Month: August 2021

Embrace Your Inner Elf

Get the trees up early, don the floppy hat and shoes, and let the festivities begin as Elf The Musical rides into Hull New Theatre with a sleigh full of magic and merriment later this year.

Based on the hit movie starring Will Farrell, this spectacular show sees Christmas come early when the decorations and tinsel deck the halls from 2 to 6 November, 2021.

For the past two years the show has toured major venues as part of the acclaimed arena spectacular tour and the version heading to Hull will recreate the grandeur and phenomenal staging of those productions.

Producer Jon Conway said: “Elf will only play in theatres with large stages big enough to recreate the amazing visual effects we created for the supersized ‘Elf’ arena show. It features an amazing flying sleigh, twenty feet high growing candy canes, a giant LED screen with Pixar style animated backgrounds, and aerial stunts.”

This hilarious tale follows the fortunes of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.

With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Tam Ryan, who plays Buddy, said: “We can create a marvellous atmosphere with a full-blown musical spectacular and a principal cast of twenty performers who featured in the arena tours for the last two years.”

This feel-good family show is guaranteed to be good for everyone’s Elf.

Tickets are on sale now at www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Newcastle Theatre Royal – until 21 August 2021 then on tour

5*****

If Mary Poppins is Practically Perfect then Miss Eglantine Price is Bobbing Along Beautifully.

Fifty years after the film version of the Sherman Brothers classic hit the cinema’s, Bedknobs and Broomsticks has finally hit the stage.  With a book by Brian Hill and new songs and additional lyrics by Neil Bartram.

Marvellously magically, creatively choreographed and sensationally staged it was definitely worth the wait.

Dianne Pilkington leads the cast as Miss Eglantine Price an apprentice witch who takes in the orphaned Rawlins children – Charlie (Conor O’Hara), Carrie (Izabella Bucknell, Sapphire Hagon, Poppy Haughton and Evie Lightman sharing the role) and Paul (Dexter Barry, Haydn Court,  Jasper Hawes, Aidan Oti).  Pilkington shines, channeling her inner Dame Angela Landsbury whilst putting her own spell on it.  Vocally fantastic, for me she was out standing during ballads, bringing a tear to the eye during “The Age of Not Believing”.

Charles Brunton brings Emelius Browne – Professor, Magician, Trickster or Con Man, to life.  And demonstrates some mighty fine ‘dad dancing’ in the Beautiful Briny Ballroom.

The visit to the Island of Nopeepo, in the 2nd act, introduces us to some excellent puppets designed by Kenneth Mcleod.  King Leonidas, a Lion (Matthew Elliott Campbell), Angela a Bird (Emma Thornett), Sherman a Bear (Mark Anderson) and Norton the very northern fish voiced by Rob Madge all add an extra dimension of magic to the show.  And there are cries of delight from young and old alike as they appear on stage.

Jamie Harrison’s set designs and direction, Candice Edmunds co-direction, Chris Fisher’s illusions, Gareth Fry’s sound, Neil Bettles’ choreography and movement, Simon Wilkinson’s clever lighting and Gabriella Slade’s faithful 1940’s designed costumes – along with the outstanding performers and the live orchestra lead by Laura Bangay, all help to create possibly the most magical musical ever.

Catch it on tour – you won’t be disappointed

West End LIVE returns: top London shows to perform for free in Trafalgar Square

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 September 2021

westendlive.co.uk 

West End LIVE is finally back on stage, heralding the triumphant return of London’s world-leading theatre industry.

Forming part of Westminster City Council’s Inside Out Festival and the Society of London Theatre’s #BackOnStage campaign, West End LIVE will see Trafalgar Square transformed into an open-air theatre like no other, treating thousands of theatre fans to free performances from the West End’s top shows over the weekend of 18 and 19 September. 

This year’s event features the first ever West End LIVE appearances from award-winning musicals Hamilton and The Book Of Mormon, as well as an exciting roster of new shows – including The Prince Of Egypt, Disney’s Frozen, Dear Evan Hansen, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, Back To The Future: The Musical and Pretty Woman: The Musical – alongside many established favourites.

In total, over 30 shows and acts will take to the stage for this unique celebration of theatre, a joint production by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT).

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of SOLT, said:

‘It is fantastic to be able to bring West End LIVE back this year. I can’t think of a better way to fully welcome back our beloved productions and celebrate the incredible talent, resilience and creativity on our stages, and to put on an unforgettable show for the countless theatre lovers who have supported our industry so passionately in its time of need.’

