WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE NEWS – FEBRUARY 2020

Wales Millennium Centre News – FEBRUARY 2020

  • JOIN WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE FOR SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS THIS ST DAVID’S DAY
  • FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
  • AMBER DAVIES AND LOUIS SMITH TO STAR IN BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL
  • CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR SISTER ACT
  • DARREN DAY JOINS THE CAST OF FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL
  • FESTIVAL OF VOICE IS BACK
  • NEW SHOW! SCHOOL OF ROCK COMES TO WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

JOIN WALES MILLENNIUM CENRE FOR SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS THIS ST DAVID’S DAY

To mark St. David’s Day 2020 on Sunday 1 March, Wales Millennium Centre will present Dy Gymru/ Your Wales on its iconic Donald Gordon Theatre stage. Free and open to all, Dy Gymru/Your Wales will showcase different Welsh identities and explore what it means to be Welsh.

Hosted bilingually by youth-led Radio Platfform, the event will give audiences a rare opportunity to see the freshest talents and grassroots artists from across Wales perform a multilingual variety of performances on a spectacular stage. The line-up will include

Sing Proud CymruQuaynotesBarracwdaJukebox CollectiveWales Tamil Sangam Dancers and more.

Performances will take place 3pm-8pm and audiences will be able to drop in and out throughout the day or stay as long as they like. There will be special offers on refreshments available at the Centre’s own coffee shop, Caffi, all day.

Your Wales/Dy Gymru will be at Wales Millennium Centre on Sunday 1 March.

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FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Full casting has been announced for the UK and Ireland tour of the worldwide smash-hit musical, Million Dollar QuartetBased on the famous recording session that brought together Rock‘n’Roll icons Elvis PresleyJohnny CashJerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the FIRST and ONLY time, Robbie Durham (Johnny Cash), Ross William Wild  (Elvis Presley), Matthew Wycliffe (Carl Perkins) and Katie Ray (Dyanne), with the role of Jerry Lee Lewis shared across the tour by Ashley CarruthersMartin Kaye and Matthew Wycliffe, all return to the stage in their much celebrated roles in this Tony Award winning musical.

The multi-talented cast of actor-musicians join previously announced national treasure Peter Duncan, whoalso returns to the much loved musical. The Olivier Award nominee and former Blue Peter presenter reprises the role of the Father of Rock’n’Roll’, Sam Phillips, following rave reviews for his performance in the musical’s 2017 UK tour.

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.

Million Dollar Quartet will be at Wales Millennium Centre 21-25 April.

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AMBER DAVIES AND LOUIS SMITH TO STAR IN BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL

Selladoor Worldwide is delighted to announce that Amber Davies will star as ‘Campbell’ alongside Louis Smith as ‘Cameron’ in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of Bring It On The Musical.

Inspired by the 2000 film of the same name, Bring It On The Musical features an original score by the multi award winning creator of “Hamilton”, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Pulitzer Prize winning Tom Kitt, composer of “Next To Normal”. The book is written by the Tony Award winning writer of “Avenue Q”, Jeff Whitty and the lyrics are by both Lin-Manuel Miranda and writer of the stage adaptation of “High Fidelity”, Amanda Green.

Bring It On The Musical takes audiences on a high-flying, energy-fuelled journey which tackles friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness – wrapped up in explosive choreography and tricks.

Cheer-royalty and newly crowned Squad Captain, Campbell, should be embarking on her most cheertastic senior year at Truman High School. When she’s forced to move to the neighbouring hard-knock Jackson High, Campbell fears her life is over.  But an unlikely friendship catapults Campbell back into contention with a powerhouse squad and the fire to achieve the impossible.

Bring It On The Musical will be at Wales Millennium Centre 23-27 June.

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CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR SISTER ACT

Producers Jamie Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg are delighted to announce that Lesley Joseph and Brenda Edwards will join the cast for the UK and Ireland tour of the smash-hit musical, “SISTER ACT”. The show will come to Wales Millennium Centre 12-17 October.

Lesley Joseph will play the role of ‘Mother Superior’ and will star alongside Brenda Edwards as ‘Deloris Van Cartier’.

Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent!  Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. 

Sister Act will be at Wales Millennium Centre 12-17 October.

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DARREN DAY JOINS THE CAST OF FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL

Musical theatre favourite Darren Day will join the cast of Footloose The Musical as Reverend Moore in the brand-new UK Tour coming to Wales Millennium Centre 19-24 October.


Darren will join additional cast including; Geri Allen, Holly Ashton, Jess Barker, Ben Barrow, Alex Fobbester, Josh Hawkins, Lucy Ireland. Evie Rose Lane, Ben Mabberley, Daniel Miles, Tom Mussell, Samantha Richards, Dionne Ward Anderson and Anna West Lake.

