Category: Uncategorized

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 18th June 2022

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

A Murder Is Announced is masterfully adapted from Agatha Christie’s 50th novel (of the same name), first published in 1950, starring our favourite elderly spinster and amateur detective Miss Marple.

The story begins with an announcement printed in the local paper that a murder will take place at a house in Chipping Cleghorn where a disperate group of people are living and others arrive, intrigued by the announcement. Of course, just like Jessica “Murder She Wrote” Fletcher, where’er there’s a fresh corpse Miss Marple is not far away. Sure enough, at the aforementioned hour the murder happens and we are set on a course of events that will intrigue, baffle and delight.

All the cast, without exception, were wonderful and I only fail to mention them all individually as I don’t want to give away spoilers when recounting their fine acting at pivotal moments… So I’ll mention just a few.

With such a well known and oft played character it’s not easy to put your stamp on Miss Marple but Sarah Thomas pulls this off with aplomb. There’s a touch of the McEwan and Hickson TV iterations and, fittingly, a touch of her Majesty too. I really enjoyed the wit (a knowing nod to her busy body reputation) and the denouement was a masterpiece of timing and drama which brought audible gasps from the audience. A superlative portrayal.

Inspector Craddock, played with gravitas by Tom Butcher, gave us one of the best entrances I’ve seen on the stage. Most ingenious, making us immediately question what we had witnessed previously – a superb way to draw us into the interrogation phase of the play.

The star turn was arguably the Hungarian maid, Mitzi – a wickedly paranoid creation brought intoxicatingly to life by Lydia Piechowiak. She had many hilarious lines as her character’s moods flew around like a balloon in a gale! Fabulous – she should have her own one woman spinoff. I present my case, thank you, you’re welcome! That will have you roaring on the night, believe me.

I loved the music (by Lynette Webster) drawing us into the action – like a 50s film score – and as a clever way to move time along. With that gorgeous set, the wonderful clothes and those plumby tones this was an impressive production that totally satisfied on every level.

The price of admission was well and truly justified by the final 10mins alone – a stunning finale that took this seasoned Christie watcher by surprise (most pleasantly)!. But there is much, much more to the evening than that – in short this is a triumph which is thoroughly engrossing from start to finish. A well deserved top marks to all concerned. Even if you know the story well (and whodunnit) this show will still thrill you by the sheer quality of the production and especially the amazing cast. I heartily recommend you grab a ticket before a sell out is announced!

MAX FOSH: ZOCIAL BUTTERLY COMES TO THE LONDON PALLADIUM

Online sensation brings his highly anticipated live show to the iconic London venue in November 2022

Indigo Productions and United Agents are thrilled to announce that Max Fosh brings his highly anticipated live show Zocial Butterfly to the London Palladium on Thursday 3^rd November 2022, following its run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday 15^th June at 6pm and will be available from www.lwtheatres.co.uk

With his ingenious, fast-paced, multimedia show that details the weird and wonderful world of a YouTuber, Max will provide a unique insight into the world of online content from the perspective of one of its biggest UK stars.

They said he couldn’t make it as a global fashion icon; they were wrong. They said he couldn’t legally become the world’s richest man; they were wrong. They said he couldn’t beat all the odds to become London’s first ever YouTuber mayor… to be fair, they got that one bang on.

But now, armed with the rosiest of cheeks & the floppiest of hair, Max Fosh faces his next challenge – the London Palladium – as he brings you his hilarious & unpredictable live show: Zocial Butterfly.

Zocial Butterfly has already taken the UK by storm, having toured 13 of the UK’s biggest cities, including two sell-out final shows at London’s Clapham Grand. Zocial Butterfly represents an exciting translation of online content to the live stage.

During his final year at University, Max started a series called StreetSmart, in which he interviewed students on nights out. Following the first episode, filmed in October 2017, Max relentlessly made StreetSmart episodes, and made approximately 25 episodes before leaving Uni. After graduating, Max took StreetSmart on tour, around 14 UK Universities. Shortly after this, Max met Zac and Jay of The Zac and Jay Show, and in February 2018 they made a video in which they ‘faked Max to the very top of London fashion week’. The video went viral, and Max gained 50,000 subscribers virtually overnight.

