Month: September 2018

Bear Trap and Kosky Productions in association with Park Theatre present the World Premiere of

A Pupil

By Jesse Briton 

31 October – 24 November 2018 | Park Theatre

 

Fringe First Award winning company Bear Trap Theatre are set to celebrate their eighth anniversary with a new play by Evening Standard Award nominated writer Jesse Briton. The World Premiere production of A Pupil will be performed at Park Theatre from 31^st October – 24^th November 2018.

 

Merging live classical music and new writing, A Pupil explores the relationship between an ex-professional violinist who was once hailed as a prodigy, and has now hit rock bottom, and a young aspiring musician. At its heart the play explores the ideologies surrounding friendship, music and success. The official press night will be on Monday 5^th November at 7pm.

 

A Pupil stars Lucy Sheen, Flora Spencer-Longhurst, Melanie Marshall and Carolyn Backhouse and is directed by Jessica Daniels (Resident Director – Girl From The North Country and Director of Pinch Punch at The Old Vic), with live original compositions by Colin Sell (I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, BBC Radio 4).

 

In a dilapidated North London bedsit, disgraced violinist Ye is preparing to end her life. The surprise arrival of Simona, an aspiring musician and wealthy heiress throws her plans into disarray. Together the pair embark on a series of lessons that will test the limits of friendship, music and success.

 

The role of Ye is played by Lucy Sheen. Training at Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama, Lucy was one of the first British-Chinese actresses to be accepted into a recognised UK adult drama school. Recent stage work has included Midsummer (RSC) and The Scar Test (Soho Theatre). Lucy’s TV roles include being the first ever female British East Asian actress to appear in EastEnders (BBC), Julia Davis’ black comedy Nighty Night and more recently Call The Midwife (ITV) and Casualty (BBC).

Ye’s pupil, Simona, is played by Flora Spencer-Longhurst. Flora is best known for her role in CBBC series Leonardo. Other credits include Love’s Labour’s Won (also known as Much Ado About Nothing) and Love’s Labour’s Lost (both RSC), The Beggar’s Opera (Open Air Theatre), Once (Phoenix Theatre) and The Bastard Executioner (FOX 21).

The cast is completed by Mary (Melanie Marshall), Ye’s evangelical landlady, and Phyllida (Carolyn Backhouse), Ye’s former college friend and current head of department and The Royal Conservatoire.

Melanie Marshall’s theatre credits include Jane Eyre (Bristol Old Vic; NT & International Tour 2016; UK Tour 2017), Guys & Dolls (UK Tour; Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre), The Infidel (Theatre Royal Stratford East), FELA! (National Theatre, Broadway & World Tour), Hot Mikado (Watermill Theatre / UK Tour), Kiss Me Kate (Old Vic and Savoy Theatre) and Fame (Aldwych Theatre). Melanie is also an accomplished musician, and has performed with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and all the BBC orchestras.

Carolyn Backhouse’s theatre credits include Windows (Finborough Theatre), Some Girls (Park Theatre), A Kind of Alaska (Bristol Old Vic), Leaving, Private View, How To Be Happy, Green Wash, The Actor’s Nightmare(Orange Tree Theatre), Crash (West Yorkshire Playhouse) Hobson’s Choice, A Dream of People (RSC), The Handyman (National tour) and Storm in a Flower Vase (The Arts Theatre).

 

Writer Jesse Briton is also a theatre-maker and actor. His previous work includes: Reclaimed (UK tour), Derailed (HOME, Battersea Arts Centre and National Theatre), The Muddy Choir (UK tour), Hiraeth (UK and NZ tour), Enduring Song (Southwark Playhouse), and the Fringe First winning Bound (UK and Australia tour).

 

In collaboration with Somerset based charity Wassail Theatre, A Pupil will be the first Park Theatre production to be filmed and screened into Somerset during the run.

