Month: June 2021

MY SON’S A QUEER, BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO? 

WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY ROB MADGE 

DIRECTED BY LUKE SHEPPARD

RUNNING AT THE TURBINE THEATRE 

FROM 17 JUNE – 03 JULY 2021 

My Son’s A Queer But What Can You Do, written by and performed by Rob Madge (Oliver!, Les Misérables) and directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, In The Heights) celebrates the joy and chaos of raising a queer child, and runs at the Turbine Theatre for a limited run from 17 June until 03 July. 

When Rob was 12, they attempted to stage a full-blown Disney parade in their house for their Grandma. As Rob donned a wig and played Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Belle, their Dad doubled as Stage Manager, Sound Technician and Goofy. Unfortunately, Dad missed all his cues and pushed all the floats in the wrong direction. Mum mistook Aladdin for Ursula. The costumes went awry. Ariel’s bubble gun didn’t even work properly. Grandma had a nice time though. 

Join Rob as they delve into the archives of their old home videos in attempt to recreate this parade and celebrate the joy that can be discovered when parents champion the creativity and absurdity of their child.

The Grand Theatre, Leeds – until 26 June 2021

Reviewed by Sally Richmond

5*****

As ever, a very warm, professional and covid-safe welcome greeted it’s audience at the glorious Grand Theatre, Leeds, for the opening of Tchaikovsky’s supreme classic ballet Swan Lake last night. Whether you consider yourself a ballet lover or not, David Nixon’s reimagined creation of Swan Lake, for the Northern Ballet, won’t fail to both enchant and enthrall you from beginning to end. Swan Lake was taken to new heights of astounding grace and beauty due to Nixon’s brilliant choreography, most strikingly authentic costumes, sensational set and staging (Dave Gilan), brilliantly stunning lighting (Peter Mumford) and phenomenal music scores directed by Jonathan Lo.

All of the elements involved in the production were truly mind-blowing forms of art in themselves and of course were all there to champion the exceptionally mesmerizing dance. So powerfully hypnotic and bewitching were the dancers that they evoked visible emotional responses from the audience and left one breath-less with seduction! Nixon reinterprets the legend of Swan Lake by taking us into Anthony’s unearthly dream world, where by after the death of his beloved brother for which our hero blames himself for, he has to grapple with issues that entail the heart-breaking decision of choosing between two lovers. Consumed with guilt and angst, Anthony looks to the water to find answers and it here that he meets the enrapturing swan Odette.

This epic story begins with a joyful romp of male dancers skillfully displaying the follies of youth until disaster strikes and Antony’s brother tragically drowns. Finding himself grieving at the lake he comes across Odette, who accompanied by the most incredible note-perfect violins, captivates the audience as soon as she enters the stage with delicate empyreal avid-like flutters. Anthony, sensual and strong matches Odette’s motions with strength that is majestically powerful but he also possesses a contrasting softness. He is just everything your heart desires in a fairytale male lead! Together, they form the most elegant lines, mighty and perfectly poised lifts with hypnotic arabesques and endless extended arms.

Accompanying our lead dancers are the ensemble of swans, who with their feather-like moves, fill the stage with dazzling delight in every flit, quiver and turn. The swans never ceased to beguile throughout their entire time on set and at times the stage was filled with a pure over-whelming beauty, where by you felt you were immersed in a painting by one of the greats such as Degas. The dancing really was first-class and the best I have ever experienced – so much so that a day on, these spectacular images and electric symphony sounds are flooding my mind which is a pleasurable delight – it’s one to savor.

Antony’s emotional turmoil regarding his struggle with who to love – Simon his heart’s desire or his parent’s choice – Odilia, translates through a combat of skillful and stirringly emotive dance sequences. Brimming with tangible sexuality, they have the most tremendous chemistry that their yearning for one another creates electrifying climaxes several times. Odilia’s defeat is both haunting and wretched, one is saddened by her plight but Antony’s sexual epiphany that triumphs his true nature uplifts the soul.

