This most sparkling of comic operas from the pens of Gilbert & Sullivan weaves a tale of the fairy Iolanthe who is banished from the fairy kingdom for marrying a mortal. Her son, Strephon, wants to marry Phyllis but so do the entire House of Peers…
After a rousing Overture with the orchestra displaying their prowess, the Fairy Chorus entered to “Tripping hither, tripping thither” and the first signs of how hilarious tonight’s performance was to be. Their running out of steam and enthusiasm at the end showed perfect comic timing and was nicely underplayed.
The calling of Iolanthe by the Queen of the Fairies (played by Amy J Payne with genial authority) to the fairy court had more than a touch of Wagner about it. The music showing Sullivan’s contemporary influences and just how wonderful a score he produced.
Iolanthe (Meriel Cunningham) had a beautiful tone and her acting was unsurpassed, especially in the scene where she pleads to the Lord Chancellor on her son’s behalf. A touching performance with every last ounce of emotion rung from her body language, expression and voice.
Our two lead lovers Strephon (Matthew Palmer) and Phyliss (Emily Vine) had a charm and innocence I found endearing. Both were a joy to listen to and watch.
The Lord Chancellor (Matthew Kellet) had the whiff of the always theatrical John Bercow (previous Leader of the House) about him and was simply sublime. A commanding baritone voice coupled with a set of impressively voluminous moustaches warmed my heart enormously. Spot on sir!
The second act was where the work really took off leaping straight into the funniest moment of the evening: Private Willis’s “When all night long a chap remains”. Matthew Siveter showed his comic genius by squeezing so much humour from such small gestures. A stunning portrayal that deserves it’s own spin off show!
The interplay between the Earl of Mountararat (Ben McAteer) and Earl Tolloller (Hal Cazalet) was another highlight. Crisp diction and impeccable acting kept the mirth taps fully open, as did the facial expressions of Celia (a fairy, captured perfectly by Catrine Kirkman).
The song “When Britain really ruled the waves” was worth the price of admission on its own! This song ought to be played to politicians daily before entering the chamber to keep them grounded. Never have truer words been spoken (or sung), showing Gilbert’s acerbic genius!
The undoubted highlight I have enjoyed most when seeing G&S works is revelling in the updated humour and this production didn’t disappoint with many current references producing lolworthy moments – tonight’s best involving a reference to the recently ousted PM’s bring your own booze debacle.
It was a real treat to see G&S played by a young cast of realistic age, giving the love interests a believable air and vibrancy. These Operettas are shockingly effective and enjoyable when done right and this professional company did everything right tonight. Book your tickets to see this company or you will be missing out on a terrific evening’s entertainment. An absolute triumph from all concerned in this stunning work from when Britain really ruled the stage
Who knew the end of the world could be so much fun? Help! We Are Still Alive is a musical comedy set in a post-apocalyptic world in the scarily not-so-distant future. Directed by OFFIE nominated Georgie Rankom, this delightful dystopian comedy looks at queer relationships, our relationships with each other and our relationship with the ever-changing world.
When you first enter the theatre for this show, you really don’t know what to expect. A chandelier of torches, a Sainsbury’s shopping trolly, a shovel, and a large platform covered in newspapers. It’s about as apocalyptic as you can get really. The staging gave nothing but the promise of a black mirror-esque performance.
The first thing to comment on for this production has to be the quality of the writing. There was a perfect balance of comedy and seriousness. Told in a series of voice notes, the fast-paced humour in this show is what carried the dialogue. It is almost human nature to use comedy and humour as a defence mechanism when something like, I don’t know, the end of the world is happening and the writing of this production really captured the honesty hidden between the jokes. Sometimes when traumatic events occur, all we can really do is joke to cope with the situation, and the writing of this production does that brilliantly.
The songs in this show are equally as funny and charming as the dialogue. Almost reverting back to the first lockdown at the start of the pandemic when we would do anything we could possibly think of to just keep ourselves occupied. Finn and Jass are possibly the only two people left in the world, what is there to do when everything you know and love is dead? The chemistry between the two characters was impeccable, and as the show itself developed you could see the development in the characters, the longing in Jass to find other people and the contentment in Finn just to stay put.
Overall this show was a charming interpretation of the end of the world. Incredibly funny, but also serious and tense where it needed to be. Filled with charming songs, and brilliantly gelled harmonies, Help! We Are Still Alive kicked off the autumn season at Seven Dials Playhouse with a bang.
