Month: February 2020

SARA BAREILLES AND GAVIN CREEL ANNOUNCED TO EXTEND PERFORMANCES IN

• GRAMMY AWARD WINNER SARA BAREILLES AND OLIVIER AND TONY AWARD WINNER GAVIN CREEL EXTEND THEIR CELEBRATED WEST END RUN AS JENNA AND DR POMATTER. THEY WILL NOW PLAY AN ADDITIONAL TWO WEEKS THROUGH TO 21 MARCH 2020

Waitress audiences have an additional chance to see 2020 Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles and Olivier and Tony Award-winning actor Gavin Creel as new performance dates have been added following a rapturous critical and public reception at the Adelphi Theatre. Sara Bareilles, who wrote the music and lyrics for Waitress, is making her West End debut in the lead role of Jenna with Gavin Creel as Dr Pomatter having previously performed together on the Broadway run.  They will be extending for a further two weeks, now appearing through to 21 March 2020.

Waitress celebrated its official opening night at the Adelphi Theatre on 7 March 2019 and the Tony-nominated musical is now booking until 4 July 2020. The show has also just announced a new UK and Ireland tour which will open in Dublin in November 2020.

Sara Bareilles first achieved mainstream critical praise in 2007 with her widely successful hit Love Song, which reached No. 1 in 22 countries around the world from her debut album Little Voice. Since then, Sara has gone on to receive seven Grammy® nominations, two Tony nominations and three Emmy nominations.  Her book, Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song, was released in the fall of 2015 by Simon & Schuster and is a New York Times bestseller. Making her Broadway debut, Sara composed the music and lyrics for Waitress, and made her Broadway acting debut in 2017 by stepping into the shows lead role.  Recently, Sara teamed up with Apple as an executive producer for Little Voice a 10-episode series, which she will create the original music for. On April 5, 2019 Sara released her fifth full-length and first album of original material since 2013, entitled Amidst The Chaos, to rave reviews.  For this latest body of work, she joined forces in the studio with legendary Academy® Award-winning producer T Bone Burnett.  As a result, the album spotlights her voice as a singer and storyteller like never before, while making an enduring statement. She recently completed her Amidst The Chaos North American tour.

Gavin Creel received a Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! starring Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce. He made his Broadway debut originating the role of Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie, for which he received his first Tony Award nomination. He has since created such memorable performances on Broadway as Claude in Hair, which earned him a second Tony Award nomination, Jean-Michel in La Cage Aux Folles, and Stephen Kodaly in the Roundabout Theater Company’s production of She Loves Me, which was filmed live and is available on BroadwayHD. No stranger to London audiences, Gavin most notably originated the role of Elder Price in the West End production of The Book of Mormon, for which he received the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He also starred as Bert in Disney’s Mary Poppins and reprised his performance as Claude in Hair. As well as starring opposite Sara Bareilles in the Broadway production of Waitress, his other stage credits include The Book of Mormon (on Broadway and originating the First National Tour), and the world premieres of Stephen Sondheim’s Bounce (at The Goodman Theatre and The Kennedy Center) and Prometheus Bound at A.R.T. On television, Gavin co-starred alongside Julie Andrews in ABC’s Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime. He has released three original albums GoodTimeNation, Quiet (which landed on Billboard’s Top Heat Seekers) and Get Out, and his single Noise raised money and awareness for marriage equality. Creel was a co-founder of Broadway Impact, the first and only grassroots organization to mobilize the nationwide theater community in support of marriage equality. A native of Findlay, Ohio, he is a proud graduate of University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance.

Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams her way out of a loveless marriage. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.

Brought to life by a ground breaking, female-led creative team, Waitress features an original score by seven-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland) and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The production is also currently touring the US and Canada and has announced an Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre with further productions to open in Holland next year and Japan in 2021.

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

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

WILL YOUNG ANNOUNCES

AUTUMN DATE AT STORYHOUSE

Show And Tell is singer’s first ever spoken word tour

Tickets go on sale 10am on Friday 21 February 2020

Will Young is a singer, BRIT winner, actor, and gay rights activist. He is also a writer, wellbeing speaker, and radio DJ.

On his first ever spoken word tour Show And Tell, which comes to Storyhouse this Autumn, he will talk about his life and experiences to fans.

Will Young’s Show And Tell Tour comes to Storyhouse for one night only on Sunday 20 September 2020. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 21 February 2020.

Will Young famously took on Simon Cowell on Pop Idol, holds the British record for the fastest-selling single by a male pop artist ever, and has sold more than eight million records. He has also won two BRIT Awards.

The show will cover a variety of topics, from the evolution of pop to gay rights, as well as Will’s funny moments during a unique and successful 18-year career. He will speak about numerous career highlights, from winning the first ever Pop Idol aged 22, to scoring four Number One albums and four Number One singles.

His tour in September and October will play nine venues across the country, and follows the publication of his new book, To Be A Gay Man.

Fans have the chance to meet Will before the show during a VIP Meet & Greet, places are limited. There will also be audience questions.

Will explained: “I’m really looking forward to this. It’ll be a funny show and I’ll be talking about my career as well as looking at mental health, gay rights and much, much more. It’s a spoken word show – there’s no music – and I’m excited to be following the publication of my new book with nine UK dates.”

The show follows the success of Will’s latest record, Lexicon. It follows his life from the age of four, through boarding school and university, to entering and winning the biggest talent competition ever seen, Pop Idol. He will reflect on a successful pop career, as well as talking about being one of the first openly gay pop stars.

The tour will start in Worthing on 12 September, before visiting Cheltenham, Bristol, Chester, Lincoln, Yarm, Porthcawl, Kingston-Upon-Thames, and Shrewsbury. 

Tickets for Will Young’s Show And Tell show are priced from £25. Each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee. A VIP Meet & Greet package is also available.

LISTING INFORMATION

WILL YOUNG – SHOW AND TELL

Sunday 20 September 2020

Tickets from £25 – each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee

STORYHOUSE

Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

HOW TO BOOK

Online:            Visit www.storyhouse.com

By Phone:       Call 01244 409 113

In person:       Visit the Ticket Kiosks at Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

Website:         www.storyhouse.com

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/storyhouselive/

Twitter:           @StoryhouseLive

THE NAVY LARK SAILS INTO LIVERPOOL

CLASSIC BBC RADIO COMEDY SET FOR STAGE REVIVAL

The first ever stage version of the classic BBC radio comedy The Navy Lark sails into Liverpool to moor at The Epstein Theatre at 7.30pm on Monday 16 Match 2020, starring Dead Ringers impersonator and Band of Brothers actor James Hurn.

The BBC sitcom, which originally starred Ronnie Barker, Jon Pertwee, Leslie Phillips, Dennis Price and Stephen Murray ran for 244 episodes between 1959 and 1977.

James whose CV also includes BBC Radio 4’s Looking for Oil Drum Lane and BBC1 drama Doctors can’t wait to take part in the production.  The Crown performer Richard Usher and Mark Earby, who appeared in West End play, Stones in His Pockets join James to re-create three classic episodes of the series.

Actor James Hurn said: “I am very excited to be part of this tour as I grew up listening to shows such as The Navy Lark and I am fulfilling one of the items on my bucket list by portraying wonderful actors like Leslie Phillips and Jon Pertwee.”

Other venues on the tour include Romford’s Brookside Theatre, Maidstone’s Hazlitt Theatre, Birmingham’s The Old Rep and London’s Museum of Comedy.

The Navy Lark takes place at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre at 7.30pm on March 16. More details are at jameshurn.com

LISTING INFORMATION

The Navy Lark
Date: Mon 16 March 2020
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: Adults £21, Concessions £19

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.

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.

The Swan Theatre, RSC – until 21 March 2020

Reviewed by Megan Raynor

4****

The RSC presents ‘The Whip’- a brand new play by Juliet Gilkes Romero, directed by Kimberley Sykes. The play set in the early 19th century, deals with the political turmoil surrounding the abolishment of the slave trade but is so much more than just a history lesson on stage. The play places us in the heart of a corrupt political system in which the white man’s need for status and power manifests in questionable and immoral decisions. The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 promised freedom and hope but ‘The Whip’ explores at what cost.

The play largely centres on Alexander Boyd (Richard Clothier), the chief Whip, and his political and moral struggle to push the abolition bill through parliament. A man seemingly with his heart in the right place is forced to put his beliefs and relationships at risk. In particular his relationship with Edmund (Corey Montague-Sholay), a former slave, taken under Boyd’s wing with the hope of a blossoming career in politics. Edmund is a deeply complicated character, Montague-Sholay portraying beautifully a character weighed down by his lifetime of repression. We observe his below the surface bubbling of rage, that he pushes down and displaces with submission for the ease of a simple life, but there is only so much he can take.

Another unlikely but equally interesting relationship is the one formed between Mercy Price (Debbie Korley) and Horatia Poskitt (Katherine Pearce), two women fighting for their voice and bonded by the shared grief of a lost chid. Horatia, Lord Boyd’s new vivacious and straight talking house keeper, forms a connection to Mercy through their shared passion for public speaking and solidarity in carving out a better life for women of the future. Korley’s opening speech, in a rich and compelling Barbadian accent, was a beautiful and heart breaking account of the torture endured by those enslaved and a stand out moment. Pearce was equally compelling with her brash northern charm.

Ciaran Bagnall’s simplistic and stripped back set encompassed the audience in the political debates, bringing up the house lights allowed you to feel truly immersed in the heat of the discussions without the audience involvement feeling invasive. Akintayo Akinbode’s string heavy score felt cinematic, creating a beautifully complimentary atmosphere.

The characters are dimensional and multifaceted; Romero’s writing must be commended for this. The piece at time lacks pace but what it lacks in pace it is made up for in honest and developed human relationships. Like all good theatre should, it is a piece that sparks questions and dialogue about corrupt political agenda that is still ever prevalent in today’s society. An eye-opening piece putting forward the uncomfortable reality of embedded and deep rooted inequality within human kind.

DIVERSE AND UNDEREPRESENTED VOICES DOMINATE SHORTLIST FOR THE 2020 VISIONARY HONOURS

SIR BOB GELDOF TO RECEIVE THE VISIONARY LEGACY HONOUR

FILM | TV | MUSIC | THEATRE | BOOKS | INFLUENCERS

18^th March | Ham Yard Hotel Soho

UK’S ONLY AWARDS CELEBRATING SOCIAL IMPACT OF CULTURE, MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

HOSTED BY SALLY PHILLIPS

The Visionary Arts Foundation is delighted to announce the shortlist for the annual Visionary Honours awards on Wednesday 18^th March 2020 at the Ham Yard Hotel, Soho, hosted by leading British comic and disability rights advocate Sally Phillips and featuring a special guest performance by rising star singer-songwriter Marika Hackman.

Focused on making the arts, media and entertainment industries more inclusive and accessible in the UK, the not-for-profit Visionary Arts Foundation helps to develop and launch the careers of young creatives from BAME, LGBTQ+, disabled and low income groups as well as anyone who feels their story is not being told in the mainstream. The Visionary Honours launched last year to ensure culture, media and entertainment that have inspired social change and debate are recognised.

Nominations for the second Visionary Honours particularly focus on Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Mental Health, Anti-Social Behaviour and Environmental Change. From books that are breaking down mental health stigmas, to television shows inspiring self-love and positivity, films and documentaries that ignite and inspire generations to come, to gender-bending, rip-roaring feminist theatre shows and songs that are brimming with hope and a social message to be heard, the Visionary Honours offer a vital space and platform for under-represented voices that are having a cultural impact in the UK today.

Highlights of this year’s nominations include, Booker prize winning author Bernardine Evaristo who has made waves in the UK and beyond for her bold exploration of identity, race, womanhood and the realities of modern Britain in the standout book of 2019, Girl, Woman, Other, the pioneering, heart-breaking and awe-inspiring Oscar nominated and BAFTA winning Channel 4 documentary FOR SAMA, the essential, powerful, affirmative track HERO on Michael Kiwanuka’s album paying homage to leaders and figures of the Civil Rights Movement, the fierce, fun and uplifting all female led musical SIX, which has become a West End sensation, and the television show everyone has been talking about RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK.

Spanning across culture, media and entertainment, the Visionary Honours is not just about rewarding talent, but primarily about highlighting the social impact their work has had and the inspiration it will give the next generation of creatives to make their own mark in the arts and communitues beyond.

The prestigious Visionary Legacy Honour will be awarded to Sir Bob Geldof for his outstanding contribution to the music industry and the phenomenal worldwide social and cultural impact his humanitarian efforts have had over the years. Sir Bob Geldof will be attending the Visionary Honours awards ceremony to collect the award.

Last year’s Visionary Legacy Honour was awarded to Nelson Mandela, whose grandson, Mandla Mandela was present to collect the award. A star-studded evening was enjoyed by all at the inaugural Visionary Honours in 2019, held at BAFTA, London, presented by award-winning comedian and actor Sir Lenny Henry. Talent appearing on the night included world-famous author Malorie Blackman, star of Black Panther – Danny Sapani, rapper and documentary-maker Professor Green, and Channel 4’s one-man institution, Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

The winners will be chosen by a public vote which opens on Thursday 20^th February and they will be announced at the Visionary Honours on Wednesday 18 March at Ham Yard Hotel.

NOMINATIONS FOR THE VISIONARY HONOURS 2020

Nominations in the 10 award categories were made by our industry judges and editorial team.

BOOK OF THE YEAR

·     CROSSFIRE – Malorie Blackman

·     GIRL, WOMAN, OTHER – Bernardine Evaristo

·     IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BURQA – Miriam Khan

·     IT’S NOT OK TO FEEL BLUE (AND OTHER LIES) – Scarlett Curtis

·     PROUD – Juno Dawson

·     TRUTH TO POWER – Jess Phillips

FILM OF THE YEAR

·     BLUE STORY, Andrew Onwubolu

·     BOY ERASED, Joel Edgerton

·     IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD, Marielle Heller

·     THE LAST TREE, Shola Amoo

·     LITTLE WOMEN, Greta Gerwig

·     QUEEN & SLIM, Melina Matsoukas

DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR

·     DAVID HAREWOOD: PSYCHOSIS AND ME – BBC2

·     FOR SAMA – Channel 4

·     GARETH THOMAS: HIV AND ME – BBC1

·     HOMECOMING – Netflix

·     ICE ON FIRE – Netflix

·     JESY NELSON: ODD ONE OUT – BBC Three

TV SHOW OF THE YEAR

·     MAN LIKE MOBEEN – BBC3

·     ROSS KEMP LIVING WITH… – ITV

·     RUPAUL’S DRAGRACE UK – BBC3

·     SEVEN WORLDS, ONE PLANET – BBC1

·     WHEN THEY SEE US – Netflix

·     YEARS AND YEARS – BBC1

SONG OF THE YEAR

·     BLACK – Dave

·     HERO – Michael Kiwanuka

·     HOPE FOR THE UNDERRATED YOUTH – Yungblud

·     JUICE – Lizzo

·     OK – Mabel

·     PEOPLE – The 1975

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

·     ANY HUMAN FRIEND – Marika Hackman

·     CHARLI – Chari XCX

·     GREY AREA – Little Simz

·     HEAVY IS THE HEAD – Stormzy

·     HOODIES ALL SUMMER – Kano

·     PSYCHODRAMA – Dave

PLAY/MUSICAL OF THE YEAR

·     & JULIET – Luke Sheppard, Shaftesbury Theatre

·     COME FROM AWAY – Christopher Ashley, Phoenix Theatre

·     FAIRVIEW – Nadia Latif, Young Vic

·     LIFE OF PI – Max Webster, Sheffield Crucible

·     SIX – Jamie Armitage, Arts Theatre

·     WIFE – Indhu Rubasingham, Kiln Theatre

INFLUENCER/JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

·     CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS

·     BELLA MACKIE

·     CARIAD LLOYD

·     EMMA BARNETT

·     GEORGE THE POET

·     JAMIE BARTLETT

COMMUNITY PERSON OF THE YEAR

·     CAROLINE BRYANT – Futures Theatre

·      DARREN RAYMOND – Intermission Youth Theatre

·     SIMON DEVEREUX – Access VFX

·     SULAIMAN KHAN – This Ability

MOST INSPIRING PERSON OF THE YEAR

·     JESY NELSON

·     JUNE SARPONG

·     LEWIS HAMILTON

·     PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE

·     JOHN BOYEGA

·     RUSSELL T DAVIES

The 2020 nominees and industry professional judges are delighted to be associated with the Visionary Arts Foundation who help give young creatives a steppingstone into the arts via their annual Bursary and Mentoring Scheme.

Founder of the awards and creator of the hit West End musical Thriller Live, Adrian Grant commented:

“The Visionary Arts Foundaton believe that entertainment and media has the power to change the world and voices of all cultures, creed, gender, sexuality and ability should be heard, seen and respected. Through the Visionary Arts Foundation it is our goal to open doors and provide opportunities for young creatives and to inspire them to produce work that can influence positive social change.”

Malorie Blackman, who attended the inaugural awards, commented on her nomination for Book of the Year:

“I’m thrilled to have been nominated for the Visionary Honours Book of the Year award in the company of so many fantastic authors and their books.  What I love about this award is the unique way that it celebrates culture, media and entertainment which seeks to move us forward.”

On discovering RuPaul’s Drag Race was nominated for Television Show of the Year, co-founder and director the show’s production company, Fenton Bailey also commented:

“Because diversity and inclusiveness is the lifeblood of Drag Race, we are honored and excited to be nominated for best television show by Visionary Arts. We are so grateful to the viewers and fans for championing the show, and for spreading its message of love and acceptance far and wide.”

Podcaster and influencer George the Poet was thrilled to be nominated for Influencer/Journalist of the Year:

“I feel blessed to have been nominated this year. My work is driven by hope  for tomorrow, and it’s an honour to have that recognised by my peers”

The incredibly talented entrepreneur, disabled man of colour Sulaiman Khan, who is nominated for Community Person of the Year summarised the reasons why he was thrilled to be nominated in the 2020 awards:

“As a disabled AF, creative, active intersectional ally-in-progress, socially conscious entrepreneur, South Asian man, continual work-in-progress, I am proudly running my business entirely myself, out of necessity, not luxury. This is very tough due to internalised ableism, an inaccessible world (and environments), and ableist attitudes/behaviours. But I keep pushing forward (because of my disability NOT despite it) to be who I needed when I was a youngster and be my own hero. So, for me, it’s a massive honour to be recognised and nominated.”

Nominated for TV show of the Year, the “Ross Kemp Living With” team at ITV commented:

“At a time when the country was preoccupied with Brexit, the team felt that it was more important than ever to shine a light on social issues that were affecting Britons’ lives in profound and often devastating ways; crises that need to be determinedly addressed whichever political direction we head in. To be shortlisted for the Visionary Awards, and to be in such esteemed company, feels like a vindication of the choice to tackle complex, and sometimes uncomfortable, subjects.”

Legendary comic, actress, disability rights advocate Sally Phillips announced her delight in hosting the 2020 Visionary Honours.

“I am very proud to be the host of the second annual Visionary Honours and to be a part of the Foundation’s work in empowering young creatives to inspire social change. Having been in the creative industries for over 20 years, I have seen how films and documentaries can influence minds and impact the world. My son, Oliver, has Down Syndrome, so it is perhaps no surprise that I strongly advocate inclusive opportunities which allow everybody to participate in the cultural and economic activities of the communities in which they live. The Visionary Arts Foundation promotes a more a diverse society, and for me that is much richer society.”

The BBC documentary telling the inside story of Jesy Nelson from Little Mix’s severe mental health issues that spiralled from online trolling, commented:

“Jesy and the team behind ‘Odd One Out’ are thrilled to be nominated for Documentary of the Year at the Visionary Honours.  Jesy wanted to make the film to help other people suffering from online abuse and bullying like she did.  Cyberbullying is a real issue that affects not only celebrities but so many young people out there and we are pleased the Visionary Arts Foundation has recognized our film for highlighting the subject and having an impact.  Hopefully the film has caused a discussion in society about how social media platforms should managed better and young people need to be protected from bullies and trolls.”

And last but not least, the executive producer of Sir David Attenborough’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, Jonny Keeling commented:

“This is a very special award from an organisation with great integrity and meaning – so it’s an honour and an inspiration to be nominated. Today the wildlife and people of this planet face huge challenges, but  the Visionary Arts Foundation gives me hope that we can work together to make the changes the world needs.”

A Hampstead Theatre production

THE DUMB WAITER

By Harold Pinter

Directed by Alice Hamilton

Design by James Perkins

Lighting by James Whiteside

Composition & Sound by Giles Thomas

Cast includes Philip Jackson & Harry Lloyd

The 60^th anniversary production

·         FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR HAROLD PINTER’S ICONIC THE DUMB WAITER

·         ACCLAIMED STAGE AND SCREEN ACTORS, PHILIP JACKSON AND HARRY LLOYD WILL PLAY THE ROLES OF BEN AND GUS, RESPECTIVELY, IN THIS 60^th ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION WHICH MARKS THE PLAY’S WORLD PREMIERE AT THE THEATRE

·         ALICE HAMILTON, WILL DIRECT AFTER HER RECENT SUCCESSES AT THE HAMPSTEAD THEATRE WITH THE OLIVIER–NOMINATED EVERY DAY I MAKE GREATNESS HAPPEN AND PARADISE

·         THE DUMB WAITER WILL OPEN HAMPSTEAD THEATRE’S CLASSICS SEASON WHICH SEEKS TO CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF ORIGINAL THEATRE, THIS SPRING/SUMMER

·         FOUR BOLD PLAYS FROM THE NEW WRITING THEATRE’S DIVERSE ARCHIVE WILL BE STAGED BY A VARIETY OF DISTINCTIVE BRITISH DIRECTORS

“We’ve proved ourselves before now, haven’t we? We’ve always done our job. What’s he doing all this for? What’s the idea? What’s he playing these games for?”

Ben and Gus have a job to do. But as they await instructions in a derelict building, they start to receive strange messages via a dumb waiter.

Hampstead Theatre, has announced the full cast and creative team for Nobel Prize-winning writer Harold Pinter’s timeless black comedy The Dumb Waiter which will run from 19 March until 18 April 2020.

Acclaimed stage and screen actors Philip Jackson and Harry Lloyd will play the roles of Ben and Gus, respectively, in this 60^th anniversary production which marks the play’s world premiere at Hampstead Theatre.

Philip Jackson is known to television audiences as Chief Inspector Japp in the long-running and highly successful Agatha Christie ITV series Poirot.  Other screen credits include My Week with Marilyn, Brassed Off and Little Voice. Theatre credits include Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Jackson will be joined by Harry Lloyd, known to Game of Thrones fans as Viserys Targaryen in the HBO series and as Will Scarlett in the 2006 BBC drama Robin Hood.  Other screen credits include, Doctor Who, and The Theory of Everything and he is soon to appear in an American TV adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s sci-fi dystopian novel Brave New World.  Theatre credits include Good Canary at The Rose, Kingston and Ferdinand in The Duchess of Malfi at The Old Vic.

The Dumb Waiter, originally presented in Hampstead Theatre’s first ever season directed by its founder Artistic Director, James Roose Evans, received its world premiere in January 1960.  Alice Hamilton will direct the 60^th anniversary production, after her recent success at the theatre with the Olivier-nominated Every Day I Make Greatness Happen (2018) and Paradise (2019).  Alice is co-Artistic Director of Up in Arms and other directing credits include Blood Wedding (Salisbury Playhouse), The Weatherman (Park Theatre) and While We’re Here (Bush Theatre).  She will be joined by designer, James Perkins, with lighting design by James Whiteside and composition & sound design by Giles Thomas.

Alice Hamilton, Director of The Dumb Waiter said: “I am so excited to be making my debut on Hampstead Theatre’s Main Stage with this brilliant play. This savagely funny two-hander is generally held to be one of the masterpieces of the last century, and I can’t wait to explore it with these two wonderful actors.”

Roxana Silbert, Artistic Director ofHampstead Theatre,said “I am delighted to be opening Hampstead Classics with this remarkable play and once again sharing Pinter’s sharp wit with Hampstead audiences.”

The Dumb Waiter will open Hampstead Classics, its spring/summer programme, to mark its 60^th anniversary and celebrate its ambitious history as a new writing theatre.  Featuring four bold plays which all premiered at the theatre, the productions will be performed in chronological order and staged on the thrust, by a variety of distinctive British directors.  Sam Yates will make a highly anticipated return to Hampstead Theatre with Tennessee Williams’ The Two Character Playfrom 24 April until 23 May, founder and former Artistic Director of Eclipse Theatre Company Dawn Walton will direct Alfred Fagon’s remarkable tribute to the culture of London’s King’s Road in the 1970s, The Death of a Black Manrunning from 28 May until 27 June and Roxana Silbert, Hampstead Theatre’s Artistic Director, will direct Marsha Norman’s ground-breaking ‘night, Mother running from 2 July until 1 August.

Roxana Silbert’s critically acclaimeddirecting debut at Hampstead Theatre is currently playing until 7 March.  The Haystack, a fast-paced, topical play, which delves into the intriguing world of GCHQ and examines the human impact of national surveillance, is Al Blyth’s first full-length play.

Richmond Theatre – until 22 February 2020

Reviewed By Carly Burlinge

4.5****

Blithe Spirit by Noel Cowards and directed by Richard Eyre.

Charles Condomine (Geoffrey Streatfeild) is a chirpy enthusiastic man full of expression, along with his wife Ruth Condomine (Lisa Dillon) a glamorous, well dressed very pleasant woman, but who can become easily frustrated with him at times. The play opens with them in the first scene bickering about their previous marriages.

Charles (Geoffrey Streatfeild) then invites over their local medium both wondering if she will be able to contact anyone that they know and for him to also  gather and use any information to help in the writing of his new book. He also invites his neighbours over; the local GP, Dr Bradman (Simon Coates) who play a bold and sceptic character who’s seen it all being a doctor. Along with his wife Mrs Bradman (Lucy Robinson) who plays a very chatty,  giggly and over excited character.

Once altogether, the door bells goes. Edith (Rose Wardlaw) a very funny, energetic, over eager  and clumsy maid that runs around the house at full speed tripping up over things and almost dropping drinks trays over however, brings great laughter to the audience, welcomes in Madame Arcati  (Jennifer Saunders) an amusing, entertaining slightly eccentric medium that waffles on with great expression and detail. She is very clumsy and has some very funny movements and séance dances that had the audience laughing many times throughout the show. She definitely has an oddness to her and finds it easy to laugh at herself. She also starts of the séance which ends up bringing back Charles’s first wife who died at an early age – Elvira (Emma Naomi) who is very flirtatious and playful is very good at playing both Mr and Mrs Condomine against each other and wants nothing more than to get her husband back causing all mayhem within the house.

The set is very detailed, the Condimine’s living room has two levels with a staircase that is used throughout the show with a floor to ceiling bookshelf full of books which happened to have a great affect. There was a piano in the background with a fire place to the right and a writing desk to the left with double doors going out to the garden.  As well as an archway leading to a panelled hallway making this a very enjoyable set to watch.

This was an extremely amusing, stylish, playful imaginative show with layers of entertainment, a great watch and well worth seeing.

Newcastle Theatre Royal – until 22 February 2020

4****

It’s always a pleasure to attend Newcastle Theatre Royal and even more of a treat when it’s to see such a fabulous show.  You know you are in for a fun time when the warning at the beginning tells you take off your wig so the people behind can see.  And fun it is, with dancing diva’s, a myriad of colourful costumes designed by Charles Cusick-Smith and Phil R Daniels, and a cheese-fest of songs played by the live band led by Sean Green.

Starring Joe McFadden as disillusioned drag queen Tick (Mitzi), Priscilla is the bus that takes Tick from Sydney to Alice Springs at the request of his estranged wife Marion (Miranda Wilford), to meet his 6 year old son Benji (John Reeve, Sonny Paterson and Willem Roberts sharing the role).  Tick takes with him recently widowed transsexual Bernadette (Miles Western) and fellow drag artist Adam (Felicia) played by Nick Hayes. Picking up mechanic Bob (Daniel Fletcher) along the way

Whilst full of glitz and glam, feathers and sequins at the heart of the show is a story of overcoming prejudices whether it be their own or from the rednecks and hillbillies they encounter on their travels.  And a tale of love; Tick and the love he has for his son, the blossoming romance between Bob and Bernadette, and Adam learning to love himself for who and what he is.

Standing on top of Uluru, in full drag singing a Kylie medley fulfils Adams lifetime ambition “a cock, in a frock, on a rock”

Packed with well known numbers like I Will Survive, It’s Raining Men, Don’t Leave Me With Way, Go West and Hot Stuff, you can’t help but tap your feet.  But it’s the Pat Benatar classic We Belong that steals the show for me.  Showing in one song how to overcome everything life throws at you, it is the rightful final showstopper.  

Having previously starred in the show, Jason Donovan is now one of the producers and he’s clearly given some valuable insights into how to improve on previous productions.  This has a bus that works much better than previous incarnations; and whilst still a riot of colour, it proves the old adage that ‘Less is More’.

This is a joyful show, reminding us all to be be kind and accepting with a score that will Colour Your World and having you singing along for days

Northampton wins Cultural Compact champion funding

Arts Council England has awarded Northampton £20,000 for the creation of a Cultural Board to build on the strong offer which already exists.

A group of partners, brought together by Northampton Borough Council, submitted a bid for the Cultural Compact backing which will fund a role to assist in the development of an ambitious vision for the town.

Building on the already vibrant scene in the county, this new body will provide the leadership to embed culture in the DNA of Northampton at a critical moment in the town’s political and economic development. It will support other initiatives already underway, such as Northampton Forward which has culture at the heart of its planning for the improvement and revitalisation of the town centre.

Marking a step change in the ambition of the town, the Cultural Board make Northampton a destination of choice in which to live, work and study, and with the continued development of the Cultural Quarter, to attract world-class talent from the creative sector and promote the town as a visitor destination. A renewed sense of place will build stronger communities and allow Northampton to retain its finest emerging talent.

Cllr Anna King, Northampton Borough Council Cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said: “We have significant assets in this area – from Royal & Derngate to The Deco theatres, an unrivalled shoe collection at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery to the fantastic Rennie Mackintosh house at 78 Derngate.

“This provides an extremely strong base to build on and with the expertise and enthusiasm involved in this project, I have no doubt at all that we have the capacity to create something really special in Northampton.”

Jo Gordon, Chief Executive of Royal & Derngate, added: “This initiative will see key representatives from education, heritage, the visitor economy, and the creative industries work in partnership with Northampton Borough Council and other private and public stakeholders to forge a bold vision for our often overlooked town, helping us to reposition Northampton as a major creative centre, where talent, ideas and enterprise come together.”

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director for Arts Council England, said: “Culture and creativity have a powerful effect in improving lives and wellbeing, developing communities and unlocking the economic potential for towns and cities.

“Northampton is a place of opportunity with a great history of industry and creativity, and we look forward to seeing the impact the Cultural Compact will bring to the town as it builds stronger communities and new networks across a broad range of partners.”

The newly formed Culture Board will shortly be seeking an exceptional individual to help it establish, drive, manage and co-ordinate its activities. Further details of the role and selection process will be announced in the near future.

Playful Productions, Stage Play and Trim the Wind present
GET UP, STAND UP!
THE BOB MARLEY STORY

• PRODUCERS TODAY ANNOUNCED THE WORLD PREMIERE OF A BRAND-NEW MUSICAL WHICH TELLS THE REMARKABLE STORY OF ICONIC ARTIST BOB MARLEY WILL OPEN AT THE NEWLY REFURBISHED LYRIC THEATRE IN LONDON’S WEST END NEXT YEAR. THE PRODUCTION WILL BEGIN PREVIEWS ON SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2021, WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN MARLEY’S 76th BIRTHDAY
   
• TAKING INSPIRATION FROM MARLEY’S VISIONARY LYRICS TO TELL HIS EXTRAORDINARY PERSONAL STORY, AND FEATURING AN ELECTRIFYING MIX OF HIS HITS PLAYED LIVE, GET UP, STAND UP! THE BOB MARLEY STORY IS BROUGHT TO THE STAGE BY THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING TEAM OF WRITER LEE HALL AND DIRECTOR DOMINIC COOKE
   
• THE PRODUCTION WILL STAR ARINZÉ KENE AS BOB MARLEY
   
• WITH UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO MARLEY’S CATALOGUE, THE MUSICAL WILL FEATURE MARLEY’S GREATEST SONGS PERFORMED LIVE BY THE CAST INCLUDING NO WOMAN NO CRY, EXODUS, 3 LITTLE BIRDS, GET UP STAND UP AND MANY MORE
   
• TICKETS FOR THE PRODUCTION WILL GO ON SALE ON 21 APRIL 2020. REGISTRATION FOR PRIORITY BOOKING IS NOW OPEN AT GetUpStandUpTheMusical.com.

Cedella Marley (Bob Marley’s daughter) said:  “Our father’s music means so much to so many people around the world, we’re beyond thrilled to be able to bring it to both fans and new audiences alike in a new way led by the stellar team of Lee Hall and Dominic Cooke, and starring the fantastic Arinzé.  As a family we feel that our father would be proud to know that his legacy is a source of creative inspiration and continues to bring people together.”

Following a hugely successful workshop in 2019, producers Playful Productions, Stage Play and Trim the Wind are delighted to announce that Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Story, the definitive new musical featuring Bob Marley’s iconic hits played live on stage, will begin previews in London at the newly refurbished Lyric Theatre on Saturday 6th February 2021.  Brought to the stage by a multi award-winning team, Lee Hall’s (Billy Elliot The Musical, Network) book takes direct inspiration from Marley’s visionary lyrics to tell his extraordinary personal story as an artist, the production will be directed by Dominic Cooke (Follies, Clybourne Park) and star Arinzé Kene (Misty, Girl from the North Country).

Tickets will go on sale on 21 April 2020 and there is a website (GetUpStandUpTheMusical.com) where people can sign up for priority booking.

Arinzé Kene said: “I feel absolutely honoured to be able to take on this role. It is not only an honour to be able to spread Bob Marley’s message further, but to get to be him for a little while is a lifelong dream come true. I grew up on his music and his mantra and he has been one of my role models since I was a child. I feel as if he’s in my DNA. He’s the man, I love him.”