Month: August 2019

RECIPIENTS OF THE FOURTH YEAR OF

MGCFUTURES BURSARIES ANNOUNCED

Including new bursaries in partnership with Gate Theatre,

English Touring Theatre and Deafinitely Theatre

Michael Grandage today announces the recipients of the fourth annual MGCfutures Bursaries awarded across a range of theatrical disciplines including directing, writing, producing, designing, composing, choreography and performance-makers. A registered charity, MGCfutures offers both financial and ongoing mentoring support to the recipients who come from across the UK. 

The recipients of this year’s bursaries are Chisara Agor, Louise Anderson, Josh Anio Grigg, Nicola Baldwin,Hannah Blamire, Simon Carroll-Jones, Marcelo Dos Santos, Hannah Farley-Hills, Joshua Gadsby, Gus Gowland, Annie Jenkins, Beth Kapila, Anastasia Osei-Kuffour, Audrey Sheffield, Julian Spooner and Sita Thomas.

In addition, MGCfutures today awards Twan Lentjes The Stephanie Arditti Bursary created in the memory of award-winning costume supervisor Stephanie Arditti; and in partnership with three companies – Sara Malikand Kaleya Baxe are the recipients of the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill, Assistant Director Bursaries; Sophie Slater the recipient of the English Touring Theatre Assistant Production Manager Bursary for ETT’s co-production with Sheffield Theatres of Reasons to Stay Alive; and Zoe McWhinney (directing), Laura Goldberg (stage management) and James Greenhaigh (costume and design) for Deafinitely Theatre’s bursaries on HUB, the first ever deaf accessible theatre training scheme.

Artistic Director Michael Grandage said today, “We knew when we started MGCfutures, we wanted to find ways to support the next generation of theatre-makers to achieve their dreams and goals, in whatever their chosen field. No one piece of theatre is made without a collective effort from many people, and we’re thrilled today to give bursaries to such a range of talent from across so many sectors.

“We’re delighted to partner with the Gate Theatre, English Touring Theatre and Deafinitely Theatre to create these additional opportunities, and also to give the first bursary in honour of a dear friend and collaborator Stephanie Arditti.”

Patron of MGCfutures Judi Dench commented, “It’s heartening for the future of theatre to see such an incredible group of artists receive bursaries from MGCfutures. It’s a wonderful scheme which puts the recipient first, and not only offers a bursary, but invaluable mentoring and support moving forward.”

Michael Grandage founded MGCfutures in 2013 – a charity designed to encourage and support the next generation of theatre-makers and theatregoers. The bursaries programme was launched in 2016, and reaches out across the UK to seek the very best creative talent showing a commitment to their chosen career and looking to progress to the next stage of their development. Applicants can apply for bursaries of up to £5000.

QUOTES FROM BURSARY RECIPIENTS:

Hannah Blamire: “I am very excited to be one of the 2019 recipients of the MGCfutures Bursary. It will mean that I can continue my training in theatre rigging and technical drawing, hopefully propelling me to the next level in my career. It is an honour and a real confidence boost to have the backing of such a prestigious organisation and I look forward to putting my new skills in to practice.”

Gus Gowland: “I am utterly thrilled to have been awarded an MGCfutures Bursary to support The Red Virgin. The bursary will enable me to complete the first draft of this new musical, telling an incredible true story that I’ve long been passionate about bringing the stage.  It is incredibly validating to receive this support, and I’m so grateful to MGCfutures for gifting me that most precious of commodities – time to write.”

Twan Lentjes: “Receiving the MGCfutures Bursary is an absolute blessing. It will allow me to buy the software needed to create a digital embroidery library, with a focus on historical embroidery. It also allows me to explore the potential of getting more embroidery work and collaborations within the costume industry.”

Julian Spooner: “I’m thrilled to be awarded with an MGCfutures Bursary. This will allow me to embark on an R and D period on an exciting project called Dancing Bears, which I’m directing and developing with the writer Nick Bruckman. The production takes inspiration from the last dancing bears that existed in Bulgaria in the early 90s before the country joined the EU and the practice was banned. It’s a piece that will explore the relationship between a dancing bear and their keeper. We seek to delve into definitions of civilised behaviour and culture, masochism and love, and the empathy that can join humans and animals.”

Zoe McWhinney: “I’m elated to be awarded the MCGfutures bursary to work with Paula Garfield, of Deafinitely Theatre, to build a bridge from being an actress to a director, and towards achieving my passion of being a theatre-maker. This bursary gives me wings, figuratively and literally.”

RSC ACTOR ED BENNETT LEADS THE CAST FOR 
ALAN TURING DRAMA BREAKING THE CODE

Casting is announced today for Wiltshire Creative’s ground-breaking production of Hugh Whitemore’sBreaking the Code, the story of the brilliant maths genius Alan Turing who cracked the Enigma code and helped win World War II.

Breaking the Code will be staged from 5-26 October at Salisbury Playhouse in-the-round on multi-tiered platforms, using light boxes and reproductions of some original code, on a set designed by James Button (Relatively Speaking, Love on the Links and Worst Wedding Ever – all Salisbury Playhouse).

