Category: Uncategorized

WHATSONSTAGE AWARD NOMINATED ‘BLOODY ELLE – A GIG MUSICAL’ RELEASES SOUNDTRACK ON BANDCAMP AND STREAMING SERVICES.

• Written and performed by Lauryn Redding the WhatsOnStage award nominated production reopened the Manchester Royal Exchange in June 2021.
• Arranged and Produced by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite (Anna Karenina, Wuthering Heights) at Rusty Studios, Manchester.
• Mastered by award winning sound technician Katie Tavini (Arlo Parks, Emelie Sandé, Ash)
• 13 Track Album available exclusively on Bandcamp with track ‘Stop the World’ available on all streaming platforms today.

‘It’s a performance that fills every last inch of The Royal Exchange Auditorium, which buzzes with Energy’ – The Guardian (4 Stars)

Following the successful run of Lauryn Redding’s debut play at the Royal Exchange in Manchester in 2021, Rebel Productions are proud to announce the release of the official soundtrack recording of ‘Bloody Elle – a gig musical’.

‘Bloody Elle – a gig musical’ is a heart-warming and belly-achingly funny story about falling in love for the very first time, stuffed with stomach flipping, time-stopping moments, touches glances and kisses, set to original score of 13 tracks written and performed by Lauryn Redding.

‘A warm-hearted, embracive bit of gig theatre’ – The Stage (4 stars)

The album, mastered by award-winning sound technician Katie Tavini whose recent credits including working on albums for Emeli Sandé and Arlo Parks, is available for digital download on Bandcamp and features original songs from the production including ‘Losing Control’, ‘You & Me’ and ‘Nobody Heard’. ‘Stop The World’ is available to stream on all platforms including Spotify and iTunes from today with the album available on general streaming release from April.

The production which reopened the Royal Exchange Manchester following the closure of venues due to the global pandemic in 2020 went on to earn a nomination in the 22^nd Annual WhatsOnStage awards for Best Regional Production. The stage production is set to return to the stage this summer with an announcement on dates due later in the year.

Writer and performer Lauryn Redding said:

Releasing the soundtrack of Bloody Elle – a gig musical is a dream come true. To immortalise the music forever is a proper honour and I hope people enjoy it, relieve it, love it, and share the tunes for years to come.

Producer Peter J Holland said:

The love and support for ‘Bloody Elle – a gig musical’ was quite overwhelming when Rebel Productions co-produced with Manchester Royal Exchange to stage Lauryn Redding’s debut play about first love and the celebration of queer love and others. We were inundated with letters and comments about how the production in Manchester had related to peoples own experiences and how the music was such a key part to the enjoyment of the piece and narrative of those uncertain moments we all have when discovering ourselves. We’re delighted that, with the support of fans of this show we were able to recruit Alexandra Faye Braithwaite and Rusty Studios to beautifully and sensitively capture the soundtrack which showcases Lauryn’s vocal talents at their very best and will allow people to enjoy the story from all over the world. ‘Bloody Elle’ has been such a positive journey for Rebel Productions in the last two years and we look forward to continue to share this story for many years to come.

Theatre Royal, Brighton – until 26th February 2022

Reviewed by Sue Bradley and François Craig                                                                            

 4****

This show is great fun

From the opening chords of the familiar Footloose theme-tune to the well deserved encore, the cast threw themselves into their performance with delight and the crowd responded on their feet, shouting for more. For anyone not familiar with the film, from which this show is adapted, the plot is straightforward: big-city young man (Ren McCormack, played by Joshua Hawkins) moves to a rather buttoned-down small town with a tragic back-story. Initially, the rebellious Ren causes trouble as he comes to terms with his new environment but gradually wins his classmates over with his lively and irreverent attitude. This puts him and his classmates at odds with the local elders, and the remainder of the show is about how these differences can be reconciled.

ITV’s ‘Dancing On Ice‘ winner (2018) Jake Quickenden, as Willard Hewitt, provides plenty of comic moments including some fine “bad” dancing before he finally “learns”. He also leads a wonderful comic number  “Mama Says”. Darren Day as the Reverend Shaw Moore brings a welcome gravitas to the role and is a worthy “opponent” for the “I Can’t Stand Still” Ren. 

