Month: April 2021

RECIPIENTS OF THE FIFTH YEAR OF

MGCFUTURES BURSARIES ANNOUNCED

THIRTY-THREE BURSARIES AWARDED IN A MAJOR EXPANSION TO THE SCHEME

Michael Grandage today announces the recipients of the fifth annual MGCfutures Bursaries awarded across a range of theatrical disciplines including directing, writing, producing, designing, choreography, digital, casting and performance-makers. A registered charity, MGCfutures offers both financial and ongoing mentoring support to the recipients who come from across the UK. 

This year, in a major expansion to the bursary programme, there are thirty-three recipients: Waleed Akhtar, Tom Bellerby, Rebecca Brewer, Teresa Burns, Ghost Chan, Zhui Ning Chang, Liz Daramola, Beth Flintoff, burn/gobscure, Sam Hardie, Natalie Haslam, Kitty Hawkins, Courtenay Johnson, Eve Kann, Júlia Levai, Tom Lightbody, Rafaella Marcus, Tony Mills, Will Monks, Madelaine Moore,

Laurie Motherwell, Anna Orton, Nisha Oza, Claire Rimington, Luke W. Robson, Nye Russell-Thompson, Lucía Sánchez Roldán, Amber Sinclair-Case, Freya Smith, Lexie Ward, Naomi Westerman, Christopher Worrall and Lilac Yosiphon – taking the total of MGCfutures’ bursaries awarded to over 100 in just five years. This year’s bursaries include new partnerships with the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre for a Literary Associate (Trainee) and Pilot Theatre for two Creative Assistants.

Michael Grandage said today, “This year it feels more vital than ever before to support and nurture the theatre makers of the future and to create new work by offering them money, time and mentorship. I’m enormously proud of the achievements of our past bursary recipients – to witness their work and growth as artists is a wonderful part of this initiative. The charity continues to support the vast network of jobs that make up the whole theatre ecology as we believe it is only this way we can build an industry for the future. We’re grateful to the Theatre Community Fund whose generosity has enabled us to award our largest ever number of bursaries in honour of the fifth anniversary of the scheme.”

Michael Grandage founded MGCfutures in 2013 – a charity designed to encourage and support the next generation of theatre-makers and theatregoers. The bursaries programme was launched in 2016, and reaches out across the UK to seek the very best creative talent showing a commitment to their chosen career and looking to progress to the next stage of their development. Applicants can apply for bursaries of up to £5000.

The expansion of this year’s bursaries to celebrate their fifth anniversary has been made possible due to the generosity of the Theatre Community Fund, spearheaded by Olivia Colman, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Francesca Moody which has donated £300k to MGCfutures to help support and provide bursaries for the next 3 years. When they launched the Theatre Community Fund in July 2020 in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, they committed to provide hardship funding, and bursaries for creation and innovation. They continue to provide hardship funding through the Royal Theatrical Fund; and this donation sees them realise their aim to provide funding for bursaries.

QUOTES FROM BURSARY RECIPIENTS:

Liz Daramola – Lyric Hammersmith Theatre Literary Associate (Trainee)

“I’m ecstatic to be a recipient of an MGCfutures Bursary and to be joining the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre as Literary Associate (Trainee). This bursary and role will afford me the time and space to learn from leading industry artists and I cannot wait to get started! Thank you MGCfutures for this opportunity and support.” 

Lilac Yosiphon – Director

“I’m delighted to be awarded an MGCfutures Bursary to adapt my grandfather’s book The Shoes of Tanboury into a show for young audiences. This bursary will enable me to lead a week of R&D focused on the BSL translation of the adaptation, in collaboration with performers and a BSL consultant. I’m so incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to explore this Iraqi folk tale which I grew up reading again and again – and cannot thank MGCfutures enough.”

Christopher Worrall – Casting Director

“After the most challenging year for the theatre community, I’m honoured to be awarded the MGCfutures Bursary. Due to my newly freelance status, I’ve been ineligible for any government support during the pandemic and it has been devastating to say the least. This bursary will help safeguard my career so that I can be ready to bounce-back when theatres reopen. I’m especially grateful that MCGfutures have awarded someone in Casting for the first time. Thank you for recognising Casting as a viable and deserving craft within our industry.”

THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE BURSARY FOR A LITERARY ASSOCIATE (TRAINEE)

This is an opportunity for Liz Daramola to work at the heart of a major producing theatre in London, under the Artistic Directorship of Rachel O’Riordan – and is the first literary role in the company’s history. 

Rachel O’Riordan, Artistic Director and CEO of Lyric Hammersmith Theatre said: “We’re delighted to welcome Liz Daramola to the role of Literary Associate (Trainee) at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre thanks to the support of Michael Grandage Company and MGCfutures. In this newly created role, Liz will gain first-hand experience in the inner workings of a major producing theatre while having a real input to the Lyric’s work across our producing department, script development for productions, Studio programming, Young Lyric and all upcoming projects. Liz’s commitment and vision as a writer and producer is incredibly impressive and we’re honoured to be supporting such a bright and promising talent in the next step of her career.”

THE PILOT THEATRE BURSARY FOR A CREATIVE ASSISTANT

Pilot Theatre is an international touring company based in York, creating work for, by and with young people. Due to the strong field MGCfutures and Pilot Theatre have awarded two bursaries to Júlia Levai and Claire Rimington.

Esther Richardson, Artistic Director and Joint-CEO of Pilot Theatre said, “We are delighted to be supporting two artists of exceptional promise to work across our upcoming projects in 2021 as Creative Assistants. Throughout this challenging period, Pilot has continued to support freelancers, and we look forward to collaborating with Claire and Júlia to inspire young people through their creative practice.” 

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR CONCEPT ALBUM

OF NEW MUSICAL

FOR TONIGHT

TO BE RELEASED IN SUMMER 2021

Producer Blair Russell (Slave Play, the immersive Off-Broadway production of Sweeney Todd) is pleased to announce a new concept album of the original new bilingual musical FOR TONIGHT, with a cast of West End musical theatre actors and a full Welsh ensemble, which will be released on all digital platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon etc) in Summer 2021. Music book and lyrics are by Shenelle Salcido & Spencer Williams, with additional book by Whitney Rhodes.