Ed Bennett (Macbeth, Love’s Labour’s Lost / Much Ado About Nothing, all RSC; School for Scandal, Salisbury Playhouse) plays Alan Turing in the production.

The cast for Breaking the Code also includes Hubert Burton (The Last Post, BBC; The Inheritance, West End), Louise Calf (Downton Abbey, ITV; The Railway Children, Kings Cross Theatre) and Caroline Harker (Handbagged, Salisbury Playhouse; The Chalk Garden, Chichester Festival Theatre; Middlemarch, BBC).

The cast is completed by Julian Firth (Bodyguard, BBC; Strife, Chichester Festival Theatre), Joey Phillips (A Christmas Carol, RSC), Ian Redford (King Charles III, BBC; Casualty, BBC) and Fraser Wilson (Our Tale, The Lights, Andover).

Hubert Burton, Louise Calf and Caroline Harker are also appearing in Wiltshire Creative’s production of Relatively Speaking which runs at Salisbury Playhouse from 4-28 September.

Breaking the Code is directed by Christian Durham (Quaint Honour, Finborough Theatre; Café Society Swing, Theatre Royal Stratford East). Lighting is by Chris Davey (The Constant Wife, Private Lives, The Winslow Boy all Salisbury Playhouse) and sound and music are by Michael Scott (The Wizard of Oz, Her Naked Skin, Love on the Links all Salisbury Playhouse).

Hugh Whitemore’s compelling play Breaking the Code intertwines the story of World War II eccentric genius Alan Turing and his work on breaking the complex German Enigma code at Bletchley Park with the story of his persecution as a homosexual in 1950s Britain. Turing’s story was told in the 2014 Oscar-winning film The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Earlier this year, Turing was voted Ultimate Icon of the 20^th Century in a BBC poll.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked by calling Ticket Sales on 01722 320333 or by visitingwww.wiltshirecreative.co.uk. 

Breaking the Code is generously supported by Jim Douglas.

RICHMOND THEATRE CELEBRATES 120^TH BIRTHDAY

After undergoing a refurbishment this summer, Richmond Theatre will be throwing open its doors to celebrate its 120^th Birthday, wowing visitors with a series of one night events and a special community open day. 

Richmond Theatre has been at the heart of the community over the past 120 years, therefore community engagement and customer experience is the overarching focus for the anniversary year. 

To begin the celebrations, Fane Productions, in association with Richmond Theatre, have curated an exciting 120^th Anniversary Series. Opening on 13 September 2019 is An Evening with Bonnie Langford with Bonnie sharing songs and behind-the-scenes stories from her glittering career on stage, including tributes to some iconic leading ladies with a touch of Stevie Wonder. Continuing on 14 September 2019 is Nicholas Parsons & Gyles Brandreth: Just a Minute or Two – celebrating their half century friendship and varied tales of their different and impressive careers.

The celebrations keep going on 15 September 2019 with Richmond Theatre’s Open Day inviting the community to look behind-the-scenes for free and have unrivalled access to Frank Matcham’s beautiful theatre. Visitors will be able to meet the team, take part in creative learning activities, get on stage and learn some technical skills, as well as see the venue up close and personal. 

On the same evening, and concluding the week’s events, is All the World’s a Stage, a free event for the community in association with The Richmond Local History Society and The Richmond Society. This event will be uncovering 120 years of fascinating history of Richmond Theatre hosted by: Theatre Director Brendan Riding; the Chairman of the Frank Matcham Society, Mark Fox; Paul Velluet, a local architect and chairman of theRichmond Local History Society; and some other special guests. 

Throughout the 120^th year, Richmond Theatre will be donating 120 tickets per month to members of the community who may not otherwise be able to visit the theatre. They will be working with local charities and organisations, with the support of producers and promoters of the season’s shows, to enable the wider proportion of the community to experience the powerful medium of live entertainment.

Theatre Director, Brendan Riding said: “I’m so excited to reintroduce everyone to our beautiful theatre. This is a theatre of the community and for the community. So many people have such amazing memories of it and I know they will continue making memories for generations to come. I personally have a long relationship with Richmond Theatre, firstly as a customer, later as an actor and then when working with Theatre Producer, Bill Kenwright, where I was fortunate enough to bring countless shows to the theatre. I can’t wait to share our theatre with the community again with our anniversary celebrations and our autumn season of shows.”

The multi-million pound summer refurbishment has focused on both the interior and exterior of the Theatre. There has been a full redecoration and cleaning of the theatre’s façade, and internally, an extensive deep clean of the auditorium and proscenium arch, while retaining all the character and charm of the original features.

Robert Hill from The Historic Building Advisory Services says, “It was imperative that we ensured the heritage of this wonderful building was preserved and enhanced. It is hoped that this refreshed appearance will glow both night and day and that it will stand out with the pomp it would have had when the clientele arrived by carriage rather than by car.” 

Internally, customers will feel the difference in atmosphere, as the replacement of the mechanical plant on the roof has enabled a better and more consistent air conditioning temperature to be maintained in all public spaces. In addition, all three of the Theatre’s bars have been fully renovated to enhance customers experience, including doubling the number of sales points across the venue to ease the queues before, during and after performances, and all feature a new colour scheme influenced by the auditorium.

