Author: FairyPoweredProductions

CASTING UPDATE

FOR THE FIRST EVER UK & IRELAND TOUR OF
HIT WEST END AND BROADWAY PRODUCTION

TOUR DIRECTED BY NIGEL HARMAN

The monster hit UK and Ireland Tour of SHREK THE MUSICAL is delighted to announce full casting as it enters its second triumphant year on the road. Coming direct from London, where it was seen live on stage by nearly a million people, the production has attracted huge audiences and five star reviews, ‘taking ogre’ venues up and down the country on its first ever UK and Ireland Tour.

Birmingham Mail
‘A fabulous musical which sends everyone away feeling happy’ *****

The 2015 company will star Dean Chisnall who will continue his role as beloved swamp-dwelling ogre ‘Shrek’, the role he previously played in the West End. Bronté Barbé will also star as damsel in distress ‘Princess Fiona’, joining continuing cast members Idriss Kargbo as Shrek’s wisecracking sidekick ‘Donkey’ and Gerard Carey as pint-sized villain ‘Lord Farquaad’.

They will be joined by a full company of fairy-tale characters including Laura Baldwin, Nikki Bentley, Jennifer Caldwell, Alexander Day, Candace Furbert, Will Haswell, Keith Henderson, James Lacey, Will Jennings, Iain Mattley, Christina Modestou, Sam Murphy, Amy Oxley, Ryan Reid, Jacqui Sanchez, Jake Small, Oliver Tester, Dawn Williams, Kerry Winter and Kevin Yates.

Bristol Post
‘Shrek The Musical is simply Shrektacular – a musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike.’*****

The UK & Ireland tour of SHREK THE MUSICAL is directed by Nigel Harman who starred as Lord Farquaad in the west end production, winning him the 2012 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical. SHREK THE MUSICALopened at the Grand Theatre in Leeds on Wednesday 23rd July 2014 and has since delighted audiences all around the country, including Glasgow where it is currently playing until 17th May 2015. It then continues its journey around the UK and Ireland, visiting Sheffield, Norwich, Southampton, Plymouth, Milton Keynes, Bradford, Wolverhampton, Edinburgh, Sunderland, Liverpool, Cardiff, Wimbledon and Salford.

Manchester Evening News
‘A perfect mixture of music, dance and performance comedy, with a sprinkling of fresh gags and slightly risqué humour to keep adults on their toes.’
(Winner of 2014 CityLife Award for Best Musical)

SHREK THE MUSICAL, originally directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford, is based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek! and the Academy Award®-winning DreamWorks Animations feature film.

SHREK THE MUSICAL opened on Broadway in 2008 before touring to nearly 150 cities in the USA and Canada. Productions of SHREK THE MUSICAL have played in Spain, Poland, France, Malaysia, China, Brazil, Italy, Denmark, The Netherlands, Estonia, Israel and Turkey. The UK and Ireland tour is presented by Dreamworks Theatricals, Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions, Lee Menzies, Ron Kastner, Tulchin/Bartner Productions, Saracen Films, Mark Cartwright, Gavin Kalin, Glass Half Full Productions/Just For Laughs Theatricals.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday 29 April 2015 – Sunday 17 May 2015
KING’S THEATRE, GLASGOW
www.atgtickets.com/glasgow
0844 871 7648

Wednesday 27 May 2015 – Sunday 7 June 2015
LYCEUM THEATRE, SHEFFIELD
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
0114 249 6000

Tuesday 9 June 2015 – Sunday 28 June 2015
NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL
www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
01603 630 000

Wednesday 8 July 2015 – Sunday 26 July 2015
MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON
www.mayflower.org.uk
02380 711 811

Tuesday 28 July 2015 – Saturday 15 August 2015
THEATRE ROYAL, PLYMOUTH
www.theatreroyal.com
01752 267 222

Tuesday 18 August – Sunday 6 September 2015
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE
www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre
0844 871 7652

