Not even a technical fault, causing the curtain to go down for a few minutes, could spoil the joy that is Calendar Girls on its first night in Sunderland.
With the current cast almost at the end of their run, there are no signs of tiredness. The show is still as fresh as when I first saw it back in August. Although the cast have very much grown into their roles, giving nuisances and depth to their portrayals.
No one could have predicted 20 years ago what the members of the Rylstone and District WI would achieve – doing a nude calendar to raise funds to hopefully buy a sofa, resulted in raising over five million. With a film, a play and now a musical all helping to boost the coppers of this fund.
Written by Tim Firth with music and lyrics by Gary Barlow, we follow the story of Annie (Anna Jane Casey) whose husband John (Phil Corbitt) is diagnosed and then dies of leukemia. Her friend Chris (Rebecca Storm) comes up with the idea of doing a tasteful nude calendar to raise funds and the fellow members of the WI – Cora (Karen Dunbar), Ruth (Sara Crowe), Jessie (Pauline Daniels) and Celia (Denise Welch) – slowly come round to her mad idea. However WI Chair Marie (Nikki Gerrard stepping in for Fern Brittain) is against the idea but come around in the end.
The second act builds up to the big shoot becoming a means of overcoming issues such as grief, age or physical self-consciousness. The shoot and the nudity are handled with warmth and charm, with a joy that brings huge cheers from the audience at every flash (from the camera!). The women bare their bodies in a hugely empowering way proving whatever size, shape or age – everyone is beautiful.
Robert Jones set design manages to resemble a church hall complete with an old school piano and wooden chairs; a hospital waiting room with uncomfortable seating, and a village green all surrounded by the backdrop of Yorkshire’s rolling hills, its simplicity allows you to focus on the most important part of the play – the characters – and to concentrate on the relationships between the women. Barlow’s music is always catchy and the musical arrangements are a joy to listen to and Firth proves, yet again, just how insightful his incredible writing is.
This show is about celebrating the strength and beauty of women, especially in their last phase “their most glorious”. One of the most beautiful musicals around, this is made especially poignant by being a true story. Make sure you have an endless supply of tissues because by the end there won’t be a dry eye in the house
A PLAY BY JOHN PIELMEIER BASED ON THE NOVEL BY WILLIAM PETER BLATTY
MARKING 45 YEARS SINCE ITS UK CINEMA RELEASE,
AT A THEATRE NEAR YOU FROM 2 SEPTEMBER
★★★★
‘A grand polished blockbuster. Visually miraculous. It is a thrill to watch’ Metro
★★★★ ‘A storming version of The Exorcist’ Daily Mail
★★★★ ‘It sends shivers down the spine’ Daily Telegraph
Bill Kenwright presents the nationwide tour of the spine-tingling live production of The Exorcist,based on the best-selling novel by William Peter Blatty.Inspired by true events, this devilishly thrilling tale has been adapted for stage by John Pielmeier and directed by Sean Mathias (Waiting for Godot, No Man’s Land), featuring the voice of Ian McKellen as the Demon.
When the medical profession fails to provide answers to young Regan’s strange symptoms, her desperate mother Chris turns to a local priest for help. But before Father Damien can tackle what’s before him, he must overcome his own shaken beliefs, as this fight is for more than just one girl’s soul…
William Friedkin’s 1973 Academy Award-winning film adaption of The Exorcist, thrilled audiences across the globe and gained a huge cult following. Now, 45 years after the films release, fans of the film and theatre alike get to experience a visually astounding, intelligent and haunting theatrical experience.
Opening at the Theatre Royal Windsor on 2 September 2019, the production will then visit Glasgow,Wimbledon, Stoke, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin, Edinburgh, Inverness,Aberdeen , with further dates and star casting to be announced soon.
‘Motown The Musical’ Heads for the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford A celebration of the music that transcends the generations Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Tuesday 9 – Saturday 20 April 2019 Tickets: £54.50 – £19.50 (concs and group discounts available) Call the Box Office on 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk *All prices shown include booking fees but are subject to postage charge if applicable. Bradford Theatres usual terms and conditions apply
Discover the story behind Motown, the personal relationships, the professional struggles, and, of course, the music – as Motown The Musical heads for the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford, for a two-week run.
