Other Yin at Gilded Balloon Patter House, Venue 24 – 5 to 27th August at 13:35
Reviewed by Marcus Richardson
4****
Dungeons and Shakespeare is a title that sells itself; for those who don’t have any idea who William Shakespeare is, “Methink’st thou art a general offence and every man should beat thee”. But as for the role-playing game ‘Dungeons & Dragons’, it’s an adventure for those with a penchant for monsters, caves, and glory. DnD as it’s often called allows for the possibility for anything, you can make your own stories, choose your battles, and even put well known characters in any situation you can dream of.
Enter stage left Shelby Bond, the facilitator of Dungeons and Shakespeare. Having performed this concept at Renaissance Fair’s in America, he is not only a fully competent guide through this adventure, he is also incredibly passionate about the materials he’s working with. I am a firm believer in passion being one of the greatest things to witness, so thank you Shelby for letting, me, and the audience share into your love for the classical and contemporary nerd world.
As for our show on the 11th, Shelby brought to the stage, none other than yours truly to assume the role of ‘Claudius’ from the play ‘Hamlet’. A villainous mastermind with a high intelligence yet really low strength score. He brought on other audience members to play the roles of a ‘Beatrice’, ‘Goneril’, and ‘Hamlet’ each bringing their own unique spin on the characters. Other audience members became beasts like a ‘Wearboar’, a ‘Dryad’, and the big bad boss at the end called a ‘Gibbering Mouther’. It was truly just an hour of playing around on stage, there were lots of laughs from the audience and the folks on stage
Dungeons and Shakespeare is a family show, where oblivious parents can peek into joy that DnD can bring. It’s a place where the Bard himself can be reimagined and remembered. But ultimately it’s a place where, Shelby, one giant nerd opens up the door for anyone to join in and have fun. I personally would love to see this at one of the Renaissance Fair’s where people are dressed up, maybe a bit boozy on mead, where after the show is done, we head to the tavern for more merriment.
Assembly Roxy, Venue 139 – 5 to 30th August (not 19th, and 26th) at 21:20
Reviewed by Marcus Richardson
5*****
As soon as I saw this show on the review list I went giddy with excitement. Having seen them last minute at a fringe show a couple of years ago I was a fan of this German duo. Otto and Astrid are brother and sister band from Berlin, often dysfunctional, yet also punk rock in their own unique way.
The Stages Tour is their own take on a best hits of their previous albums, much like Taylor Swifts ‘Eras Tour’. There was my favourite song ‘Tasty Snack’, which I was loudly singing along to. This rock concert takes us on a story, much to Astrid’s disgust, through the siblings life. Otto schemes to find ways to get Astrid off the stage so he can perform his own emotional songs, and talk to the audience.
An Otto and Astrid show is something that masterfully blends comedy and musicianship. What really stands out is how good both of them are as artists, from Otto on guitar and Astrid on drums. At times its genuinely one of the coolest shows where both are 100 percent committed to the rock and roll, with really good songwriting. Then in the blink of an eye you’re laughing at the lyrics, or the dancing. The times between songs are rich with physical comedy, and audience interaction. You can see how hard both of them are committed to the show on stage, not only from the sweat of having to rock out in a hot room, but from how they strum and beat their instruments
I would hands down see them again, and again, and again. They constantly deliver on the laughs, the vocals, and the tunes. Both Otto and Astrid are fully embodied, sure of themselves, and hilariously entertaining. This rock duo will always bring me a laugh, and is the perfect end to a fringe day.
TRAFALGAR RELEASING ANNOUNCES THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE FOR
HADESTOWN: THE MUSICAL
IN CINEMAS IN THE UK, IRELAND, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
ON 13 OCTOBER FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
TICKETS ON SALE FROM TODAY
To purchase tickets and to sign up for more info, please visit www.hadestownfilm.com
Trafalgar Releasing has today announced the theatrical release date for Hadestown: The Musical, which will be in cinemas across the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand on 13th October 2026 for a limited time only. Tickets are on sale from today, 13 August 2026 and can be purchased from hadestownfilm.com
Filmed live at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End, Hadestown: The Musical features the five original Broadway principals: Reeve Carney(The Great Gatsby, Cabaret),André De Shields(The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehavin’), Amber Gray(The Rocky Horror Show, Eureka Day), Eva Noblezada(Miss Saigon, Les Misérables), and Patrick Page(The Gilded Age, Julius Caesar), with members of the original West End cast.