The project team have recently worked on landmark projects at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane and The Royal Opera House. Andrew Ellingworth, project Director from Gleeds said; “The work is not intended to redesign or change the overall look of the building, but to recapture at least some of the character it would have had in its heyday at the end of the 19^th century.”

More anniversary celebrations will be announced over the upcoming year.

Richmond Theatre celebrates their 120^th Anniversary this autumn with a packed season of shows from early September onwards. For more information, visit: ATGTICKETS.COM/Richmond.

IMMERSIVE | LDN

LONDON’S NEW MULTI-SPACE IMMERSIVE THEATRE

OPENS WITH A TRANSFER OF

THE UK’S LONGEST RUNNING IMMERSIVE PRODUCTION

THE GREAT GATSBY

TAKING LONDON INTO THE TWENTIES

IMMERSIVE | LDN is a 32,000sq ft historic building in the heart of Mayfair, which was home to the Queen Victoria’s Rifles Association until 2017. It includes three floors of immersive theatre and event spaces designated for performance, live gaming, events, escape rooms and private parties. For information about programming and venue hire visitwww.immersiveldn.com

The venue will open its doors to the public on Friday 13 September with a 1920’s pop-up bar – The Davies Street Speakeasy which will be open from 5.00 – 11.30pm Wednesday to Saturday, until Saturday 13 October, and serving a selection of gins and Prohibition era cocktails. 

To open the venue’s programming, The Guild of Misrule’s THE GREAT GATSBY, created and directed by Alexander Wright,will transfer to this brand-new West End venue with preview performances from Friday 18 October and press night on Thursday 7 November.

It’s the roaring twenties – an era of bootleg liquor, red hot jazz and hedonistic pleasures. Jay Gatsby has invited you to one of his infamous parties and that’s not an invite you want to turn down…

Producers Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook, who are currently co-producing the forthcoming immersive production of THE WOLF OF WALL STREET – have just launched a new company IMMERSIVE EVERYWHERE, entirely dedicated to developing and staging theatre-led immersive experiences, and IMMERSIVE | LDN is the newest of their network of venues, which will house cafes, bars and rehearsal and workshop spaces to help the development of new work.

THE GREAT GATSBY allows audiences to fully immerse themselves into the world of Jay Gatsby and the glamour of the Roaring ‘20s. With cocktails, dancing and scandal, this heart-racing adaptation of the seminal jazz-age story puts the audience at the heart of the action.

First conceived in 2015 when director Alexander Wright and producer Brian Hook were running The Fleeting Arms – a pop arts and community pub in an abandoned building in York, the show then ran in York in 2016 with a parallel production in Sheffield in partnership with Theatre Deli. The Great Gatsby first came to London as part of VAULT Festival in 2017 and sold out before the show opened. Since then the show has run in Wales in co-production with Theatr Clwyd, at Halifax’s Square Chapel, and at Castle Howard in North Yorkshire. All the while the show has played night after night in London, inviting audiences into the hedonistic world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s extraordinary tale, and in 2018 it became the UK’s longest running immersive production.

Director and Adaptor Alexander Wright said, “Our production of The Great Gatsby started life in the back of an empty pub in York back in 2015. Now, over three years and 1000 performances later we couldn’t be prouder that the UK’s longest running immersive show finds a new home in London’s West End. The show is made by a brilliant family of performers, artists, makers, collaborators and week by week we get the joy of inviting thousands of audience members into our sparkling world. F Scott Fitzgerald is the absolute voice of the Jazz Age. To be able to create such a thrilling immersive theatrical version of his story in the centre of one of the world’s theatre capitals is an absolute dream come true. We hope a lot of people will come join us as we see in the 20s.”

Producers Brian Hook and Louis Hartshorn said, “We’re very excited to be adding to the rich world of immersive experiences in London and providing a unique platform for new forms of entertainment. By building a hub for immersive events in London’s most prestigious location we are creating opportunities for a network of the best immersive artists and producers in the world to collaborate. We are thrilled to be opening one of our performance spaces with such a magnificent production. The Great Gatsby is a trailblazing example of what can be achieved by tearing up the rulebook. It has been seen by around 150,000 people in its first 3 years and we are so excited to welcome it to its new home.”

Tor Burrows, Director of Placemaking at Grosvenor Group said: “As part of the iconic West End, Mayfair is home to a great range of cultural experiences, and we are delighted to welcome The Great Gatsby into Davies Street this September. This immersive production is an exciting addition to the extensive offering of things to do in Mayfair. We want to welcome both locals and visitors to enjoy Mayfair with their friends and family.”

