Author: FairyPoweredProductions

ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S

MULTI-AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

ANNOUNCES NEW TOUR DATES IN 2026

The internationally acclaimed

production ADDS

southampton, bristol, Birmingham,

norwich & milton keynes

to the UK & Ireland TOUR

All tour information & tickets at

WWW.MATILDATHEMUSICAL.COM

It was announced today (12 March 2025) that the Royal Shakespeare Company’s smash hit production of Matilda The Musical, based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, will add five further dates to its upcoming tour of the UK and Ireland.

The show, which this year celebrates 15 years on stage, opens at the Curve, Leicester on 6 October 2025, before travelling to Bradford, Liverpool, Plymouth, Sunderland, Edinburgh and Manchester where it will run through March and April of 2026. 

The new tour dates begin in April 2026 at the Mayflower Theatre Southampton, followed by performances in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Milton Keynes where the show will play until 14 November 2026.

The internationally renowned musical continues to play to packed houses in the West End at the Cambridge Theatre and has been seen by 12 million people across 100 cities around the world.

Priority Booking for Bristol, Birmingham and Milton Keynes will be from 11am on Monday 24 March, and general on sale from 11am on Wednesday 26 March.  For Southampton – Priority Booking is from 10am on Thursday 27 March, and general on sale from 10am on Wednesday 2 April.  In Norwich, Priority Booking starts from Monday 24 March, with general on sale from Friday 25 April.

For all tour booking information visit www.matildathemusical.com.

This anarchic production, about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination, has won over 100 global awards, including 24 for Best Musical.  A film adaptation made by the core creative team received its World Premiere at the London Film Festival in October 2022 and can now be watched on Netflix.

Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and special effects and illusions by Paul Kieve.

Writer Dennis Kelly said:

“It’s great to get the chance to bring this little girl’s story to people in their home cities and towns, and to all those theatres where theatre really matters.”

Composer and lyricist Tim Minchin said:

“When we first started working on the show, our aim was to make a lovely little jewel of a musical for the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.  We never imagined that all these years later it would still be running in the West End, have been made into a film, and is now about to embark on its second tour of the UK and Ireland. I’m deeply proud of Matilda The Musical, and every single talented person who continues to work on it with passion and enthusiasm.”

Director Matthew Warchus said:

“I’m delighted that our production of Matilda The Musical is about to be seen live by a whole new generation of children and families in theatres across the UK and Ireland.  It’s a show we’re really proud of, and an inspiring story of courage that we really care about, so it’s genuinely wonderful to see it continue bringing joy to audiences of all ages.”

RSC Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey said:

“After its premiere so many years ago in Stratford-upon-Avon, Matilda Wormwood’s genius is still teaching us that ‘sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty’. We can’t wait to share her story with audiences up and down the country.”

Casting, further tour dates and further creative team details will be announced in due course.

Social Media:

Facebook: @MatildaTheMusical
Instagram: @MatildaTheMusical

TikTok: @thersc

#TimeToBeRevolting

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 15 March 2025

Reviewed by Jo Gordon 

5*****

It has been 30 years since Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake first spread its wings at Saddlers Wells,London. Back in the heady days of 1995,based on  Tchaikovsky’s world renowned masterpiece, Matthew switched up the classic line up of female swans, replacing them with a predominantly male cast. Although this did ruffle some feathers, it has become a huge global success and changed the Genre forever for the better.  

A love deprived Prince, ruled by his cold hearted Mother, seeks comfort and freedom. To be free from the constraints that duty impose on him and for once, feel the warmth of someone who sees his worth for who he really is, not his status in society. At a drunken low point, he encounters a swan who reaches out to him and shows him what true love can feel like, through the most beautiful, passion filled, gentle dance sequence. 

Sadly, when the Prince is reunited with the Swan in his human form, he is rebuffed and spirals into behaviour which sees him locked away by his mother in an institution with very questionable forms of “therapy”. 

Throughout the whole performance we do see humour, some real belly laugh moments, usually on the periphery of what’s going on centre stage. The characters are very recognisable with those we currently see, and how some think social stature and fame is the aim in life. 

Of course, the biggest delight is Matthew’s choreography of the male swans. Breathtakingly beautiful, strong yet delicate. The perfect balance. 

Then that final scene … oh that final scene!  I’ve seen this several times over the years, and it always leaves my cheeks wet with tears and an ache in my chest, every single time. 