Winner of eight Tony Awards in 2019, including Best Musical, and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, Hadestown has established itself as a genre-defying global theatre phenomenon, blending modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz to reimagine a sweeping ancient tale.
Written by Anaïs Mitchell (Young Man in America, Child Ballads) and directed by Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812), Hadestown follows two intertwining love stories – young dreamers Orpheus (Carney) and Eurydice (Noblezada), and King Hades (Page) and his wife Persephone (Gray) – as messenger-to-the-gods Hermes (De Shields) guides audiences on a journey to the underworld and back.
The stage production was filmed in London by director Brett Sullivan of Steam Motion and Sound.
The Hadestown creative team includes David Neumann(Choreography),Rachel Hauck(Scenic Design), Michael Krass(Costume Design), Bradley King(Lighting Design),Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz (Sound Design),Liam Robinson(Music supervision and Vocal Arrangements),Michael Chorney and ToddSickafoose (Arrangements and Orchestrations), Ken Cerniglia (Dramaturgy). Casting for the London production is by Jacob Sparrow. Original Broadway Casting by Benton Whitley CSA and Duncan StewartCSA.
Hadestown is produced by Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold, and Tom Kirdahy. They also serve as producers on the film.
Hadestown: The Musical releases in UK, Australia and New Zealand cinemas on 13 October for a limited time only.
To purchase tickets and to sign up for more information, please visitwww.hadestownfilm.com
This November (10-14), By Royal Appointment – the debut play of Daisy Goodwin, creator of hit ITV historical drama Victoria – comes to York Theatre Royal’s Main House stage. Jane Asher and Samantha Womack will star as The Queen (Asher) and her Dresser (Womack).
The play explores their relationship and how the pair created the public image of the world’s longest reigning monarch. They will be joined by David Robb as The Designer and Matthew Cottle as The Milliner.
Directed by Anthony Banks, the show is a co-production from Daniel Schumann, Lee Dean, and The Arts Theatre Cambridge, with design by Jonathan Fensom. There will be a special post-show discussion after the performance on Thu 12 Nov at 7.30pm with members of the cast.
Daniel Schumann, Lee Dean and The Arts Theatre Cambridge present
BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT
By Daisy Goodwin
Directed by: Anthony Banks;Designer: Jonathan Fensom
The late Queen Elizabeth II was famous for her discretion. She never said anything in public that could ruffle the lightest of feathers. But she had one way of expressing what she really thought – through her wardrobe.
By Royal Appointment is a funny, poignant and celebratory new play about the kind of power that only a Queen can wield – she charms the world through coats and admonishes her family through a carefully chosen hat. But the Queen herself is uninterested in fashion, her look is managed by her Designer, her Milliner and most powerful of all, her Dresser who was a working-class girl who goes from advising the Queen on the colour of her lipsticks to the real power behind the throne. But the Dresser, like all royal favourites is living on borrowed time.
By Royal Appointment is a behind the scenes peek into the world of our most popular monarch and the image she presented to the world.
By Royal Appointment was Daisy Goodwin’s debut play. Her most recent production of Victoria: A Queen Unbound was produced at Watermill Theatre in April 2026. For television, her writing credits include ITV historical drama series Victoria. Her novels include The Last Duchess, The Fortune Hunter, The American Heiress, Victoria and Diva, she has curated eight poetry anthologies. Also, as a producer, her many credits include Grand Designs and Escape to the Country.
