Category: Uncategorized

NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL VOTED MOST WELCOMING IN THE UK

Newcastle Theatre Royal has been voted the most welcoming Theatre in the entire UK.  This major industry award was made yesterday at the 2015 UK Theatre Awards held in London’s Guildhall.

Over 256 theatres of all sizes from across the UK entered the award, which is voted for entirely by the public.  In total over 40,000 votes were cast for theatres up and down the country – the most since the award was created in 2013. Last week the Theatre Royal team was told they had been shortlisted as regional winner for the North East but the news that they had secured the top award was not announced until 3pm yesterday afternoon.

 

The My Theatre Matters! UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award in association with Smooth Radio is one of the most coveted of the UK Theatre Awards – the only nationwide awards to honour outstanding achievement in theatre throughout the United Kingdom.

 

Over 400 UK Theatre members and guests attended the Awards ceremony in London compèred by musical theatre star Michael Xavier, with appearances from guest presenters including Sir Patrick Stewart OBE, Barbara Windsor MBE, Richard Wilson OBE, Anne Reid MBE and Lee Mead.

 

Theatre Royal Chief Executive Philip Bernays was down in the capital to receive the award: “We are so honoured with this win – in the UK theatre sector this is probably the most coveted accolade of all.  We strive to excel in everything that we do in order to attract the biggest audiences and the best shows in what is a very competitive market, and the word ‘Welcome’ continues to be our central mantra. This award is an outstanding achievement and true testament to the effort and dedication of our staff, who always go ‘one step beyond’.”

 

There are nineteen awards on offer in total, covering a huge wealth of merit in the industry ranging from Best New Play to Best Design, Best Show for Children, and Achievement in Opera. Another notable winner was Theatre Royal regular and Friends’ Patron Matthew Bourne who won The Stage Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre.

 

Theatre Royal Chairman Cllr Ged Bell, said: “We were shortlisted for this award last year and narrowly missed out, and it’s a great delight to us to have won it in 2015 – when there were more nominations and votes cast than ever before.  We believe that our team are indeed one of the most dedicated and passionate in the country, and they are thoroughly deserving of this honour.  A big thank you to them, and of course to our audiences and supporters for voting for us.”

 

Rachel Tackley, President of UK Theatre, said: “We have been delighted to see the tremendous level of support for theatres across the United Kingdom.  Theatres play a hugely valuable role in our local communities and this vote, along with the My Theatre Matters! campaign, provides a platform for the public to tell their stories about how important their local venue is to them.”

 

It’s been a good month for the Theatre – last Monday, Newcastle Theatre Royal also won Receiving Venue Team of the Year in the prestigious Technical Theatre Awards (TTA) which recognises the staff who work behind the scenes and highlights the excellence of one venue which stands out above all others, as voted for by touring theatre technicians.

The Theatre Royal’s Annual Report for 2014/15 details record breaking figures for the charity. It was the Theatre’s best ever in terms of ticket sales, with a total of £10.3m worth of tickets sold, 44 visiting theatre, opera, ballet and dance companies welcomed and 406 performances presented to a staggering 405,681 people. The attendance for the year was also at 80% capacity, which is an astonishing 21% above the national average.

“MAMMA MIA!”

NOW BOOKING TO 22 OCTOBER 2016

AT LONDON’S NOVELLO THEATRE

The global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! at London’s Novello Theatre is now extending its booking period until 22 October 2016, taking the show through to its 18^th playing year in London.

MAMMA MIA! stars Dianne Pilkington as Donna Sheridan, Mazz Murray as Tanya, Jo Napthine as Rosie, Gabriella Williams as Sophie Sheridan, James Darch as Sky, Richard Trinder as Sam, Alasdair Harvey as Harry, Charles Daish as Bill, Louise Young as Ali, Stephanie Fearon as Lisa, Dan Partridge as Pepper and Rory Phelan as Eddie. At certain performances, the role of Donna Sheridan is played by Shona White.

From West End to global phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise.  To date, it has been seen by 60 million people in 49 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $2 billion at the box office.

MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004.  The musical re-opened at the Novello Theatre in 2012.

 

The London production of MAMMA MIA! has been seen by more than 10% of the entire UK population.  The show has celebrated over 6,500 performances in London and has broken box office records in all three of its London homes.  In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China.   

 

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie, starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan, is the highest grossing live action musical film of all time.

