Category: Uncategorized

DANCE UMBRELLA ANNOUNCES DIGITAL PROGRAMME FOR 2021 HYBRID FESTIVAL

• DANCE UMBRELLA 2021 WILL BE A HYBRID FESTIVAL OF LIVE PERFORMANCES AND DIGITAL EXPLORATIONS FOR ITS 2021 FESTIVAL
• DIGITAL PROGRAMME FEATURES ARTISTS INCLUDING JADE HACKETT, SAY, CLAIRE CUNNINGHAM, NORA CHIPAUMIRE, EDDIE LADD, SONNY NWACHUKWU, DIMITRIS PAPAIOANNOU AND VALERIE EBUWA 

Following the announcement of the in-person live programme for 2021, Dance Umbrella, London’s annual international dance
festival has today announced its digital programme of performances, conversations, films and discussions.

London Battle (conceived and created by Jade Hackett) brings together some of the most exciting talent from London’s hip-hop dance scene in a celebration of the capital’s globally renowned dance and music culture. As a DJ plays a selection of the UK’s finest beats, including some by Mikey J Asante, witness dancers going head-to-head in a diverse range of styles to create a thrilling digital dance performance. Get up front, experience the vibe and feel the energy of London’s world class battling. 

In Give Them Their Flowers, join performer, actress and choreographer Jade Hackett as she shines a spotlight on five artists who have and continue to make  significant contributions to the dance world today: Ash  Mukherjee, Kev ‘Renegade’ Gopie, Liza Vallance, Phillip Chbeeb and Shelley Maxwell. This series of intimate in-conversations brings together artists to discuss their work and their path in contemporary creative practice.

SAY: AF (And Friends)is a dance film collaboration, produced by Dance Umbrella,  between dance artists Sarah Golding and Yukiko Masui and an exciting range of music artist collaborators. Merging dance influences to create their own unique dance style, this film also introduces reggae influenced artist Casey Pearl & the band; UK beatbox champion MC Zani; the unapologetic and raw Juliana Yazbeck; and South Africa’s hottest new duo Tina Redmxn & L Tune ‘Chillin’. This film is part of SAY’s ongoing project “the album”, created with a selection of music artists. 

Choreographer’s Cut returns for 2021 as we invite audiences to step inside the mind of a choreographer with three leading artists giving in-depth commentaries on a previous work. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to go behind the scenes with Nora Chipaumire, Claire Cunningham and Eddie Ladd as they discuss their creative process with Dance Umbrella’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive Freddie Opoku-Addaie.

Articlesis two specially commissioned editorials from writer, director, and performer Sonny Nwachukwu and performer, actress and choreographer Jade Hackett. 

Dance Umbrella presents the world premiere of the filmed version of Dimitris Papaioannou’s iconic production NOWHERE, originally commissioned by the Greek National Theater. NOWHERE was originally conceived as a site-specific project, where the space itself was choreographed by programming the new stage mechanisms. A group of humans confronted the spatial challenges created, measuring space with their bodies. A meditation on the very nature of theatre, NOWHERE explores the concept of performance as a machine that mirrors human life.

The filmed version of the central scene (dedicated to the memory of Pina Bausch who had just passed away) was published 7 years ago in June 2014, and went viral with over 2.5 million views.

Created, filmed, and edited by Dimitris Papaioannou, NOWHERE is a co-commission of the New Vision Arts Festival (Hong Kong, China) and Dance Umbrella Festival (London, United Kingdom).

Finally audiences can join Dance Umbrella for a topical Panel Discussion exploring how freelance arts professionals are continuing to adapt within the current climate,hosted and curated by Valerie Ebuwa 

For 2021, Dance Umbrella is launching a brand new Digital Pass which will give audiences exclusive access to all the content available via danceumbrella.co.uk. The pass is Pay What You Can (minimum £5) and gives audiences access to all digital content  within this year’s festival. With content being released throughout the festival, once live, all content will be available on demand until 24^th October. 

HEADS TO WOKING FOR A CALAMITOUS RUN!

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Tues 5 Oct – Sat 9 Oct 2021

The Play That Goes Wrong, the Olivier Award-winning box office hit, is tumbling its way to Woking on its fourth UK tour.

Following three previously sold-out tours, the production opened in Canterbury where it first premiered in 2014 and has been travelling across the UK since.

