Wilton’s Music Hall announce Sally Dexter as first female Scrooge in their festive production of ‘Christmas Carol – a fairy tale by Piers Torday based on the story by Charles Dickens’
· Running 29 November – 4 January
· A brand-new reimagining of a Christmas classic written by Piers Torday
· Staged in the most festive venue in London, Wilton’s Music Hall
Christmas Carol – a fairy tale, the magical new production running at Wilton’s Music Hall this festive season today announces its stellar cast, with Olivier Award-winning Sally Dexter starring as the first ever female Scrooge to appear on a London stage.
Musical theatre legend and soap opera superstar Sally Dexter takes on the role of Fan Marley, the late Ebeneezer Scrooge’s sister who married Marley and who, as his widow, has inherited the business and his reputation as the meanest miser in town. Notorious as the lonely, penny-pinching and downright malicious misanthrope and despised by all who cross her path, three spirits visit Fan on Christmas Eve to show her why she must change her nasty ways.
Known to many as Emmerdale’sFaith Dingle, Sally has appeared in some of the West End’s most loved productions including Billy Elliot The Musical and Oliver! and won an Olivier Award for her performance inDalliance at the Lyttleton Theatre.
Joining Sally in this magical retelling of the Dickens classic will be Chisara Agor (The Wizard of Oz at Birmingham Rep, Bring It On at Southwark Playhouse), Joseph Hardy (The Cherry Orchard at Bristol Old Vic and Manchester Royal Exchange, Uncle Vanya at HOME Theatre) and Edward Harrison (The Strange Case of Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde at Storyhouse, Chester), Skellig at Nottingham Playhouse).
Brendan Hooper (The Homecoming and Pygmalion at The Citizens Theatre), Ruth Ollman (Still Alice, UK tour and The Turn of the Screw at Clapham Omnibus) and Yana Penrose (How Love is Spelt at Southwark Playhouse, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Regent’s Park Open Air) complete the cast, bringing the story to life on the stage of the world’s oldest music hall.
Brought to Wilton’s by the team behind the critically-acclaimed The Box of Delights, this adaptation has been written especially for Wilton’s Music Hall by children’s author Piers Torday (The Frozen Sea, The Last Wild), with design by Tom Piper and directed by Stephanie Street, previously seen in James Graham’s Quizand Nightwatchmen at the National Theatre.
Brimming with spellbinding magic, haunting music and out-of-this-world puppetry, arguably the most famous festive story ever written will be retold beautifully at the most Christmassy theatre in London.
FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE LONDON PREMIÈRE OF ZINNIE HARRIS’ MEET ME AT DAWN
Arcola Theatre in association with DOT Theatre presents
London première of
MEET ME AT DAWN
by Zinnie Harris
Director and Designer: Murat Daltaban; Lighting Designer: Cem Yılmazer
Sound Designer: Oğuz Kaplangı
9 October – 9 November 2019
Arcola Theatre in association with DOT Theatre today announce the full company for the London première of multi-award-winning writer Zinnie Harris’Meet Me at Dawn. Murat Daltaban directs Jessica Hardwick (Helen) and Marianne Oldham (Robyn).Meet Me at Dawn, which draws on the legend of Orpheus and Eurydice in this gripping tale of devotion and loss, opens on 16 October, with previews from 9 October and runs until 9 November.
“I was near to death but I got this incredible surge, this superhuman surge, and I swam. I swam.”
When a boat trip goes horribly wrong, Helen and her girlfriend Robyn find themselves stranded on an island in the middle of the sea. As the night draws in, it becomes clear that the island is not as it first appears. And neither are Helen and Robyn.
Meet Me at Dawn comes to London for the first time in a new production by Murat Daltaban, whose staging of Zinnie Harris’ Rhinoceros (after Ionesco) at the Edinburgh Lyceum won widespread acclaim in 2017.