Directed and adapted by Alexander Wright, The Guild of Misrule’s THE GREAT GATSBY is currently running at Gatsby’s Drugstore in SE1 until 29 September, with cast members Oliver Towse as ‘Gatsby’, Lucinda Turner as ‘Daisy’, James Lawrence as ‘Nick’, Prince Plockey as ‘Tom’, Humphrey Sitima as ‘George’, Jessica Hern as ‘Jordan’, Hannah Edwards as ‘Myrtle’, Charlie Cassen as ‘Rosy Rosenthal’, Lizzie Grace as ‘Lucille’ and Louis Sparks as ‘Joey’. Amie Burns Walker andOliver Tilney are Associate Directors and Fiona Kingwill is Resident Director. Choreography is by Holly Beasley-Garrigan, design by Casey Jay Andrews, sound design by Phil Grainger and lighting design by Rachel Sampley. The original production was created by Holly Beasley-Garrigan, Amie Burns Walker, Hannah Davies, Phil Grainger, Michael Lambourne, Thomas Maller and Oliver Tilney. This new production of The Guild of Misrule’s THE GREAT GATSBY is produced by Immersive Everywhere, with co-producers Gavin Kalin Productions and Glynis Henderson Productions, with Theatr Clwyd and We Culture Connects as Associate Producers.

VENUE SOCIAL @ldn_immersive

SHOW SOCIAL @immersivegatsby

www.immersivegatsby.com

The UK premiere of Falsettos, the double Tony Award winner musical, will open at The Other Palace, London from 30 August to 23 November.

Today’s press briefing and vocal showcase followed the news that Matt Cardle, currently appearing in Jesus Christ Superstar and due to feature in the show, had withdrawn from performing. Tara Overfield-Wilkinson, the production’s Director and Choreographer, explained that it became apparent Matt’s heavy schedule would not be workable once the complexity of the harmonies became clear. However, the team are very excited to welcome Joel Montague (Mendel) to step into the role, and his vocal talent did not disappoint in today’s performance.

Originally a two and three act musical, this production weaves them into a single performance, based on the core message that: ‘Love can tell a million stories’. The show follows picture portraits of the characters with the message at its heart that it does not matter what balance of the sexes make up a family as long as it has love as its essence.

Originally premiering on Broadway in 1992, written by Finn and Lapine under the cloud of the AIDS epidemic, it takes ‘a hilarious and poignant look at a modern family’ of Marvin (Daniel Boys), Trina his wife (Laura Pitt-Pulford), his lover Whizzer (Oliver Savile), his son Jason (James Williams), their psychiatrist Mandel and their lesbian neighbours (Natasha J Barnes, Gemma Knight-Jones).

The main characters were present to sing highlights from the show and really demonstrate a mastering and beautiful synchronisation of the harmonies.

YOUTUBE SENSATION JOE SUGG ANNOUNCED TO JOIN THE CAST OF

• Joe Sugg will star in the role of Ogie this autumn with his first performance taking place on Monday 9 September. 
   
• Blake Harrison, Neil from The Inbetweeners, will complete his West End run on Saturday 7 September

It is announced today that YouTube star, filmmaker, author, vlogger and 2018 Strictly Come Dancing finalist Joe Sugg will make his stage debut in London’s brand-new smash hit musical comedy Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre from 9 September. He will join the West End cast in the role of Ogie, taking over from Blake Harrison, well known as Neil from The Inbetweeners, who will mark his final performance on Saturday 7 September.

In Waitress the Musical the ingredients of life don’t taste too good for our heroine Jenna, but a blend of true friendship, rare talent and sweet, sweet music combine to deliver a story of hope, love and a delicious future. You will leave with a spring in your step and tears of joy in your eyes.

Joe Sugg said: “I’m so excited I’ve been given the opportunity to play Ogie in Waitress starting the 9th September. I got to see the show a couple of months back and it’s absolutely fantastic. I’m excited to be a part of the cast and to have now landed a role in the West End really has topped off an incredible year for me. I hope I do everyone proud and thanks to all my supporters for making it all possible and the best year yet.”

Joe Sugg (Ogie) is a British YouTuber, filmmaker, author and vlogger. As of 2019, he has over 27 million followers across all social media channels and is an international star. His videos consist of challenges, pranks, impressions and gaming, across his three YouTube channels. Joe is the author of the tremendously successful graphic novel series ‘Username’, which was the fastest selling graphic novel of all time. He also wrote, starred and executive produced the travelogue specials ‘Joe and Caspar: Hit the Road’ and ‘Hit the Road USA’, with best friend – Caspar Lee, which set pre-order DVD sales records for Amazon, and both of which are available on Netflix. Last year, Joe launched Margravine Management with Caspar Lee. Margravine is a new talent management company that identifies, nurtures and elevates new talent in the digital sphere. Most recently, Joe was a finalist of one of the UK’s largest shows, BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Waitress celebrated its official opening night at the Adelphi Theatre on 7 March and recently extended by popular demand, now booking through Christmas and New Year to 4 January 2020.

Brought to life by a ground breaking, female-led creative team, Waitress features an original score by 7-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland) and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The production is currently touring the US and has also announced it will have its Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.

Alongside Joe Sugg as Ogie, Waitress stars Lucie Jones as Jenna, Laura Baldwin as Dawn, Marisha Wallace as Becky, Peter Hannah as Earl, David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter and Andrew Boyer as Old Joe.

