Month: August 2022

James L. Nederlander, Jamie Wilson, Hunter Arnold, Crossroads Live, Playful Productions and the English National Opera
present
the Lincoln Center Theater production of

LERNER & LOEWE’S
MY FAIR LADY
Book and Lyrics by ALAN JAY LERNER
Music by FREDERICK LOEWE
Directed by BARTLETT SHER

www.myfairladymusical.co.uk
@MyFairLadyUK

• ALL STAR, AWARD-WINNING CAST TO LEAD UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF MY FAIR LADY
   
• FOLLOWING A CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED RUN AT THE LONDON COLISEUM BARTLETT SHER’S SUMPTUOUS PRODUCTION HITS THE ROAD THIS AUTUMN
   
• LED BY EASTENDERS ADAM WOODYATT AND OPERA SUPERSTAR LESLEY GARRETT, THE CAST INCLUDES MICHAEL D. XAVIER, CHARLOTTE KENNEDY, HEATHER JACKSON, JOHN MIDDLETON AND TOM LIGGINS

Today casting has been announced for the UK and Ireland tour of Bartlett Sher’s critically acclaimedand multi award-winning production of Lerner & Loewe’s much loved MY FAIR LADY. 

“A Rolls Royce of a revival”

Evening Standard

“A joyous musical” 

Daily Mail

“A reminder of why we go to West End shows”

Sunday Times

Award-winning West End and Broadway star and two-time Olivier Award nominee Michael D. Xavier will play Henry Higgins. Most recently Michael starred on screen with recurring roles in Grantchester (ITV), Outlander (Amazon), Gentleman Jack (BBC) and in The Blacklist (NBC). Michael spent an incredibly successful year on Broadway in 2017, reprising his role as Joe Gillis opposite Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard and in Hal Prince’s hit show Prince Of Broadway. Michael was nominated for two Olivier Awards in 2011; ‘Best Supporting Performance in a Musical’ (Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince – Into The Woods at The Open Air Theatre) and ‘Best Actor in a Musical’ (Oliver – Love Story at The Duchess Theatre & Chichester Festival Theatre).

Charlotte Kennedy will star as Eliza Doolittle. Charlotte made her professional debut in Les Miserables in the West End and most recently played the role of Cosette.

Best known for playing Ian Beale in EastEnders, Adam Woodyatt will play Alfred P. Doolittle. Ian has played the character of Ian Beale since the programme started in 1985 appearing in over 3460 episodes. Before joining EastEnders as a 16 year old, Adam had enjoyed a successful start to his career in the theatre with roles in Oliver! (Albery Theatre now Noel Coward), On the Razzle (National Theatre) before playing Shiner in the Baker Street Boys (BBC) and Dave Firkettle in Witches and the Grinnygog (TVS).

Heather Jackson will reprise her role as Mrs Higgins which she is currently playing at the London Coliseum. Star of multiple roles all over the UK and Europe, Heather played the part of Madame Giry in the West End production of ‘The Phantom of The Opera’ for a total of nine years, leaving the show in 2009.

John Middleton will play Colonel Pickering. John is best known for his part in ITV’s Emmerdale as Ashley Thomas, a role which he remained in from 1996 to 2017. After this he starred in a highly successful theatre tour of Strangers on a Train where he appeared as the American detective Arthur Gerard, alongside Christopher Harper, Jack Ashton and Hannah Tointon.

Opera superstar Lesley Garrett will play Mrs Pearce. Lesley is Britain’s best-known soprano, regularly appearing in opera, musical theatre, concert, on television and CD. For more than 30 years she has enjoyed one of the most successful and idiosyncratic careers of any modern-day, classically trained soprano, winning both critical acclaim and the affection of many fans and music lovers through the breadth and diversity of her work. Internationally Lesley has performed throughout Europe, the USA, Australia, Russia, Brazil, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea.

Tom Liggins made his professional debut in the West End run of My Fair Lady at the London Coliseum. On tour he will play the role of Freddy Eynsford-Hill

They will be joined by Dammi Aregbeshola, Bernadette Bangura, Joseph Claus, Jordan Crouch, Jamie Cruttenden, Francessca Daniella-Baker, Barry Drummond,  Bethany Huckle, Emma Johnson, Sinead Kenny, Jenny Legg, Rebekah Lowings, Carl Patrick, Tom Ping, Dominique Planter, Joseph Poulton, John Stacey, Joshua Steel, Oliver Tester, Adam Vaughan, Annie Wensak and Paul Westwood as the ensemble. Further casting will be announced in due course.

