Author: FairyPoweredProductions

CURTAINS UP FOR RICHMOND THEATRE

HISTORIC ARTS VENUE REOPENS FROM 25 SEPTEMBER 2021

After 559 days, the curtain of the Frank Matcham’s beautiful Richmond Theatre will rise again for the first time on Saturday 25 September 2021 with high quality programming and excellent community events that audiences will love. 

It only felt right to have the community of Richmond have the honour of reopening the theatre. Performing for the first time since the venue closure is Richmond’s own Instant Opera with their special Grand Opera Gala performance,featuring superb local performers accompanied by the Instant Opera Orchestra conducted by Oliver Till and hosted by Daniel Wain. Made up of much loved arias, ensembles and grand choruses by Mozart, Verdi, Bizet and Tchaikovsky, the evening is unmissable for local opera fans.

On Sunday 26 September, we invite friends and new visitors of the venue to come and experience the magic of Richmond Theatre from a whole new perspective. We’ll be throwing our doors open for audiences to explore backstage areas normally not accessible to the public and discover the history of the venue. There will be opportunities to take centre stage or learn technical skills used to make your favourite stories come alive onstage. There will be activities for all ages, just waiting to be discovered.

Our opening week continues with Adam Kay – This Is Going to Hurt (Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor) on Wednesday 29 September. The ex-NHS worker released a new book, Dear NHS, last year to raise money for NHS charities, and his generosity continues as he has kindly donated tickets to Kingston Hospital for this performance.   

The reopening celebration comes to a crescendo, with the first week long production of the reopening season – Dirty Dancing. Filled with all best-loved moments from the movie, live on stage with breath-taking dancing and incredible music including Hungry Eyes, Do you Love Me? and the unforgettable (I’ve Had) The Time of my Life.

The remainder of the reopening season brings Richmond audiences the best in live entertainment. Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly star in The Dresser, the hilarious portrait of life as an aging actors assistant in October, then Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles, sees Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson unravel the mystery of the Baskerville family. For fans of Noël Coward, Nigel Havers and Patricia Hodge star in the three-act comedy of manners Private Lives in November, followed by Rufus Houndin The Good Life, based on the hit television series. Children will be entertained by the new 3D technology in Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain, and the festive season will finally feel a bit more normal as panto returns, this year with Cinderella.  

There is comedy from Milton Jones and Nina Conti, music from Blake and musical comedy from The Horne Section. Real life stories from David Suchet and Andrew Cotter, quick thinking from Showstopper! The Improvised Musical and a sea of facts from There’s No Such Thing as a Fish.  For full listings for Richmond Theatre, please click here.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NEW FULL PRODUCTION OF

LES MISÉRABLES

RE-OPENING AT THE

SONDHEIM THEATRE ON 25 SEPTEMBER 2021

Following the sell-out success of LES MISÉRABLES – THE STAGED CONCERT, the longest running concert in the history of Shaftesbury Avenue, Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce full casting for the re-opening of the critically acclaimed new full production of LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre on 25 September 2021.

Joining the company are Chanice Alexander-Burnett as Fantine, Jordan Shaw as Enjolras, Charlie Burn as Cosetteand making her West End debut Sha Dessi as Eponine. They join the acclaimed principal cast of Jon Robyns as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden as Javert, Gerard Carey as Thénardier’, Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thénardier’ and Harry Apps as Marius.

The company also includes Kelly Agbowu, Emma Barr, Richard Carson, Cellen Chugg Jones, Rodney Earl Clarke, Danny Colligan, Matthew Dale, Matt Dempsey, Jessie Hart, Connor Jones, Jessica Joslin, Michael Kholwadia, Sarah Lark, Georgie Lovatt, Ellie Ann Lowe, Luke McCall, Leo Miles, Claire O’Leary, Kathy Peacock, Mark Pearce, Sam Peggs, Sake Wijers, Mared Williams, Phoebe Williams and Samuel Wyn-Morris.  

