Month: November 2019

Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester to stage the UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Saturday 9^th May – Saturday 6^th June 2020

Tickets on Sale Soon

Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester is to stage the UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 2020.

Cinderella will be the first musical produced by A Factory of Creativity – the charity recently formed to take over the running of Hope Mill Theatre. Co-founders of Hope Mill Theatre Joseph Houston and William Whelton will direct and choreograph Cinderella, respectively.

The production will run at Hope Mill Theatre from Saturday 9^th May to Saturday 6^th June 2020 and then at Clonter Opera Theatre, Cheshire from Tuesday 9^th to Sunday 14^th June 2020.

Tickets on sale soon.

Cinderella is the only musical written for the television by legendary duo Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II (South Pacific, Carousel, The Sound of Music). Originally broadcast live in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, the broadcast was watched by more than 100 million people, before subsequently being remade for TV again in 1965 and 1997 (starring Whitney Houston).

A new Broadway version with a Tony-nominated book by Douglas Carter Beane premiered in 2013 featuring several fresh characters and songs. The show features songs including “In My Own Little Corner”, “Impossible”, “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Stepsister’s Lament.”

This will be the first time a fully-staged version of the show has been performed in the UK (following a recent one-night concert version in London).

The smart and beautiful young Ella lives in the care of her wicked, self-absorbed stepmother Madame and her two stepsisters Charlotte and Gabrielle. In another part of the kingdom, Prince Topher is trying to find himself and learn his place in the world. When his scheming advisor Sebastian suggests throwing a ball so the Prince can meet potential brides, Ella and Topher’s different worlds come together. Expect the unexpected in this clever retelling of the beloved fairy tale.

Hope Mill Theatre will be holding open auditions in its search for the title role of Cinderella. The venue is committed to finding new and emerging talent across the regions and will be sharing details very soon of how to register interest in auditioning.

Ted Chapin, President of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, said: “I am thrilled that the modern Broadway version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella will be getting its U.K. theatrical premiere at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester.  Yes, the tale is tried-and-true, and yes, Ella of the Cinders has inspired many an adaptation, but there is only one time that the great team of Rodgers and Hammerstein put her squarely in their focus – and it took many years after the U.S. television premiere to find a proper theatrical footing.  When this version opened on Broadway in 2013, its tagline was “Glass slippers are so back.”  With a wink to the Cinderella traditions of the past – except pantos! – and a solid foot in a world where people take more control over their own lives, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella has already charmed new generations of musical theater enthusiasts.”

Joseph Houston, Artistic Director, said: “The first ever show I watched as a boy was the story of Cinderella and so to be able to work on the UK premiere of the most recent Broadway version of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s story is a dream come true. Having the opportunity to also collaborate alongside Will, who is both my business partner and life partner – and of whose work I have long admired – makes this journey even more special. I want this unique version of Cinderella to captivate audiences young and old, just as the timeless story did for me. This is the perfect spring treat and I cannot wait to see this story come to life at Hope Mill Theatre.”

William Whelton, Executive Director and Choreographer, said: “For many years I have wanted to produce Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, so for this to be the first musical to be brought to life by Hope Mill Theatre’s new charity is very special. It is a more modern take on the classic fairy tale that everyone is familiar with, add to the story the musical and lyrical genius of Rodgers & Hammerstein and you have real musical theatre magic. We are also thrilled to announce that as part of our casting process we will be holding open auditions in our search for Cinderella. As a regional venue we are passionate about finding and nurturing professional talent from all over the country so find this really exciting and we can’t wait to meet new artists.”

Produced by A Factory of Creativity for Hope Mill Theatre, director Joseph Houston, associate director and choreographer William Whelton, set and costume design Elly Wdowski, orchestrations Jason Carr, projection design George Reeves, LX design Aaron Dootson and casting by Jane Deitch.

LISTINGS

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Hope Mill Theatre, Pollard Street, Manchester

Saturday 9^th May to Saturday 6^th June 2020

Clonter Opera Theatre, Trap Road, Congleton

Tuesday 9^th to Sunday 14^th June 2020

FRANTIC ASSEMBLY ANNOUNCE FULL CASTING FOR I THINK WE ARE ALONE

A Frantic Assembly and Theatre Royal Plymouth Production,
co-produced with Curve

Chizzy Akudolu, Charlotte Bate, Polly Frame, Caleb Roberts, Simone Saunders and Andrew Turner will star in the world premiere of I Think We Are Alone.