A glance at the programme beforehand might lead you to think that the band consisted of just two musicians, and therefore you could expect the rest of the music to be pre-recorded. Not a bit of it. Just before the show started, an announcer let us know that all the instruments were to be played by members of the cast. And very well played they were too, with many of the actors performing on multiple instruments, ranging from gentle piano and flute, through raunchy sax to rock’n’roll guitar  – and usually played on-stage, using radio mikes. Featuring familiar hits like “Footloose”, “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” and “Holding Out For a Hero”, the show is also stuffed with new songs which are good enough to not leave you waiting for the next familiar tune. “Learning To Be Silent” is a fine example of a three-voice show song, whilst “Somebody’s Eyes” surprises with shades of Steely Dan and Hall and Oates and made this reviewer’s ears prick up happily. The standard of singing was uniformly high. The solo parts were taken by a number of different cast members and the chorus singing was also strong and accomplished.

Special mention is due to Darren Day and Holly Ashton as Vi Moore, whose performances were emotional and moving without ever being saccharin. A mention should also go to the sound-person – this is a rock and pop show and the sound levels were satisfyingly loud but never overwhelming; the music and vocals were well-balanced throughout.

Live music should always sound this good! 

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh – until Saturday 26^th February

Reviewed by Ellen Searle

4****

You can’t go wrong with the Rocky Horror Show.  It’s a unique theatrical event, with stomping songs, a pacey plot, classic one liners and audience participation – all this and stockings and suspenders too, what more could you want?  For the two or possibly three people who are interested enough to read a review and have somehow not have come across the stage or film version of Richard O’Brien’s creative love child in the past five decades, the story begins as all American, newly engaged Brad and Janet find themselves with a flat tyre in a thunderstorm.  They seek help at a nearby mysterious castle, which turns out to be inhabited by mad transvestite scientist, Frank’n’Furter, and his wild and weird entourage.  The ultimate conformists come up against the ultimate rebels (ahem), in this still subversive romp of a show.

This performance, directed by Christopher Luscombe, features an array of singing and performing talents, with Stephen Webb as Frank’n’Furter, and 2016 Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba as Brad.  Haley Flaherty sings exceptionally as Janet, and is delightfully convincing in every aspect of Janet’s journey from saint to sinner.  Kristian Lavercombe has a record breaking over 1800 performances as Riff Raff under his belt, and he seems made to play the part, the audience savouring his inch perfect performance as this iconic character.  The real star is arguably Philip Franks, holding the reins as the Narrator.   His authoritative and calming presence balances the high octane antics of the transexual Transylvanians and their visitors, with his jokes and retorts to the audience a joy, just on the right side of bad taste, and delivered with impeccable timing.

Of course, with the Rocky Horror Show, those on stage are only part of the performance. 
Somewhat surprisingly for the traditionally more buttoned up Edinburgh audience, participation was enthusiastic, loud and suitably naughty.  Audience outfits were a sight to behold, ranging from fishnets and a boa, to full on Columbias, Magentas, Frank’n’Furters and even a few magnificent Rockys.   And this was only Monday night! 

While the audience gave their all, there could have been a bit more from the on stage costumes.  I want my Rocky spray tanned, I want my Frank’n’Furter to be on at least four inch platforms, and when he has brought about Eddie’s grizzly end, I want more than a spattering of blood on his chest.  Similarly, the staging felt a little lacking.  Even my first viewing at Dundee Rep in 1986 involved a much more dramatic laser show, and considerably more sequins.

Still, the Rocky Horror Show always delivers, and there is no doubt that show virgins and long time fans alike will be highly entertained, and up on their feet Time Warping like a pro by the end.

