BARNES’ PEOPLE

FOUR MONOLOGUES BY PETER BARNES

STARRING JON CULSHAW, MATTHEW KELLY,

JEMMA REDGRAVE & ADRIAN SCARBOROUGH

ONLINE STREAMING FROM 18 FEBRUARY TO 31 JULY 2021

ON SALE FROM 10:00AM MONDAY 25 JANUARY

Original Theatre Company – the production company behind the critically acclaimed lockdown productions of Sebastian Faulks’s Birdsong Online, Louise Coulthard’s Watching Rosie, Torben Betts’s Apollo 13: The Dark Side of The Moon and Philip Franks’s The Haunting of Alice Bowles – andPerfectly Normal Productions are delighted to present the first revival of Barnes’ People, a series of four theatrical monologues starring Jon Culshaw, Matthew Kelly, Jemma Redgrave and Adrian Scarborough and directed by Philip Franks and Charlotte Peters.  The production will be streamed from 18 February to 31 July 2021 via originaltheatreonline.com, with tickets available from 10.00am today, Monday 25 January.

From writer Peter Barnes (The Ruling Class) comes a selection of four exquisitely crafted monologues, performed by four of our leading actors and filmed on stage at the Theatre Royal Windsor. 

Billy & Me starring Jon Culshaw

Directed by Charlotte Peters

For Michael Jennings, the only way to fight the voices in his head is to bring them to life. In fact he’s made a career from it.  Now, seemingly alone on an empty stage, Billy, his stage partner of 25 years, keeps interrupting him.  Which would be fine, except that Billy is a puppet.  Billy and Me is a hilarious and daring examination exploring what happens when a ventriloquist lets the puppets take control.

Losing Myself starring Matthew Kelly

Directed by Philip Franks

Adams used to have everything, with the world at his feet.  Now he’s lost his faith… and his rocking horse.  On a solitary bench within the hallowed confines of one of London’s forgotten churchyards, Adams sits on a bench for his final conversation with an old friend.  With poignancy and profundity he must come to terms with who he has become and where he is going, but it’s going to rain and the bulldozers are moving in. 

Rosa starring Jemma Redgrave

Directed by Philip Franks

Dr Rosa Hamilton is tired.  After twenty years of battling the system, drowning in paperwork and watching patients fade away in care homes, she’s tired, she’s angry and she really wants a drink.  Especially as she’s about to dictate the most important letter of her life. 

True Born Englishman starring Adrian Scarborough

A World Premiere

Directed by Philip Franks

Leslie has been a footman at Buckingham Palace for thirty years.  A life of service, a life of discretion and a lifetime of secrets.  Originally banned from broadcast by the BBC and never seen before, this world premiere takes you behind the scenes of the most famous of royal palaces for an unforgettable audience with a true born Englishman.

Co-producer David Morley of Perfectly Normal Productions said of the the monologues, “All our monologues are from Peter Barnes’s work commissioned by BBC Radio 3.  Rosa is from a series called Barnes’ People, broadcast in 1981 and was originally performed by Judi Dench.  Losing Myself and Billy And Me were from a second series on BBC Radio 3, called More Barnes’ People.  These aired between 1989 and 1990.  Jeremy Irons was in Losing Myself and Alan Rickman played Jennings in Billy And Me.  The controversial play in our four is A True Born Englishman.  This was commissioned by BBC Radio 3 as part of More Barnes’ People.  It was cast with Antony Sher in the role and scheduled, but when the production team referred the script to higher management, they decided not to go ahead.  Peter Barnes described this as ‘banning’ the play, because of its Royal Family theme, which the BBC denied.”

Director Philip Franks added, “Peter Barnes’ monologues have all the qualities of his plays— all the passion, wit, anger and compassion- condensed into urgent 20 minute plays. They feel like they could have been written yesterday.”

Barnes’ People is directed by Philip Franks & Charlotte Peters, with film direction and editing by Tristan Shepherd.  Sound design is by Max Pappenheim, digital production design by David Woodhead, costume supervision by Siobhan Boyd and production management by Felix Dunning.

Barnes’ People is filmed at Theatre Royal Windsor with the assistance of the theatre’s co-directors, Anne-Marie Woodley and Jon Woodley, technical and production manager Andi Manzi and head of lighting Will Brann.

Barnes’ People is produced by Alastair Whatley and Tom Hackney for Original Theatre Company and David Morley for Perfectly Normal Productions.

@OriginalTheatre

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Barnes’ People

by Peter Barnes

Dates: 18 February – 31 July 2021

Age guidance: suitable for all ages

Running time: approx. 20 mins per play

English subtitles are available

Book: originaltheatreonline.com

Early Bird (when purchased by 16 February 2021)

Individual monologue

Standard – £7.50

With programme – £10

Package of 4 monologues

Standard – £20 (£5 each)

Supporter Package – £40 (programme and credit on the final films)

Premium Package – £100 (signed script by a creative team member of your choice and a credit on the final films)

Standard Ticket Pricing (from 17 February 2021)

Individual monologue

Standard – £10

With programme – £12.50

Package of 4 monologues

Standard – £35 (£5 discount)

With programme – £37.50

Premium Package – £100 (signed script by a creative team member of your choice)

IRIS THEATRE ANNOUNCES ONLINE STREAM

PLATFORM IN THE GARDENS

Paul-Ryan Carberry, Artistic Director of Iris Theatre, today announces the online stream of Platform in the Gardens, a series of performances recorded in the gardens of the Actors’ Church during the company’s outdoor summer festival in 2020.