The full company includes Kelly Agbowu, Laura Baldwin, Piers Bate, Andrew Boyer, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Michael Hamway, Peter Hannah, David Hunter, Lucie Jones, Stephen Leask, Chris McGuigan, Olivia Moore, Nathaniel Morrison, Sarah O’Connor, Leanne Pinder, Charlotte Riby, Joe Sugg, Marisha Wallace and Mark Willshire.

Waitress premiered on Broadway in March 2016 and has since become the longest running show in the history of the Brooks Atkinson Theater. The production is also currently touring the US and Canada and has announced an Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre with further productions to open in Holland next year and Japan in 2021.

On its Broadway opening, Waitress was nominated for four Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical; two Drama League Award Nominations, including Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical; six Drama Desk Nominations, including Outstanding Musical; and four Tony Award Nominations, including Best Musical.

NEW DANCE COMPANY LAUNCHES IN MANCHESTER

Z BO JACKSON DANCE GALA

HOSTED BY KIMBERLY WYATT

PALACE THEATRE, MANCHESTER

TUESDAY 10^TH SEPTEMBER 2019

Z Bo Jackson, in partnership with the Palace Theatre, Manchester, are proud to announce a gala night of dance, hosted by Kimberly Wyatt, to launch new dance fusion theatre company,  The Z Bo Jackson Company.

From free runners to hip hop, ballet to street dance, the Z Bo Jackson Company will combine a diverse mix of dance styles with compelling storytelling and magnetic physicality.

The mix of dance styles on display, combined with stunning visuals, means the company’s performances will appeal to dance fans and musical theatre-lovers alike, as well as today’s YouTube and Insta-audiences.

The company launches on Tuesday 10^th September with a star-studded gala night of dance at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.

Hosted by the amazing Got to Dance judge and Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, with guest artists Flawless (Britain’s Got Talent and Street Dance 2), ballet star Brandon Lawrence (Principal Dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet) and West End star Chrissy Brooke (winner of ITV’s Dance Dance Dance.)

Singer, dancer and choreographer Kimberly Wyatt will perform alongside Flawless in one number, while BRB’s Brandon Lawrence will perform a solo choreographed by the award-winning George Williamson. Chrissy Brooke will perform with the Z Company ensemble.

Innovative and respected choreographer and director Bo Jackson has created the vision behind the thrilling new company and is excited to launch in Manchester at the Palace Theatre.

Said Bo: “Manchester is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and as such the perfect international city in which to launch a new dawn in dance for the 21st Century.

“The gala will provide a taste of Z’s future ambitions and celebrate Manchester’s unique placement as a Northern Powerhouse in theatre and dance.

“The Z brand will break down the walls of dance to create a uniquely diverse dance experience, as free runners mix with elite dancers, and ballet cross-pollinates with hip hop. Dance is a universal language and as Einstein observed ‘Dancers are the athletes of God’.

“As with this gala, the Z brand will invite celebrities and well-known dancers to appear alongside our main ensemble moving foward. We can’t wait to unleash our brand at the Palace Theatre next month.”

Host of the gala, Kimberley Wyatt, said: “I’m very excited to be part of this unique evening of dance in Manchester to celebrate the launch of Z Bo Jackson Company. It will be a spectacular night of celebrating all things dance, with street dance superstars Flawless, principal dancer of the Birmingham Royal Ballet Brandon Lawrence and Dance, Dance, Dance Star Chrissy Brooke. Prepare to be amazed!”

Get ready for an explosive night of entertainment at the Manchester Palace Theatre on Tuesday 10th September at 7.30pm. Tickets from £13.

To book tickets, please visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/z-bo-jackson-dance-gala/palace-theatre-manchester/

Insta @zbojackson

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET AUTUMN SEASON

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s autumn season features a fitting balance of classical and contemporary ballet including Giselle and a Mixed Bill including the World Premiere of the latest Ballet Now commission and a partnership with Ballet Black.

Autumn 2019 could be described as a ‘bridge season’ during which Birmingham Royal Ballet moves towards the arrival of Carlos Acosta as Director in January 2020. The season is also classic BRB with its balance of classical and contemporary works: a three-date autumn tour of Giselle and a Mixed Bill featuring the latest Ballet Now commission plus a partnership with Ballet Black before a Christmas revival of Sir Peter Wright’s glorious The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome and the Royal Albert Hall to end the year.

Mixed Bill: A Brief Nostalgia; The Suit; Nine Sinatra Songs: 19 September – 30 October
The fourth commission from BRB’s ground-breaking Ballet Now initiative is A Brief Nostalgia by rising young choreographer and Queensland Ballet dancer Jack Lister. Featuring a new score by award-winning Scottish (and first-time ballet score) composer Tom Harrold, this world premiere will open the exciting and eclectic mixed bill before Ballet Black – fresh from their staggering performance with Stormzy at Glastonbury – will take to the stage to perform Cathy Marston’s critically acclaimed The Suit, inspired by Can Themba’s South African fable. BRB’s dancers return to close the programme with Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs, a glamorous portrait of seven couples that traces the arc of romantic relationships. Nine Sinatra Songs is one of Tharp’s most frequently performed works and has become an international, crowd-pleasing favourite.