The show will be visiting the New Victoria Theatre, Woking from Tuesday 5 September to Saturday 9 October.

Winning multiple awards including the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and a Tony Award for the Broadway transfer, The Play That Goes Wrong is now in its seventh year in the West End and has become a global phenomenon with productions in over 35 countries and across 6 continents.

The show’s success is a testament to the hard work and determination of a group of drama school graduates who became friends, set up a company under the name ‘Mischief’ and created an extraordinary body of work. The Play That Goes Wrong shows no signs of slowing down since its first performance at a London fringe venue with only four paying customers. Since then, it has played to an audience of over two million worldwide.

The play features the (fictional) Cornley Drama Society who are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, ‘The Murder at Haversham Manor’, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong … does! As the accident prone thesps battle against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue!

The current touring cast includes: Tom Babbage (Max), Tom Bulpett (Chris), Seán Carey (Jonathan), Leonard Cook (Robert), Edward Howells (Dennis), April Hughes (Sandra), Laura Kirman (Annie), Gabriel Paul (Trevor), with understudies: Katie Hitchcock, Damien James, Edi De Melo and Aisha Numah.

Mischief’s other West End successes include Peter Pan Goes Wrong, A Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Groan Ups, Mischief Movie Night and Magic Goes Wrong. Their hugely successful six-part TV Series, The Goes Wrong Show, aired in the UK on BBC ONE and on Amazon Prime Video in the US, Canada and Australia. The show received a 2020 TV Choice Award nomination for Best Comedy and a second series commission for a 2020 Christmas special, The Nativity. Series two is currently in production.

The Play That Goes Wrong is co-written by Mischief company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields. The tour is directed by Sean Turner, originally directed by Mark Bell, with set designs by Nigel Hook, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Ric Mountjoy and sound design by Andrew Johnson. Resident Director Hannah Sharkey. The Play That Goes Wrong is produced by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd. Mischief’s tours are produced by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd.

Listings

Tickets from £13 fees apply

You can book tickets by calling the Box Office on 0844 871 7615 (Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge), Groups Booking Line 0207 206 1174 or online at ATGTICKETS.COM/Woking (fees apply).

New Victoria Theatre, Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GQ

★★★★★

“Fresh, subversive, essential”

Daily Telegraph

Rocky Horror Show Newsflash!

ORE ODUBA CONFIRMS FUTURE DATES

AS BRAD MAJORS IN

THE LEGENDARY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA

INCLUDING A LONDON RUN AT THE PEACOCK THEATRE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

FROM ROCKYHORROR.CO.UK

Actor, presenter and winner of Strictly Come Dancing Ore Oduba (Curtains / Grease) who has been delighting audiences and receiving rave reviews as Brad Majors, will continue to don his fishnets as he extends his role in Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show. Ore will perform to audiences in London, Norwich, Bradford, Hull, Brighton, Blackpool, Guildford, Bromley, Oxford, Glasgow and Cardiff. Tickets are on sale now from RockyHorror.co.uk. 

Ore Oduba said: “I’m SO excited to be extending my stay with our amazing Rocky family. Truth is, when you know how it feels to wear a corset and heels it’s very hard to take them off!! (at least it is in my case!) It’s been a wild ride so far, the audiences have been INCREDIBLE and I can’t wait to time warp around even more corners of the country.”

This musical extravaganza continues to play to packed houses as it tours the length and breadth of the UK with a stellar cast that is showing no signs of slowing down! Making a welcome return to London audiences The Rocky Horror Show will play the Peacock Theatre from 20October 2021 – 30 October2021.  London theatre is in full throttle and this extraordinary cast is ready to deliver a guaranteed party not to be missed this autumn.

Alongside Ore as Frank is West End star Stephen Webb (Jersey Boys / Legally Blonde), with actor Philip Franks (The Darling Buds of May) as The Narrator. They are joined by fan favourite Haley Flaherty (Mamma Mia / Chicago) as Janet.

