Full casting details were announced today for the London production of Faustaff, with Lesley Lightfoot set to take on the main role in the play.
The play, written by Mexican playwright Diego Sosa, will run at the Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone, London from Wednesday 18th November to Sunday 6th December 2015. Lesley Lightfoot leads the cast as Gilly Jacoby, appearing alongside Jonson Wilkinson as Olivier Simone/Ponton/Andrew, Eddie Chamberlin (Chorus), Bernard O’Sullivan as Detective Paterson, Charles Timson as Detective Virgil/Apotecary and Alessia Gotti as Maria/Karla/Alice/Martha.
Faustaff is the story of Gilly Jacoby, a successful writer that has become world famous, thanks to a pact she made with the devil. This has granted her the ability to see the ill future of couples so that she can write the successful novels that have turned her into a best seller author. The price, however, is far too high. Her heartbreaks, ambitions and dreams turn out to be somewhat different than what she had expected. The result: a tragic twirl that will lead her into madness and the fulfilment of her own prophecies.
Faustaff (or the mockery of the soul) is a modern tragedy, filled with black humour and inspired by the Faustian myth, with the title derived from a combination of Marlowe’s and Goethe’s Dr Faustus and the character Falstaff from the William Shakespeare plays, Henry IV and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
The play is an international project that is being simultaneously produced in Mexico City and London as part of the Dual Year Mexico – United Kingdom 2015. Both cultures are celebrated through the event, which brings together British and Mexican artists: a British director directs a Mexican cast in Mexico, and a Mexican director directs a British cast in the UK.
The Mexican production opened at the Foro Shakespeare in Mexico DF on 5th October, and is directed by British director Frank Kaye.
The London production is directed by Mexican director Rodrigo Johnson, and produced here by the Mexican Theatre company La Compania Perpetua in collaboration with UK’s Artistic Productions. Set design is by UK-based Mexican artist Pablo Angel Lugo.
Faustaff runs from Wednesday 18th November to Sunday 6th December 2015 at the Cockpit Theatre, London, with a press night on Thursday 19th November 2015.
The West End production of Motown the Musical, which opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre in February 2016, is to hold open casting auditions on Saturday 7th November 2015 for the chance to portray the roles of Marvin Gaye and Young Michael Jackson in the musical.
Auditions for the role of Marvin Gaye will begin at 10:30am, with registration from 10am. Auditions for the role of Young Michael Jackson will begin at 2pm, with registration from 1:30pm. The open auditions will be at the Royal Shakespeare Company Rehearsal Rooms (35 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7TW). For further information please visit http://motownthemusical.co.uk/open-auditions-november
MARVIN GAYE auditions – Registration 10.00am
Auditions commence 10.30am
Looking for charismatic male black and mixed race performers with excellent tenor soul/pop voices to portray the iconic artist MARVIN GAYE.
Must be 5’10 and over.
Please be prepared to sing a pop/soul or Motown song and bring the sheet music. No backing tracks. A pianist will be provided.
Please bring a CV and recent photograph stapled together.
YOUNG MICHAEL JACKSON auditions – Registration 1.30pm
Auditions commence 2.00pm
Looking for black and mixed race boys aged between 8-12, with unbroken voices under 4’11.
You will be taught a short dance routine and will sing I Want You Back.
Please bring trainers and comfortable clothes to dance in.
The open auditions will be at the Royal Shakespeare Company Rehearsal Rooms (35 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7TW). Closest station Clapham North.
With music and lyrics from the legendary Motown catalogue and book by Motown founder Berry Gordy, Motown the Musical is directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. London previews begin on 11 February 2016, with press night on 8 March 2016 and booking until 22 October 2016.
With just $800 borrowed from his family, Motown founder Berry Gordy, goes from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul, discovering and launching the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more. Motown the Musical uncovers the true story of the legendary record label that changed music history and created the soundtrack of a generation.
