ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES NEW ADVENT WINDOW TRAIL

• Living ‘Advent’ calendar to shine a light on local businesses and community groups this festive season.
• ‘Advent’ windows to light-up Stratford Town Centre creating magical route for local residents and visitors to explore
• Residents and visitors invited to participate in-person and online using #StratfordAdventTrail

The Royal Shakespeare Company have today announced a new festive ‘Advent Trail’ comprising of twenty-four unique and surprising window displays created in partnership with local shops, community groups and independent businesses based in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre.

Sponsored by Bell Court and with thanks to Stratforward BID, the ‘Advent Window Trail’ will run from Tuesday 1 – Thursday 24 December.

A new window display will be revealed each day of Advent, creating an immersive route around the town in the countdown to Christmas. Each window display will respond, in its own way, to the themes of the four seasonal blessings of Joy, Health, Love and Peace. Participating businesses will each be allocated a day in December in which to reveal their festive displays and light their windows.

As well as responding to the themes of Joy, Health, Love and Peace, participating businesses will each be asked to hide a gingerbread figure in their window display, creating an interactive game for families to enjoy.

Participating businesses include Bell Court and the Bell Court tenants, Castle Fine Art, Gemini Women, Sea Salt, Roly’s Fudge Pantry, Yorks Café, Vin Neuf Wine Merchants, Shakespeare’s Birthplace Gift Shop, Vinegar Hill, For Something Different, The Flower Shop, Stratford Antiques Centre, CG Optical,  Escape Arts, Stratford College, Stratford Town Trust, Greys Opticians, Daisy Chain Gift Company, Sniff & Bark,  Royal Shakespeare Company (Waterside), RSC Nursery at the Clore Learning Centre (Waterside), Cosy Chic Boutique, All That Glitters, The Fourteas and Nashwhite.

Geraldine Collinge, RSC Director of Events and Exhibitions said:

“As businesses across Stratford continue to adapt and respond to the challenges of COVID-19, we wanted to provide business owners, residents and visitors with the opportunity to celebrate all that is great about our town, and to feel connected to one another during this difficult time. Each window display featured in the Advent Trail will be uniquely curated by local business owners and community groups with support from the RSC’s Events and Exhibitions team.

“Visitors will have the chance to explore the town and engage with host premises as they make their way around the trail. We hope that this collaboration with Bell Court will bring some much-needed festive joy into the lives of Stratford residents whilst, at the same time, shining a light on the Stratford business community in this time of limited public movement.”

Holly Woodhead, Asset Manager on behalf Bell Court said: “We are delighted to collaborate with the RSC on this Advent Trail and hope that it will bring Stratford residents and businesses together this Christmas. The walking trail will showcase the different businesses in Stratford and will be a celebration of this historic market town, as well as a celebration of the festive period.

There will be a number of window displays throughout Bell Court, designed by Bell Court tenants, Stratford College and Escape Arts. We hope this artwork will provide festive cheer to the Advent Trail participants.”

Joseph Baconnet, Stratforward BID Director, said; “The Christmas Advent window trail will create something positive for the town to enjoy. 

The RSC is helping to put the spotlight on some of our local businesses and charities who all need our support. With the RSC’s national and international reach, this gives the businesses taking part a boost to their profile at a key time of the year. 

The ongoing impact of the pandemic on business is challenging to say the least and this trail will give people another positive reason to come into Stratford and to enjoy the window displays, stunning Christmas lights and all that businesses have to offer. We hope the gingerbread trail will attract families into town and provide a family activity. 

Christmas is a time for sharing and we love that the RSC is reaching out to the town and sharing their influence and profile. 

We are committed to working together and keen to support the RSCs fantastic initiative. Long may it continue.”

Participants and members of the public are invited to share their photographs of the Advent Trail using the hashtag #StratfordAdventTrail

A full schedule for the Advent Trail featuring a list of participating businesses and locations can be found at www.rsc.org.uk/advent 

REHEARSAL SHOTS RELEASED AS BRIAN CONLEY, JACQUELINE JOSSA AND COMPANY

PREPARE FOR THE MUST-SEE WEST END MUSICAL THIS CHRISTMAS

FULL COMPANY ANNOUNCED for Alan Menken, Lynn Ahrens and

Mike Ockrent’s A Christmas Carol

Performances begin at The Dominion Theatre, MONDAY 7 DECEMBER

Exclusive photography has been released from the rehearsal room with preparations underway for the musical staged concert of A Christmas Carol. Performances will begin at the Dominion Theatre on Monday 7 December.

