Month: March 2020

DeNada Dance Theatre returns to Leeds

with a transgender dance-drama

DeNada Dance Theatre

Mariposa

Friday 03 April

Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds

theatreleeds.com

Following the success of their visit in 2018, DeNada Dance Theatre returns to Leeds on 03 April with their latest dance theatre work, Mariposa. A transgender tragedy inspired by Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, Mariposa is choreographed by Artistic Director Carlos Pons Guerra, alumnus of Leeds’ own Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

In Pons Guerra’s dance reimagining of Puccini’s seminal opera, action takes place in a Caribbean port as a local rent boy and a foreign sailor fall ominously in love. Mariposa transports Puccini’s libretto to the turbulent political repression of post-revolution Cuba, to a dockland world of faded showgirls, troubled sailors, and santeria (voodoo-like) spirits. Engulfed in a tropical storm of repressed desires, this new production is an exploration of what we are ready to sacrifice in order to be loved and accepted.

Set to an original score by award-winning Spanish composer Luis Miguel Cobo, Mariposa takes its inspiration from Caribbean sounds as well as Puccini, with libretto by French-Indian writer Karthika Nair. Designs are by Ryan Dawson Laight, and lighting is by Barnaby Booth.

Carlos Pons Guerra says: ‘Leeds is, for me, a city of opportunity and creativity. It is because of the support of its organisations – NSCD, Yorkshire Dance, Northern Ballet – that my career took flight, so I feel very humbled that I can share this new work with the city. Mariposa tells the narrative of the queer ‘other’, and Leeds’ diversity has always inspired me to tell the untold stories that add colour to our cultural tapestry. I hope that the audiences in Leeds, and anyone who has ever felt ‘other’, feels represented in this work. It is always an honour to perform in Yorkshire, who welcomed me so beautifully over fifteen years ago.’

Tickets for Mariposa by DeNada Dance Theatre at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds are on sale now and can be booked online at theatreleeds.com or by calling the Box Office on 0113 220 8008. Tickets are priced at £18.50, and there is an age guidance of 12+ due to content of a sexual nature.

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING 

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR RETURNS TO 

UK WITH “FREEDOM” TOUR

Winner of the 2019 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for their latest album “Freedom”, a collection of songs which celebrate and commemorate South Africa’s democratic movement’s struggle for freedom, Soweto Gospel Choir now bring their “Freedom” concert to the UK.  The tour, presented by Andrew Kay, will begin on Sunday 11 October at Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre and will run through to Sunday 1 November. 

Hailing from Soweto (South West Township), a town outside Johannesburg and home of Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s democratic movement, the three-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir continues to inspire audiences around the world with their powerful blend of African gospel, freedom songs, and international classics.

Comprising a line-up of South Africa’s best vocalists, these amazing performers have been spreading sheer joy to audiences across the globe for nearly two decades.  The Choir has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music including U2, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Robert Plant, Celine Dion, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Josh Groban.

In this uplifting and joyous repertoire, the Choir will perform a rousing programme of freedom songs celebrating the life of the father of their Rainbow Nation, Nelson Mandela, as well as international gospel classics, including a spine-tingling take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and an extraordinary rendition of “Amazing Grace” which has had over 15 million views on YouTube.

“The Soweto Gospel Choirmembers are thrilled to return to the UK for the Freedom Tour,” producer Andrew Kay said. “The group continues to inspire fans worldwide, but the reaction we get from audiences in the UK is unforgettable. We hope that our uplifting message of hope, faith, and joy reaches audiences new and old on this special return visit as we celebrate the legacy of the great Nelson Mandela.”

“Absolutely thrilling singers…dazzling music.” – Billboard

Soweto Gospel Choir is presented by Andrew Kay and Associates.

Website: www.sowetogospelchoir.com 

Facebook: @OfficialSowetoGospelChoir

Instagram: @sowetogospelchoir

Twitter: @sowetogospel

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaur5Bi1ruBhrJ2Z6nYsfmg

Running Time: 2 hours including interval 

2020 UK Tour Schedule

11 October                                  King’s Theatre, Edinburgh                                         0131 529 6000

                                                    www.capitaltheatres.com                                          on sale

13 October                                  Darlington Hippodrome                                            01325 405405

                                                    www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk                            on sale

15 October                                  Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry                                 0247 652 4524

                                                    www.warwickartscentre.co.uk                                   on sale 13 March

16 October                                  Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, London      020 3879 9555

