Month: February 2019

WOW London 2019

• WOW LONDON 2019 BRINGS THE WOW COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO ASK‘WHAT NOW?’ AND ‘WHAT NEXT?’ IN AN UNMISSABLE TWO-DAY PROGRAMME
   
• CELEBRATING RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS, EACH DAY WILL ALSO TAKE A FRANK LOOK AT ONGOING EQUALITY ISSUES IN DIALOGUE WITH A RANGE OF INSPIRING SPEAKERS

WOW – Women of the World – has announced two major events across International Women’s Day 2019 to address the state of gender equality today.

On Friday 8 March in What Now? looks at the here and now. From politics to financial empowerment, from toxic masculinity to the intersection of sexism, racism and homophobia here are the subjects that matter most collated from WOW Thinkins around the world. Annie Lennoxleads a conversation on Global Feminism, and how local activism can turn into international solidarity; Julia Gillard, the first woman Prime Minister of Australia, talks about resilience and her mission to dispel the myths about female leadership, and we put money high on the agenda with a challenge to talk more about our personal finances – in particular, our pensions. Other speakers include: Gina Miller, the woman who successfully challenged the UK government’s authority to trigger Article 50; Rizzle Kicks musician and actor Jordan Stephenson the effects of toxic masculinity; Scarlett Curtis, curator of Feminists Don’t Wear Pink (and Other Lies); Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones), actor and co-creator of daisie, a new online community for creative collaboration; stand-up comedian Rosie Jones; cellist and singer Ayanna Witter-Johnson as well as spoken word from some of the UK’s best established and up and coming poets.

On Saturday 9 March we ask What’s Next?,  and present some of the artists, thinkers, and activists who are bringing new thinking and ideas that will transform the world. Speakers includeSandi Toksvig; model and activist Munroe Bergdorf; author of Eve Was Shamed: How British Justice is Failing Women Helena Kennedy QC ; bestselling author Reshma Saujani (Founder of Girls Who Code)and Jenny Sealey MBE (Graeae Theatre Company) who will be launching ‘Where is my Vagina’, a new initiative born out of conversations with her friends about sex and aging. WOW will also be in conversation with Lily Allen in the wake of her book My Thoughts Exactly.

What Next? also invites a group of First Nations and Indigenous women to discuss how women leaders are practising a new model of global leadership in the face of colonial power and its ongoing legacies. Speakers will include Dr Sandra Phillips (Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, University of Technology Sydney) and Mayor Vonda Malone, the first female mayor of Torres Shire Council with 22 years’ experience with the Australian government, and a Torres Strait Islander born and raised on Thursday Island.

What Now? and What Next? is every feminist’s dream double bill. A one-off event led by WOW’s founder Jude Kelly, it marks the launch of The WOW Foundation, an independent charitable organisation with national and global reach. WOW is preparing major festivals to celebrate its tenth birthday in 2020.

WHAT NOW? and WHAT NEXT? are a major part of the previously announced WOW London line up including: legendary activist and writer Angela Davis in conversation, award-winning journalist and author Naomi Klein speaking to Jude Kelly; the launch of major new international anthology New Daughters of Africa edited by Margaret Busby; comedy from Jo Brand; a world premiere from Women’s Equality Party co-founder Catherine Mayer; Bestselling author, blogger and campaigner Chidera Eggerue, aka The Slumflower.

WOW London takes place by arrangement with Southbank Centre.

LISTINGS

WHAT NOW?
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre
Friday 8 March, 2pm
Approx run time 210 minutes

Consider the ideas that matter to women in an event led by Jude Kelly, founder of WOW – Women of the World, with Annie Lennox, Gina Miller, Julia Gillard and more.

From the toughest realities many women and girls face every day, to the greatest triumphs, we present an afternoon of stories and performances designed to blow your mind and change your world view, featuring some of the best speakers, performers, activists and thinkers in the field.

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/133399-wow-what-now-2019

WHAT NEXT?
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre
Saturday 9 March, 2pm
Approx run time 210 minutes

In an age of hyperconnectivity, extreme ideas and political turmoil, what’s in store for the future of gender equality? Hear from Sandi Toksvig, Munroe Bergdorf, Lily Allen and more.

Hear from the women helping us imagine an equal world – from those on the frontlines of global movements to girls and young women changing our world for the better.

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/133411-wow-what-next-2019

Tickets are on sale

A number of events will be British Sign Language – details will be confirmed.

Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road
London SE1 8XX

Royal Shakespeare Company to tour three productions in repertoire for the first time.

RSC will tour ‘As You Like It’, ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ and ‘Measure for Measure’ to The Lowry in September 2019.

For the first time the Royal Shakespeare Company will tour three productions in repertoire to six regional theatres, playing for two weeks in each venue.  As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew and Measure for Measure will visit The Lowry from Wed 25 September to Sat 5 October 2019. 