The photos feature Brian Conley, Jacqueline Jossa, Matt Jay-Willis, Lucie Jones, Sandra Marvin and Cedric Neal rehearsing for the show.

The full cast has also been announced for the musical staged concert. Joining previously announced Brian Conley, Jacqueline Jossa, Matt Jay-Willis, Lucie Jones, Sandra Marvin, Martyn Ellis, Rebecca Lock, Cedric Neal, Sam Oladeinde and Jeremy Secomb will be Simbi Akande, Will Arundell, Nicole-Lily Baisden, Lizzie Bea, Joshua Gannon, James Gant, Shirley Jameson, Kurt Kansley, Alex Lodge, Matthew McDonald, Minal Patel, Jemma Revell, Rebecca Ridout and Lee Van Geleen.

The show will also feature three teams of children on rotation. The role of Tiny Tim will be shared by William Barker, Osian Salter and Brodie Edwards, while the remaining childrens role will be shared by Victoria Alsina, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Asanda Abbie Masike, Charlie Mclellan, Nicholas Parris, Gabriel Payne, Angelica-Pearl Scott, Sasha Watson-Lobo and Katherine Wilson.

In total, the Alan Menken, Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent piece will feature over 50 performers, including the 24-piece London Musical Theatre Orchestra.

COVID-19 safety measures and social distancing will be in place front of house, on stage, backstage and throughout the Dominion Theatre.

If you become unable to attend, unwell or are having to isolate, you will be able to exchange your tickets free of charge up to 24 hours before your performance.

RB Health & Safety Solutions are providing COVID security and testing strategies for the production.

A Christmas Carol is a strictly limited run from 7th December 2020 to 2nd January 2021. The hit musical The Prince of Egypt will resume its run at the Dominion Theatre in the Spring of 2021, pending UK Government advice.

The UK’s primary Black theatre company, Talawa, and Birmingham Repertory Theatre
announce a new major collaboration and producing partnership

BLACK JOY
season of work coming in 2021 

“Where society has told Black people to “be quiet”, or that we’re “too loud”, revelling in joy is an act of resistance” Chanté Joseph 
 

Talawa Theatre Company, the UK’s leading Black theatre company, and Birmingham Repertory Theatre have announced a major new collaboration which will see the two partners developing an artistically ambitious body of work which will play in Birmingham, London, and nationwide. Black Joy, a season of new work by Black creatives and artists, will take to The REP’s three stages in 2021. 

The ambitious co-producing relationship, funded from Arts Council England’s Sustained Theatre Fund, will present a major musical production for The REP’s 800 seat The HOUSE and two new commissioned plays for the 300 seat The STUDIO and the 150 seat The DOOR. In addition, there will be six seed commissions for theatre makers of all disciplines plus training and work opportunities for off stage and technical teams. 

In commissioning the season, Talawa and The REP are continuing to take a leading role nationally in foregrounding the work of Black people in the arts. 

Talawa Artistic Director, Michael Buffong said, “As a Black theatre company, now more than ever, we are determined and proud to be celebrating and shining a spotlight on great Black British talent, on and off stage, as well as ensuring that Black talents and creativity are at the heart of building back better. I’m so excited to be working in partnership with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, a brilliant theatre at the heart of a truly diverse city.” 

The REP’s Artistic Director, Sean Foley said, “We are thrilled to be working with Talawa to create new work across our three auditoria, as well as develop the UK Black theatre artists of the future. This relationship forms a major part of The REP’s commitment to celebrating and representing the diversity of Birmingham and the UK across producing and technical departments and on its stages.” 

For more information visit birmingham-rep.co.uk or talawa.com.

Theatres Trust director Jon Morgan responds to the Chancellor’s Spending Review announcement today:

With £100bn for capital investment and a £4bn Levelling Up fund in the Spending Review, Theatres Trust believes that investment should be made into the nation’s theatre buildings. Theatres can play a crucial role in the Build Back Better agenda, as vital creative and community hubs and as major contributors to local economies, in particular reviving beleaguered high streets. Our research has identified more than 80 theatre building improvement projects that are currently in development but are at risk due to Covid. These projects would provide new community facilities with improved access and environmental performance and would benefit from timely government investment, ensuring these assets continue to be fit for purpose in the 21^st century and provide a much needed boost to local communities.

ISM comment on the Spending Review

The government failed to recognise the economic value of the cultural industries

Today the Chancellor published the 2020 Spending Review and said the “immediate priority” will be to protect jobs, as well has help businesses and support public services.

