Month: September 2020

OCTOBER EVENTS AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Darlington Hippodrome announces a full schedule of events for all ages throughout October.

Having re-opened at the start of September Darlington Hippodrome has expanded its offer with a full schedule of events for all ages to enjoy throughout October.

The successful dance and fitness sessions will continue including regular Monday morning classes for those aged 65+ and dance fitness sessions each Tuesday evening. Further opportunities in dance include a contemporary dance taster session on the Hippodrome stage for adults (16+) on Saturday 3 October, a family taster session on Saturday 10 October and a Sling dance taster session for parents with young babies from 8 weeks of age which will take place on Thursday 22 October.

There will be two book group sessions on Wednesday 21 October when the text under discussion will be the gothic horror classic Dracula.

For those with an artistic flair there is another Lust For Life Drawing workshop on Monday 5 October and Sky Landscape Artist of the Year semi-finalist Brian Ramsey will hold a beginners’ drawing workshop on Monday 19 October. Quiz fans can book a spot in the Hippo Lounge for our popular Hippodrome Quiz on Wednesday 7 October which will also be streamed live on Facebook.

More classic cinema screenings are on offer in the Hippodrome auditorium with titles such as Sister Act, The Color Purple, Blade Runner, The Lost Boys, Hocus Pocus and The Woman in Black.

The venue’s box office, Hippo Lounge café and gallery spaces will be open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Saturday. The box office and Hippo Lounge will also be open thirty minutes before each ticketed event.

Councillor Andy Keir said “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported events throughout September at the Hippodrome, it was fabulous to see so many people taking advantage of the wide range of sessions. The success of the September schedule has meant an increase in the offer for October and I would hope this is a trend that continues.”

Visitors to the Hippodrome can be assured that all possible measures have been put in place to make a trip to the Hippodrome safe and enjoyable. Capacity at all events is restricted and it is advised to book as soon as possible.

For full details of all the events taking place in October please visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the box office on 01325 405405

NEAL STREET PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES NEW SCREENWRITERS BURSARY

21 September 2020

Neal Street Productions has today announced a brand-new screenwriters bursary scheme aimed at supporting and training emerging Black, Asian and ethnic minority screenwriters.

Five successful writers will each receive £20,000 to write an original screenplay, which can either be a TV pilot or a feature film script.

Run by Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Caro Newling, and Nicolas Brown, Neal Street Productions has been successfully producing award-winning film, TV and theatre for almost 20 years. Their recent productions include the Oscar and Bafta winning 1917, and for TV, RTS winning and BAFTA nominated Informer and Call the Midwife, currently in production on its 10th series, which remains one of the highest rated returning dramas in the UK. Like others in the UK industry, Neal Street are keen to widen the pool of screenwriting talent, and in particular to nurture new, diverse voices from a Black, Asian or ethnic minority background, who are currently under-represented in the UK.

Pippa Harris said: “There is a wealth of un-tapped screenwriting talent in the UK, and we are keen to help identify and support those people to tell their stories. All writers, regardless of background deserve an equal chance to succeed, and the strength of the overall industry depends on the richness and diversity of the screenplays which get produced.”

During the writing process, each bursary recipient will receive meetings with the Neal Street Productions Development team and Company Directors as well as access to networking opportunities with established writers and commissioners. The scheme, which is supported by Neal Street Productions’ parent company All3Media, is aimed at writers who are near the start of their careers and haven’t yet had an original screenplay produced for film or TV. Neal Street Productions may work with the successful applicant/s to develop the screenplay further.

Sam Mendes said; “We hope these bursaries will provide the resources to offer a stepping stone into the industry for underrepresented voices. Applicants shouldn’t feel restricted by subject matter, but instead be encouraged to develop whatever story they feel inspired to write, in whichever medium (TV or Film) is best suited to tell it. We’re excited to discover new talent, explore new perspectives and work with our writers collaboratively to help kickstart their careers.”

For further details, eligibility criteria, terms and conditions please visit –www.nealstreetproductions.com

RIVERSIDE STUDIOS LAUNCHES ICONS EXHIBITION

IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ART HOUND GALLERY

Riverside Studios today announces brand-new Icons exhibition in collaboration with Cambridge’s premier modern and contemporary Art Hound Gallery. Launching on Thursday 24 September – with a press preview between 11am – 12pm, the exhibition runs until 31 January, and celebrates some of the many pop culture legends associated with Riverside Studios throughout the venue’s diverse history, with portraits of Amy Winehouse, The Sex Pistols, David Bowie and Princess Diana, among others. 

What makes an icon? From Hollywood legends, to Rock and Roll superstars and theatrical celebs, icons have been an inspiration for a wave of artists exploring pop culture and beyond. The Riverside Studios has played host to so many icons and this exhibition picks out some of the most iconic: from The Sex Pistols to Amy Winehouse, from Prince and David Bowie. This selection of artwork by some of the most exciting Contemporary artists on the scene, takes things a stage further to explore the symbolism of iconography from historical figures, to the greater inspiration of the Universe and the very notion of what makes a “Star”.

The Art Hound Gallery Director Tom Arnold and Creative Director Natasha Dawn today said: “The Art Hound team is delighted to be collaborating with Riverside Studios, where so many of our personal icons have performed. Where we have snuck in to TV audiences, watched theatre and even had the odd audition back in the day. With our Icons exhibition we will be showing works by cutting edge artists which celebrate all these wonderful connections.”

