Month: June 2019

www.sundayinthepark.co.uk

T: @SundayWestEnd | I: @sundaywestend  | F: /SundayWestEnd

Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford in
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
By Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine
Directed by Sarna Lapine

• ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE JAKE GYLLENHAAL AND TONY AWARD® WINNER ANNALEIGH ASHFORD TO STAR IN STEPHEN SONDHEIM AND JAMES LAPINE’S PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE AT THE SAVOY THEATRE FROM 11th JUNE 2020 FOR 12 WEEKS
   
• FIRST SEEN AT NEW YORK CITY CENTER IN 2016, FOLLOWED BY A SOLD-OUT RUN AT HUDSON THEATER ON BROADWAY IN 2017, TICKETS FOR THE WEST END LIMITED ENGAGEMENT WILL GO ON SALE ON MONDAY 17TH JUNE AT 5.00PM

[Photo credit Matthew Murphy]

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Riva Marker and Jeanine Tesori in association with New York City Center are delighted to announce that tickets go on sale today for a strictly limited season of Sunday in the Park with George starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford and directed by Sarna Lapine, at the Savoy Theatre. Preview performances will begin on 11th June 2020. Official opening night to be confirmed.

Sondheim and Lapine’s masterpiece follows painter Georges Seurat (Jake Gyllenhaal) in the months leading up to the completion of his most famous painting – A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. Consumed by his need to “finish the hat”, Seurat alienates the French bourgeoisie, spurns his fellow artists, and neglects his lover Dot (Annaleigh Ashford), not realising that his actions will reverberate for the next 100 years.

This beautiful production began at New York City Center, it then transferred for a sold-out limited season at Hudson Theater on Broadway where it was met with universal critical and public acclaim.

Jake Gyllenhaal said: “Performing Sunday in the Park with George with the brilliant Annaleigh Ashford was one of the greatest joys of my career, I’ve also deeply missed the West End and so to be bringing Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical there alongside Annaleigh is both humbling and thrilling.”

Annaleigh Ashford said: “Sharing the masterpiece that is Sunday in the Park with George with audiences, has been one of the greatest pleasures of my artistic life. It is an honour to play Dot again with genius Jake Gyllenhaal and to tell this story of children and art to the great city of London.”

James Lapine & Stephen Sondheim said “We are thrilled that a London audience will get to see the recent Broadway production of Sunday in the Park with George with Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford reprising their extraordinary performances. We also look forward to seeing them joined by a terrific British company.” 

Sunday in the Park with George was originally produced on Broadway by Ambassador Theatre Group, Carole Shorenstein Hays, Caiola Productions, Jeffrey Finn, Jere Harris and Darren Deverna, J/K/R/S, Claire-Bridget Kenwright, LD Entertainment, Benjamin Lowy Productions, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Jeanine Tesori, Riva Marker, in association with New York City Center (Arlene Shuler, President & CEO), and Adam Speers – Executive Producer for ATG.

The official opening night and full casting will be announced in due course.

Jake Gyllenhaal will be appearing in Sea Wall / A Life alongside Tom Sturridge for a limited engagement at Hudson Theater on Broadway from July 26th to September 29th.

The 2017 Broadway Cast Recording featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford is available to buy, download and stream now.  https://lnk.to/SundayLondonPR

LISTINGS

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE

By Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine

Savoy Theatre
Savoy Court, London WC2R 0ET

First performance: 11th June 2020 at 7.30pm
Final performance: 5th September 2020 at 7.30pm

Performance schedule: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Box office details
www.sundayinthepark.co.uk
0844 871 7687
Prices from £25 (preview prices available)

T: @SundayWestEnd | I: @sundaywestend  | F: /SundayWestEnd

THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE PARTNERSHIP AND

ROYAL & DERNGATE NORTHAMPTON ARE DELIGHTED TO PRESENT

A UK TOUR OF THE

NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTION OF

“HOLES”

BY LOUIS SACHAR

DIRECTED BY ADAM PENFORD

OPENING AT ROYAL & DERNGATE, NORTHAMPTON ON 24 JANUARY 2020

The Children’s Theatre Partnership (CTP)and Royal & Derngate, Northampton are delighted to present a UK Tour of the Nottingham Playhouse production of “HOLES”, written by Louis Sachar and directed by Adam Penford.

The production will open at Royal & Derngate, Northampton on 24 January 2020 before embarking on a UK tour. The tour will visit, Nottingham Playhouse, Coventry Belgrade Theatre, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Liverpool Playhouse, High Wycombe Swan, Norwich Theatre Royal, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and Canterbury Marlowe Theatre. Further dates to be announced.