FOR TONIGHT is a new, original musical inspired by writer Spencer Williams’s three times great grandfather’s handwritten journal.  The story begins in 1832, in a small town in northern Wales where a Roma family travels through, finding shelter on the farm of the Parry family.  Soon after their arrival, the Parry parents die from an unknown disease and the Roma are forced to go into hiding, after being blamed for bringing ‘filth and death’ to Trelawnyd.  The story then follows the three Parry children, Thomas, Haydon and Nettie, in the aftermath of their parents’ death. While the elder brother, Thomas, struggles with the guilt of events surrounding the Roma’s departure, Haydon, runs off to Liverpool in search of a new life, leaving Nettie behind to deal with the overbearing Thomas.  In Liverpool, Haydon falls in love with Mirela, a Roma woman, who poses a threat to his already strained family relationships.  Haydon quickly learns, however, that bias runs on both sides and that Mirela’s family will not accept a gadje (an outsider).  Haydon and Mirela are forced to keep their love a secret.  When events back home call Haydon to return, he and Thomas must finally face their past, and all three siblings face their biggest fears.

Through a riveting score, the atmospheric soundscape blends traditional Welsh choral, indie-pop, folk, and Romani-inspired melodies and rhythms. At its core, FOR TONIGHT is an exploration of the power and meaning of home.

The British cast is led by Simon Gordon (Girl From the North Country, Bat Out Of Hell) as Haydon Parry, Amy Di Bartolomeo (We Will Rock You, Bat Out Of Hell) as Mirela Kascht, Dale Evans (Kinky Boots, Showboat) as Thomas Parry, Erin Caldwell (Unravelling, Twist and Turn) as Henrietta (Nettie) Parry, Jade Davies (Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera) as Molly Llewellyn, Luke McCall (Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera) as Winn Lewis, Jake Halsey-Jones (Hamilton, Spring Awakening) as Durriken Kascht, Soophia Foroughi (The Prince of Egypt, Broken Wings) as Syeira Kascht, Glain Rhys (graduated from The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2019) as Anne Parry and John Ieuwan Jones (Welsh National Opera, Grange Park Opera) as Joseph Parry, with Owen Jac as Young Thomas, Isaac Kreisky as Young Haydon and Alexis Wilson as Young Henrietta.  Also in the cast are Jordan Allan, Eva Chelsea, Joey Cornish, Sam Ebenezer, Sion Emlyn, Michelle Beth Herman, Hannah Qureshi, Samantha Thomas and Mared Williams.

The concept album for FOR TONIGHT has music and lyrics by Shenelle Salcido and Spencer Williams, orchestrations by Shenelle Salcido, additional arrangements by Joseph Purdue and Drew Wutke, audio production and mixing by Joseph Purdue, music ensemble direction by Iestyn Griffiths and Romani script consultancy by Raine Geoghegan.  The concept album is produced by Blair Russell.

Website: www.fortonightmusical.com

Twitter: @For_Tonight_

Facebook: @ForTonightmusical 

Insta: fortonightmusical

SHENELLE SALCIDO – BOOK/MUSIC/LYRICS & ORCHESTRATIONS

Shenelle is a composer, lyricist, and playwright who writes with the intention of creating work that might convince her former musical theatre loathing self to embrace the power of theatre. Current projects include “The Mark of a Mendelssohn”, a musical which explores the life of Felix Mendelssohn’s sister Fanny, and “The Curtis Christmas Challenge”, a full-length play. As a former music educator and music director, Shenelle has taught everything from Mariachi to Music Theory, but she currently enjoys spending her free time attending law school at the University of Utah. Member of ASCAP.

SPENCER WILLIAMS – BOOK/MUSIC/LYRICS

Spencer is a queer musical theatre educator, composer and playwright. He focuses his teaching and work to include untold stories of underrepresented voices in the musical theatre canon. He is the founder of the educational platform and curriculum, BROADWAY REFOCUSED, and is the host of two new podcasts: Broadway ReFocused and Musicals with Impact. In educational theatre, he has premiered Duncan Sheik’s Whisper House; An Evening with Stuart Brayson; The Stories of Tonight and directed/produced over 30 musicals. He has directed choirs at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican; Paris, France; Cadogan Hall in London, England; and Canterbury Cathedral. He also worked at San Jose Stage Company as resident Musical Director and Education Director for six years, where he also founded the Bay Area High School Top Honour Awards. Spencer has performed internationally at WORLD EXPO in Tokyo, Japan, CHILDREN’S FOLKLORE FESTIVAL in Matha, France, on national television on THE GONG SHOW, and been featured on TLC’S TRADING SPACES. Boston University: Masters of Music Education. Member of: Dramatist Guild, ASCAP, NAMT, Mercury Musicals Development (MMD) and Musical Theatre Network (MTN). Love to Thomas and Stephen.

WHITNEY RHODES – ADDITIONAL BOOK

Whitney Rhodes (Book) Whitney is an artist, administrator, producer, and content creator currently based in Chicago. She is the Artistic Director of Underscore Theatre Company, Chicago’s home for new musicals and a Senior Account Executive at Carol Fox & Associates. She also works as a freelance consultant specializing in non-profit strategic planning, marketing, and brand development. Prior to moving to Chicago she spent a decade in the Twin Cities as a performer and arts leader. She was the Director of Strategic Operations at Arts ink, Inc. and producer of the swan song 2017 IVEY Awards season. Additionally, she held leadership roles as the Chief Operating Officer of Mixed Blood Theatre and the Spotlight Programme Manager at Hennepin Theatre Trust. As a performer she was frequently seen onstage at Musical Mondays, Troubadour Wine Bar, and created an annual birthday concert that was beloved amongst the community raising over $15,000 for local non-profits. Favourite onstage credits include: She Loves Me (Amalia), DalekoArts; The Full Monty (Joanie), Theater Latté Da; Ragtime (Ensemble), Park Square Theatre. Drake University: B.F.A, Acting/Advertising.