Even if you never see another Ballet again, this one is a must, only you can decide if you believe the Swan is real or a part of the Princes imagination. 

Sublimely beautiful, yet gritty.

Hampstead Theatre Downstairs, London – until 5th April 2025

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

4****

Dungeons and Dragons is not a world I inhabit, however it is a world I can appreciate for the community and creativity it provides its players. It is this community that is at the heart of The Habits, the debut play by Jack Bradfield. Set in WarBoar, a board games cafe in Bromley, we meet Jess, Maryn, and Milo. A slightly odd trio who come together to explore fantastical worlds as goblins, elves and wizards, making decisions and changing narratives or fates at the throw of a dice.

Jess (Ruby Stokes) is the schoolgirl Dungeon Master who rules over the table, whilst also grieving the loss of her fantasy loving brother, Matt. With a well thumbed notebook in her hand, she guides Milo and Maryn (Jamie Bisping and Sara Hazemi) through an unending story that revolves around finding The Nightmare King. Milo and Maryn were school friends of Matt and are both navigating early adulthood and struggling to find their place in the world. Milo is drifting from job to job and Maryn is on a daunting trajectory through the world of corporate law. A somewhat motley crew all looking for community and place which they find in WarBoar, the cafe owned by Dennis (Paul Thornley), a cargo shorts wearing role-play game enthusiast who enters the game with his lute and boundless enthusiasm. Last to enter is Bev (Debra Baker), Dennis’s straight talking police officer girlfriend who loves monopoly but is drawn into the world of magical goblins and singing dwarves.

The cast are fantastic and Ed Madden’s production dances along with heart and humour. At the centre is a teenager dealing with a huge darkness that enveloped her brother, and in her grief surrounds her also, but with the help of four willing participants, some gentle coaxing and some LARP costumes, she is able to see the light. Alys Whitehead’s design is minimal yet effective – a simple pentagonal table set in the round with dice, notebooks and a laptop playing a D&D playlist through tinny speakers. D&D is already so colourful and full of drama that a table is all you need. Max Pappenheim’s soundscapes blend reality and fantasy seamlessly, working with Laura Howard’s atmospheric lighting which amps up as the team reach the conclusion of the story.

Bradfield’s writing is smart and kind, and all of the characters are likable and funny. The Habits is so much more than a play about Dungeons and Dragons. It is a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming examination of navigating loss and grief, finding your tribe, and the wonderful power of creativity and imagination. As Dennis says “Who knows what adventures await?”

NEW REHEARSAL PHOTOGRAPHS

RELEASED FOR

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF

MISCHIEF’S

THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES

PERFORMANCES BEGIN AT THE NOËL COWARD THEATRE

ON MONDAY 14 APRIL 2025

www.spiescomedy.com

Tuesday 11 March  – New rehearsal photographs of Mischief’s brand new West End show,  The Comedy About Spies have been released today. 

The Comedy About Spies stars members of the original Mischief Company – Dave Hearn,Chris Leask, Henry Lewis, Charlie Russell, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill and Nancy Zamit. They are joined by Adele James, who is making her Mischief debut.  

Mischief, the multi award-winning company behind The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery bring an uproarious 1960’s spy escapade, bursting with bungled missions, tangled identities, and miscommunication that’s anything but covert to London’s Noël Coward Theatre from Monday 14 April 2025.

When a rogue British agent pilfers plans for a top-secret weapon, CIA and KGB spies converge on London’s Piccadilly Hotel in pursuit of the elusive file. Add to the mix a clueless young couple, a hapless actor angling for the role of James Bond, and enough double agents to confuse even the sharpest operative, and you’ve got a mission that’s hilariously out of control.

Tickets are available from www.SpiesComedy.com

Written by original Mischief Company members Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, The Comedy About Spies will have its Gala Night on Tuesday 6 May 2025 and finish its limited run on Friday 5 September 2025.

The director is Matt DiCarlo, set design is David Farley, costume design is by Deborah Andrews, and the sound design and composer is Jon Fiber for JollyGoodTunes.   

A sneak-peak of the opening scene from The Comedy About Spies brought the house down at The Royal Variety Performance in the presence of His Majesty The King at the Royal Albert Hall last year.  It was broadcast on ITV1 on Sunday 15 December and is currently available on ITVX.

The Comedy about Spies is presented by Kenny Wax and Stage Presence in association with Jo Danvers.