The new announcements included:

• Increased pay for NHS workers and raising the minimum wage.
• More money for the Devolved Nations and more flexibility for local government.
• The creation of a new UK infrastructure bank and a new Levelling Up Fund. 
• Reduced overseas aid spending.

Responding to the Spending Review, the Incorporated Society of Musicians’ Chief Executive, Deborah Annetts, said:

‘Today’s Spending Review was designed to support jobs but failed to recognise the economic value of the cultural industries in attracting visitors and shoppers into communities and supporting hard-hit industries like hospitality, leisure and retail. We are pleased that the Levelling Up Fund covers local arts and culture, but this social infrastructure is too important to be included in the same funding allocation as transport infrastructure. Without theatres and music venues, visitors are not staying in hotels, visiting bars or restaurants and they are doing their Christmas shopping online.’

‘The government should support the performance ecosystem in order to unlock public spending, create jobs and lift the national mood. We need a clear roadmap now for the return of live performance in 2021. This is essential so that the industry has enough time to prepare and implement the necessary measures to resume safely next year.’

Open Clasp Theatre Company presents: 

Sugar 

BBC iPlayer to stream new show devised with women who are homeless, on probation or in prison from 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

A probation office, a prison cell and a homeless shelter. Meet Annie, Julie and Tracy, three survivors all ‘doing time’ in very different ways. Three survivors. Three voices seldom heard.

“I was always going to end up here… but not anymore. This is my last time.”  

Presented by Open Clasp – the multi-award winning company behind New York Times Critics’ pick, Key Change – Sugaris an intimate piece of theatre made for the screen, written by Catrina McHugh MBE, directed by Laura Lindow and devised with women who are homeless, on probation or in prison. Sugar launches on BBC iPlayer on 25 November.

Catrina McHugh MBE, Director, Writer and Open Clasp Artistic Director said, “This is an important and urgent piece of theatre, a state of the nation, and it asks audiences to step into the shoes of women and to see the world through their eyes.”  

Lamia Dabboussy, Executive Editor of BBC Arts said: “BBC Arts is pleased to be able to bring Sugar to iPlayer – it’s a reminder of the power of theatre, particularly when people are given the opportunity to collaborate with theatre makers to share their own experiences.”

To create Sugar, Open Clasp worked with the Women’s Direct Access Centre in Manchester, West End Women and Girls Centre in Newcastle, HMP Low Newton and national charity Changing Lives. Open Clasp’s mission is to change the world one play at a time, and the company has also formed partnerships with Women’s Aid, Shelter and Agenda Alliance for Women and Girls at Risk to help tackle the stark inequalities that have been further exposed and exacerbated by the pandemic by continuing to raise awareness of the issues the women who helped to devise Sugar face.  

Teresa Parker, Head of Head of Media Relations & Communications at Women’s Aid said, “It’s fantastic news that Sugar will be launching on BBC iPlayer to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2020. Our research at Women’s Aid has shown the devastating impact the pandemic has already had on survivors of domestic abuse — with 91% of  women currently experiencing abuse saying it had negatively impacted the abuse in at least one way.”

Open Clasp has already reached over 50,000 people with critically acclaimed productions Key Change and Rattle Snake using theatre captured live on film. This new production is the first to be created specifically for the screen and is the company’s first show to be made available on the BBC iPlayer. Filmed before the pandemic, the themes in Sugar and the decision to stream it rather than perform it live to remove some of the barriers to access experienced in traditional theatre spaces feel particularly prescient. 

Director Laura Lindow explains, “Creating Sugar as a piece of theatre for the screen has offered us remarkable opportunities to tell these stories in new and different ways. The viewpoint of the camera is powerfully intimate as the characters take us into their confidence. The stark but beautiful theatrical setting sets up different terms for us to encounter them as we step into their worlds.” 

Sugar is written by Open Clasp Artistic Director, Catrina McHugh MBE and directed by Open Clasp Associate Director, Laura Lindow. Camera Direction and Editing is by Katja Roberts for Meerkat Films, Set and Costume Design is by Verity Quinn, Lighting Design by Ali Hunter and Sound Design by Roma Yagnik. Sugar was created for the screen in partnership with Meerkat Films, in association with Live Theatre and supported by The Space. The cast are Taja Luegaezor Christian, Paislie Reid, Zoe Lambert and Christina Berriman Dawson. 