The productions originally open in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, running between February and August 2019.

The company will feature 27 actors, who will each appear in two of the three productions.  As You Like It is directed by Kimberley Sykes, The Taming of the Shrew by Justin Audibert, and Measure for Measure by RSC Artistic Director, Gregory Doran.  Set design for all three productions is by Stephen Brimson Lewis, Director of Design for the RSC.

Gregory Doran, RSC Artistic Director, said: “We have worked hard to assemble a company of actors which reflects the nation in ways it has never done before. Featuring a 50/50 gender balanced ensemble, we have brought together talent from all corners of the United Kingdom, reflecting both the ethnic, geographical and cultural diversity of Britain today and those artists that are underrepresented on our stages. We want to create a season of work which places contemporary audiences at its heart, which speaks directly to the present moment.”

Erica Whyman, RSC Deputy Artistic Director, added: “We want as many people as possible to see our work, and we really believe Shakespeare should be for everyone, so taking plays around our nation is an essential part of what we do. I’m delighted that this new tour will give audiences the chance to see not just one production, but our wonderful company of actors in three very different plays.  My ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is currently making its way around the UK, as is our award-winning ‘Matilda The Musical’, and later this year we will take our First Encounters with Shakespeare production of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ into regional theatres and schools, ensuring we are a truly national theatre company.” 

As You Like It
Following her roles in Dido Queen of Carthage, Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra in 2017, Lucy Phelps returns to play Rosalind in Kimberley Sykes’ production of As You Like It. She will be joined by David Ajao as Orlando whose previous productions for the RSC include The Merchant of Venice, Othello and Hecuba.  

The full cast includes Charlotte Arrowsmith (Audrey), Patrick Brennan (Corin), Graeme Brookes (Charles/Forester), Antony Byrne (Duke Senior/Duke Frederick), Richard Clews (Adam), Tom Dawze (William), Amelia Donkor (Silvia), Laura Elsworthy (Phoebe), Sandy Grierson (Touchstone), Emily Johnstone (Amiens/Le Beau), Alex Jones (A Lord), Karina Jones (Martext), Sophie Khan Levy (Celia), Sophie Stanton (Jaques), Aaron Thiara (Jaques de Bois/Dennis) and Leo Wan (Oliver). 

Stephen Brimson Lewis will design the set for As You Like It with Bretta Gerecke designing both costumes and lighting in a first for the RSC. Music is composed by Tim Sutton, with sound by Jonathan Ruddick and movement by Ayse Tashkiran. Fights by Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown. Puppetry Director and Co-Designer,  Mervyn Millar.

The Taming of the Shrew
Claire Price plays Petruchia and Joseph Arkley plays Katherine in Justin Audibert’s reimagined staging of The Taming of the Shrew and will do so among a cast where women play the roles written as men, and men play those written as women.  

The full cast includes Charlotte Arrowsmith (Curtis), Hannah Azuonye (Pedant), Melody Brown (Vincentia), Richard Clews (Grumio), James Cooney (Bianco), Amelia Donkor (Hortensia), Laura Elsworthy (Trania), Amanda Harris (Baptista), Emily Johnstone (Lucentia), Alex Jones (Haberdasher), Alexander Mushore (Servant), Michael Patrick (Tailor), Sophie Stanton (Gremia) Aaron Thiara (Servant of Petruchia) Amy Trigg (Biondella) and Leo Wan (Widower). 

The set for The Taming of the Shrew is designed by Stephen Brimson Lewis with costume design by Hannah Clark and lighting by Matt Peel. Music is composed by Ruth Chan, sound by Claire Windsor, and movement by Lucy Cullingford. Fights are by Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown. 

Measure for Measure
Sandy Grierson, who took on the roles of Faustus and Mephistopheles in Maria Aberg’s 2016 production of Dr Faustus, will play Angelo in Gregory Doran’s staging of Measure for Measure. Following his performance as Antony in Antony and Cleopatra, Antony Byrne returns to play The Duke. They are joined by Lucy Phelps in the role of Isabella. 

Full casting for Measure for Measure includes David Ajao (Pompey), Joseph Arkley (Lucio), Hannah Azuonye (Lady), Patrick Brennan (Abhorson/Friar Thomas), Graeme Brookes (Mistress Overdone/Barnadine), Melody Brown (Justice), James Cooney (Claudio), Tom Dawze (Froth), Amanda Harris (Provost), Karina Jones (Sister Francisca), Sophie Khan Levy (Mariana), Alexander Mushore (Gent), Michael Patrick (Elbow), Claire Price (Escalus) and Amy Trigg (Juliet). 

The set and costumes for Measure for Measure are designed by RSC Director of Design, Stephen Brimson Lewis, with lighting by Simon Spencer. Music is composed by Paul Englishby. Sound is by Steven Atkinson, and fights are by Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown. 

