Month: December 2019

‘DEAR DIARY, DID YOU HEAR?’

THE RECORD-BREAKING SMASH HIT

IS COMING TO MANCHESTER

****

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 highly anticipated 2020 UK tour of Heathers the Musical (WhatsOnStage 2019 award for BEST NEW MUSICAL) is heading to Manchester’s Palace Theatre from 6-10 October 2020. 

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…

DIRECTED BY

CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD 2020/2021 UK & IRELAND TOUR

Baz Luhrmann’s smash hit musical Strictly Ballroom is set to sweep audiences off their feet once more with the announcement of the new 2020/2021 tour, directed by dancer, choreographer and Britain’s favourite TV judge; the fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood. Foxtrotting around the UK and Ireland from September next year, the show is based on the award-winning, global film phenomenon, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ that inspired the world to dance.

This all-singing, all-dancing and all-glittering nine-month tour will see the show dazzle audiences all over the UK & Ireland in Nottingham, Wolverhampton, Hull, Milton Keynes, Sunderland, Bristol, Bromley, Edinburgh, York, Salford, Guildford, Northampton, Southend, Llandudno, Aylesbury, Darlington, Wimbledon, Bournemouth, Derry, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Canterbury, Birmingham, Plymouth, Blackpool, Bradford, Southampton, Ipswich and Reading. Casting announcements will be made in the coming months.

Featuring a show-stopping book by Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce, and bringing together a sublime cast of over 20 world class performers, Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time with dynamic and joyous verve. This tour will also feature some amazing new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect. The show’s scintillating singing, dazzling dancing and eye-popping costumes will combine together to bring audiences a story of heart, comedy and drama, and promises to be an unforgettable night under the glitter ball.

Craig Revel Horwood said: “I am absolutely delighted to be directing the 2020/21 UK tour of Strictly Ballroom The Musical – it’s going to be fab-u-lous! The theatre is where I come alive and it is there that I feel in my most creative element. Having directed the UK Arena Tour of Strictly Come Dancing for the past few years, I simply cannot wait to put my stamp on this iconic and much-loved musical. Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening!”

Strictly Ballroom The Musical tells the beguiling story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer. When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran, a beginner with no moves at all. Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom…

This uplifting and courageous musical originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann devised with a group of classmates at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1984. Eight years later he made his screen directorial debut with ‘Strictly Ballroom’, the first instalment in Luhrmann’s acclaimed Red Curtain Trilogy. The vibrant film enjoyed staggering success, winning three awards at the 1993 BAFTA awards and a 1994 Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture, going on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time, earning more than $80 million at the box office. In April 2014 Strictly Ballroom The Musical had its world premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.

Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical is a fabulous, feel-good evening full of sequins, singing and salsa. This unmissable kaleidoscope of glitz and glamour is a tonic for the soul and will send your heart soaring and toes tapping long after you leave the theatre!

