the uninitiated are in for one hell of a ride when ‘King Astro Creep’ and his monstrous outfit take to the stage.

Also confirmed for the Download line up are the mighty Prophets of Rage. The funk-metal rap elite task force brings together members of Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy and Cypress Hill. Having only formed this year, the Download crowd will be captivated by the most exciting debut on the line up, as the revolutionary musicians take to the stage to ‘take the power back’.

Alt rock / Punk legends AFI have garnered more than a cult following through 25 years of hard graft. The wildly successful Californian four-piece behind the era defining Miss Murder will be making their debut Download Festival appearance in 2017.

Five Finger Death Punch will tear Download apart with their colossal sound on their fifth appearance at Donington, whilst Orange Country metalcore behemoths Of Mice & Men make their first Download Festival appearance. Joining them are Fozzy, who, led by WWE Superstar Chris Jericho will be bringing punching riffs and huge choruses to the hallowed grounds.

Southern rockers Every Time I Die will hit the Download stage for a third time. Chaotic and grandiose, the hardcore Buffalo natives will bring a set laden with ferociousness and immediacy that is not to be missed. Sleeping With Sirens, the Floridian five-piece who combine melodic vocals with rock sensibilities are set to make the crowd go wild with their infectious anthems. Horror-metal favourites, Motionless in White also join the Download 2017 line up.

Pop punk veterans Simple Plan make a return to Download with their hugely upbeat hits, meanwhile it’ll be fist pumps, posi jumps and stage dives aplenty as pop punk heroes The Story So Far make their Download Festival debut.

Download Festival’s Promoter, Andy Copping said:

“We’re incredibly excited to announce the Download 2017 headliners. We have three giants of rock and metal topping the bill. As always, Download fans can expect world class performances across the weekend. You won’t want to miss a thing.

System of a Down made headline history back in 2011 and 2017 will no doubt see them bigger and better than ever. Saturday’s headliner, Biffy Clyro, have raised the bar for rock music – we’re always looking for bands to make their Download headline debut, and I have no doubt they’ll be worthy of the title. I’m delighted the mighty Aerosmith will be back, and their closing set will be something truly special. The band has a long history with Donington, and having them headline for us again is a real honour.”

Download Festival is the home of rock music and takes place on the sacred grounds of Donington Park, which have been associated with rock since the eighties. The festival attracts icons of rock and metal to its main stage, plus some of the best and hottest new acts in the world. AC/DC, KISS,

Metallica, Black Sabbath, Guns N’ Roses, Rage Against The Machine, Slipknot, Linkin Park and many more have all headlined its main stage.

For further information, please visit downloadfestival.co.uk

Trafalgar Studios 2 May – 3 June.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

I was blown away by Out There on Fried Meat Ridge Rd. at the White Bear earlier in the year, so jumped at the chance to see it again at Trafalgar Studios. This is one of those plays that you want to see over and over again, and under Harry Burton’s assured direction it is a sure-fire hit.

JD (writer Keith Stevenson) lives and works in a tatty motel run by Flip (Michael Wade) – who likes to know where you’re from so that he can direct his racist comments appropriately. After breaking up with his girlfriend and losing his job in the spork factory, Mitchell (Robert Moloney) answers JD’s ad for a roommate and his initial horror at realising he’d be sleeping in the same room as JD is compounded when he meets his neighbours. As well as Flip bursting into the room spouting (very funny) bile, meth head Marlene (Melanie Gray) and New Jersey thug Tommy (Alex Ferns) keep storming in in various states of hysteria and rage. So far, so Jerry Springer. But these stereotypical veneers hide more interesting depths. Marlene is an artist and Tommy is a poet (he thinks). The fantastic cast are all completely believable and are all given moments to steal the show – the production has the feel of an American Father Ted. The set is ludicrously realistic with damp patches, rubbish on the floor, piles of clothes on the bed – and an unescapable smell of tuna in the later stages of the play.

Stevenson’s surreal and farcical plot develops the characters wonderfully in the short running time and reveals the close family that exists in the motel without getting schmaltzy. JD at first appears to be a few sandwiches short of a picnic – he believes his mother’s story about his father being Jesus – but his sweet and simple philosophy of kindness and neighbourliness is infectious, and the realisation that the other characters need him and respect him, rather than take advantage of him, comes quickly. There is a huge warmth and love for these frankly insane characters, and the laughs come thick and fast. There’s even a hostage situation, which JD tries to resolve through the medium of dance. I cried with laughter. And the final reveal is just brilliant. It is just what you are hoping for after falling a little bit in love with the cuddly JD. Everyone needs a neighbour like him.