The series includes the new play Dear Peter by Evangeline Dickson, available now until 31 January; Reuben Johnson performing spoken-word focusing on the current experience, available now until 15 February; and folk music concert fromNick Hart available 1 – 28 February. Each Platform in the Gardens event is available to stream on a pay-what-you-can basis here.

Artistic Director of Iris Theatre, Paul-Ryan Carberry said today,“We wanted to find a way to continue to support artists we’ve worked with and provide our audiences with performances to enjoy from their own homes during this necessary period of lockdown. We are really delighted to share work from an incredible and varied group of artists including spoken-word, music and a wonderful new play, and all on a pay-what-you-can basis.

“As always, a huge, huge thank you to all our audience and patrons, without your support we would not have been able to make it through this last year.”

PLATFORM IN THE GARDENS:

DEAR PETER 

Written and performed by Evangeline Dickson

Until Sunday 31 January 2021

Join Ash on her 25th birthday as J.M. Barrie’s seminal hero Peter Pan plummets her into a spiral of first love, first loss, and every story that makes us who we are. Set to a nostalgia-infused soundtrack, Dear Peter explores whether anyone is truly free from growing up, through a collection of fragmented memories, poetic frankness and darkly comedic storytelling. 

Dear Peter bursts with heart and imagination, riffing on childhood innocence and emancipation in a truly magical setting.

Evangeline Dickson is an actor, voiceover artist and writer. Since graduating from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in 2017, she has toured internationally with the Young Shakespeare Company, appeared in Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience and is a member of award-winning physical theatre company Spies Like Us. Evangeline has also written pieces for Iris Theatre and All The Web’s A Stage.

PLATFORM IN THE GARDENS:

REUBEN JOHNSON

Until Monday 15 February 2021

Reuben Johnson evokes the challenges of the here and now through plosive, northern verse. An urgent and energetic solo performance which draws into focus the nation in which we live. 

Reuben Johnson is a spoken word artist, actor and writer. His credits include Being Jess (Mac’s Arcadian/Unicorn Theatre), Territory (Edinburgh Festival Fringe – winner of the NSDF Best Emerging Artist Award). His work has also been seen at venues such as The Lowry, Pleasance Islington, Pleasance Edinburgh and Theatre503. His work has also been seen on BBC iPlayer and Radio and is featured on the advert for Volkswagen. 

PLATFORM IN THE GARDENS:

NICK HART

Available: Monday 1 – Sunday 28 February 2021

Nick Hart leads audiences on a musical journey through stories of old in this stunning folk music concert.

Nick Hart is fast acquiring a reputation as one of the most accomplished interpreters of English folk song. His love of the nuances of traditional singing informs his minimal guitar accompaniment, and his songs are delivered with a great emphasis on storytelling. His repertoire of songs, drawn largely from his native East Anglia, reflects his understanding of both the depth and breadth of material within the English tradition and his engaging performance style has made him a hit with audiences up and down the country. He has released two studio albums, both of which have gained widespread critical acclaim, with a third set for release in March 2021.

LISTINGS

ST PAUL’S COVENT GARDEN, ACTORS CHURCH

St Paul’s Church Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9ED

https://iristheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows

PLATFORM IN THE GARDENS: DEAR PETER
Online

Until 31 January 2021

Ticket prices: Pay What You Can

PLATFORM IN THE GARDENS: REUBEN JOHNSON

Online

Until 15 February 2021

Ticket prices: Pay What You Can

PLATFORM IN THE GARDENS: NICK HART

Online

1 – 28 February 2021

Ticket prices: Pay What You Can

ST. ANNE COMES HOME 

Actors’ Church

12 – 17 April 2021

Age Guidance: 12+ (includes themes of alcoholism)

Ticket prices: £20 individual (limited availability), £40 bubble (seats two)

MEDIAEVAL BAEBES 

Actors’ Church

27 – 29 May 2021

Ticket prices: £25 individual (limited availability), £50 bubble (seats two)

JMI’s WORLD TOUR

ONLINE LIVE GALA 

Dame Maureen Lipman sings lost Lionel Bart musical

Jessie Ware – Nicola Benedetti –  Claude-Michel Schönberg – Sir Simon Schama – Henry Goodman

JMI’s WORLD TOUR online live Gala on THURSDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2021 at 7.30pm includes two world premieres!

A world exclusive performance by Dame Maureen Lipman from the lost, never before heard Lionel Bart and Roger Cook musical Next Year In Jerusalem and Shura Lipovsky’s joyous world premiere of Der Iker (The Issue), her passionate Yiddish song composed during these current difficult times.

Join JMI’s WORLD TOUR for an exclusive free online evening with stop offs in Morocco, Europe, the Middle East, USA and even Canvey Island. Hosted by the broadcaster Suzy Klein, historianSir Simon Schama and Lord Michael Grade touring the world, and meeting the stars and champions of JMI, the charity that transform lives through Jewish music…

The lost musical Next Year In Jerusalem was written in 1975 by Lionel Bart (Oliver!) and Roger Cook (Blue Mink – Melting Pot / 2 x Ivor Novello Awards / I’d Like to Teach The World To Sing). The musical has never been performed and has been lost for over 40 years. But at JMI’s WORLD TOUR Gala, Dame Maureen Lipman will sing the show’s titular song – a heart stopping lullaby, which in the show is sung by Blume Mabovitch (Golda Meir’s mother) to her young daughter Golda, who is frightened by the imminent pogrom in their Russian village.

