Month: September 2019

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

MICHAEL BRANDON, BRENDA EDWARDS, DANIELLE HOPE AND CLARE HALSE

JOIN THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED

DANNY MAC AND DAN BURTON IN

IRVING BERLIN’S
WHITE CHRISTMAS

FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON

AT LONDON’S DOMINION THEATRE
FROM 16 NOVEMBER 2019 – 4 JANUARY 2020

Jamie Wilson, Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Kevin McCollum are delighted to announce full casting for the Made at Curve production of Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS at London’s Dominion Theatre from Saturday 16 November 2019 – Saturday 4 January 2020.

Michael Brandon will play General Henry Waverly, Brenda Edwards Martha Watson, Danielle Hope Betty Haynes and Clare Halse Judy Haynes. They will be joined by the previously announced Danny Mac as Bob Wallace and Dan Burton as Phil Davis, who both reprise their acclaimed roles following the successful run at Curve, Leicester in 2018.

Michael Brandon is probably best known for starring in the classic 80’s television series Dempsey and Makepeace. His most recent television credits include four seasons as Elliot Salad in Episodes with Matt Le Blanc. His theatre credits include creating the role of Jerry Springer in Jerry Springer The Opera at the National Theatre, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award as Best Actor in a Musical, Singin’ in the Rain at the Palace Theatre in the West End and the New York productions of The Lady and the Clarinet with Stockard Channing and Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie? with Al Pacino on Broadway.

Brenda Edwards first came to the public’s attention when she became a semi-finalist in the 2005 series of ITV1’s The X Factor. Since then, she has become one of the most sought-after leading ladies in musical theatre. Her many West End and touring credits include Killer Queen in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre and on the original UK Tour, Mama Morton in Chicago at the Cambridge Theatre and the 10^th Anniversary Gala, Nettie Fowler in Carousel at the London Coliseum, Pearl Pastor in Carmen Jones at the Royal Festival Hall, Esta in Moby Dick at the Union Theatre and most recently Motormouth Maybelle in the UK tour of Hairspray. Brenda is also a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women.

Danielle Hope is best known for winning Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit BBC television series Over The Rainbow resulting in her playing the leading role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Her other West End credits include the title role in Snow White, also at the London Palladium and Eponine in Les Misèrables at Queen’s Theatre. Her UK touring credits include Sandy in Grease, Maria in The Sound of Music, The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and most recently Sherrie in Rock of Ages.

Clare Halse most recently played the lead role of Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Clare’s other West End credits include Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre, Wicked at the Apollo Victoria and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Shrek The Musical, both at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Her UK touring credits include Amber Von-Tussle in Hairspray. 

Danny Mac’s many theatre credits include Joe Gillis in the recent tour of Sunset Boulevard, Gabey in On The Town at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and the West End productions of Wicked and Legally Blonde. He can currently be seen as Nino in the UK tour of Amelie. Danny captured the nation’s hearts and received overwhelming support during his incredible time on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, making it all the way to the final.

Dan Burton was nominated for an Olivier for his performance as Tulsa in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre. His other West End credits include Jersey Boys, The Pajama Game, Chicago, Legally Blonde, Betty Blue Eyes and Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall.

The rest of the cast includes Stephane Anelli, Delycia Belgrave, Sophie Camble, Matthew Caputo, Jordan Crouch, Aimee Hodnett, Michael Lin, Robbie McMillan, Jo Morris, Oliver Ramsdale, Erin Rushidi, Kayleigh Thadani, Sion Tudor Owen, Alexandra Waite-Roberts, Sasha Walters, Matthew Whennell-Clark, Jack Wilcox, Anna Woodside and Freya Yates.

A timeless romantic comedy to warm hearts of all ages, WHITE CHRISTMAS features the classic songs “Blue Skies”, “Sisters” and the most famous festive song of all… “White Christmas”.

WHITE CHRISTMAS has Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin and a Book by David Ives and Paul Blake. It is Directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Annie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and Choreographed by two-time Olivier Award-winning choreographer Stephen Mear (Mary Poppins, Gypsy). Set Design is by Michael Taylor and Costume Design is by Diego Pitarch. Musical Supervision is by Stephen Brooker, Lighting Design by Mark Henderson and Sound Design by Tom Marshall. Orchestrations are by Larry Blank with New Musical arrangements by Jason Carr.

Presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of R&H Theatricals.

WHITE CHRISTMAS is produced by Jamie Wilson, Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin with Hunter Arnold, Jason Haigh-Ellery, Laurence Myers, InTheatre, Curve, Carlos Candal and Kevin McCollum.

PHIL NICHOL REJOINS THE CAST AS HUGO/LOCO CHANELLE AND MELISSA JACQUES STEPS UP INTO THE ROLE OF MARGARET IN

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the award-winning feel good musical sensation, is delighted to welcome back Phil Nichol as he reprises his role of Hugo/Loco Chanelle and thrilled to announce Melissa Jacques will step up into the role of Margaret New from 30 September 2019.

Phil Nichol played Hugo/Loco Chanelle in the original West End cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Melissa steps up to play Margaret, having understudied this role for over a year. She follows in the footsteps of Rebecca McKinnis, who also landed the role of Margaret from her understudy position, and now moves on to play Heidi Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen. 

Joining Phil and Melissa are Alexander Archer as Mickey, Tilly La Belle Yengo as Fatimah and Gillian Ford as understudy Margaret, Miss Hedge and Ray.

Nica Burns, Producer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie said:

Sad as we are to lose Rebecca Mckinnis, we are delighted that she is leaving to play the role of Heidi Hansen for the UK premiere of the Broadway hit, Dear Evan Hansen. Rebecca started with Jamie as understudy 2 years ago and was promoted into the leading role of Margaret New and made it her own.  It is wonderful to see Melissa Jacques following in her footsteps as she too steps up to the role of Margaret.  Like Rebecca, Melissa is a terrific actress with a fantastic voice.  There is an extraordinary wealth of performing talent in the UK and it is exciting to see artists developing within a company and establishing themselves as lead performers. A big welcome back to comedian and actor Phil Nichol who so brilliantly originated the role of Loco Chanelle at the Apollo.

Phil Nichol’s previous theatre credits include: The Machine (MIF, Armory NY Directed by Josie Rourke), One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (Gielgud Theatre), appearing alongside Bill Bailey in Twelve Angry Men (Assembly Rooms, directed by Guy Masterson) and starring in the original West End production of Taboo with Boy George.

Television and film credits include: Man Down (C4), the first series of Catastrophe (C4), Siblings (BBC), Uncle (BBC), as well as playing Terry Gilliam in Holy Flying Circus, BBC4’s BAFTA nominated drama about the Pythons and the feature Confetti directed by Debbie Isitt for BBC Films.

As the Artistic Director of Comedians’ Theatre Company, Phil has produced and starred in over 15 shows in the past 12 years including True West, School for Scandal, Killer Joe, Gagarin Way and Talk Radio, directed by Stewart Lee.

Phil is also a stand up comedian – he gigs regularly on the UK and international comedy circuit and, having been nominated twice previously, won the 2006 Edinburgh Comedy Award. He is lead singer of the glam rock band Muscle.

Melissa Jacques trained at The Constance Grant Dance Centre, Sheffield and London School of Musical Theatre. 

Theatre includes: Trish in Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre) Wicked, Midwife, Madame Morrible Cover (Victoria Palace); Original cast member of Mamma Mia! (London), alternate ‘Donna’ and understudying all of ‘The Dynamos’; My Fair Lady (Esplanade Theatre, Singapore); Chess (Spektrum Arena, Oslo); Company, Into the Woods (Derby Playhouse); The Full Monty (UK tour); Spend, Spend, Spend (West Yorkshire Playhouse & UK tour); A Slice of Saturday Night, Oliver, Beauty and the Beast (Theatre Royal, Lincoln); Little Shop of Horrors (Millfield Theatre); Me and My Girl, Crazy for You (Aberystwyth).

Workshops include: We Will Rock You, Desperately Seeking Susan, Blag, Paris Thunder.

Melissa was one-sixth of the close vocal harmony group The Unconventionals who released their album Flower to the People.