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Since then, his channel has grown steadily. As of June 2022, the channel has 1.12 million subscribers on YouTube and 1.5million followers across social media (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram). In total, Max’s videos have garnered more than 300 million views across all platforms.

Zocial Butterfly is directed by Ed Stambollouian (Joe Lycett, Pinter at the Pinter, Dan & Phil World Tour) and is produced by Indigo Productions & United Agents.

Production Design by Will Hayman

Max is represented by Stephanie Moore at United Agents

YouTube: /MaxFosh

Instagram: @Max.Fosh

TikTok: @MaxFosh

Facebook: /MaxFosh

Twitter: @Max_Fosh

HEAVEN NIGHTCLUB TO HOST

MUSICAL THEATRE RAVE: “THE AFTER PARTY”

ON SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2022

On Sunday 21 August 2022, Heaven nightclub in Charing Cross will host a one-night-only Musical Theatre Rave: “The After Party”. The evening will be hosted by West End marketer and writer, Willy, and will run from 9pm Sunday night through to 4am the next morning.

Audience favourite musical theatre hits will be played throughout the venue, while attendees can enjoy a range of theatre inspired cocktails. Cosplay is highly encouraged for all fans but not compulsory. Special guests are set to be announced with fan favourites lined up to take to the stage for electric sets throughout the night.

West End marketer and host of Musical Theatre Rave, Willy, says, “This industry is still recovering from difficult times. Sometimes you just have to walk into the club ‘purse first’ and leave your troubles at the train station. It’s time for Big Fun!”

Heaven representative, Jack Downs says ‘‘We couldn’t be more excited to host an event celebrating all things Musical Theatre, come down for a night of pure fabulousness.”

Early bird tickets are available from £7.50, with later tickets available from £12.50 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-after-party-musical-theatre-heaven-tickets-360292262857

Families flock back to theatre as Kids Week sells over 113,000 tickets in first 24 hours for nearly 50 West End shows

• A child under 18 can see a show for free throughout August with Kids Week when accompanied by a full paying adult
• Half price tickets for two additional children and no booking fee
• Still over 175,000 tickets available for dozens of top London shows
• Tickets available now at officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week

Tickets are now on sale for Kids Week, the fantastic annual initiative allowing kids to go free to a variety of top West End shows throughout August, when accompanied by a full paying adult. Day one of sales has exceeded all expectations, with over 113,000 sold in the first 24 hours – more than in 2019, showing that the West End is truly back in business.

Families still hoping to experience the magic of live theatre for less won’t be disappointed; there are over 175,000 Kids Week tickets remaining for a huge range of shows, from musical spectaculars teens will love like Grease The Musical, Anything Goes, Wicked, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical and & Juliet, to hit shows for younger children such as Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, Room On The Broom and Tiddler And Other Terrific Tales, and legendary plays the whole family can enjoy including The Woman In Black and The Mousetrap.

Emma De Souza, Kids Week founder and Head of Marketing and Communications at the Society of London Theatre, said:

‘Since we started Kids Week back in 1998, it has been an utter joy to give countless families their first theatre experience – often triggering a lifelong love of theatregoing. We are delighted that Kids Week is more popular than ever and tickets have been in huge demand – but also want to reassure those who still want to benefit from this incredible promotion that there are thousands of tickets left. Kids Week is the perfect excuse to take your family to try something new, so book now and prepare for a summer of world-leading London theatre!’

Alongside the performances, shows are offering a wide range of free activities for Kids Week ticketholders, such as dance workshops, technical demonstrations and cast Q&As. And families travelling into London to see a show can take advantage of exclusive restaurant and hotel deals via OfficialLondonTheatre.com.

Kids Week tickets are available now, only via officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week

List of shows participating in Kids Week 2022

& Juliet

101 Dalmatians

Anything Goes

Attenborough And His Animals

Back To The Future – The Musical

Disney’s Beauty And The Beast

Blippi The Musical

Come From Away

Dear Evan Hansen

The Drifters Girl

Disney’s Frozen

Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical

Grease The Musical

The Great Gatsby

Heathers The Musical

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors

Jersey Boys

Kinky Boots The Musical In Concert

Life Of Pi

Disney’s The Lion King

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

Mamma Mia!

