Thursday 3 – Saturday 5 December

Turning Pages                                                                                                 

Six young writers aged between 13 to 15 from Furrowfield School in Gateshead and Red House Academy in Sunderland will have their plays performed in the Main Theatre at Live Theatre between Thursday 3 and Saturday 5 December.

The plays were developed in partnership with Live Theatre as part of Write Stuff, a creative writing programme that provides young voices with a platform to share issues that affect their lives. The show promises an eclectic mix of colourful characters and stories with plenty of laughs along the way.

Zoë Whitby, English Co-ordinator at Furrowfield School in Gateshead said:

“Write Stuff is a project that mentally and physically engages young people in the writing process. Writing skills are being developed, confidence is growing and young writers have become totally engaged in a project that they are beginning to drive for themselves. I can’t wait for the end result.”

The plays written by students from Furrowfield School in Gateshead are Doctor Death by Lee Harrison, Soulless and Goallessby Leonnie Lartey and Scary House by Reece Weightman. The plays written by students from Red House Academy in Sunderland are Could It Be A Tuna? by Nathan Beckett, Memories Of The Sea by Amy Connor, and Never Never Land by Lauren Dickson.

Drama workers from Live Theatre visited Furrowfield School and Red House Academy over a series of weeks to deliver workshops covering everything from imagination and improvisation to plot development and how to structure a play. Three pupils from each school were given the opportunity to attend a residency weekend at Live Theatre, where they were supported by professional dramaturgs to produce their short plays.

Following a sold-out script-in-hand performances in Live Theatre’s Studio Theatre earlier this year, these six selected plays have been further developed and rehearsed with professional actors and directors for full productions in the Main Theatre.

Audience members from the script-in-hand performances earlier this year said:

“A fantastic evening. The writing and performances were breath-taking. More of this please!’
‘Inspirational and hard hitting. A great opportunity for the young people’.

Rehearsals for Turning Pages start next week and the cast of professional actors includes: Natalie Jamieson (Michaela’s Mistake), Chris Connel (Wet House), Christina Berriman Dawson (The Bodies), Judi Earl (A Nightingale Sang in Eldon Square), Adam Donaldson (Between the Lines) and Donald McBride (Chalet Lines).

Paul James, Associate Director of Education & Participation at Live Theatre said:

“Turning Pages features a selection of the best short plays that have come through Live Theatre’s flagship writing programme for young people Write Stuff. Performed by a cast of professional actors in the Main Theatre, Turning Pages promises to be an absolutely unmissable event.’

Turning Pages is at Live Theatre, Newcastle from Thursday 3 – Saturday 5 December. Tickets cost £8 with £6 concessions and are available from Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or online at www.live.org.uk

 

All Star Productions are delighted to announce: THE KISSING DANCE PERFORMANCES FROM FEBRUARY 10TH 2016. Music by Howard Goodall Book and Lyrics by Charles Hart Continuing our commitment to producing revivals of rarely produced Musicals, we are proud to announce that our first show of 2016 will be THE KISSING DANCE.  This is also our fourth show with music by Howard Goodall having produced the first ever London revival of GIRLFRIENDS in 2011, a new revue of his Musical Theatre works LOVE & WAR in 2012 and DAYS OF HOPE in 2013. Based on Oliver Goldsmith’s play She Stoops to Conquer, THE KISSING DANCE is a tale of match-making, mischief and misunderstanding, dished out with a good helping of disguise and deceit. It is All Fools’ Eve, a night when in the realms of love, the world can be turned upside-down and the lord of Misrule can take control…. Mr and Mrs Hardcastle have invited the son of an old friend, Charles Marlow, to their country estate with the intention of pairing him off with their daughter, Kate. Accompanying him is his friend George Hastings, who happens to be the secret beau of Kate’s cousin Constance, who in turn is on an enforced promise to Kate’s half witted half brother Tony Lumpkin. However, the mischievous intervention of Lumpkin results in the pair of visitors thinking the Hardcastle’s estate is actually a country inn, and Mr Hardcastle whom they have never met, is the inn keeper. Mistakes and misunderstandings swiftly ensue.

LISTINGS INFORMATION Venue: Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre, 53 Hoe Street, London, E17 4SA Closest Tube/National Rail: Walthamstow Central, Victoria Line. (5 mins walk) Dates: 10th – 28th February 2016 Press Night: Friday 12th February 2016 Times: Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm; Sunday at 3.00pm; No performances on Mondays Price: £18.00/ £16.00 Concessions Box Office: 020 8520 8674/ www.ticketsource.co.uk/allstarproductions Director: Brendan Matthew Musical Director: Aaron Clingham Casting: Benjamin Newsome Producer: Andrew Yon Website: www.allstarproductions.co.uk Twitter: @thekissingdance Other: Originally commissioned by National Youth Music Theatre.