Phil and Melissa will join cast members: Layton Williams (Jamie New), Alex Anstey (Laika Virgin), Alexander Archer (Mickey), Luke Baker (Dean Paxton), Marvyn Charles (Swing), Marlon G Day (Dad), Momar Diagne, Zahra Jones (Becca), James Gillan (Tray Sophisticay), Daniel Jacob (Sandra Bollock), Emily Kenwright (Vicki), Sejal Keshwala (Ray), Luke Latchman (Sayid), Jordan Laviniere (Cy), Harriet Payne (Bex), Rachel Price (Swing), Sabrina Sandhu (Pritti Pasha), Rita Simons (Miss Hedge), Biancha Szynal (Swing), Adam Taylor (Swing), Ziggy Tyler Taylor (Levi) and Tilly La Belle Yengo (Fatimah).

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield.

Jamie doesn’t quite fit in.

Jamie is terrified about the future.

Jamie is going to be a sensation.

Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. With catchy songs by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, and book and lyrics by writer Tom MacRae, this funny, fabulous, feel-good, musical sensation has been wowing audiences and critics alike. Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true.

Watch the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie trailer here.

Music by Dan Gillespie Sells

Book and Lyrics by Tom MacRae

From an idea by Jonathan Butterell

Directed by Jonathan Butterell

Design by Anna Fleischle

Choreography by Kate Prince

Lighting design by Lucy Carter

Sound design by Paul Groothuis

Casting by Will Burton

Musical Supervisor Theo Jamieson

Musical Director Richard Weeden

Video Design Luke Halls

The fairest panto cast in the land…

First look at the cast of Birmingham Hippodrome’s

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in costume   

This week, the cast of the fairest panto in the land came together for the first time in costume to officially launch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which plays at Birmingham Hippodrome from Saturday 21 December 2019 – Sunday 2 February 2020.

The spectacular production will feature Lesley Joseph as the Wicked Queen, Matt Slack as Muddles, Joe McElderry asThe Spirit in the Mirror, Faye Brookes asSnow White, Flawless as The Wicked Queen’s Men, Doreen Tipton asThe Lady in Waiting, Andrew Ryan as Nanny Annie Aspirin and Jac Yarrow as The Prince.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will feature stunning costumes and sets along with outstanding special effects direct from the sold-out London Palladium production in 2018.

Lesley Joseph’s extensive career has seen her appear on stage in dramas, musicals and reviews in the west end and across the UK and on every major television channel and on film working with major directors including Franco Zeffirelli. Most recently Lesley starred as Miss Hannigan in Annie, Mrs Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie as well as appearing in Home directed by Peter Hall. Last year she starred in the musical adaptation of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein in London’s west end starring as Frau Blücher, a role for which she was nominated for the 2018 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. Lesley most recently appeared at Birmingham Hippodrome as Jessie in Calendar Girls The Musical.

Birmingham’s much-loved panto favourite, Matt Slack will return for the seventh consecutive year, bringing his trademark comedy and chaos. Making Midlands panto-goers laugh every year, The Great British Pantomime Award winner has also recently been seen on Casualty and EastEnders, both for the BBC.

Singer, songwriter and actor Joe McElderry became a household name after winning the sixth series of ITV’s The X Factor in 2009. His first single, The Climb reached number one in the UK singles chart. Joe was also a contestant on ITV’s Pop Star to Opera Star and Channel 4’s The Jump and regularly tours the UK. In theatre he has starred in The Who’s Tommy, in the lead role of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and in pantomime for Qdos Entertainment for five seasons. He is currently touring the UK in new musical Club Tropicana.

Best known for her role as Kate Connor in ITV1’s Coronation Street, Faye Brookes will play the title role. Having trained in musical theatre, Faye has starred as Frenchie in Grease, Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical in the West End and as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical on tour across the UK. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will see Faye swap the famous cobbles of Corrie for the stage after leaving the popular soap. 

Street dance troupe Flawless rose to fame having competed in the third series of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent and have been a mainstay of the hip-hop dance scene for the last decade. In addition to wowing Simon Cowell on the hit ITV talent show, the boys regularly tour the UK and have also appeared on screen in feature films StreetDance 3D and its 2012 sequel StreetDance2. Flawless appeared alongside Kylie Minogue in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen at the Diamond Jubilee Concert outside Buckingham Palace in 2012.

