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MULTI-AWARD WINNING BLOOD BROTHERS RETURNS TO NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

Bill Kenwright’s legendary production of the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal for one week only (Tue 21 – Sat 25 Sep 2021) following its spectacular sell-out run in 2017.

Lyn Paul returns for her farewell tour in the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone, which she first made her own in London’s West End.

Completing the cast is: Hannah Barr (Brenda), Joel Benedict (Eddie), Josh Capper (Neighbour), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Danielle Corlass (Linda), Grace Galloway (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), Andy Owens (Perkins), Alex Patmore (Mickey), Robbie Scotcher (Narrator), Paula Tappenden (Mrs Lyons) and Danny Taylor (Sammy).

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax.

This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983.

The musical has since triumphed across the globe, completing sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, and scooping up four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.

The superb score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Lyn Paul first rose to fame in the early 1970s as a member of the New Seekers, whose hit ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing’ sold over 20 million copies and remains one of the 100 best-selling UK singles of all time. Lyn also featured as the lead vocalist on the 1974 number-one hit ‘You Won’t Find Another Fool Like Me’.

Written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell, few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. Considered ‘one of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (Daily Mail).

Blood Brothers plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 21 – Sat 25 Sep 2021. Tickets are priced from £15.00 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

COMEDY LEGEND NIGEL PLANER

BRINGS CLASSIC NEW FARCE 

TO ST HELENS NEXT WEEK 

All Above Board is penned by the actor

Actor Nigel Planer, fondly known for his portrayal of Neil in classic 1980s sitcom The Young Ones, brings his brand new play to St Helens Theatre Royal next week. 

All Above Board sees an unlikely bunch of modern-day do-gooders try to make the world a better place – but they lose the plot, their morals, and even their clothes in all the best traditions of classic British farce.  

This new farce has been written by Nigel Planer, comedy legend of screen and stage, who has won a legion of comedy fans for his timeless catalogue of work which also includes Blackadder, The Comic Strip Presents, and Death In Paradise. 

All Above Board comes to St Helens Theatre Royal for one night only on Tuesday 14 September, the show starts at 7.30pm. 

The comedy is one of the first productions welcoming audiences now the popular theatre has now reopened its doors since all Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, and the team has been working hard to ensure audiences feel comfortable to return. 

St Helens Theatre Royal has been granted the use of the Society Of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s ‘See It Safely’ mark. This certifies that the venue is complying with Government and industry Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of staff, performers, and audiences. 

All Above Board is brought to the stage by Northern Comedy Theatre, who have been working with Nigel Planer on his new play. The actor has also starred in many West End musicals including the original casts of Evita, Chicago, We Will Rock You, Wicked, Hairspray, and Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. He is a BRIT award winner, as well as being nominated for Olivier and BAFTA awards. 

Timothy Upton-Fell has quit the world of banking and now, for all the wrong reasons, wants to give something back and help those less fortunate. Along with his brazen and shameless PR agent Florence, he plans a charity auction to raise money for good causes. He misguidedly enlists the help of narcissist TV personality Matthew Board, a man clearly on the edge in more ways than one. 

Matters are made worse by Sir Ommany John, a geriatric world-famous artist who still has an eye for the ladies; Katia, a confused Finnish exchange student; and not to mention Timothy’s crazed ex-wife Cressida, who is out for revenge. And will Walji the plasterer ever turn up? Audiences can expect a riot of mistaken identities and disastrous decisions. 

Nigel has already written five stage plays, and his sixth will be premiered by the award-winning Northern Comedy Theatre. They have won a series of awards in the last year including six OnComms, a special OneOff award from OffWestEnd, and The Scenesaver Award for Best Ensemble. 

Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome All Above Board to St Helens Theatre Royal, a new farce from British comedy legend Nigel Planer. Throughout his career Nigel has played such a vital role in bringing smiles to the stage and screen – so we cannot wait to see his new work brought to life on our stage during our exciting Autumn season. The theatre is a Covid-secure space, so join us for an evening of fun and laughter from the pen of a real comedy genius.” 

St Helens Theatre Royal’s Autumn season brochure can be found online by visiting https://bit.ly/3mOPSMK 

St Helens Theatre Royal has a range of Covid-secure measures in place. They include increased cleaning, hand sanitiser stations at points throughout the building, and a QR code phone app for audiences to order food and beverages to be delivered to them at their seats. 

Customers are asked to continue to wear face coverings (unless exempt) as a courtesy to others, and are being encouraged to take a lateral flow test up to 48 hours before attending a show. People are asked not to visit the theatre if they have Covid symptoms. Meanwhile theatre staff are taking daily Covid tests. 