City boy Ren thinks life is bad enough when he’s forced to move to a rural backwater in America. But his world comes to a standstill when he arrives at Bomont to find dancing and rock music are banned. Taking matters into his own hands, soon Ren has all hell breaking loose and the whole town on its feet.

Based on the 1980s screen sensation which took the world by storm, Footloose The Musical sizzles with spirit, fun and the best in UK musical talent. With cutting edge modern choreography, you’ll enjoy classic 80s hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and of course the unforgettable title track Footloose.

Footloose The Musical will be presented by Selladoor Productions and Runaway Entertainment, and will be directed by Racky Plews, with choreography from Matt Cole, musical supervision by Mark Crossland and design by Sara Perks with lighting design from Chris Davey and sound design from Chris Whybrow.

Footloose the Musical will come to Wales Millennium Centre 19-24 October.

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FESTIVAL OF VOICE IS BACK

Festival of Voice – Wales Millennium Centre’s flagship international arts festival – is returning to Cardiff Bay across the last weekend of October 2020 with a new format.

Across four days, audiences will be treated to a wealth of performances and events exploring everything the voice can do and how important it is to have one. They’ll have the option of buying day or full weekend wristbands, giving access to more than 60 performances in Wales Millennium Centre and Portland House, located within a few minutes’ walk of each other.

Cate Le Bon will join this year’s festival as both a performer and a guest curator for part of the programme – bringing her own eclectic selection of voices from around the world.

The line-up – which will be announced in full in the summer – will include incredible live music, thought-provoking performance and inspirational talks, immersing the audience in a global chorus of voices.

Early Bird Weekend Passes for Festival of Voice 2020 are on sale at www.wmc.org.uk/voice  as of 9am on Wednesday 19 February 2020.

Festival of Voice will take place 29 October-1 November.

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NEW SHOW! SCHOOL OF ROCK COMES TO WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

School of Rock – The Musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit, award-winning West End show, will go on a major UK Tour in 2021, coming to Wales Millennium Centre 12-17 April 2021.

Based on the hilarious hit movie, this new musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band – sensationally performed live by the production’s young actors every night with roof-raising energy!

The production opened at the New London Theatre (now the Gillian Lynne Theatre) in November 2016 to 5-star reviews and widespread critical acclaim. It went on to win the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music. The Broadway production recently concluded its run at the Winter Garden Theatre with a US national touring production continuing. An Australian production opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne last October.

School of Rock – The Musical features new music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, Sister Act) and a book by Julian Fellowes. It is directed by Laurence Connor (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, London Palladium 2019) with choreography by JoAnn M.Hunter, set and costume designs by Anna Louizos, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Mick-Potter, music supervision by John Rigby with Matt Smith as musical director.

School of Rock – The Musical will be at Wales Millennium Centre 12-17 April 2021.

Vampires Rock Ghost Train Review

Grand Opera House York – Wednesday 26 January 2020

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

5*****

Steve Steinman, with the phenomenon that is Vampires Rock Ghost Train, once again hit the Grand Opera House York on Wednesday night. Steinman is the writer, producer, director and plays the lead and promises a night of sensational classic rock. He has been touring with this show for years, always with a few changes, playing to over a million people and has such a loyal following. This is the third time I have seen this show, and would it live up to expectations?

Baron von Rockula (Steinman), wants new blood to replace his Queen (Emily Clark) after 300 years. He orders his poor downtrodden servant Bosley (John Evans), to find him a new bride. Innocent Roxy Honeybox (Claire Micallef) is the victim, seduced by the Baron and his sexy vampires (Trixabelle Bold and Victoria Hawley). This doesn’t go down too well with his current Vampire Queen. The Baron also has to contend with the masked Van Halensing, who is on a mission to kill him once and for all.

The Lost Boys, the band, were excellent as always, they are seriously good. Playing over split levels, they are on stage the whole show. It is always good to see local boy, Henry Bird, getting the attention and praise he deserves from the audience. This time he was joined by another local Damien Sweeting, along with Zoe Parr, Pete Dean and Andy Preston. All the musicians are simply outstanding, playing with such passion and in character throughout the whole show. They played some of the greatest, classic rock anthems from the 80’s, including tracks from Foreigner, Queen, Europe, Bonnie Tyler, and of course Meatloaf. Meatloaf is where it all started with Steinman, after an appearance on Stars in Their Eyes.

Dancers and vocalists, Bold and Hawley are very lithe and ooze sex appeal in their skimpy leather outfits, and the amount of costume changes they manage is quite a feat. I found Bold and her glorious fire red hair, quite compelling to watch. I have seen her in this production before, and she has really blossomed into the role and made it her own. Clark and Micallef delivered powerful vocals, matching Steinman abilities.

