Month: March 2021

IN HONOUR OF WORLD THEATRE DAY

THE 21^ST ANNUAL WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS AVAILABLE TO WATCH AGAIN FOR FOUR TIMES ONLY

• 2021 WhatsOnStage Awards will be available to watch on 27 and 28 March at 3pm and 7pm both dates.
• Tickets £15 available from stream.theatre.

For those that missed last Sunday’s 2021 WhatsOnStage Awards, there is an opportunity to watch the event with four upcoming encore screenings – in honour of World Theatre day on 27 and 28 March at 3pm and 7pm. Tickets are £15 and are on sale now via www.stream.theatre/WOSA2021.

In a unique ceremony – recorded at the Turbine Theatre, which celebrated theatre and its audiences, the WhatsOnStage Awards were presented by Jodie Prenger and Tom Read Wilson, featuring Amy Hart and Oscar Conlon-Morrey. During the ceremony there were performances from musical theatre stars representing shows that were cut short in 2020, or are due to open in the coming years.

With theatres having closed their doors over a year ago, this year’s awards were different in every way. Not only was it a live streamed event, but after being voted for by the public, a select group of people were honoured as Angels for all their love and support during the pandemic.

Sita McIntosh, Chief Operating Officer of WhatsOnStage said today, “We are so thrilled to be able to offer those who missed the 21^st annual WhatsOnStage Awards, the chance to watch this uplifting ceremony again, in honour of World Theatre Day. The on demand service will allow even more people to celebrate and appreciate some of the amazing shows that were cut short last year, as well as highlight the brilliant people who work in the industry, as well as those who don’t, but who have gone above and beyond this last year to support theatre in any which way they can.” 

The star studded event includes performances and appearances from:

• Cedric Neal performs “Gotta Start Somewhere” from Back to the Future the Musical, which is gearing up for an eagerly anticipated West End opening in August 2021 at the Adelphi Theatre.
• Lizzie Bea, set to lead the West End revival of Hairspray later this year at The London Coliseum, performs “You’ll Never Walk Alone” fromCarousel.
• Ivano Turco performs “Only You, Lonely You” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s brand new West End musical Cinderella, opening this summer at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
• Blake Patrick Anderson, Cleve September, Danielle Fiamanya, Frances Mayli, Grace Mouat, Jodie Steele, Jordan Luke Gage, Layton Williams, Matt Croke, Millie O’Connell and Sophie Isaacs performs “Let The Sunshine In” from Hair. The outdoor revival of the show played on a jetty outside the Turbine Theatre last year and will be returning for performances in June at The London Palladium and then on tour later in 2021.
• Stage star Siubhan Harrison performs “Head Over Feet” from Jagged Little Pill, which was nominated for the most Tony Awards of the season (15) last autumn.
• Emma Kingston performs “I Can Do Better Than That” from The Last Five Years after appearing in socially distanced outdoor revival of Jason Robert Brown’s musical at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall.
• Danielle Fiamanya and Matt Croke performs “Crazy Rolling” from Moulin Rouge!. Fiamanya recently appeared in Curve’s The Color Purple virtual production, while Croke performed another number from Moulin Rouge! on The Voice UK earlier this year, earning public acclaim.
• Alexia Khadime and Christine Allado performs “When You Believe” from The Prince of Egypt, which had its gargantuan West End production at the Dominion Theatre temporarily halted by the pandemic last year, but is now set to return from July 2021.
• Dom Hartley-Harris and Alex Thomas-Smith performs “I’ll Cover You” from Rent, returning to the roles of Collins and Angel after a smash-hit run at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester was cut short by the pandemic but is now returning from August 2021.
• Jamie Muscato performs “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story, having led the show when it was mounted at Curve Leicester in winter 2019.
• Oscar Conlon-Morrey and Amy Hart make appearances to highlight some of the work being done by the theatre community on and off the stage.

In lieu of nominating performers and creatives this year, the public have nominated Angels – someone in their life that has been a source of love, support, and kindness during the pandemic. From those nominations, 21 Angels were  announced during the ceremony and will receive a complimentary night at the theatre once live performances return. 

From midwives to Sainsbury’s staff, and from Nightingale volunteers to amateur dramatic managers, these people have been a beacon of hope and light throughout the pandemic. Whether they reached out offering jobs to those whose income was completely cut off as the curtain came down on theatre, or launched events like Broadway Bingo or Fizz and Quiz Nights, these angels kept spirits high throughout the tough months of last year. Receiving this well-deserved title and prize were David Ashford, Elaine and Graeme Blackmore, Dave Chalfin, Steph Canning, Lynn Darcy, Lucie Devine, Amanda Dunford, Denis Fuller, Kate Golledge, Andrea Grey, Leontine Hass, Philip Joel, Charlie Kristensen, Yvette McDonnald, Scarlett Maltman, Charlie Morrison, Alun and Esther Williams, Corrine Priest, Kristie Winsen, Alex Young, Rita Zeta-Jones (aka Jessica Boshier).