Uncovering the true story of the legendary record label that changed music history and created the soundtrack of a generation, Motown The Musical features a live orchestra playing 52 tracks including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I’ll Be There, Dancing In The Street, Stop! In The Name Of Love, My Girl, and I Heard It through the Grapevine.
A dynamic cast, show-stopping choreography, and breath-taking costumes bring to life the rags-to-riches story of Berry Gordy, the creation of the Motown record label, his relationship with Diana Ross, and how he copes when the hits begin to dry up. With 50 slick dance routines, and performances of 52 Motown songs, the cast don 200 costumes (the quickest costume change takes just 24 seconds) and 100 different wigs!
Berry Gordy founded the Motown label in 1959 with just $800 borrowed from his family and went on to launch the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more.
Producer Charles Randolph-Wright said: “I love that the show appeals to every age – each audience member finds some aspect of this show that resonates with them. The show is infectious, and the UK truly knows and loves this music.”
The cast for the UK and Ireland tour includes Edward Baruwa who plays the leading role of ‘Berry Gordy’, Karis Anderson as ‘Diana Ross’, Nathan Lewis as ‘Smokey Robinson’ and Shak Gabbidon-Williams as ‘Marvin Gaye’.
Role of Joseph to mark Jac’s professional stage debut
Performances begin Thursday 27 June 2019
Today Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are thrilled to announce that Jac Yarrow will take the lead role in the new production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the world famous London Palladium.
Jac – who will be making his professional stage debut in the iconic role – will star alongside Jason Donovan and Sheridan Smith, who have previously been announced as Pharaoh and The Narrator respectively.
Joseph is one of stage’s most sought after roles, and Jac will be following the footsteps of a line of stars who have previously played the title character, including Jason himself.
Jac created a sensation at the beginning of the year when he starred in the production of Disney’s Newsies at the Arts Educational School. Jac, who is 21 and from Cardiff, took the role of Jack Kelly and gave a breath-taking performance, marking himself out as an outstanding talent in the new generation of theatre stars and creating huge excitement in anticipation of embarking upon a professional stage career
Jac commented: “I can’t quite believe it. Here I am, 21 years old, still at Drama School and come June I’ll be standing centre stage at the prestigious London Palladium, singing the iconic music and lyrics of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. My dream came true.”
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will play a strictly limited 11-week season from Thursday 27 June
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be directed by Laurence Connor (School of RockMiss Saigon). Laurence will be joined on the creative team by Choreographer JoAnn M Hunter, Morgan Large who will design the set and costumes, Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell and Sound Designer Gareth Owen.
Released as a concept album in 1969,the stage version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most belovedfamily musicals. The multi-award-winning show, which began life as a small-scale school concert, has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international number one tours, and productions in over 80 countries as far afield as Austria and Zimbabwe and from Israel to Peru! The show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre standards, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, Jacob and Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go Go Go Joseph.
Told entirely through song with the help of the Narrator, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatfollows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his eleven brothers. After being sold into slavery by the brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is produced by Michael Harrison.
ANNOUNCES THE NEXT CAST ALBUM KARAOKE NIGHT ON 10 APRIL
Music and lyrics by seven-time Grammy Award-nominee Sara Bareilles Book by Jessie Nelson Based upon the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly Directed by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus
The next Waitress LondonCast Album KaraokeNight will be held on Wednesday 10 April, hosts to be announced. Audience members can sign up before the show for the chance to sing one minute of any song from Waitress – live on stage at the Adelphi and accompanied by the show’s musical director Katharine Woolley.
Waitress celebrated its official opening night on 7 March and the Tony-nominated musical bySara Bareilles is now booking to 19 October.
Waitress opened on 24 April 2016 at Broadway’s Brooks Atkinson Theater. Based on the 2007 motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly, Waitress is the first Broadway and West End musical in history to have four women in the four top creative team spots, featuring original music and lyrics by 7-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Love Song”, “Brave”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland) and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The production is currently touring the US and has also announced it will have its Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.
Waitress stars Katharine McPhee as Jenna, Jack McBrayer as Ogie, Marisha Wallace as Becky, Laura Baldwin as Dawn, Peter Hannah as Earl, David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter andShaun Prendergast as Old Joe.
The full company includes Kelly Agbowu, Laura Baldwin, Piers Bate, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Michael Hamway, Peter Hannah, David Hunter, Stephen Leask, Jack McBrayer, Chris McGuigan, Katharine McPhee, Olivia Moore, Nathaniel Morrison, Sarah O’Connor, Leanne Pinder, Shaun Prendergast, Charlotte Riby, Marisha Wallaceand Mark Willshire.
Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying run-in with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness.
On its Broadway opening, Waitress was nominated for four Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical; two Drama League Award Nominations, including Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical; six Drama Desk Nominations, including Outstanding Musical; and four Tony Award Nominations, including Best Musical.
Cast:Christopher Arkeston, Elizabeth Robin, Joshua Cosidine and Rachel Benson
Touring: 13 Apr to 19 October 2019
Following their hugely successful touring productions of Get Well Soon and Revolting Women, the award winning Mikron Theatre are set to pays tribute to all the wartime women who pushed the door to opportunity firmly open in Vashti Maclachlan’s (Revolting Women, Mikron Theatre) new play All Hands On Deck: A Tale of Two Wrens.
New WRNS recruits Ginger and Lily, are looking for wartime adventure. Lily wants to serve on dry land, but Ginger is desperate to serve at sea – and the sailors can’t believe their luck!
Full of dots, dashes, semaphore and song, Ginger and Lily find themselves in uncharted waters on a journey they’ll never forget.
The new play will start its national tour at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield on the 13 April and then tour around the UK by road and river until the 19 October.
All Hands On Deck: A Tale of Two Wrens is directed by Mikron Theatre’s Artistic Director Marianne McNamara , designed by Celia Perkins, music composed and lyrics by Kieran Buckeridge with the music directed by Rebekah Hughes. The cast will feature Christopher Arkeston, Elizabeth Robin, Joshua Cosidine and Rachel Benson.
Playwright and former Mikron actor, Vashti Maclachlan, who penned last year’s ‘Revolting Women’ has had a great time steering the ship on All Hands On Deck. “It’s been a pleasure to write again for Mikron in its 48th year and an honour to shine a spotlight on the tireless women who gave their all to shape a Women’s Royal Navy Service fit for the future.” “I love Mikron’s theatrical style, lively and accessible, often with a social conscience. You laugh a lot at a Mikron play,
Director Marianne McNamara added:
Marianne McNamara, Mikron’s Artistic Director and Director of this show, explains why the Wrens show means a lot to many Mikron followers:
“I’ve always been interested in the Wrens. They’ve been suggested as an interesting subject matter by a number of audience members who were related to Wrens. There are plenty plays about the war but not that many that explore women’s contributions to the war. It’s been fascinating to research their story and to celebrate their endeavours.”
In 2019, Mikron Theatre Company will embark on their 48th year of touring. Based in the village of Marsden, at the foot of the Yorkshire Pennines, Mikron Theatre Company The company are like no other. For starters, they tour for most of the year on board a vintage narrowboat, secondly, they put on their shows in places that other theatre companies wouldn’t dream of; a play about growing-your-own shown in allotments, a play about bees performed next to hives, a play about chips to audiences in a fish and chips restaurant, as well as plays about hostelling in YHA Youth hostels and the RNLI at several Lifeboat stations around the UK.
All Hands On Deck: A Tale of Two Wrens, will be touring nationally in the Summer alongside Nick Ahad’s new play about Butlins – Redcoats.
The Union J star is making his musical theatre dream come true in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 May. Here he talks candidly about donning that famous coat of many colours.
What is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat about?
It’s based on a biblical story about Joseph the dreamer. He has 11 brothers, but he’s his father’s favourite and his Dad gives him a coloured dreamcoat as a gift. His brothers get very jealous and hatch a plan to kill him, but instead he gets taken to Egypt as a slave and is sent to prison. Fate is on Joseph’s side however and despite trying times, he eventually becomes the prince of Egypt.
Joseph has got something special. It has all these markers that made me think of my life. I had people, not brothers, but contemporaries at school, who told me I couldn’t be what I wanted to be. I’m a dreamer; I wanted to be a star. I also had something that made me different; being a gay man and finding out at a young age.
I always had my head in the clouds, but I was always sure of who I was and I never let what anyone said deter me. That’s how I approached Joseph, with the message that as long as you stand by who you are, eventually the rest of the world will see how wonderful you are too.
Is that what drew you to the role?
It just felt right. Theatre was always my first love. I always envisioned myself on stage every day. But life took a different turn.