After blowing away audiences and reviewers alike at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Hayley McGee’s Fringe First award-winning five-star production Age is a Feeling is transferring to Soho Theatre for a sold-out run. Inspired by real-life interviews. Age is a Feeling is a story of one person’s life from their 25th birthday until the end: exploring the glorious and melancholy unknowability of human life, the joys and tragedies of getting older, and the sides of people we never get to know.
A completely unique production and never the same show, each performance is beautifully different. The audience chooses to hear six of twelve stories, dipping in and out of one person’s lifespan as it unfolds across the show. Depending on the audience’s choices, there are 180 different potential versions to be heard with different combinations of stories.
Upon entering the theatre the stage is set up beautifully. Surrounded by flowers each with the story postcard on and a chair in the middle. The set itself is simple but the lighting makes all the difference. The monologue starts by describing to you your 25th birthday. And after the celebrations, after the candles get blown out, your life begins and so does the path of the show. The audience begins by choosing two story lines and the stories that don’t get chosen are discarded never to be told – at least not this night.
Hayley McGee tells the story with a fire in her eye. The passion shines through each line and each word and 10 minutes into the monologue you are left completely captivated and in awe of her brilliantly beautiful storytelling. As I sat watching this play – this story unfold I could not get over how incredibly accurate it was. Hayley has this talent of taking common experiences and making you feel seen, making everyone feel as though you are in the same boat and on the same journey together. The only way I can describe that feeling is like when you are scrolling through Twitter and you come across a meme that hits a little too close to home. But in this show that feeling is almost validating, Hayley shows you that age is just a feeling.
I simply cannot express how many people need to see this show. Not just for its raw honesty but for how validating it can be. Watching this show as a 21 year old unemployed graduate really made me realise how precious life is and how everything happens for a reason. The show reminds you to stop and smell the roses and to cherish the time you have with your loved ones. I have never before seen a show that was as honest in its storytelling as this one was, as well as how validating it was to know that not everyone has to have their shit together by the time they reach 25.
Beautifully simple and honest this award winning show is a must see for your London theatre watchlist this autumn.
Welcome to the best pub in the world…Come ready to drink in the excitement!
Full casting has been announced for the Olivier-nominated international stage sensation THE CHOIR OF MAN as it returns to the West End, opening at the Arts Theatre on 1 October, with a press night on 13 October. The company will feature a highly skilled mixture of actors, musicians, and instrumentalists, some of whom have previously performed in the show in productions across the world, West End stars, and up and coming talents making their professional debuts in the show.
An uplifting celebration of community and friendship with something for everyone… including free beer! Enjoy 90 minutes of feel-good, foot-stomping entertainment unlike anything else in the West End.
Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross,Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few. A wildly talented group of incredible instrumentalists, world-class wordsmiths, and sensational singers; this cast of nine (extra)ordinary guys serve it all…live!
The West End company will feature Michael Baxter (Les Misérables – 25th Anniversary tour, Gypsy – Wales Millennium Centre) as ‘The Maestro’, Ben Norris (writer and original cast of The Choir of Man, The Archers, Radio 4, two time UK Poetry slam champion) as ‘The Poet’, Levi Tyrell-Johnson (making his professional debut in The Choir of Man), as ‘The Hardman’, Owen Bolton (also making his professional debut in The Choir of Man) as ‘The Beast’, Jordan Oliver (The Choir of Man West End, Netherlands, Australia and Korea, The Sound of Music – UK Tour) as ‘The Handyman’, Lemuel Knights (finalist in The Voice UK – BBC, The Choir of Man, USA) as ‘The Barman’, Matt Beveridge (The Choir of Man West End, Australia, Netherland, Titanic – Princess of Wales Toronto) as ‘The Romantic’, ‘Matt Nalton (Jersey Boys – Piccadilly Theatre, Beautiful – Aldwych Theatre) as ‘The Pub Bore’ and Matt Thorpe (Jersey Boys – Piccadilly Theatre & UK tour, We Will Rock You – Dominion) as ‘The Joker’. Completing the company are Mark Irwin (The Choir of Man West End, Korea, Australia, The Commitments – Palace Theatre), Sam Ebenezer (The Mousetrap – St Martin’s Theatre, Cinderella – Sunderland Empire), Gavin Ryan (West Side Story – Bord Gais Dublin, making his West End debut in The Choir of Man) and Lucas Koch (Million Dollar Quartet – Barn Theatre, also making his West End debut in The Choir of Man).
