Month: October 2020

SONY MASTERWORKS BROADWAY

TO RELEASE ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM TO

BACK TO THE FUTURE – THE MUSICAL

MUSICAL SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN EARLY SUMMER 2021

AT THE ADELPHI THEATRE IN LONDON’S WEST END

MASTERWORKS BROADWAY is delighted to announce that in early Summer 2021, it will release the Original Cast Recording to BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical. 

The musical is scheduled to open in early Summer 2021 at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End and features new music by multi-Grammy winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard alongside classic songs from the movie. 

As a special treat for audiences eager to connect with ‘Back to the Future’ and to the exciting musical adventure awaiting them, Back to the Future Day on 21^st October 2020 will see the release of the single ‘Back in Time’ featuring Olly Dobson.

Behind this eagerly-anticipated stage show are Producer Colin Ingram (Ghost – The Musical) and Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy.  The show moves to the West End followingan out-of-town opening in March 2020 at the Manchester Opera House where it was enthusiastically received by critics and public alike. Roger Bart and Olly Dobson will reprise the roles of ‘Dr Emmett Brown’ and ‘Marty McFly’ respectively. Also returning are Hugh Coles as ‘George McFly’, Rosanna Hyland as ‘Lorraine Baines’, Cedric Neal as ‘Goldie Wilson’, Aidan Cutler as ‘Biff Tannen’ and Courtney-Mae Briggs as ‘Jennifer Parker’.

Mark Cavell, President, Sony Masterworks notes: “I am thrilled beyond all measure that Sony Music Masterworks will be bringing you the fantastic music from this great show, featuring a host of new songs from the combined talents of Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard together with firm favourites from the movie”.

Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), lighting design by Tim Lutkin, lighting consultant Hugh Vanstone, Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow and Illusions by Chris Fisher. Orchestrations are by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, with dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod Associates.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical

From 14 May 2021

Adelphi Theatre

Strand

Covent Garden

London WC2R 0NS

Performances: Mondays, Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday matinees at 2.30pm, Sundays at 3pm (N.B. no performances on Tuesdays except 18 May, 25 May & 1 June 2021 at 7.30pm)*

*31 May & 30 August – 2.30pm performance (no 7.30pm performance)

Tickets: from £19.55

Please book via the website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com – no booking fees  

Book with confidence. For maximum flexibility, customers can exchange their ticket free of charge up to at least 24 hours prior to the event.

Current booking period to 26 September 2021

Website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com  

Twitter: @BTTFmusical

Instagram: @BTTFmusical

There’s a new WOMAN in the life of legendary Queen guitarist Brian May…

and it is all in aid of a very good cause, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Supporting Target Ovarian Cancer and The Caron Keating Foundation

WOMAN “I’m A Woman”

Produced and joined by Brian May

Available as a digital download Friday October 23.

CD and Vinyl single available to pre-order from here.

After several mysterious teases on social media, Queen legend Brian May has now confirmed the upcoming release of what he calls a ‘kick a**’ track’; one he has produced and that’s performed by sensational singers WOMAN and accompanied by May’s guitar. The WOMAN supergroup features four of rock musical theatre’s most powerful female voices and ‘We Will Rock You’ alumni – Mazz Murray, Kerry Ellis, Gina Murray and Anna-Jane Casey.

Together May and WOMAN have created a storming blues rock version of famed song-writer duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller’s classic 1962 ‘I’m A Woman’, originally made famous by Peggy Lee. This special 2020 cover on which May performs as well as pro-ducing, is released in Breast Cancer Awareness Month to support the work of two leading women’s cancer charities – Target Ovarian Cancer and The Caron Keating Foundation, the latter being the family run cancer charity in memory of the much loved TV personality that was established by her mother Gloria Hunniford, and Caron’s two brothers.

WOMAN’s “I’m A Woman” track featuring Brian May’s guitars is available as a digital download this Friday October 23, click here to pre-order and with CD and Vinyl single versions also available to pre-order from here.

