Casting has been announced for the Made at Curve production of West Side Story, running in Leicester this Christmas 23 Nov 2019 – 11 Jan 2020.
The musical will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, responsible for Curve’s recent hit productions of White Christmas (also at the Dominion Theatre, London), Grease (currently on tour in the UK) andScrooge, with new choreography from Ellen Kane (Cats, Universal/WorkingTitle film directed by Tom Hooper and Worldwide Associate Choreography on Matilda the Musical, RSC).
Adriana Ivelisse and Carly Mercedes-Dyer will play trailblazing women Maria and Anita, who arrive in the United States from Puerto Rico looking for a new life. Adriana, a Puerto Rican native and 2019 Spotlight Prize Finalist, will make her professional UK debut as Maria while Carly will play Anita, Maria’s closest friend.
Jamie Muscato (Bend it Like Beckham, Phoenix Theatre, Lazarus, Kings Cross Theatre, Heathers, Theatre Royal Haymarket and The Light Princess, National Theatre) will play Maria’s lover Tony.
Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) and Ronan Burns (Kiss Me Kate, Sheffield Crucible Theatre) will play rival gang leaders Bernardo and Riff.
Darren Bennett, who has appeared in numerous Made at Curve productions including Grease as Vince Fontaine(2016 and 2019 UK and Ireland tour), Scrooge the Musical (2017) as Mr Fezziwig and cover for Scrooge, will play Police Detective Lieutenant Schrank.
The cast also includes Ryan Anderson (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as A-Rab, Damian Buhagiar (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Chino, Thea Bunting (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Graziella, Alex Christian (Oklahoma!,Chichester Festival Theatre) as Baby John, Abigail Climer (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Consuelo, Isaac Gryn (Oklahoma!, Chichester Festival Theatre) as Action, Beth Hinton-Lever (Hadestown, National Theatre) as Anybodys, Katie Lee (Matilda, Royal Shakespeare Company) as Velma, Mireia Mambo (Evita, Regents Park Open Air Theatre) as Rosalia, Michael O’Reilly (Dirty Dancing, UK and Ireland tour) as Diesel, Dominic Sibanda (Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre) as Indio, Dale White (Grease, UK and Ireland tour) as Big Deal and Christopher Wright (The Ladykillers, Oldham Coliseum)as Officer Krupke and Doc.
Speaking about the cast, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:
“West side story really is one of the greatest musicals ever written theatre. To bring to life any piece of theatre you need an astonishing group of collaborators and we are proud to have assembled such a talented, imaginative and quintessentially 21st century group of actors, who will celebrate the heritage of this play, whilst rediscovering it for an entirely new generation. Adriana, Carly, Jamie, Jonathan and Ronan lead an outstanding company of actors, who all recognise how important the musical’s message of love and acceptance is in 2019.”
New York City, West Side, 1957. In the midst of gang rivalry and racial tensions, love at first sight strikes between Tony, a founding member of the White-American Jets and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, leader of the Puerto Rican Sharks. In the face of danger, the two young lovers continue to meet in secret – but the Jets and the Sharks have one last rumble to fight out.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet and with a timeless score including ‘Tonight’, ‘America’ and ‘I Feel Pretty’, West Side Story represents one of the greatest musicals of all time, filled with romance, charm, aggression and heartbreak.
West Side Story is based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
Tickets for West Side Story at Curve are available to book now. To find out more and purchase seats, visitwww.curveonline.co.uk, call Curve’s Box Office on 0116 242 3595 or visit the theatre in person.
Production Team
Director Nikolai Foster Choreographer Ellen Kane
Set Designer Michael Taylor Costume Designer Edd Lindley Musical Supervisor Sarah Travis
Musical Director – George Dyer Lighting Designer –Guy Hoare Sound Designer – Tom Marshall Casting Director Kay Magson CDG
WEST SIDE STORY
Based on a conception of JEROME ROBBINS
Book by ARTHUR LAURENTS Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN
Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by
JEROME ROBBINS
Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince
With a very intimate setting, the seating and stage lay out was something I personally had not seen before with two sets of audiences facing the stage from both sides. I believe it worked well, the actors engaged with the audience and involved members in jokes and even selfies as part of the story.
