Author: FairyPoweredProductions

KIDS ACROSS THE UK…

YOU’RE IN THE BAND!

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIRST-EVER TOUR OF

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S SMASH HIT WEST END & BROADWAY MUSICAL

TAKE A SNEAK PEAK AT OUR NEW INTAKE OF STUDENTS ON THEIR FIRST DAY AT ROCK SCHOOL HERE

MAJOR UK AND IRELAND 2021/22 TOUR PREMIERE AT

HULL NEW THEATRE ON TUESDAY 7^TH SEPTEMBER

School of Rock – The Musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit, Olivier Award-winning West End show today reveals casting for its first-ever UK and Ireland tour.

Jake Sharp is getting the band back together as it is confirmed that he will lead the cast as Dewey Finn having previously performed the role in the West End. Alex Tomkins will perform in the role at certain performances. They are joined by Rebecca Lock asRosalie Mullins, Matthew Rowland as Ned Schneebly and Nadia Violet Johnson as Patty Di Marco. The remaining adult cast comprises Ryan Bearpark, James Bisp, Joanna O’Hare, Samuel Haughton,  Tom Hext, Harveen Mann, Richard Morse, Annell Odartey, Amy Oxley, Helena Pipe, Michaela Powell, Richard Vorster and Craig Watson.

‘A FOOT-STOMPING, DELIRIOUSLY ENJOYABLE FABLE OF FREEDOM AND FUN’

THE SUNDAY TIMES

One of three incredibly talented teams of twelve children will perform live alongside Dewey each night and are currently getting ready to stick it to the man when the bell rings for the new school term in September. They comprise (including covers) Eva McGrath (thirteen years old from Birmingham), Emerson Sutton (thirteen years old from the West Midlands), Thomas Harvey (twelve years old from Cheshire) and Isaac Forward (twelve years old from Buckinghamshire) who will play Freddy; Chloe Marler (ten years old from Essex), Marikit Akiwumi (twelve years old from Guildford), Daisy Hanna (thirteen years old from Surrey) and Ivy Balcombe (nine years old from Surrey) who will play Katie; Oliver Forde (twelve years old from London), Angus McDougall (thirteen years old from Buckinghamshire), David Gluhovsky (twelve years old from London) and Oliver Pearce (eleven years old from North Wales)who play Lawrence;  Joseph Sheppard (twelve years old from the West Midlands), Harry Churchill (nine years old from Devon), Hanley Webb (ten years old from Northamptonshire) and William Laborde (twelve years old from Surrey) who will play Zack;  Wilf Cooper (twelve years old from Surrey), Logan Matthews (eleven years old from Berkshire) and Alfie Morwood (ten years from South Wales) who play Billy;  Keira Laver (eleven years old from Essex), Florrie May Wilkinson (ten years old from London) and Saffia Layla (eleven years old from Hertfordshire) who will play Summer; Jasmine Djazel (eleven years old from London), Souparnika Nair (ten years old from Bury St. Edmunds) and Angel Lucero (eleven years old from London), who will play Tomika; Hadlee Snow (ten years old from Brighton), Darmani Eboji (twelve years old from Essex), Devon Francis (eleven years old from London), Riotafari Gardner (ten years old from London) who will play James; Lily Rose Martin (eleven years old from Kent), Elodie Salmon (eleven years old from London) and Paris Banyong (nine years old from London) who will play Marcy; Caelan Wallington (eleven years old from Watford), Alex Shotton (twelve years old from Buckinghamshire) and Nesim Adnan (ten years old from Kent) who will play Mason; Kyla Robinson (eleven years old from Surrey), Eden Anthony (twelve years old from London) and Elisha Kerai (eleven years old from London) who will play Shonelle; Ophelia Parsons (twelve years old from London), Jemima Newman (nine years old from Bedfordshire), Ava Masters (eleven years old from Kent) and Inez Danielak (twelve years old from Essex) who play Sophie.

‘THE MOST ENJOYABLE FEW HOURS MONEY CAN BUY’

 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Based on the hilarious hit movie, this new musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band – sensationally performed live by the production’s young actors every night with roof-raising energy! While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.

School of Rock – The Musical features new music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, Sister Act) and a book by Julian Fellowes. Originally directed by Laurence Connor (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, London Palladium 2019) with choreography by JoAnn M Hunter, set and costume designs by Anna Louizos, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Mick Potter and music supervision by John Rigby. 

School of Rock- The Musical debuted at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre in New York in 2015, and ran for more than three years, picking up four Tony nominations along the way.  It transferred to London in late 2016 and ran for over three year at the New London Theatre, winning an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music.

For the production’s first UK and Ireland tour, Christopher Key takes the reigns as Associate Director, Maria Graciano as Associate choreographer and Musical Supervision is by Matt Smith.  Adam Fisher and Stuart Porter complete the team as Associate Sound and Lighting Designers.

The UK & Ireland Tour of School of Rock – The Musical is produced by David Ian for Crossroads Live by arrangement with the Really Useful Group.

Theatre Royal Nottingham – until Saturday 21 August 2021

Reviewed by Louise Ford

4**** 

I got chills… 

This week’s show at the Theatre Royal is another musical classic, Grease (Directed by Nikolai Foster), all high school anx ,rivalry, peer pressure, rock and roll, cars and a bit of education thrown in for good measure.

A coming of age story which starts, appropriately  enough, at the end of a long hot summer of beaches and summer love (well we can all dream!), when the mismatched summer lovers Sandy (Georgia Louise) and Danny (Dan Partridge) start back at Rydell High, under the watchful eye of Miss Lynch (Corina Powlesland)

The original book, music and lyrics was written, in 1971, by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey and draws heavily on the rock and roll of the 1950s. The current staging remains true to the fashion and hairstyles (cue back combing that DA) of the era. The show and song lyrics are more gritty and raunchy than you may remember from the film version ( made in 1978). Think pelvic thrusting and grinding, as well as teenage pregnancy, gang violence and class conflict. The story inverts the norm of the girl taming her man and instead the girl is transformed into a wild (male?) fantasy.