Wednesday 9 September 2015 – Sunday 27 September 2015
BRADFORD ALHAMBRA
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
01274 432 000

Wednesday 30 September 2015 – Sunday 11 October 2015
WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE
www.grandtheatre.co.uk/
01902 42 92 12

Tuesday 20 October 2015 – Sunday 8 November 2015
EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
http://www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh
0844 871 3014

Wednesday 11 November – Sunday 22 November 2015
SUNDERLAND EMPIRE
www.atgtickets.com/sunderland
0844 871 3022

Wednesday 25 November 2015 – Sunday 6 December 2015
LIVERPOOL EMPIRE
www.atgtickets.com/liverpool
0844 871 3017

Tuesday 8 December 2015 – Sunday 10 January 2016
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF
www.wmc.org.uk
029 2063 6464

Wednesday 20 January 2016 – Sunday 31 January 2016
NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE
www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon
0844 871 7646

Tuesday 2 February 2016 – Saturday 20 February 2016
THE LOWRY, SALFORD
www.thelowry.com
0843 208 6000

 

Dusty, a unique new multi-media show celebrating the musical icon Dusty Springfield, will receive its world premiere at the Charing Cross Theatre, with previews beginning 25th May 2015 and press night on 3 June 2015. Tickets are now on sale for this thirteen week run with booking to 22 August 2015.

Cast: Ellie Ann-Lowe (Mary O’Brien), Francesca Jackson (Nancy), Stewart McCheyne (DJ Dave Dean), Ben Tolley (Johnny Franz), Leo Elso (Dion O’Brien/Tom Springfield), Joe Vetch (Douggie Reece), Joan Walker (Kay O’Brien), Graham Kent (Gerard ‘OB’ O’Brien), Tristan Pate (Vic Billings), Allyson Ava Brown (Martha Reeves), Danielle Kassarata (Maddie), Arabella Rodrigo (Norma) and ensemble members Bex Leung, Cleo Jaeger and Marianna Neofitou.

With original music by the legendary artist Dusty Springfield, audiences will see and hear Springfield on stage using the most up-to-date 3-D technology and digital media. Combined with a musical theatre format of live performance, music and dance, Dusty follows the highs and lows of Springfield’s rise from middle class suburban London to the recording of her seminal album Dusty in Memphis.

Including classic footage of Dusty performing her story as seen through the eyes of Nancy Jones, one of Dusty’s childhood friends and other key figures who accompanied her on her journey, Dusty celebrates the life of one of Britain’s most influential recording artists.

Written by Kim Weild and Duncan Sibbald with dramaturg Jack Bradley, Dusty is directed by Chris Cowey with set designs by Phil Lindley, lighting by Eugene O’Connor, choreography by Lyndon Lloyd and sound by Paul Gavin and James Nicholson. Musical direction is by Dean Austin.

Dusty is produced in the West End by Freddie Madden, Michael Linnit, Patrice Wilson and Darren DeVerna with Andrew Green as Executive Producer and Paul Howes as Associate Producer.

LISTING INFORMATION
Theatre: The Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NL
Dates: 25 May – 22 August 2015
Press Night: 3 June 2015 at 7pm
Performances: Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, Thursdays at 2.30pm & Saturdays at 3pm
Tickets: until 6 June tickets £15 – £25
Then £20.00 – £49.50, no booking fees in person at theatre, booking fee applies for phone and web bookings
Box Office: 08444 930650
Website: www.thedustyshow.com or www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk
Twitter: @dusty_show
Facebook: dustyshow

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Saturday 30 May at 7pm

In their third venture at York’s Grand Opera House, UoY Opera Society is excited to bring Mozart’s iconic work to the heart of this historically beautiful city. For one night only, a talented cast of young singers will take you on a journey to a fantastical dreamland of magic, mystery and utterly brilliant music in a performance which promises to be a visual and musical spectacle like none other. The curtain rises on Saturday 30th May. Make sure you don’t miss it.