 

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

 

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Novello Theatre

Aldwych

London WC2B 4LD

Monday to Friday Prices:  £65.00, £37.50, £20.00, £15.00

Saturday Prices:  £67.50*, £52.50, £39.50, £25.00, £15.00

*£69.50 from 26 October 2015

Please note: Saturday pricing applies to all performances 26-30 October 2015, 28 December 2015 – 2 January 2016, 15-20 February 2016, 25 March – 9 April 2016, 30 May – 4 June 2016 and 25 July – 3 September 2016.

A £2.25 per ticket booking fee applies to tickets booked online, and a £2.75 per ticket booking fee applies to tickets booked by phone. No booking fee on tickets purchased in person at the Novello Theatre Box Office.

All prices include £1.25 restoration levy.

Early Bird Pricing – anyone booking four months or more in advance of the performance they are attending (Monday to Thursday performances only) will be able to purchase £65 tickets for £45, a saving of £20 on the regular top price, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online, in person at the theatre, or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.

Performance Times:

Monday – Saturday 7.45pm

Matinees – Thursday & Saturday 3.00pm*

*extra Tuesday matinees on 27 October 2015, 16 February 2016 and 9 & 23 August 2016

Christmas 2015/16 Performance Schedule

Monday 21 December                              7.45pm

Tuesday 22 December                             3.00pm and 7.45pm

Wednesday 23 December                        3.00pm and 7.45pm

Thursday 24 December                            NO PERFORMANCE

Friday 25 December                                 NO PERFORMANCE

Saturday 26 December                            3.00pm and 7.45pm

Monday 28 December                              3.00pm and 7.45pm

Tuesday 29 December                             3.00pm and 7.45pm

Wednesday 30 December                        3.00pm and 7.45pm

Thursday 31 December                            3.00pm

Friday 1 January                                       7.45pm

Saturday 2 January                                  3.00pm and 7.45pm

Currently booking to 22 October 2016

The performance lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes (including a 15-minute interval)

Box Office: 0844 482 5115

http://www.mamma-mia.com/

http://www.facebook.com/mammamiamusical

http://twitter.com/MammaMiaMusical

PRODUCTION IMAGES RELEASED FOR THE NEW CAST OF THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S PRODUCTION OF MATILDA THE MUSICAL

MICHAEL BEGLEY, MIRIA PARVIN AND REBECCA THORNHILL JOIN THE CAST AS MR WORMWOOD, MISS HONEY AND MRS WORMWOOD, WITH EVIE HONE AND LIZZIE WELLS JOINING ANNA-LOUISE KNIGHT AND LARA MCDONNELL IN THE TITLE ROLE OF MATILDA

NOW BOOKING UNTIL 18 DECEMBER 2016, MATILDA THE MUSICAL ENTERS ITS FIFTH YEAR IN THE WEST END THIS SUNDAY

FOUR PRODUCTIONS ARE NOW PLAYING WORLDWIDE WITH DATES JUST ANNOUNCED FOR MELBOURNE, AFTER OPENING TO RAVE REVIEWS IN SYDNEY

New production images of the cast of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda The Musical are now available. Evie Hone and Lizzie Wells have joined Anna-Louise Knight and Lara McDonnell in the title role, alongside Michael Begley (Mr Wormwood), Miria Parvin (Miss Honey) and Rebecca Thornhill (Mrs Wormwood). Craige Els will continue in the role of Miss Trunchbull. Matilda The Musical, which celebrates its 4th birthday on Sunday 25 October, is now booking at the Cambridge Theatre until 18 December 2016.

Capturing the imagination of young and old alike, Matilda The Musical has now received 50 awards in Stratford-upon-Avon, London and New York, and has been seen by over three million people worldwide. The London and Broadway productions of Matilda The Musical have been joined by the US tour which opened in Los Angeles in May. After opening to rave reviews at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre on 20 August, the Australian production has just announced it will open at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from 13 March 2016 for a strictly limited season.

The young performers who play the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda, Nigel, Eric and the other pupils at Crunchem Hall are as follows: Leo Ayres, Charlie Barnard, Thomas Berry, Fifi Bloomsbury-Khier, Tilly Cook, Bronte Cosgrave, Ellie Dadd, Connor Deeks, Carla Dixon, Dayna Dixon, Denzel Eboji, Hannah Hague, Keyaan Hameed, Caoimhe Judd, Sophia Keaveney, Lia Moxom, Demi Olawoyin, Ben Perkins, Max Reader, Jason Rennie, Joe Sheridan, Jacob Smith, Eva Trodd, Harrison Vaughan and Jamie Wilding.