“The song is just gorgeous” says Dame Maureen Lipman.

Roger Cook says of Lionel and their musical: ”We became great friends and wanted to write a musical together about a strong woman – her story was the stuff of movies, so we decided it had to be Golda Meir.

“We worked for 6 months straight in Lionel’s attic in Soho in 1975. We went to the Albert Hall and saw Golda live and even went on a “research” trip to Israel together – but we certainly didn’t do much writing there! Then in ’76 I moved to Nashville. Lionel came and stayed and we laid down the songs together…. Next Year In Jerusalem was the second song that we wrote together for the show. I came up with the melody which Lionel wanted to change; but he came round to liking it and wrote some great lyrics.

“I wish Lionel was alive and kicking, as he would be crazy proud that finally after all these years this lost musical is going to be heard and have a life.”

Another highlight of the evening will be the second world premiere of the night, when Shura Lipovsky and her band perform her hugely topical new Yiddish song Der Iker (The Issue): Der iker dokh iz do-ikayt / The issue though is Here and Now.

Shura is currently setting up a Yiddish songwriting group at JMI, continuing the tradition of hauntingly pleasing melodies and poignant lyrics that are the trade marks of a Yiddish song.

With music, conversation and messages of support from an incredible array of talent including: cellist Steven Isserlis performing Ravel’s Kaddish; actor Henry Goodman performing a section of Lubin from Chelm; violinist Nicola Benedetti playing Bloch’s Prayer; Claude-Michel Schönberg speaking about his inspiration behind his Les Miserables anthem Bring Him Home followed by a performance of this iconic song; Israeli conductor Tom Cohen and his Jerusalem East and West Orchestra; American jazz trumpeter Frank London performs Klezmer On The Roof; composer Jocelyn Pook‘s work Drawing Life commissioned by JMI; and historian Sir Simon Schama‘s passion for Judeo-arabic music culminates in a performance from Andalusia Atlantique in Morocco. With even more performances and chat on the night!

Join free online JMI’s WORLD TOUR but do feel free to donate to the Gala and Fundraiser on the night, in aid of JEWISH MUSIC INSTITUTE (JMI) and also NIGHTINGALE HAMMERSON. 20% of all donations raised will support the work of JMI’s partners Nightingale Hammerson, who provide residential and nursing care for older people in the Jewish community.

Chair of JMI Jennifer Jankel says: “Growing up as daughter of the No 1 British Band Leader Joe Loss, music has always played a huge part in my life. It has been an enormous honour to immerse myself in the rich and diverse living heritage of Jewish music, which we celebrate tonight. And I am delighted that from 7pm on the night you will be able to listen to some of Joe Loss’ iconic big band sounds from his archive recordings. Enjoy.”

JMI’s WORLD TOUR

ONLINE LIVE GALA

THURSDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2021 7.30pm

on

www.jmi.org.uk/worldtour

To donate nationally and internationally, please go to: www.jmi.org.uk/donate

On the night enjoy the company of all of the performers and celebrities from around the world.

Hosted by BBC broadcaster Suzy Klein, Lord Michael Grade, and historian Sir Simon Schama.

Performances from: actress Dame Maureen Lipman, composer Claude-Michel Schönberg, cellist Steven Isserlis, violinist Nicola Benedetti, violin prodigy Nathan Meltzer, Israeli conductor Tom Cohen, NY jazz trumpeter Frank London, singer Shura Lipovsky, composer Jocelyn Pook, actor Henry Goodman, Israeli actress Ester Rada, singer Jessie Ware, East Zingt children’s choir, the JMI Youth Big Band.

And passionate support from experts in Jewish music including: Geraldine Auerbach, Dr Vanessa Paloma Elbaz, Dr Michael Haas, Malcolm Singer, Stephen Glass, Dr Andre Azoulay Counsellor to HRH King of Morocco, Dr Ilana Webster-Kogen, Zalman Mlotek, JMI education’s Sam Eastmond and Music Hub Director Charly Richardson.

HMDT Music presents:

STEM Sisters

Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, Hedy Lamarr and many more female scientific pioneers help a lost little girl become the scientist she always dreamed of being.

Written by Rachel Barnett-Jones  | Composed by Jenny Gould

Streaming 15 March – 11 April 2021

@hmdtmusic | #STEMsistersshow | www.hmdt.org.uk 

A new online musical show for primary school children and their families, STEM Sisters focuses on historical female scientists and mathematicians whose work was so often unrecognised, but who contributed in so many ways to major developments in our lives today. Never has science been more relevant, but women continue to be under-represented. Using puppetry, music and theatre this production for children aged 8+ shares inspiring true stories and engages us all.  

When Jina gets lost in a forest, key women in the history of science and maths including Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace and Hedy Lemarr show up to help her find her way through. Together, they empower the lost child and would-be-scientist with the gifts of curiosity, courage, creativity, persistence and open-mindedness. Join Jina as she searches for Nelloptodes gretae (Greta Thunberg’s beetle) with Maria Sybilla Merian and helps Ada Lovelace with her coding digital soundscape. Learn about the lives, experiences and experiments of Marie Curie through her atom patter song; of stellar quartet of astronomers Hypatia, Caroline Herschel, Mae Jemison, Wang Zhenyi; and GPS inventor Hedy Lamarr, whose scientific skills were considered secondary to her beauty.