Featuring work by exciting contemporary artists including David Studwell, Lauren Baker, Mark Illuminati and Terry Pastor, Icons will explore the notion of what makes a ‘star’ – from the symbolism and iconography of celebrity to the inspiration of the universe itself.

As Riverside Studios opens its doors to the public following lockdown, the multidisciplinary arts venue continues to offer its Dive In Programme for local residents across the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. A Dive In Membership offers free or heavily discounted yoga classes, storytelling sessions for pre-school and primary age children through Storystock, which this week features best-selling author Michael Morpurgo, film clubs and dance sessions aimed at encouraging creativity and well-being in the area for all ages.

ABOUT RIVERSIDE STUDIOS

Riverside Studios believes that the arts have the power to change lives. As the place where art and community meet in West London, we create opportunities for people to have extraordinary experiences, to engage and to discover. We want to make a difference.

Riverside Studios has a long legacy and reputation as a boundary-pushing home for the arts and creative expression. This dynamic cultural venue is home to a confluence of theatre, film, music, dance, comedy, visual art, enterprise, innovative technology, events and hospitality – a constant stream of inspiration where creativity and community flow.

For over 40 years, Riverside Studios has brought the world to West London with a programme of theatre, dance, television, comedy and music. Some of the unforgettable figures who have appeared at Riverside include Samuel Beckett, Helen Mirren, Tadeusz Kantor, Yoko Ono, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, Ant and Dec, Benjamin Zephaniah, Robert Lepage, Allen Ginsberg, Margaret Atwood, Lenny Henry and Michael Clark.

Riverside Trust is a charity, aiming to present high-quality arts that are accessible to all.

https://www.riversidestudios.co.uk/

Twitter: @RiversideLondon

Instagram: @riversidestudioslondon

INITIAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

45NORTH AND ELLIE KEEL PRODUCTIONS BRAND NEW AUDIO PROJECT –

WRITTEN ON THE WAVES

LINE UP INCLUDES NICOLA COUGHLAN, SHARON D. CLARKE, KATHERINE PARKINSON

45North and Ellie Keel Productions today announce the cast for the brand-new audio project – Written on the Waves. Comprising 9 world premières, the casting across the pieces includes Rebecca Banatvala, Seraphina Beh, Hannah Bristow, Jonathan Case, Sharon D. Clarke,Nicola Coughlan, Mary Higgins, Amber James, Liam Jeavons, Daisy Lewis, Olivia Marcus, Ken Nwosu,Katherine Parkinson, Ell Potter, and Boadicea Ricketts. Also announced today, Adjoa Andoh will direct Lettie Precious’ Nina Simone’s Four Negro Women, as part of the project.

The second in the series to be released, on Thursday 24 September, will be Rafaella Marcus’ debut play for audio, The You Play: small acts with Rebecca Banatvala, Jonathan Case, Amber James, Daisy Lewis, Ken Nwosu, Katherine Parkinson and Boadicea Ricketts.

The season will continue throughout the remainder of 2020 with Lem N Ginge: The Princess of Kakos released on 5 October. Writers and directors of the piece, Ell Potter and Mary Higgins will also star in this four-part feminist, queer, comedy-quest narrative, alongside Olivier Award-winning Sharon D. Clarke.

A Passion Play by Margaret Perry sees Hannah Bristow and Nicola Coughlan take to the airwaves. Directed by Jessica Lazar, it will be available from 26 October.

The first in the series, and currently live, is Loss and Hope -a trilogy by Luke Barnes, Tife Kusoro and Rafaella Marcus.Starring Liam Jeavons in This is a Man, Olivia Marcus in The Gift and We Have Sinned starring Seraphina Beh.

These can be accessed via www.forty-fivenorth.com/writtenonthewaves. Further casting for the first season will be announced shortly.

Listeners are invited to lose themselves in the intimacy of these audio worlds, in these nine thrilling, newly commissioned stories which will spark listeners’ imaginative worlds, and enable audiences to connect with each other while we are forced to remain apart. 

Embracing the opportunities lockdown has presented with enhanced technology and communication, the first season will also include a special international commission – encouraging a more global way of working through finding new ways of collaborating transatlantically. This project and a final commission to complete the first season will be announced shortly.

The You Play: small acts

By Rafaella Marcus

Cast: Rebecca Banatvala, Jonathan Case, Amber James, Daisy Lewis, Ken Nwosu, Katherine Parkinson, Boadicea Ricketts

Director: Jessica Lazar; sound design and editing: Dinah Mullen

A narrative journey loosely based on Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale which puts the listener in an active role at the heart of the play, encouraging them not only to listen, but to dynamically participate in the creation of a unique piece based on their reactions to a set of instructions given throughout. 

Amber James’s recent credits include Snowflake (Kiln Theatre), Vassa (Almeida Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream(Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Troilus And Cressida, Titus Andronicus, Antony And Cleopatra (RSC) and A Streetcar Named Desire (English Touring Theatre). Her television credits include Ransom.

Boadicea Ricketts’ theatre credits include Bartholomew Fair, The Merry Wives of Windsor (Shakespeare’s Globe), Thor And Loki (Assembly Roxy) Tonight at 8.30 (Jermyn Street Theatre)and East (The King’s Head).