Lazy internet sensation, Doreen Tipton has become something of a national treasure – at least regionally – in her native Black Country. Doreen’s original million hit YouTube viral success has now blossomed into a series of theatre tours, a full-length feature film featuring fellow Yam Yams and rock legends Robert Plant and Steve Bull, an autobiography (which somebody else had to write) her own BBC radio show, and even her own online comedy sketch channel called Doreen TV.

This year will mark Andrew Ryan’s 33rd pantomime, his 29th year as dame and his third in Birmingham.

Completing the principal line up is Jac Yarrow. Jac graduated from the Arts Educational Schools in the summer of 2019 and made his professional debut as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium. For his performance, Jac garnered extraordinary critical and public acclaim, and has been twice nominated for The Stage Debut Awards 2019 for Best Actor in a Musical and for Best West End Debut.

They will be joined by Josh Bennett, George Coppen, Simeon Dyer, Craig Garner, Lee Hill, Jamie John and Blake Lisle as The Magnificent Seven.

The production will once again be directed by Michael Harrison who has been at the helm of the Hippodrome pantomime for the last nine years. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs at Birmingham Hippodrome from Saturday 21 December 2019 – Sunday 2 February 2020. Book now to secure the best seats, or you won’t be able to look yourself in the mirror! To book visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge). 

THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE

ILLUSIONIST DARCY OAKE ANNOUNCES LONDON HALLOWEEN SHOW

LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE

31^st October 2019

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

It began with an innocent card trick at the age of seven. Who could have imagined it would lead to Darcy Oake reappearing on our TV screens on Saturday night on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent – The Champions. Today, he also announces his London show this Halloween at the Leicester Square Theatre on 31^st October 2019.

Darcy will be taking London by storm to deliver a magical extravaganza that promises to be an evening of breath-taking, logic-bending illusions in the grand old tradition of stage magic, fused with his very own modern twist. Darcy’s show is a blend of stunning illusions, audience interaction and death defying escapes.

Darcy said: “I am so thrilled to be coming back to the UK and performing at the Leicester Square Theatre this October. Always on the edge of logic and danger this show is like no other.  I will be delivering magic that will literately blow your mind.  It will be a Halloween the audience will never forget!”

That electrifying 2014 breakthrough performance on Britain’s Got Talent – which has been watched by more than 200 million people worldwide – catapulted Darcy’s career to stratospheric heights. Not only proving the impossible is possible but demonstrating magic is young, fresh and dare devilish. 

Making such an impact on the UK show the US beckoned and in 2016 he made a guest appearance on America’s Got Talent leaving the judges once again in awe of his talent.  Darcy was further honoured to be a part of Queen Elizabeth’s 90^th birthday celebration where he performed before the Royal Family at a private dinner.

Since then Darcy has been delighting audiences worldwide performing jaw dropping magic with finesse, intensity and his unique style. In 2018, Darcy headlined 10 shows at the world famous Calgary Stampede in his home country of Canada, in front of over 20,000 per night.

Darcy’s electrifying magic extravaganza is set to hit London this Halloween on 31^st October at the Leicester Square Theatre. Darcy’s spine tingling tricks, illusions and death defying escapes will astonish, amaze and have you undoubtedly on the edge of your seats.  Be prepared to have your mind blown!

What critics have said about Darcy Oake:

“A magician who specialises in sleight of hand and illusions – and blowing our minds”  

Daily Mirror

“We are witnessing the birth of a star”  

Simon Cowell

“No-one will be let down by the sheer brilliance of this bona fide star”

Blackpool Gazette

Booking and ticket information:

31^st October 2019

Leicester Square Theatre

Ticket price: £25 + booking fee

To book ring the box office on 020 7734 2222

Or log onto: https://tinyurl.com/y5jryko5

Socials

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/darcyoake/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/DarcyOake

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/darcyoakemagic/

Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/user/doakesTV

ALAN BENNETT’S

THE HABIT OF ART

STARRING MATTHEW KELLY AND

DAVID YELLAND

TO TOUR THE UK FROM 2020Following a highly acclaimed tour in 2018, The Original Theatre Company and The Anthology Group in association with Peter Stickney and York Theatre Royal’s production of Alan Bennett’s THE HABIT OF ART will return and tour the UK in 2020. Directed by Philip Franks and starring Matthew Kelly as Fitz (W. H. Auden) and David Yelland as Henry (Benjamin Britten). The tour begins on 18 March 2020 at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne.