Cllr Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster City Council, said:

‘I have been proud of all the West End LIVE shows we have staged in partnership with SOLT over the years – but this year’s event is particularly momentous as it shows the world the West End is back in business.

‘Our theatreland is a unique attraction for international and UK visitors, and it has been devastating for the industry to be forced to close its venues for months on end.

‘The stellar line-up for this year’s West End LIVE weekend draws a line under that. We look forward to welcoming people back safely to Trafalgar Square for a free, two-day taster of their favourite musicals – old and new. Enjoy the magic this September – West End LIVE is back!’

West End LIVE welcomes Sky VIP as a supporting partner for the first time, after working with SOLT and a raft of London shows over the past year to create exclusive videos for their Sky VIPs, giving vital opportunities to performers during the pandemic.

The event also continues its partnership with Magic Radio, with an array of leading Magic presenters co-hosting the stage across the weekend, including Emma B, Tom Price, Sonali Shah and more to be announced.

Official London Theatre will be backstage throughout the weekend sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content across our social channels.

West End LIVE will remain free and unticketed as in previous years. To keep everyone safe, however, all attendees aged 18 and over will be asked to demonstrate their Covid status to gain entry to the event.  

West End LIVE will be BSL interpreted by Sue MacLaine and Marco Nardi.

List of shows appearing at West End LIVE 2021

More shows are likely to be announced in the lead-up to the event

& Juliet 

Amélie The Musical

Back To The Future The Musical

The Book Of Mormon

Choir Of Man

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella

Come From Away

Dear Evan Hansen

Doctor Who: Time Fracture

Dreamgirls UK Tour

English National Opera

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World 

Disney’s Frozen

Grease UK Tour

The Great Gatsby

Hamilton

Heathers The Musical

Jersey Boys

Les Misérables

Disney’s The Lion King

Magic Goes Wrong

Magic Mike Live

Mamma Mia!

Mary Poppins

Matilda The Musical

The Phantom Of The Opera

Pretty Woman: The Musical

The Prince Of Egypt

Rock of Ages UK Tour

Six

The Last Five Years 

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

westendlive.co.uk / @WestEndLIVE / @westendlive / @westendLIVE

#BackOnStage

Leeds Playhouse – until 7 August 2021

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

5*****

The Performance Ensemble’s, The Promise of a Garden, in co-production with the Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Older People’s Forum and LEEDS 2023 has come to the Leeds Playhouse for four nights. With François Matarasso’s dramaturg, nature is the theme and certainly everyone can resonate with nature no matter what background, experiences and predicaments one has. The Promise of a Garden is no exception and this production deeply explores such themes and experiences.

This production works with members of the older people community who share their life and personal experiences through voice, song and dance. No experience is ever the same and the audience is able to relate and engage with the highlights and the poignancies shared.

The theme of garden and nature has a positive feeling throughout. As well as sharing experiences, artists share how nature connects them physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Figurative references about the garden are shared with regards to life, nurture and growth. It acknowledges how nature and gardens have helped many though COVID-19 Pandemic and its lockdowns. Many stories, some shared in the productions, came from parks, gardens and allotments.

The stage is transformed into a flowery paradise which the flowers are design and created by many in the communities. The handmade flowers remind one and all that there are lot of stories in the community yet to be told. It complements the background visuals with images, probably belonging the ensemble, being shown.

Under the direction of Alan Lyddiard’s this production certainly promises you a garden whether it is physical or figurative or through people’s experience including the happy and sad times. The Promise of a Garden is universally created, universally staged and for a universal audience. A well delivered and choreographed production with help from every ensemble member.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

A MADE AT CURVE, LIVERPOOL EVERYMAN & PLAYHOUSE AND ENGLISH TOURING THEATRE CO-PRODUCTION

Supported by grant funding from the Royal Theatrical Support Trust

Siena Kelly as Maggie
Oliver Johnstone as Brick
Teresa Banham as Big Mama
Peter Forbes as Big Daddy

Leicester’s Curve theatre, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and English Touring Theatre (ETT) have today revealed the full company for the upcoming co-production of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, directed by Anthony Almeida, which will open at Curve on 3 September, with a national press night on Wednesday 8 September, and then tour venues across England and Wales.

On a sweltering Mississippi night, the lies are as stifling as the heat.

Maggie has fought up from poverty, only to find herself in a passionless, burning marriage. Her husband Brick Pollitt, a former pro footballer, drinks to drown out the hurt he has bottled up inside.

When the entire Pollitt family meet for Big Daddy’s 65th birthday, the claws are out. As shattering truths threaten to spiral out of control, the family set out to protect themselves, and each other, from falling apart.

