Category: Uncategorized

Dame Judi Dench and Jamael Westman announced as
new Patrons of Polka Theatre

Multi award-winning stage and screen icon Dame Judi Dench will join Polka Theatre as a new patron alongside theatrical talent Jamael Westman, who currently plays Alexander Hamilton in LA, having originated the role of in London’s West End. These two acclaimed performers will work with Polka to champion theatre and creative learning for young audiences across the UK.

Following a major £8.5million Future Polka redevelopment campaign, Polka Theatre will reopen their doors this autumn with an enthralling programme of world class family theatre and creative learning activities. The completely revitalised state-of-the-art venue will provide unrivalled facilities for families and schools, including two auditoriums. The theatre seeks to continually inspire young minds, school groups and families in and around the local community and beyond, making theatre accessible for all.

Dame Judi Dench comments, I am delighted to become a Patron for Polka Theatre. Just like adults, children deserve the best theatre, and that is exactly what Polka does. I am incredibly passionate about the wonderful, positive impact that theatre can have on our lives and it is so important that starts from childhood. Theatre opens doors to new worlds, gives flight to imagination and brings stories of all kinds to life. Polka inspires and brightens children’s lives, rousing their imaginations to run wild. The new building will make sure Polka can keep making extraordinary theatre so children can continue to dream in bright colours. It is a place where children feel safe to be whoever they want to be, and most importantly it is open to every child and family to experience and take part.

Jamael Westman said, I’ll never forget the first time I came to Polka Theatre. I saw some of the young people, explore, discover, and express themselves. It was palpably exciting and joyous. Polka Theatre continues to offer a safe space to do all of those things, as it empowers young people to then go out and be confident in themselves in all their wonderful individuality. Polka is at the forefront of that, and it’s why I’m honoured to be a Patron in support of our young people in our community

Polka Theatre’s Executive Director and Joint CEO Lynette Shanbury adds, We are delighted to announce our two brilliant new Patrons, at a very important moment for Polka as we begin to re-open our doors following our incredible redevelopment. Both are such talented performers, as well as being hugely passionate about the importance of theatre for children and young people. It is inspiring for the children we work with to have such extraordinary role models join us.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION OF

D E A R   E V A N   H A N S E N

REOPENING IN LONDON ON 26 OCTOBER 2021

OLIVIER AWARD-WINNER SAM TUTTY RETURNS IN THE TITLE ROLE

WWW.DEAREVANHANSEN.COM

Producer Stacey Mindich is today (20 September 2021) delighted to announce the Olivier award-winning Company returning to Dear Evan Hansen next month.  The London production reopens at the Noël Coward Theatre on 26 October 2021 and is currently booking to 13 February 2022.

Sam Tutty returns to the role that won him the 2020 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical.  He will be joined by returning cast members Lucy Anderson (Zoe Murphy), Doug Colling (Connor Murphy) and Marcus Harman (who will play Evan Hansen at certain performances), Jack Loxton (Jared Kleinman), Rebecca McKinnis (Heidi Hansen), Lauren Ward (Cynthia Murphy) and Rupert Young (Larry Murphy). Iona Fraser takes on the role of (Alana Beck).  Completing the Company are Tricia Adele-Turner, Haydn Cox, Hannah Lindsey, Mark Peachey and James Winter with new cast members Ellis Kirk, Samantha Mbolekwa, Hannah Qureshi and Mitchell Zhangazha.

Dear Evan Hansen, also the recipient of the 2020 Olivier Award for Best Musical and Best Score, opened at the Noël Coward Theatre to great critical acclaim November 2019.  Prior to lockdown, the show welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to a special performance for The Royal Foundation which funds the Heads Together and Heads Up initiatives and the mental-health support service, Shout.  In 2021 the tracks Waving Through a Window and You Will Be Found were included in the top 50 of the BBC Radio 2 Greatest Songs from a Musical, voted for by the public.

Dear Evan Hansen features a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy®, Tony® and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.

Dear Evan Hansen opened on Broadway to rave reviews on 4 December 2016, where it went on to win six 2017 Tony Awards including Best Musical among many other accolades and has broken all box office records at its Broadway home, the Music Box Theater. The show launched its First North American Tour in Denver, Colorado in October 2018 and prior to the shutdown had performed in more than 40 cities across North America playing for more than 1.5 million audience members. The show’s now-iconic blue polo and arm cast are part of the permanent collection of the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. The Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording produced by Atlantic Records, was released in February 2017, making an extraordinary debut on the Billboard 200 and entering the chart at #8 – the highest charting debut position for an original cast album since 1961 – and went on to win the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.  The Broadway production and the US National Tour will resume performances in December 2021.

Dear Evan Hansen features choreography by Danny Mefford, scenic design by David Korins, projection design by Peter Nigrini, costume design by Emily Rebholz, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, and hair design by David Brian Brown.  Music supervision, orchestrations and additional arrangements are by Alex Lacamoire.  Ben Cohn is the Associate Music Supervisor.  UK Casting is by Jill Green Casting,Vocal arrangements and additional arrangements are by Justin Paul. Judith Schoenfeld is the Production Supervisor. General Management is by 101 Productions, Ltd with Adam Speers as UK Executive Producer.