“HOLES” is an inventive new stage show based on the multi-award-winning novel and blockbuster film of the same name. It is a thrilling off-beat comedy adventure which tells the story of Stanley Yelnats, who is born into a family cursed with bad luck and finds himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit.

Sent to a labour camp as punishment, he is tasked with digging one hole, five-foot wide by five-foot deep, every day. He is told it is to build ‘character’. But the tyrannical Warden is definitely hiding something. How will Stanley and his fellow inmates deal with her demands, her two cronies, plus the fearsome rattlesnakes and yellow-spotted lizards? And will Stanley and his new friends unearth what’s really going on?

“HOLES”, written by Louis Sacharwon the1998 U.S. National Book Award for Young People’s Literature and the 1999 Newbery Medal for the year’s most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Louis also wrote the screenplay for the 2003 film adaptation.

This production will be directed by Adam Penford who has been the Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse since 2016. Adam’s directing credits include “The Madness of George III” at the Nottingham Playhouse, “Boys in the Band” at the Vaudeville Theatre and “Committee” at the Donmar Warehouse.

“HOLES” is the first production from CTP since the partnership announced three years of support from Arts Council England. CTP aims to produce new and exciting productions, created for a young and diverse audience. Previous CTP productions include the Olivier award winning “Goodnight Mr Tom”, “Swallows and Amazons”, “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”, Michael Morpurgo’s “Running Wild” and a new adaptation of “The Jungle Book”.

www.Holesonstage.co.uk           www.childrenstheatrepartnership.co.uk

Tour listings 2020:

24 January – 2 February

Northampton, Royal & Derngate

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

5 – 8 February

Nottingham Playhouse

www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

18 – 22 February

Coventry Belgrade Theatre

www.belgrade.co.uk/

26 – 29 February

Newcastle Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

*ON SALE SOON

17 – 21 March

Theatre Royal Plymouth

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

*ON SALE 19 JULY

24 – 28 March

Liverpool Playhouse

www.everymanplayhouse.com

31 March – 4 April

High Wycombe Swan

wycombeswan.co.uk

*ON SALE SOON

14 – 18 April

Norwich Theatre Royal

[http://%0dwww.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/%0d]www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/

*ON SALE SOON

19 – 23 May

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

www.grandtheatre.co.uk

27 – 30 May

Canterbury, Marlowe Theatre

Homepage

CHERNOBYL STAR ALEX FERNS,

MARC ELLIOTT & PHILIP McGINLEY

JOIN SAMANTHA WOMACK

IN THE LONDON RUN OF

THE GIRL ON

THE TRAIN

23 July – 17 August 2019

Duke of York’s Theatre

Alex Ferns, Marc Elliott and Philip McGinley will join the cast of the record-breaking production of The Girl on the Train for its London run.

Starring Samantha Womack as Rachel Watson, The Girl on the Train will run at the London’s Duke of York’s Theatre, St Martin’s Lane from 23 July to 17 August 2019.

The gripping thriller, based on the internationally acclaimed number one best-selling novel by Paula Hawkins and the Dreamworks film has been breaking box office records and playing to packed houses on a major tour since the beginning of the year.

Alex Ferns, who takes on the role of Detective Inspector Gaskill in The Girl on the Train in London was in the critically acclaimed HBO TV series, Chernobyl, played Trevor Morgan in EastEnders for two years, and his extensive theatre work includes South Pacific alongside Samantha Womack.

Marc Elliott will play psychiatrist Dr Kamal Abdic and is probaby best known for his TV roles in EastEnders and Holby City playing Syed Masood and Dr Isaac Mayfield respectively.  His theatre credits includes The History Boys and Urinetown The Musical.

Philip McGinley joins the cast to play Scott Hipwell.  His TV work includes Anguy in HBO’s Game of Thrones, Vera: Blood and Bones and Manhunt (for ITV).  Amongst his theatre credits are Marianne Elliott’s production of Husbands and Sons at the National Theatre and The Nightingales in Bath.

Chernobyl star Alex Ferns said ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of The Girl on the Train in the West End, and I’m particularly looking forward to working with Samantha Womack again.  We had a great time working together on South Pacific at the Barbican. The play captures the intensity of a story so beautifully captured by Emily Blunt in the original film.  This is going to be captivating for a live audience. Sam is such an exceptional actor, audiences are in for an absolute treat!’

The full cast for the run at the Duke of York’s Theatre is:  Samantha Womack (Rachel Watson), Alex Ferns (D.I. Gaskill), Kirsty Oswald (Megan Hipwell), Philip McGinley (Scott Hipwell), Adam Jackson-Smith (Tom Watson),  Lowenna Melrose (Anna Watson), Marc Elliott (Kamal Abdic), Matt Concannon(ensemble) and Phillipa Flynn (ensemble).