Mary Poppins

Matilda The Musical

Midsummer Mechanicals

Les Misérables

The Mousetrap

My Fair Lady

Only Fools And Horses The Musical

The Paper Dolls

The Phantom Of The Opera

The Pirate, The Princess And The Platypus

The Play That Goes Wrong

Room On The Broom

Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday

Sister Act The Musical

Six

South Pacific

Tiddler And Other Terrific Tales

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

Tom, Dick & Harry

Treason The Musical In Concert

Twirlywoos Live

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Wicked

Witness For The Prosecution

The Woman In Black

Age recommendations and restrictions for participating shows will vary. Please check the show listings on OfficialLondonTheatre.com for more information.

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#KidsWeek

World Premiere

The Gretchen Question

Co-written by Melly Still and Max Barton

Directed by Melly Still

Designed by E.M. Parry

Lighting designed by Malcolm Rippeth

Music by Second Body

22 September – 2 October

Presented by Fuel in collaboration with Shipwright
Co-commissioned by Fuel, the Albany and We Are Lewisham

• Melly Still and Max Barton present the world premiere of their new show which looks at the climate emergency through the eyes of three different women
   
• Staged in the grounds of the hidden architectural gem the Master Shipwright’s House in Deptford
   
• Part of We Are Lewisham, the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2022
   
• Tickets go on sale on 14 June at 4pm
   
• The cast features Yohanna Ephrem, Ryan Gerald, Katherine Manners, Lauren Moakes, Alex Mugnaioni, Al Nedjari and Christopher Saul with further casting to be announced soon

Fuel, in collaboration with Shipwright, is delighted to present the world premiere of a new play by Melly Still and Max Barton – The Gretchen Question. The play will be performed in the grounds of the remarkable hidden architectural gem the Master Shipwrights House in Deptford in South East London and forms part of London Borough of Culture. It plays from 22 September – 2 October with a press night on 23 September.

Gretchen bears witness to the discoveries of world exploration at the Royal Society in the late 18th century. Maisie is an influencer with a questionable new brand partnership. Lulit is in turmoil, struggling to remember what happened to her last night. Through these interwoven stories, The Gretchen Question dissects how we have arrived at the current climate emergency.  

Taking inspiration from the past, this new production invites us to inquire what the future holds for us. Staged outdoors in the historic grounds of the Master Shipwright’s House on the banks of the Thames in Deptford, this site-specific production features original composition by Second Body and design by E. M. Parry.  

The Master Shipwright’s House and Office is one of the few remaining parts of Deptford’s former royal dockyard. Founded by Henry VIII in 1513 the King’s Yard became one of the most important shipbuilding yards in the world before finally closing in 1869. It was bought and restored by its current owners in 1998. Since then it has been a home and creative space for artists, performers and audiences from around the world. 

THE PERFORMANCE OF

CABARET

AT THE KIT KAT CLUB

ON

THURSDAY 14 JULY

TO BE HELD IN AID OF

THE DISASTERS EMERGENCY COMMITTEE

UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN APPEAL

The performance of the multi-Olivier Award winning CABARET at the Kit Kat Club on Thursday 14 July will be held in aid of the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.  The authors, John Kander and the Estates of Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff, the creative team, the producers and the entire company of Cabaret will be donating 100% of ticket sales for this performance to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal via Work For Good, along with all funds raised during collections at every performance of Cabaret. Tickets are available at kitkat.club

The producers of Cabaret said “Cabaret’s story sadly feels as timely and emotionally resonant as it ever did, written two decades after the end of World War Two. We empathise every day with the strength and struggles of the people of Ukraine at this time, and everyone at the Kit Kat Club is honoured to raise funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal – through our gala performance, and the collections occurring nightly during the run.”

