Author: FairyPoweredProductions

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

AT THE WADDON THEATRE, WADDON LEISURE CENTRE, CROYDON 

ANNOUNCES ‘RELAXED PERFORMANCE’ ON THURSDAY 14TH DECEMBER

  

Croydon’s family pantomime, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, will host a ‘relaxed performance’ on Thursday 14th December at 2.00pm. The show, which runs at the Waddon Theatre at Waddon Leisure Centre from 7th – 31st December 2017, stars television favourites Jonny Awsum and Paisley Billings.

 

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.

This performance of JACK AND THE BEANSTALK will be adapted in a variety of ways in order to reduce anxiety, to ensure a safe and enjoyable live theatre experience and to make it as accessible as possible to all. There is a relaxed attitude to noise, the lights in the auditorium remain on low throughout the show, sudden loud noises are softened and audience members are free to leave and re-enter the auditorium at any point. There will be staff on hand to assist with seating and access around the theatre.

Croydon’s very own comedian Jonny Awsum (Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finalist), who plays Jack’s hapless and unlucky-in-love brother, Billy Trott, said: “I am very much looking forward to welcoming our audience to the relaxed performance. Whilst we’ll be adapting the show to be more ‘relaxed’, there will definitely still be bucket-loads of comedy, fun, songs, glitz and glamour…and no doubt a fair bit of gunge and mess where my character Billy is involved!”

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 10th November for this special groups rate.

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

Sam Wanamaker Playhouse 20 October – 6 January.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

Emma Rice’s final season at the Globe opens in glorious style with Romantics Anonymous. I must admit, I was thinking 4 stars before I even saw the show – 3 of my favourite things: a musical, chocolate, the box of delights that is the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse – what’s not to love?

Based on the 2010 film Les Émotifs Anonymes, the musical tells the story of Angélique, a chronically shy but gifted chocolatier, and Jean-René, the timid owner of a chocolate factory, whose father has ingrained in him the danger of taking even the slightest risk. The only obstacles between their love are their own insecurities and phobias, a fact recognised by most of the characters on stage who act as eternally frustrated narrators to the stop-start courtship.

As you enter the playhouse, cast members dressed in caricature French outfits hand out chocolate ready for a moment of magic, but the magic isn’t fleeting, the spell this show casts over the audience is long-lasting. The groans from the audience as the pair of lovebirds muck it up each time show just how easy it is to be swept away by this enchanting story.

The playhouse isn’t lit by candles for this production, instead, Neon signs light up with a knowing look from the cast to show instant location changes. Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond’s music is evocative of French cafés, with whimsical lyrics that perfectly match Emma Rice’s laugh out loud book. Etta Murfitt’s choreography is inspired, feeling at one with the lyrics, especially in the leadup to the bedroom scene.

Angélique talks about the bitterness of chocolate making it so wonderful, and it is the archness of the script and the bittersweet helpless self-knowledge of the lovelorn couple that give this musical that extra special something, steering well away from being too sweet and sickly. Jean-René listening to his motivational self-help tape (voiced by the fantastic Lauren Samuels) and Angélique’s encounters at the Les Émotifs Anonymes support group sessions are hysterical, with the latter peopled by a motley crew of misfits guaranteed to make you laugh without even opening their mouths.

Carly Bawden and Dominic Marsh are delightful as Angélique and Jean-René, with Bawden lighting up the stage as her demeanour visibly changes whenever she is creating chocolate. Marsh has the bumbling English/Frenchman act honed to perfection, with some fantastic physical comedy thrown in. Joanna Riding plays the mother figures in the story with her usual sublime style, and Gareth Snook brilliantly chews what little scenery there is in his multiple roles. Marc Antolin, Philip Cox, Joe Evans and Natasha Jayetileke complete the superb cast, at the top of their musical comedy game.

The final song is called Dancing on Air, and that is exactly how you will leave after seeing this enchanting new musical – you’ll want to come back for a second helping of this deliciously romantic confection.

