The Kings Theatre, Portsmouth- until 20 April 2025
Reviewed by Lorna Hancock
5*****
With book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Stouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. The story of Annie, originates all the way back to the 1885 poem ‘Little Orphant Annie’. It’s developed over the years through comics, radio dramas and films to the Broadway musical we know and love today. This production, brilliantly directed by Timothy Quinlan follows the original Broadway production. It tells the heartwarming story of the lively eleven-year-old orphan Annie (Sienna Salter), her hard life in the orphanage, with luck leading her to meet billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Steve Reading) and her desperate longing to be reunited with her real parents.
The show opens in the orphanage, where we meet a very lively bunch of orphans with an energetic rendition of ‘Hard Knock Life’. It was great to see the children’s characters shining through, a special mention goes to Savana Murray for her very cheeky yet lovable portrayal of Molly. This is also when we first meet Annie, wonderfully played by Sienna Salter, she beautifully encapsulates the iconic character. From the moment she bounded on to the stage, red curls bouncing and eyes shining with hope, she was Annie.
Miss Hannigan played by Andee Jordan gave a dazzling performance as the cruel alcoholic proprietor of the orphanage, delivering a villain the audience loved to loathe. Later teaming up with Lily (Fenn Trodd) and Rooster (Curtis Mclennan) both with a magnetic stage presence, the dastardly trio really captured the spotlight.
The ensemble was strong throughout, I especially enjoyed their animated performance of ‘Hooverville’. Playing a smaller part, I also loved the comedic interjections from Drake (Nigel James).
With an obvious array of local talent, there is no ‘Maybe’ that this run will be a shining success. It lights up the stage with heart and hope, and ended with a resounding standing ovation.
From Punjab to Paddington, Vishal and Sheykhar are asking everyone to ‘Come Fall In Love’ with the title track of Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical. Directed by Aditya Chopra, Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical is set to premiere in the UK at Manchester Opera House from Thursday 29 May to Saturday 21 June 2025.
The new musical comedy is based on one of the biggest blockbuster films in the history of Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) and will star Jena Pandya and Ashley Day, who will play the role of Simran and Roger respectively.
Ahead of the musical’s premiere, YRF released the title track ‘Come Fall In Love’ featuring renowned music duo Vishal-Sheykhar. Come Fall In Love beautifully blends the essence of both Eastern and Western influences. Vishal and Sheykhar seamlessly weave together traditional Indian instruments, like the dhols, with the vibrant energy of the West which is bound to be an earworm for everyone, including musical theatre lovers. The lyrics of this title track have been written by Nell Benjamin.
Speaking about the song, Sheykhar Ravjiani said,
“I have enjoyed every moment of the experience of creating the music for ‘Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical’, and I’m glad Aditya Chopra got us onboard for this project. This song is incredibly special – I’m sure the audience will absolutely love it and that it will heighten their anticipation for the show. This high-energy anthem captures the beautiful spirit of India and celebrates the cross-cultural connection of East meets West. It is sure to connect with everyone regardless of who they are and where they’re from! I can definitely say we’ve created this song with all our heart and if you wish to know more about India and its vibrant culture, then you must go and watch Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical.”
Vishal Dadlani echoed similar sentiments.
He said, “Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical celebrates India’s culture, tradition and everything India is loved for. Working on the musical has been hugely satisfying. For the Come Fall In Love song title track, we wanted to arouse a strong sense of nostalgia for someone who has roots in India and, at the same time, would introduce people in the West to India’s great heritage, which is prevalent in its food, music, cinema, and culture. Nell Benjamin wrote the song as an energetic glorification of India, an India that is even more than just colours and festivals, an India that resides in her people. I’m thrilled to have that thought so beautifully evident in our song. Come Fall In Love is a musical made with a lot of heart and will resonate with a diverse audience – the Come Fall In Love track is just a teaser to what’s in store for you.”
Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical premieres in the UK this May. It is directed by Aditya Chopra, the original director of the record-breaking, award-sweeping Hindi-language film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, also known as DDLJ. Come Fall In Love, the song, is one of the 18 all-new English songs created for the production.
The award-winning creative team for Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical includes Book and Lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls with Tina Fey, Olivier Award winner for Legally Blonde with Laurence O’Keefe), Music by Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani (popularly called Vishal & Sheykhar in India), Choreography by Rob Ashford (Tony, Olivier and Emmy Award winner whose credits include Frozen, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway), Co-Choreography – Indian Dances by Shruti Merchant (Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl, Taj Express), Scenic Design by Derek McLane (two-time Tony Award winner whose credits include MJ the Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway and West End), Casting is by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting, Lighting Design by Japhy Weideman, Sound Design by Tony Gayle, Video Design by Akhila Krishnan, the Musical Supervisor and Arranger is Ted Arthur and Musical Direction is by Ben Holder.
The producers of the hit West End production TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL which is based on the life of legendary artist Tina Turner and was produced in association with Tina Turner herself, are delighted to welcome TV and Radio presenter and recording artist Fleur East to the cast where she will share the role of Tina alongside one of its current stars, Karis Anderson. The musical, which today also extends booking until 10 January 2026, marks Fleur’s West End and theatrical debut. Fleur will perform in the musical from Tuesday 24 June to Saturday 13 September 2025. Patrons are advised to check the website for her performances dates. Tickets on sale now.
Fleur rose to fame when she placed second in the 2014 series of hit ITV talent show The X Factor. Her widespread acclaim on the show where she performed Uptown Funk with Bruno Mars in the live semi-final, saw her bag a record deal with Syco and release the single ‘Sax’, which hit number three in the charts and stayed in the top 10 for seven weeks. In 2022 she was a fan favourite competing on BBC talent show Strictly Come Dancing, where she narrowly missed out on winning the illustrious Glitterball trophy with partner Vito Coppola. Since her success on Strictly, Fleur has become co-host of the BBC 2 sister show Strictly: It Takes Two and presents the Hits Radio Breakfast Show alongside Will Best and James Barr. Throughout her career, Fleur has also appeared on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, been part of the Saturday Night Takeaway presenting team, hosted ITV game show The Void and appeared in three episodes of Ted Lasso.
Producer Tali Pelman said “I am a huge admirer of Fleur, who has always struck me as an extraordinary woman; an exceptional talent who, like Tina Turner, will not allow herself to be defined by others. Fleur’s generosity, optimism, kindness and determination are all qualities that are truly Tina. She is a natural, and we are thrilled she has decided to make her stage debut in our musical. I am tremendously excited that our journey together has begun!”
The musical has been running in the West End for over 7 years, making it the longest running show ever to play at the Aldwych Theatre.
Developed in London together with Tina Turner, the critically acclaimed production received its world premiere in April 2018 and has subsequently broken all Box Office records at the Aldwych Theatre. Since its opening, 10 first-class productions have opened worldwide on Broadway, in North America, Germany, Australia, Spain and the Netherlands. A new UK and Ireland tour opened in March 2025 with a Brazilian production opening in February 2026.
The full 2025/26 cast will be announced in due course.
Discover the heart and soul behind the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll at TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, the long-running mega hit in London’s West End and a musical celebration of resilience and triumph over adversity. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL reveals a comeback story like no other, of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sexism and ageism to become a global icon. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, including River Deep, Mountain High, We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) Proud Mary, The Best and What’s Love Got To Do With It, experience Tina Turner’s story live on stage as this exhilarating celebration honours the woman who dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers, and conquer the world against all odds.
TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL opened at the Aldwych Theatre on London’s West End in 2018 before a global roll-out that brought the show to sold-out audiences across the world. In North America, the Broadway production opened in November 2019 and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical and can currently be seen across the continent on tour. In Europe, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL has had productions at Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg, Germany, the Apollo Theater in Stuttgart, Germany, the Beatrix Theater in Utrecht, Netherlands and at the Teatro Coliseum in Madrid, Spain. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL recently finished touring across Australia, with sell out seasons at Theatre Royal Sydney, Astor Theatre Perth and Lyric Theatre, Brisbane. In February 2026, the musical will open in Sao Paulo in Brazil marking its 11th worldwide production.
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Bruno Poet,sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg, orchestrations by Ethan Popp, wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates, casting by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG and fight direction by Kate Waters.
TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced in the West End by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
Produced by Stage Entertainment and Ghostlight Records and featuring the original London cast, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL: Original Cast Recording is available worldwide on CD, both online and in stores. The CD features a 20-page booklet, which includes liner notes, synopsis, and production and studio photography. The album was recorded in February 2019 at Angel Studios and RAK Studios, produced by the show’s Music Supervisor Nicholas Skilbeck and Kurt Deutsch, and co-produced by Tom Kelly. To download or stream the album, or order the CD please visit www.ghostlightrecords.lnk.to/riverdeep-tinaturnermusical
Royal & Derngate Northampton – Monday 14 April 2025
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
4****
Who doesn’t love a good whodunit? However, Murder She Didn’t Write is a completely improvised performance from start to finish, so nobody knows who did it or who’s going to get done in until the murder mystery has begun. Every night the Degrees of Error performers act out an original story, never seen before and never to be seen again, based on suggestions offered up from the audience.
The premise is very Cludo-esque, with our main characters donning colours reminiscent of the boardgame. We are guided through the story by detective Agatha Crusty, who tosses her deer stalker into the audience to find her trusty sidekick Jerkins. This helpful audience member along with the rest of the audience are asked to choose the setting, an item integral to the story, and an event. Part way through the performance, Jerkins aids Crusty in randomly choosing the murder victim and murderer. Only the players are privy to this information.
Murder She Didn’t Write is fast paced frenetic and fun. The performers are really enjoying themselves and this is infectious. Punctuated with puns galore and quick quips, the humour is spot on. The laughter is continuous, and everyone is eager to join in, especially when you have a pet rock called William as the murder weapon. Tonight, the improvisers were caught between a rock and a soft place. The location, a Cushion convention, the pivotal item a sharp rock and the event was simply ‘dentist’. With these rather bizarre prompts, this talented troupe created a highly entertaining and hilarious murder mystery.
Lizzy Skrzypiec is a fantastic Agatha Crusty. Explaining how the process works in an entertaining and engaging fashion and interjecting in the show at key moments, forcing the players to up their game and expand on things they have said or done with comical results. Stephen Clements is brilliant as Vernon Blue. Scowl faced, Somme damaged, his spontaneous kiss with the jazz handed Peter Baker, Mr Green, is quite the showstopper. Peter Baker’s energy and physical comedic timing is brilliant, his high note is something to behold. Mr and Mrs Red, Douglas Walker and Rachael Procter-Lane are a marvel to watch. Between the live cat stuffed cushions and the insatiable love for a chaise lounge, I had to catch my breath between laughs. Sylvia Bishop played Violet, aka ‘Dentist’, with aplomb. She brought the house down when she declared that she couldn’t possibly be the murderer as she had taken the toothy version of the Hippocratic oath. Sara Garrard, musical director/pianist and Rob Kershaw technician/show editor both elevated the show with lighting and music adding depth to the performance, letting us know when there were flashbacks, key moments, mood changes and any other important bits which helped us to solve the murder.
I think you get the gist of how creative and inventive this incredible group of artists are. Given a few prompts, and mere moments to get their heads around them, they develop a fully realised and side-splitting show. How do they make magic out of mayhem, before our very eyes…here lies the real mystery!
Casting is announced today for the West End return of John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play. “The funniest show in town” (Daily Express) is back at the Apollo Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue this summer for a strictly limited three-month season from 24 June – 13 September. Tickets are on sale now from FawltyTowersWestEnd.com.
This “as good as comedy gets” production (Sunday Times) – which first opened in May 2024 to a host of rave reviews – is directed by originating West End director Caroline Jay Ranger, and stars Danny Bayne as Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as Sybil, Hemi Yeroham reprising his role as Manuel, Joanne Clifton as Polly, Paul Nicholas reprising his role as The Major and Helen Lederer as Mrs Richards.
Nearly 50 years since Fawlty Towers was first broadcast on BBC Two on 19 September 1975, comedy legend John Cleese, who originally co-wrote the “greatest British sitcom of all time” (Radio Times) with Connie Booth, has chosen three of his favourite original TV episodes – ‘The Hotel Inspector’ and ‘The Germans’ from series one and ‘Communication Problems’ from series two – and adapted them into a two-hour play.
John Cleese said: “I’m thrilled with the top-class group of comedy actors that we’ve assembled for Fawlty Towers’ return to the West End stage this June. September this year marks exactly 50 years since the first ever episode was broadcast on the BBC and here we are, all these years later, still making theatres rock with laughter.”
The play also features other beloved characters from the original TV sitcom: Mr Hutchinson / Wilhelm played by Greg Haiste; Miss Tibbs played by Emily Winter; Miss Gatsby played by Dawn Buckland; Mr Thurston / Günter played by John Hasler; Mr Walt played by Adam Elliott; Taxi Driver/ Mr Firkins / Mr Kerr / Mr Sharp played by Neil Stewart; and Johanna and Liz (Hotel Guest) played by Josie Brightwell. Completing the company of players are Ashleigh Harvey playing Debbie (Hotel Guest), Ben Jacobson playing Ken (Hotel Guest), Matthew Gordon playing Mr Dale (Hotel Guest) and Raymond Rose playing Philip (Hotel Guest).
Following a tip off that hotel inspectors may be visiting and eager to impress, Basil attempts to ingratiate himself with guests that he suspects are there to critique the establishment. The situation is further plagued by a party of Germans, the deaf and dotty guest-from-hell, Mrs Richards, whose infuriating complaints prevent him from hiding a gambling win from his ever vigilant and bossy wife, Sybil. Together they run their hotel with a little help from the unflappable Polly, and very little help at all from Manuel, the trainee waiter from Barcelona who is the butt of Fawlty’s frustration.
Set in a fictional hotel in the seaside town of Torquay, only 12 half hour episodes of the original BBC comedy were ever made. Based on a real-life hotel owner, Donald Sinclair. John Cleese came up with the idea for the character Basil Fawlty when he stayed at Sinclair’s Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay and became fascinated with his incredibly rude behaviour.
The iconic TV show won many awards and plaudits including two BAFTAS for Best Situation Comedy and in 2000 it was voted the best British programme of all time in a British Film Institute poll.
Following the West End summer season, this unmissable evening of “Fawltless” (Mail on Sunday) comedy will tour major theatres across the country from 30 September 2025 – 25 July 2026.