This Christmas, Empire Cinemas brings big stage productions to the big screen. December and January see a stunning array of live performance screenings, including:

·         Royal Opera House – The Nutcracker (Live)

·         National Theatre Live – Jane Eyre

·         MET Opera – Les  Pecheurs De Perles

The Empire Extra programme from Empire Cinemas lets you experience big stage productions and events from the comfort of your local cinema. Be it theatre, opera, ballet or music; enjoy the big screen experience, in stunning high definition and from the best seat in the house. This Christmas you can enjoy the spectacular, world-class ballet The Nutcracker from The Royal Opera House, as well as an exhilarating performance of Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece, Jane Eyre from National Theatre Live.

The New Year also brings with it a brand new line up of live performance screenings. This January cinemagoers and arts fans can enjoy Les Liaisons Dangereuses from the National Theatre Live and Two Pigeons / Rhapsody from the Royal Opera House.

 

DECEMBER

English National Opera – The Mikado (LIVE)

Released 3^rd December 2015

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1SbQmUi

Set in an ever-so English 1930s seaside hotel, ENO’s dazzlingly inventive staging of The Mikado returns to the London Coliseum for what for many has become the definitive production of this much-loved Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera. Broadcast live from the London Coliseum in stunning HD, The Mikado is sung and subtitled in English.

National Theatre Live – Jane Eyre

Released 8^th December 2015

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1RI8jJX

Almost 170 years on, Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece is as inspiring as ever. This bold and dynamic production uncovers one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfilment on her own terms. Director, Sally Cookson, brings her celebrated production to the National Theatre, presented as a single, exhilarating performance.

Royal Opera House – Cavalleria / Pagliacci (Live)

Released 10^th December 2015

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1RI8zsz

This screening includes two short Italian operas; each are regarded as the composers’ masterpiece. The two are brought together in a new staging by award-winning director Damiano Michieletto, who sets both operas in a poverty stricken village in 1980s southern Italy, where the Mafia has a hold. The Royal Opera’s Music Director Antonio Pappano conducts a cast that includes charismatic Dutch soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek, exciting Italian soprano Carmen Giannattasio and the thrilling Latvian tenor Aleksandrs Antonenko.

Royal Opera House – The Nutcracker (Live)

Released 16^th December 2015

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1NEyPF1

Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without The Royal Ballet’s classic production of The Nutcracker. Loosely based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, it opens with the Christmas festivities of little Clara and her family and progresses through a magical journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets. Peter Wright’s enchanting production with its wondrously growing Christmas tree, retains exquisite surviving fragments of the original Ivanov choreography, including the beautiful pas de deux for the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

JANUARY

 

MET Opera – Les Pecheurs De Perles

Released 16^th January

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1WM2dtp

Bizet’s gorgeous opera of lust and longing set in the Far East returns to the Met stage for the first time in 100 years. Soprano Diana Damrau stars as Leïla, the beautiful Hindu priestess pursued by rival pearl divers competing for her hand. Her suitors are tenor Matthew Polenzani and baritone Mariusz Kwiecien, who sing the lilting duet “Au fond du temple saint,” which opera fans know and adore.

Royal Opera House – Two Pigeons / Rhapsody (Live)

Released 26^th January

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1XZCDnm

This delightful Frederick Ashton double bill opens with his setting of Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, using the music’s dark turbulence and brilliance to inspire some of his most thrilling choreography. The second half of the programme features Ashton’s delicate, deceptively comic The Two Pigeons – a work rarely performed and a real treat for ballet fans everywhere.

National Theatre Live – Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Released 28^th January

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1PxL3za

Following the hugely successful broadcasts of Coriolanus and King Lear, National Theatre Live brings the Donmar Warehouse’s highly anticipated new production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses to cinemas – broadcast live from the Donmar’s London home. In 1782, Choderlos de Laclos’ novel of sex, intrigue and betrayal in pre-revolutionary France scandalised the world. Two hundred years later, Christopher Hampton’s irresistible adaptation swept the board, winning the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Play. Josie Rourke’s revival now marks the play’s thirty year anniversary.