 

There will also be a range of post-show talks, including a post-show panel discussion with guest Aimee Kwan (the youngest ever Royal Academy of Music entrant, who also features on Channel 4’s Child Genius) at 4:30pm after the matinee performance on Thursday 15^th November.

 

 

Creative Team

Writer | Jesse Briton

Director | Jessica Daniels

Composer | Colin Sell

Designer | Jessica Staton

Lighting Designer | Jessica Hung Han Yun

Company Stage Manager | Niamh Graham

Assistant Director | Ella Donaldson’

Sound Design | Bear Trap Theatre

Production Consultant | Tim Boyd

Production Dramaturgy | Melli Marie

Photography & Film | Meurig Marshall

Producers

Producer for Kosky Productions | Anthony Kosky

Assistant Producer for Kosky Productions | Emma Kendall

Producer for Bear Trap | Jesse Briton

Assistant producer for Bear Trap | Josh Foyster

Outreach Partner Charity | Wassail Theatre

 

www.parktheatre.co.uk

Box office: 020 7870 6876*
 

LISTINGS

A Pupil

Venue: Park 90, Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4 3JP

Dates: 31 Oct – 24 Nov 2018

Press night: Monday 5^th November 7pm

Performances: Mon – Sat Evenings 7.45pm, Thu & Sat Matinees 3.15pm

Age Guidance: 14+

Access Performances: Dementia Friendly performance: Thu 15 Nov, 13.00 and Audio Described performance: Fri 23 Nov, 19.45

Prices: Previews £14.50, Standard £18, Concessions £16.50, Child (Under 16) £13, Young Patrons (31 Oct – 07 Nov) £10, Groups – buy 10 tickets, get the 11^th free.
Booking: www.parktheatre.co.uk / 020 7870 6876

*10% telephone booking fee, capped at £2.50 per ticket.

 

LAST CHANCE TO CATCH UNDERBELLY FESTIVAL: BLACK CAT BOHEMIA, HOUSE OF BURLESQUE, ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS & MORE

 

●       Burlesque, Cabaret & Drag from Hello La Voix!, Lolo Brow, Cocoa Butter Club, Mister Jack, House of Burlesque, Marcel Lucont, Def Leotard & Burlesque Idol 

●       Family Fun from Aliens Love Underpants, Splash Test Dummies & Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall

●       Variety from Swing Out & Ukeclear Power

 

It’s officially the end of summer, but just like the blistering weather Underbelly Festival Southbank is still going strong. However, with just over three weeks left this is your final chance to catch a spectacular programme of circus, drag, burlesque, cabaret, variety and family entertainment in the amazing Paradiso Spiegeltent. 

 

The festival’s closing headliner is cult favourite Black Cat Bohemia: a magnificent circus-cabaret performance featuring acrobats, aerialists, fire breathers and musicians, all under the control of the marvelously shrewd and observant MC Frisky. (until September 30th).

 

The spectacular programme of cabaret and burlesque also includes neo-burlesque star Lolo Brow: Attention Seeker (12th September) and a tantalising feast for the senses from Hello La Voix!, mixing comedy, music and her legendary diva impressions (10th September).

 

The Cocoa Butter Club offer an exhilarating cabaret from performers of colour combining burlesque, spoken word, live music, drag, voguing and fire breathing to a soundtrack of Neo-Soul, R&B, motown, blues and jazz(13th September). Southbank favourite House of Burlesque Revue will then see some of the UK’s No.1 showgirls executing highly provocative and stunning performances (until 27th September).

 

House of Burlesque legend Tempest Rose will also be judging the Grand Final of the prestigious Burlesque Idol 2018. Burlesque stars from all round the world will be tasseling and shimmying their way to win the title of Miss Burlesque Idol (28th September).

 

For one night only, Underbelly Festival will then host the spectacular Mister Jack presents The Raspberry Cannoli Cabaret. The show is headlined by Ray Gelato – dubbed the “Godfather of Swing” – who has performed for the likes of H.M. Queen. (19th September)

 

Marcel Lucont’s Cabaret Fantastique also returns offering a hilariously dry spectacle of comedy, with a combination of a live band and some magnificent guests (21st September), while Def Leotard is an all-star mix of cabaret circus and ROCK from Miss Frisky, Kitty Bang Bang and Lilikoi Kaos (24 September).