Howard Panter for Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Eilene Davidson Productions and BookMyShow

proudly present

THE PERFECT TONIC FOR LONDON AUDIENCES IN 2021

The multi-Tony Award winning musical

including for Best Musical Revival & Best Choreography

STARRING

BARBICAN THEATRE FROM FRIDAY 23 JULY 2021

FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT UNTIL SUNDAY 17 OCTOBER 2021

A MAJOR NEW PRODUCTION OF THIS CLASSIC MUSICAL COMEDY WITH A FULL COMPANY

OF OVER 50, INCLUDING A FULL-SIZED ORCHESTRA AND 14 TAP DANCING SAILORS!

Music and Lyrics by COLE PORTER

Original Book by P.G. WODEHOUSE & GUY BOLTON

and HOWARD LINDSAY & RUSSEL CROUSE

New Book by TIMOTHY CROUSE and JOHN WEIDMAN

Directed and Choreographed by

Tony Award Winner KATHLEEN MARSHALL

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM ANYTHINGGOESMUSICAL.CO.UK

One of the all-time greatest musicals ANYTHING GOES, today announces it will open this summer at London’s Barbican Theatre from Friday 23 July for a strictly limited 12 week season until Sunday 17 October. This year’s must-see musical will star Emmy & SAG Award winner Megan Mullally (Will & Grace) who is making her West End musical debut as Reno Sweeney, and Tony, Olivier & BAFTA Award winner Robert Lindsay (Me & My Girl, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) as Moonface Martin. They will join Evening Standard Theatre Award winner Felicity Kendal (The Good Life), also making her West End musical debut as Evangeline Harcourt and leading West End musical actor Gary Wilmot (Chicago, London Palladium Pantomimes) as Elisha Whitney. Tickets are on sale now.

Producer Sir Howard Panter said: “We’re delighted to announce that Anything Goes – which truly is one of the greatest musical comedies of all-time – will open this summer at London’s Barbican Theatre with the first performance on Friday 23 July and playing through the Autumn until Sunday 17 October. Starring the incredible line-up of Megan Mullally, Robert Lindsay, Felicity Kendal and Gary Wilmot, this show is the perfect tonic following the last year of theatre closures and we can’t wait to set sail!”

The producers are also delighted to announce that Samuel Edwards (Les Misérables / Wicked), who is one of the UK’s most exciting young musical theatre actors, will be performing the role of Billy Crocker. Completing the principal cast is Nicole-Lily Baisden (The Book of Mormon / Let’s Face The Music) as Hope Harcourt, Carly Mercedes Dyer (West Side Story/Chicago) as Erma and Haydn Oakley (A Christmas Carol / An American in Paris) as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Further casting will be announced soon.

This lavish production of Cole Porter & P.G. Wodehouse’s classic musical, featuring a full company of over 50 including a full-sized orchestra and even 14 tap dancing sailors, will be directed and choreographed by three time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall. Marshall’s Broadway production of ANYTHING GOES was a major smash hit and received huge critical acclaim. The revival was nominated for nine Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk Awards, winning Best Musical Revival and Best Choreography at both ceremonies. Now Marshall, in her West End directing debut, will reinvent this glorious musical for London audiences this summer in what is set to be the definitive version of this timeless classic.

With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and the original book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse, ANYTHING GOES will premiere at the Barbican Theatre from July to October and then embark on a UK tour.

When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love… proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, a comical disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. This hilarious musical romp across the Atlantic featuring a collection of some of theatre’s most memorable songs – including ‘I Get A Kick Out of You’, ‘Anything Goes’, ‘You’re the Top’, ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’, ‘It’s De-Lovely’, ‘Friendship’ and ‘Buddie Beware’ – will take you back to the Golden Age of high society on the seas. ANYTHING GOES is set to sail away with audiences all over again

PRESS QUOTES

“Cole Porter songs and tap-dancing sailors? What’s not to love?” – The Hollywood Reporter

“Anything Goes is a truly great musical comedy” – Chicago Tribune

“Exudes the effervescence of a freshly poured gin fizz…It’s a knockout!” – The New York Times

“So Delightful, so De-Lovely, it’s The Top!” – Associated Press

“This new ‘Anything Goes’ is a daffy, shipshape romp” – Variety

“Pure Magic” – New York Post

“You’ll get a kick out of ‘Anything Goes” – USA Today

WAYWARD PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE LIVE ONLINE DISCUSSION WAYWARD CONVERSATIONS: BACKSTAGE NURSING STORIES BROUGHT TO LIFE

Ahead of the world première UK tour of Christie Watson’s bestselling memoir, The Language of Kindness, based on her 20 years working as a nurse for the NHS, Wayward Productions today announce Wayward Conversations: Backstage Nursing Stories Brought to Life, a live online discussion on 27 March 2021. The production’s co-adaptor and co-director, Sasha Milavic Davies is joined in conversation by author, Christie Watson; comedian and former psychiatric nurse, Jo Brand; actor and doctor, Esh Alladi; and actor, and former series regular in Casualty, Adjoa Andoh to share their experiences both on the wards and on the stage.

Come and join an actor who juggles a medical career, an actor famous for playing a TV nurse, a comedian who used to be a psychiatric nurse, and a best-selling author who was an NHS nurse for 20 years. Find out whether there are any similarities between working in a theatre with actors and working in an operating theatre with medics…

This follows the success of Wayward Conversations: Curating Medical Stories hosted by the production’s co-director, James Yeatman, on 17 March.

Produced by Wayward Productions, Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells, Complicité and Warwick Arts Centre in association with Shoreditch Town Hall and Guy Chapman -Christie Watson’s The Language of Kindness adapted for the stage and directed by Sasha Milavic Davies and James Yeatman is touring the UK, 20 May – 12 June 2021 – with full details to be announced.

All money raised from ticket sales go to support the production.

LISTINGS

WAYWARD CONVERSATIONS: BACKSTAGE NURSING STORIES BROUGHT TO LIFE

Saturday 27 March 2021 at 7pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wayward-conversations-backstage-nursing-stories-brought-to-life-tickets-146656023113

Tickets: £5

How West End actor and vocalist John ‘JP’ Ellis channeled his lockdown energy into creating a chart-topping album, KOPFKINO 

John Ellis, or JP Ellis as he is also known, is an Australian actor who resides in London and performs in musical theatre and opera concerts internationally in large-scale musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, CATS and Jesus Christ Superstar. A year ago, when theatres went dark, John channeled his lockdown energy into creating his album KOPFKINO, which much to his surprise went to the top of the classical music charts, from the UK to Australia. He is keen to share his positive story from a dark year.  

Last Spring, when theatres around the world first went into lockdown, John was living in Athens, Greece, where he was playing Piangi in The Phantom of the Opera, having previously performed in the West End production. Following the Greek government’s swift response to Covid-19, this was one of the first shows in the world to shut down. Due to the sudden closure and the loss of their jobs, the whole company had no option but to return home. As a twist of fate, John was not sure whether to fly home to London or to make sure his family were okay in Australia, so he didn’t give up his Greek apartment straight away. During the next few upsetting and uncertain days, and following a chance meeting with one of the show’s talented Greek musicians (also made redundant the day before), John decided to take a leap of faith. He called a few of the show’s musicians and asked if he could employ them to make an album. They rushed into the recording studio just before complete lockdown began. At that stage, only five people could be in a space at the same time. Having previously been in a work bubble, it was accepted that they could record whilst adhering to strict social distancing rules.  

As a performer, John has performed pop-rock and opera alongside classic musical theatre but it is his love of the counter tenor sound which enthralls him the most. KOPFKINO features music by Ludovico Einaudi, Josh Groban, Ólafur Arnalds, Jónsi, Loreen, The Cinematic Orchestra, Greta Svabo Bech, Arnór Dan and Antonín Dvořák. It covers many musical genres including Neoclassical, Electro House, Pop-Opera and Scandi-Nordic Noir but is also inspired by the likes of Cirque du Soleil and Eurovision.  

When it came to deciding upon an album title, John’s husband unwittingly provided inspiration. During lockdown, John’s mind had been racing, in a dream state and with a film-like realness to his thoughts. He had experienced this feeling from early childhood but had noticed over lockdown that these thoughts and fears were evolving and becoming more intense. John explained this to his German husband who said, “Oh you had ‘KOPFKINO’” – meaning ‘head cinema’. Hence, the name of John’s album was born.  

Following its Autumn release, John was surprised and delighted when his lockdown album KOPFKINO hit number 1 in the Classical iTunes chart in Australia, and number 2 in the UK, and it continues to sell numerous copies.  

KOPFKINO was recorded, mixed & edited during lockdown in Athens, London and LA, and executive produced by Lee Lessack at LML Music (http://www.lmlmusic.com/album/kopfkino/).  The featured musicians are Nadia Boule, Giannis Zaragalis, Aulon Bino, Lydia Panagiotarea, Pericles Timplalexis and Joe Davison.     

John Ellis has lived and worked in the USA, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Melbourne, Germany, Switzerland and London, where he has been based for the past 17 years. In addition to his theatre work, John has been lucky to work for Crystal, Cunard and P&O as part of their World Cruises. He also has produced many shows, concerts and charity events, most notably, Andrew Lippa Live in London, Jeff Blumenkrantz Songbook in London, Georgia Stitt & Friends in London and Songs For A New World in Australia.  

Following the release of KOPFKINO, John has continued to work on further music recording collaborations, with 10 exciting tracks currently being mixed and mastered in Vienna and from his home studio in London. This includes two dance remixes for the summer, two new works which he has written and many more surprises set for the summer and into the rest of the year. John is also delighted to be embarking on a new exciting musical theatre role starting in June 2021 with an international hit musical, to be announced shortly. To find out more visit: http://www.john-ellis.com. 

KOPFKINO is available now via digital release and CD, and on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon. Visit: https://linktr.ee/J.P.ELLIS.

Capital Theatres is recruiting for recovery

Capital Theatres seeks to appoint 3 key individuals to its team – Director of Finance & Business Services, Director of Development & Head of Creative Engagement.

Under the leadership of a new Chief Executive Fiona Gibson, Capital Theatres is moving into an exciting new strategic phase as it spearheads the cultural and economic regeneration of its communities in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is now recruiting for three key positions to help it move successfully forwards, including a new post for Head of Creative Engagement, further developing its increasing focus on community engagement and developing artistic talent, and a new Director of Development who will lead the fundraising campaign to support the redevelopment of the King’s Theatre as well as a variety of creative projects. It’s current Director of Finance, Iain Ross is set to retire after 11 years with Capital Theatres and so the third role is set to steer the organisation financially as it charts its way through recovery and seeks to expand its creative vision.

Director of Development; an important role in the future strategic direction of the organisation, the post will be responsible for devising and implementing a creative and innovative fundraising strategy, of which a key priority will be the King’s Theatre Redevelopment Campaign. Building on the success already achieved in the early phases of the capital appeal, the new Director will lead the public launch of a high-profile capital campaign, which will see the century-old, iconic landmark in Edinburgh transformed and restored it to its former glory, ensuring its future for generations to come.

Head of Creative Engagement; a new role for a special person who can grow and develop all aspects of the Creative Engagement programme, centring on Capital Theatres’ strategic ambition to co-create high quality projects that make a real difference inside the local communities it serves. The role will also lead on increasing community engagement around the King’s Theatre Redevelopment Campaign, develop the Studio as a ‘go-to’ venue for emerging artists and new work, pioneer alternative performance experiences for audience members whose needs are not met by traditional models and evolve the organisation’s award-winning engagement activity with people living with dementia.

Director of Finance and Business Services: Resilience and longevity of the theatres is paramount and the Director of Finance & Business Services is pivotal to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation. The role will manage the financial business case for delivery of the King’s Theatre redevelopment project, along with financial decisions support for the broader organisational strategy including collaboration and co-production with cultural consortia and artistic partners, revenue growth through trading and the cashflow planning and reporting requirements of public and private fundraising.

More information on the roles and details on applying are available at https://www.capitaltheatres.com/about/jobs

• THE WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW PLAYCRUISE TO OPEN IN THE WEST END AT THE DUCHESS THEATRE FROM 18 MAY – 13 JUNE 2021. TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.CRUISETHEPLAY.CO.UK
   
• WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY JACK HOLDEN, THIS BOLD, ONE-MAN SHOW FEATURING LIVE MUSIC WILL BE ONE OF THE FIRST PLAYS TO OPEN IN THE WEST END FOLLOWING ITS CLOSURE IN MARCH 2020.
    
• SET IN 1980’S SOHO AND INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY, ‘CRUISE’ IS A TIMELY CELEBRATION OF QUEER CULTURE AND A POWERFUL TRIBUTE TO THE VETERANS OF THE AIDS CRISIS. 
   
• CRUISE MARKS WEST END DEBUT AS A PLAYWRIGHT FOR JACK HOLDEN AND FOR THEATRE PRODUCERS KATY LIPSON AND LAMBERT JACKSON.

Aria Entertainment and Lambert Jackson are thrilled to announce that the world premiere of CRUISE will reopen the West End’s Duchess Theatre from 18 May – 13 June 2021 with a press night on 20 May.  Written and performed by Jack Holden (War Horse, West End; Ink, Almeida Theatre), CRUISE is an urgent, moving, and inspirational new play with live music and spoken word.

Based on a true story Jack was told whilst volunteering for Switchboard, the LGBTQ+ Listening Service, this new play pays tribute to a generation decimated by HIV and AIDs. Bringing to life 1980’s Soho, this kaleidoscopic musical is a celebration of queer culture with an uplifting 80s electronic soundtrack performed live by John Elliott.  Directed by Bronagh Lagan, the filmed version will still be available to watch from 15 April – 25 April at Stream.Theatre before it arrives at the Duchess Theatre in the West End this May.

Nica Burns of NIMAX Theatres said: “Hard as it is to find anything to celebrate in the theatre in this incredibly difficult pandemic year, being able to invite a talented new team of theatre-makers to reopen the Duchess theatre is a delight.  A warm welcome to producers Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment, Jamie Lambert and Eliza Jackson of Lambert Jackson and their playwright Jack Holden, all making West End debuts. For four weeks only, prior to the reopening of the popular comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, so book now!”

Marking Aria Entertainment’s first production in the West End Katy Lipson said: “It is an absolute honour to have the opportunity to present this play, not only on a West End stage but as we are coming out of what has been one of the most difficult and challenging years for all. It is a brave and innovative show which brings us into a world and part of history which we may not be so familiar with. A story which we should hear about; one of survival, loss, rebuilding a life, and looking forward to the future. All on top of the most uplifting and brilliant soundtrack. After receiving the script during lockdown, I couldn’t have imagined that we’d be presenting it as our first West End play the following year. I am so looking forward to sharing it with a live audience.”

Lambert Jackson said: “For our first West End run, we are so excited to be bringing this innovative, new, and important piece of theatre to reopen the Duchess Theatre. From the moment we read the script, we knew we had to be involved. This has been a very uncertain time for theatre in the UK, and it feels right to be producing a brilliant new play by a British writer to bring important, queer British stories to audiences at this time.”

~ February 29th, 1988. Soho, London. ~

CRUISE is the true story of what should have been Michael Spencer’s last night on Earth.  When Michael is diagnosed with HIV in 1984, he’s told he’ll have four years to live – at most. So, with the clock ticking, he and his partner, Dave, decide to sell their house, flog the car, spend everything they have, and party like it’s the last days of Rome. When Dave dies two years later, Michael doubles down on his hedonistic ways, spending what little he has left and drowning himself in drink and drugs. 

On the last night of his four-year countdown – the 29th February 1988 – Michael decides to go out with a bang. He puts on his favourite jacket, heads for Soho, and embarks on a long night of farewells. He says his goodbyes to friends, enemies, and strangers; old haunts, dive bars, cafes, clubs, and pubs; his brothers, sisters, allies, and exes. He dances, sings, and says yes to everything and everyone. Then, with all his affairs taken care of, Michael promptly… survives.  Michael got lucky, and he goes on to live to a ripe old age. Michael has been given the gift of life; but what kind of life can he now live?

The full creative team includes Jack Holden (writer and performer), John Elliott (Music and Sound Design), Bronagh Lagan (Director), Nik Corrall (Design), STUFISH Entertainment Architects (Co-Design), Jai Morjaria (Lighting Designer) Sarah Golding (Movement) and Max Pappenheim (Additional Sound Design).

Initial development supported by Help Musicians Fusion Fund and Shoreditch Town Hall

Remember, remember the 5^th of November…

BASED ON ONE OF ENGLAND’S DARKEST & MOST SCANDALOUS MOMENTS IN HISTORY

AND FEATURING SOME OF BROADWAY & THE WEST END’S

FINEST MUSICAL THEATRE STARS

THE EXPLOSIVE NEW MUSICAL DRAMA

RETURNS BY POPULAR DEMAND FOR AN ENCORE SCREENING

OF ITS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ONLINE CONCERT

NOW AVAILABLE FOR INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCES

ON-DEMAND FROM 26-28 MARCH 2021

★★★★★

West End Best Friend, All That Dazzles

‘This is an exceptional musical in the making.’

West End Best Friend

★★★★

The Reviews Hub, The Upcoming, North West End, Fairy Powered Productions

‘Treason has lush melodies, a talented young cast, the historical sweep of a Les Mis combined with a certain multi-cultural chic a la Hamilton.’

The American

Following its highly anticipated World premiere and online concert screening, streamed from Cadogan Hall on 12-14 March, Treason The Musical returns by popular demand.

For a special encore streamed performance, the online concert will now be available on-demand for a limited time from 26-28 March 2021, enabling a wider international audience across different time zones to be a part of this bold new musical’s journey to life.

A historic tale of religious persecution and brutality, ending in an ambitious yet fateful plot to bring down both the monarchy and the government, Treason is an exciting new musical drama based on England’s notorious gunpowder plot of 1605.

Receiving high acclaim from both audiences and critics alike, this plucky new British musical, which is currently in development ahead of a full scale West End production, has offered theatre fans and audiences a unique insight into the journey and progression of a new musical.

The concert is performed by a selection of some of the West End and Broadway’s most gifted performers including Lucie Jones (Les Misérables, Waitress), Oliver Tompsett (& Juliet, Kinky Boots), Daniel Boys (Falsettos, Nativity Rocks!), Waylon Jacobs (Hamilton, Memphis), Bradley Jaden (Les Misérables, Wicked), Emmanuel Kojo (Oklahoma!, Show Boat), Rebecca LaChance (School of Rock, Beautiful), Cedric Neal (Chess, Motown), Sharon Rose (Hamilton, Caroline Or Change), and alongside the multi-talented poet, writer and performer, Debris Stevenson (Poet in da Corner), as the show’s narrator.