BLAIR RUSSELL – PRODUCER

Blair is a Tony nominated producer, developer, supporter, and lover of theatre and live performance whose experience ranges from fringe festivals to Broadway shows. His most recent projects include Slave Play by Jeremy O. Harris and the critically acclaimed immersive Off-Broadway production of Sweeney Todd. As Co-founder and Director of Operations for Resounding he produces live radio plays in fully immersive binaural audio. He also creates virtual events and live performance in virtual reality as a producer for CRUX. He is currently Co-Chair of the board of The New Harmony Project and is Co-President of the board of New York Theatre Barn. He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in Technical Theatre/Stage Management.

DREW WUTKE – ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS | DEVELOPMENTAL MUSIC DIRECTOR

Drew Wutke has been alongside Shenelle and Spencer since FOR TONIGHT’s New York City concert debut, shaping its amazing score, including the show’s 2019 world premiere. Drew is a New York-based multi-disciplinary artist, most recently seen in the studio producing/writing albums and film scores.

Selected credits: Live from Lincoln Center broadcast with American Songbook (Stephanie Blythe). Drew continues to play all over the world (even digitally), collaborating alongside Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winners. He tours as MD with Bravo’s Countess Luann’s live series, and has been a featured artist at the O’Neill, Goodspeed, and Philly Fringe. You can sing along with him every Wednesday at MARIE’S CRISIS, as featured in New York Times, The New Yorker and Time Out and many others. Drew received Best Piano Bar Entertainer Award, BroadwayWorld 2020. Co-creator and arranger/MD of Kevin Smith Kirkwood’s CLASSIC WHITNEY HOUSTON: ALIVE Concert series at Joe’s Pub @The Public. Broadway/Off-Broadway: keyboards/rehearsal: AMAZING GRACE, KINKY BOOTS; Fiasco/McCarter’s award-winning INTO THE WOODS (workshop MD, McCarter rehearsal).

drewwutke.com; IG@drewwutke

IESTYN GRIFFITHS – MUSIC ENSEMBLE DIRECTOR

Originally from Pembrokeshire, Iestyn Griffiths is a Musical Director, Keyboardist and Producer, and the Co-Founder and Director of The West End of Wales (The WeoW). Since graduating from Cardiff University with a MA Distinction in Piano Performance in 2019, Iestyn has worked with numerous Musical Theatre companies across South Wales and further afield, including 3 seasons as the Musical Director of Tranquillity Camp in New York. Iestyn also won the Worshipful Livery Company Young Musician Award in 2019. 

As a freelance Producer, Iestyn has produced videos and tracks for the likes of the BBC, S4C and Steffan and The Welsh of The West End, as well as the online content for The WeoW. He recently produced #GWLAD! – an online concert hosted by The WeoW for St. David’s Day, which featured performances from acts such as John Owen-Jones, Lucie Jones & Rhod Gilbert, as well as an address from HRH The Prince of Wales.

RAINE GEOGHEGAN – ROMANI SCRIPT CONSULTANT

Raine Geoghegan, MA is a Romany and Welsh award-winning poet, playwright and performance coach living in the UK. In 2020, she wrote and performed for the Same Boat Theatre Collective based in San Francisco for the online Earthquake Festival. She is currently working on an anthology and audiobook, ‘Gifts of Gravity and Light’ to be published with Hodder & Stoughton. Her poetry, monologues and songs have been published internationally and was featured in the film, ‘Stories from the Hop Yards’ with Catcher Media. She has a degree in Drama from Roehampton University where she founded ‘Earthworks’ a Women’s Experimental Theatre Company in the 1990’s. Prior to that, she founded ‘Burlesque’, a touring cabaret show and performed in London’s West End. She trained in Classical Theatre at Questors Theatre, Ealing and went on to become a member of the company. As well as training and working with the Physical Theatre Director Hans Dieter in 1992, she also had the great fortune of working with Paul Rebillot, the American film and theatre director in Ireland in 1995. Her Romany background informs her work and lights up her life.

Mark Goucher and Jason Donovan present

PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT
THE MUSICAL
in association with Nullarbor Productions and MGM On Stage

Book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott
Based on the Latent Image/Specific Films Motion Picture
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT WILL OFFICIALLY RECOMMENCE ITS TOUR AT

EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM ON 23 JUNE 2021

MILES WESTERN, NICK HAYES AND EDWIN RAY WILL STAR IN THE HIT MUSICAL

Mark Goucher and first-time producer Jason Donovan have today announced that Miles Western, Nick Hayes and Edwin Ray will star in the much-loved glittering hit musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The tour first opened in September 2019 and had just announced an extension in March 2020 when performances had to be paused due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical will officially re-open at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham on 23 June 2021 before touring to Leeds Grand Theatre, Hull New Theatre, Theatre Royal Bath, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Glasgow King’s Theatre, New Wimbledon Theatre, Oxford New Theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Palace Theatre, Southend, Curve Leicester, Bristol Hippodrome, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, New Victoria Theatre Woking and Churchill Theatre, Bromley, prior to a much hoped for return to the West End.

Miles Western will take on the role of Bernadette, with Nick Hayes as Adam/Felicia and Edwin Ray playing Tick/Mitzi. They are joined by Daniel Fletcher (Bob), Rebecca Lisewski (Marion), Kevin Yates (Miss Understanding), Gracie Lai (Cynthia) and Ronan Burns (Frank). The Divas will be played by Claudia Kariuki, Rosie Glossop and Aiesha Pease, and the cast is completed by Emma Katie Adcock, Jak Allen Anderson, Allie Daniel, Martin Harding, Clarice Julianda, Jemima Loddy, Nathan Ryles, Tom Scanlon and Jermaine Woods.

Priscilla marks Donovan’s first time as a producer, having performed in the cast of the original West End production and two subsequent UK tours. The producing team is completed by Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale. From June, Goucher’s independent producing company will tour two musicals, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Hairspray, across the UK with the support of the UK government’s Cultural Recovery Fund.