Featuring a sixteen piece orchestra playing 50 Motown tracks including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I’ll Be There, Dancing In The Street, Stop! In The Name Of Love, My Girl and I Heard It through the Grapevine, Charles Randolph-Wright’s production tells the story behind the classic hits.
Tony nominated Motown the Musical received its world premiere in April 2013 in New York at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and recouped its $18 million investment by the end of 2014. The first US National Tour opened to critical acclaim last spring in Chicago, grossing $20 million dollars during its standing room only sixteen-week run, and continues to play to packed houses across America.
Motown the Musical has music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Ethan Popp, co-orchestrations and additional arrangements by Bryan Cook, dance arrangements by Zane Mark and music direction by Gareth Weedon. Choreography is by Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams, scenic design by David Korins, costumes by Esosa, lighting by Natasha Katz, sound by Peter Hylenski and projections by Daniel Brodie. UK associate director is Tara Wilkinson, UK associate set designer is Andrew Edwards and UK associate lighting designer is Alistair Grant. Motown the Musical will be produced in the West End by Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris, Berry Gordy and Adam Spiegel.
Motown The Musical
Shaftesbury Theatre
Booking From: 11th February 2016
Booking Until: 22nd October 2016
Performances:
Evenings: Monday to Saturday 7.30pm
Matinees: Thursday and Saturday 3.00pm
Matilda writer and comedian Tim Minchin will lead the line-up for the first Old Vic Variety Night on 15 November.
Minchin – who worked with Old Vic artistic director Matthew Warchus on the stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s much-loved story – will be joined by magician Dynamo, comedian Mark Watson and the Tredegar Town Band – a brass band recently seen in Warchus’s film Pride.
Further acts to be announced.
Talking about the first variety night, Warchus said:
“Three of my favourite things are music, magic and comedy, hence my eagerness to introduce a series of Old Vic Variety Nights. We’re looking forward to seeing the Old Vic lit up on a Sunday night welcoming all kinds of audiences… to see famous faces mixed with new talent in evenings of laughter, fun and really great entertainment.’
Tickets go on general sale at 12 noon on Friday 30 October.
Double award-winning Newcastle Theatre Royal has officially unveiled its £600,000 backstage refurbishment by inviting ‘the Queen’ along to perform an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
The grand unveiling comes just as the theatre is celebrating a double national award win for its welcoming atmosphere. Newcastle Theatre Royal was named the My Theatre Matters! UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre of 2015 in the UK Theatre Awards, in association with Smooth Radio and was also presented with the Technical Theatre Awards’ ‘Receiving Venue Team of the Year’ just this month.
Staff at the theatre, decided that having ‘the Queen’ on stage all week in hit comedy Handbagged was too good an opportunity to miss and asked actress Susie Blake, who plays the role, if she would pop along in costume to officially unveil the newly refurbished facilities.
Susie Blake, posing as ‘the Queen’ said: “It is particularly lovely to be performing the official opening of the backstage refurbishment following the recent announcement that Newcastle Theatre Royal has been crowned the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre 2015. Looking at these marvellous new facilities for the visiting actors it is clear to see why that accolade has been awarded.”
The backstage refurbishment has seen the theatre invest £600,000 in improved Dressing Room facilities, stripping out and renewing all the Dressing Rooms, the Band Rooms for musicians, the laundry, wardrobe and wigs rooms, and improved access and facilities for disabled performers. The ground floor has also been reconfigured with a striking new Stage Door area, and a brand new Green Room, with TV, wi-fi and a football table, and a kitchenette so visiting actors eat and relax in comfort.
Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Chief Executive, Philip Bernays, added: “It’s great fun to have ‘the Queen’ here for our official opening ceremony today, but on a serious note the investment in our backstage facilities plays an important part in being able to attract the finest companies to the Theatre Royal so that our audiences can enjoy top quality theatre.