The creative team includes:
Written by John Cleese & Connie Booth
Adapted for the stage by John Cleese
Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger
Set and Costume Designer – Liz Ascroft
Lighting Designer – Ian Scott
Casting Director – Anne Vosser
Assistant Director – Denise Ranger
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1
Booking until: 13 September 2025
Performances: Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30pm. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinee at 2:30pm
Until I began researching ‘& Juliet’, I hadn’t heard of a ‘Jukebox Musical’, though now realise I’ve seen many of the great ones including – Mamma Mia, The Jersey Boys, Beautiful and Tina.
‘& Juliet’ must take its place amongst one of the best with the score primarily made up of pre-existing, well-known popular songs that are used to tell the story. Iconic songs from the prolific Swedish songwriter Max Martin are used to reimagine Juliet’s life had she chosen not to kill herself at the end of Shakespeare’s well-known tragedy – Romeo & Juliet.
By focusing on her journey of discovery, the musical follows Juliet (Gerardine Sacdalan) as she develops a close friendship with her nurse from childhood, Angelique (Sandra Marvin) and together with her ‘bestie’ May (Jordan Broatch) they travel to Paris in search of a new life. Here evolves an endearing and uplifting tale of female emancipation, gender issues and romance – though maybe not what might be expected!
William Shakespeare (Jay McGuiness) and his wife Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning) appear early on as narrators, and we soon realise they disagree on the original tragic ending of Romeo & Juliet. Anne convinces her husband to let her rewrite the ending to his play. Hilarious chaos follows with both Will and Anne casting themselves into the chaos, fighting it out to rewrite Juliet’s new story.
The use of Shakespeare quotes hilariously emphasised by Jay McGuiness, and use of original dialogue from Romeo and Juliet made me want to see it again to make sure I hadn’t missed any of the humour. There were so many puns and one-liners that had the audience continually laughing. An incredibly funny and uplifting musical that managed to retain the heart-warming story of love and friendship.
Snippets from the songs of Max Martin are used brilliantly in the context of the story, to entertain the audience in witty and sometimes ‘tongue in cheek’ ways. With such brilliant acting, it feels like a betrayal to the rest of the cast to single out certain actors, as they were all amazing!
However, three ‘leading’ ladies stood out. Gerardine Sacdalan acted her heart out in the character of Juliet as she developed into the woman who realised she knew her mind and could project it. Lara Denning ‘played a blinder’ and had the audience in her corner from the outset. Sandra Marvin played the part of Juliet’s nurse and advocate in a supportive, loving yet flamboyant way, adding so much natural humour and a much-loved accent!
You’d be forgiven to think that Romeo wouldn’t have a great part to play in a story where he was already dead from the start! However, events emerge where Romeo plays a bigger part than anticipated and tonight was played brilliantly by understudy Liam Norris.
‘& Juliet’ is one of the best night’s entertainment I’ve seen for a long time! If you want to see it you need to get in quick – it’s sold out every night at Nottingham Theatre Royal unless you ‘go it alone’ for the few remaining single seats!
BAFTA NOMINEE YOLANDA MERCY EMBARKS ON A FULL UK TOUR OF HER AWARD WINNING SHOW FAILURE PROJECT
INCLUDING 3 WEEK RUN AT SOHO THEATRE IN MAY
Following a critically acclaimed and sell out Edinburgh Fringe in 2024, BAFTA nominee Yolanda Mercy is touring her self-penned work Failure Project across the UK including Harrogate Theatre, Harrogate on the 13 May, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh on 15+16 May, Soho Theatre, London from the 27 May to 14 June and the Norwich TheatreStage Two on 20 June with a press night to take place on the 29 May at Soho Theatre, London.
Failure Project is a one woman show written, directed and performed by Yolanda Mercy and co-directed by Joseph Barnes Phillips, telling the raw and comedic story of a writer whose career takes off, just as everything else falls apart – exploring what it means to fail and how to rebuild.
Yolanda Mercy, writer, director and performer said: “I make work that holds up a mirror to the lives we hide — centering joy, grief, and identity in ways that let underrepresented voices take centre stage. My art is a love letter to those who rarely see themselves reflected.”
Failure Project won multiple awards including the BESTIE award and Summerhall’s Meadows Awards at Edinburgh Festival 2025 and was also nominated for an Offie Award in 2025.
Additionally, there is a Q+A that will take place on the performance on the 7 June at Soho Theatre on finding resilience to keep making art with dramaturg Jules Haworth.
Previous notable projects for Yolanda Mercy include writing and directing Quarter Life Crisis, winner of Underbelly’s Untapped Award and selling out at Bridge Theatre, Soho Theatre and being performed on BBC 1XTra.
She has been named by the British Council as an Artist to Watch, was commissioned by Netflix, BBC and Channel 4 to write Queenie and was nominated for a BAFTA for her work creating and writing BBW on Channel 4.
Finally, as a black writer herself, she is passionate about providing new opportunities for other artists; she is a board member of Kinetico Bloco, and was the leader of Black Writers Collective. She is now producing artists to create opportunities for others, her first show Love Me Like a Chai Latte by Sanjay Lago will be premiered at Edinburgh Festival later this year.
Yolanda Mercy presents
Failure Project
Written, performed and Co-Directed by Yolanda Mercy
Co-Directed by Joseph Barnes Phillips
Writer, Performer & Co-Directed by Yolanda Mercy; Co-Directed & Dramaturg Joseph Barnes Phillips; Sound Design by Mikaiyiri; Dramaturg by Jules Haworth
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Failure Project is a raw, funny, and heartfelt exploration of what it truly means to “fail”—and how we rebuild from it.
Following her critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival, BAFTA nominee Yolanda Mercy returns with her bold new show, Failure Project.
Meet Ade—a writer who seems to have it all. Her career is taking off, she’s finally out of her mum’s house, and even her situationship is (mostly) under control. But just when life seems perfect, things start to unravel.
Failure Project is a raw, funny, and heartfelt exploration of what it truly means to “fail”—and how we rebuild from it. Ade’s journey is filled with humour, vulnerability, and unexpected twists that will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever hit a setback and found their way through.
Don’t miss this relatable and inspiring new work that will leave you laughing, reflecting, and rooting for Ade every step of the way!
Winner of the BESTIE award for “Solo performance” at Edinburgh fringe 2024
Sat 7 June (30 mins): Q&A- Creative Hustle. In these challenging times, how do you find resilience to keep making art? Q&A with writer-performer Yolanda Mercy and dramaturg Jules Haworth.
Yolanda Mercy performs, writes and directs. Her Theatre Credits include Bin Gal Tings (ATYP/British Council – writer/director), Supper Club Current (Arc Stockton – writer/director), The Lies You Tell (Film4/Hightide – writer), Who Prays For The Preacher (Soho Theatre – writer), Quarter Life Crisis (Bridge Theatre, International Tour – writer, performer), On The Edge (UK Tour – writer, performer). Her television credits include Queenie (Channel 4/Disney – writer), BBW (Channel 4 – BAFTA nominated writer and creator).