Jane Asher plays The Queen. Her stage credits include, Twelfth Night, The Circle (Orange Tree Theatre), A Song At Twilight, Moon Tiger (Theatre Royal Bath), An American in Paris (Dominion Theatre), Great Expectations (West Yorkshire Playhouse), The Gathered Leaves (Park Theatre), Pride and Prejudice (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Charley’s Aunt (Menier Chocolate Factory), TheImportance of Being Earnest, Farewell to the Theatre, Bedroom Farce (Rose Theatre Kingston), TheReluctant Debutant (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre), Before the Party (Queen’s Theatre), Blythe Spirit, Henceforward, House/Garden (Vaudeville Theatre), Festen (Almeida Theatre), Look Back In Anger (Royal Court Theatre, Criterion Theatre), Making It Better (Hampstead Theatre, Criterion Theatre), Measure for Measure, Romeo and Juliet, The Happiest Days of Your Life … (Bristol Old Vic, US tour), Old Flames (Bristol Old Vic), Peter Pan (Shaftesbury Theatre), Strawberry Fields, The School for Scandal, To ThoseBorn Later (National Theatre), The Philanthropist (Royal Court Theatre, Mayfair Theatre, Broadway), The Shallow End, The Worlds Biggest Diamond, Treats (Royal Court Theatre), and Things We Do For Love (Gielgud Theatre). Her film credits include A Family Affair, Splinter, Burn Burn Burn, I Give It A Year, Alfie, Closing Numbers, Death at a Funeral, Deep End, Dream Child, Henry VIII and His Six Wives, Paris by Night, Runners, and for television, Crossing Lines, Pompidou, Eve, Stella, The Old Guys, Poirot: 3 Act Tragedy, The Palace, A for Andromeda, Crossroads, Miss Marple, The Mistress, Brideshead Revisited and The Mill on the Floss.
Samantha Womack plays The Dresser. Her theatre credits include Grease (Dominion Theatre), Guys and Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre), South Pacific (Barbican), Hope (Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool), The Addams Family, 42nd Street, Dear England (UK tours), and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (Gillian Lynne Theatre, UK tour). Her film credits include Mama’s Back, Breeders, Up ‘n’ Under, The Baby Juice Express, Dead Man’s Cards, Forgiven, One Night in Istanbul, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and for television, Demob as series regular, Hedda, Health and Efficiency, Minder, Pie in the Sky as series regular, Nicola Dooley, Game On as lead role, Mandy Wilkins, Sharman, The Grimleys, Babes in the Wood, Imogen’s Face as lead role, Imogen, Liverpool 1 as lead role, DC Isobel de Pauli, Strange as lead role Jude Atkins, Home Again, Mount Pleasant, Silent Witness, Buffering, The Marlow Murder Club, and EastEnders as series regular Ronnie Mitchell.
David Robb plays The Designer. His theatre credits include Private Lives, Armstrong’s Last Goodnight (Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh), The Taming of The Shrew, The Beggar’s Opera, The Promise (Chichester Festival Theatre), She Stoops to Conquer, An Audience Called Edouard (Greenwich Theatre), Cowardy Custard (Mermaid Theatre), Betsi (Haymarket Theatre), King Lear (Almeida Theatre), Half the Picture (Tricycle Theatre), An Ideal Husband (The Old Vic), The Haunting, Single Spies (UK Tour), The Audience (Apollo Theatre), and Grenfell: Value Engineering (Tabernacle Theatre, Birmingham Rep). His television credits include, I Claudius, The Winslow Boy, Wuthering Heights, Le Morte D’Arthur, Fanny by Gaslight, First Among Equals, Half The Picture, Wings, up The Garden Path, Strathblair, Highlander, Taggart, Monarch of the Glen, Ivanhoe, The Flame Trees of Thika, Princess Stallion, The Crow Road, Wolf Hall as series regular Thomas Boleyn, and Downton Abbey as series regular Dr Clarkson. His film credits include The Four Feathers, Regeneration, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Young Victoria, Sacrifice, From Time to Time, All Those Small Things, and Downton Abbey: A New Era.
Matthew Cottle plays The Milliner. His theatre credits include Hamlet,Our Country’s Good, A Small Family Business, The Habit of Art (National Theatre), A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story (Alexandra Palace, Birmingham Rep), Party Games! (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre), Mrs Warren’s Profession (Theatre Royal Bath), Woman in Mind, The Deep Blue Sea, The Chalk Garden (Chichester Festival Theatre), HabeasCorpus, Communicating Doors (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Windsors: Endgame (Prince of Wales Theatre), Rough Crossing (UK tour), Wonderland (Nottingham Playhouse), How the Other Half Loves (Theatre Royal Haymarket), and Neighbourhood Watch (New York). His television credits include Down Cemetery Road, The Responder, Alice & Jack, Life After Life, Bridgerton, Outlander, Defending the Guilty, Endeavour, Traitors, The Windsors, The Dresser, Man Down, and Game On as series regular Martin Henson and for film, By the Throat, The Critic, Seize Them! The Personal History of David Copperfield, Bright Young Things, and Chaplin.