Kristian Lavercombe (Jersey Boys / Jesus Christ Superstar) once again reprises his role as Riff Raff, following more than 1800 performances around the world, with Lauren Ingram (Beauty and the Beast / My Fair Lady)as Columbia. Ben Westhead (Oliver / The Sound of Music)as Rocky, with Joe Allen (Little Shop of Horrors / Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) as Eddie & Dr Scott.The cast as Phantoms are Reece Budin (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical / Man of La Mancha), Jordan Fox (Kinky Boots / Hairspray) and Rachel Grundy (Starlight Express / Peter Pan), Darcy Finden  who is making her professional debut, Danny Knott (Saturday Night Fever / A Midsummer Nights’ Dream) as Male Swing and Stefania Du Toit (Starlight Express / Singing in the Rain), as Female Swing and Dance Captain.

Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show has become the world’s favourite Rock ‘N’ Roll musical, having been performed worldwide for over 45 years in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all of the famous musical numbers which have made The Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for over four decades, including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, “The Time-Warp” – this is perfect show to help people forget the doom and gloom of recent months.

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits.  The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation – meaning, of course, getting dressed-up in the most outrageous fancy dress.

The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs. It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80. In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past 45 years.

In 2015, as part of a sold-out season at London’s Playhouse Theatre, a special star-studded Gala charity performance in aid of Amnesty International was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. The live screening – featuring a host of celebrities playing The Narrator including Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Emma Bunton, Ade Edmondson, Anthony Head and Richard O’Brien – smashed box office records and was the biggest grossing film in cinemas across the UK. The performance was subsequently screened on the Sky Arts channel.

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!

What the press have said about The Rocky Horror Show:

“Panto for grown-ups – colourful, in your face, relentlessly energetic and high on audience participation” – The Times

“Hard to think of another musical quite as unique as this. Christopher Luscombe’s affectionate production feels like a genuine blast from the past” – Mail on Sunday

“As delightfully naughty as ever!” – Daily Telegraph

“So fast, so funny, so sexy” – Daily Mail

“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” – Evening Standard

Rocky Horror Show 2021/2022 UK Tour Dates

W/C 13/09/2021                               Llandudno: Venue Cymru

W/C 20/09/2021                               Sunderland: Empire Theatre

W/C 27/09/2021                               Birmingham: New Alexandra Theatre

W/C 04/10/2021                               Dublin: Bord Gais Energy Theatre *

W/C 18/10/2021                               London: Peacock Theatre

W/C 25/10/2021                               London: Peacock Theatre

W/C 01/11/2021                               Norwich: Theatre Royal

W/C 15/11/2021                               Bradford: Alhambra Theatre

W/C 22/11/2021                               Hull: New Theatre

W/C 29/11/2021                               Brighton: Theatre Royal

W/C 06/12/2021                               Blackpool: Opera House

W/C 20/12/2021                               Guildford: G Live

W/C 27/12/2021                            Guildford: G Live

W/C 17/01/2022                               Bromley: Churchill Theatre

W/C 24/01/2022                               Oxford: New Theatre

W/C 31/01/2022                               Glasgow: King’s Theatre

W/C 07/02/2022                               Cardiff: New Theatre

W/C 14/02/2022                               Peterborough: New Theatre

W/C 21/02/2022                               Edinburgh: Kings Theatre

W/C 28/02/2022                           Inverness: Eden Court

W/C 07/03/2022                           Swindon: Wyvern Theatre

W/C 14/03/2022                               York: Grand Opera House           

W/C 21/03/2022                               Belfast: Grand Opera House

W/C 28/03/2022                               Poole: Lighthouse

W/C 11/04/2022                               Hastings: White Rock Theatre

W/C 25/04/2022                               Aberdeen: His Majesty’s Theatre

W/C 16/05/2022                               Liverpool: Empire

W/C 23/05/2022                               Richmond: Richmond Theatre

W/C 30/05 2022                                Bristol: Hippodrome

W/C 06/06/2022                               Southend: Cliffs Pavilion

W/C 13/06/2022                               Stoke-On-Trent: Regent Theatre

 * Ore Oduba will not perform in Dublin

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Ticket prices: From £10

Website: www.rockyhorror.co.uk

Twitter: @rockyhorroruk

Instagram: @rockyhorrorofficial

Facebook: /rockyhorrorshow

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

THE LONG AWAITED RETURN OF THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING MUSICAL

STARRING LYN PAUL WHO RETURNS TO THE SHOW

AS THE ICONIC MRS JOHNSTONE

RUNNING AT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

TUE 2 – SAT 13 NOV

Bill Kenwright‘s legendary production of the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers returns to the stage. The much-loved musical, which performed to sell-out houses and standing ovations on its most recent UK tour in 2019-2020, returns with gusto to Birmingham Hippodrome this November.

