Category: Uncategorized

Hull New Theatre – until 12th April 2025

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

What an absolute treat we had at Hull New Theatre last night watching Hessle Theatre Company perform Legally Blonde the Musical. Hessle Theatre are an amateur theatre company in name only, every production of theirs that I have seen is 100% professional and this one was no exception.

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the MGM movie of the same name, with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and the book by Heather Hatch. This production was directed by Martin Beaumont and stage manager was Kieran Danby.

Elle Woods (Tanya Sewell) is absolutely sure that her boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Aaron Bolton) is going to propose, but instead of doing that he breaks up with her because he needs someone more “serious” than her if he wants to become a Senator. He is going to Harvard Law School and when Elle realises that he is going there without her she decides to follow him there not realising how much work she is going to have to do. On the first day Elle is thrown out of Professor Callahan’s (Ian Appleyard) class with a little help from Vivienne Kensington (Georgia Wormald) for not being prepared for the course. Teaching assistant Emmett Forrest (James Galer) takes Elle under his wing and offers his guidance.

What follows is an hilarious plot. Does Elle manage to stay at Harvard and if so, does will she manage to qualify as a lawyer? And even with help from her friends, particularly Paulette Buonufonte (Emma Burgess), will she manage to get over Warner?

I hadn’t seen Legally Blonde the film or the musical before so I wasn’t too sure what to expect, but what I saw was over two hours of pure joy. The tunes are catchy I particularly loved Omigod You Guys, Whipped into Shape, and Gay or European. The signing, acting and dancing (choreographed by Elise Johnson) seemed to come easy to this triple threat cast, but you could see by the quality of the production how much work had been put into it.

It is very difficult to pick out any particular performance as they are all outstanding from the lead to the ensemble to the people behind the scenes and backstage, they all played the part to make this production jell together so well

The band, led by musical director Rebecca Barques, were outstanding. The set changes, some even done mind song, were seamless. And can I just mention the dogs (trained by Sally Hague from Leads in Action) Bruiser (Millie) Rufus (Ernie), I think they got the biggest Aww! of the night and to get them to perform on stage was brilliant and verry clever.

Legally Blonde the Musical is a fabulous feel-good production, I would very much recommend you try and get a ticket while you can, you certainly won’t be disappointed!

This is local theatre at its best!

Darlington Hippodrome – until Saturday 12 April 2025

Reviewed by Adam Craddock

5*****

Another last minute cover review for me tonight and this time I was watching Blackeyed Theatre’s production of Dracula, an adaptation of the famous Bram Stoker novel for the stage by Nick Lane. The play follows the same plot as the book, starting with the telling of the tale through the letters of Englishman Jonathan Harker, invited to the home of the Transylvanian Count Dracula and then being held prisoner by his host. We follow the tale as Count Dracula leaves Transylvania and ends up on our English shores in the beautiful town of Whitby, where he hatches his plot and corrupts the sanatorium patient Renfield.

The role of Count Dracula is shared between three of the cast at different stages of the show, with David Chafer portraying the vampire in his home in Transylvania, Richard Keightley playing him on his voyage to Great Britain and Harry Rundle playing him in the Whitby scenes. This really enhances the feeling of Count Dracula being a skin changer and lends a feeling of distrust to who anyone really is in the play.

David Chafer was strong as Count Dracula/Abraham Van Helsing, with a humanness to the vampire in the Transylvania scenes really lending itself to the character and as to why Jonathan Harker would trust him. Richard Keightley was brilliant as Count Dracula/Doctor John Seward, with a delicious creepy vibe to his character, and his best moments for me in the show was actually as the unnamed coach driver who takes Mr Harker to the castle in Transylvania. He really set the tone for the show in this small scene and this stuck with me throughout. Bravo! Harry Rundle was also brilliant as Count Dracula/Arthur Holmwood, with a brilliant air of authority around his Count Dracula, you really felt like this was the final boss version and that he had engineered this plan with a masterful intellect.

Pelé Kelland-Beau was great as Jonathan Harker/Quincey Morris, with a brilliant vulnerability to his character when in Transylvania that lent to the feeling of peril he was in. There were at time though a slip in his American accent when playing Quincey Morris that somewhat broke the illusion. Marie Osman was fantastic as Renfield/Lucy Westenra, with a strong presence and a captivating portrayal of Renfield, you really believed that this woman had been corrupted and she portrayed this mental decline so brilliantly. Maya-Nika Bewley was solid as Mina Harker/Doctor Hennessey, coming into her own in the climactic scenes when her character was in grave peril.

The set was absolutely brilliant, simplistic with just some well designed timbers and steps, and a collection of wooden crates to be turned into whatever set piece they were required to be. I loved the way that the timbers created all these subtle doorways and windows that could be used at different points in the plot. The lighting and sound design were both brilliantly eerie, and I swear there were even points when a cold breeze was blown over us in the audience to enhance this unsettling feeling even more.

Overall I could not recommend this production enough. It is a psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat throughout. Make your way to the Darlington Hippodrome to catch this show at once before it leaves on Saturday 12th March.

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE ON THE GODS…?
OPEN AUDITIONS FOR THE UK TOUR OF

“A bolt of stage magic.

A show that whisks you to another dimension.”
The Times

“Catchy songs, original choreography and a quirky spirit brings out the directness and humour of Rick Riordan’s mythical quest.”The Guardian

As The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical gets set to embark on an electrifying UK tour this autumn, the team behind the show have announced that they are holding open auditions as they look for their company of demigods for the UK tour.

The open audition is on Tuesday 22 April at The Other Palace, currently the London home of the musical. Those auditioning should arrive from 10am and are asked to prepare a 16 bar cut of a song in the style of the show and to bring a printed CV and headshot that includes contact details as well as sheet music for their audition song. Full details at kenwright.com/auditions

Paul Taylor-Mills (Producer) said: “At the heart of Percy are themes of inclusivity and the spirit that anything is within your reach. That is why we want to open doors for as many people as possible with an open casting call. Whilst casting isn’t guaranteed, it’s an opportunity for us to cast the net as far as possible to those that may not get to us via some of the more traditional routes… which is very Percy!”

Bringing the hit stage adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel to audiences across the country, the tour will open at Theatre Royal Windsor from 15 – 23 August 2025 before continuing on to play Newcastle, Milton Keynes, Liverpool, Brighton, Stoke-on-Trent, Coventry, Bradford and Wimbledon with many more venues to be announced.

Based on the beloved book series (with over 180 million copies sold worldwide), Percy Jackson’s story has been adapted into both films and a major hit TV series for Disney+. The musical first premiered off-Broadway in 2014 to rave reviews and went on to have two US tours, another off-Broadway run in 2017 and a 16-week limited run on Broadway in 2019. Since November 2024, The Lightning Thief has been making waves with London audiences, receiving critical acclaim and will continue at The Other Palace until 31 August 2025.

When New York City teenager Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined

With newly discovered powers he is unable to control, an unwanted destiny and a whole textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his trail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.

The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.

This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling The Lightning Thief has a book by Joe Tracz (Be More Chill), music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs) and is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day).

INFORMATION

Please prepare a 16-bar cut of a song in the style of the show, along with your repertoire folder. Bring a printed CV and headshot that includes your contact details, as well as sheet music for your audition piece. A pianist will be provided. No backing tracks.

Auditions will be held on a first-come, first-served basis and will run until 18:00. Due to the high volume of applicants expected, we may not be able to see everyone on the day. 