Anthony Banks directs. His theatre credits include Blithe Spirit (Salisbury Playhouse), Inspector Morse, Dial M for Murder, Steel Magnolias, Raz (UK tours), Blackmail (Mercury Theatre Colchester), Herding Cats (Soho Theatre), The Girl on the Train (Duke of York’s Theatre/UK tour), Footballers’ Wives (Edinburgh Festival Fringe), The Gap (Hope Mill Theatre), Mrs Warren’s Profession (Theatre Royal Bath), My Cousin Rachel (Theatre Royal Bath), Games for Lovers (The Vaults), Hogarth’s Progress (Rose Theatre Kingston), Strangers on a Train, Gaslight, DNA (UK tours), Twilight Song (Park Theatre), After Miss Julie (Theatre Royal Bath/UK tour), Cesario, More Light, The Eternal Not, Prince Of Denmark (National Theatre), Pignight (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Experiment (Soho Theatre), Herding Cats (Theatre Royal Bath, Hampstead Theatre, Digital transatlantic production, and Soho Theatre), Bassett (Bristol Old Vic), ReWrite (Westminster Hall/National Theatre) and The Hotel Plays (Grange and Langham Hotels, London). He was also Associate Director at the National Theatre 2004 – 2014 where he commissioned and developed a hundred new plays for NT Connections.
A STATEMENT FROM SHARON D CLARKE & THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
The RSC today announce the postponement of Othello starring Sharon D Clarke in the title role, as she takes time to undergo treatment for cancer. The production, directed by Monique Touko, was scheduled to run from 13 February – 3 April 2027 in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Director Monique Touko said: “On behalf of the entire creative team, we send Sharon all the love for her ongoing treatment and recovery. As a Director, I have been incredibly blessed to collaborate with Sharon on this major reframing of Shakespeare’s tragedy, which reimagines Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ through the lens of misogynoir. Sharon is the ultimate collaborator. Her generosity and passion for this project continues to astound me and I look forward to us coming back together when the time is right to share this production with the world.”
RSC Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey added: “The casting of Sharon as Othello is integral to Monique Touko’s adaptation, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to postpone, to give Sharon the time and space she needs to undertake treatment. Sharon is, in every sense of the word, a warrior and, we know she will meet this challenge with the unwavering strength and indomitable spirit that she brings to so many aspects of her life and work. We look forward to revisiting this thrilling collaboration in the future and, on behalf of everyone at the RSC, we send Sharon our love and strength for a full recovery.”
Sharon D Clarke says “I would like to thank all the beautiful people at the RSC for their understanding, love, support and healing energy. Othello will be my north star as I undergo treatment. Susie, my family and I are overwhelmed, humbled and buoyed by the tidal wave of love that we have received and are so blessed to have an army of strength and support to hold us up. Love and thanks to my beautiful people.”
All audience members affected by the cancellation will be provided with an automatic refund. Replacement programming will be announced in due course.
Singer and actor Sam Ebenzer sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 questions. Sam is currently in The Choir of Man. Currently on tour around the UK – get tickets here
Let’s start with a few favourites
Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?
One of my favourite shows is ‘Oliver!’, purely for nostalgic reasons. This was the show that got me into Musical Theatre after playing the role of Oliver when I was 10 years old in my local theatre in Aberystwyth.
Favourite theatre?
I have been very fortunate to perform in a few different theatres, especially this year whilst on tour. My favourite has been the Welsh Millennium Centre, but I am biased as a Welshman.
Favourite song?
My favourite song will totally depend on my mood. But at the moment I am loving ‘Some Things I’ll Never Know’ by Teddy Swims.
Favourite music?
I honestly enjoy listening to many styles of music but you can guarantee that when I jump on a piano, I will start singing some Elton John, or blasting a bit of Sam Fender or Scary Pockets through my headphones.
Favourite food?
Anything Italian. A pasta dish with some seafood and I am happy.
Favourite drink?
Easy – cup of tea! Multiple times throughout the day.
What is your favourite role to play in TheChoir of Man?
