Month: April 2019

1920s blockbuster ballet The Great Gatsby swings into Salford

Northern Ballet is returning to Salford this spring with its smash hit production of The Great Gatsby. Bringing the glamour and seduction of the roaring twenties to the stage,The Great Gatsby arrives at The Lowry for the first time with performances from 8 – 11 May 2019.  

Based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby premiered in 2013 and has since enjoyed two sell-out UK tours. Set on New York’s Long Island, in the heady, indulgent days of the 1920s, Nick Carraway comes to know his infamous neighbour Jay Gatsby – a mysterious millionaire with a secret past and a penchant for lavish parties. As the sparkling façade of Gatsby’s world begins to slip Carraway comes to see the loneliness, obsession and tragedy that lie beneath.

Nominated for a UK Theatre Award for Achievement in Dance, The Great Gatsby is choreographed by David Nixon OBE and earned him a nomination for Best Classical Choreography in the 2014 National Dance Awards. Performed to the unforgettable music of Sir Richard Rodney Bennett CBE, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, The Great Gatsby also features a lavish set designed by Jérôme Kaplan, complemented by the dazzling colourful costumes designed by David Nixon OBE. 

David Nixon said: ‘The Great Gatsby is an American classic from an iconic era. The 1920s were a time of exuberance, extravagance and style in pre-depression America and The Great Gatsby incorporates these themes within what is essentially a wonderful love story. The costumes replicate the fashions from the 1920s which are still heavily influencing the trends of today and the music by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett CBE is instantly recognisable, transporting the audience straight back to the jazz age. Reimagining popular classic stories is Northern Ballet’s specialty and The Great Gatsby has everything for a great ballet: a love triangle, decadence, desperation and heartbreak.’   

Join Northern Ballet for the most glamorous party in town. 

Northern Ballet is holding a post-show talk on Friday 10 May 2019 offering the audience a chance to hear from those who work behind the scenes on how the ballet is brought to the stage. In addition, there is an audio-described performance and touch tour for visually-impaired patrons on Saturday 11 May 2019.

Listings Information
Northern Ballet’s The Great Gatsby
Dates: Wed 8 – Sat 11 May
Times: 7.30pm. Thu & Sat at 2pm
Tickets: £18.50 – £49.50
Website

Production Credits
Choreography, Direction, Scenario & Costume Design David Nixon OBE
Co-Direction & Scenario Patricia Doyle
Music Sir Richard Rodney Bennett CBE
Set Design Jérôme Kaplan
Lighting Design Tim Mitchell
Orchestrations John Longstaff & Gavin Sutherland
Music Advisor Anthony Meredith
Costume Design Assistant Julie Anderson

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE COMING TO LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

FIRST UK TOUR

Leeds Grand Theatre is pleased to announce its first show for 2020 – the smash-hit and critically acclaimed West End musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 July.

Based on true events, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the story of Jamie New, a sixteen-year-old boy who lives on a council estate in Sheffield. But Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness and into the spotlight.

WINNER of WhatsOnStage Awards Best New Musical, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is directed by Jonathan Butterell with an original score by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling Dan Gillespie Sells and book and lyrics by writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who).

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 July 2020

General onsale Wednesday 10 April. Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

Theatre tailored for audiences with profound multiple learning disabilities comes to The Lowry.

‘The Isle of Brimsker’ is the latest bold and exciting production devised specifically for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) from Frozen Light Theatre Company.

Seeking to engage with new audiences and enable more people with PMLD the chance to experience the theatre, ‘The Isle of Brimsker’ will come to The Lowry Tue 23 – Sat 27 April.

Exploring friendship, isolation and how we react to change, ‘The Isle of Brimsker’ immerses audiences with PMLD in a multi-sensory story of discovery. People with PMLD are among the most excluded in society with over 16,000 people in England living with PMLD (Lancaster Centre of Disability Research).