MET Opera – Turandot

Released 30^th January 2015

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/1kG5GNT

Three of opera’s greatest dramatic sopranos; Christine Goerke, Lise Lindstrom, and Nina Stemme, take turns in the title role of the proud princess of ancient China, whose riddles doom every suitor who seeks her hand. Tenors Marcelo Álvarez and Marco Berti are Calàf, the brave prince who sings “Nessun dorma” and wins her love. Franco Zeffirelli’s golden production is conducted by Paolo Carignani.

Jon Nutton, Marketing Director of Empire Cinemas, said: “Our Empire Extra programme means cinemagoers and performing arts lovers can experience the excitement of live events and stage productions with ease and comfort, at their local cinema. What better way to spend time with the family this Christmas than by watching an amazing performance of the ultimate Christmas production, The Nutcracker.”

 

For further ticketing information visit www.EmpireCinemas.co.uk or call 08714 714 714.

 

KATY LIPSON FOR ARIA ENTERTAINMENT

AND GUY JAMES PRESENT

SEASONS OF LARSON

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JONATHAN LARSON

MONDAY 25 JANUARY 2016

THE LYRIC THEATRE, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE

The life and music of legendary Broadway composer Jonathan Larson will be celebrated in a special one-off concert on Monday 25 January 2016, when Seasons of Larson will play for one night only at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.

On 25 January 1996, the day of the first preview of RENT Off-Broadway, its composer Jonathan Larson died unexpectedly at the age of 35. Tragically he would never live to see the impact his work would have, not only on the face of musical theatre but also on a generation of young artists and performers. Nor would he get to hold the numerous awards he posthumously received. 20 years to the day,Seasons of Larson will explore how Larson become a voice for a new generation on the stage, and celebrate his musical legacy that continues to resonate with people all over the world.

 

Jonathan Larson is best known for his rock musical RENT, for which he posthumously received the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical. RENT played on Broadway for 12 years, making it the 10^th longest running show in Broadway history, and has since received productions all over the world. His earlier works include Superbia and tick, tick… BOOM!.

 

Seasons of Larson will bring together an exciting company of West End performers, to be announced in due course. It will be directed by Hannah Chissick, whose credits include Marry Me a Little (St. James Studio), Abigail’s Party (Exeter Northcott Theatre), Grumpy Old Women Live (UK Tour) and Horrid Henry – Live and Horrid! (UK Tour and West End). Seasons of Larson is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, whose recent productions include Tommy (Greenwich Theatre), The House of Mirrors and Hearts (Arcola Theatre), Jerry’s Girls (Jermyn Street Theatre) and Marry Me a Little (St. James Studio).

www.seasonsoflarson.com

@SeasonsOfLarson

LISTINGS

Monday 25th January 2016, 8.00pm
LYRIC THEATRE, Shaftesbury Avenue
Tickets: From £27.50 (booking fees apply)
Box Office: 0844 482 9674 | www.seasonsoflarson.com

THE 39 STEPS

based on Alfred Hitchcock’s movie

adapted for stage by Patrick Barlow

directed by Maria Aitken

 

4 ACTORS, 130 CHARACTERS IN 100 HILARIOUS MINUTES

 

NEW UK TOUR: THURS 7 JAN – SAT 2 JULY 2016

to mark the show’s 10th anniversary

love39steps.com

@39stepsplay

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgBqiTf8lDY

 

The West End’s long-running show, THE 39 STEPS, will tour the UK and Ireland next year to mark the Olivier Award-Winning Comedy’s 10th anniversary. Based on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 movie and John Buchan’s 1914 spy thrillerThe Thirty Nine Steps and adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow, THE 39 STEPS will visit 24 cities, including Dublin, from 7 January to 2 July.

 

THE 39 STEPS follows dashing hero Richard Hannay – complete with stiff upper lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache – in a dangerous tale of cat-and-mouse from London to the Scottish Highlands. In this hilarious production four actors play over 130 characters in 100 minutes. The cast for this touring production are Richard Ede (the eponymous hero Hannay), Olivia Greene (the three women in Hannay’s life, Pamela, Annabella and Margaret) and the myriad of other roles are played with breath-taking speed and dexterity by Andrew Hodges and Rob Witcomb.

 

Richard Ede’s theatre credits include A Little History of the World (Watermill , Newbury); The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s The Bible – Abridged; George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life (Farnham Maltings); Benedick in Much Ado about Nothing; Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew; Cassio in Othello; Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet; Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Horatio in Hamlet, Fagin in Oliver Twist (all World Tours for TNT/ADG); Sir Roland in The Wife of Bath (Rude Mechanicals); Lovewell in Clandestine Marriage (Dr Johnson’s House); Beast in Beauty and the Beast (Colchester Mercury); Hook in Peter Pan (Dubai/Thailand Arena Tour); Baron De Coubertain in Horrible Histories (Olympic Flame UK Roadshow for BBC); Bagheera in Jungle Book (Oman); Stanley/The Mask in The Mask (UK Tour) and Sandy in Ben Elton’s Gasping (Cragrats Theatre). His TV work includes Modern Manners (BBC), a promotional film for a Korean Video Game, various commercials and voice-over work for Cartoon Network.