The iconic hit musical Priscilla has more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more. 

Based on the Oscar-winning film, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance. 

This brand new production comes from the team behind the critically acclaimed UK tours of Hairspray; with direction by Ian Talbot, choreography by Tom Jackson-Greaves designs by Charles Cusick Smith and Phil R Daniels, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Ben Harrison. 

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical has been developed for the stage by Simon Phillips with musical arrangements by Stephen “Spud” Murphy and orchestrations by Stephen “Spud” Murphy and Charlie Hull. The original motion picture was written by Stephan Elliott, produced by Al Clark and Michael Hamlyn, executive producer Rebel Penfold-Russell and was financed with the assistance of the Film Finance Corporation Australia Limited and the New South Wales Film and Television Office.

www.priscillauktour.com
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram @priscillatouruk

TOUR DATES

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
23 June – 3 July

Leeds Grand Theatre
5 – 10 July

Hull New Theatre
12 – 17 July

Theatre Royal Bath
26 – 31 July

Royal & Derngate, Northampton
2 – 7 August

Glasgow King’s Theatre
9 – 14 August

New Wimbledon Theatre
16 – 21 August

Oxford New Theatre
23 – 28 August

Birmingham Hippodrome
30 August – 4 September

Palace Theatre, Southend
6 – 11 September

Curve Leicester
13 – 18 September

Bristol Hippodrome
27 September – 2 October

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
4 – 9 October

New Victoria Theatre, Woking
18 – 23 October

Churchill Theatre, Bromley
25 – 30 October

BRENDA EDWARDS, NORMAN PACE AND ALEX BOURNE

TO STAR IN HAIRSPRAY UK AND IRELAND TOUR

• THE SMASH HIT HAIRSPRAY UK AND IRELAND TOUR WILL RE-OPEN AT THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH ON 24 JUNE 2021

It is announced today that musical theatre star and television presenter Brenda Edwards (Chicago, We Will Rock You, The X Factor, Loose Women and Songs of Praise) will star as Motormouth Maybelle in the UK and Ireland tour of Hairspray.  Comedy legend Norman Pace (ITV’s The Hale and Pace Show) will play Wilbur Turnblad alongside West End leading man Alex Bourne (Annie, Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You) as Edna Turnblad when the show opens at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 24 June.

Katie Brace will make her professional stage debut as Tracy Turnblad with Rebecca Thornhill as Velma, Richard Meek as Corny Collins, Ross Clifton as Link Larkin, Jessica Croll as Amber Von Tussle, Rebecca Jane Davies as Penny Pingleton and Charlotte St. Croix as Little Inez.

The full cast includes: Elizabeth Armstrong, Bernadette Bangura, Natalia Brown, Shaquille Brush, Liam Dean, Andrew Dillion, Amandla Elynah, Zoe Heighton, Ceris Hine, Paul Hutton, Jamie Jonathan, Hayley Johnston, Joshua Nkemdilim, Rosie O’Hare, Alexanda O’Reilly, Joshua Pearson, Joseph Poulton and Elliotte Williams-N’Dure.

Hairspray is directed by Paul Kerryson with choreography by Drew McOnie, designs by Takis, lighting design by Philip Gladwell and sound design by Ben Harrison.

Producers Mark Goucher and Matthew Gale are now re-launching their touring production of Hairspray which had been due to begin performances in August 2020 but was delayed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Goucher’s independent producing company will tour two musicals, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Hairspray across the UK this summer with the support of the UK government’s Cultural Recovery Fund.

Following on from two extremely successful Hairspray tours in 2015/16 and 2017/18, this smash hit production will visit the following venues in 2021: Theatre Royal Plymouth, Cheltenham Everyman Theatre, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Manchester Palace Theatre, Sheffield Lyceum, Ipswich Regent Theatre, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Liverpool Empire, The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, Brighton Theatre Royal, Birmingham Hippodrome, Leicester Curve, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin, Grand Opera House Belfast, New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Milton Keynes Theatre, Blackpool Winter Gardens, Sunderland Empire, Wycombe Swan, Royal and Derngate Theatre, Northampton, Churchill Theatre, Bromley, Cardiff New Theatre, Edinburgh Playhouse, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford and Glasgow Kings Theatre. More dates are to be announced for 2022.

It’s Baltimore 1962, where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way.

Hairspray is based on the 1988 film of the same name which starred Divine and Ricki Lake by cult filmmaker John Waters. With music and lyrics by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Hairspray originally opened to rave reviews on Broadway in 2002 and subsequently won eight Tony Awards. The production opened in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2007 and won four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical. Proving to be an international success, Hairspray has also opened in South Africa, Japan, South Korea, China and Dubai. Following the musical’s phenomenal success on stage, a film of the musical was released in 2007 which starred John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Zac Efron.

www.hairsprayuktour.com
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram @HairsprayUKTour

TOUR DATES

Plymouth Theatre Royal
24 June – 3 July

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
5 – 10 July

Southampton Mayflower
26 – 31 July

Manchester Palace Theatre
2 – 14 August

Sheffield Lyceum
16 – 21 August

Ipswich Regent Theatre
23 – 28 August

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
30 August – 4 September

Liverpool Empire Theatre
6 – 11 September

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
13 – 18 September

Brighton Theatre Royal
20 – 25 September

Birmingham Hippodrome
27 September – 2 October

Leicester Curve
4 – 9 October

Nottingham Theatre Royal
11 – 16 October

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
18 – 23 October

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin
25 – 30 October

Grand Opera House Belfast
1 – 6 November

New Victoria Theatre, Woking
15 – 20 November

Bristol Hippodrome
22 – 27 November

Milton Keynes Theatre
29 November – 4 December

Blackpool Winter Gardens
13 December – 1 January

Sunderland Empire
10 – 15 January

Wycombe Swan
24 – 29 January

Royal and Derngate Theatre Northampton
31 January – 5 February

Churchill Theatre, Bromley
7 – 12 February

Cardiff New Theatre
14 – 19 February

Edinburgh Playhouse
14-19 March

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford
21 – 26 March

Glasgow Kings Theatre
28 March – 2 April
 

Artistic Director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Sean Foley, announces the autumn season programme,
marking 50 years of the theatre on Centenary Square

Artistic Director, Sean Foley has today announced his programme for the 50th anniversary season of Birmingham Repertory Theatre in its current home on Centenary Square.  

