Month: February 2019

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh- until 23rd February 2019.

Reviewed by Hannah Plumb

3***

Classic Thriller Theatre Company’s 2019 UK tour of The Lady Vanishes is the most recent reimagining of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1938 classic film. Adapted by Anthony Lampard and directed by Roy Marsden this production contains a star-studded cast of experienced actors. Leading the cast we have wife and husband duo Juliet Mills as Miss Froy and Maxwell Caulfield as Dr Hartz who’s strong performances could be taken straight from a vintage who-done-it film. Alongside them are two younger but also well-established actors Lorna Fitzgerald playing Iris and Matt Barber in the role of Max. Fitzgerald’s performance demonstrates a real understanding of her character which allows her to carry the more emotional and tense parts of the piece with real truth. Contrasting this is Barber’s portrayal of the enthusiastic yet somewhat clumsy Englishman which brings out the comedy of the script brilliantly. The entire cast are talented performers that bring this classic to life on stage and marry nostalgia and modern well. Some of the supporting characters struggle with some of the accents that the piece demands but overall this is a well-performed piece of theatre. 

However, I do feel like the play as a whole is somewhat lacking, it seems to straddle two worlds. In one we have the classic thriller that is in line with similar Hitchcock classics, The 39 Steps, Strangers on a Train and other notable pieces of that era. In the other, we seem to have physical comedy and gags that would not be out of place in a French farce or pantomime. For example, in the middle of revealing a particularly important clue to unravelling the mystery we have clumsy and poorly designed fight choreography that leaves the audience wondering when the custard pies will be appearing. There is a conflict with the two styles of the piece which leaves you feeling that it can’t quite decide what it would like to be. I’m not sure the direction does the script justice. 

That being said, the actors navigate this with compelling performances that suck you into the mystery and make you create your own theories to try and guess the ending. If you’re a fan of this style of theatre this is an engaging adaptation of a well-loved classic. 

The Lowry, Salford- until Saturday 23 February 2019.

Reviewed by Joseph Everton.

3***

Rough Crossing, a production full of promise, steamed into Salford and docked at the Lowry last night, with a talented cast including a household name, John Partridge, a script from a writer decorated with Tony and Olivier awards, Tom Stoppard, and an acclaimed director, Rachel Kavanaugh. Dazzled by the prospect of such a production and after John Partridge’s promise of a ‘very funny’ show on ITV’s GMB, I took my seat in front of an impressive nautical set, reassured that I was in for a treat.

Charlie Stemp as Dvornichek kept me engaged as Turai (John Partridge) went about creating a play which might save the relationship of Natasha (Issy Van Randwyck) and Adam (Rob Ostlere) after a conversation regarding Natasha’s illicit affair with Ivor (Simon Dutton) drifted down from the upper deck of the ship, threatening to destroy the play and break Adam’s heart. Although the production and acting could be described as shipshape, the script was a forgettable barrage of words which achieved nothing more than the odd ripple of laughter or gentle wave of applause.

Act one gathered pace with some enjoyable moments and although slightly underwhelmed, I hoped this upward trend would continue. However, after another 45 minutes of treading water, an all singing, all dancing final number could do little to recover the sinking ship that was act two.

If you’re a fan of Tom Stoppard or if you want to see John Partridge in a different light, this show is worth an evening at the theatre. Yet despite all the enthusiasm of the cast and some great staging, Rough Crossing failed to deliver the laughs that I was expecting.

Phoenix Theatre – booking to 14 September

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

This emotional roller coaster of a musical that restores your faith in human nature has finally landed in the West End, and London is a brighter place with it here.