TuckShop & Trafalgar Theatre Productions presents

“Kill for a ticket”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Daily Star Sunday

CRITERION THEATRE

FRIDAY 4 MARCH – 24 APRIL 2022

TICKETS ON SALE

FROM DEATHDROPPLAY.COM

WRITTEN BY HOLLY STARS

BASED ON AN IDEA BY CHRISTOPHER D. CLEGG DIRECTED BY JESSE JONES

The full cast is today announced for the fabulous killer comedy sensation Death Drop. Following rave reviews, a hugely successful UK tour and two sold out West End runs, the smash hit show is sashaying back into London for a triumphant third time. The show will open at the Criterion Theatre for limited run from Friday 4 March until Sunday 24 April. Tickets are on sale now from DeathDropPlay.com

Joining the previously announced Jujubee as Summer Raine, Kitty Scott-Claus as Shazza and Holly Stars as the Bottomley Sisters are: Drag Race UK star Vinegar Strokes as Lady Von Fistenburg, George Orell as Phil Maker, Richard Energy as Rich Whiteman, Anna Phylactic as Morgan Pierce and Apple Derrieres swinging in and covering the entire show in extraordinary fashion.

The producers are also thrilled to announce that RuPaul’s Drag Race star Latrice Royale, will be reprising her role of Summer Raine and joining the cast for the final two weeks of the run on 13th April, after Jujubee departs following her final performance on 10th April.

Latrice Royale said: “I can’t wait to return to the cast of Death Drop, get on that stage and perform in the Criterion Theatre. It’s going to be so much fun; I don’t think the West End is ready to have me back!

Described by Attitude as a “killer show” and “rollicking good fun” by The Guardian, Death Drop is written by Holly Stars. This “dazzling and delightfully camp comedy” is “jam-packed with hilarious one liners” and guaranteed to provide laugh-out-loud comedy that we all need right now. This show is like nothing you’ve seen ever before!

It’s 1991 and a gaggle of guests gather on Tuck Island for a soirée like no other. The tension rises as the outrageous guests reveal their suspicious and sordid pasts, and one by one they sashay away, until at the last, nerve-shredding, side-splitting moment the surviving guests find out who-dunnit!

This rampant, raucous, ridiculous romp of a murder mystery serves up all the drama, comedy, twists and turns you’ll ever need!

Listings Information

Criterion Theatre

First Performance: 4 March 2022

Jujubee Final Performance: 10 April 2022

Latrice Royale First Performance: 13 April 2022

Final performance: 24 April 2022

Performances: Wednesday – Thursday at 8pm, Friday at 5pm & 8.30pm,

Saturday at 4pm & 8pm and Sunday at 4pm

Website: www.deathdropplay.com

Twitter: @deathdropplay

Instagram: @deathdropplay

Facebook: Facebook.com/deathdropplay

THEATRE TOURS RETURN AT THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

THE RSC’S ICONIC TOWER ALSO REOPENS

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s popular Theatre Tours in Stratford-upon-Avon will resume from Saturday 30 April with a new 1-hour guided tour which, when possible, will include first-time public access to the Company’s newly developed Costume Workshop, the largest in-house costume-making department of any British theatre*

Led by the RSC’s experienced team of tour guides, the newly launched Theatre Tour will invite audiences to explore the public and backstage areas of the building, and find out more about the unique history of the RSC and its buildings in Stratford. The guides will also bring the tours to life with new and engaging stories about one of the most famous theatre companies in the world.

The RSC’s iconic Tower will also reopen from Tuesday 15 March. Standing 36 metres tall, and with views across Warwickshire, entrance to the Tower will be free, and prebooking is not required. It will be open daily, closing at 4pm.

Kevin Wright, RSC Head of Commercial Development, said: “We are delighted to be offering public theatre tours again, after a hiatus of over two years. We have taken this time to refresh the tours, so that, when possible, they will include a visit to our new Costume Workshop, giving people a glimpse into the work of the largest in-house costume-making department of any British theatre.  The guides will also have lots of new stories to tell about the RSC’s rich history, celebrating the diversity of our productions and the people who have worked here. We are also very pleased, once again, to offer everyone the chance to visit the top of our Tower with its spectacular views.”

Theatre tours will run daily, normally with four tours a day, apart from on matinee days when there will be two, and on Sundays when there will be three.

Theatre tour tickets cost £12 per person.  A family ticket is also available offering half-price tickets for up to four family members under the age of 18 with every full priced adult ticket purchased.

Theatre tour tickets can be booked from 21 March via rsc.org.uk or 01789 331111. 