Jules Haworth dramaturges Failure Project. Jules is a queer and disabled Dramaturg and Access Support Worker, with a focus on supporting and developing emerging writers and artists. Jules is Creative Engagement Associate at Soho Theatre, co-running the Writers’ Lab programme and programmes the Soho Rising festival. Jules has run playwriting workshops and talks with Talawa Theatre, Graeae, Rich Mix, LGBTQ+ Arts, Sour Lemons, Gendered Intelligence, G5A Mumbai, Traverse Theatre, Live Theatre, National Youth Theatre, Somerset House, Wales Millenium Centre and in schools and colleges across London. As a dramaturg, Jules has worked on award-winning plays including Brute (Underbelly), Muscovado (Theatre 503 and tour) Villain (Underbelly, Kings Head Theatre), On the Edge of Me (Soho Theatre and UK Tour), Quarter Life Crisis (Soho Theatre and international Tour), Wonderboy (Bristol Old Vic, UK tour), Dust (Soho Theatre, Trafalgar Studios), Algorithms (Pleasance, Soho Theatre, Park Theatre), Little Miss Burden (Bunker Theatre) and First Love (Soho Theatre). Jules also co-runs the networking group Theatre Queers and is a board member for Milk Presents. Her play Pigeon Steps was longlisted for the Adrian Pagan Award 2014.
Joseph Barnes Phillips co-directs. Joseph’s work as Co-artistic Director for HighRise Theatre and All Seeing Eye has seen him in collaboration with Cardboard Citizens, The Arcola, artsdepot, The Yard, Ovalhouse and more. Joe is also an actor and practitioner who works tirelessly in the community to uplift those around him as well as aiding them in overcoming their personal demons through the use of drama. This passion for helping people has led him into some extremely green pastures, within the last couple of years working as Young Company Director at Orange Tree Theatre, Croydon Council, London Bubble Theatre, Soho Theatre, Centre Point, We are Spotlight and more
About Yolanda Mercy
Yolanda Mercy is an Award Winning British Nigerian Writer and Performer for Screen, Stage and Audio; who works nationally and internationally. She has worked on projects in 8 countries and across 3 continents, which has gained her international recognition for her work.
Named Artist to Watch by the British Council, part of the BFI x BAFTA mentoring scheme under the guidance of Anne Mensah and a winner of the prestigious channel 4 Playwright award, Yolanda is carving out a career across a variety of mediums. Her writing has featured in Huffington Post. She is a published author with Bloomsbury Books for her award winning play Quarter Life Crisis, and with Nick Hern Books for her award winning play Failure Project.
Her productions have been described as “relatable, funny and very honest”. Comedy, music and audience participation are the key ingredients that make up her unforgettable live shows. Previous clients/collaborations have included: Disney, Channel 4, The Bridge Theatre, Soho Theatre, BBC, The Tate, ATYP, Somerset House and The British Council.
Failure Project Soho Theatre, London 21 Dean St, London W1D 3NE Tuesday 17 May – Saturday 14 June, 6:45pm. Tickets: £11-£20 Age 14+ Running time 75 minutes https://sohotheatre.com/events/failure-project/
Failure Project Norwich Theatre Stage Two Chantry Rd, Norwich
ADAMA® Entertainment are delighted to announce that West End stars Rosalie Craig (Company, West End; The Light Princess, National Theatre), Natalie May Paris (SIX, West End; Pretty Woman UK and Ireland tour) & Maiya Quansah-Breed (SIX, West End; Lizzie, Hope Mill Theatre & Southwark Playhouse) will join Hadley Fraser at his first ever solo concert at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 15 June at 6:30pm. The event marks the launch of his upcoming album, Things That Come and Go, produced by Fraser and Donald L Anderson for Palm Haven Studios, with arrangements and co-production by Sam Young.
The concert is presented in association with ADAMA® Entertainment and WestWay Music – the producers of Jamie Muscato and Lucie Jones’ solo concerts. This special evening will feature songs from the new album alongside other musical theatre favourites. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 11 February at www.cadoganhall.com.
Hadley Fraser is a leading West End actor with numerous credits in major productions to his name. Some of his more recent theatre credits include Opening Night (Gielgud Theatre), The Lehman Trilogy (Gillian Lynne Theatre) 2:22 A Ghost Story (Noel Coward Theatre), City Of Angels (Garrick Theatre), The Antipodes (National Theatre), The Deep Blue Sea (Chichester Festival Theatre), Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre), Saint Joan, City Of Angels, Coriolanus, The Vote (all Donmar Warehouse), Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Bristol Old Vic), The Winter’s Tale & Harlequinade (Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company at the Garrick Theatre), The Machine (Manchester International Festival & Park Avenue Armoury, NYC), The Pajama Game (Chichester Festival Theatre) and Les Miserables (Queens & Palace Theatres). He has workshopped extensively for the National Theatre, Donmar Warehouse, Almeida Theatre, Old Vic and many others. His concert work includes Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Secret Garden (both London Palladium), Chess (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), South Pacific (National Concert Hall, Dublin), Carousel and The Light Princess (Cadogan Hall).
His film & television include The Gold, Gentleman Jack, All Is True, Murder On The Orient Express, The Legend Of Tarzan, Les Miserables, Decline & Fall, The Wrong Mans, Endeavour, Holby City, Doctor Who, Pompidou, Him and Sons Of Liberty.
Hadley wrote the book and lyrics for the musical Committee at the Donmar Warehouse. As a recording artist and musician he has appeared on numerous albums including his own Lights Around The Shore with jazz pianist Will Butterworth, and EP Just Let Go. Cast recordings include Opening Night, Young Frankenstein, The Pirate Queen, Before/After, The Phantom Of The Opera 25th Anniversary and Les Miserables 25th Anniversary. He has provided music for theatre productions including Measure For Measure (Donmar Warehouse) and Hobson’s Choice (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), and on radio for Ross Noble: Britain In Bits. He has collaborated with artists and composers including Pete Townsend, Claude-Michel Schonberg, Adam Cork, Grant Olding, Joby Talbot, Joe Stilgoe, Jeremy Holland-Smith, Michael Bruce, Tom Deering, Laura Tisdall, Scott Alan, Ramin Karimloo & Stuart Matthew Price. Hadley co-presents the podcast Poddin’ On The Ritz with Ross Noble. He is a regular guest on BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night Is Music Night. Hadley is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and Patron of PPA Guildford and Debut Performing Arts College, Manchester.
IN A NEW PRODUCTION DIRECTED BY VICKY FEATHERSTONE
Anthology Theatre today announces the full cast for the London premiere of Tim Firth’s Award-winning musical This Is My Family. Vicky Featherstone directs Nancy Allsop (Nicky), Victoria Elliott (Sian), Michael Jibson (Steve), Luke Lambert (Matt), Gay Soper (May), and Gemma Whelan (Yvonne). This brand-new production opens at Southwark Playhouse Elephant on 28 May, with previews from 23 May, and runs until 12 July.
Also announced today is the multi-award-winning creative team joining Vicky Featherstone – Music Supervision: Caroline Humphris; Set Design: Chloe Lamford; Lighting Design: Lee Curran; Sound Design: Dominic Bilkey; Costume Design & Associate Set Design: Ethan Cheek; Music Direction: Natalie Pound; Casting Director: Amy BallCDG; and Associate Director: Vaila Anderson.
This Is My Family was originally staged at Sheffield Theatres in 2013, winning the UK Theatre Award for Best Musical.