Says Brian: “This recording was conceived as a response to a calling to promote this great cause for women’s health. But it evolved into a magnificently raunchy and defiant rock track in its own right. These four ladies all rock out sensationally, and it was pure joy to underpin their performances with my guitar. I actually stole that down-and-dirty riff from “I’m a Man” so I would claim this arrangement kicks more a** than all previ-ous !! Woman Rocks !!! “

The track’s inspiration was to create something special in the memory of Rebekah Gibbs, another female West End star. The British actress became a household name in TV soap ‘Casualty’ before she was diagnosed with Grade 3 breast cancer in 2009, and tragically died in 2014.

WOMAN founder and close friend Mazz Murray said: “We are thinking particularly of our dear friend and fellow performer Rebekah, who we lost, but not before she brought about a change in the rules of diagnosis and specialist referrals through which she has saved so many lives. We remember #gorge.”

The single’s music video is truly something to behold, with May having BMG create the “World’s Pinkest Pink Guitar” for his use on the track. “Try Googling ‘pinkest pink’, May suggests. “As far as I know, this is truly the first pinkest pink guitar. It has a strange effect on the video cameras – coming out burning hot.”

The ‘I’m A Woman’ shoot took place in a socially distanced East London space, with each member of WOMAN getting their solo moment in the spotlight. The music video begins in a dark and minimalist studio, as each singer gives a powerful performance that captures the song’s theme of strong and independent women delivering a positive and inspirational message. Then, as the video develops, the action transfers to a vast warehouse space where each WOMAN singer gets to rock out under a spectacular light display. Meanwhile guitar legend May accompanies them on his “World Pinkest Pink Guitar’ – delivering an unforgettable blues-solo in front of a large wall of speakers.

WOMAN first teamed up with Brian May for a performance of “I’m A Woman” at the “Pinktober Women of Rock Charity Concert” at the Royal Albert Hall in London in No-vember 2009 which supported the Caron Keating Foundation.

WOMAN’s Kerry Ellis says: “Sometimes things happen for a reason, this song has been waiting in the wings for the right moment to make some noise! The time is now! Cancer affects us all in some way and I am beaming with pride to have joined with an incredible team of talented friends to produce a powerful performance and message. We are strong, we are women and we can make a difference!”

Long viewed as a positive statement for female reliance, in this 2020 Brian May produced guitar driven and deliciously playful vocals version, I’M A WOMAN today stands as a POWERFUL proclamation

All proceeds from the recording will go to Target Ovarian Cancer and The Caron Keating Foundation.

Caron Keating Foundation

Target Ovarian Cancer www.targetovariancancer.org.uk

Twitter: @TargetOvarian | Facebook: TargetOvarianCancer | YouTube: TargetOvari-anCancer

CHRISTMAS AT ALLY PALLY FEATURING

THE HIT MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE PICTURE BOOK

BY JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER 

• THE PERFECT FAMILY TREAT, THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD COMES TO ALEXANDRA PALACE THEATRE FOR CHRISTMAS 2020
• ALLY PALLY FESTIVITIES WILL ALSO INCLUDE SANTA’S GROTTO, CHRISTMAS MOVIE SEASON, ICE SKATING & MORE

The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should

Ever set foot in the deep dark wood…

Internationally acclaimed theatre company Tall Stories brings its celebrated production of The Gruffalo’s Child to the beautiful Alexandra Palace Theatre for a limited Christmas season from 28 November 2020 – 3 January 2021.

Co-Artistic Director of Tall Stories and director of the show Olivia Jacobs says “We’re thrilled to be performing ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ for audiences at Alexandra Palace this Christmas. It’s been a really tough year, so we’re thrilled to have found a safe and beautiful home for the show and to be able to bring some joy, fun and laughter to families over the festive period.”

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in this magical musical stage adaptation, of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Tall Stories’ hit musical adaptation of the award-winning sequel to The Gruffalo, published by Macmillan Children’s Books, is ‘everything good children’s theatre should be’ (The List) featuring songs, laughs and lots of fun for children aged 3 and up, and their families.

The Gruffalo’s Child is produced by award-winning theatre company Tall Stories – a creative force whose productions include The Gruffalo, the Olivier Award Nominated Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale and The Snow Dragon. The creative team includes Director Olivia Jacobs, Creative Producer Toby Mitchell, Designer Isla Shaw, Composers Jon Fiber & Andy Shaw of JollyGoodTunes and Lighting Designer James Whiteside.

