Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham – 14th March 2026

Reviewed by Emma Millward

5*****

Making its debut at the Old Joint Stock Theatre, House of Allure Speakeasy offers an exciting evening (or afternoon) of cabaret, drag, and burlesque. The show captures the spirit of vintage nightlife while celebrating the bold creativity of Birmingham’s alternative performance scene. With glamour, humour, and striking stagecraft, it transports the audience into a world of playful excess and theatrical mischief.

Led by “The Queen of Birmingham Burlesque” Dominus von Vexo, the show brings together a diverse lineup of performers. Joining the stage are Tristan Treble, Enrico Touché, Sofeya, Mimi Mariama, and Amarise, each contributing their own unique performance style that keeps the evening varied and entertaining. Every performer brings their own creative flair to the stage. Hosting the evening is Locques La Roux, whose confident stage presence and sharp comedic timing guide the audience smoothly through the performance. Locques maintains the swift pace of the show with ease and playfully handles any heckles thrown his way. Meanwhile, stage manager Vinca De Fleur keeps the audience entertained during transitions. Rather than allowing scene changes to slow the momentum, her appearances amuse the audience while the stage is reset for the next act.

The performances highlight the rich range of styles within cabaret and burlesque. Elegant striptease routines sit alongside stylised dance, glamorous showgirl numbers and moments of theatrical comedy. Sofeya’s hypnotic belly dancing provided calmer moments to the show’s otherwise hectic energy, while the showgirl-inspired routines add a touch of classic charm. Comedic performances inject playful absurdity that keeps the audience consistently entertained. Tristan Treble’s ‘The Paint Stripper’ act with multiple layers of boiler suits being removed, and Dominus Von Vexo’s hilarious dance and lip-sync to Special from Avenue Q (made even funnier by a dental mouth guard) were both highlights of the show for me.

Audience interaction also plays a memorable role in the evening. During one of Enrico Touché’s comic routines, I was unexpectedly invited to assist with what appeared to be a wardrobe emergency, tasked with pulling a loose thread from his flapper dress. What began as a simple attempt to tidy the costume quickly escalated into comic chaos as the thread continued to unravel, prompting mock outrage as he theatrically branded me a “bad lady.” Meanwhile, my guest was drawn into the action multiple times during the evening, first to join Enrico for an impromptu dance, and later to provide rhythmic accompaniment by squeezing a plastic pig in time like a comic heartbeat. These moments of playful audience participation really bring a sense of spontaneity and shared enjoyment that lies at the heart of cabaret performance. A key strength of House of Allure Speakeasy is the ability to create an immersive atmosphere. The venue’s intimate setting allows audiences to feel closely connected to the performers. The Old Joint Stock is the perfect venue for this kind of show.

Beyond the visual spectacle, the production also reflects the collaborative spirit of Birmingham’s cabaret and drag communities. That spirit will continue later this year as the team behind the show host and produce Birmingham’s first drag and burlesque festival, taking place from 6–8 November across several city venues including the Old Joint Stock Theatre, Old Rep Theatre and Eden Bar.

Ultimately, House of Allure Speakeasy proves to be a bold, stylish and inventive showcase of Birmingham’s thriving cabaret scene. With its mix of striking performances from a talented ensemble and spontaneous audience interaction, the show is a lively reminder of the enduring power of live cabaret to surprise, delight and captivate audiences.

LAMBCO Productions
presents 

Full cast announced for the premiere of 

Entertaining MURDERA murder mystery musical
Book, Music and Lyrics by Chris Burgess
Directed by Chris Burgess

Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Highgate Village London N6 4BD
23 April – 10 May

Alex Cosgriff, Dora Gee, Sue Kelvin, Daisy Snelson and Dominic Sullivan will star in the world premiere of the murder mystery musical, Entertaining MURDER.

Alex Cosgriff (Percy Thompson) was Pop in We Will Rock You (Royal Caribbean); George Mallory in Mallory and the Mountain (The Lowry) and #3 in Climb Way Up and Jewish Hollywood (Hope Mill Theatre).
Dora Gee (Young Avis) was recently nominated Best Performer in a Musical in The Stage Debut Awards for The Mad Ones at The Other Palace (“Possessing powerhouse vocals, Gee navigates the emotional trajectory of the production with breathtaking skill” – The Stage).
Sue Kelvin (Avis) has featured in many West End productions including playing Madame Morrible in Wicked, Louise in Private Lives, Despina in Onassis, Golda in Fiddler on the Roof, Mama Morton in Chicago, Mrs Bumble in Oliver!, Emma Goldman in Assassins, Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables, plus Auntie in Travelling Light and Eunice in A Streetcar Named Desire (both National Theatre).
Daisy Snelson (Edith Thompson) is about to star in Arthur & Marilyn at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre. Her credits also include Sondheim Unplugged (The Other Palace).
Dominic Sullivan (Freddy Bywaters) was Darryl in Supersonic Man (Southwark Playhouse) and  Peregrine in Young Sherlock (MGM/Amazon).

In the 1950s, Edith Thompson was accused of colluding with her lover to murder her husband. But did she?

The Old Bailey trial became a huge cause célèbre, with people queuing for days to get tickets to see whether she is found innocent or guilty.

Edith’s lover, Freddy, claimed throughout that Edith was totally innocent and that the murder was his idea alone. But what did the jury decide?

Entertaining Murder is a murder-mystery-musical that answers the questions that still hover over this true crime case of lies, lust, love letters… and laudanum.

After successful sell-out public readings and workshop performances this is the premiere of the full production, including new songs and a retro 1920s design.

Writer and director Chris Burgess has premiered 10 previous shows at Upstairs at the Gatehouse: It’s Only Make Believe, Iceberg Right Ahead!, The Jewish Legends, The Great Jewish American Songbook, That’s Jewish Entertainment, Bette Midler and Me, A Night at the Oscars, The MGM Story, Elton John: It’s a Little Bit Funny and Jewish Hollywood.

