Month: July 2021

#SoulatSaintJames

• A FREE, UPLIFTING OUTDOOR ONE DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL FEATURING 35-STRONG ‘SOUL SANCTUARY GOSPEL CHOIR’ INCLUDING A LIVE BAND, SPOKEN WORD POETRY AND STORY-TELLING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL LONDON
• THE COURTYARD OF ST. JAMES’S CHURCH PICCADILLY WILL BE OPEN FOR VISITORS EVERY FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
• FREE GOSPEL SINGING WORKSHOPS WILL BE OPEN TO EVERYONE, CULMINATING IN A PERFORMANCE AS PART OF THAT AFTERNOON’S ENTERTAINMENT ON STAGE, SPREADING MUCH-NEEDED JOY IN THE CAPITAL
• STARTING SUNDAY 1 AUGUST FROM 2-5:30PM, REFRESHMENT INCLUDES STREET FOOD STALLS AND A BAR

From 2pm on Sunday 1st August 2021, St James’s Church Piccadilly and Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir will throw open the Church gates to offer everyone, regardless of faith, background or age, an exhilarating, uplifting and completely free afternoon of world-class live gospel and soul music, spoken word poetry provided by Lyrix Organix and story-telling. Nestled in the heart of one of London’s most beautiful outdoor spaces with street food vendors and a bar on-site, each month Soul at Saint James’s will focus on universal themes including Love, Peace, Hope, and Community.

Taking place on the afternoon of the first Sunday of every month from August, Covid regulations permitting, this inspirational mix of gospel and soul music, spoken word poetry and narrative will also include a performance of a song that has been taught during the one-hour gospel singing workshop which takes place beforehand.  This deluxe and fully accessible workshop is for people of all ages and levels of experience who have signed up in advance.

Having hosted food and gift markets in their courtyard for many years, St. James’s is well-known for being community-focussed, opening and welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

The Reverend Lucy Winkett, Rector of St James’s says: “This is an unconditional invitation to anyone who’s passing by.  An invitation to what?  A banquet of music, contemplation, challenge, friendship and celebration, to see what is real under the surface distractions of life, and to invite you to find your own voice to sing. Music is the language of the human spirit. We want to offer companionship in an isolated city, harmony in a noisy city, and to celebrate the diversity of this great city.” 

Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir and St James’s Piccadilly have had a seven-year journey towards Soul at Saint James. General Manager of Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir Miko Giedroyc said: “We think that there’s a place among London’s events for Soul at Saint James – participative, artistically top-notch, dedicated to life’s important values, welcoming to everyone and above all, fun – and our hope is that in due course it will become a popular fixture.”

Free tickets can be booked here to guarantee entry on the day:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-at-saint-james-tickets-156537952229

Cast announced for Our Teacher’s A Troll in the
incredible Lesnes Abbey Ruins
Lesnes Abbey Ruins, Abbey Road, Belvedere, DA17 5DH
Thursday 12th – Sunday 22nd August 2021

The cast has been announced for Our Teacher’s a Troll by Tony Award-winning writer Dennis Kelly (Matilda the Musical) which will transform the stunning ruins of Lesnes Abbey into an open-air theatre this summer. Directed by the Artistic Director of Ruined Theatre and renowned West End actress Nancy Sullivan (Les Misérables; Call the Midwife), the cast is made up of Lilly Driscoll (In Her Strength, Cardboard Citizens; Jekyll & Hyde, ITV), Louis Gaudenico (Fiver, Southwark Playhouse; Call the Midwife, BBC), Andy Watkins (Kinky Boots, UK tour; Brexit the Musical, Edinburgh Festival) and Joanne Ferguson (The Play That Goes Wrong, West End; Emmerdale, ITV).

Two terrible twins, Sean and Holly, with a talent for turmoil rule their school with terror and tyranny. That is, until the arrival of a new headteacher with scaly skin, gnarly fangs and a spiky tail… Can the twins save the school from the child-eating troll? Can naughtiness prevail? Ruined Theatre will tell this hilarious family production with unmissable puppetry and transform the ruins of the 12th Century abbey, one of London’s truly hidden treasures, into a Covid-safe, openair theatre.

Nancy Sullivan, Artistic Director of Ruined Theatre comments, I live in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead which has no access to the arts and this summer we are bringing high quality, professional theatre to the doorsteps of this community. The Ruined Theatre has been born out of an awareness that theatre is not accessible to everyone. Our motivation is to engage a new audience at the grassroots level through outreach work and mentorship. We want to change the faces we see behind the scenes and on stage in the years to come and help people feel like theatre is an option for them

To make the show as accessible as possible discounted prices are being made available to local residents and school pupils in Greenwich and Bexley Boroughs. The Ruined Theatre Company has also partnered with Peabody Housing Association to ensure that families in financial hardship in the area have access to free tickets. Working with Bexley Council, The Ruined Theatre Company are currently fundraising with the hope of becoming a permanent fixture each summer at Lesnes Abbey Ruins, offering extensive local outreach programmes and top-class productions.