My Fair Lady will open in Bradford (22 September – 2 October) before going on to visit Dublin (6 – 30 October), Cardiff (8 – 26 November), Edinburgh (14 December – 7 January), Southampton (12 – 29 January), Birmingham (7 – 26 March), and Canterbury (20 June – 1 July) with more cities to be announced. All tickets are on sale now. Some casting may be subject to change in some venues.

Directed by Bartlett Sher, this sublime production, which premiered in the spring of 2018 at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, was the winner of the Tony Award for Best Costume Design,  5 Outer Critics’ Circle Awards including Best Musical Revival, the Drama League Award for Outstanding Musical Revival, and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Musical Revival and Costume Design.

Bartlett Sher’s spectacularly well-dressed production

The Times

My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady”. But who is really being transformed?

With a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, MY FAIR LADYboasts a score including the classic songs “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” 

“Thrilling! Glorious and better than it ever was! A marvellous and transformative revival.”
New York Times

Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s play and Gabriel Pascal’s motion picture Pygmalion, Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY premiered on Broadway in March 1956, winning 6 Tony Awards including Best Musical, and becoming the longest-running musical in Broadway history at the time. Following this success, the production transferred to London in 1958, where it played in the West End for five and a half years. 

MY FAIR LADY has seen many notable revivals and adaptations, including the acclaimed 1964 film starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, which won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Most recently on the London stage, Cameron Mackintosh’s 2001 revival at Theatre Royal Drury Lane won three Olivier Awards, and later toured across the UK and Ireland in 2005.

James L. Nederlander, Jamie Wilson, Hunter Arnold, Playful Productions and the English National Opera present the Lincoln Center Theater production ofLerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY. Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, Music by Frederick Loewe, sets by Michael Yeargan, costumes by Catherine Zuber, lighting by Donald Holder, sound by Marc Salzberg, hair & wigs by Tom Watson, UK music supervision by Gareth Valentine, UK musical direction by Alex Parker, musical supervision by Ted Sperling, choreography by Christopher Gattelli, directed by Bartlett Sher.

MUSICAL THEATRE RAVE: THE AFTER PARTY

RETURNS TO HEAVEN NIGHTCLUB ON SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER

After a roaringly successful launch last weekend, Musical Theatre Rave: The After Party is back by popular demand at the iconic Heaven nightclub under Charing Cross.

The After Party: Act 2, returns on Sunday 4 December from 9pm Sunday evening running through to 3am the following morning. Returning to host the evening will be Oscar Conlon-Morrey, who is currently starring in the West End production of Only Fools and Horses.

The first part of the evening features fan-favourite musical hits performed by West End stars, after which the DJ takes charge, blaring musical theatre classics until 3am. With cosplay highly encouraged, special guests making cameos and musical themed cocktails and mocktails – it’s the stagiest rave in town! Previous guests have included Olivia Moore, Vicki Manser and the cast of Heathers the Musical.

Event producer and West End Marketer, Willy says, “The first event was a magical moment for everyone involved! It exceeded our expectations and it was truly a pleasure to see the community so happy. We can’t wait to do it all over again.”

Heaven representative, Jack Downs says ‘‘After the success of the first Musical Theatre Rave at Heaven, we can’t wait to have booked in the second After Party, grab your tickets now.”

Early bird tickets are available from £7.50, with later tickets available from £12.50 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-afterparty-act-2-musical-theatre-rave-tickets-406511897027

Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre

New season of dance at Leeds’ 

The Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre in Leeds has announced a new season of dance opening in October 2022. The season will include performances by returning dance companies James Wilton Dance and Ballet Cymru, alongside a new collaboration between the United Strings of Europe and Gandini Juggling and the return of Northern Ballet’s hugely popular children’s production, Ugly Duckling. 

