Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Streaming until 27 February 2021 – book via www.romeojuliet2021.com/tickets

4****

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Set in the near future, when the few remaining urban dwellers – the rich and gangs – have made their homes in the abandoned theatres, this is a Romeo & Juliet that captures the weird limbo of this stage of lockdown. With the two lead actors only coming together for a short time to film vital intimate scenes, the rest of the production was filmed with individual actors on greenscreen, edited together onto the striking sets of abandoned auditoriums, stage door and dressing rooms. The balcony scene has Juliet in a box looking down on Romeo on the stage. This could all be gimmicky, but director Nick Evans and editor/producer Ryan Metcalfe have created a film that never loses its theatrical roots but also has the aesthetics of a dreamlike online game.

Scenes of masked protesters and familiar scenes from the last year are projected over the empty auditorium to set the dystopian tone of the play – and the actions of the two lovers grabbing at a chance for love and happiness, along with the reason for the Friar’s letter not being delivered, seem much more understandable in 2021. The sad fate of theatres is brought home by the sight of Sir Derek Jacobi sitting alone in the ethereal light of the auditorium as he gives the opening speech and is even more devastating as the actors take their bows to an empty theatre.

Sam Tutty and Emily Redpath are beautifully matched as Romeo and Juliet. Tutty’s Romeo is sensitive and lonely beneath the lover’s lines he’s used before on Rosaline in a masterful performance that perfectly captures the angst and joy of teenage love. Redpath’s Juliet is strong and very modern, with a softness that only emerges when she is with Romeo – another excellent performance. These two are the most believable star-crossed lovers I’ve seen for a long time. COVID restrictions mean that there are scenes where they filmed separately, but the pair are utterly convincing throughout.

Daniel Bowerbank’s gentle Benvolio and Brandon Bassir’s Mercutio also impress, with Bassir nailing the juggling of louche showmanship and melancholy as the two despair of the gang society around them. With the small cast, Mercutio and Tybalt’s (Sylvester Akinrolabu) deaths are swift and almost matter-of-fact stabbings, but no less brutal and devastating, and echoing the reality of modern knife crime.

Despite the technical wizardry used to bring the play to the screen, it never detracts from the stellar cast and their performances in this engaging and emotional production. The perfect theatrical experience for Valentine’s weekend.

PRESS RELEASE – 12 February 2021

Barn Theatre | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Website

FIRST LOOK AT THE SECRET SOCIETY OF LEADING LADIES

• THE SECRET SOCIETY OF LEADING LADIES UTILISES TECHNOLOGY TO LET THE AUDIENCE TAKE CONTROL OF THE SET LIST

• LINEUP FOR THE CONCERT INCLUDES JARNÉIA RICHARD-NOEL, LAUREN BYRNE, NATALIE KASSANGA, EMMA KINGSTON & AISHA JAWANDO

• THE CONCERT IS CONCEIVED AND DIRECTED BY RYAN CARTER

The Barn Theatre have today released a first look at the upcoming digital musical theatre event entitled The Secret Society of Leading Ladies, which provides a new innovative format that allows the viewer to make decisions and control the set list.

The Secret Society of Leading Ladies, which will run from 22 February – 7 March,takes audiences into a world where Musical Theatre characters can co-exist in the same space regardless of era or genre. The concept was created to reward die-hard musical theatre fans, whilst being mould-breaking enough to invite a new audience to discover the world of musical theatre.

Conceived and directed by the Barn Theatre’s Ryan Carter, the event focuses on the archetypes of Female Musical Character, ranging from princesses and dreamers to villains and divas.

Over the course of the concert, the viewer will be presented with 5 ‘Choose Your Player’ screens, which prompts them to decide the character they wish to introduce next. The concert has over 150 combinations for the viewer to choose from. Each character is introduced with a short scene, before taking to the stage to perform a number. The concert closes with a finale that features all 14 characters, providing a chance to get a glimpse at all the characters involved. 

The cast for the production features Jocasta Almgill (& Juliet, Rent, In The Heights, Dreamgirls), Lauren Byrne (Beautiful, Six), Kayla Carter (Rent), Aoife Clesham (Fiver), Allie Daniel (Rent), Abbi Hodgson (Six – NCL), Aisha Jawando (Tina the Musical, Motown the Musical, The Life, Beautiful), Claudia Kariuki (Priscilla Queen of The Dessert, School of Rock, Wicked), Natalie Kassanga (Dear Evan Hansen, Motown The Musical), Emma Kingston (The Last 5 Years, Zorro, Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, In The Heights),  Kayleigh McKnight (Bend It Like Beckham, Les Miserables, Tina the Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar), Ellie Mitchell (Chicago, Wicked), Jarnéia Richard-Noel (Six) and Kelly Sweeney (Hair, Six).

The creative team for Secret Society of Leading Ladies are Ryan Carter as Creative Director & Concept Creator, Leo Munby (The Last 5 Years, Gypsy, Company) as musical consultant, sound engineering by Harry Smith, editing by Ben Evans and videography by Jamie Scott-Smith.

Ryan Carter said of the concert, “musical theatre concerts are such an awesome way to be able to curate dedicated content to specific audiences, Secret Society was born when I wanted to find a way to make that a truly custom experience. In developing this project, we’re allowing audiences to ‘choose their players’ and ultimately build their own show.

It’s a form of digital theatre that the musical theatre sector hasn’t seen before, which is something that 10 months into the pandemic is getting harder to achieve! It’s super ‘stagey’, fun and self-aware, but aesthetically really contemporary and cool. The cast are an incredible representation of the next generation of leading ladies. It’s quite a mould breaking and innovative project which is exactly what I joined the Barn to deliver. I can’t wait for audiences to get their hands on it! I will personally reward anyone that completes all 162 possible combinations!”

Two ticket types are available for the production. £10 Single Stream Tickets, which give access to watch the concert once at their selected time, and £15 Unlimited Stream Tickets which provide one day-access to the concert, allowing the viewer to experience as many combinations as they wish within their allotted time. The concert will be available internationally from 22 February-7 March. Tickets can be purchased at barntheatre.org.uk/barn-at-home.