CABARET at the Kit Kat Club stars Fra Fee as ‘Emcee’, Amy Lennox as ‘Sally Bowles’, Omar Baroud as ‘Cliff Bradshaw’, Vivien Parry as ‘Fraulein Schneider’, Richard Katz as ‘Herr Shultz’, Stewart Clarke as ‘Ernst Ludwig’ and Anna-Jane Casey as ‘Fraulein Kost’. The cast is completed by Josh Andrews, Gabriela Benedetti, Emily Benjamin, Sally Frith, Matthew Gent, Emma Louise Jones, Ela Lisondra, Theo Maddix, Chris O’Mara, Daniel Perry, Andre Refig, Adam Taylor, Christopher Tendai, Bethany Terry, Lillie-Pearl Wildman and Sophie Maria Wojna.

The Prologue Company is Rachel Benson, Laura Braid, Asmara Cammock, Julian Capolei, Celine Fortenbacher, Reuben Greeph, Samantha Ho, Andrew Linnie, Carys McQueen, Hicaro Nicolai, Kate Robson-Stuart and Sally Swanson. 

This unique production of CABARET opened in December last year to critical and audience acclaim, widely praised as the ultimate theatrical experience. Last month, the production won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards, the most for any musical revival in Olivier history, as well as three prestigious Critics Circle Awards.

Transforming one of London’s most famous theatres with an in-the-round auditorium and reimagined spaces, before the show guests are invited to enjoy and explore the Kit Kat Club with pre-show entertainment, drinks and dining all on offer. When booking, guests receive a ‘club entry time’ to allow enough time to take in the world of the Kit Kat Club before the show starts. But of course, the show really starts when you first join us in the club…

One of the most successful musicals of all time CABARET features the songs Wilkommen, Don’t Tell Mama, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, Money and the title number. It has music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Joe Masteroff. Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood.

CABARET is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, set and costume design is by Tom Scutt with choreography by Julia Cheng. Musical supervision and direction is by Jennifer Whyte with lighting design by Isabella Byrd and sound design by Nick Lidster. The casting director is Stuart Burt and the associate director is Jordan Fein.

CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions and Underbelly.

Metal Rabbit Productions presents:

THE PRINCE

Written by and starring Abigail Thorn

Directed by Natasha Rickman

Southwark Playhouse 15 September – 8^th October

On sale Thursday 16^th June. Tickets: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/the-large/the-prince 

An image, nothing more, a thin shadow,

A mere player dressing as a man,

So much art thou – a fake, a counterfeit!

Trapped within the confines of Henry IV Part One, Jen and Sam know they do not belong here, or in the many Shakespeare plays they have unwillingly flitted between.

They are not like the others; they are not mere characters fated to repeat the words and actions written for them. They belong in the real world. And they are going to find their way out.

But on their quest to discover the path that leads to reality, they notice that there’s something unusual about Henry ‘Hotspur’ Percy, the son of the Earl of Northumberland. For perhaps he is more than a character too … perhaps he isn’t a nobleman … perhaps he isn’t a man at all…

Now Jen and Sam must decide; do they risk losing their way home to help someone who might just be like them – who does not yet know who they truly are? 

“The Prince is a show about being trapped in bad relationships – with parents, friends, lovers, and even with yourself. The story follows a handful of characters in a Shakespeare play who start to realise they are all stuck inside a performance. Some are in denial about their sexuality and gender, others are just trying to prepare the next generation for the struggles ahead. My genius dramaturge Donnacadh O’Briain describes it as “Elizabethan scifi” – I tell friends it’s “Like The Matrix if it was written in 1600.” Abigail Thorn

The Prince is a sharply and passionately written story about the roles we play for other people. The script is an exciting blend of verse and prose, ducking and weaving through Henry IV Part One and other works of the Bard, with fun for both Shakespeare scholars and verse virgins. Swordfighting, lesbianism, denial, disappointed parents, and a magical doorway. All the world’s a stage…

This is the first play from Abigail Thorn, creator of the hugely popular web show Philosophy Tube, which she has built to more than one million subscribers since it was established in 2013.

Abigail publicly came out as a transgender woman in January 2021, with her video Identity: A Trans Coming Out Story. The Prince – which she both wrote and will star in – adds another vital layer to her already impressive voice.

Newcastle Theatre Royal – until Saturday 9 July 2022

5*****

Written by the South Park team of Trey Parker and Matt Stone with Avenue Q’s Robert Lopez, The Book Of Mormon finally said “Hello” to Newcastle Theatre Royal after the pandemic delayed the original tour.