As you make your way to the theatre, festive lights, Christmas trees and decorations will transform the Palace’s East Court. Here you will find Santa’s Grotto. This year we have made some adjustments to the experience and a safe and suitable distance will be maintained between Santa and the children as well as a one-way system. Santa will be in residence on selected dates between 5-23 December, with full information available via the Alexandra Palace website.

Skating is a year-round activity at Ally Pally, but the Ice Rink feels particularly celebratory and joyous at Christmas time, giving everyone yet another reason to make this iconic venue a destination for a full-on-festive day out. Come on, get your skates on and don’t forget the tinsel!

The Theatre is also the venue for the Ally Pally Christmas Film Season. The programme runs over three weeks, starting on the 5 December. Festive classics on show include, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, Santa Claus the Movie and Die Hard, among a host of others.

All in all, we’re delighted to say that Christmas at Ally Pally has something for everyone, whatever your age or interest. Make a day of it, make a night of it, make a day and night of it, Ally Pally looks forward to welcoming everyone safely for a Christmas celebration to remember.

Emma Dagnes, deputy chief executive of Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust, says: “We’re delighted to be hosting a packed festive programme here at Ally Pally. There’s plenty of variety, so families in particular can visit the Palace and make a real day of it. All the events will be hosted within the government’s covid-19 guidelines, so you are safe to enjoy the fun. We look forward to welcoming you to a very festive Palace this November and December.”

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FIRST LOOK AT ROB HOUCHEN & CELINDE SCHOENMAKER IN MARRY ME A LITTLE AT BARN THEATRE

• ROB HOUCHEN AND CELINDE SCHOENMAKER STAR IN THE NEW REVIVAL PRODUCTION OF THE SONDHEIM MUSICAL MARRY ME A LITTLE UNTIL 8 NOVEMBER

The Barn Theatre have today released production photos of Rob Houchen (Les Misérables, The Light in the Piazza) and Celinde Schoenmaker (Rocketman, The Phantom of the Opera) in the theatre new revival production of the Stephen Sondheim musical Marry Me A Little.

Rob Houchen and Celinde Schoenmaker star in the new revival production in Cirencester until 8 November.

Conceived by Craig Lucas and Norman René, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the charming and bittersweet one-act musical follows two ex-lovers as they explore their secret, unshared fantasies whilst they are left alone in their studio apartments on a Saturday night.

The production breathes new theatrical life and meaning to a collection of trunk songs that were culled from the original productions of some of Sondheim’s iconic musicals including Follies, Company and A Little Night Music.

Last year Rob Houchen and Celinde Schoenmaker starred alongside one another in the 2019 London premiere of the Adam Guettel musical The Light in the Piazza at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. They later reprised their roles for the production’s American transfer to the Los Angeles Opera in October 2019.

The production is directed by Kirk Jameson (Just So, Madagascar) with musical staging by Sam Spencer-Lane (The Last Five Years, Aspects of Love), set and costume design by Gregor Donnelly (Daddy Long Legs, Aspects of Love), musical direction by Arlene McNaught (SIX, Little Miss Sunshine), lighting design by Sam Rowcliffe-Tanner (Henry V, Private Peaceful), sound design by Harry Smith (Henry V, Private Peaceful) and projection design by Benjamin Collins (Henry V).

Marry Me A Little is produced by the Barn Theatre in association with Anthology Theatre.

The Barn Theatre is the second production in the theatre’s 2020 Theatre Recovery Season.

BETRAYAL
THEATRE ROYAL BATH, MAIN HOUSE

By Harold Pinter
Directed by Jonathan Church
Wednesday 14 October – Saturday 31 October 2020

BETRAYAL, Harold Pinter’s mesmerising masterpiece of relationships and adultery, is directed by Jonathan Church and stars Nancy Carroll, Joseph Millson, Edward Bennett and Christopher Bianchi. 

Nancy Carroll is one of the leading actresses of her generation. She won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for her performance in Terence Rattigan’s After The Dance at the National Theatre. She is well known for her recurring role of Lady Felicia in seven series of BBC1’s Father Brown, has recently starred in the worldwide TV hit The Crown, and featured in Sky One comedy Agatha Raisin.