Following the success of Curve’s production of A Streetcar Named Desire, this bold new revival of Tennessee Williams’ lyrical Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece is a blazing portrayal of what it takes to survive in a society where we’re all desperate to feel free.

Siena Kelly, who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in Channel 4’s Adult Material at this year’s BAFTAs,will play the role of Maggie, with Oliver Johnstone (All My Sons, Old Vic; SkyFall, Eon Productions) as her distant and troubled husband Brick. Teresa Banham (The Crown, Netflix; Robin Hood, BBC) will appear as Big Mama and Peter Forbes (Follies, National Theatre; Judy, Pathé) will play Big Daddy, the Pollitt family’s vivid patriarch.

Joining the cast as Gooper and his wife Mae are Sam Alexander (The Watsons, Chichester Festival Theatre) and Shanaya Rafaat (Jude, Hampstead Theatre). Suzette Llewellyn (EastEnders, BBC) will play Doctor Baugh, with Minal Patel (A Christmas Carol, Dominion Theatre) as Reverend Tooker.

The drama will open at Curve 3 – 18 September, before touring to Liverpool Playhouse 22 September – 2 October, Marlowe Theatre 6 – 9 October, The New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich 12 – 16 October, Theatr Clwyd 19 – 23 October, concluding at Mast Mayflower Studios Southampton 26 – 30 October.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is directed by Anthony Almeida, winner of the 2019 Royal Theatrical Support Trust (RTST) Sir Peter Hall Director Award. The production is also supported by grant funding from the RTST.

Speaking about the company, director Anthony Almeida said:

“Medea, Hamlet, Hedda Gabler – throughout stage history: a singular heavyweight part headlines our greatest plays. But in his typical swagger, Tennessee Williams tore up the rules: he wrote not just one, but four colossal, enigmatic roles. It’s going to be dynamite to witness these talented actors go head-to-head onstage. This entire cast are electric. I’m excited for us to begin rehearsals.”

Rosanna Vize will design the set for the production, with associate designs and costume designs from Sarah Mercadé. Joshua Gadsby will provide lighting designs, Giles Thomas will compose new music and create the sound design, and movement direction will come from Gemma Payne. The show is cast by Ginner Schiller and the production team is completed by Curve’s Birkbeck Trainee Director Jennifer Lane Baker as Assistant Director, Production Manager Sam Paterson, Company Stage Manager Helen Gaynor, Deputy Stage Manager Robyn Clogg and Assistant Stage Manager Zoe Leonard.

The roles of the Pollitt family children will be played by local young people at Leicester’s Curve, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and across the tour.

Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“We are thrilled our co-production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will finally make it onto stages this autumn. Anthony Almeida is a director of outstanding talent and we are excited to welcome him to Leicester. Anthony has assembled an astonishing creative team and acting company, who we’re certain will thrill audiences across the tour.

“These are challenging times to produce theatre and we are indebted to our partners at English Touring Theatre, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, and Mark Hawes and Sir Geoffrey Cass at the Royal Theatrical Support Trust for their unyielding support and collaborative spirit, ensuring this ambitious production can go and can be shared with audiences across the country.”

Mark Da Vanzo, Chief Executive at Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with our friends at the Curve and English Touring Theatre to bring this wonderful, bold new revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof to the Liverpool Playhouse. A particular highlight is that local young people will have the chance to be cast and act alongside a very distinguished and talented cast. It’s likely to be a sell-out tour so don’t miss this opportunity to see Tennessee Williams’ classic play”.

Richard Twyman, Artistic Director and Sophie Scull, Executive Producer at ETT said:

“We are extremely proud to be partnering with Leicester Curve and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse on this RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award winning production. This award provides a vital opportunity for an early career artist to make work for audiences nationally, in some of the UK’s most significant and dynamic theatre spaces, and never has that felt so essential. The RTST 2019 winner, Anthony Almeida, is a remarkably talented director and we’re so excited by the outstanding cast and creative team he’ll be working with. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is the first show ETT will be touring to (indoor) theatres since the pandemic began, and we can’t wait to share this beautiful piece with audiences in Leicester, Liverpool, Canterbury, Ipswich, North Wales and Southampton.”

Tickets for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof are on sale now. To find out more and book tickets, visit www.curveonline.co.uk

Pleasance National Partnerships Programme with Bristol Old Vic FERMENT. On demand from 9 – 30 August 2021

Reviewed by Aimee Liddington

4****

Do we create our own destiny or is our future decided by the circumstances we are born into? This monologue by Florence Espeut-Nickless forces us to ponder on this question.