Cameron Mackintosh said “After 18 long months of unprecedented shut down of the commercial theatre, it is thrilling to see the West End reopen with all its major productions and safely welcome back audiences who have been so supportive to our industry. The staged concert of Les Misérables has been uniquely able to keep the large scale theatrical flag flying on Shaftesbury Avenue, clocking up a record breaking 250 performance run. Many of the wonderful artists in the concert were drawn from both the acclaimed new West End and national touring productions which had opened just before the pandemic closed them down, playing to full houses. Spectacular though the staged concert (which will embark on a World Tour in 2024) is, the fully staged new production of Les Misérables has become an international sell out sensation all over again, continuing to bring audiences to their feet as the longest running musical in the world. The famous barricades of this latest West End production will be manned by a brilliant and diverse company of new and established talents, that demonstrate why our training system is the envy of the world and our theatre practitioners both on and off stage are incomparable, despite the lack of support of the commercial theatre from this government.  It is hugely gratifying, as the show celebrates its 36^th birthday this October at the Sondheim Theatre, that Les Misérables continues to be one of the most popular and contemporary musicals of all time. As The Telegraph put it: “The perfect musical in the perfect theatre”.

Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this acclaimed new production of LES MISÉRABLES in 2009 to celebrate the show’s 25^th anniversary it has taken the world by storm continuing to enjoy record-breaking runs in countries including North America, Australia, Japan, Korea, France and Spain. The UK and Ireland tour reopens at Theatre Royal Glasgow this November.

Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent iconic score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and many more. Several of its songs have become real life anthems of revolution wherever in the world people are fighting for their freedom. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular and contemporary musicals.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of LES MISÉRABLES is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and Geoffrey Garratt, and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo.

LONDON THEATRE WEEK

RETURNS FROM 23 AUGUST

OVER 40 CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED WEST END SHOWS WILL BE TAKING PART WITH TICKETS FROM JUST £15

London Theatre Week is back and bigger than ever before with 45 shows taking part. The annual initiative, which is dedicated to bringing the best prices for the widest selection of West End shows, will run from 23 August until 5 September. Tickets are available from £15, £25 and £35, helping to attract audiences to return to the West End and support live theatre. Tickets are now on sale at londontheatreweek.com.

Classic West End shows including firm favourites Mary Poppins, The Lion King, and Les Miserables will be taking part this year. Also as part of the initiative in 2021, newcomers to the West End stage such as & Juliet,Anything Goes, Back to the Future, and Prince of Egypt will be included.

On presenting the initiative this year, Brian Fenty, CEO and Co-Founder of global ticketing company TodayTix Group, said today,

“After being dark for over a year, we could not be more pleased to support the return of the West End by hosting London Theatre Week. Life is better with theatre in it, and we are excited to empower more locals to safely return to such a quintessential London experience at such amazing prices.”

For more information about London Theatre Week and to purchase tickets on TodayTix, please visit londontheatreweek.com.

The full list of shows are: & Juliet, Amelie, Anything Goes, Bach & Sons, Back To The Future, Be More Chill, Blithe Spirit, Bring It On, Circus 1903, Cirque Beserk, Come From Away, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Dear Evan Hansen, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Get Up Stand Up, Hairspray, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Heathers, Indecent Proposal, Jersey Boys, Leopoldstadt, Les Miserables, Life of Pi, Magic Mike Live!, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Matilda, Oleanna, Only Fools and Horses, Showstopper, The Book of Mormon, The Comedy of Errors (RSC), The Great Gatsby, The Last Five Years, The Lion King, The Mirror and the Light, The Phantom of the Opera, The Play that Goes Wrong, The Prince Of Egypt, The Shark is Broken, The Windsors: Endgame, The Woman in Black, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Wicked, Witness For The Prosecution

Tilted Wig, Malvern Theatres and Churchill Theatre Bromley
Full cast announced for new touring adaptation
of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Thursday 30th September – Saturday 4th December 2021

Full casting has been announced for the thrilling new touring production of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Taking on the role of Ichabod Crane is Sam Jackson (Skins, E4; Beautiful Thing, National Tour) alongside Rose Quentin (York Witches Society, MSR Media), Lewis Cope (Vera, ITV; Witness for the Prosecution, London County Hall) and Tommy Sim’aan (As You Like It, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse; Doctors, BBC). They will join the previously announced Wendi Peters and Bill Ward.