The first half of the show was hilariously funny, the characters following the general stereotypes you would see on shows such as Jerry Springer and Jeremy Kyle but all thought out and developed well. A few of my personal favourites were Emily Chesterton as “Baby Jane” and “Peaches” – she portrayed the two flawlessly, her voice beautifully powerful. Andrew Patrick-Walker as “Tremont” it takes some true bravery to step out in a skimpy glittery dress and huge platform go-go boots but he smashed it! Pulling off several death drops and still singing while doing so.
The second half was just as funny and just as expletive which I loved. However I felt I lost track of the story quite quickly, the two halves felt quite disconnected but just had the same characters in. Poor Steve the Security Guard played by Kai Jolley was left strapped to a table throughout the whole second half with seemingly no story as to why. However I thought the lighting on the stage during the second half was impressive especially during the fighting section between Satan and God, it emphasised the differences between the two.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Jerry Springer the Opera. It was non stop laughs, rude and explicit jokes and I was impressed with all performers. I would definitely go to see this show again and recommend it to friends to go see for themselves.
The Lowry, Manchester – until Sunday 1st September 2019
Reviewed by Julie Noller
5*****
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt…. Hands up if you read those words in your head, chanting! Over the years I have watched many teachers pull out the big story book written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, to enthral many a young pupil, encouraging them to join in the chants and actions. But for 50 minutes today I was that excited pupil. This isn’t just a show to keep children amused during the long drawn out school holidays but for us oldies too, parents and Grandparents thoroughly enjoyed themselves. This is a fantastic and fun 50 minutes of interaction between actors upon stage and audience. The set is splendidly simplistic yet perfect, the repetitive words and chants, we all join in with. There’s singing and music, light shows, water guns,paint fights in the guise of mud. It is in fact a sensory delight in a quiet and organised manor. It’s not frightening nor loud nor scary. If you’re 5 or 50 you will laugh at the silliness. How an earth do they manage to pack so much in to such a short time? Small chunks that’s how, keeping those with low concentration levels easily amused and entertained, don’t worry about children keeping quiet or even sitting still in their seats. This isn’t a sit still and watch show, it’s full of encouraging songs, mimes and claps.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary of being published and 10 years since it’s first UK tour, Adapted and Directed by Sally Cookson along with Benji Bowlers musical score it delights. The set could very well be designed and made from things most of us either have tucked into the garage or in that rainy day craft box. Imagination is a powerful tool and for 50 minutes it’s thrown on stage in bucketfuls (not to be mistaken by the large buckets of water). Those who know the book well, the cast is indeed a small one of just four ( or perhaps 5 because we must count Bear himself) Hannah Donelon is Girl, Artie Godden as Boy, Tim Hibberd as Dad and Benjamin Hills as Dog who equally shows a great talent as musician playing many instruments.
For those looking for an enchanting day out that celebrates mischieviousness then look no further this is an absolute must see for summer fun. That fun doesn’t stop after 50 minutes but be prepared to head out of The Lowry Theatre and into the Lowry Outlet chanting ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt…. We’re not scared’ as you seek 11 bears each with their own fact to find. Show your findings to the Bear Hunt Team at the Information Desk to gain your very own certificate. Of course the big cuddly Bear our family find at the end of the story is not one of the Bears you will need to find; but don’t forget to take a few selfies in the Bear chair just by Pier 8.
New video of Broadway’s Jeremy Jordan performing ‘Without a Believer’ also released today. Available to watch here
The producers of Waitress are thrilled to announce the release of “What’s Not Inside: The Lost Songs from Waitress,” a new EP featuring outtakes and demos recorded by Sara Bareilles for the smash hit musical. Available for pre-order today, the 7 track EP (extended play) is set for release on download and streaming services this Friday16th August.
Track List:
Happy Enough
Door Number Three
Knocked Up You
Without a Believer
I Can’t Wait
Falling in Love Pie
She Used to Be Mine
To celebrate this new EP, Waitress is also releasing a special video performance of “Without A Believer,” featuring Jeremy Jordan, a recent Dr. Pomatter from the Broadway production.
Following its world premiere on Broadway in April 2016, the Tony-nominated musical celebrated its official opening night at London’s AdelphiTheatre on 7 March 2019 where it is currently booking until 4 January 2020.
Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams her way out of a loveless marriage. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.
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 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.