Just brilliant. And it really stands up to repeated viewing. Knowing what happens, you pick up the smart throw away lines that signpost the truth, and see more and more layers in the actors’ portrayals of this bunch of loons. I am definitely going back for more of this miraculous madness. A must-see production.

Arcola Theatre 2 – 27 May.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

The employees of a multi-national company are never on an equal footing. Most people will have noticed a “Made in …” label and had momentary flashes of guilt imagining dreadful working conditions, shuddered, and got on with their day. Alexandra Badea takes a look at four people around the world, and the dehumanising effects of globalisation on their lives.

None of the characters have names, simply titles. Their overlapping monologues are punctuated by twitching, tortured movements before collapsing to the floor, strewn with pulverised rubber. The set, with various items of broken office furniture poking through the rubber and a damaged wall, was reminiscent of a slag heap, adding to the symbolism of discarded humanity. The timelines and connections between the characters are not clear at first, but the narrative pieces together neatly, although a good 20 minutes could have been shaved off the play to make it a little more coherent.

Richard Corgan’s Quality Assurance of Subcontractors Manager (yep, he didn’t know what it actually meant either) flies around the world making deals and passing judgement. His disorientation and disconnect is initially kept at bay by inane webcam conversations with his family and other webcam activities with “angelofthenight05”, but the conditions he sees at the Shanghai factory finally shatter his illusions about human kindness and love.

One of the workers in the factory is Rebecca Boey, whose life is broken down into moments of time, sequences of movement, and measurements to keep her sane. The company announcements she repeats are hysterical in their brutality – “If you don’t apply yourself to your job today, you’ll be applying for a new job tomorrow!” Workers are fined for leaving the production lines to go to the toilet and sleep in cramped dormitories, but the young girl finds solace in calligraphy at night – enthusing poetically about freedom and wonder.

At the company’s call centre in Dakar, one team leader (Solomon Israel) is full of ambition and snobbery. Even his church has a pecking order of seating. Wearing his fake Versace suit, he spouts corporate nonsense at his team, and cannot understand their resistance to using French names when they answer the phone. He even insists that the canteen serves French dishes, not Senegalese. His initial gleeful connivance in dodgy cost cutting methods comes back to haunt him, and his comedic antics that have delighted the audience suddenly turn sour.

In Bucharest, a Research and Development Engineer (Kate Miles) is busy preparing a presentation for Corgan’s character. She neurotically keeps an eye on her baby and the babysitter on her laptop, and there is a wonderful sequence of opening computer programs as if she was conducting the Mozart piece playing in the background. The measure of how bad her day becomes is the food she chooses. Beginning with gluten free bread and vegan sandwiches, she ends it with microwave ready meals as even her satnav turns against her.

The cast are all impressive, with Miles and Israel having the showiest, funniest roles. They all show their characters’ defeat and despair with subtle well-judged performances and keep the audience engaged throughout.

Lucy Phelps’ translation is fizzing with evocative language and humour, and The Pulverised is a fine attempt to shine a light on the human cost of globalisation. Well worth a look.

Jack Studio Theatre 2 – 13 May.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

The stories of the victims of Chernobyl comes to the Jack Studio Theatre in a moving and powerful bilingual production.

My strongest memories of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 are BBC interviews with academics and farmers worrying about whether Welsh lamb would still be edible, so listening to the accounts of the locals carrying on growing and eating their own vegetables is mindboggling. Germán D’Jesús’s adaptation of Svetlana Alexievich’s book of interviews has a lot to cram into 60 minutes, but the choices made have resulted in a play that feels complete and well-balanced.

The accounts of innocent locals whose faith in the state’s protection are intermingled with the cold and despairing reports of scientists, the bravado of the soldiers brought in to tackle the disaster, and the official party line – creating an emotional whirlwind of sympathy, disbelief, anger and amazement at the strength of the human spirit to carry on.

The words of the victims are often poetic in Keith Gessen’s translation, with some bittersweet moments as the citizens of Pripyat watching Chernobyl burn with the awe of a crowd at a firework display – “We didn’t know that death could be so beautiful”. The casualness of the population because of the lack of immediate visible damage to the environment seems unbelievable now, but the cold war rhetoric spouted by the officials reminds the audience why these people were so naïve and trusting of the state. “It was a conspiracy of ignorance and obedience.” Mind blowing.