Performed in English Translation by Jeremy Sams courtesy of Josef Weinberger Ltd

Tickets are priced at £15 and £21 and are available In person at the theatre box office or call ATG box office on 0844 871 3024. To book online go to www.atgtickets.com/york

*** AMANDA PALMER *** ED BYRNE *** CHRIS RAMSEY***

***LUISA OMIELAN ***JOSH WIDDICOMBE *** STEWART FRANCIS ***LIP SERVICE***

The City Varieties Music Hall continues to be a reputable comedy venue in Leeds City Centre with esteemed acts such as Al Murray, Ross Noble, Katherine Ryan, John Bishop,  Shappi Khorsandi, Phill Jupitus, Paul Merton are just a few of those that have taken over the Victorian venue in recent years – each one returning for more.

This week the theatre announces yet another load of new on-sales including returning favourites, Josh Widdicombe, Chris Ramsey, Ed Byrne, Lip Service and Stewart Francis alongside new-to-Leeds acts Luisa Omielanand Amanda Palmer.

Luisa Omielan brings her brilliant Am I Right Ladies to the City Varieties on Friday 3^rd July following up on her debut show What Would Beyoncé Do?! 

Amanda Palmer is an international performing artist, musician, actress, blogger and New York Times best-selling author; her 2013 TEDTalk was viewed over 8million times around the world. She comes to Leeds on Friday 5^th Juneas part of her very brief UK tour.

Lip Service Theatre Company is celebrating 30 years of making award-winning comedy. Renowned for their literary lunacy –they’re back in Leeds with The Picture of Doreen Grey.

Celebrity presenter Doreen Gray has it all, a drive time radio show, a high ratings lifestyle programme on Even More 4 but, hitting 50, Doreen finds her face no longer fits the bill. At a school reunion she stumbles across a youthful self-portrait and makes a dark and dreadful pact with the picture that will come back to haunt her; Doreen Grey brings the company’s trademark unique blend of the surreal and downright silly. Catch them onWednesday 23^rd September.

 

Josh Widdicombe is no stranger to the City Varieties and always gives a great gig. He comes back to Leeds with a brand new gig on Wednesday 30^th September.

Chris Ramsey – another regular to the Leeds venue -returns with his biggest stand-up tour yet! Join him on Wednesday 21^st October when he explores getting older, finding yourself, taking responsibility, realising you are no longer a child and all of the other terrifying realisations that come with being dragged kicking and screaming into modern adulthood.

Ed Byrne is back on tour for 2015 – currently gigging in New Zealand he comes to Leeds on Friday 30^th October. Earlier this year viewers were treated to the BBC2 programme Dara and Ed’s Big Adventure that followed Ed and fellow comedian and friend Dara O Briain on their journey across the Pan American Highway; Ed also co-hosted Comic Relief’s Great British Bake Off in February.

Stewart Francis is arguably the master of the pun meaning his shows really are non-stop laughs.  The Canadian comedian has a brand new show and 2 dates booked in at City Varieties – 14^th October & 4^th November.

There is loads more comedy and music at City Varieties Music Hall this yea. Find out more at cityvarieties.co.uk or call 0113 243 08 08.

 

Much-loved television star David Suchet is coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal in a brand new guise, as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, Mon 8 – Sat 13 June 2015.

 

Often described as ‘one of the funniest plays in the English language’, Oscar Wilde’s superb satire on Victorian manners is guaranteed to have Newcastle audiences laughing out loud.

 

The play concerns the lives of two bachelor friends, upper crust dandy Algernon Moncrieff and the most reliable John Worthing J.P. who lead double lives to court the attentions of the desirable Gwendolyn Fairfax and Cecily Cardew. The gallants must then grapple with the uproarious consequences of their ruse, and with the formidable Lady Bracknell, played by David Suchet.