I’m not sure how much of a recruiting tool this show is, but the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints has embraced this show.  In the back of the programme was a full scale colour, glossy advert for the Church and outside after the show, some very young and eager Missionaries were leafleting and to my excitement giving away an actual Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon follows two contrasting young Mormon missionaries – the confident, self-absorbed Elder Price, and the bumbling, insecure Elder Cunningham – who complete their training at the Missionary Training Centre and are sent to preach the Mormon religion in a remote Ugandan village. Robert Colvin is in sensational winning form as the smug Elder Price. He sings with style and warmth and his comic timing is excellent. Connor Peirson is wonderful, in every way, as the nerdy Elder Cunningham who converts an African tribe to his own mish-mash of the Mormon story and references from Star Wars, Star Trek and Lord of the Rings with impressive results.

On arriving they are quickly introduced to the oppressed locals, brutal conditions and fellow US missionaries who have so far failed to baptise a single member of a community more concerned with battling AIDS and famine, and appeasing the local warlord (General Butt-F**king Naked – the hysterical Thomas Vernal, especially at the end when he becomes Elder Butt-F**king Naked) who seems intent on mutilating the locals.

Jordan Lee Davies positively shines as the tortured Elder McKinley, struggling to repress his inner self, he advises to “Turn it Off”. The singing and terrific dancing of the Elders is brilliantly funny. They are all an absolute joy to watch. Aviva Tulley is fabulous as the innocent Nabulungi (although Elder Cunningham gets her name wrong every time – my favourite was Nigel Farage) and Ewan Cummins is sensational as her protective but cynical father, bringing the house down with the impressively foul-mouthed Hasa Diga Eebowai. However it is Tre-Copeland Williams who steals every scene as the village Doctor who has maggots in his scrotum

This award winning production has outstanding choreography by Casey Nicholaw – the tap dancing Elders was inspired. Stephen Oremus gives musical supervision to the lyrics and music of Parker, Stone and Lopez. Including the brilliant I Believe, Making it Up Again, You and Me (But Mostly Me) and Tomorrow is a Latter Day. The live band (Phil James, Amy Heggart, George Millard, Adam Linsley, Rachel Allen, Mathias Dons, Bret Vanderburg and Paul Gregory) lead by Colm O’Regan are fantastic. Scott Pask’s scenic design and Ann Roth’s costumes compliment the perfection of this show.

Yes, this show is offensive, the liberal use of swear words, poking fun at religion, Aids and poverty is probably not for the easily offended. But it’s incredibly funny and one of the best musical scores around. In Newcastle until 9 July, get a ticket while you can

HAMILTON & MARY POPPINS

EXTEND BOOKING PERIODS TO DECEMBER 2022

Today (15 June 2022) Cameron Mackintosh Limited announce their West End productions of Hamilton and Mary Poppins are extending their booking periods to December 2022. 

Hamilton

Hamilton which currently plays Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm with matinees on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm at the Victoria Palace Theatre, will, from 12 July 2022, play Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Hamilton will extend to Saturday 17 December 2022. Hamilton is produced in London by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.  www.hamiltonmusical.com/

Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today. The score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway – the story of America then, as told by America now.

Hamilton has book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire and is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.

The Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning production opened at the newly re-built and restored Victoria Palace Theatre in London in December 2017.

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins which currently plays Thursday – Saturday at 7.30pm with a Family Night on Wednesday at 7pm and matinees on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm at the Prince Edward Theatre, will, from 30 June 2022 also play Monday at 7.30pm. Mary Poppins extends booking to Sunday 18 December 2022andis produced by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh.  www.marypoppinsonstage.co.uk/

The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects, and unforgettable songs. The stage version of Mary Poppins, brilliantly adapted from the wonderful stories by PL Travers and the original beloved Walt Disney film, continues to be a smash hit around the world since its opening in London 17 years ago.

The original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman include the classic songs Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Feed the Birds and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. New songs and additional music are by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

Book is by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes and this production is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh. The producer for Disney Theatrical Productions is Thomas Schumacher. This production of Mary Poppins has orchestrations by William David Brohn with dance and vocal arrangements by George Stiles. Sound design is by Paul Gatehouse and lighting is by Hugh Vanstone and Natasha Katz. Co-choreography is by Stephen Mear. The reimagined set and costume designs are by Bob Crowley. Co-direction and choreography is by Matthew Bourne and direction by Richard Eyre.