To kick off the season, James Wilton Dance returns to Leeds with a new production, LORE on 11 October 2022. Inspired by a folklore journey into a pagan world of gods, demons and humans, the show is embodied through the otherworldly athleticism of James Wilton’s dancers. The energy-filled evening explores our connection to nature, showing how we are made from the soil that we walk on and the air that we breathe. With a specially composed soundtrack by Michal Wojtas, influenced by Viking, Celtic and Slavic folk music, LORE is like listening to the tales our ancestors told while sat in a clearing in the woods, and hearing the ancient stories that bind humanity together. 

Families can look forward to the return of Northern Ballet’s hugely popular, Ugly Duckling between 24 – 27 October. Retelling the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, Ugly Duckling is lonely and fed-up, ignored by those around her who think she is too ugly to fit in. Follow the duckling on her journey as she overcomes her troubles and realises that she was beautiful all along. This short ballet is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time this October half-term.  

In a special collaboration between United Strings of Europe and the Gandini Juggling, Stravinsky’s ballet, Apollo and His Muses is restaged as Apollo Resurrected on 3 November. Exploring the essential role art has to play in a world recovering from tragedy and isolation, the new narrative, by theatrical director Bill Barclay, re-casts Apollo as an artist recovering from personal tragedy who must learn how to fall in love with life, and art, again. Alongside Stravinsky’s sumptuous score for Apollon Musagete, the hour-long show includes music by Osvaldo Golijov and a new commission from British composer Joanna Marsh. This performance is presented in collaboration with Leeds International Concert Season. 

Ballet Cymru returns to Leeds for two nights on 11 – 12 November with a vibrant, fresh, and innovative new full-length ballet based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. DREAM is a sparkling re-interpretation in ballet, creating a magical world of fairies, lovers, and bewitching enchantment for those watching. Featuring Ballet Cymru’s groundbreaking dancers, stunning video projection, and innovative choreography from Artistic Directors Darius James OBE and Amy Doughty, the show is accompanied by music from award-winning instrumentalist and composer Frank Moon.  

The Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre’s Autumn season is a great opportunity to see high quality dance at great value, performed in a local intimate setting. Tickets can be booked online at theatreleeds.com, by calling the Box Office on 0113 220 8008 or in person at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Northern Ballet, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7PA.  

Finalists revealed in search for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre ahead of

UK Theatre Awards 2022

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, Leeds Playhouse and New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich have been unveiled as the shortlisted venues for this year’s UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award at the UK Theatre Awards, which returns on Sunday 23 October for the first time since 2019.

The venues have been judged by an industry panel on how welcoming they are in the areas of ‘place’, ‘people’ and ‘programme’ – everything from their building design, the array of refreshments on offer and how audiences are greeted upon arrival, to the work programmed, outreach projects and other interactions with theatregoers, staff, freelancers and the local community.

Having scoured the whole of the country and selected the three finalists from a large number of online submissions, the panel will now visit the venues in person to determine the overall winner. Visits might involve meeting staff, having a tour of the building, taking part in a scheduled activity, speaking to audience members or visiting the onsite café or restaurant.

The winner of the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre 2022 will be announced at the UK Theatre Awards on Sunday 23 October at London’s Guildhall. The last ceremony took place before the pandemic in 2019, with Storyhouse in Cheshire crowned that year’s Most Welcoming Theatre.

Jon Gilchrist and Stephanie Sirr, Co-Presidents of UK Theatre, said:

‘The UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award is a fantastic platform for celebrating the UK theatres which provide an inspiring, accessible and inclusive creative hub for everyone who crosses their threshold. This year’s finalists are three very different venues from different parts of the country, but what they have in common is a mission to take high quality work beyond their walls and out into their local communities, as well as making their physical spaces as outward-looking and easily navigable as possible. We know the panel are looking forward to visiting the finalists next month, and to crowning the overall winner in October.’

For 30 years, the UK Theatre Awards have been the only nationwide awards to celebrate the outstanding achievements of theatre across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Further details of this year’s UK Theatre Awards will be announced in due course.

About the UKs Most Welcoming Theatre finalists:

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre recently celebrated its 80^th year at the cultural heart of Dundee, as home to the Dundee Rep Ensemble – the only permanent full-time company of its kind in Scotland – and Scottish Dance Theatre, one of the few full-time dance companies in the UK. Together, these twin ensembles have created many award-winning national and international productions, establishing a reputation as one of the UK’s leaders in theatre and dance production. At the heart of the organisations’ vision is the belief that world-class artistic and creative experience should be open to all. An extensive engagement programme works with people of all ages within the building, across Scotland and internationally.