With November upon us we look forward to Christmas at the Majestic but we have a few shows to go before we launch our spectacular pantomime

To start with, we have the last show in our Macabre Majestic – Theatre of Horror season

Wednesday 1 November

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

A thrilling adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psychological fantasy, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde immerses you in the myth and mystery of 19th century London’s fog-bound streets where love, betrayal and murder lurk at every chilling twist and turn. Gripping, stylish and thought-provoking, this is unmissable theatre. Go on…treat your dark side!

For age 11+

Show starts at 19.30

Tickets priced from £14.30

 

http://themajestictheatre.nutickets.com/30875

We then have two performances of a wonderful show for children

Thursday 16 November

The Hunting of the Snark

A riotous ragtag gang of bold adventurers including the Banker, the Boy, the Butcher, the Baker, the Bellman and the knitting Beaver set off on a quest to catch the mythical Snark… on the journey they encounter the Jub Jub bird, the sly Bandersnatch and the dastardly Boojum… Can a Snark be caught with soap?  Will the Beaver escape the hungry Butcher’s clutches? Will the Baker remember his name?  Does anyone know what a Snark actually looks like?

Side-splittingly funny, joyful, fast-paced and bursting with an award-winning soundtrack of witty and memorable songs, The Hunting of the Snark will delight, excite and entertain

Shows at 14.00 and 17.00

Tickets priced from £13.20

http://themajestictheatre.nutickets.com/21025

http://themajestictheatre.nutickets.com/36018

And don’t forget every Monday we have

Stage One

Darlington’s Monday Pre Drinks Party

Open from 18.00

– £1 shots

– £2 doubles

– £2.50 cocktails

– 2 for £5 on lagers

– 2 for £7 on ciders

Come along and enjoy the party

Contact the Majestic at

Majestic Theatre

Bondgate

Darlington

DL3 7JT

Tel: 01325 633255

http://themajestictheatre.nutickets.com

Jack Studio Theatre 24 October – 11 November.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Two British couples are forced into unlikely friendship on their skiing holiday in Chamonix. Bev and Dave have only been together for a few months, and this is their first holiday together, while Alison and Chris have been living together for over a decade. At first, Alison and Chris think the other pair are dodgy, while Bev and Dave think the older couple are snobs. John Godber’s cracking comedy charts the unravelling of the two relationships as physical injury, alcohol and the presence of sexy ski instructor Tony take their toll.

Amongst the funny lines there is room for a lot of physical comedy, which director Andrew Agnew fits into the tiny space brilliantly. The first ski lesson is a hoot from start to finish, with most of the novice skiers struggling even to snap their boots into the skis, and Tony telling the group to be very sexy in ze body as they snowplough along. The cast’s wincing walk on the second morning of their holiday is instantly recognisable to any unfit skiers. The simple set and props are moved around between scenes to create new locations, with the cable car scene being a standout – very little dialogue, but lots of hysterical characterisation from the cast.

The most immediately striking characters are Tony (Robbie Smith) who tries his Gallic smarm on the audience before the skiers arrive, and Bev (Ceris Hine) who wouldn’t be out of place in Victoria Wood’s Dinnerladies. The other characters reveal themselves more slowly, but are worth the wait.

Smith just about keeps the egotistical Tony likeable until his confrontation with Chris, and doesn’t overdo the stereotype. Hine is hysterical as Bev, with a voice that could shear ice and a little girl act that she wheels out whenever she wants her own way. But you can’t help but warm to Bev, as her open and honest reactions to what happens around her keep you giggling as things turn dark. Her physical comedy is fantastic, and not many people could carry off that sunburn and bandages so effortlessly. James Murfitt as Dave is bubbling with frustration at Bev, and again has fantastic physical reactions to what goes on – and that sauna scene! Ellie Jackson’s Alison is the least likeable character at first, but as the play continues, the reasons behind her attitude to Chris become clearer, and she wins the audience’s sympathy in a finely judged performance. Andrew Agnew keeps Chris enigmatic beneath the cheery everyman persona, and when he finally lets rip it comes as quite a shock.