Frantic Assembly today announced the full casting for I Think We Are Alone, a major new play by Sally Abbott (The Coroner, Vera), co-directed by Kathy Burke (Lady Windermere’s Fan, The Retreat) and Scott Graham (Fatherland, Things I Know to be True). The work will premiere at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 3rd February and tour to venues including Theatre Royal Stratford East, The Lowry, Nuffield Southampton, Bristol Old Vic, and Leicester’s Curve in Spring 2020. The production sits at the centre of a year of programming celebrating 25 years of Frantic Assembly.

Chizzy Akudolu (Edmond De Bergerac, Holby City), Charlotte Bate (On The Other Hand We’re Happy, Daughterhood), Polly Frame (Solaris, After Edward & Edward II), Caleb Roberts (She Ventures and He Wins, Richard III), Simone Saunders (Hang, Jane Eyre) and Andrew Turner (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Coronation Street) will perform in this delicate and uplifting new play about our fragility, resilience and need for love and forgiveness.

Two sisters (Charlotte Bate & Polly Frame) are estranged and bicker over text. Their brittle and aggressive language is pushing them further apart when what they really want is to meet, clear the air and talk about the events that happened when they were young girls and haunt them still.

Josie (Chizzy Akudolu) is not allowing grief to get in the way. All of her focus is on what is best for her son, Manny (Caleb Roberts). She desperately wants him to fly but can she let him go?

There is a person shaped hole in Graham’s heart (Andrew Turner) and it is driving him to some dark places. When a stranger returns an act of kindness both find themselves opening up and connecting in a way that might just bring a bit of light in.

I Think We Are Alone is a bittersweet and funny take on our ache to connect with those voices we need to hear again, those arms we need to feel around us and those faces we need to see again. It is about letting go and holding on to what we love the most.

The production is designed by Morgan Large with lighting by Paul Keogan, sound by Ella Wahlstrom and casting by Will Burton.

Chizzy Akudolu’s theatre credits include Edmond De Bergerac (Birmingham Rep), The Rec Room (Triforce), and The Vagina Monologues (UK Tour).

Her television credits include Strictly Come Dancing (BBC), Hetty Feather Christmas (BBC), Death in Paradise (BBC), Shakespeare and Hathaway (BBC), Tracey Beaker Breaks the News (BBC), Sorry I didn’t know (Triforce), Holby City (BBC), Meet The Pranksters (Gallowgate), Silent Witness (BBC), Mongrels (BBC), Twenty Twelve (BBC), The Inbetweeners (Channel 4), Unzipped with Miranda Hart (BBC), and Scoop (CBBC)

Charlotte Bate trained at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her theatre credits include On The Other Hand We’re Happy,  Daughterhood and Dexter And Winter’s Detective Agency (Paines Plough/Theatre Royal Stratford East), Blackthorn (West Yorkshire Playhouse And Edinburgh Festival), The Rivals (The Watermill Theatre), King Lear (The Orange Tree Theatre), Watership Down (The Watermill Theatre) and Romeo And Juliet (Sheffield Crucible).

Charlotte’s television credits include Casualty (BBC), White House Farm (ITV) and Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams (Channel 4).

Polly Frame trained at Bristol University.

Her theatre credits include Solaris (Edinburgh Lyceum/ Lyric Hammersmith), Sometimes Thinking (Frantic Assembly), After Edward and Edward II (Globe Theatre), Thick as Thieves (Clean Break Theatre), On The Exhale Fringe First Winner (Traverse Theatre), Jekyll & Hyde (English Touring Consortium), A Short History Of Tractors In Ukrainian (Hull Truck), Frankenstein & Hedda Gabler (Northern Stage), Henry V (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Odyssey (English Touring Theatre), Mermaid (Shared Experience), Arcadia (Tobacco Factory), Twelfth Night (Filter Theatre), Pastoral (Soho Theatre), After Miss Julie (Young Vic), The Crossing 66 Books (Bush Theatre), The Comedy Of Errors (Stafford Shakespeare Festival), Earthquakes in London (RNT), The Count of Monte Cristo (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Macbeth (Chichester, West End & Broadway), A Response to Twelfth Night (Filter), Cleansed (Arcola)