THE HABIT OF ART explores friendship, rivalry and heartache, the joy, pain and emotional cost of creativity.  It is centred on a fictional meeting between poet W. H. Auden and composer Benjamin Britten.  Bennett wrote it as a play-within-a-play – actors Fitz, Henry, Tim and Donald are rehearsing a play called Caliban’s Day under the direction of stage manager, Kay, and in the presence of the playwright, Neil. In Caliban’s Day, a fictitious meeting occurs in 1973 in Auden’s (Fitz) rooms at Oxford not long before he dies.  Britten (Henry) has been auditioning boys nearby for his opera Death in Venice, and arrives unexpectedly – their first meeting in 25 years after falling out over the failure of their opera Paul Bunyan.

Matthew Kelly is currently appearing in BIG The Musical, (Dominion Theatre). His other West End credits include Waiting For Godot with Ian McKellan and Roger Rees, Tim Firth’s play Sign of the Times, the musical Lend Me A Tenor! and Lennie in the Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s production of Of Mice and Men at the Savoy Theatre, for which he won the Olivier Award for Best Actor.  Other recent theatre includes Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel: A Concert (Cadogan Hall), The Box of Delights (Wilton’s Music Hal), Desire Under The Elms (Sheffield Crucible), Pride & Prejudice (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre & UK Tour), The Jew Of Malta, Volpone and Love’s Sacrifice for the RSC, and Toast (Park Theatre & 59E59 in New York).  Matthew’s television work includes the award-winning thriller Cold Blood, Benidorm and Bleak House, though he is probably best known for presenting You Bet! and Stars in their Eyes.  

David Yelland’s theatre credits include Witness for the Prosecution (London County Hall), All Our Children (Jermyn Street Theatre), A Winter’s Tale (Shakespeare’s Globe), Taken at Midnight (Chichester Festival Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket).  West End credits include Deathtrap (Garrick), The Deep Blue Sea (Haymarket), The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Strand), Richard III (Savoy – for which he won the Clarence Derwent Award), Life x3 (Savoy) and Man and Boy (Duchess).  His television credits include the title role in David Copperfield, Nick Rumpole in Rumpole of the Bailey, George in Agatha Christie’s Poirot, EastEnders, The Crown and Endeavour.  Film credits include Happy End (directed by Michael Haneke), Hunter Killer, Coriolanus (directed by Ralph Fiennes), Field Marshal Haig in Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful (directed by Pat O’Connor) and The Prince of Wales in Chariots of Fire.Veronica Roberts plays the role of Kay, the Stage Manager. Her recent theatre credits include Mrs Gascoyne in The Daughter-in-Law (Arcola), Joy Bray in 49 Donkeys Hanged (Plymouth), and Marina in Uncle Vanya (Theatr Clywd/Sheffield Crucible). She is perhaps best known for playing Dorothy Bennett in the BBC Drama Tenko and Laura Elliot in ITVS’s Peak Practice.  She has recently starred as Mrs Bookham in BBC’s Scarborough.

Robert Mountford plays the Author, Neil. His one man show Vagbonds – My Phil Lynott Odyssey played between 2015 and 2019 to sell-out audiences in Edinburgh, London and Dublin. In 2017 Robert was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the UK Theatre Awards for House & Garden (Newbury Watermill). His other theatre credits include: Parolles in All’s Well That Ends Well (GSC/Jermyn Street Theatre), The Omission of the Family Coleman (Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal Bath), Harold Pinter’s Betrayal (Salisbury Playhouse) and Anita and Me for Birmingham Rep. Robert has toured extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company.John Wark plays Donald (Humphrey Carpenter). His theatre work includes Dead Sheep (UK Tour & Park Theatre), Toast (UK Tour, 59E59 New York & Park Theatre), The Cocktail Party (The Print Room), Keepers of Infinite Space (Park Theatre), Thark (Park Theatre), and The Fear of Breathing (Finborough Theatre).