COVID-19

As a courtesy to each other and to help provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone, the Delfont Mackintosh Theatres ask that customers bring proof of double vaccination, a recent negative lateral flow test or natural immunity as audiences may be asked to present these upon arrival and to wear a face covering out of consideration for those around them. This guidance may change. Please visit the Delfont Mackintosh Theatres website for the most up to date information.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram: @dearevanhansen

Twitter: @dearevanhansen

Facebook: /DearEvanHansen

#YouWillBeFound

Facebook: @DEHWestEnd

Twitter: @DEHWestEnd

Instagram: @DEHWestEnd

WEBSITE

www.dearevanhansen.com

www.dearevanhansen.com/london/

LISTINGS

Theatre                              Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AU

Box Office                          0844 482 5151

Dates:                                26 October 2021 – 13 February 2022

INITIAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY’S PRODUCTION OF

ALAN BENNETT’S HABEAS CORPUS

With their critically acclaimed production of Paula Vogel’s Indecent running at the theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announces initial casting for their production of Alan Bennett’s Habeas Corpus. Patrick Marber’s directs Kirsty Besterman (Constance Wicksteed), Jasper Britton (Arthur Wicksteed), Matthew Cottle (Canon Throbbing), Ria Jones (Mrs Swabb), Thomas Josling (Dennis Wicksteed), Caroline Langrishe (Lady Rumpers), Catherine Russell (Muriel Wicksteed) and Abdul Salis (Mr Shanks). The production opens on 13 December, with previews from 3 December, running until 26 February 2022. Full casting will be announced shortly.

The Menier Chocolate Factory presents

HABEAS CORPUS

By Alan Bennett

Director: Patrick Marber; Set and Costume Design: Richard Hudson

Lighting Design: Richard Howell; Music and Sound Design: Adam Cork

3 December 2021 – 26 February 2022

The antics of the Wicksteed home are a darkly satirical merry-go-round in Alan Bennett’s Habeas Corpus.  Family, friends and the quest for sexual pleasures of the body (“corpus”) are the ruling passions in this farcical comedy of ill-manners. Through an escapade of mistaken identities and carnal encounters, one motto holds fast: “He whose lust lasts, lasts longest.”

Multi-award-winning playwright Alan Bennett is also a screenwriter, actor and author. His other works for the stage include The History Boys, The Habit of Art, The Lady in the Van, Talking Heads, The Madness of George III, Kafka’s Dick, Enjoy, The Old County and A Cuckoo in the Nest.

Kirsty Besterman plays Constance Wicksteed. Her theatre work includes Macbeth (National Theatre tour), Genesis Inc, Experience (Hampstead Theatre), Winter Solstice (ATC), Betrayal, Separate Tables (Salisbury Playhouse), They Drink It in the Congo (Almeida Theatre), Tipping the Velvet (Lyric Hammersmith), Arcadia, Tonight at 8.30 (ETT), Private Lives (Royal Lyceum Theatre), The School for Scandal (Park Theatre) and Playhouse Creatures (Chichester Festival Theatre). For television, her work includes Doctor Who, His Dark Materials, Father Brown and Peter Ackroyd’s London; and for film Chicken and An American Nobody in London.

Jasper Britton returns to the Menier to play Arthur Wicksteed – he previously appeared in Pack of Lies and Little Shop of Horrors. His other theatre work includes The Sunset Limited (Boulevard Theatre), Murder at the Cathedral (Scena Mundi Theatre Company), Witness for the Prosecution (County Hall), Jerusalem (The Watermill Theatre), Scrooge, What the Butler Saw (Curve, Leicester), The Blinding Light (Jermyn Street Theatre), The Libertine (Theatre Royal Bath and Theatre Royal Haymarket), Richard II, Henry IV, The Jew of Malta, Marat/Sade (RSC), Race, Private Lives (Hampstead Theatre), The Last Cigarette (Chichester Festival Theatre and West End), Oedipus (National Theatre), Plague Over England (Finborough Theatre) and Rhinoceros (Royal Court Theatre). His television work includes Garrow’s Law, The Royal, Semi Detached, My Dad’s the Prime Minister and Murder in Mind; and for film, Rise of the Foot Soldiers 2, Blood, Anonymous, Morris: A Life with Bells On, Black Beard, Nostradamus and The New World.

Matthew Cottle returns to the Menier to play Canon Throbbing – he previously appeared in Communicating Doors. His other theatre credits include The Windsors: Endgame (Prince of Wales Theatre), A Small Family Business (National Theatre), What Women Did (Southwark Playhouse), Quartermaine’s Terms (Wyndham’s Theatre), A Chorus of Disapproval (Harold Pinter Theatre), Dear Uncle (Stephen Joseph Theatre) and Racing Demon (Sheffield Crucible). For television, his work includes The Dresser, Man Down, Fried, Hoff the Record, Citizen Khan, The Job Lot, Pram Face, Life Begins and Game On; and for film, The Personal Blessed and Bright Young Things.