Follow St Helens Theatre Royal on social media channels: 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/St-Helens-Theatre-Royal 

Twitter: @TheatreRoyalStH 

Instagram: @TheatreRoyalStH 

SHOW LISTINGS 

ALL ABOVE BOARD 

Date: Tuesday 14 September 2021
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £19 

THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS  

Book in person at the St Helens Theatre Royal Box Office, Corporation Street, St. Helens, Merseyside WA10 1LQ (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm). Alternatively, call 01744 756000 or visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com 

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

WORLD PREMIERE OF

FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: THE MUSICAL

OPENING AT HALL FOR CORNWALL

ON WEDNESDAY 13 OCTOBER 2021

The cast for the world premiere of FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: THE MUSICAL at the Hall for Cornwall has been announced.  Calum Callaghan (Mr Selfridge) plays Danny, a fish-out-of-water music manager who stumbles across a group of shanty singing fishermen in Port Isaac, Cornwall.  The leader of the band, Jim, played by Deka Walmsley (Billy Elliot, Macbeth), takes some convincing to sign up his friends and family to the world of music recording.  He is joined by his fellow fishermen: Jago played by Robert Duncan (Drop the Dead Donkey), Leadville played by Mensah Bediako (Master Harold and the Boys), Rowan played by Dan Buckley (The Book of Mormon), Dinger played by Rakesh Boury (Rock of Ages), Wiggie played by Matt Slack (Blood Brothers) and Archie played by Hadrian Delacey (The Phantom of the Opera). The band is completed by Cornish actor Edward Rowe, known for his comedy character Kernow King and as the star of the BAFTA-winning film Bait, as Ben.

Star of stage and screen Susie Blake (Mrs Brown’s Boys, Bev Unwin in Coronation Street, Nativity 3, Miss Marple in The Mirror Crack’d, Mrs Fisher in Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em)joins the company as pub landlady Maggie, alongside Parisa Shahmir (The Last Ship) as Alwyn, Deborah Tracey (Standing At The Sky’s Edge) as record label manager Leah and Georgia Bruce (Malory Towers) as Sally.

The cast is completed by on-stage actor-musicians, James William-Pattison (Once), Annie Grace (Sting’s The Last Ship), John O’Mahony (This Restless House), Louise Beadel (Fame) and musicians Hazel Askew (BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee), Alfie Gidley (New Roots finalist)and Musical Director James Findlay (winner of the BBC Young Folk Award 2010).

Performances will run from Wednesday 13 October to Saturday 30 October 2021 and this will be Hall for Cornwall’s first major production to take to the stage following the ongoing multi-million pound transformation of the venue in the centre of Truro.  Tickets are available from £15.00 via www.hallforcornwall.co.uk or the box office: 01872 262466.

When a group of Cornish fishermen came together to sing the traditional working songs they’d sung for generations, they hoped to raise a few quid for charity.  Nobody, least of all the fishermen, expected the story to end on the Pyramid stage of Glastonbury.  Packed with sea shanties, FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS is a feelgood voyage about friendship, community and music.

Featuring hit shanties made famous by the band including Keep Haulin’, Nelson’s Blood, No Hopers Jokers & Rogues, Sweet Maid Of Madeira and many more.

FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: THE MUSICAL is directed by James Grieve (former Joint Artistic Director of Paines Plough and former Associate Director of the Bush Theatre) and written by Amanda Whittington (one of the UK’s most performed playwrights, having written Be My Baby for Soho Theatre, Ladies Day for Hull Truck and Satin n Steel for Nottingham Playhouse – Fisherman’s Friends is Amanda’s first book musical adaptation), with choreography by Matt Cole (Olivier-nominated for Fiddler On The Roof at the Menier Chocolate Factory and the West End; Oklahoma! for Chichester Festival Theatre), set and costume design by Lucy Osborne, musical supervision by David White, sound design by Dan Samson, lighting design by Johanna Town and casting by Jim Arnold.  

The hit 2019 FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS movie delighted fans across the world. The sequel to the film began shooting this year.

FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: THE MUSICAL is produced by ROYO, Flying Fish Productions, Mighty Village, with Island Records, David Mirvish and Cornwall Playhouse Productions.

Website:  www.fishermanonstage.com

Facebook: @FFonstage

Twitter: @FFonstage

Instagram: @FFonstage         

LISTINGS INFORMATION

FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: THE MUSICAL

13-30 October 2021

Hall for Cornwall

Back Quay

Truro

TR1 2LL

Box Office: 01872 262466

www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

PRIDE & PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF)

TO OPEN AT THE CRITERION THEATRE

IN LONDON’S WEST END

ON 2 NOVEMBER 2021

PREVIEWING FROM 15 OCTOBER

Olivier and Tony Award-winning producer David Pugh is proud to announce that he will be presenting the Tron Theatre Glasgow, the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Blood of the Young’s production of PRIDE & PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) by Isobel McArthurafter Jane Austen at the Criterion Theatre for an open-ended run, previewing from 15 October and opening on 2 November 2021.