New company Sage & Jester launch the world
premiere of STOREHOUSE, a groundbreaking
new immersive show
Deptford Storehouse, Off New King Street, Grove Street, London, SE8 3AA
Wednesday 4th June – Saturday 20th September 2025

Sage & Jester, a groundbreaking new arts production company, announces the world premiere of STOREHOUSE, an ambitious production that will challenge your sense of truth and trust. Opening on Wednesday 4th June at Deptford Storehouse in London, STOREHOUSE promises to be one of the UK’s most artistically daring and large-scale immersive theatre shows.

STOREHOUSE invites audiences to step into a world where humanity’s stories have been carefully archived since 1983, the dawn of the internet. As audiences navigate this rich and awe-inspiring underworld, they’ll confront the powers that shape everyday narratives, questioning their own role and behaviours within society.

This revolutionary production, set across a space equivalent to two football fields, thrusts audiences into a battle between the defenders of Truth and the keepers of Order. As the STOREHOUSE crumbles and secrets unfold, the true cost of controlling the narrative will be revealed, urging audiences to examine their vulnerability in the face of power. Fusing art, technology, and cuttingedge storytelling, this immersive theatre show will have audiences question how they can protect themselves—and others—from being manipulated by powerful forces within this digital information ecosystem.

Led by Founder and Concept Creator Liana Patarkatsishvili, Creative Director Sophie Larsmon and Lead Producer Rosalyn Newbery, STOREHOUSE brings together an award winning team of writers, designers, and artists. The creative team includes Story Producer Donnacadh O’Brian (Operation Mincemeat, Southwark Playhouse/Riverside Studios) and co-writers Tristan Bernays (Boudica, The Globe), Sonali Bhattacharyya (King Troll, New Diorama), Kathryn Bond (IT’S TRUE, IT’S TRUE, IT’S TRUE, Barbican Theatre), Katie Lyons (Peaky Blinders: The Rise, Caryn Mandabach Productions), Caro Murphy (Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser) and Rhik Samadder (The Indian Boy, The Globe). Production design is by Alice Helps (Lost Origin, Almeida Theatre and Factory 42), with costume design by Julie Belinda Landau (Wishmas, Secret Cinema), lighting design by Ben Donoghue (Ezra Collective, Wembley Stadium, UK Tour) and sound design by James Bulley (Distortions in Spacetime, Museum of Science and Industry).

The show takes place in Deptford Storehouse, over a 9,000 square metre space, which was once used as the paper store for Rupert Murdoch’s News International group, now known as News UK. The vast set is derived in large part from raw, organic and bio materials, ensuring an eco-conscious experience.

Sage & Jester was founded by Liana Patarkatsishvili, a Georgian-born media executive and cultural innovator with extensive experience in the television and arts sectors. She envisions STOREHOUSE as a catalyst for critical thinking about information consumption and its impact on society. Patarkatsishvili comments, “My whole life has been inextricably linked with the media and information ecosystem. I have witnessed firsthand the systemic impact of manipulated information on a personal, national and international level. With this awareness comes the need to share that insight and take steps to affect change.”

Grounding Sage & Jester’s creative work in research has been key. Creative Researcher Aoife van Linden Tol comments, Our work at Sage & Jester is informed by extensive and rigorous research ensuring that we have an in-depth understanding of the issues in information ecosystems. We have conducted years of desk research as well as original data collection allowing us to gather important insights about how susceptible our audiences are to misinformation and how it affects beliefs, behaviour and decision making, particularly around the major issues of our time. We then weave this knowledge into the creative process, providing checks and balances to ensure we are encouraging behavioural change that aligns with our mission.

STOREHOUSE promises an extraordinary experience that pushes the boundaries of theatre and invites reflection on the world we inhabit. By fostering critical thinking, Sage & Jester aims to build individual and collective resilience in the face of misinformation.

For tickets and more information, visit www.sageandjester.com.

Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films & Playtone

with thanks to Richard Reid, College Bowl and ITV

PRESENT THE NEW COMEDY MUSICAL

STARTER FOR TEN®

STARRING ACCLAIMED ACTRESS, COMEDIAN AND TV PRESENTER,

MEL GIEDROYC

COMING TO BIRMINGHAM REP FOR THE FIRST TIME

FROM 22 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER 2025

TICKETS ON SALE 17 MARCH

‘Fingers on buzzers! Here’s your Starter for Ten…’

Following an acclaimed record-breaking run at Bristol Old Vic in February 2024 Birmingham Rep is delighted to welcome the Birmingham premiere of the criticially acclaimed new musical Starter for Ten from 22 October – 1 November 2025.

