Lyceum, Sheffield – until 10th September 2022

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

5*****

Beautiful tells the true story of Carole King and her rise to fame as a singer songwriter. At the age of 16 Carole pitches her first song (It Might As Well Rain Until September) to Don Kirshner a New York producer who gives Carole her first break. Not long after Carole meets Gerry Goffin who after a whirlwind romance finds out she is pregnant and the couple marry. Carole and Gerry make a name for themselves in the music industry a continue to write song after song which are successful hits. However, Carole’s personal life falls apart when Gerry announces he is having an affair. Carole relies on her friends for support including her allies Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann who were also competing for the number one spot and eventually changes her life and finds her own voice.

I am ashamed to admit it but I went to this show having not heard of Carole King. Within minutes I could not believe that some of the best ever songs that I listen to were co written by Carole and Gerry.

From start to finish the show is amazing and had a real feel good factor about it. All the actors/actresses are very talented not just singing and acting but playing musical instruments. This show doesn’t need fancy backgrounds, props and flash costumes as the performers themselves make this show. The only thing I would say on the setting part is that the scenery to the right hand side could do with being a little longer down the side as sometimes my eye would catch some of the backstage movements which could be a little off putting.

The main role of Carole is played by the extremely talented Molly-Grace Cutler and her vocals were out of this world. Gerry by Tom Milner, Cynthia Weil by Seren Sandham-Davies, Barry by Jos Slovick, and Donnie Kirshner played by Garry Robson all performed their roles brilliantly. Amena El-Kindz who played one of the Shirelles also stood out to me, this marks her touring debut and I think there will be many more to come.

You could tell without doubt that all the cast thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout this performance

A very well deserved standing ovation by the audience which was then followed by the song “I Feel The Earth Move” which got everyone clapping and some having a bit of a dance. Amazing end to an amazing show.

I came out of this musical feeling happy and like the night was still young. When can I go back to see it again?

New Victoria Theatre Woking – until 10^th September 2022

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge  

5***** 

This amazing production brings you the story of Cher with three sublime actresses playing the one role! 

The three phases of her life start with the younger Cher – Babe (Millie O’Connell) who kicks the show off as a small child Born in 1946 to an Armenian Father and a mother of Cherokee Ancestry. Babe starts the show off as a young girl dreaming of the big time whilst struggling with the world around her! With so much trust and innocence in her eyes, she embarks on her journey only playing her fate into the hands of people that will later go on to upset and betray her! Her career begins when she meets Sonny (Lucas Rush) as they go on to have a happy at first but later challenging relationship. Although with much happiness comes much sadness and unless in the spotlight you see the story of their relationship begin to fall. Some dominant scenes and emotions along with her experiences are released through her songs and we get a great many examples of this from Babe as she rocks out some amazing music that we all know and love. Her talent is extraordinary and has the whole audience focused throughout her performance.  

Cher’s second phase is mastered by Lady (Danielle Steers) Once again there is nothing that disappoints. She plays a fierce Cher who begins to take control of her life and becomes stronger. What a star! Along with some awesome moves and vocals that have so much power and sharpness that it just blows you away! Truly tremendous. 

Cher’s Third phase is conquered by Star (Debbie Kurup) playing the eldest version of Cher who appears wiser and more acknowledgeable who is courageous and strong. 

She definitely stamps her mark on the show with vocals that are so immensely fabulous and outstanding alongside her dance performances.  

The talent between the three Cher’s is just phenomenal and they each hold a major part in the show. They all seem to have an exquisite combination of pure talent that has the whole audience captivated from start to finish. They have a great connection on stage and I love where they discuss moments of their lives throughout the show helping each other with concern and seriousness of their 3 stages of their lives.

Their voices when joined together produce something so special its flawless.  

The choreography was fabulously done to a high standard was incredible to watch and was so sharp and on point it couldn’t have been done any better!  

As for the costumes what more could you ask for wigs, sparkles, tassels, thigh boots to die for and so much glitz and glamour offering unique costumes that just shimmered through the great lighting whilst on stage. To be honest everything just blew me away totally eye-catching and electrifying! 

What an incredible production that was captivating from start to finish filled with the most remarkable songs that had the audience all singing to the very end. With a standing ovation so much cheering dancing and participation. This is by all means one show that should not be missed!!  

If you fancy a spectacular evening out, then get yourself to ‘The Cher Show’ if I could have given it more stars I certainly would have!!!! 

LOUISE REDKNAPP, GIOVANNA FLETCHER, JAY MCGUINESS, KIMBERLY WYATT, JAKE QUICKENDEN, HARRY JUDD, JOANNE CLIFTON, LAWRENCE CHANEY, VANITY MILAN, ELLA VADAY…

…announced as Special Guests for FRIENDSICAL the parody musical inspired by iconic TV show Friends

Today, star-studded guest cameos have been announced for the acclaimed Friendsical musical which is touring the country off the back of its success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Friendsical is an original, unique parody musical, written and directed by Miranda Larson [Christmasaurus, The Night Pirates, Cartoon Network Live], inspired by the hugely popular and beloved US TV show Friends that will tour the UK from Exeter to Aberdeen this September to November.

Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Chandler, and Phoebe have been with us for nearly 30 years. They are still there for us, and this time a stage show musical parody crams all 10 seasons and 236 episodes into just over two hours of nostalgic fun.

The star-studded guest cameos include acclaimed singer songwriter and West End lead Louise Redknapp (Southampton, Salford), and The Pussycat Dolls Kimberly Wyatt (Cardiff, Huddersfield, Horsham, Bath), who delighted audiences as a judge on Sky 1 series Got to Dance, is a winner of the 2015 series of Celebrity MasterChef and finalist in ITV’s Dancing On Ice 2022. Also joining the cast is author, presenter, podcaster and winner of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Giovanna Fletcher (Hull) and Harry Judd (Dartford), drummer in multi-platinum selling band McFly, Strictly Come Dancing champion, The One Show presenter, West End performer and author.

Also included is Jake Quickenden (Bristol, Northampton, Colchester, Leicester, Aberdeen), who rose to prominence as a finalist on X Factor in 2014 and won Dancing on Ice in 2018. Jake is no stranger to theatre performances either, starring in the UK tour of Hair and most recently in the UK tour of Footloose 2022. Ballroom champion, Strictly Come Dancing star, and musical theatre performer Joanne Clifton (Cardiff, Bradford, Sheffield) will waltz right onto the Friendsical set and West End performer, winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2015 and member of the hugely successful band The Wanted, Jay McGuiness (Bath) will be sure to entertain theatre go-ers.

On top of that Friendsical will be welcoming not one but three incredible queens, Lawrence Chaney (Harrogate, Dundee, Cheltenham, Eastbourne, Sheffield), a British drag icon and winner of the 2^nd series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, they entered the UK charts at number 3 with their song ‘UK Hun?’ in the drag group The United Kingdolls and is the star of the BBC Three series ‘Tartan Around’. Also sashaying onto the stage is Vanity Milan (Exeter), who competed in season 3 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, and whose lip syncing is second to none, and singer, dancer, drag star Ella Vaday (Salford) who is no strange to the stage having appeared in countless musicals before appearing on Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK season 3.  

Friendsical is an original, unique parody musical, written and directed by Miranda Larson [Christmasaurus, The Night Pirates, Cartoon Network Live], inspired by the hugely popular and beloved US TV show Friends that will tour the UK from Exeter to Aberdeen this September and October.  Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Chandler, and Phoebe have been with us for 30 years. They are still there for us, and this time a stage show musical parody crams all 10 seasons and 236 episodes into just over two hours of nostalgic fun.

Join all six friends and some incredibly special guests as they sit around the iconic brown couch in Central Perk and take a trip down memory lane, with all the absolute best inside jokes, unforgettable scenes and storylines included.

Featuring original songs such as ‘(He’s her) Lobster!,’ ‘Richard’s Moustache’ and ‘You’re Over Me? When Were You Under Me?’, the gang take on naked Thursdays, a power cut, and a dinosaur convention. 

What could possibly go wrong?

Writer-director Miranda Larson says, “The guest stars in Friendsical are in homage to the guest stars the TV Show had and the range of amazing characters they played. In our show, the guest star arrives only they don’t know what guest character they are playing, so they pop up throughout the show trying to find the right part to play. Eventually they land a part in a big disco number… who are they playing? I couldn’t possibly say.”

Playing everyone’s favourite friends are Sario Solomon as Joey, Sarah Michelle-Kelly as Monica, Nelson Bettencourt as Ross, Tim Edwards as Chandler, Ally Retberg as Phoebe, Amelia Kinu Muus as Rachel, Olivia Williamson as Hot Girl/Ensemble and Tanveer Singh Devgun as Gunther/Male Ensemble.

With book and lyrics by Miranda Larson and music by Barrie Bignold, Friendsicalis choreographed by Darren Carnall and associate choreographer Michael Vinsen. The set and costume are designed by Anthony Lamble with lighting design by Dominic Jeffrey and sound design by Olly Steel. Casting is by Nicholas Hockaday and it is produced by Nick Brooke, William Burdett Coutts, Philip Noel and Dave Mauchline.

Friendsical is produced by Brooke Mauchline Productions Ltd in association with Assembly Festival.

Twitter: @FriendsicalLive  Instagram: / @FriendsicalLive

This is a loving parody not to be confused with the Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. series Friends.