                                                    www.southbankcentre.co.uk                                     on sale 2 April

17 October                                  The Stoller Hall, Manchester                                    0333 130 0967

                                                    www.stollerhall.com                                                  on sale

18 October                                  Malvern Theatres                                                      01684 892277

                                                    www.malvern-theatres.co.uk                                     on sale

19 October                                  Swansea Grand Theatre                                            01792 475715

                                                    www.swanseagrand.co.uk                                         on sale

21 October                                  St George’s Hall, Bradford                                        01274 432000

                                                    www.bradford-theatres.co.uk                                    on sale

22 October                                  Arts Centre, Aberystwyth                                          01970 62 32 32

                                                    www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk                            on sale 13 March

24 October                                  Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells                  01892 530613

                                                    www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk                                on sale soon

25 October                                  Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton                               01902 42 92 12

                                                    www.grandtheatre.co.uk                                           on sale 31 March

27 October                                  Sage Gateshead, Gateshead                                   0191 443 4661

                                                    www.sagegateshead.com                                        on sale

28 October                                  City Hall, Hull                                                             01482 300 306

                                                    www.hulltheatres.co.uk                                              on sale soon

30 October                                  Town Hall, Birmingham                                             0121 780 3333

                                                    www.thsh.co.uk                                                         on sale 20 March

31 October                                  Theatre Royal, Norwich                                             01603 630 000

                                                    www.norwichtheatre.org                                           on sale 18 March

1 November                                Royal & Derngate, Northampton                              01604 624811

                                                    www.royalandderngate.co.uk                                   on sale 6 April

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME ANNOUNCES FULL YOUNG CAST FOR FLOWER CUTTERS
A THRILLING NEW COMING-OF-AGE MUSICAL

This April, Birmingham Hippodrome will be putting young people firmly centre stage with the regional premiere of Flower Cutters (17 & 18 April) performed by Birmingham Hippodrome’s Musicals Young Company.

The company, aged between 16 and 22, comprises of Ella Sutton (aged 18 from Worcester) as Cass; James Spence (aged 19 from Solihull) as Luke; Alan Lewis (aged 22 from Birmingham) as Tom and Tia Brooks (aged 22 from Leamington Spa) as Mia.

They are joined by Olivia Allen (aged 21 from Bearwood) as Cass’s Mum; Louise Browning (aged 21 from Newport, Shropshire) as Professor Eldrin; Elle Carter Knowles (aged 21 from Bourneville) as Walker; Mille Chandler Dyer (aged 17 from Kidderminster) as Kirsten; Lauren Clarke (aged 22 from Kings Norton) as Officer Jefferies; Georgia Evans (aged 18 from Coventry) as Holly; Tyrese Haynes (aged 16 from Great Barr) as Taylor; Georgia Heaselgrave (aged 21 from Redditch) as Inspector Young; Jessica Jeavons (aged 19 from Walsall) as Faye; Olivia Lewis (aged 21 from Great Barr) as Carla; Kara Pugh (aged 18 from Worcester) as Jo; and Chris Rutter (aged 19 from Hagley) as Dennis.

Flower Cutters is a brand-new musical by Rachel Bellman & Josh Bird that is in development with Perfect Pitch, a not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to the creation, development and promotion of new British musicals, run by the producers of the Olivier Award nominated hit musical SIX.

This April will mark a regional premiere as the auditioned group from Birmingham Hippodrome’s Musicals Young Company will be the first to perform this exciting new work in the Midlands. The young company was created by Birmingham Hippodrome in order to provide a platform for talented young performers from Birmingham and the West Midlands to work with industry professionals to hone their skills and to explore and develop new work.

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Head of Learning and Participation, Zaylie-Dawn Wilson said; “As a charity committed to working with our local communities and developing young talent, we created Birmingham Hippodrome’s Musicals Young Company to give the young people of Birmingham and the West Midlands a world-class professional platform to nurture their talents.

“We are delighted to finally share our casting for what is sure to be an unmissable production, showcasing the best in new writing and local young talent.”

Written by Rachel Bellman & Josh Bird, Flower Cutters is a coming-of-age thriller about friendship, betrayal, and the lengths we will go just to feel like we belong. Desperate to fit in at University, Cass finds herself hanging out with Mia, Luke and Tom, an eccentric and exclusive group on the fringes of campus society. What Cass doesn’t know is that they are part of a university project, shrouded in mystery that has drawn them into the black market world of endangered flowers. When the group find themselves subjects of a criminal investigation, Cass clings onto their fragmenting friendship. But at what cost? 

