Month: March 2020

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 14 March 2020

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

5*****

The Sheffield Lyceum is taken over by a spectacular show this week, A Monster Calls. Yes, this show is based on a young adults novel published in 2011, written by Patrick Ness. Yes, this show will attract a lot of younger people, but this production is a must see for all. Absolutely everybody.

We follow Conor, a 13-year-old boy who knows his mother is seriously ill, and whose fear grows when nobody will really talk to him about it or tell him what is actually happening. When in the middle of the night a monster pays him a visit: the enormous, ancient yew tree in his garden comes to life and begins to tell Conor a series of harsh fables, that in turn, help him face the truth of his situation.

The magic on stage starts right from curtain up. There is minimal set but the set is created by the cast members, all sat to each side of the stage. They become the tables and surfaces by using their hands, they become the soundtrack by using their vocals and they create a never ending, interchanging atmosphere by just being supremely well rehearsed and impeccable with their timing.

There is no dancing in this show but heaps of choreography on every inch of the stage, hats off to Dan Canham, Movement Director for being so creative and precise. The scenes are just staged to perfection.

The music and sound throughout bring every emotion to the absolute hilt, so very exact with what composer Benji Bower must have wanted to create. The two man band, Seamas Carey and Luke Potter do the best job of delivering this beautiful sound track through the production while also adding to the atmosphere with their movement and stage presence.

The cast are second to none. Every single one of the actors give blow away performances, far too many to mention all of them. Ammar Duffus playing the lead of Conor pulls on your heart strings. You end up feeling real emotion for this poor soul, going through school being bullied alongside the heartache of having an ill mother. Maria Omakinwa, playing Mum, makes you believe she is this strong woman, using her maternal strength to really give her son as much belief and hope as she possibly can. Keith Gilmore, excels as The Monster. What an actor. He injects fear throughout the auditorium when he first appears in character and the passion and energy he gives to this performance, well, it is hard to imagine anyone giving it anymore.

This is a breath-taking, spell-bounding, intensely emotional show. Many sniffles and eye-wiping going off as the cast were taking their bows. Will leave you deep in thought. Excellent.

Barn Theatre, Cirencester – until 18 April 2020

Review by Josie Aburrow Smith

5*****

The new Built by Barn production of Ben Hur is now playing at the Barn Theatre in the Roman town of Cirencester. It is a comedy based on the classic best selling 19th century American book.

Those of you familiar with the Lew Wallace book or the multiple Oscar winning film adaptation will remember the story revolves around the eponymous Jewish nobleman who was falsely accused of an attempted assassination and enslaved by the Romans. Running parallel to Judah Ben Hurs life is that of Jesus Christ and as the revenge plot unfolds, it becomes a story of compassion and forgiveness.

This laugh a minute version is the story of an amateur theatre troupe of four who take on a condensed version of this epic tale. It features James Dinsmore as Edgar T Chesterfield, Liam Horrigan as Daniel Veil, Devarnie Lothian as Omar Lord and Bronte Tadman as Crystal Singer. Each of the theatre group then play a variety of characters with quick costume changes and some brilliant accents. They somehow manage to fit in chariot races, sea battles, treason, miracles, backstage drama, some brilliant Egyptian dancing and a very amusing bit of audience participation.

With everything else going on around the world at the moment we sometimes just need a good laugh and the Barn Theatre certainly delivered this. Ben Hur had me laughing throughout the whole performance. I would like to tell you more about the camels and chariot racing but instead you need to go and see this wonderful production for yourselves.

Bradford Theatres are excited to announce the Summer 2020 season which is jam packed with new musicals, returning favourites, family shows and top names in comedy and entertainment.

Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:
“There’s something for everyone in our summer season, with a fantastic range of exciting events taking place at all four of our venues.

As well as returning favourites such as Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, we have brand new musicals heading to Bradford: Bring It On inspired by the film of the same name is at the Alhambra Theatre in July; and Friendsical, an original and unique new parody musical inspired by Friends (the iconic TV show), visits St George’s Hall in May

It’s just over a year since St George’s Hall reopened its doors after transformational refurbishment – The Heritage Outreach Programme (supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund) continues this year and includes themed heritage tours, open days and free family activity sessions. You can find details of these events in this brochure or on our website. St George’s Hall also now has a beautifully decorated and elegantly furnished Café, where you can call in to enjoy a drink and some food with us.”