Mehmet Ergen, Artistic Director of Arcola Theatre, said today, “We are thrilled to be working with DOT Theatre on this new staging of Zinnie Harris’ Meet Me at Dawn. Zinnie’s writing has received immense critical acclaim since her debut – as well as several major awards – and her impact on British theatre has been phenomenal. As one of Turkey’s most pioneering directors, Murat has been instrumental in bringing contemporary British writing to an international audience. Arcola Theatre has always endeavoured to make and support work which transcends location and language to tell stories for everyone. We are very excited to work with Zinnie and Murat on bringing their celebrated international partnership to London and I cannot wait to share Meet Me at Dawn with our audience.”
Zinnie Harris‘ credits includes Rhinoceros (after Inesco) (Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh), This Restless House (Citizens Theatre and Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh – Best New Play Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland), How To Hold Your Breath – Berwin Lee Award, Nightingale and Chase (Royal Court Theatre), The Wheel (National Theatre of Scotland – Fringe First Award, jointly won an Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Theatre Award and was shortlisted for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize), The Message on the Watch, The Panel (Tricycle Theatre), a new version of A Doll’s House (Donmar Warehouse), and her 2000 play Further than the Furthest Thing won the Peggy Ramsay Foundation Award, a Fringe First, and the John Whiting Award. For television, her work includes Legacy, Partners in Crime, and Spooks.
Jessica Hardwick plays Helen. Her theatre work includes Cyrano de Bergerac (National Theatre of Scotland and Citizens Theatre), The Strange Undoing Of Prudencia Hart (National Theatre of Scotland New York Transfer and US Tour), Knives and Hens (Perth Theatre), The Rivals (Bristol Old Vic),Lanark (Edinburgh International Festival and Citizens Theatre), MissJulie (Citizens Theatre) Crime and Punishment (Citizens Theatre/Liverpool Playhouse/Edinburgh Lyceum), Rhinoceros, The Venetian Twins (Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh), The Fair Intellectual Club, Slope (Citizens Theatre and Traverse), and ThreeSisters (Tron Theatre and King’s Theatre Edinburgh). For television, her work includes Float; and for film, Snow Angel.
Marianne Oldham plays Robyn. Her theatre work includes hang (Sheffield Theatres), A Monster Calls, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (The Old Vic), The Argument (Hampstead Theatre), The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (Chichester Festival Theatre), Sons Without Fathers (Arcola Theatre, Belgrade Theatre Coventry), You Can Still Make a Killing (Southwark Playhouse) and The Real Thing (ETT). For television, her work includes A Very English Scandal, The Living and The Dead, Life in Squares, Obsession, The Musketeers and The Crimson Field; and for film, Finding Your Feet, Absolutely Anything, Silent Girl and Titus.
Murat Daltaban directs. As Artistic Director of DOT in Istanbul, his directing credits include The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, The Human Ear, Meet Me At Dawn, Rhinoceros ( Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Lyceum Theatre – for which he won the 2018 Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland Best Director Prize), How To Hold Your Breath, Midwinter, Fight Night, Dalgety, Housekeeping, Fragile, Beautiful Burnout, Mandrel, Pornography, Shopping and Fucking, The Storyteller, Mercury Fur, Bug, and Love and Understanding. His other directing credits Let The Right One In (Zorlu PSM), Festen (Dotkoleksiyonda), Shoot/ Get Treasure/ Repeat (Dotatbilsar), and the forthcoming Incendies, and Mrs Puntila and herMan Matti (Edinburgh Lyceum Theatre, Glasgow Citizens Theatre).
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED EMMERDALE ACTOR KELVIN FLETCHER JOINS STRICTLY LINE-UP SO FORMER STRICTLY STAR COMES TO ST HELENS
Regal Entertainments has announced Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor will join the cast of Aladdin at St Helens Theatre Royal for its festive panto production.
The dance professional replaces the previously announced former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, who has joined this year’s Strictly line-up as a late addition after Jamie Laing had to withdraw due to injury – and is therefore now unable to appear at St Helens this Christmas.
Robin Windsor waltz’s into St Helens Theatre Royal to join a fantastic cast in Aladdin, which runs from Saturday 7 December 2019 through to Sunday 12 January 2020.