LISTING INFORMATION

Running Time: 130 mins

Tickets can be booked via https://www.friendsicallive.com/#book-now

Southampton

MAST Mayflower Studios

5 – 7 September 2022
Mon, Tues & Wed, 7:30pm: £12.50-£29.50

GUEST STAR: LOUISE REDKNAPP

Cardiff

New Theatre

8 – 10 September 2022
Thurs, Fri, Sat 7:30pm: £12.50-£29.50

GUEST STAR: KIMBERLEY WYATT / JOANNE CLIFTON

Bristol 

Redgrave Theatre

12 – 13 September 2022
Mon, Tues, 7:30pm: £24.50 plus booking fee

GUEST STAR: JAKE QUICKENDEN

Northampton

Derngate Theatre

14 – 15 September 2022
Wed & Thurs 7:30pm: £13.00 – £32.00

GUEST STAR: JAKE QUICKENDEN

Bradford

St George’s Hall

16 – 17 September 2022
Fri 7:30pm: £24.00 – £30.00

Sat 2:30pm & 7:30 pm: £24.00 – £30.00

GUEST STAR: JOANNE CLIFTON

Sheffield

City Hall

18 – 19 September 2022
Sun & Mon, 7:30pm: £30.10 

GUEST STAR: LAWRENCE CHANEY / JOANNE CLIFTON

Colchester

Mercury Theatre

21 – 22 September 2022
Wed & Thurs, 7:30pm: £23.50

GUEST STAR: JAKE QUICKENDEN

Huddersfield

Lawrence Batley Theatre

23 – 25 September 2022
Fri, Sat & Sun, 7:30pm: £10.00 – £26.00

GUEST STAR: KIMBERLEY WYATT

Harrogate

Harrogate Theatre

3-5 October 2022

Mon, Tues, Wed, 7:30pm: £16.00 – £128.00

GUEST STAR: LAWRENCE CHANEY

Horsham

The Capitol

6-8 October

Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, 2:30pm & 7:30pm: £24.50 – £26.50

GUEST STAR: KIMBERLEY WYATT

Bath

Theatre Royal

11-15 October

Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 2:30pm & 7:30pm: £6.50 – £38.50

GUEST STAR: KIMBERLEY WYATT / JAY McGUINESS

Dundee

Whitehall Thetare

17-19 October

Mon, Tues, Wed, 7:30pm: £23.00

GUEST STAR: LAWRENCE CHANEY

Aberdeen

His Majesty’s Theatre

20-22 October

Thurs, Fri, Sat, 7:30pm: £24.50 – £34.50

GUEST STAR: JAKE QUICKENDEN

Dartford

Orchard Theatre

27-29 October

Thurs, Fri, Sat, 7:30pm: £22.50 – £35.00

GUEST STAR: HARRY JUDD

Leicester

De Monfort Hall

30 October

Sun, 7:30pm: £27.50 – £32.50

GUEST STAR: JAKE QUICKENDEN

Salford

The Lowry

31 – 5 November

Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 2pm, 8pm, 8:30pm: £23.00 – £29.00

GUEST STAR: LOUISE REDKNAPP / ELLA VADAY

Hull

Hull Truck Theatre

8 – 11 November

Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 7:30pm: £20.00 – £28.50

GUEST STAR: GIOVANNA FLETCHER

Cheltenham

Cheltenham Town Hall

12 – 13 November

Sat, Sun, 7:30pm: £27.00

GUEST STAR: LAWRENCE CHANEY

Eastbourne

Devonshire Park Theatre

14 – 15 November

Mon, Tues, 7:45pm: £21.00 – £29.00

GUEST STAR: LAWRENCE CHANEY

Exeter

Northcott Theatre

16 – 19 November

Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 2:30pm, 7:30pm: £23.50 – £28.50

GUEST STAR: VANITY MILAN

Sunderland Empire  – until 10 October 2022

5*****

I’ve not always been a middle aged mother of three.  In the 80’s I discovered rock music, black eyeliner and attitude.  I was a Rock Chick and Rock of Ages is the soundtrack to my teens.

This a wonderful cheesy, pantomime-esque show.  Set in LA in the 1980’s it has an element of sleaze about it but very tongue in cheek and if the show doesn’t take itself seriously – should we?

Dennis (Kevin Kennedy) owns the The Bourbon Room on Sunset Strip, he has employees Drew (Sam Turrell) and Lonny (the marvellous Joe Gash).  When Sherrie (Gabrielle Williams) leaves her home in the country, she’s mugged outside the Bourbon Room within minutes of arriving on the Strip. Drew takes her in to tend her injuries and Dennis gives her a job as a waitress.  Drew wants to rock as Wolfgang Von Colt and Sherrie encourages him to follow his dream.

Across town, father and son German’s Hertz (Vas Constanti) and Franz (David Breeds) are trying to convince the Mayor (Billy Roberts) to let them knock down the Strip and build a Footlocker instead.  But Planning Officer Regina (Vicki Manser) has other ideas and plans a protest to save the Strip.

Enter into the middle of this, the lead singer of Arsenal, soon to be solo artist, Stacee Jaxx (Cameron Sharp) and madness ensues.   After Stacee gets Sherrie fired she ends up in the care of Justice (Natalie Winsor) working in the Venus Club. Will there be a happy ending?

Joe Gash as Lonny moves the plot along, totally irreverent he breaks the fourth wall and flirts with the audience.  Stealing every scene he is in (and it is nearly every scene), he adds most of the humour in the show. Flirting with Lindsay in the audience, it felt like he was flirting with me (after all, I am a Lindsay too!)

Rock of Ages is filled with funny moments: Hit Me With Your Best Shot being hilarious and Franz uttering the best line in musical theatre “I’m not gay, I’m German”.  Love stories: I Can’t Fight This Feeling being the best love scene ever.  And some awesome vocals; Sam Turrell holding his note in Oh Sherrie for what felt like hours, Sherrie and Stacee’s Hate Myself for Lovin’ You/ Heat of the Moment and Natalie Winsor’s powerhouse performance in every song she sings.  