ZADIE SMITH’S AWARD-WINNING PLAY

THE WIFE OF WILLESDEN TO RETURN TO KILN THEATRE

AHEAD OF US TRANSFER TO AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATER

Also announced today, Zadie Smith becomes a Trustee of Kiln Theatre

With Girl on an Altar by Marina Carr running and Zodwa Nyoni’s The Darkest Part of the Night in rehearsals, Kiln Theatre Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham today announces the return of Zadie Smith’s The Wife of Willesden to the venue, running from 14 December to 28 January, ahead of transferring to the US, where it will play at the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University from 25 February – 19 March. Clare Perkins will reprise her role as Alvita, in Rubasingham’s critically acclaimed production.

Also announced today, Zadie Smith will become a Trustee of Kiln Theatre, joining the company’s Board with immediate effect.

Indhu Rubasingham said today,“It’s such a pleasure to be able to bring back our hit production of The Wife of Willesden. Last year’s run was not only the fastest selling show in the venue’s history, but was a reminder of the joy of creating and experiencing theatre together not long after lockdown. To have another opportunity to share it with more audiences is a real treat.  It is a wonderful collaboration of many brilliant people, especially Zadie, who we are thrilled to announce today will also join the theatre as a Trustee.

“We are delighted to have been invited by Diane Paulus (A.R.T. Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director) to bring The Wife of Willesden to the US as part of the American Repertory Theater’s fabulous 2022/23 programming; and hope to share further plans for the production in due course.”

Kiln Theatre presents

THE WIFE OF WILLESDEN

Adapted by Zadie Smith

From Chaucer’s THE WIFE OF BATH

Kiln Theatre: 14 December 2022 – 28 January 2023

Cast includes: Clare Perkins (Alvita – The Wife of Willesden)

Directed by Indhu Rubasingham; Designed by Robert Jones; Lighting Design by Guy Hoare;Composition and Sound Design by Ben and Max Ringham;Associate Costume Designby

Kinnetia Isidore; Casting by Julia Horan CDG; Movement Direction by Imogen Knight

Fight Direction by Kev McCurdy; Dialect and Voice Coach Hazel Holder;

Associate Director Hannah Hauer-King

‘Zadie Smith and Indhu Rubasingham have concocted a stunning piece of freewheeling stagecraft.’

★★★★★  Times

A proper local legend. Married five times. Mother. Lover. Aunt. Friend. Alvita will tell her life story to anyone in the pub – there’s no shame in her game. The question is: are you ready to hear it? Because this woman’s got the gift of the gab: she can rewrite mistakes into triumphs, turn pain into parables, and her love life’s an epic poem. They call her The Wife of Willesden…

A play that celebrates the human knack for telling elaborate tales, especially about our own lives.

Critically acclaimed, multi-award winning, best-selling author Zadie Smith makes her playwriting debut, transporting Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath to 21st Century North West London.

Director Indhu Rubasingham invites you to take your seat at the bar, order a pint or two, and listen to this bawdy, beautiful new comedy up close, and very, very personal.

The Kiln Theatre auditorium will be transformed into a local London pub, complete with pub tables in the stalls.

The Wife of Willesden was originally produced in 2021 by Kiln Theatre in association with Brent2020, London Borough of Culture.

Clare Perkins plays Alvita, The Wife of Willesden. She is currently shooting WOOL for AMC studios after recently wrapping on feature film, EMBERS directed by Christian Cooke. She was recently seen in Amazon fantasy series The Wheel of Time, The Offenders on the BBC and Apple’s, Suspicion.  She was previously seen in Netflix series Young Wallander as well as a guest roles in The Crown and Flack. In theatre, she starred as the title role in Emilia, which played at the Vaudeville Theatre. Other extensive theatre work includes Welcome to Thebes at the National Theatre, Little Revolution at the Almeida Theatre, The Convert for the Gate Theatre, Mules with the Royal Court and Genesis Inc at the Hampstead Theatre. She is well known for playing series regular, Ava Hartman in BBC’s EastEnders. Other television credits include BBC’s Death in Paradise, Damned for Channel 4, Netflix’s Been So Long. In film, she can be seen in Ken Loach’s Ladybird, Secrets and Lies directed by Mike Leigh and Saul Dibb’s Bullet Boy. She’s also in Censor which has just been released in cinemas. She has been a member of BBC Radio Drama Company and played Mel in Westway which ran for 8 years on the BBC World Service.