“Visiting actors regularly comment on how wonderful the team is here at Newcastle Theatre Royal and we are very proud of that reputation as a friendly and welcoming place for them to come; this is now backed up by our recent double award win, which is wonderful. Now our first class personal welcome is matched by our facilities and we hope that all of our visiting companies will enjoy the comfort of the new surroundings we provide for them.”
‘The Queen’ was joined at the official ceremony by ‘Margaret Thatcher’ played by fellow actress Kate Fahy and the pair posed for comedy shots in the new Green Room at Newcastle Theatre Royal while putting the new facilities to the test.
The two actors, who play the lead roles in the award-winning comedy Handbagged, will be using the facilities for real all week as the hit comedy plays to Newcastle audiences. Handbagged is Moira Buffini’s celebrated new comedy, which speculates on what the Queen and Margaret Thatcher really talked about behind closed palace doors. When the stiff upper lip softened and the gloves came off, which one had the upper hand?
Handbagged plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday 31 October. Tickets are from £12 (save 50p per ticket when you book online) and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk
Newcastle Theatre Royal has today announced that Washington-born Pete Peverley will play the role of ‘Little Bobby the Cat’ in its spectacular 2015/16 pantomime Dick Whittington (24 November 2015 – 17 January 2016).
Peter made his panto debut last year in the Theatre Royal’s box office-busting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and had audiences in stitches playing ‘Little Bobby the Dwarf’ – an ode to his Bobby Thompson comedy routine. The role followed the huge success of his one-man show about the North East’s favourite comedian at the Theatre in 2013.
Pete will join the purr-fect pantomime team of Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Chris Hayward who have delighted Newcastle audiences for over a decade and broken box office records every year, alongside recently announced award-winning soap star Charlie Hardwick, who will play ‘Spirit of the Tyne’.
Pete is one of the region’s most celebrated entertainers. Trained at Newcastle College, he is a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed for many years as part of the Northern Stage ensemble. His TV credits are extensive and include Byker Grove, Emmerdale and Spender.
Danny Adams and Clive Webb make their eleventh consecutive pantomime appearance at the Theatre Royal in Dick Whittington. With their much-loved and hilarious slapstick, physical comedy and slosh routines, the award-winning father and son duo have become a veritable North East institution. Danny plays the title role of Dick Whittington, while Clive plays Councillor Fitzfenwick.
Making his ninth appearance in Newcastle alongside Danny and Clive, Chris Hayward also returns, complete with his glittering array of costumes and wigs, all of which he designs himself. Playing the role of Dame Rita Fitzfenwick, Chris will provide all of the glamour and sparkle Newcastle theatregoers have come to expect from the North East’s premiere pantomime.
Legendary panto villain and Whitley Bay-lad Steve Arnott is back again – this time playing the dastardly King Rat. This will be his seventh season at the Theatre Royal and follows his triumphant turn as the evil Queen Lucretia in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs last year.
Dick Whittington is the only pantomime believed to be based on a true story, and one of the few of truly British origin. There actually was a Richard Whittington, and he did become (Lord) Mayor of London in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. The legend says that Whittington was a poor boy who travelled to London to seek his fame and fortune, but arrived penniless, and without a friend in the world – until he was introduced to a rather amazing cat. Newcastle audiences can expect a distinctly local twist on the traditional tale!
Audiences can also expect breathtaking special effects, once again provided by The Twins FX (the award-winning company behind previous years’ looping reindeer sleigh, flying helicopter and magic carpet), hilarious comedy routines, spectacular sets and sensational music and dance. Plus, returning again in 2015/16 due to popular demand – incredible 3D special effects!
Pete Peverley said: “I’m really excited to be playing Little Bobby the Cat – it’s a great honour and a real treat. Theatre Royal pantomimes are like no other pantos on the planet – they are truly spectacular, and year on year keep blowing their box office targets as word travels further afield. I loved playing Little Bobby the Dwarf last year and I have no doubt that this year’s show will be another unforgettable experience.”