I have a very soft spot for Rock of Ages, the original West End show is where I ended up falling into reviewing, and this tour exceeded all my expectations, being even better than the original.  Chris D’Arienzo’s book, Nick Winston’s direction and choreography and Barney Ashworth’s musical direction have given producers Selladoor a hit show.  With a live band constantly on stage (Liam Holmes, Liam Stevenson, Alex Ward, Elliot Mason and Steve Hynes) it’s a permanent rock party live on stage every night.

On tour around the UK www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk is the perfect bit of sparkle to banish away those winter blues.

NEW ADVENTURES ANNOUNCE

FULL TOUR DATES & CASTING FOR THE

10^th ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF

THE TOUR WILL VISIT 16 VENUES ACROSS THE UK

MAKING IT THE MOST WIDE-RANGING,

LARGE SCALE TOUR OF ANY DANCE COMPANY IN THE UK

OPENING ON 12 NOVEMBER 2022

AT THE THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

WITH A SEVEN-WEEK CHRISTMAS SEASON

AT SADLER’S WELLS FROM 29 NOVEMBER 2022

New Adventures is delighted to announce the full tour dates and casting for the 10^th anniversary production of Matthew Bourne’s gothic romance, “SLEEPING BEAUTY”.

Last seen across the UK and on international stages in New York, Charlotte, Washington, Des Moines, Cleveland and LA in the United States, Seoul in South Korea, Singapore, Shanghai and Beijing in China and Tokyo in Japan, the 2022/23 tour of ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY” will visit 16 venues across all regions of England and the UK, making it the most wide-ranging, large-scale tour of any dance company in the UK.

The tour opens at Theatre Royal Plymouth on Saturday 12 November 2022 and runs until 19 November before visiting The Lowry, Salford from 22 November to 26 November, ahead of a seven-week Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells, London from Tuesday 29 November to Sunday 15 January 2023. This year marks New Adventures’ 20^th consecutive Christmas Season at Sadler’s Wells.

The 2023 tour then continues to: Milton Keynes Theatre (17–21 January), Theatre Royal, Nottingham (24-28 January), Wales Millennium Centre (31 January – 4 February), Birmingham Hippodrome (7-11 February), New Victoria Theatre, Woking (14-18 February), The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (21-25 February), Bristol Hippodrome (28 February – 4 March), Liverpool Empire (7-11 March), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (14-18 March), Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (21-25 March), Norwich Theatre Royal (4-8 April), Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (11-15 April), and Newcastle Theatre Royal (18-29 April).

The stellar cast includes several original cast members as well as a young generation of performers new to this beloved production.

Ashley Shaw returns to the iconic role of ‘Princess Aurora’ along with Katrina Lyndon making her debut in the role. Aurora’s devoted ‘Leo’ will be played by Andrew Monaghan, with Stephen Murray and Rory Macleod both making their debuts in the role.

The Dark Fairy, ‘Carabosse’ and her son, ‘Caradoc’ feature debuts from Paris Fitzpatrick, Jackson Fisch and Ben Brown whilst the vampiric Good Fairy, ‘Count Lilac’, will also be played by Paris Fitzpatrick along with Dominic North and Christopher Thomas, all making their debuts in this role.

Completing the cast are several original cast members: Sophia Hurdley, Daisy May Kemp and Danny Reubens, along with those making their debuts in “Sleeping Beauty”: Benjamin Barlow Bazeley, Stephanie Billers, Isaac Peter Bowry, Kayla Collymore, Jade Copas, Cameron Flynn, Shoko Ito, Kurumi Kamayachi, James Lovell, Enrique Ngbokota and Bryony Wood.

This year, two New Adventures Emerging Artist Apprentices, Hannah Kremer, currently in her third year at Rambert, and Perreira Franque currently in his last year at Performers College, will both make their professional debuts in “SLEEPING BEAUTY”.

Hannah Kremer first performed with New Adventures as part of the local cast in Matthew Bourne’s “ROMEO AND JULIET” at Sadler’s Wells in August 2019. Since then, she has taken part in Swan School and a number of other residencies within their Talent Development Programme. Perreira Franque’s first involvement with New Adventures was through a mock audition day. He then went on to take part in Swan School in 2021.

Hannah and Perreira follow in the footsteps of the inaugural Emerging Artist Apprentice, Enrique Ngbokota, whose apprenticeship has now ended but continues to be part of the New Adventures family with their role in “SLEEPING BEAUTY”. Enrique made their professional debut last year in Matthew Bourne’s “NUTCRACKER!” as ‘Cupid’, having first worked with New Adventures in “LORD OF THE FLIES”. They were also in the local cast of “ROMEO AND JULIET”.