Open Clasp has a unique approach and practice, developed over 20 years collaborating with women on the margins of society to create exciting theatre for personal, social and political change. Their critically acclaimed play Key Change was created with women serving at HMP Low Newton in County Durham. After winning the prestigious Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh award and touring nationally and internationally, it reached a huge audience when it was streamed globally as part of the UN campaign to end violence against women and girls in 2017, and was also performed in the Houses of Parliament. In the same year, Writer and Artistic Director Catrina McHugh was awarded an MBE for outstanding services to disadvantaged women through theatre.  

Sugar will launch on BBC iPlayer at 9am on 25 November and the three part series will be available to stream for 12 months www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08xl1g9

SELLADOOR VENUES CONFIRM DECEMBER REOPENING WITH FESTIVE SEASON

Following the recent support from the DCMS Culture recovery fund Selladoor Worldwide confirm their festive season of entertainment for venues – the New Theatre Peterborough, the Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple, and Ilfracombe’s Landmark Theatre.

The hilarious Jimmy Carr will open the festive season at New Theatre Peterborough on 12 Dec followed by Santa’s Christmas Cracker on 19 Dec, a brand new show for 2-7 year olds who will join Father Christmas and his friends on a fun, festive, musical adventure to discover the wonder of Christmas which will also run at the Landmark Theatre Ilfracombe on Christmas Eve.

The Queen’s theatre in Barnstaple will host a brand-new Selladoor Worldwide adaptation of family favourite A Christmas Carol (17 – 19 Dec).  Starring  TV and stage favourite Jason Merrells (Agatha Raisin, Emmerdale, Casualty, Waterloo Road) This intimate one person production will take audiences on a newly imagined journey of the mean-spirited Scrooge seen through the eyes of an NHS doctor battling the uncertainty and isolation of 2020.  

North Devon audiences at the Queen’s Theatre can also look forward to Gareth Gates’ Barnstaple’s Christmas Cracker (21- 31 Dec)  A show celebrating the very best in variety and pantomime, with hilarious comedy routines and show-stopping numbers starring original the Pop Idol himself and his Christmas friends, including Eurovision royalty Nicki French, father and son comedy duo Simmons and Simmons and international circus performer Naomi Scott.

Stuart Shanks, Director of Venues for Selladoor Worldwide says “Christmas would not be the same without the spirit of togetherness, friendship and community; ever-relevant themes for our world today as we prepare for a Christmas like never before. We are really excited to share our festive season with our audiences in a safe, socially distanced environment where people can once again experience the excitement and joy that live theatre brings and we cannot wait to open our doors to welcome them again”

David Hutchinson CEO at Selladoor Worldwide says “We’ve battled through all the odds and despite the unknown terrain ahead, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome our audiences back as we prepare to raise the curtain again at our three venues in time for the festive season. Our venue teams are working harder than ever to provide much needed entertainment, imaginative programming and engagement with the arts and live performance for our local communities in a safe and responsible environment.  With support from the DCMS we are committed to working hard to bridge the gap in helping our communities to continue to access theatre and retain and grow the crucial connection we as venues have with our audiences. We’re confident our audiences will come out to support us, as we and the incredible artists and creatives we work with have never needed you more than now.”

Tickets are available for all performances – to find out more or book visit www.queenstheatre-barnstaple.com www.landmark-ilfracombe.com www.newtheatre-peterborough.com to find out more about Selladoor visit www.selladoor.com

Friday 11 December 2020 – Sunday 3 January 2021
CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE IS BACK!
DAME TROTT’S PANTO PALAVER
A Socially Distanced Panto Themed Adventure
Written by Al Lockhart-Morley

Cambridge Arts Theatre is thrilled to announce its return, after an eight-month closure, with a brand-new, feel-good, warm-hearted and COVID-safe panto themed adventure set to sprinkle the city with Christmas magic.

Count Covidula, the stupidest, baddest baddie that you’ve never heard of, is sick of the good guys winning and wants to ruin pantomime for everyone. He’s got his hands on this year’s master scripts and is rewriting the stories with unexpected and hilarious results!

Will Dame Trott and her beloved Daisy the Cow escape from the mean Giant Trumplebore? Does Dick Whittington become Mayor of London or will he be defeated in a rigged election? And will Cinderella ever marry her charming Prince, or will the Stoneybroke Lockdown have her home by 10pm? One thing’s for sure: panto will never be the same again.

Dave Murphy, Chief Executive at Cambridge Arts Theatre: “We thought long and hard before deciding to create this year’s show but realised that, this year more than ever before, we need take some control over our own destiny. This is us putting our best foot forward at the end of the most challenging year in our history. Amidst the COVID gloom I can promise you laughter, panto madness, feel-good songs, familiar faces and some much-needed festive cheer. Please join us for the fun.”