The show wouldn’t be complete without Evans strutting his stuff in zebra print leggings with blue pvc pants on top, whilst rocking The Final Countdown. From then all of us were up on our feet, singing and dancing along to all the great music that was still being played.

As always Steinman interacts with the audience, delivering his script, such as it is, with up to date gags thrown in. With topics including Prince Andrew and Philip Schofield you couldn’t help but laugh. Steinman is such a people person, it’s no wonder he attracts such a loyal following. This company must be the most hard working, with the amount of touring they do with different shows.

This show is like no other. It is a bit of a pantomime, a bit of a story line, but a whole lot of rock, a musical extravaganza. I’d describe it as a vampire pantomime rock concert. It is still bonkers, still cheesy, but it is such fun with such huge energy. I defy anyone to go to see this and not come out feeling 110% afterwards. A truly fabulous night out. This is one show that I could watch again and again with relish, and I look forward to my next trip on the Ghost Train, whenever that may be.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson & Steve Pemberton to star in West End Premiere of Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman

OLIVIER & ACADEMY AWARD WINNER

MARTIN McDONAGH’S ELECTRIFYING PLAY

TO MAKE ITS WEST END PREMIERE

New production to star

AARON TAYLOR-JOHNSON and STEVE PEMBERTON

The show reunites McDonagh with MATTHEW DUNSTER,

the director of their acclaimed production of Hangmen

Duke of York’s Theatre | Performances begin 24 July

Martin McDonagh, the multi Olivier, BAFTA and Academy Award-winning playwright and screen-writer responsible for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, MissouriIn Bruges, Seven Psychopathsand Six Shooter, is back in London’s West End this summer with his acclaimed iconic play, The Pillowman.

Performances begin at the Duke of York’s Theatre from Friday 24 July, for a strictly limited 12-week season (Press Night: Wednesday 5 August at 7:00pm). As a special initiative, the producers are also thrilled that they will be making tickets available for every performance on a ‘Pay What You Can” scheme.

With an all-star cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Golden Globe Award winner, Nocturnal Animals) and Steve Pemberton (Bafta Award winner, The League of Gentlemen), Matthew Dunster directs the first ever West End production of Martin McDonagh’s electrifying and savagely funny Olivier Award-winning The Pillowman (its only previous UK run was at the National Theatre in 2003) at the intimate Duke of York’s Theatre for a strictly limited season.

Martin McDonagh said: “The Pillowman is a play that’s always been very close to my heart, in terms of its combination of the darkest of dark comedy with its exploration of the nature of story-telling itself. It’s a play that I haven’t wanted to have staged in London until I could find the perfect director and the ideal cast for it, and having worked with Matthew previously on Hangmen, and been an admirer of Steve and Aaron’s work for many years, I feel it’s the perfect time to find out what a whole new generation makes of this peculiar tale…”

In a totalitarian state a Writer is questioned by the authorities about a spate of murders that bear similarities to his short stories. Is this life imitating art or something more sinister? This black comedy widely regarded as one of the greatest plays of the past 25 years, examines the role of the artist in society and asks what price do we pay for freedom of expression.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s film roles include portrayals of a young John Lennon in Nowhere Boy, Count Vronksy in Joe Wright’s adaptation of Anna Karenina and James Frey in A Million Little Pieces. Recently starred in Doug Liman’s The Wall, David Mackenzie’s Outlaw King and the upcoming Christopher Nolan’s Tenet.  Additional credits include the titular character in the Kick-Ass Films, Quicksilver in AvengersAge of UltronShanghai KnightsGodzilla and Oliver Stone’s Savages. He was recognized with a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and a BAFTA Award Nomination for Tom Ford’s thriller, Nocturnal Animals. Aaron Taylor-Johnson will play Katurian in The Pillowman.

Steve Pemberton is a member of The League of Gentlemen with Reece Shearsmith, Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson.  He co-wrote and appeared in Psyschoville and Inside Number 9.  His other television credits include: Good Omens, Worzel Gummidge, Doctor Who, Benidorm, Blackpool, Shameless, Whitechapel, Happy Valley and Mapp and Lucia.  His stage work includes playing Mr Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer at the National Theatre. Steve Pemberton will play Tupolski.

Matthew Dunster – who directed McDonagh’s award-winning Hangmen at the Royal Court, in the West End and about to open on Broadway – is joined on the creative team by Set and Costume Designer Anna Fleischle (Hangmen, Death of a Salesman, Message in a Bottle, Everyone’s Talking about Jamie) and Sound Designer Ian Dickinson (Hangmen, Company – West End and Broadway, Jerusalem and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time).