Listings Information 
Royal Shakespeare Company
As You Like It, Taming of the Shrew, Measure for Measure
Dates: Wed 25 September – Sat 5 October
On sale: 5 February 2019 (Members); 11 February 2019 (Public) 

Aria Entertainment and Senbla, by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd, present George A. Romero’s
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD™ LIVE
Written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyer and Trevor Martin 
Created by Christopher Harrison and Phil Pattinson 
 

• THE UK PREMIERE OF NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD™ LIVE, BASED ON GEORGE A. ROMERO’S CULT HORROR FILM WILL OPEN AT PLEASANCE, LONDON FROM 9 APRIL – 19 MAY 2019
   
• NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD™ LIVE! IS THE ONLY OFFICIALLY AUTHORISED STAGE PRODUCTION IN THE UK, BASED ON THE 1968 GENRE-DEFINING ZOMBIE THRILLER, CO-PRODUCED BY KATY LIPSON FOR ARIA ENTERTAINMENT AND OLLIE ROSENBLATT FOR SENBLA 
   
• TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT WWW.LIVINGDEADLONDON.COM
  
  

Six strangers, a lonely farmhouse, surrounded by brain-eating zombies – what could possibly go wrong? Who will make it out alive?

Based on George A. Romero’s unparalleled 1968 film Night of the Living Dead™, the first ever UK stage adaptation and the only officially authorised production will come to life at Pleasance, London from 9 April to 19 May 2019. Directed by Benji Sperring (The Toxic Avenger: The Musical; Shock Treatment, Valley Of Song), Night of the Living Dead™ Livewill pay homage to the cult monochrome classic, skirting the line between the horrific and the hysterical as it resurrects the original zombie masterpiece. Casting will be announced in due course.

Katy Lipson, Producer of Night of the Living Dead™ Live said: “At Aria Entertainment, we’re known for an eclectic mix of musicals and new writing productions, such as The Addams Family andThe Toxic Avenger, and it gives me chills to now present Romero’s seminal work with the wonderful Ollie Rosenblatt from Senbla. I’ve always been a fan of the horror genre and I know just how much this show will delight fans of the original movie as well as a whole new generation of theatregoers. There will be all the iconic scenes from Night of the Living Dead along with unexpected new material culminating in a frightening and funny night out packed full of zombies, brains and buckets of blood. Expect laughs, screams and most of all, a lot of fun.”

Suzanne Desrocher-Romero, wife of the late director and Founder and Chair of The George A. Romero Foundation, said: “How super exciting that Night of the Living Dead will be staged in London. Romero loved London night and day and now London will enjoy Night! Stay Scared!”

Night of the Living Dead™ is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential releases of all time. Romero radically redefined the genre of the modern horror film and is commonly referred to as the father of the zombie genre with his influence still spawning countless zombie films and series as seen today. Now, more than 50 years on, the story of Night of the Living Dead™, remains as relevant as ever through its exploration of race, class division and America’s national identity.

Night of the Living Dead™ Live, based on the film by George A. Romero, is co-produced by award-winning producer Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Ollie Rosenblatt for Senblaby special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd. It is written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyerand Trevor Martin and created by Christopher Harrison and Phil Pattinson. 

Tickets are now on sale at www.LivingDeadLondon.com
 

LISTINGS

Aria Entertainment and Senbla, by special arrangement with Samuel French, present
George A. Romero’s
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD™ LIVE!
Written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyer and Trevor Martin
Created by Christopher Harrison and Phil Pattinson 
Directed by Benji Sperring

Pleasance, London
Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF

First Performance: 9 April 2019
Final Performance: 19 May 2019
Performances: Tuesday to Saturday 7.30pm, matinees Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm and Sunday, 5pm.

Box Office details
Website: www.LivingDeadLondon.com
Tel: 020 7609 1800
Prices from £15

Twitter: @LivingDeadLDN
Facebook: @LivingDeadLondon
Instagram: @LivingDeadLDN
#LivingDeadLondon

Back Room of the Star Inn, Guildford – until 8th February 2019

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

3***

Strange how sinister a pram on the stage can be. Somehow you just know the evening is going to be more Rosemary’s Baby than Mary Poppins. Steve Griffin and Nathan Jones start mildly enough, inviting the audience to talk about beliefs and share any experience they might have of the supernatural. They then move smoothly on to tell us a creepy true-life murder story. In 1973 a woman died in childbirth in the German town of Wurzburg, which was once the scene of horrific witch trials. Miraculously, the baby survived, but the father became convinced that the mother continued to visit the child and that both were possessed by a demonic power. Eventually he murdered his closest friend and confidant, and told the police he had also killed the baby – but the baby’s body was never found.