Giselle: 25 September – 2 November
David Bintley’s BRB legacy takes immediate effect with a UK tour of his, and Galina Samsova’s, production of Giselle this autumn. First staged 20 years ago in 1999, and featuring Adolphe Adam’s original score performed by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, BRB Principals Momoko Hirata and César Morales will star on the opening night as the eponymous heroine and her anti-hero Count Albrecht. The revival of this exquisite and heart-wrenching staging opens at Birmingham Hippodrome before travelling to Plymouth ahead of a two-date London run at Sadler’s Wells. Full casting to be announced.

Cassa Pancho MBE, Founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Black, said: “I’m thrilled that Ballet Black will be joining Birmingham Royal Ballet for their exciting mixed programme in autumn 2019. It’s a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with one of the most established British ballet companies, and for our own brilliant dancers to work alongside the world-class talent at BRB.”

The end of the year also sees the now annual revival of Sir Peter Wright’s acclaimed production of The Nutcracker which returns to Birmingham Hippodrome for the festive season (22 November – 14 December), transporting the audience beyond the theatre to a realm of giant Christmas trees and dancing snowflakes. The magic continues at the Royal Albert Hall for a third year with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s spectacular reimagined version of The Nutcracker (28 – 31 December), complete with projections from 59 Productions and Simon Callow as the voice of Drosselmeyer.

Further Autumn Announcements
September will also see the announcement of the programme for Carlos Acosta’s summer festivalwhich will take place at Birmingham Hippodrome and Sadler’s Wells in June to end the 19/20 season. Carlos’s first (20/21) season for Birmingham Royal Ballet will be announced in February 2020.

Listings Information

Mixed Programme

A Brief Nostalgia | The Suit | Nine Sinatra Songs

September – October 2019

A Brief Nostalgia

Choreography: Jack Lister Music: Tom Harrold
Designs: Thomas Mika Lighting: Alexander Berlarge

The Suit

Choreography: Cathy Marston Music: Philip Feeney
Designs: Jane Heather Lighting: David Plater Dramaturgy: Edward Kemp

Nine Sinatra Songs

Choreography: Twyla Tharp © 1992
Songs sung by: Frank Sinatra
Scenic Design originally by: Santo Loquasto Original costumes by: Oscar de la Renta Lighting originally by: Jennifer Tipton

Birmingham Hippodrome
Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB; 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com
Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 September

Sadler’s Wells, London
Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN; 020 7863 8000 sadlerswells.com
Tuesday 29 – Wednesday 30 October

Giselle

September – November 2019

Choreography: Marius Petipa, Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, David Bintley Music: Adolphe Adam
Production: David Bintley, Galina Samsova
Designs: Hayden Griffin

Lighting: Mark Jonathan

Birmingham Hippodrome
Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB; 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com
Wednesday 25 – Saturday 28 September

Plymouth Theatre Royal
Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR; 01752 267222 theatreroyal.com
Wednesday 23 – Friday 25 October

Sadler’s Wells, London
Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN; 020 7863 8000 sadlerswells.com
Friday 1 – Saturday 2 November

Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker

November – December 2019

Choreography: Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov, Vincent Redmon Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Production: Peter Wright
Designs: John F. MacFarlane

Lighting: David A. Finn

Birmingham Hippodrome
Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB; 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com
Friday 22 November – Saturday 14 December On sale now

Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Albert Hall present The Nutcracker

December 2019

Choreography: Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov, Vincent Redmon Additional choreography: David Bintley, Marion Tait Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Designs: Dick Bird

Lighting: Peter Teigen
Projections Design: 59 Productions Sound Design: Bobby Aitken

Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP; 020 7589 8212 royalalberthall.com
Saturday 28 – Tuesday 31 December 
 

FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR

ROSE THEATRE KINGSTON’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF

STEPHEN JEFFREYS’ VALUED FRIENDS

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

VALUED FRIENDS

Written by Stephen Jeffreys

Director: Michael Fentiman; Set Designer: Michael Taylor; Costume Designer: Madeleine Girling Lighting Designer: Nic Farman; Sound Designer: Richard Hammarton;Casting Director: Serena Hill

20 September – 12 October

Rose Theatre Kingston, The Original Theatre Company and Karl Sydow today announce the full cast and creative team for the first major revival of Stephen Jeffreys’ Valued Friends. Michael Fentiman directs Natalie Casey (Sherry), Ralph Davis (Scott), Sam Frenchum (Paul), Michael Marcus (Howard), Catrin Stewart (Marion) and Nicolas Tennant (Stewart).  The production opens at Rose Theatre Kingston on 26 September, with previews from 20 September, and runs until 12 October.

It’s 1980 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.

Jerry Gunn, Executive Producer of Rose Theatre Kingston, said today, “It is a joy to welcome such a magnificent, energetic company and we look forward to working with them on bringing Stephen Jeffreys’ breakthrough play back to the stage for the first time in 30 years. Jeffreys’ legacy to British theatre is remarkable, and his influence has been felt by so many new writers, we can’t wait to share Valued Friends with our audiences.”

Valued Friends is a compelling comedy drama set to the soundtrack of 1980s London and against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain. 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. 