Waitress stars Kelly Agbowu, Laura Baldwin, Piers Bate, Andrew Boyer, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Michael Hamway, Peter Hannah, Blake Harrison, David Hunter, Lucie Jones,Stephen Leask, Chris McGuigan, Olivia Moore, Nathaniel Morrison, Sarah O’Connor, Leanne Pinder, Charlotte Riby, Marisha Wallace and Mark Willshire.
On its Broadway opening at the Brooks Atkinson Theater where it has since become the longest running show in the venue’s history, 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.
Waitress is also 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.
Kings Theatre, Glasgow – until Saturday 17 August 2019
Reviewed by Siobhan Wilson
5*****
“I see you shiver with antici…pation” waiting to read this review.
Brad and Janet’s car gets a flat tire. They go looking for help where they happen upon a castle. Their request to use the phone goes unanswered and the fun begins. They get sucked into a party of debauchery where things are not as they seem. Despite their pleasurable stay things take a darker turn in the conclusion.
“It’s astounding…” that I cannot give this a higher rating as 5 stars just does not seem enough. The cast go full pelt from the Usherette (Laura Harrison) sucking you in with the Science Fiction/Double Feature to the encore where the whole audience were on their feet for a standing ovation just ready to break into dance for the Time Warp Reprise.
“Time is Fleeting…” when you are in the Time Warp that is The Rocky Horror Show. They say that time flies when you are having fun. Well, this is the quickest most enjoyable 2 hours of my year to date (and I got married this year)!
“Madness takes it’s toll…” when you have a theatre full of die-hard fans. Rocky Horror Virgins may be taken aback by the continual cajoling and out bursts of ‘Arsehole’ and ‘Slut’ but The Narrator (Philip Franks) ability to ad lib, tease and personalise the performance to the city he is in is testament as to why he has taken up the role again having previously toured with the 40th anniversary.
“The sweet transvestite” Frank N Furter (Duncan James) struts around impeccable in a pair of heels and suspenders holding your attention whilst managing to control his voice flawlessly. I even over heard someone, on leaving the theatre, state that “he was the best Frank N Furter he had seen on stage to date” and I would be hard pushed to disagree with such a statement.
Whilst I could mention each of the cast members in turn and say how great they were, I won’t. I will just say that the fact that nobody was over shadowed and all held their own in a very demanding stage shows just how astounding each and every person casted is. The sell out audience turning out on a school night in their fancy dress shows that Richard O’Brien’s cult classic is still a roaring success.
Be you a Rocky Horror Virgin or a Seasoned heckler, this is a must see!
‘THE RIOT CLUB’ SATIRE POSH STARRING TYGER DREW-HONEY ANNOUNCES FULL CASTING FOR UK TOUR
Joe Prentice Productions presents
TYGER DREW-HONEY in
POSH
BY LAURA WADE
UK TOUR: 3 SEP – 26 OCT 2019
Posh, the critically acclaimed dark comedy from Olivier Award winning writer Laura Wade, today announces full casting for its 2019 UK tour. Tyger Drew-Honey (TV’s Outnumbered) who makes his stage debut in the role of ‘Alistair Ryle’, leads a cast of 14: Ollie Appleby as ‘Hugo Fraser-Tyrwhitt’, Chris Born as ‘James Leighton-Masters’, Matthew Entwistle as ‘Toby Maitland’, Isobel Laidler as ‘Rachel’, Jamie Littlewood as ‘Dimitri Mitropoulos’, Peter McNeil O’Connor as ‘Chris’, Taylor Mee as ‘Ed Montgomery’, Adam Mirsky as ‘Guy Bellingfield’, Ellie Nunn as ‘Charlie’, George Prentice as ‘Miles Richards’, Simon Rhodes as ‘Jeremy’, Joseph Tyler Todd as ‘George Balfour’, Jack Whittle as ‘Harry Villiers’, with understudies Andy Owens and Louis Palmer.
Heading out on a five-week UK tour, Posh opens at Oxford Playhouse on Tuesday 3 September and will tour to Cambridge Arts Theatre, Theatre Royal Bath, Rose Theatre Kingston and Theatr Clwyd, Mold until 26 October 2019. ‘One of the best plays of the decade’ Daily Telegraph
As Downing Street welcomes the new Prime Minister, this first ever UK tour of Wade’s biting satire is as topical and relevant as ever. Turning the spotlight on the privileged elite, Posh charts a night of debauchery, indulgence and violence as members of ‘The Riot Club’, a private gentleman’s dining society, explore their innermost hatreds of the working classes. First staged at the Royal Court Theatre in London during the 2010 general election, the play’s punchy dark humour and provocative political themes struck a chord with audiences and proved both a critical and sell-out success. The production soon transferred to the West End in May 2012, where it ran for twelve weeks at the Duke of York’s Theatre. In 2014, Posh saw global fame with its big screen incarnation, The Riot Club, starring Max Irons, Sam Claflin, Natalie Dormer and Tom Hollander.