Come From Away tells the story of the remarkable response of the people of Gander, Newfoundland and its surrounding towns to the arrival of 7000 passengers diverted from American airspace on 9/11. Irene Sankoff and David Hein have managed to capture the welcoming atmosphere of the Newfoundlanders and create a heart wrenching but uplifting tribute to both those who helped and those who died that day. With a cast of 12 and a running time of 100 minutes, there’s a lot to fit in, and many stories that can’t be told, but this is a brilliantly paced show and Sankoff and Hein have chosen wisely when focusing on whose stories should be featured. The townsfolk are broadly but beautifully drawn, and the community’s acts of kindness and fellowship viewed through the lens of the city dwellers in their midst are true beacons of light in the darkness. The show follows two couples through their stay in Gander – one gay couple from Texas who react very differently to their stay in Gander, and the blossoming love between two strangers who only meet because of the situation. The confusion and panic of the passengers as they sit on the planes without news is palpable, and the tension is thankfully broken by the yells of passengers who have found the mini bottles of booze. The moment they find a TV and see footage of the morning of 9/11 is possibly one of the most powerful and moving things you will ever see on stage.

Amongst the celebration of humanity, the victims of the terror attacks are never forgotten, and the character of Hannah (Cat Simmons) is a stark reminder. As other passengers revel in the welcome, she sits by the phone, waiting for news of her son, a NY firefighter. Rachel Tucker’s impressive performance as pilot Beverley Bass reaches new heights as she sings “Me and the Sky” with the female members of the company, a wonderful number about Bass’s love of flying and her horror that a plane can be used as a weapon.

The musical numbers are a glorious mix of rollicking folk and sob-inducing ballads which will all make you want to leap to your feet and make the whole show one long standing ovation. The cast are all brilliant, and believable as they slip between characters – you’ll want to jump on stage for the Screech In to become a Newfoundlander as well!

I’ve seen a lot of standing ovations, but after this show it was something different – tears, whoops and hugs all round as this incredible show reminds us that there is goodness and love in these uncertain times. A brilliant, beautiful show – GET A TICKET NOW.

JANET DIBLEY ANNOUNCED

TO LEAD CAST IN UK TOUR OF HENRY JAMES’

TURN OF THE SCREW

Following the critically acclaimed 2018 tour, Henry James’ iconic, genre defining, ghost story Turn of the Screw returns for a UK tour, opening in Exeter Northcott Theatre 28^th March and today announces Janet Dibley in the role of The Governess and the return of Maggie McCarthy as Mrs Grose.

1840. A young governess agrees to look after two orphaned children in Bly, a seemingly idyllic country house. But shortly after her arrival, she realises that they are not alone. There are others – the ghosts of Bly’s troubled past. The Governess will risk everything to keep the children safe, even if it means giving herself up to The Others. Years later, confronted by the past she is compelled to account for what actually happened to her and the innocents under her protection. This fresh, thrilling adaptation from Tim Luscombe deftly retains the ambiguity of James’ original, and lets you draw your own conclusions about the events at Bly and where guilt resides.

Janet Dibley first became a household name in the much-loved ITV hit series The Two of Us. She went on to star in a number of TV roles including Eastenders, Doctors, Broadchurch and more recently Coronation Street. Her most recent theatre work have been the acclaimed tours of Kindertransport, A Murder is Announced, and Women on the Verge of HRT.  In 2016 Janet created and performed the title role in the huge hit UK tour of Jackie the Musical and later this year can be seen back on the screen in the BBC’s award-winning series Shakespeare and Hathaway. Maggie McCarthy has worked extensively in Film, TV and Theatre including Call The Midwife for the BBC.

Turn of the Screw is presented by Dermot McLaughlin Productions Ltd in co-production with the Mercury Colchester, Wolverhampton Grand and joined for this tour by Exeter Northcott Theatre. Written by Tim Luscombe, it is directed by Daniel Buckroyd (Spamalot, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Clybourne Park, End of the Rainbow) with design by Sara Perks.