Leeds Playhouse opened in 1970 as a new repertory theatre for Yorkshire, originally housed in a temporary Portacabin. With a mission to seek out, support, develop and produce vital theatre at all scales – from a debut play by a local writer to a large-scale musical for international touring – it often takes work out into the local community and beyond. In recent years, the Playhouse has undergone an extensive £16m redevelopment to make it more accessible to everyone, reopening in 2019 with an entrance that embraces the city and a new space, the Bramall Rock Void Studio, enabling the Playhouse to create work across three scales, generate more income and reduce its environmental impact.

New Wolsey Theatre, based in Ipswich since opening in 1979, aims to create work that is welcoming, inclusive and open to all sections of the community, contributes to the cultural life of the surrounding area, and offers opportunities to young people and under-represented groups to develop their theatre and performance skills. Central to the organisation’s ethos is high quality collaborative work – both in-house and touring – with maximum diversity and accessibility. The New Wolsey Theatre is a founder member of Ramps on the Moon, a consortium championing D/deaf and disabled people in on and off-stage roles.

@UK_Theatre               #UKTawards

TuckShop & Trafalgar Theatre Productions present

DEATH DROP IS BACK IN THE WEST END!!!

WITH A NEW KILLER DRAG MURDER MYSTERY

NUN OF YOU EXPECTED…

GARRICK THEATRE 8 – 20 NOVEMBER

PRIOR TO 2022/2023 UK TOUR

PRIORITY SALE – WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST

FROM NIMAXTHEATRES.COM

GENERAL SALE – THURSDAY 25 AUGUST

FROM DEATHDROPPLAY.COM

BASED ON AN ORIGINAL IDEA BY CHRISTOPHER D. CLEGG

WRITTEN BY ROB EVANS

DIRECTED BY JESSE JONES

The smash-hit sold-out killer comedy Death Drop is back and will return to the West End this autumn with a brand-new production: Death Drop: Back In The Habit. Opening at the Garrick Theatre for a limited run from 8 – 20 November, this residency follows three sold-out West End runs and a smash hit UK tour. Tickets are on priority sale from NimaxTheatres.com on Wednesday 24 August, and general sale from DeathDropPlay.com on Thursday 25 August.

From the producers who brought Courtney Act, Monet X Change, Willam, Jujubee and Latrice Royale to theatres across the country, Death Drop: Back In The Habit promises to be another “killer show…that absolutely slays“. The new play is written by Rob Evans and directed once again by Jesse Jones. Casting will be announced soon.

This run at the Garrick Theatre is part a five month UK tour for Death Drop: Back In The Habit, which opens at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre on 27 October. This laugh a minute show will then sashay into Dartford, Wycombe, Cardiff, Crewe, Brighton, Blackpool, Sheffield, Leicester, Aberdeen, Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham.

TuckShop Creative Director and Producer Christopher D. Clegg said: “We cannot wait to return to the Garrick Theatre with an all new Death Drop this Autumn. Audiences have truly fallen in love with TuckShop’s special mix of theatre and drag, and to bring our brand of Murder-Mystery ridiculousness back to the West End with an all new twist, is so exciting.”

Death Drop Back In The Habit sees a gaggle of fabulous Nuns trapped in their Convent with a serial slayer slashing their way through the Sisters. As the clues are unearthed by Sis Marple, you’ll be laughing in the pews as the hilarious, fierce, all-drag killer comedy comes to its thrilling and uproarious conclusion.

Death Drop: Back In The Habit – UK Tour 2022/23

27 – 30 October Bromley: Churchill Theatre

1 – 5 November Dartford: Orchard Theatre

8 – 20 November London: Garrick Theatre

22 – 26 November High Wycombe: Swan Theatre

29 November – 3 December Cardiff: New Theatre

6 – 10 December Crewe: Lyceum Theatre

13 December – 24 December Brighton: Theatre Royal

3 – 7 January Blackpool: Grand Theatre

10 – 14 January Sheffield: Lyceum Theatre

17 – 21 January Leicester: Curve Theatre

23 – 28 January Aberdeen: Her Majesty’s

14 – 19 February Nottingham: Theatre Royal

23 – 25 February Glasgow: King’s Theatre

9 – 12 March Manchester: Opera House

13 – 18 March Birmingham: The Alexandra

West End Listings Information

Garrick Theatre

First Performance: 8 November 2022

Final performance: 20 November 2022

Performances: Tuesday – Thursday at 8pm, Friday & Saturday at 5pm & 8.30pm and Sunday at 4pm