Playwright Laura Wade said: ‘Power, privilege and entitlement are as much in the news now as they were when Posh was first performed, so it feels like a good time to bring the boys back to the table…’
Oxford’s prestigious and red-blooded Riot Club are back, but this time on one condition. They must behave. Keep it out of the Daily Mail. Preserve the reputation of the club. After the mishaps of this exclusive Oxford group at their last dinner, their President has promised its ex-members not to bring the club back into public disrepute. At a tough political time, the reputation of the PM cannot be tarnished. As the booze flows and the mood turns sour, will the brotherhood prevail or will the lawyers of those with the deepest pockets preserve these bright young men’s futures?
Tyger Drew-Honey is most notable for his role as ‘Jake’ in the multi award-winning BBC sitcom Outnumbered, his series of topical and daring BBC documentaries Tyger Takes On, and as Dylan in BBC sitcom Cuckoo. Other TV credits include: Scream Street, Citizen Khan, Death in Paradise, Midsomer Murders, The Ministry of Curious Stuff, Threesome, Armstrong and Miller, The Large Family, and Doctors. His film credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Friday Download – Up All Night and Horrid Henry. He has also recently finished filming as Jon Craven on feature film, Me, Myself, and Di. Tyger makes his stage debut in Posh playing Alistair Ryle, the toff with a chip on his shoulder.
Laura Wade is a multi award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Her most recent West End play, Home, I’m Darling won the 2019 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play premiered at Theatr Clwyd in 2018 before transferring to the National Theatre followed by the Duke of York’s and a national tour. Her stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel The Watsons directed by Samuel West premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre in November 2018 and has announced its West End transfer to the Menier Chocolate Factory this autumn, from 20 September to 16 November 2019. Other work includes: the stage adaptation of Sarah Waters’ Tipping The Velvet (Lyric Hammersmith & Royal Lyceum Edinburgh); Posh (Royal Court Theatre and Duke of York’s Theatre); Kreutzer vs Kreutzer (Sydney Opera House and Australian Tour); Alice (Sheffield Theatres), Olivier award nominated plays Colder Than Here (Soho Theatre & New York MCC Theater) and Breathing Corpses (Royal Court Theatre); Other Hands (Soho Theatre); and Young Emma (Finborough Theatre). In 2006 she won the Pearson Most Promising Playwright Award. Her screenplay The Riot Club, an adaptation of her 2010 stage play Posh, premiered at Toronto International Film Festival 2014. Laura is currently under commission to the Royal Court, Hampstead Theatre and The Lyric, Hammersmith.
Posh is written by Laura Wade, Directed by Lucy Hughes, with Set & Costume Design by Will Coombs, Lighting Design by Charlie Morgan Jones, Sound Design by Domenico Menghini. Posh is produced by Joe Prentice Productions.
Full Tour Listings: POSHBy Laura Wade UK TOUR 2019 OXFORD PlayhouseBeaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LWTue 3 – Sat 7 Sep
Eves: Tue – Thu & Sat 7.30pm, Fri 7pm; Mats: Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Box Office: 01865 305301 | oxfordplayhouse.com CAMBRIDGE Arts Theatre 6 St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PJTue 17 – Sat 21 Sep
Eves: Tue – Sat 7.45pm; Mats: Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Box Office: 01223 503333 | cambridgeartstheatre.com BATH Theatre RoyalSawclose, Bath BA1 1ETMon 23 – Sat 28 Sep
Eves: Mon – Sat 7.30pm; Mats: Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Box Office: 01225 448844 | theatreroyal.org.uk KINGSTON Rose Theatre High St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HLTue 15 – Sat 19 Oct
Eves: Tue – Thu & Sat 7.30pm, Fri 8pm; Mats: Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Box Office: 020 8174 0090 | rosetheatrekingston.orgMOLD Theatr ClwydMold, Flintshire CH7 1YAWed 23 – Sat 26 Oct
Eves: Wed – Sat 7.30pm; Mat: Sat 2.30pm
Box Office: 01352 701521 | theatrclwyd.com Age guideline 14+. Contains strong language and mature themes
JOEL MONTAGUE JOINS THE CAST IN THE UK PREMIERE OF
TAKING OVER FROM MATT CARDLE IN THE ROLE OF MENDEL
IN TARA OVERFIELD-WILKINSON’S PRODUCTION
OF THIS GROUNDBREAKING & MULTI AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL BY WILLIAM FINN & JAMES LAPINE
Due to unforeseen scheduling complications, Matt Cardle has sadly had to withdraw from the upcoming UK premiere of Falsettos at The Other Palace.