Polly’s television credits include Doctors (BBC), Casualty (BBC), Man Down (Channel 4), The Tunnel (Kudos Film & Canal), Coronation Street (ITV), Holby City (BBC), The Curse of the Hope Diamond (Blink Films), Silent Witness (BBC), EastEnders (BBC), Bunny Town (BBC 2 Thumbs Up / Disney), Sea of Souls (Carnival Films / BBC), Accused (BBC), Life Begins (ITV), New Tricks (Wall to Wall), Meet the Magoons (Channel 4), The Giblets (ITV), Servants (BBC) and her film credits include Macbeth (Illuminations), Half Light (Half-Light Productions), Duplicity (Galleon Films).   

Caleb Robert’s theatre credits include She Ventures and He Wins (The Young Vic), Richard III (Headlong), Double Dealer (Orange Tree), King Lear (West End/Chichester Festival).

His television credits include A Very English Scandal (BBC).

Simone Saunders’ theatre credits include Hang (Sheffield Crucible); Chicken Soup (Sheffield Crucible); Darkness Darkness (Nottingham Playhouse); Jane Eyre (National Theatre); American Trade, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, The Grain Store, The Winter’s Tale, Julius Caesar (Royal Shakespeare Company); Carnival (Talawa Theatre Company); The Red Ladies (National Theatre).

Her television credits include Doctors (BBC) and Casualty (BBC).

Andrew Turner’s theatre credits include Connection (Harrogate), Dancehall (Cast Doncaster), Cat in the Rain, Dumb Waiter (Chief Theatre Company), Twelfth Night (Northampton Royal), The White Album, Sam’s Game (Nottingham Playhouse), Fields of Gold (Stephen Joseph Theatre), The Dark (Donmar) and Bintou (Arcola).

His television credits include Father Brown (BBC), Mount Pleasant (Sky), The Musketeers (BBC), Coronation Street (ITV), Doctors (BBC), Bad Debt (Peter Bullock Productions), Holby City (BBC), Blue Murder (Granada), Casualty (BBC), Snuff Box (BBC), The Somme (Darlow Smithson), Waking the Dead (BBC), and Dalziel and Pascoe (BBC).

Andrew’s film credits include Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (Warner Bros) and Is Anybody There? (BBC Films)

LISTINGS

Frantic Assembly and Theatre Royal Plymouth Production, co-produced with Curve
I THINK WE ARE ALONE

I THINK WE ARE ALONE
By Sally Abbott
Co-directed by Kathy Burke and Scott Graham
Designer – Morgan Large
Lighting Designer – Paul Keogan
Sound Designer – Ella Wahlstrom
Casting Director – Will Burton

Josie – Chizzy Akudolu
Ange – Charlotte Bate
Clare – Polly Frame
Manny – Caleb Roberts
Bex – Simone Saunders
Graham – Andrew Turner

03 – 8 Feb 2020 Theatre Royal Plymouth
11 – 15 Feb 2020 Liverpool Playhouse
17 – 21 Feb 2020 King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
25 Feb – 21 Mar 2020 Theatre Royal Stratford East
24 – 28 Mar 2020 Curve Theatre, Leicester
31 Mar – 4 Apr 2020 Nuffield Southampton Theatres
14 – 18 Apr 2020 Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
21-25 Apr 2020 Northern Stage, Newcastle
28 Apr – 02 May 2020 Bristol Old Vic
04 – 09 May 2020 Oxford Playhouse
12 – 16 May 2020 The Lowry, Salford

www.franticassembly.co.uk
@franticassembly

SOMETHING ABOUT SIMON SPECIALLY SELECTED TO

PLAY ‘THE BEST OF ALL FESTS’ SHOWCASE IN NYC

Show invited to swap the Liver Birds of Liverpool

for the Big Apple of New York in festival competition

Liverpool production Something About Simon has been specially selected to play in a prestigious New York showcase in December following its runaway success at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Something About Simon celebrates the life and musical talent of legendary American singer songwriter Paul Simon.