In her semi-autobiographical account of a young girl from a council estate in rural Wiltshire, Espeut-Nickless brings a beautiful authenticity to the role. We meet Destiny as she is preparing for a big night out at Karma, her local nightclub. As the music plays and the drinks flow, the night takes a turn for the worse and we end up joining Destiny on her path to finding the love and support that has been lacking so far in her life.

It’s a story we have heard before but despite the predictability of the character’s bad decisions, it’s hard not to fall for her charm. Her life has been full of misfortune including absent parents, financial hardship and sexual abuse but there is a level of innocence to her story telling which makes her all the more endearing. As she repeatedly makes decisions that will inevitably end in pain, Destiny manages to keep the audience laughing even in her darkest hours. Espeut-Nickless cleverly makes references to stereotypes and well-known pop culture that the audience is sure to resonate with.

The stage is kept very bare with only a single chair and a handful of small props to accompany our actress in her one woman show. The clever sound and lighting adjustments by Joseff Harris and Jenny Roxburgh create shifts in ambiance that give the audience an insight into Destiny’s state of mind. The success of the performance is however, owed mostly, to Espeut-Nickless and her ability to command the stage.

This is a thought-provoking piece of political theatre peppered with moments of humour and a reminder that we can create our own destiny if we manage to find a bit of hope and faith.

Curve Theatre, Leicester and The Pleasance Theatre, London. On demand from 16 – 30 August 2021

Reviewed by Aimee Liddington

3***

Jo is ‘sort of a lesbian’ and she’s ‘sort of friends’ with Eva who is ‘sort of a liability’ – together they navigate the ups and downs of womanhood. When Jo becomes pregnant, she turns to Eva for support but Eva is going through her own dilemma. The two women support each other and in a story about sexuality and sexual health, we are reminded that family can be so much more than what it appears to be in a traditional sense.

Writer and producer, Holly Boyden covers some prominent difficulties for young women in this modern story set in the East Midlands. Although the audience is amused by the one-liners delivered by Eva, played by Lisa Ronkowski, her character also allows the audience to confront some serious topics such as abortion, STIs and infertility. Additionally, Jo, played by Gemma Kenny, brings some thought-provoking issues to the forefront concerning bisexuality and attitudes towards motherhood.

Holly Boyden herself, who played the role of Sheela, was successful in stepping in as extra characters such as the waitress in the restaurant scene and the doctor at the women’s clinic. I did, however, often feel confused by her presence when she stepped back into her role as the narrator. At times she seemed to need more confidence and could have delivered some of her lines with more conviction. I wonder whether this character would be better scaled back and if Boyden could work on the subtlety of the omnipresence of the narrator with director Natasha Kathi-Chandra.

The choice of staging was clever and Kenny, Ronkowski and Boyden worked well together to move the tables which were used to transform the stage from scene to scene. The lighting and sound, although very basic, seemed to work but during the filmed version there seemed to be a lot of background noise. At times, it wasn’t clear whether the noise was part of the production or was coming from elsewhere. This is of course something that would not have been an issue when viewing the play in person.

It Kind of Looks Like a Doughnut is an intriguing production which covers some very interesting and challenging topics with humour. The skeleton of a successful production is definitely there, the team just need to polish the finished article.

Trafalgar Theatre, London- until 2 January 2022

Reviewed by Liberty Noke

5*****

Jersey Boys tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons as they rise from a small town in New Jersey to become best selling artists. The story is told in four parts or “seasons” with each member of the band getting the chance to narrate their story.

Featuring such recognisable classics as “Beggin” and “Can’t Take my Eyes Off You” and with complex and endearing characters it is clear to see why this musical has been so popular since its debut in 2004 and this performance was no different. The talented cast had pitch perfect vocals throughout and the choreography, while it may appear simple, perfectly matched the music and the period and was performed so immaculately, not once was any actor off beat.

Ben Joyce’s performance of Frankie Valli was incredible his vocals were stunning and he gave a fantastic portrayal of Frankie from start to finish. A remarkable West End debut. Tommy De Vito played by Benjamin Yates, despite his despicable acts was charming and you couldn’t help but quite like him. Adam Bailey played the character of Bob Gaudio, the song writing talent of the group. He brings such likeability to the character. Karl James Wilson plays Nick Massi who is often the voice of reason in the group. He added humour to the show in the blunt way he delivered some of his lines.

The staging was simple, grey in colour with a raised walkway along the back accessed by a staircase in either side to add layers to the stage. Act one ended with the Four Seasons facing away from the audience as if to a crowd allowing the audience to feel that they were backstage at a Four Seasons show. A fantastic and unusual way to close the first act that made the audience feel closer to the story.