Patrons of Ruined Theatre include: West End, TV, and film producer Jason Haigh Ellery (Doctor Who; Prisoner Zero); novelist and playwright Jonathan Harvey (Coronation Street; Beautiful Thing); Olivier Award-winning actor and area local David Thaxton (Les Misérables; The Phantom of the Opera); RSC and West End actor Baker Mukasa (The Comedy of Errors; Tina). They are sponsored by Big Finish Productions; Sir Tim Rice; Alan Peterson, OBE; Harriet’s Trust; One Penny Theatre Company. The theatre is the recipient of a Thamesmead Community Grant and the show has received a grant from Arts Council England.

 

‘The Show Must Go On! LIVE at the Palace Theatre’ will broadcast on SkyArts  on Sunday 18 July at 8pm. It will be repeated on Saturday 24 July at 8.45am and Sunday 25 July at 2pm.

CHARITY CONCERT

‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON! LIVE AT THE PALACE THEATRE’

TO BROADCAST ON SKYARTS

ON SUNDAY 18 JULY, 8PM

After a record-breaking sell-out run at The Palace Theatre, and over 600,000 views worldwide from the online stream, the producers of THE SHOW MUST GO ON! LIVE AT THE PALACE THEATRE are delighted to announce the show will broadcast on SkyArts on Sunday 18 July at 8pm to give theatre fans the chance to relive the West Ends biggest celebration. Sky Arts is free for everyone to watch on Freeview Channel 11.

Filmed by National Theatre Live on Sunday 6 June from the Palace Theatre, ‘The Show Must Go On! LIVE included performances from the world’s most iconic musicals with many returning to the West End stage for the first time in 15 months. This stunning concert performance thrilled theatre fans from all over the world and all profits, including £100,000 of combined donations and merchandise sales from the broadcast night went to theatre charities, Acting For Others and Fleabag Support Fund+ who are currently helping theatre workers who have been out of work due to the pandemic.

The concert was produced by Theatre Support Fund+ which was founded during the pandemic to raise monies theatre freelancers affected by the closure of theatres across the country. They started out with the iconic ‘The Show Must Go On! design and went from producing t-shirts to producing a week long concert! The team have now raised over £1 million for the aforementioned charities and audiences can still donatevia the website, www.theatresupportfund.co.uk/donate or can donate up to £20 by texting ‘THEATRE’ followed by the amount you want to donate to 70460.

This celebration of West End theatre was hosted by musical theatre legends, Bonnie Langford (“9 to 5 the Musical”, “42^nd Street”) and Trevor Dion Nicholas (“Hamilton”, “Aladdin”) and included performances from 18 of the best musicals in London. This concert was a wonderful celebration of all of these shows coming together in a unique one-off production which audiences can now watch from the comfort in their own homes on SkyArts.

The full line up of performances at the concert included, Aisha Jawando in a performance from TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, Marcus Harman in a performance from Dear Evan Hansen, Sharan Phull in a performance from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Collette Guitart and Hana Stewart who will alternate in a performancefrom SIX, Trevor Dion Nicholas in a performance from Hamilton, Dom Simpson and Tom Xander  in a performance from The Book of Mormon, Laura Pick in a performance from WICKED, Tilly-Raye Bayer, Imogen Cole, Alyssa D’Souza, Alex Munden and Carly Thoms in a performance from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical, Jordan Luke Gage in a performance from & Juliet, John Owen Jones in a performance from Les Misérables, Kayi Ushe and Janique Charles in a performance from Disney’s The Lion King, Christine Allado and Alexia Khadime in a performance from The Prince of Egypt, Alice Fearn in a performance from Come From Away, Lucy St Louis and Rhys Whitfield in a performance from The Phantom Of The Opera, Zizi Strallen in a performance from Mary Poppins and Mazz Murray in a performance from MAMMA MIA! In addition, Olly Dobson in a performance from Back to the Future The Musical and Aimie Atkinson in a performance from Pretty Woman The Musical. And a choir of 16 which is made up of Musical Theatre 2020 graduates. 

‘The Show Must Go On! LIVE at the Palace Theatre’ will broadcast on SkyArts  on Sunday 18 July at 8pm. It will be repeated on Saturday 24 July at 8.45am and Sunday 25 July at 2pm.