Adapted by acclaimed playwright Philip Meeks (Murder, Margaret and Me; Harpy), and under the direction of by Jake Smith (The Hound of the Baskervilles; A Christmas Carol; I’m Gonna Pray For You So Hard), the premiere production seeks to unleash terror on the stage. The ghoulish and edge-of-the-seat experience will tour theatres across the UK from September.

An exciting creative team will resurrect the Headless Horseman and bring the Hollow to life, with jaw-dropping illusions by Filipe J. Carvalho (Back To The Future The Musical; Secret Cinema presents Stranger Things), design by Amy Watts, choreography by Chris Cuming, lighting by Jason Addison and sound design by Sam Glossop. Transforming the American Dream into the American Gothic, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a heart-pounding visual masterpiece revitalising the classic text for new audiences.

With Hallowmas fast approaching, Sleepy Hollow simmers with anticipation. Arriving as the new teacher, Ichabod Crane finds himself embroiled in the secrets and unsettling traditions of the locals. However, all is not as it seems. When disturbing events overwhelm the small town, he finds himself swept up in a dangerous mystery which leaves him doubting his own sanity.

Producer Katherine Senior of Tilted Wig Productions comments, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is set to be an epic piece of theatre, combining a stellar cast with a fantastic script and theatrical illusions that will blow your mind! It’s incredibly exciting to be creating new work once again for the regions, as we’ve been planning this production for some time. We are thrilled to be heading back on the road and cannot wait to visit local theatres with this show.

Liza McLean, Andrew Kay And Jonathan Church Theatre Productions present

DAVID SUCHET COMES TO BIRMINGHAM REP IN

POIROT AND MORE, A RETROSPECTIVE 

ON SUN 5 DEC 2021

Sir David Suchet makes his eagerly awaited return to Birmingham Repertory Theatre in POIROT AND MORE, A RETROSPECTIVE for one night only, on Sunday, 5 December 2021.

POIROT AND MORE, A RETROSPECTIVE looks back fondly at David’s illustrious career, sharing some of his most beloved performances in a new and intimate light. Geoffrey Wansell, journalist, broadcaster, biographer and co-author of Poirot and Me, will be joining David as interviewer in this unmistakably unique event.

The show is part of a UK tour, which will see David retrace his steps as a young actor, visiting more than 20 theatres across the country.

David Suchet said: ‘Regional theatre has always been very close to my heart as it’s where my career started and was nurtured. To visit so many places that have meant so much to me during my 52 year career is wonderful. This show is my way of connecting and saying hello to people across the country after this terrible period and welcoming them back into the theatre. I am looking forward to sharing my memories, stories and favourite moments.’

David has captivated millions worldwide as Agatha Christie’s elegant Belgian detective for over 25 years. Beyond Poirot, David has graced the world’s stages bringing literary greats to life, including Shakespeare, Wilde, Albee and Miller and is celebrated for his portrayals of iconic roles such as Lady Bracknell, Cardinal Benelli, Joe Keller and Gregory Solomon.

Join us in conversation with the actor behind the detective and the many characters David has portrayed on stage and screen over a career spanning five decades.

POIROT AND MORE, A RETROSPECTIVE will play at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 5 December 2021. Priority tickets go on sale today, Fri 20 August 2021 at birmingham-rep.co.uk, and general tickets on Tues 24 August 2021. 

POIROT AND MORE, A RETROSPECTIVE is co-created by David Suchet and Liza McLean. The show was originally produced in Australia and New Zealand by Liza McLean and Andrew Kay and is presented in the UK by Liza McLean, Andrew Kay and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions.