 

Olivia Greene’s theatre credits include Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street at Bird College; Eva in Kindertransport at Little Theatre, Leicester; Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz and orphan in Oliver at Haymarket Leicester.

 

Andrew Hodges originally trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2003. He has worked with a number of theatre companies and commercial producers including TNT Theatre, GB Theatre, The Oxford Shakespeare Company, The Reduced Shakespeare Company and Fiery Angel. His most recent work was with Antic Disposition’s acclaimed Henry V, playing the role of Fluellen, both in France and at The Temple Church, London. Andrew has appeared on screen in More4’s Iraq: The Bloody Circus; BBC’s Hands on History film; and in adverts for Tesco and IBM. Since last performing in The 39 Steps in 2014, Andrew has gained an MA in Mediaeval Studies at UCL.

 

Rob Witcomb’s recent theatre includes The Wind in the Willows, The Taming of the Shrew (Guildford Shakespeare Company); As You Like It (Oxford Shakespeare Company); The Dragon (Southwark Playhouse); Mucky Kid (Theatre 503); The Merry Wives of Windsor (Oxford Shakespeare Company); Fuente Ovejuna (Southwark Playhouse); Newsrevue (Canal Cafe Theatre). Recent TV includes The Five (Sky 1); Soul Broken Sky (MTV); Casualty (BBC); Trying Again (Sky); Lucan (ITV) & the title role in Les Dawson, An Audience With That Never Was (ITV). Film includes Dead Cool (Glass Gun Films), Mariah Mundi (E-Motion/Arcadia) and 3 & Out (Rovinge).

 

Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of The 39 Steps opened at the Tricycle in 2006 and the same year transferred to the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus where it played for nine years and won the Olivier Award for best new comedy. In 2008 The 39 Steps was produced on Broadway where it was nominated for the Tony Award for best play. Patrick created the two-man National Theatre of Brent in 1980, in which he plays Artistic Director and Chief Executive Desmond Olivier Dingle. The company’s legendary two-man epics have been performed on stage, radio and television and include The Charge of the Light Brigade, Zulu!, The Black Hole of Calcutta, Wagner’s Ring Cycle, The Messiah, The Wonder of Sex, French Revolution!, Massive Landmarks of the Twentieth Century, The Complete and Utter History of the Mona Lisa, The Charles and Diana Story, The Arts and How They was Done, Iconic Icons and most recently, Giant Ladies Who Changed the World. They have won two Sony Radio Academy Awards, a Premier Ondas and New York Festival Award for Best Comedy. His other writing for film and television includes The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole, Christopher Columbus, Queen of the East, The Judgment of Paris, Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, Van Gogh and The Young Visitors. His adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will have its West End debut this Christmas at the Noel Coward Theatre starring Jim Broadbent as Scrooge. Concurrently to A Christmas Carol, Patrick will have his four-man adaptation of General ‘Lew’ Wallace’s Ben Hur playing at the Tricycle Theatre in London.

 

THE 39 STEPS is directed by Maria Aitken, with design by Peter McKintosh, lighting by Ian Scott, sound by Mic Pool, and movement by Toby Sedgwick. The Associate Director is James Farrell. It is presented by Edward Snape for Fiery Angel and Tricycle London Productions with the West Yorkshire Playhouse. From an original concept by Simon Corbleand Nobby Dimon.

 

After a short run at the Tricycle Theatre in London, The 39 Steps opened at the Criterion Theatre in September 2006, where it ran for 9 years, seen by over 1 million people. During that time, it attracted worldwide attention and spawned international productions in over 40 countries, including the cities of Moscow, Tokyo, New York and Paris, reaching a global audience in excess of 3 million. In addition to its Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, in the US the play co-won the Drama Desk Award and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play. It won a Molière Award for Best Comedy in France, and a Helpmann Award for Best Comedy in Australia.

 

The Thirty Nine Steps was also famously adapted for the screen by Alfred Hitchcock in what is widely regarded as one of the best films from his early period. The stage production references a number of the legendary scenes from this 1935 classic movie thriller of the same name, including the chase on the Flying Scotsman train, the escape on the Forth Road Bridge and the controversial ‘stocking and suspenders’ scene.