Robin’s illustrious career in dance began aged just three when his parents enrolled him in dance lessons. From the outset, he studied both ballroom and Latin, and has since gone on to compete in those genres at the highest-level representing England both domestically and on the international stage.
In 2001, Robin was cast in the ground-breaking and critically acclaimed dance show Burn The Floor, which he toured the globe with for a decade, culminating in a nine-month run on Broadway. During his time on in the show, Robin was cast as a lead dancer. He fulfilled a childhood ambition in 2013 when he returned to Burn The Floor, headlining the show in the West End.
Robin’s talent has also seen him be part of Dancing With The Stars in Australia, and So You Think You Can Dance in Holland. He was also asked to assist in the choreography for the Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance. Robin began his time with Strictly in 2010, and his partners have included Anita Dobson, Patsy Kensit, Lisa Riley, and Deborah Meaden.
Robin Windsor commented: “I love the audiences in the North-West and can’t wait to join the gang in St. Helens, I’ve heard they’re a rowdy bunch! I’ve played the Genie in the past and am over the moon to be playing the main man “rubbing his lamp as” Aladdin this year. I love Christmas and panto is the cherry on top – it’s so fabulous to have a show that kids, nans and everyone in between can all enjoy. It’s usually the first time that kids get to go into a theatre – it’s so special to be part of that experience, I can’t get enough of the energy, there’s nothing like it!”
Robin joins Olivia Sloyan, Scott Gallagher, Philip McGuinness, Jenna O’Hara, Kai Jolley, and Si Foster to complete the cast.
No stranger to St Helens Theatre Royal stage, Olivia Sloyan join the all-star line-up as PrincessJasmine. Her theatre credits include Sue in Rita, Sue and Bob Too, Tia in The Salon and both Linda and Brenda in Blood Brothers.
Kai Jolley has recently starred in the comedy, Stop!…The Play in Liverpool and St Helens and also played Steve – Head of Security in Jerry Springer – The Opera in Manchester. He will play in Aladdin as the Genie of the Lamp.
After his role of Gaston in the Beauty and the Beast at the St Helens theatre, Philip McGuinness will return as the villainous Abanazer in Aladdin.
As Slave of the Ring, Jenna-Sian O’Hara who has played in Achy Breaky Bride will also join the cast.
And of course, no St Helens Theatre Royal panto would be complete without its resident dame, the hilarious Si Foster will be up to his usual comedy capers as WidowTwankey.
There’s nothing Wishee Washee (played by Scott Gallagher) about Regal Entertainments’ spectacular panto which will whisk audiences off to Old Peking for a genie-ous adventure this Christmas.
Join hero Aladdin as he battles the evil Abanazer and his dastardly plan to rule the world with the help of one very special lamp. With larger-than-life washerwoman mum Widow Twankey, hapless Wishee Washee, the Genie of the Lamp, Slave of the Ring and a beautiful princess, this is a show full of eastern promise.
St Helens Theatre Royal Manager, Chantelle Nolan, added: “We’re already counting down the days and weeks until we welcome Aladdin to St Helens for Christmastime 2019. We’re delighted to welcome Robin to our fantastic cast, and we’re sure with his smooth ballroom and Latin dance moves, Aladdin will promise audiences an unmissable performance.”
St Helens Theatre Royal invites audiences on a magical carpet ride this Christmas time when Aladdin flies in from Saturday 7 December 2019 to Sunday 12 January 2020.
Tickets are on sale now! Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
Dates: Saturday 7 December 2019 – Sunday 12 January 2020
Times: Various
Tickets: From £13*
*All prices are inclusive of a £1 per seat transaction fee. On-line bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat on-line processing fee.
THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS
Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office, Corporation Street, St. Helens, Merseyside WA10 1LQ (Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm). Alternatively, call 01744 756 000 or log on to: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com.
Sheffield Theatres, Crucible Studio – until 28 September 2019
Reviewed by Ian K Johnson
5*****
Reasons to Stay Alive is the true story of Matt Haigs struggle with depression and thoughts of suicide.
