Last chance to see Sunny Afternoon in London

8c9440259da43d7c_orgLAST CHANCE TO SEE SUNNY AFTERNOONIN LONDON

  • Olivier Award-winning show runs for four more weeks
  • Final performance on 29 October 2016
  • First West End run will end after more than two years at the Harold Pinter Theatre
  • Sunny Afternoon is currently on an extensive U.K. tour 

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After almost 900 performances in London, and having been seen by over half a million people, audiences have just one month left to catch the multi-Olivier award-winning hit British musical, SUNNY AFTERNOON. The production will conclude its West End run on 29 October this year, after more than two years at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

SUNNY AFTERNOON began a national tour on 19 August and is currently playing at the Sunderland Empire.

The critically-acclaimed musical Sunny Afternoon tells the story of the early life of Ray Davies and the rise to stardom of The Kinks. It has established itself as a firm favourite with audiences and critics alike since it opened at the Harold Pinter Theatre in October 2014.

Sunny Afternoon was the best performing show at the 2015 Olivier Awards, winning four awards including Best New Musical. Ray Davies won for Outstanding Achievement in Music.

Danny Horn (Doctor Who; The Dead Dogs) plays Ray Davies, with Oliver Hoare (Antony and Cleopatra, Chichester) as Dave Davies, Tom Whitelock (Times Square Angel, Union) as bassist Pete Quaife and Damien Walsh (Dreamboats and Petticoats) as drummer Mick Avory.

Full cast: Niamh Bracken, Christopher Brandon, Ben Caplan, Alice Cardy, Lia Given, Oliver Hoare, Danny Horn, Gillian Kirkpatrick, Megan Leigh Mason, Stephen Pallister, Marvin Springer, Charlie Tighe, Gabriel Vick, Damien Walsh and Tom Whitelock. Understudies: Lloyd Gorman, Vicki Manser, Kay Milbourne, Nick Sayce, Robbie White.

Fifty years ago this year, The Kinks were sitting at Number One in the UK charts with their single ‘Sunny Afternoon’. The band’s popularity has not faded since the 1960s, with crowds of all ages filling the Harold Pinter Theatre night after night.

Featuring some of The Kinks’ best-loved songs, including ‘You Really Got Me’, ‘Waterloo Sunset’ and ‘Lola’, Sunny Afternoon shows the music of The Kinks is still as popular as ever, more than 50 years since the band’s rise to fame.

Following a sold-out run at Hampstead Theatre, this world premiere production, with music and lyrics by Ray Davies, new book by Joe Penhall, original story by Ray Davies, direction by Edward Hall, design by Miriam Buether and choreography by Adam Cooper, opened at the Harold Pinter theatre on 28 October 2014. Lighting is by Rick Fisher, sound by Matt McKenzie and the Musical Supervisor and Musical Director is Elliott Ware.

The official cast recording album, produced by Ray Davies at his Konk studios, is released on BMG Chrysalis and is available to buy at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sunny-Afternoon-The-Kinks/dp/B00NH8O7LU.

Sonia Friedman Productions commissioned Joe Penhall in 2011 to write the book based on Ray Davies’s original story. The company developed the production over the next four years, assembling the creative team and cast that presented Sunny Afternoon in 2014 at Hampstead Theatre under the direction of Edward Hall, and now at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

Ray Davies is an influential and prolific rock musician and was co-founder and lead singer and songwriter for rock band The Kinks, and later a solo artist. He has an outstanding catalogue of hits from the earliest 1960s to the present day with estimated record sales in excess of 50 million. He has also acted, directed and produced shows for theatre and television.

Joe Penhall is an award winning playwright and screenwriter. Plays include Some Voices(Royal Court), Blue/Orange (National Theatre and West End), winner of Best New Play at the Evening Standard Awards, Olivier Awards and at the Critics Circle, and Dumb Show,Haunted Child and Birthday (all Royal Court). Screenplays include Enduring Love and The Road.