 

Grand Opera House York

Monday 14 – Saturday 19 March 2016

Tickets are priced from £13.50 and are available in person from the theatre box office or call ATG Tickets on 0844  871 3024. To book online go to www.atgtickets.com/york

 

 

THE 39 STEPS

UK & IRELAND TOUR 2016

 

Website: love39steps.com

Trailer:                   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgBqiTf8lDY

 

Twitter:                  @39stepsplay

Facebook:             https://www.facebook.com/The39StepsPlay/

You Tube:             https://www.youtube.com/user/love39stepswestend

Instagram:            http://instagram.com/39stepsplay/

 

 

TOUR DETAILS

Tickets prices available on the theatre websites listed below, where some charges may apply

 

THURS 7 – SAT 16 JANUARY                                                       ROYAL & DERNGATE, NORTHAMPTON

Evenings at 7.45 pm                                                                           www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Matinees: Sat 9, Thurs 14 & Sat 16 at 2.30 pm

Press invited from Friday 8 January at 7.45 pm

 

TUES 19 – SAT 23 JANUARY                                                        EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM

Evenings at 7.45 pm                                                                           www.everymantheatre.org.uk

Matinees: Thurs 21 & Sat 23 at 2 pm

 

MON 25 – SAT 30 JANUARY                                                         CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE

Evenings at 7.45 pm                                                                           www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

Matinees: Thurs 28 & Sat 30 at 2.30 pm

 

MON 1 – SAT 6 FEBRUARY                                                           ORCHARD THEATRE, DARTFORD

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Matinees: Wed 3 & Sat 6 at 2 pm

 

MON 8 – SAT 13 FEBRUARY                                                        THEATRE ROYAL BATH

Evenings: Mon – Wed at 7.30 pm                                    www.theatreroyal.org.uk

                & Thurs – Sat at 8 pm

Matinees: Wed 10 & Sat 13 at 2.30 pm

 

TUES 16 – SAT 20 FEBRUARY                                     SHEFFIELD LYCEUM

Evenings at 7.45 pm                                                                           www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Matinees: Thurs 18 at 2 pm; Sat 20 at 3 pm

 

MON 22 – SAT 27 FEBRUARY                                                      RICHMOND THEATRE

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.atgtickets.com

Matinees: Wed 24 & Sat 27 at 2.30 pm

 

MON 29 FEB – SAT 5 MARCH                                                      BIRMINGHAM REP

Evenings at Mon 29 at 7 pm, all others 7.30 pm                          www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Matinees: Thurs 3 & Sat 5 at 2 pm

 

MON 14 – SAT 19 MARCH                                                             GRAND OPERA HOUSE, YORK

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.atgtickets.com

Matinees: Wed 16 & Sat 19 at 2.30 pm

 

MON 21 – SAT 26 MARCH                                                             CLIFFS PAVILION, SOUTHEND

Evenings at 8 pm                                                                 www.southendtheatres.org.uk

Matinees: Thurs 24 & Sat 26 at 2.30 pm

 

TUES 29 MARCH – SAT 2 APRIL                                GAIETY THEATRE, DUBLIN

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.gaietytheatre.ie

Matinee at Sat 2 at 2.30 pm

 

MON 4 – SAT 9 APRIL                                                                     LIVERPOOL PLAYHOUSE

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.everymanplayhouse.com

Matinees: Thurs 7 at 1.30 pm & Sat 9 at 2 pm

               

MON 11 – SAT 16 APRIL                                                CREWE LYCEUM

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Matinees: Wed 13 & Sat 16 at 2.30 pm

 

TUES 19 – SAT 23 APRIL                                                               KING’S THEATRE, EDINBURGH

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.edtheatres.com

Matinees: Wed 20 & Sat 23 at 2.30 pm

 

 

MON 25 – SAT 30 APRIL                                                THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.theatreroyal.com

Matinees: Thurs 28 & Sat 30 at 2.30 pm

 

TUES 3 – SAT 7 MAY                                                                       NUFFIELD THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON

Evenings at 7 pm                                                                 www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk

Matinees: Thurs 5 & Sat 7 at 2.30 pm

 

TUES 10 – SAT 14 MAY                                                   WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE, LEEDS

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.wyp.org.uk 

Matinees: Thurs 12 at 1.30 pm & Sat 14 at 2 pm

 

MON 16 – SAT 21 MAY                                                    THEATRE ROYAL, GLASGOW

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.atgtickets.com

Matinees: Thurs 19 & Sat 21 at 2.30 pm      

 