John Dougall, Oliver Farnworth and Naeem Hayat will continue to play the roles of D.I. Gaskill, Scott Hipwell and Kamal Abdic on tour.

Samantha Womack has starred extensively in television, film and theatre.  She is best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell in BBC1’s EastEnders. Other television credits include roles in Silent Witness, Mount Pleasant and the hugely popular Game On.  Her recent films include: Kingsman: The Golden Circle and Kingsman: The Secret Service alongside Colin Firth.  Samantha recently played Morticia in a tour of The Addams Family.

Rachel Watson longs for a different life. Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love.  Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.

Paula Hawkins’ novel is an international phenomenon, selling over twenty million copies world-wide.  Produced by Simon Friend, Amblin Entertainment and Josh Andrews, The Girl

on the Train is adapted by Rachel Wagstaff & Duncan Abel and is directed by Anthony Banks with set and costumes by James Cotterill, lighting by Jack Knowles, composition and sound by Ben & Max Ringham, video by Andrzej Goulding and fights by Alison de Burgh. 

The Girl on the Train is currently in Dublin and continues its UK and Ireland travelling on to Belfast, Brighton, Sheffield, Norwich, Guildford, Oxford, Canterbury, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Bradford, High Wycombe, Cambridge, Plymouth, Swindon, Bromley, Malvern, Woking, Eastbourne, Cardiff and Blackpool.

Duke of York’s Theatre

St Martins’ Lane

London

Dates:  23 July – 17 August 2019

Monday – Saturday evenings – 7.30pm 

Thursday Matinee, 2.30pm – 25 July 

Wednesday Matinee 2.30pm – 31 July onwards

Telephone Booking : 0844 871 7623
Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

www.atgtickets.com

@girlontrainplay

UK & Ireland Tour Schedule

Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin                              www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie/

3 – 8 June 2019                                                                 +353 (1) 677 7999

Grand Opera House, Belfast                                        www.goh.co.uk

11 – 15 June 2019                                                            028 9024 1919 

Theatre Royal, Brighton                                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/

17 – 22 June 2019                                                            0844 871 7615 

Sheffield Lyceum                                                             www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/

24 – 29 June 2019                                                            0114 249 6000

Norwich Theatre Royal                                                  www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/

1 – 6 July 2019                                                                   01603 63 00 00.  On sale from 9 November

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford                           www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/

8 – 13 July 2019                                                                01483 440000

Oxford Playhouse                                                            www.oxfordplayhouse.com

15 – 20 July 2019                                                              01865 305305                                   

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury                                    www.marlowetheatre.com

20 – 24 August 2019                                                       01227 787787.

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham                                 www.atgtickets.com

26 – 31 August 2019                                                       0844 871 3011

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen                              www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

3-7 September 2019                                                       01224 641122

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford                               www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

10-14 September 2019                                                  01274 432000

Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe                               www.wycombeswan.co.uk

17- 21 September 2019                                                 01494 512 000

Cambridge Arts Theatre                                                www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

23 – 28 September 2019                                               01223 503333

Theatre Royal Plymouth                                                www.theatreroyal.com

30 September – 5 October 2019                                01752 267222 

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon                                            www.swindontheatres.co.uk

7 – 12 October 2019                                                       01793 524481

Churchill Theatre, Bromley                                          www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

14 – 19 October 2019                                                     020 3285 6000

Malvern Theatres                                                            www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

21 – 26 October 2019                                                     01684 892277

New Victoria Theatre, Woking                                    www.atgtickets.com

28 October – 2 November 2019                                 0844 871 7645

Eastbourne Theatres                                                      www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

4 – 9 November 2019                                                     01323 412 000                                                 

New Theatre, Cardiff                                                      www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

12-16 November 2019                                                   029 2087 8889                 

Blackpool Winter Gardens                                           www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

19-23 November 2019                                                   01253 625252

A WAVE OF CAST ANNOUNCED FOR JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA

Ensemble cast join Michael Howe as ‘Jerry’ in hotly anticipated revival heading to Manchester this Summer

The creative team behind the long-awaited revival of Jerry Springer – The Opera have announced details of the first wave of cast.

The ensemble cast of Northern-based talent are tasked with bringing the smash hit cult show’s colourful characters to life on stage.

Jerry Springer – The Opera runs at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre, for four weeks from Thursday 8 August through to Saturday 31 August 2019. Tickets are on sale now.

The controversial show is being brought back to the stage by new production company Northern Ricochet, recentlyformed by James Baker (Parade, Yank), Tom Chester (Parade, Mamma Mia),andBill Elms (Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, The Ruby Slippers, Something About Simon).

It was recently announced that the hotly anticipated lead role of Jerry Springer will be played by renowned actor Michael Howe, who bears a strong resemblance to the television personality.