As Artistic Director of Hampstead Theatre, Edward Hall’s productions includeWonderland, Sunny Afternoon, Raving, Chariots of Fire, No Naughty Bits, Loyalty andEnlightenment. As Artistic Director of Propeller, his work has toured worldwide, played the West End and Broadway and has won numerous awards both in the UK and overseas. Other theatre work includes A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (National Theatre), Edmond with Kenneth Branagh (National Theatre), Macbeth with Sean Bean (Albery), The Constant Wife (Apollo), Julius Caesar (RSC), Henry V (RSC) and The Deep Blue Sea (Vaudeville). Television work includes Downton Abbey, Spooks and Kingdom.  Edward is an Associate of the National Theatre and the Old Vic.

DANCE TOGETHER OPENS BRAND NEW STRATHMORE SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL SITE IN RICHMOND

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DANCE TOGETHER PROJECT OPENS BRAND NEW STRATHMORE SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL SITE 

  • STUDENTS FROM ACROSS SOUTH LONDON TO DANCE TOGETHER WITH BALLETBOYZ AND DANCERS FROM THE ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL IN CELEBRATION OF STRATHMORE SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL’S NEW SITE
  • DACEY BUSSELL TO OPEN THE NEW SITE ON WEDNESDAY 5 OCTOBER

Next week, on Wednesday 5 October, the Dance Together project will mark the opening of a brand new Strathmore Special Needs School site and a new, exciting partnership for Strathmore with Grey Court School, a mainstream school that invited Strathmore to share their site.  A one-off event, Dance Together will see invited students from White Lodgecome together with students from the two other schools in a celebratory afternoon of integrated and inclusive performances situated in and around the new site. BalletBoyzCompany dancers and dancers from the Royal Ballet School will support the performance and Darcey Bussell will be in attendance to officially declare the building open.

The dance piece, choreographed by Karl Morgan (Movement Warriors), focuses on dancing from the heart. Morgan said:  “Dance breaks down barriers – we can all dance. Dance Together is about why we all love to dance.”

All audience members for the event have been sent a small filmed section of basic choreography to learn in advance of the opening so that they too can perform as a collective on the day. Dance Together will feature integrated performances from all the schools involved and audience members will be taken on a journey around the spaces watching ‘dance installation’ type pieces as they go in each of the classrooms.

Strathmore Special Needs School is Richmond’s day special school for learners with complex learning difficulties. Many pupils have an additional diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders or have additional physical and sensory disabilities.

Ivan Pryce, head teacher at Strathmore School said: Strathmore is forever grateful to the Headteacher, Governors and staff at Grey Court for inviting us to locate our new school building within their grounds and the enthusiasm with which they and the Grey Court students have welcomed our students. Dance Together is a perfect example of the partnership between Grey Court and Strathmore: groups of students from different schools with different talents coming together to work together on a shared interest. From each other our students will learn and with each other they will demonstrate how everyone can achieve”.

Maggie Bailey, head teacher at Grey Court School said:Grey Court School is very excited to be involved in Dance Together. The partnership between Grey Court and Strathmore schools has become an integral feature of our learning community and we expect both our teachers and students to benefit from Strathmore’s knowledge, experience and perspective. This is a mutually beneficial partnership which will serve our community for generations to come. The students who are performing in this wonderful project with Balletboyz chose to participate themselves and their hard work in rehearsals has been a credit to our school.”

BalletBoyz Artistic Directors, Michael Nunn OBE and William Trevitt OBE said:“BalletBoyz has always been about introducing more people to dance and it’s brilliant to see our dancers inspiring other young people through this project. It’s great to be working with our local schools and the next step is to take this model out across London.”

Christopher Powney, Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet School, said: “Dance Togetherhas been an incredibly unique and enriching experience for our students. This opportunity has meant that we have had the privilege of working closely with Strathmore School, Grey Court School and our own alumni and BalletBoyz, on this very special collaborative project”.

Mary Poppins opens in 4 Weeks!

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DISNEY AND CAMERON MACKINTOSH

images-1Coming to the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Opens in 4 Weeks!

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

Wednesday 2 November – Saturday 10 December 2016

Captioned performance: Wed 16 Nov, 7.30pm, Audio Described performance: Wed 23 Nov, 2pm

& Signed performance: Thu 24 Nov, 7.30pm

*Tickets: £61.50 – £21.50

Call the Box Office on 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk

*All prices shown include booking fees but are subject to postage charge if applicable. Bradford Theatres usual terms and conditions apply.