‘The Isle of Brimsker’ has been developed specifically for these audiences and this performance has been structured to provide an accessible and theatrical environment which responds to the needs of this group by being performed at a close proximity, to small groups and with strong sensory and participation elements.

The play follows a lighthouse keeper who lives on a desolate outcrop surrounded by stormy seas. Duty bound to maintain the light that guides boats away from danger, she lives a solitary existence. One day a runaway lands on the shore, together they face the inevitable. Change is on the horizon but not in the form she expects. How do you survive when faced with the biggest decisions of your life? Would you change the world or change yourself?

There are only a small number of theatre companies worldwide who make work designed for people with PMLD, so for many in the audience seeing Frozen Light’s work will be their first time in a mainstream theatre venue. Performing to an intimately sized audience, the three-strong cast accompanies the audience from the foyer into the performance space, ensuring a smooth transition into the theatre environment.

Frozen Light co-artistic director Amber Onat Gregory says, “The theatre should be for everybody, and more and more venues are starting to look at their programme to see how they can be more accessible, how they can reach all sections of society. With this tour we will be reaching more people with PMLD than ever which we are really excited about.”

Lucy Garland, Frozen Light’s other co-artistic director added, “We are really thrilled about our new show The Isle of Brimsker. With this production we have pushed the sensory exploration further than ever before and can’t wait to see what reactions our audience have to the show. The show explores themes of transition and friendship and we hope this resonates with our audience. We have worked with some exciting commissioning partners on this project and, now we have premiered the show, are excited to take it to audiences throughout the country.”

Listings Information 
The Isle of Brimsker 
Dates: Tue 23 – Sat 27 April
Times: 11am & 1.30pm
Tickets: £8
Website
Running Time: 1 hour
Notes: 13+ with PMLD. Suitable for Adults and young adults.

On Saturday 6 April, MAMMA MIA! celebrated its 20th birthday in London. The current cast were joined on stage for the Finale of Dancing Queen by 13 former ‘Dynamos’, including the original ‘Donna’, Siobhan McCarthy, and the original ‘Rosie’, Jenny Galloway.  Producer Judy Craymer paid tribute to the original ‘Tanya’, Louise Plowright, who sadly passed away in 2016. 

The original ‘girl power’ musical, produced by Judy Craymer, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Catherine Johnson, who all appeared on stage at the end of the show, was created around the songs of ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, who joined the ladies and cast on stage at the curtain call. Talking to the ecstatic audience, Björn described Judy, Phyllida and Catherine as ‘three angels’.

JUL – DEC 2019 SEASON ANNOUNCED

MIRIAM MARGOLYES TO STAR IN PARK THEATRE’S WORLD PREMIERE BLACK COMEDY

SYDNEY & THE OLD GIRL

TRACY-ANN OBERMAN STARS AS A MOTHER FACING REPERCUSSIONS OF HER CRIMINAL SON IN

MOTHER OF HIM

DISNEY’S CAMP ROCK STAR MEAGHAN MARTIN TO LEAD UK PREMIERE OF TONY AWARD-WINNER CHRISTOPHER DURANG’S THE ACTOR’S NIGHTMARE

THE LIFE OF ACCLAIMED HISTORIAN AND ACTIVIST HOWARD ZINN LAID BARE IN

THE TIME OF OUR LIES

A DOMINATRIX’S FAVOURITE CLIENT THROWS HER A BIRTHDAY PARTY IN A REVIVAL OF

MARTHA, JOSIE AND THE CHINESE ELVIS

THE PRODUCERS OF LAST YEAR’S CHRISTMAS HIT RETURN WITH A GLITTERING SPECTACLE IN

THE SNOW QUEEN

GILLIAN ANDERSON, JOHN BISHOP, JIM BROADBENT, SIMON CALLOW, RONAN KEATING,

DAMIAN LEWIS, JOANNA LUMLEY, CATHERINE TATE, TIM VINE & MORE TO APPEAR IN WHODUNNIT [UNREHEARSED]

Park Theatre today announced their new July – December 2019 season. Featuring four World Premiere productions, two UK and London Premieres and a range of revivals from Broadway and the West End, the theatre also introduces a revised young person’s membership scheme called Park Up.