DONNY OSMOND JOINS

JULIAN CLARY, PAUL ZERDIN, NIGEL HAVERS, GARY WILMOT,

JAC YARROW AND SOPHIE ISAACS

P A N T O L A N D   A T   T H E   P A L L A D I U M

WHICH RETURNS TO THE LONDON PALLADIUM FOR CHRISTMAS 2021

FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED FIVE WEEK RUN

PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS ON TUESDAY 24 AUGUST AT 10AM

www.palladiumpantomime.com

Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes is delighted to announce that Donny Osmond will join celebrated pantomime royalty Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Gary Wilmot, Jac Yarrow and Sophie Isaacs in Pantoland at The Palladium which will open at the world-famous West End theatre on 4 December 2021 and run until 9 January 2022 for a strictly limited five week run.  Priority booking opens at 10am on Monday 23 August 2021, with public booking opening at 10am on Tuesday 24 August 2021.

Donny Osmond will star as the Wizard of Pantomime. With a career spanning five decades Donnyhas been a singer, actor, triple-threat television series host and best-selling author. Throughout his illustrious career, Osmond has earned 33 gold records; selling over 100 million albums becoming a worldwide music legend. His forthcoming album “Start Again” marks his 65^th release in the music industry.  Before appearing in Pantoland at The Palladium he returns toLas Vegas with his first-ever solo residency inside Harrah’s Showroom at Harrah’s, opening August 2021.

Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and Paul Zerdin have starred in pantomimes at The London Palladium since 2016 with Cinderella.  Gary Wilmot joined the cast in 2017 and together they have performed in Dick Whittington, Snow White, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and last year’s Pantoland at The Palladium. 

The cast are joined by Jac Yarrow, who made his Palladium pantomime debut last Christmas, and is currently starring in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The London Palladium; and Sophie Isaacs who previously starred in the title role in 2019’s production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and can currently be seen in SIX the Musical at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End. Australian speciality act Flame Oz will add a new dimension to the pantomime along with the return of spectacular special effects from the Twins FX.

An essential part of Christmas in the West End, Pantoland at The Palladium is created by Michael Harrison and promises to be a treasure trove of The London Palladium’s panto past and exciting new surprises written especially for the show, guaranteeing an unmissable treat for panto and musical theatre fans alike. 

The Olivier Award-Winning Team of director Michael Harrison, choreographer Karen Bruce, set designer Ian Westbrook, costume designer Hugh Durrant, lighting designer Ben Cracknell, sound designer Gareth Owen and composer and orchestrator Gary Hind will once again work together to bring back this hugely popular show.

Director and Producer Michael Harrison said: “Pantoland at The Palladium was originally created for the 2020 season and was sadly cut short due to the tiering system which meant we only played 6 performances to a reduced capacity of just 1000 people per performance.  However, the reaction to the show was unlike anything any of us had seen before so the thought of bringing it back as an even bigger and better Christmas extravaganza was too good an idea to resist.  Imagine my excitement when Donny Osmond, one of the greatest entertainers in the world, agreed to join my brilliant returning favourites as the Wizard of Pantomime.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest stars alongside the greatest performers in pantomime at the world’s greatest theatre.”

This production at The London Palladium is once again delivered in partnership with The National Lottery.  It comes following The National Lottery’s support for pantomimes across the UK in 2020 – when it provided the necessary funds to make possible productions when social distancing meant audience numbers were limited. The money for this initiative came from a National Lottery promotional fund. 

Pantoland at The Palladium is produced by Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes.  

Sign-up is open today for priority booking at www.palladiumpantomime.com

LISTINGS INFORMATION 

Theatre:                             The London Palladium, Argyll St, London W1F 7TF

Dates:                                4 December 2021 – 9 January 2022

Performances:                     see website for performance schedule

Tickets:                              Tickets from £25 – no booking fees

Website:                            www.palladiumpantomime.com

Twitter:                              @PalladiumPanto                          

Facebook:                           www.facebook.com/PalladiumPanto

Instagram:                         palladiumpanto

Embrace Your Inner Elf

Get the trees up early, don the floppy hat and shoes, and let the festivities begin as Elf The Musical rides into Hull New Theatre with a sleigh full of magic and merriment later this year.