The adult cast includes Fabian Aloise, Robbie Boyle, John Brannoch, Oliver Brooks, Jonathan Cordin, Olly Dobson, Demi Goodman, Elliot Harper, Will Hawksworth, Kate Kenrick, Rachel Moran, Tom Muggeridge, Charlotte Scott, Matthew Serafini, Biancha Szynal, Laura Tyrer and Sharlene Whyte.

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda The Musical premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2010, before transferring to London’s West End in October 2011. On 25 October, Matilda The Musical will celebrate its fourth anniversary in London with tickets now on sale until 18 December 2016 at the Cambridge Theatre.

Having swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking seven awards, Matilda The Musical has gone on to take Broadway by storm winning four Tony Awards® and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for each of the four girls sharing the title role. The New York production of Matilda The Musical, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Dodgers, opened in March 2013 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre.

Matilda The Musical is produced in the West End by the Royal Shakespeare Company with André Ptaszynski and Denise Wood as Executive Producers. The production was developed with the support of Company Dramaturg Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.

Matilda The Musical is written by playwright Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus. The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

Listings Information

MATILDA THE MUSICAL

Cambridge Theatre,EarlhamStreet,WC2H 9HU
Booking until 18 December 2016
Tuesdays 7pm
Wednesday – Saturday 7:30pm
Wednesday & Saturday 2:30pm
Sundays 3pm

Extra matinee performance – Thursday 29 October

Box Office: Cambridge Theatre 0844 412 4652 / RSC Ticket Hotline 0844 800 1110

To book online visit: www.matildathemusical.com

Empire Cinemas’ Horror Cin-sations Study reveals the emotional power of cinema

 

Favourite scary moments in cinematic history revealed

• Exorcist tops the scariest moments, ahead of Alien and Silence of the Lambs
• Film Phobias – Over 5m¹ people have developed a fear or phobia after watching a film
• Psychologist Dr. Dave Lewis reveals how film causes powerful emotional responses
• Released ahead of Paranormal Activity: Ghost Dimension on October 21^st

Empire Cinemas, the UK’s largest independent cinema chain, is today releasing The Horror Cin-sations Study; a report exploring the most fearful film moments in history. This research is announced alongside commentary from psychologist Dr. Dave Lewis and ahead of the release of Paranormal Activity: Ghost Dimension on October 21, available to book now at www.empirecinemas.co.uk.

The research by Empire Cinemas, whose ethos is “lose yourself in film”, reveals that fear is an emotion keenly sought by cinemagoers and many film fans actively choose to watch a scary film to feel alive (14%).Almost one fifth (17%) of the UK say the most scared they have ever felt in their lives was when watching a film in the cinema, whilst the equivalent of over 5m¹ people (11%) claim to have developed a phobia or fear after viewing a film on the big screen.

Psychologist, Dr. Dave Lewis says:  “When it comes to creating feelings of terror, movie makers have a number of powerful psychological tricks up their sleeve. One is to provoke what is called the ‘startle’ response. This is a primitive, inbuilt, reaction to anything unexpected and therefore potentially threatening. It triggers the audiences’ ‘fight or flight’ survival system; adrenalin floods through their bodies, their pupils widen, muscles tense, palms become sweaty, mouths go dry and pulses race. By combining a startling image, such as the moment an alien bursts from Kane’s chest, with suitably fear arousing music a director can produce gasps of horror from an audience. These involuntary reactions intensify the terror for everyone.”

The list of terrorising big screen moments was topped by the head-spinning scene in the Exorcist. The alien stomach-bursting scene, from Ridley Scott-directed sci-fi horror film Alien, put the fear into several respondents (21%) as did the genre-busting horror film Psycho, were Marion was stabbed in the shower, and the butchering of a prison guard in Silence of the Lambs (both 17%).

The Top Scary Moments in Cinematic History
1	Exorcist – Regan’s head-spinning scene	28%
2	Alien –  alien bursts out of the Kane’s chest	21%
3	Psycho – the merciless stabbing of Marion	17%
4	Silence of the Lambs – Lector attacks the prison guard	17%
5	Carrie – the hand emerges from the grave	14%
6	Jaws – Hopper finds Gardner’s boat	13%

Delving deeper into the minds of different generations, it seems the horrors that have graced our screens in more recent years may well be scary to the younger generation of film lovers, but the older generation are more frightened by the classics. One quarter (26%) of 18-24 year olds voted the scene from The Ring (2002) of the girl emerging from the TV as their scariest cinematic movie moment, compared to just 5% of over 55’s. Whereas just 8% of 18-24’s voting the stabbing of Marion in Psycho (1960) as their scariest movie moment, compared to 28% of over 55’s.