MON 23 – SAT 28 MAY                                                    YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Evenings: Mon – Thurs at 7.45 pm; Fri & Sat at 8 pm www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk              

Matinees: Thurs 26 & Sat 28 at 2.30 pm

 

MON 30 MAY – SAT 4 JUNE                                                          WYCOMBE SWAN

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.wycombeswan.co.uk

Matinees: Thurs 2 & Sat 4 at 2.30 pm

 

TUES 7 – SAT 11 JUNE                                                    LEICESTER CURVE

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.curvetheatre.co.uk

Matinees: Wed 8 & Sat 11 at 2.15 pm

 

TUES 14 – SAT 18 JUNE                                                 NEW THEATRE, CARDIFF

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

Matinees: Wed 15, Thurs 16 & Sat 18 at 2.30 pm

 

TUES 21 – SAT 25 JUNE                                                 THE LOWRY, SALFORD

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.thelowry.com

Matinees: Thurs 23 & Sat 25 at 2 pm

 

MON 27 JUNE – SAT 2 JULY                                                        THEATRE ROYAL NEWCASTLE

Evenings at 7.30 pm                                                                           www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Matinees:              Thurs 30 at 2 pm

                                Sat 2 at 2.30 pm

 

 

FANTASTIC FAMILY FUN AT THE CRUCIBLE THIS CHRISTMAS

This Christmas, children and their grown-ups are invited to take part in two very special festive missions as fantastic interactive productions 59 Minutes To Save Christmas (Friday 4 – Thursday 24 December) andEmergency Story Penguin (Saturday 12 December – Saturday 2 January) visit Sheffield Theatres.

In 59 Minutes To Save Christmas things are very, very wrong.  Christmas trees are behaving strangely, there are rumours of grumpy fairies and the elves are throwing baubles at shoppers!  Join General Algernon Crisis of the Royal Christmas Brigade as he tries to find out what is happening.  Meeting curious festive characters along the way, audiences will help him as he battles to discover who is out to spoil everyone’s holiday fun!  59 Minutes To Save Christmas is a fun, interactive adventure around the Crucible; ideal for intrepid explorers young and old!

The magical show Emergency Story Penguin will take audiences on a heart-warming adventure to Antarctica.  A penguin is stranded and it’s up to the Emergency Story Unit to save it.  Jump aboard their state-of-the-art submarine and help the team come to the rescue!  Emergency Story Penguin incorporates puppetry, video and music, for a charming show that will delight the family.

Don’t miss these interactive family adventures for ages 5+ this Christmas.

 

59 Minutes To Save Christmas takes place around the Crucible from Friday 4 – Saturday 24 December. Emergency Story Penguin is in the Studio Theatre from Saturday 12 December – Saturday 2 January. Tickets can be purchased from Sheffield Theatres’ Box Office in-person, by phone on 0114 249 6000 or online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk and are priced at £10.00 (a transaction fee of £1.50 (£1.00 online) applies to all bookings made at the Box Office, excluding cash).  Family tickets are priced at £36.00 (4 people, minimum 1 under 16 years) and £27.00 (3 people, minimum 1 under 16 years) a joint ticket price is available – book for both shows at the same time for £18.00 – available from the Box Office only (booking fee applicable, excluding cash).

 

THE X FACTOR 2016 LIVE TOUR
Sheffield Arena
Friday 11th March

THE FINAL SEVEN ACTS TAKE TO THE ROAD ON THE X FACTOR 2016 LIVE TOUR.

 

As announced live on The X Factor this Sunday by Simon Cowell, the final seven acts remaining in this year’s competition will be taking to the road on The X Factor 2016 Live Tour.

The top seven acts taking to the stage on this year’s live arena tour are: Anton Stephans, 4^th Impact, Reggie ‘N’ Bollie, Louisa Johnson, Lauren Murray, Che Chesterman andMason Noise.

The X Factor 2016 Live Tour is a countrywide tour stopping off at Sheffield Arena on Friday 11th March with contestants performing classic songs and viewers’ favourites from the TV series.

Attended by over three million people, The X Factor Live Tour has been one of the most successful annual arena tours in the UK for the past eleven years. Tickets are on sale now so don’t miss the opportunity to catch this year’s stars live.

Tickets purchased online at www.sheffieldarena.co.uk or via the ticket hotline on 0114 256 5656 are priced £60.50, £38.50, £21.45 (including booking fee) with family tickets £203.52, £132.00 (including booking fee).

Tickets purchased in person at the Arena box office are priced £57.75, £36.75, £20.48 (including booking fee) with family tickets £194.24, £126.00 (including booking fee).