Joseph Millson initially came to public attention as Dr Sam Morgan in the long running medical drama Peak Practice. He has since played may leading roles at the National Theatre, the Royal Court, and at the RSC, where he won the UK Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Play for The Rover in 2017. He also won the Whatsonstage Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to Phantom of the Opera. His film credits include Casino Royale and Angel Has Fallen.

Edward Bennett has recently starred as Macduff in Macbeth, Berowne in Love’s Labour’s Lost, Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, all for the RSC, and Stanley Stubbers in the National Theatre hit comedy One Man Two Guvnors. He is well known to Bath audiences for numerous appearances as part of the Peter Hall Company in School For Scandal, Habeus Corpus and Measure for Measure.

Christopher Bianchi has worked regularly for Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory and Bristol Old Vic.

Following all government guidance and in consultation with health and safety advisors, covid-secure measures in place include reduced capacity to allow for socially distanced seating,  mandatory face coverings (unless exempt), hand sanitiser units, thermal temperature checks, dedicated entry points, staggered arrivals and audience flow, fresh air circulation and enhanced cleaning.

ELECTRIC GOLDFISH – FROM THE CREATORS OFTHE PANDORA NETWORK – LAUNCHES NEW IMMERSIVE AUDIO EXPERIENCE:

KEEP THE CANDLE BURNING

AN INTERACTIVE GHOSTLY EXPERIENCE TO ENJOY AT HOME…IN THE DARK

TICKETS NOW ON SALE HERE

Electric Goldfish – the collective of immersive theatre companies that brought audiences at home the sell-out series of interactive mystery solving experiences The Pandora Network earlier this year – is launching a new online interactive audio experience, just in time for Halloween.

KEEP THE CANDLE BURNING is a series of three immersive ghost stories that participants can purchase for just £4.99, plug their headphones in and experience and play along with at home (ideally in the dark…).The stories can either be enjoyed individually, or in sequence, and for those that wish to play along, items required include a doll, a pendulum, a candle, some salt water and a knife…

Lee Conway from Electric Goldfish said, “As the autumn leaves are falling and we notice a distinct crispness in the air – it can mean only one thing – the Halloween season is upon us.  Normally at this time of year, we would be looking forward to visiting Halloween attractions such as haunted houses or scare mazes; we would be going to the cinema to watch horror films; and children would be preparing for Halloween parties or trick or treating.  But this year for many of us Halloween may look considerably different.

The Covid-19 virus and the related safety restrictions mean that many of our favourite attractions may not be able to open; and many of us may feel uncomfortable, or be unable to venture out to attend those that are, instead, seeking alternative ways to celebrate the spooky season.  The events of this year have hit theatre and the arts particularly hard, but for some creatives these challenges have inspired them to innovate new ways of presenting entertainment in Covid-restricted times, and this season – how they can help audiences celebrate Halloween in new ways.

Keep the Candle Burning has been written, produced and performed by Electric Goldfish, a creative partnership between immersive theatre companies Faceless Ventures; Incognito Experiences and Nick Hutson Music. 

Website: http://www.electricgoldfish.online

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electricgoldfish

Instagram: @elec_goldfish

Email: [email protected]

★★★★

“A piece that is painstakingly crafted and superbly delivered”

North West End

ONE-MAN COMEDY BY JONATHAN HARVEY TO TOUR TO SOCIALLY DISTANCED VENUES

ANDREW LANCEL STARS IN SWAN SONG DIRECTED BY NOREEN KERSHAW

PLAY BRINGS AUDIENCES BACK TO LIVERPOOL’S UNITY THEATRE AND OPENS UK TOUR

Following its critically acclaimed sell-out premiere at Liverpool Theatre Festival in September, Swan Song, a revised comedy by acclaimed playwright Jonathan Harvey, will commence a short tour this year playing at venues opening to socially distanced audiences.

Swan Song, a one-man play starring TV and stage actor Andrew Lancel, is directed by BAFTA award-winning director Noreen Kershaw and produced by Bill Elms.

The play will open at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre for four performances over two nights, this will be the first live indoor performance at the theatre since closing in March. The show then moves on to Dukes Lancaster, Alty Fringe at the Garrick Playhouse in Altrincham, The Cresset in Peterborough and the Belgrade in Coventry. More dates are to be confirmed soon.