The study also looked into how horror movies affect men and women differently. It appears men (17%)feel more alive when watching a horror film than women (11%). Additionally, more men (10%) than women (5%) admit that horror films have actually helped condition them to fear.

Jon Nutton, Marketing Director for Empire Cinemas said:  “Who hasn’t left a cinema with feelings of genuine fear after watching either a classic horror film or one of the modern day thrillers? Recent box office smash hits such as Insidious and The Babadook have triggered the emotions of millions of filmgoers and Paranormal Activity is set to heighten the senses for many more.”

“The immersive power of the medium lets cinemagoers lose themselves in film and this study shows how a visit to the silver screen provides an emotional release.  At Empire Cinemas, our relentless pursuit of the ultimate cinema experience awakens the senses of film lovers across the UK.”

 

For further information and listings on all forthcoming films, visit www.empirecinemas.co.uk.   

 

King’s Cross Theatre until Sunday 3rd January 2016.  Reviewed by Catherine Françoise

5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Blown A~Waaaaaay by phenomenal energy and performance excellence !! What a cast, band and creative team! I can’t wait to see it again!

In the Heights won the 2008 Tony Award for best musical and returns to London again after creating a storm last year in its critically acclaimed sell out off West End run at The Southwark Playhouse. Reclaimed disused platforms at the back of Kings Cross Station have been transformed into a brand new purpose built theatre and provide an evocative and unique performing space for this vibrant, youthful blast of energy and creativity. I knew very little about the show (deliberately so) so came to it ‘fresh’ and frankly I was blown away! Tremendous in every possible way! Score, script, direction, band, singing, acting, choreography, dancing, location, costumes. set, effects, staging, atmosphere ~ Beyond BRILLIANT!

Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda who also wrote the music & lyrics and starred in the original Broadway production, with a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, In The Heights was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards winning four: Best Musical, Best Original Score Best Choreography (Andy Blankenbuehler), and Best Orchestrations (Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman). It also won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album and was nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and it is clear why ~ Miranda is a fresh, energised new writing voice and has been called the most electrifying force in musical theatre for a decade having followed In The Heights with the hottest ticket on Broadway right now ~ the hip hop musical Hamilton ~ in which we follow the life of USA founding father Alexander Hamilton and cabinet meetings are depicted as epic rap battles.

In London In The Heights is brilliantly directed by Luke Sheppard, with breath-taking choreography once again from Drew McOnie who won the off West End Award for best choreography at Southwark. He has a cast of incredible dancers to showcase his work who give their all in bright vibrant costumes and trainers and then some more! Phenomenal energy, shapes, style, sexy and sassy and truly exhilarating to watch! Although essentially an ensemble show, each character is a strong individual.

Musically In the Heights is a Joyous blast of energy and creative genius giving a disparate yet close community its multicultural voice through a pastiche of hip-hop, salsa, pop, latin and Caribbean influences in catchy tunes and urban lyrics. The band led by Ton Deering are truly superb.

The story focuses on the everyday struggles of immigrant tenement dwellers in a Dominican-American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City over three days. Despite hardships, difficulties, conflicts, tensions, poverty and culture clashes, bridges are built, relationships are healed, joy triumphs over sadness and reasons are found to throw a salsa-swinging street party. Some may query a lack of ‘grit’ and seedier aspects of city living, but frankly it’s refreshing to watch a story that all generations can be inspired and uplifted by ~ contemporary Musical Theatre for all generations.