ACTING FOR OTHERS ANNOUNCES

RETURN OF WEST END FLEA MARKET

Theatrical charity, Acting for Others,today announces the welcome return of the West End Flea Market, following its hugely successful debut in 2019, which saw crowds of theatre fans lining up for showstopping goodies and a chance to meet West End stars, raising over £26,000 in one morning. The event will take place on Saturday 21 May at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden.

Top West End shows will set up a variety of uniquely designed stalls offering theatrical memorabilia, signed posters, bric-a-brac and special items for auction. Each will be tailored by the company to celebrate their productions, with themed merchandise and special limited-edition collectables.

The shows hosting a stall will compete to win in a brand-new theatrical challenge, with judges to be announced. The public are invited to come and cheer on their favourite show and the winner will be announced at the event. In addition, there will be signings, a theatrical tombola, auctions and all sorts of exciting theatrical memorabilia up for grabs as well as the chance to meet stars from hit shows.

Come join the judges as they navigate the best and the boldest stalls welcoming the newest shows in the West End alongside many long running firm fan favourites, celebrating the return of the West End.

West End Flea Market is organised in aid of Acting for Others, a fundraising organisation for 14 UK theatrical and welfare charities.

For those unable to attend the event, Acting for Otherscan still be supported by donating at www.actingforothers.co.uk/donate

www.actingforothers.co.uk       

Twitter: @ActingForOthers

#WestEndFleaMarket

West End Flea Market

Saturday 21 May 2022 – Morning (times to be announced)

St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9ED

BLACKEYED THEATRE PARTNER WITH DIGITAL THEATRE  

TO STREAM THEIR HIT REVIVAL OF  

FRANKENSTEIN

Blackeyed Theatre have today announced their acclaimed production of Frankenstein, which is currently touring nationally, will be streamed on Digital Theatre’s website from Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 March to coincide with their performances at Greenwich Theatre.  

Frankenstein, adapted by Nick Lane from John Ginman’s original 2016 adaptation, will be one of the very first productions streamed on Digital Theatre’s EVOD (Event Video On Demand) platform. It will be available on a pay-per-view basis and streamed as live at specific times; Wednesday 2 – Saturday 5 March at 7.30pm, plus a US stream on Saturday 5 March at 7.30pm EST. The EVOD package gives audiences exclusive wrap-around content, including virtual backstage access and interviews, before and in the interval of each performance, providing a unique, interactive and shared online theatre experience. The production will then be available on demand via Digital Theatre’s TVOD platform for three weeks from 8 March. 

Artistic Director of Blackeyed Theatre, Adrian McDougall said:  

“We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Digital Theatre on what is an exciting step in the evolving relationship between online and in-person theatre. The EVOD model will, I believe, offer online audiences a more immediate, shared and inclusive experience while being more sustainable for producers and theatres. While the online space can never fully replace going to the theatre, it has an increasingly important role to play in ensuring the theatre industry thrives post-pandemic” 

The role of Victor Frankenstein will be played by Robert Bradley (Hedda Gabler, National Theatre, Joe Strummer Takes A Walk, Cervantes Theatre, Encounters With The Past, Hampton Court Palace). Max Gallagher (Brief Encounter, Watermill Newbury, War Horse, National Theatre, Richard III, Northern Broadsides) returns to reprise the role of Henry Clerval, while the role of Robert Walton is played by Benedict Hastings (Wolf Hall, RSC, Three Guys Naked From the Waist Down, Finborough, We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, Kenny Wax). Billy Irving (War Horse Tenth Anniversary Tour, National Theatre) is Chief Puppeteer and the voice of The Creature, while recent Rose Bruford graduate Alice E Mayer makes her professional stage debut as Elizabeth Lavenza.  

Frankenstein is adapted by Nick Lane, who was Associate Director and Literary Manager at Hull Truck from 2006 to 2014, with original music composed by Ron McAllister. The production is directed by Eliot Giuralarocca and musically directed by Ellie Verkerk, while the puppetry is created and directed by Yvonne Stone. Completing the artistic team are Victoria Spearing (set design), Anne Thomson (costume design) and Alan Valentine (lighting design). The original 2016 production of Frankenstein was scripted by John Ginman with lighting designed by Charlotte McClelland. 