Already 74,000 tickets have been sold for the panto, a full month before opening – a new record best for the region’s favourite Christmas show. Audiences are encouraged to book soon to avoid disappointment.
Dick Whittington is produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s largest pantomime producer, which will stage 24 productions throughout the UK this Christmas. With ticket prices to suit all pockets, audiences won’t have to head to London to seek their fortune in order to enjoy spectacular pantomime at Newcastle Theatre Royal this Christmas!
Dick Whittington appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 24 November 2015 until Sunday 17 January 2016. Tickets are available from £12.50, (save 50p per ticket by booking online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (all calls are charged at 7p a minute plus your phone company’s access charge, calls from mobiles may vary, please contact your operator for details) or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk
THE THEATRES TRUST RELEASES 38TH ANNUAL REPORT
27 October 2015, London, UK
The Theatres Trust releases its 38th Annual Report: ‘Empowering communities to protect theatres’’ which highlights its achievements from April 2014 to March 2015.
As the National Advisory Body for Theatres we provide advice and support to secure a better and more sustainable future for the nation’s valued theatres. We champion all theatres and provide expert knowledge and an authoritative voice on the significance and value of theatres.
Mhora Samuel, Director of The Theatres Trust said “The Trust’s focus this year was our work with local communities and we worked with more theatres than ever, helped more projects with advice as well as financial resources, and developed our new workshop programme to inject new skills into organisations – helping communities and theatre owners to find innovative solutions to ensure no city, town or community is without access to a theatre.
Tim Eyles, appointed as Chair of The Theatres Trust in February 2015 said “The Trust has a vital role in protecting theatres for everyone, and I intend to continue the great work of my predecessor Rob Dickens CBE and ensure that the Trust’s role as an advisor, a champion and a resource for theatres grows. In the next three to five years you will hear the Trust’s voice more often and loudly, and we are already starting to plot a clear path.”
In 2014/15 the Trust published its annual Theatre Buildings at Risk Register 2014 at Brighton Theatre Royal, highlighting the challenges facing top theatre at risk Brighton Hippodrome. We awarded ten grants totalling £50,000 from our Small Grants Scheme supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and Judy Craymer MBE to theatres across the nation, helped develop guidance on plaster ceilings in theatres and celebrated initiatives that empowered communities to own and manage their theatres at Conference 14: Community Theatres.
In our unique role as a statutory consultee in the planning system we advised local authorities on 117 theatre-related planning applications and 57 theatre-related listed building consultations, and contributed to 292 local plan consultations securing stronger cultural policies to protect theatres.
Our successful Building Better Theatres Workshop programme provided specialist knowledge to 34 theatres from across the nations, and we provided bespoke one-to-one advice to a further 56 theatres on their capital project development, future viability, conservation, and maintenance.
We also helped 212 researchers access our valuable Archives and Collections to further their studies on the history, design and development of theatres.
The Theatres Trust is the National Advisory Public Body for Theatres. The Trust was established by The Theatres Trust Act 1976, ‘to promote the better protection of theatres’. It is a statutory consultee on theatre buildings in the planning system, provides expert advice on the sustainable development of theatre buildings and helps promote awareness and solutions for theatres at risk. It champions all theatres, historic, contemporary and new in theatre use, in other uses or disused. The Theatres Trust’s central London Theatreland-based Resource Centre provides access to a specialist theatre buildings Reference Library including books and architectural plans.
The multi award-winning antidote to panel games will be recording part of its 64th series for the BBC at the Grand Opera House York. Join chairman Jack Dee, and regulars Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Colin Sell for an unmissable evening of inspired nonsense.