If you want to experience something of the most arresting grace and beauty then go and see David Nixon’s Swan Lake at The Grand Theatre Leeds – it will leave you with an ever-lasting imprint of enchanted beauty that you’ll never forget!

THE LOWRY – 15 JUNE 2021

REVIEWED BY ANGELOS SPANTIDEAS

4****

Fidelio, Beethoven’s only opera, is a story of love and sacrifice with Leonore disguising herself as a young boy, in attempt to save her husband from the revenge driven Pizzaro. The story unfolds accompanied by the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North, conducted by the brilliant Paul Daniel. The theater is filled with the sound of the orchestra opening before the singers come to stage, leaving the audience full of anticipation for story to begin.

The stage set in a minimal tone, with everyone wearing black, in front of a backdrop that can be compared to a golden waterfall that fills the stage with light without taking the attention away from the protagonists. Compared to other operas, in this performance the audience has direct view of the orchestra and can observe and follow every move of the conductor. With the strings and wind instruments filling every corner of the theater with mellow sounds, this two-hour opera does as much to excite as it does to serene the spectators.

Naturally, when the singers join the stage and the story begins, nothing less than spectacular it is to be able to witness the fusion of the voices and the sound of the instruments on stage. With the exemplary performance of the amazing and well-respected Robert Hayward and Brindley Sherratt and of course the passionate contribution of Brindley Sherratt, the male characters of the story come to life and each shows a different spectrum of emotions with their actions dictated by impulses, hesitation and even desperation. Of course, Rachel Nichols beginning as the restrained Fidelio and by the end commanding the stage as the fervent Leonore, is nothing less that brilliant and captivating.

The contribution of the choir can not be overstated, adding their voices to amplify the suspence of key turns of events. Paired with the trumpets and the drums, at the climax the conjugation of voices and instruments create a perfect symphony that leaves the audience in awe.

With the audiences being blocked from live performances what seemed an eternity, Fidelio gives a warm welcome back to the attendees. After feeling like being a part of the opera, Fidelio leaves us yearning for more performances and stages filled with people, and stories filled with life, making us remember why having to wait to be back in the theater was worth every minute.

The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company presents

The Browning Version

By Terence Rattigan

Directed by Kenneth Branagh

BranaghTheatre.com

Facebook.com/BranaghTheatre

@BranaghTheatre

• The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company presents a new production of Terence Rattigan’s classic play The Browning Version
   
• Directed by Branagh the production will feature Victor Alli, Kemi Awoderu, Lolita Chakrabarti, Sarah Eve, Joseph Kloska and Wendy Kweh, with Branagh playing the role of Andrew Crocker-Harris
   
• The production will premiere at the Riverside Studios from 5 August for a three week run ending on 29 August 
   
• Tickets go on sale to the general public on 21 June at 10am and can be purchased from branagh-theatre.com
   
• Profits from the production will be donated to RADA in support of its fundraising campaign Stage Critical

The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company has today announced that tickets are on sale for a brand new production of Terence Rattigan’s much loved play The Browning Version. The production will play for 3 weeks at Riverside Studios from 5 – 29 August with Branagh directing. Tickets are available now from branagh-theatre.com.

The cast is made up of all RADA graduates with Branagh playing Andrew Crocker-Harris. He will be joined by Kemi Awoderu (Taplow), Joseph Kloska (Frank Hunter), Lolita Chakrabarti (Millie Crocker-Harris), Wendy Kweh (Dr Frobisher), Victor Alli (Peter Gilbert) and Sarah Eve (Mrs Gilbert).

The production will be designed by Frankie Bradshaw, Lighting Design will be by Paul Pyant and Sound Design by Emma Laxton.

A late summer’s day at a school in England brings the end of term, and the end of intrigues, deceptions, and lies in the lives of its inhabitants.

The climax of teacher Andrew Crocker Harris’s career is also the crisis of his once intensely romantic relationship with his passionate wife Millie.

The school celebrations, and the twisted ambitions of more popular pupils and teachers are intertwined with the inglorious retirement of the despised  ‘Crock’.