The thing I enjoy the most about being a swing in TheChoir of Man is how I get the opportunity to perform as different characters all the time. It keeps the show fresh and exciting for me. The Poet will always have a place in my heart as I played the role for 6 months in London, but I do enjoy the chaos of Joker every now and again.
What was your first role?
As previously mentioned, Oliver was the first role I ever played at The Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
And what role would you really like to play?
I have never been one to get my heart set on a role or show too much. It’s a difficult industry with lots of auditions and rejections, so I have always tried to be more laid back and open to whichever opportunities arise. I started to have this approach with the industry when I was performing in The Mousetrap. I never wanted to perform in a play, but I was glad that I took the job as it was one of the most rewarding contracts I have done.
If you weren’t a performer, what would you be?
I always had my heart set on performing, but if I had to do something else, I think I would have become a teacher.
What made you decide to be a performer?
I always enjoyed singing as a kid, and growing up in Wales, I would always compete in the Eisteddfod, which is the largest youth festival in Europe, where kids can compete in various singing, dancing and recital competitions. After winning the musical theatre competition when I was 15, I knew that this was the route I wanted to take, and decided to audition for drama schools in London.
Do you enjoy touring?
This is the first time I have ever been on a UK tour and it’s been great. It’s so easy to forget how many beautiful places there are in the UK, and when the company is great around you, it makes exploring even more enjoyable.
What advice would you give the 16-year-old you?
Work hard, play harder! It’s important to knuckle down and get the work done, but equally if you are not enjoying yourself along the way, then what’s the point? There is often a lot of pressure in this industry, especially through drama school and when you first graduate, so just know it will all work out ok.
Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing?
It is something I would love to do in the future and something I have already started making small steps towards. If I decide I don’t want to perform anymore, I believe this may be the route I go down.
What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?
Unfortunately, it’s been difficult to watch any theatre whilst on tour, but at the start of the year I was visiting my girlfriend on Norwegian Cruise Line and watched her perform in Beetlejuice, which was the first time I’d ever seen the show and absolutely loved it.
If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?
I wish I could give you a more profound answer to this question, like being the prime minister for the day so I could make some positive change to the world. But I don’t think I’d want to be another human. I think it would be more fun being an animal for the day. I’d choose a dog, living its best life, running around the park with nothing to worry about all day.
What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans?
I have received some incredible paintings and photos over the years, but nothing too weird thankfully.
Sam Ebenzer stars in The Choir of Man on tour until December 2026 – more details here
Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 15th August 2026
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
5*****
If you’re after a night out that lifts the spirit from the very first note, The Choir of Man absolutely delivers. Set in ‘The Jungle’, the friendliest of pubs, the show offers a fantastic mix of storytelling, banter and song. It genuinely feels less like a theatre trip and more like a great night out at your local with new-found friends.
The production centres around nine men who come together in their local and winds its way through the stories and experiences of each of them through the medium of song. The cast introduce themselves as themselves, adding a touch of authenticity and making the whole experience feel even more genuine.
The title sets the expectation that singing is front and centre, and the show more than delivers. Familiar songs are transformed into emotionally sensitive renditions, while folk-style songs bring group together and draw the audience into the mood of the pub. The music doesn’t just accompany the storytelling it enhances it.
The pub set creates an instant sense of familiarity for anyone who’s ever stepped into a true local. Its doors are thrown open to the audience, inviting everyone to join the fun. You’re not just watching the show; you’re part of the night out. Whether you’re joining in from your seat, hopping up on stage, or being welcomed as a punter during the interval, it feels as though you’ve become part of the pub community for an evening.
Born at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show has added a special touch for its UK tour. Local choirs are joining the cast for cameo performances, reinforcing the power of finding community in song.
The Choir of Man is the tonic everyone needs. From start to finish, it celebrates friendship, music and the magic of shared moments. It’s not just a night out. It’s a reminder of why we get together, why we sing, and why a good pub (real or imagined) can feel like home.
The producers of the multi award-winning, critically acclaimed West End production of CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB are delighted to announce new casting.
From 21 September 2026, stage and screen stars Skylar Astin (So Help Me Todd; Pitch Perfect) and Sarah Hyland (Modern Family; The Great Gatsby on Broadway) will play Emcee and Sally Bowles respectively, both making their West End debut.