April
Disney’s THE LION KING – Thursday 30 April – Saturday 20 June, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thur 14 May 7.30pm, Audio Described: Thur 4 June 2.30pm, Captioned: Thur 11 June 7.30pm,
Relaxed performance: Tue 16 June 5pm
Brilliantly reimagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney’s beloved film has been transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. Selling fast! Single seats are still available for most performances. The Lion King is recommended for ages 6 and up. Children under 3 years of age are not permitted.

May
Martin Roscoe (piano), Carducci Quartet & Daniel Storer (double bass) – Friday 1 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Part of Bradford’s International Classical Music Season 2019/20 – 32nd Bradford Chamber Season

The Phoenix Club Pack of Three – Tuesday 5 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Three Stars of Phoenix Nights Neil Fitzmaurice, Barbara Nice & Archie Kelly

A Beautiful Noise – Wednesday 6 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Led by Fisher Stevens and his full live band fresh from London’s West End, this internationally acclaimed production pays homage to Neil Diamond’s incredible career.

Back To The 60s Brothers in Song – Friday 8 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
This show features songs from The Walker Brothers, The Righteous Brothers and The Everly Brothers

Heritage Tour – Saturday 9 May 11am – St George’s Hall
Discover the fascinating history of the magnificent, grade II* listed St George’s Hall with this guided tour around the venue

Henry Normal – The Escape Plan – Tuesday 12 May 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Joel Dommett – Unapologetic (If That’s Ok?) – Thursday 14 May 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
A Brass Band Spectacular Brighouse & Rastrick Band with the City of Bradford Band – Friday 15 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Showaddywaddy – Saturday 16 May 7.30pm – King’s Hall Ilkley
Calling Planet Earth – Saturday 16 May 7.30pm – St George’s Hall
A New Romantic symphony that goes on a journey through one of the greatest musical eras of all time – the electrifying 80s

The Unbelievable Chris Kamara Show – Wednesday 20 May 8pm, St George’s Hall
Popular TV personality Chris Kamara takes to the stage for the first time!

Rich Hall – Hoedown Deluxe – Thursday 21 May 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley

Friendsical – Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 May, St George’s Hall
Friendsical is an original and unique new parody musical inspired by the gang in Friends, the iconic TV show. With original new songs such as (He’s her) Lobster!, Richard’s Moustache and You’re Over Me, When Were You Under Me, the gang take on naked Thursdays, a power cut, and a dinosaur convention! What could possibly go wrong?

Peppa Pig Family Activity – Tuesday 26 May 11am, St George’s Hall
This family-friendly session includes a short tour of St George’s Hall, taking you behind-the-scenes and on the stage for a Peppa Pig storytelling session. It will finish with a free craft activity.

Francis Rossi – I Talk Too Much – Wednesday 27 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Legendary Status Quo founder, lead singer and lead guitarist Francis Rossi will share the extraordinary secrets of his 50-plus years in rock ‘n’ roll

Funny Girls – Thursday 28 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
The original drag comedy experience! Age recommendation 16+

St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra – Friday 29 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Part of Bradford’s International Classical Music Season 2019/20 – 152nd Bradford Orchestral Season

The Opera Boys A Night at the Musicals – Friday 29 May 7.30pm – King’s Ilkley
Go Now! The Music of The Moody Blues – Saturday 30 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Al Murray Landlord of Hope and Glory – Sunday 31 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

June
LGBT+ Heritage Tour – Monday 1 June 6pm, St George’s Hall
In conjunction with Bradford Pride, this bespoke heritage tour of St George’s Hall celebrates the rich history of LGBT+ artists and performers at the venue and their huge contribution to our cultural life.

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever – Wednesday 3 & Thursday 4 June, St George’s Hall
King of Pop – starring Navi – Saturday 6 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Dreamboys – Too Hard To Resist Tour – Friday 12 June 8pm, St George’s Hall
Giovanni Pernice – This Is Me! – Saturday 13 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Orchestra of Opera North presents The Best of the West End – Sunday 14 June 4.30pm, St George’s Hall. For one night only, experience all your West End favourites performed live by the stars of the shows, backed by the full Orchestra of Opera North.