Robbie O’Reilly Choreographer
Aaron Clingham Musical Director
Richard Lambert Lighting Designer

LAMBCO Productions
presents

the premiere of
Entertaining MURDER
Book, Music and Lyrics by Chris Burgess

Directed by Chris Burgess

Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Highgate Village
London
N6 4BD

23 April – 10 May

Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm

Saturday matinee at 3pm
Sunday matinee at 4pm

Tickets: £25.00
(concs £23.00)

Box Office: 020 8340 3488

www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR UK PREMIERE TOUR OF 

THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL 

BASED ON THE COLUMBIA PICTURES MOTION PICTURE

THE KARATE KID WRITTEN BY ROBERT MARK KAMEN

Book by Robert Mark Kamen   Music & Lyrics by Drew Gasparini

UK TOUR FROM 28 APRIL | CANADIAN PREMIERE FROM SEPTEMBER 

PRIOR TO THE WEST END AND BROADWAY 

Producers Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore, Kenny Wax, Michael Wolk, Jack Lane and Leo Stages today announce the full casting for the UK premiere production of THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL. Based on the smash hit Columbia Pictures motion picture, this new stage adaptation features a book by Robert Mark Kamen,screenwriter of the original 1984 film that launched a 40-year global franchise, and music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini. The production will embark on a UK tour beginning in April 2026, before heading to Toronto from September, where it will make its Canadian premiere.

Adrian Pang will lead the company as Mr. Miyagi, with Gino Ochello as Daniel LaRusso, Abigail Amin as Ali Mills, Joe Simmons as Johnny Lawrence, Matt Mills as John Kreese, Sharon Sexton as Lucille LaRusso, and Finley Oliver as Freddie Fernandez.

The ensemble includes Ambra Caserotti, Johndeep More, Ria Tanaka, Elena Breschi, Aden Dzuda, Elliott Evans, El Haq Latief, Isaac J Lewis, Emily Rose-Davis, Aaron Archer, Dylan Blake-Colbet, Serenar Douch, Esme Rothero and Sok-Ho Trinh.

Adrian Pang is an acclaimed Singaporean performer whose extensive stage career spans the UK and Asia. Credits include the title roles in Hamlet and Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, The Grand Babylon Hotel, The Glass Menagerie, Little Shop of Horrors, Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple and The God of Carnage. In 2024 he portrayed Ying Ruocheng in the world premiere of Salesman in China at the Stratford Festival in Ontario, later reprising the role at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

Gino Ochello, a Gibraltar-born performer and singer makes his professional stage debut as Daniel LaRusso. Abigail Amin a recent Arts Ed graduate, recently completed filming James Graham’s feature film Inkdirected by Danny Boyle. Joe Simmons also recently graduated from ArtsEd, with credits including Cruel Intentions (UK Tour) and Pippin (West End).

Matt Mills’ theatre credits include MJ the Musical (West End), Dreamgirls (UK Tour), Tina – The Tina Turner Musical (West End), Motown the Musical (UK Tour) and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (UK Tour).

Sharon Sexton is an award-winning Irish West End performer, best known for originating the role of Sloane in Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell: The Musical in the West End and internationally. Her extensive UK theatre credits include Donna in Mamma Mia! (international tour), A Night with Janis Joplin (Peacock Theatre), The Liza Minnelli Story (Edinburgh Fringe/UK Tour) and the original cast of The Commitments (West End). She has performed widely in concert, including performances at the Royal Albert Hall and with the RTÉ National Concert Orchestra.

The UK tour opens at New Wimbledon Theatre on Tuesday 28 April before visiting Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sheffield, Sunderland, Birmingham and Cardiff until 1 August. The Toronto season opens in September. Tickets are on sale at all venues.

The original 1984 film, The Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi was a global box office success and critical triumph, earning Morita an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The story fast became a cultural phenomenon, launching a major global franchise that has included three movie sequels, a 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan and the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018 – 2025). Most recently, Karate Kid: Legends starring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio was released in cinemas in 2025.

THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL received its world premiere at STAGES St. Louis, USA in 2022, playing to sold-out houses and critical acclaim.

Honouring the roots of the timeless story, this new musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations.

Daniel is the new kid in town trying to fit in until he becomes the target of Cobra Kai’s relentless star student, Johnny. Underestimated and outmatched, Daniel struggles to find his footing, until Ali, Johnny’s ex, sees something in Daniel that no one else does. As Johnny refuses to step aside, teenage rivalry turns into something more sinister. Daniel discovers guidance from Mr. Miyagi who teaches him that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, respect and that the greatest victories are won from within. 

Featuring a Tony Award®-winning design team and an electrifying new score, this coming-of-age masterpiece is reimagined for the stage with stunning artistry and ground-breaking choreography.

Written by Robert Mark Kamen with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL is directed by Amon Miyamoto, with choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid, scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Ayako Maeda, lighting design by Bradley King, sound design by Kai Harada, projection design by Peter Nigrini, wigs and hair design by Tommy Kurzman, orchestrations by John Clancy, music supervisor and arrangements by Andrew Resnick. Produced by Naoya Kinoshita,  Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore, Kenny Wax, Michael Wolk, Jack Lane, and Leo Stages.  

Elaine Paige to receive Special Award at Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard 

Olivier Award-winning and multi-nominated actress Dame Elaine Paige will receive the Special Award at the Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard 

Dame Elaine’s extraordinary career has made her one of the most celebrated musical theatre performers of her generation 

OlivierAwards.com 

As revealed on BBC’s The One Show yesterday evening, Dame Elaine Paige will receive this year’s Special Award at the Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard. The star-studded ceremony, showcasing London’s world-leading theatre industry, will take place at the iconic Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 12 April. Celebrating 50 years of theatre’s biggest night, the event will be hosted by Nick Mohammed. 

Elaine Paige is an Olivier Award-winning actress whose extraordinary career has made a defining contribution to musical theatre. Widely regarded as one of the leading stars of her generation, she has appeared in a remarkable number of smash-hit West End and Broadway productions, helping to shape and set the standard for the modern stage musical, and originating iconic roles such as Eva Perón in Evita, Florence in Chess, and Grizabella in Cats. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the arts, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1995, and in 2025 was further honoured by King Charles III who made her a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to music and charity. 

Alongside her celebrated stage career, Dame Elaine has starred in numerous television productions, performed in concert around the world and recorded more than 30 albums. She also continues to present her hugely popular weekly programme Elaine Paige on Sunday on BBC Radio 2, now in its 22nd year. A passionate supporter of the next generation of performers, she serves as Artistic Associate and Vice President of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and has established scholarships there and at BIMM University to support emerging musical theatre talent. Alongside this, she is deeply committed to charitable work, supporting a wide range of organisations across the arts, health and community sectors, including her own animal welfare charity, West End Woofs. 

Dame Elaine Paige said: 

“I am thrilled and profoundly honoured to receive this Special Award at the Olivier Awards with Cunard. To be recognised by my peers and by the theatre community that has been my home for so many years means more than I can say. Theatre has given me a lifetime of unforgettable roles and memories, and I feel deeply privileged to have shared those moments on stages in the West End, on Broadway and around the world.  

