Vampire Hospital Waiting Room, Above the Arts Theatre, November 2015

Beach Comet presents:

VAMPIRE HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM
9 November – 21 November 2015, 10pm (Mon-Sat)


Cult comedy B-musical Vampire Hospital Waiting Room, having thrilled audiences and critics alike, is now transferring from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival down to London for a limited run at the new space above the Arts Theatre this November. Armed with a live score and nine original songs (including “Love is Like a Car Crash”), this low-budget horror movie musical has needed to add to dates to Edinburgh runs due to high audience demand!

***** “reminiscent of Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, with its surrealist and unreservedly whimsical storyline (…) a highly commendable performance” Three Weeks

The show follows handsome billionaire Arty Baldwin through a twisted single-act plot which finds him wheelchair-bound and comatose following a horrific car accident. Luckily for Arty, he is soon wheeled into Dr Bloom’s waiting room. Unluckily for Arty, the good doctor is convinced his new patient is the Vampire Lord on his long-prophesised return to power. To be fair, he thinks that every Wednesday. But could he finally be right?

***** “wonderful and weird (…) laced with original and wonderfully catchy songs (…) every few seconds you are doubled over with laughter or grinning in adoration at the beautiful vocals of the talented cast (…) drenched in humour” Broadway Baby

Beach Comet was formed two years ago and is a company dedicated to creating new comedy musicals. Vampire Hospital Waiting Room was the first show and, following phenomenally successful workshops which sold out in both Edinburgh and London, the show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe 2013. With ticket allocations selling out over an hour in advance and queues out the door, they scored crowds so large they had to open standing areas and add three late night extra shows.

“A feast of daft, dark comedy and brilliant songs” Jo Brand

—————————————————————————

Title: Vampire Hospital Waiting Room
Music, book and lyrics: Theo McCabe and Craig Methven
Director: Theo McCabe
Producer: Julien Matthews for Beach Comet
Performance Dates: November 9th 2015 – November 21st 2015, Monday – Saturday, 10pm
Running Time: 1 hr
Venue: Above the Arts Theatre, 6-7 Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JB
Ticket Price: £14 (£12 under 25 or NHS employees)
Travel: Leicester Square station (1 min walk), Covent Garden station (3 min walk), Charing Cross station (6 min walk)
Box Office: Arts Theatre (artstheatrewestend.co.uk), 020 7836 8463
Links: Website (vampirehospitalwaitingroom.com), Twitter (twitter.com/BeachComet), Facebook (facebook.com/BeachComet), Youtube (youtube.com), Bandcamp (beachcomet.bandcamp.com)

Corinthia Hotel London presents world premiere of Emily Hall’s promenade opera Found & Lost

FOUND & LOST

by Emily Hall

at Corinthia Hotel London

25 January – 3 February 2016

found-and-lost

CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON ANNOUNCES WORLD PREMIERE OF EMILY HALL’S BRAND NEW PROMENADE OPERA

AUDIENCES EMBARK ON A SONIC JOURNEY THROUGH THE HOTEL’S MOST INTIMATE AND EXCLUSIVE SPACES

NARRATIVE UNFOLDS THROUGH LIVE PERFORMANCE AND SOUND INSTALLATION

Emily Hall, the 2015 Artist in Residence at Corinthia Hotel London, is to present the premiere of her site-specific opera, Found & Lost, in January 2016. Hall’s brand new piece, conceived in collaboration with the internationally renowned sound designer David Sheppard, will be performed for audiences of 12 at a time in the beautiful rooms, intimate spaces, and restricted areas of the hotel. The piece, developed during a month’s residency at the distinguished five-star hotel, invites audiences to embark on a sonic journey of discovery in a promenade performance, where rooms will spontaneously break into song and drama will unfold along the corridors.

A black cab pulls up to the kerb on Whitehall Place. A woman pays the driver and takes six steps up to where a footman is holding the door open for her; her heels create a faint echo on the marble floor as she passes a stunning floral display. The scent of camellias hangs in the air and is gone by the time she reaches the reception.

She places a briefcase on the counter. The receptionist is on the telephone. She nods apologetically before ending the call with five star efficiency. There is a tension in the air that causes her to hesitate slightly before asking ‘How may I help you?’ The woman replies with a question of her own; you can almost hear it. It is the first of many…

Alongside Hall and Sheppard, poet and Jerwood-Aldeburgh winner Matthew Welton (The Book of Matthew, We Needed Coffee But…) has created the libretto exclusively from texts found within Corinthia Hotel London, including wine lists, housekeeping check lists, and lost and found records. Award-winning Director Ella Hickson (Wendy & Peter, Eight, Boys) has advised on the production. The composition integrates music recorded in a variety of spaces on-site, intertwined with a live chorus sung by members of Siglo de Oro, and live performances from James McVinne on a specially simulated organ. Recorded artists featured in the production include: tenor Allan Clayton; singer-songwriter Mara Carlyle; cellist Oliver Coates; vocalist Sofia Jernberg; singer songwriter Puzzle Muteson, and treble Duncan Tarboton, all relayed in crystal clear sound through a series of Bowers & Wilkins speakers which will be woven seamlessly into the fabric of the hotel.

Emily was selected in April 2015 from eleven finalists to create the piece at Corinthia Hotel London after entering the hotel’s fourth Artist in Residence competition – a search to find a composer or company to produce a brand new opera inspired piece inside the luxury five star hotel. Her idea was selected by a panel of music and arts industry leaders including opera luminaries Alex Beard CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, Joseph Calleja, internationally acclaimed award-winning tenor and James Conway, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of English Touring Opera among others.

Previous residencies saw winning commissions from aspiring filmmakers Zawe Ashton and David Petch (2014), immersive theatre company Look Left Look Right (2013) and photographic artist Noémie Goudal (2012).

Champagne provided by Laurent-Perrier.

All speakers for the production have been provided by Bowers & Wilkins.

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Found & Lost

Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD

Monday 25 January – Wednesday 3 February 2016

Press Night: 27 January 2016

Monday – Friday evening performances: 7.00pm & 8.15pm (except Monday 25 January, just 8.15pm)

Saturday performances: 3.00pm, 7.00pm & 8.15pm

Booking: corinthia-air.com / +44 (0) 8444 77 1000

Website: corinthia-air.com/opera Twitter: @CorinthiaLondon

Ticket prices:

Standard: £27.50 including a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne

Premium: £35 including a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and an exclusive libretto

Concessions*: £20

*Under 26, full-time students, job seekers, seniors (60+) and people with a disability.

Running Time: 1 hour

Full performance schedule:

Monday 25-Jan-16 8.15pm

Tuesday 26-Jan-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Wednesday 27-Jan-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Thursday 28-Jan-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Friday 29-Jan-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Saturday

30-Jan-16 3pm, 7pm &

8.15pm

Sunday 31-Jan-16 No show

Monday 01-Feb-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Tuesday 02-Feb-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Wednesday 03-Feb-16 7pm & 8.15pm

 

Tickets on sale for Little Mix at Sheffield Arena

 LITTLE MIX

Get Weird Tour

Sheffield Arena

Saturday 2nd April 2016

Tickets on sale Friday 18th September at 9am

Little Mix, the world’s biggest girl group have announced extra dates to their 2016 Get Weird Tour and will be playing at Sheffield Arena on Saturday 2nd April 2016.  Tickets go on sale Friday 18th September at 9am.

The news comes hot on the heels of the release of Little Mix’s new single Love Me Like You following the worldwide smash hit single ‘Black Magic’, a spellbinding and irresistible pop explosion with a soaring chorus and addictive call-and-response middle eight. With state-of-the-art pop production from Norwegian hotshots Electric, the track stormed straight to No.1 on the Official Chart in the UK.

‘Black Magic’ was the first single from their eagerly anticipated third album ‘Get Weird’ due for global release Friday 6th November.

Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall became Little Mix in 2011. They have sold over 7 million records, had two UK No.1 singles and two platinum albums ‘DNA’ and ‘Salute’. As well as a successful arena tour they have been the recipients of both a Cosmo Ultimate Woman Award and a Glamour Women Of The Year Award. With over half a billion YouTube and Vevo views worldwide, they’ve also successfully become one of Britain’s greatest exports with massive tours in the US, Australia and Japan – breaking the Spice Girls’ long-held record of highest debut US chart position for a UK girl group in the process.

Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday 18th September, priced £38.50 & £25 including booking fee when booked online at www.sheffieldarena.co.uk or through the ticket hotline on 0114 256 56 56.  Tickets booked in person at the Arena box office are priced £36.75 & £26.25 including booking fee.

 

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR WENDY & PETER PAN AT THE RSC

WENDY & PETER PAN
By Ella Hickson

Adapted from the novel by JM Barrie

Directed by Jonathan Munby

Royal Shakespeare Theatre: 17 November 2015 – 31 January 2016

Full casting is announced for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) family winter production ofWendy & Peter Pan. A magical adaptation of JM Barrie’s classic novel by Ella Hickson, the show returns to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre following the productions acclaimed success in 2013.

Returning to the company is Fiona Button as Wendy and Charlotte Mills as Tink. New to the production and joining them is Darrell D’Silva as Captain Hook and Rhys Rusbatch as Peter Pan.

RSC Associate Artist Darrell D’Silva returns to the company having most recently been part of the world tour of Dunsinane (RSC/NTS). His extensive RSC credits also include Antony and Cleopatra,King Lear and Little Eagles. His other theatre credits include Public Enemy (Young Vic), Children’s Children (Almeida) and Hedda Gabler (Old Vic). His TV credits include the third series of ITV’sEndeavour and BBC’s Father Brown. Rhys Rusbatch makes his RSC debut in the role of Peter Pan. His credits include the forthcoming film Burn Burn Burn and the site specific production Mametz(National Theatre Wales).

Director Jonathan Munby said: ‘I’m thrilled that we are returning to Neverland this year with Ella Hickson’s remarkable play Wendy & Peter Pan. Although the show is closely based on the 2013 production, there are some significant changes that I’m sure audiences will love. We wanted to take this opportunity, the first major revival, to deliver a production that’s even more thrilling than before. Ella and I have spent the last two years working on revisions to the script, Olly Fox (composer) has been joined by orchestrator Jason Carr to deliver an almost entirely new score, and there are new scenes, greater flying sequences and even more thrilling fights. All will combine in a show that I hope will capture the imagination, move us and amuse us in equal measure, but most importantly, allow a whole new generation to experience and connect with JM Barrie’s original story in an immediate and thrilling way.’

Wendy & Peter Pan full cast includes: Fiona Button (Wendy); Simon Carroll-Jones (Shadow); Cavan Clarke (Nibs); Sam Clemmett (Tom); James Corrigan (John); Darrell D’Silva (Hook); Adam Gillen (Martin); Susan Hingley (Shadow); Jack Horner (Shadow); Rebecca Johnson (Mrs Darling); Paul Kemp (Smee); Arthur Kyeyune (Shadow/Doc Giles/Crocodile); David Langham (Knock Bone Jones); Douggie McMeekin (Curly); Jordan Metcalfe (Michael); Charlotte Mills(Tink); Mimi Ndiweni (Tiger Lily); Dodger Phillips (Murt The Bat); Laura Prior (Shadow); Rhys Rusbatch (Peter); Patrick Toomey (Mr Darling/Skylights) Harry Waller (Slightly); Lawrence Walker(Tootles); Jay Webb (Shadow) and Dan Wheeler (Doc Swain).

Wendy & Peter Pan is designed by Colin Richmond with music by Oliver Fox and Jason Carr, lighting by Oliver Fenwick. Sound is by Christopher Shutt and fights by Terry King. Movement is by Michael Ashcroft, the aerial adviser is Jack Horner and video design by Ian William Galloway.

PACCAR Room Exhibition – Make-believe: the art of Neverland

In the PACCAR Room, in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, audiences can explore the world ofWendy & Peter Pan through the eyes of artists and illustrators in new exhibition. Generations of children and families have been influenced by the many wonderful illustrations that have been part of the story since it was first published. In this exhibition artists have transformed the story, book and page into new artworks. The exhibition includes work by Paula Rego, Tom Gallant and Béatrice Coron, as well as original costume and stage designs for the RSC production of Wendy & Peter Pan.

 

THEATRE OPENS REHEARSALS TO SUPPORT FUNDRAISING

image001 (7)Sheffield Theatres has today announced a new strand to its charitable fundraising activity. From this season, the final dress rehearsal of any of its home-grown productions will be made accessible to the public for a minimum donation of £1.00.  This initiative will support Sheffield Theatres in raising much-needed funds to continue its work within the community and on-stage.

Claire Murray, Communications & Fundraising Director commented: ‘As a registered charity we are always looking for ways to generate vital funds to maintain the quality and diversity of the shows we create, as well as reaching and working with audiences throughout the City Region. The final dress rehearsal is a great opportunity to see the creation of a show in its final stages. We hope that our audiences will give more than £1.00 for their tickets to enjoy this unique occasion and help support the Theatres.’

If every audience member in the 980 seat Crucible auditorium donated £5.00 for each ticket, the total raised could enable Sheffield Theatres to offer 22 bursary places for the annual Summer School programme or take 17 young people through the arts award or buy 26 pairs of men’s tap shoes for a production like Anything Goes.

The Public Dress Rehearsal (PDR) gives audiences the chance to see the cast and creative team making final preparations for the official opening of the production. The decision on whether to open the rehearsal to the public is made by the show’s director based on the technical requirements of the production, and tickets are made available from 10.00am on the morning of the rehearsal. The first Public Dress Rehearsal this season will be for Romeo & Juliet, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday 17 September (subject to confirmation on Wednesday).  The Theatres will confirm that this rehearsal will be open to the public through Facebook, Twitter and on their website.

A registered charity, the Theatres’ fundraising work provides an important income stream that allows it to produce world-class work, offer creative workshops with children and young people and provide access services. In addition to the donation made for a PDR ticket, customers can also donate in a number of other simple ways, including by text message and whilst booking tickets at the Box Office. For further information or to make a donation, call Leah Woffenden, Individual Giving Officer on0114 201 3820.

 

A Little Night Music

 

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A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler

SARAH WADDELL
Desiree Armfeldt
ALEXANDER MCMORRAN
Fredrik Egerman
JAMIE BIRKETT
Countess Charlotte Malcolm
SAMUEL BAKER
Count Carl – Magnus Malcolm
MARIA COYNE
Anne Egerman
JODIE BETH MEYER
Petra
LINDSEY MURRAY
Madame Armfeldt

JOSHUA CONSIDINE
Henrick Egerman
KERRY LOOSEMORE
Frederika Armfeldt
STEWART BRIGGS
Mr. Erlanson
LILY DE – LA – HAYE
Mrs. Nordstrom
TIM SOUTHGATE
Mr. Lindquist
SARAH DEARLOVE
Mrs. Segstrom
KIM BERGKVIST
Mrs. Anderssen
TOM WHALLEY
Frid
SARAH YEOMANS
Malla

LISTINGS INFORMATION


Venue: Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre, 53 Hoe Street, London, E17 4SA
Closest Tube/National Rail: Walthamstow Central, Victoria Line / Overground
Dates: 6 – 31 October 2015
Press Night: Friday 9th October
Times: Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm; Sundays at 3.00pm; No performances on Mondays
Price: £18.00 / £16.00 Concessions (The first three performances £15.00)
Box Office: 020 8520 8674 / www.allstarproductions.ticketsource.co.uk
Director: Tim McArthur
Musical Director: Aaron Clingham
Choreographer: Simon Fielding
Assistant Director: Thom Sellwood
Production Manager: Kat Gagan
Design: Nik Corrall
Production Assistant: Angie Lawrence
Casting: Benjamin Newsome
Producer: Andrew Yon
Website: www.allstarproductions.co.uk
Twitter: @nightmusicldn
Other: Presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger on behalf of MTI of New York

Darlington Civic Theatre Panto launch

Civic-Theatre-Hi-Res-Logo-1-117x300THE ALL-STAR CAST OF CINDERELLA PROVE DARLINGTON AUDIENCES WILL HAVE A BALL THIS CHRISTMAS!

The stars of this year’s Civic Theatre pantomime made an early visit to Darlington last Friday to officially launch the show in true fairytale style! Ashleigh Butler and her loveable dog Pudsey were joined by Brendan Sheerin and Niki Evans, plus a beautiful horse-drawn carriage. For an added bit of pantomime magic the Fairy Godmother even made it snow!

QDOS | Darlington Civic Theatre | Cinderella LaunchThe Britain’s Got Talent winning duo Ashleigh & Pudsey lead the cast of Cinderella in the title role, and her cute and faithful friend. Since winning the nationwide talent show they have enjoyed phenomenal international demand, including their own TV show for CBBC, made appearances on American television, released a best-selling autobidography and even starred in their own film – Pudsey the Dog: The Movie. No strangers to the stage, Ashleigh & Pudsey have starred in pantomimes for the past three Christmas seasons.  Taking a coach trip of a very different kind Brendan Sheerin was also in attendance. The popular host of the Channel 4 hit Coach Trip stars as Baron Hardup alongside X Factor star Niki Evans in the role of Fairy Godmother. Having reached the semi-finals of the show Niki has gone on to enjoy a successful stage career with starring roles in Blood Brothers and Legally Blonde, in addition to her recording work.

This year’s pantomime will also feature legendary disco star Dooby Duck in an entertaining, if highly strung, sequence at the Royal Ball! Hatched in 1981 the prized puppet made several high-profile stage appearances including the Children’s Royal Variety Performance and several acclaimed pantomimes. He also had three hugely successful series for BBC TV; Dooby Duck’s Disco Bus, Dooby’s Duck Truck and Dooby Duck’s Euro Tour as well as making other television, theatre and cabaret appearances across the world.

Michael Harrison, managing director of Qdos Entertainment, producers of the show, and executive producer of Cinderella said “We’re delighted to be bringing the magic of Cinderella to Darlington this Christmas, especially with such a talented cast. Ashleigh & Pudsey are perfect for panto and will delight audiences with their fabulous routines. With Brendan’s wonderful personality and sense of humour, Niki’s fabulous voice and Dooby’s legendary disco routines, plus our stunning scenery, music, comedy and dance, Darlington audiences are definitely in for an unmissable treat this Christmas.”

Lynda Winstanley, Theatre Director said: “This is such a magical time of year for us – we are delighted to be presenting Cinderella, as our fabulous annual pantomime which is always such a wonderful treat – bringing families into our historic venue for fun and laughter during the festive season.’’

Cinderella runs at Darlington Civic Theatre from Saturday 5 December 2015 to Sunday 10 January 2016. Tickets are available from 01325 486555 or by visiting darlingtoncivic.co.uk.

Darlington Civic Theatre – Baroque By Candlelight

Civic-Theatre-Hi-Res-Logo-1-117x300GET YOUR FIX OF THE BAROQUE

The beautiful music of the world’s finest classical composers comes to Darlington Civic Theatre on Monday 21 September with Baroque By Candlelight.

From the producers of Magical Mozart, this stunning fully-costumed show will immerse you in the wonderful music and the classical Baroque world of some of the greatest romantic composers – Vivaldi, Handel and Bach.

With beautiful settings, costumes and lighting, and of course candles, the European Baroque Ensemble and Singers transport you back to the sumptuous past.

A packed programme of classical music and song including excerpts from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Handel’s Water Music, and Bach’s wonderful Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

The evening also includes sections of classical operas, sung by world class soloists, who alongside the European Ensemble, give you a candlelit Baroque night to remember!

Baroque By Candlelight is at Darlington Civic Theatre on Monday 21 September. Tickets* are £18 and £20.

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

FIRST LOOK AT THE NEW CAST OF SUNNY AFTERNOON

b664f6a16f2895c9_orgFIRST LOOK AT THE NEW CAST OF SUNNY AFTERNOON

 

NEW CAST START ON 5 OCTOBER 2015

DANNY HORN (as Ray Davies), OLIVER HOARE (as Dave Davies), TOM WHITELOCK (as Pete Quaife) AND DAMIEN WALSH (as Mick Avory) – ‘THE KINKS’

(l-r Damien Walsh, Danny Horn, Oliver Hoare, Tom Whitelock. Photography by Kevin Cummins)

The first images of the new cast of Sunny Afternoon, the multi-Olivier Award-winning hit British musical based on the music of The Kinks, have been released today.

Danny Horn (Ray Davies), Tom Whitelock (Pete Quaife), Damien Walsh (Mick Avory) and Oliver Hoare (Dave Davies) in Sunny AfternooThe new cast is Danny Horn (Doctor Who; The Dead Dogs), who will play 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. At certain performances, the role of Ray Davies will be played by Ryan O’Donnell (Romeo and Juliet, RSC; Quadrophenia).