Audiences can still donate via the website, www.theatresupportfund.co.uk/donate or donate up to £20 by texting ‘THEATRE’ followed by the amount you want to donate to 70460.

Wales Millennium Centre launches CABARET season

  Family shows, music, drag, dance, comedy and more!

Wales Millennium Centre will be welcoming audiences back into its iconic building in Cardiff Bay from July 15 as it launches a summer-long programme of the very best acts from the world of cabaret, music and theatre to the Weston Studio.

The Cabaret Season includes daytime giggles, family theatre and live music, contemporary comedy, fierce drag and bare-faced burlesque in the evenings.

Providing a much-needed celebration of the powerful role the arts can play in reuniting family and friends though laughter, interactive dance and music, Wales Millennium Centre is thrilled to launch a diverse and hilarious six-week programme of performances that will delight all audiences.

Curated to offer something for everyone, the Cabaret season showcases many talented Welsh artists and celebrates diversity in all its guises, with an enormous emphasis on laughter and carefree fun.

Highlights of this eclectic and inclusive line up include the sell-out drag show Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho, the hilarious hit musical How To Win Against History alongside critically acclaimed comedy featuring our Cardiff’s own, Leroy Brito. Live jazz, soul and world music nights with a Welsh connection bring live music thankfully back to the stage, we have inspiring storytelling and comedy for children including Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Os Nad Nawr’s production Glwad Yr Asyn, not to mention a dedicated week of contemporary Welsh language programming.

Peter Darney, Cabaret’s Producer adds: “This season is full of the most amazing artists, and a load of firsts. Along with Burlesque, we are bringing Wales’ first Boylesque night, the chance to take part in GQ’s top voted things to do at home; Dolly Trolley Drag Aerobics, and supporting the Welsh Ballroom Community with the First Welsh KiKi Ball! Cabaret is a broad church- lets come together to pray and slay!”

To see the full programme information and book tickets visit www.wmc.org.uk/cabaret

Thomas Hopkins in association with Debbie Chazen and Guy Chapman
Barbra Streisand and Joan Rivers reunite in
brand new comedy The Funny Girls
Friday 17th – Friday 24th September 2021
Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, London SW19 1QG

Bringing together two legendary talents in a brand new, ‘what if’ comedy, The Funny Girls explores the fantastical clash of ego and dreams between two young starlets: Barbara Streisand and Joan Rivers. Written by playwright Roy Smiles (Kurt and Sid; Ying Tong) this fictional reunion spawns from the pair’s infamous gig before their time in the spotlight, finding companionship in a short-lived off-off-off Broadway production.

Stepping into the shoes of the world-renowned superstars will be Mia Tomlinson (The Beast Must Die, Britbox; The Lost Pirate Kingdom, Netflix) as Joan Rivers, and Rosanna Harris (Grease, UK tour) as Barbra Streisand. The production will be directed by Michael Strassen (Falling Stars; Assassins; Billy).

Two rising stars with big dreams, The Funny Girls follows the trials and errors of paving a way to success in bygone America and knowing when to seize your moment. From a dingy box theatre and questionable script to the bright lights of Vegas and TV stardom, both women vanquish their previous shortcomings to come out on top. But both cannot be the most talented Jewish woman on the planet.

Two rising stars with big dreams, The Funny Girls follows the trials and errors of paving a way to success in bygone America and knowing when to seize your moment. From a dingy box theatre and questionable script to the bright lights of Vegas and TV stardom, both women vanquish their previous shortcomings to come out on top. But both cannot be the most talented Jewish woman on the planet.

Producer Thomas Hopkins comments, Having produced Kurt and Sid with Danny Dyer and Shaun Evans in 2009 at Trafalgar Studios, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to share Roy Smiles’ new comedy in collaboration with the Ambassador Theatre Group and New Wimbledon Theatre for their special season for new writing. The team and I couldn’t be more excited to showcase the phenomenal talents of Mia Tomlinson and Rosanna Harris in this hilarious new production.

The Funny Girls is created in collaboration with Ambassador Theatre Group’s Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre as part of their exciting new Premieres Season, celebrating new writing. The production will also tour later in the year, with further details to be announced

SOLT & UK Theatre Chief Executive Julian Bird has released the following statement regarding the need for an alternative to self-isolation, following news that the Government is extending restrictions around Covid contacts in England until 16 August:

‘Without an alternative to automatic self-isolation for casts and crew that come into contact with a positive case, more theatre and shows will be forced to close in England just as they are allowed to open in full. 