Northern Ricochet is delighted to announce that Michael Howe will be joined by Matt Bond, Emily Chesterton, Georgina James, Kai Jolley, Tom Lloyd, and Andrew Patrick-Walker.

Matt Bond will play the roles of Dwight and God. Matthewstudied at London’s Royal Academy of Music. His credits include Jekyll & Hyde; An American Musical Love Story; Sweeney Todd; and The Merry Widow.

Emily Chesterton from Salford is playing the roles of Peaches and Baby Jane. A graduate of LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts), her credits include Bark! The Musical; Shout! The Mod Musical; and The Kissing Dance.

Georgina James will play the roles of Andrea and Archangel Michael. Since graduating in musical theatre from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, Georgina has been a lead vocalist in flagship show, An Evening With Sir Tim Rice, aboard the Seabourn Cruise Line. This is her UK theatre debut.

Canadian actor Kai Jolley is now based in Liverpool, he will play the role of Jerry Springer’s director of security Steve. An experienced actor, director, editor and award-winning production designer, Kai’s previous acting credits include Stop!..The Play; Violet The Musical; To Kill A Mockingbird; and ITILY.

Satan and Jonathan Weiruss will be played by Wirral’s Tom Lloyd. Tom recently played Leo Frank in the revival of musical Parade also at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre, for which he was named Best Lead Actor In A Musical by the Broadway World UK Awards. He has also appeared in Saturday Night Fever; Dirty Dancing; Singin’ In The Rain; Yank!; Joseph And The Technicolour Dreamcoat; and Rent.

Andrew Patrick-Walker will play the roles of Tremont and Angel Gabriel. His theatre credits includeBat Out Of Hell; This Is The Greatest Show; and Hair. Andrew has also appeared in films Spike Island; Muppets Most Wanted; and Misunderstood.

Further cast members will be announced shortly.

The cast will be led by Michael Howe in the role of Jerry Springer. Michael is best known from his television role playing Sebastian in the BBC series Solo alongside Felicity Kendall; as well as Mr Wilson the barrister in Hollyoaks.

Michael’s other TV credits include Casualty; Life Begins; New Tricks; Kings and Queens; South By South West; Cats Eyes; and Mackenzie. Stage roles have included numerous West End productions including Footloose; The Son Of A Preacher Man; A Tale of Two Cities; Chess; Othello; My Fair Lady; 42nd Street; and High Society. Film credits include the 2016 film A United Kingdom with David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike.

The cast will be joined by a 14-stong Jerry Choir. The singers are from across the Greater Manchester region and will play an instrumental role in the show by supporting the cast of professional actors.

Northern Ricochet is the new production company bringing Jerry Springer – The Opera back to the stage after a 15-year absence.

Northern Ricochet are passionate about producing quality theatre in the North, for the North and using Northern creatives, actors and voices.

Director James Baker commented: “What a formidable cast we have to revive Jerry Springer – The Opera. When we launched Northern Ricochet, we knew that the North West was a hot-bed for talent, but we were totally overwhelmed with the calibre coming through auditions.

“Soon we will announce all 14 actors, bringing the entire company up to a total of 28 performers each night in the intimate Hope Mill Theatre, this is going to make one “hell” of a noise – we just can’t wait to bring the entire company together and start rehearsals to bring the show back to the stage for the first time in 15 years and continue making some raucous noise with a powerful heart for the audiences of the North West. I say “go, Jerry, go!”.

JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA caused a storm when it came to the UK stage in 2002, and in this new revival it promises the same raucous energy with a revamped and fresh production for 2019!

JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA was written by Richard Thomas, who also wrote the music and lyrics, with the book and additional lyrics by Stewart Lee and Richard Thomas. It is based on The Jerry Springer Show, which was first broadcast on television in 1991 and was on the air for 27 years. It tells the story of America’s favourite talk show host who suffers the worst day in his career when faced with some of the most challenging guests he’s ever met on set.

Website:         hopemilltheatre.co.uk

Facebook:       /Jerry Springer Manchester      

Twitter:           @JSTOMANC #JERRYJERRY

LISTING INFORMATION

JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA

Dates: Thursday 8 August – Saturday 31 August 2019

Times: Tue – Sateves 7.30pm| Sat mat 2pm | Sunday 1pm & 5pm |Thu 29 Aug 2pm

Hope Mill Theatre

113 Pollard Street,

Manchester,

M4 7JA

HOW TO BOOK

Tickets: Preview tickets all £20.00 | General tickets £22.50 & £25.00 (concessions available) | Premium VIP On Stage seating £23.00, £25.50 & £28.00 (limited 8 seats per show)

Online: Visit https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/jerry-springer-the-opera/

Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff – until 22 June 2019

Reviewed by Rhys Payne

5*****

When I heard that Matthew Bourne’s re-imagination of Romeo and Juliet was heading to Wales Millenium Centre I was apprehensive. The last ballet I saw was three hours long with three intervals and while the dancing was impressive this was at times tedious and repetitive so there was some reservation about this show. However, this ballet exceeded all my expectations. While this show demonstrated the talent and ability of the cast but at the same time, it was modern and contemporary which provided a completely new perspective on ballet that I had never experienced before. One of the many interesting things about this ballet was that the dancing made logical sense. Many of the characters, especially the guard, danced in such a way that it made sense. The movements seemed to reflect the character who was doing them. This was a great inclusion as it made the entire story seem more believable and relatable. Instead of a person randomly breaking into a dance routine instead, it seemed logical to the audience which made the show even more enjoyable. Not only was the dancing incredible but also the orchestra accompaniment was powerful and so the players so should be praised.

This show was based heavily on the traditional tale of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare but there was the inclusion of some more up-to-date themes and story points. For example, there was a same-sex couple who experience police brutality which is one of the primary causes of the prison uproar. This can only benefit the ballet popularity and can help to make it more relevant in modern society. This ballet was also set in a prison/institute which was nice from a production perspective and as the set did not change the dancers had to work extra hard to portray what where they were and what was going on. A highlight scene in this show was one in which they were based in the bedroom and as there were only a few beds on stage they cleverly choreographed a routine that had the men and women alternate from under the bed respectively to show the two scenes running at the time which was genius. From a backstage viewpoint, having beds in the wings obviously take up a lot of space which can be frustrating but also from the audience’s perspective, it made the story easy to follow and continued to show the clever timing/choreography. Also due to the lack of set and props, the dancer had to work hard to show the audience what is going on. This is both a testament to Matthew Bourne’s storytelling and the dancer’s ability and so both should be appealed as there was not a single point where I did not know what was going on. To be able to portray an entire story only through dance, and without dialogue/sets, etc. , it not an easy thing which just shows was clearly this show was designed. Another clear inclusion was the book ending of the entire play with the scene of the two dead characters on a stone block. It was nice to see the continuity and was the completeness of the story. I realised that the main reason this scene appeared at the beginning of the ballet is due to the prologue of Romeo and Juliet. The main point in the prologue of the original play is that “A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life” and although this was slightly changed in the ballet it was obviously a representation of this dramatic foreshadowing.

Overall, this production was an excellent re-imaging of the classic play and actually showed me a completely new side to ballet and its potential. I would, especially, advise people who have never seen a ballet before to catch this show before it leaves as firstly, the skill and talent of the cast is incredible and is definitely not what you would expect from a ballet. Or if you are a fan of Romeo and Juliet you should watch this show as it provides a new and fresh interpretation of the classic play. I would rate this ballet 5 out of 5 stars and it’s a show not to miss

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh – until 22 June 2019

Reviewed by James Knight

4****

Louis de Bernières’ classic novel of romance, war and music comes to the stage in a UK tour. Adapted by Rona Munro and directed by Melly Still, the island of Cephalonia and its inhabitants and invaders come to life beautifully onstage, capturing the magic of the original novel.

While the play may be bookended by a letter to Captain Corelli (Alex Mugnaioni) to his fellow armyman Carlo (Ryan Donaldson), the true character to follow is that of Pelagia (Madison Clare). She’s the first character we are properly introduced to, scolding her father, Dr Iannis (Joseph Long) as he pees on the herbs. It’s her story we follow as she falls in and out love with Mandras (Ashley Gale) and protects the other Cephalonians from their German and Italian invaders. Munro’s script still manages to pay tribute to the other narrative threads of the source material, and so losses are still felt as the war progresses.

The cast are wonderfully engaging to watch, and with so many characters to keep track of, the relationships are drawn with subtlety. Supporting characters all get their moment, whether it be the Communist strongman Velisarios (Stewart Scudamore) or the surprisingly sympathetic Nazi soldier Gunter (Kate Spencer). And that’s nothing to say of the two ‘animal’ performers, Luisa Guerreiro and Elizabeth Mary Williams as a goat and a pine marten respectively, quite often stealing the show from their human counterparts.
And animals play a large part of this show – two of the most visually interesting moments involve them. Silver fish leap across the stage, and in a quiet grove while picking snails, Pelagia and Corelli cement their love for each other.

The production is a feast for the eyes and ears: the beauty of the afore-mentioned fish contrasts with the horror of being surrounded by frozen bodies. The music (by composer Harry Blake) is beautiful throughout, from the delicate, mandolin concerto ‘Pelagia’s March’, to the powerful strains of Eve Polycarpou’s haunting vocals depicting the tragedy and grief of war. Elsewhere, simple tricks are often best – guns are mimed and their firing is all sound effects throughout the show, making an actual onstage gunshot that much more effective when it happens.