Making her straight play debut, Ria Jones plays Mrs Swabb. Her musical theatre include Sunset Boulevard (London Coliseum, Curve, Leicester, and European tour), Gypsy (Royal Exchange Theatre), Guys and Dolls (Marigny Theatre, Paris), 42nd Street (Curve, Leicester/Theater du Chatelet, Paris), Les Misérables (UK tour/ Palace Theatre), Chess (Prince Edward Theatre), Cats (New London Theatre), Evita (Opera House, Manchester), Nine (Donmar Warehouse), High Society (UK tour/ Shaftesbury Theatre), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK tour/Hammersmith Apollo), Anything Goes, The Witches of Eastwick, Acorn Antiques (UK tours), Into The Woods (Esplanade Theatre, Singapore), Romance Romance, Victor Victoria (Bridewell Theatre), Personals (New End Theatre), A Twist of Fate (Jubilee Theatre, Singapore), Honk! (Victoria Theatre, Singapore), Jerry’s Girls (St James’s Theatre/ Jermyn Street Theatre), Closer Than Ever (Landor Theatre) and A Little Night Music (Haymarket Theatre, Leicester).

Thomas Josling plays Dennis Wicksteed, marking his professional stage debut. For television, his work includes Masters of the Air.

Caroline Langrishe plays Lady Rumpers. Her theatre work includes How the Other Half Loves (UK tour), Bang Bang (Mercury Theatre Colchester), Much Ado About Nothing (Found 111), Lady Anna: All at Sea (Park Theatre), First Episode (Jermyn Street Theatre), The Nightmare of Carlos Fuentes (Arcola Theatre), The Memory of Water (New Vic Theatre/Stephen Joseph Theatre), The Handyman (Yvonne Arnaud), Private Lives (Chichester Festival Theatre) and ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore (Young Vic). For television, her work includes Tremors, Agatha Raisin, A Confession, Death in Paradise, The Case, Our Numbered, Pete versus Life, Doctors (as semi regular Judith Leicester), Casualty (as semi regular Marilyn Fox), Judge John Deed, Tripping Over and Lovejoy (as Charlotte Cavendish); and for film, Boxing Day, Tremors: Island Fury, Plastic, A Second Son, Love’s Kitchen, Christmas Carol and Rogue Trader.

Catherine Russell plays Muriel Wicksteed. Her theatre work includes What the Butler Saw (Curve Leicester and Theatre Royal Bath), Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales Theatre), Dreams of Violence (Soho Theatre and Out of Joint tour), The Convict’s Opera (Sydney Theatre and Out of Joint UK tour), The Waltz of the Toreadors (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Day I Stood Still (National Theatre), Talking to Terrorists, The Break of Day, Three Sisters (Royal Court Theatre and Out of Joint tours), and A Chaste Maid in Cheapside (Almeida Theatre). Her television work includes as series regular Serena Campbell in Holby City, Pete vs Life. The Cazalets, Inspector Lynley (as series regular Helen Lynley), Chandler and Co (as series regular Elly Chandler), Single (as series regular Veronica) and Always and Everyone; and for film, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Clockwork Mice, Solitaire for 2 and Soft Top, Hard Shoulder.

Abdul Salis plays Mr Shanks. For theatre his work includes Present Laughter and The American Clock (the Old Vic), The Barbershop Chronicles (National Theatre), A Bit of Light and Birth! (Royal Exchange Theatre), Distance (Park Theatre), Henry V (Unicorn Theatre), War Horse (New London Theatre, National Theatre), Joe Guy (New Wolsey Theatre and Soho Theatre), Don Juan in Soho (Donmar Warehouse) and The Exonerated (Riverside Studios). For television, his work includes Power Monkeys, Hacks, Strike Back, Outnumbered, Gifted, Roger Roger and The Hidden City; and for film, Trendy, Flyboys, Animal, Sahara, Welcome Home and Love Actually.

As a director, Patrick Marber’s work includes Leopoldstadt (Wyndham’s Theatre), Travesties (Menier Chocolate Factory, Apollo Theatre, Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre), Steve Coogan/John Thompson in Characters (Edinburgh/Purcell Room/Touring), and his own plays Dealer’s Choice (National Theatre/Vaudeville Theatre), Closer (National Theatre/Lyric Theatre/Broadway), Howard Katz and Three Days In the Country (both National Theatre).  Other productions include ‘1953′ (Almeida Theatre), Blue Remembered Hills (National Theatre), The Old Neighborhood (Royal Court at Duke of York’s Theatre), The Caretaker (Comedy Theatre) and I Remember (devised piece at Royal Court). For television, he directed After Miss Julie and The Curator (both for the BBC). As a writer, his other work includes The Musicians (NT Connections) After Miss Julie, Don Juan in Soho (Donmar Warehouse and Wyndham’s) and The Red Lion (National Theatre). For television, his work includes: co-writer of The Day Today, Knowing Me Knowing You with Alan Partridge, Paul Calf Video Diaries, The Curator, Natural Born Quizzers (all BBC); for film, Closer (dir. Mike Nichols), Notes on a Scandal (dir. Richard Eyre) and Love You More (dir. Sam Taylor-Wood); and for radio, Hoop Lane (BBC Radio 3) and Bunk Bed with Peter Curran (BBC Radio 4).