One of the funniest songs and duos, that didn’t make it into the film,  is that between Rump and Jan (Maeve Byrne), the song titled Mooning celebrates his skill at, well, mooning at girls,”I guess I’ll keep striking poses. Until my cheeks have lost their roses”! Trust me is was hilarious! They make a lovely pairing of chubbiness and snacking!

The stage (Colin Richmond), is nicely pared back and easily changes from the beach, Rydell High cafeteria ,the garage, back alley and bedroom, with minimal effort. The set easily divides in two for the early rendition of Summer Nights, tell me more,tell me more! All of the great familiar songs, in a slightly different order to the film, ( you’ll be word perfect, as the Nottingham audience were last night) are there, with some wonderful ensemble dance routines (choreographed by Arlene Phillips) lots of energy, hand jiving (Born to Hand Jive) and pelvic thrusts.

My only gripe is that my favourite song “Grease Lightening” wasn’t on for long enough, although it is included in the finale mash up, which was a lot of fun. The audience were on their feet singing and clapping away,  sadly not enough room for any jiving in the aisles maybe just enough space for a bit of pelvic thrusting!

The stand out performance for me was Peter Andre. He has reprised his 2019 role as both  Vince Fontaine and the Teen Angel. In some performances he is also the Beat Cop. So some rapid costume changes! He’s on stage nearly all the time, from his eyrie record studio looking down on the unfolding action, to the heavenly (are there any other kind) Teen Angel giving career advice to Frenchie (Marianna Neofitou), to the iconic  rock n’roll  legend Vince Fontaine judging the dance competition. The choreography for Beauty School Drop Out is wonderfully camp all white suits, sunnies, and glittery wings. As Vince Fontaine he is working the full leopard print (think Cat from Red Dwarf) zoot suit and brothel creepers. He’s full of energy and is clearly enjoying the role, and manages to do the splits!

All in all a great evening’s entertainment, so Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys grab your jackets, comb through that grease and get on down to the Royal for a nostalgic evening of Rock and Roll!” It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s what you do with your dancing shoes”, Vince Fontaine.

FULL CASTING CONFIRMED FOR THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT

The Royal Shakespeare Company has today announced further casting for The Magician’s Elephant, a new musical by Nancy Harris (book/lyrics) and Marc Teitler (music/lyrics) based on the novel by prize-winning children’s author Kate DiCamillo which will make its world stage premiere in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 14 October 2021 – 1 January 2022.

Actor, writer, storyteller Renu Arora will play the role of Madame LaVaughn, who tragically finds her herself paralyzed after an elephant – conjured by The Magician of the play’s title – crashes through the roof of an opera house, crushing her legs in the process.

Renu has worked extensively in the arts as an actor, singer, composer, director and writer for over 16 years. Her writing credits include Women of Hope; a verbatim music-theatre show funded by Arts Council (and supported by Tamasha, Amnesty and Rich Mix) exploring domestic violence in minority communities and The Crossing, a devised show about her grandmother’s experiences of the Partition of India and her co-writers’ family’s experience of the Vietnam War, supported by Arts Council England (The London Hub Mosaic Bursary), Tamasha and Rich Mix.

As an actor and musician, Renu has performed at theatres including the New Vic Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre and Theatre Royal Stratford East. As a director, Renu’s work includes performances at Arcola Theatre, Soho Theatre, Tamasha, Tara Arts, Riverside Studios, Oval House and The Kings Head Theatre. As a composer, Renu wrote and recorded the vocal soundtrack for Rani Moorthy’s ‘Who’s Sari Now’ at Leicester Curve and Stratford East.

After a life changing accident and near-death experience in 2017, Renu acquired a disability, changing the way she works as an artist. Her lockdown-inspired audio work reflecting on the parallels of her accident and the pandemic was broadcast by BBC Sounds. Renu’s new 12-part arts podcast; The Burgundy Book, in which she reflects upon her life-changing experience, will be available in Spring 2022 and is funded by Arts Council England (with additional support from Graeae, The Space, and Disability Arts Online).

As a public speaker, Renu talks openly about her accident, near-death experience and artistic practice both in UK and overseas and is scheduled to take part in the International Association for Near Death Studies (IANDS) virtual conference in September 2021.

She will be joined by Amy Booth-Steel in the role of Narrator. Amy is perhaps best known to musical theatre audiences for her roles in Heathers, Sister Act and The Sound of Music in the West End, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole (Leicester Curve); Betty Blue Eyes (Mercury and West Yorkshire Playhouse) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Watermill Theatre).

Other theatre credits include Dick Whittington, A Pacificist’s Guide to the War on Cancer, The Light Princess, One Man, Two Guvnors (Tour) and She Stoops to Conquer Other (National Theatre), #HONESTAMY at the Pleasance; As You Like It (Regent’s Park) The Assassination of Katie Hopkins (Theatr Clwyd); Anita and Me (Birmingham Rep and Theatre Royal Stratford East); Ex (Soho Theatre) Nicked (HighTide) and Swallows and Amazons (Bristol Old Vic).

Returning to the RSC this Christmas is Miriam Nyarko who will play Adele following her appearance as Lisa James in the 2019 RSC musical adaptation of The Boy in the Dress based on the novel by David Walliams. Miriam also played Lavender in the West End production of Matilda the Musical, also for the RSC. Other theatre credits include Our Town (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal), The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre).

Miriam is perhaps best known to TV audiences for playing Miri in the popular CBBC series Almost Never (Series 1-3). Other television credits include The Voice Kids, Blue Peter and Saturday Mash Up.