THE CHOIR OF MAN has previously played three sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and multiple sold-out US and European tours. Following its last run at the Arts Theatre from October 2021 to April 2022, it received an Olivier nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, and then went on to play in Coventry as part of the City of Culture Assembly Festival season and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Ben Norris – who wrote the monologues for The Choir of Man and originated the role of ‘The Poet’ said,
“I’m delighted that The Choir of Man is returning to the West End, and I’m delighted to be returning with it! Watching this show grow from the charmingly ramshackle Edinburgh Fringe gamble it started life as 5 years ago, into the Olivier-nominated cult hit it has become has been one of the greatest privileges and surprises of my career so far, and one of the greatest joys.
The show is so unapologetically feel-good that whatever kind of mood you arrive in at the theatre, it’s impossible not to leave with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. And that goes for the cast as well as the audience!
Whether we’re conscious of it or not, when we meet a friend in the pub for a pint, it’s often simply the company we’re after. This is especially true, I think, for men. Although things are starting to shift, we still find it much harder to open up and to ask for help. We’re still taking our own lives at a far higher rate. The lockdowns and the helplessness of the pandemic hugely exacerbated this, and the imminent cost of living crisis will only worsen it further.
As a male voice choir, we wanted to make a show that brings joy to people – a show that is fun and frivolous and silly and a bloody good night out, but also one that speaks to some of those difficulties we face, and that gently questions what masculinity might look like in 2022.
Above all, we wanted to make a show that puts an arm around people, of all genders, and invites them to either forget their troubles for an evening or to share them. Sometimes it’s literally life-saving.”
THE CHOIR OF MAN is created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, directed by Nic Doodson, with musical supervision, vocal arrangements and orchestrations by Jack Blume, movement direction and choreography by Freddie Huddleston, monologues written by Ben Norris, scenic design by Oli Townsend, lighting design by Richard Dinnen, costume design and associate scenic design by Verity Sadler, sound design by Sten Severson, casting by Debbie O’Brien. Musical Direction and Associate musical supervision by Hollie Cassar and Associate Choreographer is Rachel Chapman.
The show is produced by Immersive Everywhere, Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, Wendy & Andy Barnes and AK Theatricals.
Producer Judy Craymer is delighted to announce the new cast of the global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! from Monday 10 October 2022 and the extension of its booking period to Saturday 30 September 2023 at London’s Novello Theatre, with ticket prices frozen and now on sale.
top row left to right: Meg Hateley, Natasha Heyward, Olivia Lallo, Josie Benson; middle row left to right: Gemma Goggin, Mazz Murray, Miles Henderson, Jake Bailey; bottom row left to right: Lucca Chadwick-Patel, Christopher Dickins, Stephen Beckett, Norman Bowman
The London cast will continue to star Mazz Murray as Donna, Josie Benson as Tanya, Gemma Goggin as Rosie and Stephen Beckett as Bill. They will be joined on Monday 10 October by Norman Bowman (Marius in Les Misérables, Sky Masterson in Guys & Dolls and Pat Denning in 42nd Street in the West End) as Sam, Christopher Dickins (Witness for the Prosecution, Oklahoma! at Chichester Festival Theatre) as Harry, Meg Hateley (making her West End debut) as Sophie, Miles Henderson (making his West End debut) as Sky, Natasha Heyward (making her UK & West End debut) as Ali, Olivia Lallo (making her West End debut) as Lisa, Lucca Chadwick-Patel (Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, The Magician’s Elephant for the RSC) as Eddie and Jake Bailey (Jack Smith in Call the Midwife, Matilda the Musical and Oliver! in the West End) as Pepper, with Jennifer Adab (making her West End stage debut) playing Donna at certain performances.
Also continuing in the cast are Gemma Atkins, Natalie Jayne Hall, Jennifer Hepburn, Frankie Jones, Natalie Langston, Michael Storrs and Simon Willmont. They will be joined by Zac Adlam, Victoria Anderson, Sinéad Courtney, Ellie-Grace Cousins, Lawrence Guntert, David Haydn, Olivia Neville, Annell Odartey, Jessie Odeleye, Callum Rose, Jack Rose, Robert Slatter, Jacob Young, Chloe Way and Dan Wilshire.
As well as freezing all ticket prices for the new booking period, there are other opportunities for ticket buyers to save on costs: Early Bird Tickets (book 12 weeks out to save £20 on Premium, Band A and Band B tickets for Monday to Friday performances, when booked directly through the theatre); Family Tickets (Bands C and D tickets for a total of £99 for a group of four – a saving of up to £111 – and Bands A and B tickets for a total of £199 for a group of four – a saving of up to £151 – for Monday to Friday performances, excluding peak performances).