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

INDECENT

Until 27 November

BRIAN & ROGER

22 October – 18 December

HABEAS CORPUS

3 December 2021 – 26 February 2022

Box Office:                         020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website:             www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

Tickets:                               Prices vary, as below from discounted preview tickets to premier seats. With the emphasis on ‘the sooner you book, the better the price’:

Please note at this time the restaurant is unable to open due to circumstances beyond the company’s control.

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

Instagram: @menierchocolatefactory

Salisbury Playhouse – until 9 October 2021

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock 

4****

September in the Rain, starring Ian Kelsey and Nicola Sloane as Jack and Liz, depicts a wedded couple from Yorkshire  as they they travel to Blackpool every year for their ounce of sunshine. 

For the last 30 or so years they have never missed a September holiday in Blackpool and they take us through their various holidays as they reminisce their marriage. Ian and Nicola have such an incredible rapport on stage, it was really like we were watching a married couple!! Amongst the world of deckchairs, ice creams and donkey rides, the couple goes through their ups and downs-the arrival of children and various arguments along the way really make this a piece to be related to on all levels. Ian Kelsey as Jack, a middle aged grumpy character who really has a heart of gold, is a real treat of casting and is able to steal your heart and break it within seconds following a fight between the two. His long suffering wife Liz, played by Nicola Sloane, is pure comedic genius. She shows such command to the stage and truly transported us into the story through her excellent portrayal. Her fast paced performance complimented John Godber’s excellent script writing perfectly. Nicola transformed with the flashbacks through the years, a real chameleon of the stage. 

Listening to the arguments had by the couple, the affection shared and the wants and wishes of life makes this such a familiar show, even if you have never seen it. It is enough to make you laugh and think about your own life and at one point, I was nearly in tears through laughing! A true masterpiece, this is definitely not a show to be missed! 

Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until 18 September 2021

Reviewed by Steph Lott

5*****

“Mr Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound…” Celebrated detective Sherlock Holmes and his colleague Dr. Watson are asked to solve the mystery surrounding the untimely and spooky death of Sir Charles Baskerville. With rumours of a cursed giant hound loose on the moors, they must act fast in order to save the Baskerville family’s last remaining heir.

However, although Lotte Wakeham’s production more or less follows the plot of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most celebrated adventure, any resemblance to previous adaptations stops there. This classic detective tale has undergone a gloriously silly overhaul, with just 3 actors performing all the roles. They had me and the rest of the audience in stitches. Jake Ferretti does a star turn as a pompous and ridiculous Holmes but literally had the audience rolling in the aisles as Stapleford’s tango-dancing Spanish ‘sister’. Niall Ransome is fabulous as the bumbling Watson and one half of a country bumpkin duo. However my favourite was Serena Manteghi. Her physical comedy is brilliant, I loved the expressions she pulls as she bounces around the stage as Sir Henry and a host of other characters, including the other half of the country bumpkin duo.

The action is fast-paced and slick. There are many lunatic changes of scenery and so many visual gags that I don’t want to describe, for fear of ruining the surprises. There are so many brilliantly funny moments and any production which has lost trousers, some of the cast in their pants and a couple of roles played by stuffed dummies is alright by me!

A word here about David Woodhead’s wonderfully creative and inventive set. It’s all on castors and zooms on and off stage at lightning speed. The lighting and dry ice create a nicely atmospheric Grimpen Moor, with a suitably eerie Baskerville Hall above it on a moonlit hill.

When I took my seat for last night’s performance I wasn’t sure what to expect; how could the Hound of the Baskervilles be turned into a comedy, with only a cast of 3? However I loved the play and, from the laughter around me, it would appear that the rest of the audience did too. It was so lovely to be once again in a family audience thoroughly enjoying themselves.

This ingenious adaptation is a fabulous, exhilarating slapstick romp combining theatrical invention and wonderfully comic performances. Gloriously silly and a right hoot. I recommend you go and see it.

COVERS FROM AWAY

A NEW FOLK ALBUM FROM THE

ARTISTS WHO INSPIRED THE HIT MUSICAL

COME FROM AWAY

NOW AVAILABLE

THE WEST END PRODUCTION OF COME FROM AWAY IS AT THE PHOENIX THEATRE, LONDON.

Today, Craft Recordings and Concord Theatricals announce the release of Covers From Away, a new folk album featuring songs from the hit Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away by Irene Sankoff & David Hein, reinterpreted by the Newfoundland and Labrador bands and artists who originally inspired the sound of the musical.

Click HERE to stream or download the album.