It’s a short show of less than an hour (written and first performed by Sasha Roberts and Tom Worsley). With the help of a good old-fashioned slide projector, Griffin and Jones kept us intrigued and entertained, but they didn’t succeed in totally spooking us. Somehow they never created a really eerie atmosphere, despite the story’s many uncanny aspects – Wurzburg’s witch history, the cult of the murderous Erlking, odd footprints in the snow and the mother’s mysterious past, not to mention all the darkness of 20th-century German history, which might have made for a more serious play. Perhaps more work on the lighting and sound effects would have helped, or perhaps the show is just too short – it would have been more satisfying if we could have finished as we started, with the audience invited to mull over what they had just heard and seen. Still, you can do that anyway if you go with the right person – the Star Inn has just the right atmosphere for it.

Note to Griffin and Jones: try not to block the audience’s view of the screen

NEW MUSICAL

THE VIEW UPSTAIRS

TO PLAY A LIMITED SEASON AT  SOHO THEATRE

FROM 18 JULY TO 31 AUGUST

Jack Maple & Brian Zeilinger for Take Two Theatricals, and Ken Fakler present the European premiere of new LGBTQ+ musical THE VIEW UPSTAIRS from 18 July to 31 August at Soho Theatre, following a triumphant run Off-Broadway, multiple regional US productions and a recent Australian premiere, THE VIEW UPSTAIRS is written by young up-and-coming artist Max Vernon and will be directed in London by Jonathan O’Boyle (Aspects of Love, Pippin, Hair), with choreography by Fabian Aloise (The Rink, Madagascar The Musical, Our House, Working). Casting is to be announced.

Max Vernon is a three-time Drama Desk nominee, Out100 Honoree and recipient of the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical, Richard Rodgers Award, Jonathan Larson Grant, New York Stage and Film’s Founders Award, New York Foundation of the Arts Fellowship and the JFund Award from the Jerome Foundation. He has been a Dramatist Guild Theatre Fellow, MacDowell Fellow, and an artist in residence at Berkeley Rep, Ars Nova, Kimmel Center (via The Public Theater), Disney Creative Entertainment and Rhinebeck Writer’s Retreat, among others. His musical KPOP had a sell-out run at Ars Nova in October 2018 and was the most nominated Off-Broadway show of the 2017/18 season. Max’s notable concert performances include the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Max said of the London production, “As a devotee and lover of British theatre, art, music and culture (from Caryl Churchill and Joe Orton to Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, Roxy Music, T. Rex and Siouxsie and The Banshees), it has been a lifelong dream of mine to bring an original musical to London. For that show to be The View UpStairs – which is high fashion, rock and roll, queer, subversive, and speaks to an important forgotten history in the LGBTQ+ community – that is an enormous opportunity. I’m obsessed with the director & producing team’s vision for how to mount this work. We are ready to turn it the f*q out and create something iconic & unheard of at the Soho Theatre.”
The musical opens in present day when Wes, a young fashion designer buys an abandoned space, not realising this had been the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant ’70s gay bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans, which, in 1973, was burned down in an arson attack, killing 32 people, making it the worst attack on the LGBTQ+ community until the 2016 shooting at The Pulse nightclub in Orlando. THE VIEW UPSTAIRS brings to life this forgotten community and takes the audience on an exhilarating journey of seduction and self-exploration, celebrating the lives of those forgotten, while featuring a soulful, rock and jazz score.
Jonathan O’Boyle said, “I’m thrilled to be working with Max Vernon on his brilliant new musical The View Upstairs for its European premiere at Soho Theatre this summer. The View Upstairs is a beautiful, uplifting musical that celebrates the lives of these forgotten people. Max is a brilliant new voice in modern musical theatre, and this show, inspired by true events, takes us on a radical, rollercoaster ride through the extraordinary lives of these special human beings.”
THE VIEW UPSTAIRS opened to rave reviews Off-Broadway in 2017, where Entertainment Weekly described it as “a moving homage to LGBT culture, past and present”, and the musical gained support from some of the LGBTQ+ community’s biggest advocates, including RuPaul. The London production of the musical is one of ten that have been and are being mounted around the world between 2017 and 2019, and there is an original cast recording available on Broadway Records.

LISTINGS INFORMATION18 July – 31 August

21 Dean St,
Soho,
London W1D 3NE

Performance Times:
Monday – Saturday at 7.15pm
Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Tickets: from £10 (standing) and £19.50 (£18.50 concessions) seated. Please note, £1 restoration levy on all tickets.