 

Music and dance comes in the form of the world’s best ukulele orchestra Ukeclear Power (26th September)and Swing Out! A Night of Live Swing Music and Dancing – the perfect way to channel your inner swing king, with classes for beginners you will be sure to experience a whirlwind of live swing music (17th September).

 

Underbelly Festival caters for all age groups with plenty of family friendly activities including the very first theatrical production of modern kids classic Aliens Love Underpants (until 30th September), soggy and side-splitting slapstick circus from Splash Test Dummies (8th September), and Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall – providing tots 5-and-under with high energy fun and parents a chance to jam out to retro hits and pop favourites (30th September).

 

All of this combines with some of the best outdoors bars in London and a sumptuous range of drinks and street food to create a one-of-a-kind festival experience right on the Southbank.

Underbelly Festival

6 April – 30 September

Southbank, London, SE1 8XX

www.underbellyfestival.com

@UnderbellyFest | www.facebook.com/UnderbellyFestival | INSTA: underbellyfest

 

Kings Head, London – until 22 September 2018

Reviewed by Meghan Smith

4****

Driving musical parodies in the right direction!

This one act show has opened my eyes to how much of a person’s life you can
fit into an hour. Also, to say I have never had an interest in Formula One Racing
or Lewis Hamilton, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this
production.

After entering the King’s Head Theatre earlier on in the night, I had no inkling
on what to expect of both the actors and the story. Firstly, I have never seen
Hamilton nor have I ever had any interest in Lewis before so I initially expected
to be slightly baffled by the storyline. To my surprise, I managed to find
humour in a lot of the scenes and songs. All of the actors involved used their
characterisation to produce what can only be described as a musical parody
masterpiece!

Someone who I would like to give a special mention to is Louis Mackrodt.
When I entered the theatre, I felt extremely comfortable as this kind
gentleman introduced himself and spoke to me on a personal and social level,
not just simply as an actor who cannot speak to their audience. On stage, he
shone for me. His swift and distinct change of character showed not only his
professionalism but his fantastic training (as he explained prior to the show) at
the prestigious theatre school ‘Laine’. I would like to take this platform to
thank this man as well as his fellow performer Mr Jamie Barwood for
entertaining the audience all night and providing us all a thoroughly enjoyable
evening.

One slight downside I would have to say is the technical side of things. At the
beginning of the piece I couldn’t hear much of their singing/ rapping due to the
fact that the music was unfortunately too loud and the actors did not have any
form of microphones. This was prominent throughout the piece which made
some of the scenes seem inaudible and hard to understand.

However, overall this musical impressed me a lot and I would definitely be
open for promoting this show for future audience members. From me to this
production company I would like to wish them all the best of look with their
bright futures with this show.

Thank you personally for a thoroughly entertaining night.

 

Leeds Playhouse – until Saturday 29th September 2018

Reviewed By Dawn Smallwood

5*****

Jim Cartwright’s Road opens at Leeds Playhouse’s new Pop-Up Theatre, a temporary venue, while the main building is currently being renovated. The new Pop-Up season at the Playhouse is unique with an Ensemble Company of Northern actors performing in the variety of productions scheduled.

Road first premiered in 1986 and is about the lives of people who live in a deprived neighbourhood in Lancashire with unemployment being high, the lack of opportunities and also so little for them aspire to. Cartwright’s play explores the individual residents who live on the road and Scullery (Joe Alessi) whose rum dependent guides the audience to who is who.