Zadie Smith is the author of the novels White Teeth, The Autograph Man, On Beauty, NW, and Swing Time, as well as three collections of essays, Intimations, Changing My Mind and Feel Free and the collection of short stories, Grand Union. Her novels have won multiple literary awards and been translated into many languages. White Teeth was adapted for the stage at the Kiln Theatre in 2018. She is a professor of fiction at New York University and writes regularly for the New Yorker and the New York Review of Books. Zadie Smith divides her time between New York and London.

Indhu Rubasingham is Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre. Her work for the company includes The Invisible Hand, Pass Over, When the Crows Visit, Wife, White Teeth, Holy Sh!t, Red Velvet (which transferred to New York and later to the Garrick Theatre as part of the Kenneth Branagh Season) and Handbagged (winner of Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre – also West End, UK tour, Washington DC and New York). Other productions for Kiln Theatre include A Wolf in Snakeskin Shoes, Multitudes, The House That Will Not Stand, Paper Dolls, Women, Power and Politics, Stones in His Pockets, Detaining Justice, The Great Game: Afghanistan, Fabulation and Starstruck. Other theatre credits include The Father and The Assassin, The Great Wave, Ugly Lies the Bone, The Motherf**cker with the Hat (Evening Standard Award for Best Play), The Waiting Room (all National Theatre), The Ramayana (National Theatre/ Birmingham Rep), Belong, Disconnect, Free Outgoing, Lift Off, Clubland, The Crutch and Sugar Mummies (Royal Court Theatre), Ruined (Almeida Theatre), Yellowman and Anna in the Tropics (Hampstead Theatre), Secret Rapture and The Misanthrope (Minerva, Chichester Festival Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Chichester Festival Theatre), Pure Gold (Soho Theatre), The No Boys Cricket Club and Party Girls (Theatre Royal Stratford East), Wuthering Heights (Birmingham REP), Heartbreak House (Watford Palace Theatre), Sugar Dollies and Shakuntala (Gate Theatre), A River Sutra (Three Mill Island Studios), Rhinoceros (UC Davis, California) and A Doll’s House (Young Vic).

Kiln Theatre

Listings

269 Kilburn High Road, London, UK, NW6 7JR

Box Office: 020 7328 1000

www.KilnTheatre.com

Tickets from £15

All tickets for first preview £15

Kiln Theatre: 14 December 2022 – 4 February 2023, media night 20 December

A.R.T.: 25 February – 19 March 2023

FUNDRAISING EVENING IN AID OF KILN THEATRE – Thursday 19 January, 7.30pm

Please join us at this special fundraising night in aid of Kiln Theatre. Tickets are £30-£70, and include a donation to our work. As a registered charity, we rely on donations from audience members and our community of supporters. All proceeds from the evening are in aid of Kiln Theatre. Your support helps us to create internationally renowned, innovative productions, to make theatre available to our local community and to connect everyone, whatever their background, through the power of storytelling.

Post Show Q&A Tue 10 Jan and Fri 27 Jan

Captioned Performance 23 January

Audio Described Performance 12 January

Under 26 – £10 (subject to availability).

Access, Over 65, Local, Student and Group rates available, for further details, please see the website.

Subsidised tickets

We offer free tickets and exclusive discounts to those who can’t afford to come. If you fit any of the below criteria, get in touch and we can help you get a ticket.

If you are homeless, out of work or receive Housing Benefits, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance (valid ID, statements or proof universal tax credit will be required when collecting tickets).

Employees of NHS, Police Force, Fire Brigade, Armed Forces, The Coastguard, RNLI, Prison Officers or Social Care Workers (valid ID payslip and name badges will be required when collecting tickets).

Email [email protected]