‘Given the strictly controlled working environment under which theatres are already operating, we need a testing regime to replace the current system as soon as possible and certainly no later than 19 July.’

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Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – until 10 July 2021

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

Ayckbourn fits London Classic Theatre like a glove. His unusual perspectives on ordinary lives does not disappoint in Absurd Person Singular. Ayckbourn’s study of class and social mobility often forms the frame of his work. In this piece, instead of focusing on the centre point of the home, his scenes are played out in the kitchen. You glimpse into the characters private lives, away from the public eye.

The classic 70’s humour, fashion and social attitudes are laid bare, offering you golden nuggets of humour and human vulnerability. We never meet the life and soul of the Christmas gatherings, The Potter’s. They are the stooges that keep the party in the other room going. Whilst in the kitchen, we have 3 couples, moving up and down the social ladder, as each year their fate or fortune impacts on their status. Felicity Houlbrooke (Jane Hopcroft) plays a sensitive, kind-hearted soul, completely OCD with manic energy, that allows her to not see what is right in front of her, with great comic effect. Houlbrooke strikes a balance without going over the top. Helen Keeley (Eva Jackson) delivers her lines with a dead pan face that makes the audience laugh out load. Keeley skilfully presents the tragedy in the comedy. The cast are clearly as familiar as family, producing a smooth performance.

The artistic team captured the era perfectly, in costume and set – there is no mistaking that wallpaper for any other time! After 60 years of prolific writing, Ayckbourn continues to entertain

Shaftesbury Theatre – until 10 September 2021

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

4****

What do you do when you want the pretty girl at school to notice you? Well, taking a drug that implants a computer into your brain is probably not the best idea you could have. 

Be More Chill tells the story of Jeremy (Scott Folan), a High School geek who wants to be liked by classmate Christine (Miracle Chance). Despite signing up for the school play, Jeremy realises he needs something else to help him get the girl and takes advice from Rich (James Hameed) and gets a SQUIP, a computer that goes into your brain and improves your life. However, Jeremy soon discovers the downside to the SQUIP and with the help of best friend Michael (Blake Patrick Anderson) saves himself and his classmates. 

With impressive costumes, especially during the Halloween party scene, it is easy to see why this show had become a fan favorite prior to closing due to the pandemic, however, the band need to play at a lower volume or the cast need to sing louder as lyrics were lost due to the instruments drowning out the singing. 

The cast work well together but the true star of the show is Anderson in the role of the best friend who helps save the world from the SQUIP.

With laughs throughout this show is perfect for anyone from teenagers upwards who have felt they never really fit into society.

DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS’ FROZEN, THE LION KING, ALADDIN, MARY POPPINS,

AND NEW FOR 2021 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST TAKE CENTRE STAGE WITH SUMMER POP-UP EXPERIENCE IN

LONDON’S COVENT GARDEN

From 22 July to 30 August, in the heart of London’s West End and bigger than ever before, there will be a Disney on Stage Summer Pop-Up Experience celebrating the wealth of Disney titles produced for the stage. The free-to-access Pop-Up, open to fans of all ages, features Disney shows such as Frozen, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.

Located in the historic Carriage Hall on Floral Street, this is the third time that Disney Theatrical Productions, working with Covent Garden, will create a unique space that is a celebration of the very best of Disney in the West End, across the UK and on Broadway.

Visitors will go on an enchanting journey through some of Disney’s most iconic worlds, with new things to see and explore with every step. First, visitors will travel to early-1900s London with Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins and witness the delights of Mrs Corry’s Sweet Shop, where they can enjoy some craft activities and discover how to spell the longest word they’ve ever heard. Guests will experience the magic carpet ride of Aladdin’s Cave of Wonders, with the chance to pose with the Genie’s Lamp and travel back to a retro era with classic Aladdin arcade games – although there is no magic lamp to be won here! The tale as old as time continues with Beauty and the Beast, featuring the legendary enchanted rose.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view iconic masks, puppets and costumes from the Tony® Award-winning The Lion King, getting a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the stunning stagecraft of this much loved production, now in its 22^nd year in London. It’s time to open up the gates on the long-awaited West End premiere of Frozen, where visitors will have the chance to experience the chilly heights of Elsa’s ice palace, and the majestic delights of Arendelle Castle. For a limited time only, there will be the opportunity to see Elsa’s stunning Ice Dress up-close and marvel at this iconic gown, soon to be worn on stage.

Fiona Pearce, Marketing Director at Disney Theatrical Productions said today, “This year, more than ever, it felt important to bring the joy of Disney’s stage shows back where they belong in the West End, spotlighting each in our first ever walk-through experience. Free for everyone, this Pop-Up for all ages, is a much-needed dose of fun where guests can enjoy the craft and beauty of our productions. Come, Be Our Guest.”