This new adaptation of Henry James’ seminal tale, the original inspiration for Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black and a number of films, is a masterclass in stage-craft deliciously atmospheric set and lighting design and an evocative soundtrack

Enjoy stylish edge of your seat theatre with a show guaranteed to be provocative, moving and above all terrifying! Too find out more visit www.turnofthescrewplay.com

Contains scenes of mild peril

Recommended for 14+yrs

Approximate running time 2hrs including interval

Dermot McLaughlin wishes to acknowledge financial support from Stage One for Turn of the Screw. Stage One is a registered charity which exists to support commercial theatre producers in order to sustain the quality of commercial theatre throughout the UK. Stage One identifies, supports, guides and trains emerging theatre entrepreneurs whilst simultaneously encouraging creative, successful and responsible practice.

PRAISE FOR TURN OF THE SCREW

★★★★★

“impressively seamless…sophisticated…thought-provoking”

Theatre News

★★★★

“intelligent, insightful”

The Stage

★★★★

“… has the audience guessing long after they have left the theatre”

The Sussex Newspaper

LISTINGS

28th – 30th March – Exeter Northcott Theatre https://exeternorthcott.co.uk/calendar/turn-of-the-screw/

2nd -6th April  – Haymarket Theatre Basingstoke http://www.anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/turn-of-the-screw

9th-13th April – Theatre Royal Nottingham https://trch.co.uk/whats-on

16th – 20th April – Perth Concert Hall – https://www.horsecross.co.uk/whats-on/turn-of-the-screw-50403

23rd – 27th April – Churchill Theatre Bromley https://churchilltheatre.co.uk/Online/tickets-the-turn-of-the-screw-bromley-2019

30th April – 4th May – Cast Doncaster https://www.castindoncaster.com/whats-on/turn-of-the-screw/

7th May – 11th May – Derby Theatre https://www.derbytheatre.co.uk/turn-of-the-screw

21st May – 1st June – York Theatre Royalhttps://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/event/turn_of_the_screw.php#.XENkRy2cbOR

4th June – 8th June – Gaiety Theatre Dublin  https://www.gaietytheatre.ie/events/turn-of-the-screw/

11th June – 15th June – Oxford Playhouse https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/whats-on/main-stage/drama/

COLLABRO

THE WORLDS MOST SUCCESSFUL MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP

IN CONCERT

SPECIAL GUESTS ANNOUNCED

KERRY ELLIS – WEST END, BROADWAY + RECORDING STAR

LARUEN SAMUELS – BBC1’s ‘OVER THE RAINBOW’ FINALIST + ‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’

Collabro will be back on the road next month for their biggest ever tour and have announced some very special guests joining them across the UK.  West End and Broadway Star Kerry Ellis and BBC1’s Over the Rainbow Finalist and We Will Rock You Star Lauren Samuels will be joining the boys on selected dates.

Collabro, the world’s most successful musical theatre group, met in 2014 for their first rehearsal at a London pub, just a month later went on to rouse the whole of Hammersmith Apollo into a standing ovation during their first ever public performance of ‘Stars’ for the Britain’s Got Talent judges.

Since winning Britain’s Got Talent four years ago with one of the biggest majorities ever Collabro have released a Number 1 debut album “Stars”, followed by “Act Two” which peaked at Number 2, performed at the Royal Variety Performance; been voted ‘The Nation’s Favourite BGT Winner’ and are now enormously successful internationally. Notably, they have performed for over 30 million people in Japan on Music Station on two separate occasions – receiving a Gold Disc for Best International Artist alongside Sam Smith and Meghan Trainor. They have also completed two tours of America and signed a major US record deal.

2018 has already seen Collabro embark on a sold-out tour of Asia, performed as special guests on Barry Manilow’s UK Arena Tour and release their fourth studio album ‘Road To The Royal Albert Hall’ for more information go to Officialcollabro.com.

The musical theatre group’s ‘Road to the Royal Albert Hall’ Tour will be kicking off at South Shields Customs House on February 10^th and will see the group perform at a variety of intimate theatres and iconic venues over three months, before finishing the tour at the world renowned Royal Albert Hall in London. Collabro will also have Youth Choirs to accompany them at each venue of their 51 date UK Tour alongside support Georgia and The Vintage Youth.