Box Office:  020 7478 0100

Tickets:  www.sohotheatre.com
Website: www.theviewupstairs.co.uk
Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @theviewupstairs

Spring into a new season of dance at Leeds’

Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre

Yorke Dance Project | Puss in Boots | Ballet Central

James Cousins Company | Cas Public | Expressions 2019

March – July

The Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds has announced a spectacular new spring season of dance, opening in March 2019. International dance company Cas Public will visit from across the Atlantic, and the popular James Cousins Company and Yorke Dance Project will both return to the Leeds dance scene. The theatre will also host Easter holiday performances of Northern Ballet’s enchanting new production for children, Puss in Boots.

On 20 March 2019 Yorke Dance Project returns to Leeds as they celebrate 20 years of performing exceptional dance. Showcasing pieces from world-renowned choreographers Sir Kenneth MacMillan and Robert Cohan, alongside exciting dance from new artists in the UK and USA, this celebratory programme promises a rare evening of engaging and inspiring contemporary ballet. 

Back by popular demand, families can look forward to the return of Northern Ballet’s Puss in Bootsfrom 02 to 05 April 2019. Following its sell-out success at the World Première in October 2018,Northern Ballet’s storytelling magic, colourful costumes and world-class dancing make this a perfect treat for little ones during the Easter holidays.

On 02 May 2019 James Cousins Company returns to Leeds for the first time since 2015 withEpilogues, weaving three duets into one emotive evening of dance. Featuring two never-before-seen works alongside the astounding Within Her Eyes, in which the female dancer never once touches the floor, this is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

In their debut Leeds performance, international dance company Cas Public will perform 9 at the theatre on 03 June 2019. Visiting from their home city of Montréal, they have earned widespread recognition in both Canada and on the world stage. Their unmissable production of 9 is inspired bycompany dancer Cai Glover’s hearing impairment, and features the music of Beethoven’s iconic 9^thSymphony.

In addition, Northern Ballet & Partners will host Expressions on 10 and 11 July 2019. Returning for its sixth year, this platform showcases exciting dance from community and professional inclusive dance groups from across Yorkshire and beyond, and this year will feature Anjali Dance Company in a hotly-anticipated return to the theatre. More information on these performances will be available soon, see theatreleeds.com for updates.

The season will also host graduate dance company Ballet Central on 14 April 2019, showcasing thenext generation of dancers from London’s Central School of Ballet in a varied programme of classical ballet and contemporary dance.

The Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre’s spring season is an unmissable opportunity to see high quality dance at great value, performed in a local intimate setting. A season multi-buy offer is also available.Tickets can be booked online at theatreleeds.com, by calling the Box Office on 0113 220 8008 or in person at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Northern Ballet, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7PA.

T I N A – T H E   T I N A   T U R N E R   M U S I C A L

and

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS

PRESENT

FIRST SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM

WITH ACCOMPANYING MUSIC VIDEO

The first single from the upcoming TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL cast album is released today, to download and stream, by the Producers of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical andGhostlight Records (5 February 2019) featuring Adrienne Warren performing the iconic song River Deep – Mountain High.  Warren, who has played the role in the hit West End production since its world premiere, is featured on an accompanying music video of the single also released today.  Click here to download and stream the single and here to watch the music video. 

Tina Turner famously recorded River Deep – Mountain High in 1966, produced by Phil Spector as his ground-breaking masterpiece using his trademark Wall of Sound music technique.  Turner would later recall, “I must have sung that 500,000 times. I was drenched with sweat. I had to take my shirt off and stand there in my bra to sing”.  George Harrison, who worked with Spector when he later produced Let It Be for the Beatles, would later call it ‘a perfect record from start to finish’.

River Deep – Mountain High was recorded in January 2019 at Angel Studios and produced byTINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL’s Musical Supervisor, Nicholas Skilbeck.

Tina Turner said: “At that very difficult time in my life, recording this song opened my eyes topossibilities. I felt liberated, excited, ready to challenge myself vocally. River Deep – Mountain High introduced me to the way I wanted to sing. I am thrilled that Adrienne has picked up the mantle and not only risen to the challenge but made this moment one of my very favourites in the musical. It is so right that this is the first single to be released from our cast album. She makes me very proud”.

Tali Pelman, Producer, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical said: ”River Deep – Mountain High is a pivotal moment in the musical where Tina finds her voice as a solo artist. It was a turning point for Tina personally and is an epic moment in our show. It demands not only an extraordinary vocal talent but immense passion and fearlessness. To hear and watch Adrienne perform this song night after night is electrifying, and I am thrilled to have it captured here.”

Kurt Deutsch, Founder of Ghostlight Records said: “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical has taken London by storm and, starting with this single, the world will get to hear what everyone has been talking about. Tina Turner is a music icon and Ghostlight Records is proud to create a cast album of this triumphant musical, its magnificent songs, and of course the star-making performance of leading lady Adrienne Warren.”

Last month over 200,000 new tickets were released for sale for TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, the show based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner,with bookings now being taken at the Aldwych Theatre to Saturday 21 December 2019.  