As for the incredibly hard working cast there are no weak links whatsoever and ALL deliver powerhouse performances ~ Sam Mackay plays high energy narrator and rapper Usnavi who as the owner of a cornershop bodega is at the centre of the community and sees what’s happening…“Everybody’s stressed, yes, but they press through the mess / Bounce checks and wonder what’s next.” Usnavi is infatuated with Vanessa, a stunning Jade Ewan who works at the beauty salon and is desperate to move away from her alcoholic mother and other neighbourhood problems but frustrated by a bad credit score. Nina (Lily Frazer) is the first in her family to get to university but is back from Stanford University for the summer having lost her scholarship, dropped out and, even more distressing for her parents (David Bedella and Josie Benson) who own a small taxi and limousine business, has fallen for uneducated Benny (Joe Aaron Reid), a good-natured and ambitious employee of theirs but not from the same cultural background with no prospects (as far as they can see) for their high flying daughter. Ewan, Frazer, Bedella and Benson are tremendous singers and give powerful, poignant performances. Elsewhere, the lease on Daniela’s (Victoria Hamilton-Barritt) beauty parlour has run out and the rent has been raised but she’s going with her head held high. Abuela Claudia (Eve Polycarpu) as the older and wise woman in the community sings powerfully of the value of paciencia y fe (patience and faith). Usnavi struggles to live up to the example of Abuela Claudia, eventually recognising the truth of her philosophy through his young employee Sonny (Cleve September) who tells him to embrace the love around him.

Kings Cross Theatre is a fantastic new space in itself and In The Heights is a truly exhilarating experience. The cast and band are simply superb ~ a truly inspirational and powerful performance that stays with you, tapping into all our aspirations for a better world and a brighter future for our children, grandchildren and indeed ourselves. It taps into our better selves and lifts heart, soul and spirit.

 

Regent’s Park
Open Air Theatre

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE LAUNCHES THE FIRST STAGE OF ITS HERITAGE  PROJECT

DIGITAL ARCHIVE TO GIVE FREE ACCESS TO THE ICONIC VENUE’S HISTORY

VISIT openairtheatreheritage.com

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre today launches a Heritage Project with a dedicated website allowing unprecedented access to the theatre’s archives.

For the first time in Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s 83 year history, access to the venue’s archives will be made available for everyone with a free digital archive. The collection comprises items relating to productions dating back to the 1930’s including, programmes, photographs, posters and production designs. As part of a long-term heritage project, material from these archives will be digitalized, preserving the delicate printed material for future generations.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has welcomed many of the country’s most beloved actors, directors and creative teams over its rich history, some relatively unknown at the time but who have gone to illustrious careers on stage and film. The website launches with a detailed catalogue of four well-known theatre alumni; Dame Judi Dench, Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Bonneville and Janie Dee. Visitors to the website will be able to delve into the actors’ relationship with the iconic venue, viewing previously unseen production images and programmes. Each quarter, there will be a new focus on an aspect of the theatre’s history.

Opening in 1932 with a production of Twelfth Night, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is the oldest, professional, permanent outdoor theatre in Britain. Over the past 83 years the theatre has grown and developed to become a firm fixture for summer in London with over 140,000 people attending four annual productions between May and September. Under Artistic Director Timothy Sheader, 2015 saw a hugely successful season including productions of Peter Pan, The Seagull, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Lord of The Flies.

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who made his professional stage debut at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, said: ‘I’m delighted that, thanks to this wonderful new initiative, the Open Air Theatre’s archive – a flavour of past productions and a Who’s Who of the theatre makers who have been part of its rich history – is being brought to life.’

Trustee of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Judi Dench DBE says ‘I am thrilled that Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre are launching a Heritage Project to make their fascinating history available to all.  I have enjoyed a long association with the theatre, and I am sure that anyone who has worked there, or who has seen a production there, have their own memories of special times in that unique venue.  To bring their archive collection together online for the first time will offer a wonderful opportunity to find out more about their past, but will secure that history for generations to come. Robert Atkins would be so pleased.’

The JCL Trust is a Founding Sponsor of the Open Air Theatre Heritage Project. Funding has also been provided by an anonymous donation and money raised from staff members participating the in Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon.  However, with such a wealth of collateral still to digitalize, donations to help fund the project can be made atwww.openairtheatre.com/donations-booking.

The theatre is also looking for donations of historic material, especially for the period 1932 – 1962, where current archives are limited. Please contact [email protected] to make contributions to the archive.  

The 2015 UK Theatre Awards commenced today with winners including Matthew Bourne, Imelda Staunton and Eileen Atkins.

The awards were presented at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall, compèred by musical theatre star Michael Xavier. Xavier was also joined by guest presenters includingPatrick Stewart, Barbara Windsor, Richard Wilson, Anne Reid and Lee Mead.

Highlights of the awards included Imelda Staunton winning Best Performance in a Musical for her performance as Mamma Rose in Gypsy, which also won for Best Musical Production. Best New Play went to Iphigenia in Splott by Gary Owen, a Sherman Cymru production, which will open in the National Theatre’s Temporary Theatre in January.