The show has beencreated by Liverpool singer songwriter Gary Edward Jones, along with theatre producer Bill Elms and musician Jon Fellowes, who have spent three years crafting the one-man show, which Gary describes as a “real labour of love”.

Now Something About Simon – Paul Simon, A Musician’s Tribute is swapping the Liver Birds of Liverpool for the Big Apple of New York – after being hand-picked as one of the best shows from the Edinburgh Festival 2019.

Something About Simon will play six shows at the Fringe Encore Series at SoHo Playhouse between Wednesday 4 December and Saturday 14 December 2019.

Dubbed ‘the best of all fests’, the Fringe Encore Series scours the very best performance festivals across the world to find the very best shows and talent out on the global stage. Before bringing them together in one place – the iconic Soho Playhouse – to compete to win a residency.

The show chosen as the Outstanding Production Of The Year at the Fringe Encore Series 2019 will win a full Off Broadway run in New York City.

Something About Simon was premiered in Liverpool, where it enjoyed a successful two-night pilot run at the Epstein Theatre in Autumn 2018. Initially promoted as one performance, a second date was added due to popular demand. The show received 5-star reviews, wowing audiences and critics alike – and the Edinburgh Festival beckoned.

During its run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2019, Something About Simon was specially selected to take part in the Fringe Encore Series – giving the show and its creative team the opportunity to perform on an international platform alongside the very best festival acts from across the world.

Edinburgh Fringe has also opened up other doors, with the show also being invited to play two performances at the Out To Lunch Festival in Belfast on Tuesday 7 January 2020.

Other places to see Something About Simon include Denbigh (Saturday 30 November 2019); followed by 2020 dates at Milford Haven (Saturday 25 January), Crewe (Tuesday 4 February), Poole (Saturday 15 February), Liverpool (Saturday 22 February), and Lochgelly (Saturday 29 February). More details will be announced shortly.

Gary, who bears a strong resemblance to Paul Simon, has spent countless hours researching the musical legend and studying his lyrics, music and life to gain a real insight into the man behind the music. A natural storyteller, Gary tells the unique story of one of his idols, combining visuals, stage design, storytelling and, of course, that iconic music and incredible songs.

Weaving together songs and stories that cross the Atlantic from New Jersey to the North West of England, Gary traces the sometimes-poignant moments in Paul Simon’s life and career that occasionally mirror his own – all delivered perfectly with his warm Liverpudlian charm and charisma.

Music highlights include classic ballads like The Sound of Silence, America, Kathy’s Song and Bridge Over Troubled Waters, to the more upbeat Me And Julio, 50 Ways To Leave Your Loverand Wristband.

With a heritage of half Maltese and half Liverpudlian, Gary’s musical journey began aged just 11 when he picked up his brother’s guitar. And he’s never looked back. Whilst studying woodcarving and cabinet making at college, he still pursued his love of music and began to find his own style, inspired by early Motown, blues and folk.

Something About Simon is brought to audiences by producers Bill Elms, Jon Fellowes and Gary Edward Jones of Something About Productions, with artistic direction by Gareth Tudor Price.

Gary Edward Jones commented: “This is a huge coup for Something About Simon. Not only has the show been named as one of the best shows from Edinburgh Festival 2019, but to be specially invited to perform at the Fringe Encore Series in New York with a chance of winning a New York residency, well this is what dreams are made of – the team are on cloud nine.

“Something About Simon has become a real labour of love. And now to have the opportunity to share our show with audiences in New York alongside other shows top festival shows from across the world is nothing short of incredible. We could never have imagined where this journey could take us – but like always, we’ll put heart and soul into the show.”

Paul Simon is a name that has cemented itself into the “hearts and bones” of audiences all over the world, resulting in a phenomenal career that has spanned more than seven decades. And now a new show is shining the spotlight on the illustrious career of a music icon. He began his career as one half of globally successful duo Simon and Garfunkel. He has gone on to enjoy an incredible solo career, which includes 13 multi-million selling albums and 16 Grammys among countless other awards and accolades.