Isobel McArthur’s unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s classic love story was critically acclaimed when it played at Glasgow’s Tron Theatre.  Men, money and microphones are fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation, which includes pop classics such as Every Day I Write the Book, Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, I Got You Babe and You’re So Vain.  Five actresses portray the young female servants who retell one of literature’s most famous stories, and these same five actresses play every other character, as well as singing and playing instruments.

David Pugh said today, “I so wanted to bring PRIDE & PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) to London’s glittering West End.  I wanted to put it into the perfect theatre, which is the Criterion, and I would only open it as one of the first NEW shows in London where every seat could be filled.”  He feels strongly that “inviting audiences back to the theatre, it is essential that they feel safe but, as important, is that tickets are affordable. There will be no premium seats and tickets at the Criterion Theatre will be £9.50 to £59.50.”  All tickets during previews are £9.50 to £25.

The cast of the original Tron Theatre production will be reunited. Writer and director Isobel McArthur (Wendy and Peter Pan, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Lyceum; Cyrano de Bergerac, The Lyceum, National Theatre of Scotland, Citizens Theatre; Daphne Oram’s Wonderful World of Sound, Blood of the Young, Tron Theatre, Scottish Tour; Robin Hood, Manhattan Children’s Theatre; Avoidable Climbing, Take Me Somewhere, Citizens Theatre) will once again play Darcy and Mrs Bennet.  Also in the cast will be Tori Burgess (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Lyceum; Bear Pit, Blood of the Young; Secret Show 1, Blood of the Young & Tron Theatre; Margaret Saves Scotland, Oran Mor, Traverse, Lemon Tree, Marilyn Imrie) as Mr Collins, Christina Gordon (Glory on Earth, The Lyceum; The Cheviot, The Stag and the Black, Black Oil, National Theatre of Scotland, Dundee Rep; Mancub, Cumbernauld Theatre; Rocket Post, National Theatre of Scotland) as Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Jane, Hannah Jarrett-Scott (Glory on Earth, The Lyceum; The Taming of the Shrew, Sherman Theatre, Tron Theatre; The Wolves, Theatre Royal Stratford East; A Bottle of Wine and Patsy Cline, Gilded Baloon) as Charlotte and Charles Bingley and Meghan Tyler (A Streetcar Named Desire, Lyric Theatre Belfast; Medicine, Off the Middle with The Hope Theatre; The Persians, Oran Mor, Traverse Theatre; Look Back in Anger, Cumbernauld Theatre; Two Gentlemen of Verona, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Guilford Shakespeare Company; Shetland, BBC) as Lizzie Bennet.

PRIDE & PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) will be directed by Isobel McArthur and Simon Harvey, with comedy staging by Jos Houben, design by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, lighting by Colin Grenfell, musical supervision by Michael John McCarthy, sound design by Michael John McCarthy and Luke Swaffield for Autograph and choreography by Emily-Jane Boyle.

David Pugh presents Tron Theatre Company, the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Blood of the Young’s production of PRIDE & PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) with co-producers Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Leeds Playhouse, Northern Stage and Oxford Playhouse.

Website: www.prideandprejudicesortof.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/prideandprejudicesortof/

Twitter: @PandPsortof

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prideandprejudicesortof/

The poster is an oil painting by Bob Venables especially commissioned for this production.

EXCLUSIVE

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW & TURN YOUR VOLUME UP TO HEAR THE GIRLS SING!

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Criterion Theatre

218-223 Piccadilly

Piccadilly Circus

London W1V 9LB

Box Office:  033 33 202 895

Tickets:  £9.50-£59.50 (Previews £9.50 – £25)

Performances:  Tuesday to Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday 3pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 2.30pm & 7pm

Christmas schedule

Monday 20 December                         No performance

Tuesday 21 December                        7.30pm

Wednesday 22 December                   7.30pm

Thursday 23 December                       3pm & 7.30pm

Friday 24 December                            3pm

Saturday 25 December                        No performance

Sunday 26 December                          2.30pm & 7pm

Monday 27 December                         No performance

Tuesday 28 December                        7.30pm

Wednesday 29 December                  3pm & 7.30pm

Thursday 30 December                       7.30pm

Friday 31 December                            3pm

Saturday 1 January                             3pm & 7.30pm

Sunday 2 January                                2.30pm & 7pm

Currently booking until 14 February 2022

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME ANNOUNCE A

PANTO CAST THAT’S JUST RIGHT FOR

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

After a year of absence, Birmingham Hippodrome will be bringing Pantomime back to the city with Goldilocks and the Three Bears from Saturday 18 December, and today have announced the exciting cast line-up who will be joining Jason Donavon in his panto debut and Birmingham Panto favourite Matt Slack.

The UK’s biggest regional panto follows Dame Betty Barnum and her daughter Goldilocks’, who are battling to save their Big Top circus from the Evil Ringmaster who is intent on stealing their three loveable bears and leave them in ruin.

Alongside Jason – who will be playing the Evil Ringmaster – and Matt as Ringmaster will be Doreen Tipton as Doreen the Lion Tamer, Andrew Ryan as Dame Betty Barnum, Alexia McIntosh as Candy Floss and Samantha Dorrance as Goldilocks.

Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes, Michael Harrison, said: “I am really delighted to be announcing so many returning cast today alongside the addition of local Midlands’s talent in the form of Alexia and Samantha.”

Michael, who will be producing and directing Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Hippodrome added: “The audiences are going to truly love Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the first circus-themed pantomime at the Hippodrome for 24 years! The show will incorporate the very best of the production I created for the sell-out London Palladium panto in 2019, alongside lots of new material created especially for our Birmingham cast and audience.”

This will be the first pantomime back in the Hippodrome since the venue recently reopened after almost 18 months of closure.

Birmingham Hippodrome Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Fiona Allan added: “We are delighted to be preparing to welcome back our much anticipated pantomime this December. We really felt the absence of pantomime in the 2020 festive season, and we know our audiences did as well, so with such a wonderful cast on board I am sure Goldilocks and the Three Bears will more than make up for a missed year.”

Alongside the headline cast, the Hippodrome have also revealed a spectacular line-up of circus acts including the magnificent magician Phil Hitchcock, awe-inspiring motorcycle act Peter Pavlov and The Globe of Speed, the Death-Defying Gemini Sisters and international circus artist Pierre Marchand.

Cast Biographies

Doreen Tipton is a regional treasure and over the past few years has morphed effortlessly from YouTube sensation to Queen of the Black Country. She has previously had six sell-out theatre tours, made a Doreen movie (featuring rock legend Robert Plant, no less), wrote an autobiography ‘From Rug-Rats to Riches’, made a documentary DVD on the Black Country, as well as being voted Midlands Personality of the Year by What’s On readers. Doreen’s appearance in Goldilocks follows her triumphant Hippodrome panto debut in 2019.

Goldilocks will be Andrew Ryan’s 35^th pantomime and 31^st year as Dame and he is delighted to return to the Hippodrome for a fifth pantomime season. Andrew’s previous West End credits include Giles in The Mousetrap at the St. Martin’s Theatre, and Mark Styler in Anthony Horowitz’s Mindgame at The Ambassador’s. Andrew has also toured across the country in many shows including The Rocky Horror Show where he played Brad and Riff Raff in multiple tours.

Birmingham’s own Alexia McIntosh is a graduate of The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and is very excited to be starring in pantomime in her home city. For the last three years Alexia has played Anna of Cleaves in the hugely successful production of SIX in London’s West End for which she was nominated as Best Supporting Actress in a musical at the Olivier Awards. Her other theatre credits include Rent, Sister Act and Wind In The Willows.

Samantha Dorrance is from Wolverhampton and began her career on Disney Channel after winning their talent search show, You’re The Star. Her previous theatre credits include Dreamboats and Petticoats in the West End and on UK Tour. Samantha is also founder of Sammy & The Sparks, a family-friendly pop band and her self-written stage show, Sammy & The Sparks LIVE can be seen touring around the UK.  At 9 years old, Samantha performed in her very first pantomime as a child dancer in Goldilocks and the Three Bears and is thrilled to be returning in a different role many years later!

Goldilocks and the Three Bears runs at Birmingham Hippodrome Saturday 18 December 2021 – Sunday 30 January 2022. To book visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge). 

CHRISTMAS AT WILTSHIRE CREATIVE

INCLUDING WINTER WANDERLAND, EVENTS, CRAFTS AND FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL

The full Christmas programme at Wiltshire Creative is announced today, including festive main house production at Salisbury Playhouse, Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon by Mike Akers alongside a programme of festive events and activities in the beautiful deconstructed church of Salisbury Arts Centre. The extensive Christmas offering continues Wiltshire Creative’s commitment to cultural recovery and community togetherness, whilst enhancing creativity among audiences of all ages.

Wiltshire Creative will also take part in Winter Wanderland this year, an initiative transforming streets into magical outdoor galleries with lit up window displays. Between 4-7 November 2021, Salisbury Playhouse and Salisbury Arts Centre will be illuminated with enchanting window displays drawing on themes of hope, positivity, and triumphing over darker times.  

Gareth Machin, Wiltshire Creative’s Artistic Director said today, “We’re delighted that Salisbury Arts Centre will offer a distinctive festive offer this year for young and old alike. It is a magical space and I’m sure our programme will bring much joy to all of our community.

Juliet Coveney, Salisbury Arts Centre Manager said today, “We are so pleased to be able to offer a diverse range of shows and activities this December at Salisbury Arts Centre.  This exciting programme offers something for everyone; if that be nights out with friends, craft workshops for children and adults as well as an endearing family show plus so much more.”

Alongside the previously announced Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon by Mike Akers, the Christmas programme at Wiltshire Creative includes a one-off performance of Long Nose Puppets family show The Hug on 11 December.