In Geneva of 1816, Victor Frankenstein obsesses in the pursuit of nature’s secret, the elixir of life itself. But nothing can prepare him for what he creates, and so begins a gripping life or death adventure taking him to the ends of the earth and beyond.  

As well as featuring live music and ensemble storytelling, Blackeyed Theatre’s highly theatrical telling of Shelley’s gothic masterpiece is unique for its use of Bunraku-style puppetry to portray The Creature. Designed and built by Yvonne Stone (Warhorse, His Dark Materials), the 6’4” puppet, operated by up to three actors at any one time, adds an exciting new dimension to the retelling of the classic story.  

Director Eliot Giuralarocca said: 

“For me, the beauty and excitement of theatre is that it is live, unfolding in front of an audience as they watch, and the decision to make the creature a life-sized puppet – beautifully and painstakingly made by Yvonne Stone – seemed to fit perfectly with this approach. Frankenstein is obsessed with re-animating dead matter by finding the spark of creation, the ‘elixir of life’. We bring our creature to life theatrically, animating, manipulating and breathing life into the puppet right in front of the audience and in doing so I hope we present a lovely theatrical metaphor for the act of creation in the story itself and give audiences the chance for audiences to share in that creation.” 

Frankenstein is produced by Blackeyed Theatre in association with South Hill Park Arts Centre and supported by Arts Council England. 

The production is currently touring across England until 29 March 2022.  

THE ORIGINAL THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S THE MIRROR CRACK’D

ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY RACHEL WAGSTAFF

AND DIRECTED BY PHILIP FRANKS

UK TOUR OPENS 8 SEPTEMBER 2022

The award-winning Original Theatre Company are delighted to announce Miss Marple’s return to the stage in a brand new production of Rachel Wagstaff’s acclaimed adaptation of Agatha Christie’s THE MIRROR CRACK’D. The production, directed by Philip Franks, will begin its UK Tour at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne on 8 September 2022.

THE MIRROR CRACK’D will star Susie Blake as Miss Marple, with further casting to be announced.

In 1960s England, a wind of change is blowing through the land. It has even reached the sleepy village of St Mary Mead. There’s a new housing estate, which alarms the villagers as much as it intrigues them and, even more unsettling, a rich American film star has bought the manor house. Jane Marple, confined to a chair after an accident, is wondering if life has passed her by. Then there is a shocking murder, and Miss Marple must unravel a web of lies, danger and tragedy. This adaptation of Agatha Christie’s famous novel brings real emotional depth and psychological insight to a thrilling story of secrets, loss and revenge.

The Mirror Crack’d From Side to Side was published in the UK in 1962 and adapted as a feature film, The Mirror Crack’d, in 1980, starring Angela Lansbury as Miss Marple, Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Novak, Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis.  On television, adaptations of the novel have starred Joan Hickson as Miss Marple in 1992 and Julia McKenzie as Miss Marple in 2011.

Director Philip Franks said of the new stage adaptation, “Rachel Wagstaff’s new version of Agatha Christie’s fascinating mystery has real heart and depth as well as tension. It’s witty, exciting, fresh and surprising.”

Rachel Wagstaff said, “I am so excited to be working with The Original Theatre Company on this new production of The Mirror Crack’d, a fascinating mystery, packed with a rich constellation of characters, all struggling with loneliness and the long shadows cast by grief.  I have always loved Miss Marple’s wry observations about human nature and her desire to put the world quietly to rights, so it’s a pleasure to welcome back the acclaimed and wonderful Susie Blake to play the role of Jane Marple.”  

James Prichard, CEO and Chairman of Agatha Christie Limited, said, “I am delighted that Rachel’s excellent stage adaptation of The Mirror Crack’d is coming back to UK theatres with such a formidable creative team behind it. Miss Marple is one of literature’s greatest detectives, and I am excited to share this production with audiences throughout the UK.”

Susie Blake said of the role, “Playing Miss Marple is every actor’s dream over the age of 50. To play a bright, independent, older woman is surprising and exciting for the period it was written in as well as in our society today.”