The Disney and Cameron Mackintosh UK and Ireland tour of their multi award-winning musical MARY POPPINS arrives at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford this November; this is the only Yorkshire date on the tour.

The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The stage version of MARY POPPINS is brilliantly adapted from the wonderful stories by PL Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film.

Starring Zizi Strallen as ‘Mary Poppins’ and Matt Lee as ‘Bert’, Neil Roberts as ‘George Banks’; Rebecca Lock as ‘Winifred Banks’; Penelope Woodman as ‘Miss Andrew’; Wendy Ferguson as ‘Mrs Brill’; Grainne Renihan as ‘Bird Woman’ and Blair Anderson as ‘Robertson Ay’. They are joined by Yves Adang; Abby Bebbington; Greg Bernstein; Jabari Braham; Matthew Caputo; Sophie Caton; Jennifer Davison; Lisa Dent; Joe Dockree; Maria Garrett; Hannah Grace; Graham Hoadly; Thomas-Lee Kidd; Antony Lawrence; Adam Margilewski; Anu Ogunmefun; Ben Oliver; Claire Parrish; Edwin Ray; Jo Lucy Rackham; Adam Rhys-Charles; Sam Salter; John Stacey; Christine Tucker; Alexandra Waite-Roberts; Wreh-Asha Walton and Scott Waugh.

Zizi Strallen most recently starred as ‘Lana’ in Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man. Her previous West End credits include: Cats; the multi award-winning Merrily We Roll Along; Rock of Ages; Dirty Dancing; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella at Sadler’s Wells. She has also appeared in The Music Man at Chichester Festival Theatre and as ‘Penny Pingleton’ in Hairspray at Leicester Curve.

Matt Lee, one of Australia’s premier “song and dance men”, played the role of ‘Bert’ in Mary Poppins in the hugely successful Australian production of the show, his portrayal winning him the prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Actor in a Musical. His other theatre credits in Australia include Miss Saigon, The Witches of Eastwick, Rent, Grease and The Boy from Oz. Matt was also a permanent member of the judging panel for Australia’s So You Think You Can Dance.

Neil Roberts most recently appeared as Harry in Mamma Mia! at both the Prince of Wales and Novello Theatres in the West End. His other theatre credits include Love for Love and The Prisoners of War at Hampstead Theatre and The Jungle Book at the Other Place, Stratford-Upon-Avon. His many TV credits include ‘Mike Leydon’ in Coronation Street, ‘DS Jason Wise’ in Emmerdale and ‘Richard’ in Disney’s Life Bites.

Rebecca Lock has most recently appeared as ‘Rosie’ in Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre. Her other theatre credits include Oliver! at Sheffield Crucible; The Tempest at Theatre Royal Bath; The Phantom of The Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre and Avenue Q at the Noel Coward Theatre.

Penelope Woodman’s recent theatre credits include: Sons of the Desert at the Royal Court Theatre Liverpool; the UK tour of Birds of a Feather; Mamma Mia! both at the Prince of Wales Theatre and on international tour, and the UK tour of Never Forget.

Wendy Ferguson most recently played the role of ‘Madame Thenardier’ in Les Misérables at the Queens Theatre. Her other theatre credits include: ‘Carlotta’ in The Phantom of The Opera both at Her Majesty’s Theatre and at the 25th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and ‘Widow Corney’ in Oliver! at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Grainne Renihan’s theatre credits include: ‘Grizabella’ in Cats on UK Tour and in Hamburg; ‘Fantine’ in Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre; ‘Florence’ in Chess at the Prince Edward Theatre; ‘Guilietta’ in Aspects of Love at the Prince of Wales Theatre; ‘Ellen’ in Miss Saigon at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and ‘Mary Magdalene’ in the European tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Blair Anderson’s recent theatre credits include If the Lights Are Too Bright at the Ovalhouse Theatre; In Lambeth at the Southwark Playhouse, the Singapore tour of Seussical and the UK tour of Blockbuster The Musical.