One quietly momentous evening in summer reveals whether their mutual futures can survive the conflict and the pain lurking just beneath the surface of British gentility, cricket, and ‘playing the game’.

Rattigan’s play is ‘English Chekhov’ for some, and for others, a titanic domestic drama that thrillingly lays bare its ties to the blood soaked drama of Ancient Greece.

At 70 minutes, many regard it as a pocket masterpiece.

Kenneth Branagh said: “Rattigan demands detailed, truthful performance. RADA works hard to train actors for that.It will be exciting to see the two combine.”

The  production will donate all profits to RADA. COVID has had a devastating impact on RADA’s ability to deliver world-class training and on its finances. It urgently needs to raise £3.2million to recover  and rebuild, and to support its students. The  Browning Version marks the launch of Stage Critical, RADA’s fundraising  campaign. For more information about Stage Critical please visitrada.ac.uk/stage-critical.

RADA Chair, Marcus Ryder said: “It is a massive privilege as Chair of RADA to be thanking Kenneth Branagh for putting on this production. A production which serves to highlight the full range and diversity of RADA’s alumni, while also launching our Stage Critical, our much-needed fundraising campaign following the extraordinarily difficult year because of Covid-19. I’m delighted that RADA is a part of this production and the rebuilding of our world-leading industry.”

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

TONY & OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING SMASH HIT MUSICAL

JERSEY BOYS

OPENING AT THE NEW TRAFALGAR THEATRE

ON 10 AUGUST 2021

The producers and creative team are delighted to announce their new, young, dynamic cast for the highly anticipated return of this most beloved Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning smash hit musical JERSEY BOYS.  It will be led by Ben Joyce as Frankie Valli, Adam Bailey as Bob Gaudio, Benjamin Yates as Tommy De Vito and Karl James Wilson as Nick Massi.  The musical will open at the new multi-million pound reinstated Trafalgar Theatre on 10 August 2021, following previews from 28 July.

JERSEY BOYS is written byMarshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe.

Also in the cast will be Ben Irish (Bob Crewe), Mark Isherwood (Gyp de Carlo), Elliot Allinson (Swing), Koko Basigara (Lorraine), Melanie Bright (Mary Delgado), Jack Campbell (Swing), Carl Douglas (Norm/Hank), Matteo Johnson (Joe Pesci), Huon Mackley (Swing), Jacob McIntosh (Barry Belson), Bonnie Page (Swing), Andy Smith (Swing) and Helen Ternent (Francine).

Ben Joyce, having graduated from drama school this year, will be making his professional stage debut as Frankie Valli.  The creatives were very excited when this young talent was discovered during the extensive casting process and are looking forward to introducing him to the JERSEY BOYS audience.  Adam Bailey made his West End debut in The Book of Mormon and played Felicia/Adam in the National Tour of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.   Benjamin Yates played and covered Fiyero in the UK & Ireland tour of Wicked.  He also played Mungojerrie in Cats at the London Palladium and most recently played Doug/Mr Spencer in The School of Rock at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.  Karl James Wilson played the role of Johnny Castle in the UK Tour of Dirty Dancing. Theatre credits also include the UK Tours of Jersey Boys and White Christmas.  Karl appeared in Hollyoaks playing the role of Wardy.

Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony and Olivier Award-winning, true-life phenomenon, JERSEY BOYS. They were just four guys from New Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect onstage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true.  The show is packed with their hits, including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You.   

Recipient of Broadway’s Tony, London’s Olivier and Australia’s Helpmann Awards for Best New Musical, JERSEY BOYS is the winner of 65 major awards and has been seen by over 27 million people worldwide. 

JERSEY BOYS originally opened in New York on 6 November 2005 and, by the time it closed over 11 years later on 15 January 2017, it was the 12^th longest running show in Broadway history.  It first ran in London’s West End from 18 March 2008 to 26 March 2017 – nine amazing years – and, at the time, was the sixth longest musical running in the West End. JERSEY BOYS played two record-breaking UK and Ireland Tours from 2014 to 2016 and from 2017 to 2019.