“To stand alongside the remarkable artists who have received this honour before me is truly humbling. I accept this award with sincere gratitude and pride on behalf of everyone who continues to keep musical theatre alive and dazzling for future generations.” 

Kash Bennett, President of the Society of London Theatre, added: 

“Dame Elaine Paige is quite simply one of the defining figures of modern musical theatre. For decades she has captivated audiences in the West End and on Broadway, setting an extraordinary benchmark for performers and helping to shape the landscape of musical theatre as we know it today. 

“As we celebrate 50 years of the Olivier Awards, it is especially fitting to honour a performer whose artistry, dedication and generosity have inspired generations of audiences and artists alike. We are delighted to recognise Dame Elaine’s remarkable contribution to theatre with this Special Award.” 

On Sunday 12 April, the Olivier Awards 2026 will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer. BBC Radio 2 will also broadcast a special two-hour show (8-10pm) from the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Jo Whiley, featuring performances from some of the night’s biggest shows and exclusive interviews with a dazzling line-up of stars. 

OlivierAwards.com | Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube 

#OlivierAwards 

POPSTAR PETER ANDRE TO JOIN THE CAST OF MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY ALONGSIDE SAM BAILEY

• Singer-songwriter Peter Andre will join the cast in the role of Nikos for a limited run of performances (at selected performances only), from 14 May until 23 July 2026.
• Singer and The X Factor winner Sam Bailey will step into the role of Debbie from 14 May 2026, joining the rest of the cast until 4 April 2027.
• Audience favourite Mamma Mia! The Party is booking until April 2027, continuing to welcome visitors from the UK and beyond for a full evening of dancing, dining and singing to some of ABBA’s greatest hits. 
• Since opening in August 2019, Mamma Mia! The Party London has welcomed over 700,000 guests, delivered over 1500 performances, and has been visited by guests from 110 countries.

Björn Ulvaeus’ Mamma Mia! The Party today announces that singer-songwriter Peter Andre and X-Factor winner Sam Bailey will join the cast on 14 May, respectively in the roles of Nikos and Debbie.

Peter Andre said: 

“I remember being absolutely blown away when I first saw Mamma Mia! The Party, and I am now ecstatic to be joining the cast as Nikos –a character I feel very connected to, especially through my Greek heritage. The experience has got the best of entertainment to offer, from singing and dancing to delicious Greek food, and I cannot wait to join this incredible production and welcome customers to Nikos’ Taverna.”

Sam Bailey said: 

“I have seen firsthand how much joy Mamma Mia! The Party brings to people, and I could not be more thrilled to be part of this experience. No night ever looks the same! I cannot wait to join the rest of the cast performing the best of ABBA’s songs and bringing to life this fabulous party night after night.”

Peter Andre, best known for his 1990s pop hits such as “Mysterious Girl” and “Flava”, will star in the experience for a limited run (at selected performances only) from 14 May until 23 July 2026in the role of the owner of the eponymous taverna, Nikos.

Peter Andre is an accomplished global media star, prominently known for his successful music, television, and stage career. At the height of his music success in the 90s, he became the sixth highest selling artist in the UK with a string of number one hit singles and albums. He’s toured the world, won a host of awards and, with many TV shows and appearances under his belt, has also moved into the world of film, working on several different film projects. All this, as well as starring in theatrical productions: Grease: The Musical, Thriller and The Best of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons.

Sam Bailey, pop singer and winner of the 2013 edition of The X Factor, will join the cast in the role of Debbie. Bailey will start performances on 14 May 2026 and forming part of the cast until 4 April 2027.

Sam Bailey rose to national prominence after receiving a standing ovation for her powerful performance of Listen on The X Factor, where she went on to win the competition in 2013. Her debut single Skyscraper became the UK Christmas Number One, followed by the chart-topping album The Power of Love. Alongside her recording career, Sam has built an impressive and much-loved career in musical theatre. She starred as Mama Morton in Chicago, Betty Simpson in Fat Friends the Musical, and appeared in Vampires Rock. Sam went on to play Mrs Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Miss Hedge in the UK tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and most recently April Devonshire in NOW… That’s What I Call a Musical.

Sophie Arendt, Managing Director of Mamma Mia! The Party for Pophouse Entertainment, said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Peter and Sam to the taverna. Peter’s decades of international success and natural stage charisma make him a perfect Nikos, while Sam’s powerhouse vocals and emotional connection with audiences will bring something truly special to the role of Debbie.

It’s an incredibly exciting moment for the show. Our productions in London and Stockholm continue to go from strength to strength, welcoming guests from across the globe and building extraordinary momentum. As we look ahead to global expansion, this is the first of some exciting updates about the future of Mamma Mia! The Party, with more unforgettable moments, destinations and surprises on the horizon.”

Since opening in August 2019, Mamma Mia! The Party London has welcomed over 700,000 guests, delivered over 1500 performances, and has been visited by guests from 110 countries for a full evening of dancing, dining and singing to some of ABBA’s greatest hits.

Mamma Mia! The Party is London’s premier theatrical dining experience, bringing ABBA’s hits to life more vividly than ever before. As the sun sets in Skopelos, guests take their seats at Nikos’ family-run taverna where they enjoy a delicious four-course Greek feast, whilst a romantic and heartwarming story unfolds all around them. Following the performance, which is filled with timeless ABBA anthems such as Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and Waterloo, guests are encouraged to sing and dance the night away at a glittering ABBA disco.  

Mamma Mia! The Party is executive produced by Björn Ulvaeus and Pophouse Entertainment and is currently booking until 4 April 2027.

THE VICTORIA WOOD THEATRE

Prepares to Remember VICTORIA WOOD

on the 10^th anniversary of her death on Monday 20 April 2026

Leading ladies Ria Jones and Sally Ann Triplett will be going into the recording studio during rehearsals for the brand-new musical FOURTEEN AGAIN, to record and film a special rendition of the song Fourteen Again, music and lyrics by Victoria Wood, as a moving tribute to remember Victoria on the 10^th anniversary of her death on Monday 20 April 2026. The recording will be ready to share in advance (15/04 under embargo) for all to play out with joy on Monday 20 April – Fourteen Again includes Victoria’s legendary lyrics “Illya Kuryakin’s photograph” for all those that swooned and remember him!

Ria Jones and Sally Ann Triplett play best friends,in the world premiere of the brand-new musical FOURTEEN AGAIN with music and lyrics by Victoria Wood and book by Tom MacRae (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), opening at THE VICTORIA WOOD THEATRE, Bowness-on-Windermere, Friday 1 May – Saturday 6 June 2026 (Press Night Thursday 7 May), bringing a whole new generation of fans to Victoria’s genius.

Victoria Wood’s long-standing friendships, love of the Lake District and close connection to The Old Laundry Theatre comes full circle, as the intimate theatre is renamed THE VICTORIA WOOD THEATRE in honour of the much loved and talented star (official renaming 19 May). Her dear friends and the theatre’s owners, husband-and-wife team, Charlotte Scott and Roger Glossop MBE, have brought together an extraordinary cast and production team for FOURTEEN AGAIN (see below), most of whom had worked with Victoria.

The musical FOURTEEN AGAIN begins at the local Slimming Club, where Peggy (Triplett) is reunited with Lou (Jones), her best friend from school who she hasn’t seen since they were teenagers. As kids, no two friends were ever funnier or more fun, but here, now, today they are shadows of their younger selves – and a story unfolds of looking back to the future, full of comedy, love and pain, with Victoria’s amazing songs moving the musical fast forward.

DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

STARRING

TOBIAS TURLEY, LEONOR CORREIA,

CAITLIN TIPPING & LUKE BAYER

TO EXTEND AT LOWRY, SALFORD

DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND

OPENING 22 AUGUST 2026

Hope Mill Theatre and Chris Harper Productions with Lowry are delighted to announce that Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL starring Tobias Turley, Leonor Correia, Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan respectively, will extend its run at Lowry, Salford due to phenomenal demand. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic movie, Lowry, Salford, will open the first UK non-replica production on 22 August 2026, and will now run until Saturday 19 September 2026.

Tickets for the extended period will go on sale at 10am Thursday 12 March 2026.

The Lyric Theatre at Lowry will transform into an immersive basketball court, with on-stage seating and an extended stage, bringing audiences into the world of East High. Featuring classic songs such as: Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, Stick to the Status Quo and many more.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL has a book by David Simpatico with music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle and will be co-directed by Hope Mill founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton.

Further casting to be announced.

Tobias Turley is best known for winning ITV’s MAMMA MIA! I Have A Dream; the televised search for Sky in MAMMA MIA! in the West End. His other credits include Jo: The Little Women Musical in Concert (Royal Festival Hall); Hot Mess (Pleasance & Southwark Playhouse Elephant); White Rose (Marylebone Theatre); Heathers the Musical (The Other Palace) and The Nutcracker (Birmingham Royal Ballet).

Leonor Correia made her professional debut in SIX The Musical in the West End last year as Alternate Jane Seymour/Katherine Howard. High School Musical marks her second professional role.

Caitlin Tipping has previously starred as Jane Seymour in SIX The Musical in the West End, on tour across the UK and on Norwegian Cruise Lines and her other credits include: Titanique (Criterion Theatre); Disney’s Frozen the Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane/Disney+); Musical Starnights (European Tour) and The Last Five Years (Edinburgh Fringe Festival).

Luke Bayer currently stars as Jack in Titanique in the West End. His previous credits include Chicago (European Tour); Head Over Heels (Hope Mill Theatre); Millennials (The Other Palace); RENT (Hope Mill Theatre); Hair (London Palladium); Fiver (Southwark Playhouse); Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Original West End Cast); Soho Cinders (Charing Cross Theatre); Yank! (Hope Mill Theatre); Gatsby (Southwark Playhouse); Les Misérables 20^th Anniversary (West End). In 2023 Luke won the Off-West-End Award for Best Lead Performance in a Musical and was nominated for a WhatsOnStage Award for his role of Desmond Channing in one-man musical Diva: Live From Hell (Turbine/Kings Head/Underbelly at Edinburgh Fringe). His film & television credits include Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures) and Ackley Bridge (Channel 4).

Based on the hit Disney Channel Original movie, that inspired a generation, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL had its world premiere production at Stagedoor Manor Summer Theatre Camp in 2006. It then went to The Theatre of Stars in Atlanta, Georgia for its first professional staging before Disney Theatrical Group staged a national tour in 2007. The musical has enjoyed significant success in regional theatres around the world and had its London premiere at the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in January 2008.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL will be co-directed by Joseph Houston & William Whelton with choreography by Aaron Renfree, set design by Andrew Exeter, sound design by Matt Peploe, video design by George Reeve,lighting design by Rory Beaton, costume design by Sophia Pardon, musical supervision by Katy Richardson, musical direction by Audra Cramer, casting by Pearson Casting and production management by Ammonite Studios. General management by Chris Harper Productions.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is produced by Hope Mill Theatre, Chris Harper Productions with Lowry.

Website:  thelowry.com

Instagram: @highschoolmusicalonstage

LISTINGS INFORMATION

22 August 2026 – 19 September 2026

Lowry

Pier 8, The Quays

Salford

M50 3AZ

Performances:

22 August – 6 September: Wednesday – Sunday 2pm & 7pm

Please note there will be an additional performance on Tuesday 25 August at 7pm. There will be no 7pm performance on Sunday 23 August and no 2pm performance on Friday 28 August.

8 – 19 September: Tuesday – Saturday 7pm, Saturday – Sunday 2pm

Please note there will be matinees on Wednesday 9 September & Thursday 17 September at 2pm

Tickets from: from £26

Box Office: 0161 876 2000

Dash Arts has announced full casting for Our Public House, a funny, moving and uplifting new play by Barney Norris, inspired by voices from across the UK, opening this Spring at Leeds Playhouse before touring nationwide.

Dash Arts in association with Leeds Playhouse presents

OUR PUBLIC HOUSE 

By Barney Norris 

Created and directed by Josephine Burton

Music by Jonathan Walton

Lyrics by Jonathan Walton and people across the country
Set and Costume by Good Teeth Design

Sound by Bella Kear and creative captions by Ben Glover

Friday 15 May to Saturday 23 May at Leeds Playhouse 

then touring to Prescot, Coventry, Cornwall, Sheffield and London (Marylebone Theatre)

Full casting is announced for Dash Arts new play OUR PUBLIC HOUSE, which will open to press at Leeds Playhouse before travelling to Prescot, Coventry, Cornwall, Sheffield and finishing the tour at London’s Marylebone Theatre. 

Josephine Burton directs Chaya Gupta (Anika), Gabriella Leon (Mary), Lauren Moakes (Jo), Bharti Patel (Sanjana), Feargus O’Donnell (Scott) and Kit Esuruoso (Tom) in award-winning playwright Barney Norris’s funny and big-hearted new play with live music about community, connection and what might change if everyone had their say.

Set in The Albion, a struggling pub at the heart of a town that has turned its back on politics, Our Public House begins when an entire community spoils its ballot papers and refuses to vote. As a storm rages outside, landlady Sanjana brings together a family in mourning, familiar regulars and unexpected visitors for a night of debate, confession and open-mic speeches.

Inspired by the real words of more than 600 people across the UK, the production converts  lived experiences of frustration, hope and disconnection into a moving and uplifting story of a community, ripped apart by politics (and a love affair), finding its voice. With original live music woven through the action, the play is both a celebration of the public house as a shared civic space and a timely exploration of what happens when people feel unheard.

Told through spoken English, British Sign Language (BSL), Sign Supported English (SSE), creative captioning and music, Our Public House brings together a cast of hearing and deaf performers.  At each tour location, a local ensemble of community participants will join the production, ensuring that local voices become part of the story on stage.

At a time when trust in democratic systems is under strain, Our Public House transforms a state of the nation into a warm, funny and deeply human drama.      

Barney Norris’s work has received awards from the International Theatre Institute, the Critics’ Circle, the Evening Standard, the Society of Authors, and the South Bank Sky Arts Times Breakthrough Awards, among others, and been translated into nine languages. His plays include Visitors, Eventide, Nightfall, The Wellspring, The Band Back Together, and adaptations of Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day and Second Best by David Foenkinos; his novels include Undercurrent and Five Rivers Met on a Wooded Plain.

Josephine Burton directs, theatre credits include Offie-nominated The Reckoning (Arcola), Dido’s Bar (Royal Dock/Oxford Contemporary Music/Journeys Festival), The Great Middlemarch Mystery (Coventry City of Culture) and Songs for Babyn Yar (Munich Kammerspiele/Theatre Podil/JW3).  She has also served as dramaturg on Lyrical Alliance (Roundhouse) and Renegade Orchestra (British Library). A playwright and Artistic Director of Dash Arts, she co-founded the company to create award-winning cross artform work connecting audiences with global stories and she hosts its podcast OffScript.

Jonathan Walton is a songwriter (NYTimes Critics Top Ten, Edison International Album of the Year, BBC World Music Award nominations) who has worked in theatre (Tim Supple, Tall Stories), television (DC Legends of Tomorrow) and with record producers Mike Spencer (Jamiroquai), Paul Epworth (Adele) and Ben Mandelson (3 Mustaphas 3). A singer, trumpeter and linguist with an interest in vocal improvisation and social activism (Ukraine), he now lives back in London after a decade immersed in the music of South India and former Yugoslavia.

Tour Information

Friday 15 May to Saturday 23 May

Leeds Playhouse 

Tickets: https://www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/

Tuesday 26 to Sat 30 May 2026
Shakespeare North Playhouse
Tickets: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/

Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 June 2026
Belgrade Theatre
Tickets: https://www.belgrade.co.uk/

Friday 12 to Saturday 13 June

Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre
Tickets: https://sterts.co.uk/

Wednesday 17 to Saturday 20 June

Sheffield Theatres
Tickets: https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/

Tuesday 30 June to Saturday 4 July

Marylebone Theatre

Tickets: https://www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/our-public-house

The UK Pantomime Association announces the nominations for
The Pantomime Awards 2026
which will take place on Sunday 19 April at Wycombe Swan

The UK Pantomime Association has announced the nominations for The Pantomime Awards 2026, marking the Awards’ 5th year. The star-studded awards ceremony will take place on Sunday 19 April at Wycombe Swan in High Wycombe, staged in partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment (ATGE).

The Pantomime Awards 2026 nominees exemplify the breadth of talent, skill, enthusiasm and hard work from the creative forces, production teams and cast members who work tirelessly year-round to deliver outstanding entertainment to theatres across the country. 

Full list of nominations for The Pantomime Awards 2026:

Best Choreography

• Kevan Allen: Sleeping Beauty, The Arts Theatre Cambridge (In-House)
• Claire Cassidy: Sleeping Beauty, Harlow Playhouse (KD Theatre Productions)
• Jevan Howard-Jones: Aladdin, Hall for Cornwall, Truro (Cornwall Playhouse Productions)
• Stephanie MacDonald: Weans in the Wood, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (In-House)
• Sundeep Saini: Jack and the Beanstalk, Watford Palace Theatre (In-House)

Best Lighting (sponsored by Production Light and Sound)

• Rory Beaton: Jack and the Beanstalk, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (Crossroads Pantomimes)
• Harvey Ebbage: Cinderella, The Woodville, Gravesend (Wicked Productions)
• Nic Farman: Sleeping Beauty, Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells (Little Wolf Entertainment)
• Matt Ladkin: Sleeping Beauty, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon (Imagine Theatre)
• Callum MacDonald: Beauty and the Beast, New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich (In-House)

Carmen Silvera Award for Best Magical Being (sponsored by Barry Burnett)

• Rachel Flynn: Sleeping Beauty, Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock (In-House)
• Helen George: Cinderella, Richmond Theatre, London (Crossroads Pantomimes)
• Jade Hackett: Jack and the Beanstalk, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London (In-House)
• Joe McElderry: Aladdin, Newcastle Theatre Royal (Crossroads Pantomimes)
• Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi: Beauty and the Beast, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield (In-House)

Barbara Windsor Award for Best Principal Lead (sponsored by Scott Mitchell)

• Emilie Du Leslay: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Palace Theatre, Mansfield (UK Productions)
• Lewis Kerr: Aladdie, Gaiety Theatre, Ayr (In-House)
• Sario Solomon: Aladdin, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield (Evolution Productions and Sheffield Theatres)
• Josh Harrison Yellop: The New Adventures of Peter Pan, Thameside Theatre, Grays (Polka Dot Pantomimes)
• Kian Zomorodian: Aladdin, Anvil Arts, Basingstoke (UK Productions)

Best Script

• Ian Adams and Tam Ryan: Sleeping Beauty, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (In-House)
• David Bown: Jack and the Beanstalk, Harrogate Theatre (In-House)
• Joyce Branagh: Mother Goose and the Golden Egg, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell (In-House)
• Andrew Pollard: Beauty and the Beast, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield (In-House)
• Vikki Stone and Tonderai Munyevu: Mama Goose, Stratford East, London (In-House)

Best Secondary Lead

• Ruth Betteridge: Jack and the Beanstalk, Festival Theatre, Malvern (UK Productions)
• Stuart Edgar: The Snow Queen, Perth Theatre (In-House)
• Ross Forbes-Mackenzie: Oor Wee Mammy McGoose, The King’s Kirkcaldy (In-House)
• Lauren Hampton: Robin Hood, New Wimbledon Theatre, London (Crossroads Pantomimes)
• Finlay McKillop: Sleeping Beauty, Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford (Imagine Theatre)

Best Villain (sponsored by Breckman and Company)

• Danny Beard: Sleeping Beauty, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (In-House)
• Nigel Harman: Jack and the Beanstalk, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (UK Productions)
• Louise McCarthy: Gallus in Weegieland, Tron Theatre, Glasgow (In-House)
• Steven Serlin: Dick Whittington and his Cat, Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage (Jordan Productions)
• Grant Stott: Jack and the Beanstalk, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (Crossroads Pantomimes)

Best Comic (sponsored by The Twins FX)

• Jez Edwards: Sleeping Beauty, Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds (Paul Holman Associates)
• Max Fulham: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, Mayflower, Southampton (Crossroads Pantomimes)
• Helen McAlpine: Weans in the Wood, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (In-House)
• Charlie Stemp: Cinderella, Richmond Theatre, London (Crossroads Pantomimes)
• Ben Thornton: Cinderella, Lichfield Garrick (Evolution Productions and Lichfield Garrick)

Best Costumes

• Morgan Brind: Dick Whittington, Derby Arena (Little Wolf Entertainment)
• Stewart J Charlesworth: Robin Hood and his Merry Men, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham (In-House)
• Katie Lias: Jack and the Beanstalk, Salisbury Playhouse (Wiltshire Creative)
• James MacIver: Sleeping Beauty, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Belgrade Theatre and Imagine Theatre)
• Jasmine Swan: Mother Goose, Mercury Theatre, Colchester (In-House)

Stanley Baxter Award for Best Dame (sponsored by John Good)

• Matt Crosby: Sleeping Beauty, The Arts Theatre Cambridge (In-House)
• Steve Elias: Snow White, Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen (Theatrau Sir Gâr & Imagine Theatre)
• Simon Nock: Aladdin, City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds (In-House)
• Edward Rowe: Aladdin, Hall for Cornwall, Truro (Cornwall Playhouse Productions)
• Allan Stewart: Jack and the Beanstalk, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (Crossroads Pantomimes)

Best Direction

• Suzi Budd: Oor Wee Mammy McGoose, The King’s Kirkcaldy (In-House)
• Sally Reid: Gallus in Weegieland, Tron Theatre, Glasgow (In-House)
• Clive Rowe: Cinderella, Hackney Empire, London (In-House)
• Flik Swan: Sleeping Beauty, Princess Theatre, Torquay (Jordan Productions)
• Gary Wilmot, Cinderella, Richmond Theatre, London (Crossroads Pantomimes)

Best Ensemble

• Sophie Baker, Gustave Die, Nicholas Leon Jones, Megan Little, Flyn Mullins, Jarryd Nurden, Callum Quinnen, Holly Skiggs, Ellie-May Wilson and Taela Yeomans-Brown: Robin Hood, Birmingham Hippodrome (Crossroads Pantomimes)
• Lyndan Barclay, Bebe Fox, Rhiannon Mackay and Sam Scott: The Adventures of Peter Pan, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (Jordan Productions)
• Lianha Cooke, Gemma Davis, Chloe Davies, Olly Gooch, Thomas Marc Toombs, Richard Womersley, Erin Harrison and Finlay Tozer: Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne (Made to Measure Productions)
• Jessica Donnelly and Aidan MacColl: Gallus in Weegieland, Tron Theatre, Glasgow (In-House)
• Ellie Greenway, Connor McGwyre, Hermani Harry and Ben Maddison: Mother Goose, The Courtyard, Hereford (In-House)

Best Contribution to Music

• Tom Benjamin and Rebekah Hughes: Aladdin, City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds (In-House)
• Steve Clark and Shaun Critten: Cinderella, Venue Cymru, Llandudno (Imagine Theatre)
• James Harrison: Aladdin, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield (Evolution Productions and Sheffield Theatres)
• Richard Healey: Aladdin, Hall for Cornwall, Truro (Cornwall Playhouse Productions)
• Paul Leno-Putt: Sleeping Beauty, Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne (In-House)

Best Set (sponsored by Blue-i Theatre Technology)

• Emily Bestow: Peter Pan: A New Pantomime Adventure, Greenwich Theatre, London (In-House)
• Morgan Brind: Dick Whittington, Derby Arena (Little Wolf Entertainment)
• Kenny Miller: Gallus in Weegieland, Tron Theatre, Glasgow (In-House)
• Jasmine Swan: Mother Goose, Mercury Theatre, Colchester (In-House)
• Karen Tennent: Weans in the Wood, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (In-House)

Best Sisters

• Luke Adamson and Matthew Siveter: Cinderella, Loughborough Town Hall (Little Wolf Entertainment)
• Kat B and George Heyworth: Cinderella, Hackney Empire, London (In-House)
• Celia Cruwys-Finnigan and Alice McKenna: Cinderella, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House)
• Harrison MacNeill and Leo MacNeill: Cinderella, Eastwood Park, Giffnock (Spillers Pantomimes)
• Hannah Roberts and Fran Cottington aka Han and Fran: Cinderella, Venue Cymru, Llandudno (Imagine Theatre)

Best Sound (sponsored by Orbital Sound)

• Mike Beer: Cinderella, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House)
• Andy Graham: Cinderella, Cast, Doncaster (In-House)
• David Hart: Jack and the Beanstalk, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (UK Productions)
• Conrad Kemp: Dick Whittington, St Helens Theatre Royal (Regal Entertainment)
• Nico Menghini: Dick Whittington, Lighthouse, Poole (In-House)

Best Supporting Artist

• Ada Campe: Growled: Beauty and the Beast continues…, Royal Vauxhall Tavern, London (In-House)
• Joe Feeney: Cinderella, Lichfield Garrick (Evolution Productions and Lichfield Garrick)
• Will Jennings: Robin Hood, The Capitol, Horsham (Horsham District Council)
• Dean Raymond: Beauty and the Beast, Theatr Colwyn, Colwyn Bay (Magic Light Productions)
• Pavanveer Sagoo: Jack and the Beanstalk, King’s Head Theatre, London (King’s Head Theatre Productions and James Quaife for Luminous Entertainment Group in association with Joly Black)

Best Newcomer to Pantomime

• Jeevan Braich: Cinderella, Norwich Theatre Royal (In-House)
• Sarah Hadland: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (Evolution Productions and the Marlowe Theatre)
• Jack ‘Hobbit’ Hobbs: Dick Whittington, De Montfort Hall, Leicester (Imagine Theatre and De Montfort Hall)
• George Webster: The All New Adventures of Peter Pan, Royal & Derngate, Northampton (Evolution Productions and Royal & Derngate)
• Will Young: Jack and the Beanstalk, Bristol Hippodrome (Crossroads Pantomimes)

Best Newcomer to Industry

• Emily Falkner: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Rotherham Civic Theatre (Blue Genie Entertainment)
• Amy Lyons: Sleeping Beauty, Swan Theatre, Worcester (Worcester Repertory Company)
• Ella McLaughlin: The New Adventures of Peter Pan, Thameside Theatre, Grays (Polka Dot Pantomimes)
• Caitlin O’Shea: Sleeping Beauty, Central Theatre, Chatham (Jordan Productions)
• Christopher Patten-Walker: Mother Goose and the Golden Egg, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell (In-House)

Best Pantomime (Under 550 Seats) (sponsored by KB Event)

• Dick Whittington and his Cat, Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage (Jordan Productions)
• Mama Goose, Stratford East, London (In-House)
• Rumpelstiltskin, Contact Theatre, Manchester (The Big Tiny)
• Sleeping Beauty, Harlow Playhouse (KD Theatre Productions)
• Weans in the Wood, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (In-House)

Best Pantomime (550 to 950 Seats) (sponsored by Showtime, part of Howden)

• Cinderella, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 
• Dick Whittington, Lighthouse, Poole (In-House)
• Dick Whittington, St Helens Theatre Royal (Regal Entertainment)
• Sleeping Beauty, The Arts Theatre Cambridge (In-House) 
• Snow White, Eden Court, Inverness (Imagine Theatre and Eden Court) 

Best Pantomime (Over 950 Seats) (sponsored by Unusual Rigging)

• Aladdin, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield (Evolution Productions and Sheffield Theatres)
• Jack and the Beanstalk, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (UK Productions)
• Jack and the Beanstalk, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (Crossroads Pantomimes) 
• Sleeping Beauty, Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells (Little Wolf Entertainment)
• Sleeping Beauty, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (In-House)

The Special Recognition Awards, which celebrate productions, individuals or initiatives representing the values that the Association seeks to promote, and also an award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at the ceremony.

As well as celebrating the winners, The Pantomime Awards 2026 will feature special guest performances from some of pantomime’s biggest stars, alongside exceptional up-and-coming talent from across the industry. Public tickets for the glamorous event will go on sale in the coming weeks.

Anita Harris, President of the UK Pantomime Association said: “In the 2025-26 pantomime season, our 64 judges travelled the length and breadth of the country, visiting 234 venues and seeing over 603 performances. It is a glorious privilege to witness the passion, hard work and extraordinary talent behind pantomime and the joy it brings to audiences. I’m so proud that The Pantomime Awards 2026 will celebrate this wonderful artform and their fifth anniversary at the Wycombe Swan in April.”   

Chris McGuigan, Commercial & Business Development Director, Trafalgar Entertainment said:“The Pantomime Awards are well and truly back! We’re delighted to be working once again with the UK Pantomime Association and ATG Entertainment on the 2026 ceremony as part of our ongoing partnership, and this year it’s our turn to host the event at Wycombe Swan as we celebrate the very best performers, venue teams, and productions from the 2025-26 pantomime season.” 

Claire Dixon, Business Director of UK Venues, ATG Entertainment: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the UK Pantomime Association and Trafalgar Entertainment in supporting The Pantomime Awards for a second year. At the heart of family theatre across the UK, pantomime brings local communities together and delights audiences of all ages. We’re proud to play a part in championing and celebrating one of the UK’s most enduring and joyful theatre traditions.’’

Founded in 2021, the UK Pantomime Association is a charity that explores, shares and celebrates pantomime by investigating the genre’s rich past, engaging with contemporary practice and inspiring the future.  For more information, visit: https://www.pantomimeassociation.co.uk/. 

‘THE ARCHERS: LIVE AT 75’
 CAST ANNOUNCED FOR 2026 NATIONAL TOUR

Timothy Bentinck (David Archer), Charles Collingwood (Brian Aldridge), Annabelle Dowler (Kirsty Miller), Ryan Kelly (Jazzer McCreary), Charlotte Martin (Susan Carter), Ben Norris (Ben Archer), Sunny Ormonde (Lilian Bellamy) and Susie Riddell (Tracy Horrobin) confirmed to appear in live tour celebrating 75 years of the iconic radio drama

 www.fane.co.uk/the-archers

BBC Radio 4’s The Archers will mark its 75th anniversary this summer with a major live stage tour and today Fane Productions are delighted to announce which much-loved and iconic members of the Radio 4 cast will be appearing live on stage.

Joining the tour are eight of Ambridge’s most beloved voices, performing in two rotating casts of four. Named in a nod to the show’s setting, the Flower Cast brings together Timothy Bentinck (David Archer), Charlotte Martin (Susan Carter), Ben Norris (Ben Archer) and Annabelle Dowler (Kirsty Miller), while the Produce Cast features Charles Collingwood (Brian Aldridge), Ryan Kelly (Jazzer McCreary),  Susie Riddell (Tracy Horrobin) and Sunny Ormonde (Lilian Bellamy). For the full date list of cast appearances, see below, or fane.co.uk/the-archers.

Produced by Fane Productions and licensed by the BBC, The Archers: Live at 75 tours from June to November 2026. Hosted by award-winning comedian and Archers devotee Angela Barnes, each performance will feature a cast of four actors and Vanessa Nuttall, The Archers’ live sound-effects specialist.

First broadcast on 1st January 1951, The Archers is the world’s longest-running drama. Broadcasting six times a week to millions of listeners, the programme follows the lives, loves and evolving fortunes of the residents of the fictional village of Ambridge. Over more than 20,000 episodes, it has reflected social change in Britain while remaining rooted in the rhythms of rural life, and continues to be one of the BBC’s most popular titles on BBC Sounds.

Set within a playful reimagining of the Ambridge Flower & Produce Show, the live production blends theatricality, nostalgia and behind-the-scenes insight. The evening includes on-stage interviews, insider stories, live performances of a specially written episode created exclusively by The Archers’ scriptwriters for the tour, demonstrations of the foley artistry that creates Ambridge’s distinctive soundscape, archive material from the BBC vaults, audience questions, a pub quiz inspired by The Bull, and a sing-along to the programme’s theme tune.

Quote from Charlotte Martin (Susan Carter): “I’m so thrilled to be part of The Archers tour – bringing 75 magical years of Ambridge to the stage is an absolute dream come true! Can’t wait to share the laughter, tears and heart of Ambridge with fans everywhere!”

Quote from Timothy Bentinck (David Archer): “I’m so excited to be part of the upcoming The Archers national tour of the UK. We’ll be on stage but the show will be very interactive, and Archers listeners and fans will be just as much a part of it as us. So come and join us at the Flower and Produce Show, and as an added treat get to see how the clever sound effects are achieved. Hint, it’s all done with yoghurt and ironing boards!”

Quote from Serena Brett and James Albrecht, Directors at Fane Productions: “When we put our minds to the casting for this tour, we knew it had to truly represent the world of Ambridge. We worked closely with the programme’s Editor, Jeremy Howe, and the wider team at the BBC to bring together actors whose characters span generations of village life – from the Archer family at its heart, to the Aldridges, the Horrobins and beyond. We’ve aimed to reflect the full breadth of the programme: heritage and newer voices, different ages and perspectives, and some of the most iconic characters alongside those driving its current storylines. We hope audiences feel we have done Ambridge justice – and we can’t wait to bring them together on stage!”

 CAST BIOGRAPHIES

Timothy Bentinck (David Archer)
Timothy Bentinck joined The Archers as David Archer in 1982. A graduate of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and winner of the Carleton Hobbs Radio Award, his television credits include The Crown, Ted Lasso, Gentleman Jack, Andor, Renegade Nell, The Nevers and Bergerac. He was awarded an MBE for services to drama in 2018.

Charles Collingwood (Brian Aldridge)
Charles Collingwood has portrayed Brian Aldridge since 1975. Trained at RADA, his career spans radio, television and film, with credits including The Dark Crystal, ITV Playhouse and Hotel Babylon. He remains one of the longest-serving members of the cast.

Annabelle Dowler (Kirsty Miller)
Annabelle Dowler is best known as Kirsty Miller in BBC Radio 4’s The Archers. A former member of the BBC Radio Drama Company, her extensive radio work includes Wuthering Heights, Tumanbay and Take Me to Hope Street. Television credits include Unforgiveable, Ludwig,  Outlander – Blood of My Blood, The Suspect, The Reckoning, Brexit: An Uncivil War, Doctor Who, Silent Witness, and Lewis, with upcoming series The Blame. Film includes Suffragette and Your Christmas or Mine? Her theatre work spans the National Theatre, Birmingham Rep and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse. She also plays May in the multi-award-winning video game It Takes Two.

Ryan Kelly (Jazzer McCreary)
Ryan Kelly has portrayed Jazzer McCreary since 2000. A graduate of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, he won the inaugural Tyzack Award in 2011 presented by Dame Maggie Smith. Over more than two decades, Jazzer has evolved from tearaway to devoted family man, becoming one of Ambridge’s most enduring characters. A lifelong Archers fan, he has been listening since the age of eleven and is now living the dream from the inside.

Charlotte Martin (Susan Carter)
 Charlotte Martin has played Susan Carter (née Horrobin) since the early 1980s through iconic storylines, including the 1993 imprisonment that sparked the “Free the Ambridge One” campaign. Alongside her acting career in television, theatre and radio, she holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Birmingham and previously worked as an Assistant Professor in Youth Mental Health.

Ben Norris (Ben Archer)
Ben Norris is an actor, poet and filmmaker whose work spans stage, screen and radio. He co-created and starred in the Olivier Award–nominated The Choir of Man, plays Rogier in the global hit video game Elden Ring. and voices Ben Archer in The Archers. His short film Toad in the Hole screened at the 2025 BFI London Film Festival and is both BAFTA- and BIFA-qualifying, following earlier BBC and Channel 4 shorts that earned international festival selections and an RTS nomination. His acclaimed solo show, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Family won the IdeasTap Underbelly Award and toured worldwide, while his play Autopilot was named a Stage Best Show of 2022.

Ben also appeared in Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes on Disney+ released in 2025.

Sunny Ormonde (Lilian Bellamy)
Sunny Ormonde has played Lilian Bellamy for over 25 years, becoming one of the programme’s most recognisable voices and one of the listeners’ favourite characters. A seasoned theatre performer, she has appeared in everything from pantomime to Shakespeare and has created two One Woman Shows: the first An Evening With…, and the second Dorothy (The Airings of an Archers Actor’s Aunt). She has also appeared with fellow Archers cast members in stage shows, Come Rain, Come Shine; Larkin About and Wicked Women. Her most recent television appearances include Casualty, Christmas at Plumhill Manor and Doctors. Sunny also has a very successful podcast, One Stiletto in the Grave.

Susie Riddell (Tracy Horrobin)
Susie Riddell joined The Archers in 2011 as Tracy Horrobin, having previously played Kate Aldridge from 1989-1994. Her television work includes Grace and Coronation Street, the feature film THE PEOPLE BEFORE; and a world premiere production of THE WHISTLING at the Mill at Sonning Theatre. She co-hosts the award-winning podcast Limited Time Only alongside Esther Stanford. A former member of the BBC Radio Drama Company, Susie has narrated more than 70 audiobooks and appeared extensively across BBC Radio drama including ULYSSES; THE GREAT GATSBY; MRS DALLOWAY; TAMBURLAINE; and the live broadcasts D-DAY AT 70, THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN AT 75 (BBC Radio 2 / TBI Media); VE DAY AT 70 (Classic FM / TBI Media).

Angela Barnes (host)

Angela Barnes swapped a career in health and social care for stand-up in 2010, winning the BBC New Comedy Award just a year later. She has since toured the UK extensively and become a familiar face on television, with appearances on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, House of Games, Hypothetical, and Mock the Week.

A firm favourite on radio, Angela co-hosts The Jon Richardson Radio Show on Absolute Radio on Saturday mornings. She also co-hosted the hit podcast We Are History with John O’Farrell, which amassed over a million downloads across six series.

In 2026 Angela will appear on Celebrity Bullseye, rejoin the panel for Mock the Week‘s upcoming return, host BBC Radio 4’s brand-new series Live from the UK, and continue her tour Angst.

Vanessa Nuttall (live spot sound effects artist)

Vanessa is a freelance sound engineer creating real-time sound effects for The Archers, part of a three-person technical team. Passionate about painting pictures through listeners’ ears, she brings scenes to life using creative and sometimes surprisingly unlikely props.

During 16 years at the BBC, she began as a production assistant in religious broadcasting before retraining as a sound assistant. She worked across radio and television — from drama and classical music to current affairs — with radio drama always her greatest passion. She has been a regular part of The Archers technical team for ten years.

Outside work, she enjoys walking, swimming, and gardening.