This is bittersweet situational comedy rather than cutting edge, so might not please everybody – but if you’re looking for an evening of belly laughs, you need to go On The Piste.

Hull New Theatre – 26 October 2017 and on tour around the UK.  Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4**** 

Following its £16m refurbishment, in fact almost completely rebuilt, Hull New Theatre is hosting Opera North’s festival of short operas. After more than a decade, Opera North returns to Hull New Theatre with a festival of The Little Greats. The Leeds company are presenting five brand new productions in innovative double bills and a family-friendly matinee. We were there on the first night to see Pagliacci and Cavalleria Rusticana.

Pagliacci 

4****

We start with Pagliacci and are introduced to the production by Richard Buckhard (Tonio), singing in English with a picture of the ensemble as a backdrop, before the curtain goes up. It is then set in a modern rehearsal room, where we see the first day of rehearsals, culminating in the final run-through. Fascinating idea of having a production within a production, with all the main protagonists involved. Using the production as a backdrop, we get to see the complicated relationship between husband, Canio (Peter Auty), wife, Nedda (Elin Pritchard), lover, Silvio (Phillip Rhodes) and would be suitor, Tonio. This worked really well and added to the tense build up to the shockingly brutal conclusion, as is befitting of a tragedy that opera is famed for.

Auty gave a powerful and emotional performance with his wonderful portrayal of the controlling but ultimately betrayed husband. We see his character’s psychological deterioration leading to increasing anger and eventual psychotic rage. A seedy Buckhard was convincing with his spurned advances leading to malevolence. His sinister appearance towards the end of the production, completed simply with face paint, reflected Tonio’s simmering bitterness at rejection. Pritchard played her part wonderfully, provocative, sultry and seductive, with a stunning vocal performance to match. Rhodes is understated as the lover and had a lusciously seductive base line. Stuart Laing stood in as the understudy for Pepper and unfortunately his voice just wasn’t powerful enough, at times being drowned out by the orchestra and other cast members.

Cavalleria Rusticana

3***

With a 1970’s drab, stark set, this is a story of love, portrayal, recompense and finally, accepted retribution.

The initial introduction of the characters and plot line a was a little unclear and confusing, almost like a basic prologue presuming audience’s prior knowledge. I certainly felt it took some time to be drawn into the production. However, as the piece developed I finally found myself being drawn in and becoming mesmerized by the subdued staging, which included a tiny Fiat car, powerful religious symbolism and repressed tone of the ensembles singing.

The story unfolds with increasingly powerful performances by the lead cast members. Santuzza (Giselle Allen) is seduced by Turiddu (Jonathan Stoughton), who is having an affair with Lola (Katie Bray), who is married to Alfio (Phillip Rhodes). Moments of pathos are interspersed with periods of revulsion and betrayal, but with occasional unexpected periods of humour.

The brutal finality of the finishing scene made my heart pound especially because of Turridu acceptance of his fate as recompense for his past behaviour.

After a simmering start Allen gives such a powerful portrayal of a devoutly religious girl, used and betrayed, that it is heart wrenching. Certainly the stand out performer, what a voice! Bray’s character was at times strong and seductive, but at others vulnerable and delicate, lost in her marriage. She gave a lovely vocal performance but a little weak at times. Rhodes took us on an emotional rollercoaster and I was amused that he would continue to clean his car after hearing of his wife’s infidelity. Stroughton gave a strong vocal performance but at times I wasn’t sure if he was brooding, supposed to demonstrate sexual energy or was just plain moody.

The choreography and vocals, often to be heard from behind the scenes, maintained the mood and tension of this piece.

