Month: March 2019

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford – until 16th March 2019

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

2**

Two playwrights are on a luxury liner to New York. Their latest collaboration is due to be performed when they arrive, but they’re still working on it. Also on board are Adam, the show’s sensitive young composer, Natasha the leading lady that he loves, and Ivor the leading man who is pursuing her. The composer has a speech problem: he can’t get his timing right. And the cabin steward doesn’t know his way around a boat.

Things duly go comically wrong, but somehow it is hard to care, for the first half at least. Tom Stoppard based this 1984 play on Ferenc Molnar’s 1926 romantic comedy Play at the Castle. You might expect Stoppard’s playfulness to enhance the comedy, but it actually seems to flatten it without adding other interest. Charlie Stemp raised the most laughs as Dvornichek the cabin steward, whose role is to misunderstand things while also explaining to the audience exactly what’s going on.

In the second half, I did find myself laughing at some of the one-liners. The composer (Rob Ostlere) can talk sense again, and in the last ten minutes or so the play becomes more fun, not just because the cast can see the end in sight. Turai the playwright (John Partridge) has told the (unseen) captain how to steer, and the captain sorts out the playscript.

The set is a beauty: two decks of a ship with walls that slide back to reveal a luxurious cabin interior, and realistic views of stormy weather in the second half (design by Colin Richmond). There are some songs by Andre Previn, but the music seemed halfhearted until the end when Stemp and Simon Dutton (Ivor) took to the piano and everything ended with a jolly dance routine.

The Worst Witch flies into Salford with an action packed new adventure for the stage.

Kenny Wax Family Entertainment, Novel Theatre and Nica Burns present the Royal & Derngate, Northampton Production of The Worst Witch which comes to The Lowry from Tue 26 – Sun 31 March.

This original story written for the stage by Emma Reeves features an all-female cast and is based on Jill Murphy’s classic series of novels ‘The Worst Witch.’ Directed by Theresa Heskins and designed by Simon Daw, with music by Luke Potter.

‘The Worst Witch’ is the story of an ordinary girl who finds herself in an extraordinary place: a school for witches. Accident-prone Mildred Hubble and her fellow pupils leave a trail of mayhem behind them as they find themselves at the centre of a battle that’s being fought for their future.

Featuring Jill Murphy’s much-loved characters, the production features original songs, music, magic and a dose of Mildred’s unique brand of utter pandemonium.

Playing the hapless Mildred Hubble is Danielle Bird, whose recent stage credits include ‘The Hypocrite’ (Royal Shakespeare Company/Hull Truck) and ‘Macbeth’ (Shakespeare’s Globe). Taking the roles of Agatha and Miss Cackle is UK Theatre Award-winning actorPolly Lister whose credits include ‘The Snow Queen’ (New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme) and ‘Great Expectations’ (Derby Theatre). Rachel Heaton (‘Passing,’ Bunker Theatre) plays Miss Hardbroom. Rebecca Killick (‘Pink Mist’ Bristol Old Vic) plays Maud, Rosie Abraham (‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong,’ West End and tour) plays Ethel, and Consuela Rolle (‘Remember, Remember’ The Other Palace) plays Enid. The cast is completed by Molly-Grace Cutler as Miss Bat/musician. Megan Leigh Mason as Miss Drill/musician, Emma Lau as Drusilla and Meg Forgan as Fenella/musician.

Jill Murphy’s ‘The Worst Witch’ stories have sold more than five million copies and been made into films and TV series by HBO, ITV and CBBC.
 
Jill Murphy says, “My first trip to the theatre aged four, opened up a magical world – so real to me, that I had to be restrained from climbing on stage to help the children in peril! My Mum was quite cross with me, but I never wanted the story to end and sang songs loudly all the way home on the bus. Imagine how proud I feel, all these years later, seeing my own Mildred Hubble on stage with all the characters from Miss Cackle’s Academy. I still feel thrilled to bits when I go to the theatre and ‘The Worst Witch’ is a magical production.”

