Month: July 2019

Harold Pinter Theatre – until 31 August 2019

Reviewed by Elizabeth J Smith

5*****

I read the book in 1994, many years ago and remember the first third of the book being a little hard going as many characters were introduced with complex stories and wondering how they would all come together. I nearly gave up but was assured by a friend to persevere and I was so
glad I did. It became one of my all time favourite reads. I was extremely excited years later when the film was released and although I enjoyed it, it lacked the intimacy of the book which I thought was inevitable when condensing a long story. However, Rona Munro’s adaptation has proved me wrong. She encapsulates the tranquil life of the Greek island, Cephalonia, as the locals go about their business with the war raging on in the rest of Europe but had yet to touch them.

The islander’s doctor, Dr Iannis, played by Joseph Long and his daughter Pelagia, Madison Clare, live a simple life dealing with minor medical emergencies and tending their animals. Pelagia dreams of becoming a doctor like her Father while being pursued by suitors who don’t quite come up to her ambitions until Madras, Ashley Gayle, wins her heart. We meet Francesco, Fred Fergus and Carlo, Ryan Donaldson, Italian soldiers far from home and wondering what this war is all about. The friendship develops through the scenes and we learn of the terrible turmoil being at war can do to a man’s sanity. Friendship is everything and when that turns to love so be it. We see the battles that the Greeks and the Italians endured, the horrors of war where both sides seem to win and lose. With the full force of the German army arriving to settle the argument. When finally the villagers are now in the thick of conflict having to share their homes with the enemy, but are they all bad? Captain Corelli’s, Alex Mugnaioni, arrival divides loyalties and wins hearts, as he is more interested in the power of music than winning the war.

And now to the goat, Luisa Guerreiro. This is probably one of the best character interpretation I have seen on any stage. When you walk like a goat, sound like a goat and have the mannerisms of a goat, you are a goat. Well Done. The same can be said for Elizabeth Mary Williams, who plays the Greek cat Psipsina. Twisting and curling her body in very cat like ways.

Congratulations to Mayou Trikerioti for set design and costumes. With a “tin foil” back drop that reflects the beauty of the island and the ugliness of war perfectly.

Rona Munro bought humour where often none would be found and Melley Still bought the characters from the book to life and did not disappoint. Not forgetting the beautiful music composed by Harry Blake, that instantly takes you to a Greek island or Italian opera house.

It is a great story of love, family, friendship, loyalty and loss. Of happy times and sad. Of broken promises and broken dreams.

I left the theatre feeling exactly as I did when I finished reading the book, I wanted more.

If you too, loved the book you will not be disappointed by this play and if you haven’t read the book you will leave loving the character’s, with whom you have travelled through time with each and every one of them.

Then, Now Always: Spectacular gala celebrates 120 years of Birmingham Hippodrome and reveals bold ambitions for the future

Guests from Birmingham and across the region celebrated 120 years of Birmingham Hippodrome in style at a sparkling flagship Gala event this weekend. Hosted by Hippodrome panto favourite Matt Slack and sponsored by Birmingham Conference and Events Centre, the special anniversary evening reflected on the rich heritage of the theatre, showcased its brilliant talent and revealed ambitious plans for the venue’s future.

Hippodrome Associate Artists Motionhouse kicked off the evening with a free public performance of their new Hippodrome-commissioned piece Wild outside the venue at Hippodrome Square. Guests then walked the red carpet to a drinks reception, supported by Champagne sponsor Laurent-Perrier, before being ushered into the auditorium by dhol drummers and a dance and tabla vox performance by another Hippodrome Associate, Sonia Sabri Company.

Taking their seats on the world-famous Hippodrome stage, guests tucked in to a sumptuous three course meal, and were treated to stellar performances from principle cast members of Wicked, Six The Musical and The Phantom of the Opera, alongside Birmingham Hippodrome’s own Zoo Nation Young Company and the cast of West Side Story, the first community musical produced by Birmingham Hippodrome for the main stage.

BBC’s Satnam Rana hosted a lively Q&A session with Artistic Director & Chief Executive Fiona Allan and Glenn Howells, Chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust, where grand ambitions were revealed to further grow the venue’s festivals programme, develop and diversify its programming and audiences work and to open up the building even more with an exciting future vision. Fiona Allan revealed plans to redevelop the front of the building to be more visible, new performances spaces and rehearsal facilities for schools and community us, to upgrade the venue to a truly world-class facility.

As well as marking 120 years since there has been an entertainment venue on the Hippodrome site, the celebratory gala also raised funds towards their education, youth and outreach work and the further development of Hippodrome Projects. Proceeds totalled nearly £40,000, which will further support the work the theatre does with young people inside and outside of schools and the development of further Hippodrome Projects with our city and region’s communities.

The spectacular evening closed with a performance from Midlands-born international star (and previous panto performer) Beverley Knight, followed by an after party in the venue’s Patrick Studio.

Fiona Allan, Artistic Director & Chief Executive said: “Our Gala was a fantastic celebration showcasing all we have to offer, from our talented Zoo Nation Young Company to the cast of our first community musical West Side Story and the best in West-End talent like Phantom of the Opera,arriving here in 2020.