Daisy Lewis’ theatre credits include The Way of The World (Sheffield Theatres), Seven Jewish Children, The Westbridge, The Good Family (Royal Court Theatre), Playlist (Arcola Theatre) and Three Sisters On Hope Street (Hampstead Theatre). For television, her credits include Downton Abbey, Churchill’s Secret and The Lady Vanishes.

Jonathan Case is a recent graduate of LAMDA. His professional theatre credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre).

Katherine Parkinson’s recent theatre credits include Shoe Lady, Cock, The Seagull (Royal Court Theatre), Uncle Vanya (Theatre Royal Bath), Home I’m Darling (Theatr Clwyd, National Theatre, Duke Of York’s Theatre, UK tour), Dead Funny (Vaudeville Theatre), Before The Party, The Lightning Play (Almeida Theatre), Absent Friends (Harold Pinter Theatre), 66 Books (Bush Theatre), The School For Scandal (Barbican Theatre), and Frame 312 (Donmar Warehouse). For television, her credits include The IT Crowd, Humans, Defending The Guilty and Inside Number 9.

Ken Nwosu has recently starred as the lead in the ITV drama, Sticks and Stones. For theatre, his credits include Three Sisters, An Octoroon, As You Like It (National Theatre), Boundless as The Sea, The Alchemist, Othello, The Merchant Of Venice, The White Devil, The Roaring Girl (RSC), True Or False (Arcola Theatre) and Magenta Clouds (Theatre503). Further television credits include The Letter For The King, Killing Eve, Upstart Crow and Catastrophe.

Rebecca Banatvala’s theatre credits includeHorrible Christmas (Birmingham Stage Company), My Mother Said I Never Should (London Classic Theatre), The Secret Seven, The Beggar’s Opera (Storyhouse, Chester), Alice In Wonderland (Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre), Relative Values (Harold Pinter Theatre) and Variation On A Theme (Finborough Theatre). For television, her credits include Long Forgotten Fieldsand D-Effects.

Jessica Lazar directs. Credits include Corre (Cervantes Theatre) Anna Bella Eema (Arcola Theatre), This Is A Love Story & Unicorn (North Wall) and Outlying Islands, For Reasons That Remain Unclear, East (King’s Head Theatre).

A Passion Play

By Margaret Perry

Cast:Hannah Bristow, Nicola Coughlan

Director: Jessica Lazar; sound design and editing: Annie May Fletcher.

The story of two teenage girls taking part in their local passion play in a church in Cork, examining their changing relationship with the play and each other.

Hannah Bristow’s theatre credits include Kindertransport (Queens Theatre Hornchurch), Jane Eyre (National Theatre), Who Cares (The Lowry), The Trojan Women (Bristol Old Vic), Romeo and Juliet (Southwark Playhouse), The Alchemist, Alice In Wonderland (Arcola Theatre) and A Little Night Music, The Producers, The Lesson (Oxford Playhouse).

Nicola Coughlan recent theatre credits include The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Donmar Warehouse) and Jess and Joe Forever (The Old Vic). She will appear in the forthcoming Netflix series Bridgerton. Further television credits include Derry Girls and Harlots.

Lem N Ginge: The Princess of Kakos

By Mary Higgins and Ell Potter

Cast: Sharon D. Clarke, Mary Higgins, Ell Potter

Directors: Mary Higgins and Ell Potter; sound design, composition and editing: Tom Foskett-Barnes

A four-part, all-singing all-dancing queer feminist fairytale which turns the typical quest narrative on its head. Two out-of-work actors set out to find a princess’ lost voice, and in the process save the young women of Kakos.

Ell Potter devised and stars in Lem N Ginge: The Princess of Kakos. She graduated from LAMDA and while studying, she was named Audible’s ‘Breakout Star’ of 2019, recording their bestselling Thriller of the Year, Winter Dark; and was shortlisted for the Alan Bates Award. She is also a prizewinner in the BBC Carleton Hobbs Bursary Award. Her credits include HOTTER and FITTER (Soho Theatre), The Unwelcome and The Country Girls (BBC Radio Drama).

Mary Higgins devised and stars in Lem N Ginge: The Princess of Kakos. Her previous theatre credits include HOTTER and FITTER (Soho Theatre), Callisto: A Queer Epic (Arcola Theatre) and Suddenly Last Summer (Oxford Playhouse). Her screen credits include Misbehaviour (Left Bank Pictures), Traitors (Channel 4), and The English Game for Netflix. 

Sharon D Clarke’s theatre work includes her Olivier Award-winning performance in Caroline, or Change at Chichester Festival Theatre, Hampstead Theatre and Playhouse Theatre. Further theatre credits include Death of a Salesman (Piccadilly Theatre and Young Vic), Blues in the Night Sky (Kiln Theatre) The Life (Southwark Playhouse), Pigs and Dogs (Royal Court Theatre), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, An Oak Tree, Everyman, Amen Corner, Guys and Dolls (National Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Rose Theatre Kingston), Porgy and Bess (Regent’s Park Open Air Theate). Her television work includes Holby City – as series regular Lola Griffin, Informer, Doctor Who, The Forge, Unforgotten, Death in Paradise, New Tricks, Psychobitches and The Shadow Line. For film her credits include, Untitled Girls Film, Rocketman, Tau, Sugarhouse, Secret Society, Beautiful People, Broken Glass and Tumble Down.