Tickets go on sale to Members from Monday 26 April and on general sale from 10am, Friday 30 April at birmingham-rep.co.uk.  

Opening the celebratory season, the smash-hit comedy-drama East Is East (4-25 Sep) returns home for its 25th anniversary Since premiering on The REP’s stage in 1996, East Is East has sold out three London runs, been adapted into a BAFTA Award-winning film and become a modern classic of comic-drama. Rediscover this joyous play where it all began. 

This hilarious comedy follows George Khan as he strives to raise his family the proper Pakistani way but hasn’t counted on the distractions of 1970’s Salford. Abdul and Tariq aren’t ready to be married off, Saleem is pushing artistic boundaries, Meenah’s skirt is too short and Sajit just wants to hide in his parka. Can mum Ella keep the family together? 

What’s New Pussycat? (8 Oct-14 Nov) is a brand-new musical that invites you to experience the Swinging Sixties of London, as the thrilling iconic hit songs of the internationally celebrated singer Tom Jones are married with Henry Fielding’s classic comic novel – The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling. Written by the Tony Award winning Joe DiPietro (Memphis The Musical), the show has the full backing of Sir Tom himself who has been consulting with the producers throughout the development. 

This joyous, romantic and highly entertaining new musical includes Tom Jones’ greatest hit songs: Green, Green Grass of Home, It’s Not Unusual, Leave Your Hat On, Delilah, Mama Told Me Not To Come, Sex Bomb and, of course, What’s New Pussycat?. 

The show will be directed by Luke Sheppard, whose most recent production – the acclaimed & Juliet – has taken the West End by storm and won 3 Olivier Awards and 6 Whatstonstage Awards. He will be joined by a top-class creative team, including the legendary choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge, Arlene Philips CBE. 

The REP’s Artistic Director Sean Foley will be bringing sunshine to Birmingham this Christmas as he directs his hit play, The Play What I Wrote (27 Nov-1 Jan). When the production opened in London’s West End, originally directed by Kenneth Branagh, every single review was a rave, every show a sell-out and it won every major theatre award.  

‘Hamish’has written a play, an epic set in the French Revolution called ‘A Tight Squeeze for the Scarlet Pimple’. ‘Sean’, on the other hand, wants to continue with their double act. He believes that if they perform a tribute to Morecambe and Wise, Hamish’s confidence will be restored and the double act will go on. But first Sean needs to persuade a guest star to appear in the play what Hamish wrote… 

Every performance also famously features a special guest star. Previous mystery guest stars have included Ralph Fiennes, Ewan McGregor, Joanna Lumley, Daniel Radcliffe, Kylie Minogue, Nigel Havers, Jerry Hall, Sir Ian McKellen, Dawn French and Sting.  

Floella Benjamin’s book about her own experiences coming to the UK, Coming to England (19 Feb-6 Mar) bursts onto the stage with music, storytelling, humour and pathos in a world premiere production. 

10-year-old Floella is strong and brave. When her parents leave Trinidad for England her young life is turned upside down when she’s placed with a cruel foster ‘auntie’. Eventually sailing to join her parents, Floella’s excitement for her new life in England is short-lived, with the family subjected to racism and intolerance in 1960s’ London. Guided by her inspirational mother, and working twice as hard as her classmates, young Floella strives to overcome adversity and learns to love and accept herself. 

Adapted by David Wood, ‘the national children’s dramatist’ (The Times), this thoughtful stage version of Floella’s inspirational true story follows her difficult and courageous journey towards becoming a TV icon, successful businesswoman and eventually Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham. 

Tickets go on sale to Members from Monday 26 April and on general sale from 10am, Friday 30 April at birmingham-rep.co.uk.  

A new comedy writing talent development programme with Sky Studios has also been announced alongside the appointment of Iqbal Khan as Associate Director. Daniel Alexander joins The REP’s team of Associate Artists, and Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE joins as Patron of Youth and Education. 

A resolutely positive programme of artistically ambitious popular theatre, with a focus on new musicals, family work and comedy, confirms the ambition to make The REP a world class theatre in Birmingham for everyone. 

Artistic Director, Sean Foley said: “I’m thrilled to be able to announce what has become, in effect, my first season of work at this iconic and beloved theatre. All theatres have undergone tremendous challenges over the past year, and very many tough decisions have had to be made to get us to this point. We are tremendously excited by the shows and proud of the amazing array of creative talent from our freelance community that will be at The REP for this very special 50th Anniversary Season of the company on Centenary Square. The programme is testament to the whole company’s determination and desire to share the amazing event of live theatre with our audiences again, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back – back to entertainment, to debate, to laughter, and to the sheer joy of experiencing the excitement that being part of a great night out brings.” 

Sean Foley also announced that he has commissioned a new play from Sarfraz Manzoor. The Muslim Box is a contemporary comedy about Islam, identity and the in-laws. 

Sarfraz Mansoor said: “When The REP staged the world premiere of Ayub Khan Din’s East Is East it was a play and later a film that massively influenced me, which is why I am so incredibly excited by the opportunity to write my first play for the same stage as that seminal piece of theatre. I am beyond happy to be working together and can’t wait to get cracking.”  

Tanika Gupta will also write a new adaptation of Hedda Gabler set in the post-war British film industry and reimagining the play through the lens of race as well as misogyny.  

Robin French, Bryony Lavery and Frank Skinner are among a group of writers who have written plays as part of The Park Bench Plays which will all be performed on and around park benches throughout Birmingham. The productions will be performed in front of live audiences and also will be streamed digitally. Further details of the performances will be announced soon. The ten-minute plays have been written to be performed in pop up locations throughout Birmingham – surprising and delighting audiences as they go about their daily lives. 