What is eighteen-year-old Brian Jackson’s proudest achievement to date? His A-level results. His idol? Kate Bush. His lifelong dream? To compete on legendary TV quiz show University Challenge. It’s 1985 and, leaving Southend to start his first year at Bristol University, Brian soon discovers that falling in love and growing up take a lot more than general knowledge…

This bright and big-hearted new musical, stars acclaimed actress, presenter, comedian and writer Mel Giedroyc to reprise the role of Brian’s mum, Irene Jackson and Bamber Gascoigne’s irresistible sidekick Julia Bland.

Based on the hilarious coming-of-age novel by David Nicholls (One Day, Us, Sweet Sorrow) and the popular 2006 film adaptation starring James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, James Corden and Rebecca Hall, this tale of love, class and growing up in the 1980s is set in Bristol against the backdrop of legendary British quiz show University Challenge.

Starter for Ten is a coming-of-age comedy musical about love, belonging and the all-important difference between knowledge and wisdom. Featuring an irresistible original soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the ’80s it was nominated for Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards 2024.

Mel Giedroyc said: “Buzzers at the ready— I’m beyond thrilled to be reunited with Starter for Ten! Our first run in Bristol was glorious—the audiences, the energy, the sheer joy —and to be returning to Bristol Old Vic feels like coming home (again). And then, to be taking it to Birmingham as well? Let’s crack open the Babycham IMMEDIATELY PLEASE! We’re bringing back the nail-biting competition, the romance, the wild 80s-inspired original soundtrack that will have you throwing on a legwarmer, back-combing your hair till it’s as big as Thatcher’s and dancing like nobody’s watching. I am genuinely so proud of our show and cannot wait for even more people to see it!”

Mel Giedroyc is a TV presenter, writer and actress. She is known for her work alongside Sue Perkins in shows such as the multi Bafta-winning Great British Bake Off (BBC) and Light Lunch (Channel 4) which made them household names. Mel has appeared in sitcoms and panel shows, as well as on stage, most recently in Stephen Sondheim’s Olivier Award winning Company at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End.

Mel and Sue were reunited in the comedy series Hitmen for Sky. Mel has been a regular presenter for BBC’s Children In Need and Eurovision. Mel also hosts the comedy panel show Unforgivable (BBC2) and her first novel The Best Things was released in 2021. She is currently writing her second novel.

Mel was recently the host of legendary game show Pictionary for ITV as well as being a radio presenter for The Magic Request Show on Magic Radio every Sunday.

Starter for Ten has a book and lyrics co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, Artistic Directors of Antic Productions. The 80s-inspired original score and lyrics is composed by queer, pop-punk composers Tom Rasmussen and Hatty Carman. The production is directed by Charlie Parham.

*Tickets for Starter for Ten at The Rep go on general sale on 17 March. Visit www.Birmingham-rep.co.uk or call 0121 236 4455.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE

SPECTACULAR, SPECTACULAR!

WORLD TOUR OF

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life

moulinrougemusical.com

Casting is announced as rehearsals are underway for the first ever World Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, the multi-award-winning hit stage show, which opens in Edinburgh in April 2025 before touring to venues across the UK, Europe and beyond. A tour schedule can be found at https://moulinrougemusical.co.uk/world-tour/  with many more cities still to be announced.

The cast includes Verity Thompson as Satine, Nate Landskroner as Christian, Cameron Blakely as Harold Zidler, Kurt Kansley as Toulouse-Lautrec, German Santiago as Santiago, James Bryers as The Duke, Kahlia Davis as Nini, Summer Priest as Arabia, Scott Sutcliffe as Baby Doll, Ellie Jane Grant as La Chocolat and Patrice Tipoki as Alternate Satine.

The full cast is completed by Dominic Booth, Alisha Capon, Sol Childs, Áine Curran, Kamau Davis, Martin Dickinson, Barry Drummond, Jacob Fearey, Tosca Fischer, Tessa Fox, Johnny Galeandro, Leyton Holmes, Sayaka Kato, Jacob Kohli, Tyler Lotzof, Avigalle Mendoza, Carly Miles, Luchia Moss, Matt Powell, James Revell, Josh Rose, Samuel Routley, Nathan Saxon, Sorcha Stephenson and Frazer Woolcott.