Tickets from £19.50

Website: www.deathdropplay.com

Twitter: @deathdropplay

Instagram: @deathdropplay

Facebook: Facebook.com/deathdropplay

Grandad Anansi is a new co-production from Z-arts and Half Moon Theatre, the team behind Dust, winner of a 2022 Off West End Theatre award.

It is written by emerging writer 52-year-old Elayne Ogbeta, who is mum to Commonwealth bronze medal winner Naomi Metzger and Swansea City defender Nathanael Ogbeta.

Grandad Anansi

A Half Moon and Z-arts co-production for ages 4-9

Touring throughout October 2022 to celebrate Black History Month

Touring from 29 September 2022, with its premiere at Z-arts in Manchester, is a brand new children’s show for Black History Month. Grandad Anansi is a playful celebration of the love between generations and the joy of storytelling. Written for children aged 4-9, it shines a light on Jamaican culture and the Windrush generation.

Abi and her beloved Grandad tell each other stories as they enjoy half term together on his allotment. They play games and sing songs as they work among the beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables.

As they plant seeds – and memories -they share secrets and develop a bond that nothing can break.

Ten-year-old Abi thinks Grandad is as smart and mischievous as wily Anansi; part human, part spider and the subject of many West African and Caribbean folk stories. She gives him the nickname Grandad Anansi.

But as they romp amongst the rhubarb, okra and cauliflowers, Abi suspects crafty Grandad is hiding something from her.

Can Grandad find a way to tell Abi about his plans to return to his Jamaican homeland?

Grandad Anansi is the latest co-production from Half Moon and Z-arts, the team behind Dust, winner of a 2022 Off West End Theatre Award. It is an uplifting tale of love, courage and letting go.

Featuring live music, singing and dancing, it is touring throughout October 2022 for Black History Month.

Grandad Anansi is a contemporary re-telling of traditional folktales, which has particular resonance after the Windrush scandal and conversations brought about by the Black Lives Matters debate. The 40-minute show makes use of a mix of English and Jamaican Patois.

Grandad is played by stage and TV actor Marcus Hercules (Coronation Street, Brookside, Holby City, Casualty, Shameless) who shares his character’s Jamaican heritage. Whilst Jazmine Wilkinson takes on the role of his preteen grandchild Abi. Grandad Anansi is directed by Chris Yarnell (The Outbound Project, Haste Theatre Company) and musical director is Tayo Akinbode, who has created work for The National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company and New York Public Theater.

Grandad Anansi is the first piece of children’s theatre by Elayne Ogbeta, a Greater Manchester writer of Jamaican heritage. Elayne, a former ESOL tutor, lives in Salford with her high-achieving family. Daughter Naomi Metzger is triple jump 10 times British champion and Commonwealth bronze medallist and son Nathanael Ogbeta was signed by Manchester City aged 10 and is currently a defender for Swansea City.

The character of ‘Grandad’ is partly based on Elayne’s own father, 89-year-old Ashley Malcolm, who moved from Jamaica to settle in Preston in the 1960s as part of the Windrush generation.

Elayne Ogbeta said: “I grew up listening to lots of wonderful stories about the roguish spider Anansi told by my dad. He is still a great storyteller to this day and has continued to delight all nine of his grandchildren with gripping versions of the classic Jamaican tales.

“Grandad Anansi takes these oral stories, which have been passed down through generations, and places them on the stage, in front of new audiences. The stories are framed within a wider, universal narrative about intergenerational love, growing up, growing older and the meaning of home.”

Liz O’Neill, principle producer, Z-arts, said: “Grandad Anansi is a story that will resonate with everyone who prizes their family ties.

“It is a show full of fun, laughter, silliness, music and movement, whilst still managing to touch on more serious issues, including the hopes and dreams of the Windrush generation and their families.

“Grandad Anansi is a must watch for children aged 4-9 and their parents and carers this Black History Month.”