The award for Best Performance in a Play was shared by Polly Lister for Abigail’s Party, a Theatre by the Lake production, and Joel MacCormack for Each His Own Wilderness, an Orange Tree Theatre production. The award for Best Supporting Performance was given to Justine Mitchell for For Services Rendered, a Chichester Festival Theatre production.

Newcastle Theatre Royal picked up the My Theatre Matters! UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award 2015 with Smooth Radio, the only award voted for by the public.

In the awards for off-stage excellence, Rambert won the Achievement in Marketing award for its work in attracting new audiences to contemporary dance, which has led to record breaking attendances in 2014/15. The Renee Stepham Award for Best Presentation of Touring Theatre went to Royal & Derngate for their tours of six high profile productions, Made in Northampton.

The award for Promotion of Diversity was shared by Curve Theatre for its diversity action plan and strategy targeted at the age-profile and multiculturalism of the city and Watford Palace Theatre for its initiatives to ensure it offers and develops services for the widest range of the population.

As previously announced, Matthew Bourne received The Stage Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre and Eileen Atkins was awarded the Gielgud Award for Excellence in the Dramatic Arts.

The event also included the inaugural Clothworkers’ Award, which saw York Theatre Royal awarded £150,000 as part of the Foundation’s new five year £1.25 million Dramatic Arts initiative.

Rachel Tackley, president of UK Theatre, commented: “The winners of this year’s awards clearly demonstrate the creative strength and vibrancy of theatre across the whole of the United Kingdom. Theatres are an integral part of our local communities and these awards not only celebrate performers and theatremakers but also the venues and the teams that run them.”

Full list of Awards

Best New Play
Iphigenia in Splott by Gary Owen, a Sherman Cymru production

Best Performance in a Play
Joel MacCormack for Each His Own Wilderness, an Orange Tree Theatre production
Polly Lister for Abigail’s Party, a Theatre by the Lake production

Best Supporting Performance
Justine Mitchell for For Services Rendered, a Chichester Festival Theatre production

Best Musical Production
Gypsy directed by Jonathan Kent, a Chichester Festival Theatre production

Best Performance in a Musical
Imelda Staunton for Gyspy, a Chichester Festival Theatre production

Best Show for Children and Young People
Running Wild, a Chichester Festival Youth Theatre production

Best Director
Ned Bennett for Pomona, an Orange Tree Theatre production and for YEN a Royal Exchange Theatre production

Best Design
Dick Bird, Timothy Bird and Paul Keogan for The Hudsucker Proxy, a Nuffield Theatre, Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse in association with Complicite production

Best Touring Production
Twelfth Night, an English Touring Theatre and Sheffield Theatres production

Achievement in Dance
Candoco Dance Company for a terrifically entertaining revival of Jérôme Bel’s postmodern classic The Show Must Go On

Achievement in Opera
Glyndebourne for an outstandingly well planned and performed season

The Renee Stepham Award for Best Presentation of Touring Theatre
Royal & Derngate for their tours of six high profile productions Made in Northampton

Achievement in Marketing
Rambert for its work in attracting new audiences to contemporary dance, which has led to record breaking attendances in 2014/15

UK Theatre Insurance Award for Theatre Employee or Manager of the Year
Gaby Paradis, West Yorkshire Playhouse
Dorothy Wilson, mac birmingham

Promotion of Diversity
Curve Theatre for its diversity action plan and strategy targeted at the age-profile and multiculturalism of the city
Watford Palace Theatre for its initiatives to ensure it offers and develops services for the widest range of the population

My Theatre Matters! UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre in association with Smooth Radio
Newcastle Theatre Royal

The Stage Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre
Matthew Bourne

Clothworkers’ Theatre Award
York Theatre Royal

The Gielgud Award for Excellence in the Dramatic Arts
Dame Eileen Atkins

Green Day’s American Idiot is set to embark on a UK tour in 2016.

The upcoming tour was announced on Twitter last night, along with the news that Amelia Lily will reprise her role in the musical. Following its West End run, the show will launch its UK tour at the Curve Theatre, Leicester on 19th March 2016 and continue on to play at the Palace Theatre, Manchester (5th-9th April), New Theatre, Cardiff (19th-23rd April), Kings Theatre, Portsmouth (26th-30th April), New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (10th-14th May), Exeter Northcott Theatre (18th-22nd May), Sunderland Empire (24th-28th May) and King’s Theatre, Glasgow (31st May – 4th June). Further dates will be announced soon.