And these do not detract from the quieter character moments, such as Dr Iannis talking to Pelagia about her love for Corelli, or a battalion of Italians performing the Humming Chorus before a firing squad, or even the final, gently heart-breaking few seconds.

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a beautiful elegiac piece of theatre, which, while showing great respect to its source material, is not afraid to depict the horrors of war, nor the glimmer of hope that comes after.

BIRMINGHAM STAGE COMPANY ANNOUNCE

CAST FOR WEST END RUN OF

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN – PART FOUR!

Birmingham Stage Company presents

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four!     

Written and Directed by Neal Foster

Designer: Jackie Trousdale; Lighting Designer: Jason Taylor; Sound Designer: Nick Sagar

Music: Matthew Scott

Apollo Theatre

1 – 31 August 2019

Birmingham Stage Company today announces cast for Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four! which returns to the Apollo Theatre marking Horrible Histories’ eighth year in the West End. Neal Foster directs Pip Chamberlain and Benedict Martin. Barmy Britain – Part Four! was the most successful Horrible Histories show so far and enjoyed a sell-out 2018 summer season. It opens this year on 6 August, with previews from 1 August, and runs until 31 August.

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with Barmy Britain – Part Four!

Be reduced to rubble by the ruthless Romans! Would you be shaken or stirred by Richard III? Will Queen Elizabeth I endure her terrible teeth? Would you be hanged by King James I for being a witch? Mount a mutiny against King Henry VIII! See Mary Tudor knock the spots off Mary Queen of Scots! Peep into the world of Samuel Pepys and help Georgian detectives find the headless man! Take a trip into the night with the night soil men and discover how to survive the first ever train ride!

After seven sensational years in the West End, Barmy Britain is back!

Terry Deary is the creator of Horrible Histories and one of Britain’s best-selling authors of the 21^st Century. He’s also the tenth most-borrowed author in British libraries. There are around 50 Horrible Histories titles with total sales of 25 million in 40 countries. Deary is also the author of over 200 fiction and non-fiction books for young people including his series of books Dangerous Days. This summer will also see the release of Horrible Histories The Movie.

Pip Chamberlain’s previous credits for Birmingham Stage Company include Horrible Histories: Best of Barmy Britain (international tour), Horrible Histories: More Best of Barmy Britain, Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, Horrible Histories: Vile Victorians (UK tour) and Horrible Histories: Wicked Warwick (Warwick Castle). Other theatre credits include Metal Sandwich, How Did I Get To This Point (Live Theatre), Frank Sumatra (Theatre N16/Alphabetti Theatre/comic 7B Festival de Teatru, Romania), Lucky Numbers (The Customs House), Seven Other Children (Octagon Theatre Bolton) and The Dice House (Arts Theatre). His television credits include Inspector George Gently and Vera.

Benedict Martin previous credits for Birmingham Stage Company include Gangsta Granny (UK tour/Garrick Theatre), Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, Horrible Histories: Vile Victorians, Horrible Science, Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain (Garrick Theatre/UK tour), Horrible Histories: Wicked Warwick (Warwick Castle), James and the Giant Peach, George’s Marvellous Medicine and The Jungle Book (UK tour). Other theatre credits include The Dice House (Arts Theatre), The Revenger’s Tragedy (Theatr Clwyd), The Royal Hunt of the Sun (Compass Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Principal Theatre), Secrets (Polka Theatre), Divine Words(Battersea Arts Centre) and The Tempest (Greenwich Theatre). His television credits include Lipstick on your Collar, Devices and Desires, The Alan Clark Diaries, Jekyll and Bleak House; and for film, Shadows in the Sun and The Disappeared.

Neal Foster is the Actor/Manager of Birmingham Stage Company which since its foundation in 1992 has staged over eighty productions. The company has become one of the world’s leading producers of theatre for children and their families, including Horrible Histories Live on Stage for fourteen years in the UK, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Foster has written and directed all of the most recent Horrible Histories shows including the Barmy Britain series seen in the West End, across the UK, and abroad. In addition, the world première of Tom Gates which he adapted with the author Liz Pichon is currently touring the country through to 2020 and he is also adapting and directing Billionaire Boy , his third David Walliams stage show after Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie.

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four!                                                                                Listings

Apollo Theatre

31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ 

Box Office: 0330 333 4809

www.nimaxtheatres.com

1 – 31 August 2019

Running time: 70 minutes

Horrible Histories shows are recommended for ages 5 to 105 (106 year olds may not like them)

www.barmybritain.com

Twitter: @HHLiveOnStage

Facebook: birminghamstage

FULL LINE-UP AND PRESENTERS ANNOUNCED FOR WEST END LIVE 2019

With just over a week until West End LIVE returns to London’s Trafalgar Square, the full line-up of award-winning shows and acts has been released and is now available to view on the West End LIVE website.