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins,TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting byBruno Poet,sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg and orchestrations byEthan Popp. 

From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them. This new stage musical, presented in association with Tina Turner herself, reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of her age, gender and race. 

The critically acclaimed production received its world premiere in April 2018 in London and subsequently has broken all Box Office records at the Aldwych Theatre.  Next month, the German premiere of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL begins performances at the Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg and the musical will have its Broadway premiere in Autumn 2019.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.Adrienne Warren is appearing with the support of UK Equity, incorporating the Variety Artistes’ Federation, pursuant to an exchange program between American Equity and UK Equity.

Ghostlight Records has become the leading independent force in Original Broadway Cast Recordings – building a library of over 200 records over the past 19 years, featuring some of the most successful Broadway musicals and solo albums by Broadway’s brightest stars. Founded by Grammy Award winner Kurt Deutsch, Ghostlight has won Grammy Awards for The Book of Mormon, In the Heights and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.  Recent notable cast recordings include the 2018 Tony winner for Best Musical, The Band’s Visit,and the blockbuster viral sensation Be More Chill. Ghostlight has also released solo albums from Patti LuPone, Kelli O’Hara, Sutton Foster, Billy Porter, and more. The label continues to support the new generation of musical theatre composers and has developed extensive relationships with Jason Robert Brown, Michael John LaChiusa, and David Yazbek, as well as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pasek & Paul, Tom Kitt, Joe Iconis, and Shaina Taub. Ghostlight Records is part of the Arts Music division at Warner Music Group.

www.GhostlightRecords.com

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Theatre:                           Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF

Dates:                              now booking to 21 December 2019

Performances:                   Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm

Box Office:                         0845 200 7981

Website:                           www.tinathemusical.com

Facebook:                         TinaTheMusical

Twitter:                            TinaTheMusical

Instagram:                        TinaTheMusical

BROADCASTER PADDY O’CONNELL HOSTS

POST SHOW Q & A WITH

COMPANY STARS ROSALIE CRAIG & PATTI LUPONE

& AWARD-WINNING

DIRECTOR MARIANNE ELLIOTT

AN EVENING TO CELEBRATE

TWO CRITICS’ CIRCLE AWARDS &

THE RELEASE OF THE COMPANY CAST RECORDING

Monday 11 February 2019

Gielgud Theatre

To celebrate last week’s successful release of the cast recording as well as two prestigious Critics’ Circle Awardsfor Marianne Elliott’s critically acclaimed production of Company, broadcaster Paddy O’Connell will be hosting a post-show Q and A at the Gielgud Theatre, with two of the show’s stars – Rosalie Craig, who plays the central role of Bobbie and Patti LuPone, who plays Joanne.  They will be joined by the Olivier and Tony award-winning director, Marianne Elliott who conceived and directed this extraordinary production, which has also received two Evening Standard Theatre Awards.  Company runs in the West End until 30 March 2019. 

Paddy O’Connell, who presents BBC Radio 4’s Sunday morning programme, Broadcasting House said:   ‘I’m so excited to have the opportunity to speak to these three glorious women, all at the top of their game.  This amazing and unique production of Company has been one of the theatre highlights of my year, and I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to ask  them questions about the show, their careers and throwing the floor open to the audience.’

The Q & A is free to anyone who attends Company at the Gielgud Theatre on 11 February 2019.

The full cast of Company is: Rosalie Craig as Bobbie, Patti LuPone as Joanne, Mel Giedroyc as Sarah, Jonathan Bailey as Jamie, George Blagden as PJ, Ashley Campbell as Peter, Richard Fleeshman as Andy, Alex Gaumondas Paul, Richard Henders as David, Ben Lewis as Larry, Daisy Maywood as Susan, Jennifer Saayeng as Jenny,Matthew Seadon-Young as Theo and Gavin Spokes as Harry.  Joining them are:  Michael Colbourne, Francesca Ellis, Ewan Gillies, Grant Neal and Jaimie Pruden.

At Bobbie’s 35^th birthday party all her friends are wondering why she isn’t married; why she can’t find the right man and why she hasn’t settled down to have a family. The multi-award winning musical comedy about life, love and marriage includes Stephen Sondheim’s iconic songs include The Ladies who Lunch, Being Alive, Side by Side and You Could Drive a Person Crazy.

Rosalie Craig won the Evening Standard Theatre award for Best Musical Performance for her role as Bobbie inCompany.  Her theatre credits include:  Jez Butterworth’s award-winning play, The Ferryman at the Gielgud Theatre Marianne Elliott’s production of The Light Princess, for which she won the Evening Standard Award for Best Actress in a Musical and was nominated for an Olivier Award, Rosalind in As You Like It, The Threepenny Opera and London Road – all for the National Theatre.  Other theatre includes: City of Angels for the Donmar, Lady Macduff in Macbeth for Manchester International Festival, directed by Kenneth Branagh, Sylvia in the musical Finding Neverland and the title role in Miss Julie at Chichester Festival Theatre.  Her film and TV credits include: London Road, Spooks, and Casanova.