Artistic Director Jez Bond says: “We’re presenting a wealth of new writing talent this season, including the extraordinary work of Eugene O’Hare – whose two plays are both funny, dark and surprising – and balancing this with some well-known revivals, including the award winning Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis and a rare production of Lesley Storm’s play Black Chiffon, written and first presented way ahead of its time in 1949. In another new initiative, planned annually, we’ll be bringing a few choice selections from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival down to north London for a week of performances in September. We are excited to be offering a new, free membership for young people called Park Up whichallows members to access a great range of benefits including; free professional development workshops, £10 tickets during the first week of performances, £5 rush tickets on selected shows, cafe bar discounts, cheap room hire and more. I look forward to continuing to welcome audiences through our doors over the coming year as we strive to present the best possible work on our stages, with accessible and affordable experiences for all.”

The World Premiere of Whodunnit [Unrehearsed] opens the new Park200 season, as a host of guest actors including Gillian Anderson, John Bishop, Jim Broadbent, Simon Callow, Ronan Keating,

Damian Lewis, Joanna Lumley, Catherine Tate and Tim Vine take turns joining the ensemble cast of this murder mystery, with no rehearsals, script or direction: just a hidden earpiece for guidance. The life story of acclaimed historian Howard Zinn follows in Bianca Bagatourian’s The Time Of Our Lies, sharing stories from his role as a bomber in WWII through to his post-war activism. Park Theatre’s in-house produced The Weatherman, written by Eugene O’Hare, is a powerful black comedy-drama centered on two broke flatmates who become complicit in their landlord’s dark business scheme. Based on a true story, Tracy-Ann Oberman stars as a single Jewish mother dealing with the repercussions of her criminal son in Evan Placey’s Mother Of Him. Miriam Margolyes returns to Park Theatre in the World Premiere black comedy of Eugene O’Hare’s Sydney & The Old Girl, following the mutually assured destruction of a mother and son after sharing the same shabby house for fifty years. From the team behind last year’s Christmas hit Peter Pan, a new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen closes the Park200 season, as Gerda embarks on an epic journey through the seasons to save her best friend.

The UK Premiere of The Actor’s Nightmareby Tony Award-winning playwright Christopher Durang and starring Meaghan Martin commences the new Park90 season, in a surreal distortion of classic plays that celebrate and satirise the theatre industry. Based on a true story, Taz Skylar’s Warheads asks what happens to youth when it’s sent to war, as it follows the lives of young British soldiers returning home from the front line. Psychological thriller Black Chiffon by Lesley Storm follows the familial fallout when a wealthy, 20^th century woman shoplifted in a moment of madness. Based on a 19^th century true story from America, Kate Barton’s thrillerFast explores the horrific consequences of ‘Dr’ Linda Hazzard, who advocated a fasting-based miracle cure that captivated and then devastated a nation. Olivia Olsen’s Stray Dogs is based on the true life events of the Russian poet Anna Akhmatova, who was approached in 1940 to work for the Stalinist regime that had purged her husband and imprisoned her son. Concluding the Park90 season in December, Charlotte Jones’ quirky and kinky comedy Martha, Josie And The Chinese Elvis offers an alternative ‘adults only’ Christmas treat about a dominatrix whose favourite client decides to throw her a birthday party.

BEATS ON POINTE
the thrilling dance spectacular from Australia that fuses street dance and ballet makes a welcome return to the Peacock Theatre, London May 21^st to June 16^th 2019
Running time: 2 hours including interval
www.beatsonpointe.com
TRAILER:  here

Two opposing dance worlds collide in the exuberant show, BEATS ON POINTE, as a high energy cast of classical ballet and street dancers go toe-to-toe in this glorious mash-up of dance styles.   Dynamic dance combined with music and song, beat-boxing and a touch of comedy brings this dazzling, colourful show back to the Peacock Theatre for a four-week run in May/June following its successful week-long Peacock debut in February 2018. 