New Adventures is also thrilled to announce its first Schools Tour that will accompany the national tour of “SLEEPING BEAUTY”. Growing our popular Schools Programme to achieve nationwide impact, New Adventures will deliver workshops to dozens of schools in the local communities of our partner venues that will both broaden the students’ horizons to the world of dance as young audience members, but also support their physical and emotional wellbeing through participation in dynamic movement workshops with the world-class Dance Artists of New Adventures. The New Adventures Schools Programme is the cornerstone of our schools and communities work, Take Part, and is currently made possible with the support of Arts Council England.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Matthew Bourne’s “SLEEPING BEAUTY” reawakens in 2022, celebrating 10 years since its premiere at Sadler’s Wells, when it became the fastest-selling production in the company’s history.

Now established as a firm favourite in the New Adventures repertoire, the award-winning “SLEEPING BEAUTY” has enchanted audiences throughout the UK and across the globe.

Enter a wondrous world of magical fairies and vampires, where the timeless tale of good vs evil is turned upside-down, creating a supernatural love story that even the passage of time itself cannot hinder. Will Princess Aurora ever find her true love again?

With an unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky, sumptuous sets and costumes, evocative lighting and masterly storytelling, the beloved fairy tale is brought to life by the uniquely talented New Adventures company. Get ready to be transported in time from the halcyon days of the late Edwardian era through to the modern day in this dazzling gothic romance.

“SLEEPING BEAUTY” is directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne working with his regular collaborators and New Adventures Associate Artists, Lez Brotherston (Set and Costumes), Paule Constable (Lighting) and Paul Groothuis (Sound Design).

Following the success of their collaboration for Nutcracker! New Adventures are thrilled to be continuing their partnership with Fortnum & Mason for “Sleeping Beauty”.

ROYAL COURT THEATRE ANNOUNCE CAST FOR WORD-PLAY BY RABIAH HUSSAIN, DIRECTED BY NIMMO ISMAIL

 THURSDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2022 – SATURDAY 05 NOVEMBER 2022

Kosar Ali, Mariam Haque, Maimuna Memon, Laurence Ubong Williams and Ragevan Vasan have been cast in Word-Play,written by Rabiah Hussain and directed by Nimmo Ismail. 

Word-Play is designed by Rosanna Vize, with lighting by Jamie Platt, sound design by Melanie Wilson, video design by Daberechi Ukoha-Kalu and movement direction by Ken Nakajima. Ellie Fulcher is dramaturg.

“We’ve got another 10 minutes before shit really hits the fan.” 

In the Downing Street Press Office an emergency meeting has been called. The Prime Minister has been ad-libbing on live tv (again) and his words are going viral. There are accusations of Islamophobia, and demands for an apology; but as the team debates what to do next, it’s already too late. His words have found their way to dinner parties, bus journeys and newspaper columns across the nation – and not everyone is angry. 

Rabiah Hussain’s new play explores how language seeps into public consciousness and reverberates with far-reaching consequences that will last for generations. 

“History always ripples on. Even if we don’t realise it.”

There will be a post-show talk with Rabiah Hussain on Wednesday 12 October 2022. 

Tangle, in association with MAST Mayflower Studios, is proud to announce CAST and CREATIVES for Richard the Second

MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton, Thu 20 – Sat 22 October | Swindon Arts Centre, Tue 25 October) | Barnfield Theatre, Exeter,Fri 28 October | Taunton Brewhouse,
Sun 30 October | Chulmleigh College, Devon,Tue 1 November | Gillingham School Theatre, Dorset,Wed 2 November | Theatre Royal Winchester,Thu 3 November | Lighthouse, Poole,Fri 4 November | Pegasus, Oxford,Sat 5 November | Omnibus Theatre, London,Wed 9 – Sun 27 November

A nation is in turmoil. Three first cousins – Richard, Aumerle and Henry – battle for the supreme position of authority. Who will succeed in saving their country from a trail of ultimate destruction? And who will survive the challenge for the throne?

Tangle, a touring theatre company championing African and Caribbean artistic excellence,presents a radical and electrifying new adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Richard The Second performed in its distinctive Southern African Township theatre style.

Produced in association with MAST Mayflower Studios, and adapted and directed by Tangle Artistic Director Anna Coombs, the production will open at MAST on Thu 20 October 2022, tour venues across South West England from 20 October to 5 November, and run for 3 weeks at the Omnibus Theatre in London from 9 – 27 November. Tickets across all venues are now on sale. Continuing Tangle’s ambition to perform classic plays in new and surprising ways to audiences of all kinds, Richard the Second – Shakespeare’s historical drama exploring the politics of power and family alliances – has been adapted for a multi-skilled ensemble of five actors, with three actors playing multiple characters across the show.

Aumerle will be played by South African actor and director Lebogang Fisher, while Richard will be portrayed by 2021 LAMDA graduate Daniel Rock, in his professional stage debut. Sharing the roles of Henry & Scroop is Antiguan-born actor Raheim Menzies; Mowbray, York, Gardener will be played by the Eswatini/South African veteran Sibusiso Mamba; and Gaunt, Northumberland and Gardener, by Courtney Winston.

With an original score of Zimbabwean music and song composed by John Pfumojena; sound design by double BBT award winner Tony Gayle; set & costume design by Colin Falconer; and lighting design by Hansjörg Schmidt, this new production offers a fast, powerful and fresh take on this state of the nation play, while celebrating talented artists whose multi-national voices are at the centre of Tangle’s work.