Cases new album release now available!

I needed this so good!! – @jannavonkleve

I’m already listening to the album for the second time and I it so much, every single song is beautiful – @zodb.bagels

CASES STUDIO ALBUM. Saved 2021. THATS IT, THATS THE TWEET. – @rayescrew

Omg that was so good I couldn’t stop smiling. THE TALENT – @iza_junkera

Ooo finally something good for 2021! – @ehunter_

??? Absolutely beautiful ??? – @bombadamaxima

Marking 4 years since it’s London premiere, CASES returns in a Studio Album released to all online music stores with a dynamic new score, band and orchestral arrangements, and additional songs performed by a new West End cast including Olivier nominee Maiya Quansah-Breed (Six, UK Tour/West End; Rent, Hope Mill Theatre), Bobbie Little (High Fidelity, Turbine Theatre; Mamma Mia!, West End), Andrew Patrick-Walker (Brooklyn –The Musical, Greenwich Theatre; Bat out of Hell, London Coliseum/Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto) and Waylon Jacobs (Hamilton, West End; Memphis, West End). The album was available to pre-order from February 1^st 2021, and has already had 10,000 views across all media platforms.

Comprised of ‘terrific numbers’ and ‘marvellous compositions’ (British Theatre), CASES explores unforeseen circumstances and unexpected crises inspired by journeys and careers within the arts and entertainment industry. Four artists experience the heartbreaks, sacrifices and triumphs during their pursuit of pure artistry as they balance fame with obscurity and try to establish a career amidst the prospect of financial instability.

In a time of global crises, CASES resonates and strikes a new chord with audiences today who follow characters with differing levels of career prospects, juggling life-changing events.

CASES is created by Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and BRIT School graduated writer and composer Dominic Powell. This album release is produced by Pioneer Arts (with the support of Katy Galloway Productions and Grey Area Theatre), an events and production company producing innovative original theatre, film and television for both commercial and community sectors. The company was founded in 2012 by Artistic Director and CASES creator Dominic Powell, whose musical theatre repertoire is featured as part of New Musicals UK and was recently showcased online through Adam Lenson’s Signal and Barn Presents: The Music of Dominic Powell in collaboration with The Barn Theatre. Pioneer Arts have produced and premiered new writing across London at venues, including The Other Palace, Phoenix Artist Club, The Vaults, Cockpit Theatre, Park Theatre, Landor Theatre, Above the Arts and the Theatre Café.

Download here https://www.catapultdistribution.com/magnet/CASES/Cases

North East theatre welcomes London’s West End for one night only.

Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre and Opera House is welcoming six London West End performers to their stage in a bid to bring musical theatre back to the North East and put a spotlight on regional theatres and the huge struggles they are also facing.

‘Waiting in the Wings’ will be live streamed to audiences on Saturday 27th February and will feature performances of musical theatre favourites from Jenna Boyd (Beulah – Come From Away UK), Danny Whitehead (Raoul – The Phantom of the Opera, London) Jacqueline Hughes (Elphaba – Wicked International Tour), Manon Taris (Belle – Beauty and the Beast and Cosette – Les Miserables, Paris) Joseph Claus (The Phantom of the Opera, London and 25th & 30th Anniversary Concerts) and Kris Manuel (The Phantom of the Opera, London and Doctor/Escapologist Matilda, London). The show will be under the musical direction of Antoine Merand (The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Beauty and the Beast).

In association with North East based AV firm Tyne Audio Ltd, the show will also raise much needed funds for the theatre, as well as the local entertainment industry and help support industry professionals who have been out of work since the pandemic started. For the six performers, this will be the first time they have performed live, on stage since March last year.

Kris Manuel, who is originally from the North East and has helped bring this show together says, “I am so excited to be performing in this one-off event for the Tyne Theatre and Opera House. This is the venue where my career began back in 1999 in the Christmas pantomime Sleeping Beauty with the football legend Peter Beardsley! I am now returning to perform with some of the finest voices I have ever had the privilege of working with. It is going to be a wonderful evening and I can hardly wait to be back on stage.”

Kris also runs West End Prep alongside husband Mark Hedges, the Resident Director of The Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End. West End Prep is an elite training programme for young performers in the North East of England and is sponsoring the live streamed show.

Over the last year the Tyne Theatre and Opera House has tried to embrace the continually changing restrictions as much as possible and has hosted a variety of events including socially distanced comedy shows and hybrid musical events, as well as setting up a crowdfunding account. However, this latest tightening of restrictions saw the theatre cancel their much-anticipated panto season, resulting in another huge loss in revenue. Theatre Director Joanne Johnson says:

“We are so excited to welcome some of the West End’s finest performers to our stage and give them the opportunity to perform after so long. The dramatic and ongoing loss of income caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that without urgent support, the future of our historic venue is in question. We are aiming to raise £30,000 which will go towards essential work on the theatre – necessary to enable us to offer shows in this ‘new normal’. We want to continue to bring the joy of musical theatre to our audience as well as ensure our doors remain open at the end of all of this.”

The show will take place on Saturday 27th February 2021 at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at £20 per household plus £3 booking fee. To book visit www.stream.theatre/season/47.

For further event and performer details visit: www.facebook.com/WITWLive www.twitter.com/WITWLive2021 www.instagram.com/waitinginthewingslive

POLYDOR RECORDS ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF 

“I KNOW I HAVE A HEART” THE THIRD PIECE OF MUSIC FROM

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S NEW MUSICAL CINDERELLA 

“I KNOW I HAVE A HEART” IS PERFORMED BY CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER  

AND LAUNCHES FEBRUARY 12TH

THE FULL ALBUM OF CINDERELLA, RECORDED LAST YEAR DURING LOCKDOWN, IS DUE FOR RELEASE IN SPRING

AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER

THE NEW MUSICAL, CINDERELLA, IS WRITTEN AND CREATED BY ‘KILLING EVE’ WRITER, STAR OF ‘THE CROWN’ & DOUBLE GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEE EMERALD FENNELL 

WITH LYRICS FROM DOUBLE OSCAR NOMINEE, DAVID ZIPPEL 

All further information at www.andrewlloydwebberscinderella.com

Polydor Records has announced the release of the third piece of music from the forthcoming album of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella. ‘I Know I Have A Heart’ is sung by Carrie Hope Fletcher and is released on February 12th across all DSPs.