Beats on Pointe is guaranteed to appeal to audiences of all ages including fans of all forms of dance and those who are new to dance shows – it’s all here!  The show fairly bursts with light, talent and energy!  Australia’s top dancers expertly bring two distinctive dance genres to the stage: edgy, modern ballet and the athletic thrill of street dance while the soundtrack is second to none – 70s grooves segue seamlessly into contemporary hits to emphasise the action and drive the story.  The show has been thrilling audiences in Australia and is certain to do the same for Londoners and visitors to the capital. 

 “…a high octane, action-packed roller-coaster of old and new school street dance, classical and contemporary ballet, physical comedy, beat boxing and music.  Innovative and impeccable choreography truly mixes the dance styles to create a fun-fuelled, family friendly show.”  
(Matt McFarlane aussietheatre.com)

“…an astounding and electric set of choreography that never wavered from its high level of energy…the choreography interweaves moments of both styles and uses creative elements such as UV, light-up tutus, and torches to bring the ballet sections up to the same energy intensity as the urban sections.  Beats on Pointe is to be congratulated on producing a powerful show that demonstrates the true talent of the Australian dance industry.” (Dance Writer)

Beats on Pointe is produced by the Australian dance company, Masters of Choreography which was formed by Jennifer and Milo Masters in 2014.

Jennifer Masters, the show’s director, producer, writer and director of choreography (photo left) says:  “Beats on Pointe is a great showcase of not only the talent we have in Australia, but also how diverse and inclusive dance truly is.  Our dancers have outdone themselves with this show and the merging of the two styles to integrate in a way that looks good, makes sense and keeps audiences engaged, has been an amazing experience for everyone involved.  The response to Beats on Pointe has been incredible and it’s a dream come true to be selling out in over 7 countries across 3 continents including heading back to the Peacock Theatre in London – which we love!”

Jennifer Masters is the Show Director, Producer, Writer and Director of Music and Choreography.  

Chief ballet choreographer is dancer and elite gymnast Emma Vaiano; street dance choreography is by Melbourne-based Phill Haddad who has also contributed poetic text whilehip-hop choreography is by New Zealander Alexander Lima.

Jennifer and Milo Master  have been creating, writing, producing and presenting dance shows, events, showcases and spectaculars over the last 25 years. Masters of Choreography  has toured worldwide and has worked with hundreds of top class dancers and choreographers. Their current smash hit shows are Beats on Pointe(left)and Raise the Barre.  Beats on Pointehas just started its worldwide tour by wowing audiences at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne.   The Herald-Sun, Australia’s biggest selling national daily newspaper, has already hailed Beats on Pointe as one of the top 3 shows to see.

Performers in BEATS ON POINTE at the Peacock: Brodie Chesher, Burak Cagin, Georgia Mae Rutland, Jake Paul Green, Jamane Virdo, Kealy Fouracre, Kelly Hemsley, Lissy Jaye, Natalie Debono, Oriana Siew-Kim, Phillip Egan, Taylor Diamond-Lord.

LISTINGS:

Show:                   BEATS ON POINTE
Venue:                Peacock Theatre, Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT
Dates:                  May 21^st to June 16^th 2019 at 7.30pm
Matinees:           Saturdays at 2.30pm; Sundays at 2pm and Sunday evenings at 6.30pm
Tickets:               £18-£45 www.sadlerswells.com
Running time:    2 hours including interval

Hull New Theatre – until 13th April 2019

Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

5*****

There are certain clues that tell you that you have just had a cracking night at the theatre – the excited, happy buzz of the audience as they leave; the interval coming far too fast and unexpectedly; having your emotions pulled about; willing the characters on to succeed and lastly laughing your socks off! Last night’s performance of The Full Monty at the Hull New Theatre had all of these elements and more, and received a well-deserved standing ovation from a packed audience.