We want the Hippodrome to reflect a city and region as young and diverse as ours is. We’re now open all day and are proud to be a public space in the city. We’ve increased the number of free and low cost activities, curated new visual arts programmes and expanded our free festivals programme. We also want to create a place where future performing artists can make a career, so we will continue to invest in commissioning and presenting the best local artists. We have many more ambitions for the future of the Hippodrome, from the co-commissions we’ve brought to the main stage during our 120th year to the building itself, ensuring Birmingham Hippodrome continues to contribute, and shape, the cultural life of the region over the coming decades .”

Vincent Garrington, General Manager at Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre and the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre (BCEC), said: “The Birmingham Hippodrome is an iconic venue for arts and culture and we are thrilled to support and mark 120 years of live performances through our recent sponsorship. As a major leisure destination in the heart of the city just like the BCEC, we felt that it was a great partnership.

“The gala evening was a fantastic celebration of the venue’s past, present and future. As I mentioned during my speech at the event, the greatest recognition our city can give to the important role that The Hippodrome plays in our society is to build the long awaited Hippodrome Square. The new square will ensure that Birmingham Southside cements its position as the city’s festival hub.”

Glenn Howells, Chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust added: “Great cities have great cultural centres, and we want to ensure the Hippodrome is the cultural centre for Birmingham. Our ambition to transform the building and its foyer spaces will make the Hippodrome a space in the city that people can be creative in and enjoy without having to pay for a ticket”

The Gala was a highlight of a year-long programme of events celebrating 120 years of Birmingham Hippodrome. Upcoming events include a co-production with Curve Leicester of The Color Purple;,a new production of West Side Story, Birmingham Hippodrome’s first home-grown youth production for the main stage, a new sculpture commission, and some special birthday celebrations in October with trademark Hippodrome surprises and flair.

APPICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR SECOND INTAKE AT

HOPE ARIA ACADEMY IN MANCHESTER – LAUNCHING SEPTEMBER 2019

Applications are now open for the Autumn/Winter intake of theatre students at Hope Aria Academy in Manchester – following a hugely successful inaugural 12-week programme.

Hope Aria Academy is a new and exciting part-time drama course situated in the city of Manchester, which focuses on acting, singing and dancing.

Students can either take classes in all three disciplines or choose single modules in one specific area.

Hope Aria Academy was founded by Katy Lipson, Joseph Houston and William Whelton and came from the need for more opportunities for Northern based performers to specialise in Musical Theatre.

All three founders have backgrounds in Musical Theatre training and are currently full time producers and theatre owners, actively working in the industry – in Manchester they are well known for their ground-breaking and critically-acclaimed productions at Hope Mill Theatre.

The course is tailored for individuals who have either already trained professionally and are looking for a fresh approach to training within a smaller more focused atmosphere, individuals who are not yet ready to make the leap to full time drama training and require further tuition, and mature students who have experience in musical theatre and want to 
re-skill to return to the industry.

Students will also be introduced to the wider creative industry with regular guest teachers in all three disciplines of acting, singing and dance.

The first course concludes soon and applications are now being taken for the second course, which launches in September.

There will be one full scholarship place available, funded by Hope Aria Academy, with auditions for this taking place in August, date TBC.

In addition to the 12-week programme, Hope Aria Academy will also hold a number of industry-style professional workshops, open to non-academy students.

These will include a workshop from casting director Jane Deitch (Thursday 3^rd October) and a producer workshop with Will Whelton, Joseph Houston and Katy Lipson (Sunday 17^th November) – who in 2018 and 2019 were ranked in the UK’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Theatre by The Stage.

Will, Joe and Katy said: “It has always been a passion of ours to nurture and develop home grown talent. Hope Aria Academy was established to fill a much-needed gap in the North West for Musical Theatre training and we were overwhelmed with the response to our first part time course that launched in April this year. And we are delighted to announce our second course that will run this autumn.

“Students will have the opportunity to work on the three disciplines of Acting, Singing and Dance in a safe, supportive and professional environment. With guest teachers active in the Musical Theatre industry imparting wisdom and inspiring our students.”

Stage and screen actress Hayley Tamaddon is patron of Hope Aria Academy and taught a workshop as part of the last programme.

Hayley said: “I’m thrilled to be a patron of Hope Aria Academy. The work they produce is outstanding. Ranging from dance to musical theatre to tv acting, the students here are taught everything to do with this wonderful profession we call show business! And I’ll look forward to doing a spot more teaching there myself in the new term!”  

Students who have recently received instruction at Hope Aria Academy have given positive testimonials to the teaching they received.

“Hope Aria Academy has been an invaluable learning experience for me. I have developed as a performer within a supportive and challenging course focusing on three modules; acting, singing and dance. I am more aware of my strengths as a performer and areas that may need more focus. I have worked with inspirational industry professionals and alongside some amazing like-minded artists. I feel confident in my abilities moving forward into further training or working in the industry.”Katherine Reynolds – Student.

“I joined Hope Aria Academy for their 12-week singing course and it had been an invaluable experience. As someone with little prior knowledge of Musical Theatre and singing in general, it has been a pleasure to be immersed in a new environment. I have discovered just how hard the work is and, equally, just how rewarding.” Daniel Brennan – Student.

Hope Aria Academy’s next intake will launch on Monday 16^th September 2019 and run on Monday (dance), Tuesday (singing) and Wednesday (acting) evenings from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Hope Aria House, Unit 15 Wellington House, Manchester, M40 7FS. Students can take the full course or can opt for single modules.