ANTHOLOGY THEATRE PRESENTS
THIS IS MY FAMILY
Book and Music by Tim Firth
Arrangements and Orchestrations by Caroline Humphris
SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE ELEPHANT
Cast: Nancy Allsop (Nicky), Victoria Elliott (Sian), Michael Jibson (Steve), Luke Lambert (Matt), Gay Soper (May), Gemma Whelan (Yvonne)
Direction: Vicky Featherstone; Music Supervision: Caroline Humphris; Set Design: Chloe Lamford;
Lighting Design: Lee Curran; Sound Design: Dominic Bilkey;
Costume Design & Associate Set Design: Ethan Cheek; Music Direction: Natalie Pound;
Casting Director: Amy BallCDG; Associate Director: Vaila Anderson
23 May – 12 July 2025
Close family. Dream holiday. Total nightmare.
‘Describe your family and win a dream holiday’. That was the competition pinging up on Nicky’s phone. So she describes the family she dreams of having, but not the one she’s got. The one she fears is falling apart. And then… she wins the holiday. Instead of choosing Rome or Orlando or anywhere else on earth, Nicky takes her family camping. Back to the place her parents went once, when they were her age, a thousand years ago. The place where they first met.
This is My Family, the hilarious and uplifting story of the disastrous family holiday that eventually brings the family together, won the UK Theatre Award for Best Musical in 2013 and is brought to London for the first time by Olivier award winners Tim Firth (Our House) and Vicky Featherstone (Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour).
Nancy Allsop plays Nicky. Her theatre credits include The Hills Of California (Broadhurst Theatre, Broadway and Harold Pinter Theatre), The Fever Syndrome (Hampstead Theatre), God Bless the Child (Royal Court Theatre), Annie (Piccadilly Theatre), and The Sound of Music (international tour); and for television, Young Wallander.
Victoria Elliott plays Sian. Her theatre credits include Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Lost Disc (Soho Theatre), Hedda Gabler, Get Carter, Season Ticket Oh! What a Lovely War, Pub Quiz, The Wind in the Willows (Northern Stage), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Two, As You Like It (Royal Exchange Theatre) and I Can’t Sing! (Palladium Theatre), Cooking with Elvis (Hull Truck), and Tyne, 13.1, Jump, Me and Cilla, A Nightingale Sang, and Rhino and the Drum (Live Theatre, Newcastle). Her television credits include Vera, Ted Lasso, Rain Dogs, The Bay, Vic and Bob’s Big Night Out, Boy Meets Girl, The Kennedys,Hebburn, Truckers, and The Ministry of Curious Stuff; and for film, Ammonite.
Michael Jibson plays Steve. His theatre credits include Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Phoenix Theatre), Hamilton – Olivier Award winner for Best Supporting Actor (Victoria Palace Theatre), Roots (Donmar Warehouse), Road Show, Take Flight – WhatsOnStage Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Menier Chocolate Factory), Brighton Rock (Almeida Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Timon of Athens (Shakespeare’s Globe), Our House – Olivier and WhatsOnStage Award nominations for Best Actor in a Musical (Cambridge Theatre), TheComedy of Errors (Royal Exchange Theatre), The Canterbury Tales (RSC) and A Chorus Line (Sheffield Theatres). His television credits include Bodies, The Reckoning, The Crown, The Essex Serpent, No Return, Four Lives, Cobra, A Discovery of Witches, Honour, Quiz, Saints and Strangers, DCI Banks, Galavant, That Day We Sang, The Thirteenth Tale, Burton and Taylor, and Hatfields & McCoys. Film work includes Last Night in Soho, To Olivia, 1917, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Hunter Killer, The Lighthouse (co-written and produced), The Riot Club, Good People, Les Misérables, Hammer of the Gods, The Bank Job and Flyboys.
Luke Lambert plays Matt. He recently graduated from Arts Ed. This production marks his professional stage debut.
Gay Soper plays May. This marks her 60th year working in showbusiness. Her most recent West End credits include The Mousetrap (St Martin’s Theatre), Funny Girl (Savoy, transferred from Menier Chocolate Factory), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Apollo Theatre / Gielgud Theatre), Sunday in the Park with George (Wyndham’s Theatre). Other West End Credits include Jorrocks (Noël Coward Theatre), The Canterbury Tales (Phoenix Theatre), Godspell (Roundhouse / Wyndham’s Theatre), Billy (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Side By Side (Wyndham’s Theatre / Garrick Theatre), Good (Aldwych Theatre), Mother Courage and Her Children (National Theatre), The Ratepayers Iolanthe (Phoenix Theatre), Which Witch (Piccadilly Theatre), The Mitford Girls (Gielgud Theatre, transferred from Chichester Festival Theatre), Salad Days (Vaudeville Theatre), Les Misérables (Palace Theatre), Lend Me A Tenor (Gielgud Theatre), and Marguerite (Theatre Royal Haymarket). Other theatre credit include A Little Night Music, The Crucible (Storyhouse, Chester), Pirates of Penzance (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Saving Grace (Riverside Studios), Crazy for You (Chichester Festival Theatre), Death Takes A Holiday (Charing Cross Theatre), Maurice’s Jubilee (UK Tour), The Busy Body (Southwark Playhouse), Star Quality (UK tour), Cabaret (English Theatre Frankfurt), Killing Rasputin (Bridewell), The Rink (Orange Tree Theatre), The Sister Wendy Musical (Hackney Empire Studio), Pippin, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ (both at Menier Choc Factory), Nude With Violin (Royal Exchange Theatre), Peter Pan (Birmingham Rep), Cole (Leatherhead and Hong Kong), Betjemania (Southwark Cathedral/Shaw theatre/New York), Blithe Spirit (Stockholm), My Fair Lady (Danish Tour and Kilworth House). For television, her work includes Moonflower Murders, Unforgotten, A Christmas Carol: The Musical, Romany Jones, Father Dear Father, Barbara, Bless This House, Rude Health, The Needle Match, The History of Mr Polly, The Ups and Downs of a Handyman, A Christmas Carol, and The Agatha Christie Hour; and for film, Lace and Rupture.
Gemma Whelan plays Yvonne. Her theatre credits include Underdog: The Other Other Brontë (National Theatre), Upstart Crow (Apollo Theatre), Pinter at the Pinter: A Slight Ache (Harold Pinter Theatre), Radiant Vermin (Soho Theatre, Tobacco Factory), As Chastity Butterworth (tour), Dark Vanilla Jungle (Supporting Wall, Pleasance Theatre Edinburgh, Soho Theatre), One Man Two Guvnors (National Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket), Chastity Butterworth and the Spanish Hamster (Pleasance Edinburgh), Stephen and the Sexy Patridge (Trafalgar Studios), and Red Death Lates (Punchdrunk). For television, her work includes The Famous Five, Funny Woman, DI Ray, The Tower, Inside No. 9, Killing Eve, White Farm Murders, Gentleman Jack, The End of the F***ing World, The Crown, Decline and Fall, The Moorside, Game of Thrones, Morgana Robinson’s The Agency, Upstart Crow, Uncle, Hetty Feather, Horrible Histories, Comedy Playhouse: Broken Biscuits, Almost Royal, Not Safe for Work, Murder in Successville, The Art of Foley, Asylum, Mapp and Lucia, Live at the Electric, Siblings, Badults, Nick Helm’s Heavy Entertainment, Dr. Brown 4Funnies, The Harry and Paul Show, Threesome, Cardinal Burns, and The Persuasionists; and for film, The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hynde, Emma, Surviving Christmas, Prevenge, Gulliver’s Travels, and The Wolfman.