Writer: Elayne Ogbeta

Grandad: Marcus Hercules

Abi: Jazmine Wilkinson

Director: Chris Yarnell

Producer (Z-arts): Liz O’Neill

Producer (Half Moon): Chris Elwell
Musical director: Tayo Akinbode

Grandad Anansi tour dates 2022

30 Sep – 1 Oct – Z-Arts, Manchester M15 5ZA
4 Oct – Montgomery Theatre, Sheffield S1 2LG
7-8 Oct – Half Moon Theatre, London E1 0ND
9 Oct – Hat Factory, Luton LU1 2EH
11 Oct – The Met, Bury BL9 0BW
12 Oct – Oldham Library, OL1 1AL (presented by Oldham Library Service)
13 Oct – Eccleston Library, St Helens WA10 5PJ (presented by Wonderarts and St Helens Library Service)
14 -15 Oct – Chester Lane Library, St Helens WA9 4DE (presented by Wonderarts and St Helens Library Service)
16 Oct – Astley Cheetham Gallery, Stalybridge SK15 2BN (presented by Tameside Libraries)
17 Oct – Worksop Library, Nottinghamshire S80 2BP & Mansfield Central Library, Nottinghamshire NG18 1NH (presented by Spark as part of Libraries across Nottinghamshire with Inspire: Culture, Learning, Libraries)
18 Oct – The Grand, Clitheroe BB7 2DL
19 Oct – Sutton in Ashfield Library, Nottinghamshire NG17 1BP (presented by Spark as part of Libraries across Nottinghamshire with Inspire: Culture, Learning, Libraries)
20 & 22 Oct – Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington DL1 1SG
23 Oct – Beeston Library, Nottinghamshire NG17 1AE & West Bridgford Library, Nottinghamshire NG2 6AT (presented by Spark as part of Libraries across Nottinghamshire with Inspire: Culture, Learning, Libraries)
25 – 29 Oct – Lyric Hammersmith, London W6 0QL
30 Oct – Cambridge Junction, CB1 7GX

Malvern Theatre – until August 25th 2022

Reviewed by Kathie Hodges

5*****

The wonderful children’s book The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr, has been cleverly adapted to the stage by director David Wood, and this week it arrived at Malvern Theatre.

The Olivier Award nominated show comes direct from the West End was surely bound to be a hit.

As with any family show, expect a lot of excitement and audience participation.
The show is given the age recommendation of three plus, and it’s safe to say my seven year old was possibly a little old for it but it didn’t stop her joining in with the singing and dancing which is greatly encouraged, and also being a little anxious of the Tigers arrival.

No anxiety is needed though for no sooner has the doorbell rang, and the Tiger makes an appearance on stage, the audience are reassured that the Tiger is in fact extremely friendly and not scary at all just extremely thirsty and very hungry.

Gobbling up the entire contents of little Sophie’s larder and fridge, leaving no supper for Daddy.

The set is simple and eye catching for children, set in Sophie’s kitchen.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the tricks and watched in amazement as the food magically disappeared from the shelves.

The show is fifty five minutes long, with no intervals which is perfect timing for little ones, and all in all a wonderful show which holds the attention of the small viewer throughout.
Full to the brim with singing, dancing, a little ‘he’s behind you’ and a lot of magic.
It’s a wonderful hour spent.

1st look at Elijah Ferreira and Jade Johnson
rehearsing new musical
‘Help! We Are Still Alive’

Following their sold-out smash-hit with Sondheim’s
 ‘Anyone Can Whistle’ at Southwark Playhouse earlier this year

The Grey Area Theatre Company
in association with Seven Dials Playhouse presents
the world premiere of the musicalHelp! We Are Still Alive

Music and Lyrics by Tim Gilvin
Book and Lyrics by Imogen Palmer

Seven Dials Playhouse
5 September – 15 October, 2022

Jass and Finn have survived the apocalypse – but can their relationship take the strain? What do you do when the last person on earth no longer floats your boat?

‘Help! We are Still Alive’, Book & Lyrics by Imogen Palmer (She/They) Music & Lyrics by Tim Gilvin (He/Him) is a hilarious, gig-style queer, comedy musical about keeping the romance alive when everything else is dead as a doornail.

It’s ‘28 Days Later’ meets ‘When Harry Met Sally’ with catchy and heart-breaking songs.