Also confirmed are Lauren Jones (Lisette) and Chrystine Symone (Lamplighter)

They join the previously announced cast which includes; Sharif Afifi (Milliner), Marc Antolin (Leo Matienne), Alison Arnopp (Baker), Hannah Brown (Swing), Keisha Amponsa Banson (Gloria Matienne), Michael Carolan (Swing), Lucca Chadwick-Patel (Fishmonger), Stephen John Davis (Doctor), Zoe Halliday (The Elephant), Sam Harrison (Count Quintet), Forbes Masson (Police Chief), Wela Mbusi (The Elephant), Mark Meadows (Vilna Lutz), Suzanne Nixon (The Elephant), Alastair Parker (Magician), Wendy Somerville (Mrs Griswald) Summer Strallen (Countess Quintet) and Mandi Symonds (Sister Marie) and Jack Wolfe (Peter Duchene).

The Magician’s Elephant was originally due to run from October 2020 – January 2021 but was postponed due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, which included the temporary cancellation of all RSC performances, events and other activities.

The production will mark the re-opening of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre – which marks its 60^th anniversary in 2021 – and the return of audiences to indoor performances at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon for the first time since March 2020.

The Magician’s Elephant tells the story of orphan Peter Augustus Duchene, who lives a frugal life in the lonely town of Baltese. Then one day, a magician conjures an elephant from the sky. The animal’s appearance sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that it changes Baltese forever. Peter is catapulted into the quest of his life, overturning everything he ever thought he knew, and discovering that happiness can come from the most unexpected places.

This new adaptation of Kate DiCamillo’s heart-breaking and darkly magical children’s book by Nancy Harris (book/lyrics) and Marc Teitler (music/lyrics) will be directed by Sarah Tipple, Associate Director to Gregory Doran on The Boy in the Dress. The production will feature design by Colin Richmond whose previous RSC credits include Wendy and Peter Pan and Vice Versa. Lighting is by Oliver Fenwick, Music Supervision and Musical Direction by Tom Brady, Orchestrations by Sarah Travis and Marc Teitler, vocal arrangements by Tom Brady and Marc Teitler, sound by Paul Groothuis and movement by Francesca Jaynes. Dramaturgy is by Réjane Collard-Walker. Puppetry direction is by Mervyn Millar with puppetry design by Mervyn Millar and Tracy Waller. The Magic Consultant is John Bulleid whose previous RSC credits include #WeAreArrested, and video is by Douglas O’Connell.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE ANNOUNCES AUTUMN/WINTER SEASON AS THE MUCH-LOVED CHILDREN’S THEATRE AND HOME OF UK PUPPETRY TURNS 60 IN NOVEMBER

THE NEW SEASON INCLUDES:

• INSPIRED BY GREENPEACE CAMPAIGNS, A MAJOR NEW PRODUCTION ‘THERE’S A RANG-TAN IN MY BEDROOM AND OTHER STORIES’  FEATURING A VOICEOVER FROM EMMA THOMPSON PREMIERES IN THE THEATRE, 10 SEPTEMBER – 7 NOVEMBER
• THE WORLD PREMIERE OF A NEW MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF PIERS TORDAY’S REMARKABLE NOVEL ‘THERE MAY BE A CASTLE’ OPENS IN THE THEATRE, 13 NOVEMBER – 23 JANUARY.

• ‘THE STORM WHALE’, A CO-PRODUCTION WITH YORK THEATRE ROYAL, THE MARLOWE THEATRE AND ENGINE HOUSE, BASED ON BENJI DAVIES’ TENDER AND HEART-WARMING CHILDREN’S STORIES RUNS IN LITTLE ANGEL STUDIOS, 20 NOVEMBER  – 30 JANUARY.
   
• LITTLE ANGEL CONTINUE TO INNOVATE DIGITALLY WITH THEIR FREE SERIES ‘WATCH, MAKE, SHARE’, INCLUDING AN EXCITING PROGRAMME OF REGULAR DIGITAL SHORTS, FEATURING A NEW CO-PRODUCTION WITH ENGLISH TOURING OPERA, AND THEIR WEEKLY ‘PEOPLE BEHIND THE PUPPETS’ SERIES.

On 24 November 2021 iconic children’s venue Little Angel Theatre will celebrate 60 years of entertaining and inspiring generations of families through the magical artform of puppetry.  When a troupe of enthusiastic puppeteers under the leadership of John and Lyndie Wright transformed a derelict temperance hall in Islington into a theatre specially designed for children’s marionette shows in 1961, nothing like it existed anywhere in London.  60 years later, under the leadership of artistic director Samantha Lane and executive director Peta Swindall, this unique theatre continues to evolve and innovate, reaching millions across the globe through its acclaimed live and digital programme.

Samantha Lane & Peta Swindall introduce the Autumn / Winter season:
“As we emerge from the pandemic and welcome live audiences back to Little Angel Theatre after such a challenging time, we are proud to announce a live/digital hybrid season of bold and ambitious new work including two major new shows that don’t shy away from big issues. ‘There’s a Rang-Tan in my Bedroom and Other Stories’ is a beautiful new show featuring a voiceover by Emma Thompson, and supporting Greenpeace and Meat Free Monday, that introduces children to the idea that no-one is too small to make a difference. There will also be accompanying digital content for those who are unable to make it to the theatre in person, or who would like to explore the issues raised in the show around sustainability and climate change in more depth.”

“A new adaptation of Piers Torday’s remarkable novel ‘There May be a Castle’ will enchant audiences over Christmas with its magical world of monsters, knights and wizards. While running in Little Angel Studios is Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming tale ‘The Storm Whale’, a co-production with York Theatre Royal, The Marlowe Theatre and Engine House.” 

“We are thrilled that our free digital output ‘Watch, Make, Share’, for which we recently won an OffWestEnd ‘OneOff’ award, will continue with new content weekly and monthly.  We will also release our first series of episodes alongside ‘There’s a Rang-Tan in my Bedroom and Other Stories’.  We are very proud that our digital programme has achieved 13,800 new subscribers from 95 countries, equating to 1.1 million views, 49, 500 watch hours and an overall reach of 7.5 million people, since the theatre closed its doors on 23 March 2020.” 