What’s Love Got To Do With It? A Tribute To Tina Turner – Thursday 18 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Clinton Baptiste The Paranormalist Returns! Thursday 18 June 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
The Ultimate 70s Show – Saturday 20 June 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Stewart Lee – Snowflake/Tornado – Saturday 20 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 14+

Here Come The Boys – Tuesday 23 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Strictly Come Dancing’s Aljaž Škorjanec is joined by former Strictly favourite Pasha Kovalev, international ballet sensation and West End star Sam Salter and Australian dance sensation, NBC World Of Dance champion and Broadway star Michael Dameski.

Million Dollar Quartet – Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 June, Alhambra Theatre
This worldwide smash-hit musical is inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock‘n’roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. Starring Peter Duncan as the Father of Rock‘n’Roll, Sam Phillips.

An Evening of Adult Comedy with Billy Pearce – Thursday 25 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age 18+
Bec Hill – Out Of Order – Thursday 25 June 7.30pm, The Studio. Age 16+

July
Dr John Cooper Clarke – The Luckiest Guy Alive – Sunday 5 July 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age 14+
Heritage Tour – Thursday 9 July 11am, St George’s Hall
Go behind-the scenes and on stage to find out about the recent refurbishment and the exciting range of people who have performed there since 1853.

80’s Mania – Fri 10 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Get ready to party like it’s the 1980s with this multi-tribute concert!

Bring It On The Musical – Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 July, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 16 July 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 18 July 2.30pm
Amber Davies and Louis Smith are ready to Bring It On as the smash-hit Broadway musical back flips into the UK. Bring It On is produced by Selladoor Productions (Flashdance, Avenue Q) and is written by Tony Award Winners Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q) Tom Kitt (Grease: Live) and lyricist Amanda Green (High Fidelity).

Curtis Stigers – Friday 17 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Curtis Stigers returns with a brand new album, Gentleman (April 2020), featuring jazz arrangements of modern standards by Nick Lowe, Tom T Hall, John Fullbright and David Poe, plus four new original songs.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story – Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 July, Alhambra Theatre
Featuring two terrific hours of the greatest songs ever written, including That’ll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B Goode, Raining In My Heart, Everyday, Shout and many many more, this show is just Peggy Sue-perb!

August
Heritage Tour – Yorkshire Day – Saturday 1 August 1pm, St George’s Hall
Celebrate Yorkshire Day with a heritage tour focusing on the Yorkshire qualities and characters that have contributed to the remarkable history of this magnificent venue.

To book for all of these shows please contact the Box Office on 01274 432000
or visit our website: bradford-theatres.co.uk
Booking fees apply

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE FAIRY GODMOTHER OF ALL PANTOMIMES, CINDERELLA, AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Tickets for Cinderella, this year’s spectacular festive family pantomime at Darlington Hippodrome, are on sale now!

You shall go to the ball this Christmas with the spectacular family pantomime Cinderella at Darlington Hippodrome. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh out loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her ugly sisters with help from her best friend Buttons and meets her dashing Prince. This Christmas bring your family to the most magical of all pantomimes where you can make festive memories as precious as a glass slipper.

Cinderella will be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and the team behind Darlington’s annual pantomime, who guarantee another must-see production packed with audience participation, sensational music and dancing, jaw-dropping special effects and fantastic festive entertainment suitable for all ages.

Star casting to be announced soon!

Cinderella runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Saturday 5 December 2020 to Sunday 3 January 2021. For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.

GAYLENE GOULD TO HOST 4^TH ANNUAL TONIC AWARDS

Tonic Theatre today announce Gaylene Gould as host of the 4^th annual Tonic Awards, celebrating the achievements of game-changing women, projects and productions that redefine the role of women in theatre and the performing arts, both on and off stage. The 2020 Awards take place at The May Fair Theatre on Monday 23 March at 7pm.