Natalie Casey plays Sherry. Her previous theatre credits include Stepping Out (Vaudeville Theatre), Things I Know to be True (Lyric Hammersmith, UK tour), Sex and the Three Day Week (Liverpool Playhouse), Albion (Bush Theatre), 9 To 5 (UK tour), Abigail’s Party, The Invisible Man (Menier Chocolate Factory), Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre), Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre), Well (Apollo Theatre, Trafalgar Studios), The Flint Street Nativity (Playhouse Theatre), Hobson’s Choice (The Watermill Theatre) and Vagina Monologues (Palace Theatre). Her television credits as series regular include Donna in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Carol Groves in Hollyoaks. Other television credits include Kerry, Chopratown and Dave Shakespeare.

Ralph Davis plays Scott. His previous theatre credits include The Deep Blue Sea (Chichester Festival Theatre), Tamburlaine/ Timon of Athens (RSC), The Open House (Theatre Royal Bath, Print Room), and King Lear (Shakespeare’s Globe).

Sam Frenchum plays Paul. His theatre credits include There is a Field (Theatre503), The Outsider (Print Room), Love From A Stranger (Royal & Derngate Northampton), and Loot (Park Theatre). For film, his credits include Private Peaceful.

Michael Marcus plays Howard. His theatre credits include The Inheritance (Noël Coward Theatre, Young Vic), Two Gentlemen of Verona (RSC), Richard II (Donmar Warehouse), Jumpy (Royal Court Theatre) and Measure for Measure (Shakespeare’s Globe). His television credits include War of the Worlds, Siblings, Lucan, Ripper Street, The White Queen and Misfits. For film his credits include Their Finest, The Theory of Everything, The Physicianand The Invisible Woman.

Catrin Stewart plays Marion. Her theatre credits include 1984 (Almeida Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Theatr Clwyd), The Jew of Malta, Love’s Sacrifice (RSC), The Cherry Orchard (Young Vic), Mametz, The Devil Inside Him (National Theatre Wales), Longing (Hampstead Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Headlong), Buried Child (Curve, Leicester), The Lady from the Sea (Royal Exchange Theatre) and The Duchess of Malfi (Shakespeare’s Globe). Her television credits include Bang, Doctor Who, Stella, Misfits, Satisfaction and Heart of Gold. For film, her credits include The Library Suicides, A Last Christmas for the Ant, Frail and Crusade in Jeans.

Nicolas Tennant plays Stewart. His theatre credits include Hamlet, As You Like It, All’s Well That Ends Well, The Duchess of Malfi (RSC), The Seagull (Lyric Hammersmith), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime (Apollo Theatre), The Alchemist (Liverpool Playhouse), Twelfth Night (UK tour), Three Kingdoms (Lyric Hammersmith), After Troy (Shaw Theatre, UK tour), Tiger Country (Hampstead Theatre), The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists (Liverpool Everyman, Chichester Festival Theatre), The Power of Yes (National Theatre), Roaring Trade, Pirhana Nights (Soho Theatre) and People at Sea (Salisbury Playhouse). His television credits include Peaky Blinders, Terry Pratchett’s The Colour of Magic, Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather and Residents; and for film, Denial, Breaking the Bank, What You Will, Sex Lives of the Potato Men, Oscar & Lucinda, Backbeat, The Fool, The Gift, and A Dangerous Man.

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 (RSC), 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).

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

Friday 20 September – Saturday 12 October

Performance Schedule

Monday – Thursday & Saturday:                7.30pm (26 September at 7pm)

Thursday & Saturday matinees:                 2:30pm

Friday:                                                                  8pm

Tickets: from £15

Concessions available via Box Office

Adam Blanshay Productions Presents
The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Production of

WHAT’S IN A NAME? 
BY MATTHEW DELAPORTE & ALEXANDRE DE LA PATELLIÈRE
ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY JEREMY SAMS

• MEET THE FULL CAST FOR THE FEROCIOUS COMEDY, WHAT’S IN A NAME?, STARRING JOE THOMAS, BO PORAJ, LAURA PATCH, SUMMER STRALLEN AND ALEX GAUMOND
   
• THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION TOURS TO GUILDFORD, GLASGOW, YORK, AYLESBURY, CAMBRIDGE, WINDSOR, RICHMOND AND SOUTHAMPTON FROM 5 SEPTEMBER 2019
   

The first image featuring the cast of What’s In A Name? has been released today, before they hit the road this September in the new touring production of the international hit comedy. The witty and razor-sharp production, which opened to critical acclaim at the Birmingham REP in 2017, hilariously captures a particularly awkward family dinner party. The full cast of the comic masterpiece stars Joe Thomas (The Inbetweeners, Fresh Meat), Bo Poraj (Miranda, Musketeers), Laura Patch (Afterlife, Star Stories), Summer Strallen (Top Hat, Young Frankenstein) and Alex Gaumond (Company, Dirty Rotten Scoundrel, Matilda).

What’s In A Name? is adapted and directed by Jeremy Sams from the award-winning French film and stage sensation, Le Prènom, by Matthew Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière. The production will visit Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, from 5-14 September, before touring to Glasgow, York, Aylesbury, Cambridge, Windsor, Richmond and Southampton.