Celebrated West End musical theatre performer, Joel Montague (Kiss Me Kate/Fat Friends/School Of Rock/Funny Girl/Urinetown), will be stepping in to replace Matt in the role of Mendel.
The hotly anticipated UK premiere of Falsettos, the Tony Award winning musical by William Finn(Music, Lyrics & Book) and James Lapine (Book), will open as previously plannedfrom 30 August – 23 November for a strictly limited season.
Matt Cardle, said, “I am truly sorry that circumstances beyond our control have led to my departure from Falsettos. It has been such a hard decision for us to make, as I know Tara Overfield-Wilkinson is going to deliver the most incredible show. It’s a complex and exciting show and I can’t wait to watch the world-class cast bring this to life at The Other Palace and urge anyone who hasn’t yet bought tickets to do so before the run sells out. I for one won’t miss the chance to watch it.”
Tara Overfield-Wilkinson, Director, said, “On behalf of myself and the entire company we want to wish Matt all the love and support he needs for having made such a difficult decision to step away from Falsettos. I understand and respect his gruelling schedule and I hope to work with him again in the future.”
David Hutchinson, Selladoor Worldwide CEO, said, “We are gutted to be losing Matt from our tight knit family. Matt’s schedule between performing each evening, and rehearsing for this beautiful but demanding show – has taken its toll, and we’re sorry he can’t continue on this journey. We are, however, very lucky that Joel Montague has agreed to step into the role, and are so excited for what he will bring to Falsettos. He is a welcome addition to our company, who are working hard to bring together what I believe will be a very special show indeed.”
Joel Montague joins the previously announced Natasha J Barnes (Cordelia), Daniel Boys (Marvin),Gemma Knight-Jones (Charlotte), Laura Pitt-Pulford (Trina), Oliver Savile (Whizzer), Albert Atack,George Kennedy, Elliot Morris and James Williams (Jason) and Matthew Mckenna (Understudy) andNatasha O’Brien (Understudy).
Love can tell a million stories.
The double Tony Award-Winning Falsettos is a hilarious and poignant look at a modern family revolving around the life of a gay man Marvin, his wife, his lover, his soon to be bar mitzvahed son, their psychiatrist, and their lesbian neighbours.
Originally created under the spectre of the AIDS crisis, this groundbreaking musical about family dynamics manages to remain buoyant and satirically perceptive even as it moves towards its heartbreaking conclusion.
The production is directed and choreographed by Tara Overfield-Wilkinson, with designs by PJ McEvoy, lighting by Nic Farman, sound by Chris Whybrow, musical direction by Richard John, musical supervision by Mark Crossland and is produced by Selladoor Worldwide.
4**** Entering the theatre you are greeted with the sight of Patrick Connellans glorious set. The musty dusty academics office, filled with shelves upon shelves of books – some of which are hiding bottles of scotch. It is such a visual representation that it immediately draws you in and transports you to 1980’s Liverpool.
University Tutor Frank (Stephen Tompkinson) has taken on extra work from the Open University to help fund his alcohol habit. His first student is hairdresser Rita (Jessica Johnson). Really called Susan, she has changed her name to the more “glamorous” Rita. She wants to find herself before settling down to motherhood despite her husbands opposition to her learning.