The Arts Theatre’s pantomime favourites are back in an all-star line-up ready to entertain families and friends across Cambridgeshire.

Returning for his fifteenth Christmas in Cambridge is the hilarious Matt Crosby, starring as Dame Trott. Celebrated across Cambridgeshire for his role as #1 Dame, Crosby’s recent roles include an Ugly Sister opposite Wayne Sleep in 2019’s Cinderella and Widow Twankey in 2018’s Aladdin.

Coronation Street’s Stephen Beckett returns to Cambridge for his fifth role as the pantomime baddie to play the wicked Count Covidula, after his role as Fleshcreep in 2017’s Jack and the Beanstalk. Beckett is best known for his television roles in The Bill and Coronation Street and extensive stage experience including the acclaimed West End production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Mamma Mia.

Joining them are West End star Lucy May Barker (Mamma Mia) and Isaac Stanmore, returning after his role as Buttons in 2019’s Cinderella.

Dame Trott’s Panto Palaver is directed by Michael Gattrell (Dear Zoo) and is written by Al Lockhart Morley (Cinderella, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk).

Cambridge Arts Theatre is delighted to be recognised as one of the official See It Safely venues, accredited by the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre. The logo certifies that theatres are complying with the latest Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, to ensure the safety of both staff and audiences. For further information please visit https://www.cambridgeartstheatre.com/your-visit-and-covid-safety

In 2019, the Arts Theatre celebrated sparkling success with their production of Cinderella, welcoming over 32,000 adults and children through the doors.

Dame Trott’s Panto Palaver opens on Friday 11 December 2020 and runs until Sunday 3 January 2021. For full information and ticket prices visit www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

DAME MAUREEN LIPMAN, SIMON CALLOW, BRIAN CONLEY, KEVIN CLIFTON, SHEILA FERGUSON, LEE MEAD, JODIE PRENGER, DENISE WELCH,

THE VIVIENNE & MANY MORE

TO PERFORM IN

“WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS”

IN SUPPORT OF SHELTER & CRISIS AT CHRISTMAS

FILMED AT THE ACTORS’ CHURCH, COVENT GARDEN

TO BE STREAMED FROM 20 DECEMBER TO 1 JANUARY

ON SALE TODAY!

Denise Welch will host a starry list of performers coming together for a filmed concert, We Need A Little Christmas, in support of Shelter and Crisis at Christmas.  The concert will be filmed live at the Actors’ Church (St Paul’s Church) in London’s Covent Garden, with performances from Dame Maureen Lipman, Courtney Act, Christine Allado, David Bedella, Simon Callow, Kevin Clifton, Brenda Edwards, Sheila Ferguson, Amy Hart, Dom Hartley-Harris, Sophie Isaacs, Cassidy Janson, Lydia Lucy, Lee Mead, Peter Polycarpou, Jodie Prenger, Sharon Rose, Sally Ann Triplett and The Vivienne, along with Brian Conley and the cast of A Christmas Carol – The Musical and the West End Gospel Choir.

The concert will be streamed from 20December 2020 to 1 January 2021 via Stream.theatre.  Tickets will go on sale on today, Wednesday 25 November.  Tickets will cost £20 + booking fee for a single ticket or £30 + booking fee for a family ticket.  A portion of each ticket sold will be going to Shelter and Crisis at Christmas.

Producers Thomas Hopkins & Michael Quinn for Ginger Quiff Media said, “We are so excited to continue our growth as a new company formed in 2020. We are delighted to have raised, to date, over £40,000 for multiple charities through our productions this year.  This show not only allows us to raise money once again for two charities greatly in need of direct support,  but also will allow us to create a show that gives us the opportunity to employ freelancers and to create what we hope will be a very magical event this festive season, both on stream.theatre and Broadway On Demand.”

We Need A Little Christmas will be directed and staged by Michael Strassen, with musical direction by George Carter and production design by Andrew Exeter.  Paul Nicholas Dyke is associate director.

We Need A Little Christmas is produced by Thomas Hopkins & Michael Quinn for Ginger Quiff Media and Guy Chapman. 

Website: stream.theatre

Twitter: @gingerqmedia / @stream_theatre

Facebook: @gingerquiffmedia / @stream.theatre

Instagram: gingerquiffmedia / stream_theatre

LISTINGS INFORMATION

We Need A Little Christmas

Available from 20 December 2020 to 1 January 2021

On sale from Wednesday 25 November

Tickets: £20 + booking fee for single ticket; £30 + booking fee for family ticket

Box Office:  Stream.theatre