 

David is one of Britain’s most respected actors on stage and screen; he is winner of an International Emmy award, has been nominated for numerous Olivier, Tony and BAFTA awards throughout his career, and was awarded the CBE in 2010. David is best known for his role as the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie’s Poirot. He has recently completed all 74Poirot TV films, which is the whole canon of Agatha Christie’s Poirot stories.

But leaving the famous Frenchman behind and stepping into the shoes of a woman was an offer that concerned the actor at first: “I agreed to the idea with slight trepidation but once I’d looked into it and realised that such notable actors as Brian Bedford on Broadway and Geoffrey Rush in Australia had played Lady Bracknell, I could see that I’d be following in a line of leading male performers and I felt more comfortable.”

 

David will be joined on stage by Michelle Dotrice (playing Miss Prism), who many audience members will know from her TV appearances as long-suffering wife Betty in Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em and more recently on stage as Mrs Wilberforce in the touring production of The Ladykillers.

 

The Importance of Being Earnest also stars Emily Barber as Gwendolen Fairfax, Michael Benz as John Worthing, Philip Cumbus as Algernon Moncrieff, Imogen Doel as Cecily Cardew and Richard O’Callaghan as Reverend Canon Chasuble.

 

The show is directed by Adrian Noble, former artistic director at the RSC where his productions included: The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe (Stratford, Barbican), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Stratford, Barbican and Broadway) and The Secret Garden(Stratford, London). Noble’s extensive list of other directing credits includes The Captain of Kopenick for the National, The King’s Speech in the West End, Cosi Fan Tutti at the Opera De Lyon,  Brand by Ibsen starring Ralph Fiennes and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The London Palladium starring Michael Ball.

 

The Importance of Being Earnest appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Mon 8 – Sat 13 June 2015 (Evenings: 7.30pm, Matinees: Thur 2pm and Sat 2.30pm). Tickets from £14.50 (Save 50p per ticket by booking online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.

 

theTalent is a superb double bill from BALLETBOYZ featuring ‘The Murmuring’ choreographed by Alexander Whitley and ‘Mesmerics’ choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. The programme premiered at the Linbury Studio, Royal Opera House last year to capacity audiences and tours for the first time this spring playing at Darlington Civic Theatre on Tuesday 26 May.

Alexander Whitley has chosen the subject/title of The Murmuring for his new piece; as well as a low, distinctive and continuous sound, murmurings is also the extraordinary undulating flight pattern of flocks of birds, particularly starlings. “I’m delighted The Murmuring is going out on the road,” says Alexander, “and that I’ve had another opportunity to work with the BalletBoyz after having enjoyed so much working with them making the piece.” Set to music by the London based electronic duo Raime (Tom Halstead and Joe Andrews) the precise nature of Alexander’s choreography contrasts arresting group dances with twisting, weighted solos; the company’s ten dancers create a seamless ebb and flow of beautiful movement.

Mesmerics is a piece created by Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, co-founders and artistic directors of BalletBoyz , with Christopher Wheeldon in 2004 for three men and two women. Christopher has reworked the piece and re-created it for eight of theTalent’s dancers. “We’ve always loved the piece,” says Michael Nunn. “The music is a gorgeous score by Philip Glass featuring haunting, hypnotic string sections. We knew it wouldn’t work in the old format because there’s a lot of pointe work and traditional partnering, so Chris has re-invented it and we’ve worked with him in tiny moments through his busy schedule.”

BalletBoyz perform at Darlington Civic Theatre on Tuesday 26 May. Tickets* are priced £21, £19 and for under 16s £11

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy

It’s back! To help raise money for three cancer charities and support Moz in his ‘3 in 3’ challenge, The Landor Pub has kindly allowed us to host the greatest competition known to mankind (sort of!). Hosted by Quiz Queen Pam, we have amazing cash prizes, bonus ‘shot’ rounds, an incredible raffle and more fun than you can shake a stick at!