Listings Information 
The Worst Witch 
Dates: Tue 26 – Sun 31 March
Times: 7pm. Sat & Sun – 2pm. Thu 1.30pm.
Tickets: £26.50 – £28.50. Concessions £3 off.
Age Guidance: 7+
Running time: Approx. 2 hours 10 minutes including interval

LOUISE REDKNAPP RE-JOINS

DOLLY PARTON’S

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

IN THE ROLE OF ‘VIOLET NEWSTEAD’

AT THE SAVOY THEATRE FROM

25 MARCH – 29 JUNE 2019

Louise Redknapp will re-join the cast of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL in the role of ‘Violet Newstead’ at the Savoy Theatre, London from 25 March until 29 June 2019. 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL opened in the West End last month, where Dolly Parton attended the premiere and joined the cast on stage at the finale. The show is booking at the Savoy Theatre until 31 August 2019.

Louise Redknapp most recently starred as ‘Sally Bowles’ in the national tour of “Cabaret”. In 2016 she reached the final of “Strictly Come Dancing”. As a musician Louise has sold millions of records. She was a member of the band Eternal before embarking on a highly successful solo career, with her first live shows in 15 years selling out all over the UK.

Louise joins Amber Davies as ‘Judy Bernly’, Natalie McQueen as ‘Doralee Rhodes’, Bonnie Langford as ‘Roz Keith’ and Brian Conley as ‘Franklin Hart’.

The cast also includes Victoria Anderson, Alexander Bartles, Ashford Campbell, Simon Campbell, Rhiane Drummond, Demmileigh Foster, Llandyll Gove, Lucinda Lawrence, Jenny Legg, Christopher Jordan Marshall, Jacob Maynard, Natasha Mould, Sean Needham, Jon Reynolds, James Royden-Lyley, Giles Surridge, Sasha Wareham and Emily Woodford.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton. It tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy – three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the girls manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Original Broadway Cast Recording is planned for re-release via Dolly Records/Sony Music.

Based on the 20^th Century Fox Picture. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group and Selladoor Worldwide with Gavin Kalin Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Showtime Theatre Productions, Hartshorn – Hook Productions and Kilimanjaro Live.

THE FULL MONTY REVEALS ALL AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

• STARRING GARY LUCY, ANDREW DUNN, LOUIS EMERICK, JOE GILL, KAI OWEN and JAMES REDMOND

The ‘lunchbox’ has landed; Leeds audiences are invited to leave their hat on for the return of The Full Monty toLeeds Grand Theatre from Monday 25 to Saturday 30 March 2019.

Telling the story of six out-of-work, impoverished steelworkers from Sheffield with nothing to lose, The Full Monty (based on the highly acclaimed, smash hit film by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy) has become one of Britain’s most successful stage shows featuring iconic songs by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones (amongst others).

Produced by multi-award winning theatre producers David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers, and directed by Rupert Hill,the all-star cast will be led again by Gary Lucy (Hollyoaks, EastEnders, The Bill, Footballers’ Wives, winner ofDancing On Ice). Joining Lucy is: Andrew Dunn (Dinnerladies, Bremner, Bird & Fortune) as Gerald; Louis Emerick(Coronation Street, Benidorm, Brookside) as Horse; Joe Gill (Emmerdale) as Lomper; Kai Owen (Torchwood,Hollyoaks) as Dave; and James Redmond (Hollyoaks, Casualty) as Guy.

Joining them will be Liz Carney as Jean, Amy Thompson as Mandy, Bryonie Pritchard as Linda and Keeley Fitzgerald as Sharon. Through these women we see the other side of the story, the challenging journeys they face to stand by their men and how they ultimately take their hats off to them all.

The Full Monty is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 25 to Saturday 30 March 2019

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

AUDIENCE AND CRITICS’ FAVOURITE BEN NICKLESS RETURNS TO 
OPERA HOUSE PANTOMIME, JOINING PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED 
CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD

Following a sensational performance as Buttons in last year’s Cinderella, Manchester Opera House is delighted to announce much-loved funny man and panto star Ben Nickless will return to the city and star alongside Craig Revel Horwood in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for the 2019 festive period.

Rochdale-born Ben Nickless started his working life playing the comedy clubs of the North West and his career took off in 2006 when he performed his own style of comedy and impressions on the BBC Television series Let Me Entertain You alongside Brian Conley and Christine Bleakley, winning his episode. Ben has proven to be one of the country’s most popular pantomime performers, and his performance in Cinderella has earned him a nomination for Best Comic at the Great British Pantomime Awards, with the winner to be announced this April.

This year marks Ben’s 18^th year in comedy, regularly appearing across the UK and beyond in cabaret, concerts, stand up and television, appearing in front of thousands of people every year and wowing audiences with his quick wit, physical comedy and hilarious impressions.