Their scientific techniques are showcased through varied puppetry including shadow, marionette, Wayang Golek, Kulit and projection. Their gifts help Jina find her way through the forest and become the best scientist she can be. STEM Sisters uses humour and varied theatrical techniques to engage children and enhance the storytelling, supported by a lyrical and accessible musical score.

HMDT Music’s Creative Director Tertia Sefton-Green says, “We’re delighted we’re able to make our new production available as a film for families and for schools (alongside a body of workshops and teaching resources), and hope that we will be able to achieve our original plans of a live theatre tour in the autumn, when venues reopen. STEM Sisters enables us to extend our national reach to young people with our award-winning methodology of embedding the arts to inspire in this case, a thirst for science and maths.”

HMDT, twice winner of the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Education and of the 2020 Excellence in Musical Theatre Award, is a leader in commissioning inspiring performance works embedding the arts across all areas of learning for young people. Key successes include Trench Brothers (Julian Joseph and Richard Taylor), commemorating ethnic minority soldiers in WW1: “innovative, original, interesting and representative”; Shadowball a ground-breaking baseball and jazz opera (Julian Joseph/Mike Phillips): “undeniably a thrilling and illuminating venture”; Hear Our Voice (Jonathan Dove and Matthew King) – international tour of a new work compiled from children’s Holocaust writings: “prodigious commitment…. the project’s value is immeasurable” and Confucius Says (Richard Taylor/Stephen Plaice) featuring 350 young performers: “an inspirational achievement”.

Running Time: 55 mins (no interval) | Suitable for ages 8-12

Company information

Written by Rachel Barnett-Jones           Composed by Jenny Gould

Directed by Clare Whistler                    Designed by Sophia Lovell Smith

Cast

Ruth Calkin, Nix Wood (puppeteers)

Nadine Benjamin, Jessica Gillingwater, Abigail Kelly, Susan Moore (singers).

Introducing Eloise Eisenberg and the I Can Sing! Children’s Chorus

With the STEM Sisters Band directed by Jenny Gould

Listings information

15 March – 11 April

Streaming online, on demand

Tickets £10.00
http://www.hmdt.org.uk/hmdtmusic/stemsisters/the-show/

Luca Silvestrini’s Protein presents: 

May Contain Food 

Recreating their feast for the senses for a home audience, Protein serves up its dance and singing fusion complete with tasting menu 

Conceived and created by Luca Silvestrini and Orlando Gough   

Directed by Luca Silvestrini | Music by Orlando Gough 

Premiering on King’s Place’s KPlayer 12 February at 7pm 

Available until midnight, 21 February 

Live chat room with Luca Silvestrini and Orlando Gough during the premiere screening on 12 February at 7pm

“Lip-smacking fusion of song, dance, mime and sweet aperitif tomatoes.” Guardian
“A yummy night!” The Stage

For the first time online, Protein will be presenting the original May Contain Food, a witty piece of dance and music theatre that will provoke thinking on the sensory, cultural and social implications of food. Filmed at The Place in 2016, four vocalists and four dancers all sing for their supper, whilst at home audiences can follow along by preparing and indulging in a tasting menu just like the dining audience in the recording. Some courses feature simple ingredients such as a cherry tomato and a ball of rice, whilst adventurous audiences seeking a full sensory experience can have a go at Orlando Gough’s own recipe of aromatic sticky ginger pudding to bake during the viewing and consume at the end. The show will be accompanied by an introduction from choreographer Luca Silvestrini and composer Orlando Gough and on the 12^th February, a live chat room will be available for those who wish to converse with the pair over supper. 

From savouring simplicity, to the communal act, to touching on the moral dilemma of vegetarianism, the show weaves through the cultural significance of eating. Luca Silvestrini and Orlando Gough collaborated closely so that all movement is composed and music choreographed and performed a cappella, creating an immersive experience of indulgence, nostalgia and mischief. The show originally toured in 2016, and the adapted versions May Contain Food May Contain You and May Contain You toured to village halls and care homes in the following years. Food, an acclaimed Italian adaptation of May Contain Food May Contain You produced in 2018 by Marche Teatro has been touring throughout Italy. 

Speaking about the show Luca Silvestrini said: “Screening May Contain Food, as an opportunity to literally taste a show from home, has been in my thoughts since the first lockdown in 2020. So here we are, the show is served, and I really hope people will enjoy prepping, cooking and tasting our thought provoking and delicious food-based show from the comfort of their homes.” 

Helen Wallace, Artistic Director at Kings Place said: “We are so delighted to host May Contain Food on our KPlayer streaming platform, an ideal sensory feast for audiences during lockdown, combining the ear-tingling vocal music of Orlando Gough, the beguiling choreography of Silvestrini – and sticky ginger pudding!” 

Formed in 1997 and currently one of the most distinctive voices in British dance theatre, Luca Silvestini’s Protein uses a blend of original choreography, humour and music to entertain and provoke audiences. The company’s idiosyncratic dance theatre is provoked by the everyday and its repertoire includesthe award-winning LOL (lots of love), which has toured extensively since its 2011 debut, Border Tales, which peels back stereotypes about multicultural Britain, and the award-winning The Little Prince. Protein was awarded the Critic’s Circle National Dance Award for Best Independent Dance Company 2011 and was nominated again in 2016. 