For more information on Hope Aria Academy, fees and how to apply, please visithttps://www.hopeariaacademy.com/.

Professional Workshops:

Casting Director Workshop with Jane Deitch – Thursday 3^rd October 2019, 10am – 6pm. £45.

Producing Workshop with Katy Lipson, Joseph Houston and William Whelton – Sunday 17^th November 2019, 2pm – 5pm. £25

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/HopeAriaAcademy

Twitter: @HopeAriaAcademy

Instagram: @HopeAriaAcademy

COMPOSERS TENNANT/LOWE OF PET SHOP BOYS TO CREATE MUSIC FOR STAGE ADAPTATION OF

Hanif Kureishi‘s

MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE

OPENS AT CURVE, LEICESTER – 20 SEP – 5 OCT

“Could anyone in their right mind call this silly little island off of Europe their home?”

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of iconic British pop duo Pet Shop Boys join the production team for upcoming stage adaptation of Hanif Kureishi’s My Beautiful Laundrette, creating music to bring the 80s-set drama to life.

A Curve, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Leeds Playhouse co-production,Tennant/Lowe have composed original music for the play.

Since their first record release in 1984, Pet Shop Boys have sold over 50 million records worldwide. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe are also known for their theatre music, including original stage musical Closer to Heaven (being revived in London this summer) and the ballet The Most Incredible Thing, a collaboration with choreographer Javier de Frutos produced by Sadler’s Wells. This summer at the Edinburgh Fringe, Pet Shop Boys will present the world premiere of MUSIK, a new cabaret show with a script by Jonathan Harvey.

Speaking about composing music for My Beautiful Laundrette, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe said:

“It’s wonderful to be part of the team bringing My Beautiful Laundrette from the screen to the stage and we’ve enjoyed writing mainly instrumental music to be presented within a British Asian context.”

Curve Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“It is a testament to the extraordinary world and characters Hanif has created, that Neil and Chris have come on board to compose music for our autumn drama. As the Pet Shop Boys, Tennant and Lowe have created some of the greatest pop tunes ever written and we are thrilled they are bringing their astonishing talents to this production.

“Alongside our tremendous acting company and design team led by Grace Smart, it’s shaping up to be a very exciting project!”

Set in London during the Thatcher years, My Beautiful Laundrette tells the story of young British Pakistani, Omar, who transforms his Uncle’s run-down launderette into a thriving business. After being confronted by a fascist gang, Omar recognises school-friend Johnny and uses their history to diffuse the situation. As they renovate the laundrette together, love blossoms between them. This culture clash comedy is also a subversive work of social realism, sprinkled with magic and joy running through the rich veins of Kureishi’s writing.

Playing the role of Omar in this new play is Omar Malik (East is East, Nottingham Playhouse); Jonny Fines (An Officer and a Gentleman at Curve) will play rebellious punk Johnny. Gordon Warnecke, who originally played Omar in Stephen Frears’ 1985 film, joins this new cast as Papa, Omar’s Father.

The cast is completed by Paddy Daly, Kammy Darweish, Hareet Deol, Nicole Jebeli, Balvinder Sopal andCathy Tyson.

This bold new production of Hanif Kureishi’s ground-breaking Oscar-nominated screenplay opens at Curve 20 Sep – 5 Oct. The show will then tour to Everyman Theatre Cheltenham (8 – 12 Oct), Leeds Playhouse (15 – 26 Oct), Belgrade Theatre Coventry (29 Oct – 2 Nov) and Birmingham Repertory Theatre (5 – 9 Nov).

Production Team

Director – Nikolai Foster
Designer – Grace Smart

Composers – Tennant/Lowe
Lighting Designer – Ben Cracknell
Sound Designer – Tom Marshall

Fight Director – Kevin McCurdy
Casting Director – Kay Magson CDG

Tour Listings:

Curve, Leicester
20 Sep – 5 Oct
www.curveonline.co.uk
Tickets on-sale now

Everyman Theatre Cheltenham
8 – 12 Oct
www.everymantheatre.org.uk
Tickets on-sale now

Leeds Playhouse
15 – 26 Oct
www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk
Tickets on-sale now

Belgrade Theatre Coventry
29 Oct – 2 Nov
www.belgrade.co.uk
Tickets on-sale soon

Birmingham Repertory Theatre
5 – 9 Nov
www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Tickets on-sale soon

The London Palladium – until 8 September 2019

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

After 50 years, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s biblical musical is still a dream. Laurence Connor’s production at the Palladium puts the children in the cast front and centre where they belong. Instead of a large school choir/rock eisteddfod mass, there are just eight children, beginning the show sitting around a campfire with Sheridan Smith before they conjure up their colourful story. The children do the usual chorus material, but also don fake giant beards to play some of Joseph’s brothers and the small but pivotal roles of Potiphar, the baker and the butler. Connor has reclaimed Joseph for the children – let’s face it, it’s always been a jolly children’s show, just with a fit young man in a loincloth to peak the adult interest. Sheridan Smith’s expanded role as the narrator keeps the seemingly chaotic feel of a school play on steroids going, with her shepherding the children and cast like a mischievous babysitter tempting disaster.