The play opens on stage with what looks like the inside of a persons brain. The brain opens up and we have on stage two guys playing the role of Matt (Phil Cheadle plays the older Matt while Mike Noble is the younger Matt). The older Matt is on stage telling the audience how things could have taken a different turn of events. We see the younger Matt talking to himself and counting steps to reach the top of a cliff which he contemplates jumping off. Older Matt tells him to stop and think of what he’s planning to do, to be told he has nothing to live for and is going to jump. Matt asks his younger self if he has anyone in his life to which he reply’s mother, father and a girlfriend, Older Matt tells him these are ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’. Older Matt tells him things will get better and to think of those who care for him. This leaves young Matt thinking of what he’s said and manages to climb down the cliff.
We then have flashbacks into how Matts life was back when he was working in Ibiza with his girlfriend Andrea (Janet Etuk), during nights partying with friends things start to materialise in Matts brain showing the audience that something isn’t quite right with him. He starts to spend his days in bed, no energy or inclination to get up, wanting, begging Andrea to stay with him. She has to continue going out to earn money to enable them to stay in Ibiza. Matts boss (Dilek Rose) calls to see Matt and cant see how ill he is. Andrea has to point out how unwell Matt is and decides to take him back home to Hull to stay with his parents (Chris Donnelly and Connie Walker). Matt falls into a deep depression and after being treated at the hospital starts medication and a long struggle to get back to some normality.
Mike Noble plays his part with so much emotion, his expressions take on a roller coaster of so many feelings of loss, grief and a void that no one will ever know.
During the play we are informed of many sentences, words, comments that folk think need to be said but don’t offer any help or support to people that are depressed.
This production is Co produced by Jonathan Watkins and adapted by April De Angelis.
Following on from its performances in Sheffield the production tours to Bristol Old Vic, HOME Manchester, York Theatre Royal, Leeds Playhouse, Northern Stage and Lawrence Batley Theatre and tours until 16th November.
New Victoria Theatre, Woking, until 21 September, then touring
Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert
4****
This Cinderella is retold in a Russian setting, and it has a charming, pop-up picturebook look, with costumes inspired by Russian traditions and folk art. Choreographer and director David Nixon has avoided pantomime conventions but still provides plenty of enchantment. Instead of a fairy godmother, there’s a magician (Mlindi Kulashe) who does a very nifty spell to turn kitchen rags into a sparkly ball gown. He also transforms a kitchen stove into a coach drawn by cuddlesome dogs that should delight children in the audience.
If you are taking children, you might need to explain the slightly amended plot. The opening scenes show Cinderella as a child, who loses her father in an accident partly caused by the stepsisters. The stepmother blames Cinders and packs her off to work in the kitchen. Actually this backstory makes more sense than the usual version. Cinderella is saved because she is good: she helps the magician and he repays the favour.
The dancing is graceful and lovely, as far as this non-expert can tell. The acting is also very good. Rachel Gillespie is a sweet young Cinders, and Antoinette Brooks-Daw takes over as a radiant older Cinderella. The stepmother (Minju Kang) is splendidly chilly, and the stepsisters (Kyungka Kwak and Ayami Miyata) are convincingly mean rather than ugly. There’s a street fair with a dancing bear, skating scenes on a crystal lake, and a pretty (though rather long) ballroom scene. In a surprise plot twist (spoiler alert), the prince (Sean Bates) initially turns down Cinderella – seemingly because she has washing-up hands. My companion did briefly hope that Cinders would reject him and go off with the magician, but all ends well, in a swirl of sparkly magic dust.
Seeing this on a hot September day felt like an early taste of Christmas. If you’ve had a surfeit of over-the-top pantos, this is a subtler alternative, with bags of charm. It was first put on in 2013, and has a specially commissioned score by Philip Feeney, played with spirit by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.
Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until Saturday 21 September 2019
Reviewed by Leanne Caplis
4****
Directed by Stephen Daldry the classic thriller An Inspector Calls is playing as part of its tour at The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton where it runs until Saturday 21st September 2019.