Since premiering in London in 1999, the irresistible feelgood musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless pop masterpieces, has now been seen live on stage by 65 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies – MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again.
To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen in 50 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $4 billion at the box office. In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China.
20 years after its German debut in Hamburg, MAMMA MIA! will be celebrating its comeback to Northern Germany by opening at the Stage Theater Neue Flora in Hamburg on 11 September 2022. Tickets are available online via www.musicals.de.
MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004, and then to the Novello Theatre in 2012. The London production of MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 10 million people, played over 9,000 performances and has broken box office records in all three of its London homes.
Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008. A second film, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, opened in July 2018 and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time.
With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.
MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Novello Theatre
Aldwych
London WC2B 4LD
Ticket Prices: from £17.50*
*All prices include a £2.50 per ticket booking fee and £1.50 restoration levy
Early Bird Pricing – anyone booking 12 weeks or more in advance of the performance they are attending (Monday to Friday performances only) will save £20 on Band B, Band A and Premium tickets, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.
Family Ticket Rate – £199 for a group of four on Band B or Band A tickets (up to a saving of £151), OR £99 for a group of four on Band D and Band C tickets (up to a saving of £111), for Monday to Friday performances, excluding peak performances, but only through Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, either online or by calling the Novello Theatre Box Office.
*Extra 3pm matinee on Monday 3 October 2022 & Monday 2 January 2023; extra 3pm matinee on Wednesday 26 October 2022, Wednesday 15 February, Wednesday 12 April, Wednesday 2 August & Wednesday 16 August 2023; no matinee on Thursday 6 October 2022 or Thursday 5 January 2023; no performance on Sunday 9 October 2022.
Christmas 2022/23 Performance Schedule
Monday 19 December 3.00pm and 7.30pm
Tuesday 20 December NO PERFORMANCE
Wednesday 21 December 7.30pm
Thursday 22 December 3.00pm and 7.30pm
Friday 23 December 3.00pm and 7.30pm
Saturday 24 December NO PERFORMANCE
Sunday 25 December NO PERFORMANCE
Monday 26 December 7.30pm
Tuesday 27 December 7.30pm
Wednesday 28 December 3.00pm and 7.30pm
Thursday 29 December 3.00pm and 7.30pm
Friday 30 December 7.30pm
Saturday 31 December 2.30pm and 7.00pm (please note earlier times)
Sunday 1 January 2023 NO PERFORMANCE
Currently booking to 30 September 2023
The performance lasts 2 hours and 35 minutes (including a 15-minute interval)
Dom Hartley-Harris, star of West End musicals Hamilton, Bat out of Hell and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,brings his debut solo show Dom Hartley-Harris: Live in London to Crazy Coqs on Wednesday 5 October 2022 (booking now open: https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/dom-hartley-harris-live-in-london).
For one night only, Dom will take the audience on a sensational melodic journey celebrating the best of pop, rock and musical theatre, featuring an incredible line-up of songs by Gregory Porter, John Legend and more.
Since graduating from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with a BA Honours in Acting, Dom Hartley-Harris has starred in numerous West End and Off West End productions. Having received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Collins in Hope Mill Theatre’s RENT, Dom has most recently been playing Curtis Taylor Jr in the UK Tour of the hit Broadway and West End musical Dreamgirls. Dom’s passion project is his high-end function band at Apollo music, The Showband. His television credits include a featured role in BBC One’s Doctors.
Dom is delighted to be joined at Crazy Coqs by his special guest,Maiya Quansah-Breed. Maiya made her professional debut in SIX The Musical, resulting in a nomination for an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress, a Stage Debut Award for Best Actress in a Musical, The Black British Theatre Award for Best Female and Recent Graduate and a West End Wilma Award for Rising Star. Her other credits include Hope Mill Theatre’s RENT and The Secret Garden – In Concert at the London Palladium.
Musical direction is by Chris Poon (RENT, Top Hat, Legally Blonde). The show is produced by New Frame Productions (The Diary of a CEO Live, Alyssa Memoirs of a Queen, Captain Sandy Live, Tori Scott: Culture Shock).
Domsaid: “I could not be more excited about debuting my first ever solo concert with New Frame Productions at Crazy Coqs. It’s going to be a night of stories, oodles of heart, a whole lot of soul, an extremely talented guest and, of course, music that has shaped me as a man and as an artist.”