Catherine Riccomini, Director of Marketing and Communications, Capco Covent Garden, added, “Covent Garden is world famous as the heart of theatre land in London and we are delighted to once again be the home of the Disney on Stage Summer Pop-Up experience. We look forward to welcoming visitors, and invite them to stay and discover everything our open air pedestrianised district and indoor entertainment has to offer this Summer – from shopping, to dining, theatres, culture and more”

Those visiting the Disney on Stage Pop-Up are encouraged to stay and explore everything that Covent Garden has to offer – from a Summer Festival Terrace serving Spritzes, street food and daily live music, to ROH Unlocked, a partnership with the Royal Opera House delighting guests with surprise performances and workshops for all ages to enjoy. Visitors wanting to dine can enjoy global and independent restaurants, with indoor and outdoor dining available, as well as the very best fashion, beauty and lifestyle stores including Tiffany & Co., Ganni, A.P.C, American Vintage, Vashi, toys from Pollock’s, Apple and more.

Location: Carriage Hall, 29 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London

Dates: 22 July – 30 August   

Times: Wed, Fri, Sat 12pm – 7pm, Thu 12pm – 8pm, Sun 12pm – 5pm, and Bank Holiday 30 August from 12pm – 7pm

Reserve a free timeslot in advance online via https://www.disneytickets.co.uk/popup; FREE

A limited number of walk-ups will be available each day

10 to 4 Productions presents:

INDECENT PROPOSAL

The new musical will (finally) get its world premiere at Southwark Playhouse this October

A musical by Dylan Schlosberg & Michael Conley

Inspired by the novel by Jack Engelhard

Directed by Charlotte Westenra

NEW DATES:  

PREVIEWS 22^nd OCT

RUN ENDS 27^th NOV 2021 

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE

77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD

Recommended for ages 13+.

TICKET LINK 

What would you do for a million dollars?

10 to 4 Productions is delighted to announce new dates for the world premiere of Indecent Proposal; the new musicalwill now run at Southwark Playhouse from 22^nd October – 27^th November 2021. 

After two postponements, the cast and crew are thrilled to get back to creating this ambitious and modern musical inspired by the Jack Engelhard novel (on which the iconic 1993 film was also based).

———

Atlantic City. 1988: Jonny (Norman Bowman; 42nd Street Theatre Royal, Drury Lane; Eugenius! London Palladium; King Lear Royal Exchange Theatre) and Rebecca (casting to be announced) are very much in love and very much in debt. Jonny’s a struggling singer-songwriter who spends most of his time playing backup for Annie (Jacqui Dankworth; Into the Woods, original London cast, Phoenix Theatre; Les Liaisons Dangereuses, RSC and celebrated Jazz recording artist), a singer at the Oasis Casino Hotel Resort. Rebecca’s working two jobs as they struggle to make ends meet. But they’re happy and that’s enough. Or is it? 

When wealthy stranger Larry Harris (Ako Mitchell; The Color Purple Leicester Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome; Caroline, or Change Chichester, Hampstead and West End; Guys and Dolls Manchester Royal Exchange) arrives in town and offers Rebecca a million dollars to spend a night with him, will the lure of money outweigh their promise of fidelity? Will Rebecca accept Larry’s indecent proposal? Will their marriage survive if she doesn’t? Will their marriage survive if she does?

———

Inspired by the Jack Engelhard book which sparked a world-wide debate and was later adapted into the 1993 hit film, Indecent Proposal is a chamber musical that stays true to book’s setting of Atlantic City in the 1980s whilst reimagining the work through the lens of the current social and political climate, allowing audiences to consider what they would do in a similar situation, whilst they watch this couple grapple with the fallout from a stranger’s proposition.

Directed by Charlotte Westenra, book and lyrics by Michael Conley with music by Dylan Schlosberg – produced by Neil Marcus for 10 to 4 Productions; this musical brings a story to stage that, over 30 years after the book was published, is perhaps all the more painfully relevant today.

Speaking of the piece and its exploration of power, fidelity, gender politics and a woman’s sexual autonomy, director Charlotte Westenra says, ‘I am so excited to share this beautiful, important story that is of its time but also painfully relevant today. Like in the show, people with influence still use it to take more than we’re sometimes willing to give. The fact that it happens all the time doesn’t make it right, even if you agree to give it. We can’t wait for audiences to come and contribute to the conversation and ask themselves what they would do if they were to receive an indecent proposal’.