Tickets are on sale now and available from www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051, www.ticketmaster.co.uk / 0844 826 2826, and direct from venue box offices. 

COLLABRO ‘ROAD TO THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL’ 2019 UK TOUR DATES

support from Georgia and The Vintage Youth

Special guest Kerry Ellis will be performing at dates highlighted as *

Special guest Lauren Samuels will be performing at dates highlighted as +

February 2019

Sun 10 South Shields Customs House +

Mon 11 Chester Storyhouse *

Tue 12 Milton Keynes Theatre *

Thu 14 Carlisle Sands Centre +

Fri 15 Buxton Opera House *

Sat 16 Matinee – Leeds City Varieties Music Hall *

Sat 16 Evening – Leeds City Varieties Music Hall *

Mon 18 Scunthorpe Baths Hall *

Tue 19 Hull City Hall +

Thu 21 York Grand Opera House +

Fri 22 Crewe Lyceum Theatre +

Sat 23 Blackpool Opera House +

Mon 25 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall*

Tue 26 Aberdeen Music Hall*

Thu 28 Perth Concert Hall +

March 2019

Fri 01 Edinburgh Queens Hall*

Sat 02 Llandudno Venue Cymru Theatre*

Mon 04 Gateshead Sage 1*

Tue 05 Middlesbrough Town Hall*

Thu 07 Harrogate Royal Hall +

Fri 08 Halifax Victoria Theatre*

Sat 09 Sheffield City Hall +

Mon 11 Kings Lynn Corn Exchange*

Tue 12 Cheltenham Town Hall*

Thu 14 Barnstaple Queens Theatre*

Fri 15 Weston-Super-Mare Playhouse*

Sat 16 Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion +

Mon 18 Southend Cliffs Pavilion*

Tue 19 Cambridge Corn Exchange*

Thu 21 Stevenage Gordon Craig Theatre*

Fri 22 Guildford G Live*

Sat 23 Peterborough The Cresset*

Mon 25 Isle of Wight Shanklin Theatre +

Tue 26 Swindon Wyvern Theatre*

Thu 28 Torquay Princess Theatre

Fri 29 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall*

Sat 30 Lowestoft Marina Theatre*

April 2019

Mon 01 Tunbridge Wells Assembly Halls*

Tue 02 Ipswich Regent*

Thu 04 Reading Hexagon*

Fri 05 Cardiff St David’s Hall*

Sat 06 Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre +

Mon 08 Bath Forum*

Tue 09 Worthing Pavilion Theatre*

Thu 11 Salisbury City Hall*

Fri 12 Swansea The Grand Theatre +

Sat 13 Leicester De Montfort Hall*

Mon 15 Birmingham Symphony Hall*

Tue 16 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre*

Thu 18 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall*

Fri 19 Manchester Bridgewater Hall*

Sat 20 London Royal Albert Hall * +

York Theatre Royal – 15 February 2019

Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

2**

Dance Double Bill at the York Theatre Royal was an interesting experience to say the least. I would like to start off saying that the name of the show was rather misleading, as I would rather call the performances physical theatre. The first performance was a group of five dancers improving a dance on stage, for me this was the better of the two performances. The second was based on a performer called Plastic who changed himself, this didn’t really flick any switches for me. I love dance, I love bodies, I like how they move and how you can make something entertaining with them, so why didn’t I fall in love with this show? 

The First performance made me laugh at points and it was interesting to watch the performer create the show as we were watch it. For me the saving grace of this performance was the comedy element, they were having fun on stage and we were laughing at that. The performance lasted about 30mins which I think is the best time for a experimental piece such as this, however I couldn’t bring myself to really like it. I don’t if I was expecting a choreographed dance or If it was too out there for me too enjoy. I did enjoy watching how each performer worked with each other and they did work well as a team to create a bizarre piece about room service and Chardonnay.