Loss and Hope

A trilogy by Luke Barnes; Tife Kusoro and Rafaella Marcus

Directed by Madeleine Kludje, Grace Cordell and Jessica Lazar respectively.

A trio of short plays first developed with The North Wall.

This is a Man stars Liam Jeavons. His credits include The Comedy About a Bank Robbery (Criterion Theatre), The 39 Steps (Lyric Theatre Belfast) and Primetime (Royal Court Theatre).

The Gift stars Olivia Marcus. Her credits include Lord of The Flies (Theatr Clwyd) and Nobody (The Other Room).

We Have Sinned stars Seraphina Beh. Her theatre credits include Cosmic Jives (Albany Theatre), Black Attack, Leave Taking and Parliament Square (Bush Theatre), My Beautiful City (Arcola Theatre), Jack and The Beanstalk (Lyric Hammersmith) and Romeo & Juliet Et Al, Skeen (Ovalhouse Theatre).

Grace Cordell directs The Gift. Credits include Blackpool What a Shit Place to Die (Theatre503).

Madeleine Kludje directs This is a Man. Her recent credits include a devised piece for the new entrance opening of the Victoria and Albert Museum with young people from Emergency Exit Arts, Check the Label (Bristol Old Vic) and Fable (Young Vic).

The full line-up for Written on the Waves Season 1 includes:

• Loss and Hope

A trilogy of short audio pieces by Luke Barnes, Tife Kusoro and Rafaella Marcus, co-produced with Atticist Productions Ltd.

Directed by Madeleine Kludje, Grace Cordell and Jessica Lazar respectively.

• Lem N Ginge: The Princess of Kakos

By Mary Higgins and Ell Potter: a four-part feminist, queer, comedy-quest narrative.

Directed by Mary Higgins and Ell Potter, with sound design, composition and editing by Tom Foskett-Barnes.

• The You Play: small acts

Rafaella Marcus’ debut play for audio, which makes the listener an active participant in their own play.

Directed by Jessica Lazar, with sound design and editing by Dinah Mullen.

• A Passion Play

By Margaret Perry, originally a Paines Plough seed commission and now co-produced with Atticist Productions Ltd, which tells the story of two teenage girls taking part in their local passion play in a small church in Cork.

Directed by Jessica Lazar, with sound design and editing by Annie May Fletcher.

• Nina Simone’s Four Negro Women

Short plays linking four women exploring colourism, mental health, and relationships through the experience of four Black women. Based on Nina Simone’s ‘Four Women’.

• recognition

By Amanda Wilkin, based on the life and music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.

Directed by Rachel Nanyonjo.

• The You Play Vol. 2

By Rafaella Marcus, expanding on the form of The You Play: small acts.

Directed by Jessica Lazar.

#writtenonthewaves

WEST END STARS TEAM UP WITH 2020 MUSICAL THEATRE GRADUATES AND BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT ALUMNI FOR LIVE STREAMED CHARITY CONCERT SPOTLIGHT ON THE FUTURE LIVE!

A host of seasoned West End stars from shows including Wicked, SIX, MAMMA MIA! and Les Misérables will join forces with some of this year’s most talented musical theatre graduates for Spotlight on the Future LIVE!, a special charity concert of musical theatre classics and pop hits.

The concert, hosted by Britain’s Got Talent’s Michael Auger and Charlotte Jaconelli, will be recorded live and streamed online from 6 to 9 November, raising money for Make A Wish Foundation, Acting For Others, Stop Hate UK and Lebanon Red Cross.

Steph Parry, Danielle Steers, Joanne Clifton, Luke McCall, Natalie Paris and Lauren Drew are among the musical theatre stars taking part, performing a mix of solos, duets, trios and quartets with 2020 graduates – accompanied by a band featuring instrumentalists from the West End production of SIX.

The creative team for the concert is headed by creator and producer Louis Rayneau, with musical director and keyboardist Ed Court and technical directir Kieran Powell.

Louis Rayneau said today, “We are so excited to bring theatre fans a spectacular evening of song, presenting some of the West End’s brightest stars alongside up-and-coming young talents. The idea for this came to us following the success of our recent Spotlight on the Future web duet series, featuring many of the same performers. Getting to expand this into a full-length concert – all for some brilliant charity causes – is absolutely fantastic. Please get a ticket, tune in and enjoy the show!”

Tickets for Spotlight on the Future LIVE! are available to buy here for live streams from 6 to 9 November 2020: spotlightonthefuturelive.eventbrite.co.uk

Book before 19 October for a special early bird ticket offer of £10 per show/view (plus booking fee). Tickets after 19 October will be £15 (plus booking fee). Ticketholders will have access to the concert until midnight on their selected viewing date.

Watch the trailer for Spotlight on the Future LIVE! here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/twgl7kqjz2c5i91/IMG_0160.mp4?dl=0

The Spotlight on the Future YouTube duet series is available to watch here: m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1V7nhNFaQHpcDwo5M33B7BGRyhGJ5ru6

Instagram: @spotlightonthefuture

Twitter: @FutureSpotlight

Full line up for Spotlight on the Future LIVE!