Orlando Gough is a composer (and sometimes lyricist, librettist, music director, MC, recording engineer, cookery writer), who writes operas, choral music, music-theatre, music for dance and theatre, and creates large-scale site-specific work.  

Kings Place is a multi-arts venue, situated within 5 minutes’ walk of King’s Cross-St Pancras, presenting an adventurous and award-winning programme, with words and music at its heart. It takes in three concert halls, Pangolin London sculpture gallery, Pangolin’s Kings Place Gallery, Green & Fortune Café and the canal-side Rotunda Restaurant. Working to a collaborative model, the venue curates regular series and festivals with a host of artistic associates throughout the year. It’s a place where many audiences belong, a place where people connect with their passion and no-one is lost in the crowd. 

Kings Place was developed from a generous act of philanthropy; world-class conferences support the independently-funded arts programme. Driven by a belief that arts and culture are a fundamental part of a thriving city, the venue presents work that is as vibrant and diverse as its location. 

Kings Place has Good to Go accreditation as a Covid-safe venue and operated socially-distanced events successfully during 2020. The venue is currently running a digital programme on its KPlayer platform. 

Kings Place, the cultural pulse of King’s Cross. 

@proteindance | #Protein21 | #MayContainFood | www.proteindance.co.uk  

Running Time: 90 mins | Suitable for ages 12 + (contains mild swearing) 

Listings info 

12^th February 7pm, available until midnight 21^st February 

www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/contemporary/may-contain-food-online-streaming-event/ 

£9.50 

Company Information 

Conceived and created by Luca Silvestrini and Orlando Gough  

Devised and performed by 

Sonya Cullingford, Martin George, Carl Harrison, Michael Henry, Saara Hurme, Donna Lennard, Louise Sofield, Matthew Winston  

Additional material devised by
Jeremy Avis, Sara Black, Jonathan Glew, Antonia Grove, Sally Marie, Melanie Pappenheim, Peter Willcock, Jonathan Williams 

Directed by Luca Silvestrini                 Music by Orlando Gough 

Designed by Yann Seabra                  Lighting by Jackie Shemesh
Music Director Michael Henry             Assistants to the Director Eryck Brahmania, Valentina Golfieri
Production Manager Rachel Shipp     Assistant Stage Manager Amy McLean
Recipes Orlando Gough 

Howard Panter for Trafalgar Theatre Productions and

Eilene Davidson Productions

proudly present

THE PERFECT TONIC FOR LONDON AUDIENCES IN 2021

The multi-Tony Award winning musical

including for Best Musical Revival & Best Choreography

ADDITIONAL STAR CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT

FELICITY KENDAL & GARY WILMOT

as Evangeline Harcourt as Elisha Whitney

join

Emmy & SAG Award Winner Tony, Olivier & BAFTA Award Winner

MEGAN MULLALLY & ROBERT LINDSAY

as Reno Sweeney as Moonface Martin

“Cole Porter songs and tap-dancing sailors? What’s not to love?”

The Hollywood Reporter

“Anything Goes is a truly great musical comedy”

Chicago Tribune

A MAJOR NEW PRODUCTION OF THIS CLASSIC MUSICAL COMEDY WITH A FULL COMPANY OF OVER 50, INCLUDING A FULL-SIZED ORCHESTRA AND 14 TAP DANCING SAILORS!

Music and Lyrics by COLE PORTER

Original Book by P.G. WODEHOUSE & GUY BOLTON

and HOWARD LINDSAY & RUSSEL CROUSE

New Book by TIMOTHY CROUSE and JOHN WEIDMAN

Directed and Choreographed by

Tony Award Winner KATHLEEN MARSHALL

BARBICAN THEATRE FROM 5 JUNE 2021

FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT UNTIL 22 AUGUST 2021

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM ANYTHINGGOESMUSICAL.CO.UK

Acting royalty and Evening Standard Theatre Award winner Felicity Kendal (The Good Life / Much Ado About Nothing) will make her West End musical debut starring as Evangeline Harcourt, alongside leading West End actor Gary Wilmot (Chicago / Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) as Elisha Whitney, in this year’s must see musical ANYTHING GOES – one of the greatest musicals of all-time – which opens at London’s Barbican Theatre for a strictly limited 11-week engagement from 5 June 2021. The pair will join Emmy & SAG Award winner Megan Mullally as Reno Sweeney and Tony, Olivier & BAFTA Award winner Robert Lindsay as Moonface Martin. Tickets are on sale now

Felicity Kendal said: “It’s wonderful to be joining this classic joyous show after the past terrible year of loss and lockdown. We need to connect together again in our theatres and there is nothing quite like the thrill of a live audience experiencing a great show. I am sure that this is a perfect moment for this glorious, funny and uplifting musical and cannot wait to get started.”

Gary Wilmot added: “Anything Goes is such a joyous musical and I’m thrilled to be joining the incredible cast for this wonderful revival. I look forward to being back on stage in London for some real toe-tapping fun!“

This lavish production of Cole Porter & P.G. Wodehouse’s classic musical, featuring a full company of over 50 including a full-sized orchestra and even 14 tap dancing sailors, will be directed and choreographed by three time Tony Award Winner Kathleen Marshall. Marshall’s Broadway production of ANYTHING GOES was a major smash hit and received huge critical acclaim. The revival was nominated for nine Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk Awards, winning Best Musical Revival and Best Choreography at both ceremonies. Now Marshall, in her West End directing debut, will reinvent this glorious musical for London audiences this summer in what is set to be the definitive version of this timeless classic.