“Whether the teams are singing the words of one song to the tune of another, making up serial rhymes or entering the mythic maze of Mornington Crescent, they have now become the National Theatre of fun”
Gillian Reynolds, Daily Telegraph
The evening will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and will finish no later than 10.30pm
THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING LA SOIRÉE LANDS BACK IN LONDON – PREVIEWS START TONIGHT
MELANIE CHY, YAMMEL RODRIGUEZ AND MISS FRISKY NOW CONFIRMED TO MAKE THEIRLA SOIRÉE DEBUTS ALONG WITH DENIS LOCK’S BRAND NEW BUBBLE ACT
THE ROLL CALL OF TANTALISING ACTS READY TO SEDUCE LONDON THIS WINTER INCLUDE OLD FAVOURITES THE ENGLISH GENTS, ASHER TRELEAVEN, MARIO QUEEN OF THE CIRCUS, BRET PFISTER AND CAPTAIN FRODO
PERFORMANCES RUN FROM 27 OCTOBER 2015 – 17 JANUARY 2016 IN THE LA SOIRÉE SPIEGELTENT AT THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE
The wait is finally over and the stage is now set for La Soirée to make its triumphant return to London this evening. Featuring world class performers from across the globe, leave all troubles at the door and get ready to be transported once again to the seductive world of La Soirée…
The crowned winner of this year’s prestigious Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and fresh from a magnificent world tour, the awe-inspiring cabaret sensation are returning home to London for a sixth season in the capital. From 27 October 2015 until 17 January 2016, the little show with a big heart will make its triumphant return to the Southbank Centre, taking up residency in the deliciously decadent La Soirée Spiegeltent.
The irresistible theatrical phenomenon has now seen more than 75 artists take their place on the iconic red stage across five continents, with over 150 acts between them. Audiences and critics alike have been wooed by LaSoirée’s ever-expanding, fabulously dysfunctional family in more than 25 cities, from Darwin to Manila, stopping off at Hong Kong, Melbourne, Montreal, Paris and New York along the way.
To extend a heartfelt thanks to their London supporters, an Early Bird Deal has been concocted to offer £10 off all seats for shows in October and November if booked before 31 October. Full details can be found below.
So dust off the cobwebs and sashay on over to the La Soirée Spiegeltent, a velvet draped salon of carved wood, polished mirrors, crystal and leadlight. Prepare to be amazed, astonished and aroused by the very crème de la crème of the cabaret world:
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.
La Soirée is proud to welcome back Canadian-born Mooky Cornish into the bosom of its unconventional family. Mooky is one of the funniest ladies working on the international circuit today. Renowned for her impeccable timing and knock your socks off slapstick, her illustrious background includes creator and lead clown for Cirque du Soleil’s box office triumph Varekai.This quirky comedienne has delighted over three million spectators worldwide with her astonishing talents which are as diverse as they are impressive – from puppeteer to mask maker, and from pianist to her most recent feat – an orange belt in Tae Kwon Do!
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’…
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, La Soirée can’t wait to introduce you to Denis Lock’s newest act. Think you’ve seen it all with bubble-blowing? Prepare to hold your breath and gaze on in wonder.
La Soirée is proud to welcome Asher Treleaven, sexual gentleman and overall bon vivant. One of Australia’s most critically acclaimed comedians, the former drama school dropout but accomplished circus school graduate has travelled the world over with his unique blend of physical comedy, socially responsible rhetoric and overenthusiastic sexual patter, racking up awards and nominations on his winding path. Not sure whether to laugh or blush? Have no fear – sit back, try to relax and enjoy this indescribable ride!
A showman of exceptional talents, Clarke McFarlane’s Mario is a leather-bursting reincarnation of Freddie Mercury – that’s if you can imagine a Freddie who had been able to juggle, ride a unicycle and if indeed he had ever run away to join the circus. Mario’s greatest skill, however, is to make even the most intimate of venues into a rocking arena spectacle, and to unite even the largest venues into one arm-waving excuse for a crowd-surf.