Smith is a joy to watch. She is hardly ever off stage and seems to be having the time of her life – as are the rest of the cast. With plenty of mugging and asides to the audience, she is a gleeful, impish presence, joining in with dances, bringing on props and donning ridiculous costumes to play Jacob, Potiphar’s wife and the jailer (always lifting a part of her disguise to make it quite clear that “it’s me!” – something that everybody who has got overenthusiastic roleplaying with children has had to do). Her constant presence and involvement enhance the idea that this is a sugar-induced campfire dream she and the children are sharing, making the eclectic musical styles and wondrously silly lyrics feel even more innocent and carefree.

Jason Donovan is a hoot as Pharaoh, making up for his vocals with a hilariously OTT turn under the bright lights of Vegas/Egypt. By casting a Joseph with no fanbase and no baggage – the Welsh wonder Jac Yarrow, still to graduate from ArtsEd School – there is a lovely onstage balance between Yarrow and Smith. They high five and catch each other’s eye during dance routines, and it’s hard to tell whether the pride in the Narrator’s face as she watches Joseph succeed is acting or not. Yarrow is simply superb. His Joseph is cocky but sweet, with a wide-eyed innocence and charm. His emotional rendition of Close Every Door is a showstopper, receiving a standing ovation on press night. What a voice.

Designer Morgan Large has created a childlike dreamscape, lit expertly by Ben Cracknell, and Joann M. Hunter’s choreography is a dream. Added dance numbers for the brothers’ big numbers (which both steal the show) are stylish and funny, with Richard Carson’s Reuben and Michael Pickering’s Simeon jaw-dropping vocals and clowning.

This joyful and jaunty production is a must-see – perfect family fun that is guaranteed to put a goofy grin on your face.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR UK TOUR OF

STEPHEN DALDRY’S

SEMINAL PRODUCTION OF

JB PRIESTLEY’S CLASSIC THRILLER

“AN INSPECTOR CALLS”

OPENING AT THE CHURCHILL THEATRE, BROMLEY

FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2019

PW Productions are delighted to announce the full cast of the UK and Ireland Tour of Stephen Daldry’s seminal production of JB Priestley’sclassic thriller “AN INSPECTOR CALLS” which opens at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley on Friday 6 September 2019 before visiting Mayflower Theatre Southampton, Hull New Theatre, Theatre Severn Shrewsbury, King’s Theatre Edinburgh, Oxford Playhouse, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Malvern Theatres, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Buxton Opera House, New Wimbledon Theatre, The Lowry Salford, Milton Keynes Theatre, Bradford Alhambra, Liverpool Playhouse, Theatre Royal Nottingham, Brighton Theatre Royal, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Cardiff New Theatre, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Glasgow Theatre Royal, Yvonne Arnaud Guildford, Sheffield Lyceum, Sunderland Empire, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, The Orchard Theatre Dartford and Curve Leicester.

Liam Brennan will play ‘Inspector Goole’, Christine Kavanagh ‘Mrs Birling’, Jeff Harmer ‘Mr Birling’, Alisdair Buchan ‘Gerald Croft’, Chloe Orrock ‘Sheila Birling’, Ryan Saunders ‘Eric Birling’ and Diana Payne-Myers‘Edna’. The cast is completed by Michael Ross, Portia Booroff, Elissa Churchill and Jonathan Davenport.  

Liam Brennan’s theatre credits include “Richard III” and “Twelfth Night” at Shakespeare’s Globe, and “Diary of a Madman” at The Gate, for which he was awarded Best Actor at the Edinburgh Festival in 2016.

Christine Kavanagh’s National Theatre credits include “Man and Superman” and “Albert Speer” and the National Theatre UK Tour of “Hedda Gabler”. Her West End credits include “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the Harold Pinter Theatre. With the Royal Shakespeare Company Christine has performed “Macbeth” and “Much Ado About Nothing”. Her other credits include “A Doll’s House”, “Travesties”, “She Stoops to Conquer” and “The Rivals”.

Jeff Harmer’s credits include playing ‘Berrard’ in the national tour of “Bird Song”. His other theatre credits include “Fox on The Fairway”, “Out Of Order”, “Donkey’s Years”, “Romeo & Juliet” and “As You Like It”.

Alisdair Buchan’s West End credits include “Urinetown: The Musical” at the Apollo Theatre and St. James’ Theatre and “Richard III” and “The Pride” both at Trafalgar Studios. His further credits include “Seanse” at The Other Palace, playing ‘Sherlock Holmes’ in the UK Tour of “Sherlock Holmes at the Crimson Cobbles” and the UK Tours of “Night Must Fall”, “A Little History of the World”, “The Importance of Being Earnest”, “Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me” and “The Lost World”.

Chloe Orrock’s credits include playing ‘Sybil Vane’ in “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and ‘PC Abrahams’/’Nurse Davis’ in “Too Much Punch for Judy” both Upstairs at the Gatehouse. Chloe has performed her new spoken word short play “Of Sirens and Other Monsters” at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington and the Brockley Jack Theatre. 

Ryan Saunders’ West End credits include playing ‘Freddie Beanstock’ in “Hobson’s Choice” at the Vaudeville Theatre and “Sweet Bird of Youth” at the Old Vic. His further theatre credits include the UK Tours of “The Mousetrap”, “The History Boys”, “The Madness of George III”, “Mrs Warren’s Profession” and “Shards” and playing ‘Clifford Bradshaw’ in the English Theatre of Frankfurt production of “Cabaret”.