With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and the original book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse, ANYTHING GOES will premiere at the Barbican Theatre from June to August 2021 and then embark on a UK tour. Further casting will be announced soon.

When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love… proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, a comical disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. This hilarious musical romp across the Atlantic featuring a collection of some of theatre’s most memorable songs – including ‘I Get A Kick Out of You’, ‘Anything Goes’, ‘You’re the Top’, ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’, ‘It’s De-Lovely’, ‘Friendship’ and ‘Buddie Beware’ – will take you back to the Golden Age of high society on the seas. ANYTHING GOES is set to sail away with audiences all over again

PRESS QUOTES

“Exudes the effervescence of a freshly poured gin fizz…It’s a knockout!” – The New York Times

“So Delightful, so De-Lovely, it’s The Top!” – Associated Press

“This new ‘Anything Goes’ is a daffy, shipshape romp” – Variety

“Pure Magic” – New York Post

“You’ll get a kick out of ‘Anything Goes” – USA Today

Felicity Kendal – Evangeline Harcourt

Felicity Kendal is a British actress who is a veteran of the stage and screen. She shot to fame in the 1970s with her career defining role of ‘Barbara Good’ in the popular BBC sitcom The Good Life.

Kendal has made important contributions to stage, such as playing Desdemona to Paul Scofield’s Othello and a memorable Viola in a BBC production of Twelfth Night (1980). Kendal starred in many of the first productions Tom Stoppard’s plays, including The Real Thing (1982), Hapgood (1988), Arcadia (1993), and Indian Ink (1995) – this last role was written for her by Stoppard. She continues to perform regularly in London’s West End. In 2013 she starred in the first London revival of Relatively Speaking by Alan Ayckbourn at the Wyndham’s Theatre. In 2014, she toured the UK and Australia as Judith Bliss in Noël Coward’s Hay Fever, which then played in the West End. She appeared in A Room With A View at the Theatre Royal in Bath (2016) which received excellent reviews. More recently, Felicity starred with Maureen Lipman in a revival of Lettice and Lovage at the Menier Chocolate Factory and also in The Argument at Theatre Royal Bath.

Her credits on the screen are also extensive. Most recently she featured in Pennyworth for Warner Bros and prior to that in the cult hit dark comedy Inside No.9 (BBC), and the iconic Dr Who (BBC) as ‘Lady Clemency Eddison’.

Felicity was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1995.

Gary Wilmot – Elisha Whitney

Theatre credits include: Jethro Prince of Egypt (Dominion Theatre), Dame Betty Barnum Goldilocks & The Three Bears (London Palladium), Jonathan Ripples Mr Gum & The Dancing Bear (National Theatre), Mrs Crumble – Snow White and the Seven Dwarf (London Palladium), Major/Monsieur Armande – Flowers for Mrs Harris (Chichester Festival Theatre), Sarah The Cook – Dick Whittington (London Palladium), Badger – The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium), George McMillan – Big (Plymouth/Ireland), Anthony – End of the Rainbow (UK Tour), Andre Thibault – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (UK Tour), Ali Hakim – Oklahoma (UK Tour), Andre Thibault – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Savoy Theatre), Vernon Hines – The Pajama Game (Shaftesbury Theatre), Sammy Shaw – Radio Times (The Watermill and National Tour), Thomas Marvel – The Invisible Man (Menier Chocolate Factory), Septimus Podgers – Lord Arthur Saville’s Crime, Billy Flynn – Chicago, Arthur Kipps – Half A Sixpence, Dick Deadeye – H.M.S. Pinafore (Regent’s Park), Caractacus Potts – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium), Henry 3 – Travels With My Aunt, Pirate King -The Pirates Of Penzance (Regent’s Park and National Tour), Bottom – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park), Confusions (National Tour), Dennis Cain – One For The Road (Bristol Old Vic), Fagin – Oliver (National Tour), Elliot Garfield – The Goodbye Girl (Albery Theatre), Tony – Copacabana (Prince Of Wales Theatre), Joe – Carmen Jones (The Old Vic), Bill Snibson – Me And My Girl (Adelphi Theatre and National Tour) for which he received a TMA best actor nomination.

Television credits include: How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Don Black – Diamonds Are Forever, Cue Gary, Showstoppers, The Saturday Gang, Copycats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Other credits include: Host / Soloist of From Hackney to Hollywood – The Songs of Don Black (UK Tour) and host of the Laurence Olivier Awards.

As a writer and director: Sweet Lorraine at Regis Centre, Bognor Regis.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

First Performance: 5 June 2021

Final performance: 22 August 2021

Performances: Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm

Running time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including interval

Tickets: £25 – £150, plus booking fee

Barbican Box Office: barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2021/event/anything-goes

Website: AnythingGoesMusical.co.uk

Twitter: @AnythingGUK

Facebook: @AnythingGoesUK

Instagram: @AnythingGoesUK

Presented in association with the Barbican

The Casting Directors’ Guild announces new committee members, and the formalisation of an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion group  

The Casting Directors’ Guild is delighted to announce two new committee members, Jane Anderson and Stuart Burt, and the formalisation of an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) working group, to promote and prioritise these values in the casting profession, both within the Guild itself, and the work of its members. 