2020 Tour Dates

26/09/2020 – 03/10/2020 Nottingham Theatre Royal

05/10/2020 – 10/10/2020 Wolverhampton Grand

12/10/2020 – 17/10/2020 Hull New Theatre

19/10/2020 – 24/10/2020 Milton Keynes Theatre

26/10/2020 – 31/11/2020 Sunderland Empire

02/11/2020 – 07/11/2020 Bristol Hippodrome

09/11/2020 – 14/11/2020 Bromley Churchill Theatre

16/11/2020 – 21/11/2020 Edinburgh Playhouse

23/11/2020 – 28/11/2020 York Grand Opera House

30/11/2020 – 05/12/2020 Salford The Lowry

21/12/2020 – 02/01/2021 Guildford G Live

2021 Tour Dates

04/01/2021 – 09/01/2021 Northampton Royal & Derngate

11/01/2021 – 16/01/2021 Southend Cliffs Pavilion

25/01/2021 – 30/01/2021 Llandudno Venue Cymru

01/02/2021 – 06/02/2021 Aylesbury Waterside

08/02/2021 – 13/02/2021 Darlington Hippodrome

22/02/2021 – 27/02/2021 Wimbledon New Theatre

01/03/2021 – 06/03/2021 Bournemouth Pavilion

15/03/2021 – 20/03/2021 Derry Millennium Forum Theatre

05/04/2021 – 10/04/2021 Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre

19/04/2021 – 24/04/2021 Glasgow Kings Theatre

26/04/2021 – 01/05/2021 Liverpool Empire

03/05/2021 – 08/05/2021 Canterbury Marlowe

10/05/2021 – 15/05/2021 Birmingham Hippodrome

17/05/2021 – 22/05/2021 Plymouth Theatre Royal

24/05/2021 – 29/05/2021 Blackpool Opera House

31/05/2021 – 05/05/2021 Bradford The Alhambra Theatre

07/06/2021 – 12/06/2021 Southampton Mayflower

14/06/2021 – 19/06/2021 Ipswich Regent

21/06/2021 – 26/06/2021 Reading The Hexagon

Listings information:

Website: strictlyballroomtour.co.uk

Instagram: @strictlyballroomtouruk

Facebook: @strictlyballroomtouruk

Twitter: @sbtourUK

Tickets and further dates will be going on sale throughout the coming months, please check with your local theatre for further information

Top London shows announced for Official London Theatre’s New Year Sale

Mastercard presale: 10am Friday 6 December

General sale: 10am Friday 13 December

Over 50 of London’s biggest theatre shows are welcoming in 2020 with Official London Theatre’s New Year Sale. Tickets are available at £10, £20, £30 or £40 for performances from 1 January to 13 February 2020, with no booking or postage fees.

Mastercard cardholders can buy tickets through priceless.com from 10am on Friday 6 December, and tickets go on general sale from 10am on Friday 13 December, via officiallondontheatre.com/new-year-sale.  

From comedies and musicals to opera, dance and drama, audiences can ‘Get Into London Theatre’ with New Year Sale tickets for many of the biggest shows in the West End and beyond, as part of one of the theatre industry’s longest-running audience development initiatives.

Theatregoers with access needs can submit ticket requests and access requirements before general booking, by visiting the Access page of the New Year Sale website between 10am on Monday 9 December and 6pm on Wednesday 11 December. The theatres will respond to access requests directly on 13 December.

Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, said:

‘London’s theatre productions are the best in the world, so it’s great news that Londoners and visitors can take advantage of these offers to see a fantastic stage show. From a star-studded musical to an inspirational dance performance, there is truly something for everyone interested in the theatre.’

The list of participating shows is available below and on the Official London Theatre website.

LIST OF PARTICIPATING SHOWS

& Juliet

9 To 5 The Musical

An Act Of God

Adam Kay: This Is Going To Hurt

Amélie The Musical

RSC: As You Like It

A Christmas Carol

Cinderella (Lyric Hammersmith)

Cinderella (The Vaults)

Circus 1903

Come From Away

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery

Coming Clean

Le Corsaire (English National Ballet)

Dick Whittington

English National Ballet 70th Anniversary Gala

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Fame

Faustus: That Damned Woman

The Gift

Girl From The North Country

Goldilocks And The Three Bears

Kunene And The King

Disney’s The Lion King

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

Mamma Mia!

Matilda The Musical

RSC: Measure For Measure

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The Mousetrap

Oi Frog & Friends!

Opera Undone: Tosca & La Bohème

The Play That Goes Wrong

Potted Panto

The Prince Of Egypt

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes

School Of Rock – The Musical

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

The Snow Queen (Park Theatre)

The Snow Queen (Rose Theatre Kingston)

The Snowman

RSC: The Taming Of The Shrew

A Taste Of Honey

Three Sisters

Thriller Live

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

Touching The Void

Uncle Vanya

The Visit

Waitress

The Welkin

Wicked

Witness For The Prosecution

The Woman In Black

The list of participating shows is correct at the time of going to press

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NEW ADVENTURES ANNOUNCES

MATTHEW BOURNE’S

NUTCRACKER !

MUSIC BY TCHAIKOVSKY

RETURNS FOR CHRISTMAS 2020

AT SADLER’S WELLS

AND A UK TOUR

New Adventures is delighted to announce that Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! returns to London for a limited Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells in December 2020.