2019 also marks his 16^th foray into the magical world of pantomime, which has seen him perform alongside David Hasselhoff (for whom he also starred in his hit sitcom Hoff the Record), Lesley Joseph, Duncan James, Christopher Biggins, Su Pollard, Sherrie Hewson, Simon Webbe and even Basil Brush.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfswill once again be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, continuing their partnership with Manchester Opera House following the success ofCinderella and Dick Whittington. This year, audiences can expect even more jaw-dropping dance, side-splitting comedy, sensational special effects and plenty of festive magic. Ben will play Muddles opposite Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as The Wicked Queen, as previously announced.

Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomime division, said: “Without doubt, Ben has fast become one of Panto-land’s best-loved comics, mastering the art form and making audiences of all ages laugh hysterically with his inimitable comic-timing, impressions and gags. We’re delighted Manchester audiences enjoyed his performance as Buttons so much and we’re thrilled to be bringing him back to the Opera House to cause even more mayhem and hilarity, as only Ben can do. We’re already planning all sorts of wonderful surprises and we can’t wait for the magic to begin.”

Sheena Wrigley, Theatre Director at the Palace Theatre and Opera House Manchester, added “We are delighted Ben is returning to Manchester in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs this Christmas. He is a wonderfully inventive comedian who built a special rapport with audiences in 2018. Parents, kids and critics alike all loved his performance and we are very excited to be welcoming Ben back. Another ingredient in what promises to be a very special panto this year.”

Further casting to be announced.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the fairest pantomime of them all, plays at the Opera House from 6^th – 29^th December with tickets from £12. For more information, or to book, visit www.atgtickets.com/Manchester.

UK Theatre and The Audience Agency join forces to provide the next generation of theatre sales reporting

UK Theatre has commissioned The Audience Agency to provide a new and enhanced sales reporting service through Audience Finder, the largest database of ticketed cultural engagement of its kind.

UK Theatre’s new service, provided by The Audience Agency, will auto-collect UK Theatre members’ sales data from over 200 auditoria across the UK through Audience Finder, generating more accurate reporting and ultimately painting a far richer portrait of theatre and the performing arts sales across the UK.

The reporting service will welcome UK Theatre members into the Audience Finder community, joining over 800 arts organisations already contributing to the overall picture and the thousands more benefiting from state-of-the-art insights into who their audiences are and who they could be. Through this collaboration The Audience Agency and UK Theatre can work to develop real data-driven insights about the resilience of theatre and the performing arts in the UK and the needs of their audiences in practical and applicable ways, for the benefit of our whole community.

Audience Finder ticketing data is powered by Arts Engines technology, jointly developed by Baker Richards and JCA.   

Anne Torregianni, The Audience Agency’s CEO said:  “We are delighted to be able to provide the ease and efficiency of data collection and analysis to UK Theatre members that will help them to focus their energies more than ever on their audiences. Moreover, we look forward to working together toharness the power of data in improving reach, resilience and relevance across the arts and culture sector.”

Cassie Chadderton, Head of UK Theatre said: “This exciting new partnership between UK Theatre and the Audience Agency will enable us to report with increased accuracy on the contribution of theatre and the performing arts to the UK’s creative industries. The insight gained through Audience Finder will help UK Theatre further demonstrate the vital importance of theatre and the performing arts to the national economy and cultural life in the UK and we are excited to see the results.”

Summer Street – The Hilarious Aussie Soap Opera Musical!
The Blockhouse, Brighton – 3rd – 7th May
Waterloo East Theatre, London – 13th May – 2nd June

Bringing sun, songs and ’90s nostalgia, AJN Productions is taking Summer Street – The Hilarious Aussie Soap Opera Musical! out for a spin. This new musical is heading to The Blockhouse to delight Brighton Fringe-goers before transferring to Waterloo East Theatre to bring some sun and fun to London. As four Aussie soap stars try to resurrect their careers, there are hilarious and unexpected consequences – and, of course, plenty of songs to tap your foot to.

With the 30th anniversaries of Neighbours and Home and Away last year, Summer Street provides the perfect opportunity to recapture the glory days of Kylie and Jason and relive the joy of tuning in every week to watch the captivating tales from Down Under. Writer and director Andrew Norris looks back to the ’90s Aussie soap opera scene and brings it to life with this original musical comedy.