Simon Beaufoy has successfully adapted his screen play to the stage, the story lending itself well to the theatre. On paper this is a play about male strippers but in actuality it is the tale of lost pride and hope, unemployment, depression and despair set in a Sheffield that is no longer the proud Steel City. On stage the story appears darker than in the film, perhaps because of the restricted nature of the stage, but undoubtedly helped by the stunning stage set and the dark and dingy lighting, which emphasised the run down nature of the area. Ultimately though this is a tale of hope and love and in a typical northern way of laughing at the adversities that life throws at us.

The main reason that this production is so effective is that the main characters gel so well and are totally believable as the disparate characters coming together to perform the Full Monty.

Gary Lucy as the main protagonist Gaz, clearly relishes his role and the interaction with the audience. His relationship with his son Nathan (ably played by Fraser Kelly) is portrayed beautifully. His Sheffield accent however is not so good – but I can forgive him that, as his brusque performance is just right.

Gaz of course needs a side kick, and in Dave (Kai Owen) he has just the man. Kai Owen portrays Dave’s foibles and insecurities superbly, never quite able to voice them or tell his friend how he feels.

Andrew Dunn makes a wonderful Gerald, pretending he is still going to work and reluctantly teaching the lads to dance. The audience felt for him, especially after his abortive interview.

Louis Emerick’s arthritic dancing was rather superb as Horse, adding a touch of class to the dancing! Joe Gill shone as the depressed lonely Lomper, coming out of his shell as he became friends with the other lads. As to James Redmond, he exuded confidence as Guy, but as it turned out he had his insecurities too.

This is a production that will not disappoint, all my favourite bits from the film were there, but this was a more real experience, the audience palpably investing in the characters and willing them to succeed.

There are points in the play that will stop you in your tracks as you feel for what the characters are going through, but within a minute you will be laughing so hard your face aches.

Quite simply a fabulous night out at the theatre!

Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until 13th April 2019

Reviewed by Leanne Caplis

5*****

The famous show by Richard O’Brien returns to the UK as part of its world-wide tour and it’s OUTSTANDING!

Two naïve school sweethearts Brad (Ben Adams) and Janet (Joanne Clifton) are on their way to visit their former professor when their car breaks down. Spotting a guiding star, burning bright they follow it to find themselves at the home of Dr Frank’n’Further (Duncan James).

From the show being opened by the Usherette (Laura Harrison) it was clear that fun was to be had with lots of campness, innuendos, singing and dancing. Don’t expect the show to make sense as it goes from mad to mental to the downright crazy (but all in a good way).

Rocky (Callum Evans) was definitely an audience pleaser. With his perfect body, great singing voice and exceptional gymnastic skills he was sending people weak at the knees! The star of the show for me was Dr Frank’n’Furter. He has the right amount of campness and sex appeal and was the perfect sweet transvestite.

There is a lot of audience participation during this production. For those who haven’t seen the Rocky Horror Show the show starts at the door. Audience members braving the weather to don their fishnets and corsets as they dress up as cast members. They have various props that come into use throughout the show and the interaction with the narrator, Dom Joly, show that this show has many regulars who return again and again. You might mistake the interaction with the narrator as heckling but rest assured – it is all part of the Rocky madness and Dom responds brilliantly.

The whole theatre was on its feet for The Time Warp and once again for the finale. It was not surprising the cast got a standing ovation as it really is one of the most fun nights I’ve ever had at the theatre.

Even after more than four decades this show continues to be a sell-out. If you leave your inhibitions at the door and don’t take yourself too seriously you will love this show. Like me you will probably find yourself returning again and again and perhaps even joining others in getting your legs into them fish net stockings!

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Hull New Theatre
Hull-born dancer Liam Mower to star in production

Hull-born dancer Liam Mower will star as ‘The Prince’ in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Hull New Theatre this month.