Jessica Dennis plays the role of George, the Assistant Stage Manager. Her recent theatre credits include Henry V and The Tempest (Shakespeare’s Rose, York), The Wind In the Willows (Polka Theatre), Meet Me in the Ruins (Belgrade Theatre, Coventry), Romeo and Juliet (Orange Tree Theatre) and Offside (Futures Theatre, National Tour). She is also a regular performer for the award-winning Wireless Theatre Company and Audible.

Benjamin Chandler will play Tim (Stuart). His previous credits include The Passing Of The Third Floor Back (Finborough Theatre) and Three Sisters (The Union Theatre).  

Alan Bennett’s THE HABIT OF ART premiered at the National Theatre in November 2009, directed by Nicholas Hytner and starring Richard Griffiths, Alex Jennings and Frances de la Tour.  The National then toured the production in Autumn 2010 with a new cast led by Desmond Barrit, Malcolm Sinclair and Selina Caddell.The 2020 UK Tour of THE HABIT OF ART will be directed by Philip Franks and designed by Adrian Linford, with lighting by Johanna Town, sound by Max Pappenheim and casting by Joyce Nettles.

Website:          www.originaltheatre.com
Facebook:       @OriginalTheatre
Twitter:            @OriginalTheatre #HabitOfArt
Instagram:       @OriginalTheatreCompany

Running Time:  2 hours, 20 minutes (including interval)

Suitable for 12+

2020 UK TOUR SCHEDULE

18 – 21 March                         Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne                       01323 412000
www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

23 – 28 March                         Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham                                01242 572573
www.everymantheatre.org.uk

31 March – 4 April                  King’s Theatre, Edinburgh                                          0131 529 6000
www.capitaltheatres.com

6 – 11 April                              Curve, Leicester                                                         0116 242 3595                                                www.curveonline.co.uk On sale soon

13 – 18 April                            Royal & Derngate, Northampton                                01604 624811
www.royalandderngate.co.uk On sale November

27 April – 2 May                      Theatre Royal Bath                                                     01225 44 88 44
www.theatreroyal.org.uk On sale soon

4 – 9 May                                Ashcroft Playhouse, Fairfield Halls, Croydon              0203 292 0002
www.fairfield.co.uk On sale January

11 – 16 May                            Theatr Clwyd, Mold                                                      01352 701 521                                                www.theatrclwyd.com  On sale soon

18 – 23 May                            Exeter Northcott Theatre                                             01392 726 363                                                www.exeternorthcott.co.uk On sale soon

Bill Kenwright Ltd, Swansea Grand and Alex Turner Productions present
the Swansea Grand Production of

A Prayer for Wings

30 October – 23 November 2019, King’s Head Theatre

ACCLAIMED WELSH DIRECTOR AND PLAYWRIGHT SEAN MATHIAS DIRECTS AN ALL-WELSH CAST
IN A REVIVAL OF HIS AWARD-WINNING PLAY, A PRAYER FOR WINGS

Bill Kenwright Ltd, Swansea Grand and Alex Turner Productions present the London transfer of A PRAYER FOR WINGS, the award-winning play by internationally acclaimed Welsh-born director Sean Mathias.

Starring an all-Welsh cast, comprising Llinos Daniel, Alis Wyn Davies and Luke Rhodri, London audiences will now have a rare chance to see Sean Mathias direct his own work. This compelling production plays at the King’s Head Theatre for a strictly limited season from 30 October to 23 November 2019. A national press night will be held on Friday 1 November.

A PRAYER FOR WINGS tells the story of a mother and daughter, Mam and Rita, who have no other family and live in a disused church in central Swansea. Mam suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) and Rita is her daughter, minder and keeper. She’s been caring for her mother since she was ten years old. Weary of the responsibility, Rita dreams of a better life, with a wonderful man, in another country, so she sells sexual favours for cash. Alarmingly relevant, Sean Mathias’ debut play explores the conflict and burden of caring responsibilities, interdependence and family, set against an individual’s hopes and dreams.

Sean Mathias said of the revival: “I am thrilled to bring A PRAYER FOR WINGS to this special London venue which so passionately supported me at the start of my career as an emerging artist. The King’s Head Theatre has been a hugely iconic venue on the UK theatre scene for many years and I am so happy to return here before it takes up residence in its important new home. This revival of A PRAYER FOR WINGS premiered in Swansea, where it is set, and after 35 years it was joyous to finally bring it home for the very first time.”