Amelia Lily will reprise her role as Whatshername in the show from 5th April 2016, playing her first performance at the Palace Theatre when the tour arrives in Manchester. The former X Factor finalist previously played the Narrator in the UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and made her West End debut in American Idiot at the Arts Theatre.

American Idiot is the award-winning Broadway musical that features the music of American punk rock band Greenday, along with lyrics by Billy Joe Armstrong, and a book by Armstrong and Michael Mayer. It tells the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9-11 world, and features all the songs from the band’s rock opera of the same name and more, including ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’, ’21 Guns’, ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends’, ‘Holiday’, and of course, ‘American Idiot’.

The musical opened on Broadway in 2010 after a short run at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2009, winning two Tony Awards and a nomination for Best Musical.

It made its West End premiere at the Arts Theatre in Leicester Square on 17th July 2015, starring Amelia Lily as Whatshername and Aaron Sidwell as Johnny. The critically-acclaimed production’s run was recently extended due to popular demand and will now continue to play there until 22nd November 2015.

American Idiot is produced by David Hutchinson and Phillip Rowntree for Sell a Door Theatre Company and Stephen McGill Productions, and presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York. It is directed and choreographed in the West End by Racky Plews, and also features musical supervision by Richard Morris.

Full casting for the UK tour is still to be announced.

American Idiot at the Arts Theatre
6-7 Great Newport Street, London, WC2H 7JB
Running Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Age Restrictions: No age restrictions but the performance does contain some adult themes and strong language.
Show Opened: 23rd July 2015
Booking Until: 22nd November 2015

 

 

Kinky Boots, has today announced the opening of a new ticket booking period at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End, until Saturday 28th May 2016. Tickets for this extended booking period will go on sale from Monday 19th October 2015.

Kinky Boots has also been shortlisted for the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical. Voting closes at midnight on Sunday 25th October, and the winner will be announced live at the London Evening Standard Awards on Sunday 22nd November. Kinky Boots will also be performing on BBC Children in Need on Friday 13 November 2015, along with other West End shows Bend It Like Beckham and Beautiful The Carole King Musical.

With a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), and songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind.

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price (Killian Donnelly) is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola (Matt Henry), a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

With direction and choreography by two-time Tony® Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray), Kinky Bootsis the winner of six Broadway Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Choreography.

Kinky Boots is produced by Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig, James L. Nederlander, Terry Allen Kramer, Playful Productions, CJ E&M, Jayne Baron Sherman, Just for Laughs Theatricals/Judith Ann Abrams, Yasuhiro Kawana, Jane Bergère, Allan S. Gordon & Adam S. Gordon, Ken Davenport, Hunter Arnold, Lucy and Phil Suarez, Bryan Bantry, Ron Fierstein & Dorsey Regal, Jim Kierstead/Gregory Rae, Independent Presenters Network, BB Group/Christina Papagjika, Brian Smith/Tom & Connie Walsh, Warren Trepp and Jujamcyn Theaters, in association with Cameron Mackintosh.

Book: Harvey Fierstein
Composer and Lyricist: Cyndi Lauper
Director and Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell
Musical Supervision,
Arranger and Orchestrator: Stephen Oremus
Scenic Design: David Rockwell
Costume Design: Gregg Barnes
Lighting Design: Kenneth Posner
Sound Design: John Shivers
Hair Design: Josh Marquette
Make-up Design: Randy Houston Mercer

 

Kinky Boots
ADELPHI THEATRE
409-412 Strand, London WC2E 7NA

The Menier Chocolate Factory has today announced full casting for their production of Funny Girl. Joining Sheridan Smith as Fanny Brice are Valda Aviks (Mrs O’Malley), Natasha J Barnes (Emma/Mrs Meeker), Darius Campbell (Nick), Marilyn Cutts (Mrs Brice), Maurice Lane (Mr Keeney), Bruce Montague (Ziegfeld), Joel Montague (Eddie), Gay Soper (Mrs Strakosh); with Emma Caffrey, Matthew Croke, Joelle Dyson, Rebecca Fennelly, Luke Fetherston, Leah Harris, Kelly Homewood, Sammy Kelly and Stuart Ramsay completing the ensemble. The multi award-winning Michael Mayer directs the production, which opens on 2nd December, 2015 with previews from 20th November, and runs until 5th March 2016. Funny Girl is presented in association with Sonia Friedman Productions and Scott Landis.