Swan Song was first staged at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1997, before transferring to Hampstead Theatre with award-winning comedy actress Rebecca Front in the lead role. Jonathan Harvey adapted the 70-minute play specially for Liverpool Theatre Festival for Andrew Lancel to play the solo role of Dave Titswell.  Due to critical acclaim, the play will now perform at venues this year, with a longer tour planned for Spring 2021.

Producer and the artistic director of Liverpool Theatre Festival, Bill Elms said: “Swan Song is a funny, clever and inspiring production which opened the inaugural Liverpool Theatre Festival.  Andrew Lancel, Jonathan Harvey, and Noreen Kershaw are an incredible blend of creative talent, and the play went down a storm in Liverpool. It is such a lovely piece that I approached Andrew and the team with the idea to tour. People are excited for the return of live theatre – and we’re excited to give them that experience back after such a long time with a really special production.”

Swan Song is a bittersweet comedy written by Jonathan Harvey. Set in Liverpool, it is Christmas 1997, the world is changing and in the staff room, Gay, forty-something, English teacher Dave Titswell finds that not all change is welcome. He has a crush, but life, love, and work are never straight forward for Dave. Will a school trip to The Lakes change things for the better, or make things decidedly worse? Swan Song will make audiences laugh, but equally pull at the heartstrings. Everyone knows someone like Dave – or could even be a Dave themselves.

Andrew Lancel is no stranger to audiences. Well established on the national theatre scene, Andrew is also widely known for his television roles as DI Neil Manson in The Bill and super-villain Frank Foster in Coronation Street. He has twice played Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein on stage to great critical acclaim, first in Epstein – The Man Who Made The Beatles (also produced by Bill Elms) which premiered in Liverpool and went on to play London’s West End, as well as playing Epstein in the national tour of Cilla The Musical, Bill Kenwright’s stage adaptation of the TV series written by Jeff Pope.

Andrew Lancel commented: “The last play I saw before lockdown was Jonathan Harvey’s Our Lady of Blundellsands at The Everyman Liverpool, which I loved – so it’s very cool, and a little ironic, that my first play back is with Jonathan. We have known each other for years and worked together a lot but never on stage, so it’s humbling that he has adapted this play for me. It’s very funny, moving, and I think people will really relate to it today. His characters are literally gifts to play and to watch.

“This play is about reuniting too. Reuniting theatre and audiences with live performance is extra special. To be back with Epstein producer Bill Elms is a buzz, and I’ve worked on some very serious storylines on Corrie with Noreen Kershaw. It feels like coming home for us all in so many ways.”

Award-winning Jonathan Harvey’s credits include Gimme Gimme Gimme; Murder Most Horrid; Coronation Street; Call The Midwife; and Tracey Ullman’s Show. Hisplays include Beautiful Thing, Corrie, Canary, Hushabye Mountain, Babies, Boom Bang A Bang’ and Rupert Street Lonely Hearts Club. He also wrote the 2001 stage musical Closer to Heaven with the Pet Shop Boys and its sequel Muzik. He has won the John Whiting Award, the George Devine Award, two Manchester Evening News Awards, an Evening Standard Award, two British Soap Awards and a Writers Guild of Great Britain Award.

Jonathan added: “Swan Song is a comedy about a teacher who’s trying to hold onto his dignity while the education system crumbles around him – and I’m thrilled Andrew is playing Dave. I’m delighted to also be working with Noreen again, she directed many of my Corrie scripts and my last episode of Call The Midwife. As the original Shirley Valentine, Noreen definitely knows a thing or two about one person shows.”

Noreen Kershaw’s directing credits include Our Girl, Moving On, Scott & Bailey, Emmerdale, Shameless, Heartbeat and Coronation Street. She is also known for acting in Life On Mars, Brookside, and Watching. Noreen also originated the title role of Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine at Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre.