“This project was such a gift for us,” said David Hein. “To have our music interpreted by these amazing bands that we’re such huge fans of is truly an honor! When we first started writing Come From Away, we knew we wanted the music to be as authentic as possible, so we listened to every album from all the Newfoundland and Labrador bands that I fell in love with growing up. And now, with this album, we get to share an even more authentic experience, with those same bands putting their unique spin on every song from our show.”

“Come From Away has very few stand-alone songs, so what was most exciting about this project was the opportunity to actually collaborate with these bands by digging into our original or cut lyrics, writing new ones, or pairing songs together to create something completely new,” added Irene Sankoff. “With this album, we hope to bring Newfoundland music to people around the world. I hope people will return the favor by seeking out these artists, and buying their albums and going to their concerts, and even coming to Newfoundland to hear them.”

“We’re very happy to continue our relationship with David and Irene, and to explore new facets of their songs with these terrific artists,” said Sean Patrick Flahaven, Chief Theatricals Executive for Concord.

The album was recorded in summer 2021 in various locations throughout Newfoundland, Canada, and was produced by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the writers of the musical’s book, music and lyrics, along with Ian Eisendrath, Bob Hallett and Sean Patrick Flahaven. Two songs from the album, “Welcome To The Rock” (performed by The Navigators) and “Screech Out” (performed by The Dardanelles), can both be heard in the end credits of the Apple original film Come From Away, now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

The musical Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. On September 11, 2001, the world stopped. On September 12, their stories moved us all.

Track List:

1. “Welcome To The Rock” – performed by The Navigators
2. “I Am Here” – performed by Rosemary Lawton
3. “Wherever We Are” – performed by The Punters
4. “Heave Away” – performed by Alan Doyle
5. “Stop The World” – performed by The Once
6. “Costume Party” – performed by Rachael Cousins and Abigale
7. “Lead Us Out Of The Darkness” – performed by Silver Wolf Band
8. “Screech In” – performed by Shanneyganock
9. “Me And The Sky” – performed by Damhnait Doyle
10. “Prayer Of St. Francis” / “Mi’kmaq Honor Song” – performed by Jason Benoit
11. “Blankets And Bedding” – performed by The Irish Descendants
12. “Somewhere In The Middle Of Nowhere” – performed by Sherman Downey
13. “Screech Out” – performed by The Dardanelles
14. “Themes From Come From Away” – performed by Ofra Harnoy, Mike Herriott and Bob Hallett

Covers From Away was mixed by Ian Kagey, with additional editing by Neal Shaw. The album was mastered by Oscar Zambrano. Production credits for each track can be found in the album booklet HERE.

Craft Recordings / Concord Theatricals previously released the Grammy Award-nominated original Broadway cast recording of Come From Away, available digitally and in stores everywhere.

Other recent recordings released by Craft Recordings / Concord Theatricals include the Grammy Award nominated cast albums of Amélie (Original London Cast Recording) and Carousel (2018 Broadway Cast Recording), as well as R&H Goes Pop!, Jason Robert Brown’s Coming From Inside the House (A Virtual SubCulture Concert), Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf’s Music of Broadway for Cello and Piano,Reid & Schlesinger’s The Ballad of Little Jo, Shaina Taub’s Twelfth Night, Kerrigan & Lowdermilk’s The Mad Ones, Georgia Stitt’s A Quiet Revolution and Drew Gasparini’s We Aren’t Kids Anymore.

Roustabout announces the Autumn 2021 tour of its new family show 

 This Island’s Mine 

 exploring themes of colonialism, identity and place 

In early 2020, the Bristol-based theatre company Roustabout (creators of Luna and One Small Step) worked with 195 primary and secondary students to develop its new show, This Island’s Mine, exploring themes of colonialism, identity and place. The making of the play is informed directly by the thoughts and opinions of those students. It is written and directed by Toby Hulse, who has twice won the Distinguished Play Award from the American Alliance of Theatre and Education. Set in the magical and comic world of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, this vital new play encourages young people to explore complex and sensitive issues of colonisation, immigration and national identity: Where do I belong? Where is my home? Is it truly mine? 

The premiere production will tour in Autumn 2021 to 25 primary and secondary schools in the South West as well as to the following arts venues: Watermans, London (19 Sept), The Poly, Falmouth (25 Sept), Burton Taylor Studio, Oxford Playhouse (2-3 Oct), the egg, Bath (9 Oct), Theatr Clwyd, Mold (16 Oct), Bridport Arts Centre (23 Oct), Exeter Phoenix (24 Oct), The Pound, Corsham (27 Oct), Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol (28-31 Oct), Blackwood Miners Institute (6 Nov) and Valley Arts, Chew Valley (7 Nov). 

Blending Brechtian and Forum Theatre techniques that encourage the audience to think, question and challenge, This Island’s Mine focuses on a debate between three inhabitants of an island – one of the first peoples (Ariel), a second generation religious refugee (Caliban) and a Western coloniser (Stephano) – who all believe the island is theirs. 