Diana Payne-Myers’ credits include “Strange Fish”, “Boxes” and “Le dernier chaperon rouge”.

Since 1992, Daldry’s production of “AN INSPECTOR CALLS” has won a total of 19 major awards including four Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards. It has played to more than 4 million theatregoers worldwide and is the most internationally-lauded production in the National Theatre’s history.

Written at the end of the Second World War and set before the First, “AN INSPECTOR CALLS” is a compelling and haunting thriller. The story begins when the mysterious Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly on the prosperous Birling family home, shattering their peaceful family dinner party with his investigations into the death of a young woman.

JB Priestley’s brilliantly constructed masterpiece powerfully dramatises the dangers of casual capitalism’s cruelty, complacency and hypocrisy.

“AN INSPECTOR CALLS” is directed by the world-renowned theatre and film director Stephen Daldry. Stephen’s many theatre credits include “The Audience”, “Skylight” and “Billy Elliot The Musical”. His film credits include “The Hours”, “The Reader” and “Billy Elliot”, all of which earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Director. Most recently he has directed several episodes of the Netflix smash hit series “The Crown”, for which he is also Producer.

“AN INSPECTOR CALLS” is designed by Ian MacNeil, with music by Academy Award winning composer Stephen Warbeck and Lighting by Rick Fisher.

“AN INSPECTOR CALLS”

UK AND IRELAND TOUR DATES 2019-2020

www.aninspectorcalls.com

Twitter: @aninspector

Facebook: @aninspectorcalls

FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

Churchill Theatre, Bromley www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

Mayflower Theatre Southampton www.mayflower.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 24 SEPEMBER – SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

Hull New Theatre www.hulltheatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury www.theatresevern.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh www.capitaltheatres.com/your-visit/kings-theatre

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 15 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER

Oxford Playhouse www.oxfordplayhouse.com

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER

Newcastle Theatre Royal www.theatreroyal.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER – SAURDAY 9 NOVEMBER

Malvern Theatres www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 12 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER

Birmingham Repertory Theatre www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER

Buxton Opera House www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER

New Wimbledon Theatre www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 14 JANUARY – SATURDAY 18 JANUARY 2020

The Lowry, Salford www.thelowry.com/

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 21 JANUARY – SATURDAY 25 JANUARY

Milton Keynes Theatre www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

ON SALE NOW

WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY – SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY

Bradford Alhambra www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY

Liverpool Playhouse www.everymanplayhouse.com

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Theatre Royal Nottingham www.trch.co.uk/

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY

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

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 3 MARCH – SATURDAY 7 MARCH

Theatre Royal Plymouth www.theatreroyal.com

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 10 MARCH – SATURDAY 14 MARCH

Cardiff New Theatre www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 17 MARCH – SATURDAY 21 MARCH

Cambridge Arts Theatre www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 24 MARCH – SATURDAY 28 MARCH

Theatre Royal, Glasgow www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 31 MARCH – SATURDAY 4 APRIL

Guildford Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 14 APRIL – SATURDAY 18 APRIL

Sheffield Lyceum www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 21 APRIL – SATURDAY 25 APRIL

Sunderland Empire www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 28 APRIL – SATURDAY 2 MAY

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry www.belgrade.co.uk/

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 12 MAY – SATURDAY 16 MAY

The Orchard, Dartford www.orchardtheatre.co.uk  

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 19 MAY – SATURDAY 23 MAY

CURVE, Leicester www.curveonline.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

ROSE THEATRE KINGSTON, THE ORIGINAL THEATRE COMPANY AND KARL SYDOW ANNOUNCE FIRST MAJOR UK REVIVAL OF

STEPHEN JEFFREYS’ VALUED FRIENDS

Rose Theatre Kingston, The Original Theatre Company and Karl Sydow present

VALUED FRIENDS

Written by Stephen Jeffreys

Directed by Michael Fentiman

Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL

Rose Theatre Kingston, The Original Theatre Company and Karl Sydow today announce the first major UK revival of Stephen Jeffreys’ Valued Friends, directed by Michael Fentiman. The production opens at Rose Theatre Kingston as part of their autumn season on 26 September, with previews from 20 September, and runs until 12 October.

It’s 1980s London and change is happening. The city is ablaze with social, political and cultural upheaval and, in a basement flat in Earls Court, four friends in their mid-thirties are scrabbling to keep their heads above water.

Housemates for more than 10 years, Sherry is a hapless, quirky comedian; Paul, a keen music journalist; Marion, a straight-talking realist; and Howard, an earnest academic writing about the corruption of capitalism. The friends are thrown unexpectedly into a battle of nerves when a young, confident property developer offers them a substantial fee to vacate their home in West London.

Spurred on by the revolutions of their time, they quickly realise that they hold all the cards in this real-life game of Monopoly and over the course of three years, they manipulate a burgeoning property market one cup of tea at a time.

Stephen Jeffreys’ play was an instant classic when first performed at Hampstead Theatre in 1989. It won the Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright, with a cast that featured Peter Capaldi, Martin Clunes, Jane Horrocks, and Tim McInnerny. 

Valued Friends is a compelling comedy drama set to the soundtrack of 1980’s London and against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain. This production directed by Michael Fentiman will be the first revival of the play in 30 years. 