The Pop-Up Theatre’s space is used very well with Hayley Grindle’s incredible staging of the road with its set and it is cleverly arranged and the space in the auditorium is used to the maximum. The audience is able to follow the action inside the row of terraced houses and also outside. The lighting, courtesy of Paul Lovett, is creative with dimmed obscured lighting highlighting the grim reality of the neighbourhood and the bright lights guiding maximum focus to the personal stories being told. There is Mark Melville’s soundscapes which haunt the poignancy of the residents’ situations.

Road, this production under the direction of Amy Leach, is intense, bold, explicit, unforgiving and raucous but fits the fragile spirit of the characters portrayed amid the strong language, adult themes and the raised emotions. Each of the characters has had hopes and memories but these hopes are quashed into pessimism, despair and apathy. There are some entertaining moments how the residents can switch off and have a good time with the playing of well known 1980s pop songs however entertainment and escapism quickly switches to desperation and self destruction with execessive alcohol consumption.

The ensemble cast of Alessi, Lladel Bryant, Darren Kuppan, Jo Mousley, Dan Parr, Tessa Parr, Robert Pickavance, Susan Twist and Elexi Walker do a superb portrayal of its residents and most of them doubling up as two characters. One must look forward to seeing them star in subsequent productions this season and getting to know them better on stage.

Road reminds how parallel it is today with many living in deprived areas and how these neighbourhoods are gradually being forgotten with austerity cuts, welfare reforms and lesser investment in such areas which evidently are having this impact notably poverty on its residents.

An intensely moving production which thought provokes the audience with maximum engagement and the linking of emotions. One must admire the fighting spirit of the forgotten community and such bravery is entwined in this production. Road is excellent and unmissable and Cartwright’s piece will resonant the personal and socio-economical issues that are addressed and this is not just confined to the North of England but it could be anywhere.

 

Trafalgar Studios  – until 13 October 2018

Reviewed by Elizabeth J Smith

5*****

Milly Thomas has taken the taboo, dark subject of depression and suicide and presented it with insight and humour.

No-one wants to talk about what goes through the mind of a person as they descend into a deep depression that leaves them with, what they believe to be only one choice, suicide.

The scene is set simply with a morgue table, mirrors and clever lighting that carries you to different locations to watch the after math of Alice’s suicide and how her family and friends are left behind to cope with her decision to end it all.

Milly Thomas morph’s into the other characters with super fast reaction, but it doesn’t leave you confused as to who she is playing. Whether it be Alice’s Mum and Dad, blaming themselves for their daughters decision. Cleverly acting a moment of affection from Father to dead daughter, as Alice watches and is surprised as she never felt that connection when she was alive. Her poor
Mother desperately trying to make things better, trying to rescue her daughter from the turmoil she can see her disappearing into. The portrayal of the meeting between Alice’s Mother and her Aunt leaves you in no doubt how different these two sisters are. Alice was always pleased to see her crazy Aunt as she gave great presents. There are no holds barred in the action between Alice and her boyfriend and the anger Alice feels when he moves onto a new partner and the over whelming sadness she causes her childhood friend who tried desperately to support and rescue Alice until it became to much to handle.

Alice talks to the audience throughout the performance, drawing you into the psyche of a very disturbed young woman. How she flips from sadness to anger, highs and lows, and finally questioning if suicide was the answer to her problems as the peace she hoped would come in death doesn’t and she wishes to go back and think about again.

This is a master piece of writing and performance.

Milly Thomas takes you on a journey for 45 minutes, that flies by in a flash, and leaves you in no doubt about the hell of depression and what is left after death.

This play made me laugh out loud and cry at the end. Fabulous story telling.

Darlington Hippodrome – until 8 September 2018

3***

Not being a native of the region, I had never heard of Joe Wilson, but in this World Premier of the show about his life – it would seem he had an interesting one.  Known as the Bard of Tyneside, in his short life he wrote and performed many songs around the region.

Wisecrack Productions have produced a play within a play with a cast of 4 performing multiple parts including Joe Wilson (Mickey Cochrane), his wife Bella (Sarah Boulter), his twin brother Tom (Jamie Brown) and various other family members and music hall entertainers, helped along with musician Jordan Miller.