Patti LuPone, who performed Don’t Cry for me Argentina at the Grammy’s last year returned to London to make her first appearance in a West End musical for over 25 years with this production of Company.  Her previous London theatre credits include originating the role of Fantine in Les Misérables, an Olivier-award winning role in The Cradle will Rock and creating the role of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.  Her numerous Broadway credits  include: originating the role of Eva Peron in Evita, Gypsy,  Sweeney Todd, Anything Goes, and Master Class.  Her many films include: Heist, Driving Miss Daisy and Witness.  TV includes: American Horror Story, Glee, Ugly Betty, Will & Grace (as herself), Frasier (1998 Emmy nomination) and Law & Order.  LuPone, who is a graduate of the first class of the Drama Division of New York’s Juilliard School and a founding member of John Houseman’s The Acting Company, is the author of the The New York Times bestsellerPatti LuPone: A Memoir.

Marianne Elliott, Artistic Director of Elliott & Harper Productions, a company she founded in 2016 with producer Chris Harper, was awarded an OBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List for her services to theatre. Elliott is the first woman in Broadway history to win two Tony Awards for Best Director and her recent Broadway transfer of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America received the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.  Angels in America at the National Theatre also received the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play. Marianne’s ground-breaking production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time received 7 Olivier Awards in London, including Best New Play and Best Director and 5 Tony Awards for its run on Broadway, including Best Play and Best Director and is currently running at the Picadilly Theatre.  Her production of Saint Joan earned her the Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play and Pillars of the Community earned her the Evening Standard Award for Best Director.  War Horse, which she co-directed, and has been seen by over 7 million people world-wide, has now embarked on a new international tour for 2019/20.

Joining director Marianne Elliott on the creative team are:  choreographer Liam Steel, musical supervisor and conductor Joel Fram, designer Bunny Christie, lighting designer Neil Austin, sound designer Ian Dickinson (for Autograph Sound), illusions designer Chris Fisher, orchestrator David Cullen, dance arranger Sam Davis and casting directors Alastair Coomer CDG and Charlotte Sutton CDG.  

Company is  produced by Elliott & Harper Productions, Catherine Schreiber, Grove Entertainment, Jujamcyn Theaters, LD Entertainment, David Mirvish, Aged in Wood Productions/Ricardo F Hornos, Bob Boyett/Tom Miller, Bruno Wang Productions/Salman Al-Rashid, Across the Pond Theatricals/Trio Theatricals and Greek St Productions/Christopher Ketner.

Casting Directors’ Guild presents Special Award to Charlotte Bevan for Outstanding Contribution to Casting

Ahead of its inaugural Casting Awards on Tuesday 12 February 2019, the Casting Directors’ Guild (CDG)announces Charlotte Bevan as the recipient of its Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Casting. Charlotte is the Director of the Creative Diversity Project at the National Theatre.

The CDG explains: “Charlotte’s tireless determination to advance inclusivity and representation on all of our stages, to provoke as well as enable theatre makers to effect change, has had a remarkable influence on our industry. It is for this reason that we are proud to award Charlotte Bevan the CDG Award for Outstanding Contribution to Casting.”

After setting up and leading the Casting Department at Shakespeare’s Globe, in 2012 Charlotte joined the Casting Department at the National Theatre.  In 2016 she shifted her focus from casting in order to establish the National Theatre’s Creative Diversity Project, which addresses all elements of Creative Diversity at the NT – gender equality, ethnicity, disability and LGBT+ representation amongst actors, directors, writers and other creatives.

In partnership with Spotlight she created ProFile, an online video database for professional d/Deaf and disabled actors to showcase their talents. When ProFile launched in 2017 it hosted the work of 20 actors; two years later it is home to nearly 200 actors and has been viewed by over 4000 industry users in 49 countries around the world. A large number of the actors have been successfully auditioned and cast through the site in film, TV and theatre roles across the UK. This year it is extending its reach by adding a young people’s section and journeying across the UK to meet and film actors locally. 

During her 10-year career in Casting, Charlotte cast over 100 shows, including Henry IV and V, Richard III and Twelfth Night (Shakespeare’s Globe/West End/Broadway) and at the National Theatre, nut, Dara, the James Plays trilogy, Another World: Losing Our Children To Islamic State, her final show as a casting director was Angels in America (NT/Broadway).

The CDG in partnership with Spotlight presents the first Casting Awards on Tuesday 12 February 2019 at Ham Yard Hotel London. This new event will be the first UK Awards ceremony to celebrate the significant achievements of casting in the fields of Theatre, TV, Film and Commercials.