Sheffield City Hall – 27 April 2015. Reviewed by Melanie Torley

Michael breezed in to the Sheffield City Arena with his “If Everyone Was Listening” Tour on Monday 27th April. The venue was intimate and the anticipation in the audience was escalated as first the band came on stage, followed by the backing singers. The music started to play and then over the speakers came that familiar singing voice. The audience erupted as Michael made his entrance to stage.

The first half of the concert consisted of Michael introducing us to songs from his new album ‘If Everyone Was Listening’ before he went on to sing some more familiar love songs from the musicals that earned him his fame.

During the second act Michael sang a mixture of songs from various genres and even gave Farrell Williams a run for his money with a fabulous version of Happy. There were a few goosebump moments too as he sang The Climb and The Rose. Throughout the entire performance Michael charmed the audience with his witty anecdotes and impersonations.

Michael oozes charisma and his voice resonated around the Hall and filled it beautifully. At the end of the evening you left feeling as if you had made a new friend and that friend is Michael Ball. If ever you were under any doubts about seeing Michael live, I would highly recommend you go buy a ticket because you won’t be disappointed.

Civic Theatre, Darlington – 28 April 2015

Darlington Operatic Society prove that You Can’t Stop the Beat this week.  And this phenomenal production proves there is nothing amateur about it at all.

Set in Baltimore and with the swinging 60s as the backdrop, the story follows teenager-on-a-mission Tracy Turnblad in her quest for integration and equality. After auditioning to star on local television, she becomes something of a celebrity and uses her influence to raise awareness of the segregation ethnic minorities receive on television

Rhiannon Walker is the eager Tracy Turnblad, shines during opening number “Good Morning Baltimore”, and sparkles as she belts her way through. Her Tracy is determined and likeable which, by the end of the show, ensures you are rooting for her. Her enthusiasm and energy allows her to command the stage with ease during “I Can Hear The Bells” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat”.

Ellen Johnson is the perfectly clumsy Penny Pingleton, her comedic attitude making for Tracy’s ideal sidekick and Omar Shade takes the part of Seaweed Stubbs, a dancer who executes Joanne Hand’s choreography to a perfect degree.

The show radiates warmth but its real power is to take the critical issue of racial segregation – John Waters’ original film is based on a real incident on a real TV show, when black and white teenagers in Baltimore stormed a live broadcast – and through comedy to demonstrate its utter absurdity. Prejudice and white superiority is embodied in Velma Von Tussle, gleefully played by Sam Morrison and her equally vile daughter Amber (Karen Stone), Latoya Black takes the place by storm as Motormouth Maybelle, with a voice that can do anything and go anywhere and her talented daughter Inez (Cayanne Roberts) who just wants to dance

Every number in Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s score is a big one, from ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ to the finale, ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’. Andrew Hamilton is a delight as Edna Turnblad, standing over the ironing board in sensible shoes and dresses that look as though she’s just run them up on her sewing machine. Hamilton has a gravelly voice that can roar and he doesn’t play it like a Dame. He just plays it like a woman.

The number, ‘(You’re) Timeless to Me’, sung in duet with his much shorter ‘husband’ (Neil Harland) is a comic highlight.

The boys did well to thrive amid the girl power. Ben Connor’s Link Larkin, hiding his vulnerability under an Elvis quiff. With Leighton Taylor upping the cheese quotient as gold-suited telly host Corny Collins. But special mention to Hayley Walker as a tap dancing dominatrix prison matron.

Musical director Michael Trotter and his band were never less than superb. The chorus, including those “nicest kids in town”, hit their harmonies beautifully while dancing with perkiness and style.

Supported by a backstage crew responsible for seamlessly staging a complex show – including fabulously vivid costumes and outstanding sound and lighting to match  – this was a true team effort.

In Darlington until Saturday 2nd May this show is worth every penny, so get a ticket as soon as possible for this outstanding performance.