With an opening night audience of mainly school children the house was sold out. It is clear to see that this thriller is still enjoyed by old and young alike. With deafening applause and whooping I believe I could hear the faint sound of an air raid siren as the curtain went up.
In the middle of an eerie street with rain pouring down and street urchins running about in the mist there stands the magnificent home of the upper class Birling family. Hats off to the production team as the house on stilts is one of the most remarkable bit of staging I have seen thus far at the theatre.
Whilst the Birling family celebrate the engagement of Sheila Birling (Chloe Horrock) and Gerald Croft (Alasdair Buchan) little do they know that their fun is about to come to an abrupt end with the arrival of Inspector Goole (Liam Brennan).
One by one Goole interrogates each family member to reveal their snobbish, stuck up and down right arrogant behaviour to make them realise the part they could have played in the suicide of a young woman. Who was to blame? Was it Arthur Birling (Jeffrey Harmer) who would not agree to a pay rise? Was it this that led her into the arms of other men? A love affair and an unplanned child saw the woman homeless and destitute and turning to ask for charity from Sybil Birling (Christine Kavanagh) but was abruptly turned away.
The clever storyline makes the actions of different classes at the turn of the century as relevant as those chosen by some today. An emotional speech, a plea for tolerance, by Goole makes everybody consider their own morality. It will most certainly leave you questioning how you react to and treat those around you.
I found it difficult at times to follow what was being said and I can only guess that there were some sound issues on the night. That said all actors played their parts amazingly well. Jeffrey Harmer as Arthur Birling really stood out for me. His obnoxious and snobby ways saw him constantly reminding those who would listen about his time as Mayor and his position in society. Alasdair Buchan as Gerlad Croft oozed privilege and disregard for those who were inferior to him; he will be easy to liken to those snobs we all might know.
A real whodunnit story with plot twists and turns throughout kept me fully engrossed in this show. Would I have guessed what was to come… certainly not! For those studying this at GCSE and for those that enjoy a thriller this is definitely a must see.
WITH AN EXCITING SEASON OF THEATRE, MUSIC, COMEDY AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT TO COME THIS AUTUMN
On Monday 16 September 2019, Dame Judi Dench formally re-dedicated the Ashcroft Playhouse at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls to her friend and Croydon-born fellow actress Dame Peggy Ashcroft.
The award-winning actress unveiled the People’s Picture, a giant commemorative mosaic by artist Helen Marshall, before taking to the stage in the Ashcroft Playhouse for a live Q and A with broadcaster John Hannam, and Ashcroft’s biographer and Guardian theatre critic Michael Billington OBE, with questions from local drama GCSE and A-Level students. She was joined by local spoken word poet Darren Randon from Well Verked ink, who performed a special commission.
This event kicked off a week of special events, marking the reopening of the iconic venue, following a multi-million pound Croydon council-led restoration.
The mural unveiling and Q&A was followed by a civic ceremony where the Mayor of London Sadiq Kahn formally opened the main venue and unveiled a plaque in his name, following speeches from the Leader of Croydon Council, Councillor Tony Newman; cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport and Councillor Oliver Lewis, and BH Live’s Venue & Artistic Director for Fairfield Halls Neil Chandler.
The audience enjoyed performances from Silvastone with the London Mozart Players, and Shaniqua Benjamin, spoken word artist and Founder of Young People’s Insight. Shaniqua performed a special commission, A Palace of Magic and Memories, dedicated to Fairfield Halls. Councillor Alison Butler, Deputy Leader of Croydon Council, then concluded the ceremony by formally handing over the keys of the building to operators BH Live.
Artistic and Venue Director Neil Chandler said: “To be custodians of this wonderful venue is a privilege and we are delighted to now begin what we are here to do, to deliver a diverse programme of arts, culture, events, entertainment and education for the people of Croydon and its wider communities.”
Councillor Tony Newman, Leader of Croydon Council, said: “Today is a great day for Croydon. We’re proud to have restored this magnificent building, but also to have transformed its cultural offer so that it truly reflects 21st century Croydon – exciting, vibrant, rich in opportunity and open to all.”