JERSEY BOYS returned to New York with a new production in November 2017 and will resume performances when Broadway returns this autumn. The JERSEY BOYS US National Tour is still breaking house records in cities across North America.

JERSEY BOYS at the Trafalgar Theatre will be staged by the original Broadway creative team, led by the Tony Award-winning team of director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, with scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projections design by Michael Clark.  The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and the music supervision and vocal arrangements by Ron Melrose.

JERSEY BOYS is produced in London by the Dodgers and Trafalgar Theatre Productions, with BB Investments, Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group in association with Latitude Link and Eilene Davidson Productions.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Trafalgar Theatre

14 Whitehall

London SW1A 2DY

Performances:

Between 28 July – 11 September:

Monday – Saturday 7.30pm

Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm*

*no matinee 29 July & 5 August

13 September onwards:

Monday – Saturday 7.30pm with no performance on Tuesday evening

Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm

Sunday 4pm

Christmas 2021/22 Schedule

Monday 20 December 2021                        7.30pm

Tuesday 21 December 2021                       7.30pm                                                                       

Wednesday 22 December 2021                  7.30pm

Thursday 23 December 2021                      2.30pm & 7.30pm                                                        

Friday 24 December 2021                           NO PERFORMANCE

Saturday 25 December 2021                       NO PERFORMANCE

Sunday 26 December 2021                         4pm

Monday 27 December 2021                         2.30pm & 7.30pm                                                        

Tuesday 28 December 2021                        7.30pm

Wednesday 29 December 2021                   2.30pm & 7.30pm                                                        

Thursday 30 December 2021                       2.30pm & 7.30pm                                                        

Friday 31 December 2021                           NO PERFORMANCE

Saturday 1 January 2022                             2.30pm & 7.30pm                                                        

Sunday 2 January 2022                               4pm

Tickets: from £19.50

Box Office: 0844 871 7632 

Current booking period:  28 July 2021 to 2 January 2022

Website: http://www.jerseyboyslondon.com

Facebook: @JerseyBoysLondon

Twitter & Instagram: @JerseyBoysUK

Trafalgar Theatre, when it opens, will comply with COVID-19 Secure guidelines, with robust risk mitigation in place.  In addition to hand sanitation, face coverings and track and trace, other measures will include contactless tickets, temperature testing and the deep clean and sanitation of the theatre.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

MAMMA MIA!’s RETURN TO  

LONDON’S NOVELLO THEATRE

ON 25 AUGUST 2021

The global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! will return to London’s West End at the Novello Theatre on 25 August 2021.  Now in its 23^rd year in London, producer Judy Craymer is delighted to be welcoming people back to once again dance, jive and have the time of their lives!

Judy Craymer said, “We cannot wait to get the full theatrical experience of MAMMA MIA! back into the West End and what better way to leave lockdown than to be transported to our sunny Greek idyll. MAMMA MIA! has to be the perfect staycation destination.”

Returning to the cast will be Mazz Murray as Donna, Richard Trinder as Sam, Neil Moors as Harry, Stephen Beckett as Bill, and Sophie Matthew as Lisa.  They will be joined by Josie Benson (Camila Rosario in original London cast of In The Heights) as Tanya, Gemma Goggin (Doctor Faustus and Don Quixote for the RSC) as Rosie, Emma Mullen (Sophie in the UK & International Tour of MAMMA MIA! and lead role of Rosie in series 5 of Shetland on BBC1) as Sophie, Jack Danson (2020 graduate) as Sky, Tegan Bannister (Eponine in the UK Tour of Les Misérables) as Ali, Michael Nelson (Eddie in the UK & International Tour of MAMMA MIA!) as Eddie and Alexandros Beshonges (2020 graduate) as Pepper, with Natalie Langston (Alternate Eva Peron in Evita at Phoenix Theatre) playing the role of Donna at certain performances.