Miss Frisky is one of the biggest voices in the international cabaret scene – she has belted her way from London’s West End to the Sydney Opera House, via Singapore, Berlin and New York City. Best known for her exploits with partner Mannish, this diva is taking centre stage with La Soirée. Gird whatever needs girding, there will be full-frontal fabulousness.
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 the same way again.
Supple, sexy, skilful and stunningly handsome, Bret Pfister brings the finest of Montreal’s circus talent to La Soirée.
Equally inspired by the neo-cabaret movement and the baroque indie-pop sound, he blends awesome physical skill and a cool insouciance into his exquisite punked-up aerial ballet.
YAMMEL RODRIGUEZ
General Yammel, notoriously known for her love of the finest Cuban cigars, has been drafted in to whip our army of circus fans into shape. Rapidly becoming an infamous siren of the cabaret scene, with her innovative performance on a single strap, she will soon be dominating the stages of the world.
Roaring on to the La Soirée stage is the heartstoppingly talented Melanie Chy. A third generation performer of Swiss, Italian and Chinese descent, Melanie has been astounding audiences across the globe since the age of six. Combining the mental rigor of a martial master, the agility of an Olympic gymnast and the performance panache of a modern dancer, Melanie Chy revives the ancient art of hand balancing in a jaw-dropping routine never before seen in the United Kingdom!
La Soirée is presented in London by Brett Haylock, Mark Rubinstein and Mick Perrin.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
La Soirée La Soirée’s Spiegeltent at Southbank Centre
27 October 2015 – 17 January 2016 PRESS NIGHT: 6 November
Box office: 0844 847 9910
Tickets from £15
For VIP Packages and party options please call 020 7021 0787.
EARLY BIRD OFFER
Until 31 October bookers can enjoy £10 off all ticket prices (except standing) for shows in October and November.
By BarrieKeeffe
Produced by Rachel Edwards for Tooting Arts Club In association with Soho Theatre and Jagged Fence Theatre With kind support from Soho Estates
Last chance to see Tooting Arts Club’s acclaimed production of Barrie Keeffe’s Barbarians at the Former Central Saint Martins School of Art in Soho
The show must close on 7 November 2015
There are only two weeks left for audiences to catch Tooting Arts Club’s acclaimed revival of Barbarians by Barrie Keeffe. Staged in the birthplace of UK punk, this hard-hitting production has been widely praised, not least for the performances of its three young actors. The final performance will be on Saturday 7 November 2015, at the former Central Saint Martin’s School of Art in Soho.
There are a limited number of tickets available at £10 for under-26s, students and the unemployed.
In 1977, Britain had just emerged from a worldwide recession. It was the Queen’s silver jubilee year but Paul, Jan and Louis had little to celebrate. With widespread youth unemployment and little opportunity on the horizon, there was anarchy in the air. Barbarians follows the fluctuating fortunes of its three male characters on a journey that is as humorous as it is brutal, to the soundtrack of The Clash, the Sex Pistols and The Jam. This venue provides the perfect setting, steeped in the punk culture of that time, to revive this acclaimed production which is as relevant now as it was then.
“I have mixed feelings about seeing it again in two new productions: proud that the play is on in London for the first time in twenty years but also a sadness that it’s a tale of a generation without hope or prospects who leave school only to join the dole queues” Barrie Keeffe.
The production is directed by Bill Buckhurst (Sweeney Todd) with design by Simon Kenny, sound design by Joshua Richardson and lighting design by Rob Youngson.
Cast: Thomas Coombes (The Father, ITV series Jekyll and Hyde), Jake Davies (Yen, X+Y) andJosh Williams (Lord of the Flies, Love and Information).
Tooting Arts Club’s most recent production was the acclaimed revival of Stephen Sondheim’sSweeney Todd in Harrington’s Pie and Mash Shop, Tooting, transferring to a found space on Shaftesbury Avenue.