Tickets go on sale at Sadler’s Wells on Monday 10 February 2020. Dates for Sadler’s Wells and the UK tour will be announced in January 2020.

The sweetest of all Matthew Bourne’s Christmas treats, it’s a Nutcracker! like no other. With family-sized helpings of Bourne’s trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy, Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a darkly comic Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland.

Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and Anthony Ward’s delectable sets and costumes combine with Bourne’s dazzling choreography to create a fresh and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the traditional Christmas favourite.  Expect a sprinkling of delicious new surprises in this refreshed production for 2020.

Matthew Bourne said today: “The long-awaited return of New Adventures Nutcracker! after 9 years, is certainly cause for celebration! My very first full-length production dates from 1992 and remains the most singular interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, back in 2020 to delight a new generation of theatre and dance fans. Featuring the extraordinary designs of Anthony Ward and a cast of beloved characters that are unique to this version of the classic Hoffmann tale. It’s time to say hello again to the yobby Gobstopper Boys, the cheeky Marshmallow Girls, the seductive Knickerbocker Glory and the flamenco stylings of The Liquorice Allsorts in the Kingdom of Sweetieland presided over by King Sherbert and Queen Candy! I’m thrilled to showcase a new generation of New Adventures stars in this now classic show that holds a very special place in our Company’s history and in the hearts of our audiences.”

Recipient of the 2019 Special Olivier Award, Sir Matthew Bourne and New Adventures have produced some of the most successful dance productions of the last two decades including Swan Lake, Cinderella, The Red Shoes, Edward Scissorhands and most recently his acclaimed re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet.

New Adventures is a national portfolio organisation supported using public funds by Arts Council England.

For more information please visit: www.new-adventures.net

Facebook /MBNewAdventures    Twitter @New_Adventures     Instagram @MBNewAdventures

Malvern Theatres – until 17 December 2019

Reviewed by Vanessa Gibson

5****

When Rachel Ashley (Helen George) travels to her late husband’s family home she is perhaps unprepared for judgements which have already been made about her. Philip Ashley (Jack Holden), nephew and heir, is convinced that Rachel is far from the grieving widow and may have caused the death of his beloved uncle overseas. Philip holds deep suspicions that Rachel has ulterior motives for visiting the family home, suspicions fuelled by letters he received from his uncle prior to his sudden death.

And so unfolds the mystery of Rachel. Beautifully played by Helen George, Rachel moves from being vulnerable and all you would expect of a grieving widow, to a woman who accepts a substantial allowance she has previously refused- but only after she imposes her own terms on it.
Jack Holden delivers an immaculate performance of a grieving nephew, making you question whether he is the played or the player. Views and emotions change as relationships build but with incredible characterisation from both leads throughout you find yourself questioning which aspect of Rachel and Philip is real. 

Of note is Andy Hawthorne as faithful servant Seecombe. Seecombe adds some local colour, with a Cornish accent and some well time quips which lighten some scenes. 

A combination of atmospheric set (Richard Kent), lighting (David Plater) and sound (Max Pappenheim) adds to the impact of this play. The stage offers the ability to perform not only at stage level but also high into curtain height, changing the perspectives of the audience. Sound and light beautifully capture the character of an old house over looking the sea, particularly poignant is the use of a gramophone providing a backdrop of music to an emotional scene.

Overall My Cousin Rachel oozes tension and is a ‘must see’ and is highly recommended.

MARK GOUCHER & LAURENCE MYERS PRESENT

THE RETURN OF THE SMASH HIT TONY AWARD WINNING BROADWAY & WEST END MUSICAL!

FEATURING 24 OF THE GREATEST ROCK’N’ROLL HITS OF ALL TIME

ELVIS PRESLEY   JOHNNY CASH   JERRY LEE LEWIS   CARL PERKINS

EMBARKS ON AN EXTENSIVE UK & IRELAND TOUR

OPENING MARCH 2020

THE STORY OF HOW FOUR STARS MADE ROCK’N’ROLL HISTORY

STARRING PETER DUNCAN

★★★★

The Daily Mail, The Independent, Daily Telegraph

Be prepared for a Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On… Back by popular demand following huge success on Broadway and the West End, the Tony Award winning musical Million Dollar Quartet returns to the UK and Ireland.