Also joining the company will be Ronan Burns as Ernst Ludwig, Lindsay Atherton as Fraulein Kost/Fritzie, Lily Frances, Peter Houston, Samuel How, Bailey Johnson, Ellie Mitchell, Kirsty Anne Shaw, Natasha Wilde and Nicky Wong Rush.
Continuing in the show will be Baker Mukasa as Clifford Bradshaw, Ruthie Henshall as Fraulein Schneider, Robert Hands as Herr Schultz, Joe Atkinson, Xavion Campbell-Brown, Olivia-Rose Deer, Anya Ferdinand, Danny Fogarty, Adrian Grove and Eva-Rose Tanaka.
The Prologue Company are Isobel Bates, Rachel Benson, Ami Benton, Jonathan Charles, Shanelle Clemenson, Andrew Linnie, Zara Liu, Dak Mashava, Brian James O’Sullivan, Jack William Parry and Shiho Yokoyama.
Skylar Astin final performance will be Saturday 12 December 2026. Sarah Hyland’s final performance will be Saturday 23 January 2027.
CABARET is currently booking until Saturday 18 September 2027. The production has surpassed its 1,900th performance, making it the longest running production of Cabaret in West End history. This year will mark both the 60th anniversary of the show, which originally opened on Broadway on 20 November 1966, and the 5th anniversary of this award-winning production, which opened in the West End on 15 November 2021. A celebration will be held at the Kit Kat Club on Friday 20 November to mark the occasion, with a limited allocation of special priced tickets at £19.66, £60 and £196.60. Tickets on sale now at kitkat.club
Skylar Astin is best known for his role as Jesse Swanson in the hit films Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2. His theatre credits include originating the role of Georg Zirschnitz in Spring Awakening on Broadway, Mark Cohen in RENT and The Baker in Into The Woods both at the Hollywood Bowl, Tony in West Side Story at Carnegie Hall, and Seymour Krelborn in the off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors. Further screen credits include 21 And Over, Disney’s Wreck It Ralph, Greg Serrano in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Max Richman in Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, and Todd Wright in So Help Me Todd playing opposite Marcia Gay Harden. He will next be seen in the horror comedy Nice People, as well as a recurring arc in the hit series Grey’s Anatomy.
Sarah Hyland is best known for her Screen Actors Guild award-winning role as Haley Dunphy in Modern Family. Her Broadway credits include Connie Francis in Just in Time, Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby, Jacqueline Bouvier in Grey Gardens and Audrey in the off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors. She also starred in Hair at The Hollywood Bowl as Chrissy. Her further screen credits include the role of Heidi Miller in Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin as well as hosting Love Island USA. Hyland’s advocacy for living a healthy lifestyle, combined with her entrepreneurial savvy has led her to sign on as co-founder for the functional candy brand Sourse.
Ronan Burns most recently appeared in Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre. His other theatre credits include Johnny Casino in Grease at the Dominion Theatre, 42nd Street at the Théatre du Châteletin, Frank/Ensemble in the UK tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Riff in West Side Story at Curve, Leicester and Bugsy Malone at the Lyric Hammersmith.
Lindsay Atherton’s theatre credits include Top Hat at the Chichester Festival Theatre and UK tour, Hello, Dolly! at the London Palladium, Sinatra at the Birmingham Rep Theatre, Newsies at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and South Pacific at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Her credits as an Associate Choreographer include the world premiere production of A Knight’s Tale at the Manchester Opera House, the UK tour of Fisherman’s Friends The Musical and the European tour of Berlin Berlin. As a Co-Choreographer she did the European tour of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
This unique production of CABARET opened in December 2021 to critical and audience acclaim, widely praised as the ultimate theatrical experience. In April 2022 it won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards. The production has also won three prestigious Critics Circle Awards as well as the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Design for designer Tom Scutt.
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 is by Jennifer Whyte and musical direction is by Ben van Tienen with lighting design by Isabella Byrd, sound design by Nick Lidster, Wigs and Hair design by Sam Cox and Make-Up design by Guy Common. The casting director is Stuart Burt and the original associate director and prologue director is Jordan Fein. The prologue composer is Angus MacRae and the musical director is Ben Van Tienen.
CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB is produced by ATG Productions and Underbelly.