Also new to the cast will be Gemma Atkins, Chloe-Jo Byrnes, Nicole Carlisle, Angus Good, Natalie Jayne Hall, James Humpleman, Morgan Jackson, George Olney, Kyle Turner and Alex Woodward, who will be joining Natasha Agnew, Chloe Ames, Frankie Jones, Lauren Hampton, Grace Moorhouse, Jodie Nolan, Dan O’Brien, Michael Storrs, Michael Tyler and Simon Willmont.

Since premiering in London in 1999, the irresistible feelgood musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe.  The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless pop masterpieces, has now been seen live on stage by 65 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies – MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again.

To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen in 50 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $4 billion at the box office.  In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China.   

MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004, and then to the Novello Theatre in 2012.  The London production of MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 9 million people, played over 8,500 performances and has broken box office records in all three of its London homes.  

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008.  A second film, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, opened in July 2018 and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Novello Theatre

Aldwych

London WC2B 4LD

Ticket Prices: from £17.50*

*All prices include a £2.50 per ticket booking fee and £1.25 restoration levy.

Early Bird Pricing – anyone booking four months or more in advance of the performance they are attending (Monday to Thursday performances only) will save £20 on Band A and Premium tickets, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.

Performance Times:

Monday, Wednesdays – Saturdays 7.30pm

Matinees – Thursdays & Saturdays 3.00pm, Sundays 2.30pm

Christmas 2021/22 Performance Schedule

Monday 20 December               3.00pm and 7.30pm      

Tuesday 21 December              NO PERFORMANCE

Wednesday 22 December         3.00pm and 7.30pm

Thursday 23 December             3.00pm and 7.30pm

Friday 24 December                 NO PERFORMANCE

Saturday 25 December             NO PERFORMANCE

Sunday 26 December               7.30pm

Monday 27 December               3.00pm and 7.30pm

Tuesday 28 December              NO PERFORMANCE

Wednesday 29 December         3.00pm and 7.30pm

Thursday 30 December             3.00pm and 7.30pm

Friday 31 December                 2.30pm

Saturday 1 January                   3.00pm and 7.30pm

Sunday 2 January                     2.30pm

Currently booking to 2 April 2022

The performance lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes (including a 15-minute interval)

Box Office: 0844 482 5151

http://www.mamma-mia.com/

http://www.facebook.com/mammamiamusical

http://twitter.com/MammaMiaMusical  

CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR UK TOUR OF

SUSAN HILL’S

THE WOMAN IN BLACK

ROBERT GOODALE

AS

‘ARTHUR KIPPS’

ANTONY EDEN

AS

‘THE ACTOR’

PW Productions is delighted to announce the UK tour cast of Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, opening at Cambridge Arts Theatre tonight, Thursday 17 June. Robert Goodale will star as ‘Arthur Kipps’ and Antony Eden as ‘The Actor’.

Following a sell-out run in Charleston, South Carolina, PW Productions are thrilled that The Woman in Black is returning to stages across the UK, adhering to all necessary Covid-19 regulations as it does so. Full details are available via each specific venue.

The Woman in Black is thrilled to have recently been awarded ‘Best Theatre Production for Schools’ at the School Travel Awards from School Travel Organiser. As part of the show’s commitment to young people, at select venues, persons aged 25 and under will be able to purchase a £25 ticket.

Robert Goodale returns to the role of Arthur Kipps, having played the part during the 2019-2020 tour of The Woman in Black. Robert’s other theatre credits include ”How To Act” at the National Theatre of Scotland, “Dr Faustus” at Shakespeare’s Globe, the national tours of “Festen” and “Taming of the Shrew” and “The Rivals”, “The Comedy of Errors”, “Romeo and Juliet, “School for Scandal” and “Cyrano De Bergerac” with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Robert’s television and film credits include the BBC’s “Births, Marriages and Deaths”, “Holby City”, “McMafia” and ITV’s “Doc Martin” and “Midsomer Murders”.