Gaylene Gould said today, “There aren’t many spaces dedicated to celebrating women in theatre, which makes the Tonic Awards all the more vital. I’m really looking forward to an evening centred around the amazing things that women are achieving in the industry, and shining a spotlight on the positive change that is being created.”

Lucy Kerbel, Director of Tonic added, “The Tonic Awards are about celebrating those who are changing the face of theatre today. This year’s awards will see an incredible breadth of talent being recognised, from a leading theatre academic to a smash-hit musical, each and every one of them playing a significant contribution in redefining the role of women in theatre and the performing arts.”

Gaylene Gould is a creative director, writer, arts broadcaster for the BBC and Cultural Ambassador for London. For the past 25 years she has headed up major cultural institutions and projects for the BFI Southbank, the Arts Council, Toronto International Film Festival, the National Theatre, and the Bernie Grant Arts Centre amongst others. Her artistic projects have been commissioned by the Tate, the V&A, Moderna Museet in Sweden and BAM in NY. Her new company The Space To Come designs imaginative projects that bring people together in transformative ways.

Full casting announced for
Jack Absolute Flies Again, a riotous new play
from Richard Bean (One Man, Two Guvnors)
and Oliver Chris (Emma)

        Casting includes Laurie Davidson (Cats), Caroline Quentin (Men Behaving Badly), James Fleet (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Richard Fleeshman (Company), Natalie Simpson (Three Sisters) and Lisa McGrillis (Mum).

As rehearsals begin, the National Theatre announce the full casting for Jack Absolute Flies Again, which will play in repertoire in the Olivier from 15 April until 25 July.

Staged during the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Thea Sharrock (After The Dance) directs this riotous and comedic new version of Sheridan’s The Rivals, co-written by Richard Bean (One Man, Two Guvnors) and Oliver Chris (Emma).

Laurie Davidson and Natalie Simpson will play Jack Absolute and Lydia Languish, with Caroline Quentin as Mrs Malaprop and Richard Fleeshman as Dudley Scunthorpe.

James Fleet joins the cast as Jack’s father Sir Anthony Absolute, Lisa McGrillis will play Lucy, Mrs Malaprop’s maid, and Helena Wilson (Measure for Measure) will play Julia Melville, Lydia Languish’s best friend and Roy Faulkland’s fiancé. And joining the cast as Jack’s RAF squadron are Jordan Metcalfe (Pride) as Roy Faulkland, James Corrigan (King Lear) as Bob ‘Wingnut’ Acres, Akshay Sharan (The Reluctant Fundamentalist) as Bhaggi ‘Tony’ Khattri, Tim Steed (The Crown) as Brian Coventry, Theo Cowan (The Outcast) as Peter Kingsmith and Azan Ahmed ((This Isn’t) A True Story) as Sergeant Sampson.

July 1940. After an aerial dog fight, Pilot Officer Jack Absolute flies home to his intrepid young Hurricane squadron at RAF Fontwell (formerly Malaprop Hall, East Sussex).

Back on British soil, Jack is shocked to find his old flame, Lydia, on the base. Setting his sights on winning her heart, Jack’s advances turn to anarchy when the young heiress demands to be loved on her own terms.

The set and costume design is by Mark Thompson, lighting design by Bruno Poet, music by Adrian Johnston, sound design by Paul Arditti, video design by Jeff Sugg, choreography by Lizzi Gee and physical comedy direction by Toby Park for Spymonkey.

Jack Absolute Flies Again is at the National Theatre from 15 April until 25 July and will be broadcast to cinemas live from 23 July. 

Production supported by Juliet de Baubigny.

KILN THEATRE ANNOUNCES FURTHER PROGRAMMING

With her critically acclaimed production of Antoinette Nwandu’s Pass Over now running until 4 April, Kiln Theatre Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham today announces further programming for 2020 – Heart by Jade Anouka, and more information about The Wife of Willesden adapted by Zadie Smith from Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath and NW Trilogy three short plays by Moira Buffini, Suhayla El-Bushra and Roy Williams.

The Wife of Willesden and NW Trilogy are presented in association with Brent 2020, London Borough of Culture.

Indhu Rubasingham said today, “2020 is the year of Brent, and it’s an enormous privilege to play a part in Brent 2020, London Borough of Culture to celebrate together what makes this community as diverse, unique and inspiring as the people and businesses that comprise it.