Please be prepared for outdoor queuing and potentially extended waiting times. We recommend bringing refreshments and dressing appropriately for the weather.

Auditioning does not guarantee a recall or offer of employment. After the open call, you may be invited to a further audition and/or dance call.

All auditionees must be 18 or older and eligible to work in the UK.

For more information, please visit kenwright.com/auditions

LISTINGS

BILL KENWRIGHT LTD & PAUL TAYLOR-MILLS PRESENT

THE LIGHTNING THIEF
THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL

Book by Joe Tracz
Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Direction and Choreography by Lizzi Gee

Run Time: approximately 2hrs 10 minutes including interval

UK TOUR 2025

15 – 23 Aug                 Theatre Royal Windsor                       01753 853888            

27 – 31 Aug                 Newcastle Theatre Royal                    0191 232 7010           

3 – 6 Sep                     Milton Keynes Theatre                                               

16 – 20 Sep                 Liverpool Empire                                                        

30 Sep – 4 Oct             Brighton Theatre Royal                                              

7 – 11 Oct                    Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent                                 

14 – 18 Oct                  Coventry Belgrade                              024 7655 3055           

21 – 25 Oct                  Bradford Alhambra Theatre                01274 432000            

28 Oct – 1 Nov             New Wimbledon Theatre                                          

Further dates to be announced.

Socials:
Instagram and Tiktok: @percyjacksononstage
Facebook: @peryjacksonlondon
Twitter/X: @PercyOnStage

Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 12 April 2025

Reviewed by Louise Ford

5*****

Reader – I married him.

Northern Ballets’ 2025 season has a lovely mix of Classical favourites, Hansel and Gretel, Romeo and Juliet and the Christmas staple The Nutcracker (sadly only being performed in Leeds) and some new (certainly to me) offerings Merlin (in Autumn 2025) and Jane Eyre.

When I saw that Jane Eyre was being performed it did make me wonder how this could be done. The answer is, of course, incredibly well and sensitively.

I must confess that I only had a vague outline of the story of Jane Eyre, unlike my companion who had to “endure” it for A level. Thankfully the quality programme provided not only a list of characters, some wonderful photographs but, more importantly, a brief summary of the story and the scenes.

Cathy Marston created Jane Eyre for Northern Ballet nine years ago. The brief conversation in the programme with Cathy really helped to understand the thinking behind the production and the characters.

The tone and atmosphere is set from the beginning with pared back staging . The set design is by Patrick Kinmouth. Initially the stage is “cloaked” with a screen which evokes the Yorkshire landscape and the moors in particular. The screen lifts but the stage is on the whole black and unforgiving. The rooms and other scenes are created using painted curtains which evoke the brown and muted tones of the landscape. There are clever pockets of colour to denote the fireplaces and also hidden doors to create the illusion of being inside. In my view the “fire” scene is a masterpiece . It has real power and presence. With the lighting design by Alastair West.

Jane’s story is told in two parts. Firstly as a child, the young  Jane is performed by Alessandra Bramante. The young Jane is an angry stubborn child who battles with her Aunt Reed (Helen Bogatch). In these scenes Jane’s anger and frustration is portrayed with tense and angular body movements, you really get a sense of her frustration and at times despair at her situation.

The adult Jane is portrayed by Amber Lewis. Jane’s transition to adulthood sees her anger soften and she becomes more graceful as she gains in confidence.

Jane’s story from an orphan raised by her Aunt, her move to Lowood Institute and finally as a governess at Thornfield is shaped and overshadowed by “men”. From her mean cousin John (Archie Sherman),to the cruel headmaster Reverend Brocklehurst (Harry Skoupas), to St John Rivers (George Liang) the “kindly” cleric, to Mr Rochester (Joseph Taylor). The D-men are a group of smartly dressed dancers who represent all of the “male” influences on Jane’s life which block her path or intimidate her. The D-men are danced by the ensemble. They twist, turn and block Jane’s progress through life.

The ensemble also portrays the orphans and the party guests. The orphanage scenes are particularly striking with simple props (stools, blankets and candles), portraying the drudgery and misery of life at Lowood School. At the party the guests’ costumes are more expensive in soft pastel colours, compared to Jane’s dowdy dress. The role of Blanche Ingram (Kaho Matsumoto) is particularly striking. The costume of Adele (Rachael Gillespie) enhances the spoilt child persona.

Whilst the production and the dancing was superb, the star of the show for me was the music and the orchestra. The music is atmospheric and perfectly compliments the dancing and really helps to create the different scenes. It is compiled and composed by Philip Freeney. The live Northern Ballet Orchestra was conducted by Daniel Parkinson. The Orchestra received a standing ovation from the audience and the Corps de Ballet. And rightly so, they were amazing.

I should also say that the Corps de Ballet also received a standing ovation. The audience really enjoyed the performance.

All in all this is Jane’s story and the final scene is of her alone on the stage. A fitting ending to an evening of incredible dancing and music.

THE INTERNATIONAL SMASH HIT MUSICAL SIX ANNOUNCES NEW CAST FOR UK & INTERNATIONAL TOUR 2025/26

PLUS, THE RETURN OF ALEXIA MCINTOSH, ORIGINAL ANNA OF CLEVES WHO CAN CURRENTLY BE SEEN IN THE RECORD-BREAKING CAPTURE IN CINEMAS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

The multi award-winning musical SIX, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, today announces a new cast for the UK & International tour. The new company will take over from Tuesday 20 May as the current cast head to China for an 8-week season in Shanghai. The current cast will return to the UK for a further five weeks, with their final performance on Saturday 30 August. The new cast will then continue from Tuesday 2 September. The new touring Queens will be played by LaSasha Aldredge (Catherine of Aragon), Yna Montarde (Anne Boleyn), Emily Dawson (Jane Seymour), original West End cast member Alexia McIntosh (Anna of Cleves) until 26 July, Jodie Knight (Anna of Cleves) from 2 September, Sammy Timbers (Katherine Howard) and Layla Chivandire (Catherine Parr). Abi Atchison, Millie Readshaw and Eve Kitchingman will be joining the cast as Alternates, with Super Swings Emilia Paige Jurin and Lucia Valentino. The cast are backed by the show’s all-female band, The Ladies in Waiting, led by Musical Director Rosabella Gregory. 

Alexia McIntosh said: ‘After so many years with SIX, both in London and now its cinematic release, I’ve been so lucky to have spent so much time with so many amazing cast members. I’m so honoured to have been invited back to revisit life as Anna and I can’t wait to work with even more amazing Queens, and I’m excited to be passing the baton (or in this case, the famous Cleves boots) on to Jodie when she takes over the role.’ 

SIX follows the six wives of Henry VIII as they take to the mic to tell their own personal tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.

On the international stage, SIX continues its reign on Broadway at the Lena Horne Theatre and is now booking into its fourth year. SIX has toured the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, South Korea, Holland, Germany, Italy and Switzerland and enjoyed a seven-week season at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Back on home turf, the London production recently celebrated its sixth sensational year in the West End and continues its reign at the Vaudeville Theatre (its third royal residence), whilst nationally, the UK tour – now booking through 2026 – continues to break Box Office records. 