In celebration of the musicals’ relaunch, 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).

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).

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.

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.

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’.  

Willy Russellis undeniably one of this country’s leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti.

LISTINGS

Bill Kenwright presents

BLOOD BROTHERS

2021 UK Tour

Written by Willy Russell

Directed by Bob Tomson & Bill Kenwright

Musical Direction by Matt Malone

Sound by Dan Samson

Set & Costumes by Andy Walmsley

Lighting by Nick Richings

Associate Lighting Designer – Darran Curtis

Birmingham Hippodrome     birminghamhippodrome.com

02 November – 13 November 2021    0844 338 5000

Running Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including interval)

BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL

OFFICIALLY OPENS TONIGHT, MONDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

AT THE ADELPHI THEATRE

IN LONDON’S WEST END

MICHAEL J FOX PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE PERFORMERS AND CREATIVE TEAM

Because Michael J Fox was unable to travel to London to attend the opening night tonight, Monday 13 September, of BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre,producer Colin Ingram (Ghost – The Musical) and Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy, filmed a performance and sent it to him, so that he could be a part of the celebrations.  Having watched the performance, Michael J Fox responded:

“I’m buzzing from what is a truly great show. It captures the entire BTTF Experience through  sensational casting, effective story edits, great Techwork & Special FX  The actors were impeccable, with an energy and passion  commensurate  with us originals.  And the music is freaking great, from the Huey Lewis songs to the Silvestri score and all the new songs and set pieces. It really is a small miracle.  Congratulations to all of the amazing people involved. It looks like a hit to me!”

Roger Bart and Olly Dobson play the roles of ‘Dr Emmett Brown’ and ‘Marty McFly’ respectively. Hugh Coles performs as ‘George McFly’, Rosanna Hyland as ‘Lorraine Baines’, Cedric Neal as ‘Goldie Wilson’, Aidan Cutler as ‘Biff Tannen’, Courtney-Mae Briggs as ‘Jennifer Parker’, Will Haswell as ‘Dave McFly’, Emma Lloyd as ‘Linda McFly’ and Mark Oxtoby as ‘Strickland’.  Also in the cast are Rhianne Alleyne, Amy Barker, Matt Barrow, Joshua Clemetson, Jamal Crawford, Bessy Ewa, Morgan Gregory, Ryan Heenan, Cameron McAllister, Alessia McDermott, Laura Mullowney, Nic Myers, Shane O’Riordan, Katharine Pearson, Justin Thomas, Melissa Rose and Tavio Wright.

Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.

Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr Emmett Brown.  But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Tim Lutkin (lighting design), Hugh Vanstone (lighting consultant), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow and Illusions by Chris Fisher. Orchestrations are by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, with dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod Associates.

Sony Music Masterworks will release later this year the Original Cast Recording of BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical. 

Back to the Future the movie was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett Brown. The film grossed $360.6 million (£279 million) at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Future franchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is produced by Colin Ingram, Donovan Mannato, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Hunter Arnold, Gavin Kalin Productions, Playing Field, Crush Music, CJ ENM, Teresa Tsai, Ivy Herman/Hallee Adelman, Robert L. Hutt, Universal Theatrical Group, Ricardo Marques, Augury, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, in association with Kimberly Magarro, Stage Entertainment, Glass Half Full Productions/ Neil Gooding Productions.

Website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com   

Twitter: @BTTFmusical

Instagram: @BTTFmusical      

LISTINGS INFORMATION

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical

Adelphi Theatre

Strand

Covent Garden

London WC2R 0NS

Performances: Mondays, Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday matinees at 2.30pm, Sundays at 3pm

Christmas Schedule:

MONDAY	13/12/2021	7.30PM
WEDNESDAY	15/12/2021	7.30PM
THURSDAY	16/12/2021	7.30PM
FRIDAY	17/12/2021	7.30PM
SATURDAY	18/12/2021	2:30PM & 7.30PM
SUNDAY	19/12/2021	1.00pm & 6.00PM
TUESDAY	21/12/2021	2:30PM & 7.30PM
WEDNESDAY	22/12/2021	2:30PM & 7.30PM
THURSDAY	23/12/2021	2:30PM & 7.30PM
SUNDAY	26/12/2021	4.00PM
MONDAY	27/12/2021	2:30PM & 7.30PM
TUESDAY	28/12/2021	2:30PM & 7.30PM
WEDNESDAY	29/12/2021	2:30PM & 7.30PM
THURSDAY	30/12/2021	7.30PM
FRIDAY	31/12/2021	2.30PM
SUNDAY	02/01/2022	3.00PM
MONDAY	03/01/2022	2.30PM

Tickets: from £19.55

Please book via the website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com – no booking fees  

Book with confidence. For maximised flexibility customers can exchange their ticket free of charge up to at least 24 hours prior to the event.

Current booking period to 13 February 2022

Hampstead Theatre – until 16 October 2021

4****

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Hampstead Theatre’s 25th anniversary production of Shelagh Stephenson’s debut play is a stylish rollercoaster ride exploring grief, sisterhood and family secrets.

In the days before their mother’s funeral, three sisters gather in her home – the play takes place in the mother’s bedroom – and soon revert to the adolescent bickering and posturing of their youth. Their mother Vi had died with Alzheimer’s, and the loss and rewriting of memories is a constant thread throughout the play. The oldest sister Teresa (Lucy Black) runs a health food business and seems to enjoy playing the family martyr, visiting their mother as she deteriorated and organising the funeral arrangements. Middle sister Mary (Laura Rogers) is a successful doctor and Catherine (Carolina Main) lurches from one doomed relationship to another like a perpetual teenager.

Black, Rogers and Main complement each other wonderfully, equally believable in comedic or tragic scenes, and Lizzy McInnerny is a superbly spiky Vi.

The very different sisters have very different recollections of some aspects of their life and can’t quite remember who certain events actually happened to, but they all agree that their mother was a difficult woman to love and mock her acceptance of their distant father’s philandering. Some of the attitudes of these nineties’ women seem as archaic and laughable now as those of the fifties and sixties seem to the sisters, but the relationship between the three women is written brilliantly as they swerve between bitchy attacks and heartfelt concern. The arrival of Mary’s married lover Mike (Adam James) and Teresa’s husband Frank (Kulvinder Ghir) add further complications, open old wounds and reveal family secrets as the tone lurches between belly laughs, philosophising and dark, still despair. This feels a little uneven at times but reflects the fluctuating moods of grief perfectly under Alice Hamilton’s assured direction.

Hull New Theatre – until 18 September 2021

Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

4****

Joyous, exuberant and excited and that was just the reviewer finally back at Hull New Theatre after what seems like forever. I wasn’t alone in that excitement as the expectation buzzed off the audience as we waited and it’s safe to say we were not disappointed. School of Rock is the perfect antidote to post covid blues – funny, uplifting, thoughtful in places and full of fabulous music. What is more we were being treated to a performance in the first week of the first UK tour of School of Rock.

Based on the movie written by Mike White, School of Rock tells the story of Dewey Finn (Jake Sharp) who is the perpetual boy child, the one with no thought for others, a slob and a freeloader. A failed rock star who believes that fame and fortune is just around the corner. In an unlikely turn of events, he impersonates his friend to become a stand in teacher at Horace Green Prep School, a prestigious private school and that is when the real fun starts. Initially he is dismissive of the children and to be honest his attitude to them made me cringe at times, not at all PC. Discovering they are talented musicians he hatches a plan to enter them in The Battle of the Bands, giving each of the children a role to play.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and the book by Julian Fellowes this is a quality West End level production. I was a little apprehensive when I realised the music was by Andrew Lloyd Webber, could he write rock music? But don’t worry the Lord can rock, the music is fabulous. I have not seen the film so can’t comment on any differences. It is a very Americanised production and some of the characters are stereotypical but it does not take itself too seriously and you will leave the theatre feeling great.

As Dewey Finn, Jake Sharp is the lynchpin of the story, constantly on stage. He is a superb slob, with all his physical traits adding to the awfulness of the character but somewhere along the line he wins us over and we end up loving him. He has a powerful voice and his relationship with the children is wonderful. A superb performance.

Rebecca Lock is excellent as the school principal Rosalie Mullins from prim and proper to letting her hair down with the poignant song “Where Did the Rock Go?”, a real anthem to the loss of youth and the importance of music.