Empire Street Productions presents The Pillowman and are thrilled to be bringing this extraordinary play to London with a ‘Pay What You Can’ ticket pricing initiative across the whole run. James Bierman (Empire Street Productions) said,  ”I really hope that with this play, this cast and for this production, we can welcome both established and new playgoers into the West End, and that this pricing accessibility will give those audiences the thrill of live theatre at its very best.”

Dreamgirls UK Tour – More venues announced

THE DAZZLING, MULTI-AWARD WINNING
WEST END PRODUCTION OF
DREAMGIRLS
ANNOUNCES FURTHER VENUES FOR ITS FIRST EVER TOUR OF THE UK

Sonia Friedman Productions is delighted to announce further venues and dates for Dreamgirls’ first ever UK tour. Following on from performances in 2020 in Bristol, Milton Keynes, Blackpool, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Birmingham, Dreamgirls will continue to tour in 2021 to Sunderland, Hull, Nottingham, Liverpool, Norwich, Canterbury and Leeds. 

Featuring the classic songs ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’, ‘Listen’ and ‘One Night Only’, this sensational, multi-award winning new production of Dreamgirls had its critically acclaimed West End Premiere in December 2016 at London’s Savoy Theatre, 35 years on from opening on Broadway.

Meet The Dreams – Effie, Lorrell and Deena – three talented young singers in the turbulent 1960s, a revolutionary time in American music history. Join the three friends as they embark upon a musical rollercoaster ride through a world of fame, fortune and the ruthless realities of show business, testing their friendships to the very limit.

In 2006, Dreamgirls was adapted into an Oscar® winning motion picture starring Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx.

Casting for the Dreamgirls UK tour will be announced soon. This award winning production is Directed and Choreographed by Olivier® and Tony® Award winning Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Mean Girls, Disney’s Aladdin and Something Rotten!), with Set and Costume Design by Tim Hatley, Lighting Design by Hugh Vanstone, Sound Design by Richard Brooker, Hair Design by Josh Marquette and Music Supervision by Nick Finlow.

With Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyen and Music by Henry Krieger, with Additional Material by Willie Reale, the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls, Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett, opened in 1981 and subsequently won six Tony® Awards. The original cast recording won two Grammy® Awards for Best Musical Album and Best Vocal Performance for Jennifer Holliday’s ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.’

The Original London Cast Recording of hit West End musical Dreamgirls is available via Sony Masterworks Broadway.

The UK Tour of Dreamgirls is produced by Sonia Friedman ProductionsGreenleaf ProductionsFakston ProductionsRupert GavinTulchin Bartner ProductionsGriffin DohrAdam Blanshay Productions in association with 1001 Nights ProductionsEighth Sea IncorporatedGlass Half Full Productions.

LISTINGS:

Dreamgirlsthemusical.co.uk | @Dreamgirls_UK

Saturday 12 September – Saturday 3 October 2020
Bristol Hippodrome
St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ
0844 871 3012 | www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/

Tuesday 6 – Saturday 17 October 2020
Milton Keynes Theatre
500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ
0844 871 7652 | www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

Tuesday 27 October – Saturday 7 November 2020
Winter Gardens, Blackpool
97 Church St, Blackpool FY1 1HL
0844 856 1111 | www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 21 November 2020
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen AB25 1GL
01224 641122 | www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/

Tuesday 24 November – Saturday 5 December 2020
Edinburgh Playhouse
18-22 Greenside Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3AA
0844 871 3014 | www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse/

Tuesday 8 December – Saturday 2 January 2021
The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham B5 4DS
0844 871 3011 | www.atgtickets.com/venues/alexandra-theatre-birmingham/

Tuesday 12 – Saturday 23 January 2021
Sunderland Empire
4-5 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 3EX
0844 871 3022 | www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire
On sale soon

Tuesday 26 January – Saturday 6 February 2021
Hull New Theatre
Kingston Square, Hull HU1 3HF
01482 300 306 | www.hulltheatres.co.uk
On sale: Friday 6 March 2020

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 20 February 2021
Nottingham Theatre Royal
Theatre Square, Nottingham NG1 5ND
0115 989 5555 | www.trch.co.uk
On sale: Friday 6 March 2020

Tuesday 23 February – Saturday 6 March 2021
Liverpool Empire
Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE
0844 871 3017 | www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire
On sale soon

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 27 March 2021
Norwich Theatre Royal
Theatre St, Norwich NR2 1RL
01603 630000 | www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
On sale soon

Tuesday 30 March – Saturday 10 April 2021
Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS
01227 787787 | www.marlowetheatre.com
On sale: Wednesday 25 March 2020

Tuesday 13 April – Saturday 1 May 2021
Leeds Grand Theatre
46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU
0844 848 2700 | www.leedsgrandtheatre.com
On sale: Wednesday 4 March 2020

Dreamgirls will continue touring throughout 2021 with further venues and dates to be announced.