Gipton Working Men’s Club, Leeds – Tuesday 17 September 2019
Reviewed By Dawn Smallwood
5*****
Red Ladder Theatre invariably connects to what matters for all walks of life including communities across many town and cities especially hosting performances at non-theatre spaces. Gipton, an East Leeds neighbourhood, is no exception and this company brings their latest production The Parting Glass, written by Chris O’Connor and following on from The Life and Soul, at the Working Men Club which is intimately hosted and draws a sell out audience.
The Parting Glass explores masculinity and mental health, issues which are evidently big concerns in all communities and addresses them with dialogue and also shares what support is available. Masculinity and mental health have never gone hand in hand and hence the widespread stigma and tragic consequences that follow including depression and cases of suicide. This play voices about everyone having mental health, good and not so good, and that everyone can either experience.
Before The Parting Glass, Tony Spirett who is writer/performance is invited to the stage and performs an excellent The Girl Across The Street. This monologue has comedic, consequential and reflective narrative. This links to his life revolving around dancing at the legendary Northern Soul every Saturday night at the Wigan Casino and his life after he meets Julie on the street. He draws on his eventual relationships with the past and present and realises what really matters.
After a very brief interval The Parting Glass begins and stars Jim (Tom Swift) and Sara (Alyce Liburd), two locals, who share their life journeys. They appear at first “normal” and “uneventful” and their mutual longing to be happy. Jim is gregarious and his past times are being with his friends at the pub, betting football scores and being at the football matches supporting Leeds United. It seems that the football ground is the only place where Jim can truly express himself. Sara on the other hand is an explorer physically and figuratively. She is able to sum up imaginatively, picturesquely and comically the state of society especially with social media and its dis-connective impact particularly among children whose lives revolve round the “Black Mirror” (smart phones). Poignantly, Jim also shares how a “cloud” lingers over him, feeling trapped mentally and having a sense of not belonging, and this intensifies even more over time. There seems to be some happiness and hope, temporary unknown at the time, when both Jim and Sara meet and begin dating. However Sara suspects that things are not alright with Jim which is evident with his excessive drinking and the amount of time spent on social media. Besides he couldn’t able to share with her how he really felt. Jim’s mental and emotional plight leads to fateful consequences which changed both the couple’s lives and more so tragically with Jim’s at the time of his 30th Birthday.
It is a very powerful and moving play, under the direction of Rod Dixon, with thought provoking topical content packed in short period of time. It certainly and strongly portrays the issues of mental health in men which sadly still draws stigma and discrimination in today’s society. Both Swift and Liburb emotively portray well the characters particularly their humorous sides and also their vulnerable ones. It is heartening to see Red Ladder Theatre Company give such issues a voice to be heard by many from this well done production. This production is tragic however reflection and impetus can come out of which can aspire and inspire many to creatively and innovatively support men in need as well as everyone.
MICHAEL BRANDON, BRENDA EDWARDS, DANIELLE HOPE AND CLARE HALSE
JOIN THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED
DANNY MAC AND DAN BURTON IN
IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS
FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON
AT LONDON’S DOMINION THEATRE FROM 16 NOVEMBER 2019 – 4 JANUARY 2020
Jamie Wilson, Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Kevin McCollum are delighted to announce full casting for the Made at Curve production of Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS at London’s Dominion Theatre from Saturday 16 November 2019 – Saturday 4 January 2020.
Michael Brandon will play General Henry Waverly, Brenda Edwards Martha Watson, Danielle Hope Betty Haynes and Clare Halse Judy Haynes. They will be joined by the previously announced Danny Mac as Bob Wallace and Dan Burton as Phil Davis, who both reprise their acclaimed roles following the successful run at Curve, Leicester in 2018.