Remember, remember the 5th of November,
for its gunpowder, treason, and plot
We’re here to tell you the rest of the tale,
the one that history books forgot
Guy Fawkes remains an anonymous figure, 
we have more to bring to the table
It’s time to meet the rest of the plotters,
in our fiery musical fable

With a fusion of original folk and pop songs, this wonderful new musical tells one of the most intriguing tales in England’s history, and features a stunning score and lyrics by Ricky Allan, and book by Kieran Lynn and Ricky Allan. The musical’s world premiere online concert, filmed at London’s prestigious Cadogan Hall, is directed by Hannah Chissick, with musical supervision by Nick Pinchbeck and orchestration and additional arrangements by Matthew Malone.

Five of the musical’s tracks have already been pre-released on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music, and a further five new and unheard tracks from the show can also be heard in the online concert.

The five pre-released tracks currently available to stream are: Take Things Into Our Own Hands featuring Hadley Fraser, Waylon Jacobs, Emmanuel Kojo and Oliver Savile; The Day Elizabeth Died featuring Kelly Agbowu, Hadley Fraser, Waylon Jacobs, Emmanuel Kojo, Rebecca LaChance, Christina Modestou and Oliver Savile; Blind Faith featuring Rosalie Craig and Oliver Savile; The Promise featuring Daniel Boys and Oliver Savile; and The Cold, Hard, Ground featuring Hadley Fraser.

*Please note that the Treason in concert cast differ from the original track recording cast.

Follow Treason the Musical on all social media platforms @treasonmusical and treasonthemusical.com to be the first to hear the latest news and information. 

LISTINGS

Music & Lyrics by Ricky Allan

Book by Ricky Allan & Kieran Lynn

Directed by Hannah Chissick

Musical Supervision by Nick Pinchbeck

Orchestration & Additional Arrangements by Matthew Malone

Produced by Stephen McGill & Ricky Allan for Fiery Fable Productions, Square Peg Productions & Katy Galloway Productions,alongside Associate Producer Piers Cottee-Jones Entertainment

Website: treasonthemusical.com 

Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @treasonmusical

METTA THEATRE, ROYAL & DERNGATE NORTHAMPTON, QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH & STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE PRESENT

CELLS

A NEW MUSICAL FILM TO BE RELEASED EPISODICALLY FROM 19 APRIL

STARRING CLIVE ROWE AND LEM KNIGHTS

Metta Theatre – one of the UK’s leading production companies devoted to British musical theatre – is pleased to announce the release of a film of a brand-new musical, CELLS, written, developed and recorded entirely during lockdown by the award-winning writer/director P Burton-Morgan and composer Ben Glasstone and starring Metta’s recently announced Patron, the Olivier award winning Clive Rowe alongside rising star Lem Knights.

A university science lab. A kebab shop at 2am. An online gaming forum. Two strangers’ lives become intertwined. Alan Bennett meets The Streets in this tender and uplifting new work, giving voice to the lives of two everyday blokes.

Metta are partnering with three major regional venues – Royal & Derngate Northampton, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough – with each partner venue hosting episodes on their websites. The first episode will be launched on Monday 19 April, with subsequent episodes released daily, and the full film will be available on Monday 26 April, along with the album to be released on Spotify and other digital platforms. The film, in episode form and then in its entirety will be free to all to access via YouTube with a suggested donation (£3 per episode, £10 for the whole film) – all of which will go to the three regional theatres to help support their recovery.

https://www.mettatheatre.co.uk/cells

CELLS is written and directed by P Burton-Morgan (Madam Butterfly UK tour, In the Willows, UK tour, Jungle Book UK & International Tour), with music by Ben Glasstone, mixed and mastered by Simon Small and the Musical Director is Phil Cornwell. The Director of Photography is Jon Dickinson, the films are edited by Will Reynolds. Phil Cornwell plays keys and double bass and Curtis Volp is on guitar.

P Burton-Morgan, who in 2020 won the Writers Guild of Great Britain Award for musical theatre book writing for In the Willows explains, “I’ve been talking to Clive about writing something specifically for him ever since we met 4 years ago, so I’m thrilled to have this opportunity. It’s been a wild adventure creating a music video musical for this brave new world of ‘digital theatre’ in which we find ourselves. Hopefully we’ve succeeded in taking the best of both theatre and film to create something intimate and unique.”

James Dacre, Artistic Director at Royal & Derngate said, “In a year in which new musicals lie at the heart of our work, we’re delighted to be supporting Poppy and Ben to launch this touching story of a powerful new relationship formed between two strangers.”

Paul Robinson, Artistic Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre said, ““Cells is an innovative and uplifting new musical that demonstrates the brilliant creativity of artists reacting to their circumstances – the SJT is delighted to be partnering with Metta Theatre, as well as Royal & Derngate in Northampton and the Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch to present it. Any money raised from the two episodes that we’re hosting will be equally split between our talented Associate Companies – Voxed, The Faction, Box of Tricks, and Arcade – so watch this space for more exciting work with them.”

Douglas Rintoul, Artistic Director at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch said, “Musicals are at the heart of our programme here at QTH, and so we’re thrilled to be supporting this innovative digital project from our exceptionally talented colleagues at Metta”.

P Burton-Morgan and Ben Glasstone met on the musical theatre writing training programme Book, Music and Lyrics in 2017. They have also written The Rhythmics together – a mid-life crisis of masculinity musical about Manchester’s premier all male Rhythmics Gymnastics performance ensemble. One of the songs ‘Waiting To Begin’ won second prize in the Stiles & Drewe Song Prize 2019 and later that year they workshopped the show at The Other Palace and Birmingham Rep. They released a cast album of The Rhythmics in 2020 and hope to premiere the piece as soon as such things are legal again.

Established in 2005 by P Burton-Morgan and Motley trained Designer William Reynolds, Metta Theatre has been at the forefront of new work – with a strong focus on the development of new British musicaltheatre, and a commitment to highlighting climate justice and sustainability; disability and deaf integration and inclusion (both from a political perspective and in order to artistically enrich the work); queering mainstream and family theatre – writing characters that represent and normalise (rather than problematise) the diverse range of queer experiences and identities; re-gendering protagonists in order to give girls strong female role models.

During the 2020 pandemic, the company focussed on the launch of two other studio albums and music videos for THE RHYTHMICS and HOUSEFIRE, as well as the launch of environmental consultancy Metta Green.

HAIR THE MUSICAL (IN CONCERT)

DIRECTED BY ARLENE PHILLIPS

AND STARRING LUKE BAYER, NICOLE RAQUEL DENNIS, JORDAN LUKE GAGE, GRACE MOUAT, MILLIE O’CONNELL, JODIE STEELE AND LAYTON WILLIAMS

WILL DO TWO PERFORMANCES AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM ON SUNDAY 13 JUNE

AND SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER THEATRE ON SUNDAY 27 JUNE 2021

Following a sell-out run as part of The Turbine on the Jetty season, Hair The Musical (In Concert), directed by Arlene Phillips, will now play two performances at the London Palladium on Sunday 13 June, and two performances at Southampton Mayflower Theatre on 27 June 2021. The performances were originally planned for earlier this year, but were delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Hair The Musical (In Concert) has book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, music by Galt MacDermot, musical direction by Paul Schofield, design by David Shields, lighting and video design by Andrew Exeter and sound design by Dan Samson. Hair The Musical will once again be directed by Arlene Phillips.

The cast are Luke Bayer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Nicole Raquel Dennis (Dear Evan Hansen, Waitress), Jordan Luke Gage (Bat Out Of Hell and & Juliet), Grace Mouat (SiX and & Juliet), Millie O’Connell (SiX, Rent), Jodie Steele (Heathers, SiX) and Layton Williams (Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, Rent).

Please note that all cast are subject to availability and may change before the performance dates.

The American tribal love rock musical Hair celebrates the sixties counterculture in all its barefoot, long-haired, bell-bottomed, beaded and fringed glory. In this specially produced concert version, get ready to groove to an infectiously energetic rock beat with songs like “Aquarius,” “Good Morning, Starshine,” “Hair,” “I Got Life,” and “Let The Sun Shine.” Exploring ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace, Hair remains relevant as ever as it examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world.

THE AGENCY AT KILN THEATRE ANNOUNCE HOPE IN ACTION – A VIRTUAL EVENT SHARING PROJECTS CREATED BY YOUNG PEOPLE OF BRENT

Kiln Theatre today announce Hope in Action, a series of virtual events marking the end of The Agency scheme and launching the four new projects imagined and realised by young people of Brent. The Agency: Triple Bill will launch Sancia’s Podcast, Consent First, and Film4Thought on 17 March, with Living Histories launched on 19 March. The series concludes on 20 March with The Agency: Recovering Hope, a workshop for young people living, working and studying in Brent, hosted by Amber Anderson, Marco Campbell, Dan Glass and Fizza Syed. All events are free and will be held online, to sign up please visit kilntheatre.com/the-agency.

The Agency is a Brent 2020 London Borough of Culture scheme to support young Brent based entrepreneurs between 15–25 years old to develop ideas for social change in their area. Chosen by an expert panel, the four successful projects were awarded £2000 each for development. London Borough of Culture is a Mayor of London initiative designed to put culture at the heart of local communities.

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said today, “Creativity is part of London’s DNA. Every young Londoner must be able to participate and create change in their communities. It’s great to see Brent’s London Borough of Culture legacy in action: local young people creating their own zines, podcasts, and more, with the help of the award-winning Kiln Theatre.”

Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham, also commented, “Being able to continue the agency project, whilst the whole country shut down has been a testament to the resilience, passion and determination of the young people of Brent. Their projects have influenced us as an organisation and given us much-needed optimism in these dark times. It has demonstrated to us how positive the future could look like, if more young people were given the resources and tools to incite change and transformation of our society.”

Kiln Theatre’s Head of Creative Engagement, Jenny Batt added, “The Agents have shown an inspirational level of commitment to community and creativity. Through all the challenges of this last year they consistently progressed their social change projects, adapting to many changes and obstacles along the way. They have realised their amazing visions; we are so proud to share their achievements and we cannot wait to see what their next successes are on their journey.”

Gemma Rowan who has been leading the Agency programme also said, “The last year has been full of unprecedented challenges for everyone. The young entrepreneurs we work with reflect the exceptional creativity and energy that exists in Brent, 2020’s London Borough of Culture. They are making change and creating hope at a time when it is most needed.”

THE AGENCY: TRIPLE BILL

Wednesday 17 March, 6pm

Hosted by Teasha Louis, The Agency alumni and founder of What We Want

SANCIA’S PODCAST

Celebrate the launch of Sancia’s Podcast, a space which aims to change and challenge the negative perceptions around Care Experienced People and the care system itself.

An evening of celebration, listening, chats and exchange:  audiences will gain a sneak peak of the first three episodes, followed by an exclusive Q&A with the podcast host.

@Sanciaspodcast

CONSENT FIRST

Consent First works towards expanding the education of young people around sex, consent and relationships. Selected work will be published in a creative, new magazine that will be given out across Brent.

The audience will get a first look at some of the content of Consent First’s new zine about healthy relationships and pleasure, which has been created alongside other aspiring young creatives in Brent.

@consentfirst_

FILM4THOUGHT

Join Lina, Nathan, Berlyn and Yusra to hear about their new project Film4Thought, in which young people in Wembley take the lead in planning and shooting their own short films around pertinent topics: family issues, gangs, body image and sexual assault.

The evening will end with the world première of their first short film, and a chance to find out more about their process.

@Film4Thought._

THE AGENCY: IMMAPANCY by LIVING HISTORIES

Friday 19 March, 7pm

Hosted by Michael Appouh

Join Michael and hear about Living Histories, his oral histories project that aims to trace the identity and legacy of Harlesden in the wake of city-wide redevelopment.

A live launch of recordings, conversations, reflections and memories of Harlesden, including local guest artists and residents of Harlesden sharing their stories in response to our Living Histories.

www.livinghistories.co.uk

@livinghistories

THE AGENCY: RECOVERING HOPE

Saturday 20 March, 2pm

Workshop with Dan Glass, Marco Campbell, Fizza Syed and Amber Anderson

Our final wrap up party will start with Recovering Hope, a workshop for young people living, working and studying in Brent. Hosted by with live illustrator Amber Anderson, Marco Campbell, Dan Glass and Fizza Syed.

As we emerge from the pandemic what are your hopes for the future? We will talk about the impact of the pandemic on young people in Brent and what we want to happen now. This is a conversation and training in strategies of resistance, ideas for creative disruption, imaginative intervention and thinking-outside-the-box tools for positive social change.

Amber Anderson is an illustrator whose work includes live scribing, the creation of images to capture live conversations.

www.amberanderson.co.uk

@amberdrawslive

Marco Campbell is a local creative who works with young people in Brent to develop their ideas and realise their potential. He is a youth worker, facilitator and artist with The Agency.

Dan Glass is an ‘Aids Coalition to Unleash Power’ (ACT UP), healthcare, and human rights activist, performer, presenter and writer. Glass has been recognised as Attitude Magazine’s Campaigning Role Models for LGBTQI Youth, a Guardian UK Youth Climate Leader, 2017 Activist of the Year with the Sexual Freedom Awards, and was announced a BBC Greater Londoner in 2019 for founding Queer Tours of London – A Mince Through Time. Glass is an artist with the global In Place of War artist network and an educator from the Training for Transformation movement. Glass recently presented the short films Never Again – Fighting the Polish Far-Right, and Censoring Palestine: The Weaponisation Of Anti-Semitism, as well as Coronavirus Cabaret: the online show combating social isolation. His book United Queerdom: From the Legends of the Gay Liberation Front to the Queers of Tomorrow was recognised as Observer book of the week June 2020. 

www.theglassishalffull.co.uk

@danglassisfull

Fizza Syed is a young entrepreneur from Brent, she is an Agent and the founder of Consent First a project that expands education around consent and healthy relationships.

@consentfirst_

HOPE IN ACTION

LISTINGS

kilntheatre.com/the-agency

THE AGENCY: TRIPLE BILL

Wednesday 17 March, 6pm

THE AGENCY: IMMAPANCY by LIVING HISTORIES

Friday 19 March, 7pm

THE AGENCY: RECOVERING HOPE

Saturday 20 March, 2pm