Don’t miss the opportunity to catch this year’s stars live in Sheffield.

FAUSTAFF
or the mockery of the soul
by Mexican playwright Diego Sosa

begins performances on Wednesday 18th November 2015
at London’s The Cockpit Theatre (Gateforth Street, London, NW8 8EH)

FAUSTAFF, a play inspired by the Faustian myth, set in the modern world and seen through the eyes of a female character, written by the Mexican playwright Diego Sosa and directed by Mexican director Rodrigo Johnson, begins performances at London’s The Cockpit Theatre on Wednesday 18th November.

FAUSTAFF, produced in London by the Mexican Theatre Company La Compañia Perpetua in collaboration with UK’s Artistic Producciones, will run at The Cockpit Theatre until Sunday 6th December 2015, .

The cast features Lesley Lightfoot (Gily Jacoby), Jonson Wilkinson (Olivier Simone / Ponton / Andrew), Eddie Chamberlin (Chorus / Apothecary), Bernard O’Sullivan (Detective Paterson), Charles Timson (Detective Virgil) and Alessia Gotti (María / Karla / Alice / Martha).

FAUSTAFF is the story of Gily Jacoby, a successful writer that has become world famous, thanks to a pact she’s made with the devil. This has granted her the ability to see the ill future of couples so that she can write the successful novels that have turned her into a best seller author. The price, however, is far too high. Her heartbreaks, ambitions and dreams turn out to be somewhat different than what she had expected. The result: a tragic twirl that will lead her into madness and the fulfilment of her own prophecies.

FAUSTAFF is a modern tragedy filled with black humour, in which the characters walk through a hallway that will lead them to the fulfilment of their own destiny.

FAUSTAFF explores the limits between fiction and reality, in a world where media has blurred those frontiers; a world where men and women are obsessed with power, money and social recognition; a world that has lost its sensibility towards tragedy, and violence has taken over.

FAUSTAFF is one of the events of the Dual Year Mexico – United Kingdom 2015. FAUSTAFF will be happening in Mexico and in the UK, simultaneously. The Mexican production opened at the Foro Shakespeare in Mexico DF on Monday 5th October 2015.

Tickets on sale at
www.thecockpit.org.uk

Teaser: https://youtu.be/Qmpeu5oxbU8

Twitter: @Faustaff_LDN

FAUSTAFF Facebook Official Page

http://www.artisticproducciones.org

http://www.laperpetua.com

http://mexicouk2015.mx/en/

LISTINGS
FAUSTAFF or the mockery of the soul
A play by Diego Sosa

Directed by Rodrigo Johnson
Assistant Director: Raquel Moreno
Playwright: Diego Sosa
Producer: Andrés Conde
Associate Producer: Diego Sosa
Assistant Producer: Mariana Geisinger
Stage Design: Rodrigo Johnson

Cast:
Gilly Jacoby: Lesley Lightfoot
Olivier Simone / Ponton / Andrew: Jonson Wilkinson
Chorus: Eddie Chamberlin
Detective Paterson: Bernard O’Sullivan
Detective Virgil / Apothecary: Charles Timson
Maria / Karla / Alice / Martha: Alessia Gotti

18th November – 6th December 2015
Performances: Tuesday to Sunday, 7.30pm
The Cockpit Theatre
Gateforth Street, London, NW8 8EH

BOOK TICKETS
Tickets: £14 (concessions £12)
Box Office: 020 7258 29 25
Website: http://www.thecockpit.org.uk
ON SALE NOW!

TAKE A MAGIC CARPET RIDE WITH ALADDIN THIS CHRISTMAS

 

This Christmas, hold on tight as Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Pantomimes take audiences on a spectacular magic carpet ride in Aladdin, at the Lyceum Theatre from Friday 4 December to Sunday 3 January.

 

Written and directed by Paul Hendy and produced by the same team who brought last year’s smash-hit Dick Whittington to the stage, Aladdin promises to be Sheffield’s most spectacular pantomime yet!

 

When young peasant boy Aladdin falls in love with the beautiful Princess Jasmine, he enlists the help of a mysterious genie to help him win her heart, but as he soon finds out, the path to true love doesn’t always run smooth!  