Steph Parry (MAMMA MIA!, Wicked, 42nd Street) 

Jodi Bird (Urdang Graduate) 

Genevieve Nicole (Chicago, Pippin, The Producers, A Chorus Line, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels)

Alice Croft (ArtsEd Graduate) 

Carl Man (Wicked, We Will Rock You)

Carla Balls (Bird College Graduate) 

Hannah Grace Lawson (Les Misérables, Hairspray) 

Sam Walter (Royal Academy of Music Graduate) 

Nikita Johal (Spring Awakening, Children of Eden) 

Liam Gartland (GSA Graduate) 

Jade Davies (West Side Story, Les Misérables, Sister Act) 

Cassie McCluskey (Mountview Graduate)

Maria Coyne (Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera) 

Georgia Lennon (Laine Theatre Arts Graduate) 

Joanne Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing Winner, Flashdance, The Rocky Horror Picture Show) 

Andrew Ewart (Mountview Graduate) 

Luke Street (Jersey Boys, Gypsy) 

Katie Burton (Masters Performing Arts Graduate) 

Danielle Steers (Bat out of Hell, SIX) 

Rosemary Bashford (The MTA Graduate) 

Natalie Paris (SIX) 

Aoife Kenny (Laine Theatre Arts Graduate) 

Lucinda Lawrence (9 to 5, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) 

Millie Cranston (Trinity Laban Graduate) 

Nicholas Mclean (Wicked, Avenue Q) 

Amelia Atherton (PPA Graduate) 

Jason Leigh Winter (Frozen, Wicked, Kinky Boots)

Freya Humberstone (LSMT Graduate) 

Lauren Drew (SIX, Heathers, Ghost) 

Kyle Birch (London College of Music Graduate) 

Luke McCall (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables) 

Lewis Cudmore (Laine Theatre Arts Graduate) 

Michael Pickering (Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat, Starlight Express) 

Zak Marx (Emil Dale Graduate) 

Creative team

Created and Produced by Louis Rayneau

Musical Director / Keys – Ed Court

Technical Director – Kieran Powell 

Hair and Make Up – Lisa Antonelli & Paige Donaldson 

Artwork Designer – Craig Anthony Kelly

Additional Choreography – Rosie Napper 

Additional Arrangements – Adam Hoskins

Assistants – Josh Harrison Yellop & Benjamin Dwyer 

Band Guitarist – Amy Shaw

Bassist – Kat Bax

Drummer – David Talisman

RECONNECTING ARTISTS & AUDIENCES:
WEST END STARS OFFER FANS FIRST
EVER LIVE STAGE+STREAMING GIG
Powerhouse vocalists, famed for their West End
reign in musical SIX, will reunite live for in-person
and at-home audiences, powered by Thespie

•           The Reunion is the first stage+streaming concert performance by seven powerhouse vocalists who rose to fame as the original West End queens of the musical SIX: Aimie Atkinson, Alexia McIntosh, Grace Mouat, Jarneia Richard-Noel, Maiya Quansah-Breed, Millie O’Connell, and Natalie Paris.

•           Streamed globally, with live performances in an intimate, COVID-secure venue (previously host to artists like Iggy Azalea and Thom Yorke) now reimagined for safe, seated shows.

•           Powered by theatre platform Thespie which is reconnecting artists and audiences, offering 1500+ global streaming and digital resources for theatre and the arts, London theatre listings, and now ticketing and streaming support for artists. 

•           Drawing on themes of girl power and sisterhood, The Reunion will feature songs by celebrated female pop artists and touch on the artists’ bonds, on stage and off. 

•           Thespie is built and run by a team of theatre lovers with extensive tech and theatre credentials from Amazon, Disney, TodayTix, ATG, Encore Tickets, Met Opera, and more.

The Reunion brings together seven of the UK’s top vocal powerhouses for an epic evening of empowering pop music in a unique intimate venue.

Performing together for the first time since their reign as the original West End queens of the musical SIX, these women are close friends on stage and off, and have been eager to perform together again. They shared: “We are beyond thrilled and excited to be back together again with our reunion show! and with an actual LIVE audience! We cannot wait to belt out some of our favourite girl power anthems and bring our fans an epic show they will never forget!”

The Reunion stars Aimie Atkinson, Alexia McIntosh, Grace Mouat, Jarneia Richard-Noel, Maiya Quansah-Breed, Millie O’Connell, and Natalie Paris. Each has an Olivier Award nomination, prestigious theatrical and concert credits, and they have been featured on studio recordings, cast albums and concert livestreams spanning musical theatre and pop. 

The live performances and streaming are ticketed and run by theatre platform Thespie which aims to be the most trusted way to discover theatre and the arts. Thespie launched in May as a means to keep people connected to theatre and the arts during lockdown, and now offers more than 1,500 digital streaming listings as well as audio, theatre ebooks, and educational resources, including nearly 400 productions to stream for free. Now that London live indoor theatre performances can safely resume, Thespie has expanded to develop ways to help artists resume working safely in the current conditions.

Commenting on the announcement, Thespie founder Tyler Stoops said: “These incredibly talented artists are the ideal collaborators to deliver a thrilling performance for in-person and at-home audiences simultaneously. So many people are ready to experience incredible shows again and are happy to follow robust, simple-to-follow safety measures, so we’re proud to be solving the operational challenges that can get artists working again.”  