“We open our new season with Jade Anouka’s debut play Heart – an exploration of how to truly be yourself in a complex world. Jade also performs, with an extraordinarily talented creative team, led by director Nancy Medina.

“With our partners at Brent 2020, we are thrilled to present two major works and two community outreach projects. Renewing the company’s relationship with Zadie Smith following the recent success of White Teeth, we stage her The Wife of Willesden inspired by Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath. Completing the season is NW Trilogy, a celebration of music, migration and movement across Brent by Moira Buffini, Suhayla El-Bushra and Roy Williams – our associate directors Taio Lawson and Susie McKenna direct.

“This autumn marks 40 years since our theatre opened on Kilburn High Road, and we’re proud of its history and the future we are building on those achievements. The stories we present this autumn are Brent’s, and we are honoured to share them on an international stage.”

As part of Brent 2020, London Borough of Culture, Kiln Theatre is delivering The Agency project, which supports young entrepreneurs aged between 15-25 to develop ideas for social change in their area. On 28 March, the participants from St Raphael’s Estate and Stonebridge will pitch their ideas to a panel. On the same day, Kiln Youth Theatres (7-15 years) will be sharing their work in the James Baldwin Studio, and in the summer Kiln Theatre Young Companies (18-25 years) will present their devised work on the main stage. Alongside the NW Trilogy, Kiln Theatre hosts the NW Stories Academy which will give members of the local community a vital platform to tell their Brent stories.

Kiln Town Hall Talks series continues on 2 April with Prevention or Punishment, which tackles the complex issues surrounding knife crime. Continuing the recent successes of the In Conversation with… series hosted by Jim Carter, he returns to talk to actor and comedian Rob Brydon on 17 May; and Peter Capaldi and Dominic West on 21 June.

BOOKING DATES:

For Heart, The Wife of Willesden, NW Trilogy, Jim Carter in Conversation with Rob Brydon and Jim Carter in Conversation with Peter Capaldi and Dominic West:

Kiln Card priority booking: Tuesday 10 March at 11am

Public booking: Monday 16 March at 11am

BOLLYWOOD DIVAS

RECEIVES ITS WORLD PREMIERE AT

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

SHIAMAK UK is proud to present: bollywood DIVAS which will receive its world premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday 4 April 2020.

After the success of spirit of INDIA and spirit of BOLLYWOOD, SHIAMAK presents bollywood DIVAS, a dance tribute to the women of Indian Cinema.

Known for creating stunning visuals with breathtaking choreography, costumes, props and lighting design, Bollywood’s trend-setting entertainment designer and choreographer, Shiamak Davar, and his creative team led by CEO, Glen D’Mello, are set to present another spectacular evening of entertainment.

From Madhubala to Madhuri Dixit, Parveen Babi to Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor to Katrina Kaif, bollywood DIVAS pays tribute to the leading ladies of Bollywood – the world’s largest film industry based in Mumbai, India.

Shiamak Davar, Artistic Director of The SHIAMAK Groupsaid; “bollywood DIVAS is a homage to the amazing women who have inspired millions over the years. I have had the honour of working with some of these incredible artists over the last three decades and this show is our way of celebrating their contribution to the entertainment industry.”

The show is performed by the SHIAMAK UK Dance Team which is comprised of talented dancers from across the greater London area and the Midlands.

bollywood DIVAS will receive its world premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday 4 April 2020. Visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge) for more information and to book.

Taking a stand against sexism, Sexy Lamp
goes on tour
March – July 2020

Multi-award-winning writer and performer Katie Arnstein (Bicycles and Fish, Sticky Door, Bex and Rex) now brings the highly acclaimed Sexy Lamp out on a UK Tour. Told from the perspective of a young actor with bold aspirations, this hilarious and honest show, directed by Ellen Havard (Ad Libido, Edinburgh Fringe 2018) tells the story of power, opportunity and prejudice in the acting industry.

Katie has dreamed of being an actor since she was seven years old. In 2012 she arrives in London, a city full of magic and optimism, and is greeted by the brutal reality of an industry where named, speaking and fully clothed roles are hard to come by. Now, Katie is an actor who refuses to stay in the dark any longer.