Susie Blake is best known for playing the Continuity Announcer in Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV, as well as her regular roles of Bev Unwin in ITV’s Coronation Street and Hillary Nicholson in BBC’s Mrs Brown’s Boys. She has recently appeared in series one and two of Kate & Koji (ITV), Not Going Out (BBC One) and The Real Marigold Hotel (BBC One). Her films include Fierce Creatures and Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?!. Her theatre credits include Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical (Hall for Cornwall), Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em (UK Tour), My Fair Lady (Grange Festival), Grumpy Old Women Live 2 & 3, When We Are Married (West End), Pygmalion (Chichester Festival Theatre), Madame Morrible in Wicked (West End) and Belinda Blair in Noises Off (National Theatre).

THE MIRROR CRACK’D will be directed by Philip Franks (Barnes’ People, The Haunting of Alice Bowles, The Habit of Art, The Croft and A Cold Supper Behind Harrods) and designed by Adrian Linford, with lighting design by Emma Chapman, sound design by Max Pappenheim and casting by Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG.

The UK Tour will be produced by Alastair Whatley and Tom Hackney for The Original Theatre Company, the production company behind the critically acclaimed lockdown online productions of Sebastian Faulks’s Birdsong Online, Louise Coulthard’s Watching Rosie, Torben Betts’s Apollo 13: The Dark Side of The Moon, Philip Franks’s The Haunting of Alice Bowles and Peter Barnes’s Barnes’ People, as well as the stage productions A Splinter of Ice, The Habit of Art, Invincible and Birdsong.

Website: www.originaltheatre.com

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @MissMarpleTour / @OriginalTheatre

TOUR SCHEDULE

8 – 17 September                   Eastbourne Devonshire Park                                       01323 412000

                                               www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk                                    on sale soon

20 – 24 September                 Darlington Hippodrome                                                01325 405405

                                               www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk                                on sale

4 – 8 October                         York Theatre Royal                                                      01904 623568

                                               www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk                                         on sale soon   

17 – 22 October                     MoldTheatr Clwyd                                                       01352 344101

                                               www.theatrclwyd.com                                                  on sale 7 June

31 October – 5 November      Northampton Royal & Derngate                                   01604 624811

                                               royalandderngate.co.uk                                                on sale                                              

8 – 12 November                    Norwich Theatre Royal                                                01603 630000

                                               norwichtheatre.org                                                       on sale 25 February

28 November – 3 December   Southend Palace Theatre                                            0343 310 0030

                                               palacetheatresouthend.co.uk                                       on sale soon

Further dates to be announced

THERE’S A NEW ROMEO IN TOWN!

TOM FRANCIS to star

in the award-winning musical

Tom joins previously announced

KEALA SETTLE,

star of The Greatest Showman,

alongside other new cast member

JULIUS D’SILVA

Company also includes Olivier Award winners

MIRIAM-TEAK LEE & CASSIDY JANSON

Booking recently extended through to

Saturday 24 September 2022 at Shaftesbury Theatre, London

www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk

Tom Francis is to play Romeo in & Juliet, as the award-winning show today announces new cast. Tom, who starred in the recent acclaimed production of Rent, will join the company next month, in the joyous musical which won 3 Olivier Awards and 6 Whatsonstage Awards.

Julius D’Silva will also join the cast as amorous Frenchman Lance, opposite Keala Settle as Nurse. Keala – internationally renowned for her starring role in the global smash hit movie The Greatest Showman in which she performed the iconic song “This Is Me” – will be making her West End debut.

They will all join the production from Tuesday 29 March 2022 at the Shaftesbury Theatre, where the show recently extended its booking period through until Saturday 24 September 2022.

Miriam-Teak Lee – who was awarded the Olivier Award for Best Actress in 2020 for her performance as Juliet – leads a cast including Cassidy Janson, who also won an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Anne Hathaway, Oliver Tompsett as William Shakespeare, Tim Mahendran as Francois and Alex Thomas-Smith as May.

David Bedella continues his Olivier Award-winning performance as Lance until Saturday 26 March, as does Jordan Luke Gage as Romeo and Melanie La Barrie as Nurse.