The cast features the incredible Julie Clare (Showstopper! – The Improvised Musical; In the Midnight Hour; Good Rocking Tonight), Simon Snashall (The IT Crowd, Channel 4; Spooks, Humans, Silent Witness, BBC), Sarah-Louise Young (Showstopper! – The Improvised Musical; An Evening Without Kate Bush; La Poule Plombee; Julie Madly Deeply), and Myke Cotton (My Fair Lady, Drury Lane; Hey, Mr. Producer, Lyceum Theatre; Paddington 2, StudioCanal and Heyday Films; Safe, BBC).

Andrew Norris comments: Summer Street – The Hilarious Aussie Soap Opera Musical! is a nostalgic trip down memory lane to the heyday of the Aussie soap opera, which is packed full of fun and accompanied by a soundtrack of pastiche songs from the 1990s. Summer Street explores the world of soap, the stars who inhabit it and exactly how much some people are prepared to pay for fame. Everyone has their price!

NEW BOOKING PERIOD ANNOUNCED FOR

CHANNING TATUM’S MAGIC MIKE LIVE IN LONDON

AT THE HIPPODROME CASINO

TICKETS ON SALE FROM 10:00AM TODAY

Channing Tatum and his co-producers are delighted to announce that, due to continuing high ticket demands and overwhelming success in London, the booking period for Magic Mike Live has been extended to 5 January 2020, with tickets going on sale at 10am today, Monday 11 March.

Conceived and co-directed by Channing Tatum, Magic Mike Live is a large-scale, live production show based on the hit films Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, which opened at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square on Wednesday 28 November 2018, following previews from 10 November. 

The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino has been transformed into a magical, intimate, 325-seat performance space for Magic Mike Live.  From the bespoke entrance off Cranbourn Street, to the specially curated lounge and bar experience, to the cast of world-class performers, Magic Mike Live is a complete evening of unparalleled entertainment for guests aged 18 and up.  Audience members enter Magic Mike’s mythical club and marvel as a group of extraordinary artists perform a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular in front of, behind, and above them.  Sexy dance routines intertwined with one-of-a-kind acts, are presented by a diverse cast of performers from around the world.

The multi-national cast for Magic Mike Live in London includes Samantha Baines, Jake Brewer, Harry Carter, Ellie Clayton, Hannah Cleeve, Pip Hersee, Sophie Linder-Lee, Jack Manley, David Morgan, Ross Sands, Josie Scamell, Dean Stewart, Manny Tsakanika and Aaron Witter from the United Kingdom, Daniel Ralph from France, Anthony Donadio and Sebastián Melo Taveira from Italy, Maxwell Trengove from Australia and Brian Siregar from the USA.

Magic Mike Live in London is co-directed by Channing Tatum and Alison Faulk, with Luke Broadlick as associate director, and choreography by Alison Faulk, Teresa Espinosa and Luke Broadlick.The Executive Producer is Vincent Marini with General Management by David Ian Productions. The production designer is Rachel O’Toole, with scenic design by Rob Bissinger and Anita LaScala (Arda Studio), costume design by Marina Toybina, lighting design by Philip Gladwell and video design by Luke Halls.  Musical supervisor is Jack Rayner, with sound design by Nick Kourtides.  Dreya Weber is aerial choreographer & aerial apparatus designer.  Casting is by Jason Styres CSA.

Magic Mike Live is produced in London by Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin, Greg Jacobs, Peter Kiernan, Steven Soderbergh, Nick Wechsler and United Talent Agency in association with Warner Bros., Vincent Marini, The Hippodrome Casino, Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman, TSG Entertainment & Ashley DeSimone, Richard Winkler and The Creative House.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Magic Mike Live

The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino

Cranbourn Street

Leicester Square

London WC2H 7JH

Website:  www.magicmikelondon.co.uk   

Twitter:  @MagicMikeLDN

Facebook:  @MagicMikeLDN

Instagram:  @MagicMikeLiveLDN

Box Office:  0844 453 9091

Performances until 27 October: Tuesday to Sunday 7.30pm and Thursday to Sunday 10.00pm

Performances from 29 October: Tuesday to Sunday 7.30pm and Wednesday to Saturday 10.00pm

Christmas 2019/20 Performance Schedule

Monday 16 December                   NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 17 December                   7.30pm

Wednesday 18 December            7.30pm and 10pm

Thursday 19 December                 7.30pm and 10pm

Friday 20 December                      7.30pm and 10pm

Saturday 21 December                 7.30pm and 10pm

Sunday 22 December                    7.30pm and 10pm

Monday 23 December                   NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 24 December                   7.30pm