Performances will be held in Oval Space, a spacious and well-ventilated East London venue that has been entirely reimagined for safe, seated music and theatre performances. The seating plan is entirely flexible which allows seating to be customised to the audience that books. Audiences book for themselves and their household or support bubble only (to a maximum of six), and Thespie’s technology determines a seat plan that ensures safe spacing between households and optimises use of the space. Audiences receive their seating assignment and scannable digital ticket prior to the event.

Additional safety measures in place include:

•           Time indoors is minimised using ample outdoor space and the terrace bar, 


•           Scannable digital tickets, with no paper tickets or box office collection, 


•           Seating is by household/support bubble with appropriate distance between each,

•           Masks are required and should be worn whenever feasible,


•           Thorough cleaning of all customer areas between performances,

•           If the performance cannot proceed, purchasers will automatically be refunded. 

The global livestream will take place at 9:30PM BST on Saturday, 10 October and will be available in over 100 countries, with several local currency prices available. Advance purchase of a Household Livestream Pass is £12.50 (or $15 US) if booked before 30 September. One pass entitles the purchaser to view with their entire household live, or on-demand for 72 hours following the initial livestream. Repeat viewing is permitted, but a pass can only be used on a single account and a single device. Livestream Pass prices rise in October to £15 ($18 US). 

Live tickets are £35-£55 and can be booked at https://thespie.com/TheReunion.

Thespie is a comprehensive online resource to help audiences engage with theatre and the performing arts, and helps artists and arts organisations reach new audiences. Artists, producers and arts organisations interested in adding their show listings and theatre streaming to Thespie can learn more at https://thespie.com/submissions.

ADAM BLANSHAY PRODUCTIONS AND THE THEATRE CAFÉ PRESENT

THE THEATRE CHANNEL

A NEW MUSICAL THEATRE WEB SERIES

FIRST EPISODE TO LAUNCH ON 2 OCTOBER

STARRING

TARINN CALLENDER, CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER, MATT HENRY, LUCIE JONES, OLIVER ORMSON, JENNA RUSSELL AND JODIE STEELE

TRAILER AVAILABLE HERE

ON SALE NOW – TICKETS AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE

Adam Blanshay Productions and The Theatre Café are pleased to announce the release date for the very first episode of The Theatre Channel, a brand-new web series show casing well-known musical theatre classics. Performed by the cream of British and international musical theatre talent, each episode is staged and filmed with high production values on location at The Theatre Café in the heart of the West End, making full use of the whole space – from the bar seating area all the way up to the roof – and feature a mix of 5-6 standalone performances, ordinarily set in a café, bar or restaurant. Many of the performances will be supported by the Café Four, a reoccurring background ensemble made up of other West End talents.

A unique hybrid of stage and screen, the first 30-minute episode will launch on 2 October, and will be available to purchase for £12 and view via www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/channel – once purchased, audiences are able to watch the episode unlimited times. Four new episodes are planned for release in 2020, with the second themed episode to be released at Halloween. Further details to be released shortly.

The first episode will feature the following performances:

Tarinn Callender (Come From Away, Hamilton) singing On Broadway from Smokey Joe’s Cafe

Carrie Hope Fletcher (Heathers: The Musical, The Addams Family, Les Misérables) and Oliver Ormson (Back to the Future, The Addams Family, The Book of Mormon) singing Suddenly Seymour from Little Shop of Horrors

Olivier Award Winner Matt Henry MBE (Kinky Boots, One Night in Miami) singing Let it Sing from Violet

Lucie Jones (Waitress, Legally Blonde, X-Factor UK) singing Maybe This Time from Cabaret

Olivier Award Winner Jenna Russell (Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George) singing Ladies who Lunch from Company

Jodie Steele (Six The Musical, Rock of Ages, Heathers: The Musical) singing Heaven on Their Minds from Jesus Christ Superstar

The Theatre Channel’s Café Four is comprised of Alyn Hawke (Oklahoma, Follies, 42^nd Street), Emily Langham (The Boy Friend, Oklahoma, West Side Story), Sadie-Jean Shirley (City of Angels, Ghost: The Musical, Aladdin) and Alex Woodward (Mamma Mia, Hairspray). 

Adam Blanshay said, “In the wake of Global theatre closures, it’s been a very emotional and beautiful few weeks to have had the humbling privilege of assembling with theatre artists and creatives, creating a platform to enable them to express their gifts and talents. A tear or two may even have been shed. As we launch The Theatre Channel, we sincerely hope that our content will capture the hearts and minds of our viewers. All-at-once scenes, music videos, free-standing performances, The Theatre Channel is committed to celebrate everything beautiful and magical about theatre, and we hope will inspire imaginations across the Globe.”