Cast:

Elijah Ferreira (He/Him) as Finn, South African born actor and musician, recently played Hedwig’s husband and roadie Yitzhak in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ at Leeds Playhouse and Manchester’s Home. Other roles include ‘Safe’ at Hackney Empire.

Jade Johnson (She/Her) as Jass was in ‘Book of Mormon’ and the gala of ‘The Pirate Queen’ in the West End. ‘The Color Purple’ at Cadogan Hall and ‘Club Mex: Immersive Club Musical’ at Hope Mill in
Manchester.

Creative team:

Director Georgie Rankcom (They/Them) OFFIE nominated for their blazing (The Guardian) revival of Anyone Can Whistle at Southwark Playhouse

Musical Director Ben McQuigg (He/Him)
Set and Costume Lu Herbert (They/Them)
Lighting Designer Lucía Sánchez Roldán (She/Her)
Sound Designer Simon Arrowsmith (He/They)
Stage Manager Imogen Brown (She/Her)
Photography Danny Kaan (He/Him)
Artwork Jed Berry (He/Him)

The Grey Area Theatre Company
in association with
Seven Dials Playhouse
presents

the world premiere of the musical

Help! We Are Still Alive

Music and Lyrics by Tim Gilvin
Book and Lyrics by Imogen Palmer

Seven Dials Playhouse
1A Tower Street,
London
WC2H 9NP

www.sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk

5 September – 15 October, 2022

Tickets: £15 – £25
ReplyForward

KW

Lowry Theatre, Salford – until Saturday 3 September 2022

4****

Based on Erich Kästner’s novel, Lisa and Lottie which then inspired the Disney film The Parent Trap. This new musical, produced by Kenny Wax and directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe is a treat for the whole family

Originally due its premiere in 2020, Identical was definitely worth the wait.  No Disney magic here, unlike the films where originally Hayley Mills and latterly Lindsay Lohan played both twins, instead we have 3 sets identical of girls: Nicole and Kyla Fox (who performed on press night), Emme and Eden Patrick, Sienna and Savannah Robinson.  Six incredibly talented young ladies.

The story is of two girls, separated at birth when their parents divorce.  They meet accidently at a summer camp and decide to swap places.  Staying faithful to the book and set in 1950’s Austria, it makes it a little bit easier to understand why the girls have no idea about each other, or why the custody arrangements are hard to comprehend!

Robert Jones and Douglas O’Connell, transport us from the stunningly beautiful rolling hills and lakes of summer camp to Munich where their mother Lisalotte (Emily Tierney) lives and Vienna, home of their father Johan (James Darch) and his Ballerina, child hating fiance Irene (Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson). The sets and video’s are so convincing you forget that you’re looking at a screen.

The songs are fun, if verging on saccharine sweet. You’re My Sister seemed to be a hit with the audience and Identical. We Were Young has depth and showcases Emily Tierney’s vocal talents

The musical is verging on the classic, its more The Sound of Music than Matilda, but its packed with emotion and yes I did cry at the end. If it were a tad shorter (a running time of just under 3 hours) it might be more suitable for the younger audiences its aimed at. But this show deserves a long life and I hope it gets one

The Barn Theatre, Cirencester – until 17th September 2022

Review by Win Armand Smith

5*****

Susan Tracy as Miss Daisy, Mensah Bediako as Hoke Coleburn and John Sackville as Boolie
Werthan excel in this charming production of Driving Miss Daisy.

Originally written as a stage play by Alfred Uhry it has definitly stood the test of time. The story of the evolving relationship between Miss Daisy and her long term chauffeur is beautifully staged with the simple lighting effects by Sam Rowcliffe-Tanner. We are transported through different venues with a projected symbol and changing colours on the simple backdrop and instantly you know where you are. Whether it was at the Piggly Wiggly Store, the Synagogue, or at Boolie’s home with Christmas decorations it was a highly effective and very simple staging.

The play takes place in Atlanta, Georgia over the period 1948 to 1973. The rapidly changing politics over this period are illustrated by radio news clips and music of the era. The sound designer was Harry Smith.

There is always a risk of an American accent not quite working but in this case the voice coaches Katherine Heath and Andrea Fudge had done a very successful and convincing job.

This is a very enjoyable and moving production and the standing ovation was well deserved by the whole production team.