Despite his obvious dissatisfaction with the situation, Frank agrees to teach Rita the classics and aid her in passing the exams, mainly because of her insatiable appetite to learn and her unconventional personality. Although their friendship blossoms initially, Frank becomes jealous of his protégé’s new found friends and lifestyle which he decreasingly has control over. He is left in solitude rueing life’s mistakes, while Rita dazzles with her intellect. What starts out as Frank the tutor and Rita the student, it becomes obvious that Rita is teaching Frank as much about life as he is teaching her about literature
Tompkinson gives a solid and committed performance as Frank, his portrayal of the often inebriated professor is well executed as he swings through states of subdued, melancholic thought to irate, persistent lecturing. He plays the role with an individuality which the softer and more intimate scenes require. Johnson’s Rita is colourful and comic; in her first meeting with Frank she confuses Yeats the poet with the Yates pub chain and whose solution to the challenge of staging Peer Gynt is to put it on the radio instead. Her ability to deliver Rita’s lines with genuine and unabashed honesty makes the character instantly likeable and instantly relatable. Undoubtedly, in a two-player performance such as Educating Rita, the chemistry between actors should sustain the play and audience and this does.
Willy Russel knows how to write strong women, be it Shirley Valentine, Mrs Johnston from Blood Brothers or Rita. All of them searching for happiness, with high hopes and ambition. Educating Rita has barely dated and is laugh out loud funny whilst providing social commentary on the class system. The central premise – that an education allows one to have choices in life – is as relevant now as it was in 1980.
FULL CAST AND TOUR VENUES ANNOUNCED FOR THE LOVELY BONES
The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Royal and Derngate Northampton, Northern Stage co-production in association with Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse.
THE LOVELY BONES
by Alice Sebold
Adapted by Bryony Lavery
Director: Melly Still;Designer: Ana Inés Jabares-Pita; Composer: Dave Price
Lighting Designer: Matt Haskins; Sound Designer: Helen Skiera; Movement Director: Mike Ashcroft Assistant Director: Lucy Bird
On tour 6 September – 30 November
Following a hugely successful run last autumn, Birmingham Repertory Theatre in association with Lee Dean today announce the full cast and venues for their upcoming tour of The Lovely Bones. Melly Still directs Catrin Aaron (Abigail Salmon), Radhika Aggarwal (Heavenly Girl 2), Fanta Barrie (Lindsay Salmon), Charlotte Beaumont (Susie Salmon), Samuel Gosrani (Ray/Holliday), Leah Haile (Heavenly Girl 1), Avita Jay(Franny/Ruana), Andrew Joshi (Heavenly Girl 3), Nicholas Khan (Mr Harvey), Leigh Lothian (Ruth Connors), Huw Parmenter (Sam/Len), Lynda Rooke (Lyn), and Jack Sandle (Jack Salmon). The production opens at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 10 September, with previews from 6 September, before embarking on a UK tour to Theatre Royal Nottingham, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Norwich Theatre Royal, The Lowry Salford, Rose Theatre Kingston, Hackney Empire, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Oxford Playhouse, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford and Chichester Festival Theatre.
Susie Salmon is just like any other young girl. She wants to be beautiful, adores her charm bracelet and has a crush on a boy from school.
There’s one big difference though – Susie is dead.
Now she can only observe while her family manage their grief in their different ways. Her father Jack is obsessed with identifying the killer. Her mother Abigail is desperate to create a different life for herself. And her sister Lindsey is discovering the opposite sex with experiences that Susie will never know. Susie is desperate to help them and there might be a way of reaching them…
Alice Sebold’s novel The Lovely Bones is a unique coming-of-age tale that captured the hearts of readers throughout the world. With a talented cast, incredible set design and a soundtrack combining 70’s favourites with original music, this wonderfully creative production brings her vision to life in an exciting, emotional and uplifting theatrical experience.
Bryony Lavery’s theatre credits include The Midnight Gang (Chichester Festival Theatre), Swallows and Amazons (Storyhouse), Brighton Rock (Pilot Theatre), Frozen (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Balls (59E59 Theatre), Brideshead Revisited (York Theatre Royal / UK tour), Queen Coal (Sheffield Theatres), Treasure Island (National Theatre), Beautiful Burnout (National Theatre, Scotland) and Smoke (Young Vic).
Melly Still directs. Her previous theatre credits include My Brilliant Friend (Rose Theatre Kingston/ National Theatre), Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (Rose Theatre Kingston/UK tour/Harold Pinter Theatre), Cymbeline (RSC), The Haunting of Hill House (Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse), Life Raft (Bristol Old Vic), Coram Boy (National Theatre/Imperial Theater – nominated for a Tony Award nominee for Best Director), From Morning Till Midnight, Nation, The Revenger’s Tragedy (National Theatre), Rats’ Tales (Manchester Royal Exchange), Beasts and Beauties (Hampstead Theatre) and Tiger Bay the Musical (Wales Millennium Centre). Her opera directing work includes The Cunning Little Vixen, Rusalka (Glyndebourne) and Zaide (Sadler’s Wells).