This worldwide smash hit musical, inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock‘n’roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time, will embark on an extensive tour of the UK and Ireland from March 2020.

Re-joining the production as the ‘Father of Rock’n’Roll’ Sam Phillips, is national treasure Peter Duncan. Following rave reviews for his performance in the musical’s 2017 UK tour, the Olivier Award nominee and former Blue Peter presenter returns to the stage in 2020.

Peter Duncan, said: “I’m delighted to be playing the role of Sam Phillips in the greatest rock’n’roll show ever and to be sharing the stage each night with four great performers as Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.”

Inspired by a true story, this award-winning musical opens at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre on Tuesday 10 March, before touring to Southend, Sunderland, Cambridge, Wimbledon, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Dublin, Nottingham, Aylesbury, Bromley, Plymouth, Cheltenham, Salisbury, Bradford and Wolverhampton.

Further casting will be announced shortly.

On December 4, 1956, history was made when these four star musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis, the studios of legendary record producer Sam Phillips, for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time.

Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary night to life, with its extraordinary story of broken promises, secrets, and the once-in-a-lifetime celebration of four acclaimed recording artists.

This poignant musical features a score of more than 24 legendary rock hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, That’s All Right, Sixteen Tones, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Who Do You Love?, Matchbox, Folsom Prison Blues and Hound Dog.

The stage production is written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, directed by Olivier nominated Ian Talbot OBE, and includes designs by David Farley, lighting by David Howe and sound by Ben Harrison. The UK tour is produced by Mark Goucher and Laurence Myers.

Don’t miss your chance to be a fly on the wall of fame and history, and join in the celebration of this red-hot rock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night!

DATES & VENUES

Southampton, Mayflower Theatre                                           mayflower.org.uk

10 Mar – 14 Mar 2020                                                                    02380 711811

Southend, Cliffs Pavilion                                                              southendtheatres.org.uk

16 Mar – 21 Mar 2020                                                                    01702 351135

Sunderland, Empire Theatre                                                       atgtickets.com/sunderland

25 Mar – 28 Mar 2020                                                                    0844 871 3022

Cambridge, Arts Theatre                                                              cambridgeartstheatre.com

31 Mar – 04 April 2020                                                                   01223 503333

Wimbledon, New Theatre                                                           atgtickets.com/wimbledon

07 April – 11 April 2020                                                                  0844 871 7646

Edinburgh, Festival Theatre                                                        capitaltheatres.com

14 April – 18 April 2020                                                                  0131 529 6000

Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre                                           wmc.org.uk

21 April – 25 April 2020                                                                 029 2063 6464

Dublin, Bord Gais Energy Theatre                                             bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

28 April – 02 May 2020                                                                  +353 (1) 677 7999

Nottingham, Theatre Royal                                                         trch.co.uk

12 May – 16 May 2020                                                                   0115 989 5555

Aylesbury, Waterside Theatre                                                   atgtickets.com/aylesbury

19 May – 23 May 2020                                                                   01296 745100

Bromley, Churchill Theatre                                                          churchilltheatre.co.uk

25 May – 30 May 2020                                                                   020 3285 6000

Plymouth, Theatre Royal                                                              theatreroyal.com

02 June – 06 June 2020                                                                  01752 267222

Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre                                                everymantheatre.org.uk

09 June – 13 June 2020                                                                  01242 572573

Salisbury, Playhouse Theatre                                                     wiltshirecreative.co.uk

16 June – 20 June 2020                                                                  01722 320 333

Bradford, Alhambra Theatre                                                       bradford-theatres.co.uk

24 June – 27 June 2020                                                                  01274 432000

Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre                                               grandtheatre.co.uk

30 June – 04 July 2020                                                                    01902 42 92 12

Further tour dates and venues will be announced in due course.

Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until 7 December 2019

Reviewed by Jo Gordon

5*****

Adapted to stage from the 2009 film, you really will not be disappointed by this production. It contains everything we love about the theatre during the festive period like sparkly costumes, faux snow, heroes and those to be booed at. Set in a Coventry primary school Mr Maddens (Scott Garnham) has been given the task of the school Nativity, a task which he does not revel in due to Christmas heartbreak and previous Nativity disasters but along comes the Teaching Assistant of dreams to save the day in the glorious form of Mr Poppy (Scott Paige).

From here on, hilarity ensues as the Nativity comes together alongside the developing Nativity at the rival snooty school which takes on a much darker but very funny slant on the festive season! With Mr Maddens connections with Hollywood it is rumoured there is going to be a visitor so everything that is loved about the annual production steps up 1000%. The old Coventry Cathedral as its backdrop, it turns into something special with added wow factor from a very brave Angel Gabriel dropping in from the spire on a 250ft death wire, 5 wise men in a boy band and the most beautiful star there has ever been.

The musical score is brilliant with songs taken from the film plus new ones for the stage production, they have that familiar christmassy feel about them but absolute comedy gold lyrically wise. Add the fantastically creative set to the mix and you are in for a cracker of a night as the glitter and fairylights of my wildest dreams shine and sparkle away lifting everyones spirits on a dark cold Decembers night.

The whole cast bought the house down but I believe that the standing ovation was especially for the talented and funny younger cast members that really made the production come alive as we remembered our own school Nativity’s with Mom’s best tea towels as shepherds head wear and ratty old tinsel draped mangers while we proudly belted out Little Donkey….and yes even at the age of 43 I’m still bitter I wasn’t Mary!

THE CAT’S OUT THE BAG…

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR DR SEUSS’S

MUCH-LOVED CLASSIC THE CAT IN THE HAT

THE TURBINE THEATRE’S FESTIVE FAMILY SHOW

RUNNING FROM 11 DECEMBER – 11 JANUARY

AND FINAL PERFORMANCES OF THE TURBINE THEATRE’S

DEBUT MUSICAL BASED ON THE BRITISH NOVEL BY NICK HORNBY

HIGH FIDELITY

THE MUSICAL COMEDY COMPLETES ITS SUCCESSFUL RUN ON

07 DECEMBER 2019

Jonathan Ray (The Cat), Grace Kelly Miller (Sally/Fish), Nick Brittain (The Boy/Thing One), and Matt Jay Ryan (Thing Two), will star in Katie Mitchell’s acclaimed stage adaptation of The Cat In The Hat, directed by Lillie Collier. Based on the much loved tale by Dr Seuss, the Turbine Theatre’s festival family show runs for a strictly limited Christmas season from 11 December – 11 January.

From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that the cat in the hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met.

With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mum find when she gets home?

The Cat In The Hat was first published in 1957 as Dr Seuss’s second book for children. It marked the transition of Theodor Seuss Geisel from successful advertising executive and political cartoonist, to world-famous illustrator and children’s author. The curious and intricate rhyming found in The Cat In The Hat is still adored decades later with over 250 million copies sold worldwide in more than 20 different languages. Katie Mitchell’sstageadaptation of The Cat In The Hat first played in the National Theatre’s Cottesloe Theatre in December 2009, before transferring to the Young Vic in 2010, and returning in a new staging at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Pleasance Theatre, Islington and subsequent UK tour in 2015.

***

Before The Cat arrives at the Turbine’s Battersea home, audiences have six performances left to catch the UK premiere of the irresistible new musical comedy High Fidelity. Based on the acclaimed British novel by Nick Hornby (State Of The Union/About A Boy/Fever Pitch), and directed and choreographed by Tom Jackson Greaves, the first musical to open at the new Battersea Power Station based theatre, completes its celebrated run on 7 December 2019.

Rob is the thirty-something owner of a London record shop who’s mastered the art of finding rare vinyl and losing girlfriends. Laura just dumped him, and Rob is totally moving on. Hopefully. Well, there’s a chance it could still work out!

Could Laura actually be “the one”? Might this turn out to be one of the Top 5 Most Romantic Comebacks Ever?!

Leading the incredibly talented ensemble cast is musical theatre star Oliver Ormson as vinyl shop owner, Rob. The rest of the cast includes: Carl Au (Dick), Robbie Durham (Barry), Rosie Fletcher (Anna), Joshua Dever (Neil Young/Bruce Springsteen), Shanay Holmes (Laura), Eleanor Kane (Marie), Jessica Lee (Ensemble), Bobbie Little (Liz), Lauran Rae (Ensemble) and Robert Tripolino(Ian).

High Fidelity is written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole), with music by Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), lyrics by Tony Award nominee Amanda Green (Bring It On), andbook and lyric adaptations by Vikki Stone.

***

The Cat In The Hat and High Fidelity form part of the Turbine Theatre’s inaugural season, which opened August 2019 with Harvey Fierstein’s ground breaking play, Torch Song, directed by Olivier Award winning director/choreographer, Drew McOnie. The theatre’s debut season continues into 2020 with Paul Taylor-Mill’s festival of new musical theatre writing, MTFestUK 2020, which runs from 3 – 15 February.

Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester launches ‘First Curtain’ scheme to help fund tickets for young people to the UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

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

Tickets Now On Sale

Tickets are now on sale forthe UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, running at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester in Spring 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.

To coincide with Cinderella tickets going on sale, Hope Mill Theatre is launching its new ‘First Curtain’ scheme. The scheme allows customers to purchase an additional ticket at checkout with the extra tickets purchased helping fund a first trip to the theatre for local young people. Hope Mill Theatre will be working with local primary schools and community groups within Greater Manchester to help welcome children of all ages to the show.

Joseph Houston, Artistic Director, said:“At Hope Mill Theatre we are passionate about making theatre accessible and instilling at a young age the magic, escapism and education which live theatre can offer – as well as nurturing theatregoers of the future.

“I recently visited a local primary school and spoke to many children who said that they loved acting and performing at school but had never actually seen a piece of live theatre – many families do not have spare funds to visit the theatre. We believe in the importance of young people feeling that arts are accessible and so wanted to help give some children the chance to have their first theatre experience in a smaller more intimate setting.

“Our ‘First Curtain’ scheme will allow us to work with schools within Greater Manchester as well as local community groups to fund trips to our production of Cinderella as well as running workshops.”  

Cinderella will be the first show staged at Hope Mill Theatre to have allocated seating – meaning early booking is advised.

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).

This 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 2013 Broadway version of the show has been performed in the UK.

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.”

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 Reeve, 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

To book visit: www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk

Clonter Opera Theatre, Trap Road, Congleton

Tuesday 9^th to Sunday 14^th June 2020

Old Red Lion Theatre – until 7 December 2019

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

3***

The Company’s Partnership with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust adds a unique dimension to this intense play, about trust and survival. Chekhov expressed his own thoughts about conservation through the character of Doctor Astroff (David Tudor). The cast cleverly reflects the complex social structure of the beehive, through the player’s relationships.

The entrance of the queen bee, Yelena (Ventia Twigg) is impactful and Twigg maintains her superior status throughout. The drones that succumb to her beauty, leaving them powerless to be productive, in their attempts to be near her, are Uncle Ivan Vanya (Matthew Houlihan) and Dr Mikhail Astroff (David Tudor). Tudor (Astroff) delivers a convincing intelligent suitor, desperately battling with his hate of rural life and lust for Yelena (Twigg). Houlihan (Uncle Vanya) manages to encapsulate the plight of the humble, the poor and the over worked, in a passionate, often tormented performance. Professor Alexandr (Jeremy Drakes), husband of Yelena, is the catalyst for Vanya’s (Houlihan) outbursts, oblivious to the privilege he has and pain he is inflicting. Foxey Hardman (Sonia) has a deliberate and measured delivery that captures the audience’s interest and support. The honesty of her character is often funny and refreshing at the same time.

The Creative’s give us clear signposts to the status of each character through their costumes. The set is well stripped back – maybe a little too far, leaving everything to your own imagination. However, the choreographed physical scenes speak a thousand words and are a key part of the performance.

Chekov would be pleased with the parallels with the natural world made by Venetia Twigg. A clever adaptation that sticks to the original story.