Winner of over 37 major international awards including the 2022 Tony Award for ‘Best Original Score’ and ‘Best Costume Design’ on Broadway, triple Whatsonstage Award winner for ‘Best West End Show’ 2022, 2023 and 2025 and the 2020 BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for ‘Best Musical’, SIX was also nominated for five Olivier awards, including ‘Best New Musical’. The original studio album of SIX officially turned Gold in 2021, with the Broadway album SIX – Live on Opening Night nominated for a Grammy Award. Earlier this month, the live captured film release of SIX the Musical Live was seen in cinemas across the UK, broadcast on the most screens of any limited release cinema event, beating Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX is co-directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, featuring choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille. The design team includes Emma Bailey (Set Design), Gabriella Slade (Costume Design), Tim Deiling (Lighting Design) and Paul Gatehouse (Sound Design). The score features orchestrations by Tom Curran with music supervision and vocal arrangements by Joe Beighton. Musical Director Rosabella Gregory and Associate UK Musical Supervisor Lauren Hopkinson. Casting is by Pearson Casting. SIX is produced by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles. 

Tour Listings:

SIX UK & INTERNATIONAL TOUR 2025/26

Tue 8 – Sat 12 April

BRADFORD Alhambra Theatre 

01274 432000 | bradford-theatres.co.uk

Tue 15 – Sat 19 April

STOKE ON TRENT Regent Theatre 

atgtickets.com/stoke

Tue 20 – Sat 24 May 

AYLESBURY Waterside Theatre 

atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Tue 27 May – Sat 1 June

LEICESTER Curve Theatre 

0116 242 3560 | curveonline.co.uk

Tue 3 – Sat 7 June

HULL New Theatre 

01482 300306 | hulltheatres.co.uk

Tue 10 – Sat 14 June

BELFAST Grand Opera House 

028 9024 1919 | goh.co.uk

Tue 17 – Sat 28 June 

DUBLIN Bord Gais Energy Theatre 

+353 1 677 7999 | bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Tue 1 – Sat 5 July

RHYL Pavilion 

01745 33 00 00 | rhylpavilion.co.uk

Tue 8 – Sat 13 July

LEEDS Grand Theatre 

0844 848 2700 | leedsheritagetheatres.com

Tue 15 – Sat 19 July

COVENTRY Belgrade 

024 7655 3055 | belgrade.co.uk

Tue 22 – Sat 26 July 

SKEGNESS The Embassy Theatre 

01754 474100 | embassytheatre.co.uk

Tue 29 Jul – Sun 3 August

SALFORD The Lowry 

0343 208 6000 | thelowry.com

Tue 5 – Sat 9 August 

ABERDEEN His Majesty’s Theatre 

01224 641122 | aberdeenperformingarts.com

Tue 12 – Sat 23 August

NEWCASTLE Theatre Royal 

0191 232 7010 | theatreroyal.co.uk

Tue 26 Aug – Sat 6 September

GUILDFORD Yvonne Arnaud Theatre 

01483 44 00 00 | yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Tue 9 – Sat 20 September

BRIGHTON Theatre Royal 

atgtickets.com/brighton

Tue 23 – Sat 27 September

MOLD Theatre Clwyd 

01352 344101 Theatreclwyd.com

Tue 30 Sep – Sat 4 October 

TRURO Hall for Cornwall 

01872 262466 | hallforcornwall.co.uk

Tue 7 – Sat 11 October

TORQUAY Princess Theatre 

atgtickets.com/torquay

Tue 14 – Sat 18 October 

YORK Grand Opera House 

atgtickets.com/york

Tue 21 – Sat 25 October

EDINBURGH Playhouse 

atgtickets.com/edinburgh

Tue 28 Oct – Sat 8 November

CARDIFF Wales Millennium Centre 

029 2063 6464 | wmc.org.uk

Tue 11 – Sat 15 November

SOUTHEND Cliffs Pavilion 

0343 310 0030 | southendtheatres.com

Tue 18 – Sat 22 November

MALVERN Theatres 

01684 892277 | malvern-theatres.co.uk

Tue 25 – Sat 29 November 

HIGH WYCOMBE Swan Theatre 

0343 310 0060 | wycombeswan.co.uk

Tue 2 – Sat 6 December 

SOUTHAMPTON Mayflower 

02380 711811 | mayflower.org.uk

Tue 9 – Sat 13 December

OXFORD New Theatre 

atgtickets.com/oxford

Mon 22 Dec – Sun 4 January

BLACKPOOL Opera House 

01253 629600 | wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

2026 dates to be announced 

Running time: 80 minutes, no interval | Age guide: 10+

New Wimbledon Theatre – until Saturday 12th April 2025

Reviewed by Brooke Burlinge  

4**** 

Wimbledon Theatre brings you the brand new musical Now That’s What I Call A Musical. An endearing and fabulously vibrant production to celebrate the 40 years of the iconic ‘NOW That’s What I Call Music!’ compilation series. A new show at the theatre is always a little sceptical, a hit or miss you could say. This one I can confidently say was a hit. Despite the script and acting falling a little flat at times, and the acts dragging on a little longer than needed, the music managed to uplift the whole ambience and atmosphere once again. Some of the dance sequences and parts of the show were not necessary for the plot, however it did provide a certain campness and flare to the musical- something that constantly had the audience engrossed into the performance. 

The musical takes place in Birmingham, flashing back and forth between 1989 and 2009, where we follow the friendship and lives of younger Gemma (Nikita Johal) and April (Maia Hawkins) in 1989, following up to the dreaded school reunion in 2009, where old friends get together, old flames are possibly rekindled and Gemma (Nina Wadia) finally gets to see April (Sam Bailey) after 10 years of no contact… 

The whole of the cast was truly magnificent, and they all managed to bring each song to life perfectly, I can certainly say as part of the audience that I was in raptures from beginning to end with the variety of songs and fantastic choreography to match them. Both Nina Wadia and Nikita Johal played Gemma amazingly, Nina’s acting had so much depth and was beautiful to watch on stage. Nikita’s vocals were beautiful, and she really captured Gemma’s character. Sam Bailey, as always, sang superbly and dare I say had the audience awe struck at her clear and strong vocals. Maia Hawkins as younger April certainly had an outstanding stage presence, you couldn’t help but look at her whenever she was on stage, what an incredible performance debut to have. All the other characters were great in the performance, for example Tim (Chris Grahamson) and younger Tim (Kieran Cooper) despite being the ‘villian’ of the show provided a tremendous amount of humour and some fabulousness every time he was on stage. The heartwarming and lovable Frank (Shakil Hussain) and younger Frank (Luke Latchman) is another great mention, providing a happy and bubbly atmosphere to the stage. How could I forget the wonderful guest star- Sonia. She came out and had her moment, the audience absolutely loved it. 

Overall, it is certainly a musical to see if you want to see something fresh and new- although a little slow at times the music is fully worth it. Alongside the phenomenal atmosphere and nostalgia, the production brings for many. 

ORANGE TREE THEATRE ANNOUNCES FULL CAST FOR

TERENCE RATTIGAN’S IN PRAISE OF LOVE

With Playhouse Creatures currently in performances and rehearsals starting for the London première of the RSC production of Ben and Imo,Orange Tree Theatre (OT) today announces full casting for Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love.Amelia Sears directs Daniel Abelson (Mark Walters), Joe Edgar (Joey Cruttwell), Claire Price (Lydia Cruttwell) and Dominic Rowan (Sebastian Cruttwell).

In Praise of Love opens on 3 June, with previews from 24 May and runs until 5 July.