Maria Friedman to lead the cast in HAY FEVER at Salisbury Playhouse

MARIA FRIEDMAN TO LEAD THE CAST IN

NOËL COWARD’S HAY FEVER AT SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE

Wiltshire Creative is delighted to announce that Maria Friedman, winner of three Olivier Awards, will lead the cast in a major new revival of Noël Coward’s Hay Fever at Salisbury Playhouse, directed by Gareth Machin (22 April – 16 May).

Joining Maria in the cast will be Simon Dutton, Hollie Edwin, Kwaku Mills and Julian Wadham, with further casting to be announced.

Maria Friedman has been nominated for seven Olivier Awards and won three for performances in the West End productions of Passion and Ragtime and her own cabaret By Special Arrangement. Other stage credits include Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof and the original London production of Sunday in the Park with George.

She has also directed highly acclaimed productions of Merrily We Roll Along (Menier Chocolate Factory/Pinter Theatre), High Society (Old Vic) and Stepping Out (Vaudeville Theatre) and is familiar to television audiences for her appearances in Casualty and EastEnders.

In Hay Fever, Maria will play eccentric lady of the house Judith Bliss alongside Simon Dutton as her husband David and Julian Wadham as house guest Richard Greatham.

Simon Dutton is best known for his appearances as Simon Templar in ITV’s The Saint and  BBC TV’s Not Going Out. Recent stage credits include Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution at London County Hall and the UK tour of Tom Stoppard’s Rough Crossing.

Julian Wadham’s film appearances include The English Patient and The Madness of King George. Stage credits include In Praise of Love (Theatre Royal Bath), Another Country (Chichester Festival Theatre) and This House (National Theatre).

Hollie Edwin (A Christmas Carol, Old Vic; Pride and Prejudice, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) will play Sorel Bliss and Kwaku Mills (Candida, Orange Tree Theatre) will play Simon Bliss.

Set in an English country house in the 1920s and centring on the outlandish Bliss family, Hay Fever remains one of Noël Coward’s most popular comedies. When each member of the family invites a guest for the weekend, the promise of an idyllic stay is quickly forgotten as the hapless visitors become playthings in the family’s self-made melodrama, resulting in complete comedic chaos.

Hay Fever is a Wiltshire Creative production, directed by Artistic Director Gareth Machin. The Designer is Rebecca Brower, Lighting Designer Sally Ferguson and Sound Designer Andrea J Cox.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked at www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk or on 01722 320333.

HAMPSTEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR ‘SLEEPWALKING’, HANNAH KHALIL’S DARK NEW THRILLER AND DEBUT AT HAMPSTEAD THEATRE WHICH RUNS FROM 26 MARCH UNTIL 2 MAY 2020

Hampstead Downstairs / Celia Atkin presents

Sleepwalking

By Hannah Khalil

Directed by Audrey Sheffield

Design by Anna Reid

Lighting by Ali Hunter

Sound by Julian Starr

Cast includes Eileen Nicholas & Jeany Spark

·         FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR SLEEPWALKING, HANNAH KHALIL’S DEBUT AT HAMPSTEAD THEATRE

·         ACCLAIMED STAGE AND SCREEN ACTORS, EILEEN NICHOLAS AND JEANY SPARK WILL PERFORM IN THIS WORLD PREMIERE, DIRECTED BY AUDREY SHEFFIELD, ALSO MAKING HER DEBUT AT HAMPSTEAD THEATRE

·         SLEEPWALKING, A DARK NEW THRILLER THAT EXPLORES MOTHERHOOD WILL BE PERFORMED IN THE THEATRE’S STUDIO SPACE FOR SUPPORTING NEW VOICES, FROM 26 MARCH UNTIL 2 MAY 2020

Just ask me. To help. It’s what I’m here for. I want to.

Hampstead Theatre, has announced the full cast and creative team for James Tait Black prize-nominated writer Hannah Khalil’s dark new thriller Sleepwalkingwhich will run from 26 March until 2 May 2020, marking her debut at the theatre.

Acclaimed stage and screen actors Eileen Nicholas and Jeany Spark will perform in this world premiere, directed by Audrey Sheffield who is also making her debut at Hampstead Theatre.  Sheffieldwill be joined by designer Anna Reid, with lighting design by Ali Hunter and sound design by Julian Starr.

Eileen Nicholas is known for her role as Renton’s mother in the iconic 90s film Trainspotting and the more recent sequel T2 Trainspotting.  Other screen credits include the film You Need Help and roles in the TV dramas, Broken and Midwinter of the Spirit.  Recent theatre credits include Richard III with Headlong, Midsummer with National Theatre of Scotland, presented at Edinburgh International Festival and Mary Stuart at the Duke of York’s with the Almeida Theatre.