An exciting roster of debuts and old favourites will be taking to the stage on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June 2019 for a weekend of free entertainment in the heart of London’s West End.

Joining a host of previously announced musicals such as Come From Away, On Your Feet!, Six, Only Fools And Horses The Musical, 9 To 5 The Musical, Wicked and The Phantom Of The Opera, are new shows and acts including Brooklyn The Musical, Falsettos, The Illusionists, The Barricade Boys and Nadine Benjamin.

The likes of Faye Tozer and Layton Williams from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be sharing a stage with stars such as Amber Davies from 9 To 5 The Musical and Lucie Jones from Waitress, who will also be performing her own songs on the Sunday with Nathan Amzi.

Producer Paul Taylor-Mills will curate an exclusive segment celebrating new musical writing, featuring excerpts from musicals first workshopped at MT Fest UK earlier this year.

An array of presenters is sharing hosting duties on the West End LIVE stage, including comedian, actor and musical theatre performer Jason Manford, who hosted the Olivier Awards in April.

West End LIVE continues its partnership with Magic Radio, with presenters Emma B, Tom Chambers, Tom Price and Harriet Scott all co-hosting the stage across the weekend.

Louise Dearman and John Owen Jones, who are both performing this year, will also be hosting.

West End LIVE is a joint production by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT). Official London Theatre (SOLT’s public-facing website) will be backstage at West End LIVE throughout the weekend sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

West End LIVE will be BSL interpreted by Sue MacLaine and Marco Nardi.

westendlive.co.uk // @WestEndLIVE // @westendlive // @westendLIVE

IAN MCKELLEN’S GROUND-BREAKING THEATRE JOURNEY CONTINUES WITH A RETURN TO THE WEST END. 80 YEARS, 80 VENUES, 80,000 TICKETS SOLD ON TOUR AND NOW 80 MORE SHOWS ANNOUNCED TODAY, IN LONDON, FROM SEPTEMBER – ALL TO RAISE VITAL FUNDS FOR THEATRE CHARITIES.

IAN MCKELLEN ON STAGE
WITH TOLKIEN, SHAKESPEARE, OTHERS …AND YOU!

PRESENTED BY AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP PRODUCTIONS

DIRECTED BY SEAN MATHIAS

The Show will transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre from September 20th 2019 with all profits benefitting theatre charities. The season follows an unprecedented, sold-out tour of over 80 venues the length and breadth of the UK in celebration of McKellen’s 80th birthday year. Tickets are on sale today.

The acclaimed tour has thus far raised over £1million for causes related to the venues it has visited and will pass £2million when it ends in Orkney in August. The total target for money raised by the end of the tour and West End run is £3million.

Tickets for the new West End run will go on sale at 10am on Friday 14 June 2019 viawww.ianonstage.co.uk including 80 tickets per performance for just £10. Audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Ian McKellen says:

“Taking this new Show to 80+ theatres around the country, has been a joyful birthday present to myself.  I’ve played mainly in theatres I knew well as a young theatregoer and actor. On my birthday, I was in Bolton Town Hall where my dad used to work. It began last February with 15 theatres in Greater London and will end in Orkney.

Soon I will be back in London, for a limited season in the West End, raising much-needed funds for theatre charities. For each performance at the Harold Pinter Theatre, I’m glad that there will be 80 tickets at just £10.

As for the Show? Ask someone who’s seen it. Come and find out.”

“The theatre event of the year”: The Telegraph.

LISTINGS

IAN MCKELLEN ON STAGE
With Tolkien, Shakespeare, others …and you!
Presented by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions
Directed by Sean Mathias
www.ianonstage.co.uk
www.atgtickets.com

ON TOUR:

IAN MCKELLEN ON STAGE continues to tour the UK with venues, schedule, tour map and further information available at www.ianonstage.co.uk

IN THE WEST END:

Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton Street, London SW1Y 4DN

Performance schedule*

First performance: 20th September 2019
Last performance: 5th January 2020
Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30pm
Sunday at 3:00pm

*Performance on 1st November at 2:00pm
*No performances from 2nd – 7th November

*Christmas schedule:

23rd December at 7:30pm
24th December at 3:00pm
25th December No performance
26th December No performance
27th December at 7:30pm
28th December at 7:30pm
29th December at 7:30pm

Tickets from £10 at www.ianonstage.co.uk or www.atgtickets.com

INITIAL CASTING ANNOUNCED

ADAM COOPER RETURNS TO NEW ADVENTURES AFTER 20 YEARS

 TO PLAY ‘BORIS LERMONTOV’