The Theatre Channel is produced by Adam Blanshay Productions and The Theatre Café, with direction and choreography by Bill Deamer and musical supervision by Michael England, set and costume design by Gregor Donnelly, lighting design by Jack Weir, sound design by Keegan Curran, videography by Ben Hewis and hair and makeup by Diana Hudson.

www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/the-theatre-channel

@AdamBlanshayPro

@thetheatrecafe

#TheTheatreChannel

DAN LOONEY, ADAM PAULDEN,

JASON HAIGH-ELLERY AND RICHARD KLIN

FOR DLAP ENTERTAINMENT

ANNOUNCE DATES

FOR THE 2021 UK TOUR OF

THE AWARD-WINNING SMASH HIT MUSICAL

“ROCK OF AGES”

OPENING AT THE PORTSMOUTH KINGS THEATRE

ON 2 MAY 2021

Following a sell-out tour in 2018/19, Dan Looney, Adam Paulden, Jason Haigh-Ellery and Richard Klin for DLAP Entertainment are delighted to announce that the award-winning smash-hit musical “ROCK OF AGES” will return to tour the UK opening at Portsmouth Kings Theatre on 2 May 2021. Tour schedule and on sale details below with further dates and star casting to be announced soon. www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk 

“ROCK OF AGES” is an LA love story lavished with over 25 classic rock anthems. Lose yourself in a city and a time where the dreams are as big as the hair, and yes, they can come true!

This hilarious musical comedy features the songs, including We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is, played loud and proud by an awesome live band.

WARNING: CONTAINS SERIOUS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL DEBAUCHERY!

Now a global smash with extensive runs in London’s West End, on Broadway and in Las Vegas, the show has also been made in to a star studded Hollywood movie.

“ROCK OF AGES” has a book by Chris D’Arienzo and Arrangements and Orchestrations by Ethan Popp. It is directed and choreographed by Nick Winston (“The Royal Variety Performance”, “Annie” and “The Wedding Singer”) designed by Morgan Large (“The Woman in White”, “Top Hat” and “The Christmasaurus”) and has lighting design by Ben Cracknell (“Young Frankenstein”, “Sunset Boulevard” and “Annie”). Sound design is by Ben Harrison (“Hairspray”, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “Million Dollar Quartet”) and musical supervision is by Barney Ashworth (“Sunny Afternoon”, “Grease” and “Mrs Henderson Presents”).

ROCK OF AGES 2021 UK TOUR LISTINGS
www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk

THURSDAY 6 – SATURDAY 8 MAY 2021
PORTSMOUTH KINGS THEATRE – www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk
ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 11 – SATURDAY 16 MAY 2021

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE – www.atgtickets.com

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 18 – SATURDAY 22 MAY 2021

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING – www.atgtickets.com

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2020

TUESDAY 8 – SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2021

HULL NEW THEATRE – www.hulltheatres.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 15 – SATURDAY 19 JUNE 2021

POOLE LIGHTHOUSE – www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 22 – SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021

PETERBOROUGH NEW THEATRE – www.newtheatre-peterborough.com

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 29 JUNE – SATURDAY 3 JULY 2021

WELLINBOROUGH CASTLE – www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2020

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 10 JULY 2021

BIRMINGHAM ALEXANDRA THEATRE – www.atgtickets.com

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2020

TUESDAY 20 – SATURDAY 24 JULY 2021

LLANDUDNO VENUE CYMRU – www.venuecymru.co.uk

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2020

TUESDAY 27 – SATURDAY 31 JULY 2021

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE – www.atgtickets.com

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2020

TUESDAY 3 – SATURDAY 7 AUGUST  2021

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE – www.atgtickets.com

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2020

TUESDAY 10 – SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2021

BLACKPOOL OPERA HOUSE – www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 21 AUGUST 2021

CARDIFF NEW THEATRE – www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

ON SALE OCTOBER 2020

TUESDAY 24 – SATURDAY 28 AUGUST 2021

HAWTH THEATRE CRAWLEY – www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 31 AUGUST – SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2021

GLASGOW KING’S THEATRE – www.atgtickets.com

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2020

TUESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER 2021

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE – www.atgtickets.com

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2020

TUESDAY 5 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER 2021

MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE – www.atgtickets.com

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2020

TUESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER 2021

FLORAL PAVILION NEW BRIGHTON – www.floralpavilion.co.uk

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2020

MONDAY 25 – SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER 2021

DARTFORD ORCHARD THEATRE – www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 2 – SATURDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2021

STOKE ON TRENT REGENT THEATRE – www.atgtickets.com

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER – 2020

MONDAY 15 – SATURADY 21 NOVEMBER 2021

BECK THEATRE HAYES – www.becktheatre.org.uk

ON SALE SOON

FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @UncleVanyaPlay

www.unclevanyacinema.com

A Sonia Friedman Productions/Angelica Films co-production 

UNCLE VANYA  

By Anton Chekhov  

In a new adaptation by Conor McPherson 

Directed by Ian Rickson 

• SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS’ MULTI OLIVIER-NOMINATED UNCLE VANYA, DIRECTED BY IAN RICKSON, HAS BEEN FILMED ON LOCATION AT THE HAROLD PINTER THEATRE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ANGELICA FILMS 
• THE CAST IS MADE UP OF TOBY JONES, RICHARD ARMITAGE, ROSALIND ELEAZAR, AIMEE LOU WOOD, ANNA CALDER-MARSHALL, DEARBHLA MOLLOY AND PETER WIGHT FROM THE ORIGINAL CAST, AND ROGER ALLAM WHO HAS JOINED FOR THE FILM
• EVENT CINEMA SPECIALIST MORE2SCREEN HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO DISTRIBUTE THE FILM FOR A LIMITED RUN IN CINEMAS THIS AUTUMN
• SCREENINGS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM OCTOBER 27 FULL DETAILS CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.UNCLEVANYACINEMA.COM TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW

London-based Event Cinema specialist More2Screen has been appointed by Sonia Friedman Productions and Angelica Films (an All3Media company) to distribute Uncle Vanya, Ian Rickson’s highly acclaimed production of Conor McPherson’s new adaptation starring Toby Jones and Richard Armitage, to cinemas across the UK, Ireland and internationally from 27 October 2020. This special cinema event will only be available for a limited run in Autumn 2020. Tickets are on sale now at UncleVanyaCinema.com
  
Sonia Friedman Productions and Angelica Films are co-producing a sumptuous re-interpretation of Ian Rickson’s stage production. Marrying the intimacy of the big screen with the electricity of live performance in an exciting combination of film and theatre, this is not simply a capture of the play, but a new and exhilarating hybrid artform. The West End stage production was half-way through a sold out run when the Coronavirus pandemic forced theatres across the world to close. It has garnered huge critical and public acclaim and is currently nominated for four Olivier Awards. It ran at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 14th January 2020 with an Opening Night on Thursday 23rd January 2020.   

To re-create and film for the first time a British theatre production closed by the pandemic, the production team adhered to strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of both cast and crew. This involved the actors self-isolating before shooting on location at the Harold Pinter Theatre as well as being regularly tested to allow them to perform closely together, as they did on stage in the West End theatre production.
 
The film reunites nearly all of the original cast of the production that was in its final weeks when the country went into lockdown in March and theatres were forced to close. Only Ciarán Hinds was unavailable and his role has now been taken by Roger Allam who is best known for playing Peter Mannion MP in The Thick of It (A Number, Endeavour, The Moderate Soprano). 

Sonia Friedman and Sally Angel (Angelica Films) said: “It is fantastic to be partnering with More2Screen on this project. Their strong track record in bringing event films to UK cinemas will ensure that this extraordinary re-interpretation of Ian Rickson’s acclaimed stage production of Uncle Vanya will be seen by as many people as possible.”

Toby Jones (The Detectorists, The Birthday Party, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Richard Armitage (The Hobbit, The Stranger), Rosalind Eleazar (The Personal History of David Copperfield, Deep Water, The Starry Messenger), Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education, Downstate), Anna Calder-Marshall (LOVE, Evening at the Talk House, Male of the Species), Dearbhla Molloy (The Ferryman, Dancing at Lughnasa, Juno and the Paycock), Peter Wight (The Birthday Party, Hamlet, The Red Lion) and Roger Allam (A Number, Endeavour, The Moderate Soprano, The Thick of It), all star in McPherson’s witty and timely adaptation of Chekhov’s classic which is directed for screen by Ross MacGibbon.

Sonya (Aimee Lou Wood) and her Uncle Vanya (Toby Jones) while away their time on an isolated estate, visited occasionally only by the local doctor Astrov (Richard Armitage). However, when Sonya’s father Professor Serebryakov (Roger Allam) suddenly returns with his restless, alluring, new wife Yelena (Rosalind Eleazar), polite facades crumble and long repressed feelings start to emerge. As the conflicted family are forced to confront their despair, loneliness and each other, can the beauty of life help them find new hope?

Olivier Award-winner Conor McPherson’s stunning new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece, Uncle Vanya, is a portrayal of life at the turn of the 20^th century, full of tumultuous frustration, dark humour and hidden passions.  

Uncle Vanya is the eleventh collaboration between Ian Rickson and Sonia Friedman Productions, with previous productions including Rosmersholm, Jerusalem, The River, Betrayal and The Children’s Hour.  

The stage production of Uncle Vanya was designed by Rae Smith, with lighting by Bruno Poet, music by Stephen Warbeck, sound by Ian Dickinson and casting by Amy Ball CDG.   

The original production was presented by Sonia Friedman Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Rupert Gavin, Patrick Gracey/Scott M. Delman, 1001 Nights Productions, Tulchin Bartner Productions in association with Len Blavatnik, Eilene Davidson Productions, Louise & Brad Edgerton.

BBFC is to be confirmed and the running time is 150 minutes approximately.

Turbine Theatre – Summer Showtime on the Coaling Jetty – 18th September 2020

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

Released from lockdown and bouncing around the stage like excited puppies, the Barricade Boys’ night on the Coaling Jetty showed what we have been missing these past months. There has been lots of stunning and creative online content, but the buzz and joy of coming together for a live performance is unbeatable, even in the freezing wind! I’m still not sure who was the most excited – the audience or the boys!

Simon Schofield, Keiron Brown, Scott Garnham and Lee Honey-Jones are as slick as ever singing Les Mis favourites, upping the tempo with Blues Brothers, Motown and Frankie Valli medleys, as well as a gorgeous West Side Story section. Apparently there were sound issues, so they couldn’t hear themselves, and it was COLD, but the voices and harmonies were just amazing, and their version of Bohemian Rhapsody was as stunning as it is indoors.

The easy shtick between, and often during, numbers is , as ever, a joy – and after Keiron Brown’s moving rendition of Music of the Night, the toes came off and the goofing around was ramped up for a wonderful Uptown Funk disco mashup. By the time they got to the Beatles, the audience were up and dancing.

A fantastic, fun show, and a wonderful celebration of the return of live performances – and made even better by the tip to keep an eye on The Barricade Boys’ socials for dates for their socially distanced tour as they take their cracking Christmas Cabaret on the road later this year!