Listen here: https://Cinderella.lnk.to/IKnowIHaveAHeartPR

It follows the release late last year of ‘Only You, Lonely You’ sung by Ivano Turco. ‘I Know I Have A Heart’ is the second song by Carrie Hope Fletcher to be released from the forthcoming soundtrack, after ‘Bad Cinderella’ came out to high acclaim in October. ‘Bad Cinderella’ has now been streamed over 1.4 million times globally and performed on The One Show and Children In Need 2020.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “I knew we needed a big power ballad moment for Cinderella and I am so excited for you to finally hear it. These things tend to come to you when you least expect them and I wrote this melody on a plane to LA. I sent it on to our lyricist and almost instantly David Zippel came back with the fantastic line, “I Know I Have a Heart Because You Broke it”. ‘I Know I Have A Heart’ is Cinderella’s ‘unrequited love moment’ in the show but I won’t tell you more than that other than what a thrill it is to have a voice like Carrie’s record it.”

The album features cast from the highly anticipated new theatre production, which will open in Spring 2021 at The Gillian Lynne Theatre in London, along with appearances from some surprise guest vocalists. 

Pre order the album here: https://Cinderella.lnk.to/AlbumPR

All further information is available at www.andrewlloydwebberscinderella.com 

 Carrie Hope Fletcher will play Cinderella in the highly anticipated new production.  She has starred in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Addams Family (UK Tour), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour), Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), and most recently played Fantine in Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre.  She is also a bestselling author and social media personality.

The production, a complete reinvention of the classic fairytale, is based on an original idea by Emerald Fennell, the Emmy Award nominated lead scriptwriter of the second season of international smash hit Killing Eve, with a brand new score from the legendary composer and lyrics by David Zippel.

Cinderella will reunite Andrew Lloyd Webber with director Laurence Connor and choreographer JoAnn M Hunter, who previously worked on the Olivier Award winning international hit School of Rock and the recent, sold out production of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The London Palladium, which returns to the venue in Summer 21.

Fennell’s new film A Promising Young Woman, that she wrote and directed and which stars Carey Mulligan, opened this Autumn.  As an actress she played Patsy Mount on the BBC’s Call The Midwife and currently depicts Camilla Parker Bowles on the Netflix hit The Crown.

The show’s lyrics are by David Zippel, a multi-award winner for Broadway productions including City of Angels, The Goodbye Girl, The Woman in White and Liza at the Palace, as well as for work on film including Disney’s Hercules and Mulan, both of which received Oscar nominations.

Cinderella will also star Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as the Stepmother. All further creative team and cast announcements regarding Cinderella will be made at a later date.

Ahead of Cinderella’s arrival at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, LW Theatres are carrying out internal upgrade work to the building including the addition of more toilets and refurbishment to areas of the auditorium and Front of House, as well as adopting measures to welcome back audiences safely as soon as restrictions allow. These measures are currently being trialled at The London Palladium and will be rolled out across LW Theatres.  

Official trailer for Cinderella  HERE

Website: www.andrewlloydwebberscinderella.com

Facebook: @ALWCinderella

Twitter: @ALWCinderella

LISTINGS UPDATE FOR ONLINE VENUE stream.theatre

West End Drive In, Waiting in the Wings, Songs For A New World and S. David’s Day celebration GWLAD! added

stream.theatre have added even more exclusive events to the schedule in the coming months, from hit concerts to a reprise of one of last year’s most popular streaming events.

Jason Robert Brown’s Songs For A New World makes a streaming return from 21 – 28 February 2021. Starring Rachel John (Hamilton), Ramin Karimloo (Phantom of The Opera), Cedric Neal (Motown) and Rachel Tucker (Come From Away), the self-filmed musical was a fan favourite last year and makes its stream.theatre debut, on demand. 

Last summer’s biggest outdoor musicals event West End Drive In makes its streaming debut in February and March. With five fantastic concerts, and a host of theatre favourites, audiences can relish in the electric festival atmosphere from the comfort of their home. Waiting in the Wings, streamed live from the Tyne Theatre on 27 February, is also packed with stars from West End.

On 1 March, stream.theatre welcomes GWLAD! – an online celebration of Wales for St. David’s Day, featuring a huge bill of talent including John Owen-Jones and Lucie Jones, both accompanied by The West End of Wales Orchestra, and some very special guests…

RISE: UP, stream.theatre’s partnership with Perfect Pitch to preview new British musical theatre, is also now available on demand for audiences to enjoy for free – with a new exclusive episode being added each month. 

There are over 30 productions currently on sale at stream.theatre – so sit back and enjoy the shows!

FULL LISTINGS UPDATE:

The Poltergeist (On Demand throughout February 2021)

From master storyteller Philip Ridley comes the four star OnComm Award Winning play The Poltergeist. ‘Art’s my hobby too.’ Hobby?! Sasha was destined to take the art world by storm. At the age of fifteen pop stars wanted his paintings, and a new exhibition was going to make him a millionaire. But now he lives in a run-down flat with his out-of-work boyfriend, serves in a stationers, and no one’s even heard of him… what went wrong? Philip Ridley’s darkly comic new play is about art, family, memory, and being haunted by the life we never lived. Please not this event features Strong Language, Use of Prescription Drugs and Themes of an Adult Nature. This event’s run time is 75 minutes.

One of the greatest living British writers, Philip Ridley’s previous plays include The Fastest Clock in the Universe, Radiant Vermin, The Pitchfork Disney, Tender Napalm, Dark Vanilla Jungle, and Mercury Fur, as well as the screenplay for the 1990 film The Krays. With four stars: “Rare and unmissable. Will be talked about for years.” – Theatre Weekly “Tightly wound, highly disciplined and unashamedly relentless.” – Broadway World. “Ridley and Tramp’s fast-paced and moving production, has done something truly remarkable.” – OX Magazine. “Compelling, absorbing, vital, frantic, unmissable.” – Everything Theatre.