Flower Cutters plays on 17 & 18 April at Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio. To book visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge). 

Salisbury Playhouse – until 14 March 2020

Reviewed by Jo Gordon

4****

 Frederick Nott’s Dial M for Murder has been around in many guises since 1952, all of which have passed me by so I was keen to see why this production has remained popular for so long. Originally set in the 50’s Director Anthony Banks has given it a nudge into the 60’s which seemed to please those in the audience who have followed it from birth.

The story tracks just five characters in one setting, a modern London pad owned by Tony and Margot Wendice (Tom Chambers and Sally Bretton). Tom has discovered Margots affair with writer Max Halliday (Michael Salami) and comes up with a plan to carry out the perfect murder on his wife. He blackmails old schoolfriend Captain Lesgate  into carrying out the deed. Despite precise planning over a number of months it doesn’t go quite to plan and Margot survives but Lesgate suffers a quick demise. Enter Inspector Hubbard (Christopher Harper), who runs absolute circles around Tony and his stories to set Margot up for the death penalty in pursuit of financial gain. Will he get to the truth?

Tom plays the charming sociopath that is Tony beautifully, showing us just how his dark mind works and his capabilities to try and turn everything to his favour while Sally’s Margot has nothing but trust in him despite loving another man.

For me, the star of the show was Christopher as Inspector Hubbard, his sharp wit and a dry sense of humour added needed lift to the production with perfect comical mannerisms drawing a chuckle from the audience.

The set was perfect, in fact I wanted to lift it all and place it in my own abode as even though the aim was to depict the 60’s its bang on trend currently which is maybe it felt more fresh and modern in my mind.

I have a feeling I may have been part of a tiny minority in a sold out theatre that had no clue how it would end so tried to stay away from interval rumblings for fear of ruining that, however I only heard good things from the masses about its current reincarnation. With nothing else to compare it to I could view it without any predispositions and thoroughly enjoyed it. A true cat and mouse thriller, a definite must see!

Grand Opera House York- until 14 March 2020

Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

5*****

Celebrating its 10th year on stage, Ghost Stories has even had the share of the silver screen. It claims to be the scariest show ever performed, with its age rating of 15 to back this up. Touring the UK, bringing screams and terror to 16 different cities, with the most haunted city in England, York, being in the middle of the run. York is known for its expansive history, with its fair share of death, torture, and supernatural happenings.

The show starts off as a lecture, nothing spooky or spine chilling so far, as Professor Goodman, played by Joshua Higgott, gave us a seminar on the paranormal and showed photos that he claims to be real. He then goes on to explain that there are three different cases of paranormal activity that he struggles to disprove. The first of which being that of a security guard on a nightshift. Tony Matthews, played by Paul Hawkyard, a straight up ‘man’s man’, retells his own experience. Hawkyard had the audience silent, laughing and also screaming. Having the stage to himself for a while, we as the audience felt alone, the only light coming from a small bulb that lit up the office he was in.

The second story told, was that of Simon Rifkind, played by Gus Gordon, a young man driving home from a party on night.

The third and final story is that of Mike Priddle, played by Richard Sutton, as a well-off businessman. Things appear to go alright for the most part, and Priddle seems total unaffected events that ultimately occur.

All these stories are harrowing in themselves, but is there any connection or are they just pure coincidence? The cast does a good job of making sure we are on the edge of our seats every moment of the show. The show is well thought out, from lighting to the audience being in total pitch black. There was also the use of sound, something that I picked up on very early, and that creeped me out the most.

I love when a show has this much attention to detail, it really pays off and creates, not just a stage show, but a whole entire experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the show, Ghost Stories is right up my street, and I’m sure many others will enjoy the show as well.

One thing I do have to note is the amount of younger adults at theatre, something that I rarely see when reviewing shows, which is a hopeful sight. A lot of the audience was screaming, laughing and flinching, which is a good sign, the show got what it wanted. Prepared to be shocked at the twist and turns.

Ghost Stories will be on at the York Grand Opera House until the 14th of March.