Funny Girl returns to the London stage for the first time since its 1966 première. With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill and book by Isobel Lennart, the Broadway smash which skyrocketed Barbra Streisand to stardom, is revived with book revisions by Harvey Fierstein. Sheridan Smith plays Fanny Brice, who rose from the Lower East Side of New York to become one of Broadway’s biggest stars under producer Florenz Ziegfeld. While she was cheered onstage as a great comedienne, offstage she faced a doomed relationship with the man she loved. With a score featuring now-classic songs such as “People”, “You Are Woman, I Am Man” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, this brand new production promises to be a major theatrical event.

Sheridan Smith returns to the Menier Chocolate Factory to play Fanny Brice. She previously appeared in Little Shop of Horrors for the company (also Duke of York’s Theatre). Her other theatre work includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream(Michael Grandage Company at the Noel Coward Theatre), Hedda Gabler (Old Vic), Flare Path (Theatre Royal Haymarket – Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress, Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Actress), Legally Blonde(Savoy Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical), Tinderbox (Bush Theatre), The People are Friendly (Royal Court) and Into the Woods (Donmar Warehouse). For television, her credits include Blackwork, The C Word, Cilla, The Widower, The 7.39, Dates, Mr Stink, Mrs Biggs (BAFTA Best Actress), Accused, Scapegoat, Little Crackers, Jonathan Creek, Gavin & Stacey, Larkrise to Candleford, Grown Ups, Love Soup, Two Pints of Larger and a Packet of Crisps, The Royale Family and Wives and Daughters; and for film, The Huntsman, Powder Room, Quartet, Tower Block and Hysteria.

Valda Aviks plays Mrs O’Malley. Her theatre includes Once (Gaiety Theatre Dublin and Phoenix), Sweeney Todd (Adelphi Theatre) and Jerry Springer: The Opera (National Theatre and Cambridge Theatre)

Natasha J Barnes plays Emma/Mrs Meeker. She currently performing in American Idiot (Arts Theatre). Other theatre work includes Chess (Union Theatre), Snow White (Old Vic) and Spring Awakening (Lyric Hammersmith and Novello Theatre).

Darius Campbell plays Nick Arnstein. For theatre his work includes in the West End, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Gone with the Wind, and From Here to Eternity; Carmen (Europe and 02) and The History of the Big Bands (tour). Also a recording artist, his first single Colourblind went to #1 in the UK singles chart.

Marilyn Cutts play Mrs Brice. Her theatre work includes Wicked, Never Forget (West End), The Rose Tattoo, Oklahoma!(National Theatre) and Show Boat (RSC). For film, her work includes Les Miserables.

Maurice Lane plays Mr Keeney. His theatre work includes Dirty Dancing (Aldwych Theatre), 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Haymarket) and Fiddler on the Roof (Her Majesty’s Theatre). He was also in the original cast of Funny Girl (Prince of Wales Theatre).

Bruce Montague plays Ziegfeld. His West End theatre credits include The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s) and Oliver! (Palladium).

Joel Montague plays Eddie. Most recently he completed a UK tour of The Producers. Other credits include Urinetown (Apollo Theatre) and Sister Act (UK tour).

Gay Soper returns to the Menier to play Mrs Strakosh – she previously appeared in Sunday in the Park with George (also Wyndham’s Theatre). Her other theatre work includes The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Apollo and National Theatre) and Lend Me a Tenor (Gielgud).

Michael Mayer directs. His West End credits include Spring Awakening (Lyric Hammersmith and Novello) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Shaftesbury Theatre). For Broadway his work includes Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Tony nomination for Best Director), On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, American Idiot (Drama Desk Award for Best Director of a Musical), Spring Awakening (Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Drama Desk Award for Best Direction of a Musical) and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Drama Desk nomination for Best Direction of a Musical). For television, his work includes Smash; and for film, A Home at the End of the World, Flicka and currently in production, Chekhov’s The Seagull.

FUNNY GIRL
Music by Jule Styne Lyrics by Bob Merrill
Book by Isobel Lennart from an original story by Miss Lennart
Revised Book by Harvey Fierstein

Director: Michael Mayer; Set Designer: Michael Pavelka; Costume Designer: Matthew Wright
Choreographer: Lynne Page; Lighting Designer: Mark Henderson; Sound Designer: Richard Brooker
Musical Supervisor: Alan Williams; Orchestrations: Chris Walker

20th November 2015 – 5th March 2016
https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com