Both operas were greatly supported by the ensemble cast. Tobias Ringborg and the orchestra were absolutely fantastic, capturing the intricate plot line of both operas

The operas are sung in Italian with translation given on two screens to the side. This was done inconsistently at times and the position was too far peripherally making it a dizzying experience, and also distracting away from the performances on the stage.

This was my very first outing to an opera, or in this case operas, and hopefully not my last. These short operas are ideal to give novices like me a taste of what opera is all about. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised about how affordable the tickets are. Go on give it a go, you can’t afford not to!

 

WARWICK DAVIS IS DELIGHTED

TO ANNOUNCE THE FULL-SCALE PRODUCTION OF

THE NEW BRITISH MUSICAL

AT THE OTHER PALACE

FROM 22 JANUARY UNTIL 3 MARCH

After a successful debut concert performance at the London Palladium last year, Warwick Davis and Kevin Wood are delighted to announce the full-scale production of the British cult musical “EUGENIUS!” at The Other Palace from 22 January until the 3 March 2018.

Written by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins, “EUGENIUS!”  tells  the story of Eugene, a teenage boy whose nightly dreams of a distant world of heroes and villains may just be the ticket to him creating his very own comic book movie in Hollywood.  Joined by his best friends ‘Janey’ and ‘Feris’, our comic writing genius must discover the true meaning of growing up, finding the superhero within, saving the world from both earthbound villains and possibly those from distant galaxies, and along the way, falling in love.

The production is produced by legendary “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” actor Warwick Davis and features the voice of Prince Vultan himself, Brian Blessed. Warwick said,  “We are thrilled to be bringing an original British musical  to The Other Palace. After a tremendous concert performance at the London Palladium last summer we can’t wait to see the fully staged production. Ben and Chris have written this incredible 80’s inspired score and includes the songs ‘Go Eugenius’ and ‘Comic Book Kind of Love’, which recieved popular acclaim last year’.

 

The book, music and lyrics for ‘EUGENIUS!’ are written by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins. Award winning Ian Talbot will direct. Ian was previously the Artistic Director at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre for 20 years, for which he received an OBE. He has directed ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ and ‘Lend Me A Tenor’. The creative team is completed by Aaron Renfree who will choreograph, sound design by Gareth Owen, lighting by Andrew Ellis, musical supervision by Stuart Morley and musical direction by Darren Lord. Set and costume design will be by Hannah Wolfe and the show’s design features specially commissioned comic book artwork by Marvel artist, Simon Williams (Transformers, Spider Man, Marvel Heroes, The lncredible Hulk).

 

Music from ‘EUGENIUS!’ will be released from today and is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Google Play, YouTube and all other music services.

 

The Other Palace opened in February 2017 as a home for musical theatre. Discovering, developing and reimagining musicals is at the heart of what The Other Palace is about. The spaces are used to nurture the next generation of musicals, and the creatives behind them; celebrating the very best of the art form, from the established to the brand new.

LISTINGS

EUGENIUS! THE MUSICAL – Monday 22 January – Saturday 3 March 2018

 

www.theotherpalace.co.uk

Box Office 020 7087 7900

Twitter @eugeniusuk

Facebook and Instagram @eugeniusthemusical

Website http://www.eugeniusthemusical.com/

Music www.smarturl.it/eugenius01

THE OTHER PALACE

12 Palace Street, Westminster, London, SW1E 5JA

PREVIEWS

Monday 22 January                7.30pm

Tuesday 23 January                 7.30pm

Wednesday 24 January           7.30pm

Thursday 25 January                7.30pm

Friday 26 January                    7.30pm

Saturday 27 January               2.30pm & 7.30pm

Monday 29 January                7.30pm

Gala night

Tuesday 30 January                7pm

 

From 31 January – 3 March

Performance times      Monday – Saturday 7.30pm

                                    Saturday 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Churchill Theatre, Bromley until 28 October, touring until 25 November.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

This moral tale is kept afloat on a wave of high energy, nifty footwork and the unmistakable music of Madness.