Nicholas will be joined by Jeany Spark, known to television audiences for her portrayal of Linda Wallander in the UK TV detective drama series, Wallander starring alongside Kenneth Branagh.  Other screen credits include, Collateral, Born to KillLine of Duty 2 and Man Down.  Theatre credits include Crooked Dances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Skylight with Theatr Clwyd and Battleface with the Bush Theatre.

Life as a mother is full of challenges: there’s the house to be paid for, a high-pressure full-time job, and a daughter who has started having nightmares.  So it’s a relief when grandma steps in to help: dealing with the school run, preparing the daughter’s dinner, reading the bedtime story… everything suddenly becomes easier.  But what starts as desperately needed support gradually begins to feel pernicious. Best not to look too closely. Questioning things might lead to the end of this essential arrangement. And then the telephone starts to ring in the middle of the night…

Sleepwalking is a dark thriller that explores motherhood.

Roxana Silbert, Artistic Director ofHampstead Theatre,said “I am delighted to be welcoming these brilliant new artists into our Downstairs space, dedicated to bringing audiences the most exciting voices in contemporary theatre. I can’t wait to see Hannah’s visceral play brought to life.

Hannah Khalil, Playwright of Sleepwalking said: “I am so excited to be making my debut at Hampstead’s Downstairs space.  I’ve always loved the intimacy of this studio space and think it will be the perfect setting for Sleepwalking. I can’t wait to see it performed by these wonderful actresses whose work I’ve long admired.”

Audrey Sheffield, Director of Sleepwalking said: “When I first started working as a director, I came to see a lot of Hampstead Downstairs work and I always found it a really exciting and inspiring space.  I’m especially thrilled to now be making my directorial debut at the theatre and with Hannah’s fascinating, honest and deeply affecting new play.  I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room with this incredible cast and whole team, to bring this production to life.”

The Haystack is currently playing on the Main Stage at Hampstead Theatre.  Roxana Silbert’s critically acclaimeddirecting debut has been extended until 12 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.

Prince of Egypt Review

Dominion Theatre London – until 12 September 2020

Reviewed by Molly Stannard

5*****

A fantastic and imaginative adaptation by Scott Schwartz based on the biblical events of Moses, this show contains a great mix of humour, sadness, joy, despair, of relationships and love gained and lost, but ultimately victory for the downtrodden.

Some may find criticism because the stage set is basic, but thanks to Mike Billings for his lighting design and John Driscoll for his projection design you were transported back to ancient Egypt with amazing effects. I feel a more elaborate set would only detract from this wonderful illusion. The ingenious choreography by Sean Cheeseman, from the horse and chariots made up of dancing figures, to the river Nile coming alive by writhing bodies and the delightful combination of light projection recreating the turbulent waters and the flames of the burning bush was amazing to see. The music and voices were powerful and emotional.

The story is captivating as you see the relationship between the two brothers played by Luke Brady (Moses) and Liam Tamne (Ramses) unravel and eventually the truth of Moses origins become apparent, until eventually they must go their separate ways. The characters were brought alive and you could empathise with Moses as he comes to terms with his ancestry and his struggles with the abuse of his race, the conflict (at times), not only between him and his brother, but also with his own people and even with God. Moses sister Miriam (Alexia Khadime) and his wife Tzipporah ( Christine Allado) portrayed a great show of belief and strength as the driving force behind the men. The curses that God subjected the Egyptians to were skimmed over, a lot of drama could have been made of these, but, having said that, the show was long enough and the point of Pharaoh’s stubbornness was clearly put across.

At the end of the play there was a standing ovation which was well deserved!

Strictly Professional Graziano Opens First Solo UK Tour Havana Nights Next Week

STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL GRAZIANO

EMBARKS ON FIRST

UK SOLO TOUR NEXT WEEK

HAVANA NIGHTS OPENS ON MONDAY IN CHELMSFORD

SIZZLING SHOW WILL VISIT 26 VENUES NATIONWIDE

Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima is about to embark on his first solo UK tour, which opens next week.

The 25-year-old dancer has won a legion of fans through his sizzling dance routines, now he takes his new show Havana Nights on tour visiting 26 venues across the UK this Spring.

Graziano will be joined on tour by fellow Strictly professional and fiancée Giada Lini – together they will entertain audiences with their dazzling and stunning dance moves.

Havana Nights opens in Chelmsford on Monday 3 March 2020, before visiting Stevenage, Milton Keynes, Crawley, Tunbridge Wells, Bury St Edmunds, St Albans, Kettering, Leamington Spa, Cambridge, Exmouth, Redruth, Cheltenham, Swindon, Yeovil, High Wycombe, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Whitley Bay, Fleetwood, Warrington, Guildford, Reading, Shrewsbury, Southport, and Lichfield.