Facebook:       /SwanSong

Twitter:           @SwanSongPlay

Hashtags:        #DaveTitswell #SwanSong

LISTING INFORMATION

Andrew Lancel in

SWAN SONG

by Jonathan Harvey

UNITY THEATRE

Hope Place, Liverpool

Friday 20 – Saturday 21 November 2020

Performance times: 5pm / 7.45pm

Show duration: 70 minutes (no interval)

How to book: www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk ON SALE 12pm 19 OCT

DUKES LANCASTER

Moor Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1QE

Wednesday 25 November 2020

Performance times: 2.30pm / 7.30pm

Show duration: 70 minutes (no interval)

How to book: www.dukeslancaster.org ON SALE NOW

ALTY FRINGE at The GARRICK PLAYHOUSE

Barrington Road, Altrincham, WA14 1HZ

Friday 27 November 2020

Performance times: 6pm / 9pm

Show duration: 70 minutes (no interval)

How to book: www.altyfringe.co.uk ON SALE NOW

THE CRESSET THEATRE

Rightwell, Bretton, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE3 8DX

Thursday 3 December 2020

Performance times: 5pm / 8pm

Show duration: 70 minutes (no interval)

How to book: www.cresset.co.uk ON SALE 12pm 19 OCT

BELGRADE THEATRE

Belgrade Square, Coventry, CV1 1GS

Saturday 5 December 2020

Performance times: 2.30pm / 7.30pm

Show duration: 70 minutes (no interval)

How to book: www.belgrade.co.uk ON SALE 10AM ON THU 22 OCTOBER

Cut the Cord spearhead the conversation
about Sustainable Leadership in the Arts
Digital event: 16th – 19th November 2020

Cut the Cord will lead a trio of live-streamed panel discussions on Sustainable Leadership in the Arts, as part of International Leadership Week, in collaboration with the Nordic Ministry. Holding the arts to account on a global scale, the talks, featuring panellists such as Finn Kennedy (Artistic Director, Tamasha) and Bo Anders Sundstedt (Artistic Director, Unge Viken Teater), aim to highlight the importance of protecting the industry, and revitalising the status quo to encourage growth

Commissioned by the Nordic Ministry for their ongoing podcast series, Nordic Talks, the
conversations will enable artistic directors from theatres and cultural organisations in Nordic countries and the UK, to discuss sustainability and current affairs on a global scale. Audiences can submit their questions live to the panel during the event

Sustainable Leadership in the Arts will focus on three different areas: Climate Action, Diversity and Inclusivity, and the future of artistic leadership and development. Further panellists involved include Kate Atkinson (Clore Leadership), Christian Gade Bjerrum (Sustainable Performing Arts Now), Gunn Hernes (Nordic House), Ulricha Johnson (ScenSverige / Proud Performing Arts), Kay Michael (Culture Declares Emergency), Janne Saarakkala (Reality Research Centre), and Lars Werner Thomsen (Glad Teater)

Cut the Cord continue to work to promote social change and international collaboration in the arts and these discussions will seek to explore how the Nordic model of sustainability, openness and trust can be implemented on a grander scale in cultural institutions in the UK and abroad. At a time when the future of the industry is in question, it is important to consider new methods of sustainability to secure longevity for the creative sector

Camilla Gürtler, Cut The Cord’s Artistic Director, comments, We are at a pivotal point of change, with the response to Covid-19 and the long-term effects of global warming. As the creative sector and the rest of the world look at ways of rebuilding after the pandemic, we wanted to find a way to investigate how the arts can play a key part in a more sustainable world – both in terms of climate action, but also looking at equality and whose voices are being heard

Cultural leaders around the world are working hard to ensure better opportunities for artists and more sustainable working methods, and we wanted to amplify what they are doing and inspire others to follow their practices. For us, the arts hold the key to inspiration for positive change, and so sustainable leadership seemed crucial

Cut the Cord are also pioneering an exciting translation programme for emerging playwrights – New Nordic Voices. The scheme aims to enable Nordic talent to find an audience overseas, gaining further recognition through the translation of their text. The selected texts from the participating countries, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, will form part of a showcase in 2021 for industry experts, hoping to give the contemporary Nordic voices a platform.

TYNE THEATRE AND OPERA HOUSE

THERE WILL BE A PANTO THIS YEAR!

After the announcement that many theatres across the country are cancelling their Christmas pantomimes, the Tyne Theatre and Opera House have come to the rescue.

The Tyne Theatre and Opera House have announced that although they will be postponing their 2020 Pantomime; Sleeping Beauty, the theatre will be bringing a week-long, socially-distanced panto extravaganza to Newcastle.

Despite restrictions, the theatre promises a ‘GIANT of a show’, starring panto favourite Charlie Richmond as Simple Simon, with the rest of the cast of ‘North East’s best panto talent’ still to be announced.