Ariel was always here. Caliban was born here. And Stephano has just arrived. They all claim ‘this island’s mine’. But do any of them have that right? And what happens if they can’t agree?  

Filled with magic, music and mayhem, Roustabout presents a playful and daring exploration of the place we choose to call home, for children and their families. At a time when young people are questioning closely their own experiences, identities and education, the play’s themes are more pressing than ever.  

The production will be supported by an online educational resource, created with experts, academics, creatives and young people, designed to challenge, provoke and stimulate debate around these difficult but essential questions. 

The cast of This Island’s Mine is Robin Hemmings (Oi Frog & Friends! (Pins and Needles); One Small Step (Oxford Playhouse); War Game (Bristol Old Vic)) as Caliban, Kesty Morrison (The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (RSC); Hamlet (The Globe); The Price (The Young Vic)) as Ariel and Eleanor Pead (Why Would You (The Barbican); Too Late (Market Theatre Hitchin)) as Stephano. 

The Creative Team is Writer and Director Toby Hulse, Associate Director Oliver de Rohan, Designer Maria Terry, Composer Tarek Merchant, Lighting Designer Jeremy Costello, Sound Designer Oliver Wareham, Set Builder Jonathan Attwood and Prop Maker Tish Mantripp. 

This Island’s Mine was developed with support from Arts Council of England and Tobacco Factory Theatres, in partnership with the Cathedral Schools Trust, One Bristol Curriculum and University of Bristol. 

Roustabout is a Bristol-based family theatre company who have produced six highly acclaimed productions since forming in 2018, including the OFFIE nominated digital production of Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish. Writer/director Toby Hulse has worked with Bristol Old Vic, The Old Rep, Pickled Image, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Travelling Light, the egg and the Unicorn Theatre. Toby is an expert when it comes to making work for young audiences, as seen in his productions of The Lost World and War Game (Bristol Old Vic), his adaptation of Around the World in Eighty Days (Bristol Old Vic), and his international touring production of One Small Step (Oxford Playhouse), which starred Roustabout’s Robin Hemmings. Robin Hemmings has also appeared in both The Lost Worldand War Game (both at Bristol Old Vic), as well as the wonderful Medusa, all by Olivier award-winning Adam Peck and the Olivier nominated Oi Frog & Friends! by Pins and Needles Productions.  

For more information about This Island’s Mine, which is suitable for everyone aged 7+, visit https://www.roustabouttheatre.co.uk.  

LISTINGS 

Title:                This Island’s Mine 

Company:        Roustabout Theatre       

Running time:  1 hour 

Age suitability:  Targeted at KS2 – KS4 year groups, the play is suitable for everyone aged 7+.  

2021 Tour Dates: 

19 September  Watermans, London https://www.watermans.org.uk/ 020 8232 1010 

25 September  The Poly, Falmouth https://thepoly.org  01326 319461  

2-3 October      Burton Taylor Studio, Oxford Playhouse 01865 305305 

https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/about-us/burton-taylor-studio/

9 October         the egg, Bath https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/your-visit/the-egg/ 01225 448844 

16 October       Theatr Clwyd, Mold https://www.theatrclwyd.com 01352 344101 

23 October       Bridport Arts Centre https://www.bridport-arts.com 01308 427183 

24 October       Exeter Phoenix https://exeterphoenix.org.uk 01392 667080 

27 October       The Pound, Corsham https://poundarts.org.uk  01249 701628  

28-31 Oct         Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/  0117 902 0344 

6 November     Blackwood Miners Institute https://blackwoodminersinstitute.com 01495 227206 

7 November     Valley Arts, Chew Valley https://www.valleyartscentre.co.uk [email protected] 

FIRST NEW UK PRODUCTION OF

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

PRODUCED BY CURVE – RUNNING FOR SIX WEEKS ONLY

7 JULY – 14 AUGUST 2022

DIRECTED BY NIKOLAI FOSTER

Leicester’s Curve theatre will stage the first new UK production of iconic musical Billy Elliot.

The Made at Curve production will be directed by the theatre’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster and is set to run exclusively at Curve for six weeks only, 7 July to 14 August 2022. The musical will be choreographed by Lucy Hind (Girl From the North County, The Last Ship) with full casting to be announced in due course.

Based on Stephen Daldry’s BAFTA-winning 2000 film starring Jamie Bell and Julie Walters, Billy Elliot the Musical features music from Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall. The musical first premiered at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre in 2005 and went on to win a host of international awards, including four Laurence Olivier Awards and ten Tony Awards.

Children’s casting will be managed by Jo Hawes CDG, the leading children’s casting director in the UK. Auditions for the title role and young people will begin soon and those interested in finding out more are encouraged to contact Jo Hawes by emailing [email protected]. All information will also be available on johawes.com.

Adult casting is led by Curve Associate Kay Magson CDG.

The musical’s set and costumes will be designed by Colin Richmond, with lighting from Curve Associate Ben Cracknell.