Father-to-be Vincent and his partner Anna are invited to dinner by his sister Elizabeth and her husband, Peter. They are joined by childhood friend Carl for a mature and sophisticated gathering.

The meal is lovingly prepared, and wine carefully selected. The friends are prepared for the usual humorous exchanges they’ve come to expect.

But tonight, a startling revelation about the name chosen for Vincent’s and Anna’s expected child becomes the catalyst for a destructive argument which spirals hysterically out of control. Tonight no one is holding back! Egos, childish resentment and unspoken feelings are relentlessly and hilariously exposed for the first time.

Playing Vincent is Joe Thomas, an actor and writer best known as Simon in the multi-award winning E4 show The Inbetweeners. Following the success of The Inbetweeners (and the two eponymous films that followed) Joe starred as Kingsley in all four series of Fresh Meat, and as George in Chickens, which he also co-wrote. Most recently Joe starred as Nick in the 2018 feature film The Festival and as Martin Lavender in the BBC2 sitcom White Gold. Joe has script development deals with Channel 4 and Fudge Park/BBC and was on the latest series of Dave’s Taskmaster.

Bo Poraj is playing Peter. He is perhaps most well-known for his role as Mike in the ever popular BBC comedy series Miranda. He played a regular role in Musketeers (BBC) and has been seen in The Thick Of It and Boomers (also BBC). On stage his most recent credits include Rasheeda Speaking (Trafalgar Studios 2, nominated for Best Supporting Male in a Play Award, Off-West End Theatre Awards), Gloria, Acceptance (Hampstead Theatre) and Blithe Spirit (Theatre Royal Bath, UK Tour, West End). Film credits include The Boat That Rocked.

The role of Elizabeth is played by Laura Patch, a comedy performer and actor known for playing various roles in Star Stories. Most recently Laura appeared in Ricky Gervais’ Netflix series Afterlife. Further television credits include A Brief History of Tim, New Tricks, Dol & Em, Youngers, Holby City, Starlings, Being Human and The IT Crowd, along with the web series Bad Mother. Film credits include Songbird alongside Cobie Smulders and Jessica Hynes.

Playing Anna is Olivier Award-nominated actress Summer Strallen. She most recently starred as Alice in Alexis Michalik’s Intra Muros at Park Theatre and she is best known for leading West End stage roles in Top Hat, The Sound of Music, Young Frankenstein, The Drowsy Chaperone, Guys and Dolls, The Boy Friend, Love Never Dies, Cats, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. On TV, her credits include Hollyoaks in which her character Summer Shaw auditioned for and won the role of Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music which Strallen went on to play on stage.

Carl is played by Alex Gaumond, who most recently received critical acclaim for his role as Paul in Marianne Elliott’s multi-Olivier® award-winning revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Company in the West End. Further stage credits include A Christmas Carol (Old Vic), Caroline, Or Change (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Trial of Jane Fonda (Park Theatre), Into the Woods (Manchester Royal Exchange), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Sweeney Todd (ENO) and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, RSC’s Matilda: The Musical, Top Hat and We Will Rock You (all West End). Film credits include The Hustle, My Dinner with Hervé and Hampstead.

Highly respected director Jeremy Sams has adapted and directed multiple celebrated productions. As a director his credits include Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (West End and World Tour), The Sound of Music (West End and Toronto), Noises Off (National Theatre, West End, UK Tour and Broadway) and Benefactors (UK Tour and West End). His credits as an adaptor include The Park (Royal Shakespeare Company), The Rehearsal (Almeida and West End), Beckett (West End) and Les Parents Terribles (National Theatre and Broadway).

The original play premiered in 2010 at the Théâtre Édouard VII in Paris, France, where the production received six Molière Award nominations and ran for over 300 performances. Matthew Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière then wrote the screenplay for the film (2011) which played to over 3.25 million people in France alone. It received widespread critical acclaim, and won several César awards from the French Academy of Cinema Arts and Techniques, along with the Grand Prix Hydro-Québec at the Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and the Radio Canada Audience Award at the Cinéfranco International Francophone Film Festival in Toronto. The Italian translation of the movie went on to receive several prestigious Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalist awards. The play has now been translated into over 22 languages, and has had incredible box office success around the world.

What’s In A Name? is written by Matthew Delaporte and Alexandre De La Patellière with adaptation, translation and direction by Jeremy Sams. Set will be designed by Francis O’Connorand lighting design is by Rick Fisher.

Listings Information

For tickets and more information please visit: whatsinanameplay.com/

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
5 – 14 September
01483 44 00 00 | www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/

Theatre Royal Glasgow
1 – 5 October
0844 871 7647* | www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow/

Grand Opera House York
8 – 12 October
0844 871 3024* | www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
22 – 26 October
0844 871 7607* | www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/

Cambridge Arts Theatre
28 October – 2 November
01223 503 333 | www.cambridgeartstheatre.com/

Theatre Royal Windsor
4 – 9 November
01753 853 888 | theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/

Richmond Theatre
12– 16 November
0844 871 7651* | www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

Nuffield Southampton Theatre
19– 23 November
023 8067 1771 | www.nstheatres.co.uk/

*Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.