The Last Five Years (continues 12-14 February 2021)

Filmed at the Southwark Playhouse in November 2020.

Jason Robert Brown’s Drama Desk Award winning musical, The Last Five Years, is an emotionally powerful and intimate show about two New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of five years.

The musical’s unconventional structure unfolds as Cathy tells her story in reverse, from the end of their turbulent relationship, whilst Jamie tells his story chronologically from the spark of their initial meeting. The two characters meet only once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

Now, this iconic musical returns to London in a bold new actor-musician production with the actors on stage at all times and playing the piano to add a new narrative dimension to the story, accompanied by a four piece band.

Songs For A New World (21 February at 7.30pm, then on demand until 28 February)

Filmed during the first UK lockdown, entirely in isolation and on the artists smart phones, Séimí Campbell directs Rachel John (Hamilton), Ramin Karimloo (Phantom of The Opera), Cedric Neal (Motown) and Rachel Tucker (Come From Away), and introducing Shem Omari James, with musical supervision by Adam Hoskins, musical direction from Josh Winstone and video editing by Danny Kaan. 

“It’s about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice… or take a stand… or turn around and go back.”  

Written by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown and sitting between musical and song cycle, this moving collection of powerful songs examines life, love, and the choices that we make as it transports audiences through time and space. This topical piece is an examination of a defining moment in history, a reflection of the state of the world in the Summer of 2020.

ON DEMAND CHILDREN’S THEATRE: Pongo’s Party (On demand through to 31 March 2021)

You are invited to…  PONGO’S PARTY! The children’s show now streaming online, featuring the voice of children’s TV favourite Justin Fletcher as Pongo the Pig! Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hft7-Dwp8WI&t=1s “Today is the day that Pongo the Pig has been waiting for – that’s right, it’s his birthday!   He’s been dropping hints to his friends all year, so is looking forward to a fantastic party… but the trouble is, nobody seems to remember! Molly-Moo the Cow is making a mess baking, Sheena the Sheep is rehearsing with her band, and Marty MacDonald is in the middle of decorating – whatever can they be up to?   And as if that wasn’t bad enough, it looks as though someone is taking Pongo’s birthday presents too – whoever can it be?”   

Dress in your best party clothes and help make Pongo’s Party a day to remember, by joining in a show full of fun, songs and laughter!”  With a colourful farmyard and host of loveable puppet characters, Pongo’s Party is a family show particularly suitable for 2 – 7 year olds.  Songs include: The Hokey Cokey, Wheels On The Bus, Pat-A-Cake, I Am The Music Man, Old MacDonald Had A Farm,  Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and more!  

ON DEMAND CHILDREN’S THEATRE: GARFIELD: The Musical with Cattitude (On demand through to 14 February 2021)

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents this musical adaptation of everyone’s favorite sarcastic tubby tabby, Garfield, who awakens to find his birthday – the most important day of the year – has fallen on a Monday. The horror! 

ON DEMAND CHILDREN’S THEATRE: The Velveteen Rabbit (On demand through to 31 March 2021)

A boy awakens to discover a Velveteen Rabbit among his gifts. Adored at first, then cast to the toy box, the Rabbit is snubbed by the other toys for being old-fashioned. Over time, a friendship blossoms. The Rabbit learns what it means to be loved by the Boy – and the smiles and tears that come from being “real”. 

ON DEMAND CHILDREN’S THEATRE: GRIMMZ Fairy Tales (On demand through to 31 March 2021)

Jay and Will Grimmz, the hip-hop fable story dance-pop sensation, have come back home to the city where they grew up to give a concert. The brothers put a modern spin on valuable life lessons in Snow White and the Seven Shawties, Down with Rapunzel, Hanzel & Gretel: Lost in the Hood, and their brand new release based on Rumpelstiltskin.  

ON DEMAND CHILDREN’S THEATRE: Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba (On demand through to 31 March 2021)

11-year-old Daniel escapes Nazi Germany and finds himself alone on the shores of Havana, Cuba. He meets a spirited girl with some painful secrets of her own. Through their unlikely bond, she introduces Daniel to the language, music and history of Cuban culture. However, once Cuba enters the war these two friends are faced with dangerous choices that test their friendship 

Falling Stars (1 – 14 February 2021)

Peter Polycarpou (Man of La Mancha, London Coliseum; City of Angels; Donmar Warehouse; Birds of a Feather) and Sally Ann Triplett’s (Finding Neverland, Broadway; Viva Forever, Piccadilly Theatre; EastEnders) Following the impending cancellation of live performances, the company quickly came together to create a filmed adaptation, providing audiences with an unmissable opportunity to experience the 1920s revelry from their own home during lockdown. With theatres forced to close their doors, Ginger Quiff are aiming to make the theatrical experience accessible for all. Falling Stars is the charming story of a lost songbook; hidden away in an antique shop on the East Finchley High Road, its discovery unlocks the beautiful refrains of a bygone era. This event’s run time 60 minutes.

Conceived and written by Polycarpou, the song cycle is an homage to the composers, collaborators, and publishers of the 1920s, who created some of the greatest music of all time. This musical revue captures the spirit of the age as Polycarpou and Triplett serenade audiences with the music of Charlie Chaplin, Irving Berlin, Buddy De-Silva, Ray Henderson, Vincent Youmans, Carl Schraubstader, Arthur Freed, and Meredith Wilson. Directed by Michael Strassen (Godspell 50th Anniversary concert; Billy; Assassins),

LIVE AT THE PHOENIX ARTS CLUB:  

Three smash hit, intimate concerts filmed at London’s famous Phoenix Artist Club and produced by Lambert Jackson  make their stream.theatre debut. 

LIVE AT THE PHOENIX ARTS CLUB:  LUCIE JONES AND DAVID HUNTER (12 – 14 February 2021)

Join the stars of ‘Waitress – The Musical’ as they come together for the first time in concert. Lucie Jones (Eurovision, Legally Blonde) and David Hunter (Kinky Boots, Once) are best mates. See them sing together, chat together and reminisce about all things theatre and performing. 

LIVE AT THE PHOENIX ARTS CLUB:  NICOLE RAQUEL DENNIS & SAM TUTTY (19 – 21 February 2021)

Nicole Raquel Dennis and Sam Tutty first met at the airport on their way to New York for their final audition of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. During the show, they became great mates and are reuniting for this special concert at The Phoenix Arts Club. Expect songs from the show, as well as many of their favourite tunes, all beautifully streamed in the comfort of your own home. 

LIVE AT THE PHOENIX ARTS CLUB:  COLLABRO (5 – 7 March 2021) 

Don’t miss this chance to see your favourite BGT champions debuting some songs from their newest album, ‘Love Like This’ as well as your favourite classics, at the gorgeous Phoenix Arts Club. The boys couldn’t miss this opportunity to get together and sing some of their favourite tracks, both new and old. 

Wolverhampton Literature Festival (12 – 14 February 2021 then on demand)

Wolverhampton Literature Festival returns for its fifth year in February 2021. Hosted by City of Wolverhampton Council the festival aims to amplify the voice of authors, poets, writers, storytellers, puppeteers, podcasters, vloggers, publishers across the UK.  Celebrating our creative communities living and from the Black Country and further!

Over a three-day period, taking place on the 12-14 of February, the programme of events features a variety of entertainment, which consist of talks, performances, readings, and practical workshops. It provides a high-quality experience for audiences by delivering engaging, exciting and thought-provoking events. There is something for everyone to enjoy, engage with and feel empowered by and as result re-lighting Wolverhampton through the power of literature. 

Events include: Invisible Voices: In conversation with Shobna Gulati, In Conversation with Kuli Kohli, Aldona Grupas: The Immigration Stories of the Lithuanian Community and many more. 

Tickets range from free to £12 plus fees. 

All On Her Own (15 – 21 February 2021)

A powerfully atmospheric one-woman play, Terence Rattigan’s All On Her Own tells the story of Rosemary who, alone at midnight in London, has a secret burden to share that is both heartbreaking and sinister. Two time Olivier & Evening Standard Award-winner Janie Dee plays Rosemary Hodge in this thrilling new digital production directed by Alastair Knights.

The play began life as a piece for television, broadcast on BBC2 on 25 September 1968.  It was first performed on stage at the Overground Theatre, Kingston, Surrey, in October 1974 and was most recently seen at the Garrick Theatre in April 2015 starring Zoe Wanamaker as part of the Kenneth Branagh Season.

Running time: approximately 25 minutes

Ticket pricing: £8 + booking fee

WEST END MUSICAL DRIVE IN  (19 – 21, 26 – 28 February, 5-7, 12-14, 19-21 March 2021)

The first of its kind in the UK, West End Musical Drive In is a much-loved and unique series of immersive concerts, which last year provided many performers with their first live opportunity to perform during the pandemic. Thousands of fans took to their cars to support and celebrate the magic of musical theatre and now, through streaming, more people can experience these amazing events and relish in the electric festival atmosphere from the comfort of your home.

19 – 21 February at 7pm nightly
Layton Williams. Shan Ako, Maiya Quansah Breed and Shanay Holmes
Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)

26 – 28 February at 7pm nightly
Grace Mouat, Jarneia Richard-Noel, Maddie Bullyment, Courtney Bowman, Natalie May Paris, Jodie Steele, Sophie Isaacs, Vicki Manser, Courtney Stapleton, Collete Guitart, and Shekinah ‘Shaka’ McFarlane
Run Time: 2 hours (approx.)

5 -7  March at 7pm nightly
Alice Fearn, Laura Pick, Emma Hatton, Sophie Evans and Shanay Holmes
Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)

12-14 March at 7pm nightly
Trevor Dion Nicholas, Hiba Elchikhe, Matthew Croke and Shanay Holmes
Run Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (approx.)

19-21 March at 7pm nightly
Lucie Jones, Jon Robyns, Kelly Agbowu and Shanay Holmes
Run Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (approx.)

Anna Karenina (15 – 21 February 2021)

Based on the novel by LEO TOLSTOY & captured in front of a live theatre audience from the Moscow peretta Theatre .

This Anna Karenina, presented in Russian with English subtitles, is a spectacular, breathtaking, high-tech musical production based on the masterpiece by Leo Tolstoy. The dramatic and tumultuous love story between Anna Karenina and a dashing military officer, Alexey Vronsky, takes place amidst the glitter and luxury of the Russian nobility in the second half of the 19th century. The musical’s characters struggle with overwhelming love and betrayal, passion and duty, and hope and desperation. Although almost a century and a half has passed since the time of the story, the timeless quality of events unfolding before the audience remains both gripping and touching.

The production features music from composer Roman Ignatyev and a new libretto by Yuliy Kim, one of Russia’s foremost contemporary songwriters.

XCALIBUR (22 – 28 February 2021)

The musical scene thrives in South Korea with Xcalibur. The production showcases the journey of King Arthur, exploring his discovery of new-found responsibility as a young leader and getting married to the love of his life, Guinevere only to experience a reality far from what was expected.

Xcalibur, directed by Stephen Rayne, premiered in Korea on June 15, 2019 at the sprawling Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, Korea. The production was the most anticipated show of the Korean season with an all-star cast including Kai, in the role of King Arthur, and was the latest collaboration between Grammy- and Tony-nominated composer Frank Wildhorn, playwright Ivan Menchell and lyricist Robin Lerner.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (26 February – 14 March 2021)

This enchanting new British musical explores the extraordinary world of a sorcerer and his rebellious daughter, as she discovers the explosive possibilities of her newfound magical powers.

Against the backdrop of the Northern Lights, a small town has been pushed to the brink of collapse in a bid for progress and prosperity. To rescue Midgard from certain destruction, father and daughter must heal their relationship and work together. This gripping family-friendly story sees brooms coming to life and love blossoming anew.

Acclaimed musical theatre writers Richard Hough and Ben Morales Frost have created this gender-swapped twist on the timeless poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which also inspired the Dukas symphony that memorably featured in the Disney film Fantasia.

Directed by Charlotte Westenra (The Wicker Husband, Watermill), the cast of ten includes Dawn Hope (Follies, National Theatre), David Thaxton (Olivier Award for Passion, Donmar Warehouse) and the professional debut of London School of Musical Theatre graduate Mary Moore in the title role.

This production was filmed at Southwark Playhouse in January 2021 and is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

Run Time : 2 Hours plus an interval (approx)

Ticket Price : £15.00 plus £3.00 transaction fee

Waiting in the Wings (27 February 2021)

Live Performance from 6 London West End performers direct to your homes.  

An evening of Musical Theatre Favourites live from the Tyne Theatre stage featuring Jenna Boyd (Come From Away UK), Danny Whitehead (Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, London) Jacqueline Hughes (Elphaba in Wicked International Tour), Manon Taris (Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Cosette in Les Miserables, Paris) Joseph Claus (The Phantom of the Opera, London) and Kris Manuel (The Phantom of the Opera, London).

GWLAD! (1 March 2021)

The West End of Wales are proud to present Gwlad! – an online celebration of Wales for St. David’s Day. 

The West End of Wales (Community Interest Company) is a collective of professional Welsh musicians who are currently out of work due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and are excited to host a stellar line-up Welsh soloists and ensembles in an online concert bringing the Nation together to celebrating the patron Saint of Wales.

Featuring stars from London’s West End – such as John Owen- Jones and Lucie Jones, both accompanied by The West End of Wales Orchestra – comedian Rhod Gilbert, the former official Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales and international recording artist Claire Jones. Joining them, we have ensembles such as The Cory Band, Only Men Aloud, Bella Voce, Choirs for Goodand Morriston Orpheus Choir, and a special performance by the Fanfare Trumpets of The Welsh Guards. Other soloists include Kizzy Crawford, Rhydian Jenkins, Aaron Pryce-Lewis and John Rodge.

This event is proudly supported by Bluestone National Park Resort.

Daddy Long Legs (8 – 14 March 2021)

Filmed in Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin. 

Based on the classic novel which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire—a beloved tale in the spirit of Jane Austen, the Brontë Sisters, and “Downton Abbey” — this beloved tale tells the story of Jerusha Abbott the “Oldest Orphan in the John Grier Home” and her mysterious benefactor who decides to send her to college to be educated as a writer. Required to write him a letter once a month, she is never to know the benefactor’s identity – so she invents one for him: Daddy Long Legs. Starring Róisín Sullivan as Jerusha Abbott and Eoin Cannon as Jervis Pendleton

Geometry of Fear (8 – 14 March 2021, then On Demand)

Presented by Matsena Productions and filmed in Messums Wiltshire.

Geometry of Fear is a work synthesised by the legacy and output of revolutionary British Sculptor ‘Elisabeth Frink’ and the seismic changes we have experienced in our lives caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Black Lives Matter Movement. Geometry of Fear explores the cross-section between today’s socio-political landscape and the works of Elisabeth Frink that centre around post Second World War Britain.  The day to day fear experienced in society in the mid 20th Century is very similar to what we’re experiencing now. Nations clashing, Britain Vs Germany has turned into a clash of ideas, white vs black, police vs protestors. All this civil unrest brews fear. Fear due to uncertainty, but that fear is met with danger which becomes a perfect catalyst for anger, therefore spinning an endless cycle of violence.

All Male G&S: Pirates of Penzance (29 March – 5 April 2021)

Filmed live at the Palace Theatre, London in December 2020.

Sasha Regan’s All Male Company of pirates and their winsome lasses are set to bring audiences one night of joy and laughter  with their inventive new take on Gilbert & Sullivan’s much loved THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE.  Features a shipshape cast singing songs including: “I am a Pirate King”; “Oh, happy day, with joyous glee” and “A rollicking band of pirates we”.  They are sure to raise the roof off the Palace Theatre!

Expect plenty of onboard japes from the swashbuckling crew who are braving the high seas with rum and hand-sanitisers to bring you a socially distanced, Covid-secure show. A much-needed escape for families and friends who are looking for some festive spirit to banish lockdown blues.

The production was first staged at The Union Theatre in the heart of Southwark over a decade ago where it was a runaway success winning Best Off-West End Production at The WhatsOnStage Awards in 2009.  Pirates transferred to Wilton’s Music Hall for a 6-week run and on to The Rose Theatre, Kingston before the All Male Company set sail on a tour of Australia culminating in a month-long run at Cate Blanchett’s prestigious Sydney Theatre. There was a subsequent UK Tour in 2015 and another critically acclaimed run at the beautiful Wilton’s Music Hall last year.

The Ceremony (5 – 11 April 2021)

A ‘work in progress’ one act comedy play written by and starring Catherine Tyldesley. 

Canal Street. Manchester. 

Donna Dium, Life Coach and Self-taught Shamaness, together with her long suffering assistant Ada, prepares to welcome you to a very special occasion – The Ceremony. 

Following a string of appearances on daytime chat shows and armed with fifty quid’s worth of Ayahuasca from Bury Market, the scene is set for Donna to make her first ever attempt to contact the spirit world.. What could possibly go wrong? 

The evening soon derails into chaos, tears and laughter, as her oblivious guests purge themselves of their hidden ghosts. 

Not only her foray as a playwright, Coronation Street and Scarborough star, Catherine Tyldesley will also lead the all-star cast made up of British TV Veteran Sue Johnston (The Royle Family, Brookside, Coronation Street), Paula Lane (Coronation Street), Samantha Giles (Emmerdale, Where The Heart Is), Stephen Rahman-Hughes (Emmerdale, Eastenders) and winner of the BBC’s I’d Do Anything, West End leading lady, Jodie Prenger. 

This brand new work in progress comedy is filmed on an empty stage at the Leeds City Varieties Music Hall with all proceeds from this production donated to Acting for Others, Theatre Artists Fund & Leeds Heritage Theatres. 

Run time approx 40 minutes. 

This production contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children).

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR FEATURE FILM OF JOEY CONTRERAS’ IN PIECES

Future Spotlight Productions today announce the full cast for the feature film of new musical In Pieces by Joey Contreras. Louis Rayneau directs Kyle Birch (Austyn), Amy Di Bartolomeo (Alex), Hiba Elchikhe (Sam), Jordan Luke Gage (Grey), Ross Harmon (Charlie), Beccy Lane (Jael), Danielle Steers (River), and Luke Street (Hunter), with Erin Bell, Millie Cranston, Jack Dargan, Megan Cerys Holland, Rhianna Richards, and Jason Leigh Winter as the ensemble. The film will be released online for a limited time only in support of LGBT Foundation, from 23 April 2021, with tickets on sale at the end of March.

Our love lives are constantly in pieces.  Shifting in and out of feeling fully complete. But you never know how a single spark one day can unlock a new you, so we make a choice at the crossroad, we say yes to the coffee date, and wherever that leads, we learn to embrace the journey.

Originally presented at Lincoln Center the new musical threads Contreras’ musical theatre and pop catalogue into a theatrical setting, exploring the universal search for clarity and empowerment through different kinds of relationships.

In Pieces is directed by Louis Rayneau, with Assistant Director Steph Parry; choreography is by Rachel Sargent, and Edward Court is Musical Director.

Joey Contreras is a musical theatre and pop songwriter. His albums include Love Me, Love Me Not, and Young Kind of Love. He also wrote the music and lyrics for the Disney Junior animated short, Kiwi’s First Flight, featured in the series, Lights, Camera, Lexi!. Contreras is a 2018 Jonathan Larson Grant Finalist, and his musicals with bookwriter/lyricist, Kate Thomas, include All The Kids Are Doing It (Provincetown Playhouse, Tisch, IWU, O’Neill NMTC Finalist), Forget Me Not (The Dare Tactic, dir. Catie Davis) and Elements. He is working on Heartbreakers in Hell with bookwriter/lyricist Benjamin Halstead.

Kyle Birch plays Austyn. He graduated from London College of Music in 2020.

Amy Di Bartolomeo plays Alex. Her previous theatre credits include We Will Rock You (UK tour), Myth: The Rise and Fall of Orpheus (The Other Palace), Bat Out of Hell (London Coliseum, Manchester Opera House, Toronto), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (UK tour, Auckland Civic Centre), Starlight Express (Bochum Germany), and The Rat Pack Boys (UK tour).

Hiba Elchikhe plays Sam. Her previous theatre credits include Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre), Brooklyn (Greenwich Theatre), Fiver (Southwark Playhouse), Antony and Cleopatra (National Theatre), Aladdin (Australian tour), and Ghost (Asian tour). 

Jordan Luke Gage plays Grey. His previous theatre credits include Hair The Concert (Turbine Theatre), & Juliet (Shaftesbury Theatre), Bat Out Of Hell (Dominion Theatre), and Songs of My Life (Garrick Theatre). For television, his credits include Cucumber and Cilla, and for film, How Not To Disappear Completely.

Ross Harmon plays Charlie. His previous theatre credits include Mamma Mia! (Royal Caribbean Cruises).

Beccy Lane plays Jael. Her previous theatre credits include Bare: A Pop Opera (The Vaults), and Can’t Stop It (Dominion Theatre).

Danielle Steers plays River. Her previous theatre credits include SIX The Musical (Arts Theatre), First Date (Lambert Jackson Productions), Bat Out of Hell (New York City Center, Dominion Theatre, Ed Mervish Theatre Toronto), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), The Bodyguard (Adelphi Theatre), We Will Rock You (international arena tour), Hairspray (Aberystwyth Arts Centre), Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre), and Respect La Diva (Garrick Theatre).

Luke Street plays Hunter. His previous theatre credits include Jersey Boys (international tour), Out There (Union Theatre), Gypsy (Savoy Theatre), The London Revue (Park Theatre), and Edges (Tabard Theatre).

Louis Rayneau is a director, producer, and actor. With his production company Future Spotlight Productions, his directing and producing credits include Cinderella (KidZania Theatre), and Spotlight on the Future Live! at the Drive In (The Drive In).

GORGON: A HORROR STORY

Texas Chainsaw Massacre meets Medusa. You’ll scream or be sick. Ideally both.

DEBUT PLAY BY AWARD WINNING COMEDIAN ELF LYONS TO BE RELEASED AS DIGITAL AUDIO PLAY

RELEASE date – 15^th March 202. https://elflyons.bandcamp.com

Reviews of Gorgon: A Horror Story From the production at VAULT Festival in February 2020

Chris Weigand – The Guardian – ‘TOP PICKS OF VAULT FESTIVAL’

“Its twisted tale of sizzling flesh, abusive relationships and mysterious disappearances is punctured by moments of deliberately bathetic humour and the odd satirical swipe at the trend for true-crime podcasts.”

LYN GARDNER – STAGE DOOR – ‘TOP PICKS OF VAULT FESTIVAL’

“Elf Lyons’s quirky shows are undefinable which is always a good thing. They break the boundaries that put theatre, comedy and performance art in distinct boxes.”

★★★★★ BROADWAY WORLD

“An evocative, terrifying play that meddles with the audience’s perception of the genre turning the spook factor up to the max”.

★★★★ BRITISH THEATRE

“Sick, disgusting and as darkly funny as it’s possible to get, guaranteed to delight fans of classic horror”

Award winning comedian Elf Lyons is delighted to announce the release her critically acclaimed play “Gorgon: A Horror Story” as a digital audio play.

GORGON: A HORROR STORY – which entirely sold out its first weeklong run at VAULT Festival in February 2020 – was originally conceived as a live immersive horror, designed to prey on the senses, using live sound with expert foley and horror tricks inspired by the gruesome Le Théâtre du Grand-Guignol’s famed Parisian naturalistic horror shows of the early 20^th Century.

Focusing on the still taboo subject of female anger, the show explores what happens when we are just pushed too far. A mild-mannered taxidermist encounters one too many mean-spirited people, loses her temper and decides to experiment with the human form…

GORGON has been deliberately constructed to combine the everyday with the gruesome and the humdrum with the horrifying. In this the new audio version, the team have stepped up the foley to truly set the grisly scene – resulting in a horror show delighted to delight and scare in equal measure.

PRESS RELEASE – 11 February 2021

SCHOOLS’ EDUCATION PACKS TO ACCOMPANY NEW DIGITAL PRODUCTION OF THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

SCHOOLS’ EDUCATION PACKS TO ACCOMPANY NEW DIGITAL PRODUCTION OF THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

The co-producers of the upcoming contemporary digital adaptation of the Oscar Wilde classic, The Picture of Dorian Gray, have announced that they will be offering a cross-curriculum educational pack for teachers, lecturers and students that will be available throughout the production’s run from 16-31 March, as well as available by request for dates following the run.

The education pack, which includes a link to the performance, will be available in both English and Welsh and will provide insight into the process of creating this unusual production through interviews and blogs from a variety of the creative team, from the adaptation of the novel to the filming.

It will also look at key themes, characters, style, and structure of the play alongside a range of practical and written tasks and discussion topics to assist in the study of this play. These tasks have been planned to be delivered online or within the classroom or studio.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, which stars Fionn Whitehead (Dunkirk, Black Mirror; Bandersnatch) in the title role, is set to push the theatrical form; utilising elements found in radio plays, films, documentaries as well as traditional theatrical techniques.

Set in a profile pic-obsessed, filter-fixated world where online and reality blur, influencer Dorian Gray makes a deal. For his social star never to fade. For the perfect self he broadcasts to the world to always remain. But as his mental health starts to decline, as corruption and murderous depravity start to creep into his world, the true and horrific cost of his deal will soon need to be met.

The education pack, which will be packaged with performance links at £100 per school/group, has been curated to be used across a range of curriculum areas, particularly to those studying Drama and Theatre, Performing Arts, Media and PSHE.

The Picture of Dorian Gray reunites the creative team behind the critically acclaimed What a Carve Up!with Henry Filloux-Bennett writing the new adaptation with direction by Tamara Harvey.

The Barn Theatre in Cirencester, the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield, the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, Oxford Playhouse in Oxfordshire and Theatr Clwyd in Mold are co-producers for the production.

Partner venues for the production are Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Arts At The Old Fire Station, artsdepot – North Finchley, Belgrade Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Guildhall Arts Centre – Grantham, Hertford Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre, Mercury Theatre, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Stamford Arts Centre, The Dukes, The Elgiva, The Lighthouse Theatre, The Lowry, The Torch, The Watermill Theatre, Theatre By The Lake, Theatre Royal Winchester and Watford Palace Theatre.

For the general public, the production will be available internationally from 16-31 March. Tickets can be purchased at pictureofdoriangray.com with audience members receiving a screening link which will activate on their booked performance date for a 48-hour period. Tickets are priced at £12 which will include both a link to the production as well as a digital programme. Closed captioning will be available for all dates during the run, with audio description available from 23-31 March.

Bookings and enquiries for the education pack offering can be made by emailing bookings@pictureofdoriangray.

FIRST LOOK: BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF
THE COLOR PURPLE – AT HOME

FIRST LOOK: BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF
THE COLOR PURPLE – AT HOME

FIRST LOOK: BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF
THE COLOR PURPLE – AT HOME

Birmingham Hippodrome and Curve have released a first look behind-the-scenes of The Color Purple – At Home which is streaming for three weeks only from Tuesday 16 February -Sunday 7 March 2021 as part of Curve at Home. Tickets are on sale now, priced at £20 per household, at curveonline.co.uk.

Building on the success of Curve’s first major stream, (Sunset Boulevard – at Home), Birmingham Hippodrome and Curve’s WhatOnStage Award-winning 2019 production of The Color Purple has now been especially reimagined for audiences to enjoy at home.

Marsha Norman’s poetic and powerful script along with the magnificent songs by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray celebrate life, love and the strength to stand up for who you are and what you believe in. This unforgettable story set in racially divided Southern America is staged by the team behind the 2019 production – Director Tinuke Craig, Musical Director Alex Parker and Choreographer Mark Smith.

The 2019 production of The Color Purple, the first-ever co-production between Birmingham Hippodrome and Curve,played to sold-out audiences in Birmingham and Leicester with standing-ovations and a wealth of critical acclaim.

T’Shan Williams returns to lead the magnificent original company as the courageous heroine Celie, with Danielle Fiamanya (Winner – The Stage Debut Awards 2019) reprising her role as Celie’s Sister, Nettie. Carly Mercedes Dyer joins the cast as the vivacious Shug Avery, following her acclaimed performance as Anita in the 2019 Made at Curve production of West Side Story.

Drawing inspiration from jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, a band of incredible musicians will combine with the company’s soulful vocals in bringing the score to life, including Push Da Button, Too Beautiful for Words and I’m Here.

Recorded in Curve’s transformed auditorium and fully lit using the theatre’s state-of-the-art lighting rig, The Color Purple – at Home will offer audiences the chance to see Alice Walker’s seminal novel as they’ve never seen it before.

The Color Purple – at Home is supported by Leicester-based music licensing company PPL PRS and De Montfort University whose sponsorship will enable Curve to offer free tickets to specific local community groups and young people. Birmingham Hippodrome is able to offer tickets to similar groups in Birmingham through the support they received through the Culture Recovery Fund.

A Made at Curve production created in association with Birmingham Hippodrome, tickets for The Color Purple – at Home are available to book now and are priced at £20 per household. The streamed production will be available to audiences in the UK and Ireland only and Curve will offer a range of accessible performances throughout the run, including captioned and audio described.

As part of the run of streamed performances, Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome will offer 2,000 free tickets for NHS workers to enjoy the production at home, with tickets distributed through local NHS providers.

To find out more or to book tickets to The Color Purple – at Home, visit www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/the-color-purple-at-home/