With only 8 weeks to go, Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE, has so far been seen by over 250,000 people in the West End making it the Dominion Theatre’s most successful summer run since We Will Rock You. GREASE began previews on 3 May 2022 with an official opening on 17 May 2022. The musical last played the Dominion Theatre 26 years ago, closing in 1996, and was as popular and busy this time round, as it was then.
GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips.
Grease stars Dan Partridge as Danny, Olivia Moore as Sandy and Peter Andre as Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel at certain performances. Special guest star Jason Donovan resumes performances as Teen Angel from 12 September, at certain performances.
Also in the cast are Jocasta Almgill as Rizzo, Paul French as Kenickie, Noah Harrison as Roger, Mary Moore as Jan, Jake Reynolds as Doody, Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly as Marty, Damon Gould as Sonny, Eloise Davies as Frenchie, Darnell Mathew James as Eugene, Jessica Croll as Patty Simcox, Katie Lee as Cha Cha, Ronan Burns as Johnny Casino and Corinna Powlesland as Miss Lynch. Darren Bennett will play Officer Mailie and Vince Fontaine at certain performances. They are joined by Jack Harrison-Cooper, Pearce Barron, Ben Culleton, Rishard-Kyro Nelson, Ellie Kingdon, Kamilla Fernandes, Remi Ferdinand, Kalisha Johnson, Zack Guest, Imogen Bailey, Kevin O’Dwyer and Carly Miles.
This production of GREASE has dedicated the rest of the run to the memory of Olivia Newton-John who sadly passed away in August this year.
GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show’s eight-year run at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere. GREASE was first performed at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 before transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in 1996. It returned to the West End, opening at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2007.
The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want.
GREASE has designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and Richard Brooker, video and projection design by Douglas O’Connell and casting by David Grindrod CDG.
This production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram for InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, Playing Field, Gavin Kalin, and Curve.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
3 May – 29 October 2022
Dominion Theatre
268-269 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7AQ
Performances: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm
New Adventures is delighted to announce the release of the 30th anniversary production of Matthew Bourne’s much loved “NUTCRACKER!” in cinemas for the first time.
Released by Trafalgar Releasing, the global leader in event cinema distribution and produced by Illuminations, “NUTCRACKER!” is screening in more than 225 cinemas across the UK and internationally in the lead up to the festive season on Tuesday 15 November and Sunday 20 November 2022.
Featuring Cordelia Braithwaite as ‘Clara’, Harrison Dowzell as ‘Nutcracker’, Ashley Shaw as ‘Sugar’ and Dominic North as ‘Fritz’; the production was filmed live at Sadler’s Wells, London, in January 2022, and is directed for the screen by Ross MacGibbon.
For the latest information on participating cinemas please visit nutcrackercinema.com.
Matthew Bourne’s “NUTCRACKER!” follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from Christmas Eve at Dr Dross’s Orphanage, through a shimmering winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland. Influenced by lavish 1930s Hollywood musicals, Nutcracker! features dollops of Bourne’s trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy. Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and Anthony Ward’s newly-refreshed delectable sets and costumes combine with Bourne’s dazzling choreography in this delightful production. Audiences across the UK and around the world can now enjoy Bourne’s sweetest of treats on the big screen.
Artistic Director Sir Matthew Bourne OBE said:
“I’m always delighted when our work is able to reach new audiences around the UK and internationally and there is no better or more exciting way than through the Big Screen experience. I’m well aware that there is an enormous audience who find it impossible, for one reason or another, to get to one of our touring venues to see a live performance. So, we aim, as much as possible, to capture that “live” experience in our films, brilliantly directed by Ross MacGibbon. There is no better production than our Nutcracker! to create that feeling of elation and wonder and it’s captured equally well on the screen where, like the show itself, every night is a party.”
DAVID MITCHELL & GEMMA WHELAN A NEW COMEDY BY BEN ELTON
APOLLO THEATRE, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2022 TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM UPSTARTCROWTHECOMEDY.COM
The Upstart Crow returns to London’s West End later this month for a strictly limited 10-week season at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue. Starring David Mitchell as Will and Gemma Whelan as Kate, the production opens on Friday 23 September and runs until Saturday 3 December 2022. Tickets are on sale now from UpstartCrowTheComedy.com.
The production originally opened at the Gielgud Theatre in February 2020 to an array of glowing reviews and sold-out performances. Then Covid hit and theatres were forced to close. Now one plague and an Olivier Award nomination later, this all-new comedy written by Ben Elton and directed by Sean Foley is back.