Tim Firth’s other theatre credits include Now Is Good (Chester Storyhouse, UK Theatre Nomination Best New Musical), Neville’s Island (Nottingham Playhouse and West End, Evening Standard & Olivier nomination, MEN Award), The Safari Party (Stephen Joseph, Scarborough and Hampstead), the musical Our House (West End, Olivier Award Best Musical), The Flint Street Nativity (Liverpool Playhouse) and Sign Of The Times (West End). His play Calendar Girls (Chichester Festival Theatre, West End) broke all British records for a professional and amateur play, was nominated for an Olivier and won the WhatsOnStage Best Comedy Award. Calendar Girls The Musical, co-written with Gary Barlow, opened at Leeds Opera house and transferred to the Phoenix Theatre, winning a WhatsOnStage Award and an Olivier Award nomination, and his musical The Band (Manchester Opera House, West End) won the MEN Best Musical Award. Firth recently collaborated with Gary Barlow on the show A Different Stage (West End). Work for television includes the Playhouse drama Timeless, Money For Nothing (Writer’s Guild Award), Once Upon A Time In The North, Cruise Of The Gods, The Flint Street Nativity, Preston Front (Writer’s Guild Award, British Comedy Award, RTS Award, BAFTA nomination), His children’s comedy series The Rottentrolls won a BAFTA, and was recently voted by Radio Times one of the top fifty children’s shows of all time. His film credits include Blackball, Calendar Girls, Kinky Boots, The Wedding Video and Greatest Days.
Vicky Featherstone directs. She was Artistic Director of Paines Plough 1997-2005; the inaugural Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Scotland 2005-2012, and Artistic Director of the Royal Court (2013–2023). For the Royal Court her work includes Jews. In Their Own Words [co-director], The Glow, Maryland, Living Newspaper, Shoe Lady, On Bear Ridge (and National Theatre Wales) [co-director], Cyprus Avenue (and Abbey, Dublin/MAC, Belfast/Public, NYC), The Cane, Gundog, My Mum’s a Twat, Bad Roads, Victory Condition, X, How to Hold Your Breath, God Bless the Child, Maidan: Voices from the Uprising, The Mistress Contract, The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas, Untitled Matriarch Play, and The President Has Come to See You (Open Court Weekly Rep). For National Theatre of Scotland, her work includes Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour (and National Theatre/West End/international tour), Enquirer [co-director], An Appointment with the Wicker Man, 27, The Wheel, Somersaults, Wall of Death: A Way of Life [co-director], The Miracle Man, Empty, Long Gone Lonesome; Cockroach (and Traverse), 365 (and Edinburgh International Festival), Mary Stuart (and Citizens/Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh), The Wolves in the Walls [co-director] (and Tramway/Lyric, Hammersmith/UK tour/New Victory, NYC). For Paines Plough her work includes The Small Things, Pyrenees, On Blindness, The Drowned World, Tiny Dynamite, Crazy Gary’s Mobile Disco, Splendour, Riddance, The Cosmonaut’s Last Message to the Woman He Once Loved in the Former Soviet Union, and Crave. Other theatre includes What if Women Ruled the World? (Manchester International Festival). For television, her work includes Pritilata (from Snatches: Moments from 100 Years of Women’s Lives), Where the Heart Is, and Silent Witness.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre today announce the full cast for the stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s much-loved novel Noughts & Crosses, adapted by Dominic Cooke, and directed by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s Associate Artistic Director, Tinuke Craig. The production runs from 28 June – 26 July 2025.
The cast includes Alec Boaden (Jude), Amanda Bright (Jasmine), Corinna Brown (Sephy), Halle Brown (Lola & Juno), Michael Cusick (Mr Stanhope & Peter), Elle Davies (Shania & Leila), Eddie Elliot (Mr Corsa & Collins & Jack), Emma Jane Goodwin (Sarah Pike), Kate Kordel (Meggie), Jessica Layde (Minerva), Wela Mbusi (Mr Pingule & Governor), Habib Nasib Nader (Kamal), Yolanda Ovide (Dionne & Clerk), Helena Pipe (Reporter & Kelanie & Joannie), Richard Riddell (Ryan), Ben Skym (Colin & Morgan), Noah Valentine (Callum) and Chanel Waddock (Lynette).
Tinuke Craig, Director, said: “I’m so excited to be working with this wonderful cast on this deeply loved story. The company is a thrilling mix of new graduates, seasoned theatre performers and accomplished television actors making their stage debut, and each actor is bringing their own unique perspective and playful energy to Malorie Blackman and Dominic Cooke’s characters. I can’t wait to get started!”
A Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production
NOUGHTS & CROSSES
Based on the novel by Malorie Blackman
Adapted by Dominic Cooke
Creatives include RC Annie (Fight Directors); Phillippe Cato (Associate Director); Tinuke Craig (Director); Hazel Holder (Voice Coach); Ingrid Mackinnon (Movement & Intimacy Director); Max Pappenheim (Sound Designer); Joshua Pharo (Lighting Designer); Colin Richmond (Set & Costume Designer); Jacob Sparrow (Casting Director); DJ Walde (Composer).
Saturday 28 June – Saturday 26 July 2025
‘All our lives criss-crossing but never really touching.
A world full of strangers living with all that fear.’
Widely considered to be one of the 21st century’s greatest novels, Malorie Blackman’s best-selling Noughts & Crosses, a bittersweet love story with echoes of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, is revived for the London stage in this brand-new production.
By a secluded beach Callum and Sephy meet in secret; life-long friends living on separate sides of a divided world. When Callum, from a Nought family, is accepted to Sephy’s prestigious Cross school, will it bring them closer, or will the hate and fear that surrounds them drive them apart?
Dominic Cooke’s ‘excellent adaptation’ (The Independent) of this epic story set against the political backdrop of a deeply divided society, is directed by Associate Artistic Director Tinuke Craig (A Raisin in the Sun) in her Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre debut.
Malorie Blackman | Novel
Malorie is one of the UK’s most popular authors and has written over 70 books for children and young adults, including the Noughts & Crosses series, Thief! and her science fiction thriller Chasing the Stars. The sixth novel in her Noughts & Crosses sequence, Endgame, was published by Penguin Random House Children’s in 2021. In 2023, Noughts & Crosses was named one of The 100 Greatest Children’s Books of All Time in a BBC Culture Poll.
Malorie wrote for the eleventh series of Doctor Who starring Jodie Whittaker, co-writing the episode Rosa with Chris Chibnall which was honoured at the inaugural Visionary Honours Awards for making ‘a positive social impact’. Her work has also been adapted for TV with the six-part adaptation of Pig-Heart Boy winning a BAFTA and a major production of Noughts + Crosses launched by the BBC in 2020. Noughts & Crosses has been adapted for the stage by Dominic Cooke for the RSC and, most recently, by Sabrina Mahfouz for Pilot Theatre. In 2005, Malorie was honoured with the Eleanor Farjeon Award in recognition of her distinguished contribution to the world of children’s books. In 2008 she received an OBE for her services to children’s literature and, between 2013 and 2015, she was the Children’s Laureate.
Malorie’s autobiography Just Sayin’ – My Life in Words was published by Merky Books in October 2022. Full of life lessons, this is a deeply personal and vividly compelling look at an incredible life which defied expectations and inspired a generation. In November 2023, The British Library opened a free exhibition, Malorie Blackman: The Power of Stories, exploring Malorie’s inspirations and the impact she has had on her readers, and on inclusivity and representation in publishing.