Based on the hit movie starring Will Farrell, this spectacular show sees Christmas come early when the decorations and tinsel deck the halls from 2 to 6 November, 2021.

For the past two years the show has toured major venues as part of the acclaimed arena spectacular tour and the version heading to Hull will recreate the grandeur and phenomenal staging of those productions.

Producer Jon Conway said: “Elf will only play in theatres with large stages big enough to recreate the amazing visual effects we created for the supersized ‘Elf’ arena show. It features an amazing flying sleigh, twenty feet high growing candy canes, a giant LED screen with Pixar style animated backgrounds, and aerial stunts.”

This hilarious tale follows the fortunes of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.

With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Tam Ryan, who plays Buddy, said: “We can create a marvellous atmosphere with a full-blown musical spectacular and a principal cast of twenty performers who featured in the arena tours for the last two years.”

This feel-good family show is guaranteed to be good for everyone’s Elf.

Tickets are on sale now at www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Newcastle Theatre Royal – until 21 August 2021 then on tour

5*****

If Mary Poppins is Practically Perfect then Miss Eglantine Price is Bobbing Along Beautifully.

Fifty years after the film version of the Sherman Brothers classic hit the cinema’s, Bedknobs and Broomsticks has finally hit the stage.  With a book by Brian Hill and new songs and additional lyrics by Neil Bartram.

Marvellously magically, creatively choreographed and sensationally staged it was definitely worth the wait.

Dianne Pilkington leads the cast as Miss Eglantine Price an apprentice witch who takes in the orphaned Rawlins children – Charlie (Conor O’Hara), Carrie (Izabella Bucknell, Sapphire Hagon, Poppy Haughton and Evie Lightman sharing the role) and Paul (Dexter Barry, Haydn Court,  Jasper Hawes, Aidan Oti).  Pilkington shines, channeling her inner Dame Angela Landsbury whilst putting her own spell on it.  Vocally fantastic, for me she was out standing during ballads, bringing a tear to the eye during “The Age of Not Believing”.

Charles Brunton brings Emelius Browne – Professor, Magician, Trickster or Con Man, to life.  And demonstrates some mighty fine ‘dad dancing’ in the Beautiful Briny Ballroom.

The visit to the Island of Nopeepo, in the 2nd act, introduces us to some excellent puppets designed by Kenneth Mcleod.  King Leonidas, a Lion (Matthew Elliott Campbell), Angela a Bird (Emma Thornett), Sherman a Bear (Mark Anderson) and Norton the very northern fish voiced by Rob Madge all add an extra dimension of magic to the show.  And there are cries of delight from young and old alike as they appear on stage.

Jamie Harrison’s set designs and direction, Candice Edmunds co-direction, Chris Fisher’s illusions, Gareth Fry’s sound, Neil Bettles’ choreography and movement, Simon Wilkinson’s clever lighting and Gabriella Slade’s faithful 1940’s designed costumes – along with the outstanding performers and the live orchestra lead by Laura Bangay, all help to create possibly the most magical musical ever.

Catch it on tour – you won’t be disappointed

West End LIVE returns: top London shows to perform for free in Trafalgar Square

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 September 2021

westendlive.co.uk 

West End LIVE is finally back on stage, heralding the triumphant return of London’s world-leading theatre industry.

Forming part of Westminster City Council’s Inside Out Festival and the Society of London Theatre’s #BackOnStage campaign, West End LIVE will see Trafalgar Square transformed into an open-air theatre like no other, treating thousands of theatre fans to free performances from the West End’s top shows over the weekend of 18 and 19 September. 

This year’s event features the first ever West End LIVE appearances from award-winning musicals Hamilton and The Book Of Mormon, as well as an exciting roster of new shows – including The Prince Of Egypt, Disney’s Frozen, Dear Evan Hansen, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, Back To The Future: The Musical and Pretty Woman: The Musical – alongside many established favourites.