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE:

There’s a Rang-Tan in my Bedroom and Other Stories
 10 Sept – 7 Nov, Theatre
A Little Angel Theatre production
Supporting Greenpeace and Meat Free Monday
Aimed at ages 5-11
£13.50 adults / £11.50 children
Tickets on sale 19 August

Inspired by the Greenpeace campaign films There’s a Rang-Tan in My Bedroom and There’s a Monster in My Kitchen created by Mother and written by James Sellick, this beautiful adaptation encourages children to imagine waking up to find a turtle bathing in your bathtub, an orangutan bouncing on your bed and a jaguar creeping through your kitchen!  But how did they all get there? And why on earth are they all so far from home? Featuring a voiceover from Emma Thompson, this magical mix of puppetry and music helps children to discover more about these animal friends and what they can do to help – because no one is too small to make a difference.

Credits
Concept by Mother
Written by James Sellick
Directed by Maia Kirkman-Richards
Set and costumes designed by Kate Bunce
Lighting designed by Sherry Coenen
Puppets designed by Maia Kirkman-Richards
Music composed and sound designed by Dominic Sales
Creative Producer Miranda Pitcher
Performed by Ajjaz Awad & Aya Nakamura

Accompanying this production will be a new digital video series titled Bertie! made up of 7 episodes with one being released each week, aimed at ages 5-11. Each episode in this environmental and engaging educational series will focus on Bertie, a plastic bottle who lives on a landfill site, and his encounters with other creatures via his friend The Lazy Stork (who eats from the landfill site instead of migrating for food) as he learns a new environmental lesson each time.

A detailed scheme of work will also be made available for schools to download and use alongside the digital shorts. All puppets and set will be designed using found and recycled materials – we are committed to environmental sustainability in our actions as well as in our content.

Each episode is designed as an entertaining and informative way of introducing environmental topics and can be used as a spring board for further discussion, research and learning.

Credits for Bertie!
Writer/Director – Samantha Lane
Set and Puppet Designer – Emma Tompkins
Composer – Zara Nunn

There May be a Castle
13 November – 23 January, Theatre
A Little Angel Theatre production
Aimed at ages 7-11
£14 adults / £12 children
Running time: one hour approx.
Tickets on-sale 19 August

A remarkable story about love, loss and the power of the imagination, from award-winning writer Piers Torday, is adapted into a musical puppetry production by the creators of Little Angel’s The Smartest Giant in Town and The Pixie and the Pudding.

On a frozen Christmas Eve, a young boy called Mouse Mallory, and his family, set off across the snow-white valley to visit his grandparents. They never arrive. When Mouse wakes up, he finds himself in a magical landscape, with only a talkative sheep and a very bossy horse for company. So begins Mouse’s extraordinary quest through a world of wonder. A world of monsters, minstrels, dangerous knights and mysterious wizards; a world of terrifying danger but also more excitement than Mouse has ever known.

Credits
Based on the book by Piers Torday
Adapted by Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane
Directed by Samantha Lane
Music and lyrics by Barb Jungr
Puppets designed by Judith Hope
Set and costumes designed by Ellie Mills
Lighting designed by Sherry Coenen

LITTLE ANGEL STUDIOS:

The Wishing Tree
9 – 26 September, Little Angel Studios
Please note these are new dates due to the production being rescheduled as a result of Covid delays.
£13.50 adults
£11.50 children (ages 1-17)
Tickets now on sale
Post-show workshops will take place on Saturday 11, 18 and 25 September. Tickets for workshops are £6 per family and will be available to book as an add-on to performances on these days.
Aimed at ages 5-11
Running Time: 50 mins approx.

Inspired by a brand-new Joseph Coelho poem, incorporating ideas from local Islington school children coming out of the pandemic, The Wishing Tree is a touching tribute to the importance of friendship and helping those in need. Also on display will be six unique wishing trees created by designers Alison Alexander, Ingrid Hu, Maia Kirkman-Richards, Seb Mayer, Emma Tompkins and Samuel Wilde which have been used in workshops with local school children, as well as artwork created by these children in response to the trees and Joseph’s work.  Ending with a message of hope, The Wishing Tree explores a range of feelings and ideas that children in this age group can relate to.

Written by Joseph Coelho
Directed and designed by Oliver Hymans
Puppets designed by Peter Morton
Puppet costumes by Katie Underhay
Assistant Puppet Fabrication by Nicholas Willis and William Aubrey-Jones
Sound design by Elliot Mann and Kacper Slowik
Set built by Syeda Bukhari
Set build assistant Jessica Shead
Performed by Chris Nayak and Nadia Shash

The Storm Whale
20 November  – 30 January, Little Angel Studios
Aimed at ages 4-8
Tickets £14 adults / £12 children
Tickets on sale 19 August

A Little Angel Theatre, York Theatre Royal, The Marlowe Theatre and Engine House co-production, based on the books by Benji Davies.

Noi lives with his Dad and their six cats by the sea. One winter, while his Dad was busy at work, Noi rescued a little whale that washed up on the beach during a storm. There a friendship began that changed their lives forever. The following winter Noi’s Dad takes one last trip in his fishing boat. Noi is alone once more and longs to see his friend again. He waits and watches, watches and waits… will it take another winter storm to bring them back together again? Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming children’s stories of friendship, love and courage are brought to life as one enchanting theatre show.

Credits
Based on The Storm Whale and The Storm Whale in Winter by Benji Davies
Written and directed by Matt Aston
Designed by Lydia Denno
Lighting designed by Jason Salvin
Composer / Musical Director Julian Butler
Choreographed by Hayley Del Harrison
Puppet direction by Sue Dacre
Puppets made by Keith Frederick

The Christmas run of The Storm Whale at Little Angel Theatre is dedicated to the memory of our Lighting Designer and dear friend Jason Salvin (1972 – 2020). 

Running time: 1 hour 15 minutes, including an interval

DIGITAL PROJECTS

The next episodes of Watch, Make, Share will be available here www.youtube.com/thelittleatheatre

People Behind The Puppets video series will be continued to be released weekly here https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoj9np3ZxflBhteFiBZ4lqgMdpUAUdjOR

Website | Twitter

“West End Stars Alice Fearn, Oliver Savile & Courtney Bowman Workshop A New Musical Heading For London!”

• West End stars Courtney Bowman, Oliver Savile and a host of West End performers join together in a new musical workshop.

• With sights on London’s West End, producers at RED Entertainment are holding a workshop in London for Tinker Bell the Musical.

• Tinker Bell is a new musical written by TikTok stars and musical theatre writing duo Carey-Hills & Hendricks.

RED Entertainment is thrilled to announce the Tinker Bell the Musical cast and creatives, who will gather next week for a workshop production of a brand-new British musical inspired by JM Barrie’s much-loved fairy companion Tinker Bell.

With a passion for creating new work, RED Entertainment is thrilled to collaborate with Carey-Hills & Hendricks to tell this magical tale. Tinker Bell had her own story long before Peter Pan met Wendy. In this new musical Tinker Bell the Musical asks you to “Dream big. Then dream bigger.”

Carey-Hills & Hendricks wrote the book, music, and lyrics for Tinker Bell the Musical. Ryan Carey-Hills and Lauren Hendricks have been writing and performing for over a decade, with credits including Nursery Crimes (named one of the Evening Standard’s Top 10 New Musicals) and Wytch, a powerful female-led show about the Lancashire witch trials in 1612 that is currently in development. This popular British writing duo, who have over 92k followers and 1.2 million likes on TikTok are excited to workshop their new musical Tinker Bell.

Tinker Bell the Musical is directed by Anna Fox with assistant director Ayoade Bamgboye.

Full company includes Alice Fearn, Courtney Bowman, Miracle Chance, Tosh Wanogho-Maud, Patrick Munday, Charlie Kristensen, Oliver Savile, Beth Hinton-Lever, Cavan Malone, Sadie Harris, Kyle Birch, Gwion Morris Jones, Ying Ue Li, Faye Wheeler, Matthew Ellis and Harriet Caplan Dean.

Fleeing Neverland, Tinker Bell and her friends find refuge in London’s Kensington Gardens alongside a group of fairies as alike as they are different. As outcasts so far from home, they must face the challenges of a new world and use their collective strength to overcome adversity.

Set during the scientific revolution of Victorian England, our heroes must take control of the situation before they are discovered, and their way of life destroyed forever.

This ground-breaking new musical sets out to change hearts and minds in a moving reflection of the modern-day, presented in a fairy tale Victorian world of magic and wonder.

Discover something incredible in Tinker Bell the Musical. Do you believe in fairies?

This London workshop begins on Monday 23^rd August and runs until Friday 27^th August culminating in an industry showcase on Friday 27^th August.

Families invited to join week of free theatre activities in Leicester Square Gardens for Kids Week 2021

Monday 23 – Friday 27 August

Throughout next week, families can enjoy a variety of free, outdoor theatre activities in the heart of Leicester Square, as part of much-loved audience development scheme Kids Week.

From workshops on magic and choreography to singalongs and storytelling, some of London’s top shows are giving theatre loving families and children a peek behind the curtain, sharing the thrill of live theatre and celebrating the reopening of the world famous West End. 

The Kids Week activities are part of the Mayor of London’s summer of family events for the #LetsDoLondon campaign, encouraging people back into the city centre to experience the rich array of culture on offer.

The full schedule of activities can be found here.

Kids Week, which runs for the month of August, offers free tickets to participating shows for ages 17 and under, when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Since going on sale with over 30 shows at the start of July, nearly 115,000 tickets have been sold – but there are still fantastic deals available for a range of West End shows. For more information about Kids Week, visit officiallondontheatre.com/kids-weekThe Leicester Square Gardens activities are free and unticketed, but there will be limitations on capacity, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

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#BackOnStage

WELCOME BACK TO BRADFORD
THEATRES!
A DAZZLING AUTUMN SEASON OF LIVE
ENTERTAINMENT!

Bradford Theatres are delighted to announce the Autumn 2021 season which is jam packed with new musicals, returning favourites, quality drama, family shows and top names in comedy and entertainment.

Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:
“It always gives me great pleasure to introduce our new season, but on this occasion, it is
more gratifying than ever before. After such a long time, our four venues are open again
and we are delighted to come back stronger and more entertaining than ever, with our usual warmest of welcomes.

We have so many great shows, there really is something for everybody, from big feel-good
musicals to poignant classics, top comedy, exceptional drag, intimate evening talks and
wonderful shows made for our younger audiences.”

September
80s Mania – Friday 3 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
9 To 5 The Musical – Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 September, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Fri 10 Sep 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 11 Sep 2.30pm
Fresh from 5-star reviews and sold-out houses in London’s West End, 9 to 5 The Musical tells the story of three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. With Louise Redknapp playing ‘Violet Newstead’! Age recommendation: 12+

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac – Wednesday 8 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Some Kinda Wonderful: The Music of Stevie Wonder – Friday 10 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
What’s Love Got To Do With It? Friday 10 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Hairspray – Monday 13 – Saturday 18 September, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 16 Sep 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 18 Sep 2.30pm
Hairspray returns to the Alhambra Theatre. Starring Brenda Edwards as Motormouth Maybelle, this fun filled, feel good show is bursting with show-stopping numbers, dazzling costumes, and dizzying dance routines that you can’t help but shimmy too!

Sindhu Vee: Alphabet – Tuesday 14 September 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age recommendation: 14+
Nick Cave and Warren Ellis – Wednesday 15 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. SELLING FAST!
Joe Black: Deco Punk – Thursday 16 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
John Bishop: Warm Up – Thursday 16 September 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation: 16+.
SELLING FAST!
The Cavern Beatles – Monday 20 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Al Murray: Landlord of Hope and Glory – Wednesday 22 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall (Please note this performance contains strong language and adult themes)
John Lydon: I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right – Friday 24 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Marisha Wallace: Tomorrow Tour – Friday 24 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
One of the West End and Broadway’s leading ladies, Marisha will effortlessly infuse jazz, gospel and R&B with a healthy dose of soul that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Dirty Dusting – Tuesday 28 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Jonathan Pie: Fake News (Corona Remix) – Wednesday 29 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Eric and Ern – Thursday 30 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Gangsta Granny – Thursday 30 September – Saturday 2 October, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Fri 1 Oct 7pm
What Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny! From the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories comes the award-winning West End production of this amazing story by David Walliams, the UK’s best-selling author for children.

October
Steve Hackett: Genesis Revisited – Friday 1 October 7.45pm, St George’s Hall. SELLING FAST!
Paul Foot: Swan Power – Friday 1 October 8pm, The Studio
Derren Brown: Showman – Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 October, Alhambra Theatre
The multi-award-winning master of mind control and psychological illusion, Derren Brown, is at his very best on stage.

His one-man shows have received wide critical acclaim and more Olivier wins and nominations than any other in history. The content of the show remains a closely guarded secret, but if you’ve seen him before, you know you’re in for a powerhouse treat! Not suitable for under 12s

Undr The Cosh Live – Friday 8 October 7.30pm, The Studio. SOLD OUT!
John Bishop – Right Here Right Now – Friday 8 October & Wednesday 8 December 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation: 16+
Judge Jules Live! Saturday 9 October 8pm, St George’s Hall
Global superstar in the world of dance music, Judge Jules present a mashup of dance classics with a 10- piece live band

Chicago – Monday 11 – Saturday 16 October, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 14 Oct 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 15 Oct 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 16 Oct 2.30pm
Chicago, the ‘sexiest musical ever’ (Metro) is back! Starring Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes (Dancing On Ice, Grease, Legally Blonde) as Roxie Hart, international recording artist and pop star Sinitta as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, West End and TV star Darren Day (Joseph, We Will Rock You, Doctors, Celebrity Big Brother) as Billy Flynn, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Divina De Campo as Mary Sunshine, and West End stars Djalenga Scott (Annie, Chicago, West Side Story) as Velma Kelly and Joel Montague (Waitress, Fat Friends, School of Rock) as Amos Hart.

Bad Boy Chiller Crew – Tuesday 12 October 8pm, St George’s Hall. SOLD OUT! Age recommendation: 14+ (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult). Bradford’s own BBCC make their St George’s Hall debut.
Total 90s – Thursday 14 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Anything For Love The Meat Loaf Story – Friday 15 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
An Evening with Andrew Cotter, Olive and Mabel – Monday 18 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall. SOLD OUT!

Blood Brothers – Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 October, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 21 Oct 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 22 Oct 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 23 Oct 2.30pm
Lyn Paul returns for her farewell tour in the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone, which she first made her own in London’s West End. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Dr John Cooper Clarke – Wed 20 October 8pm, King’s Hall. SOLD OUT!
The Elvis Years – The Story of the King – Thu 21 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Laugh Me A Laugh – Thursday 21 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall
Tommy Cannon will be joined on stage by his good pals, Johnnie Casson and Stu Francis. Enjoy a magical nostalgic evening of laughter and song.

Paul Zerdin Hands Free – Friday 22 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall
An Evening with Sir Michael Parkinson – Monday 25 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley

School of Rock – Monday 25 – Saturday 30 October, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 28 Oct 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 29 Oct 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 30 Oct 2.30pm
Get ready to stick it to the man Bradford, because Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and Broadway hit musical School of Rock is coming to rock out at the Alhambra Theatre!

Rich Hall’s Hoedown Deluxe – Wednesday 27 October 8pm, King’s Hall. Age recommendation: 14+.
SELLING FAST!
Dr Richard Shepherd Unnatural Causes – Wednesday 27 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Hear real-life tales from a forensic pathologist. Not for the faint hearted! Age recommendation: 16+

Tony Christie – Thursday 28 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Rapunzel The Adult Drag Panto – Friday 29 October 8.15pm, St George’s Hall
Fascinating Aida – Saturday 30 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Ian Waite & Vincent Simone The Ballroom Boys – Sunday 31 October 2.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation: 12+

November
The Comedy of Errors – Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 November, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Fri 5 Nov 7.15pm, Audio Described: Sat 6 Nov 2pm, Captioned: Sat 6 Nov 2pm
Direct from Stratford-upon-Avon, the Royal Shakespeare Company returns to the Alhambra Theatre for a riotous farce of unlikely coincidence and everyday miracles.

Jason Manford Like Me – Wednesday 3 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation: 14+
Billy Pearce – Thursday 4 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation: 18+
Chris Ramsey – Friday 5 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation: 14+. SELLING FAST!

Amy Winehouse A Celebration of her Life and Music – Saturday 6 November 7pm, St George’s Hall
The National Youth Jazz Orchestra performs an amazing concert celebrating Amy Winehouse’s enduring legacy.

Janey Godley’s Soup Pot Tour – Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 November 7.30pm, The Studio
Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever – Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 November, St George’s Hall
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain – Thursday 11 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Lost in Music One Night at the Disco – Friday 12 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Go Now! The Music of The Moody Blues – Friday 12 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Paul Smith Changed – Wednesday 17 November 8pm, St George’s Hall
The Roy Orbison Story – Thursday 18 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Tez Ilyas The Vicked Tour – Saturday 20 November 6pm & 8pm, The Studio
Showaddywaddy – Friday 19 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley

The Rocky Horror Show – Monday 15 – Saturday 20 November, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Friday 19 Nov 8.30pm, Audio Described: Saturday 20 Nov 5pm
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Alhambra Theatre.

Waterloo The Best of ABBA – Saturday 20 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Danny & Luke from Thunder – Monday 22 November 7.30pm, Kings Hall
Henry Normal The Escape Plan – Tuesday 23 November 8pm, King’s Hall
An Evening with Sir Geoff Hurst – Wednesday 24 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Gary Delaney Gary in Punderland – Wednesday 24 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age recommendation: 16+

Dirty Dancing – Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 November, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 25 Nov 7.30pm
The iconic story of Baby and Johnny, featuring the hit songs Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart stopping (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, returns to the stage, following two blockbuster West End runs, four hit UK tours, and multiple sensational international productions.

The Magic of Motown – Thursday 25 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Clinton Baptiste Goes Stratospheric! Thursday 25 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. SELLING FAST!
A Beautiful Noise – Friday 26 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Celebrating the music of Neil Diamond
Blake – Friday 26 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Positively Swing – Sunday 28 November 1pm & 5pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
A charity cabaret in aid of Jacqui’s Million, packed with hugely popular ‘Swing’ hits.
Adam Kay Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas Live – Sunday 28 November 8pm, St George’s Hall

December
Sarah Millican Bobby Dazzler – Thursday 2 December 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 16+
SELLING FAST!

Katherine Ryan Missus – Friday 3 December 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 14+ SELLING FAST!
The Ultimate 70s Show – Friday 3 December 7.30pm – King’s Hall Ilkley
Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band Carols & Capers – Saturday 4 December 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Bootleg Beatles – Tuesday 7 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Fastlove A Tribute to George Michael – Thursday 9 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Great Yorkshire Chorus Christmas Spectacular – Friday 10 December 7.15pm, St George’s Hall

Sleeping Beauty – Sat 11 December 2021 – Sun 16 January 2022, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 16 Dec 2pm & Sun 16 Jan 5pm, Audio Described: Thu 6 Jan 2pm & 7.15pm, Captioned: Sun 9 Jan 5pm, Relaxed performance: Tue 11 Jan 6pm.
Billy Pearce, Bradford’s best-loved comic, returns to the Alhambra Theatre in his 22nd pantomime playing King Billy, joined by TV celebrity Dr Ranj playing The Royal Doctor, overseeing medical proceedings in the Royal Household!

The Drifters – Saturday 11 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Whitney Queen of the Night – Sunday 12 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Sir Ranulph Fiennes – Living Dangerously – Monday 13 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Kate Rusby at Christmas – Tuesday 14 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Fairytale of New York – Wednesday 15 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Brighouse & Rastrick Band Christmas Concert – Friday 17 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
The James Bond Concert Spectacular – Saturday 18 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Rick Wakeman The Not Quite As Grumpy As Last Xmas Tour – Monday 20 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
G4 Christmas – Tuesday 21 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Whole Lotta Shakin – Thursday 23 December 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley

Coming Soon
The Addams Family – Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 February 2022, Alhambra Theatre
Everyone’s favourite kooky family are back on stage in this spectacular musical comedy starring Samantha Womack as Morticia and Cameron Blakely as Gomez.

The Dresser – Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 February 2022, Alhambra Theatre
Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly star in this funny and affectionate portrait of backstage life. Inspired by memories of working as Donald Wolfit’s dresser as a young man, Ronald Harwood’s evocative, affectionate and hilarious portrait of backstage life is one of the most acclaimed dramas of modern theatre.

To book for all of these shows please contact the Box Office on 01274 432000
or visit our website: bradford-theatres.co.uk
Booking fees apply

Full company announced for:

THE LONG SONG

A new adaptation by Suhayla El-Bushra

Based on the novel by Andrea Levy

Directed by Charlotte Gwinner

1 – 23 October, Festival Theatre

The world premiere of Suhayla El-Bushra’s adaptation of THE LONG SONG by Andrea Levy will run at Chichester Festival Theatre from 1 – 23 October, directed by Charlotte Gwinner.

Tara Tijani makes her professional debut as July; Llewella Gideon plays Old July, and Olivia Poulet plays Caroline Mortimer. The company also includes Ben Adams (as Tam Dewar/Charles Wyndham), Cecilia Appiah (Miss Clara), Andrew Bridgmont (John Howarth/Baptist Minister), Leonard Buckley (Robert Goodwin), Pérola Congo (Miss Bessie/Molly), Miranda Foster (Elizabeth Wyndham), Trevor Laird (Dublin/Godfrey), Syrus Lowe (Thomas/Nimrod), Chris Machari (Cornet/Musician), Mohammed Mansaray (Boy/Ezra), Rebecca Omogbehin (Kitty) and Carol Walton (Miss Rose).

‘You do not know me yet but I am the heroine of this drama. I am told that here I must give a taste of what is to unfold. I am to convey that this tale is set in Jamaica during the last turbulent days of slavery and the early years of freedom.

‘I was born a slave upon a sugar plantation named Amity. I was there when the Baptist War raged in 1831, and when slavery was declared no more. It tells of my mama Kitty, of the negroes enslaved, of Caroline Mortimer the woman who owned me. I am to say that it is a true and thrilling journey through that unsettled time.

‘Cha, I say, what fuss-fuss. Come, let them just see it for themselves.’

July is born into slavery in Jamaica and is brutally parted from both her mother, and her name. But what she retains is resilience, charisma and a subversive, spirited wit. This ebullient and life-affirming play finds humanity, resistance and hope in the darkest of times.

THE LONG SONG is adapted from Andrea Levy’s award-winning novel by Suhayla El-Bushra, formerly writer in residence at the National Theatre Studio and whose work includes the forthcoming Waking/Walking, part of the NW Trilogy (Kiln Theatre), The Suicide (NT), Arabian Nights (Lyceum, Edinburgh), and Channel 4’s Hollyoaks and Ackley Bridge.

Tara Tijani makes her professional debut as July, having graduated from Guildhall School of Music & Drama this year.

Llewella Gideon plays Old July; her many TV credits include Small Axe – Mangrove, The Real McCoy and Absolutely Fabulous.

Olivia Poulet (Caroline Mortimer) previously appeared at Chichester in Fred’s Diner and Top Girls; her TV credits include The Thick of It.

Director Charlotte Gwinner was Associate Director at the Bush Theatre, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Sheffield Theatres 2014-16, where her productions included Waiting for Godot, the Sarah Kane season and The Distance.

The production’s creative team is: Designer – Frankie Bradshaw; Lighting Designer –  Mark Doubleday; Composer, Arranger and Musical Director –  Michael Henry; Sound Designer – Helen Skiera; Video Designer – Dick Straker; Movement Director and Intimacy Co-Ordinator – Angela Gasparetto; Fight Director and Intimacy Co-Ordinator – Kev McCurdy; Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Designer – Susanna Peretz; Casting Director – Charlotte Sutton with Chandra Ruegg.

The Long Song is sponsored by Seaward and by Wiley.

NEW MUSICAL TO OPEN AT MAST MAYFLOWER STUDIOS SOUTHAMPTON PRIOR TO LONDON

CAST RECORDING JUST RELEASED

TOKYO ROSE

An electrifying new musical

Book & lyrics by Maryhee Yoon & Cara Baldwin

Music by William Patrick Harrison

MAST Mayflower Studios Southampton

Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 September

A Burnt Lemon & MAST Mayflower Studios co-production

In association with Birmingham Hippodrome

A new musical that wowed sell-out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe is opening at MAST Mayflower Studios Southampton in September, immediately prior to its London run.

Tokyo Rose, a co-production between MAST and female-led Burnt Lemon Theatre (“one of the hottest theatre groups in the country” Broadway Baby), is a rock-fuelled, punchy, powerful musical that tells the incredible true story of Iva Toguri, who stood trial accused of being the notorious ‘Tokyo Rose’, a Japanese wartime disc jockey who broadcast propaganda to the Allied forces in the South Pacific. But was Iva the villain she was made out to be? Or was she just a woman torn between two worlds and wanted in neither?

Tokyo Rose played to sell-out audiences at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe and was described as the next big breakout musical, gaining five-star reviews and award nominations. Audiences that love the power of SIX The Musical will love this pulsating new show.

Southampton audiences will have the opportunity to check out Tokyo Rose for just four performances at MAST Mayflower Studios from 16 – 18 September (evenings at 8pm; also Saturday at 4pm), prior to its London opening at Southwark Playhouse.

A cast recording of eight songs from Tokyo Rose has just been released and can be heard on Spotify.

You can also view a track from the show, ‘Hello America’. 

For further information and to book tickets visit www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk

Casting announced for The Offing at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough

A co-production with Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Performances at the SJT: 14 to 30 October 2021

Performances at Live Theatre: 3 to 27 November 2021

Adapted by Janice Okoh from the novel by Benjamin Myers, with additional material by Paul Robinson

Director: Paul Robinson

Cast: James Gladdon, Cate Hamer, Ingvild Lakou

Designer: Helen Goddard

Lighting Designer: Sally Ferguson

Composer and Sound Designer: Ana Silvera

Recordings performed by: Ana Silvera (vocals, keyboards), Rob Harbron (concertina), Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle)

Movement: Charlotte Broom

Casting Director: Sarah Hughes CDG

Casting has been announced for a new adaptation of Benjamin Myers’sbest-selling novel, The Offing, at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre this autumn in a co-production with Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne.

This sensitive new adaptation by Janice Okoh, with additional material by Paul Robinson, will bring to the stage all the vibrant colour and warmth of the much-loved coming-of age story, which captured the hearts and minds of so many readers on its publication in 2019, when it was a BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick.

It will feature James Gladdon as Robert, Cate Hamer as Dulcie and Ingvild Lakou as Romy in the story of 16-year-old Robert Appleyard who, in a Britain still reeling from the Second World War, sets out on an adventure – to walk from his home in Durham to Scarborough, where he hopes to find work. 

But he never gets there. Just up the coast at Robin Hood’s Bay, a chance encounter with the bohemian and eccentric Dulcie Piper leads to a lifelong friendship that will come to define them both. 

She introduces him to the joys of good food and wine, of art and literature. He helps her lay to rest a ghost from the past.  

Director Paul Robinson says: “I first came across The Offing when I heard Benjamin Myers talking to Jo Whiley on the BBC Radio 2 Book Club back in 2019. By the end of the interview, I’d contacted Benjamin’s agent: I knew it would be perfect for our stage – wise, lyrically beautiful, and as an added bonus, it’s set just up the road in Robin Hood’s Bay.

“I’m delighted to be able to bring it there this autumn in this sensitive new adaption by Janice Okoh, writer of Egusi Soup, Three Birds and The Gift.”

The Offing is designed by Helen Goddard with lighting design by Sally Ferguson. The composer and sound designer is Ana Silvera, and movement is by Charlotte Broom. The recorded music is performed by renowned folk musicians Ana Silvera (vocals, keyboards), Rob Harbron (concertina) and Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle). Casting is by Sarah Hughes CDG.

The Offing can be seen in the Round at the SJT on from Thursday 14 to Saturday 30 October. It will then be performed at Live Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne from Wednesday 3 to Saturday 27 November.

Tickets for the show at the SJT, priced from £10, are available from the box office on 01723 370541 and online at www.sjt.uk.com

Tickets for the show at Live Theatre, priced from £6, are available from the box office on  0191 232 1232 and online at  www.live.org.uk