For festive evening entertainment, 5-piece jazz band Jazz Dynamos will perform at the Arts Centre on 10 December, well known songs from the 1970s and ‘80s, transforming them with a mix of jazz, bossa, and samba. Their unique set of original, contemporary jazz arrangements includes hits by, amongst others, Dolly Parton, Madonna, U2, Police, a-ha and Britney Spears. Celebrate all things 80s television mysteries had to offer with Tim Benzie’s Solve-Along-Murder-Mystery on 3 December, a live ‘solve-along’ alongside a classic episode of Murder She Wrote. For comedy fans, there will be a festive edition of the popular Barnstormers comedy nights on 17 December.

The festive offering also includes ample opportunities to get creative in the studio spaces at Salisbury Arts Centre and its fully equipped pottery studio, including a five-week Make Your Christmas Decorations Pottery Workshop course and Christmas Wrapping Paper with Bridget Timoney, Willow Christmas Trees with Louise Brown, and Festive Crafts with Wiltshire Scrapstore. 

The full festive programme of workshops and performances is now on-sale at https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on/. 

Salisbury Playhouse

Snow White and The Happy Ever After Beauty Salon

Written by Mike Akers

Music by Tayo Akinbode, Lyrics by Mike Akers, with additional songs by Christopher Peake.

3 December – 31 December 2021

Director Gareth Machin; Designer James Button; Musical Director Christopher Peake; Choreographer Nicky Griffiths; Lighting Designer Nic Farman; Sound Designer Michael Scott;

Casting Director Gabrielle Dawes CDG

In a magical 1950s fairytale wonderland, young apprentice Snow is working hard in her Aunt Trish’s Beauty Salon. She curls the tails of the three little pigs, sharpens the teeth of the Big Bad Wolf, and perfectly sets Prince Charming’s quiff.

But, suddenly stumbling upon Aunt Trish’s magic mirror puts Snow’s life in peril.

Will she be able to survive as she heads underground and attempts to carve her own path to a happily ever after?

With toe-tapping live music, dazzling design, puppetry and laugh out loud entertainment, the show will delight the whole family this Christmas.

Salisbury Arts Centre

White Christmas: Make Your Christmas Decorations Pottery Workshop

Wednesday 3 November-Wednesday 1 December
 

A five-week course led by Bridget Timoney with opportunities to create a variety of 2D and 3D handmade decorations, including napkin holders, angels and festive nightlight holders to give as gifts and stocking fillers. For that White Christmas feel, the creations will be made from porcelain and white clay and can be embellished and glazed for that special shimmering effect. 

Bridget Timoney is a potterer, previously Visual Arts and Pottery Assistant at Salisbury Arts Centre. She studied ceramics at Limerick School of Art and Design, trained by Gus Mableson at the Thomastown Skills Course and has completed an Adopt a Potter apprenticeship with Julie Ayton.  

  
Festive Workshop: Willow Christmas Trees with Louise Brown

Wednesday 1 December, 6pm-8pm 

An evening of Christmas crafts, making delightful decorations at Salisbury Arts Centre to gift to friends or keep for beautiful homemade decorations. This workshop is led by willow basket-maker, Louise Brown, who has bundles of knowledge and passion for sustainable craft with previous work featuring in exhibitions at Salisbury Arts Centre. 

Tickets cost £22, including workshop materials.

Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote  
Friday 3 December, 8pm  

Can you solve the crime before Cabot Cove’s best amateur sleuth?

Pit your wits against JB Fletcher at Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote, an interactive screening of a classic episode of Murder, She Wrote. Celebrate all things 80s television mysteries had to offer: contrived scenarios! No DNA evidence! Massive hair! Has-been guest stars! Taking centre stage is film and Broadway star Angela Lansbury as novelist and detective JB Fletcher. 

Solve-Along-A-Muder-She-Wrote is hosted by Tim Benzie and features games, prizes and audience participation, with special permission from NBC Universal Television.

Festive Crafts with Wiltshire Scrapstore 

Saturday 4 December 10.15-11.00, 11.30-12.15 and 12.45-13.30 

A festive craft session for 4-7 year olds with Wiltshire Scrapstore, with a chance for children to develop their creativity in an inspiring and imaginative festive arts and craft session.   

Tickets cost £2 per child; adults do not require tickets.

Festive Workshop: Christmas Wrapping Paper with Bridget Timoney

Wednesday 8 December, 6pm-9pm 

An evening of craft with the chance to make unique festive wrapping paper at Salisbury Arts Centre, led by Bridget Timoney, an Irish potter based in Salisbury.

Tickets cost £21, including workshop materials. 

Jazz Dynamos: Jazz’n’80s 

Friday 10 December, 8pm 

5-piece jazz band Jazz Dynamos will take well known songs from the 1970s and ‘80s, transforming them with a mix of jazz, bossa, and samba. Their unique set of original, contemporary jazz arrangements includes hits by, amongst others, Dolly Parton, Madonna, U2, Police, a-ha and Britney Spears. 