Something About Simon is not a tribute show as we know it. It is one musician authentically honouring the music of another, utilising all the tools at his disposal.

FOLLOW:

Web:               www.somethingaboutsimon.com

Facebook:       /somethingaboutsimonconcerts

Twitter:           @SimonAbout

Instagram:      @SomethingAboutSimon

NEW YORK LISTING INFORMATION

SOHO PLAYHOUSE, NEW YORK CITY

Wednesday 4 December to Saturday 14 December 2019

www.sohoplayhouse.com

https://fringeencoreseries.com/

SOMETHING ABOUT SIMON TOUR DATES

DENBIGH

Theatr Twm O’R Nant

Saturday 30 November 2019

https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Llandudno/Theatr-Twm-O%27r-Nant-/Something-About-Simon—The-Paul-Simon-Story/13631231/

BELFAST

Out To Lunch Festival

Tuesday 7 January 2020

https://cqaf.ticketsolve.com/shows/873612355

MILFORD HAVEN

Torch Theatre

Saturday 25 January 2020

https://www.torchtheatre.co.uk/something-about-simon-the-paul-simon-story/

CREWE

Lyceum Theatre

Tuesday 4 February 2020

https://crewelyceum.co.uk/Online/tickets-something-about-simon-crewe-2019

POOLE

Lighthouse

Saturday 15 February 2020

https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2020/something-about-simon/

LIVERPOOL

Epstein Theatre

Saturday 22 February 2020

https://www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk/events/something-about-simon-the-paul-simon-story/

LOCHGELLY

Fife

Saturday 29 February 2020

https://onfife.com/theatres

Immersive LDN – until May 2020

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

5*****

Director Alexander Wright and his creatives have produced an immersible experience like no other! It’s the longest running immersive experience for very good reason. Go dressed up and prepared to join in. Become part of the 1920’s jazz age and enjoy the hospitality of J Gatsby himself!

A multi talented cast that can sing, dance and shed a tear in the right places are combined with an immense building with intricately staged 1920’s sets. A wide open party space for the main scenes and to get everyone doing the Charleston, complemented by intimate rooms for those heart to heart scenes, including a game of truth or dare and charades! It was impressive that whilst amongst the hubbub the players were able to dig so deep, delivering their lines with power, passion and tenderness. Nick’s (James Carraway) soliloquy’s stopped the audience in their tracks, providing narrative to the main story line. Daisy (Lucinda Turner) connected with you making you part of the story, particularly in the dressing room. George’s (Tendai Humphrey Sitima) song of mourning touched your very soul. My favourite scene is the tea date set up by Nick (Carraway) to get Gatsby (Oliver Towse) and Daisy (Turner) alone together. Intense, funny and beautifully done.

I loved every minute of it. F.Scott Fitzgerald’s familiar story has been done justice by The Company.

Yvonne Arnaud – until 9November 2019

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

5*****

Rona Munro has written an epic adaptation of Shelley’s novel, bringing all the angst and tumultuous emotions of the era to life. You can feel the challenge laid down by Shelley’s friend and fellow writer Byron to write the scariest story, burnt into the lines as they are delivered. In 1816 the emergence of science was growing fast and daring to question the very existence of god. Munro has captured this atmosphere through the author narrator role of Mary Shelley herself.

Eilidh Loan’s (Mary Shelley) debut performance as a professional actress is outstanding. Every emotion and movement is perfectly timed, delivering a quirky, passionate and headstrong Mary Shelley. The creative process of writing, with faltering starts and stops, romantic interludes, alongside fervent, rapid periods, is all unfolding in the performance as it hits the page, seamlessly woven into her narration. The mirroring of lines and movement between Loan (Shelley) and Ben Castle Gibb (Frankenstein) flowed like liquid, enabling her imagination to jump quickly from mind to page to stage. Castle Gibb (Frankenstein) gave an earnest performance that complemented Loan (Shelley) well. Throw in The Monster (Michael Moreland), with moments of childlike hope and yearning and then hurt and revenge, the pain was palpable.