Biographies for all cast can be found at moulinrougemusical.com.

Enter a world of splendour and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular spectacular…Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical.  Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.

As in the film, Moulin Rouge! The Musical celebrates over 160 years of music – from Offenbach to Lady Gaga. The stage musical features over 70 iconic songs, many from the movie as well as recent hits released since the movie premiered over 20 years ago.

Set in Paris, 1899, a world of indulgent beauty and unparalleled extravagance, of bohemians and aristocrats, of boulevardiers and reprobates, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the story of a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub. 

When their lives collide at the Moulin Rouge, they fall hopelessly in love, only to be thwarted by the nightclub’s host and impresario, Harold Zidler, and The Duke of Monroth, the wealthy and entitled patron of the club who thinks he can buy anything he wants, including Satine. Together with his Bohemian friends – the brilliant and starving artist Toulouse-Lautrec, and the greatest tango dancer in all of Paris, Santiago – Christian stages a musical spectacular in an attempt to save the Moulin Rouge and win the heart of Satine.

The hugely popular London production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical continues at the Piccadilly Theatre with performances now booking through to October 2025.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the winner of ten 2021 Tony Awards including Best Musical, an Olivier Award, two Drama League Awards including Outstanding Production of a Musical, five Drama Desk Awards and ten Outer Critics Circle Award Honor citations including New Broadway Musical.  

 Moulin Rouge! The Musical is directed by Tony Award^® winner Alex Timbers (other credits includeHere Lies Love, Beetlejuice, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Peter and the Starcatcher) with a book by Tony Award^® winner John Logan (also three-time Academy Award nominee including for Gladiator and The Aviator), choreography by Tony Award^® winner Sonya Tayeh (also Lucille Lortel Award for Kung Fu and Emmy winner)and music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Tony Award^® winner Justin Levine (other credits include The Outsiders, Here Lies Love, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson).

The design team for Moulin Rouge! The Musical includes Tony Award^® winner Derek McLane (sets; other credits include Beautiful – The Carole King Musical), Tony Award^® and Olivier Award winner Catherine Zuber (costumes; other credits include Kiss Me Kate, The King & I, South Pacific, Mrs Doubtfire), Tony Award^® winner Justin Townsend (lighting), Tony Award^® winner Peter Hylenski (sound), Drama Desk Award winner David Brian Brown (wig and hair design; other credits include Come From Away), Sarah Cimino (make-up design) and Tony Award^® winner Matt Stine (Music Producer). Casting is by Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting.

The World tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical is produced by Carmen Pavlovic and Gerry Ryan OAM for Global Creatures and Bill Damaschke. Executive Producers of the World Tour are Angela Dalton and Nick Grace Management. General Management and Tour Booking by Nick Grace Management.

Darlington Hippodrome – until 11 March 2025

5*****

The joy of being a reviewer is you get to see some amazing shows, but every so often one comes along that has you spending the interval wondering where and when you can see it again

…Earnest by the theatre company Say It Again, Sorry? is one such show.  If you are an Oscar Wilde purist, then this might not be your thing.  But if you are fan of The Play That Goes Wrong, then this one’s for you

Entering the auditorium, the music should give it away, modern day songs played by a chamber orchestra very Bridgerton style.  And the show begins with Algernon aka Terry (Guido Garcia Lueches) playing “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk on the piano.  Algernon and Butler Lane aka Graham (Rhys Tees) proudly project the arrival of Jack Worthing (our hero Ernest) but George (Ashley Cavender), the actor playing him, is missing and so are the actors playing Miss Prism and Reverend Chasuble. Director Simon Slough (Josh Haberfield) jumps on stage to try and explain what is happening and so begins just under two hours of perfect madness

Lady Bracknell aka Eleanor (Judith Amsenga) loses her voice, Gwendoline aka Jennifer (Trynity Silk) gets hammered on real whisky and the actress playing Cecily gets another offer to play Hermione in Harry Potter on Ice, fresh from her triumph in Celebrity Dancing on Ice South Africa.

All of the parts slowly get recast with members of the audience, tonight (and I apologise if I missed your name, but I was too busy laughing) but we had the wonderful Marta as our Ernest for the night.  Most of the roles were gender swapped, with men now playing Gwendoline, Cecily, Lady Bracknell and Miss Prism and women playing Ernest, the Reverend and, after a bike accident, Algernon.

The second part of the show is played almost entirely by the brave and wonderful audience members.