Finally, Foley has announced the addition of Birmingham film-maker Daniel Alexander as an Artistic Associate of the theatre. He joins the group of Associates which includes Mohammed Ali, Lolita Chakrabarti, Paul Hunter, Tyrone Huggins, Debbie Isitt, Lorna Laidlaw, Drew McOnie, Meera Syal, Richard Thomas and Selina Thompson. 

Details of further productions in both The Door and the Studio spaces at The REP will be announced in due course. 

A Kenny Wax Family Entertainment & MAST Mayflower Studios co-production
Brand new kickass-pirational pop musical
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
premieres this Autumn
Opens 6th November 2021, MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton

The world premiere of a brand new kickass-pirational pop musical will burst into life at the Mayflower Mast Studio this Autumn as the Fantastically Great Women take to the stage to tell their stories. From the producer of SIX, this stage adaptation of suffragette descendent Kate Pankhurst’s award-winning picture book is written by celebrated dramatist Chris Bush (Nine Lessons and Carols, Almeida Theatre) and Number 1 hit songwriter Miranda Cooper (Girls Aloud, Sugar Babes).

The incredible all-female creative team bringing this empowering new stage show to life is completed by Amy Hodge (Mr Gum and The Dancing Bear – The Musical!, the National Theatre) as director, Joanna Scotcher as designer (Emilia, Shakespeare’s Globe/Vaudeville Theatre), Dannielle Lecointe as choreographer (Dick Whittington, the National Theatre), Zoe Spurr as lighting designer (Emilia, Shakespeare’s Globe/Vaudeville Theatre) and Carolyn Downing (Summer & Smoke, Almeida/Duke of York’s Theatre) as sound designer.

Join our inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum. Along her journey she is surprised to meet the original and incredible wonder women: Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few.

From explorers to artists, scientists to secret agents, hear the stories of some of history’s strongest mothers, sisters and daughters; all independent icons who really did change the world.

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World will be celebrated by anyone who is prepared to move and be moved. With characters and songs that pack a popstar punch, this new show for ages 6+ is guaranteed to be one to remember!

Producer Kenny Wax comments, What a thrill to have assembled our own team of fantastically great women to create this incredible show. No one is more excited than me for the curtain to rise on that first performance. And what an honour to be opening at the Mast Studios who are making a commitment to premiering such daring new work.

ANTHONY COSTA TO HOST TALK WITH BRITISH PANTOMIME ACADEMY

Anthony Costa is confirmed to host a talk as part of the British pantomime Academy Workshops. From world tours with the amazing boyband Blue, to treading the boards in pantomime, Antony knows a thing or two about how to wow an audience!  Students can join Anthony in person online to find out more about his life on stage and what it takes to be a professional performer on 22 April at 4pm for just £15.

Having begun his musical career in 2000 In the band Blue , achieving huge chart success with their 3 albums including hit songs such as All Rise, Too Close and If You Come Back.  Anthony could be seen on TV on the 2005 series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! His successful solo album followed in 2006 while Anthony made his stage debut in the West End production of Blood Brothers. Other musical performances including UK tours of Boogie nights, Popstar the Musical and Save the Last Dance for me along with a number of pantomime performances across the UK.

Anthony tells us  “I’m delighted to be working with the BPA to share some of my experiences in the world of theatre with their students.  Engagement in the arts can have a hugely positive effect on the mental health and well-being of participants so being part of a team providing opportunities like this is more than important than ever before following such a difficult year for many”

The British Pantomime Academy was founded in 2019 bringing workshops and courses to students of all ages. with more that the majority of attendees going on to achieve professional work in pantomime or on stage and TV within the year.  In 2020 with Covid restrictions halting physical workshops these were taken online to great success.  Each month Core workshops are available along with one off Masterclasses with celebrity names from across the world of showbiz.

Kev Orkian Founder and CEO of The British Pantomime Academy says “We are so excited to be able to offer our students the chance to speak with boy band great Anthony Costa,  it’s your opportunity to find out more about his career and get hints and tips of your own, with the chance to ask questions and learn from one of the best.  As part of our workshop programme we offer opportunities on core performance subjects but are also bringing on board many famous names from the theatrical world, watch this space as we have a lot more to come!”

The workshops are open to students of all ages. To book your place just visit www.britishpantomimeacademy.com   

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BARN THEATRE AND ARCOLA THEATRE TO CO-PRODUCE THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CAT GOSCOVITCH’S A RUSSIAN DOLL

• THE PRODUCTION, WHICH WILL REOPEN THE BARN THEATRE FOR LIVE PERFORMANCES, WILL RUN FROM 18 MAY – 13 JUNE 2021
• DIRECTED BY NICOLAS KENT, A RUSSIAN DOLL WILL PLAY IN CIRENCESTER AHEAD OF A LONDON RUN

The Barn Theatre in Cirencester and the Arcola Theatre in London have today announced that they will be teaming up to co-produce the world premiere of Cat Goscovitch’s new play, A Russian Doll.

The play, which is based on a true story, follows twenty-something Masha as she becomes embroiled in the world of data and deceit as a member of Russia’s disinformation campaigns during the EU referendum.

A Russian Doll, which will be directed by Nicolas Kent (All The President’s Men?, Another World), will run in Cirencester from 18 May – 13 June 2021, with press night on 20 May at 7pm. Following the run in the Cotswolds, the production will open Arcola’s new outdoor space, Arcola Outside,in East London.

The world premiere will feature design by Liz Da Costa, lighting by Sam Rowcliffe-Tanner, sound and composition by Harry Smith and AV design by Benjamin Collins.

The production will also mark the Barn Theatre’s first live indoor performances since their run of Peter Pan was cut short on Christmas Eve due to the Cotswolds moving into Tier 3 prior to the third national lockdown.

Cat Goscovitch, who is the daughter of the acclaimed playwright C. P. Taylor, said of her play, “The EU referendum was a moment that changed the history of the United Kingdom forever. In writing this play, I wanted to explore what role Russian disinformation played in influencing the vote and how it impacted not just our political lives but also our personal. How does a click become a vote? What does it mean to take someone down the rabbit hole? And will we ever come back?”.