This revival production was first performed in summer 2019 at Volcano Theatre, Swansea as one of three plays co-produced by Swansea Grand Theatre to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Swansea achieving city status.

A PRAYER FOR WINGS has set and costume design by Lee Newby, lighting design by Robbie Butler, and sound design composition by Adam Cork.

Under the direction of Joan Plowright, A PRAYER FOR WINGS won a Fringe First Award for its world premiere in Edinburgh in 1985 and earned Mathias a nomination for Most Promising Playwright. At the time, the Daily Mail raved:

“This is a work with all the marks of a mature and major writer. Compassion, humour, wit and truth … a magnificent tale of female heroism.”

Mathias has since gone on to become an award-winning director of international repute. During his tenure as Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Haymarket, his legendary production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot played two seasons at the theatre, as well as touring the UK and internationally. His acclaimed production of Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land, starring Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart, was the highest grossing play in the history of Wyndham’s Theatre.

Most recently, Mathias has directed Ian McKellen On Stage, a celebration of Sir Ian’s 80^th Birthday on an extensive national tour and currently at the Pinter Theatre, which has raised more than three million pounds for theatre charities.

Arcola Theatre – until 12 October 2019

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Lisa D’Amour’s Southern Gothic fable is described as a ghost story for three bodies with three voices. The three actors sit on a concrete plinth – perhaps the footprint of a trailer home – and play with tuning forks against a seemingly random collection of junk around their chairs as the audience file in, and the mystical tone of the play is laid out in Irene’s first lines: “When you are alive in one space for such a long time, the things that you remember mix with the things that are happening now, and the things you dream about.” The unreliable narrators are Irene (Beverly Rudd), a 25-year-old single mother who never leaves the trailer home, her 10-year-old daughter Annabella (Gabrielle Brooks) and Anna Bella Eema (Natasha Cottriall), the little girl Annabella makes out of mud.

Irene licks stamps for a living and tells tales of vampires and werewolves coming to visit as Annabella tries in vain to make her acknowledge the realities of life outside her home as the rest of the community move out to make way for the new Interstate. It is obviously not going to end well for the family, but the mind-bending ride that director Jessica Lazar takes you on before the inevitable happens is spectacular. With mysticism from different cultures – Anna Bella Eema has shades of Golem, animal spirits of the land and mischievous sprites all tumbling playfully around in her being – jumbled up with soap opera/reality TV situations, the narrative loops around, races towards dead ends and scatters to the winds, but never loses its grip on the audience. The tuning forks the cast play with are used along with the junk as musical instruments as they switch between gloriously lyrical speech and song, creating a magical soundscape with Tom Foskett-Barnes’s stunning sound design and Chris Sidorfsky’s original score. The cast react in animalistic ways to almost every sound, making a production that mostly takes place on three chairs unbelievably dynamic.

As the cast take on different characters in each other’s dreams and memories, their versatility shines and all three excel in their hauntingly comic performances. Anna Bella Eema is bizarre and beautifully poetic – a must-see show.

Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester – until 21 September 2019

Reviewed by Joseph Everton

5*****

Rob Ward’s Gypsy Queen is a hard-hitting sparring match between sexuality and sport. The story of two men from the macho world of boxing, known for ring girls, knock out punches and toxic masculinity, Gypsy Queen explores the difficulty of coming out and being openly gay in a world where the very idea remains unspoken.

Set in front of changing room benches, under the cold ring lights, Gypsy Queen showcases the talents of two men. One, playwright and actor Rob Ward as bare-knuckle fighter and traveller George O’Connell. The second, John Askew as gay boxer Dane ‘The Pain’ Samson, a future world title contender and son of a boxing legend who is desperate to keep his son’s sexuality under wraps.

Using verse to tell the story of their glory in the ring, heart wrenching stories of rejection and violence to paint a picture of their childhoods and a flurry of humour to help the audience through a series of dark scenes, Gypsy Queen is well written and masterfully produced. The story moves at pace and characters become familiar and likeable, played deftly by Ward and Askew who slip and weave between nine characters in total; including a comedy Irish mother, a Scouse bit on the side and the ex-pro father who cannot come to terms with his son’s sexuality.