Stephen Jeffreys’ wife, actor and director Annabel Arden, said today,“I met Stephen in 1997 and have never seen a production of Valued Friends.  For people who did see the two celebrated productions, it is very often their favourite play and they all say how hilarious, sad and incredibly prophetic it is. When I read it, I laughed-out-loud and I am really astonished at how relevant it is to today’s turbulent economic and political climate. Stephen’s sons and I are so thrilled that there will now be a chance to see the play again. Stephen, the most generous of men, would be happy to know that the play which launched his career will be the first to be revived after his death, and so launch his legacy.”

Stephen Jeffreys (1950 – 2018)was an internationally-acclaimed playwright and winner of the Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright. His theatre credits include The Clink (Paines Plough), The Libertine (Royal Court Theatre), A Jovial Crew (Royal Shakespeare Company), A Going Concern(Hampstead Theatre), I Just Stopped by to See the Man (Royal Court Theatre) and Bugles at the Gates of Jalalabad (Tricycle Theatre). For film his credits include The Libertine and Diana.

Michael Fentiman directs. His previous theatre credits include Amelie: The Musical (UK tour), The Taming of the Shrew (Sherman Theatre/Tron Theatre), The Importance of Being Earnest (Vaudeville Theatre), The Last Days of Anne Boleyn (Historic Royal Palaces/Tower of London), Loot (Park Theatre/Watermill Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew, Titus Andronicus, Ahasverus (Royal Shakespeare Company), Babe, the Sheep-Pig (Polka Theatre/UK tour), The War Has Not Yet Started (Drum Theatre, Plymouth), Minotaur (Theatr  Clwyd /Polka Theatre), Raising Martha (Park Theatre), The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Kensington Palace Gardens, as Co-director with Rupert Goold), Crackers (Belgrade Coventry), Spoonface Steinberg (Theatr Clwyd/Glasgow Citizens/UK tour), East (UK tour), Ajax (Cyprus tour), The Comedy of Errors, Robin Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk(Cambridge Arts Theatre), Sweeney Todd (RAM/Theatre Royal Stratford East), and Made in Dagenham (Adelphi Theatre, as Associate Director to Rupert Goold).

Further casting and information to follow.

Valued Friends                                                                                                                                                  Listings

Rose Theatre Kingston

24 – 26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL

Box Office: 020 8174 0090

https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/valued-friends

Rose Theatre Kingston

Friday 20 September – Saturday 12 October

Mon – Thurs, 7:30pm

Fri, 8pm

Sat & Thurs matinees, 2:30pm

Tickets from: £15

Concessions available via Box Office

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK PREMIÈRE OF

LISA D’AMOUR’S ANNA BELLA EEMA

Arcola Theatre, Atticist and Ellie Keel Productions present

The UK première of

ANNA BELLA EEMA

By Lisa D’Amour

Director: Jessica Lazar; Music Director and Additional Music: Tom Foskett-Barnes

Set and Costume Design: Anna Lewis; Lighting Design: David Doyle

Movement Director: Jennifer Fletcher

Arcola Theatre

11 September – 12 October 2019

Arcola Theatre, Atticist and Ellie Keel Productions today announce full cast for the UK première of Anna Bella Eema by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D’Amour. Jessica Lazar directs Natasha Cottriall, Gabrielle Brooks and Beverley Rudd. The new production opens at Arcola Theatre on 16 September, with previews from 11 September, and runs until 12 October.

‘Something is coming. It’s either the interstate or the end of the world.’

Precocious Annabella lives in a deserted trailer park. Schooled by her eccentric mother Irene, she learns to co-exist with the vampires, werewolves and monsters that lurk in the world outside.

Desperate to ward off the new highway that threatens the demolition of their home, Annabella steps outside to build a girl out of mud. The girl comes to life. The girl is Anna Bella Eema.

Part ghost story, part fairytale, part coming-of-age fantasy, Anna Bella Eema is a dazzling burst of storytelling from the dark heart of American Gothic.

Lisa D’Amour’s wildly inventive, spoken-and-sung odyssey makes its UK premiere in a new and updated version, with original score by Chris Sidorfsky.

Lisa D’Amour is an award-winning US playwright and New Dramatists alumnus. Her theatre credits includeDetroit (National Theatre – which won the Obie Award for Best New American Play, was a finalist for both the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2011 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize), and Airline Highway (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago/Samuel J. Friedman Theater – receiving a 2015 Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Play.)

Natasha Cottriall plays Three (Anna Bella Eema). Her theatre credits include The Lovely Bones, Dancing in the Streets (UK tour), Future Conditional (The Old Vic), Into the Woods (Royal Exchange Theatre), The Busker’s Opera, Whodunnit [Unrehearsed] (Park Theatre), Here Lie the Remains of Mercy (Theatre Delicatessen), Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), The Secret Garden (Theatre by the Lake), The Selfish Giant (Vaudeville Theatre) and Oklahoma! (Grange Park Opera). Her television credits include as recurring character Rosie Griffiths in Doctors, Grantchester and Vera.