Tim Firth’s book uses the Sliding Doors conceit showing the two possible lives that Joe Casey (Jason Kajdi) leads after a pivotal decision on his 16th birthday. After committing a petty crime to impress his girlfriend, one version of Joe runs away from the police, and the other stays to face the consequences. This is all watched over by his dead father, urging him to take the moral choice. This dual storyline means there are plenty of quick changes for Kajdi, between a white and black outfit, and spotting when a replacement slipped into a dance routine becomes the main interest of the show. That’s one of the main problems, the staging is so slick and clever that it seems wasted on such a simplistic plot. Luckily, the lyrics of each (brilliantly placed) song add some vigour and the cast belt them out while Fabian Aloise’s fun choreography creates the illusion of a much larger company, especially in The Sun and The Rain and Wings of a Dove. Unfortunately, some sound issues resulted in many lyrics being drowned by the band last night, but I am sure that any hiccups will soon be ironed out at this theatre.

Callum McArdle as Dad ties the show together, and his stunning clear tones are in a class of their own. Kajdi is a likeable leading man, full of boyish charm and cockiness, and ably supported by Billy Roberts and Will Haswell as his two comedy mates. Sophie Matthew as Sarah makes the most of her big numbers, in an underwritten role, again supported by two great comedy mates, Etisyai Philip and Jessica Niles. Matthew and Kajdi’s sweet duet in It Must Be Love is staged beautifully. Deena Payne is also underused as Joe’s mum, bringing lots of warmth and heart to the role. George Sampson as bad boy Reecey dances effortlessly, and Aloise’s choreography mixes his street dance with familiar Madness moves to great effect.

Our House is an enjoyable, high-octane night of entertainment – let’s face it, with music like this, you can’t help but smile.

Q D O S   E N T E R T A I N M E N T

 

NATIONWIDE PANTOMIME SEASON

28 NOVEMBER 2017 – 28 JANUARY 2018

 

ALADDIN, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, CINDERELLA, DICK WHITTINGTON,

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, PETER PAN, ROBIN HOOD, SLEEPING BEAUTY AND

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

 

ABERDEEN, BELFAST, BIRMINGHAM, BRADFORD, BRISTOL, BROMLEY, CARDIFF, CREWE, DARLINGTON, DARTFORD, EDINBURGH, GLASGOW, HASTINGS, HAYES, HIGH WYCOMBE, HULL, LIVERPOOL, LLANDUDNO, LONDON, MANCHESTER, MILTON KEYNES, NEWCASTLE, NORTHAMPTON, NOTTINGHAM, PLYMOUTH, RICHMOND, SOUTHAMPTON, SOUTHEND, STOKE, SWANSEA, SWINDON, WIMBLEDON, WOKING AND WOLVERHAMPTON

QDOS WELCOMES NINE NEW VENUES TO THIS SEASON’S PROGRAMME

 

Beginning next month, a host of stars from the world of entertainment will light up the stages in thirty-five theatres around the UK for this year’s Qdos Entertainment pantomime season. Dick Whittington will lead the season’s programming at the London Palladium with a cast led by Julian Clary, Elaine Paige and Nigel Havers whilst nationwide John Barrowman, Christopher Biggins, Cannon & Ball, Michelle Collins, Brian Conley, Darren Day, Gareth Gates, Gary: Tank Commander, Sherrie Hewson, Duncan James, Claire King, Beverley Knight, The Krankies, Danny Mac, Tony Maudsley, Steve McFadden, Lee Mead, Al Murray, Paul Nicholas, Coleen Nolan, Jimmy Osmond, Joe Pasquale, Marti Pellow, Jodie Prenger, Craig Revel Horwood, Ben Richards, Shane Richie, Lisa Riley, Lee Ryan, Suzanne Shaw, Elaine C Smith, Stacey Solomon, Louie Spence, Allan Stewart, Count Arthur Strong, Gareth Thomas, Ryan Thomas, Jessie Wallace, Gok Wan, Simon Webbe, Jonathan Wilkes, Samantha Womack are amongst those treading the boards around the UK.