Wednesday 25 December            NO PERFORMANCE

Thursday 26 December                 7.30pm

Friday 27 December                      7.30pm and 10pm

Saturday 28 December                 7.30pm and 10pm

Sunday 29th December                7.30pm and 10pm

Monday 30 December                   7.30pm and 10pm

Tuesday 31 December                   7.30pm

Wednesday 1 January                   NO PERFORMANCE

Thursday 2 January                        7.30pm and 10pm

Friday 3 January                              7.30pm and 10pm

Saturday 4 January                        7.30pm and 10pm

Sunday 5 January                            7.30pm and 10pm

Ticket Prices:  from £29.00 including booking fees

Current Booking Period:  to 5 January 2020

Running Time: approximately 90 minutes (no interval)

Magic Mike Live guests must be at least 18 years to attend – appropriate photo ID will be requested on arrival at the venue – begambleaware.org

SHANE RICHIE TO STAR IN DICK WHITTINGTON AT THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME

The ultimate rags to riches story comes to Bristol Hippodrome this Christmas in the magical family pantomime Dick Whittington, led by soap-sensation and musical theatre star Shane Richie.

Bristol Hippodrome’s panto will bring the set, costumes and staging previously seen in Qdos Entertainment’s acclaimed production at the London Palladium to the City with a brand-new script. The much-loved story of Dick Whittington outwitting King Rat, winning Alice’s hand in marriage and becoming Lord Mayor of London will be brought to life with comedy, spectacle, live music and plenty of audience participation.

Having established himself as one of the nation’s favourite soap stars, Shane Richie has won numerous awards and millions of fans for his portrayal of Albert Square’s loveable landlord Alfie Moon in EastEnders. The King of the East End will hear the familiar peel of Bow Bells starring as our hero Dick, seeking his fame and fortune on the rat-infested streets of London this festive season.

Shane’s numerous television credits also include Oliver Twist, Skins, New Tricks, Minder and What We Did on Our Holidays. In addition to acting, Shane has also hosted a number of high-profile gameshows including the primetime lottery quiz Win Your Wish List and Decimate. He also starred in Redwater and Making Dad’s Army for the BBC and Benidorm for ITV1.

On stage Shane has starred in a number of hugely successful productions including Danny Zuko in the West End production of Grease, which broke all box office records and Boogie Nights, which he co-wrote and co-produced on tour and in the West End. Shane regularly stars in pantomime for Qdos Entertainment and is currently starring as Hugo in the hit West End musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre.

Qdos Entertainment’s managing director Michael Harrison explains “Following the amazing audience feedback we received about last year’s production of Cinderella we wanted to make sure that this year’s Bristol Hippodrome pantomime is even bigger and more magical than ever. The opportunity to once again bring our dazzling West End production values to the City was an opportunity we didn’t want to miss. The stunning scenery and effects in our Dick Whittington production will be a perfect setting for Shane Richie to bring his unique high-energy comedy to the panto stage.”

Jenny Hutchinson, Bristol Hippodrome Theatre Director says “Having secured the London Palladium set and staging, and a brand new script written exclusively for Shane Richie, we are delighted to be hosting Dick Whittington which will wow our Bristol audiences.

The bar was set high with the incredible season we had with award nominated Cinderella last year starring Brian and Gok, and producers QDOS Entertainment are making sure Bristol is once again thrilled throughout the festive season. We can’t wait!”

Qdos Entertainment is the world’s biggest pantomime producer, staging 35 shows in towns and cities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Dick Whittington plays from Saturday 7 December 2019 until Sunday 5 January 2020 replacing the previously advertised production of Robin Hood. All tickets previously purchased for Robin Hood remain valid for Dick Whittington.

For tickets and more information visit atgtickets.com/Bristol or call 0844 871 3012*.

More star casting will be announced later in the year.