In total, over 30 shows and acts will take to the stage for this unique celebration of theatre, a joint production by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT).

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of SOLT, said:

‘It is fantastic to be able to bring West End LIVE back this year. I can’t think of a better way to fully welcome back our beloved productions and celebrate the incredible talent, resilience and creativity on our stages, and to put on an unforgettable show for the countless theatre lovers who have supported our industry so passionately in its time of need.’

Cllr Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster City Council, said:

‘I have been proud of all the West End LIVE shows we have staged in partnership with SOLT over the years – but this year’s event is particularly momentous as it shows the world the West End is back in business.

‘Our theatreland is a unique attraction for international and UK visitors, and it has been devastating for the industry to be forced to close its venues for months on end.

‘The stellar line-up for this year’s West End LIVE weekend draws a line under that. We look forward to welcoming people back safely to Trafalgar Square for a free, two-day taster of their favourite musicals – old and new. Enjoy the magic this September – West End LIVE is back!’

West End LIVE welcomes Sky VIP as a supporting partner for the first time, after working with SOLT and a raft of London shows over the past year to create exclusive videos for their Sky VIPs, giving vital opportunities to performers during the pandemic.

The event also continues its partnership with Magic Radio, with an array of leading Magic presenters co-hosting the stage across the weekend, including Emma B, Tom Price, Sonali Shah and more to be announced.

Official London Theatre will be backstage throughout the weekend sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content across our social channels.

West End LIVE will remain free and unticketed as in previous years. To keep everyone safe, however, all attendees aged 18 and over will be asked to demonstrate their Covid status to gain entry to the event.  

West End LIVE will be BSL interpreted by Sue MacLaine and Marco Nardi.

List of shows appearing at West End LIVE 2021

More shows are likely to be announced in the lead-up to the event

& Juliet 

Amélie The Musical

Back To The Future The Musical

The Book Of Mormon

Choir Of Man

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella

Come From Away

Dear Evan Hansen

Doctor Who: Time Fracture

Dreamgirls UK Tour

English National Opera

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World 

Disney’s Frozen

Grease UK Tour

The Great Gatsby

Hamilton

Heathers The Musical

Jersey Boys

Les Misérables

Disney’s The Lion King

Magic Goes Wrong

Magic Mike Live

Mamma Mia!

Mary Poppins

Matilda The Musical

The Phantom Of The Opera

Pretty Woman: The Musical

The Prince Of Egypt

Rock of Ages UK Tour

Six

The Last Five Years 

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

westendlive.co.uk / @WestEndLIVE / @westendlive / @westendLIVE

#BackOnStage

Leeds Playhouse – until 7 August 2021

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

5*****

The Performance Ensemble’s, The Promise of a Garden, in co-production with the Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Older People’s Forum and LEEDS 2023 has come to the Leeds Playhouse for four nights. With François Matarasso’s dramaturg, nature is the theme and certainly everyone can resonate with nature no matter what background, experiences and predicaments one has. The Promise of a Garden is no exception and this production deeply explores such themes and experiences.

This production works with members of the older people community who share their life and personal experiences through voice, song and dance. No experience is ever the same and the audience is able to relate and engage with the highlights and the poignancies shared.

The theme of garden and nature has a positive feeling throughout. As well as sharing experiences, artists share how nature connects them physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Figurative references about the garden are shared with regards to life, nurture and growth. It acknowledges how nature and gardens have helped many though COVID-19 Pandemic and its lockdowns. Many stories, some shared in the productions, came from parks, gardens and allotments.

The stage is transformed into a flowery paradise which the flowers are design and created by many in the communities. The handmade flowers remind one and all that there are lot of stories in the community yet to be told. It complements the background visuals with images, probably belonging the ensemble, being shown.

Under the direction of Alan Lyddiard’s this production certainly promises you a garden whether it is physical or figurative or through people’s experience including the happy and sad times. The Promise of a Garden is universally created, universally staged and for a universal audience. A well delivered and choreographed production with help from every ensemble member.