Richmond Theatre – until 14 March 2020

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

4.5****

Kite Runner is based on the best-selling novel by Khaled Hosseini Adapted by Matthew Spangler and directed by Giles Croft .
Kite Runner is the story of Amir (David Ahmad) an Afghanistan boy as he narrates his story as well as taking part through the chapters of his life. The story starts with him as a child and his beautiful relationship with his best friend Hassan (Andrei Costin) although best friends, Hassan and his Father Ali (Tiran Aakel) are servants to Amir’s father Baba (Dean Rehman).  They have worked for his fathers family for over 40 years and are very loyal towards them. Even though the boys are best friends their life styles couldn’t be more different!. Amir who lives in the family home with his father Baba who is a wealthy businessman, can be quite stern and comes across as a mans man and owns a beautiful large and exquisite house in Kabul. Whereas Hassans Father Ali is a poor Hazara, comes across as gentle and uncomplaining and grateful for the position he is in.

The two boys continue to develop a beautiful friendship even though their experiences in life are so very different. They enjoy many things together such as movies and books and make-believe play. As well as flying kites on the hills of Afghanistan. The connection between the boys on stage was very realistic Hassan played the part as a child exceptionally well, was very energetic and showed true emotion throughout his acting. Amir also gave an outstanding performance whilst narrating his story which at time were fun as well as many difficult memories showing affection, despair and empathy.  What a fantastic bond they had between them showing the audience just how deep their relationship was meant to be, bringing the story alive.

Although as the story develops and things take place, their bond suddenly changes in a instant, when an awful horrific act takes place. In that one moment, that one choice and that one reaction, changing their friendship and both boys lives forever.

Something that Amir and his choices, will regret for the rest of his life and something that will have big consequences on them all. Will he be able to come to terms with his past will it stay with him forever or will he be given another chance in order to changes things?

“For you a thousand times over”

The acting was just superb throughout giving it a real sense of meaning. You could tell there was a great connection with all in the show. The props and background were simple, but very effective of an Afghanistan skyline that later changes into San-Francisco . The sounds were fascinating and played on stage by musician Hanif Khan playing the Tabla and Tibetan singing bowls making it very authentic and matched very well with the show making this a great production to watch.

Kite Runner is a heart gripping, compelling play with so much emotion, love, hurt, loyalty, disappointment pride and anger as well as forgiveness!

Fane announces cancellation of WORDS WEEKEND festival which was due to take place at THE LOWRY in Salford, 27-29 March 2020.

Words Weekend Artistic Director Beth Gallimore’s statement reads:

‘It is with huge sadness that we have taken the decision to cancel Words Weekend at The Lowry following the escalation of COVID-19 in Europe. Although this is an incredibly difficult decision, the health of authors and audiences must be the priority.

The cancellation of London Book Fair was an early indicator of the impact COVID-19 would have on our industry, and given the fast-changing nature of the situation, we feel we must act quickly and decisively.

All ticket holders will be contacted directly by the venue.

We will be pressing ahead with our plans for Bury St Edmunds in May, our spring 2021 festival at Sage Gateshead, and hope to plan another festival at The Lowry in the future.’

SFP AT THE AMBASSADORS ANNOUNCES SEASON OF LATES
 

• SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE AN ECLECTIC AND EXCITING PROGRAMME OF LATE-NIGHT CABARET, DRAG AND STAND-UP COMEDY AT THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE
   
• THIS SEASON OF INCREDIBLE ONE-OFF PERFORMANCES WILL PLAY ALONGSIDE THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED RUNS OF BABY REINDEER AND THE SHARK IS BROKEN. WITH FURTHER ACTS TO BE ANNOUNCED.
   
• SFP IS COMMITTED TO ACCESSIBLE PRICING FOR THIS SEASON OF LATES WITH SHOWS FROM JUST £15.50
   
• TICKETS GO ON SALE ON WEDNESDAY 11TH MARCH AT 12 NOON
   

Sonia Friedman said: “In these uncertain times, we all need more opportunities to laugh, to be dazzled and to be entertained. And that’s why I’m so deeply passionate about the eclectic and exciting mix of late night programming my team and I have curated to run as part of the ‘SFP at the Ambassadors’ season. From world-class stand-up comedians to the most glamorous drag queens around, these late night shows are the exact escape we’ve all been looking for.”

Following the announcement of Baby Reindeer and The Shark Is Broken at the Ambassadors Theatre, Sonia Friedman Productions is thrilled to announce a packed line-up of the most dynamic and entertaining stand-up, drag performers, cabaret stars and more. Performances begin at 9:30pm.  

Live at the Ambassadors, presented by Berk’s Nest in association with Sonia Friedman Productions, is a monthly night presenting the most exciting, hilarious and ground-breaking comedy acts around. The first Live at the Ambassadors will feature Bridget Christie, best known for “free-wheeling gags and first rate grumbling” (The Telegraph), performing alongside Olivier Award nominee Richard Gadd, who brings his celebrated stand-up to the theatre for one-night only during his smash-hit run of Baby Reindeer. Suzi Ruffel and Fern Brady, Jamali Maddix and Kiri Pritchard McClean, Ed Gamble and Jen Brister will also take to the stage at subsequent Lives. More acts to be announced for each date in the coming months.

