Author: FairyPoweredProductions

REMEMBRANCE DAY THEATRE PRODUCTION IN LEEDS

 

A production created to commemorate Remembrance Day takes to a Leeds stage this weekend – exactly 99 years since the end of WW1.

Those Were The Days is at City Varieties Music Hall this Saturday November 11; it will shine a spotlight on Leeds during the War, its people and their stories, as well as the role the theatre itself played during this time.

Leeds-born Liz Coggins is the writer and director of the piece: “Those Were The Days celebrates the city, its culture and, importantly, its theatres,” she explains. “City Varieties is the oldest running music hall in the country – it’s a delight to be telling a history of Leeds theatres on stage at Leeds’ most historic theatre.”

 

The City Varieties began its life in 1865 as a room above a pub and went on to entertain the people of Leeds through two world wars before becoming world-famous for hosting the BBC programme The Good Old Days, which ran every weekend for 30 years from 1953. As other such venues closed, the City Varieties continued and today is the longest running music hall in the country.

With a cast aged six to 60, the is a celebration of the music hall entertainment that ran alongside WW1; introducing the audience to  the stars of the time;  Marie Lloyd, Vesta Tilley, Florrie Ford, Charlie Chaplin and Leeds lass Vesta Victoria each make an appearance, buoyed by the songs and comedy sketches of the era.  Live music supports the cast and songs include the famous Marrow Song, Yes! We Have No Bananas, It’s A Long Way To Tipperary and many more.

The younger cast members are students at On Stage Academy, a drama class based in Leeds city centre. They work with Liz and her team to learn every aspect of theatre and stagecraft.

“It is such a delight to see young people performing pieces from 100 plus years ago,” says Liz. “Children are never too young to experience live professional theatre and its many genres. The history of this profession is as important as the craft itself.  I would encourage families to come together for an old-fashioned, fun evening at the theatre.”

Those Were The Days is at City Varieties Music Hall, Swan Street, Leeds City Centre on Saturday November 11^th at 7pm

 

Tickets are on sale now priced at £19.60

 

Book online at cityvarieties.co.uk or call Box Office on 0113 243 0808

 

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

JOINING JONNY AWSUM & PAISLEY BILLINGS

IN CROYDON’S FAMILY PANTOMIME, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

 

Q Productions are delighted to announce the full cast of West End performers who will be joining television favourites Jonny Awsum and Paisley Billings in Croydon’s family pantomime JACK AND THE BEANSTALK at the Waddon Theatre at Waddon Leisure Centre from 7th – 31st December 2017.

As previously announced, Croydon’s very own comedian Jonny Awsum (Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finalist) will play Silly Billy Trott and Paisley Billings (Tattoo Fixers) will play Fairy Sweet Pea. Joining them will be Charlotte Bramwells as the Princess, Steve Edwin as Fleshcreep, Tim Hudson as Dame Trott, Charlie Leonard as Jack Trott and David Streames as the King, with Becky Bassett,Timothy Benjamin, Olivia Stott and Alfie White in the Ensemble.

The talented local juvenile ensemble will comprise: Shannice Bepot, Hayden Burden, Ella Chapman, Mario Davis, Abbie-Mae Garland, Olivia Hall, Holly Hickson, Talula Horton, Abigail Lenny, Zion Nelson-Bent, Sophie Ramsey, Eva Ruby, Brooke Skinner, Kira Spencer- Brown, Mya Stratford and Frankie Thomas.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK is directed by Lainie Baird, with choreography by Joanna Lee Martin.

The Waddon Theatre at Waddon Leisure Centre will be converted into a 400-seat theatre space throughout December, offering wonderful family entertainment that all ages can enjoy together.  The theatre has a brand new seating plan which ensures every seat in the house has the best view possible.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK runs from Thursday 7th – Sunday 31st December 2017 (times vary, check website). Tickets, priced at £16.50 (children/senior citizens), £18.50 (adults), £66.50 (family ticket – 2 children, 2 adults) are on sale from www.thecroydonpanto.com.

Tickets for Schools and Clubs (min. 10 people), are £12 per head, and every 11th ticket is free. There is a free interval ice cream for every child in the group booking.  Call the groups hotline: 01494 917519 by 10^th November for this special groups rate.

There will be a ‘relaxed performance’ of JACK AND THE BEANSTALK on Thursday 14th December at 2.00pm. Relaxed performances are open to everyone, but the environment has been specifically adapted for families with children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, individuals with sensory and communication disorders, those with learning disabilities and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.

For all the latest news about JACK AND THE BEANSTALK visit www.thecroydonpanto.com  and follow @TheCroydonPanto on Twitter and @CroydonPanto on Facebook.

THE SNOWMAN CHILLS OUT BEFORE TAKING TO THE OPERA HOUSE STAGE

He may have a busy seasonal snap ahead of him, but The Snowman still found time to drop in to the city’s Chill Factor^e ahead of his opening night at Opera House Manchester.

 

And he made sure he topped up his icy layers in preparation for a cool afternoon in the Snow Park at the leading visitor attraction, which boasts the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope.

 

Surprised visitors might have spotted The Snowman and his fellow castmates Reindeer and Penguinhitting some high speeds on his sledge, rocketing down the Luge Slip ‘n’ Slide, and enjoying a snowball fight.

The Snowman, which runs at Opera House Manchester until Sunday 12 November, promises to delight young and old alike with its wonderful mix of storytelling, spectacle and magic.

 

The enchanting show, based on the 1978 book by Raymond Briggs, tells the story of a young boy’s adventures when his snowman comes miraculously to life on Christmas Eve.

Featuring a dazzling array of colourful characters including dancing penguins, magical reindeer, a beautiful Snow Princess, her wicked beau Jack Frost and, of course, Father Christmas himself, The Snowman is a Christmas treat for all the family and a perfect introduction to theatre and dance for the very young.

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre production features music and lyrics by Howard Blake(performed by a live orchestra), choreography by Robert North, direction by Bill Alexander, design by Ruari Murchison, and lighting by Tim Mitchell.

The show features a recording of the iconic song Walking in the Air in a new arrangement byHoward Blake and sung by Aled Jones duetting with his younger (recorded) self, as released on Aled’s chart topping Classic FM album, One Voice at Christmas.

 

Morwenna Angove, CEO of Chill Factor^e, said: “It was a real treat to host a visit from none

other than The Snowman himself who came to check on preparations for Santa’s arrival at

Chill Factor^e ahead of our Grotto opening this weekend. The sub-zero temperature felt just

like home to him, and we were thrilled that he took the opportunity to cool off on our slope

during his trip to Manchester.”

The Snowman is presented by arrangement with Snowman Enterprises Limited (A Penguin Company) and Chester Music Limited.

Book now at www.atgtickets.com/Manchester  or by calling the box office on 0844 871 3018.

ENDS

LISTING INFORMATION

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Production of The Snowman^TM                                                                                                                   

Opera House, Manchester

3 Quay Street

Manchester

M3 3HP

 

Thursday 9 November 2017: 10.30am and 2.30pm

Friday 10 November 2017: 7pm

Saturday 11 November 2017: 1.30pm and 5pm

Sunday 12 November 2017: 11am and 3pm

Tickets: From £15

Box Office: 0844 871 3018* www.atgtickets.com/manchester *

*Booking/transaction fee applies

Hull New Theatre – until 11 November.  Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

4****

This is a show that fairly sizzles along, cleverly blending the music made famous by Dusty Springfield with the story of Kat (Diana Vickers), Alison (Debra Stephenson) and Paul (Michael Howe), who are seeking the wisdom of The Preacher Man but instead have to make do with his son Simon (Ian Reddington). The Preacher Man had been a record shop in Soho in the 60’s, run of course by The Preacher Man, and this is where the story takes place.

Craig Revel Horwood is responsible for Directing and Musical Staging and what a ”fab-u-lous” job he has done. The pace would change from the actors zipping about the stage to moving very slowly with the whole piece beautifully choreographed. There was never a point where the movement felt stilted or unnatural. I was particularly taken with the dancing with chairs.

From the very first notes this production drew you in, with the majority of the musicians mingling and playing live on stage. Dusty’s songs were tweaked so that the delivery would not be quite what you expected. The harmonies were beautiful and the songs “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself” and “How Can I Be Sure?” were quite heartbreaking. The leads (Diana Vickers, Debra Stephenson, Michael Howe and Ian Reddington) all played excellent parts, showing us the sadness and joys of life. Particular mention should go to Diana Vickers who has a stunning voice whether delivering a tender or powerful song. However, this production is very much an ensemble piece with all the actors and musicians adding their own magic.

I left the theatre with the music buzzing around my head and a smile on my face.

Trafalgar Studios – until 2 December.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

The Red Lion is one of those plays that makes you want to book another ticket as you’re walking out of the theatre. Yes, it’s about football, and the F-word usually sends me to sleep, but football fans and footballphobes will be swept away by the passion of these characters.

Patrick Marber draws on his own experiences in semi-professional football to create a script sharp enough to slice the halftime oranges. Manager Kidd (Stephen Tomkinson) is willing to use any means necessary to further the club’s, and his own, interests. Shady deals and bungs off the pitch and dodgy tactics on the pitch are all justifiable as long as he gets what he wants. Football is a business. Kit man Yates (John Bowler) is a club legend whose actions are driven by club loyalty and a sense of history and community. When a promising new player Jordan (Dean Bone) arrives, the two men begin a tug-of-war to control the youngster’s future.

Just like football, Marber’s script veers between poetic beauty and short, sharp brutality, peppered with salty language and lots of laughs. The laughs dwindle in the devastating final scene as the characters’ actions catch up with them and their careers are threatened. These men were all drawn to football because of their parents, and they all have nothing but football to bring meaning to their lives.

John Bowler brings a lyrical melancholy to Yates, from the moment the doors open as he irons the team jerseys, kissing the club badge on each one. His finely nuanced performance reveals the pain and neediness of this broken man brilliantly. Dean Bone is totally believable as the naïve Jordan. He also excels in showing the many facets of this conflicted young man – innocent but shifty, sweet but brimming with anger. Stephen Tomkinson gives the performance of a lifetime as Kidd – full of fury and arrogance berating refs and grounds staff one minute, then pleading with Yates for approval like a lost little boy the next.

A dream cast at the top of their game, alongside Max Roberts’ skilful direction and the wonderfully authentic set design by Patrick Connellan (the smell of Deep Heat as you enter will clear up any winter sniffles) make this production something very special indeed.

UNDERBELLY PRODUCTIONS
in association with CAMERON MACKINTOSH,

STEVEN HARRIS and WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCILpresents

FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE
A musical by CLARKE PETERS
Featuring LOUIS JORDAN’S greatest hits

• FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE EXTENDS ITS RUN AT THE MARBLE ARCH THEATRE FOR THE SECOND TIME DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND  
• THE PRODUCTION WILL NOW PLAY UNTIL MARCH 24^TH 2018 AT THE MARBLE ARCH THEATRE

@fiveguysmusical / facebook.com/fiveguysmusical / fiveguysmusical.com

Underbelly Productions has today confirmed the new production of Clarke Peters’ Olivier Award-winning and Tony-Award nominated musical, Five Guys Named Moe, will extend its run at The Marble Arch Theatre until Saturday 24^TH March 2018.

Five Guys Named Moe is playing at the brand new Marble Arch Theatre which has been custom built for the production. The venue is designed to take audiences to an 1940s all-swinging New Orleans club, complete with festooned courtyard, bespoke cocktail bar, smoky corners and band-stand as a centrepiece. Performed in the round for the first time, theatregoers will be able to take their seats at the cabaret tables in the Funky Butt Club and have drinks served directly to their tables for an up-close and personal musical experience all around them.

First seen at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in 1990, Cameron Mackintosh brought it to the West End where it played for four years, subsequently playing on Broadway and around the world. Clarke Peters’ (The Wire, Treme, Person of Interest, Porgy and Bess, The Ice Man Cometh) career defining musical features the irresistible hits of trailblazing ‘King of the Jukebox’ Louis Jordan, including Early In The Morning, Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby, Choo Choo Ch’Boogie and Saturday Night Fish Fry. The soundtrack of soul, blues, gospel and early r ‘n’ b is performed live on stage by The Funky Butt Club Band.

Cameron Mackintosh, Associate Producer said: “I couldn’t be happier that everyone wants more Moe and that the joint will continue to jump for several more months.”

Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, Directors, Underbelly said: “There really ain’t no party like a Five Guys party and that’s exactly what audiences have been finding out; they’ve been on their feet every night of Five Guys Named Moe.  Everyone loves the party atmosphere in the brand new Marble Arch Theatre – our incredible purpose-built New Orleans style venue. Clarke Peters has brought his own show thrillingly to life in this brand new production and we couldn’t be more delighted to announce that we’re extending the run to 24^th March 2018.”

Cllr Robert Davis MBE, DL, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council and Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Heritage said: “Westminster City Council is delighted that the public have responded so positively to this brand new production of Five Guys Named Moe at the stunning Marble Arch theatre. Extending the run of this internationally acclaimed musical will allow more residents, businesses and visitors to enjoy a fantastic evening of top class entertainment in a world-class, iconic location and we look forward to welcoming them to the venue over the coming months”

Five Guys Named Moe is directed by Clarke Peters with musical staging and choreography by Andrew Wright (Half a Sixpence, Singin’ in the Rain, Guys and Dolls), inspired by Charles Augins’ original choreography, set and costume design by takis (Side Show, In The Heights, Hairspray, The Good Person of Sichuan), lighting design by Philip Gladwell (The James Plays, Cymbeline, Trainspotting, After Miss Julie, Hairspray) and sound design by Ben Harrison (Cabaret, Dreamboats and Petticoats, Dancing in the Streets, The King & I, Starlight Express, Blood Brothers, Soul Sister).

LISTINGS

Underbelly Productions
in association with Cameron Mackintosh,

Steven Harris and Westminster City Council presents
A new production of
FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE
A musical by Clarke Peters
Featuring Louis Jordan’s greatest hits
Directed by Clarke Peters
Musical Staging and Choreography by Andrew Wright

Choreography inspired by Charles Augins’ original staging
Orchestrations by Neil McArthur
Vocal Arrangements by Chapman Roberts
Produced at the Theatre Royal Stratford East and subsequently in the West End by Cameron Mackintosh

Musical Supervision from Steve Hill
Set and Costume Design by takis
Lighting Design by Philip Gladwell
Sound Design by Ben Harrison
Associate Director and Choreographer David Cameron
Casting by Will Burton CDG for DGA

Performed by arrangement with MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (EUROPE) LIMITED

Marble Arch Theatre
Marble Arch
London
W1C 1CX

Booking until 24 March 2018
Tuesday – Saturday 7.45pm
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees 2.30pm
Opening Night 14 September
Pricing: from £10
Box office: 0333 344 4167
Online: fiveguysmusical.com

Christmas Performance Schedule:

December 19^th at 7.45pm
December 20^th at 7.45pm
December 21^st at 2.30pm and 7.45pm
December 22^nd at 7.45pm
December 23^rd at 2.30pm and 7.45pm
December 26^th at 4.00pm
December 27^th at 2.30pm and 7.45pm
December 28^th at 2.30pm and 7.45pm
December 29^th at 7.45pm
December 30^th at 2.30pm and 7.45pm
December 31^st at 2.30pm

THIS CHRISTMAS, DISCOVER A DIFFERENT SIDE TO OZ

WICKED ADDS TWO EXTRA CHRISTMAS SHOWS

WICKED, the smash hit musical that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, has added two extra 2.30pm shows this Christmas on Tuesday 26 December and Friday 29 December at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Acclaimed as “the gravity-defying Wizard of Oz prequel” (Time Out London) and “a magical mystery tour through the fantasyland of Oz” (London Evening Standard), WICKED is already the 15^th longest running show in London theatre history (and the 10^th longest running musical), having recently surpassed the run of We Will Rock You. This “hugely popular show” (The Times) has now played almost 5000 performances, been seen by over 8.5 million people in London alone and won over 100 major awards around the world, including ten theatregoer-voted WhatsOnStage Awards (winning ‘Best West End Show’ on three occasions) and two Olivier Audience Awards in the UK.

WICKED currently stars Alice Fearn (Elphaba), Sophie Evans (Glinda), Bradley Jaden (Fiyero),Melanie La Barrie (Madame Morrible), Andy Hockley (The Wizard), Martin Ball (Doctor Dillamond), Sarah McNicholas (Nessarose), Jack Lansbury (Boq), Laura Pick (Standby for Elphaba) and Carina Gillespie & Maria Coyne (Standby for Glinda).

Based on the acclaimed, best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, WICKED tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

WICKED has music and lyrics by multi Grammy and Academy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz (Godspell and Disney’s Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Enchanted) and is based on the novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ by Gregory Maguire and adapted for the stage by Winnie Holzman. Musical staging is by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento and the production is directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello.

WICKED is produced around the world by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK) Michael McCabe.

Through its FOR GOOD programme and other charitable endeavours, WICKED is proud to support the remarkable work of the following UK charities: Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA); the CybersmileFoundation; the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity; Stonewall‘s ‘Education For All’ campaign; The Woodland Trust and the National Literacy Trust. Further information can be found at www.WickedForGood.co.uk

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

 Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

 Twitter: @WickedUK  |  Facebook: /WickedUK  |  Instagram: @WickedUK

LISTINGS INFORMATION

NOW BOOKING TO SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER 2018

Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LG

The theatre is one minute from London Victoria Mainline and Underground Stations

Box Office Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 10.00am – 7.45pm

No booking fees or transaction charges for tickets booked in person at the Box Office

Official UK website / 24hr online bookings: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Telephone bookings: ATG Tickets 0844 871 3001

(Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge)

Ticket prices: from £19.50 – £175.00*

*An ATG Tickets booking fee of up to £2.75 may apply to bookings made online and by telephone. A one-off ATG Tickets £3.00 transaction fee may also be added to each booking made online and by telephone. All ticket prices include a £1.75 Theatre Restoration Levy.

Group Sales (10 tickets or more): Group Line 020 7206 1174 / www.Groupline.com/Wicked

No booking or transaction fees for group bookings of 10 or more. Sales subject to terms and conditions.

Day Seats: £29.50: A limited number of seats released daily for that day’s performance(s) at 10.00am, in person at the Box Office.

Students: Best available seats £29.50 from 10.00am at Monday-Friday 7.30pm and Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm at the Box Office with student ID. Subject to availability. One ticket per ID.

Standby Concessions: Best available seats £29.50 from 10.00am at Monday-Friday 7.30pm and Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm at the Box Office for Senior Citizens, Jobseekers, Equity, BECTU and MU members and registered disabled. Subject to availability. One ticket per ID.

Performance Times: Monday-Saturday 7.30pm, matinees Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm

The performance lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including one 20-minute interval. 

HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL 
UK TOUR
Directed by Paul Kerryson
Choreographed by Drew McOnie

HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL TOUR TO EXTEND FOR ADDITIONAL EIGHT WEEKS IN 2018

Due to phenomenal public demand, Hairspray has today announced it will continue to tour the UK into August of next year. Having entertained big, bold and beautiful audiences across the country since opening 11 weeks ago, Mark Goucher is pleased to announce eight additional tour venues for summer 2018. This hugely acclaimed production of Hairspray will now tour to Stoke, Oxford, Newcastle, Eastbourne, York, Swansea, Bournemouth and return to Dublin.

Full dates and tickets are available at www.hairsprayuktour.com/tour-dates.

Featuring the iconic music and lyrics by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, this much-loved musical comedy currently stars ITV comedy legend Norman Pace as Wilbur Turnblad, Brenda Edwards as Motormouth Maybelle and Layton Williams as Seaweed. Matt Rixon returns to the role of Edna Turnblad and newcomer Rebecca Mendoza makes her professional debut as Tracy Turnblad.

Further cast includes; Gina Murray, Jon Tsouras, Edward Chitticks, Aimee Moore, Annalise Liard-Bailey, Monifa James, Lauren Concannon, Melissa Nettleford and Emily-Mae as The Dynamites, Shay Barclay, Ben Darcy, George Hinson, Jordan Laviniere, Graham MacDuff, Lindsay McAllister, Tracey Penn and Freya Rowley.

Choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Drew McOnie with direction from Paul Kerryson.

It’s Baltimore 1962, where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way.

Hairspray is a musical based on the 1988 film of the same name which starred Divine and Ricki Lake by cult filmmaker John Waters. With music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Hairspray originally opened to rave reviews on Broadway in 2002 and subsequently won eight Tony Awards. The production opened in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2007 and won four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical. Proving to be an international success, Hairspray has also opened in South Africa, Japan, South Korea, China and Dubai. Following the musical’s phenomenal success on stage, a film of the musical was released in 2007 which starred John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and James Marsden.

SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION

Facebook
www.facebook.com/HairsprayUKTour

Twitter  
@HairsprayUKTour

Instagram
@HairsprayUKTour

YouTube
www.youtube.com/HairsprayUKTour

30 October – 4 November 2017
Grand Opera House, Belfast
Box Office: 028 9024 1919
https://www.goh.co.uk/
On Sale Now

6 – 11 November 2017   
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
Box Office: 0844 871 7627
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/
On Sale Now

13 – 18 November 2017
Sands Centre, Carlisle
Box Office: 01228 633766
http://www.thesandscentre.co.uk/
On Sale Now

20 – 25 November 2017
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Box Office: 01274 432000
http://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/venues/the-alhambra-theatre
On Sale Now

27 November – 2 December 2017
G Live, Guildford
Box Office: 01483 369 350
https://glive.co.uk/Online/
On Sale Now

15 – 20 January 2018
Theatre Royal, Plymouth
Box Office: 01752 267222
http://www.theatreroyal.com/
On Sale Now

22 – 27 January 2018
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
Box Office: 023 8071 1811
https://www.mayflower.org.uk/
On Sale Now

29 January – 3 February 2018
The Lyceum, Sheffield
Box Office: 0114 249 6000
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/
On Sale Now

5 – 10 February 2018
Eden Court, Inverness
Box Office: 01463 239841
https://www.eden-court.co.uk/
On Sale Now

12 – 24 February 2018
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
Box Office: 0115 989 5555
https://trch.co.uk/
On Sale Now

26 February – 3 March 2018
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Box Office: 1902 429212
https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/
On Sale Now

5 – 10 March 2018
Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol
Box Office: 0844 871 3012
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/
On Sale Now

12 – 17 March 2018
Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh
Box Office: 0844 871 3014
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse/
On Sale Now

19 – 24 March 2018
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
Box Office: 01224 641122
http://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/venues/his-majestys-theatre
On Sale Now

26 March – 7 April 2018
Opera House, Manchester
Box Office: 0844 871 3018
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/opera-house-manchester/
On Sale Now

9 – 14 April 2018
Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes
Box Office: 0844 871 7652
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/
On Sale Now

16 – 21 April 2018
Empire Theatre, Liverpool
Box Office:  0151 702 7320
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire/
On Sale Now

23 – 28 April 2018
Hull New Theatre, Hull
Box Office: 01482 226 655
http://www.hcandl.co.uk/
On Sale Now

30 April – 5 May 2018
Venue Cymru, Llandudno
Box Office:  01492 872000
https://venuecymru.co.uk/
On Sale Now

8 – 12 May 2018
Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
Box Office: 01227 787787
http://www.marlowetheatre.com/
On Sale Now

14 – 19 May 2018
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
Box Office: 01702 351135
https://southendtheatres.org.uk
On Sale Now

21 May – 26 May 2018
Wycombe Swan
Box Office: 01494 512 000
https://wycombeswan.co.uk
On Sale Now

29 May – 03 June 2018
Cheltenham Everyman
Box Office: 01242 572573
https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/
On Sale Now

11 – 16 June 2018
Stoke Regent Theatre
Box Office: 0844 871 7649
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre/
On Sale 8 November

18-23 June 2018
Oxford New Theatre
Box Office: 0844 871 3020
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford/
On Sale 8 November

25-30 June 2018
Newcastle Theatre Royal
Box Office: 08448 11 21 21
https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on
On Sale 10 November

2 – 7 July 2018
Eastbourne Devonshire Theatre
Box Office: 01323 412 000
https://www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/venue/devonshire-park-theatre
On Sale Soon

9 – 14 July 2018
Dublin Bord Gais
Box Office: +353 1 677 7999
http://bordgaisenergytheatre.ie/
On Sale Soon

16-21 July 2018
York Grand Opera House Theatre
Box Office: 0844 871 3024
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/
On Sale 8 November

23-28 July 2018
Swansea Grand Theatre
Box Office: 01792 475715
http://www.swansea.gov.uk/grandtheatrewhatson
On Sale 8 November

30 July – 4 August 2018
Bournemouth Pavilion
Box Office: 0844 576 3000
https://bhlivetickets.co.uk
On Sale Soon

New Wimbledon Theatre – until 11th November.  Reviewed by Jess Brady

5*****

Cilla Black is one of the nation’s best loved entertainers in history and this musical adaptation of the wonderful ITV series playing back in 2014 written by John Pope, is a fitting tribute to the rise of a star!

The story of Cilla Black, or White as she was known before her rise to fame, starts with her humble beginnings in Liverpool. From a hard working Catholic family, her loving parents were unaware of Cilla’s true destiny and talent; they were proud of her job as a typist and figured that was her true calling until one day she decided to sing in the historic Cavern club with a local band where it all began. From that night she met her soul mate Bobby Willis who rarely left her side and knew Cilla was a very special. Music producer Brian Epstein felt the same when he spotted her performing and offered her a recording contract and from that moment on Cilla Black was thrust into the spotlight.

The production is full of hits that most will recognise and not just from Cilla Black herself but also from The Beatles to Gerry and the Pacemakers to Mamas and Papas and you will find that your toe tapping and clapping along to some of the most popular music of that exciting time in musical history which changed the world.

Kara Lily Hayworth plays the title role of Cilla Black to perfection with outstanding vocals and that warm familiar personality that Cilla had which makes this show very special. It felt like we were going back in time to witness the story in real life and Hayworth takes your breath away with Cilia’s classic number 1 hit ‘Anyone who had a heart’. Carl Au who plays Bobby is equally as captivating and has some lovely moments in the show that make the chemistry between Cilla and Bobby real and truthful, as well as having a wonderful voice in his songs. Andrew Lancel as Brian Epstein is a perfect choice and plays the talented yet tormented producer with charisma and draws you in with his wonderful performance. The entire cast are phenomenal and set the tone of the show with some of them adding instrumental performances also that compliment the action.

This production is perfect for anyone who loves jukebox musicals but it has more to offer than that alone. It is a show about love, talent, ambition and family that ultimately represents everything that the late great Cilla Black was and if she was still around to see it, I think she would be proud to have accomplished so much in her life and having a production of such a high standard being performed for thousands of people who loved her and seeing her story unfold. Cilla always had dreams from being a star and her extraordinary story really captures the audience’s hearts and ensures that her memory will never die.

Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester until 11th November 2017.  Reviewed by Julie Noller

5*****

I’m sad today because I’ve never seen Cabaret, how can this be so? I knew the music, could sing along, I even knew the names of the characters. So when I took my seat in the auditorium, I took in the fact it was packed not a seat left. There was an electric buzz of excitement. I never expected Cabaret to be educational, to bring alive the human suffering from 1930’s Germany. As Europe teetered on the brink of war.

Emcee who was played to perfection by Will Young, opened the show. With his painted face looking almost like a younger brother of Marcel Marceau. Did he represent the consciousness of Berlin, there is fun and laughter to be had at the Kitkat Club. Everybody who is anybody at the time of the Weimar Republic crumbling into the realms of Nazi controlled power, is celebrating New Years Eve 1930 at the KitKat Club, where both Boys and Girls are free to love and play.

Cabaret is deep, decadent, there’s nudity, there’s laughter and giggles as you slip into the comfortable life that’s free and easy, naked people run quite accepted across the stage. It slowly rolls into uneasiness, as the Nazis become braver and start to assert themselves in all aspects of society. It may just leave you shocked with tears of sadness over lost lives and wasted hatred. As Emcee says ‘hatred is exhausting’ , it’s much harder to wear the cloak and pretending to be something than to be young, free and happy. The witch hunt of anything not the ideal is beginning.

The performance is simply delicious, I saw plenty of people purchasing the CD during the interval. Louise Redknapp makes her theatrical debut as Sally Bowles and uses her voice to the max to raise the roof especially during the title track Cabaret, if you weren’t tapping your feet, you weren’t in the room, watching the same show as me. I’m sure it won’t be her last piece of musical theatre.

Although not all musical numbers are pitch perfect songs, they perfectly showcase each characters personality. From Fraulein Schneider (Susan Penhaligon) owner of the boarding house, worried about keeping her reputation and business yet not scared of the struggles of life because as she says ‘I have survived inflation’ . She welcomes Clifford Bradshaw (Charles Haggerty) a young American writer quite possibly based upon the many artists who flocked to Berlin. Kander and Ebb commissioned Joe Masteroff to write Cabaret taking inspiration from American-British writer Christopher Isherwood, series of stories from Berlin. I liked Fraulein Schneider she understood how a room rented for half the asking fee was better than an empty room, she lived alone but not a lonely life, seeing the good in people especially the friendly and generous Herr Schultz his only crime was generosity which stemmed from a deep love of Fraulein Schneider. Hatred came easily to those who were jealous, destroying this elderly couples future happiness. How very sad to see Herr Schultz living his life in hope ‘politicians come and go’ you want to shout out, he needs to save himself, board the train to Paris, get out while he can. But he has that blind faith all humans have of trust, that things will get better.

Fraulein Kost (Basienka Blake) with her life of vice, her brightly coloured hair, perfect make-up. Love of sailors. Is the sign of a society on the brink. I found her rendition of Tomorrow Belongs To Me extremely moving, it fits perfectly in a place where not just Berlin but European society was altering from the time where World War 1 had ended and people were breaking free, to facing the prospect of fear and the dark clouds of hatred amid the climb to 1940’s and World War 2. Herr Ludwig (Nicholas Tizzard) is the one character who crosses the divide, his presence cuts across the decadence and brings the Cabaret train ride into real life territory. He at first comes across as a smuggler, helping a young american and welcoming a stranger, as he becomes braver, showing his affiliation to the Social Nationalists (Nazi) much to the shock of the other characters. You see how much of an impact this has on each of our loved cast, a cancelled engagement, moving accommodation to save the impact on a loved one, selling of all items to return home, a blind eye through the love of fame. Homosexuality is no longer tolerated and attacks are carried out. Where are those missing people?

As Cabaret draws to an end we see Herr Ludwig closing down the KitKat Club, it’s presence will not be tolerated. Our beloved Emcee is alone, no longer the talk of the town, no longer the clown. He is striped bare, the audience no longer shocked at nakedness accepts it. This is different to the Kitkat club where life and clothes are free and easy, boys love boys and girls love girls. We see the cold damp darkness of oppression, I initially giggled and then realisation dawned, this was the basis of concentration camps, this was quite possibly a gas chamber, my hand was clasped to my mouth, my gasp audible as I noticed the audience around me. There is no happy ending, for happy endings are for fairy tales. Cabaret is no fairy tale, it’s a reminder of a time now long gone. Its hard to think of Berlin so free and easy but it genuinely existed and I loved witnessing it’s rise and fall within European society. It’s a solid, genuinely heart warming performance by all the cast. A totally humbling experience for me in the lead up to Remembrance Day, Lest any of us forget the events that befell Europe.