However, the real stars of School of Rock are the children, their energy never fades, their musical skills outstanding and it is clear in the finale that they have loved every minute of it. Their delivery of “If Only You Would Listen” was heartbreaking, an ode to parents despairing that they don’t listen to their children. This contrasted with the sheer joy and exuberance of “Stick It to the Man”, this just made me want to dance with them.

A shout out should also go to the “Grown Up Band”, musical director Michael Riley providing the music.

Joyous, exuberant and exciting School of Rock celebrates music and the feel-good feeling and freedom that music gives us so maybe music is the star.

This is the start of the national tour so take the opportunity to rock with the School of Rock, I promise you’ll leave the theatre feeling so good.

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham – until 11 September 2021

Reviewed by Joanne Hodge

5*****

If you wanna rock, then come on feel the noize and have nothing but a good time with the cast of ‘Rock of Ages’.

Phil McCandlish (Production Manager), Morgan Large (Production Design) and Nick Winston (Director and Choreographer) have managed to stage a Wembley worthy rock concert on the theatre stage. All ages present, all unable to keep their hands still or bums on seats to some of the most epic rock anthems.

Set predominantly on Sunset Strip, the story of how two souls searching for fame, Sheree (Rhiannon Chesterman) and Drew (Luke Walsh), lose their way and opportunity for real love at the hands of Stacee Jaxx (star of Strictly Come Dancing, Kevin Clifton), who is the frontman of rock legends Arsenal.

The cast confidently portray the ‘behind the scenes’ antics of the rock music industry and it’s ‘Sex, Drugs & Rock n Roll’ image is brought to life and the reality made clear.

The LA strip is threatened by German father and son property developer team, Hertz and Franz, however Regina (former PA to the Mayor) seasoned protester takes matters into her own hands (including Franz, who along with the audience is surprised to find out he is not gay). Along with a team of demonstrators she eventually manages to secure the future of the Bourbon Room, which is a famous venue built along with the city on rock and roll.

Each cast member has a perfect set of lungs, to provide the power required to deliver such anthems and do them justice. I was astounded by the quality of voice, no more than that of ‘Kevin from Grimsby’ (Clifton), the shows star, who alongside his vocal performance managed to demonstrate choreography that we all know him for, including some fairly aggressive thrusting, whilst wearing white skinny jeans and a cowboy hat!!!

My personal star of the show has to be Lonny (Joe Gash) who is a team member at the Bourbon Room and very close friend of the owner Dennis Dupree. He engages the audience from the word go, he is the perfect rocker and whilst telling the story manages to do so in a way that makes it gossip like, which draws you in further ….. he has charm and wit in abundance and is very easy on the eye!!!

Impossible to keep feet and hands still, not sing along and not to laugh ….. this show is exactly what the Rock God’s ordered after a difficult 18 months, the ultimate feel good show. It was evident from the start that every cast member wanted to be on that stage and enjoyed the show equally if not more than those watching. 

Birmingham Repertory Theatre – until 25 September 2021

Reviewed by Nadia Dodd

4****

Having been a fan of the film, I was more than delighted to accept the invitation to go along to the press night of the theatre production. 25 years since the world premiere on the Birmingham REP’s stage.

A wonderful classic production set in Salford in the early 70’s shows life for an English-Pakistani family, their trials and tribulations are a small insight to what growing up for the 6 children/young adults would have been like for a mixed-race family during that time.

A great young cast were perfectly chosen it would appear, having the audience in fits of laughter and giggles when arguing as siblings do about helping around the house and being expected to help out their parents (especially their Dad) in the family business, a Fish and Chip Shop.

The only daughter of the family. Meenah, played by Amy-Leigh Hickman, known for parts in Ackley Bridge and the children’s TV series Tracey Beaker, was perfectly cast. Playing a stroppy teen born in England wanting to be accepted for who she was and not be excluded for the colour of her skin. Having 5 brothers she certainly gave as good as she got, and put them right in their place !