The Hug 

Saturday 11 December, 1.30pm 

A tale of hope, empathy and acceptance starring a Hedgehog and a Tortoise both in search of a restorative hug. They face many rejections along the way from a rather scary badger, a squirrel (who knows A LOT about nuts), a shy frog, a fabulous fox and an owl who really wants to be wise.  

Set to Tom Gray’s beautiful and witty music, the audience are invited on a journey full of fun, laughter and love…and at the end, a very special hug from our puppets.  

The Hug is presented by Long Nose Puppets and is based on the heart-warming and funny book ‘The Hug’ by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar.

Long Nose Puppets, founded by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar, make critically acclaimed puppet shows for young audiences. Their previous shows include Shoe Baby (Winner: Best Children’s Show at the Brighton Fringe Festival), Fly Away Katie, Penguin, Arthur’s Dream Boat , Pat-a-Cake Baby andOut of the Hat!. 

Festive Barnstormers  

Friday 17 December, 8.30pm 

A night of up-and-coming stand-up comedians from the London comedy circuit introduced by a guest compere.

Festive Saturday Storytime 

Saturday 18^th December, 10.30am – 11.15am

Join actor, musician and storyteller Iona Johnson as she takes you on a festive story time journey. Suitable for ages 3 to 6.     

Tickets cost £2 per child; adults do not require tickets. 

Lyceum, Sheffield – until 11 September 2021

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

4****

The first time back to the theatre felt quite strange but I was so excited to be doing something normal.

Groan Ups is a comedy by Mischief and is about the lives of 5 people Moon (Yolanda Ovide), Katie (Lauren Samuels), Simon (Matt Cavendish), Spencer (Daharmesh Patel) and Archie (Daniel Abbot) and follows their journey from their time at Bloomfield School at the age of 6 into their teenage years age 14 and adulthood at a school reunion and is around 2 hours 2 mins by the creators of “The Play that Goes Wrong”.

The characters are all typical of modern day classrooms Moon, the popular girl, Katie, the clever smart girl, Simon, the nerd, Spencer, the class clown and Archie the nervous child hiding his feelings. All actors played their roles brilliantly and performed their characters faultlessly. Throughout the performance I kept changing my mind on who was my favourite but they are all worthy of praise.

The first scene I thought was quite strange and when it first started I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy the show but I kept an open mind and was still laughing at the jokes and inuendoes. Personally for me the show really began after this scene when they were left alone in the classroom.

There was a brief part with the headteachers giving awards out which I felt was a bit flat but this only lasted a few minutes and gave the cast time to change into their teenage roles.

The final scene is the school reunion. There is a part in this scene where Paul (Killian Macardle) attends the school reunion and is at the wrong school and starts to act at being a lobster. I felt this was a bit over the top and wouldn’t have been missed if this was not part of the show. The character Chemise (Jamie Birkett) makes an appearance in this scene as Simon’s (pretend) girlfriend and is so funny, definitely a good addition to the show at this point.

This show is easy watching and so funny, just the tonic needed for everyone at the moment. The audience all seemed to enjoy it laughing all the way through. If you want a fun enjoyable evening this is definitely one to go and watch. The age recommendation is age 12+, my daughter came with me who was 14 years old and I would say that age 14 is more of a suitable age.

The next Mischief production at the Lyceum is Magic Goes Wrong starting on the 12th October and if it is as funny as Groan Ups the surely will be another one to watch.

Leeds Grand Theatre – until 11 September 2021

Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough

3***

Looking Good Dead, based on Peter James’ novel of the same name follows the Bryce family and their involvement as witnesses in a brutal murder. After Tom Bryce brings home a memory stick he found on the train him, and his son Max unintentionally witness a young woman being killed online. 

Tom (played by Adam Woodyatt who found fame playing Ian Beale in EastEnders for over 30 years) stars alongside Gaynor Faye (Emmerdale and Coronation Street) who plays his wife Kellie and Luke Ward-Wilkinson who plays their son Max. We soon learn there have been other issues in the Bryce house with crippling debt causing major problems for the family. Things go from bad to worse when detective Roy Grace gets involved and they find themselves fighting for their lives.

Initially it seems this is just payback for contacting the police, but could there be something more personal going on? With twists and turns from the start you will find yourself on the edge of your seat trying to guess what might happen next and who might be involved. With a shocking opening scene and a shocking end reveal you will be in suspense throughout. There’s sure be some surprise revelations along the way.

The set was cleverly set up switching from the Bryce family’s home to the murderer’s lair, enabling us easily to transition from one to the other. allowing the action to flow and to keep you in a constant state of suspense.

Looking good Dead is an enjoyable murder mystery with a few light-hearted moments provided by the police officers and their ‘cracker jokes’. 