On the central committee, Jane Anderson and Stuart Burt join ongoing members Victor Jenkins (Chair), Jessica Ronane (Vice Chair), Andy Brierley and Kate Ringsell.   

The EDI Group (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) was started two years ago on an informal basis, to seek out ways to be proactive in promoting these values within the casting profession. The group has now been formalised, consisting of twelve CDG members taking on varying areas of responsibility. Some of the bigger projects they have underway include: 

• Creating a paid casting internship for people who are currently under-represented 
• Professionally auditing audition spaces for accessibility 
• Initiating a system of diversity data monitoring within the CDG 
• Meet and greet events for D/deaf and disabled actors to meet casting directors 
• Increasing representation in the CDG’s social media output 
• Finding ways to help members understand and encourage the use of sensitive terminology in regards to different identities 

The EDI are working alongside the CDG committee to update the Guild’s Code of Conduct, and have built working relationships with the Personal Managers Association (PMA)’s Diversity Group, and the Independent Commission for Race Equality launched by Equity.  

Victor Jenkins said: “I am proud to be heading into my 4th year as Chair of the Guild, and I’m very excited to have Jessica Ronane as Vice Chair, and a committee made up of fellow experts in our field.  

The very nature of our jobs means that our work happens away from the public eye, behind the camera, in the wings, ensuring that the artists we work with have safe, private spaces to create. That being said, as our industry grows and changes, the Casting Directors’ Guild renews its commitment to being as accessible, transparent, and accountable as possible. We are living through a time of great change and we feel fortunate, as a front facing organisation, to be charged with steering our working practices for the benefit of all.  

With all that in mind, we look forward to a productive, busy & restorative year.” 

The third annual CDG Casting Awards in partnership with Spotlight will take place on Tuesday 16 February 2021 during an online ceremony, to recognise casting achievements across Film, TV, Theatre and Commercials from the last year.  

SIR DEREK JACOBI JOINS THE CAST OF

THE FILMED THEATRE PRODUCTION OF

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S

ROMEO & JULIET

STARRING SAM TUTTY & EMILY REDPATH

AVAILABLE TO STREAM FROM 13 TO 20 FEBRUARY 2021

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Sir Derek Jacobi has joined the cast of the new filmed theatre production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet starring Sam Tutty and Emily Redpath in the title roles.  He will play the Narrator.  The production, which utilised new, cutting edge technology to produce and film the show under current restrictions and regulations, will be available via www.romeojuliet2021.com/tickets from Saturday 13 to Saturday 20 February 2021, with tickets on sale now.  A portion of proceeds will go to Acting for Others.

Derek Jacobi has twice been awarded an Olivier Best Actor Award, first for his performance of the eponymous hero in the RSC production of Cyrano de Bergerac and then for his Malvolio in Twelfth Night. He also received a Tony Award and Evening Standard Award for his performance in the RSC production of Much Ado About Nothing.  In addition to being a founder member of the Royal National Theatre and having an extremely successful stage career, Jacobi has also enjoyed a successful television career, starring in the critically acclaimed adaptation of Robert Graves’s I, Claudius, for which he won a BAFTA, the titular role in the medieval drama series Cadfael, as Stanley Baldwin in The Gathering Storm, as Stuart Bixby in the ITV comedy Vicious and, most recently, as Alan Buttershaw in Last Tango in Halifax.  In 2019, he played Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor, in the third season of the critically acclaimed Netflix series The Crown.  He won two Primetime Emmy Awards for The Tenth Man and Frasier.  Jacobi has appeared in a number of films, including The Day of the Jackal, Branagh’s Henry V, Dead Again, Gladiator, Gosford Park, The Riddle, The King’s Speech, My Week with Marilyn, Cinderella and Murder on the Orient Express.  He won the Evening Standard British Film Awards for Best Actor for Little Dorrit and Love is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon.

As well as Tutty, Redpath and Jacobi, also in the cast are Brandon Bassir as Mercutio, Daniel Bowerbank as Benvolio, Jonny Labey as Paris, Sylvester Akinrolabu as Tybalt, Helen Anker as Capulet, Marc Ozall as Montague, Lucy Tregear as Nurse, Vinta Morgan as Friar, Jessica Murrain as Prince, Timmy Driscoll as Sam, Tats Nyazika as Gregory, Iskandar Eton as Abe and Ollie Tennant as Balthasar.

Romeo & Juliet is directed by Nick Evans, with assistant direction by Gwenan Bain, edited by Ryan Metcalfe, production design by Jamie Osborne for Preevue, costume design by Natasha Bowles, original music by Sam Dinley, sound design by Olly Steel, lighting design by Elliot Smith, visual effects by Preevue, production management by Gary Beestone and casting by Jim Arnold CDG.

The filmed theatre production of Romeo & Juliet is produced by Metcalfe Gordon Productions.

Website: romeojuliet2021.com

Twitter: @RomeoJuliet2021

Instagram: @RomeoJuliet_2021

Facebook: Romeo & Juliet 2021

LISTINGS

13 – 20 February 2021

Tickets*:

£15 ‘early bird’ tickets if booked between 22 January and 10 February

£20 from midnight on 11 February

Group ticket option for multiple viewers in one household for an extra £5 per ticket

*A donation from ticket sales will be made to Acting for Others

Box Office: www.romeojuliet2021.com/tickets 

CURVE TO STREAM AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

THE COLOR PURPLE

16 Feb – 7 Mar 2021

in association with Birmingham Hippodrome

2,000 free tickets to be offered to NHS staff

Following the success of its recent five-star production of Sunset Boulevard – at Home, Curve has announced plans to also stream The Color Purple online between Tue 16 Feb and Sun 7 Mar, in association with Birmingham Hippodrome.