The stage production of MARY POPPINS is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and has a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes. It has a timeless score by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman including the songs Jolly Holiday, Step in Time,

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The producer for Disney Theatrical Productions is Thomas Schumacher.

The internationally renowned and multi award-winning creative team assembled for MARY POPPINS is led by stage and film director Richard Eyre. Co-direction and Choreography is by Matthew Bourne, with Co-choreography by Stephen Mear. Set and Costume Design is by Bob Crowley with Lighting Design by Natasha Katz, Sound Design by Paul Groothuis and Orchestrations by William David Brohn. The International Tour of MARY POPPINS is Directed by James Powell with Original Choreography adapted by Geoffrey Garratt. Musical Supervision is by Stephen Brooker.

The stage production of MARY POPPINS originally opened in 2004 and ran in the West End for three years and over 1,250 performances. During this time it won the Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreography and Best Set Design as well as the Evening Standard Award for Best Set Design and the Variety Club Award for Best Musical. The Broadway production ran for over six years where it won the Tony Award for Best Set Design. The show has subsequently played to great success in Holland and Mexico. It has toured Australia, New Zealand, the U.S, the UK, has been seen by over 11 million people and is currently breaking box office records in Vienna.

 

Jest End returns to Waterloo East Theatre this November

jest-end-new-2016Jest End returns to Waterloo East Theatre after its sell-out season in 2015

29 Nov – 18 Dec

Garry Lake in association with Waterloo East Theatre present

Jest End

By Garry Lake

The hit comedy musical show exploring and ‘exposing’ the hits, flops and gossip of Theatreland, returns to Waterloo East Theatre after its sell-out season in 2015.

Labelled as London’s answer to Forbidden Broadway, Jest End has been going from strength to strength since the birth of the show at Jermyn Street Theatre 2007.

The comedy show provides audiences with a take on the latest and most popular musicals in the West End including Hamilton, Groundhog Day, School Of Rock, Funny Girl, Matilda, Guys and Dolls, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables to name but a few!

Created and directed by Garry Lake, Jest End continues to provide London audiences with a fresh up to date comedy, one that is proven to be a smash hit for musical theatre fans of all ages.

So, if you’re torn on what show to take in, why not visit Waterloo East Theatre and watch them all at once!

Cast: TBC

Choreographed by Rebecca Howell

Musical Direction by James Doughty

The 2015 season of Jest End has been nominated for the Best Comedy at the West End Wilma 2016 Awards which will be announced on November 4th.

Review Quotes:

‘Satire in glorious abundance’ Daily Telegraph

‘It’s like a marathon of good humour’ Mark Shenton

‘Wickedly Witty’ Whatsonstage.com

 

JERSEY BOYS to close in London 26 March 2017

AFTER NINE GLORIOUS YEARS IN LONDON’S WEST END

THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL “JERSEY BOYS”

MUST END 26 MARCH 2017 AT THE PICCADILLY THEATRE

SECOND NATIONAL TOUR TO OPEN DECEMBER 2017                                     

 

 

One of London’s best loved musicals, JERSEY BOYS, will close at the Piccadilly Theatre on Sunday 26 March 2017 following nine amazing years in London.  JERSEY BOYS is currently the sixth longest musical running in the West End.  The producers are very proud that London has taken the show to its heart and they are equally delighted to announce that a second national tour of JERSEY BOYS will open in December 2017.

 

Producer Michael David said, “When we brought JERSEY BOYS here nine years ago, we hoped it was a good idea and that West End audiences would embrace it, but you never imagine it’ll multiply and resonate as much as it has.  We couldn’t be more proud of the cast and crew who gave their all every night, and are profoundly grateful to the audiences who returned that energy without fail.  Our time in London has been extraordinary, and we hope audiences around the UK will continue to embrace JERSEY BOYS as we bring the show to their hometowns.”

JERSEY BOYS first opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 18 March 2008 and moved to the Piccadilly Theatre in March 2014.  The first UK and Irish Tour of JERSEY BOYS was a record-breaking success and ran for 18 months, from 4 September 2014 to 5 March 2016. The second national tour will open at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham in December 2017.