The Second performance did not entertain me what so ever, Plastic Soul by Seke Chimutengwende, followed a character called Plastic who would change himself to be a better performer, but at one point he was an atom or an insect. I really hate to use the saying as I understand that this is theatre, but it just felt too arty-farty; we had a man on stage speaking rather loudly into a mic about who Plastic is, other than that there was little movement in body. It was incredibly hard to watch and I think if the performance was different the message could’ve actually resonated with some people, but faces in the audience were like mine. Confused and bored. This performance was supposed to finish at 9:15 but ended up going to 9:45, this extra 30 mins did feel dragged out because I wanted to leave, we were seeing pretty much the same thing again and again.

I generally love experimental theatre, I was people to break the boundaries and question everything. But this show for me felt like it was being artistic for artistic sake, the only saving grace was the comedy from the first performance. I could never label this as dance as it didn’t have the fluidity and rhythm you would expect. I would rather called the first performance physical theatre, and as it comes to the second performance I have no words what to call it. I hate to write a negative review because I appreciate the time and effort put into each performance but with this show I was not entertained and I didn’t really get anything out of it.

THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA: FURTHER CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR SIX-TIME TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

●       World-Renowned Soprano, Renée Fleming, and star of Disney’s The Descendants, Dove Cameron, already announced in lead roles

●       Cast includes London stage favourites from musicals, opera and theatre, Rob Houchen,Celinde Schoenmaker, Liam Tamne, Marie McLaughlin and Malcolm Sinclair part of an all-star company

●       Daniel Evans leads world class creative team for London premiere of Craig Lucas and Adam Guettel masterpiece

●       Coming to the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, 14 June – 5 July 2019 for twenty performances only with 35 piece orchestra of Opera North

Scenario Two are delighted to announce further casting for the London debut of the acclaimed Broadway musical The Light in the Piazza. The Light in the Piazza will be performed in a full staging at the Royal Festival Hall in a limited run of only twenty performances directed by Olivier award-winner, Daniel Evans, designed by Robert Jones with costumes by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting by Mark Henderson and sound by Mick Potter.   The ravishing score will be played by the 35 piece orchestra of Opera North under the baton of Kimberly Grigsby, conductor of the original Lincoln Center production.

Joining Renée Fleming and Dove Cameron as (Margaret and Clara Johnson respectively) will be acclaimed West End star and 2019 Off West End award-winner, Rob Houchen, as Clara’s suitor, Fabrizio Naccarelli.   Rob’s previous credits include West End productions of Les Misérables and Titanic and he was most recently seen in his Offie winning performance in Eugenius!

Celinde Schoenmaker will play the role of  Franca Naccarelli.  Previously Celinda has starred as Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, and played the role of Fantine in the West End production of Les Misérables.   She is well-known for her YouTube and podcast collaborations with Carrie Hope-Fletcher.

Liam Tamne will play Guiseppe Naccarelli.  Previously Liam has taken the roles of Raoul in Phantom of the Opera, Enjolras in Les Misérables and Fiyero in Wicked as well as being a member of Will.i.am’s team on The Voice Season 2. 

Fabrizio’s mother Signora Naccarelli will be played by Olivier-nominated international  soprano, Marie McLaughlin, who has performed at many of the world’s leading opera houses including Covent Garden, The Metropolitan Opera, New York and Munich Opera.

Malcolm Sinclair will make a welcome return to the London stage as Margaret’s husband and Clara’s father, Roy Johnson. Malcolm’s career spans more than three decades and encompasses a vast array of West End, National Theatre and RSC productions alongside roles in films such as Casino Royale and V for Vendetta.

The rich singing talent in the company includes Matthew Woodyatt, Rhona McGregor, Tom Partridge, Molly Lynch, Nicholas Duncan, Chlöe Hart, Danny Becker, Monica Swayne and Simbi Akande.