Antony Eden’s West End credits include “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and “Les Misérables”. His other theatre credits include “Ten Times Table” at the Mill at Sonning, “A Brief History of Women” and “Taking Steps” with the Alan Ayckbourn company at the Stephen Joseph Theatre and 59E59 New York, “A Passionate Woman” at the Cheltenham Everyman and on tour, and “Three Kings” at the St James’ Theatre among others. Antony is also associate director of “The Woman in Black” and directs and produces with his own theatre company, Dead Letter Perfect.

The 2021 UK Tour opens at Cambridge Arts Theatre before visiting Bath, Guilford, Oxford, Malvern, Shrewsbury, Manchester, Brighton, Glasgow, York, Blackpool, Stoke and Edinburgh. Further tour dates to be announced. www.thewomaninblack.com

Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s best-selling novel tells the story of a lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over his family by the spectre of a ‘Woman in Black’. He engages a young actor to help him tell his story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It begins innocently enough, but as they delve further into his darkest memories the borders between make-believe and reality begin to blur and the flesh begins to creep.

In June 2019 THE WOMAN IN BLACK celebrated its 30^th Anniversary in London’s West End with a special gala performance. 

THE WOMAN IN BLACK is directed by Robin Herford, with designs by Michael Holt and lighting by Kevin Sleep.

CASTING IS UNVEILED FOR THE WILDEST SHOW IN TOWN…  

CHRISTINA BENNINGTON, JORDAN LUKE GAGE, JODIE STEELE,  

BOBBIE LITTLE & FRANCES MAYLI McCANN  

STAR IN THE WEST END RETURN OF 

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL

REHEARSAL IMAGES

PHOTOS BY PAMELA RAITH PHOTOGRAPHY

THE BARN THEATRE POSTPONES PERFORMANCES OF COMEDY PRODUCTION TO PROTECT AUDIENCES

The Barn Theatre in Cirencester have announced that they will be cancelling the remainder of this week’s performances (17-19 June) of Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense following a member of the show company receiving information that they had potentially been exposed to coronavirus whilst not at the theatre.

The production, which is co-produced by The Theatre Chipping Norton and the Barn Theatre, had planned to hold its gala night performance this evening (17 June). The co-production, a revival of the Olivier Award-winning comedy, had been rescheduled to kick-start their 2021 recovery season after being previously postponed due to the pandemic.

The theatre, which has had five successful indoor productions as well as an outdoor theatre festival without a single coronavirus case, has ensured that all protocols and guidelines have been strictly adhered to, with cast and crew members tested regularly for Covid.

The member of the show company has recently tested negative; however, the theatre will be postponing performances until they have received negative tests from the full show company.

A spokesperson for the theatre said that “the health and safety for the show company, our staff and our audiences remain the theatre’s utmost priority and although it is heart-breaking after such a devastating year for our industry to have to cancel performances, the safety of all those involved with our theatre must always come first.”

The Barn Theatre will be contacting audience members regarding their tickets and politely ask that they wait until their team have contacted them.

UNIT HQ, London – booking until 17 April 2022

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

4****

When the Earth is in danger there is only one person to call. The Doctor. When a fracture in time opens up in the middle of London it is up to UNIT to find out who caused it and why.

Unfortunately you are told not to give away anything that happens otherwise the Doctor will wipe your memory, as she reminds us before we leave. However, throughout the two and a half hours you will meet several Doctor Who characters, some from the series and some who have been created especially for this event. With all of time and space stuck in one location it is rather amusing to see Queen Elizabeth I walking past an Ood. 

The setting works well, especially the area that is used as UNIT HQ, but the volume is a bit of an issue as the whole thing is very loud and things can be easily missed. The costumes and makeup bring the characters to life with attention paid to how many are portrayed in the TV show. Covid 19 restrictions are observed throughout the place, with people exploring in small groups and markers on the floor when everyone is in one room together. 

In order to discover every storyline people would have to return more than once, but you can get a good sense of the event from the one storyline you follow. 

The highlight of the production has to be the cameo appearances of all the Doctors during the final event, even if the threat of Daleks is never far away. 

A must see for all, not just Doctor Who fans.