The acting and singing were fabulous and this works well as an ensemble piece.  Ed Waugh’s writing and Russell Floyds direction have produced a very gentle play about one of the regions hero’s over 150 years after his death.

The audience were all singing along especially to Bonny Sally Wheatley and the most famous Wilson song Keep Your Feet Still Geordie Hinny.

Whilst I enjoyed the story, dealing with both Joe’s life and the socio-economic history of the time I struggled with the lyrics of the songs and could have done with a translation sheet to help me understand Joe’s observations in song form.

If you are a fan of the music and understand the lingo then this could be the show for you. It goes on tour around the region with details to be found at www.wisecrackproductions.co.uk/joewilson

Pickle Jar
Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE
Tuesday 23rd October – Saturday 10th November 2018, 7pm

Coming to London after a critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2018, Pickle Jar is the debut play written and performed by Maddie Rice, the star of smash-hit Fleabag’s UK and international tour. An undeniably witty one-woman show, Pickle Jar follows a teacher ready to shape a generation of fierce, poised, self-assured young women even if she’s not quite sure how to how to be a grown-up yet herself

Stranger danger, heartbreak and piña coladas are all on the syllabus when you’re learning how to be a Responsible Adult. The pressures of teaching, Tinder and outrageous best mates are a lot to juggle. It’s hard keeping it together when your whole life is falling apart

Tackling important social issues of consent and victim-blaming, Pickle Jar is honestly and sharply written. It’s a refreshing look at life for young women self-consciously navigating optimistic female empowerment while getting swept away by the excitement of playful sexuality. An acutely observed production, Pickle Jar is a moving piece about friendship, grief and mixing metaphors which never fails to be funny

Director, Katie Pesskin comments, Life isn’t black and white and the grey areas surrounding consent and responsibility are extensive. We really want to start a conversation about the complexities of these issues with a wider audience so we’re delighted to be bringing Pickle Jar to London. We’re not proposing to have all the answers but we hope that the audience will leave the show understanding why Miss feels the way she does, questioning how they feel about it, and knowing we need to create a society in which we all feel that we can talk about these issues. We also hope they’ll leave having had a good laugh!

Maddie Rice is effortlessly versatile, playing an array of patronising counsellors, fellow teachers and bovvered schoolkids. Her superb comic timing (and writing) is a gift. (★★★★ Fest)

Rice’s writing is honest and heartwarming, tackling important social issues with wit and brevity. Racing backwards and forwards, the performance flits between time and place, juxtaposing tragic circumstances with well timed comic observations to keep the audience enthralled from start to finish. (★★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine)

LINE-UP ANNOUNCED FOR

STRICTLY COME DANCING – THE PROFESSIONALS

2019 UK TOUR

Tickets on sale NOW

With Strictly fever about to hit new heights, as the 16th series of the smash hit award-winning BBC One show returns to Saturday and Sunday night TV, fans will be delighted to hear that tickets for the2019 Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals UK Tour are now on sale.

 

Starring 10 of the hugely popular and much-loved professional dancers from the Strictly Come Dancing television series, the 35-date tour kicks off at Salford’s Lowry Theatre on 3 May next year and will then dance its way around the country stopping at Edinburgh Playhouse on 10^th – 11^th May 2019.

 

The exciting line-up of magnificent dancers and Strictly TV favourites performing on the tour are: reigning Strictly champion Katya Jones; 2017 semi-finalist AJ Pritchard; two-time Strictly finalistGiovanni Pernice; 2016 Strictly finalist Oti Mabuse; Australian Open Champion Dianne Buswell; Professional World Mambo Champion and former Strictly finalist Karen Clifton; Two-time Ballroom and Latin World Champion Nadiya Bychkova; undefeated four-time British National Champion Neil Jones; three time Strictly semi-finalist Pasha Kovalev and 2017 Strictly finalist Gorka Marquez.