The London cast of JERSEY BOYS is led by Matt Corner as Frankie Valli, Simon Bailey as Tommy DeVito, Declan Egan as Bob Gaudio and Matt Hunt as Nick Massi.  Dayle Hodge plays the role of Frankie Valli at certain performances.  Also in the cast are Nicola Brazil, Stuart Dawes, Willemijn de Vries, Mark Dugdale, Leanne Garretty, Lucinda Gill, Nicky Griffiths, Will Haswell, Mark Heenehan, Mark Isherwood, Ben Jennings, Joe Maxwell, Nathaniel Morrison, Dan O’Brien, Chris Stoddart, Helen Ternent and Ben Wheeler.

 

JERSEY BOYS is the remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their rise to stardom from the wrong side of the tracks.  These four boys from New Jersey became one of the most successful bands in pop history, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and sold 175 million records worldwide, all before they turned 30.  The show is packed with their hits, includingBeggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You.

 

Winner of Broadway’s Tony, London’s Olivier and Australia’s Helpmann Awards for Best New Musical, JERSEY BOYS is the winner of 57 major awards worldwide and has been seen by over 23 million people worldwide.  As well as still running on Broadway and in the West End, JERSEY BOYS can be seen across the United States on its US National Tour and has just completed a record-breaking run in Las Vegas.

JERSEY BOYS is written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe.  The London production is staged by the entire original Broadway creative team, led by director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, with scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projection design by Michael Clark.  The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and the music supervision and vocal arrangements by Ron Melrose. 

 

JERSEY BOYS is produced in London by the Dodgers, with Joseph J. Grano, Tamara and Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group, in association with Latitude Link, Rick Steiner, and a small clutch of UK colleagues.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

 

Piccadilly Theatre

16 Denman Street

London W1D 7DY

 

Booking until Sunday 26 March 2017

 

Performances:  Tuesdays – Saturdays at 7.30pm, Tuesday & Saturday matinees at 3.00pm, Sundays at 5.00pm

 

2016-17 CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

 

Monday 19 December             No Performance

Tuesday 20 December            3.00pm & 7.30pm

Wednesday 21 December       7.30pm

Thursday 22 December           7.30pm

Friday 23 December                7.30pm

Saturday 24 December            3.00pm

Sunday 25 December              No performance

Monday 26 December             No performance

Tuesday 27 December            3.00pm & 7.30pm

Wednesday 28 December       3.00pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 29 December           3.00pm & 7.30pm

Friday 30 December                7.30pm

Saturday 31 December            3.00pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 1 January                    5.00pm

Tickets from £24.50

Box Office:  0844 871 7630

 

Website:  www.jerseyboyslondon.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JerseyBoysLondon

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/JerseyBoysUK

Gilbert O’Sullivan LIVE in Concert at The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

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Gilbert O’Sullivan LIVE in Concert

at The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

Alhambra Theatre,

Thursday 20 October 2016 *Tickets: £31

Call the Box Office on 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk

*All prices shown include booking fees but are subject to postage charge if applicable.

Bradford Theatres usual terms and conditions apply.

A global superstar who topped the UK and US charts with the likes of Alone Again (Naturally) and Get Down, Gilbert O’Sullivan is an artist who has never rested on his laurels.

Today, British singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan continues to be regarded with tremendous affection and his songs remain well-loved around the world.

His lasting influence can be heard in the music of Ben Folds and Ron Sexsmith – while his songs have been covered by Neil Diamond, Rumer and Sarah Vaughan amongst others.

Gilbert is still writing, recording, performing and touring with success. His lasts concerts received rave reviews for his undiminished voice and “…the enduring quality of his work – the sheer tunefulness, lyrical gymnastics and wit” (Daily Post, March 2012).

His most recent albums include Latin Ala G exploring a Latin influence and Gilbert O’Sullivan – The Essential Collection which includes 43 classic songs.

See Gilbert O’Sullivan with a ten piece band live at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford on Thursday 20 October. Don’t miss this acclaimed live show.