This year will also see nine new venues join the Qdos Entertainment family; Bristol Hippodrome,Glasgow Kings, Liverpool Empire, Manchester Opera House, Milton Keynes Theatre, Richmond Theatre, Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent, New Wimbledon Theatre and the New Victoria Theatre Woking.

Renowned for staging high-quality productions which are both contemporary and true to the traditions of pantomime every year Qdos Entertainment bring festive magic to stages across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales every year. Working closely with star names and creative collaborators each production is meticulously staged with lavish production values, dazzling choreography and spectacular special effects.

 

Nick Thomas, Chairman of the Qdos Entertainment Group, said: “Nationwide this season we will have over 1000 actors, singers, dancers and musicians entertaining families around the country continuing the unique British tradition of pantomime. This year we are presenting seven productions of Aladdin, one of Beauty and the Beast, six of Cinderella, two of Dick Whittington, five of Jack and the Beanstalk, six of Peter Pan, one of Robin Hood, two of Sleeping Beauty and five of Snow White and we are welcoming nine new venues to our family making 2017/18 a record-breaking season for Qdos Entertainment!”

As the world’s biggest pantomime producer, over the past 35 years Qdos Entertainment has established itself as one of the largest entertainment companies in Europe. Over the past three decades the pantomime giant has staged 684 pantomimes and this season expects over 2 million people will see one of its shows. Aside from the company’s credentials in pantomime, Qdos Entertainment, through its venues division HQ Theatres & Hospitality, is the UK’s second largest regional theatre and concert hall operator, and employs 1,500 full time staff.

 

Qdos Entertainment has been fund-raising for Great Ormond Street Hospital’s Theatres for Theatres Appeal since 2010. Thanks to the generosity of theatre-goers, as well as fund-raising byQdos Entertainment staff, over £1 million has been raised to date, with fundraising continuing this festive season.

 

Full season details and further information on Qdos Entertainment is available at pantomime.com

Click here 2017/2018 season brochure www.pantomime.com/2017season

FIRST LOOK AT FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL REHEARSAL IMAGES

Leeds audiences can now get their first glimpse of Fat Friends the Musical, premiering at Leeds Grand Theatre in November 2017, as rehearsal images are released.

 

Starring Freddie Flintoff, Sam Bailey, Jodie Prenger, Natasha Hamilton, Natalie Anderson and Kevin Kennedy, Fat Friends the Musical has now started rehearsals in Leeds, home of the original TV series, with two weeks until the first performance.

 

Fat Friends, the award-winning TV drama has been adapted for the stage by its creator, and one of the UK’s most prolific writers, Kay Mellor, whose extensive television credits include the hit series Band of Gold, The Syndicate, In the Club and whose stage credits include A Passionate Woman.

 

Produced by Joshua Andrews and Adam Spiegel, with original music and songs composed by Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Fat Friends The Musical sees the nation’s favourite group of dieters reunited as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmer’s by the lovelorn Lauren, whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. Fat Friends The Musical is packed full of warmth, life and weight loss.

 

Fat Friends hit television screens in October 2000, following the lives of a group of overweight friends as they struggle with the absurdities of modern dieting. Entertaining millions of viewers for five years on ITV, the show starred Alison Steadman, Gaynor Faye and Lisa Riley and launched the careers of James Corden and Ruth Jones. The show was nominated for multiple awards including the BAFTA for Best Drama Series.