Winner of Show of the Week at VAULT Festival 2019 where it also won Pleasance Pick of the VAULT Festival 2019, Sexy Lamp is a semi-autobiographical look at sexism in the acting industry and its impact on the wider world, told with original songs and heartfelt and comedic moments. A call to arms that demands women are seen and heard in all walks of life, this production discusses the reality women face when trying to keep both our dreams and our sanity alive.

This production is inspired by Kelly-Sue DeConnick’s ‘Sexy Lamp’ test which takes issue with scenes where a female character can be replaced with a sexy lamp without affecting the plot. While this blatant reduction of female actors’ roles still endures and while female creatives continue to fight for recognition, Sexy Lamp is a current and necessary addition to the plethora of female voices who are calling ‘time’s up’ in the ever-present #MeToo era.

Katie comments, Sexy Lamp is a semi-autobiographical look at sexism in the acting industry through the eyes of an optimistic 21-year-old. I moved to London with hopes and a plan; to get an agent, to get an acting job, to get a part time job and to get on the Metro’s Good Deed Feed. What stood in my way was sexism, discrimination and it is legit hard to get on the Good Deed Feed. Sexy Lamp is a comedy about finding my voice and what I want to do with it; a leopardprint-clad feminism for all.

The telling is supremely assured. Sexy Lamp, crisply directed by Ellen Havard, is full of sharp insights into the ways actors are exploited – groomed, even – by the machinations of an entire industry (★★★★, The Guardian)

Sexy Lamp is the second part of Arnstein’s It’s A Girl! trilogy, which began with Bicycles and Fish. Both will appear in a double bill at The Place in Bedford alongside a solo showing of Bicycles and Fish at the G Live in Guildford. Bringing people together to ignite a passion for female stories, Katie will also run workshops. Participants will explore how to make their own work with a focus on combatting everyday sexism and empowering young artists to make their own decisions and
say ‘no’ when they want or need to.

The It’s A Girl! trilogy is generously supported by Arts Council England, Pleasance Futures Fund and Redbridge Drama Centre.

JOE LYCETT (AKA HUGO BOSS) RETURNS TO THE ALEXANDRA

FOR AN EXCLUSIVE EVENT IN AID OF

THE LORD MAYOR OF BIRMINGHAM’S CHARITY

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham has announced a new charity event set to hit the stage at The Alexandra on Sunday 17 May 2020.

An Evening with Joe Lycett & Friends – The Mosquito Wing Part II will raise money exclusively for the Lord Mayor of Birmingham’s Charity, which supports non-profit organisations and charities across Birmingham.

The show is a follow-up to last year’s charity event which began as a joke when Joe Lycett, who currently goes by the name Hugo Boss, asked Lord Mayor Councillor Yvonne Mosquito to cut the ribbon at an official ceremony for the opening of his new kitchen extension. 

After publicly raffling tickets to attend the official ceremony, and with some help from his celebrity friends including comedian Katherine Ryan, BBC Midlands Today Nick Owen and Lloyd Griffith Soccer AM presenter, Joe raised thousands of pounds for the Lord Mayor’s Charity.

Last year’s event was fun and unique, and this year’s event promises to be just as exciting.  Councillor Mosquito, now Deputy Lord Mayor said: “Joe Lycett captures the spirit of Birmingham.  We are very excited to see what laughs and adventures he has in store for us this year with the comedy show An Evening With Joe Lycett & Friends – The Mosquito Wing Part II.”

The Alexandra has donated use of the venue free of charge for the event, and also scrapped booking fees usually applied to tickets. Lisa Mart, Theatre Director said: “We are so happy to have the opportunity to support the Lord Mayor of Birmingham’s Charity, and to welcome our friend Hugo Boss back to the venue! It is a real honour to host this event and to do our bit for local organisations, and have no doubt that we will achieve the main goal of raising a huge amount of money!”

Priced at just £20, tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 11 March, following a pre-sale to Joe’s mailing list on Monday 9 March which sold out in a mere ten minutes. Visit atgtickets.com/Birmingham to book.

Social handles:

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