Director Patricia Benecke and The Creatives have worked some real magic together, combining atmospheric lighting, barren trees, blank white walls and smoke to great effect. A true horror production set that enhances the menacing presence of the cast, particularly in their moments of eerie stillness. We jumped out of our skins on more than one occasion!

If you love a fright night with a classic tale told in a unique style, come and watch Eilidh Loan as Mary Shelley in Frankenstein – I would definitely go again!

York Theatre Royal – until 9 November 2019

Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

5*****

Depression has become a thing we talk a lot about in today’s society. Proper conversations on what depression is, and how it can affect anyone. Reasons to Stay Alive is the memoirs of the author Matt Haig and his own personal experiences with mental health issues which was published in 2015. English Touring Theatre have brought the number one bestseller to stage, with just a cast of six actors we delve into both the novel and how it helped people.

Starting in Ibiza, the land of modern day hedonism, we watch younger Matt (Mike Noble) party and suddenly delve into a major depressive episode. This show does not mess around, we are jumping straight into suicide. As Older Matt (Phil Cheadle) explores his past we have a contrast between him and his past self. This highlights how depression takes away any vision of tomorrow beautifully, Cheadle seems to be at peace with his depression and aims to educate both Noble and the audience on how he deals with life. Matts Journey wasn’t alone he had his girlfriend Andrea (Janet Etuk) by his side, the relationship between the two is great to watch on stage as we watch how she supports him and just simply is there for him.  Etuk creates a kind welcoming character that people in the audience can relate to, we all know someone who at one point struggles with mental illness. I think everyone in the audience can relate to at least one character, whether it be Matt or those around him. There’s also his parents in the play, Mum (Connie Walker) and Dad (Chris Donnelly), also the actress Dilek Rose who plays multiple characters. There are moments in the play where signs will be held up which may read ‘lies depression tell you’ and the whole cast will talk about things to the audience, this works so well in drawing the audience in and making them aware of their own thoughts on depression. I loved how the cast brought all of the issues to the table but didn’t make things tragic.

The stage wasn’t filled with a busy set but instead had three sections that make up a sphere. Inside this white sphere are spikes which really stands out as intimidating, to me the set looks like a brain and the spikes were what depression is visualised as. The set moved, it was climbed and used in a fair few ways. I loved the simplicity of the set as it doesn’t draw away from the main topic of the play.

The play is great for opening up the conversation on depression, and making sure it’s not a taboo subject. Reasons to Stay Alive is a thought provoking play that is beautifully put together. Obviously this isn’t really suitable for younger audience as it has scenes of attempted suicide, however I would say it is suitable for those who are 16+. I loved watching it and was expecting to cry at the end, but not once did I find that the play burdened me with crying. The play is touring across the UK and is at York Theatre Royal until the 9th of November.

‘DEAR DIARY, DID YOU HEAR?’

LAUNCHING SPRING 2020

INITIAL TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED FOR

THE RECORD-BREAKING SMASH HIT

BY LAURENCE O’KEEFE & KEVIN MURPHY

BEST NEW MUSICAL – WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS 2019

****

Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Metro, Daily Express,

The Stage, Attitude, The Arts Desk, Broadway World

In the immortal words of Heather Chandler, ‘Honey whatcha waitin’ for?’… The first venues have been announced for the highly anticipated 2020 UK tour of Heathers the Musical (WhatsOnStage 2019 award for BEST NEW MUSICAL). 

Following two record-breaking seasons at London’s The Other Palace and West End transfer to the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2018, Heathers the Musical, the sassiest show around, will be touring to Brighton, Liverpool, Cardiff, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Milton Keynes, Sunderland, Bristol and Wimbledon, with further dates and venues to be announced in due course.

Produced by Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor-Mills, this high-octane, black comedy, rock musical based on one of the greatest cult teen films of all time, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, is back with a bang!

Greetings and salutations!

Welcome to Westerberg High, where Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day.

But when she’s unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true.

Until JD turns up, the mysterious teen rebel who teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder to be a somebody.

The award-winning writing team, Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy’s hit musical adaptation has enjoyed successful runs in Los Angeles and New York, and its West End premiere saw it become the highest grossing show at The Other Palace. It subsequently had spectacular success on transferring to the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

The musical is directed by acclaimed American screen and stage director Andy Fickman, with choreography by Thriller Live’s Gary Lloyd, design by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Dan Samson.