THE ALEXANDRA’S SPECTACULAR AUTUMN SEASON BEGINS

CULMINATING IN A FOUR-WEEK

CHRISTMAS RUN OF JERSEY BOYS

A JAM-PACKED PROGRAMME TO CELEBRATE THE ICONIC VENUE’S 120TH BIRTHDAY YEAR

· Bumper schedule of musicals to wow audiences until March 2022

· Packed programme of shows on offer at full capacity

Since The Alexandra’s grand reopening in mid-July, the theatre has roared back into action and welcomed audiences at full capacity for almost two months. This week, the theatre is thrilled to embark on a jam-packed series of superb musicals which will propel the Birmingham venue forward in its milestone 120th birthday year.

Just a week after almost 8,000 fans watched six incredible sold-out Riverdance performances over three days, theatregoers will once again be flocking to The Alexandra to watch the first musical the venue has hosted since its closure in March 2020. Starting its tour right here in Birmingham, musical comedy Rock of Ages plays this weekend from 9 – 11 September, featuring more than 25 classic rock anthems and headlined by Strictly champion Kevin Clifton.

And that’s just the beginning, as audiences can expect to see a whole host of fantastic productions throughout the remainder of the year as West End smash-hits embark on their first tours, popular favourites return and new premieres are welcomed to the city.

The Alexandra’s Theatre Director Simon Creed said: “It is a huge honour and pleasure to be leading the venue in such a milestone year. We have a jam-packed season of smash-hit musicals and there is something on offer for everyone.

“An incredible amount of hard work has gone in across so many departments to bring top quality theatre back to The Alexandra in a safe environment, but this effort only pays dividends thanks to the loyal support of our customers.

“The Alexandra has been a huge part of the Birmingham and wider West Midlands community for a very long time, but the past 18 months have presented challenges never experienced before in our history. However, we have come through the other side and once again shown the longevity the theatre is renowned for.

“This is a very special 120th birthday year for us so, whether you have enjoyed many shows at The Alexandra or have yet to pay us a visit, please come along and see some great performances. You won’t be disappointed!”

The venue’s 120th year will end with the hugely popular – and much-loved by the city of Birmingham – Jersey Boys, as they work their way back to the city for a four-week Christmas run from Tuesday 7 December. The smash-hit musical has won 65 major awards and has been seen by more than 27 million people worldwide – the perfect celebration to mark the theatre’s longstanding history in the region

Must-see, sensational musicals take to the stage week by week throughout the autumn, including premieres Heathers and Bedknobs & Broomsticks and returning favourites The Rocky Horror Show, Dirty Dancing, 9 to 5 The Musical and Chicago.

Next week, the venue comes full circle since its closure, as it welcomes back Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – the cast of which were at The Alexandra and set to go on stage when the first national lockdown was imposed.

There will be fun and laughter galore for younger theatre fans when Gangsta Granny and Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain take centre stage.

Derren Brown’s first brand-new theatre show in six years visits The Alexandra in late October. Whilst the content of his Showman tour remains a closely-guarded secret, what is known is that the performance will be a powerhouse treat as audiences are taken to places they’ve never been before.

The fun doesn’t stop when the curtain falls, so audiences can head to the Piano Bar to enjoy post-show events including parties after Rock of Ages, The Rocky Horror Show and 9 to 5 The Musical and Late Bar Live when Black Voices and Black Arts Forum will be curating performances on selected dates for performances of Jersey Boys and Bat Out Of Hell.

Autumn season highlights include:

Rock of Ages: 9 – 11 September, 2021

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: 14 – 18 September, 2021

Heathers The Musical: 21 – 25 September, 2021

The Rocky Horror Show: 27 September – 2 October, 2021

The Cat and the Canary: 4 – 9 October, 2021

Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story On Stage: 12 – 16 October, 2021

Gangsta Granny: 20 – 23 October, 2021

Derren Brown: Showman: 26-30 October, 2021

Grease: 2 – 6 November, 2021

Bedknobs and Broomsticks: 10 – 14 November, 2021

9 to 5 The Musical: 16 – 20 November, 2021

Death Drop: 22 – 27 November, 2021

Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain: 1 – 4 December, 2021

Jersey Boys: 7 December, 2021 – 1 January, 2022

Bat Out Of Hell: 4 – 15 January, 2022

Chicago: 24 – 29 January, 2022

School of Rock: 31 January – 5 February, 2022

Looking Good Dead: 21 – 26 February, 2022

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe: 8 – 12 March, 2022

For a full calendar of shows and events, please visit ATGTICKETS.COM/Birmingham

MARK CORNELL AND SIENNA MILLER PRESENT THE ATG SUMMER PARTY

IN AID OF SIR SAM MENDES AND THEATRE ARTISTS FUND

WITH AN AUCTION RAISING £90,000

Monday 6^th September, London. This evening Mark Cornell and Sienna Miller presented the Ambassador Theatre Group’s (ATG) Summer Party at Kensington Palace Gardens in support of Sam Mendes and his Theatre Artists Fund (TAF) with an auction hosted by Lord Harry Dalmeny, Chairman of Sotheby’s. The proceeds from the auction will contribute towards the next round of grants, which will open on Wednesday 8^th September enabling the fund to reach more freelance theatre professionals during this early phase of the industry’s recovery from the pandemic.