The Anglo-Russian cast multirole brilliantly, with Oleg Sidorchik a force of nature as various officials and soldiers. His words are mostly translated using projections, but the scene where his manic, gesture-filled rant is translated coldly in a serene monotone by the luminous Karina Knapinska is fantastically funny. There is a lot of irony and gallows humour in the play, and the pace of the different stories is fast and makes you want to learn more about these characters (I’ve ordered the book already); but the final story changes the tone completely. Kim Christie comes on stage as the young wife of one of the firemen who first tackled the fire, without any protective gear. Christie is phenomenal as she tells of watching her husband die from radioactive poisoning. Her tale is full of well-meaning stupidity by medical staff, her own lies and guilt about her pregnancy, and is given the time to let the horrors and emotion sink in. The play ends with rising anger and despair, but the undercurrent of love and admiration for the sacrifices some of these people made remains.

Voices From Chernobyl is a stunning play that hits hard, reminding us of the human cost of nuclear power, but also celebrates the power of love. Wonderful, just wonderful.

“HALF A SIXPENCE”

GOES OUT WITH A

FLASH, BANG, WALLOP

ON SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER

FINAL FOUR MONTHS

First presented at Chichester’s Festival Theatre, last summer’s hit “HALF A SIXPENCE” will play its final performance in London on Saturday 2 September, having extended its limited season twice. Acclaimed by audiences and critics as a dazzling reinvention of the original musical and winning plaudits for both production and cast, the role of Arthur Kipps, which made Tommy Steele a star 54 years ago, has now well and truly launched the career of newcomer Charlie Stemp with his sensational award-winning performance. When the show ends its run at the Noël Coward Theatre it will be the longest running West End transfer from the Chichester Festival Theatre since “Singin’ in the Rain”.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh says: “I’m delighted that this new “Half A Sixpence” has been greeted so rapturously by audiences and critics and discovered a new star in Charlie Stemp.  It is most gratifying that this long neglected David Heneker and Beverley Cross musical, brilliantly re-written by Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, now has a new lease of life with interest for several other productions in discussion.”

“HALF A SIXPENCE” stars Charlie Stemp as ‘Arthur Kipps’, Devon-Elise Johnson as ‘Ann Pornick’, Ian Bartholomew as ‘Chitterlow’ and Emma Williams as ‘Helen Walsingham’. Earlier this year, the show won three WhatsOnStage Awards for Charlie Stemp as Best Actor in a Musical, Emma Williams for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and Andrew Wright for Best Choreography.

This new stage version of “HALF A SIXPENCE”, the musical adaptation of H.G. Wells’s semi- autobiographical novel ‘Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul’, is a completely fresh adaptation which reunites book-writer Julian Fellowes (Oscar-winning screenwriter and creator of Downton Abbey) with George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the musical team that co-creator Cameron Mackintosh first put together to create the hit stage adaptation of “Mary Poppins” with Disney. The score is inspired by and features several of composer David Heneker’s exhilarating songs from the original production, including ‘Flash Bang Wallop’, ‘Money To Burn’ and ‘Half A Sixpence’.

Arthur Kipps, an orphan and over-worked draper’s assistant at the turn of the last century, unexpectedly inherits a fortune that propels him into high society. His childhood companion, Ann Pornick, watches with dismay as Arthur is made over in a new image by the beautiful and classy Helen Walsingham. Both young women undoubtedly love Arthur – but which of them should he listen to? With the help of his friends, Arthur learns that if you want to have the chance of living the right life, you need to make the right choices.

“HALF A SIXPENCE” is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh who recently directed The Wind in the Willows, as well as the Olivier nominated Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Open Air Theatre.  The production is designed by Paul Brown, with choreography by Andrew Wright (Chichester/West End production of Guys and Dolls, the UK Tour of Barnum and Moby Dick at the Union Theatre) with orchestrations by William David Brohn. The musical supervisors are Stephen Brooker and Graham Hurman, who also conducts; with lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter and video design by Luke Halls. The original 1963 musical was written by Beverley Cross and David Heneker.

Tickets are priced from £12.50 – £77.50. A limited number of £20 seats are released each day from 10.00am in person at the box office. www.halfasixpence.co.uk

Sunderland Empire – until Saturday 6 May 2017.

Grease was the word at Sunderland Empire for this new tour of the classic Grease The Musical.

Unfortunately it wasn’t the one that I wanted. I’m not sure if it was the grey Bank Holiday weather, touring tiredness or just a general lethargy but this show, apart from some stand out moments, felt a bit flat. Maybe it was the addition of star names who weren’t up for the challenge that didn’t help but they seemed to be going through the motions of performing rather than giving the show the energy and passion it needed.