Havana Nights promises an exciting mix of Latin dances with individual performances from Graziano and Giada, as well as entertaining group numbers with their supporting dancers. The show will be fantastic and fast paced and is guaranteed to be fresh and innovative with amazing routines to dazzle and wow its audience.

And along with the spectacular sizzling performances on stage, there will also be opportunities for a special pre-show meet and greet with Graziano and Giada.

Graziano Di Prima was born in Sicily and started dancing at the age of six when his mother enrolled him in classes. He is an Italian Latin Champion, as well as representing Belgium at the World Championships, and made the top 24 at the under 21s Latin World Championships. He went on to spend three years performing with the world-famous Burn the Floor dance company, where he met his future wife 28-year-old Venetian Giada, romantically proposing to her live on stage between performances.

Graziano joined the Strictly team in 2018, partnering DJ Vick Hope through a series of sparkling and high-energy routines. He recently made Strictly history when he performed the first same sex couple dance with fellow professional Johannes Radebe.

Giada is ranked in the top 25 in the world in the Latin-American style. She won the Italian Showdance Championship nine times and represented Italy at the World Showdance Championships, where she was a finalist and won the Show Dance World Cup in 2014. She was also a finalist in Freestyle Latin representing Italy at the World Champions in China in 2013 and 2014.  She worked as a professional Latin American dancer on a high-profile Italian TV show called Amici di Maria De Filippi for three years, and toured Australia, the UK and Japan with Burn the Floor. Giada joined Strictly as a pro dancer in 2018.

Website:         www.havananightstour.co.uk

Twitter:           @_HavanaNights

HAVANA NIGHTS TOUR 2020

CHELMSFORD

Civic Centre

3 March 2020

01245 606505

https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres/#

STEVENAGE

Gordon Craig Theatre

4 March 2020

01438 363200

https://www.gordon-craig.co.uk/

MILTON KEYNES

Stables Theatre

5 March 2020

01908 280800

https://stables.org/

CRAWLEY

Hawth Theatre

6 March 2020

01293 553636

https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/The-Hawth

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Assembly Hall Theatre

7 March 2020

01245 606505

https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/

BURY ST EDMUNDS

The Apex

10 March 2020

01284 758000

https://www.theapex.co.uk/

ST ALBANS

Alban Arena

11 March 2020

01727 844488

https://www.alban-arena.co.uk/

KETTERING

Lighthouse Theatre

12 March 2020

01536 414141

LEAMINGTON SPA

Royal Spa Centre

13 March 2020

01926 334418

https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre/site/index.php

CAMBRIDGE

Corn Exchange

14 March 2020

01223 357851

https://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/cornex

EXMOUTH

Exmouth Pavilion

15 March 2020

01395 222477

https://www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion

REDRUTH

Regal Theatre

16 March 2020

01209 216278

https://www.merlincinemas.co.uk/regal-theatre

CHELTENHAM

Town Hall

17 March 2020

0844 576 2210

SWINDON

Wyvern Theatre

20 March 2020

01793 524481

https://swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/

YEOVIL

Westlands Theatre

21 March 2020

01935 422884

https://www.westlandsyeovil.co.uk/

HIGH WYCOMBE

Wycombe Swan

22 March 2020

01494 512000

https://wycombeswan.co.uk/Online/

GLASGOW

Royal Concert Hall

25 March 2020

0141 353 8000

https://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com

EDINBURGH

Assembly Rooms

26 March 2020

0131 228 1155

http://www.usherhall.co.uk/

WHITLEY BAY

Playhouse Theatre

27 March 2020

0844 248 1588

https://www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk/

FLEETWOOD

Marine Hall

28 March 2020

01253 887693

https://uk.patronbase.com/_Wyre/Productions

WARRINGTON

Parr Hall

29 March 2020

01925 442345

GUILDFORD

GLive

31 March 2020

01245 606505

https://glive.co.uk/Online/

READING

Hexagon Theatre

1 April 2020

0118 960 6060

https://whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on

SHREWSBURY

Theatre Severn

3 April 2020

01743 281281

https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/

SOUTHPORT

The Atkinson

4 April 2020

01704 533333

https://www.theatkinson.co.uk

LICHFIELD

Garrick Theatre

5 April 2020

01543 412121

https://www.theatkinson.co.uk

Sharon Small to play Miss Jean Brodie at Chichester Festival Theatre

Sharon Small to play the title role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

29 May – 20 June, Chichester Festival Theatre

Sharon Small will make her Chichester debut in the title role of THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE by Jay Presson Allen, adapted from the novel by Muriel Spark. Rachel Kavanaugh directs the production, running at Chichester Festival Theatre from 29 May – 30 June.