Michael Brandon is probably best known for starring in the classic 80’s television series Dempsey and Makepeace. His most recent television credits include four seasons as Elliot Salad in Episodes with Matt Le Blanc. His theatre credits include creating the role of Jerry Springer in Jerry Springer The Opera at the National Theatre, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award as Best Actor in a Musical, Singin’ in the Rain at the Palace Theatre in the West End and the New York productions of The Lady and the Clarinet with Stockard Channing and Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie? with Al Pacino on Broadway.
Brenda Edwards first came to the public’s attention when she became a semi-finalist in the 2005 series of ITV1’s The X Factor. Since then, she has become one of the most sought-after leading ladies in musical theatre. Her many West End and touring credits include Killer Queen in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre and on the original UK Tour, Mama Morton in Chicago at the Cambridge Theatre and the 10th Anniversary Gala, Nettie Fowler in Carousel at the London Coliseum, Pearl Pastor in Carmen Jones at the Royal Festival Hall, Esta in Moby Dick at the Union Theatre and most recently Motormouth Maybelle in the UK tour of Hairspray. Brenda is also a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women.
Danielle Hope is best known for winning Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit BBC television series Over The Rainbow resulting in her playing the leading role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Her other West End credits include the title role in Snow White, also at the London Palladium and Eponine in Les Misèrables at Queen’s Theatre. Her UK touring credits include Sandy in Grease, Maria in The Sound of Music, The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and most recently Sherrie in Rock of Ages.
Clare Halse most recently played the lead role of Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Clare’s other West End credits include Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre, Wicked at the Apollo Victoria and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Shrek The Musical, both at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Her UK touring credits include Amber Von-Tussle in Hairspray.
Danny Mac’s many theatre credits include Joe Gillis in the recent tour of Sunset Boulevard, Gabey in On The Town at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and the West End productions of Wicked and Legally Blonde. He can currently be seen as Nino in the UK tour of Amelie. Danny captured the nation’s hearts and received overwhelming support during his incredible time on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, making it all the way to the final.
Dan Burton was nominated for an Olivier for his performance as Tulsa in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre. His other West End credits include Jersey Boys, The Pajama Game, Chicago, Legally Blonde, Betty Blue Eyes and Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall.
The rest of the cast includes Stephane Anelli, Delycia Belgrave, Sophie Camble, Matthew Caputo, Jordan Crouch, Aimee Hodnett, Michael Lin, Robbie McMillan, Jo Morris, Oliver Ramsdale, Erin Rushidi, Kayleigh Thadani, Sion Tudor Owen, Alexandra Waite-Roberts, Sasha Walters, Matthew Whennell-Clark, Jack Wilcox, Anna Woodside and Freya Yates.
A timeless romantic comedy to warm hearts of all ages, WHITE CHRISTMAS features the classic songs “Blue Skies”, “Sisters” and the most famous festive song of all… “White Christmas”.
WHITE CHRISTMAS has Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin and a Book by David Ives and Paul Blake. It is Directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Annie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and Choreographed by two-time Olivier Award-winning choreographer Stephen Mear (Mary Poppins, Gypsy). Set Design is by Michael Taylor and Costume Design is by Diego Pitarch. Musical Supervision is by Stephen Brooker, Lighting Design by Mark Henderson and Sound Design by Tom Marshall. Orchestrations are by Larry Blank with New Musical arrangements by Jason Carr.
Presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of R&H Theatricals.
WHITE CHRISTMAS is produced by Jamie Wilson, Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin with Hunter Arnold, Jason Haigh-Ellery, Laurence Myers, InTheatre, Curve, Carlos Candal and Kevin McCollum.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the award-winning feel good musical sensation, is delighted to welcome back Phil Nichol as he reprises his role of Hugo/Loco Chanelle and thrilled to announce Melissa Jacques will step up into the role of Margaret New from 30 September 2019.
Phil Nichol played Hugo/Loco Chanelle in the original West End cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Melissa steps up to play Margaret, having understudied this role for over a year. She follows in the footsteps of Rebecca McKinnis, who also landed the role of Margaret from her understudy position, and now moves on to play Heidi Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen.
Joining Phil and Melissa are Alexander Archer as Mickey, Tilly La Belle Yengo as Fatimah and Gillian Ford as understudy Margaret, Miss Hedge and Ray.