New psychological horror based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula at Theatre N16 this Halloween

Riot Act presents:

LUNATIC
October 30th – October 31st 2016, Theatre N16

This Halloween, Riot Act will be presenting artistic director Whit Hertford’s new take on Dracula. This nü-gothic play, Lunatic, examines the roots of psychotherapy through the secluded sessions between alienist Dr John Seward and his patient R.M. Renfield of Bram Stoker’s classic novel.

“bold, philosophical and avant-garde” Theatrefullstop on The Misbegotten Hope of the Dirty Bird

Lunatic is a contemporary thriller and genre-redefining companion piece to the classic Victorian tale which explores the relevant veins of morality, sanity and fear of the unknown. Post-show, Tod Browning’s 1931 version of Dracula starring Bela Lugosi will be screened as well.

“Really cooks. Very clever. A redefinition” Neil Bartlett

“To be honest, I’m jealous I didn’t write it“ Dave Eggers

Lunatic is written and directed by Riot Act Artistic Director Whit Hertford. Hertford is an Associate Director at Theatre N16 and received his MFA in theatre directing from East 15 Acting School. Recent directing credits include the critically acclaimed adaptation of Ibsen’s rarely produced political comedy The League of Youth, Coverage  – a newsroom reworking of Julius Caesar and Dóttir which explores seven of Shakespeare’s motherless daughter archetypes, as well as his adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull, The Misbegotten Hope of the Dirty Bird. Additionally, he wrote and starred in the film Wildife, which was an official selection of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival Court Métrage.

“Brilliant take on the Dracula story” Danny Boyle

“A fantastic idea. Gets right into the humanity of the gothic genre” Stephen Unwin

Riot Act is a radical band of artists who seek innovation that bleeds and unapologetically aims to incite new writing and breathe oxygen into classic themes and texts. Their acts of excavation, incision and resuscitation have positioned them to be one of London’s exciting new theatre laboratories.

**** “a pleasing blend of earnestness and knowingness” Female Arts on Coverage

Attic Theatre Company presents Great Expectations in new Merton Arts Space, Wimbledon

Attic Theatre Company presents:

GREAT EXPECTATIONS by Charles Dickens

adapted by Theresa Heskins at the new Merton Arts Space.

30 November – 18 December 2016

After the success of their multi-award nominated Beacons at Park Theatre earlier this year, Attic Theatre Company returns to home ground in Merton between 30 November and 18 December 2016 with a fresh and engaging stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. This show marks the inaugural professional production in Wimbledon Library’s new artistic hub, Merton Arts Space. Presented in the round by an ensemble of eight actors, and within the surrounds of a working library, this production celebrates the power of imagination and storytelling common to both literature and live theatre.

 

Directed by Attic’s award winning Artistic Director Louise Hill and designed by students from the Wimbledon College of Art (in keeping with Attic’s tradition of launching local, new talent), Theresa Heskins’ adaptation brings Dickens’ epic tale of romance, ruthless ambition and revenge to the newly redeveloped, Arts Council-funded performance space at Wimbledon Library.

When Pip the blacksmith’s boy climbs out of the pantry window one Christmas morning, he little dreams of the fortune which awaits him. Life as a London gentleman leads him to forsake his old life and friends. But all is not as it seems, and when his past returns to haunt him, will Pip learn the value of knowing who he truly is? This Christmas, the fusion of the written word and live theatre will transform Wimbledon Library as it becomes Satis House, home to Miss Havisham, Charles Dickens’ ghostly bride.

To accompany this production of Great Expectations Attic is running a series of participatory activities for children and adults to contribute to the overall design of the production; an online quiz, book clubs, filmed responses and live performances from local students.

Keep Dancing Review

Grand Opera House York – 27 Sept to 1 Oct 2016.  Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

With this year’s Strictly Come Dancing just hitting our TV screens we welcome the chance to see Keep Dancing, celebrating the popular world of Latin and Ballroom dancing. It stars Strictly favourite Robin Windsor, and features Chelsee Healey, actress best known for Waterloo Road, and of course Strictly runner up in 2011. They are joined by Anya Garnis, again a dancer from Strictly and a talented troupe of 10 dancers, 3 singers and 2 musicians.