First staged in 1995 and going on to become the longest running ballet on the West End and Broadway, this legendary production has a fresh look for the 21^st Century.

Retaining the iconic elements of the original production loved by millions around the world, Matthew Bourne and award-winning designers Lez Brotherston and Paule Constable will create an exciting re-imagining of the classic.

Collecting more than 30 international accolades including an Olivier Award in the UK and three Tonys on Broadway, Matthew Bourne’s powerful interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece is a passionate and contemporary Swan Lake for our times.

Featuring performers from iconic and ground-breaking British dance-theatre company, New Adventures, Matthew Bourne said: “With the largest cast in our repertory, Swan Lake always gives us the opportunity to bring a wealth of new talent into the Company and I’m excited to welcome so many new dancers into the New Adventures family.”

New Adventures star Will Bozier, currently dancing to great acclaim as ‘Harry, the Pilot’, in Matthew Bourne’sCinderella and former English National Ballet star Max Westwell, who was also recently seen in the West End inAn American in Paris, are both making their debuts in the role of ‘The Swan’.

Alongside Liam Mower (currently wowing audiences as ‘The Angel’ in Cinderella), Dominic North (acclaimed star of Edward Scissorhands, The Car Man, Sleeping Beauty, The Red Shoes and currently Cinderella) is also returning to the role of ‘The Prince’. They are joined by New Adventures’ newcomer, James Lovell who is making his professional debut.

‘The Queen’ will be performed by two New Adventures’ favourites, Nicole Kabera and Katrina Lyndon both making their debuts in this role, while Katrina Lyndon also takes on the role of ‘The Girlfriend’ alongside Freya Field and Carrie Willis who are both returning to the Swan Lake Company.

The company also includes a number of dancers making their New Adventures debut including; Nicole Alphonce, Leigh Alderson, Andrew Ashton, Jonathan Luke Baker, Benjamin Bazeley, Alistair Beattie, Lewis Bondu, Isaac Bowry, Megan Cameron, João Castro, Zanna Cornelis, Kayla Collymore, Keenan Fletcher, Alex Fadayiro, Michaela Guibarra, Bryony Harrison, Nicholas Keegan, Shoko Ito, Courtney Liu, Jack Mitchell, Harry Ondrak-Wright, Barnaby Quarendon, Jack William Parry, Sam Salter, Stan West and Milwhynne Williams.

New Adventures is a national portfolio organisation supported using public funds by Arts Council England.

Swan Lakewill be performed at Hull New Theatre from 23-27 April. Book at the Hull City Hall Box Office, call 01482 300 306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk to book online.

Watermans Arts Centre – Sunday 7 April 2019

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

5*****

Mole and Gecko: The Show is an interactive show aimed at children. Staring Simon Mole and Will Gecko the show is different every time you see it as the audience plays a huge part in how the story plans out.

The story begins with Mole and Gecko singing about where they live. Mole lives underground at the side of a river and Gecko likes living on his nice hot rock. The pair decide to go on an adventure down the river in a boat, which is given the name Sandy the Wave Rider by the audience, and along the way they meet a Crab and a Duck. Whilst travelling down the river there are actions to go along with what is happening such as paddling to the left of right for port and starboard and waving your arms in the air for rapids. Whilst helping the Crab, who has lot his claw cleaning stick, and the Duck, who has lost her comfort blanket, the pair lose their boat to a Weasel who has a slight addiction to biscuits. With the help of the audience the friends get their belongings back and make friends with the Weasel, with everyone having a happy ending.

The show is mainly done on audience participation with Mole and Gecko asking the children to suggest thinks such as the voice the Crab and Duck have and during the song about what they saw on the river journey what they saw, with suggestions such as fishy falafel, tadpoles in a taxi and a tree.

Overall the show is enjoyable for both children and adults with catchy songs and lots of funny jokes.