The 2020 Class of Westerberg High will be announced shortly…

LISTINGS

BILL KENWRIGHT & PAUL TAYLOR-MILLS PRESENT

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL

2020 UK TOUR

By Laurence O’Keefe & Kevin Murphy

Directed by Andy Fickman

Choreography by Gary Lloyd

Design by David Shields

Lighting by Ben Cracknell

Sound by Dan Samson

Running Time: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes including interval

Calling all #CornNuts – Be the first to hear the latest Heathers the Musical gossip and further details on dates, venues and on-sales by following us on the following:

Website: www.kenwright.com

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram:

@BKL_Productions

@HeathersMusical

#HowVery

DATES & VENUES

Brighton Theatre Royal                                             www.atgtickets.com/brighton

Tuesday 26 May – Saturday 30 May                           0844 871 7650

Liverpool Empire Theatre                                         www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

Tuesday 9 June – Saturday 13 June                            0844 871 3017

Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre                             www.wmc.org.uk

Tuesday 16 June – Saturday 20 June                          029 2063 6464

Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                                          www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Tuesday 23 June – Saturday 27 June                          0114 249 6000

Edinburgh Playhouse                                                 www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh

Tuesday 7 July – Saturday 11 July                               0844 871 3014

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

Tuesday 14 July – Saturday 18 July                             0844 871 7652

Sunderland Empire                                                    www.atgtickets.com/sunderland

Tuesday 21 July – Saturday 25 July                             0844 871 3022

Bristol Hippodrome                                                   www.atgtickets.com/bristol

Tuesday 28 July – Saturday 1 August                         0844 871 3012

Wimbledon New Theatre                                          www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon

Tuesday 22 September – Saturday 26 September     0844 871 7646

Further dates and venues to be announced in due course.

THE WEEKEND IS LANDING!

A LOST WEEKEND PRESENTS

 ‘HUMAN TRAFFIC LIVE’

A BRAND NEW, MULTI LAYERED IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE COMING TO LONDON

Award-winning producers have secured full rights to seminal, British cult classic film

 Human Traffic

There are four layers of the event structure:

–        90s culture exhibition

–       Themed indoor street food & bar pop-up

–       Live immersive theatrical performance

–       Party / Club experience

Running for 3 weeks at London’s Printworks from 22 May -13 June 2020

A Lost Weekend presents: Human Traffic Live

Printworks, London

SE16 7PJ

Website: https://www.alostweekend.com/

Twenty years on from the 1999 cult classic, a brand-new immersive adaptation of Human Traffic is coming to London from May 2020. A four-tiered, multi-sensory experience comprised of a 90s culture exhibition, themed indoor street food & bar pop-up, immersive theatrical live performance and fully programmed post-show party, this is a true celebration of British 90s culture. Nice one, Bruva!

With 18 shows running between 22 May – 13 June at the 5,000-capacity venue London’s Printworks, this multi-faceted show takes ticket holders on a journey through this much-loved film that is still hugely relevant today. Amidst Brexit, political unrest and a global climate crisis, there is an overwhelming need for expressionism, hedonism and escapism – all the things that Human Traffic Live aims to embody.

Curated by a team of established names within the music, theatre & live event sectors, CEO & Founder Deborah Parsons explains: “Human Traffic exhibits the realism of not only 1990s British youth culture but aims to pull that thread all the way through to 2020. The film created a clear picture of a standard weekend of that time, it was a standard weekend of my time. Even since the film’s first release, it continues to spark yearning feelings for those that lived through the era as well as inspiring a modern-day band of professional party people and entertainment seekers. It is also just simply very funny, and we all need a good time right now, and that is what we promise on a night spent with us at A Lost Weekend. We wanted to create Human Traffic Live to provide a truly never-been-felt-before experience. It’s a treat, you simply arrive, you have to prepare nothing, think of nothing, we have done all of that for you; you arrive to let go and get lost in the experience. Come join us!”