COMMEMORATING THE 210^TH BIRTHDAY OF CHARLES DARWIN

THE WIDER EARTH

TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2019

AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

IN THE PRESENCE OF

THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX

IN SUPPORT OF

THE QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH CANOPY

AND

THE QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH TRUST

HOSTED BY

JULIA BRADBURY

The Wider Earth – the critically acclaimed drama about the young Charles Darwin’s expedition on HMS Beagle playing at the custom-built theatre in the Jerwood Gallery at London’s Natural History Museum until 24 February – will hold a special VIP Gala Night on 12 February 2019. The gala, hosted by Julia Bradbury, and in the presence of HRH the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will be held to commemorate Charles Darwin’s 210^th birthday, and will support The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and the production’s official charitable partner The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the gala performance in the Duke’s official capacity of President of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.

Trish Wadley, on behalf of the producers of The Wider Earth, said, “as an Australian production with a global view, we are thrilled to support a Commonwealth initiative that encourages multiple nations to join together and create a meaningful green footprint on the planet for future generations.”

Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, said, “We are delighted to welcome TRH the Duke and Duchess of Sussex into the Museum to mark the 210^th birthday of Charles Darwin – and to celebrate the brilliant work of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. As a charity ourselves, the Museum acts to inspire the next generation to protect the natural world. Over 150 years since Darwin began working with the Museum’s Collection, it remains home to many of the specimens collected on his expeditions. Today, our 350 scientists continue to use the Collection, and Darwin’s scientific legacy, as we seek solutions to the major issues facing the planet today.”

Julia Bradbury, best known for presenting BBC’s Countryfile and ITV’s Britain’s Best Walks and a forthcoming seriesJulia Bradbury’s Australia, which will first be shown on ITV on 14 February 2019, is a passionate advocate for the conservation of the natural world, and a tireless campaigner against plastic pollution.   She said, “I am thrilled to be hosting The Wider Earth’s gala night. This theatrical celebration of discovery is a testament to the beauty of nature, and a reminder of our duty to protect the landscapes and wildlife that Charles Darwin loved so much.”

Tickets include a pre-show reception hosted by The Australian High Commission and are available atwww.thewiderearth.com or by contacting [email protected]  by Monday 4 February 2019

The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy is a unique network of forest conservation initiatives that marks Her Majesty The Queen’s service to the Commonwealth and conserves indigenous forests across the globe. Through their voluntary commitment to this pan-Commonwealth initiative, the nations of the Commonwealth are acting together to address climate change and protect habitats and biodiversity for the future. QCC partner Cool Earth is an award-winning UK-based charity that works alongside indigenous villages to halt rainforest destruction.

Project Coordinator Sophie Kisnorbo commented,

“The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy is honoured to have been chosen as The Wider Earth’s official charitable partner. It is a real privilege to work with The Wider Earth to continue Darwin’s legacy.”

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust is a new charity that champions, funds and connects young leaders across the Commonwealth who are working hard to change the world. The Commonwealth has a vast talent pool of young leaders but their potential is unseen and their skills underused. The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust shares their stories, gives them a platform to amplify their ideas, and inspires other young people to step up and take action. The charity also offers funding, advice and know-how to grow their projects and create a collaborative network of young change-makers. Their work demonstrates the values of the Commonwealth in action, through the leadership, energy and optimism of its young people.

Featuring a cast of seven people and 30 extraordinary hand-crafted puppets representing the exotic wildlife Darwin encountered, The Wider Earth is an ingenious coming-of-age story which celebrates the incredible complexity of our planet and Darwin’s adventurous spirit as he faced perilous environments and unknown dangers on his bold voyage. Written and directed by Dead Puppet Society’s creative director David Morton, the idea for The Wider Earth was conceived at a residency in Cape Town in 2013 with the Handspring Puppet Company – the creative team behindWar Horse.

Following sold-out seasons in Brisbane and Sydney, The Wider Earth has found the perfect home at the Natural History Museum. The Museum is custodian to many of the specimens Charles Darwin collected on his expeditions and its 350 scientists continue in his footsteps of exploration and discovery, seeking solutions to the major issues facing the natural world. This is the first time a performance-based theatre has been constructed in the Museum and adds an exciting new element to the wide-range of exhibitions and events which already attract over 4.5 million visitors every year.

The Museum’s scientists, led by paleobiologist Professor Adrian Lister, author of Darwin’s Fossils, have worked closely with the creative producers of the show to ensure it is rooted in authenticity.

The Wider Earth is a partnership project between Trish Wadley Productions, Dead Puppet Society, Glass Half Full Productions in association with Queensland Theatre and the Natural History Museum.

For ticket inquiries please contact: [email protected]

To purchase tickets: www.thewiderearth.com