An ambitious clash of homosexuality, sport, religion and bigotry, Gypsy Queen is a heavyweight piece of theatre that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. As a love story, it is believable and, when the tale ends with a heart-wrenching tragedy, it is deeply moving.

Bradford Alhambra – until 21 September 2019

Reviewed by Sally Richmond

5*****

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a wonderful fiesta of glitz, gloss and gaudy glamorous fun that makes your brain explode with colourful chaos!  Strictly star, Joe McFadden, who plays Mitzi / Tick and the shows other two dazzling divas, Miles Western (Bernadette) and Nick Hayes (Felicia / Adam) bring the Australian outback to Bradford but not in the way you’d expect to see it – because this bush is studded with diamonds and pearls!

The show opens with a highly energetic performance delivered with great gusto and pizzazz which sets the pace for the whole musical – that being a non-stop hit parade of disco favourites.  Innuendo loaded with acid-tongued jibes, Priscilla Queen of the Desert breaks all taboos and crosses the boundaries of sex, gender and age in a light and hilarious way.

The story unfolds in an area of Oz that is dominated by red-necked white Australians, who collide with our flamboyant female impersonators in various bars and clubs. This quirky trio take us on an outrageous journey of rollicking recklessness that is laced with wit but also challenges views and stereotypes – all done dressed  in satin and sequins – what’s not to love? Flawless performances are given by each of the gang and are brilliantly bright and lewd but also tender and heart-warming – just at the right moment. The plot is given intrigue by each character having their own mission to face: Mitzi to explore a family secret, Bernadette to mourn the loss of her husband and Felicia to find adventure and fun! 

The other spectacular trio of queens (backed by a fabulous ensemble) in this musical were Rosie Glossop, Claudia Kariuki and Aiesha Pease who gave spellbinding and spine tingling vocal performances throughout the show.  They got the audience singing and dancing along immediately and hit all the right notes, in all of the right places, and all at the right times! Kudos must also be given to the amazing band, directed by Sean Green, brilliant choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves and it was all excellently directed by Ian Talbot.

If you want an evening of pure escapism –  to have some unbounded frivolous fun – then go and see this musical because it really will make you feel like you’ve just been to the best party in town!

Theatre Royal Nottingham – until Saturday 21 September 2019

Reviewed by Louise Ford

4****

Everybody Conga, the Doctor will see you now!

The story of Gloria (Philippa Stefani )and Emilio (George Ioannides) Estefan’s rise to fame has a slow start but at the end has the audience up on their feet dancing in the aisles, the rhythm is gonna get you in the end. Everyone on your feet!

The stage set (designed by David Rockwell ) is quite minimal with simple shutter sets moving around to create the various rooms and scenes. The lighting,and fireworks at one point, providing the light and shade for the dance routines and the songs. The dance routines (choreographed by Sergio Trujillo) are energetic and enthusiastic with lots of costume changes for both the ensemble and for Gloria.

The show starts with the on stage band blasting out the rhythms with energy and Cuban rhythms . It moves through the early years of a shy Gloritta, the daughter of Cuban immigrants, who writes songs but does not crave to be centre stage. Her meeting with the handsome, short wearing, Emilio her debut with his band and the success with the Miami Sound Machine. Through to her terrible accident and her grit and determination to not only walk but also to perform at the American Music Awards.

The story (Directed by Jerry Mitchell)  is at heart a love story; the love of a people for the country they have left behind, the love of music and rhythm, the love of a family for each other and, of course, the love story of Gloria and Emilio.  

Twined with a classical ‘rags to riches’ story of Gloria and Emilio’s rise to fame and challenging on the way the prejudices of their record executives who want them to continue singing in Spanish and not move away from their Latin fan base. 

Whilst Gloria is, undoubtedly, the energetic star of the show the outstanding performances were those of Consuel (Karen Mann), Gloria’s strong and sassy grandmother and Gloria Fajardo (Madalena Alberto) Gloria’s estranged mother whose own singing career was poignantly thwarted at an early age.

The energy of the dancers is infectious the Cuban rhythms mixing with the disco beat of  Gloria’s Miami Sound Machine. It all makes for a splendid finale, are you ready to party?