Committed to producing a truly unique show with immense production values, the producers Philip Burgin, Julian Stoneman along with Deborah Parsons have appointed Kim Gavin as Artistic Director of the Human Traffic Live show. Kim is widely known for his portfolio of works, including Creative Director of the closing ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games & opening and closing of London 2012 Paralympic Games. Kim has also been Take That’s Creative Director for all arena concepts for the past three decades. Kim has invited the global phenomenon that is Joe Crossley to join his team. Joe, a TED talk regular on digital art forms, has been selected as Digital Art Director following his iconic work as Digital Art Director for Burning Man festival and Arcadia’s Pangea at Glastonbury.

Music is the pulse of the project and features heavily in both the live show and the party. Each night of the week sees a different music genre: Wednesday’s House & Garage Orchestras, Thursday bands, Friday – Sunday and one Bank Holiday Monday DJ headline talent.

Perfecto Records founder and superstar DJ Paul Oakenfold, is confirmed as headlining the closing date 13 June 2020. “It will be a thrill to play the close of this series next June,” adds Oakenfold. “This will be my only summer date for 2020 so I am personally curating the whole line-up. This will be one hell of a show.”

Subculture personality Ron Elliston sits as trusted consultant to the production. Nick Stevenson, Managing Director of Wasted Talent (Mixmag – Kerrang! – The Face), has also been supporting the production as a consultant since its early planning stages. Alon Shulman, author of the ‘The Second Summer of Love: How Dance Music Took Over the World’, is acting as special advisor to the production.

Further details are still to be revealed, with major talent announcements to come later this month.

This show ‘will turn Hare Krishna into a bad-boy’!

FOUR WEEKS UNTIL CINDERELLA
HAS A BALL AT THE EPSTEIN THEATRE

Emmerdale’s Sammy Winward Heads All-Star Cast

There are just four weeks left until Epstein Entertainments’ debut panto, Cinderella arrives at The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool from Friday 6 December to Sunday 5 January 2020.

Emmerdale’s Sammy Winward leads the star-studded cast as Cinderella, the beautiful girl reduced to a life of servitude by her villainous, ugly stepsisters – played by Benidorm’s Crissy Rock and Brookside’s Sarah White. 

Cinderella’s life may be about to change when an invitation to a grand ball at the palace arrives – but not if her two siblings have their way.  Helping to thwart their wicked plans are Cinderella’s good friend Buttons, played by the hilarious Lewis Devine, and the Good Fairy, played by Samantha Palin. 

Shameless’ Warren Donnelly as Dandini and Andrew Geater as Prince Charming complete the star line-up – with Andrew coming fresh from his role as the Pharoah in the UK touring version of Bill Kenwright’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Producer Chantelle Nolan said: “We can’t wait to bring spectacular debut panto to Liverpool.  We’ve got a truly magical tale, featuring an awesome, interactive 3D scenethat will make the action jump off the stage.  We can promise a festive extravaganza and promise our audiences that you are guaranteed to have a ball!”

Will Cinderella become the belle of the ball? Will she meet the handsome prince and what will happen at the stroke of midnight?  Expect enchanted pumpkins, glass slippers, a sparkling fairy-tale carriage.  Epstein Entertainments’ version of this classic tale has something for the whole family.

Be sure to book your tickets early and you shall go to the ball!

LISTING INFORMATION

Cinderella

Date: Fri 6 Dec ’19 – Sun 5 Jan ‘20
Time: Various Times

Tickets: From £11

To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk * or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 12pm – 6pm, Monday – Saturday.

*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy

For more details check out www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk and join our mailing list. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre and twitter @EpsteinTheatre.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK IS LOOKING FOR SOME BUSKERS!

Win a chance to play in the bars of the Grand Opera House York during the run of ONCE The Musical in February 2020.  ONCE is an uplifting story of a part-time Dublin guitarist busker.

To enter, simply video yourself busking a song from the musical ‘Once’ and Post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, tag the Grand Opera

House and use hashtag #BuskOnceYork.  Three fabulous buskers (soloists or bands) will be selected to entertain our audience during the week. There will also be a cash prize for the winners.

Closing date: Friday 13 December 2019

Once comes to York on Monday 3 February 2020 and runs until Saturday 8 February 2020, tickets from £13 from box office on 0844 871 3024  or online at www.atgtickets.com/York