I believe in the universe giving you signs and the tools you need to make things happen. I did panto with Jimmy Osmond, who’s done Joseph, and then I met Joe McElderry, who’d also played Joseph. All these signs were there. It was so bizarre. It just felt like I need to do this. And I’ve never felt like I’m more in the right place at the right time than I do right now.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is 50 years old this year. How do you think this show has stood the test of time?
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice are the best. They wrote this musical at university! The songs are timeless. I think that is the one word to use. You have songs here that, in 2019, don’t have to be modernised. We’re not changing anything at all. That’s testament to how well written they are. I know how dated the music I released in the last seven years is already, just listening to the charts!
How did it feel to put on theatre’s most famous coat for the first time on stage?
At my opening night in Windsor, that moment was when I got an out-of-body, hairs on the back of your neck moment. I had goosebumps everywhere and was rushing with emotion. This is just such an amazing show to be a part of. I’m honoured that they’re letting me take the torch.
What’s most exciting about touring the show?
What I love about a touring show is people are so grateful that you’re coming to see them, that you’re doing the leg work. People really appreciate that.
I’m really looking forward to going to places I’ve never been before and finding new audiences. I love being on the road. Although I’ve been a pop star for the last seven years, being on stage is the thing I’ve done the least. It was all about being on TV or in a studio. The stage is what I love. I love being live in front of an audience, so to do it 10 times a week, I couldn’t be happier.
What is it that makes live performance so special?
It’s the seeing sweat on someone’s face, the passion and the being in the room with them. You can’t beat that. Especially singing, you can’t beat live music and hearing that passion come from someone’s voice. As a performer, you have to impress there and then; there’s no rerun, it’s now or never. That added pressure is what makes theatre so amazing.
At the start of 2019, you announced Union J were splitting for now. How do you look back on your time with that band?
I have the fondest memories of that project, even when things were tough for us. You need to have those moments to give you a sense of how much it means to you. I’ll be forever grateful to that band for giving me what it’s given me and the joy we’ve had over the years. In my adult life I’ve only done what I love. Very few people can say that. I would never take that for granted.
People might think it a little self-indulgent, but I watch back our YouTube videos and listen to our music. I’m very proud of what we achieved as, initially, three young kids who set out to do something and made it happen. We were all so determined.
One day, hopefully, we can get back together and do a reunion and be together at a different time in life when it’s right again. As much as we were a band, we are individual people and we have individual passions, hopes and aspirations. In every good relationship you have to let the other person flourish.
What can audiences expect from a trip to see Joseph?
It’s a real feel good musical. The music’s fun, it’s bright and colourful, and we have the most amazing, talented cast. The world at the moment is so depressing; I think everybody should come for a couple of hours of detachment from reality, and have a fun, uplifting time.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 May.
In just two weeks Puss in Boots, the newest children’s production created by Northern Ballet,is set toreturn to Leeds before striding out on a major national tour from April to June. Following a hugely successful sold out world première in October 2018, Puss in Boots will be performed at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre from 02 to 05 April, in perfect time for the Easter holidays.
Inspired by the much-loved fairytale, Puss in Boots tells the story of a remarkable cat who, despite being both clever and charming, always seems to bring his master bad luck. This child friendly 40 minute ballet follows their adventure as they meet a flurry of characters and even come face to face with royalty! It has been created especially for children and their families to experience live dance, music and theatre together.
Puss in Boots follows in the footsteps of the Company’s five previous children’s ballets, all of which have achieved huge popularity both live on stage and in CBeebies TV adaptations. Choreographed by Jenna Lee, founder and Creative Director of JLee Productions and former English National Ballet Soloist, Puss in Boots will feature set designs by Ali Allen, lighting by Alastair West, costume designs by Jenna Lee in collaboration with Kim Brassley and Carley Marsh, and music composed by RichardNorriss, played live by members of Northern Ballet Sinfonia at every venue.
Daniel de Andrade, Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director of Children’s Ballets, said: ‘We are delighted thatPuss in Boots is returning to Leeds before setting off on tour around the country. The production previously sold out at its world première in October, so we are thrilled that its return this Easter means even more local families can experience the magic of live ballet and theatre together.’
Tickets for Puss in Boots at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds can be booked online attheatreleeds.com or by calling the Box Office on 0113 220 8008. Tickets are priced at £6.50 for adults and £5.00 for children.