It is dazzling and fast paced, showcasing a selection of our favourite dances. We were impressed right from the start with You Should Be Dancing, we could tell it was going to be a great evening of high energy entertainment, and we weren’t wrong.

During the evening Chelsee made several appearance with Robin, although not as slick as the professional dancers she did herself proud, and certainly seemed to be enjoying herself. We only wish she had joined in with the dancing medleys at the end of the show, though she did come on for the curtain call.

A mention to all 3 singers, Adam Walmington, Lisa-Marie Holmes and Harriette Virginia Mullen, and to the 2 percussionists, Joëlle Barker and Adam Green. They were all brilliant and all given the chance to shine. The singers all had several solo performances over the show, and I can honestly say that there wasn’t one song that we didn’t enjoy. It was great to see the mix of music and dance in the show.

Keep Dancing was certainly what all the troupe did with great energy. Robin and Anya delivered polished performances, with Robin commanding the stage when he was on it. The choreography is very slick, the costumes dazzle and the musicians are spot on. What more could you ask for from an evening of entertainment?

We left with that buzz and want to do it all again, can we???

Keep Dancing is showing in the Grand Opera House York until Saturday 1st October.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR LA SOIRÉE AT CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE

97dbae5e70ad998f_100x100arROLL UP, ROLL UP!

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR LA SOIRÉE AT CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE

  • LA SOIRÉE IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE A TANTALISING ROLL CALL OF BRAND NEW ACTS AND OLD FAVOURITES FOR ITS RUN AT CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE 
  • NEW PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED TODAY INCLUDE SONGSTRESS ACANTHA LANG, JUGGLER OLIVIA PORTER, HULA-HOOPING SENSATION SATYA BELLA, ACROBAT DAVID GIRARD, TRAPEZE ARTIST JARRED DEWEY AND COMEDY DUO THE DAREDEVIL CHICKENS
  • FIRM FAVOURITES URSULA MARTINEZ, THE ENGLISH GENTS AND CAPTAIN FRODO WILL ALSO BE RETURNING TO THE ICONIC SPIEGELTENT
  • THE EXTRAORDINARY THEATRICAL PHENOMENON THAT IS LA SOIRÉE, WINNER OF THE 2015 OLIVIER AWARD FOR BEST ENTERTAINMENT, HAS NOW SEEN OVER 75 ARTISTS PERFORM IN OVER 25 CITIES, ACROSS FIVE CONTINENTS, WITH OVER 150 ACTS BETWEEN THEM

 

Get ready to be enticed once more by the truly unique and irresistible world of La Soirée, in a new home on the Christmas in Leicester Square site.ab9b012473621c9d_org

Brand new acts announced today include the sensational New Orleans songstressACANTHA LANG, quirky juggler OLIVIA PORTER, acrobat DAVID GIRARD and his mesmerizing new ‘CirQle’ apparatus, hula-hooping marvel SATYA BELLA, mind-boggling trapeze artist JARRED DEWEY, and the comedy couple DAREDEVIL CHICKENS.

Much-loved favourites Ursula Martinez, The English Gents, Hamish McCann’s pole actand Captain Frodo will make triumphant returns to the Spiegeltent, along with Denis Lock’s show-stopping bubble act.

The jaw-dropping, Olivier Award-winning cabaret sensation returns to London for its seventh season in the capital this Christmas, from 11 November 2016 until 8 January 2017 at the Spiegeltent in Leicester Square.

CAPTAIN FRODO

The son of a famous Norse magician, this wunderkind has graced the stage since he was four. Possessed of an utterly beguiling charm, and famed the world over for bending, contorting and manipulating his body into shapes that are as astonishing as they are unnatural, Frodo is one of a kind. You will never look at a tennis racquet, much less a baked-bean tin, the same way again.

ACANTHA LANG

This sensational songstress hails from hot and steamy New Orleans, the spiritual home of jazz music. Fresh from the hippest of haunts in New York City with abundant acclaim, this divine Diva will put a spell on you as she serenades the crowd with her rich, sensual sound. Acantha was the first female MC of The Box, the infamous NYC/London nightclub and ‘theatre of varieties’.