The season will also feature: the ridiculously talented Cocoa Butter Club whose roster of performers of colour will dazzle audiences with neo-burlesque, voguing and more; Frisky and Mannish’s first London outing of their riotous hit show Poplab; star of Comedy Central’s Dragony Aunts and international author Crystal Rasmussen’s The Confessions of Crystal Rasmussen featuring some very special guests; the legendary Duchess of Canvey, Diane Chorley’s smash-hit Edinburgh show, Modern Love; a feast of BOTH Kieran Hodgson’s critically acclaimed performances, Maestro and ’75, and chorister, football pundit and comedian Lloyd Griffith’s Not Just a Pretty Face. With more acts to be announced.

Acclaimed comedy circus caper
Hotel Paradiso comes to Newcastle and Kent
April 2020

Check into the Hotel Paradiso this April as Lost in Translation, one of the UK’s leading contemporary circus companies, bring their circus spectacular to Newcastle and Kent. An establishment like no other, Hotel Paradiso is a hilarious and boisterous family show for adults and children alike.

Doing battle with the dastardly Banker, the hapless and charming staff must tumble and swing to catch their chance at a happy ending as they try to rescue their beloved home from being repossessed. This laugh-out-loud hotel caper gives new meaning to a well-balanced dinner and keeping your enemy off-balance!

Hotel Paradiso showcases the daring and virtuosic skills and tricks of a multi-national and multi-talented cast of performers, which includes Massimiliano Rossetti and Roisin Morris, the Guinness World Record holders for most catches on the Korean Cradle. Building on their reputation as leaders in the field of story-led circus productions, Lost in Translation will treat audiences to heart-stopping aerial, stunning floor acrobatics and extraordinary juggling alongside impeccable clowning and a stunning soundtrack by renowned composer Peter Reynolds.

The circus tricks are amazing, they’re almost incidental to the plot, woven in seamlessly… Easily the best family show at the Fringe and one which all the family, including ‘hard to please dads’ will thoroughly enjoy (★★★★★, Theatre Reviews Design).

Hotel Paradiso is the sort of Fringe show everyone should see; it’s sassy, funny, clever and brilliantly put together (★★★★★, The Barefoot Review).

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh – until 15  March 2020

Reviewed by James Knight

4****

The circus has well and truly come to town in Cirque Beserk’s new tour. While much of the advertising is based around the ‘Globe of Death’ i.e. the one with the motorbikes inside a massive metal sphere, there’s plenty here to enjoy and astound you. Cirque Beserk will be no stranger to Edinburgh audiences from the Edinburgh Fringe or the Lucius Bikers recent appearance at the King’s Theatre panto this year, and they deserve your attention.

I’m always a bit worried that circus doesn’t get the appreciation it deserves. After all, it’s possibly the hardest performance style to stage: multiple disciplines, all the health and safety requirements, not to mention the specialist equipment… But to see a international troupe of performers (Mongolia, Spain, Ireland, Timbuktu to name a few) interacting and celebrating each other is surely something to encourage.

But enough of that. Let’s talk about the tricks. The show kicks off with the Timbuktu Tumblers, who well and truly live up to their name. Of course, they make it look effortless. They make it look easy. They lure you into thinking ‘I could do that’, then suddenly there’s a six man pyramid with only two people on the bottom.

Clownish antics and buffoonery are supplied by Paulo dos Santos, an instant hit with the audience, combining old-fashioned slapstick with impressive acrobatics.

Other highlights include Elberel, the contortionist archer (of course there’s a contortionist archer, it’s the circus), Antonio and Connor, the youngest members of the company performing joint acrobatics, Toni and Nikol, the knife throwing act, and the Khadgaa Troupe.

Oh, the Khadgaa Troupe. Solid, strong, a little bit intimidating, this group from Mongolia probably got the biggest gasps of the night. But then, it’s hard not to when you catapult someone twenty feet diagonally into air to have them caught on top of a pillar of people.

Finally, the Lucius Bikers, who closed both acts. There’s an almost unbelievable quality to their performance – the gravity that should apply to motorbikes whizzing around the inside of a spherical cage disappears instantly. It most definitely to be seen to be believed.