Birmingham Repertory Theatre Announces New Artistic and Executive Directors
Birmingham Repertory Theatre is thrilled to announce that Sean Foley will become the theatre’s new Artistic Director, Amit Sharma will be Deputy Artistic Director, and Rachael Thomas will become Executive Director.
Sean Foley is an award-winning actor, writer and director. He co-founded The Right Size, creating many original comedies and touring nationally and throughout the world. He is a double Olivier Award-winner for co-writing and starring in The Play What I Wrote – also Tony nominated – and Do You Come Here Often? He directedthe Olivier Award-winning Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, andhas also directed, co-written or starred in many further Olivier Award-nominated productions, including The Ladykillers, Ducktastic, Arturo Brachetti: Change, and The Miser. He has worked extensively with many leading actors, writers and comedians, and is one of the very few people to have received Olivier nominations as an actor, a writer, and as a director.Other directing credits include The Painkiller starring Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon; I Can’t Sing starring Cynthia Erivo; and The Walworth Farce starring Brendan, Domhnall, and Briain Gleeson. His film directing credits include Mindhorn starring Julian Barrett and Steve Coogan; TV includes Marilyn Monroe and Billy Wilder, starring Gemma Arterton, and One Normal Night – both for Sky Arts.
Sean Foley said of his appointment: “Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s history as one of the most important theatres in the country is inspiring. Birmingham itself has always had an exceptional level of creativity and innovation, and has a unique and world-class cultural ecology. I’m tremendously honoured to be invited to contribute to that, and to have been appointed Artistic Director at this ground-breaking theatre.
“The UK’s ‘Second City’ is full of amazing people: as one of the most multicultural cities in Britain, its stories are specific, but also universal. I’m British, but also half Irish, half Brummie, and am excited to be returning to work in the city having grown up in its suburbs.
“I hope to fill the theatre with stories that engage all its communities and audiences while connecting with the wider world. The ambition, in taking on this exciting challenge with Amit and Rachael, is to create a national home for truly popular theatre.”
Amit Sharma has been Associate Director at Graeae Theatre Company since 2011 and also Associate Artistic Director at the Royal Exchange, Manchester from 2017-2019. For Graeae, Amit directed the world première of Jack Thorne’s The Solid Life of Sugar Water – a hit of the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Cosmic Scallies at the Royal Exchange, and The Iron Man which toured nationally and internationally. Also for Graeae, Amit has co-directed the outdoor spectaclePrometheus Awakes and Sequins and Snowballs. In Autumn 2019, Amit will direct a new version of Winsome Pinnock’s One Under for a UK tour. Amit has extensive experience in creating opportunities for artists – he led Graeae’s flagship UK-wide new writing programme, Write to Play and developed many opportunities for D/deaf and disabled artists while at the Royal Exchange.
Amit Sharma said of his appointment: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the iconic Birmingham Repertory Theatre. I know what a wonderful theatre it is having performed on its main stage, directed a show which was programmed in The DOOR (with another show programmed later this year) and worked with the arts team developing new talent in the past. I have had such an amazing time with Graeae, who will always be part of my life, but the opportunity to join Sean, Rachael and the remarkable team in Birmingham fills me with such excitement that I can’t wait to get started on the next chapter in The REP’s illustrious history.”
Rachael Thomas joins The REP following her role as Executive Director of Derby Theatre and a 25-year career in the cultural sector. At Derby Theatre she has helped secure significant increases in grant funding and earned income from programme and commercial sources. In her previous role at Lincoln Castle she project managed the delivery of Lincoln Castle Revealed – the £22 million award-winning restoration and re-interpretation of the medieval castle and Magna Carta exhibition. Prior to this Rachael worked for ten years at Nottingham Playhouse as Head of Finance and Business Development. Her other roles have included Director of Phoenix Arts, Leicester and Director of the Merlin Theatre in Somerset. Rachael has an MBA from the University of Bath.
At The REP Rachael will work closely with Sean Foley and Amit Sharma to realise their artistic vision, alongside managing and developing the business plan and the strategic management of the organisation.
Rachael Thomas said of her appointment: “The REP is a theatre that I’ve admired throughout my career and I’m absolutely thrilled to be appointed Executive Director. These are exciting times for Birmingham as it continues its transformation into a world class city – from the major redevelopment of the city centre to its role as host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the vision and ambition within the city is clear. As one of the UK’s most multicultural cities it’s also a place with many different stories to be told and many communities to connect with and the wealth of opportunities that this presents for the theatre is extraordinary. With Sean and Amit I share a vision for The REP to play a bold and distinctive role in the life of the city as a theatre that’s firmly grounded in and relevant to all its local communities but with a national and international outlook.”