Dominic Cooke | Adaptation
Theatre incudes: Hello, Dolly! (The London Palladium), Medea (@sohoplace); Good,The Corn is Green, The Normal Heart, Follies, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Here We Go, Comedy Of Errors (National Theatre); The Low Road, In The Republic of Happiness, Choir Boy, In Basildon, Chicken Soup With Barley, Clybourne Park, Now Or Later, Aunt Dan And Lemon, The Fever, Wig Out!, Rhinoceros, Plasticine (Royal Court Theatre); A Winter’s Tale, Pericles, The Crucible, As You Like It (RSC).
Stage adaptations include:Noughts And Crosses (RSC); Arabian Nights (Young Vic).
TV & Film includes:The Courier; On Chesil Beach; The Hollow Crown – The Wars Of The Roses.
Dominic is Associate of the National Theatre, Artistic Associate of the RSC and was Associate Director then Artistic Director and CEO of the Royal Court Theatre. In 2014 he was made CBE for services to drama.
Tinuke Craig | Director
Training: LAMDA, National Theatre Studio.
As Director includes: A Raisin in the Sun (Headlong Tour); The School for Scandal (Royal Shakespeare Company); The Big Life (Theatre Royal Stratford East); Blue (ENO, London Coliseum); Trouble in Butetown (Donmar Warehouse); Jitney (Leeds Playhouse 2021 and The Old Vic 2022); Last Easter (Orange Tree Theatre); Crave (Chichester Festival Theatre); Hamlet For Young Audiences (Dorfman and National Theatre Tour 2020 and 2022); Cinderella (Lyric Hammersmith); Vassa (Almeida Theatre); The Color Purple (Leicester Curve/Birmingham Hippodrome and UK Tour); random/generations (Chichester Festival Theatre); I Call My Brothers (Gate Theatre); dirty butterfly (Young Vic).
In 2014, Tinuke won the Genesis Future Director Award. She was the Gate’s Associate Director 2015-2016. From 2021-2023 She was Baylis Director at the Old Vic. Tinuke works extensively with Young People and with emerging artists.
Alec Boaden | Jude
Training: Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Theatre includes: Punch (Nottingham Playhouse, Young Vic).
TV includes: Masters of the Air (Apple TV).
Amanda Bright |Jasmine
For Regent’s Park:To Kill A Mockingbird.
Theatre includes: Cymbeline (Shakespeare’s Globe); Romeo and Juliet (Almeida Theatre); Never Not Once (The Park Theatre); The Snail House (Hampstead); Macbeth, Richard II, Ralegh: The Treason Trial (Shakespeare’s Globe); Meek (Headlong); To Kill A Mockingbird (The Curve) Let Me Play The Lion Too (Barbican/Told By An Idiot); The Government Inspector (Birmingham Repertory Theatre); Dragon (National Theatre of Scotland); True (Deafinitely Theatre); The 24 Hour Plays (Old Vic); Henry V (Orange Tree Theatre); Obama-ology, AchidiJ’s Final Hours (Finborough Theatre); Called to Account (Roundhouse); Bloody Sunday (Tricycle Theatre).
TV includes: The Buccaneers (Apple TV+); In From The Cold (Netflix), Breeders (Sky); Casualty, Marley’s Ghosts, Topsy & Tim, Doctors, Making it at Holb (BBC); Coronation Street (ITV); Euphoria (HOT); Midsomer Murders (Bentley Productions); Prime Suspect 7 (Granada Television).
Film includes: Ride or Die, The Lennox Report, Dear Afro (Team Sass Productions); Christmas at the (Snow) Globe, All The World (Shakespeare’s Globe); Stripping the Illusion (Object); Silent Voices (Quick & Dirty Productions).
Corinna Brown |Sephy
Training: East 15 Acting School
Theatre includes:Coppelia (New Vic Theatre); Woman with Salad (Focal Point Galler); Sleeping Beauty, Mother Goose (Hackney Empire); The Tempest (RADA Youth Company); Macbeth (TWIST Theatre Company).
TV, Film & Multimedia includes:In Flight (Channel 4); Heartstopper (Season 1-3, Netflix); Emergency Exit; Doctors (BBC); Even More Evermoor (Disney Channel); My Murder (BBC); Dashcam; Daphne; Essex Girls (Tape Collective) ; Coppelia: A Mystery (The New Vic Theatre); Kung Fu Sue (Wingbeat Productions); The Show Must Go Online; The Open Air: Reunion Show.
Voice Over includes: The World After (The Focal Point Gallery); Profile (Fire and Iron Productions); Hands on History – Vikings (BBC).
Credits whilst training: O’Toole’s Macbeth, Dr Faustus, Troilus & Cressida.
Halle Brown |Lola & Juno
Training: Arts Educational.
Theatre includes: The Crucible (The National Theatre & The Gielgud), Home Song (The Unicorn), Dolly Parton’s Smokey Christmas Carol (Southbank Centre).
Workshops include: Pavarotti, Marie Curie, Riviera Girl, Homesong and Swag Age: K Musical.
Michael Cusick |Mr Stanhope & Peter
Training: Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Theatre includes:Edward II (RSC); Bedroom Farce (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch); A View From The Bridge (Theatre Royal Bath, Theatre Royal Haymarket); Noises Off (Theatre Royal Haymarket); Sleepless (Analogue Theatre, Staatstheater Mainz); Against Captain’s Orders (Punchdrunk Enrichment); The Good Neighbour (Battersea Arts Centre).
Television includes:The Sixth Commandment (BBC).
Elle Davies |Shania & Leila
Training: London Academy of Dramatic Art
Theatre includes: Twinbond (Camden People’s Theatre); Sounds Good (Audible).
Credits whilst training:Cyrano De Bergerac (LAMDA); The Angry Brigade (LAMDA).
Eddie Elliot | Mr Corsa & Collins & Jack
Training: Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
Theatre includes: A Strange Loop (Barbican); Blues For An Alabama Sky (National Theatre); The Lion King (West End); Motown: The Musical (West End); Assassins (Watermill/Nottingham Playhouse); Drive Ride Walk (Greenwich); Dry Cleaned (Intermission); Puss in Boots (Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds); The Music Man (Chichester); A Chorus Line, The Buddy Holly Story (Gaiety Theatre); Five Guys Named Moe (Theatre at the Mill); Spamilton (Menier Chocolate Factory); South Pacific (Barbican/UK Tour); We Will Rock You (UK Tour); Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater Concert (The Other Palace).
TV includes:Riches, Doctors, EastEnders, The War Between The Land And The Sea.
Eddie is also a comedy-drama screenwriter and currently has a show in development.
Emma Jane Goodwin |Sarah Pike
Training: East 15 Acting School.
Theatre includes: The Ocean at the End of the Lane (UK & Ireland Tour & Westend), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (UK & Ireland Tour, International Tour & West End), Love Steals Us from Loneliness (Camden People’s Theatre & Chapter Arts).
TV includes:Stella, 4Stories.
Kate Kordel |Meggie
Training: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Theatre includes:The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time,Perspective (National Theatre); The Boss Of It All (Soho Theatre); Richard II, The Comedy of Errors (Tobacco Factory); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Orange Tree); Romeo and Juliet (Bristol Old Vic); He Wore A Red Hat (New Perspectives); The Voices (Warwick Art Centre).