The new ensemble includes Ebony Clarke, Bessy Ewa, Collette Guitart, Cassandra Lee, Nathan Louis-Fernand, Zara MacIntosh, Carl Man, Christian Maynard, Rachel Moran, Owen Saward, Aaron Shales, Benjamin Terry and Suki Wong, who join Ivan De Freitas, Rhian Duncan, Alex Tranter, Sophie Usher and Rhys Wilkinson who continue with the show.

Romeo who?! With her bags packed and ready to escape Verona, Juliet recovers from heartbreak in the best way possible… by dancing the night away with her best friends by her side! But when the sparkle fades, the confetti falls and reality catches up, it’s clear that Juliet needs to face her past in order to find her future. Can she reclaim a story that has been written in the stars? Is there really life after Romeo… or could he be worth one more try?

Come along for the ride as the original Anne Hathaway takes on her husband William Shakespeare to remix his legendary play. As comedy meets tragedy, will Juliet get the ending she truly deserves? And most importantly, can their love survive this battle of wills?

Fabulously fresh and riotously funny, & JULIET explodes with dozens of pop anthems by legendary songwriter Max Martin, including … Baby One More Time, Since U Been Gone, Roar, It’s My Life, I Want It That Way, and Can’t Stop the Feeling! The show also includes the brand new song One More Try, written especially for the show by Max.

Brought to life by an award-winning creative team, this vibrant, colourful and timely musical is directed by Luke Sheppard (In the Heights, Rent and What’s New Pussycat?) with a story by David West Read (Netflix’s Schitt’s Creek), electrifying choreography from Jennifer Weber and stunning set design from Soutra Gilmour.

Max Martin and Tim Headington present & Juliet, which is produced by Martin Dodd, Tim Headington, Max Martin, Jenny Petersson and Theresa Steele Page.

LONDON THEATRE WEEK

RETURNS 21 FEBRUARY – 6 MARCH

THE POPULAR PROMOTION SEES OVER 45 SMASH HIT WEST END SHOWS OFFERING TICKETS FROM JUST £15

London Theatre Week, the successful and popular West End theatre ticket promotion, has announced its return. The initiative, which is dedicated to helping audiences experience the breadth of entertainment available in London’s vibrant theatres by offering the best prices for the widest selection of West End shows, will run from Monday 21 February until Sunday 6 March.Even more shows are available this time around with prices from £15, Tickets are now on sale at londontheatreweek.com.

The initiative, which is in its fourth year and bigger than ever before, sees nearly 50 shows taking part. This includes classic West End productions and critically acclaimed shows such as The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Also, as part of the expansion of the initiative in 2022, newcomers to the West End stage such as Frozen, Back To The Future, and Cinderella are included.

Similar to in autumn 2021, London Theatre Week arrives at a time where the capital’s theatres are once again fully reopened and welcoming audiences back to experience live entertainment. Following the challenges brought about by the Covid pandemic, the promotion gives Londoners and visitors the chance to return to the theatre, and provides much-needed additional sales to dozens of productions across the city.  

“After seeing the positive impact the last London Theatre Week had on the West End and beyond, we couldn’t wait to host the initiative again,” said Brian Fenty, Co-Founder and CEO of TodayTix Group, the premier discovery and ticketing platform for cultural events across the globe. “As London continues its recovery, we want to enable audiences to enjoy the best theatre experiences the West End has to offer with a wide range of top shows and accessible prices.”

For more information about London Theatre Week, please visit londontheatreweek.com. 

The full list of shows are: & Juliet, After the End, Anything Goes, Back to the Future, Cinderella, Clybourne Park, Cock, Come From Away, Cyrano de Bergerac, Dear Evan Hansen, Death Drop, Dirty Dancing, Dr. Who – Time Fracture, Frozen, Get Up, Stand Up, Grease, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Heathers, Jersey Boys, Les Miserables, Life of Pi, Magic Mike Live!, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Matilda, My Fair Lady, Ocean at the End of the Lane, Only Fools and Horses, Phantom of the Opera, Saturday Night Fever, Straight Line Crazy, The Book of Mormon, The Choir of Man, The Drifters Girl, The Glass Menagerie, The Glow, The Great Gatsby, The Lion King, The Mousetrap, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Seagull, The Southbury Child, The Woman in Black, Tina, Witness for the Prosecution and The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe