Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Hull New Theatre – until 3rd February 2018. Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

5*****

From the moment the curtain went up I was hooked – Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends The Musical had me hooting with laughter in seconds. This is a show full of life and love and it fairly sizzles along!

The story revolves around a slimming club in Headingley (Leeds) and its various members and their lives as they attempt to lose weight through diet and exercise. Kelly (Jodie Prenger) is drawn into the mix in an attempt to get into her dream wedding dress – the only one she will consider. Kay Mellor has an acute eye for the little things in life and her dialogue is accurate and true to life, who else would have Kelly tell us she loves her husband to be because he licks the germs off her chips when they fall on the floor!

I, and the rest of the packed New Theatre, quickly recognized ourselves or our friends in the characters on the stage, this is how life is in all its successes and failures. The characters felt real and importantly we laughed with them and not at them, Kay Mellor made us care for them. This is a story that is never forced and the music and songs compliment and add to the story, never feeling contrived or added for effect. Nick Lloyd Webber’s music beautifully captures the emotions and mood of the characters.

The cast is superb from start to finish their energy and zest carrying us through with them.

Jodie Prenger as Kelly is outstanding as she had us laughing and practically sobbing when things went wrong. A stand out for me was her wonderful rendition of the song “Beautiful” – haven’t we all wanted to feel beautiful for just one day.

Sam Bailey was an excellent Betty, so unsure of herself and self-effacing, she really does have a beautiful voice. Kevin Kennedy’s Fergus had just the right amount of gruffness and pathos. Rachel Wooding as Kelly’s sister oozed with sibling rivalry at one moment and sisterly love at the next. Natasha Hamilton was a suitably scheming and false Julia Fleshman, appearing so unreal and “plastic” next to the rest of the cast.

Grab yourself a ticket for this outstanding show, which will make you laugh out loud and empathise with the characters, but most importantly of all it will remind you to love who you are.

Lisa Burger appointed Chair of the
Lyric Hammersmith Board

The Lyric Hammersmith today announces that Lisa Burger, Executive Director at the National Theatre, will succeed Sir William Atkinson as Chair of its Board. Lisa will take over from Sir William Atkinson on 30 January 2018.

Lisa Burger will work closely with Lyric’s Artistic Director Sean Holmes and Executive Director Sian Alexander in achieving the organisation’s mission to produce the highest quality contemporary theatre, alongside nurturing the creativity of young people.

Sian Alexander said, ‘Lisa has been a brilliant trustee of the Lyric for the past five years and we are thrilled that she is now stepping up to become our new Chair. She shares our dual passions for bold, adventurous work and nurturing the next generation of theatre makers. We look forward to her leadership and working
alongside her to realise our joint vision for the Lyric.’

Lisa Burger said, ‘The Lyric has a bold and clear vision to produce the highest quality theatre alongside nurturing the creativity of young people and developing pathways into theatre for young talent from all backgrounds. The Lyric’s work in this area is vital and inspiring and it will be a privilege, as well as a personal pleasure, to work with Sean Holmes and Sian Alexander and the Lyric’s cracking team.’

Lisa Burger took on the role of leading the National Theatre alongside Director Rufus Norris in 2015. Lisa has previously worked at the Royal Opera House and the National Gallery Company and joined the National Theatre in 2001 as Finance Director. She worked closely with Nick Hytner and Nick Starr in their
Executive team as Chief Operating Officer and led on a range of strategic projects including the £80m NT Future refurbishment, feasibility work on NT Live and co-production of War Horse with the National Theatre of China. As a Director of National Theatre Productions she plays a key role in the NT’s commercial productions. She was formerly Treasurer of Shape Arts.

NEW SEASON BRINGS PROGRAMME OF

DINO-MITE SHOWS FOR KIDS THIS SPRING

Family entertainment at Storyhouse

 

Storyhouse has revealed its exciting programme of children’s shows for the new Spring Season 2018 – promising plenty of fun for all the family at the Chester theatre.

With four fantastic shows, written and produced specifically for children, there’s no excuse for youngsters to be bored during the half-term break or the coming months.

The first show to take to the stage this season is Captain Flinn & The Pirate Dinosaurs 2: The Magic Cutlass on Tuesday 20 February.

Based on the best-selling children’s books, Flinn, Pearl and Tom are in the middle of their school play when their old nemesis, Mr T the T-Rex, appears and kidnaps them, forcing the children to hunt for the secretive Magic Cutlass – a sword that grants the holder any wish.

Young fans of dinosaurs have a real treat to look forward to on Saturday 7 April and Sunday 8 April when Dinosaur World Live comes to Storyhouse.

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of the dinosaur world with this incredible interactive show. Youngsters are invited to join an intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Stegosaurus.

Dino fans can meet their favourites during a special meet and greet after the Dinosaur World Liveperformances.

The mischievous and hilarious Gangsta Granny takes to the Storyhouse stage during the Easter Holidays, on Wednesday 11 April and Saturday 14 April.

Based on the books by the best-selling children’s author David Walliams, Gangsta Granny and her grandson Ben are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime together. This award-winning West End production is brought to stage by the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories.

Fans of dance and music are also catered for. Motionhouse: Charge tells the incredible story of energy in our bodies, for one night only on Tuesday 6 February. The show sees six performers use dance and acrobatics in a multi-media show, creating a unique collaboration between art and science.

World music group Kabantu return to Storyhouse on Wednesday 21 February. After proving to be a big hit at the Chester venue last June, the quintet perform as part of their Debut Album Tour, which has been produced by Mercury Prize nominated Gerry Diver.

Storyhouse Artistic Director Alex Clifton said: “We are thrilled to present such a varied and exciting programme for families over the coming months. Following the success of our Christmas show, The Secret Seven, we want to continue to engage families and young people as much as possible. Whether that’s seeing a show in the theatre or creating something together in the children’s library.”

 

Storyhouse is also producing its annual WayWord half-term festival between 17 and 24 February. The week-long festival is dedicated to families and young people, and features Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, silent discos, stand-up comedy for kids, a raft of workshops, tea-time movies, and free and crafts.   

Tickets for all events are on sale now and can be booked online, over the phone, or in person in the theatre.

Storyhouse has a dynamic pricing policy on the majority of shows, ensuring the earlier you book your tickets, guarantees the best seats at the lowest price.

Website:         www.storyhouse.com

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/storyhouselive/

Twitter:           @StoryhouseLive

LISTING INFORMATION

 

MOTIONHOUSE: CHARGE
DATE: Tuesday 6 February
TIME: 7:30pm

TICKETS: £16.50 – £25.50

 

CAPTAIN FLINN & THE PIRATE DINOSAURS 2: THE MAGIC CUTLASS

DATE: Tuesday 20 February

TIME: 1:30pm

TICKETS: Adults £11.50 / Under 16 £9.50 / Family £38

KABANTU: THE DEBUT ALBUM TOUR
DATE: Wednesday 21 February
TIME: 7:30pm

TICKETS: £16 / Under 26 £12

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE
DATE: Saturday 7 April – Sunday 8 April

TIME: Saturday 2pm & 4.30pm / Sunday 11am and 2pm

TICKETS: £14.50

GANGSTA GRANNY

DATE: Wednesday 11 April – Saturday 14 April

TIME: Each evening at 7pm / Matinees on Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 2pm

TICKETS: Adults £20.50 – £22.50 / Children £16.50 – £17.50

WAYWORD

DATE: Saturday 17 February – Saturday 24 February

VARIOUS TIMES

TICKETS: From £4

HOW TO BOOK

Online:            Visit www.storyhouse.com

By Phone:       Call 01244 409 113

In person:       Visit the Ticket Kiosks At Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

Visit Chester Visitor Information Centre.

Storyhouse, Chester – until Saturday 3rd February 2018.  Reviewed by Julie Noller 

5*****

The Play That Goes Wrong is the perfect antidote to drab winter days. It has begun it’s 2018 tour of the country with Chester’s Storyhouse playing host as fifth venue for a long run that sees this wacky and extremely hilarious farce stop at no less than thirty four theatres, each no doubt will sell out as not only is it an award winning (from Fringe to Broadway) play but as I heard the audience around me talking we all enjoy watching TPTGW again and again.

This tour sees a new cast which if you read the headlines has been called brave, however each actor graces the stage as if they were handpicked for their role. I took my teenage son to watch after he enjoyed the televised Christmas performance of Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, he said it was better than expected, an amazing play and his throat hurt from laughing so much. It’s a play that has no defining age limit, you want to laugh and forget that storm raging outside, this is the answer. The sell out audience is a far cry from the audience of just three who witnessed writers Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields (who all trained at LAMDA) first production back in 2009 which came a whole year after they formed Mischief Theatre.

It was my first visit to Storyhouse (apart from the coffee I had previously enjoyed) and what a lovely intimate modern theatre venue it is. I initially felt dismayed at our seat choices, however we could quite easily lean forward to see parts of the stage that were slightly blocked without obstructing our fellow patrons views. Having seen TPTGW before, I was delighted in the differences a smaller venue brought, the fact that Trevor (Gabriel Paul) was sat opposite us meant we could see all his misdemeanors and his Duran Duran posters. My son was delighted as we’d found our way to our seats early (a neccessity for anyone watching as the play begins before the actual play begins upon stage) he received a thumbs up from Trevor. I’m now left wondering will they ever find poor Winston? From our view up in the circle, we were in stitches at the reaction to the squeaky toy and the poor woman who had a furry coat on, ripped from her, well just incase it was Winston. If your now questioning Winston, go along to find out, but remember everything is tongue in cheek and not to be taken seriously.

I love how versitile and potentially how easily it can be improvised, yet how practiced each and every character is. It’s a play within a play and as such be prepared for confusion, is this the characters name or the actors?. It begins with an introdution to the play we are are about to watch; Members of Cornley Polytechnics Drama Society, have followed on from many questionable and unsuccesful previous performances by writing, directing and staring in Murder at Haversham Manor. Led by Chris Bean (President of said mentioned society) who also graces the stage as Inspector Carter, portrayed by Jake Curran, his seriousness and dismay at those little issues that go wrong is just small change in the currency of laughter. Poor Charles Haversham (Steven Rostance) who is our so called murder victim or is he? Will he ever get his timing right and save the day? Squirm as his hand is stamped on more than once leading our corpse to yelp in pain. Perkins (Benjamin McMahon) with his poor line deliverance and mispronouciations. Overacting from Florence Colleymore (Elena Valentine) with her many ‘episodes’ and mishaps leading to stage hands Annie and Trevor filling in after she is laid unconscious. Thomas Colleymore (Kazeem Tosin Amore) who has to endure drinking another glass of a suspious liquid labelled white spirts, Cecil Haversham/Arthur (Bobby Hirston) and his dazzling star struck smile and as my son delighted in showing me his exagerated moves.

The whole audience watched and laughed in pure abandonment as the play and indeed the set fell apart quite literally in front of our eyes. I don’t think I could ever tire of watching TPTGW, it’s deliciously silly. Does not take itself seriously, knows it’s a comedy and does what it says on the tin. I can guarantee you will laugh, regardless of your city or your seat in the theatre. You will leave happy, perhaps a little damp from the tears of joy. No wonder it’s taken Broadway by storm and is currently playing in every continent except Antarctica. I’m off to nurse my aching sides whilst still chuckling to myself, ready to see the brighter lighter nights feeling perkier and with a spring in my step.

Southwark Play House – until 17 February 2018.  Reviewed by Brian Gordon

5*****

The Southwark Play House is a reclaimed urban unconventional space, creating what has become a reasonably conventional theatre space. With a bar and café and easy striking distance from the tube and bus it is well placed for a night out. Small enough to be intimate but large enough for a sizeable production. Pretty apt for the delivery of Jen Silverman’s Collective Rage, the story of women from all aspects of conventional New York society brought together by the The-a-tre…

Central to the story is the common ground that is the pussy, all these women have different levels of activity…in that area… but are, over the duration of the 85 minutes of delivery drawn closer and closer. Each Betty is steadily introduced before being entwined with the mealy of the other Betties. Directed by Charlie Parham each Betty demonstrates their own relative rage and takes you on the path towards their nirvana, whether consciously or not, each Beatty needs to be somewhere else in their life and the rage is a symptom of their needs.

As clearly understood by Betty 3 played by Beatriz Romilly, the The-a-tre is very cultural, but for $85 can be rewarding, and inspiring to change the direction of your life. Betty 4 (Johnnie Fiori) has other ideas of what is cultural and worth $85… but none so clear as Betty 5’s (Genesis Lynea) ideal that prison is enough. Plenty of activities and a great place to meet new friends. Betty 1 performed by Sara Stewart is the pivot of the simplistic rage created by a relationships neglect, however Betty 2 (Lucy McCormack) goes on the wildest and most adventurous journey. This is clearly not impressive to Betty 3 who clarifies this as she pejoratively explains to her that looking at her pussy in Betty 3’s living room does not mean she can participate in The-a-tre…!

When 60% of your Betties end up not being Betties and your No2 belts out a guitar solo in the role of a lonely lion that is actually your own Pussy you know this in nothing like a conventional story line. Credit must be given to Nichola Treherne for some great choreography over a 3 dimensional space.

The play cleverly develops the Betties from stereotypes through further stereotypes until transcendence beyond and into a collective. Using theatre in The-a-tre to show that, ultimately language and performance are powerful and that to listen carefully and see are lost skills in yourself as much as others. Take yourself on a date and see if you love yourself…but don’t forget your pussy needs to go on the date too.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR F. SCOTT FITZGERALD’S

THE GREAT GATSBY

IN AN IMMERSIVE PRODUCTION AT THE DOLPHIN HOTEL

 

A Theatr Clwyd and Guild of Misrule co-production

In partnership with The Dolphin Hotel

The Great Gatsby

Adapted and Directed by Alexander Wright

Created by The Original Company

Designer: Heledd Rees, Lighting Designer: Ric Mountjoy

Choreographer: Holly Beasley-Garrigan, Sound Designer: Phil Grainger

Theatr Clwyd, and Guild of Misrule today announce the full cast for an immersive production of The Great Gatsby in an adaptation from Alexander Wright. Opening at The Dolphin Hotel, prior to the building being extended and completely refurbished before re-opening in 2019, Wright will direct Oliver Towse in the role of Jay Gatsby and he will be joined by Matthew Churcher (George Wilson), Jake Ferretti (Tom Buchanan), Zoe Hakin (Jordan Baker), Michael Lambourne (Nick Carraway), Amie Burns Walker (Daisy) and Bethan Rose Young (Myrtle Wilson) alongside a nine-strong community chorus.

It’s the roaring twenties and you’re invited to Jay Gatsby’s party and that’s not an invite you want to turn down. Slip on your dancing shoes and watch the story unfold around you as you step into F Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal jazz-age novel.

 

In this immersive theatre show, you can physically explore Gatsby’s 1920s red hot jazz world. Housed at The Dolphin Hotel in Mold, you can dress up for the show and dance (if you want!) or simply sit at the bar with a cocktail and allow yourself to be absorbed into the story!

Alexander Wright directs and has adapted this production. He is Artistic Director of The Flanagan Collective where his credits include Romeo & Juliet and Frankenstein. Further credits include The Great Gatsby and NeverLand (The Guild of Misrule) and Metamorphosis, The Trial, Macbeth and The Beggar’s Opera for the award-winning company Belt Up Theatre, of which he is one of the four founding directors. As a playwright his work has been performed across the UK, Australia and the US. His writing includes Fable, The Boy James, Some Small Love Story, Therapy, NeverLand, Snakes & Giants and From the Mouths Of The Gods. His other adaptations for the stage include Frankenstein, A Christmas Carol, Antigone and Sherlock Holmes.

Matthew Churcher plays George Wilson. Recent theatre credits include Jane Eyre (National Theatre/Bristol Old Vic), All or Nothing (UK tour) This Might Be It (Theatre N16), War Horse (National Theatre) and 60 Hugs(Frantic Assembly).

Jake Ferretti plays Tom Buchanan. His theatre credits include Stay Happy Keep Smiling (53Two Manchester), Sleepless (Shoreditch Town Hall), Much Ado About Nothing (Stafford Gatehouse Theatre), Polly (Theatre503), One Minute (Waterloo Vaults), Fijiland (Oxford Playhouse), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time(Apollo Theatre/National Theatre), The Kitchen (National Theatre), The Wind Doesn’t Sing, Graceland, Pygmalion (The Old Vic) and Enjoy (Gielgud Theatre). Television credits include Kiss of Death and Sense and Sensibility. For film his credits include The Other Boleyn Girl.

Zoe Hakin plays Jordan Baker. Recent theatre credits include Cow Juice (Northern Stage), After the Ice(Queen’s Hall Theatre, Hexham), The End, Break Free, Choirplay, John Johnson and the Liberal Luddite (Live Theatre, Newcastle), Camden Carter, Home Free, Continuum (Alphabetti Theatre) and The Big Time (The Customs House, South Shields). Her television credits include Inside Out and Boy Meets Girl.

Michael Lambourne reprises his role as Nick Carraway. His theatre credits include Great Expectations (Derby Playhouse), The Tempest (The Flanagan Collective), The Railway Children, The Wind in the Willows, See How They Run and The Legend of King Arthur (York Theatre Royal) and Notes For First Time Astronauts (Pilot Theatre). Television includes In The Dark, Chucklevision and Ye Olde Dragons’ Den.

Oliver Towse plays Jay Gatsby. Recent theatre credits include The Tempest (RSC), A Midsummer Night’s Dream(Dream East), Shakespeare at the O2 (Grassroots Shakespeare), Play On (Barbican), Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (St James’ Studio) and Captive Audience (House of Tomen).

Amie Burns Walker reprises her role as Daisy. Recent theatre credits include The Lumberjills (Dalby Forest), Dr. Strangelove (Secret Cinema), Romeo and Juliet (York Theatre Royal), Little Red Riding Hood and Lady Chatterley’s Lover (Hull Truck Theatre), The Comedy of Errors, The Tempest and Twelfth Night (RSC) and Pericles (Glasgow Rep). Her film credits include Macbeth and The Return.

Bethan Rose Young plays Myrtle Wilson. Recent theatre credits include White Sky (Royal Court Theatre), Cosy(Wales Millennium Centre) and Dead Born Grow (Frantic Assembly). For television her credits include Rownd a Rownd and for film, her credits include Traumen and Pride.

THE GREAT GATSBY Listing

The Dolphin Hotel

86-88 High St, Mold CH7 1BH

Thursday 22 February – Sunday 25 March 

Box Office at Theatr Clwyd: 01352 701521

Tickets £25 – £10

https://www.theatrclwyd.com/en/

witter: @Clwydtweets Facebook: /TheatrClwyd

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE IN

THE 18^TH ANNUAL WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS

 

• WITH PERFORMANCES FROM EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE, BAT OUT OF HELL, ALICE FEARNS AND JANIE DEE
• TREVOR DION NICHOLAS AND VIKKI STONE TO PRESENT THE CEREMONY AT THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE ON SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY

 

Trevor Dion Nicholas and Vikki Stone will present the 18^th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards at the Prince of Wales Theatre on 25 February. The nominations are currently open to the public and will close on Wednesday 31 January.

Performances from West End shows and stars including Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Bat Out of Hell, Tyrone Huntley, Alice Fearn and Janie Dee, will take place at the ceremony with more to be announced.

This year is a stand-out year for musicals with 42^nd Street and Bat Out of Hell leading with eight nominations each, including the Best Musical Revival category and Best New Musical respectively. It is also a strong year for the National Theatre, securing 19 nominations with Angels in America and Follies both scooping up seven, including Best Direction, where they will face The Ferryman, Bat Out of Hell and Hamlet.

 

Two new categories have been introduced this year – Best Original Cast Recording will see Hamilton pitted against long running fan favourite Les Misérables and newcomer to the West End stage Dreamgirls as well as Dear Evan Hansen and Girl from the North Country. Reflecting the often unsung work that goes into creating a successful brand for a production, Best Show Poster sees last year’s heavyweight Harry Potter and the Cursed Child return to take on iconic productions including Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and Hamilton.

The WhatsOnStage Awards are proud to support Mousetrap Theatre Projects, a charity which takes children and young people who are disadvantaged or have special needs to see London’s outstanding theatre. https://www.mousetrap.org.uk/ www.whatsonstage.com

Twitter:

@WhatsOnStage #WOSAwards

The Wintershall Players presents
The Passion of Jesus
In Trafalgar Square on Good Friday 30 March 2018
at 12noon & 3.15pm

Live Facebook Streaming confirmed for both performances

 

Celebrating 25 Years of The Passion

 

On Good Friday, Friday 30^th March 2018, the renowned Wintershall Players return to the heart of London with their awe-inspiring full-scale re-enactment of The Passion of Jesus, performed for free in the shadow of the National Gallery.  The Passion premiered in 1993 on the Wintershall Estate in Surrey and since then has become a highly anticipated Easter fixture, both in Guildford and in Central London.

The story commemorating the day Jesus is believed to have been arrested, tried and crucified by the Romans, two days before miraculously rising from the dead on Easter Sunday, is brought to life by a cast of over a hundred, all in resplendent costumes, along with horses, doves and donkeys.

Featuring realistic scenes and a heart moving crucifixion and resurrection, The Passion of Jesus is an unforgettable Easter experience.

Supported by the Mayor of London, The Passion of Jesus now attracts more than 20,000 people to its two London performances. As well as Trafalgar Square, the Wintershall Players will performThe Passion in Guildford on Easter Saturday.

Director Ashley Herman, and producer Charlotte de Klee, both appeared in the very first Passion production in 1993 as Narrator and Miriam and have been associated with it ever since.  The actor and artist James Burke-Dunsmore has performed as Jesus on stage for more than 60 different productions to over a quarter of a million people, and 2018 marks his 21st year performing in the role.  The rest of the company is made up of volunteer actors and stage crew from in and around London and the South East.

Once again, those who can’t make it to London for the performances will be able to watch The Passion live, both performances will be shown via a Facebook Live Stream –www.facebook.com/Wintershallplay.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square is an important chance for people to learn more about the story of Easter.  Holy Week is a time for Christians to reflect on the life and teachings of Christ. This is also a great opportunity for all Londoners to see this unforgettable performance in an iconic location.” 

The Passion’s Christian message embraces all denominations, and this is highlighted by the active and continued support of the Bible Society, as well as two of the country’s principal Church leaders, The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster and the Bishop of London.

The Wintershall Players will be also perform the extraordinary Life of Christ at the Wintershall Estate in Surrey from 19-23 June and the now-famous Wintershall Nativity from 12-16 December.

LISTINGS INFORMATION:

The Passion of Jesus, Trafalgar Square 
Date: Friday 30 March 2018
Times: 12 noon & 3.15 pm
Tickets: Free admission

Please note: This is an open air event so clothing appropriate for the forecasted weather conditions should be worn. This performance contains a realistic interpretation of the crucifixion. Parental guidance is advised.

 

Big screens are used so wherever you are you can see and hear the acting.
BSL interpreters will be available for both London performances.

NEW STAGE PRODUCTION OF

LESLIE BRICUSSE’S

DOCTOR DOLITTLE

TO OPEN IN BROMLEY ON 9 NOVEMBER 2018

AS PART OF DOCTOR DOLITTLE’S 50^TH

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Music & Lyrics Limited, the producers behind the highly successful recent tours of The Addams Family, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof, High Society and The King and I, in association with Churchill Theatre Bromley, will be producing a new UK & Ireland Tour of Doctor Dolittle, with book, music and lyrics by double Academy Award-winner Leslie Bricusse.  Featuring stunning visual puppetry, this new production, with the book reworked by Leslie Bricusse, will be part of the 50^th anniversary celebrations of the original film starring Rex Harrison and will feature the same songs, including the Academy Award-winning Talk To The Animals. Casting to be announced.

Eccentric Doctor Dolittle embarks on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail that holds the secret of life and makes the world a happier place. Helped by his human companions and an exotic menagerie of animal friends, including the Pushmi-Pullyu and trusty sidekick Polynesia the parrot, the larger-than-life DoctorDolittle teaches us not only to talk to the animals but to listen to them as well!

Leslie Bricusse has written the book, music and/or lyrics for more than 40 musical films and plays.  Stage musicals include Stop the World – I Want to Get Off, Pickwick, Harvey, Goodbye, Mr Chips, Scrooge and Victor/Victoria, while films (songs and/or screenplays) include Scrooge, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Goodbye, Mr Chips, Superman, Victor/Victoria, Home Alone 1 & 2, Hook, Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, The Last Emperor and various Pink Panthers.  His songs include What Kind of Fool Am I?, My Old Man’s A Dustman, Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, On A Wonderful Day Like Today, The Candy Man and Oompa-Loompa-Doompa-Dee-Doo.  As well as winning two Oscars, he has won a Grammy and eight Ivor Novello Awards.

The new stage production of Doctor Dolittle will be directed by Christopher Renshaw (Le Grand Mort, Zorro, Taboo, We Will Rock You, The King and I), with design by Tom Piper (Associate Designer at the RSC from 2004  to 2014, and designed the installation for the Tower of London poppies installation and subsequent tours – original concept and Poppies by Paul Cummins), and musical supervision by Mike Dixon (most recent theatre includes Mrs Henderson Presents, Oh What A Lovely War, Bodyguard, Taboo, Hair, Zorro, Never Forget and We Will Rock You).

Doctor Dolittle is based on the Doctor Dolittle stories by Hugh Lofting and the Twentieth Century Fox film.

Doctor Dolittle is performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Ltd.

Website: www.doctordolittlemusical.com

Facebook: Doctor Dolittle The Musical

Twitter: @DolittleMusical

TOUR SCHEDULE

9 – 24 November 2018                           Churchill Theatre Bromley                                                           020 3285  6000                                                                                                     www.churchilltheatre.co.uk                                                          On sale to be announced

11 December – 5 January 2019             The Lowry Salford                                                                         0843 208 6000                                                                                                     www.thelowry.com                                                                         On sale 1 December

29 January – 9 February                         Wolverhampton Grand Theatre                                                   01902 42 92 12

                                                                www.grandtheatre.co.uk                                                              On sale to be announced

12 – 23 February                                     Newcastle Theatre Royal                                                              0844 811 2121

                                                                www.theatreroyal.co.uk                                                                 On sale to be announced

26 February – 9 March                            Hull New Theatre                                                                           01482 300  306                                                                                                   www.hulltheatres.co.uk                                                                  On sale to be announced

12 – 23 March                                         His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen                                                   01224 641122

                                                               www.aberdeenperformingarts.com                                                 On sale to be announced

26 March – 6 April                                     Royal & Derngate Northampton                                                  01604 624811                                                                                                       www.royalandderngate.co.uk                                                       On sale to be announced

9 – 20 April                                               Nottingham Theatre Royal                                                           0115 989 5555

                                                                 www.trch.co.uk                                                                            On sale to be announced  

23 April – 4 May                                       Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                                                            0114 249 6000

                                                                  www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                                                       On sale to be announced

14 – 25 May                                               Festival Theatre Edinburgh                                                         0131 529 6000

                                                                   www.edtheatres.com                                                                  On sale to be announced

28 May – 8 June                                       Alhambra Theatre Bradford                                                         01274 432000

                                                                 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk                                                       On sale to be announced

11 – 22 June                                              Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin                                              0844 847 2455

                                                                   www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                                                    On sale to be announced

9 – 20 July                                                 The Marlowe, Canterbury                                                             01227 8787787

                                                                   www.themarlowetheatre.com                                                      On sale to be announced 

6 – 17 August                                             Wales Millennium Centre                                                             029 2063 6464

                                                     www.wmc.org.uk                                                                         On sale to be announced

20 – 31 August                                          Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                                               02380 711811

                                     www.mayflower.org.uk                                                                 On sale 18 January 2018

3 – 14 September                                     Blackpool Winter Gardens                                                           0844 856 1111

                                     www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk                                            On sale to be announced

22 October – 2 November                        Birmingham Hippodrome                                                            0844 338 5000

                                                                  www.birminghamhippodrome.com                                             On sale to be announced

Further venues to be announced.

Hal Cazalet and Friends present
PLAY ON WORDS

• HAL CAZALET RETURNS TO CRAZY COQS IN CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF PG WODEHOUSE AND THE WORDSMITHS OF BROADWAY
• LIVE AT ZEDEL IN SOHO FROM 12 TO 14 FEBRUARY, 2018

Hal Cazalet returns to Crazy Coqs, Live at Zedel following his sell out debut in October 2017 to celebrate the centenary of P.G. Wodehouse on Broadway and his fellow wordsmiths – ‘the Men Who Made Musicals’ in Play on Words at Soho’s Brasserie Zedel from Monday 12 toWednesday 14 February, 2018. The British tenor, a relative of author Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse, will be joined by special guests, to be announced in due course, with Simon Beck on piano and directed by Hugh Wooldridge at London’s premier cabaret room.

Play On Words sees multi-accomplished performer, composer and lyricist Hal Cazalet honouring the work of his step Great-Grandfather P.G. Wodehouse, alongside his favourite songs celebrating the birth of the Broadway musical and theatrical writing highlights of the last 100 years. Featuring the work of P.G. Wodehouse, Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Alan Jay Lerner, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Maury Yeston, Stephen Sondheim, Dudley Moore, Andrew Lloyd Webber with Alan Ayckbourn, and more.

Hal Cazalet, performer and co-devisor, has performed in opera, musical theatre and cabaret across Europe and the USA. He trained at the Juilliard Opera Centre, New York and has gone on to originate lead roles in world premiere operas including Tod Machover’s Pulitzer Prize nominatedDeath and the Powers and Philip Glass’s Les Enfants Terribles. Other shows include Rodgers, Rodgers and Guettel at The Kaufman Centre and PG’s Other Profession at Weill Hall, Carnegie Hall in New York with pianist Steven Blier and the New York Festival of Song. As a composer and lyricist, Hal’s new musical of Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince was featured in New Songs 4 New Shows(Lyric Theatre, West End).

Simon Beck, musical director and piano, worked on original productions of Miss Saigon,Sunset Boulevard, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and revivals of Showboat, and The Woman In White. Beck has enjoyed a varied concert and cabaret career conducting/playing piano for Stephanie J Block, Barbara Cook, Cynthia Erivo, Maria Friedman, Haydyn Gwynne, Andrew Lippa and Lorna Luft, as well as concerts with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Hugh Wooldridge, director and co-devisor, has directed the premieres Jeeves Takes Chargewith Edward Duke, Tell Me On A Sunday with Marti Webb; Just Liz with Liz Robertson, and the award-winning Anthems with Kerry Ellis. Other credits include the world premiere of Nightingale, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats; The Night of 1000 Voices; the Ira Gershwin Centenary; The Royal Anniversary Gala, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and The Circle of Life celebrating the work of Tim Rice and Chess in Concert.

LISTINGS
Play on Words
Directed by Hugh Wooldridge
Musical Director Simon Beck

Crazy Coqs / Live at Zedel
20 Sherwood Street
London
W1F 7ED

Monday 12 to Wednesday 14 February, 2018 at 7pm

www.LiveAtZédel.com
020 7734 4888
Tickets £35

Facebook: /LiveAtZedel
Twitter: /LiveAtZedel