Tom Parker, formerly of The Wanted, tries to impress in his first theatrical role as heart-throb Danny Zuko. Clearly he can sing and handles the complex dance routines very well but at times, there is a lack of power behind his vocals. Ex-Eastenders star Louisa Lytton is wise-cracking Queen of the Pink Ladies, Rizzo. In the second act she really unleashes Rizzo’s fierceness, but character’s big song, There Are Worse Things I Could Do, lacked passion. Compare this to the flawless performance of Danielle Hope as Sandy – her rendition of Hopelessly Devoted to You was nothing less than phenomenal. Mentions must also go to the terrific T-Birds Michael Cortez (Kenickie), Ryan Keenan (Doody), Oliver Jacobson (Roger), Grant Thresh (Sonny) and the incredible Pink Ladies Rhiannon Chesterman (Frenchy), and Marty (Lauren Atkins), and Jan (Rosanna Harris), who carried their struggling main counterparts through the show. The young ensemble are the definite stars.

Yet while some elements don’t come together as well as expected, there is plenty to like about this particular production, most notably the Jacobs-Casey songs including Summer Nights, You’re The One That I Want, Sandy and Greased Lightnin’, which greet the audience like old friends. And although the show got off to a slow start, Doody thrust the show into high Rock ‘n’ Roll gear with his spectacular performance of ‘Those Magic Changes’. The surprise hit of the night

Some things were good. Terry Parsons flashing, stylized sets and Andreane Neofitou’s colourful costumes were excellent, Arlene Phillips vigorous choreography was incredible and the band – positioned above at the rear of the stage under Griff Johnson’s musical direction – were truly fabulous

Ultimately though, even the faultless set, music, and choreography were eclipsed by Parker and Lytton’s painstakingly obvious inexperience on the stage. Despite the sheer talent of the insatiable Danielle Hope and supporting cast. However it is still relatively early on in the tour and given time I’m hopeful all the pieces will come together – and with some on the job learning – the potential is there for a first class production

Video Released to Showcase Brand New Musical

Heaven on Earth

Starring

* Kerry Ellis * Hugh Maynard *

Featuring the Voice of

* Russell Watson *

You can download the video here

A video has been released to showcase brand new musical Heaven on Earth.

Telling the story of Adam and Eve Heaven on Earth will be touring arenas across the UK from December 2017 through to May 2018.

More than 200 guests attended the official launch of the show at Wembley Arena where both Russell Watson, as the Voice of God, and Hugh Maynard, who plays Adam, gave everyone a taste of what to expect by performing.

Also starring Kerry Ellis, Heaven on Earth is a classic re-telling of the story of Adam and Eve and their fall from Paradise. It is an exhilarating story of love, loss, and redemption, and an exploration of the universal search for the meaning of life.

This spectacular new musical is brought to audiences by Eden International Productions and journeys back to the very beginning of time.

Tickets are on sale now from www.seetickets.com

A huge production is planned which will see the Garden of Eden created in all its magnificent glory and a whole host of special effects including fire, water and animatronics.

Writer Sara Jeffs is the creator behind the script, music and lyrics.

She said: “It is so very exciting to see my script coming to life in Heaven on Earth.

“This brand new musical, and its original emotive songs, will resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, and stay with the audience long after they view this thrilling and visual treat of a production.

“The story of Adam and Eve is the oldest and greatest story ever told and whether you are someone with faith or someone who just enjoys the theatre and a great show this will appeal to you.”

The creative team behind Heaven on Earth includes director & choreographer Racky Plews – American Idiot (West End and Tour), Footloose (West End and Tour), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tour), set designer Jacqueline Pyle – Robbie Williams (Take The Crown Tour), Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremony (UK), Take That (Progress Live Tour), and arranger Geoff Alexander – Harry Potter, Notting Hill, Conductor for Gravity.

For further details about Heaven on Earth go to www.heavenonearththemusical.co.uk

Follow Heaven on Earth:

Twitter: @heavenearthtour

Facebook: @heavenonearthtour

Heaven on Earth Tour  Dates

• Birmingham Barclaycard Arena 4 – 7 December 2017
• Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 15 – 18 Jan 2018
• Nottingham Motorpoint Arena 27 -30 Jan
• Leeds First Direct Arena 9th – 12 Feb
• Manchester Arena 22 – 25 Feb
• Sheffield Arena 7 – 10 March
• Edinburgh Royal Highland Centre 14 – 17 March
• Liverpool Echo Arena Liverpool 22 – 25 March
• Aberdeen AECC Arena 28 – 31 March
• Portsmouth Guildhall 4 – 7 April
• Newcastle Radio Metro Arena 11 – 14 April
• Glasgow Clyde Auditorium 18 – 21 April
• Exeter Westpoint Arena 26 – 29 April
• The SSE Arena, Wembley 9 – 12 May