Already announced are four-time Grammy winner and Tony nominee Renée Fleming who will be making her long-awaited London musical theatre debut as American Margaret Johnson, and Dove Cameron – who also makes her UK debut as Margaret’s troubled daughter Clara. Dove is best known for her role in Disney’s The Descendants trilogy.  She recently played the role of Amber von Tussle in NBC’s Hairspray Live! and starred as Cher in the Off-Broadway production of Clueless: The Musical.

Final casting is currently taking place for the featured role of Signor Naccarelli, Fabrizio’s father.  Scenario Two expects to make a major announcement within the next month regarding this role.

The Light in the Piazza

On its Broadway debut, The Light in the Piazza  was described by the New York Times as having“the most intensely romantic score of any musical since West Side Story”.

Based on the novel by Elizabeth Spencer, The Light in the Piazza bookis by Craig Lucas, with music and lyrics by Adam Guettel.  Set in Florence during the summer of 1953, it’s a touching and heart-wrenching love story.  A fateful gust of wind whisks Clara’s hat into the hands of local dreamer Fabrizio Naccarelli and It’s love at first sight. However, Clara isn’t quite what she appears and soon they must all confront a secret that’s been kept in the shadows for far too long. 

The Light in the Piazza’s rich, emotional score is a totally unique genre amongst Broadway musicals. Unapologetically lyrical and romantic, it transports us to 1950s  Florence in the period made famous by films such as La Dolce Vita for a romantic evening of love and light.

SHANE RICHIE TO STAR AS ARCHIE RICE IN A BRAND NEW VERSION OF JOHN OSBORNE’S

THE ENTERTAINER

EMBARKING ON A UK TOUR FROM SEPTEMBER

Shane Richie will play ‘Archie Rice’ in a brand-new production of John Osborne’s The Entertainer – chosen as one of the greatest plays of the 20^th century by Michael Billington.

Directed by Sean O’Connor, this innovative adaptation will open at Curve on 27 August 2019 and then tour the UK until November. For the first time since its premiere in 1957, this classic play will be given a vibrant new setting.

1982: Archie Rice is a washed-up entertainer playing a summer season. As his soldier son sails with the Task Force to liberate the Falklands, his daughter Jean returns from campaigning against the war, and Archie’s professional and personal lives collide with devastating consequences.

Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said: “Osborne’s masterpiece was first presented in 1957 and alongside Archie Rice’s failing career, invited the audience to consider its own culture and what it meant to be English at a time of huge shifts within British society. Times have clearly changed, but as our country faces one of the most tumultuous periods since the end of the Second World War, the play once again captures the zeitgeist and is tantalisingly ripe for revival.

“It’s a thrilling play – epic and filled with humanity – and provides Shane Richie with a role he was born to play; we know it will be an hilarious and heartbreaking performance. We are also thrilled to welcome director Sean O’Connor to Curve, whose compelling vision for the play will reveal it afresh to an entirely new generation.”

Shane Richie said, “Following in the black patent shoes of Olivier, Gambon, Lindsay & Branagh, it’s an incredible honour to be asked to play one of literatures greatest fictional characters, Archie Rice. In the words of the great man himself “you’re a long time dead, let’s just whoop it up!“

Sean O’Connor said, “Osborne’s story of a man who faces the end of his career in the declining days of a popular art form in the context of Britain struggling to establish its place on the international stage has never seemed more relevant or more timely.

Against the backdrop of the Falklands War of 1982, the satirical new world of alternative comedy has dismissed Archie’s style of humour and his sort of act as old–fashioned and even offensive. The mother-in-law joke has been outlawed and a generation of entertainers like Archie have suddenly found themselves irrelevant.

At the same time, in the wake of recent abuse scandals, a certain cultural attitude- and a certain sort of man- has been exposed as outmoded and redundant; this is an Entertainer for 2019.