The ATG Summer Party 2021 continues ATG’s ongoing work with charitable causes, and their passion to nurture and support the current and next generation of industry talent, which is at the heart of their ethos. 

Theatre Artists Fund was spearheaded by Sam Mendes and launched in July 2020 to provide emergency support for freelance theatre professionals across the UK in need of urgent and critical financial support due to the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the theatre sector. Through generous donations and public fundraising, Theatre Artists Fund has so far supported more than 7,200 industry workers affected by the crisis. 

Speaking after this evening’s auction, the Theatre Artists Fund’s founder Sam Mendes said “I am incredibly grateful to Mark Cornell and everyone at Ambassador Theatre Group for their support this evening in assisting us to raise more urgent money to go towards our fund. It’s down to the extraordinary work of everyone that has donated so far that we have now raised over £7.4 million and, with the ongoing support, we can reopen the grants again. We pledge to continue helping freelance theatre artists in these unprecedented situations while continuing to develop a new and permanent way to empower freelancers for the future.”

Mark Cornell, ATG’s Chief Executive Officer said “On behalf of everyone at ATG we are proud to have been working with Sam and Theatre Artists Fund for our Summer Party this year to raise money for such an important cause. It’s no secret that the theatre industry and far too many of its remarkable workers have been, and still are, impacted by the pandemic, so the grants from Theatre Artists Fund are crucial in helping change that, through sustaining freelancers until they can get back into employment. I would like to thank Theatre Artists Fund for joining forces with ATG for this event, and thank you to my fantastic co-presenter this evening, Sienna Miller and to Lord Harry Dalmeny for brilliantly hosting the auction.”

Sienna Miller added “It’s been such a joy to co-host the ATG Summer Party with Mark this evening, and to see the generosity of the guests helping raise invaluable money for Theatre Artists Fund during the auction. Theatre has always been a huge passion of mine, and I’ve been saddened to see the impact of the pandemic on so many talented workers within the industry. That’s why the work that Theatre Artists Fund have done, and continue to do is vital as the industry continues to recover, and I’m so glad that the money raised tonight will go towards helping the workers and freelancers, who are the lifeblood of the Theatre industry, get back to where they belong” 

The ATG Summer Party in aid of Theatre Artists Fund at Kensington Palace Gardens, was attended by theatre industry figures and supporters who donated generously during the auction, bidding on items including a trip to the set of Sam Mendes’ new film Empire of Light starring Olivia Colman and Michael Ward. A two-night stay at the iconic The Dorchester hotel, and two top-tier entry passes to the elusive Kit Kat Club, home to the highly anticipated production of Cabaret, starring Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley. Two business-class return flights to New York, for the opening night of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite, with an exclusive ‘meet and greet’ photo opportunity with Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, and a chance to step through the door of the red windmill and experience a first-class full-service hospitality package for ten at the spectacle that is Moulin Rouge! The Musical. 

In addition to the auction prizes, Providence Equity Partners, the owners of Ambassador Theatre Group, generously donated a further £25,000 to the fund to achieve a significant total of £90,000 raised for Theatre Artists Fund.

All proceeds raised from the auction at the ATG Summer Party will go directly to Theatre Artists Fund, which is administered by the UK Theatre Association and the Society of London Theatre on behalf of the Theatre Development Trust (TDT).

Guests in attendance at the ATG Summer Party included Aimee Atkinson, Alice Eve, Bay Garnett, Bertie Carvel, Caro Newling, Carrie Cracknell, Dame Harriet Walter and Guy Paul, Dame Pippa Harris, David Baddiel, David Hare and Nicole Farhi, Dominic West, Eddie and Hannah Redmayne, Emma Squire CBE, George Osborne CH and Thea Rogers, Griff and Jo Rhys Hones, Helen George and Jack Ashton, Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles, Jenna Coleman, Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE, Julia Cheng and Dickson Mbi, Lady Antonia Fraser CH, DBE and Benji Fraser, Lia Williams and Angus Wright, Liza Sadovy, Louisa Parker Bowles, Lord Neil Mendoza, Mark Gatiss, Michael Landes, Neil Tennant, Nicolas Brown, Nima Telaghini, Omari Douglas, Phil Edgar-Jones, Rob Brydon, Ronni Ancona, Rupert Gavin, Rupert Goold, Sam Lister, Sam Mendes (Founder, Theatre Artists Fund) and Alison Balsom, Sienna Miller (Co-host) and Archie Keswick, Simon Curtis and Elizabeth McGovern, Susan Hampshire CBE, Sir Lenny Henry and Lisa Makin, Sir Nicholas Hytner, Tamara Rojo, Tom and Sabrina Stoppard, Trevor Eve and Trevor Nunn.