Nica Burns, Producer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie said:
Sad as we are to lose Rebecca Mckinnis, we are delighted that she is leaving to play the role of Heidi Hansen for the UK premiere of the Broadway hit, Dear Evan Hansen. Rebecca started with Jamie as understudy 2 years ago and was promoted into the leading role of Margaret New and made it her own. It is wonderful to see Melissa Jacques following in her footsteps as she too steps up to the role of Margaret. Like Rebecca, Melissa is a terrific actress with a fantastic voice. There is an extraordinary wealth of performing talent in the UK and it is exciting to see artists developing within a company and establishing themselves as lead performers. A big welcome back to comedian and actor Phil Nichol who so brilliantly originated the role of Loco Chanelle at the Apollo.
Phil Nichol’s previous theatre credits include: The Machine (MIF, Armory NY Directed by Josie Rourke), One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (Gielgud Theatre), appearing alongside Bill Bailey in Twelve Angry Men (Assembly Rooms, directed by Guy Masterson) and starring in the original West End production of Taboo with Boy George.
Television and film credits include: Man Down (C4), the first series of Catastrophe (C4), Siblings (BBC), Uncle (BBC), as well as playing Terry Gilliam in Holy Flying Circus, BBC4’s BAFTA nominated drama about the Pythons and the feature Confetti directed by Debbie Isitt for BBC Films.
As the Artistic Director of Comedians’ Theatre Company, Phil has produced and starred in over 15 shows in the past 12 years including True West, School for Scandal, Killer Joe, Gagarin Wayand Talk Radio, directed by Stewart Lee.
Phil is also a stand up comedian – he gigs regularly on the UK and international comedy circuit and, having been nominated twice previously, won the 2006 Edinburgh Comedy Award. He is lead singer of the glam rock band Muscle.
Melissa Jacques trained at The Constance Grant Dance Centre, Sheffield and London School of Musical Theatre.
Theatre includes: Trish in Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre) Wicked, Midwife, Madame Morrible Cover (Victoria Palace); Original cast member of Mamma Mia! (London), alternate ‘Donna’ and understudying all of ‘The Dynamos’; My Fair Lady (Esplanade Theatre, Singapore); Chess (Spektrum Arena, Oslo); Company, Into the Woods (Derby Playhouse); The Full Monty (UK tour); Spend, Spend, Spend (West Yorkshire Playhouse & UK tour); A Slice of Saturday Night, Oliver, Beauty and the Beast (Theatre Royal, Lincoln); Little Shop of Horrors (Millfield Theatre); Me and My Girl, Crazy for You (Aberystwyth).
Workshops include: We Will Rock You, Desperately Seeking Susan, Blag, Paris Thunder.
Melissa was one-sixth of the close vocal harmony group The Unconventionals who released their album Flower to the People.
Phil and Melissa will join cast members: Layton Williams (Jamie New), Alex Anstey (Laika Virgin), Alexander Archer (Mickey), Luke Baker (Dean Paxton), Marvyn Charles (Swing), Marlon G Day (Dad), Momar Diagne, Zahra Jones (Becca), James Gillan (Tray Sophisticay), Daniel Jacob (Sandra Bollock), Emily Kenwright (Vicki), Sejal Keshwala (Ray), Luke Latchman (Sayid), Jordan Laviniere (Cy), Harriet Payne (Bex), Rachel Price (Swing), Sabrina Sandhu (Pritti Pasha), Rita Simons (Miss Hedge), Biancha Szynal (Swing), Adam Taylor (Swing), Ziggy Tyler Taylor (Levi) and Tilly La Belle Yengo (Fatimah).
Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield.
Jamie doesn’t quite fit in.
Jamie is terrified about the future.
Jamie is going to be a sensation.
Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. With catchy songs by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, and book and lyrics by writer Tom MacRae, this funny, fabulous, feel-good, musical sensation has been wowing audiences and critics alike. Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true.
Watch the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie trailer here.