It’s a tribute to Osborne’s genius that this play resonates beyond the historical moment it was written in and speaks to us directly today with such prescience, power and truth. It’s THE state of the nation play, but it’s also a moving examination of family and failure as well as a defiant roar in the face of the relentless inevitability of change. 

I’m hugely excited to bring this new vision of one of the 20th century’s finest plays to the stage and completely thrilled to have secured Shane – one of the great entertainers of today – to play one of the most iconic roles in British theatre.”

Shane Richie has balanced a hugely successful forty year career between theatre, film & TV; and he has been a regular fixture on prime time television hosting such shows as Lucky Numbers (ITV), The Shane Richie Experience (ITV), Win, Lose or Draw (ITV), Don’t Forget the Lyrics! (SKY1), Reflex (BBC) and Win Your Wish List (BBC) to name but a few!

His numerous TV drama credits include Oliver Twist (BBC), New Tricks (BBC), We’re Doomed: The Dad’s Army Story (BBC), What We Did on Our Holidays (ITV), The Good Samaritan (ITV), As Good As It Gets (ITV), Skins (CH4), Moving On (BBC), Minder (CH5), Redwater (BBC), Benidorm (ITV), and Claude (Disney). Theatre credits include the London West End and Manchester production of Grease and One Flew over The Cuckoo’s Nest for a National tour. He stared in the musical Scrooge, and in two American classics titled ‘Lone Star and ‘Private Wars’ at The Kings Head Theatre London. February 2019 Shane stared as Hugo/ Loco Chanelle at London West End theatre, The Apollo in Everybody’s Talking about Jamie. And from the acclaimed writer Peter James, Shane played the leads in The Perfect Murder and Not Dead Enough. Shane also co-wrote and co-produced the national UK tour of ‘Boogie Nights’ which went on to a sell-out season at The Savoy Theatre in London’s West End. Film roles include Macbeth (CH4), The Reverend (Burn Hand Film), Prisoners of the Sun (Miromar Entertainment) and Flushed Away (Dreamworks Animation). In 2002; Shane created the lovable rogue Alfie Moon featuring in BBC One’s Eastenders. (Continuing). The role went on to earn Shane several industry awards and many accolades including Best Actor at the Rose d’Or Television Festival. In 2003 Shane wrote No.1 autobiography in The Sunday Times- Best Seller “Rags to Richie”.  In the same year, he released the No.1 record ‘I’m Your Man’ for BBC Children In Need. In 2017 Shane’s album ‘A Country Soul’ released for Warner Music; made it to No.1 once again, securing his position as the UK’s biggest selling country artist.

The Entertainer is a co-production between Curve, Anthology Theatre, and Simon Friend Entertainment.

Further casting and creative team to be announced.

To find out more about Curve, visit www.curveonline.co.uk

www.TheEntertainerPlay.co.uk

THE ENTERTAINER – UK TOUR DATES

Tuesday 27 – Saturday 31 August                                                              Box Office:  0116 242 3595

Curve Theatre, Leicester                                                                              www.curveonline.co.uk

Monday 2 – Saturday 7 September                                                           Box Office: 0844 871 7652

Milton Keynes Theatre                                                                                  www.atgtickets.com

Monday 9 – Saturday 14 September                                                        Box Office: 01684 892277

Malvern Festival Theatre                                                                            www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Monday 16 – Saturday 21 September                                                      Box Office: 01752 267222

Plymouth Theatre Royal                                                                             www.theatreroyal.com

Monday 23 – Saturday 28 September                                                      Box Office:  0844 871 7645

New Victoria Theatre, Woking                                                                  www.atgtickets.com/woking

Monday 30 September – Saturday 5 October                                        Box Office: 01323 412000

Eastbourne Theatres                                                                                  www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Monday 7 – Saturday 12 October                                                            Box Office: 01902 429212

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre                                                               www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 October                                                          Box Office: 024 7655 3055

Coventry Belgrade Theatre                                                                       www.belgrade.co.uk

Monday 21 – Saturday 26 October                                                          Box Office: 0844 871 7650

Theatre Royal Brighton                                                                              www.atgtickets.com/brighton

Monday 28 October – Saturday 3 November                                        Box Office: 0844 871 3018

Manchester Opera House                                                                         www.atgtickets.com

Monday 4 – Saturday 9 November                                                          Box Office: 020 3285 6000

Bromley Churchill Theatre                                                                         www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

Monday 11 – Saturday 16 November                                                      Box Office: 01242 572573

Cheltenham Everyman                                                                               www.everymantheatre.org.uk

Monday 18 – Saturday 23 November                                                      Box Office: 01743 281281

Shrewsbury Severn Theatre                                                                      www.theatresevern.co.uk

Curve

60 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1SB

www.curveonline.co.uk

Twitter:@CurveLeicester Facebook:/CURVEtheatreLeicester  Instagram:  @Curve_Leicester

Box Office:                          0116 242 3595

                                                Monday – Saturday: 10am – 8pm (6pm non-performance days)

                                                Sunday: one hour before the performance

Curve is run by Leicester Theatre Trust Limited, a registered charity (no. 230708). We gratefully acknowledge and welcome the continued support of and partnership with the above organisations:

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial In Concert

Coming to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall

Tickets are on sale now at www.usherhall.co.uk

TM & © Universal Studios

Relive the magic of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial on the big screen accompanied by a magnificent, live performance of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Coming to the Usher Hall in Edinburgh on Saturday 20 April, tickets are on sale now at: www.usherhall.co.uk.

Director Steven Spielberg‘s heart-warming masterpiece is one of the brightest stars in motion picture history. Filled with unparalleled magic and imagination, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial follows the moving story of a lost little alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott. Experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure in the beloved movie that captivated audiences around the world, complete with John Williams’ Academy Award®-winning score performed live by a full symphony orchestra in sync to the film projected on a huge HD screen!

The concert will see the Czech National Symphony Orchestra return to the venue following their highly acclaimed performance as part of the Usher Hall’s Sunday Classics series in 2018.

The CNSO has gained a position among both Czech and Europe’s top symphonic ensembles. Renowned for its versatility, the orchestra presents annually a broad program ranging from classical music concerts through contemporary genre, film scores, jazz, or musicals.

Tickets:

£49.50 | £31.80 | £35.20 | £27.50 | Includes booking fee.

at www.usherhall.co.uk and 0131 228 1155

Listings Information:

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial with Czech National Symphony Orchestra

Sat 20 April 2019, 7.30pm

Usher Hall, Lothian Road, Edinburgh

Conductor: Ben Palmer

Classified U

JASON MANFORD TO STAR IN CURTAINS AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Tickets are on sale now for the smash hit musical comedy Curtains starring Jason Manford at Darlington Hippodrome from Monday 11 to Saturday 16 November.

It’s murder putting on a new musical – literally!

Jessica Cranshaw, star of the new Broadway-bound musical Robbin’ Hood, has been murdered on stage on opening night! The entire cast and crew are suspects. Time to call in the local detective, Frank Cioffi, who just happens to be a huge musical theatre fan. With a nose for crime and an ear for music, Frank has his work cut out trying to find the killer whilst giving the show a lifeline.

Starring Jason Manford (The Producers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Guys and Dolls), this hilarious whodunnit is packed full of catchy songs, unforgettable characters and plot twists galore! Written by Kander and Ebb, creators of Cabaret and Chicago, this Tony award winning backstage murder mystery musical will have audiences laughing and guessing right to the final curtain.

Curtains opens at Darlington Hippodrome on Monday 11 November and runs to Saturday 16 November. Tickets are on sale now.

For more information or to book call 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk