Month: February 2020

York Theatre Royal – Friday 9 February 2020

Reviewed by Michelle and Marcus Richardson

4****

The Three Musketeers, an old time favourite novel, written by Alexandre Dumas. It is a tale of brotherhood, heroism and love. Le Navet Bete Theatre Company, based in Exeter, have won numerous awards for their various comedy shows. As part of their UK they are playing a few shows at the York Theatre Royal.

A total of four actors play over 30 characters ranging from royalty to barmen and of course the musketeers themselves. This band of merry men are made up of Dan Bianchi, Nick Blunt, Al Dunn and Matt Freeman. Each coming on the stage as themselves and introducing the crazy creation that they are about to perform to the audience. The whole play is set as if it was a group of kids playing make believe as summer starts. We are frequently reminded and encouraged to use our imagination as bikes depict horses, West Country accents instead of French ones and jokes about fruit juices being spiked with coke (cola).

There are some seriously funny characters, but one of the characters that stood out the most was Milady DeWinter played by Freeman, a sexy femme fatal with blue eyes like alpine lakeside. There was a bit of audience participation when several members were required to throw stuffed ducks onto the stage for Milady DeWinter, in order to show off her impressive shooting skills. It was entertaining to see about 20 soft toys flying through the air onto the stage, only to be shot down, courtesy of a little bit of work from the sound technician. It worked wonderfully well and had all of us chuckling away.

There were numerous costume changes, so many it was hard to keep up, all with the help of Abi Cowan, the stage manager. These super quick changes didn’t always go to plan, but this only added to the fun.

The play is full of slapstick, cheesy jokes and moments where the plot is completely lost and yet somehow we get through the story. There appear to be mishaps and mistakes aplenty, but are they really mistakes or part of the show? That is for the cast to know and the audience to wonder. These so called unscripted parts were very funny and added that extra dimension to an already funny show.

This show has a somewhat pantomime feel to it, full of energy and is great for all, we really enjoyed hearing the children in the audience laughing along. The actors are clearly having a blast, and so did we. A wonderful whirlwind of a show.

Jack Studio Theatre – until 22 February 2020

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

The story of Charlie Chaplin’s rise from childhood poverty to film icon is told in heart-warming style in Arrows & Traps’ latest show. Writer and director Ross McGregor explores Chaplin’s life with incredible sensitivity and intelligence, jumping between the older Chaplin (Conor Moss) on the set of City Lights and his childhood in Victorian London.

Chaplin’s obsessive knowledge of where every cent is spent on his productions doesn’t stop him from insisting on days of takes trying to achieve a perfection and authenticity that frustrates and baffles the cast and crew, and Laurel Marks’ attempts to offer a flower in a way that matches his vision are hilarious. McGregor shows the chaos and uncertainty of young Charlie’s life that feed his controlling nature as an adult with a deft touch, with Toby Wynn-Davies as half brother Sydney, Benjamin Garrison as his drunken father, and Clare Aster as his tragic mother.

The older Chaplin sits and voices his younger self as Lucy Ioannou plays Charlie as a boy. She never speaks throughout the play, instead miming and clowning expertly as Charlie before morphing into the Tramp character and eventually becoming a resented alter ego. The scenes between Charlie and his mother as they mimic neighbours and she criticises his stance and lines echo his with Laurel Mark’s actress, but unlike him, Charlie’s mother can find the exact words to share her ideas. While it is sometimes hard to tear your eyes away from the action, Conor Moss’ expressions as he sits on the side-lines are exquisite.

There are, as always with Arrows & Traps, magical sequences choreographed to differing music styles that evoke the cruelty of the workhouse, the madness of the music hall and the rapid production style of silent movies with humour and pathos.

The cast all give outstanding performances, but Clare Aster’s heart breaking portrayal will haunt you and Lucy Ioannou is simply phenomenal as the Tramp, making a brilliantly choreographed and nuanced performance seem instinctive and spontaneous, just like the great man himself.

An enthralling and emotive production with an unforgettable central performance – another unmissable show from Arrows & Traps.

Royal & Derngate Community Choir to make guest appearance with Leee John of Imagination at The Roadmender

Royal & Derngate Community Choir (RDCC) are delighted to be making a special guest appearance when Leee John of Imagination performs at Northampton’s Roadmender in an intimate one-off show on Friday 27 March.

With a remarkable career spanning over three decades and with record sales in excess of over 30 million albums, the incomparable Leee John and his group Imagination had many amazing hit singles and platinum, gold and silver albums. Classics such as Body Talk, Just An illusion, Flashback, Music and Lights and Changes, established their position as essential ‘80s crossover hit-makers and an influence for future generations in the music industry.

Founding member, lead singer and songwriter Leee John continues to delight fans around the globe with his timeless classic hits and new music releases, and has appeared with many world renowned artists such as The Jacksons, Earth Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, Nile Rogers of Chic, Incognito and Kid Creole and the Coconuts.

Starting off as a seven week project, to coincide with the theatre’s redevelopment in 2005, Royal & Derngate Community Choir has evolved into a weekly activity for hundreds of individuals, providing regular performances, at the theatre, across the county and further afield. From a foundation was based in gospel music, their repertoire has widened to include soul, jazz, reggae and pop. Membership is diverse in terms of age and culture, made up of individuals from the local community who all share a passion for singing.

For more information about Leee John’s show at the Roadmender on Friday 27 March call the venue on 0333 577 1688 or visit www.theroadmender.com. In addition to the guest appearance by RDCC, Leee will be supported by Northampton’s very own RnB/Pop/Soul singer/songwriter extraordinaire, Lucien Moon.

DANCING QUEEN OF BLACKPOOL

SHIRLEY BALLAS
TO STAR AS THE FAIRY GODMOTHER IN

WHEN PANTOMIME RETURNS

TO BLACKPOOL WINTER GARDENS

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 60 YEARS

PLAYING AT THE OPERA HOUSE

SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER 2020 – SUNDAY 3 JANUARY 2021

The Winter Gardens Blackpool and Mark Goucher announced today that Shirley Ballas will star as The Fairy Godmother in Blackpool’s biggest ever family pantomime, CINDERELLA, at the Opera House Blackpool from Sunday 13 December to Sunday 3 January 2021. Tickets on sale now with further star casting to be announced soon. Shirley will not be performing on Saturday 19 December 2020 due to Strictly Come Dancing commitments.

www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk. 

Shirley Ballas said today “I’m so thrilled to be coming home to Blackpool this Christmas.  I have made so many special memories there.  To be coming back to be part of the first pantomime there in over 60 years is such an honour.  I can’t wait!”.

Shirley Ballas is a champion ballroom dancer and head judge on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing. She is the only person ever to have won the British Open to the World Latin American Championships in Blackpool with two different partners and has won the title three times, having reached the final an impressive 17 times. She is a ten-time United States Latin American champion and the recipient of three Carl Alan Awards, the Oscars of the dance world. Shirley made her pantomime debut as Mother Nature in Jack and the Beanstalk in Liverpool, a role she reprised last year in Darlington. She was the subject of BBC1’s Who Do You Think You Are? and is a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women.

Michael Williams, Managing Director of the Winter Gardens said today “It’s great to be bringing a pantomime back to the Winter Gardens after such a long absence and the scale and quality of the production is set to be spectacular. After spending so many years dancing at the Winter Gardens, not to mention winning countless titles, to have Shirley cast in one of the lead roles is perfect.  We know that she will bring her own magic to the tale of Cinderella for thousands of families this Christmas and we are delighted to be welcoming her home. Tickets are already selling fast, so while Christmas feels far away at the moment, don’t delay as it’s set to be a real jewel in the crown of our 2020 programme.”

Producer Mark Goucher said today “We are thrilled to be working with Shirley Ballas on this exciting new production. Her elegance and long history with Blackpool makes her the perfect casting for this lavish pantomime. 

The Opera House has enjoyed years of Christmas musicals, but not since the production of Dick Whittington in 1956, has a family pantomime played at the Winter Gardens. To celebrate the return of pantomime to the venue, each performance will have over 100 tickets priced at just £10 providing unbelievable value and the opportunity for all to experience theatre at   Christmas time.

CINDERELLA is written by Samuel Holmes (Club Tropicana, Curtains, Shrek, Monty Python Live), Directed and Choreographed by Nick Winston (Annie, Club Tropicana, Fame, Royal Variety Performance), Musical Supervision & Arrangements are by Charlie Ingles with Special Effects by The Twins FX. CINDERELLA is produced by Mark Goucher for Charming Pantomimes in association with Winter Gardens Blackpool. 

Audiences can expect jaw dropping special effects, a fabulous fairy, stunning costumes, some very wicked ugly sisters and a toe-tapping soundtrack of hit songs that will have everyone singing along. So, polish your pumpkins, dust off your gowns and grab your glass slippers to find out if Cinderella will go to the ball. Will she find her Prince Charming or will the Ugly Sisters ruin the day?

WEST END CAST RECORDING OF

DOLLY PARTON’S

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

RECORDED LIVE AT THE SAVOY THEARTE

IS RELEASED TODAY

The producers of Dolly Parton’s phenomenally successful 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL are delighted to announce that the West End Cast Recording is available to stream and download now. It can be found on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. https://slinky.to/9to5-TheMusical

Recorded live at the Savoy Theatre with the West End cast, led by Caroline Sheen, Amber Davies, Natalie McQueen, Bonnie Langford and Brian Conley, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL has a rip-roaring score by the Queen of Country herself featuring Backwoods Barbie, Get Out and Stay Out, Shine Like the Sun and the of course, the title number. It tells the story of three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the ladies manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL took the West End by storm in February 2019, where Dolly Parton attended the premiere and joined the cast on stage at the finale. Now celebrating its first birthday in London, the hit show continues to play to sold-out audiences in the capital as well as around the UK (embarking on the second leg of its national tour in May 2020) and, from April, Australia too!

The musical features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by multi Grammy Award winner, country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Poti Martin, video design by Nina Dunn, original arrangements by Stephen Oremus & Alex Lacamoire, original Broadway orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin, musical supervisor, reductions & extra arrangements by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe and Anne Vosser.

Based on the 20^th Century Fox Picture. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Gavin Kalin Productions with Benjamin Lowy Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Showtime Theatre Productions, Hartshorn – Hook Productions, Harmonia Holdings and Kilimanjaro Live.

RAGS THE MUSICAL

AT PARK THEATRE, LONDON

TO RELEASE CAST RECORDING

PRODUCED BY

STEPHEN SCHWARTZ

Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and her co-producers are delighted to announce that there will be a cast recording of their production of RAGS The Musical which is currently playing to sold out houses at Park Theatre, London, running until tomorrow, Saturday 8 February. This will be the first recording of the show since Sony’s 1991 album with the Broadway cast.

The Album will be released by Ghostlight/Sh-K-Boom Records (a subsidiary of Warner Music and four-time Grammy Award winners in the Best Musical Theatre Album category for The Band’s Visit, In the Heights, The Book of Mormon and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), with Stephen Schwartz as Executive Producer, Nick Barstow as Music Producer and Orchestrator and Joe Bunker as Musical Director. The album will be recorded, mixed & mastered by Joe & Nikki Davison at Auburn Jam Music.

Stephen Schwartz said of the recording “I could not be more pleased that this beautifully sung production of Rags is being recorded by this group of terrific actors and musicians.  I and my fellow authors consider ourselves lucky indeed!”

RAGS The Musical has a book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof), revised book by David Thompson, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and music by Charles Strouse (Annie).  

RAGS The Musical stars Carolyn Maitland as Rebecca, Dave Willetts as Avram and Sam Attwater as Bronfman, with Debbie Chazen as Anna, Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Sal, Rachel Izen as Rachel, Samuel Jones and Jude Muir as David, Martha Kirby as Bella, Oisin Nolan-Power as Ben and Jeremy Rose as Jack. Completing the cast are Arthur Boan, Angela Caesar, Adam Crossley, Drew Dillon, Matthew Gent and Natasha Karp. 

RAGS The Musical is a heart-warming and powerful musical, which tells the story of Russian immigrant Rebecca, who, with her son David, travels to America in search of a better life. Rebecca must decide what matters more to her – staying true to her roots or adopting a new cultural identity in an attempt to ‘fit in’.

RAGS The Musical is directed by Bronagh Lagan (Little Women, Broken Wings), with musical direction by Joe Bunker, choreography by Philip Michael Thomas, orchestrations by Nick Barstow, set and costume design by Gregor Donnelly, lighting design by Derek Anderson, sound design by James Nicholson, casting by Jane Deitch and children’s casting by Keston and Keston.

RAGS The Musical at Park Theatre is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Hope Mill Theatre, in association with Knockhardy Productions, Edward Prophet, People Entertainment Group and Park Theatre and is presented by arrangement with MTI Europe.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

RAGS THE MUSICAL

9 January – 8 February 2020

Park Theatre

Clifton Terrace

Finsbury Park

London N4 3JP

020 7870 6876*

www.parktheatre.co.uk

*Telephone booking fee: 10% (capped at £2.50 per ticket)

Tickets

from £18.50 

Performances

Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Thurs & Sat 3:00pm

Running Time

2 hours and 30 minutes

Twitter: @RagsMusicalLDN/@ParkTheatre

THE LAST QUIZ NIGHT ON EARTH UK TOUR OPENS NEXT WEEK IN SALFORD

Innovative new play by Alison Carr from Box of Tricks theatre company

Award winning Box of Tricks theatre company recently announced plans for a UK Tour of their latest production The Last Quiz Night on Earth an immersive, innovative new play by Alison Carr.

The tour opens at the Welcome Inn in Salford, in association with The Lowry, from Tuesday 11 February to Saturday 15 February 2020, before touring unusual spaces until Saturday 11 April 2020.

The latest tour from Box of Tricks follows two sold-out tours of critically acclaimed Chip Shop Chips. Pre-apocalyptic comedy, The Last Quiz Night on Earth,breaks the fourth wall, plunging audiences in to the drama of the show.

Today the company can announce the cast for the unique production which will be staged in urban and rural venues across the country, including theatres, village halls, community arts centres and local pubs.

Pub Landlady Kathy will be played by Meriel Scholfield; Meriel trained at RADA and is a regular on TV with appearances in all the major soaps including Coronation Street, fans may recognise her from numerous appearances on the famous cobbles, she has also appeared in Last Tango in Halifax, Holby City and Doctors.

Shaban Dar takes the role of ‘host with the most’, pre-apocalyptic Quizmaster Rav. Shaban is a familiar face in theatre with credits including I Believe in Unicorns (Theatre Alibi),  Peggin Out (Unheard Theatre) and Brink (Royal Exchange Theatre).

Unexpected guests Bobby and Fran played by Chris Jack and Amy Drake bring plenty of drama to the piece when they arrive at the quiz with some unresolved business.

Chris Jack has appeared in a number of stage plays including Beryl (Octagon Theatre),  Noughts and Crosses (Pilot Theatre/ Derby Theatre/ Coventry Belgrade)  and Brighton Rock (York Theatre Royal/ Pilot Theatre); his TV credits include Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Amy Drake’s TV credits include Cold Feet, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale. In theatre Amy has appeared in several productions including A Christmas Carol (Theatr Clwyd) and My Mother Said I Never Should (Theatre by the Lake)

The cast of four will embark upon a UK tour throughout Spring 2020 –connecting with audiences in the heart of local communities.

It’s the final countdown. Landlady Kathy invites audiences to the last quiz night on earth with Quizmaster Rav. He’s the host with the most. But with time ticking, some unexpected guests turn up out of the blue. Bobby wants to settle old scores, and Fran wants one last shot at love. Expect the unexpected to the bitter end and plenty of drama as the show gets quizzical!

The Last Quiz Night on Earth is written by Alison Carr, directed by Hannah Tyrrell-Pinder, associate producer is Max Emmerson, with design by Katie Scott.

Playwright Alison Carr received critical acclaim for her plays Caterpillar and Iris, and her play Tuesday has been commissioned for the National Theatre’s 2020 Connections programme.

Website:         www.boxoftrickstheatre.co.uk

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/boxoftrickstheatre
Twitter:           @bottc #LastQuizNight

Instagram:      @boxoftrickstheatre

Box of Tricks is an award-winning new writing theatre company based in Manchester. They are an Associate Company at the Stephen Joseph Theatre.

LISTING INFORMATION

THE LAST QUIZ NIGHT ON EARTH

Running time approximately 120 minutes including interval

Age guidance 14+

THE WELCOME INN, SALFORD (in association with The Lowry)

Tuesday 11 February – Saturday 15 February 2020, 7.30pm

Tickets: From £12

Booking: https://thelowry.com/whats-on/last-quiz-night-on-earth/

WINGATES VILLAGE INSTITUTE

Thursday 20 February, 7.30PM

Tickets: £12/10

Booking: https://highlightsnorth.co.uk/event/the-last-quiz-night-on-earth-by-box-of-tricks-theatre-company/

BARDON MILL AND HENSHAW VILLAGE HALL

Friday 21 February, 7.30PM

Tickets: £12.50/10

Booking: https://highlightsnorth.co.uk/event/the-last-quiz-night-on-earth-by-box-of-tricks-theatre-company/

MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL

Saturday 22 February, 7.30PM

Tickets: £10/6

Booking: https://highlightsnorth.co.uk/event/the-last-quiz-night-on-earth-by-box-of-tricks-theatre-company/

THE HOLBECK, SLUNG LOW, LEEDS

Sunday 23 February 2020, 5pm

Tickets: PWYD (Pay what you decide)

Booking: https://www.slunglow.org/event/the-last-quiz-on-earth/

THE BEGGARS THEATRE

Thursday 27February 8pm

Tickets: £12/10

Booking: https://www.kirkgatearts.org.uk/arts-out-west/

ULLOCK VILLAGE HALL

Friday 28 February, 7.30pm

Tickets: £15

Booking: https://www.kirkgatearts.org.uk/arts-out-west/

OULTON VILLAGE HALL

Saturday 19 February, 7.30pm

Tickets: £10/5

Booking: https://www.kirkgatearts.org.uk/arts-out-west/

FLORENCE MINE EGREMONT

Sunday 1 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £10/5

Booking: https://www.kirkgatearts.org.uk/arts-out-west/

HOPE MILL THEATRE, MANCHESTER
Monday 2 March – Wednesday 4 March 2020, 7.30pm

Tickets: £12/10

Booking: https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/the-last-quiz-night-on-earth

ISAAC DIXON BOAT HOUSE

Thursday 5 March, 7pm

Tickets: £12/8

Booking: http://spotonlancashire.co.uk/whats-on/

CALDER VALE VILLAGE HALL

Friday 6 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £12.50

Booking: http://spotonlancashire.co.uk/whats-on/

LONGTON VICTORY MEMORIAL CLUB

Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £12/10

Booking: http://spotonlancashire.co.uk/whats-on/

BANK TOP TAVERN (in association with Oldham Coliseum & live@thelibrary)

Monday 16 March – Tuesday 17 March 2020, 7.30pm

Tickets: £10

Booking https://www.coliseum.org.uk/plays/the-last-quiz-night-on-earth/

NEW HAMPTON ARTS CENTRE

Wednesday 18 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £8/7

Booking: http://bctouring.co.uk/whats-on/

THIMBLEMILL LIBRARY

Thursday 19 March, 8pm

Tickets: £8

Booking: http://bctouring.co.uk/whats-on/

POCKLINGTON ARTS CENTRE

Friday 20March 2020

Booking: https://www.pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk/

NORTHWICH MEMORIAL COURT
Saturday 21 March 2020

Booking: https://www.brioleisure.org/what-we-offer/entertainment/whats-on

STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH
Tuesday 24 March – Wednesday 25March 2020, 7.30pm

Tickets: From £10

Booking: https://www.sjt.uk.com/event/940/the_last_quiz_night_on_earth

GREAT WHITTINGTON VILLAGE HALL

Thursday 26 March, 7.30PM

Tickets: £12/10

Booking: https://highlightsnorth.co.uk/event/the-last-quiz-night-on-earth-by-box-of-tricks-theatre-company/

HAMSTERLEY VILLAGE HALL

Friday 27 March, 7.30PM

Tickets: £8/4

Booking: https://highlightsnorth.co.uk/event/the-last-quiz-night-on-earth-by-box-of-tricks-theatre-company/

HELSINGTON & BRIGSTEER VILLAGE HALL

Saturday 28 March, 7.30PM

Tickets: £12/6

Booking: https://highlightsnorth.co.uk/event/the-last-quiz-night-on-earth-by-box-of-tricks-theatre-company/

ARNSIDE EDUCATION CENTRE

Thursday 26 March, 7.30PM

Tickets: SOLD OUT

Booking: https://highlightsnorth.co.uk/event/the-last-quiz-night-on-earth-by-box-of-tricks-theatre-company/

THE BURNTWOOD PUB, BUCKLEY (in association with Theatr Clwyd)
Tuesday 31 March – Wednesday 1 April 2020, 7pm

Tickets: £10

Booking: https://www.theatrclwyd.com/en/whats-on/the-last-quiz-night-on-earth/

GAWSWORTH VILLAGE HALL

Friday 3 April, 7.30pm

Booking: http://www.cheshireruraltouringarts.co.uk/whats-on/

GOOSTREY VILLAGE HALL

Saturday 4 April, 7.30pm

Booking: http://bctouring.co.uk/whats-on/

MOLLINGTON AND BACKFORD DISTRRICT VILLAGE HALL

Sunday 5 April, 6.30pm

Booking: http://bctouring.co.uk/whats-on/

THE TWO TUBS

Tuesday 7 April, 7.30pm

Tickets: £13

Booking: https://themet.org.uk/whats-on/

RADCLIFF MARKET

Wednesday 8 April, 7.30pm

Tickets: £13

Booking: https://themet.org.uk/whats-on/

RAMSBOTTOM CIVIC HALL

Thursday 9 April, 7.30pm

Tickets: £13

Booking: https://themet.org.uk/whats-on/

THE DUKES, LANCASTER

Friday 10 April – Saturday 11 April 2020

Booking: https://dukes-lancaster.org/events/theatre/

Richmond Theatre – until 8 February 2020

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

3 ½ ***

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier, adapted by Joseph O’Connor and directed by Anthony Banks, is set in Cornwall. At the Ashley Estate where Rachel Coryn Ashley (Helen George) makes the journey back from Florence to the home of her recently deceased husband Lord Ashley, to return all his worldly possessions to the estate as well as wanting to visit his childhood home and feel a connection towards him now that he is gone.

She plays a very distraught character at times, as well as playing a very calm and collective role throughout the show. She reminisces over her former life with Lord Ashley talking about him dearly to Estate Servant John Seecombe (Sean Murray) who has served Lord Ashley for 40 years. He plays a fantastic role in being very loyal, pleasant and knowledgeable also quite the philosopher always offering his opinions about life and people and working alongside Thomas Connors (John Lumsden), the younger servant of the house that plays a courageous but cheeky character throughout.

Although her cousin Philip Ashley (Jack Holden) is heir to the Ashley Home he is struggling with the death of his guardian. He plays a part that seems somewhat misplaced around her, does not hold much trust in her and is convinced she has something to hide. Although whilst her stay at the Estate Philip Ashley (Jack Holden) later finds himself drawn towards her and his perception of her changes. He plays an erratic character at times and seems to be quite infatuated by her falling for her charms making this a classic gothic romance.

This production offers a fantastic set with some dramatic music played to highlight some of the more darker scenes along with some superb lighting, giving the whole set an eerie atmosphere. Along with its sweeping staircase and its rotational stage offering something different whilst fascinating to watch.

& JULIET ANNOUNCES

SPECIAL “SING-A-LONG” PERFORMANCE

Performance confirmed for Tuesday 12 May at 7.30pm

Shaftesbury Theatre, London

www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk

The producers of & Juliet – the West End’s joyous and fun-loving new musical– are thrilled to announce today that there will be a special sing-a-long performance of the acclaimed show at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Tuesday 12 May.

The musical, which has recently extended its booking period through until October 2020, contains many of the biggest and most anthemic songs of the last 30 years, including Baby One More Time, Everybody (Backstreet’s Back), Love Me Like You Do, Confident, It’s My Life, Can’t Feel My Face and the roof-raising Roar.

This special performance, complete with screens displaying the lyrics to every song, will be an opportunity for theatre goers and fans of the show to let their hair down and sing-a-long to the sound-track of their lives.

& Juliet soars with the music of Max Martin, the acclaimed song-writer of some of pop’s most iconic songs and recorded by artists including Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Ariana Grande, all brilliantly arranged for the musical by Tony® and Grammy Award-winning orchestrator Bill Sherman.

Luke Sheppard, the director of the production, said: “During our first 100 shows at the Shaftesbury Theatre, we’ve been reminded again and again that audiences love the songs of & Juliet. We wanted to create a special occasion where everyone is welcome to join in and have as much fun singing our songs as the actors do every night – when normally we ask the audience to leave the performing to them! A key message of the show is celebrating inclusivity through the magic of theatre, and our hope is that this event continues to open up this show to new audiences as well as those who want to experience the show in a unique way.”

Miriam-Teak Lee leads the cast in the role of Juliet, with Cassidy Janson as Anne Hathaway, Oliver Tompsett as William Shakespeare, David Bedella as Lance, Arun Blair-Mangat as May, Jordan Luke Gage as Romeo, Melanie La Barrie as Nurse,and Tim Mahendran Francois.

The ensemble includes Jocasta Almgill, Josh Baker, Ivan De Freitas, Rhian Duncan, Danielle Fiamanya, Kieran Lai, Nathan Lorainey-Dineen, Jaye Marshall, Grace Mouat, Antoine Murray-Straughan, Billy Nevers, Kerri Norville, Christopher Parkinson, Dillon Scott-Lewis, Kirstie Skivington, Alex Tranter and Sophie Usher.

Brought to life by an award-winning creative team in an explosive fusion of styles, & Juliet is directed by Luke Sheppard with a book by David West Read (Schitt’s Creek), electrifying choreography from Jennifer Weber, stunning set design from Soutra Gilmour and costume design by Paloma Young.

Max Martin and Tim Headington present & Juliet, which is produced by Martin Dodd, Tim Headington, Max Martin, Jenny Petersson and Theresa Steele Page.

ZUBIN VARLA AND

ROBERT TRIPOLINO

COMPLETE THE CAST OF

ZORRO

IN CONCERT AT CADOGAN HALL

ON SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY

Club 11 London and Take Two Theatricals are delighted to announce that Zubin Varla and Robert Tripolino will join the cast of ZORRO in concert at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 23 February as Don Alejandro and Ramon respectively. They join the previously announced Ricardo Afonso (Jesus Christ Superstar, We Will Rock You) as the titular role and Diego, Olivier Award-winning actress Lesli Margherita (Matilda on Broadway, Dames At Sea on Broadway, Zorro original West End cast) reprising the role of Inez and four-time Olivier-nominated actress Emma Williams (Half A Sixpence, Mrs Henderson Presents, Zorro original West End cast) who will also reprise the role of Luisa.

The cast will be accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra chorus featuring Catalina Amaral, Daniel Amity, Charlotte Clitherow, Richard James-King, Danny Lane, James Leeman, Lauren Lockley, Matthew McDonald, Mia Michaud, Grace Mouat, Rebecca Ridout, Justine Saville, Margarida Silva, Joe Thompson-Oubari, Richard Upton and Enrico Volpi.

Zubin Varla most recently starred in Ghost Quartet at Boulevard Theatre and Equus at Theatre Royal Stratford East. In 2019, Zubin was nominated for an Olivier Award for Fun Home at the Young Vic in the Best Actor in a Musical category. His other theatre work includes Measure for Measure and The Changeling (Young Vic), Dara, The Enchantment, Attempts on Her Life, The Life of Galileo and Cyrano de Bergerac (National Theatre), War Horse (National Theatre/New London Theatre), Two Gentlemen of Verona, Midnight’s Children, The Tempest, Roberto Zucco, Bartholomew Fair, Faust, The Painter of Dishonour and Romeo & Juliet (RSC) and Jesus Christ Superstar and Beautiful Thing (West End). His TV work includes series regulars in Our Girl (BBC One), Holby City (BBC One) and Little Dorrit (BBC One).

Robert Tripolino most recently starred in High Fidelity at the Turbine Theatre and played Jesus in Regents Park Open Air Theatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar at The Barbican, to great critical acclaim. Prior to this Robert played Sal in the revival of Rags at Hope Mill Theatre, his first role in a musical in the UK. In his native Australia, Robert appeared in West Side Story (State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne), La Cage Aux Folles (The Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne), The Addams Family (Capitol Theatre, Sydney) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne).

Tickets are available now from www.club11.london/zorro

The Gipsy Kings are that rare thing – an international household name famous solely for their music. The Gipsy Kings began with two bands of brothers, the Reyes (Nicolas, Canut, Paul, Patchaï, André) and the Baliardos (Tonino, Paco, Diego), and after 25 years is still fronted by the two songwriters and producers Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo. In 1987 the Gipsy Kings’ self-titled debut album introduced the world to “rumba Gitano,” the sound of South America’s rumba rhythm married to flamenco guitars. With “Bamboleo” the Gipsy Kings scored a huge international hit, and since then the Kings have never stopped singing to the world. Their total album sales worldwide now exceed 18 million.

ZORRO is staged by Annabel Mutale Reed with musical direction by Freddie Tapner, featuring the London Musical Theatre Orchestra (LMTO). ZORRO has a book and lyrics by Stephen Clark, and will feature additional compositions, orchestrations and arrangements by John Cameron.

ZORRO is produced by Darren Bell for Club 11 London and Brian Zeilinger & Jack Maple for Take Two Theatricals and presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International Europe.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

ZORRO

6.30pm

Cadogan Hall

5 Sloane Terrace

London

SW1X 9DQ

Box Office: 020 7730 4500

Ticket Prices: From £32.50

www.club11.london/zorro

www.cadoganhall.com