 

Panto’s ultimate villain, the evil Abanazar is played by Chris Gascoyne (Coronation Street’s Peter Barlow) alongside comedy legend Damian Williams, who returns to Sheffield for his eighth Christmas as Widow Twankey.  Children’s favourite Alex Winters (CBeebies) plays Wishee Washee with the brilliant Hilary O’Neil as The Genie of the Ring.  Rotherham born Jonathan Halliwell (White Christmas, Dominion Theatre) plays the role of Aladdin and  Elizabeth Carter (Dreamboats and Miniskirts), Eddie Elliott (The Lion King, We Will Rock You), James Mitchell (CBeebies Live!) and Ieuan Rhys (Stella, Doctor Who) also appear, alongside a fantastic all-singing, all-dancing company.

 

With stunning sets, breathtaking special effects, glittering costumes, hilarious characters and plenty of audience participation, Aladdin is a fun-filled festive treat for the whole family that will delight audiences this Christmas.

 

Tickets for Aladdin can be purchased from Sheffield Theatres’ Box Office in-person, by phone on 0114 249 6000 or online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk and are priced from £12.00 – £25.00 (A transaction fee of £1.50 (£1.00 to online bookings) applies to all bookings made at the Box Office excl. cash).

 

Barbican Theatre 7 November – 30 December.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Henry IV is dead and his son is now king. Henry wages war in France, culminating in the Battle of Agincourt where, outnumbered and disheartened, the English claim a stunning victory over the French.

When Alex Hassell storms on stage to whip his crown from Oliver Ford Davies’ hands before any words are spoken, the tone of the piece is set. The audience is giggling as Ford Davies, as Chorus begins his prologue. This is a play about war and politics, but here it is told with humour, warmth and humanity.

Ford Davies’s Chorus is the only character dressed in modern clothes, and he sets the scene or moves the story along with captivating ease. When he tells the audience to work their thoughts to imagine the fleet’s’ journey to France, or the carnage of the battlefield, that is exactly what we have to do. Stephen Brimson Lewis has created a simple yet evocative set. Gothic arches are projected onto bead curtains to create wonderful interiors of palaces, and most outdoor scenes are played against a dark background and cloudy sky – focussing all the attention onto the actors.

Alex Hassell is a magnificent Henry. At first there are still remnants of the fickle youth, but as the play progresses he subtly grows stronger, surer and more regal. Hassell plays Henry’s self-doubt and guilt beautifully – his voice rises in pitch and cracks, and then he visibly pulls himself together to carry out his duty. His delivery of the first “once more into the breach” line drew a huge laugh. A wonderful idea, played exquisitely.

There isn’t a weak link in the cast. The remnants of Falstaff’s band of reprobates are thankfully not overplayed – with Pistol as a middle-aged biker/Fagin. It shouldn’t work, but Antony Byrne expertly draws out the underlying malice in the character, making the leek scene even more satisfying.

The contrast between the English and French courts – the English in earth tones and (give or take a few traitors) straight talking and professional, the French in blue and a bunch of sycophantic fops – allows Robert Gilbert as the Dauphin to have lots of fun with his effete posturing and petulant outbursts. The day after the tragic events in Paris, laughing at all of Shakespeare’s anti-French jokes was a little uncomfortable at first, but when the treaty is finally agreed and the cast pray for peace in England and France, their amens were echoed loudly by an audience member. Hassell, in character, looked out to the audience, smiled sadly and repeated amen.

The battles take place off stage, with few sound effects, but this serves to intensify the impact of the characters’ lines as they run on and off. This is where we meet the Celts. These are fantastically over the top – the Irish officer is a smoking mad bomber, the Scottish officer insanely incoherent, and the Welsh officer is a bag of wind. Joshua Richards delivers Fluellen’s lines with great control and Obioma Ugoala’s reactions as Gower make them a super double act between the more serious action.

When Henry moves among the soldiers incognito, Shakespeare’s lines about the responsibilities of leaders sending men to war still ring true today. The victory is not celebrated, but the dead are remembered in a haunting song performed by Helena Raeburn and the cast.

As Henry woos Katherine to seal the peace treaty, Hassell and Jennifer Kirby are at first deliciously awkward and frustrated. At times it is as if Lt. George from Blackadder is on stage. The happy ending is summed up by Jane Lapotaire as Queen Isobel – gliding around the stage like true royalty – and Ford Davies – a voice that you could listen to all day.

Gregory Doran’s production is the best version I’ve seen. There is no glorification of war, the lesser characters become more than the ciphers they remain in certain productions, and the dialogue is delivered clearly and without fuss. The humour running through the play is dealt with brilliantly – some scenes that have left me cold before had me in stitches, and the long running time simply flew by.

This is a tremendously entertaining and powerful production, beautifully played by the entire company. If you only see one play this winter, make it this one.

(But you’ll probably want to get tickets for Henry IV as well after this!)