TV includes: Sister Boniface, Doctors (BBC), What It Feels Like For A Girl (BBC3), Coronation Street (ITV), Trial By Jury (Channel 4).
Jessica Layde | Minerva
Theatre includes:All’s Well That Ends Well (RSC); Measure For Measure (Donmar Warehouse); Start (Theatre Peckham); Consensual (Arcola Theatre).
TV and Film include:Malpractice, Endeavour (ITV); The Undeclared War.
Wela Mbusi | Mr Pingule & Governor
Training: Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Theatre includes: My Brilliant Friend (National Theatre); Mansfield Park (Watermill Theatre); The Magician’s Elephant, Henry VI Parts 1-3, Richard III, Henry V (RSC); The Hound of the Baskervilles (The Lost Estate); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Insane Root); Whose Life is it Anyway (Comedy Theatre); Who Killed Mr Drum (Riverside Studios); Measure for Measure (AFTLS); Running Wild (Fiery Angel UK tour); Cymbeline (South Carolina Shakespeare Company); By the way, meet Vera Stark, A Christmas Carol, Clybourne Park (Trust Us Theatre USA); Effie May (Oval Theatre).
Habib Nasib Nader |Kamal
Training: London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Theatre includes: Life Of Pi (Wyndham’s Theatre, Sheffield Theatres), The Grouch (West Yorkshire Playhouse), MTME (Soho Theatre), Madinina (Old Vic).
TV includes:Heartstopper (Seasons 2 & 3, Netflix & SeeSaw Productions), Cuckoo (BBC), Law And Order UK (Kudos), Come Fly With Me (BBC), Beehive (Tiger Aspect), Little Britain (Seasons 1 – 3, BBC).
Film includes: The Golden Compass (New Line Cinema), Four Warriors (Philm Productions), Dungeons and Dragons 3: The Book Of Vile Darkness (Silver Productions), The Libertine (Odyssey Entertainment).
Habib won Best Supporting Actor at the 2022 Olivier Awards and was nominated for Best Supporting Male Actor at the 2022 Black British Theatre Awards for Life of Pi.
Yolanda Ovide |Dionne & Clerk
Training: London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.
Theatre includes:Alterations (National Theatre); Slave: A Question of Freedom (Riverside Studios & National Tour); Gangs of New York, The Importance of Being Earnest (Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre); Jitney (Old Vic); Splintered (Soho Theatre); Groan Ups (UK Tour for Mischief Theatre); Unbelievable (The Criterion Theatre).
Helena Pipe |Reporter & Kelanie & Joannie
Theatre includes: Blues For An Alabama Sky (National Theatre); What Do You See? (The Pappy Show); In This World (Theatre For Young People); The Time Traveller’s Wife (Apollo Theatre); School of Rock (UK and Korea Tour); Nativity! The Musical (UK Tour); Oklahoma! (Grange Park Opera); Bare! A Pop Opera (Neptune Theatre); The Color Purple (TROIKA Bermuda).
TV includes:Queenie (Channel 4).
Richard Riddell |Ryan
Training: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Theatre includes: Sing Your Heart Out For The Lads (Chichester Festival Theatre); All Who Pass, Uncle Sasha The Butcher (Royal Court); Gabriel, Titus Andronicus, Comedy of Errors (Shakespeare’s Globe); Pastoral (Soho Theatre); After The Party (West End, Criterion Theatre); Filumena (Almeida); The Merchant of Venice, The Homecoming (RSC).
TV includes: Foundation (Apple TV); Endeavour (ITV); Curfew (Sky); Bodyguard (BBC); The Terror (AMC); Scott and Bailey (ITV); Barbarians Rising (History Channel); Doc Martin (ITV); Penny Dreadful (Showtime); Vera (ITV); Misfits (Channel 4); Merlin (BBC); Waking the Dead (BBC).
Film includes: 55 Steps (Warner Bros); Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Warner Bros); Legend (Working Title); Blitz (Lionsgate); Robin Hood (Universal Pictures); The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus (Sony).
Ben Skym |Colin & Morgan
Training: Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
TV includes:Casualty (BBC); A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (Silverprint Pictures/ITV).
Credits whilst training include:The Antipodes, The Last of Haussmans, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Parade.
Noah Valentine |Callum
Training: Oldham Theatre Workshop.
TV includes: Waterloo Road, Casualty, Inside No 9, Mother’s Day (BBC); The Bay (ITV).
Film includes:Good Boy.
Chanel Waddock |Lynette
Training: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Theatre includes:Bitter Lemons (Park Theatre, Bristol Old Vic & Edinburgh Fringe Festival); Chariots of Fire; Rock, Paper, Scissors (Sheffield Crucible); Othello (Frantic Assembly – nominated for Ian Charleson Award); Hamlet (National Theatre); Bonsai Baby (Theatre503).
TV includes:The Outlaws (Amazon); This Is Going To Hurt, London Kills (BBC); Andor (Disney+).
BOX OFFICE INFORMATION
Box Office 0333 400 3562* | openairtheatre.com
Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NU
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Visit openairtheatre.com for latest ticket prices, concessions and discounts.
David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions present
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Australia Tour until July 2025
Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and AF Creative Media
in association with the Barbican present
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Saturday 24 May – Saturday 19 July 2025
Barbican Centre, London
Followed by a UK & Ireland Tour until January 2026
Runaway Entertainment present
101 DALMATIANS
Reimagined from the 2022 Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production
Friday 18 July – Saturday 30 August 2025
Eventim Apollo, London
ABOUT REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE
Established in 1932, the multi-award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of the largest theatres in London (at a capacity of 1,304). Passionate about producing popular, enriching and unexpected theatre that provides a lens into the here and now, the scale and ambition of our productions together with our magical outdoor setting, makes us unique in the capital’s cultural landscape. In 2024 we welcomed over 180,000 people to our 27-week summer season.
Drew McOnie assumed the role of Artistic Director in January 2024, and James Pidgeon was appointed Executive Director in 2021.
Over the last fifteen years, our productions have won ten Olivier Awards, ten WhatsOnStage Awards, and four Evening Standard Awards. We were named London Theatre of the Year in 2017 by The Stage, and received the Highly Commended Award for London Theatre of the Year in 2021. Our productions have toured the UK, and have transferred to both the West End and the United States. Our 2016 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar has just finished tours of both the UK and North America and is currently touring Australia. Our Olivier Award-winning revival of Fiddler on the Roof will transfer to the Barbican Centre this summer, followed by a UK & Ireland tour.
As a registered charity that receives no regular public subsidy, we rely entirely on earned income and charitable contributions. Nevertheless, we have maintained 36,000 tickets at £15 across the whole of 2025’s summer season, our BREEZE scheme enables those aged 18-25 to buy tickets for £10, and we regularly work with local charities. Each year, on average, we subsidise tickets for 6,000 school pupils.
Food and drink plays a significant role in the Open Air Theatre experience, with our in-house bars and restaurants including Covered Dining (certified as a Sustainably Run Restaurant), The Grill and The Pizza Oven. We also have our own picnic lawn and the West End’s longest bar!
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has become one of the most independently sustainable and financially successful producing theatres in the country, and we’re proud to embark on the next stage of our vision with ever-increasing artistic ambition and entrepreneurial spirit.