Tickets from £13 – Price Promise applicable on all performances

*calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your company’s access charge

FULL CASTING IS ANNOUNCED FOR

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY AND THEATR CLWYD’S

CO-PRODUCTION OF TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ ORPHEUS DESCENDING

A Theatr Clwyd and Menier Chocolate Factory co-production

ORPHEUS DESCENDING 
by Tennessee Williams 
 

Director: Tamara Harvey;Designer: Jonathan Fensom; Lighting Designer: Tim Mascall 

Sound Designer: Gregory Clarke; Composer: Simon Slater

15 – 27 April 2019 at Theatr Clwyd

9 May – 6 July at Menier Chocolate Factory

The full cast is announced for the Theatr Clwyd and Menier Chocolate Factory co-production of Tennessee Williams’ Orpheus Descending. Theatr Clwyd’s Artistic Director Tamara Harvey directs Catrin Aaron (Beulah Binnings), Michael Geary (Pee Wee Binnings), Valentine Hanson (Uncle Pleasant), Jenny Livsey (Eva Temple / Woman), Laura Jane Matthewson (Dolly Hamma), Mark Meadows (Jabe Torrance), Ifan Meredith (David Cutrere / Dog Hamma), Hattie Morahan (Lady Torrance), Seth Numrich (Val Xavier), Ian Porter (Sheriff Talbott), Jemima Rooper (Carol Cutrere),

Carol Royle (Vee Talbott) and Carrie Quinlan (Sister / Nurse Porter). Public booking for the Menier Chocolate Factory dates opens at 9am today.

Lady is trapped in a loveless marriage, surrounded by intolerant people, living a boring small-town life. But when a wild-eyed charismatic drifter appears a new life of love and passion suddenly seem possible. Everything will change as certainty, conformity and tradition are ripped apart.

Tennessee William’s Deep South American drama is directed by Theatr Clwyd’s Artistic Director Tamara Harvey.Orpheus Descending began its life as Battle of Angels in 1940, and was first performed on Broadway in 1957. In 1959, Sidney Lumet directed the film adaptation, The Fugitive Kind, starring Marlon Brando and Anna Magnani.

Catrin Aaron plays Beulah Binnings. She is an Associate for Theatr Clwyd, where her work includes The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, All My Sons, The Light of Heart, Aristocrats; Salt, Root and Roe; Humbug, God of Carnage, A Doll’s House, Roots, Taking Steps, Gaslight, Dancing at Lughnasa, A Small Family Business, Festen, Mary Stuart, Twilight Tales, Macbeth, A Toy Epic, Tales from Europe, The Timeless Myths of the Mabinogi, Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, The Voyage, The Way It Was, Flights of Fancy, Hobson’s Choice, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Silas Marner. Her other theatre work includes The Wizard of Oz(Sheffield Theatres), As You Like, Hamlet (Shakespeare’s Globe), Henry V (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Forsythe Sisters (Gaggle Babble), Sex and the Three Day Week (Liverpool Playhouse) and What People Do and London: Let’s Get Visceral (Old Vic Tunnels). For television, her work includes The Indian Doctor, The Bastard Executioner and First Ladies; and for film, Apostle.

Michael Geary plays Pee Wee Binnings. His theatre work includes The Band (UK tour), My People, The Light of Heart, Taking Steps, Rape of the Fair Country, Humbug, As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Tall Tales, Thinking Out Loud, Festen, The Suicide, Tales from Small Nations, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Troilus and Cressida, The Ballad of Megan Morgan, Romeo and Juliet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Theatr Clwyd), A Christmas Carol (Royal Shakespeare Company), Fantastic Mr Fox(Regent’s Park Theatre), and The Boy Who Fell Into a Book (Soho Theatre). For television, his work includes Da Vinci’s Demons; and for film, Soul Reaper, Tulip Fever and The Baker.

Valentine Hanson plays Uncle Pleasant. His theatre work includes Cuming and Going (Bush Theatre), Stop Search (Catford Broadway Studio), Footprints in the Sand/Letting Go/For One Night Only  (Pursued by a Bear),Word Peace: A Celebration (Globe Theatre), Festen, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Lyric Theatre), The Tempest (Orange Tree Theatre), It’s Not as Simple as Black and White (New Vic Theatre), and Come With Me (Nottingham Playhouse / Sheffield Crucible). For television, his work includes The Friday Night Project, Murder City, and Wall of Silence; and for film, London Voodoo.