Barrie Keeffe, who wrote the film The Long Good Friday, and whose other works for the stage include Sus, Not Fade Away, A Mad World My Masters, Only A Game, My Girl and King of England, was born and brought up in the East End of London. He was an actor with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain and worked as a journalist before becoming a playwright.
Barbarians is directed by Bill Buckhurst, who also directed Sweeney Todd for Tooting Arts Club (Harrington’s Pie and Mash Shop and West End). He previously co-directed the international touring production of Shakespeare’s Globe’s Hamlet alongside Dominic Dromgoole. Also for Tooting Arts Club, Bill has directed Tinderbox in 2011, Barbarians in 2012 and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2014. His other directing credits include The Vegemite Tales in the West End and numerous touring productions for Shakespeare’s Globe.
Barbarians is produced by Rachel Edwards for Tooting Arts Club.
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Barbarians
by Barrie Keeffe
Venue: Former Central St Martins School of Art, 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H ODU
Dates: Tuesday 29th September – 7th November 2015
Monday-Saturday, 7.30pm; Saturday and Thursday matinees 3pm
Press nights: Saturday 3rd October, Monday 5th, Tuesday 6th
Tickets: £10 (under-26s, students and unemployed), £26 and £32 (plus booking fees)
Book via Soho Theatre
Online www.sohotheatre.com Phone 020 7478 0100
In person Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE
Cast
Paul: Thomas Coombes
Jan: Jake Davies
Louis: Josh Williams
Producer: Rachel Edwards (for Tooting Arts Club)
Co- Producer: Hilary Williams
Director: Bill Buckhurst
Designer: Simon Kenny
Sound Designer: Joshua Richardson
Lighting Designer: Rob Youngson
Casting: Marc Frankum
Royal Court Theatre 21st October – 14th November. Reviewed by Claire Roderick
The Team’s Roosevelvis is billed as a hallucinatory road trip from the Badlands to Graceland – and what a trip it is!
This two-hander tells the story of Ann, a shy, gay worker in a meat-processing plant, sleepwalking through her life, and only becoming truly animated when talking to her hero – Elvis Presley. After a disastrous blind date involving a RV trip to Mount Rushmore, Elvis and his hero, Teddy Roosevelt intervene and, together with Ann, they embark on a journey to Graceland.
Libby King plays Ann as a truly lost soul, full of despair and loneliness. When she morphs into Elvis, with just a wig and a vocal twist, she is a revelation. Kristen Sieh is Brenda, Ann’s taxidermist date – hugely disappointed in the real Ann after meeting her online – and Roosevelt. Sieh is tiny, so her posturing and aggression as Roosevelt makes a funny character even better. But although there are lots of laughs to be had from the two American icons, the play celebrates rather than mocks them. Even though they are being played by women, they do not come across as a drag act, simply androgynous versions of their personas. The Team’s script is slick and confident. There is an underlying warmth and respect for these flawed men, and the relationship that builds between them on the road trip is simply wonderful. They have very different ideas about what Ann should do, and their reasoning is slowly and sympathetically unpicked as they reveal more and more of their history. Roosevelt’s coping method whenever he gets a little emotional is hysterical, and his pronunciation of Elvis’ name keeps you giggling throughout – and that ending!
The staging is so well thought out – while props are being moved around, the action continues on various screens, and the use of rowing machines is a stroke of genius. There are some dark and quiet moments, expertly portrayed by the actors on stage and on the screens. The screens are used to continue the story on location, showing action in shops, motels and scenery on the road. The sequence showing Ann at work starkly portrays her mundane life, although I must admit that the diner waitress film was a step too far for me – the sound and colour effects brought to mind dodgy art installations I have suffered through and made me twitch a little.
The play’s publicity states that this is a work about gender, appetite and the multitudes we contain – which worried me a little. But these themes are not sledgehammered into the play, they are allowed to breathe and take form gradually and subtly – allowing the audience to think for themselves and take what they want from the performance, which is exactly what a great play should do