ASHLEY SHAW TO REPRISE HER AWARD-WINNING ROLE

AS ‘VICTORIA PAGE’ IN

MATTHEW BOURNE’S

DOUBLE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING

SMASH HIT PRODUCTION OF

Based on the film by MICHAEL POWELL and EMERIC PRESSBURGER

and the HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN fairytale

Music by BERNARD HERRMANN

AT THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH,

THE LOWRY, SALFORD AND SADLER’S WELLS LONDON

New Adventures is delighted to announce that Adam Cooper and Ashley Shaw will star in the return of Matthew Bourne’s double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of “THE RED SHOES”. The tour opens on Monday 18 November at Theatre Royal Plymouth and runs until Saturday 23 November, before visiting The Lowry, Salford, from Tuesday 26 November to Saturday 30 November; ahead of a seven-week Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells, London, from Tuesday 3 December to Sunday 19 January 2020.

Also confirmed to revive their acclaimed created roles from the Original Cast are Dominic North as ‘Julian’, Liam Mower as ‘Ivan’, Michela Meazza as ‘Irina’, Glenn Graham as ‘Grischa’ and Cordelia Braithwaite who also plays ‘Victoria Page’.

Full casting to be announced soon. “THE RED SHOES” will tour throughout 2020 with further tour dates to be announced.

Matthew Bourne said today “The return of Adam Cooper after 20 years is a major event in New Adventures history. Through his iconic role as The Swan, Adam is still an inspirational figure for many of my dancers so I am delighted that the current generation of company stars will get the chance to work alongside him in The Red Shoes. Adam and I have talked many times over the years about working together again so I am utterly thrilled to have finally managed to persuade him to come home to his New Adventures family in the perfect role of Boris Lermontov, another iconic role that I’m sure he will make all his own” 

World famous, dancer, actor and choreographer, Adam Cooper returns to New  Adventures after more than 20 years, to play the iconic role of Svengali-like Impresario ‘Boris Lermontov’; and one of New Adventures much loved stars, Ashley Shaw, returns to the role of ‘Victoria Page’ having first created it for the 2016 World Premiere Season.

This will be the third time Adam Cooper has collaborated with Matthew Bourne. He first worked with Matthew in 1995 to create the iconic role of ‘The Swan’ in “Swan Lake”.  He played the role in London, New York, LA and Japan, for which he won a Time Out Award, Evening Standard Award, Astaire Award for Outstanding Male Dancer and a received a Tony Award Nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.  Adam returned to work with Matthew Bourne a second time in 1997, creating the role of ‘The Pilot’ in “Cinderella” in London and LA.  He also famously portrayed ‘grown up Billy’ dancing as ‘The Swan’ in the 2000 film “Billy Elliot”. Adam’s many theatre credits include “Singin’ in the Rain”, “On Your Toes” and “Guys and Dolls”.

Ashley Shaw has most recently performed in the title role of Matthew Bourne’s “Cinderella” in the UK, China, Japan and America. For her role as ‘Victoria Page’ in “THE RED SHOES” she won the Hospital Club 100 award for Theatre and Performance 2017 and the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Outstanding Female Performance 2017. Her other credits for New Adventures include: ‘Aurora’ in “Sleeping Beauty”; ‘Lana’ in “The Car Man”; ‘Kim Boggs’ in “Edward Scissorhands” and ‘Princess Sugar’  in “Nutcracker!”.

A sell-out before its world premiere season opened in 2016, Matthew Bourne’s triumphant adaptation of the legendary film returns in 2019, having won two Olivier Awards and dazzled audiences across the UK and the USA.

“THE RED SHOES” is a tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a battleground between the two men who inspire her passion.

Set to the achingly romantic music of golden-age Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, “THE RED SHOES” is orchestrated by Terry Davies and played by the New Adventures Orchestra, with cinematic designs by Lez Brotherston, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Paul Groothuis and projection design from Duncan McLean.

An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences; “THE RED SHOES” will dazzle your senses and break your heart.

“THE RED SHOES” is supported using public funds by Arts Council England.

For more information please visit: www.new-adventures.net

Facebook /MBNewAdventures    Twitter @New_Adventures     Instagram @MBNewAdventures

THE RED SHOES TOUR 2019-2020

www.new-adventures.net

MONDAY 18 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2019

THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH www.theatreroyal.com

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2019

THE LOWRY, SALFORD www.thelowry.com

ON SALE 22 MARCH 2019

TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2019 – SUNDAY 19 JANUARY 2020

SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE, LONDON www.sadlerswells.com

ON SALE 18 MARCH 2019

FURTHER TOUR DATES FOR 2020 TO BE ANNOUNCED