Gabrielle Brooks plays Two (Annabella). Her theatre credits includeA Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Twelfth Night (Young Vic), Our Lady of Kibeho (Royal & Derngate Northampton), The Way of the World (Donmar Warehouse), The Wizard of Oz, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Sheffield Theatres), Queen Anne (RSC/Theatre Royal Haymarket), Lazarus (King’s Cross Theatre), The Stranger’s Case(Liverpool Everyman), The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), I Can’t Sing (The London Palladium), Our House 10th Anniversary (Savoy Theatre), Avenue Q, Hairspray (UK tour) and Red Snapper (Belgrade Theatre).

Beverley Rudd plays One (Irene). Her theatre credits include Dead Dog in a Suitcase (Kneehigh UK/international tour), Brief Encounter, Tin Drum (Kneehigh UK tour), The Twits (Curve), Peter Pan, The Beggars Opera, Into The Woods (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (Royal Exchange Theatre), Soho Cinders (Soho Theatre), The Little Mermaid (Bristol Old Vic), Acorn Antiques, Girls Just Want To Have Fun(UK tour), The Magistrate (National Theatre), Days of Significance (RSC/Tricycle Theatre) and The Hole Story(Paines Plough). Her television credits include as series regular Lisa in Trollied, Massive – for which she won the 2009 RTS Award for Best Performance in a Comedy, Shameless, Him & Her, Inn Mates and Scallywagga.

Jessica Lazar directs. She is a co-founder of Atticist and is currently an Oxford Playhouse Evolve Artist in Residence. Her theatre credits include Life According to Saki (Edinburgh Festival Fringe/Fourth Street Theater, New York – winner of Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award 2016), Dangerous Giant Animals (Edinburgh Festival Fringe/Park Theatre – winner of the inaugural SIT-Up Award 2018), East (nominated for Off West End Best Director 2018), For Reasons that Remain Unclear and Outlying Islands (King’s Head Theatre).

ANNA BELLA EEMA                                                                                                                                      Listings

Arcola Theatre

24 Ashwin Theatre, Dalston, London E8 3DL

11 September – 12 October 2019

Box Office: 020 7503 1646

www.arcolatheatre.com

HACKNEY SHOWROOM ANNOUNCES THE WORLD PREMIÈRE OF

ZAWE ASHTON’S FOR ALL THE WOMEN WHO THOUGHT THEY WERE   MAD – AND NEW POP UP THEATRE @ STOKE NEWINGTON TOWN HALL

Hackney Showroom presents

The World Première of

for all the women who thought they were   Mad

By Zawe Ashton

Directed by Jo McInnes; Designed by Natalie Pryce and ULTZ; Lighting Design by Lee Curran

Hackney Showroom @ Stoke Newington Town Hall

14 October – 9 November 2019

Hackney Showroom today announces the world première of for all the women who thought they were Mad by Zawe Ashton which will open at Stoke Newington Town Hall – marking a new partnership with the London Borough of Hackney to bring theatre to Stoke Newington Town Hall. Directed by Jo McInnes it opens on 17 October, with previews from 14 October, and runs until 9 November.

“they like to see us fall

to slip on branches full of fruit we have not tasted”

Lately, it’s small things. Pop songs. The radio. Every day anguish, becomes madness. Call on your family. Call on the ancestors. Can they guide you home?

“we are pearl and earth and root 

we know ourselves to be natural and complete

carved from rock that floats

but we should still be careful what we wish for

some of us can sink in the upstream”

Zawe Ashton said today, “I am a woman of colour who has written a play about women of colour. It’s a play about many things, but at its centre is an investigation into the fallout of colonialism and it’s resounding impact on the women of the African diaspora, specifically women living in the United Kingdom. It looks at how these women are constantly maltreated and marginalised by the institutions in which they operate or ask for professional help. Their workplaces, their hospitals or GP’s office – and so on. It’s a play about cultural bias and systemic oppression. Black women are the empathetic centre of the piece, their emotions are our emotions. Their struggle is our struggle as an audience. 

Nina Lyndon and Sam Curtis Lindsay have, with director Jo McInnes, seen complex and vital questions that need to be raised. If it wasn’t for their refreshing approach to the event of theatre – I wouldn’t be writing this. I have finally found a home for my play and for myself as an artist and a team of collaborators that prioritise creating theatre for a wide and inclusive audience.”

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Planning, Culture and Inclusive Economy, also said, “Hackney Council is delighted to welcome this innovative Hackney Showroom production to Stoke Newington Town Hall. Hosting this new work, created by the talented Zawe Ashton in such an iconic Hackney venue is exciting enough, but the fact that Zawe also grew up in the borough makes it even more special. Hackney Showroom has made a great contribution to the cultural life of the borough, and connecting such a trail-blazing arts organisation with Stoke Newington Town Hall will breathe life back into some of its spaces. This a timely arrival as Hackney Council embarks on plans to shape the town hall’s future.”

Nina Lyndon and Sam Curtis Lindsay, co-Artistic Directors and co-Founders of Hackney Showroom added, “This is the play that brought us together to launch Hackney Showroom five years ago and so it has a special place in our hearts. We are so thrilled to be working with the Culture Team at LB Hackney to realise the artistic ambition of this play in such a striking building which will be transformed for this project. Zawe Ashton has written a profoundly moving and unforgettable piece of theatre and we are honoured to bring it before audiences this autumn.”