Catrin Aaron plays Abigail Salmon. Previous theatre credits include Orpheus Descending (Menier Chocolate Factory/ Theatr Clwyd), The Wizard of Oz (Sheffield Theatres), As You Like, Hamlet (Shakespeare’s Globe), Henry V (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Forsythe Sisters (Gaggle Babble), Sex and the Three Day Week (Liverpool Playhouse) and What People Do and London: Let’s Get Visceral (Old Vic Tunnels). She is an Associate for Theatr Clwyd, where her work includes The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, All My Sons, The Light of Heart, Aristocrats; Salt, Root and Roe; Humbug, God of Carnage, A Doll’s House, Roots, Taking Steps, Gaslight, Dancing at Lughnasa, A Small Family Business, Festen, Mary Stuart, Twilight Tales, Macbeth, A Toy Epic, Tales from Europe, The Timeless Myths of the Mabinogi, Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, The Voyage, The Way It Was, Flights of Fancy, Hobson’s Choice, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,Silas Marner and Orpheus Descending. For television, her work includes The Indian Doctor, The Bastard Executioner and First Ladies; and for film, Apostle.
Radhika Aggarwal plays Heavenly Girl 2. Her theatre credits include Satyagraha (Dorothy Chandler Pavilion), Engine Break (UK tour) and An Arrangement of Shoes (international tour). Film credits include The Children Act.
Fanta Barrie plays Lindsay Salmon. Her theatre credits include The Amber Trap (Theatre503), The Cereal Café (The Other Palace) and Songlines (Assembly, Roxy).
Charlotte Beaumont returns to play Susie Salmon. Her theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe), Pebbles (Katzpace), No One Will Tell Me How To Start A Revolution (Hampstead Theatre), Jumpy (Theatre Clwyd), 3 Winters (National Theatre), Love Your Soldiers (Sheffield Theatres), Playhouse Creatures (Chichester Festival Theatre), Blue Heaven (Finborough Theatre), The Flooded Grave and 2,000 Feet Away (Bush Theatre). Television credits include as series regular Chloe Latimer in Broadchurch, and as series regular Kenzie Calhoun in Waterloo Road. Film credits include Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll.
Samuel Gosrani plays Ray/Holliday. The Lovely Bones is his professional stage debut.
Leah Haile plays Heavenly Girl 1. Her previous theatre credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre) and The Crucible (Royal Exchange Manchester).
Avita Jay plays Franny/Ruana. Her previous theatre credits include Billionaire Boy (Nuffield Southampton Theatres/UK tour), The Secret Garden (York Theatre Royal), The Jungle Book,Bring on the Bollywood, The Merry Wives of Windsor (UK tour), Bottled Up (Lyric Hammersmith), We’re Stuck (Shoreditch Town Hall/UK tour), Rapunzel, Warde Street (Park Theatre), Pioneer (Sheffield Theatres/UK tour), Unsung (Wilton’s Music Hall) andSunday Morning at the Centre of the World (Southwark Playhouse). Her film credits include The Rezort, The East London Story: Slap or Die, London, Paris, New York and Twenty8K.
Andrew Joshi plays Heavenly Girl 3. Previous theatre credits include The Madness of King George (Nottingham Playhouse), It’s A Wonderful Life (East Riding Theatre), The Railway Children (UK tour), Breakfast At Tiffany’s (Curve, Leicester, Theatre Royal Haymarket, UK tour), Shiv, The Pereira’s Bakery at 76 Chapel Road (Curve, Leicester), The Letter (Wyndham’s Theatre/UK tour), Macbeth (Lyric Hammersmith) and The Excavation (Tristan Bates Theatre). Television credits include Giri/Haji.
Nicholas Khan plays Mr Harvey. His previous theatre credits include Approaching Empty (Kiln Theatre), Wonderland (Nottingham Playhouse), Our Town, Animal Crackers (Royal Exchange Manchester), A Tale of Two Cities (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Kite Runner (Nottingham Playhouse, UK tour, Playhouse Theatre), Love N Stuff (Theatre Royal Stratford East), The Beaux Stratagem, Dara (National Theatre), Nur Du (Barbican),Voyager (Arcola Theatre), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Liverpool Playhouse), Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe / international tour), Ramayana (Lyric Hammersmith / Bristol Old Vic), Who’s Afraid Of The Big Bad Book? (Soho Theatre), The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Winter’s Tale, The Comedy of Errors, Henry V (RSC), Arabian Nights (Young Vic) and Maa! (Royal Court Theatre).