The theatre will be seating audiences in socially distanced groups of 2, 4 and 6. Which will accompany a host of additional safety measures, details of which can be found on the Tyne Theatre website.

In a statement, the theatre have said:

“It’s clear that Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional pantomime. We’ve been working incredibly hard to ensure that this can be done safely for our venue staff, panto cast and crew, as well as our audiences.

This year’s production is a specially designed 75 minute rib-tickling festive treat for all the family, with a reduced capacity and no interval to minimise crowding.”

Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk go on general sale at 10am on Monday 19th October 2020.

Theatre Director Joanne Johnson said:

“We’ve had a lot of feedback from our audiences to suggest that people really want to see a show at Christmas this year. It has been a difficult year for everyone and for many of our

customers, an opportunity for some panto fun and laughter in December is more important than ever.

Having hosted our first socially distanced shows this month, we have seen that it is possible to deliver live entertainment in a safe way.

We are expecting tickets to sell quickly due to high demand on a limited run, with limited capacity. We advise booking early to avoid missing out. We absolutely can’t wait to welcome our panto audience back into the Tyne Theatre this Christmas.”

The theatre have said that the decision to postpone Sleeping Beauty, with producers Enchanted Entertainment, was made to avoid the need to restrict capacity beyond what had already sold and make significant changes to the show itself.

In an announcement, they have said: “We have big plans for Sleeping Beauty and want you all to be able to see it as we had intended – for this reason we will be postponing the show until 2021.”

They have clarified that ticket holders will have their tickets transferred to December 2021, and should wait to be contacted by their point of purchase to arrange this.

Pre-sale tickets are available from 12 noon on Friday 16th October for Sleeping Beauty ticket holders. For full information on how to access the pre-sale, customers should see the Jack and the Beanstalk event page on the Tyne Theatre website.

As an independent venue, the Tyne Theatre and Opera House relies entirely on ticket sales and donations to survive and keep the theatre’s 150+ year heritage alive. In addition to buying tickets for upcoming shows, you can also support the theatre directly by donating to their #SaveOurTheatres Crowdfunder campaign launched earlier this month.

New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

NEW VIC THEATRE APPOINTS VICKI AMEDUME AS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Staffordshire’s New Vic Theatre has appointed Vicki Amedume, Artistic Director of Upswing, as Associate Director to join the theatre-in-the-round’s team.

As Associate Director, Vicki will explore artistic opportunities, working alongside New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, and look after the theatre’s artist development programme. In addition, she will support the New Vic’s Creative People and Places programme, Appetite, with her expertise; input into the theatre’s Education and Borderlines outreach programmes; and develop other projects.

Artistic Director of Upswing, a leading contemporary circus company, Vicki Amedume has previously worked with the New Vic Theatre bringing her unique creativity and circus expertise to much-loved New Vic productions including 2009’s The Wicked Lady, Dracula and most recently, Astley’s Astounding Adventures – a production created to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the creation of modern circus. Her appointment as Associate Director is a continuation of her collaborative journey with the New Vic so far.

Associate Director, Vicki Amedume, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the fantastic team at the New Vic as an Associate Director. My own company Upswing has had an evolving collaborative relationship with the theatre since Artistic Director Theresa Heskins first invited us to work together on The Wicked Lady. Each collaboration since has explored new ground in the crossover of circus and theatre. I hope this appointment will support the ambition to keep the circus spirit growing and enriching the brilliant work produced both inside and outside the building.”

Artistic Director, Theresa Heskins, added: “Vicki has very much felt like one of the New Vic team for some time now, having worked with us many times over the last decade to make some extraordinary pieces of work including Dracula, Astley’s Astounding Adventures and an epic piece for the Olympic Torch relay. To me personally she has been an inspirational and generous collaborator. I am so thrilled that she is now formally joining the team. Her expertise in circus and outdoor arts reflect key preoccupations across our artistic programmes; her commitment to artist development will help us nurture programmes to support both emerging and established artists; her leadership skills will make a huge difference not only to our organisation but also across our sector. The New Vic is entering an exciting new phase.”

Vicki Amedume will continue her role as Artistic Director at Upswing alongside her post as Associate Director at the New Vic.