IN PRAISE OF LOVE

By Terence Rattigan

24 May – 5 July 2025

Cast: Daniel Abelson (Mark Walters), Joe Edgar (Joey Cruttwell), Claire Price (Lydia Cruttwell) and Dominic Rowan (Sebastian Cruttwell)

Director: Amelia Sears; Designer: Peter Butler; Lighting Design: Bethany Gupwell; Sound Designer and Composer: Elizabeth Purnell; Casting Director: Helena Palmer CDG; Production Manager: Pam Nichol

Honesty between people who love each other is the thing that matters least in this life.

England, 1973. Estonian refugee Lydia and her Marxist literary critic husband Sebastian both worked in wartime intelligence. They excel at keeping secrets – from friends, from each other, and even from themselves. But their world is crumbling. The arrival of Lydia’s admirer, a best-selling American author, sparks their complex deceptions into an explosion of family truths.

A perceptive and deeply moving drama, In Praise of Love is Rattigan’s penultimate play, and loosely based on the relationship between the actor Rex Harrison and his wife Kay Kendall. Orange Tree audiences loved Terence Rattigan’s French Without Tears and While the Sun Shines. This is a rare chance to see a haunting and provocative play by one of the twentieth century’s most popular playwrights.

Terence Rattigan was one of Britain’s greatest playwrights. His plays include French Without Tears, After the Dance, Flare Path, Love In Idleness, While the Sun Shines, The Winslow Boy, The Browning Version, Harlequinade, Adventure Story, Who is Sylvia?, The Deep Blue Sea, The Sleeping Prince, Separate Tables, Variation on a Theme, Ross, Man and Boy, A Bequest to the Nation and Cause Célèbre. His screenplays include French Without Tears, The Way to the Stars, Journey Together, While the Sun Shines, The Winslow Boy, The Browning Version, The Prince and the Showgirl, Separate Tables, The Sound Barrier, The Man Who Loved Redheads, The Deep Blue Sea, Goodbye Mr Chips, Conduct Unbecoming and A Bequest to the Nation. His television plays include Heart to Heart, All On Her Own and High Summer.

Daniel Abelson returns to the Orange Tree to play Mark Walters having previously appeared in Amsterdam (also Theatre Royal Plymouth). Other theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Opera North), Machinal (The Old Vic, Theatre Royal Bath Ustinov Studio), Circa (Old Red Lion Theatre), The Rivals (Watermill Theatre), William Wordsworth (ETT, Theatre by the Lake), Once in a Lifetime (Young Vic), The Mighty Waltzer (Royal Exchange Theatre); Me, As a Penguin (Arcola Theatre, The Lowry, West Yorkshire Playhouse), Country Magic (Southwark Playhouse), Macbeth (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Shadow of a Gunman (Glasgow Citizens Theatre), 5/11, King Lear, The Government Inspector, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Seven Doors, Thermidor, The Seagull and Holes in the Skin (Chichester Festival Theatre). His television credits include Humans, I Shouldn’t Be Alive, Jonathan Pie’s American Pie, Robin Hood and The Royal Today; and for film, The Rack Pack.

Joe Edgar plays Joey Cruttwell. His theatre credits include The Cabinet Minister (Menier Chocolate Factory), Just For One Day (Old Vic Theatre) and Hitchhiker (Teastain Theatre). His television credits include The Crown.

Claire Price returns to the Orange Tree to play Lydia Cruttwell having previously appeared in Poison. Other theatre credits include Something in the Air (Jermyn Street Theatre), Raya (Hampstead Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew/Measure for Measure, When Did You Last See My Mother (Battersea Arts Centre); for the RSC credits include Volpone, Don Carlos, Brand (the later also Theatre Royal Haymarket); King Lear (Duke of York’s Theatre), Things We Do For Love (Theatre Royal Bath, UK tour); for Sheffield Theatres, credits include The Winter’s Tale, The Daughter-in-Law, Company, The Pride, Richard III, Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest (also The Old Vic); Fifty Words (Theatre Royal Bath Ustinov Studio, Arcola Theatre), The Way of the World (Chichester Festival Theatre), Little Platoons (Bush Theatre), Mary Stuart (Theatr Clwyd), The White Devil (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Lady from the Sea (Birmingham Rep), Coriolanus, Blood Wedding (Bloomsbury Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Dark Room, Love in a Wood (New End Theatre Hampstead), Dead White Males (Nuffield Theatre), As You Like It, Twelfth Night (Liverpool Playhouse), The Relapse, Cyrano (National Theatre) and Dr Faustus (Bristol Old Vic). Her television credits include The Capture, Call the Midwife, Home Fires, Capital, The Coroner, The Outcast, Apparitions, London’s Burning, The White Lady, Murder in Mind: Sleeper, Out of this World, The Knock, Whistleblower, Twelfth Night, Poirot: The Hollow, Dalziel & Pascoe and Rebus; and for film, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Jump, Hereafter, Cuckoo and Solo Shuttle.

Dominic Rowan returns to the Orange Tree to playSebastian Cruttwell having previously appeared in Winter Solstice. Other theatre credits include The Invention of Love, The Divine Mrs S, Giving (Hampstead Theatre), The Good Life (Theatre Royal Bath), The Jungle (Playhouse Theatre, St Anne’s Warehouse, Curran Theatre), A Woman of No Importance, Stepping Out (Vaudeville Theatre), The Tempest, Measure for Measure, Henry VIII, A New World, As You Like It (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Cherry Orchard, After Dido (Young Vic), Medea, Happy Now?, Dream Play, Iphigenia at Aulis, Mourning Becomes Electra, Three Sisters, The Talking Cure, Private Lives (National Theatre), A Doll’s House (Young Vic, Duke of York’s Theatre, BAM New York), The Village Bike, Way to Heaven, Forty Winks (Royal Court Theatre), The Misanthrope (Comedy Theatre), The Spanish Tragedy (Arcola Theatre), Under the Blue Sky (Duke of York’s Theatre), A Voyage Round My Father, Lobby Hero (Donmar Warehouse), The Importance of Being Earnest (Oxford Playhouse), Sexual Perversity in Chicago (Sheffield Theatres), The Merchant of Venice, Two Gentlemen of Verona and Talk of the City (RSC). His television credits include Dalgliesh, Agatha Raisin, The Crown, Trying, Catastrophe, Press, Henry IV, Restless, Law & Order: UK (as series regular Jacob Thorne), Catwalk Dogs, Baby Boom, Trial and Retribution, The Lavender List, The Family Man, Rescue Me, Lost World, Swallow, North Square, Hearts and Bones, A Rather English Marriage, Between the Lines, Devil’s Advocate, No Bananas, Emma and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall; and for film, Tulse Luper Suitcases.

Amelia Sears’ directing credits include Years of Sunlight (Theatre503), Home, Brimstone and Treacle, Ant Street (Arcola Theatre), The Girl’s Guide to Saving the World (HighTide Festival), Pedestrian (Bristol Old Vic, Underbelly and UK tour) and The Last Five Years (Duchess Theatre). As Associate Director credits include Ghosts (Duchess Theatre), Twelfth Night (Donmar Warehouse season at Wyndham’s Theatre), Bliss (Royal Court Theatre), One Evening, Four Quartets (Lincoln Centre), Al Gran Sole Carico D’Amore (Salzburg Opera Festival), Some Trace of Her, The Year of Magical Thinking and Statement of Regret (National Theatre). For film her credits include the award-winning short films THREE and Ceresand her upcoming debut feature Ceres. She was recently selected as one of the BFI – LFF cohort for the 2024 London Film Festival.

ORANGE TREE THEATRE 

LISTINGS

1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9 2SA

Box Office: 020 8940 3633 (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm)

orangetreetheatre.co.uk

Performance times:

Monday – Saturday 7.30pm

Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm

PLAYHOUSE CREATURES

Until 12 April 2025

Audio Described Performance: Wednesday 9 April at 7:30pm

Captioned Performance: Tuesday 8 April at 7:30pm         

OT on screen: Tuesday 15 – Friday 18 April

Touring to:

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

Tue 22 – Sat 26 Apr

Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm

Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm

Box Office: 01483 440 000 / www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Theatre Royal Bath

Mon 28 Apr – Sat 3 May

Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm

Wednesday and Saturday 2.30pm

Box Office: 01225 448844 / www.theatreroyal.org.uk

BEN AND IMO

19 April – 17 May 2025

OT UNDER 30 NIGHT: Friday 2 May

Audio Described Performance: Wednesday 14 May at 7:30pm    

Captioned Performance: Tuesday 13 May at 7:30pm

Relaxed and distanced performance: Wednesday 7 May at 7:30pm

OT on screen: Tuesday 20 – Friday 23 May

IN PRAISE OF LOVE

24 May – 5 July 2025

OT UNDER 30 NIGHT: Friday 20 June

Audio Described Performance: Wednesday 2 July at 7:30pm

Captioned Performance: Tuesday 1 July at 7:30pm

Relaxed and distanced performance: Wednesday 25 June at 7:30pm

OT on screen: Tuesday 8 – Friday 11 July

ABOUT THE ORANGE TREE THEATRE

We are a local theatre with a global reputation.

A show at the Orange Tree is close-up magic: live, entertaining, unmissable. We’re an intimate theatre with the audience wrapped around the stage. We believe in celebrating what it means to be human. We believe in putting people at the centre of the stories we tell. And we believe in the power of a writer’s words, an actor’s voice, and an audience’s imagination to transport us to other worlds and other lives.

We punch above our weight to create world-class productions of new and contemporary drama, revitalise classics and re-discoveries, and introduce children and young people to the magic of theatre.

We are deeply rooted in our local community in South West London. We work with thousands of people aged 0 to 100 in Richmond and beyond through participatory theatre, bringing generations together to build confidence, connection, and joy. Our ground-breaking Primary Shakespeare and Shakespeare Up Close projects pack the theatre with children and ignite a spark to last a lifetime.

We’re a registered charity (266128). With only 180 seats and no support from Arts Council England, we rely on the generosity of our audiences and donors to raise £650,000 a year. These funds support our outstanding work on stage and in the community and invest in the next generation of talent.

Orange Tree Theatre was this year awarded Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards.

Artistic Director Tom Littler 
Executive Director Hanna Streeter 

Website orangetreetheatre.co.uk | Email [email protected] 
X @OrangeTreeThtr | Facebook/Instagram OrangeTreeTheatre

FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR

THE MINISTRY OF LESBIAN AFFAIRS

AT KILN THEATRE

Kiln Theatre, Antic Productions and Damsel Productions today announce the full cast and creative team for The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, Iman Qureshi’s musical comedy about community, belonging, and the power of finding your voice. The production runs at Kiln Theatre, 13 June – 12 July 2025 (Press Night: Friday 20 June) following a sold-out run at Soho Theatre.

Hannah Hauer-King directs Fanta Barrie (My Lady Jane, Amazon) as Ellie, Olivier Award-winner Liz Carr (The Normal Heart, National Theatre) as Fi, Zak Ghazi-Torbati (Hot Gay Time Machine, Soho Theatre Trafalgar Studio/The Other Palace) as The Men, Leah Harvey (Sweetpea, Sky Atlantic) as Lori, Georgie Henley (The Chronicles of Narnia, Disney) as Ana, Mariah Louca as Bridget (The Doctor, Almeida Theatre), Serena Manteghi (English, Kiln Theatre / RSC) as Dina, and Shuna Snow (Big Mood, Channel 4) as Connie. 

The creative team includes Anna Reid (Designer), Zoe Spurr (Lighting Designer), Nicola T Chang (Co-Sound Designer, Composer & Co-Musical Director), Tingying Dong (Co-Sound Designer), Viki Calver (Co-Musical Director), Stuart Burt CDA CSA (Casting Director), Yael Elisheva (Assistant Director), and Danielle Levy (Costume Supervisor).

Amit Sharma, Artistic Director & CEO of Kiln Theatre, said: “What an absolutely phenomenal cast we have for The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs. Iman’s play celebrates love, identity and community with heart and humour – and with this cast it has all of the above in abundance. I can’t wait for audiences to come and see this brilliant play!”

Iman Qureshi, writer, said: “Any one of these marvellous cast members would be a coup, but together our Ministry is an absolute tour de force. In this difficult political, cultural and economic environment for new writing, I am overjoyed that our much loved, sell-out show is being revived at the Kiln Theatre, and I can’t wait for Kilburn High Road to transform into the unofficial lesbian stomping ground of summer 2025. Don’t sleep on tickets, they’re going fast!”

Hannah Hauer-King, director, said: “I couldn’t be more excited to have such an incredible group of artists bringing this story back to life. It really is a dream cast, with new company members Liz Carr, Leah Harvey, Georgie Henley, Zak Ghazi-Torbati and Serena Manteghi bringing new energy to the show, Shuna Snow returning as much-loved Connie the choir director, Fanta Barrie returning as life of the party Ellie, and Mariah Louca as the irreplaceable Brig.”

A Kiln Theatre, Antic Productions and Damsel Productions co-production

THE MINISTRY OF LESBIAN AFFAIRS

by Iman Qureshi

directed by Hannah Hauer-King

13 June – 12 July 2025

The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, the only lesbian choir in the country, are trying to win their place on the Pride mainstage. In a run-down church hall with an OWL (Older, Wiser Lesbian) at the helm, the rag tag choir navigate love, loss, and trying to agree on song choices. But despite their best intentions, they find that harmony comes at a price. 

Packed with laugh out loud moments and lots of lesbian drama, this heart-warming musical comedy returns following its sold-out premiere at Soho Theatre in 2022.

The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs premiered at the Soho Theatre in a co- production with Damsel Productions in 2022.

Fanta Barrie | Ellie         

Fanta Barrie graduated from Rose Bruford in 2018 and went straight into Songlines (High Tide/Edinburgh Festival).             
              
Theatre credits include: Belly Up (Turbine Theatre); The Loved Ones (Gate Theatre); The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs (Soho Theatre); The Lovely Bones (UK Tour); The Amber Trap (Theatre 503/Damsel productions) and The Cereal Café (The Other Place).            
              
Television credits include: My Lady Jane (Amazon).

Liz Carr | Fi

Theatre credits include: The Normal Heart (for which she won an Olivier award for Best Supporting Actress in a Play), And Others (National Theatre); Unspeakable Conversations (Druid Theatre); Assisted Suicide The Musical (Royal Festival Hall); The Ugly Girl, In the House of the Moles (Bluecoat Theatre, Liverpool); It Hasn’t Happened Yet (Wolverhampton Arena); George Dandin, Mother Courage, The Vagina Monologues (Graeae Theatre Company); The Exception & The Rule (Young Vic).

Television credits include: Loki Season 2 (Marvel Studios); The Witcher Series 2 & 3 (Netflix); Good Omens Series 2 (Amazon Studios); Better Off Dead?, This Is Going To Hurt, Then Barbara Met Alan, Who Do You Think You Are?, Criptales, Les Miserables, Silent Witness, CBeebies Bedtime Stories (BBC); Devs (DNA Films) and The OA Series 2 (Netflix). 

Film credits include: Infinite (Paramount); Le Accelerator (Filmrage) and The Beaten (Short Film).

Zak Ghazi-Torbati | The Men     

Theatre credits include: The Hypochondriac (Crucible Theatre Sheffield); The Busy Body (Orange Tree Theatre); Scratches (Jermyn Street Theatre); Hot Gay Time Machine (Soho Theatre/Trafalgar Studio/The Other Palace); A Girl, Standing (Theatre503); Twelfth Night (European Tour); Antigone/Lysistrata and Measure for Measure (Cambridge Arts Theatre).             

Television credits include: I Hate You (Big Talk Productions); Doctors (BBC) and The Age of Outrage (BBC Wales).    

Radio credits include: Cymbeline (BBC Radio 4).  

Leah Harvey | Lori

Theatre credits include: Emelia (Shakespeare’s Globe); Girl in the Machine (Young Vic); As You Like It (@SohoPlace); The Wonderful World of Dissocia (Theatre Royal Stratford East); Small Island (National Theatre); Yous Two (Hampstead Theatre); The Tempest (The Donmar at King’s Cross Theatre/St. Ann’s Warehouse, New York); Henry IV and Julius Caesar (The Donmar at King’s Cross Theatre).

Television credits include: Sweetpea (Sky Atlantic); A Gentleman in Moscow (Paramount+); Foundation – Seasons 1 and 2 (Apple TV+ – BAFTA Nominated for Best Supporting Actress 2022); Search and Destroy (Hulu); Les Miserables (BBC One) and Uncle (BBC).

Film credits include: Tuesday (A24); Fighting With My Family (Channel 4 Films); On The Road (Revolution Films) and Dustbin Baby (BBC).

Georgie Henley | Ana

Georgie Henley is an actress, writer and director. She is best known as young Lucy in all three Narnia franchise films. She is a graduate of Cambridge University, where she starred in and directed many theatre productions and wrote and directed her first short film, Tide.         

Television credits include: The Diplomat (Netflix), Partygate (Channel 4 – Royal Television Society Award for Best Single Drama).

Mariah Louca | Bridget

Theatre credits include: The Doctor (Almeida Theatre/Adelaide Festival/UK tour/West End/Park Avenue Armory, New York); Multiple Casualty Incident (The Yard); Burnt at the Stake (Or the Whole of the Truth) (Shakespeare’s Globe); The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs (Soho Theatre); Best Of Enemies (Young Vic/Noël Coward Theatre); Maryland (Royal Court/Battersea Arts Centre); Queer Upstairs (Royal Court); Cherry Jezebel(Liverpool Everyman); Suspect Device (Kabosh Theatre/Outburst Festival, Belfast); All Mod Cons (Lyric Theatre, Belfast); Julius Caesar, Playing For Time, A Dream, The Sheffield Mysteries, 20 Tiny Plays About Sheffield (Sheffield Crucible); Tuesdays At Tesco’s, Bloom, Blossom, Bloom (Southwark Playhouse); Bumps(Theatre503); Ajar(Theatre By The Lake/Graeae); The Interview (The Mono Box/PLAYSTART) and The Vagina Monologues (Theatre Deli).        

Television credits include: the forthcoming What It Feels Like for a Girl (BBC); Waterloo Road, Eastenders, Casualty and Doctors (BBC).   

Film credits include: the forthcoming rom-com Jingle Bell Heist and Re-displacement (short).              

Serena Manteghi | Dina

For Kiln: English (Also RSC).

Theatre credits include: Otherland(Almeida); Bleak Expectations (Criterion); Hound of the Baskervilles (UK Tour); Hamlet (Shakespeare’s Rose); Eurydice (Soho Playhouse, NY); Build a Rocket (Stephen Joseph/ UK Tour); The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Stephen Joseph); Echoes (Brits Off Broadway); My Mother Said I Never Should (The Other Place); The Railway Children (Kings Cross); HEART (Traverse); Mucky Kid (Theatre503); Agammemnon, Macbeth (Southwark Playhouse); The Tartuffe (York Theatre Royal); Some Small Love Story (Arts) and The Beggar’s Opera (York Theatre Royal).

Television credits include: The Diplomat (World Productions/Alibi); The Other Half (RangaBee/ Dave) and Mrs Wilson (Bronte Films/BBC).

Film credits include: Miss Jihadi (Heavy Wait Productions).

Shuna Snow | Connie

Shuna trained at The Poor School. She has worked for the RSC, the National Theatre and extensively in London/UK regional theatre.

Theatre credits include: The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs (Soho Theatre); The Swell (The Orange Tree); Brideshead Revisited (ETT); Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, Julius Caesar The Winter’s Tale (Mercury Theatre Colchester). Iron (Offies Awards nominated Best Actress – Old Red Lion Theatre); Hamlet (Actors From The London Stage, US tour).

Television credits include: Big Mood (Channel 4).

Film credits include The Boy In The Woods.

Iman Qureshi | Writer
Iman Qureshi is an award-winning writer for stage and screen. Her break-out play The Funeral Director won the prestigious Papatango New Writing Prize in 2018 and premiered at Southwark Playhouse directed by Hannah Hauer-King. Her next play The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs also directed by Hauer-King, premiered on the Soho Theatre’s main stage in 2022 to great acclaim. She held the position of writer in residence at the National Theatre for a year in 2023 and is now writing a new play under commission. She is also developing new work with the Almeida, English Touring Theatre, Papatango, and the Royal Court and she is developing a new musical. For screen, she completed a two year first look deal with Paramount+ in 2021 and previously her short Home Girl, directed by Poonam Brah was selected by Film London for their London Calling short film slate and was later selected for the 2019 BFI Flare Festival. Her short film The Ceremony (Open Sky) was selected for the Vancouver International Film Festival 2022, and won Best Screenplay at the Artists Forum Festival of the Moving Image.

Hannah Hauer-King | Director
Hannah Hauer-King is an Olivier Award nominated and award winning director and dramaturg. Directing work includes: The Swell (Hightide Festival/Orange Tree Theatre – Oliver Award nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Affiliate Theatre), The Brief Life and Mysterious Death of Boris III, King of Bulgaria (Arcola Theatre/New York), The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, Fabric, Fury (Soho Theatre), The Funeral Director (Southwark Playhouse/ UK tour), Circle Game (Southwark Playhouse), Call Me Fury (Hope Theatre), The Amber Trap (Theatre503), Grotty, Breathe (Bunker Theatre), Revolt She Said Revolt Again (RCSSD), Clay (Pleasance Theatre)and Dry Land (Jermyn Street Theatre). Associate/Assistant work includes: Fiddler On The Roof (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Wife of Willesden (Kiln Theatre, ART Boston and BAM NY), Romeo & Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe), Daytona (Park Theatre & Theatre Royal Haymarket), Radiant Vermin (Soho Theatre) and Titus Andronicus (Greenwich Theatre). Cabaret works includes: Witt n Camp (Soho Theatre), Siblings (Crazy Coqs) and Lilith (Bunker Theatre). Hannah is the co-founder of Damsel Productions and was Resident Director at the National Theatre Studio.

Kiln Theatre Listings

269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7JR

Box Office: 020 7328 1000

www.KilnTheatre.com

SHANGHAI DOLLS

Until 10 May 2025

Tickets:                               £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               8 May, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           26 and 28 April, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               3 May, 2.30pm

Special performances:

Post show Q&A                 24 April, 7.30pm

THE MINISTRY OF LESBIAN AFFAIRS

13 June – 12 July 2025

Tickets:                               £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               10 July, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           3 July, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               9 July, 2.30pm

Special performances:

Alcohol Free                      30 June, 7.30pm

Post show Q&A                 26 June, 7.30pm

COVEN

31 October – 13 December 2025

Tickets:                               £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               11 December, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           1 December, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               3 December, 2.30pm

Special performances:

Alcohol Free                      17 November, 7.30pm

Post show Q&A                 18 November, 7.30pm

SEAGULLS

12 February – 21 March 2026

Tickets:                               £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               12 March, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           19 March, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               14 March, 2.30pm

Special performances:

Alcohol Free                      16 March, 7.30pm

Post show Q&A                 10 March, 7.30pm

PLEASE PLEASE ME

16 April – 23 May 2026

Tickets:                               £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               7 May, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           14 May, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               20 May, 2.30pm

Special performances:

Alcohol Free                      27 April, 7.30pm

Post show Q&A                 12 May, 7.30pm

Danielle Tarento and Tony Award winner Annaleigh Ashford to co-produce the UK premiere of the Off Broadway smash hitTHE WHITE CHIP at Southwark Playhouse

The White Chip

written, autobiographically, by Sean Daniels
Directed by Matt Ryan

Southwark Playhouse Borough
77-85 Newington Causeway,
London SE1 6BD
9th July – 16th August 2025

Despite spending more time drunk than sober, Steven McAlister has managed to graduate from college, create an extremely successful theatre group, get married, and thrive in a dream job at one of the most prestigious regional theatres in the United States.

Sure, it’s gratifying to go to an AA meeting where they reward you with a white chip token just for showing up, but does he really have a problem?

Even with an ailing father, a marriage on the rocks, and his professional life careening out of control, Steven has a carefully constructed balancing act that keeps it all together – until it all falls apart.

Told with humour, honesty, and compassion, The White Chip is about living with addiction and coming alive through recovery.

Cast to be announced.

Creative team includes:
Director Matt Ryan
Designer Lee Newby
Lighting Designer Jamie Platt
Sound Designer Max Pappenheim

The UK premiere is produced by Danielle Tarento and Annaleigh Ashford.

Sean Daniels said: “It’s an honour to get to work with Danielle Tarento and Annaleigh Ashford to bring The White Chip to London. After the response we had in New York – the mix of laughter-filled shows and someone saying ‘I’m ready to get help’ after every performance – we knew we wanted to keep this going as long as we could. When you write a comedy about recovery you hope it finds the right people, people who get your dark sense of humour – from actors to producers to audience – and how lucky am I that it has.”

The show premiered in New York at 59E59 Theaters and was most recently produced at The Susan & Ronald Frankel Theater at MCC Theatre by Tony® Award winning actress Annaleigh Ashford alongside Hank Azaria, Jason Biggs, and fellow Tony® Award winner John Larroquette. The play received widespread acclaim, earning a coveted New York Times Critics’ Pick.

Performing Recovery
The production is working closely with Performing Recovery, the public face of the Addiction Recovery Arts Network, a non-profit organisation which promotes, connects and shares creative recovery practices thereby reducing the stigma of addiction-recovery. A percentage of every ticket sold will be donated to Performing Recovery.

Leon Clowes, co-founder of the Addiction Recovery Arts Network, will be reading The Alcoholic’s Tarot for anyone with burning questions after the show. As an artist with lived experience of addiction, he offers light-hearted readings of your alcoholic misfortunes using his adapted tarot cards. He’ll also be available after each performance to offer support, advice and guidance or just to chat about anything that may have come up for audience members during the play.

He said: “Performing Recovery is delighted that Tarento Productions is the first major sponsor of our network and magazine. Our mission is to ensure that the arts are the driving force behind changing the conversation around addiction, so to be supported and partnered with one of London’s top theatre producers and to have the opportunity to work along-side her on The White Chip is game changing for us.”

The production is delighted to be partnering with Club Soda and sponsored by Everleaf.

Club Soda is a global mindful drinking movement that helps people change their drinking habits. Through events, courses, community support, and better drinks, they empower individuals to make choices that work for them.

They said: “Alcohol-free drinks are a vital part of creating an inclusive arts experience, and we’re excited to see more theatres beginning to embrace this. With a play that invites reflection on drinking habits, it’s powerful to see the theatre make that conversation tangible. Offering a delicious, adult alcohol-free option shows that choosing not to drink isn’t a compromise – it can actually make your night out even better.”
Everleaf was founded by a conservation biologist turned mixologist who knows the world’s plants and how to use them. They make non-alcoholic aperitifs with nature’s tastes, textures and aromas so bartenders and consumers can craft great drinks. Everleaf variants take inspiration from the natural world, from the crisp and refreshing notes of Everleaf Marine, to the bittersweet Everleaf Forest, and vibrantly aromatic Everleaf Mountain., all of which will be available throughout the run.

Sean Daniels
Sean Daniels is a leading voice in using the arts to defeat addiction. He is an internationally known theatre director, writer, and artistic director, known for new work and innovative community-based leadership. His play, The White Chip, a New York Times Critics’ Pick, has been performed around the world as a catalyst for community conversation and connection. He is the Director of the Recovery Arts Project and serves as the Anti-Stigma Director for Live Tampa Bay, where his geotargeted anti-stigma campaign reached almost 13 million people in eight weeks. A USF analysis of the program found that it had “significant impacts in aspects of nearly every domain of  addiction stigma.” He’s coordinated and led recovery events with organisations like Tampa Bay Rays, City of Tampa, and been a speaker with the Clinton Global Initiative, SAMHSA, and Hazelden/Betty Ford. He’s currently coordinating mental health education efforts for Redwood on Broadway, and heading up the Clinton Foundation’s initiative to make all Broadway theatres recovery friendly. His op-ed in the Los Angeles Times about Matthew Perry’s passing and the stigma of relapses was read over 200,000 times. In the arts world, Sean has been named “one of the top 15 up and coming artists in the U.S., whose work will be transforming America’s stages for decades to come” and “One Of 7 People Reshaping and Revitalizing The American Musical” by American Theatre magazine.Talkbacks
On Thursday 17th July, Soberistas founder Lucy Rocca and Alcohol Change’s Brie Barros will be discussing ‘What Happens If I Don’t Want to Drink Anymore?’ following the show.

You can find more about the Soberistas online community here: https://soberistas.com/home

Alcohol Change is a national UK charity who provide support and advice: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/

On Wednesday 6th August, following the captioned performance, “Through an Addict’s Looking-Glass” author Waithera Sebatindira and music industry and diversity professional Paul Bonham will be
discussing ‘Is Addiction a Disability?

You can read more about Waithera Seantindira’s book here:
https://www.hajarpress.com/books/through-an-addicts-looking-glass

At both talkbacks, the guests will be in conversation with Performing Recovery’s Leon Clowes and taking questions from the audience. They are free to all ticket-holders for that night’s performance.

LISTINGS INFO

Danielle Tarento and Annaleigh Ashford
present

THE WHITE CHIP
by Sean Daniels

Directed by Matt Ryan

Location:
Southwark Playhouse Borough,
77-85 Newington Causeway,
London SE1 6BD

How To Get There:
The nearest stations are
Borough and Elephant & Castle

Performance Dates & Times:
9th July – 16th August at 7pm
(2.30pm Tuesdays and Saturdays)
Captioned performance on 6th August

Box Office link
southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-white-chip/

Ticket Prices:
Pioneer Preview £12
Previews £18
Full price £32
Concession £26

Age Guidance: 11+

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DIEGO ANDRES RODRIGUEZ

JOINS RACHEL ZEGLER IN

JAMIE LLOYD’S PRODUCTION OF

TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

EVITA

AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM

SUMMER 2025

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and Jamie Lloyd forThe Jamie Lloyd Company today announce Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che in Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita. He joins the previously announced Rachel Zegler (Eva Perón), with full cast and creatives to be announced. The production, directed by Jamie Lloyd, opens at The London Palladium on Tuesday 1 July, with previews from 14 June, and runs until 6 September 2025.

Jamie Lloyd said today, “Before he even graduated, Diego made his professional debut as Artie in our production of Sunset Blvd. on Broadway, in which he also understudied and played the leading role, Joe Gillis. He is an incredible young actor and a fantastic vocalist. We’re so thrilled he will be making his West End debut in Tim and Andrew’s iconic musical.”

Diego Andres Rodriguez said today, “I’m beyond thrilled to be making my West End debut in Evita this summer at the historic London Palladium! Being directed by Jamie Lloyd again, working with The Jamie Lloyd Company’s incredible team, and playing Che opposite Rachel is an opportunity of a lifetime. This is a dream come true!”

For Evita, there will be 5,000 tickets available across the run at £25 exclusively for under 30s, key workers and those receiving government benefits. These tickets will be available across all levels of the theatre, and go on sale at a later date. Further information to be announced.

EVITA

Lyrics by Tim Rice; Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Directed by Jamie Lloyd

The London Palladium

Saturday 14 June – Saturday 6 September 2025

“The truth is I never left you”

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary Evita returns to the West End, reimagined by the visionary award-winning director Jamie Lloyd.

Featuring an iconic score including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Oh What A Circus, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, and the Oscar-winning You Must Love Me.

Fuelled by ambition and passion, Eva Perón rose from poverty to become the most powerful woman in Latin America. A symbol of hope to many Argentines, her star shone brightly as she captured the nation’s heart and divided its soul. 

Produced by Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and Jamie Lloyd for The Jamie Lloyd Company by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd.

Jamie Lloyd originally directed Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre as part of their 2019 season.

Instagram:          @OfficialEvita

Facebook:           /EvitaTheMusical

TikTok:                 @EvitaMusical

Rachel Zegler makes her West End debut as Eva Perón

Theatre credits include: Romeo + Juliet (Circle in the Square Theatre, Broadway).

Film credits include: Snow White, Spellbound, Y2K, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (People’s Choice Award for Action Movie Star of the Year); Shazam! Fury of The Gods and West Side Story (NBR Award for Best Actress; Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical).

Diego Andres Rodriguez makes his West End debut as Che

For The Jamie Lloyd Company: Sunset Blvd. (St. James Theatre, Broadway).

Tim Rice

Tim Rice has worked in music, theatre and films since 1965 when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Rather than pursue Tim’s ambitions to write rock or pop songs they turned their attention to Andrew’s obsession – musical theatre. Their first collaboration, The Likes Of Us, did not set the musicals world alight, but their next three works together did – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.

Tim has since worked with other distinguished composers such as Elton John (The Lion King, Aida), Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast), Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess), and Stuart Brayson (From Here To Eternity). He has also written with Freddie Mercury, Burt Bacharach, Graham Gouldman, Gary Barlow and Rick Wakeman among others. Many of his musicals continue to play around the world in a huge variety of productions, big and small.

In 2024 Tim toured England (22 towns/cities) to present an evening of his songs, mercifully performed by top singers and musicians rather than by him, to which he added reminiscence and comment, recalling their creation, success (or rejection) and the joy (usually) of working with great composers. The show, entitled My Life In Musicals, did so well that it is to be repeated in 2025, this time taking in Wales, Scotland and Ireland too.

Sir Tim’s interests beyond music, film and theatre include cricket and he founded his own team in 1973. Heartaches CC has now played over 750 matches and been on playing tours to the USA, Russia, France, Estonia, Hungary, Germany and South Africa. He was President of the world’s most famous cricket club, MCC, in 2002.

He has recently recorded a series of talks for BBC Maestro on Writing and Performing in Musical Theatre. He writes and presents a podcast (entitled Get Onto My Cloud) about his sixty-year career– playing hits and flops, out-takes and number ones.

He dedicates considerable time to several British educational institutions and charities, many connected with sport for disadvantaged children. He is a patron of the Bob Willis Fund (along with Bob Dylan!), an enterprise inspired by the late great English cricketer, dedicated to raise prostate cancer awareness.

He crops up here and there in all branches of the media drawing on his extensive knowledge of the history of popular music. He has won several awards, mainly for the wrong thing or for simply turning up, but since you ask: 1 Emmy, 5 Grammys, 3 Tonys and 3 Oscars, making him an EGOT. His shows have spent more weeks on Broadway than those of any other British lyricist. He was knighted by Her Late Majesty the Queen in 1994. Despite hints, he is not retiring just yet.

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. Lloyd Webber has had shows running across the world for decades, including continually in London’s West End for 50 years.

When Sunset Boulevard joined School of Rock, CATS, and The Phantom of the Opera he equalled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway. He is one of the select group of artists with EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. 

Lloyd Webber owns six London theatres including the iconic London Palladium and Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Reopened in July 2021, the latter was completely restored and renovated at a cost of over £60 million. It was one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a private theatre owner in recent times. His mantra is that every penny of profit made from his theatres is ploughed back into the buildings. 

Lloyd Webber is passionate about the importance of musical education and diversity in the arts. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation provides 30 performing arts scholarships every year for talented students with financial need and supports a range of projects such as the Music In Secondary School Trust and commissioning research into diversity in theatre. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed music for globally significant moments, including Olympic ceremonies and World Cup celebrations. He has been asked to compose for many royal occasions, the most recent being “Make a Joyful Noise”, an Anthem for the Coronation of King Charles III. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber was knighted in 1992, created an honorary life peer in 1997, and made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter by King Charles III in 2024. 

Jamie Lloyd directs. His credits for The Jamie Lloyd Company include Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Romeo & Juliet (Duke of York’s Theatre), Sunset Blvd. (St. James Theatre, New York/Savoy Theatre – winner of seven Olivier Awards including Best Director and Best Musical Revival; Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Director), The Effect (National Theatre/The Shed, New York), A Doll’s House (Hudson Theatre, New York – nominated for six 2023 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Seagull (Harold Pinter Theatre), Cyrano de Bergerac (Playhouse Theatre/Harold Pinter Theatre/Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York – Olivier Award for Best Revival; Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Director), Betrayal (Harold Pinter Theatre/Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre – nominated for four 2021 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play; Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Director), Pinter at the Pinter (Harold Pinter Theatre), The Maids, The Homecoming, The Ruling Class, Richard III, The Pride, The Hothouse and Macbeth (Trafalgar Studios).

LISTINGS

The London Palladium

LW Theatres

Box Office: evitathemusical.com / 020 3925 2998

Saturday 14 June – Saturday 6 September 2025