 

Audiences nationwide will enjoy the incredible talent of these multi award-winning world-class dancers as they perform stunningly choreographed Ballroom and Latin routines in exquisite costumes, with all the glitz, glamour, sequins and sparkle of the TV show – live on stage!

 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see this spectacular dance extravaganza as Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals returns to a venue near you next year for a Strictly limited engagement!

 

LISTING INFORMATION

 

STRICTLY COME DANCING – THE PROFESSIONALS

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

Greenside Place,

Edinburgh,

EH1 3AA

FRI 10 – SAT 11 MAY 2019

Eves 7.30pm | Sat Mat 2.30pm

 

HOW TO BOOK

Online: atgtickets.com/Edinburgh

Box Office: 0844 871 3014*

*fees apply.

THE CAST OF KINKY BOOTS WOWED THE CITY OF EDINBURGH AHEAD OF ITS

CHRISTMAS RUN AT THE PLAYHOUSE

Cast members from the hit musical Kinky Boots wowed an invited audience earlier this week as they visited the city to launch their upcoming visit to Edinburgh Playhouse this Christmas season.

 

The city’s bar and restaurant complex Brewhemia held the prestigious event which was hosted by Forth One’s Arlene Stuart.

Award winning cast member Callum Francis, who plays Lola in the show (until 15 December) entertained audiences with exclusive numbers from the show along with Angels Connor Collins from Glasgow and Jason Winter.

 

Following the event, the cast stopped tourists and shoppers in their tracks as they did some sightseeing in their thigh-high boots, visiting the Royal Mile and the Camera Obscura viewing platform.

 

Kinky Boots, the winner of every major Best Musical award, comes to Edinburgh Playhouse from Monday 10 December 2018 – Saturday 5 January 2019.

 

Callum Francis will play Lola until 15 December 2018 and Kayi Ushe will play the role from 17 December 2018. Paula Lane, known for her role as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street, will play Lauren and Joel Harper-Jackson will play Charlie.

Also in the Kinky Boots cast are Demitri Lampra (Don), Adam Price (George) Helen Ternent (Nicola) who will be accompanied by Charlie Allen, Nicola Avino, Lizzie Bea, Joshua St Clair, Connor Collins, Daniel Conway, Shaun Dalton, John Dempsey, Niki Evans, Mary Fox, Scarlet Gabriel, Damon Gould, George Grayson, Portia Harry,Joshua Lovell, Jacob McIntosh, Chileshe Mondelle, Alfie Parker, Fred Smiley, Toyan Thomas-Browne, Andy Watkins and Jason Winter.

 

Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre has become a favourite with UK theatregoers having won three Olivier Awards for Best New Musical, Best Costume Design and Best Actor in a Musical for Matt Henry who playedLola. Kinky Boots also won the London Evening Standard BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical as well as three WhatsOnStage Awards for Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical and Best Choreography.

 

With a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles), and songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind.

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

With direction and choreography by two-time Tony® Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray),Kinky Boots is the winner of every major Best Musical award including three Olivier Awards, threeWhatsOnStage Awards as well as six Broadway Tony® Awards.

Kinky Boots is produced by Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig and Playful Productions, in association with Cameron Mackintosh.

Official UK Tour Website: www.kinkybootsthemusical.co.uk/uk-tour

Official Facebook: www.facebook.com/KinkyBootsUK

Official Twitter: www.twitter.com/KinkyBootsUK

 

LISTING INFORMATION

 

KINKY BOOTS

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA

MON 10 December 2018 – SAT 5 JANUARY 2019

Mon – Thu & Sat 7.30pm | Fri 5pm & 8:30pm | Matinee performances Wed & Sat 2.30pm

 

HOW TO BOOK

Online: atgtickets.com/Edinburgh

Box Office: 0844 871 3014*

*fees apply.

CASTING COMPLETE FOR WEST END PREMIERE OF TRUE WESTMadeleine Potter and Donald Sage Mackay