Jenny Livsey plays Eva Temple / Woman. Her theatre credits include One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Sheffield Theatres, Torch Theatre), Orange (Richard Burton Theatre), Princess and the Pea (Sherman Cymru and Theatr Lolo), Adventures in the Skintrade (Theatr Lolo and Australian tour), Penblwydd Poenus Pete and Here Be Monsters (Theatr Lolo), Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog, Seasons Greetings, God of Carnage, Dancing at Lughnasa, Drowned Out, Macbeth, Night Must Fall, Troilus and Cressida, Hobson’s Choice, The Crucible, King Lear, Rape of the Fair Country and Song of the Earth (Theatr Clwyd), Wuthering Heights (Aberystwyth Arts Centre), Dangerous Liaisons (Mappa Mundi and Theatr Mwldan) and House of Bernarda Alba (Theatr Genedlaethol).

Laura Jane Matthewson plays Dolly Hamma. Her theatre work includes Harriet Martineau Dreams of Dancing(Live Theatre), The World Goes ‘Round (Stephen Joseph Theatre), Beyond the Fence (Arts Theatre), Dogfight(Southwark Playhouse – winner of 2014 Evening Standard Award for Best Emerging Talent), Daisy Pulls It Off(Hever Festival) and After the Tone (Bridewell Theatre). Her television work includes Vera, Press and Dark Angel.

Mark Meadows plays Jabe Torrance. His theatre credits include Quiz (Noel Coward Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre), Flowers for Mrs Harris, Hight Society (Sheffield Theatres), Tartuffe (Tobacco Factory), The Magna Carta Plays, A Man of No Importance, The Spire, The Herbal Bed, Epsom Downs (Salisbury Playhouse),King John (Shakespeare’s Globe), Urinetown (St James Theatre), The Thrill of Love (New Vic, Stoke), Betty Blue Eyes (Novello Theatre), Macbeth,  A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), 5/11, King Lear, Six Pictures of Lee Miller (Minerva Theatre, Chichester) and Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre). His television work includes Kiri, Nicholas Nickleby; and for film, Letters from Baghdad, High Heels and Lowlifes.

Ifan Meredith plays David Cutrere / Dog Hamma. His theatre work includes Always Joe, Fall of the Kingdom Rise of the Footsoldier (RSC), Time and the Conways (Nottingham Playhouse), Union, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Edinburgh Lyceum), The Roman Bath (Arcola Theatre), Small Change (Sherman Theatre), and The English Game (Headlong). For television, his work includes Absentia, Porn Again, Dark Matters, Titanic, Victoria Cross and Murder City; and for film, Metroland.

Hattie Morahan plays Lady Torrance. Her theatre work includes Grief is the Thing With Feathers (Complicité), Anatomy of a Suicide (Royal Court Theatre), A Doll’s House (Critics’ Circle and Evening Standard Awards for Best Actress, Olivier Award nomination – Young Vic, Duke of York’s Theatre and Brooklyn Academy of Music), The Changeling (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Dark Earth and Light Sky (Almeida Theatre), Plenty (Sheffield Theatres), The Real Thing (The Old Vic), Time and the Conways, Some Trace of Her, The Seagull (National Theatre), and The Family Reunion (Donmar Warehouse). For television her work includes Oblivious, Inside No. 9, The Moher and Other Strangers, The Outcast, Arthur and George, The Bletchley Circle and Outnumbered; and for film, Official Secrets, Beauty and the Beast, Mr Holmes, Alice Through the Looking Glass and The Golden Compass.

Seth Numrich plays Val Xavier. His credits on Broadway include the Menier Chocolate Factory production ofTravesties, The Merchant of Venice, Golden Boy and War Horse. Other theatre credits include Sweet Bird of Youth (The Old Vic), The History Boys (Ahmanson Theatre) and The Glass Menagerie (Edinburgh International Festival). For television, his work includes Turn, Homeland, Tiny House Big Living, The Good Wife and Gravity; and for film, Imperium, Macbeth Unhinged, Private Romeo and How To Kill a Mockingbird.

Ian Porter plays Sheriff Talbott. His theatre credits include On Golden Pond (Salisbury Playhouse), Driving Miss Daisy (UK tour), August: Osage County (National Theatre), Of Mice and Men (The Watermill Theatre), Sideman (Apollo Theatre), Burning Blue (Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Exonerated (Charing Cross Theatre), The Archbishop’s Ceiling, You Can’t Take It With You (Southwark Playhouse), All My Sons (Bristol Old Vic), The Glass Menagerie (Derby Playhouse), Voices From September 11^th (The Old Vic). For television his work includesPatriot, Living the Dream, The Crown, 24, Nixon’s the One, Doctor Who and The Execution of Gary Glitter; and for film, Angel has Fallen, Beirut, Saving Private Ryan, The Bourne Ultimatum, and the forthcoming Dumbo and Kingsman: The Great Game.