Known to a wide television audience for series including The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Flesh and Blood, Mistresses, Trust Me and London Kills, Sharon Small’s theatre work includes Men Should Weep and The Threepenny Opera (National Theatre), Arden of Faversham (RSC), Still Alice (West Yorkshire Playhouse and tour) and The Realistic Joneses (Theatre Royal Bath).

1931. Edinburgh. Schoolmistress Jean Brodie prizes beauty, truth and art above the curriculum, reaching beyond the classroom to find lessons in galleries, theatres and the opera. For her favoured set of girls – Sandy, Jenny, Monica and Mary – she is a fascinating enigma.

And it’s not only twelve-year-olds who are drawn to the provocative Miss Brodie. There’s Gordon Lowther, the diffident music teacher, whom she visits every Sunday, and the raffish married art teacher, Teddy Lloyd.

But not everyone is an admirer. Brodie’s unconventional style challenges the established order at Marcia Blaine School, and a headmistress who doesn’t wish lessons to be taught in the open air and minds to be recklessly expanded.

As the girls grow up and innocence gives way to experience, trust turns to doubt about their teacher. Soon, being a woman and an iconoclast, in a turbulent political age, becomes downright dangerous.

Jay Presson Allen’s bold, searching and funny play, written in 1966, was adapted from the 1961 novel by Muriel Spark. A hit both in London and on Broadway, it successfully transferred to the screen in 1969. 

Rachel Kavanaugh’s many Chichester productions include Shadowlands (2019), The Winslow Boy (2018) and Half A Sixpence (2016).

The production will be designed by Robert Jones, with lighting by Howard Harrison, music by Catherine Jayes, sound by Fergus O’Hare, movement by Georgina Lamb and casting by Charlotte Sutton.

The Band Is Hitting The Road! – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock – The Musical To Tour the UK and Ireland in 2021

THE BAND IS HITTING THE ROAD!

A close up of a sign

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ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S SMASH HIT

WEST END & BROADWAY MUSICAL

TO EMBARK ON UK TOUR, 2021

Opening at Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, 13 February 2021

School of Rock – The Musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit, award-winning West End show, will go on a major UK Tour in 2021, opening at the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre on Saturday 13 February 2021.

Based on the hilarious hit movie, this new musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band – sensationally performed live by the production’s young actors every night with roof-raising energy!

While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.

‘THE MOST ENJOYABLE FEW HOURS MONEY CAN BUY’ THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Featuring 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and all the original songs from the movie, this high-octane smash delivers face-melting guitar riffs and touching romance in equally awesome doses.

‘A BIG HEARTED SHOW. LOUD AND CHEEKY, A FEEL-GOOD EXPERIENCE

WITH A HINT OF ANARCHIC WILDNESS’ EVENING STANDARD

The production opened at the New London Theatre (now the Gillian Lynne Theatre) in November 2016 to 5-star reviews and widespread critical acclaim. It went on to win the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music. The Broadway production recently concluded its run at the Winter Garden Theatre with a US national touring production continuing. An Australian production opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne last October.

‘A TRIUMPH FOR ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER AS THE KING OF HIT MUSICALS’ DAILY MIRROR

School of Rock – The Musical features new music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, Sister Act) and a book by Julian Fellowes. It is directed by Laurence Connor (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, London Palladium 2019) with choreography by JoAnn M.Hunter, set and costume designs by Anna Louizos, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Mick-Potter, music supervision by John Rigby with Matt Smith as musical director.

Andrew Lloyd Webber is the composer of some of the world’s best known musicals including Cats, Evita, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera (which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary) and Sunset Boulevard.  In New York, School of Rock – The Musical, a stage version of the movie, is currently running alongside Cats and Phantom of the Opera, equalling Lloyd Webber’s previous record of three shows running simultaneously on Broadway.

His awards, both as composer and producer, include seven Tonys, seven Oliviers, a Golden Globe, an Oscar, the Praemium Imperiale, the Richard Rodgers Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre, a BASCA Fellowship, the Kennedy Center Honor and a Grammy for Best Contemporary Classical Composition for Requiem, his setting of the Latin Requiem mass which contains one of his best known compositions, Pie Jesu.  He owns seven London theatres including the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, the New London Theatre and the London Palladium.  He was knighted by Her Majesty The Queen in 1992 and created an honorary member of the House of Lords in 1997.  He is passionate about the importance of music in education and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation has become one of Britain’s leading charities supporting the arts and music.

School of Rock has a book by Julian Fellowes, for which he received a Tony nomination. Julian the creator, writer and executive producer of the worldwide hit TV series Downton Abbey, which has received 69 Emmy Award nominations, winning 15, including two awards for Fellowes.

Casting for the UK Touring production is to be announced.

The UK & Ireland Tour of School of Rock – The Musical is produced by David Ian Productions.