Along with the hilarious moments which was a real welcome treat after the 18 months or so that we have lived through, was a darker deeper side to the father of the family, George Khan, played by Tony Jayawardena, known also for a role in Ackley Bridge (Channel 4) and for many stage productions. George came to England from Pakistan with nothing and gradually built his own business, his pride and joy the fish and chip shop. Managed very well most of the time by his English wife Ella Khan, played by Sophie Stanton. George loves his mixed race family but does try to make them abide by Pakistani morals which they are not very keen on at all ! There are a few scenes of domestic abuse between George and Ella, then George and one of his sons, which is a stark contrast to the laughter we were all hearing a few scenes earlier. This is fantastic writing by Ayub Khan Din, the audience were really being drawn into the set of the living room when this was taking place.

This was my first theatre visit in just over 2 years and it was just what I needed to get back into the swing of it all. Fantastic theatre, amazing show and a truly wonderful atmosphere. The standing ovation as the cast took their final bow said it all – we are all glad to be back watching live performances. You have until the 25th September to experience East is East for yourself at the Birmingham Rep.

New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until 11 September 2021

Reviewed by Elizabeth J Smith

4****

When Grease hit our cinemas back in 1978 I was a wide eyed 13 year old enthralled by the story, the music and the Grease feeling. So much so as I went to see the film 6 times! This was a time before video tapes, DVD’s and streaming.

I am a huge fan, I knew the whole film of by heart and the sound track is still my go to album if I want a lift. So I was excited to be invited to the gala evening of Grease at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking.

As the audience arrived, with a number of Pink Ladies and T Bird’s you could feel the anticipation rising in the auditorium, we were all waiting to start toe tapping and silently singing along to our favourite show.

The scene was set with 50’s sounds and images playing on the opening curtain with the stage set visible behind the translucent curtain. The curtain rises and you hear the sugary, sickly, sweet voice of DJ Vince Fontaine introducing “Grease is the Word” it has begun.
The stage erupts with the cast and we meet the new but well loved characters.

Unfortunately, for me this production had reverted to calling the T Birds the Burger Palace Boys, BPB. This was the original name, but not one I knew, which for me felt foreign. Some of my best loved characters, like Eugene and Patty, didn’t have the same comic impact I’d seen in earlier performances and I began to feel slightly detached from the show. The BPB open with all the same banter and jostling of teenage boys and the giggly gossip of the Pink ladies, it’s feeling like home again, Summer Nights have returned.

Dan Partridge played the iconic John Travolta role of Danny Zuko. I liked his interpretation of this role. Much more bad boy, who doesn’t love a bad boy. He also had two songs from the original script and not in the film, How Big I’m Gonna Be, a solo about his ambitions for the future and with the male ensemble Tattoo Song. Both performed well but again alien from the Grease I know and love.

Georgia Louise, Sandy Dumbrowski, was Sandy. Her voice was fantastic but more operatic than school playground. Some scenes were played more of a resemblance to a Disney princess than the girl next door.

Tendai Rinomhota, Betty Rizzo, played it edgy. You could recognise her as a bit of a bully to
those not in her circle, but still showed the vulnerability of a teenager who could be knocked up! “Sandra Dee” lost it’s micking taking persona. However, “There are Worse Things I Could Do” showed her vocal talent and won me over.

Paul French, Kenickie, did feel like a bad boy with a well hidden heart. Grease Lightening was a lively number and the rework of the stable fist pump was ingenious. Although the audience still made the old moves.

The Burger Palace Boys were all played like true teenage boys with greater emphasis on sexual innuendo and awkwardness when around girls. The pink ladies stayed true to the much loved movie characters. Inez Budd, Marty, making her debut, proved her worth singing Freddy My Love, with passion and power of a teenager in love or so she thought. Haroun Al’Jeddal and Kalisha Johnson, stood out from the ensemble with their dance routines.

Peter Andre, played the smooth talking DJ Vince Fontaine with the essence of Elvis, James Brown, and someone who knows the effects of happy baccy. His Teen Angel was a truthful, sarcastic voice from above. This scene gave a new energy to Beauty School Drop Out with humour, great choreographer and superb costumes.

This production isn’t a replay of Grease the movie it has a much grittier feel, more street cred, less Hollywood sweetness. The songs were in a different order than I remember and the some scenes played out differently.

This production of Grease is a caricature of the movie, not in a bad way just different.
A die hard fan may feel little disconcerted with unfamiliar songs and strange layout but will still leave the theatre feeling uplifted and trying to repeat the words to Ram a Lama Lama
Kadingeekadingadong on their way home.