‘The music, archetypes, and languages that Tangle Theatre weave into it create moments of overwhelming beauty’ Exeunt on Doctor Faustus

Anna Coombs, Artistic Director, Tangle, said, “We are excited to be presenting Richard The Second to audiences this autumn. I have always loved this play. Its power dynamics reflect so neatly our current situation, not only in this country but in communities across the world. Tangle’s production offers a fresh contemporary reflection on the state of our nation and will also celebrate the excellence of globally talented artists whose multi-national voices are at the centre of the work.

We are thrilled to have support from MAST Mayflower Studios, enabling us to deepen engagement with audiences in Southampton, South West England and nationally. I hope that this extraordinary story about the politics of power will inspire audiences of all ages, stages, cultures and backgrounds.”

‘A bold, fresh and rich production’ Everything Theatre on Doctor Faustus

Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive, Mayflower Theatre, said, “We are delighted to be supporting our associate company Tangle with this ambitious and thought-provoking production. We have developed a close relationship with Anna and her team, and they are a key partner in how we ensure our organisation reflects and serves our local community.”

Alongside the production, Tangle has created a fully illustrated Discovery Pack for schools, teachers, youth groups and young people in general. The pack features an introduction to the play and its themes, Tangle’s unique approach to theatre making, and interviews with creatives involved in the show. Launching in September Tangle also presents a new digital participation project Seize The Crown; inviting spoken word video responses to John of Gaunt’s famous speech ‘This royal throne of kings, this scepter’d isle…’. Tangle is inviting individuals, community groups, youth theatres and schools to submit their own responses via social media using the hashtag #seizethecrown to be shared on the company’s website and social media.

Championing African and Caribbean artistic excellence, Tangle’s  touring productions, Discovery projects, and artist development schemes, including KUKURA – a programme designed for companies who want to change their working culture for good and technical development scheme AMPLIFY, offering paid mentoring and workplace training for freelancers – provide a vital access point for diverse and often isolated communities, artists and audiences to come together. Tangle has a particular specialism of touring to and working in rural areas that have, historically, seen little multicultural representation.

TOUR DATES – click on links for direct access to each venue’s ticket booking page

MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton
Thu 20 – Sat 22 October
mayflowerstudios.org.uk | 02380 711 833

Swindon Arts Centre
Tue 25 October
swindontheatres.co.uk | 0343 310 0040

Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
Fri 28 October
exeternorthcott.co.uk | 01392 72 63 63

Taunton Brewhouse
Sun 30 October
tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk | 01823 283 244

Chulmleigh College, Devon

Tue 1 November

beaford.org

Gillingham School Theatre, Dorset

Wed 2 November

artsreach.co.uk | 01747 213 203

Theatre Royal Winchester
Thu 3 November
theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk | 01962 840 440

Lighthouse, Poole
Fri 4 November
lighthousepoole.co.uk | 01202 280 000

Pegasus, Oxford
Sat 5 November
pegasustheatre.org.uk | 01865 812150

Omnibus Theatre, London
Wed 9 – Sun 27 November
omnibus-clapham.org | 0207 498 4699

CAST & COMPANY

Lebogang Fisher, Sibusiso Mamba, Raheim Menzies, Daniel Rock, Courtney Wilson

PRODUCED by Tangle in association with MAST Mayflower Studios

ADAPTED AND DIRECTED by Anna Coombs

TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Mark Dakin

SET & COSTUME DESIGNER Colin Falconer

SOUND DESIGNER Tony Gayle

ADMINISTRATIVE PRODUCER Milan Govedarica

FINANCE AND PRODUCING CONSULTANT Thomas Kell

LIGHTING PROGRAMMER Pierce McFarlane

COSTUME SUPERVISOR Claire Nicolas

PRESS & MARKETING Ariane Oiticica

COMPOSER & MUSICAL DIRECTOR John Pfumojena

DEPUTY STAGE MANAGER Daniel Roach-Williams

LIGHTING DESIGNER Hansjörg Schmidt

PRODUCTION MANAGER Neil Starke

ASSOCIATE SOUND DESIGNER Ali Taie

COMPANY STAGE MANAGER Brent Tan

FIGHT DIRECTOR Jonathan Waller

FILMMAKER Nye Williams

PHOTOGRAPHERS Adiam Yemane and Bettina Adela

ST LUKE’S BOMBED OUT CHURCH, LIVERPOOL – 4TH SEPTEMBER 2022

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

4.5****

Kenneth Grahame’s classic riverbank tale, The Wind in the Willows (first published in 1908) comes dramatically alive at this wonderful outdoor theatrical experience, as part of the Liverpool Theatre Festival at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church. This location is fully equipped for serving alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and snacks to your seat and creates the perfect immersive and open-air venue.

Award winning theatre company Calf2Cow brings to stage this new adaptation of the classic children’s novel, perfect for the modern day audience, young and old. After their 2021 sell out tour, they are touring the UK again this summer, with a 30 day tour of The Wind in the Willows.

The story begins with the arrival of spring, as the timid and home-loving Mole performed by Samuel Freeman, emerges from his underground home and ends up by the river. Here he befriends the charming and affable Ratty, a water vole, performed by Isobel Witcomb. They get along well and spend many more days boating. Mole is then introduced to the eccentric and gregarious Toad, performed by Alexandra Ricou. Toad is rich, jovial and friendly but arrogant and rash; he regularly becomes obsessed with current fads, only to abandon them abruptly. His craze for caravan travel is immediately replaced by an obsession with motorcars. Mole and Ratty seek out the elusive but virtuous and wise Badger, performed by Matthew Emeny, to help change Toad’s ways.

Ricou as Toad gave a larger than life and wonderfully boisterous performance and completely embodied the character in Grahame’s timeless tale. Emeny’s performance as the horse that pulls the caravan was absolutely hilarious and had the crowd, big and small in fits of laughter. The chemistry between Witcomb and Freeman as Ratty and Mole respectively, was lovely. As an audience, because Ratty and Mole were having fun, so were we, their enthusiasm and curiosity were infectious. During the intermission Emeny and Freeman, dressed as the Judge and a Barrister, walked around the audience and interacted with the crowd, setting the scene for the second half.

The comedy timing, acting, playing live music and having fun despite the physical challenges posed by the roles was truly remarkable. The talent displayed by these artists was incredible.

The staging, mise en scẻne and choreography were lovely and complimented the beautiful alternative artistic location.

This production is vibrant, bonkers and contains elements of spectacle as well as some great folk rock music. Calf2Cow’s wistful ode to telling stories is bold, brave and energetic.

REGENERATE: Lost Songs from the Musicals

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR ONLINE CONCERT

Olivier Award Winners ADRIAN LESTER, JANIE DEE, DOUGLAS HODGE, and GEORGE MAGUIRE

Ex – SIX Queens NATALIE PARIS and GRACE MOUAT Plus DUNCAN JAMES, ANITA DOBSON, ALICE FEARN, LUKE FRIEND, FRANCES MAYLI MCCANN and many more!

On Sunday 18^th September 2022 at 7.00pm GMT (1900hrs), greats of the West End and Broadway join together for a unique night of musical theatre at  REGENERATE: Lost Songs from the Musicals. The concert will be livestreamed online in support of charity Mercury Musical Developments (MMD) and Musical Theatre Network (MTN). Tune in for free and donate at: www.regeneratemusicals.com

Titans of musical theatre are supporting emerging musical theatre talent, gifting their favourite songs cut from classic shows, or chosen stunning songs from their new projects; culminating in an incredible evening of 16 never before-heard-songs, for one night only!

REGENERATE Livestreamed Online Gala Fundraiser is free for everyone to join and watch – and whilst watching the audience can donate via online or text. Everyone who donates will be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to SIX in the West End or on Broadway**. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to support new writing talent to present their work at BEAM2023.

Complete line up of the WORLD PREMIERES and PERFORMERS:

• Tony Award-winning writersof SIX Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss gift a new composition How Far We’ve Come to be sung by an original SIX cast member and Olivier-nominee Natalie Paris.
• Tony Award-winning writing team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime, Anastasia) sent a song from their forthcoming Broadway show Little Dancer, called Life Of The Person, to be performed by Adrian Lester.
• Oscar winner Don Black and Debbie Wiseman’s It’s Still Me In Here from their brand new musical Feather Boy sung by Anita Dobson.
• Elton John and Tim Rice’s song I Could Not Miss You More (cut from the movie Gnomeo and Juliet) to be sung by Duncan James.
• Emerging writers Kit Buchan and Jim Barne‘s jettisoned song Midtown Christmas Eve from The Season to be sung by Grace Mouat (Legally Blonde, SIX) and Dan Partridge (Danny in Grease).
• Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil‘s song cut from Miss Saigon, Too Much for One Heart, will be sung by Desmonda Cathabel (winner of 2022 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of The Year).
• Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell) is gifting Leaving Myself Behind from his new project Marley. He will accompany the Broadway actor Michael McCorry Rose on the piano.
• Composer / lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party, The Addams Family) gifts It Should Be Funny from musical Jerry Christmas, written with Daniel Goldfarb (The Amazing Mrs Maisel), to be sung by Olivier Award-winner Janie Dee (Follies).
• Tony and Olivier Award-winning actor and writer Douglas Hodge (101 Dalmatians) will perform Counting The Hairs from his musical Wigmaker, written with dramatist Bryony Lavery.
• A duet from Masi Asare (Paradise Square, recently on Broadway) How Would You Know? from new show Rishvor, sung by Alice Fearn (Come From Away, Wicked) and Aisha Jawando who is currently playing Tina in The Tina Turner Musical.
• Stuart Brayson’s song You And Me Buddy, written for From Here to Eternity,will be performed by Olivier Award-winner George Maguire (Dave Davies in Sunny Afternoon) and Luke Friend (X Factor finalist).
• Emerging composing talent Omar Baroud (Cliff in Cabaret) will be singing a duet Without from his new musical After Elijah with Hanna Khogali (Britannicus). Omar is the most recent recipient of the Stiles + Drewe Mentorship Award in association with MMD.
• Another brand-new musical song from Maury Yeston (Nine, Titanic), from his current writing project The Great Bridge about the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. The song For My Father will be sung by Luke McCall (Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera).
• George Stiles and Anthony Drewe‘s Mrs. Me, written for a romcom movie, “which like so many projects in Tinseltown bit the dust long before the final script”, will be sung by Michael Ahomka-Lindsay(Legally Blonde).
• New writer Urielle Klein Mekongo sings her song Nobody’s There from Black Power Desk.
• Canadian husband and wife team Irene Sankoff and David Hein (Come From Away) have gifted an early song, Subway Sparrow, sung by Frances Mayli McCann (Bonnie & Clyde, Chess In Concert).

Composer, comedian, actress and musician,Vikki Stone (The John Bishop Show, The Now Show – BBC R4)will host the Gala, creating a glorious evening of musical theatre.

Why is it so important to support & nurture musical theatre writing and composing talent?

Anthony Drewe: As with all art forms, musical theatre is an evolving beast that needs fresh blood just as much as it celebrates old. Shows as innovative or daring as Hamilton, The Band’s Visit, The Book Of Mormon and Come From Away wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the legacy handed down from previous generations of song writers. You read, you listen, you learn – and then you create.

Stephen Schwartz: For those of us who love the genre, it means we’ll continue to have good musicals to go see.

Andrew Lippa: New musicals with original scores are friggin’ hard to get right. And they are expensive. Without support, guidance, funding, nurturing, practice, space, time, room to fail, new musicals can’t really grow.

Maury Yeston: The musical theatre is now a worldwide form. It brings us together and unites so many disparate and unique national styles and techniques. Its musical and theatrical force has fostered a common bond in theatre communities all over the world. The nurturing of its creators and its traditions creates a continuing force for peace.

Theatrical Rights Worldwide are lead sponsor of REGENERATE. The event is also supported by Music Theatre International and Clintons Solicitors.

Conceived and Produced by Neil Marcus. Musical Director Nick Barstow. Studio Producer Bartek Podkowa. Supporting BEAM2023 – removing financial barriers for creatives to share their work at the UK’s biggest showcase of new musical theatre.

Join free online Livestreamed Gala Musical Theatre Fundraiser concert

REGENERATE: Lost Songs from the Musicals

Sunday 18^th September 2022

at 7.00pm GMT(1900hrs)

at www.regeneratemusicals.com

 Donate and support the future of musical theatre.

Please give generously!

**Everyone who donates will be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of Six tickets (West End, UK Tour or Broadway, depending on winner’s location) + a programme signed by the cast.

TO DONATE: https://bit.ly/regeneratedonate

OR

Text MUSICALS followed by your donation amount to 70085 to give that amount.

e.g: MUSICALS5 for £5 / MUSICALS10 for £10 etc…

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message

Fuel presents

A Dead Body in Taos

A new play by David Farr

Directed by Rachel Bagshaw

• The full cast and creative team are now announced for the world premiere of David Farr’s new play A Dead Body in Taos
  
   
• The cast features previously announced Gemma Lawrence as Sam and Eve Ponsonby as Kath who will joined by David Burnett, Nathan Ives-Moiba, Clara Onyemere and Dominic Thorburn
  
   
• Director Rachel Bagshaw, Designer Ti Green and Video Designer Sarah Readman will be joined by Lighting Designer Katy Morison, Movement Director Ingrid Mackinnon and Composers Ben and Max Ringham. Full details of the creative team are below
  
   
• A Dead Body in Taos will preview at Bristol Old Vic and The Drum at Theatre Royal Plymouth prior to opening at Wilton’s Music Hall on 27 October. The show will then move to Warwick Arts Centre on 15 November
  
   
• The play explores how Artificial Intelligence is stretching the boundaries of a person’s life and the effect that has on the world

Full casting and creative team have been announced today for the world premiere of David Farr’s new play exploring how Artificial Intelligence is increasingly becoming part of peoples’ lives.  A Dead Body in Taos will preview at Bristol Old Vic and Theatre Royal Plymouth before its official opening at Wilton’s Music Hall from 26 October – 12 November with a press night on 27 October.

Sam hasn’t spoken to her mother Kath for three years when she learns that she’s been found dead in the New Mexico desert. 

Travelling to the small town of Taos to identify the body, she discovers Kath has become embroiled in a shadowy enterprise, offering Sam an unimaginable chance to rebuild their broken relationship. But to do so, she must decide whether she can finish what her mother started. 

Directed by Rachel Bagshaw (The Shape of the Pain, Midnight Movie), designed by Ti Green (Touching the Void), and featuring original composition by Ben and Max Ringham (Blindness, Electric Hotel), David Farr’s compelling new play is both an unsettling science fiction and an intimate study of loss and bereavement, examining how artificial intelligence could alter our understanding of death, consciousness, and the soul. 

A Dead Body in Taos includes fully integrated captioning as part of every performance.

A Dead Body in Taos is co-commissioned by Fuel, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Warwick Arts Centre with support from Bristol Old Vic; A Dead Body in Taos is supported by Arts Council England and produced by Fuel.