The star of the show, undoubtedly is Stagehand Josh (Ben Mann), who must be exhausted keeping on top of all the prompts, movements, props and selling his wares in the interval (thank you for my wonderful tote bag – I love it).

I can not tell you how hilariously funny this show is.  And you are guaranteed a different show every single night.  But don’t take my word for it – get along to see one of the shows on tour and then thank me later

Dominion Theatre, London – 9 March 2025

Reviewed by Phil Brown

3***

Well, I didn’t see any Mohawk hairdos in the Dominion Theatre on Sunday evening, but many of what looked like a full house were sporting their allegiance to punk through such things as Never Mind the Bollocks T-shirts, dye jobs and/or studded leather.  Considering we’re approaching the 50th anniversary of the punk era (it surfaced around 1976), first hand aficionados will be in their 60s now, so it was mildly surprising to see a substantial portion of an enthusiastic audience from a younger demographic.  An encouraging sign for the future of this full throttle jukebox musical which covers the cream of punk and new wave output in 40 songs split evenly over 2 one hour parts.

The seismic explosion of youth culture and ‘swinging London’ in the previous decade was running out of steam by the mid 70s.  The socio-economic backdrop was deteriorating, and non chart popular music was perceived as having entered a progressive cul-de-sac of overblown and boring virtuosity.  The punk movement was simply a natural reaction to boredom and a disconnect with the status quo.  Its key “have a go, DIY, never mind the shambles” amateurism corrected the course of popular music and reinvigorated the arts and fashion in ways that live on in the mainstream.  

Punk Off: The Sounds of Punk & New Wave tells this story.  The irony is, it tells it through one of the slickest, most professional and well rehearsed musicals I’ve ever seen.  Not surprising, since it has been honed on the road, the Dominion being the last show of this tour.  (For the sake of closet punks everywhere, lets hope it gets back on the road again soon).  

I have to say, the marvellously versatile performers excel at everything they do (dancing, singing, musicianship).  Kevin Kennedy (Curly Watts in Corrie) is a good choice as narrator and also takes the lead on a number of songs in Part 2.  The narration gives useful context and is generally well scripted (GED Graham) although seems pitched towards an audience completely new to punk/new wave at times or unnecessary audience flattery at others.  It does provide effective periodic relief from some frantic thrash punk music, especially in Part 1.  The narrative does factor in a few well judged recurring comic moments around busking that a responsive audience is quick to build on.

Given the vast catalogue of music produced in the name of punk, music director and singer/guitarist Adam Evans has tackled the unenviable job of assembling 40 quality songs well.  One could argue with the choices/omissions, and the dominance of male UK artists, but, hey, Se7ven Productions and Prestige Productions have got a show to sell and this selection certainly passed audience approval.  And I was pleased to be introduced to a couple of previously unheard numbers. 

The core band of Reece Davies (guitar, vocals), Phil Sherlock (bass, vocals) and Ric Yarborough (drums, vocals) are awesome, whilst Lazy Violet covers the relatively few female vocal leads (Siouxsie, Deborah Harry, Chrissie Hynde) to perfection.  The range of sounds produced by just a three piece band had me checking for additional musicians in the cast list! 

Having started with what looked like random pogoing, the choreography (Louisa Clark) gets progressively more interesting and imaginative as the show progresses.  Dance routines involving most of the cast not actively playing instruments, are fluently executed and the featured dancers (Louisa Clark and Joshua Fowler) stand out.  This turned out to be a very enjoyable element of the show.  Along with some great costumery throughout.

By my reckoning, the Sex Pistols, the Clash, Sham 69 and Ian Dury are the most featured original artists, followed by the Boomtown Rats, the Buzzcocks and the Stranglers.  For the most part, the songs follow the established template fairly closely, but with one exception –  probably the music highlight of the evening – a slowed down arrangement introducing the Stranglers’ “No More Heroes”.

The stage set featuring the famous “Camden Lock” design railway bridge in Camden (painted in the 1980s apparently!) (Se7ven Productions), whilst evocative, is perhaps necessarily basic to allow for touring.  And the sound seemed a touch murky to my ears – possibly affected by the venue – the Dominion is a 2,000 capacity auditorium.

This brilliantly executed show packs a real punch – all killer, no filler as they say.

Part 1 feels like an unrelenting assault of urgent, high tempo, quite uniform sounding, “pure” punk rock.  There is a reason Part 2 seems easier on the senses – it mainly covers the post punk new wave of songs with developing song craft and more light and shade in tempo and style. 