Leigh Lothian plays Ruth Connors. Her theatre credits include Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre/UK tour), The Flouers O’Edinburgh (Finborough Theatre), Selkie (Southwark Playhouse), Chariots of Fire (Gielgud Theatre), Avenue Q (Gatehouse Theatre) and The Beautiful Game (Union Theatre).
Huw Parmenter plays Sam/Len. His theatre credits include The Mirror Crack’d (Wales Millennium Centre/Salisbury Playhouse), Anything is Possible (Pleasance Theatre), After Orlando (Vaults Theatre/Theatre Royal Stratford East), Desert Rats (Arts Theatre), The Late Wedding (Theatre Royal Stratford East), Dark Tourism (Park Theatre), Rebel Rebel (Theatre503) and Hearing The Song (Orange Tree Theatre).
Lynda Rooke plays Lyn. Her previous theatre credits include Jane Eyre (National Theatre/UK tour), Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis (Hull Truck Theatre), Piaf, Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!, Queen of the North (Octagon Theatre, Bolton), Touched (Salisbury Playhouse), Beauty and the Beast (Sherman Theatre), A Taste of Honey and The Last Yankee (Bristol Old Vic). Television credits include as series regular Mrs Osborne in Hollyoaks, Bad Move, InspectorLewis – What Lies Tangled, Chickens, Identity, Foyle’s War, Heartbeat, Von Trapped, Bad Move, My Fragile Heart, Peak Practice, This is Personal, Back Up, The Biz and The Sculptress. Film credits include The Arbor.
Jack Sandle returns to play Jack Salmon. His theatre credits include Monogamy (Park Theatre/UK tour), Running Wild (Chichester Festival Theatre/UK tour), War Horse (New London Theatre), The Astronaut’s Chair (Theatre Royal Plymouth), Macbeth (Octagon Theatre Bolton), Far From The Madding Crowd (UK tour), Pains of Youth (Belgrade Theatre), The Late Henry Moss (Southwark Playhouse), Hay Fever (York Theatre Royal), The Conquering Hero, The Company Man, Summer Again, The Marrying of Ann Leete and Adam Bede (Orange Tree Theatre) and Two Noble Kinsmen (Bristol Old Vic).
Agonisingly relevant, Pulitzer Prize finalist Dael Orlandersmith’s ‘Until the Flood’ takes on the destructive nature of race relations in the USA today.
Poised in front of a memorial to the black teenager, Michael Brown, the main impetus for the play, we watch a parade of speakers provide their views. Each is carefully and wonderfully rendered by Orlandersmith; she performs as a horrified young black man, fearing a similar fate, a tremulous white woman, unable to understand the difficulties of reconciliation, a hissing, raging, racist. Her impressions are suggestions rather than caricatures, the voices flow through her without altering her posture or gait. Throughout this procession, Orlandersmith asks us to observe the legacy of such violence that has played out again and again.
‘Until the Flood’ is not interested in apathy, but rather it provides sensitive understanding of the warring ideas and histories that underpin debates around race and gun violence in the States today. There is rage in some of Orlandersmith’s characterisations, but it is tempered by a deep, moving compassion – change is desperately needed but seems absent from a bleak, Trump-owned horizon; yet underneath the intricate political knots lie many types of human.
The play is based upon interviews Orlandersmith conducted in St Louis after the shooting of Michael Brown, by white policeman Darren Wilson. The situation is murky. Like in many similar tragedies, including the El Paso and Dayton, Ohio shootings over the weekend, politics and opinion cloud the facts. Two things are known for certain; Michael Brown was unarmed, and Darren Wilson was not indicted for his role in Brown’s death. The event is motivational but not the subject. Rather, Orlandersmith asks, what do we do with the fallout?
‘Until the Flood’ reminds us that the avoidance of justice for Michael Brown, and individuals like him, takes a moral toll on all citizens, not just those directly affected by the tragedy. Orlandersmith’s play stands, with striking grace, to remind us all that healing begins with authentic change