Zawe Ashton is an actor and writer. Her playwriting credits include Harm’s Way, Skunk and She from the Sea. As an actor, her theatre credits include Betrayal (Harold Pinter Theatre – and the forthcoming Broadway transfer to Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre), The Maids (Trafalgar Studios), Splendour (Donmar Warehouse), Gone too Far!, Rhinoceros, The Arsonists (Royal Court Theatre), and Othello and The Frontline (Shakespeare’s Globe). Her television credits include Wanderlust, Guerrilla, Fresh Meat and Not Safe for Work; and for film, Velvet Buzzsaw, Greta, Nocturnal Animals, Dreams of a Life and St Trinian’s: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold. Ashton’s debut novel, Character Breakdown, was published this year.

Jo McInnes directs. Her theatre credits include Valhalla (Theatre503), 36 Phone Calls (Hampstead Theatre), Another Place (Theatre Royal Plymouth), I Can Hear You, This Is Not An Exit (RSC/Royal Court Theatre), Vera, Vera, Vera, Red Bud (Royal Court Theatre), Marine Parade (Brighton Festival) and Christmas (Brighton Festival/Bush Theatre). She is an Associate Director of Hackney Showroom and was previously Artistic Director of New Writing South.

Supported by Arts Council England, Wellcome Trust and Cockayne Foundation.

FOR ALL THE WOMEN WHO THOUGHT THEY WERE   MAD                                                            LISTINGS

Hackney Showroom @ Stoke Newington Town Hall

Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0JR

14 October – 9 November 2019

Box Office: hackneyshowroom.com/for-all-the-women

Hackney Showroom is an award-winning cultural organisation which supports exceptional artists to make live performance. Hackney Showroom’s hallmark is their support of artists who sit outside the mainstream, developing their craft and carving out a space for marginalised voices who are innovating new forms of performance.

www.hackneyshowroom.com

Twitter: @hackneyshowroom

#hackneyshowroom

LAMBERT JACKSON PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE

THE UK CONCERT PREMIÈRE OF DOCTOR ZHIVAGO

STARRING RAMIN KARIMLOO AND CELINDE SCHOENMAKER

Lambert Jackson Productions today announces Doctor Zhivago – The UK Concert Première. The concert will star Ramin Karimloo (Yurii Andreyevich Zhivago) and Celinde Schoenmaker (Lara Guishar), with further casting to be announced, and takes place at Cadogan Hall, on 1 September, 2pm and 6.30pm.

Based on the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Boris Pasternak, prepare to be taken on an epic journey of heart-breaking romance, following the search for love during the final days of Czarist Russia. Raised as an aristocrat, Yurii Andreyevich Zhivago is a political idealist, physician, and poet whose life is tossed by the tides of history as he is torn between a life with his close childhood friend and wife, and the passionate and mysterious Lara Guishar. Zhivago, however, is not alone in his yearnings for Lara, and must compete with both revolutionaries and aristocracy alike to win the heart of the woman he cannot live without.

Written by Academy Award nominee Michael Weller (Ragtime), the show features music by two-time Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Lucy Simon, with lyrics by Tony Award nominee Michael Korie and Emmy Award nominee Amy Powers. This classic story opened on Broadway in 2015, and can now be experienced for the first time as a UK concert at Cadogan Hall on 1 September.

Lambert Jackson today said “The story of ‘Doctor Zhivago’ is such a timeless classic and it is even more stunning in musical form. It’s a beautiful piece of writing and to be able to present the UK concert première of this show is an absolute honour. We are also thrilled to be working with the extraordinary Ramin Karimloo and divine Celinde Schoenmaker to bring this beautiful music to life.”

Ramin Karimloo plays Yurii Andreyevich Zhivago. His theatre credits include Chess (The Kennedy Centre), Anastasia (Broadhurst Theatre, Broadway), Murder Ballad (Arts Theatre), Les Miserables (Imperial Theatre, Broadway – for which he was nominated for the 2014 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical; Princess of Wales Theatre, Queens Theatre, Palace Theatre), Phantom of the Opera 25^thAnniversary (Royal Albert Hall), Love Never Dies (Adelphi Theatre – for which he was nominated for the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical), Les Miserables 25^th Anniversary Concert (O2 Arena), Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), and Miss Saigon (UK tour).

Celinde Schoenmaker plays Lara Guishar. Her theatre credits include The Light in the Piazza (Royal Festival Hall, and forthcoming LA Opera), Barnum (Menier Chocolate Factory), Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Les Miserables (Queens Theatre). For film, her credits include Rocketman.

Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures Inc. and Turner Entertainment Co.

The musical Zhivago was originally produced by La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego, California.

This concert performance is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International Europe.

Dr Zhivago – UK Concert Première                                                                                                         Listings

Cadogan Hall

5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ

Box Office: 020 7730 4500 

Home

Sunday 1 September, 2pm & 6.30pm

LAMBERT JACKSON

Lambert Jackson is a production company dedicated to producing musical theatre shows and stunning one-night performances. Founded by Jamie Lambert (CEO) and Eliza Jackson (Creative Director), the company made its debut at Cadogan Hall in August 2018 with There’s Nothin’ Like a Dame – 100 Years of Women in Musical Theatre, and has since produced West End Women – A Celebration of Women in Musicals, Main Men of Musicals and a very successful first season ofSunday Favourites at The Other Palace. Due to popular demand, they have just announced their second season of Sunday Favourites. 

Twitter:              @LJProds

Instagram:         @lambertjacksonproductions

Facebook:          /lambertjacksonproductions