Overall, it is a remarkably comprehensive overview of UK punk and new wave, that will nostalgically chime with many of a certain age.   However, it is not a show for everyone.  You probably need a personal connection with the subject to truly appreciate and enjoy this spectacle on offer.

THE NATIONAL THEATRE’S SOLD-OUT PRODUCTION OF

TILL THE STARS COME DOWN

TO TRANSFER TO THE THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET THIS SUMMER FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED RUN

The National Theatre announces today that its sold-out production Till the Stars Come Down will transfer to London’s West End this summer for a strictly limited run.  Co-produced with Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Fiery Angel, Short Street Productions and Access Entertainment, this ‘beautifully observed and bruisingly hilarious play’ (★★★★ Time Out) will be staged at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 1 July until 27 September 2025. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday 20 March at 12pm from £20.  On-stage seating will be available throughout the run.  Details will be released at a later date.

Till the Stars Come Down is a passionate, heartbreaking and hilarious portrayal of a larger-than-life family struggling to come to terms with a changing world.  Written by former National Theatre writer-in-residence, Beth Steel, this critically acclaimed production ‘fizzes with sharp comic observation’ (★★★★ Financial Times) and is ‘deliriously funny’ (★★★★★ Daily Telegraph).  Other credits include The House of Shades (Almeida Theatre), Wonderland (Hampstead Theatre) and Ditch (HighTide Festival and Old Vic Tunnels).  She has also previously won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright (2014).

Till the Stars Come Down is ‘full of pain, joy and laughter in a deft production by Bijan Sheibani’ (★★★★★ The Guardian). This Olivier Award-winning director was previously Artistic Director of the Actors Touring Company and is a former associate director of the National Theatre.  Other credits include Barber Shop Chronicles, A Taste of Honey (National Theatre) and The Arrival (Bush Theatre).

Rufus Norris, Director and Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre said:

“I am delighted that Beth Steel’s brilliant debut play at the National Theatre is transferring into the West End.  Audiences adored Till the Stars Come Down when it was staged in the Dorfman last year and we are all incredibly proud and pleased that this wonderful production by Bijan Sheibani will get to be shared with many more people.  We are deeply appreciative and excited, to be working with our co-producers to make this possible.”

Beth Steel, playwright said:

“I couldn’t be more excited for Till the Stars Come Down to move into its new home in the Theatre Royal Haymarket this summer.  Having a play staged at the National Theatre in 2024 was a dream come true, to be bringing it to the West End is nothing short of a fever dream!  It was a privilege for the play to be nominated for ‘Best New Play’ at last year’s Olivier Awards and I’m just so thrilled that this glorious ensemble of characters gets to connect, with all their life force, to a wider audience.  I began the play as writer-in-residence at the National Theatre’s New Work Department, a career changing attachment that gave me the space and support needed to bring it into being and it was an honour to watch Bijan Sheibani and the wider team unleash it!  I can’t wait to see them do it again.”

It’s Sylvia and Marek’s wedding and you’re all invited.  Over the course of a hot summer’s day, a family gathers to welcome a newcomer into their midst.  But as the vodka flows and dances are shared, passions boil over and the limits of love are tested.  What happens when the happiest day of your life opens the door to a new and uncertain future?

Audience members will be given the opportunity to sit up close and immerse themselves in this ‘break-out hit of 2024’ (★★★★★ WhatsOnStage).  On-stage seating will be available throughout the run.  Details will be released at a later date. 

Sheibani is joined by set and costume designer, Samal Blak; lighting designer, Paule Constable; choreographer and movement director, Aline David; sound designer, Gareth Fry; revival director, Elin Schofield;original casting director, Alistair Coomer CDG; casting director, Juliet Horsely CDG; dialect coach, Charmian Hoare; intimacy director, Asha Jennings-Grant and fight director, Kev McCurdy.

Casting is to be announced.

Till the Stars Come Down was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department whilst Steel was writer-in-residence (2019-2021).  It had its world premiere on 31 January 2024 in the Dorfman Theatre and was Steel’s debut play at the National Theatre running until 16 March.  Following a sold-out run, Till the Stars Come Down was nominated for ‘Best New Play’ at the 2024 Olivier Awards. 

Till the Stars Come Down in the West End is supported by American Express, the National Theatre’s Official Payment Partner.