Presented by Artistic Directors – Sally Hughes & Adam Rolston
The Mill at Sonning, written by Marcia Spiers
The Mill at Sonning launched its new season to a packed audience, marking an exciting new chapter for the much-loved riverside theatre and dining venue. After a challenging year for many arts organisations, The Mill — converted from a watermill into a theatre 44 years ago — is looking firmly ahead, supported by a new consortium committed to steering it into the future.
Set on the banks of the Thames, The Mill remains one of the area’s most distinctive cultural venues. The historic building demands constant care and presents accessibility challenges, but its charm, community value and role in supporting young people into work make it a vital part of local life across Sonning, Reading and South Oxfordshire.
The venue is also broadening its offer beyond theatre, with live music, magic, comedy, afternoon teas and children’s entertainment all part of the programme. Plans are also in place to widen its appeal further and improve accessibility and restroom facilities.
Among the key announcements was the introduction of show-only tickets, which will sit alongside The Mill’s traditional dining and theatre packages. The move should open the venue up to a wider audience and offer greater flexibility for theatre workers. The Mill has also appointed Elegant Cuisine as its new catering and hospitality partner. With more than 50 years’ experience in dining, hospitality and events, the company brings a fresh opportunity to connect food and performance more closely. The new chef, who comes with excellent credentials, is keen to take the existing team forward on this next stage of the journey.
The newly announced season offers a strong and varied line-up:
Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d, adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, runs from 4 September to 31 October 2026.
Cole Porter’s Anything Goes, based on the original book by P. G. Wodehouse, Guy Bolton, Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse, runs from 19 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, a fast-paced physical comedy adapted from P. G. Wodehouse by the Goodale Brothers and directed by Sally Hughes, runs from 4 February to 21 March 2027.
I Ought to Be in Pictures by Neil Simon is a revival of an uplifting comedy about second chances, forgiveness and the people who matter most, with a wonderful father-and-daughter cast. It runs from 8 April to 23 May 2027.
The Island, a brand-new musical based on Victoria Hislop’s bestselling novel, will have its world premiere at The Mill. It runs from 10 June to 15 August 2027. I am not missing this one — it is one of my favorite novels!
I’ll Be Back Before Midnight by Peter Colley is a stage thriller running from 9 September to 31 October 2027.
And finally…
Kiss Me, Kate, Cole Porter’s musical comedy, runs from 19 November 2027 to 19 January 2028.
With an ambitious programme, new ticketing options and refreshed hospitality plans, The Mill is clearly entering its next chapter with energy and purpose. This is a theatre full of character, producing work of a high standard, and it deserves every support as it continues to thrive on the banks of the Thames.
Clive Francis has made a valiant attempt to adapt this classic Graham Greene novel for the stage. Greene drew on much of his own life experience and the ineptitude of cold war intelligence agencies, during the 50’s and 60’s. Francis captures Greene’s humour, which runs through the piece like Brighton through a stick of rock!
The versatility of the four actors is remarkable and seriously funny all at once. With many quick changes, you can be forgiven for getting slightly confused at times. The first half is stuffed full of dialogue with not enough action to counterbalance.
Jack Ashton plays a simple vacuum cleaner salesman finding himself in Havana, making extra money as a secret service spy. He sends intelligence reports home full of fictional characters and made-up stories. It provides a good living for him and his daughter, who is becoming a young adult. Ashton plays well perturbed disbelief, when the characters begin to come to life! He has accidentally given the names of real people, who are now on the hit list and looking for him. Leon Ockenden, Jodie Steele and Bob Barrett present the caricatures, slipping in out of costume as quickly as they do accents!
Bob Barrett brought the second half alight with his depiction of Teresa, a woman of the night, fully sequined with well placed sparkly stars! Jodie Steele slipped between the upright secretary, the teenage daughter and exotic dancer sometimes on the flip of a coin, with hilarious results! Leon Ockenden fills in the narrative when the pace is in full swing, switching between policeman, cleaner, pimp, plus many others with impressive agility.
The sliding stage sets give you the grounding needed to know where you are and what characters will be in play. It is like watching a paper diorama, in full size! In the same way, the costume gives you a fix on what character is being played. From the first line to the last, you need to pay attention to get the storyline and spot the funnies!