OLIVIA PORTER

This quirky trickster is a juggler with a difference. You won’t believe your eyes as she toys with your expectations. Unique, intricate and out of this world, La Soirée is proud to introduce this impressive character to our little red stage in London.

SATYA BELLA

From Beirut to Perth, Dubai to Mexico this dexterous talent dizzies and delights audiences as she hula-hoops around the world. Showcasing tantalising hoop tricks, this pocket-sized tornado will leave your head in a spin.

DAVID GIRARD 

Seizing the stage is the explosive and exclusive CirQle – an electrifying apparatus of sheer innovation. Experience the extreme as David Girard flirts with danger, pushing the boundaries of the physical body. Alumni of the world-renowned Cirque Du Soleil, this herculean acrobat has pioneered the creation of a colossal, circular contraption, revolving and rotating whilst he demonstrates exceptional balance and momentous moves that are sure to leave you in awe.

JARRED DEWEY

Lithe, limber and exquisitely enthralling, this awesome trapeze artist has been swinging between both hemispheres since he burst onto the scene. Gaze up in amazement and prepare for a provocative display of physical prowess.

DAREDEVIL CHICKENS

These couple of Daredevils have charmed crowds in over 36 countries, performing in a legion of languages, sharing love and laughter across the lands with their raucous comedy. Fusing naughty slapstick and 80s pop melodrama, this hilariously unforgettable duo will have your sides splitting with their vaudevillian verve and matrimonial mischief. Marc and Svetlana (AKA the Daredevil Chickens) are proof that what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas.

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED ARTISTS INCLUDE:

URSULA MARTINEZ  

Hailing from Spain via Croydon, Ursula Martinez is a renowned writer, actress and cabaret performer. Her cult striptease act, with its mischievous disappearing hanky, is a jaw-dropping sensation. From highbrow to lowbrow and from live art to loquacious party tricks, Martinez treads where few performers dare to go, with the audience right there along for the ride. Expect to emerge from her act with a rudimentary knowledge of bawdy Spanish and a surprising awareness of anatomy.

HAMISH MCCANN’S POLE ACT

This English Gent has been seducing audiences across the globe with his jaw-dropping pole act since 2009. His late night cabaret version of Singing in the Rain has acquired a worldwide cult reputation with this extremely skilled, stylish and oh so sexy routine, which is sure to leave you ‘feeling good’…

THE ENGLISH GENTS

Denis Lock and Hamish McCann are two delightfully devilish and cordial “English” gentlemen who perform inconceivable feats of acrobatic skill, strength and balance, whilst casually puffing a pipe, reading the newspaper and sporting the stiffest of British upper lips. The act mixes their highly skilled feats with a dry English wit, unexpectedly climaxing with the two hilariously baring near-all for Queen and country and in the process displaying more pure sex appeal than ever before seen under a bowler hat.

The Gents will join the roll call at La Soirée from the end of November.

DENIS LOCK’S BUBBLE ACT

From sheer strength to daring delicacy, what this English Gent puffs out of his pipe defies belief. An act where science steps away from the chalkboard and reveals its beauty and mystique through a bubble. Think you’ve seen it all with bubble-blowing? Prepare to hold your breath and gaze on in wonder.

This act will be floating into the La Soirée Spiegeltent from the end of November.

The extraordinary theatrical phenomenon that is La Soirée has now seen over 75 artists take their place on the iconic red stage in over 25 cities, across five continents, with over 150 acts between them. Audiences and critics alike have been wowed by La Soirée’s ever-expanding, fabulously dysfunctional family since the company first played together in Edinburgh back in 2004. Over 5.5 million people have now seen La Soirée perform across the globe.

Shimmy on over to the vintage Spiegeltent, a velvet-draped salon of carved wood, polished mirrors, crystal and leadlight and prepare to be charmed, astonished and electrified by the loveable crème de la crème of the cabaret world.

Further acts and special plans for New Year’s Eve will be announced in due course.

La Soirée is presented by Brett Haylock, Mark Rubinstein and Mick Perrin.