Angela Maxwell, Chair of the Board at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, said: “The board set out to find a leadership team with a creative and cultural reputation who could take the theatre on to even greater success as a leading player in contemporary British theatre.
“Sean, Amit and Rachael are an exciting combination and in them we have found a dream team with a passion for theatre, commitment to excellence and an ambition to raise the profile and impact of The REP for the future. We’re thrilled they have chosen to come and work with us and they demonstrate Birmingham’s growing cultural confidence and ability to attract artistic talent.”
Tarek Iskander, Director Theatre at Arts Council England, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Sean Foley as Artistic Director and Rachael Thomas as Executive Director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre. We’re also particularly pleased to welcome Amit Sharma as Deputy Artistic Director. As a graduate of the Arts Council’s Changemakers scheme, which offers support to disabled and Black and minority ethnic leaders offering experience, knowledge and skills within organisations to take the next step into senior leadership positions, it’s fantastic to see Amit’s journey continue. We look forward to seeing Sean, Rachael and Amit’s combined wealth of experience, ambition, passion and creativity drive the theatre on to future success.
“Tribute must, of course, be paid to Stuart Rogers and Roxana Silbert, as they leave The REP having worked there for a staggering 24 years between them. During this time they have successfully developed the audience, programme and artistic community for the theatre, focusing on The REP’s central commitment to the diversity of Birmingham. They have built a thriving theatre, despite the challenging economic times.
“The REP is at the heart of the city’s thriving cultural scene, creating stories that are made in Birmingham but which resonate everywhere. This an exciting time for the city, as we approach the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and we look forward to seeing the team continue to inspire audiences with innovative productions long into the future.”
Sean Foley, Amit Sharma and Rachael Thomas will take up their posts in Spring / Summer 2019 with their first season of work starting in 2020. They take over from The REP’s current Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert and Executive Director, Stuart Rogers who leave later this year.
WITH JASON HAIGH-ELLERY, LAURENCE MYERS, COLIN INGRAM AND PETER KANE FOR INTHEATRE PRODUCTIONS AND CURVE
PRESENT
CURVE’S PRODUCTION OF
IRVING BERLIN’S
WHITE CHRISTMAS
FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON
AT LONDON’S DOMINION THEATRE FROM 15 NOVEMBER 2019 – 4 JANUARY 2020
STARRING DANNY MAC AS BOB WALLACE
AND DAN BURTON AS PHIL DAVIS
TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 25 MARCH 2019 AT 10.00AM
Jamie Wilson, Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Kevin McCollum are delighted to present the spectacular new Made at Curve production of Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS at London’s Dominion Theatre from Friday 15 November 2019 – Saturday 4 January 2020. Tickets on sale Monday 25 March 2019 at 10.00am.
This feel-good family musical will star Danny Mac as Bob Wallace and Dan Burton as Phil Davis, who both reprise their acclaimed roles following the successful run at Curve, Leicester. Further casting will be announced soon.
Danny Mac’s many theatre credits include Joe Gillis in the recent tour of Sunset Boulevard, Gabey in On The Town at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and the West End productions of Wicked and Legally Blonde. He captured the nation’s hearts and received overwhelming support during his incredible time on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, making it all the way to the final.
Dan Burton was nominated for an Olivier for his performance as Tulsa in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre. His other West End credits include Jersey Boys, The Pajama Game, Chicago, Legally Blonde, Betty Blue Eyes and Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall.
A timeless romantic comedy to warm hearts of all ages, WHITE CHRISTMAS features the classic songs “Blue Skies”, “Sisters” and the most famous festive song of all… “White Christmas”.
WHITE CHRISTMAS has Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin and a Book by David Ives and Paul Blake. It is Directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Annie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and Choreographed by two-time Olivier Award-winning choreographer Stephen Mear (Mary Poppins, Gypsy). Set Design is by Michael Taylor and Costume Design is by Diego Pitarch. Musical Supervision is by Stephen Brooker, Lighting Design by Mark Henderson and Sound Design by Tom Marshall. Orchestrations are by Larry Blank with New Musical arrangements by Jason Carr.
Presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of R&H Theatricals.