Speaking about this new Made at Curve production, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“We are beyond excited to share Lee Hall and Elton John’s astonishing musical Billy Elliot with Curve audiences, ensuring summer 2022 in Leicester is truly memorable.

“Billy Elliot is a musical filled with incredible characters, epic ideas and at its heart, the story of a young boy who has the passion and courage to dance down a different path from the one prescribed for him. We are indebted to the incredible creatives who made Billy such a hit and hugely grateful they have trusted us to create the first brand new UK production for our audiences in Leicester. Collaborating with a terrific production team and an incredible cast of the most exciting young performers, we are proud to present this mighty musical which recognises the value of culture in our society, the importance of expressing your truest self and gives a voice to the courageous working class communities who are depicted in Lee Hall’s astonishing play. All beautifully framed by Elton John’s electrifying score.”

It’s the mid 80s. Thatcher is at her most powerful. Men mine and boys box. Until, in a small town in County Durham, a young boy falls in love with ballet.

Set amidst the increasingly bitter 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot the Musical is a tale of determination, acceptance and daring to be different. In a close-knit community where family and tradition means everything, can Billy forge a new destiny and follow his passion?

Based on Stephen Daldry’s acclaimed 2000 film, with music by Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall, this electrifying musical features incredible songs such as Solidarity, The Letter, He Could Be a Star and the show-stopping Electricity.

Tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical at Curve will go on sale to Curve Friends from Thursday 30 September, Supporters from Friday 1 October, Members, Groups and Access Register Customers from Monday 4 October and on general sale from Monday 11 October, all at 12 noon. Tickets can be purchased online at www.curveonline.co.uk or by calling Curve’s Box Office on 0116 242 3595

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR!

LIISI LaFONTAINE and JAMIE BOGYO to star as the iconic lovers, Satine and Christian

Olivier Award nominated actors CLIVE CARTER and JASON PENNYCOOKE also announced as principal cast

Alex Timbers’ acclaimed production begins performances from 12 November at Piccadilly Theatre, London

Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life

Global Creatures, the producer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, is thrilled to announce today the cast for the UK premiere of the acclaimed show, which begins performances at the Piccadilly Theatre in London on Friday 12 November 2021).

Liisi LaFontaine (Good Trouble, Dreamgirls) will star as Satine, the sparkling diamond at the heart of the Moulin Rouge, and Jamie Bogyo (making his West End debut) will star as aspiring writer Christian.

Clive Carter (Olivier Award nominee for his performance as the Prince/Wolf in Into the Woods, and as Claude in Come From Away) will play the legendary Moulin Rouge impresario, Harold Zidler.

The principal casting also features Simon Bailey (Heathers, Jersey Boys) as The Duke, Jason Pennycooke (Olivier Award nominee for his performance as Lafayette/Jefferson in the original cast of Hamilton, Bobby Dupree in Memphis and Jacob La Cage Aux Folles) and Elia Lo Tauro (On Your Feet, Carousel) as the Bohemians Toulouse-Lautrec and Santiago.

The club’s famed entertainers known as the ‘Lady Ms’ will be played by Sophie Carmen Jones (Chicago, Jersey Boys) who will be Nini, Zoe Birkett (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Hair) as Arabia, Jonathan Bishop (Hamilton, In the Heights) who will play Baby Doll and Timmika Ramsay (Cinderella, Madagascar) as La Chocolat.

The full company is completed by Femi Akinfolarin, Robson Broad, Ian Carlyle, Jonathan Cordin, Anthony Cragg, Katie Ella Dunsden, Adam Gillian, Luke Jackson, Alicia Mencía, Ciro Lourencio Meulens, Georgia Morgan, Melissa Nettleford, Ian Oswald, Craig Ryder, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Katie Singh, Ope Sowande, Tanisha Spring, Toyan Thomas-Browne, Amy Thornton, Misty May Tindall, Jon Tsouras, Tommy Wade-Smith and Lily Wang.

“Creating Moulin Rouge! The Musical has been a singularly thrilling and unique experience. I am delighted today to announce the incredible group of actors who will bring this production to life in London. We have brought together a thrilling, hugely talented group of artists, and in Liisi and Jamie, we have two outstanding actors to lead our company. We are all so excited to now start creating the show for UK audiences!” said Alex Timbers, director of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Enter a world of splendour and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular spectacular…Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Directed by Alex Timbers (Here Lies Love at the National Theatre, Tony Award^®-nominated for Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Peter and the Starcatcher) Moulin Rouge! The Musical has a book by John Logan (Tony Award^® for Red, three-time Academy Award nominee, including for Gladiator and The Aviator), choreography by Sonya Tayeh (Lucille Lortel Award and Obie Award for Kung Fu, and Emmy winner), and music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Justin Levine (Here Lies Love).

The design team for Moulin Rouge! The Musical includes Tony Award^® winner Derek McLane (sets; his credits include Beautiful – The Carole King Musical), Tony Award^® winner Catherine Zuber (costumes; credits include The King & I, for which she won the Olivier Award for Best Costume Design), two-time Tony Award^® nominee Justin Townsend (lighting), Peter Hylenski (sound), Drama Desk Award winner David Brian Brown (hair and wig design; credits include Come From Away) and Sarah Cimino (make-up design). Casting is by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is produced by Carmen Pavlovic and Gerry Ryan OAM for Global Creatures and Bill Damaschke. The Executive Producer in the West End is Patrick Murphy and General Management is by Playful Productions.

Set in Paris, 1899, a world of indulgent beauty and unparalleled extravagance, of bohemians and aristocrats, of boulevardiers and reprobates, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the story of a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub.

When their lives collide at the Moulin Rouge, they fall hopelessly in love, only to be thwarted by the nightclub’s host and impresario, Harold Zidler, and The Duke of Monroth, the wealthy and entitled patron of the club who thinks he can buy anything he wants, including Satine. Together with his Bohemian friends – the brilliant and starving artist Toulouse-Lautrec, and the greatest tango dancer in all of Paris, Santiago – Christian stages a musical spectacular in an attempt to save the Moulin Rouge and win the heart of Satine.

Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film comes to life onstage, remixed for today in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Moulin Rouge! The Musical invites you to enter a world of passionate romance and eye-popping splendour… a place where Bohemians and aristocrats revel together in electrifying enchantment… a place where all your wildest dreams come true! 

Bringing Moulin Rouge! The Musical to the stage was a decade-long journey, spanning 3 continents, encompassing 75 songs credited to 165 songwriters, administered by 31 publishers, representing over 160 years of music, including recent hits released since the movie premiered 20 years ago.

The Moulin Rouge! The Musical original Broadway Cast Album, which debuted at No.1 on Billboard’s Cast Albums Chart, is available at all digital and streaming providers by Baz Luhrmann’s label, House of Iona, and RCA Records. Click here to listen to the album.

Prior to the pandemic, Moulin Rouge! The Musical had been performing on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre where it opened to widespread critical acclaim on 25 July 2019. Productions have also been announced for Australia, Japan and a North American Tour.

A theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom and — above all — Love, thisis more than a musical… it is a state of mind. Welcome to the Moulin Rouge! 

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TELL ME STRAIGHT RETURNS TO LONDON!

Gartland Productions are pleased to announce the return of Offies Commendation production, Tell Me Straight by Paul Bradshaw.

Following a hugely successful run in this year’s Queer Season at the King’s Head Theatre, the revival of Tell Me Straight will open at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester on 26^th October 2021 before opening at the Turbine Theatre, London on 2^nd November 2021.

Paul Bradshaw, writer and co-star of Tell Me Straight said “Tell Me Straight draws on my previous experiences but frames them in a new narrative. This fresh and dynamic production highlights the sexual encounters that made me who I am, both the good and those I’d rather forget… not only to make you laugh but to also remind you, you are not alone” 

Paul Bradshaw co-stars in his hilarious and fast-paced one-act production with George Greenland and Stephanie Levi-John.

Tell Me Straight tells the honest and heartwarming tale about a young Londoner who is approaching the big 3 0, who is trying to find his way. His life, like everyone else’s, needs to change! For the next thirty days, he will be getting his sh*t together; no booze, no fast food and no shagging…but it’s never that easy, eh?

His long-suffering bestie Dani has heard it all before – she’s done with his never-ending line of sexual conquests, all with the one thing in common, they’re straight!

Babe, you need to find a gay man, who actually likes gay men.

But it seems straight men are like buses … In seventy-five minutes, our young Londoner meets Matt, the city boy, Ryan, an actor currently selling perfume, Lee, a fresh-faced grad, and Alex. Are any of them gonna be the one?

Paul Bradshaw, writer and co-star of Tell Me Straight said: “I think there’s something for everyone! This play captures those moments we’ve all felt when swept up in the nervous and fizzy energy when you first start seeing someone. It’s playful and exciting but how long can that spark last? Is it healthy? Is it always a good thing? Tell Me Straight explores that and ultimately poses the question of – do we attract a certain type of person or are we seeking that kind of person?”

Tell Me Straight is directed by Imogen Hudson-Clayton with assistant director Hiba Elchikhe.

Writer Paul Bradshaw and producer Liam Gartland are thrilled that the returning company of Tell Me Straight are composed of queer and/or working-class artists.

Paul Bradshaw writer of Tell Me Straight said: “It’s time to have rooms where the whole company is made up of the people reflected in the work. Representation matters, and we’re excited to get started with this team.”

Liam Gartland, Executive producer at Gartland Productions said: “’After a short run at The King’s Head Theatre, Tell Me Straight received fantastic five-star reviews and an OFFIES Commendation which gave me no other option than to carry on sharing this story with audiences. As a queer theatre producer raised in Manchester, I knew this was a story that needed to reach further afield. Opening the show at The Hope Mill, a place that has inspired me from the beginning, marks a special moment in my career.’

Tickets for Tell Me Straight at both the Hope Mill Theatre and Turbine Theatre are on sale from Monday 20^th September 2021.