Iwan Lewis, Artistic Director and CEO of the Barn Theatre, said of the theatre’s reopening, “We love great partnerships here at the Barn Theatre. We were able to negotiate a global pandemic through creative and brilliant collaborations and it’s great to kick off our 2021 season with another. The Arcola Theatre produce incredible work and we are proud to be working with Leyla and her wonderful team on this incredibly exciting new play. We are also incredibly excited to showcase the partnership between one of the most exciting new voices in the industry, Cat Goscovitch, and one of the most acclaimed directors in the country, Nicolas Kent, with A Russian Doll.”

Leyla Nazli, Deputy Artistic Director and Executive Producer at the Arcola Theatre, said of the collaboration, “Arcola is thrilled to be working with Barn Theatre on this co-production of Cat Goscovitch’s play, A Russian Doll. We can’t wait to open our summer festival, Today I’m Wiser, with this new play which asks important questions about democracy, global politics and disinformation”.

Tickets for the Barn Theatre run are now on sale at barntheatre.org.uk, with prices from £11.50.

Casting and performance dates for the run at the Arcola Theatre to be announced in due course.

JAMIE WILSON

with Kevin McCollum and Gavin Kalin

present

The Watermill Theatre Production of
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s

“TELL ME ON A SUNDAY”
STARRING JODIE PRENGER

UK National Tour

Opening at Malvern Festival Theatre

on 15 June 2021

Jamie Wilson is delighted to announce a UK national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s classic musical TELL ME ON A SUNDAY starring Jodie Prenger, opening at Malvern Festival Theatre on 15 June 2021. Tour schedule attached with further dates to be announced. www.tellmeontour.co.uk

Producer Jamie Wilson said today “We are thrilled that we are able to revive the acclaimed Watermill Theatre production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s Tell Me On A Sunday to be able to play a part in the reopening of theatres around the UK. Tell Me On A Sunday, with its cast of just one actress, is probably the most naturally socially distanced musical in the world! We are delighted that Jodie Prenger is able to return to this role to reprise her incredible performance as “Emma”. This production is the perfect way for audiences to support their local theatre with this classic show.”

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY charts the romantic misadventures of a young English girl in New York in the heady days of the 1980’s. Brimming with optimism, she seeks success and love. But as she weaves her way through the maze of the city and her own anxieties, frustrations and heartaches she begins to wonder whether she’s been looking for love in all the wrong places.

This iconic musical features Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wonderful score, accompanied live by West End musicians, including the chart-topping Take That Look Off Your Face, and title track Tell Me On A Sunday.

Jodie Prenger most recently starred in the National Theatre’s West End production of A Taste of Honey. Recent theatre work includes the national tours of Abigail’s Party, Shirley Valentine, Annie, Fat Friends The Musical, Tell Me On A Sunday and Calamity Jane. In the West End she has starred in Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, One Man Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and Spamalot at the Playhouse. She also appeared in Les Misérables which was the inaugural production at the Dubai Opera House. Jodie has also starred in pantomimes at the Liverpool Empire and Birmingham Hippodrome. Her television acting work includes Years and Years, Jamie Johnson, Citizen Khan, Casualty, Wizards vs Aliens, Candy Cabs and Waterloo Road. Television presenting work includes Let’s Dance For Comic Relief, Top Dog, Over The Rainbow and Let It Shine. Writing credits include Cinderella: The Socially Distanced Ball for Turbine Theatre and The Choir Musical.

Originally conceived for television, TELL ME ON A SUNDAY has been performed by many legendary musical theatre stars including Marti Webb, Bernadette Peters and Sarah Brightman. This new production for 2021 will include an intimate chat with Jodie and Musical Director Francis Goodhand about life, love and playing the role of Emma.

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER is the composer of some of the world’s best known musicals including Cats, Evita, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard, School of Rock and the forthcoming Cinderella. He is the recipient of many awards including 7 Tonys, 7 Oliviers, a Golden Globe, an Oscar, 2 International Emmys and the Richard Rodgers Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre.

DON BLACK is an Oscar winning lyrist for Born Free and has penned numerous James Bond theme tunes, and chart hits including Michael Jackson’s Ben and Lulu’s ‘To Sir With Love.’

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY is directed by Paul Foster, has musical direction by Francis Goodhand and musical supervision by Catherine Jayes. It is designed by David Woodhead with lighting design by Howard Hudson and sound design by Tom Marshall.

LISTINGS

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY – 2021 TOUR

www.tellmeontour.co.uk

Facebook/Instagram/Twitter – @tellmeontour 

MALVERN FESTIVAL THEATRE

TUESDAY 15 – SATURDAY 19 JUNE 2021

www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

SHREWSBURY THEATRE SEVERN

TUESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 10 JULY 2021

www.theatresevern.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

CHELMSFORD CITY THEATRES

TUESDAY 13 – SATURDAY 17 JULY

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres

ON SALE SOON

CANTERBURY MARLOWE THEATRE

TUESDAY 20 – SATURDAY 24 JULY 2021

ww.marlowetheatre.com

ON SALE 26 APRIL 2021

NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL

TUESDAY 10 – SATURDAY 14 AUGUST 2021

www.trch.co.uk

ON SALE 23 APRIL 2021

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

TUESDAY 24 – SATURDAY 28 AUGUST 2021

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

ON SALE 29 APRIL 2021

SHEFFIELD LYCEUM

TUESDAY 31 AUGUST – SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2021

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

ON SALE 12 MAY 2021

GRIMSBY AUDITORIUM

MONDAY 6 & TUESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2021

www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

COLCHESTER MERCURY THEATRE

FRIDAY 10 – SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2021

www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

EDINBURGH KING’S THEATRE

TUESDAY 14 – SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2021

www.capitaltheatres.com

ON SALE NOW

LEICESTER CURVE

TUESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 16 OTCOBER 2021

www.curveonline.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

SALFORD THE LOWRY

TUESDAY 19 – SATURDAY 23 OCTOBER 2021

www.thelowry.com

ON SALE NOW

BURY ST EDMUNDS THEATRE ROYAL

TUESDAY 2 – SATURDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2021

www.theatreroyal.org  

ON SALE SOON

FURTHER VENUES TO BE ANNOUNCED

SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL TO BEGIN FIRST PHASE OF CAPITAL AND BUILDING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WITH FAÇADE CLEAN –