Cast includes: Jason Baughan, Niamh Bracken, Christopher Brandon, Harriet Bunton, Alice Cardy, Oliver Hoare, Danny Horn, Gillian Kirkpatrick, Jay Marsh, Megan Leigh Mason, Ryan O’Donnell, Stephen Pallister, Charlie Tighe, Gabriel Vick, Damien Walsh and Tom Whitelock.

Danny Horn (Ray Davies) in Sunny Afternoon. Photography by Kevin Cummins (3).jpgAlso making up the company, as understudies: Lloyd Gorman, Lia Given, Vicki Manser, Kay Milbourne, Nick Sayce, Robert Took, Alex Tosh and Robbie White.

With a book by Joe Penhall, music and lyrics and original story by Ray Davies, and directed by Edward Hall, Sunny Afternoon 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 this year’s Olivier Awards, winning four awards.  The production won Best New Musical, John Dagleish won Best Actor in a Musical, George Maguire won Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, and Ray Davies of The Kinks won for Outstanding Achievement in Music.

Tom Whitelock (Pete Quaife), Danny Horn (Ray Davies), Oliver Hoare (Dave Davies) and Damien Walsh (Mick Avory) in Sunny AfternooThe original cast, including Olivier Award winners John Dagleish and George Maguire, will remain in the show until 3 October 2015.

Forty-nine 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.

Tom Whitelock (Pete Quaife), Danny Horn (Ray Davies), Damien Walsh (Mick Avory) and Oliver Hoare (Dave Davies) in Sunny AfternooFeaturing some of The Kinks’ best-loved songs, including You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunsetand 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 last year 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 andBirthday (all Royal Court). Screenplays include Enduring Love and The Road.

As Artistic Director of Hampstead Theatre, Edward Hall’s productions include Wonderland,Sunny Afternoon, Raving, Chariots of Fire, No Naughty Bits, Loyalty and Enlightenment. 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.

 

Farinelli and the King Begins Performances

FARINELLI AND THE KING
A new play by Claire van Kampen starring Mark Rylance

PERFORMANCES OF ‘FARINELLI AND THE KING’ BEGIN AT THE DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE TONIGHT

82a6143df9683da9_orgClaire van Kampen’s critically-acclaimed play Farinelli and the King begins its 12 week run tonightat the Duke of York’s Theatre.  Limited tickets are still available in advance, starting at £10, for best availability please call the box office on 0844 871 7623. Day seats, priced at £10, will be available from 10am at the Box Office.

Farinelli and the King originally played at Shakespeare’s Globe and will be produced in the West End by Sonia Friedman Productions and Shakespeare’s Globe in association with Tulchin Bartner Productions and 1001 Nights.

The play is directed by John Dove and designed by Jonathan Fensom with musical arrangements also by Claire van Kampen.  Mark Rylance reprises his role as King Philippe V of Spain and Sam Crane once again plays the acting role of Farinelli.  The singing role of Farinelli is reprised by opera star Iestyn Davies and shared with Rupert Enticknap and Owen Willetts*.  The cast also includesHuss Garbiya playing Doctor Jose Cervi, Melody Grove playing Isabella Farnese, Colin Hurleyplaying Metastasio and Edward Peel playing De la Cuadra.

The Duke of York’s Theatre has been transformed for the play as the magical and intimate atmosphere of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is brought to the West End with onstage seating and candles.  Live Baroque music will be played by six onstage musicians, led by Harpsichordist and Musical Director Robert Howarth.

Set in eighteenth-century Spain, Claire van Kampen’s play tells the intriguing true story of Farinelli, once the world’s most famous castrato and one of the greatest celebrities of his time, and his decision to trade fame and fortune in the opera houses of Europe for a life of servitude at the court of King Philippe V. Farinelli and the King explores the dynamics between Farinelli and the royal couple and features many of the exquisite arias by Handel, that were first sung by Farinelli in the 1730’s.

The West End production will run from 14th September 2015 and play for a strictly limited season until 5th December 2015.  Opening Night will be on Tuesday 29th September 2015.

*Please see website for full performance schedule.