Overall this was an energetic and upbeat performance that had the whole theatre on their feet. A sensational musical that is not to be missed.

KILN YOUNG COMPANY 16-18s PRESENT A NEW BEGINNING

Kiln Young Company 16-18s will be presenting a scratch production called A New Beginning on Kiln Theatre stage this evening at 7pm. The group of young people from Brent and North West London have been taking part in free sessions since May, supported by Director David Gilbert, Associate Director Basheba Baptiste and Writing Associate Sara Kosar, where they have been developing their writing, acting and directing skills culminating in tonight’s performance.

Many young people are participants who have taken part in Kiln Theatre projects before and some are new to the project. The first part of the course was online and focussed on writing skills, with in person sessions resuming in June at Kiln Theatre. 

With a focus on independent writing skills at the start of the project, and supporting young people’s own voices and ideas, the piece encompasses multiple short pieces in one night. Participants developed 6 short plays, and are directing and acting in each other’s work. One of the aims of the project is to support the development of young people’s creative Agency, to help them gain a range of theatre making skills to enable them to create their own work in the future.

Head of Creative Engagement, Jenny Batt said, As with the theatre industry and Brent borough, the Participants and the Creative Team have faced many challenges over the course of the project due to the pandemic. I’m completely inspired by the commitment to creativity that the young company have showed in this time, as well as their talent. It’s a total privilege to be working with the young people and amazing creative team on this scratch, which is the first Creative Engagement project to return to Kiln Theatre Stage since lockdown 2020. Come down.

Listings: A New Beginning

Tickets are free, and can be reserved via the website: https://kilntheatre.com/whats-on/a-new-beginning/

Kiln Theatre Young Company 16-18s

19 August 2021, 7pm

A NEW BEGINNING

Inspired by those moments that leave your perspective changed forever, A NEW BEGINNING journeys to 6 very different worlds to meet characters that are all trying to make sense of the circumstances they find themselves in.

Kiln Theatre Young Company have worked online and in person, through isolation and challenges and we are so proud to finally share their vision with you in a scratch production on Kiln Theatre stage.

MIRROR IMAGE

Written and directed by Maksymilian

Aver: Jyothi

Gabri: Terriesia

TOUGH LOVE

Written and directed by Sami

Guard: James

X: Lily

Dad: Chioma

OBSESSION

Written by Tempest

Directed by Jyothi

Akira: Maksymilian

Min-Jun/Dae: Tempest

DAYS

Written and directed by Lily

Performed by Chioma and Terriesia

THE DOOR  

Written by James, Josh and Rafael

Directed by Tempest

Tobias: Sami

James: James

Josh: Josh

MY MYSELF

Written and directed by Terriesia

Performed by Bathseba and Terriesia

CREATIVE TEAM 

Director David Gilbert, Associate Director Bashevba “Bashiie” Baptiste, Designer Roisin Martindale, Lighting Designer Lucía Sánchez, Sound Designer Joseff Harris, Writing Facilitator Sarah Kosar

For ages 12+

Soho Theatre – until 21 August 2021

4****

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Inspired by the incident at DSTRKT in 2015 when a group of women were turned away for being “too black”, Jessica L Hagan’s Queens of Sheba, directed by Jessica Kaliisa, is a blistering rollercoaster of emotion as four women share their stories of what it is to be a black woman in a world of misogynoir. The noises of recognition from the audience throughout the show, from men and women, say it all. After each story, their refrain is: They ask me where I am from! I say I am a mix of both racism and sexism. They lay equally on my skin, passed down unknowingly by my next of kin.

The amazingly talented cast – Tosin Alabi, Eshe Asante, Kokoma Kwaku and Elisha Robin – have performed the show many times, and their chemistry is electric. The sense of sisterhood as they share spoken word sections, comfort each other, make each other laugh, sing, or just sit in silence is palpable. The everyday racism and sexism they describe is instantly recognisable, from the first days at a new job and the attitude of white co-workers, to an awful first date with a white man who fetishizes “exotic” women. The cast slip into different characters effortlessly, with their caricatures of men, white and black, hilariously accurate. The section in the club as they portray a group of men hitting on women is hysterical and awful – you will cringe and cry with laughter at the same time. Whenever things look bleak, the women lose themselves in the songs of Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Tina Turner – with stunning singing and harmonies. The show also tackles the women’s tricky relationship with modern black artists, lifted up the music but oppressed and brutalised by the lyrics.

Laying bare the realities and struggles of black women, but also celebrating the strength and sisterhood this creates, Queens of Sheba is an exhilarating show that will stay with you for a long time.