AHEAD OF THEATRE REOPENING FOR AUDIENCES IN JUNE 2021

With the successful interactive audio adventure for children and families Curse of the Crackles!currently available online, Shoreditch Town Hall today announces it will begin its three-phase capital and building development project with a large scale clean of the Grade II listed building’s façade, ahead of audiences returning to the building in June. The East London venue will reopen for audiences with the London première of Wayward Productions’ adaptation of Christie Watson’s bestselling memoir, The Language of Kindness, based on her 20 years of experience working as a nurse for the NHS and adapted for the stage and directed by Sasha Milavic Davies and James Yeatman.

The external clean is the first in the building’s 155-year history, and marks the start of the previously announced three-phase capital and building development project that focuses on opening up the building, improving appearance, and removing physical and psychological barriers to better engage with visitors, strengthening the organisation’s civic responsibility for communities in Shoreditch and beyond.

Generously supported by Backstage Trust and managed by Reed Watts Architects, the external clean of the Town Hall’s 48,000sqft building will begin today, Monday 19 April, and will continue until 26 April, delivered by leading scaffold-free façade cleaning experts Thomann-Hanry.

The Language of Kindness runs at Shoreditch Town Hall from 3 – 12 June 2021 concluding its UK tour, produced byWayward Productions, Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells, Complicité and Warwick Arts Centre, in association with Shoreditch Town Hall and Guy Chapman. The production will be staged in a Covid safe environment following government guidelines.

James Pidgeon, Director & Chief Executive of Shoreditch Town Hall, today said: “It has long been an ambition of ours to properly clean and give some attention to the façade of our much-loved landmark building, and so I’m delighted that we’re now able to start these works ahead of welcoming audiences back to our building for The Language of Kindness. The clean will no doubt have a transformative impact on the public’s perception of the Town Hall, and is a fitting and timely reminder of our presence and future ambition as we fully emerge from the horror of the last 12 months and continue to serve artistic and local communities in Shoreditch, Hackney and beyond.”

Whilst closed to live audiences, Shoreditch Town Hall has continued to support their local community, offering free workspace and resources for artists through the Made in Shoreditch: Artist Workspace initiative, and providing a series of creative digital workshops for young people as part of the RE(Connect) programme supported by Hackney Council’s Discover Young Hackney programme

Wayward Productions, Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells, Complicité and Warwick Arts Centre

in association with Shoreditch Town Hall and Guy Chapman present

THE LANGUAGE OF KINDNESS

By Christie Watson

Adapted and directed by Sasha Milavic Davies and James Yeatman

Set and Costume Design: Zoë Hurwitz; Lighting Design: Jess Bernberg; Sound Design: Gareth Fry

Video Design: Hayley Egan

Cast: Tina Chiang, Etta Fusi, Tamzin Griffin, Keziah Joseph, Clive Mendus and Harriet Webb

3 – 12 June 2021

Tuesday 8 June: Post Show Q&A with author Christie Watson and members of the cast and creative team.

Wednesday 9 June: BSL Interpreted performance

A new work for a new performance world.

Based on Christie Watson’s bestselling memoir of her twenty years as a nurse, The Language of Kindness is an ensemble-style piece of dance theatre: a joy-filled celebration of nurses and front-line healthcare workers which will resonate with audiences everywhere following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Language of Kindness brings to life the realities, the challenges, heartbreaks and incomparable joys of working for the NHS and supporting families as they face their best and worst moments.

A socially distanced production about the tactile work of nurses where the company never touch.

With support from Arts Council England.

Christie Watson is an award-winning, bestselling writer. She was a nurse for twenty years and is currently Professor of Medical and Health Humanities at the University of East Anglia and Patron of the Royal College of Nursing Foundation. Her first novel, Tiny Sunbirds, Far Away, won the Costa First Novel and Waverton Good Read Awards and her second novel, Where Women Are Kings, also achieved international critical acclaim. Her non-fiction, The Language of Kindness, was published in 2018 and was a number one The Sunday Times bestseller, spending five months in the top ten. It was a Book of the Year in the Evening Standard, New Statesman, The Times, Guardian and The Sunday Times and has been translated into twenty-three languages. Her latest memoir on nursing, The Courage to Care was published in 2020 and the paperback edition is published on 10 June 2021.

Sasha Milavic Davies is a Director and Choreographer. Her directing credits include The Antipodes with Annie Baker (National Theatre), She Ventures, She Wins (Young Vic); and as an assistant director,The Weimar Republic (LA Phil). She has worked with Akram Khan, Complicité and was a founding member of The Yard Theatre.

James Yeatman is a director, writer and co-founder of theatre company, Kandinsky for which his credits include A Light that Never Goes Out (Royal Exchange Theatre), Dinomania (New Diorama Theatre) and Trap Street (New Diorama Theatre/Schaubühne, Berlin)). As an assistant director his credits include Beware of Pity (Schaubühne, Berlin) and The Kid Stays in the Picture (Royal Court Theatre). 

SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL

LISTINGS

380 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LT

Box Office: www.shoreditchtownhall.com / 0207 739 6176

Wayward Productions with Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells, Complicité and Warwick Arts Centre in association with Shoreditch Town Hall and Guy Chapman

THE LANGUAGE OF KINDNESS

3 – 12 June 2021

Tickets: £20 (£15 concessions and NHS staff)

SEE IT SAFELY

All tour venues have been granted the use of Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s See It Safely mark. The mark certifies that they are complying with the latest Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, to ensure the safety of their staff and audiences. Ticket holders can find out more here [https://officiallondontheatre.com/see-it-safely/] about the measures that have been put in place ahead of their visit, and what they will need to know beforehand.