Whilst the planned run of live performances is now sadly cancelled due to the uncertainty around national restrictions, Curve will safely bring together the 2019 award-winning company to stream the production for audiences to watch online. The Color Purple – at Home will be a fully reimagined concert version of the 2019 production, co-produced by Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome.

The Color Purple – at Home will be led by T’Shan Williams as Celie, with Danielle Fiamanya as Nettie, Karen Mavundukure as Sofia, Ako Mitchell as Mister and Simon Anthony Rhoden as Harpo. Also returning to Curve is Carly Mercedes Dyer, who played Anita in the acclaimed Made at Curve production of West Side Story. Carly will join the cast as Shug Avery.

The company is completed by returning cast members Geoff Aymer, KM Drew Boateng, Owen Chaponda, Perola Congo, Danielle Kassarate, Anelisa Lamola, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy, Landi Oshinowo and Jo Servi.

Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the musical will once again be directed by Tinuke Craig, alongside Musical Director Alex Parker, Designer Alex Lowde, Choreographer Mark Smith, Sound Designer Tom Marshall and Casting Director Kay Magson CDG.The production will be lit by Curve Associate Ben Cracknell.

Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“After the phenomenal response to Sunset Boulevard, we are thrilled to present a special streamed version of The Color Purple for audiences across the UK and Ireland to enjoy at home. Reuniting our incredible 2019 company, Tinuke Craig’s production filled with hope and resilience, is sure to lift the spirits of all of us in these challenging times.”

“Connecting with our communities has never felt more important and alongside this production, there will be a series of talks, educational events and interactive projects. We are also proud to make free tickets available to thank our astonishing NHS workers and their families.

“Theatre is all about collaboration and we have a wonderful group of partners who have made all this possible, in particular Theatrical Rights Worldwide and our associate producers Birmingham Hippodrome. The unwavering support of our sponsors PPL PRS and De Montfort University has been invaluable during this period. The combined efforts of these remarkable organisations have helped make all of this possible.

“We also extend sincere thanks to Arts Council England, Leicester City Council and the Culture Recovery Fund for continuing to support Curve during this time.”

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive Fiona Allan said:   

“We are delighted to be able to again partner with Curve, this time to stream a concert version of The Color Purple.

“The award-winning company is just incredible, and our audiences loved seeing the production live back in 2019.  Whilst we wait until we are able to reopen our theatres to the public, I’m thrilled we can share this new imagining of The Color Purplewith you at home.”

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.

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.

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.

All current ticket holders for in-person performances of The Color Purple – in Concert will be contacted in due course by Curve’s Box Office team, and will be eligible for either a full refund or an exchange for an ‘at home’ ticket.

To find out more or to book tickets to The Color Purple – at Home, visit www.curveonline.co.uk

STAR OF SIX – THE MUSICAL, ALEXIA MCINTOSH LAUNCHES
BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME’S DIGITAL MASTERCLASSES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 7-25

Birmingham’s Alexia McIntosh

This week, star of SIX – The Musical in London’s West End, Birmingham’s very own Alexia McIntosh, launched Birmingham Hippodrome’s Digital Masterclasses with the first of 25 online workshops for young people aged 7-25.

The series of live digital workshops are priced at just £5 per participant and designed especially for young people to access leading insight from industry experts all from the comfort of their own homes.

Alexia McIntosh said; “It was an honour to be the first to lead one of Birmingham Hippodrome’s Digital Masterclasses with my fellow brilliant Brummies. It’s always inspiring to see the young, raw talent of my hometown and it was a real pleasure getting to know the young people taking part and help them on their journey in the arts. Birmingham Hippodrome are doing a fantastic job in engaging young people in a time where access to the arts is limited by ongoing restrictions.”

Upcoming workshops include a dance and movement workshop with Hairspray star Lauren Stroud, a Writing for Musical Theatre workshop with Artistic Director of Fat Rascal Theatre and writer of Fringe hit, Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula the Seawitch, Robyn Grant and a Spoken Word Workshop with leading artists from Apples and Snakes. Other workshops will be based around musical theatre blockbusters such as We Will Rock You and Sister Act plus Alexia McIntosh will return for a Six – The Musical workshop on 19 February.

Robyn Grant said; “After working and collaborating with Birmingham Hippodrome on a number of projects, I can’t wait to once again work with this city’s exceptionally talented young people. I’m excited to share some musical theatre magic with those attending these exclusive online masterclasses from Birmingham Hippodrome.”

Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, Head of Learning and Participation at Birmingham Hippodrome added; “Our latest series of digital masterclasses continues Birmingham Hippodrome’s ongoing commitment to enabling easy access to the arts for young people and the employment of freelance artists and practitioners. These workshops provide a brilliant opportunity to access guidance and techniques from industry experts.”

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Digital Masterclasses are priced at £5 per session and designed for those aged 7-25 – places can be booked online at birminghamhippodrome.com/whatson. Please note, bookings close at midnight two days before a workshop so that we can send out login details in good time.