 

 

Fat Friends The Musical is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7^th Nov to Saturday 2^nd Dec 2017

Tickets are priced from £20 (RV) to £50

(prices include a £3 booking fee. Postage charge £1 where applicable)

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

MEERA SYAL JOINS WEST END CAST OF

A N N I E

TO PLAY MISS HANNIGAN

Michael Harrison and David Ian, Producers of the West End production of Annie are delighted to announce that from 27 November 2017, Meera Syal will join the Company to play the role of Miss Hannigan for the duration of the run which concludes, as previously announced, on 18 February 2018 at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Nikolai Foster’s West End production opened in May this year with Miranda Hart as Miss Hannigan and last month Craig Revel Horwood joined the Company to play the role.  Following the conclusion of the West End run Annie will embark on a five week visit to the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto.

British comedian, actor and writer Meera Syal was last on stage earlier this year in a profoundly affectionate, passionate devotion to someone (-noun) at the Royal Court Theatre where her previous credits include Serious Money and The Great Celestial Cow.  Her other theatre credits include Romeo & Juliet at the Garrick Theatre, Behind the Beautiful Forevers and Rafta Rafta for the National Theatre, Much Ado About Nothing for the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Killing of Sister Georgeat the Arts Theatre, Shirley Valentine for the Menier Chocolate Factory, Bombay Dreams at the Apollo Victoria, My Girl for Theatre Royal Stratford East and Goodness Gracious Me on tour.  On television, she is best known for her work in the BBC’s comedy series The Kumars at No. 42 and Goodness Gracious Me as well as roles in Midsomer Murders, Broadchurch, The Boy in the Dress, Silk, Bollywood Carmen, Doctor Who, The Amazing Mrs Pritchard, The Secretary Who Stole £4 Million, Linda Green and Life Isn’t All Ha Ha Hee Hee.  Her film credits include Absolutely Anything, Desert Flower, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, Beautiful Thing, It’s Not Unusual as well as the forthcoming The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.  As a writer, her work includes My Sister Wife and Anita & Me.  Syal was made an MBE in 1997 and a CBE in 2015.

The West End Company of Annie also includes Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks, Holly Dale Spencer as Grace Farrell, Jonny Fines as Rooster and Djalenga Scott as Lily.  The title role of Annie is shared by Madeleine Haynes, 14-years old from Hadley Wood, Barnet, Lola Moxom, 12-years old from Rochester, Kent and Ruby Stokes, 12-years old from Hampshire. They are joined by three teams of young performers who play the girls in Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.  Amber, a 4 year-old Labradoodle, plays Annie’s dog Sandy.  Completing the adult company are Russell Wilcox, Bobby Delaney, Keisha Atwell, Sophie Ayers, Nic Gibney, Patrick Harper, Ben Harrold,George Ioannides, Megan Louch, Benjamin Mundy, Ben Oliver, Heather Scott-Martin, Anne Smith, Kate Somerset How and Katie Warsop.

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…

 

Annie has book by Thomas Meehan adapted from the comic strip Little Orphan Annie, music byCharles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin.  The West End production has sets and costumes designed by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Richard Brooker and orchestration and musical direction by George Dyer. 

 

Foster’s production arrived in the West End 40 years after the original Broadway production opened in 1977 and received seven Tony awards including the Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book.  The last West End production of Annie opened at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 1998. In 1982, Anniewas adapted for the big screen directed by John Huston with a cast including Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters and Albert Finney and in 2014 a further feature film was released, directed by Will Gluck, with a cast including Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx.  The much-loved score includes the classics It’s A Hard Knock Life, Tomorrow and Easy Street.

 

IMAGES

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ecdpmlgm1tqxpn9/AADrqrMW25vfcPTDIonbwARqa?dl=0

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Theatre:                  Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman St, Soho, London W1D 7DY

Dates:                    booking to 18 February 2018

Performances:          Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7.30pm, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm

Prices:                    Tickets from £20 which include a restoration levy of £1.75.  No booking or transaction fees through official sales outlets, Children Go Free (Children must be accompanied by a full paying adult and be 16 years or under at the time of the performance. One free ticket per full paying adult, valid on Band A seats only. Monday to Friday performances, excluding peak weeks and subject to availability)

Box Office:              0844 871 7630

Twitter:                   @AnnieMusicalUK

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