Jemima Rooper plays Carol Cutrere. Her theatre work includes Little Shop of Horrors (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Norman Conquests (Chichester Festival Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Young Vic), Hand to God (Vaudeville Theatre), Breeders (St James Theatre), Blithe Spirit (Gielgud Theatre), One Man Two Guvnors(National Theatre, UK tour, Theatre Royal Haymarket and Broadway), Me and My Girl (Sheffield Theatres), All My Sons (Apollo Theatre), and The Power of Yes and Her Naked Skin (National Theatre). Her television work includes Gold Digger, Father Brown, Trauma, Death in Paradise, Fearless, Lucky 7, Atlantis, Frankenstein’s Wedding, Reunited, A Bouquet of Barbed Wire, The Third Girl and Lost in Austen; and for film, What If, One Chance, The Black Dahlia and Kinky Boots.

Carol Royle plays Vee Talbott. Her theatre work includes Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Dead Sheep, The Small Hours (UK tours), Hamlet (Theatr Clwyd) and Moonlight (Donmar Warehouse). Her television work includes Father Brown, Casualty (semi-regular), Blackeyes, Blake’s 7, Life Without George, Ladies in Charge andThe Cedar Tree.

Carrie Quinlan plays Sister / Nurse Porter. Her theatre work includes Sixty-Six Books (Bush Theatre), Smash!(Menier Chocolate Factory), Diary of a Nobody (Drill Hall), The Nature of Things (The Place), and Immaterial(Edinburgh Festival). For television, her work includes Yonderland, Miranda, New Tricks and The Late Edition.

Tennessee Williams (1911 – 1983) was one of the greatest American playwrights. His principal works include A Streetcar Named Desire (Pulitzer Prize), The Glass Menagerie (New York Critics’ Circle Award), The Rose Tattoo(Tony Award for Best Play), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Pulitzer Prize), Suddenly Last Summer, Sweet Bird of Youth, Orpheus Descending and The Night of the Iguana (New York Critics’ Circle Award).

Tamara Harvey has been Artistic Director of Theatr Clwyd since August 2015. Most recently she directed the première of Home I’m Darling by Laura Wade – which has been nominated for UK Theatre and Evening Standard Awards, as well as five Olivier Awards, and is currently running in the West End before returning to Clwyd. Her inaugural production for the company was Much Ado About Nothing, followed by the première of Elinor Cook’s award-winning play, Pilgrims, Skylight by David Hare and the première of Peter Gill’s version of Uncle Vanya (Best Production and Best Director in the English Language at the Wales Theatre Awards). She has directed in the West End, throughout the UK and abroad, working on classic plays, new writing, musical theatre and in film. Her previous credits include the world premières of From Here to Eternity (Shaftesbury Theatre),Breeders (St James Theatre), The Kitchen Sink, The Contingency Plan, Sixty-Six Books and tHe dYsFUnCKshOnalZ!(Bush Theatre), In the Vale of Health (a cycle of four plays by Simon Gray), Elephants and Hello/Goodbye(Hampstead Theatre), and Plague Over England (Finborough Theatre & West End). Other theatre includes Kreutzer vs Kreutzer (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse/Royal Festival Hall), Bash (Trafalgar Studios), Whipping It Up (New Ambassadors), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Gielgud & Garrick Theatres), Educating Rita (Menier Chocolate Factory & Theatre Royal Bath) and Pride and Prejudice (Sheffield Theatres).

Listings                                                                                                                                        Theatr Clwyd

Venue:                                Theatr Clwyd, Anthony Hopkins Theatre

Address:                             Raikes Lane, Mold CH7 1YA

Dates:                                 15 – 27 April

Times:                                 For the performance schedule, please see the website

Box Office:01352 701521

Website:             www.theatrclwyd.com/en/ (no fee)

Tickets                                From £10

Listings                                                                                                                                Menier Chocolate Factory

Venue:                                Menier Chocolate Factory

Address:                             53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

Dates:                                 9 May – 6 July 2019

Times:                                For the performance schedule, please see the website

Box Office:                         020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website:                        www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

Tickets:                               Prices vary, from discounted preview tickets to premier seats. With the emphasis on ‘the sooner you book, the better the price’:

A meal deal ticket includes a 2-course meal from the pre-theatre menu in the Menier Restaurant as well as the theatre ticket.