Mitchell will once more don the bald wig and bardish coddling pouch in his iconic characterisation of Will Shakespeare. Also bringing their TV characters to life on stage once more are Gemma Whelan (DI Ray, Game of Thrones, Gentleman Jack) as Kate, Helen Monks (Raised by Wolves / Inside No. 9) as Susanna and Rob Rouse (Grownups) as Bottom.
Reprising their stage roles are Jason Callender (Shadow and Bone, 4 O’Clock Club) as Arragon, Danielle Phillips (Masters of the Air, Evening Standard Future Award 2021) as Judith and Reice Weathers (Story of My Life, Ted Lasso) as Mr Whiskers. New to the cast are Olivier Award-winner John Gordon Sinclair (Gregory’s Girl, Traces) as Dr John Hall, Gloria Onitiri (Grace Jones in Urban Myths, The Bodyguard, West End run) as Desiree, and Stewart Wright (Smack the Pony, Love and Marriage) as Burbage. The cast is completed by Andrew Hodges, Dedun Omole and Annabel Smith.
Ben Elton says: “Besides Will and Kate many of the other characters from the TV sitcom feature in this new play. Hilarious Helen Monks is back as Shakespeare’s grumpy daughter Susanna. Top comic Rob Rouse will once again have us laughing at his Bottom! Gotta say, the brilliant new actors who are joining Upstart Crow for the first time will have to really pull up their puffling pants if they don’t want to get upstaged!”
‘Tis 1605 and England’s greatest playwright is in trouble. Will Shakespeare has produced just two plays; Measure for Measure, which according to King James was incomprehensible bollingbrokes by any measure, and All’s Well That End’s Well which didn’t even end well. Will desperately needs to maketh a brilliant new play to bolster his reputation and avoid being cast aside by King and country. But Will’s personal life is encountering more dramatic twists and turns than any theatrical story he can conjure. How the futtock can a Bard be expected to find a plot for a play whilst his daughters run amok and his house is used as refuge for any old waif and stray. As time runs out, can Will hold on to his dream of being recognised now and for all time, as indisputably the greatest writer that ever lived, or will family woes thwart Will’s chances of producing his masterwork?
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ
First show: 23 September
Final show: 3 December
Evening Performances: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm
Theatre Royal Drury Lane – 5, 6, 12 September 2022
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
4****
This spectacular celebration of Nureyev’s performances and choreography will delight ballet fans of all ages. Introduced by Ralph Fiennes and Dame Monica Mason, Nehemiah Kish’s programme includes seminal pieces from Nureyev’s career performed by world class dancers. In a lovely touch, the second act begins with filmed interviews with some of the dancers, including those who had been given funding by the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation, relating the impact Nureyev had on the ballet world.
The Royal Ballet Sinfonia performed at the back of the stage under the direction of David Briskin and provided beautiful accompaniment to the dancers. Sleeping Beauty, Act 2 Entr’acte Solo, with a strong and energetic Guillaume Coté displaying Nureyev’s exquisite choreography, is followed by Pas de Deux from Gayane, with Maia Makhateli and Oleg Ivenko playful but pristine in their execution. Xander Parish and Iana Salenko were imperious dancing the Act 3 Pas de Deux from La Bayadére, with Ida Praetorius’ light touch marrying joyfully with Francesco Gabriele Frola puppyish energy and charm in Flower Festival in Genzano. The Pas de Six from Laurencia ended the first act in style with high energy and precision from Natalia Osipova, Marcelino Sambé, Yuhui Choe, Marianna Tsembenhai, Benjamin Ella and Daichi Ikarashi.
The Grand Pas de Deux from The Sleeping Beauty opens act two with the sublimely imperial partnership of Natascha Mair and Vadim Muntagirov. A simply gorgeous performance of Giselle, Act 2 Pas de Deux was delicate and emotional from William Bracewell and Francesca Hayward before a huge change in tone as the ethereal Alina Cojocaru and Alexandr Trusch almost stole the show in an excerpt from Don Juan, performed in 1975 by Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn. The programme ends with another Pas de Deux always associated with Nureyev and Fonteyn, Le Corsaire, and Cesar Corrales and Yasmine Naghdi battling it out with fearless leaps and pirouettes in a perfect finale to a wonderful evening. The performance will be available to watch on www.marquee.tv on a pay-per-view basis, 16 – 26 September. From October, Marquee TV subscribers can view the performance as part of their subscription.
