Author: FairyPoweredProductions

ONLINE – Reviewed 8th December 2020

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

4****

Northern Opera Group presents Pauline Viardot’s Cinderella. The production is directed by Sophie Gilpin and the opera is based on the well known popular fairytale and the French story, Cendrillon. With creative videography and localised settings, this down to earth production is delivered by a talented group of singers who perform text and song amidst operatic arias and piano melodies under the baton of Chris Pelly.

Cinderella is excellently portrayed by Claire Wild and she predictability narrates the story from being kind to beggar to living happily ever after with Prince Charming (Nicholas Watt). There is a creative and innovative use of visual and still images. This is noticeable when Cinderella and her concierge is transformed via a visual book telling this and combined with sparkly graphic effects of the Fairy Godmother’s presence (Rachel Duckett). The choral ensemble masquerades a virtual presence via video links during its key choruses (The ball scene).

Northern Opera Group has put together a well done film with variable content for the retelling of Cinderella from bravery to beauty combined with true happiness coming to one’s heart. It is believed that opera can be for anyone, anywhere and this is the case making this 50 minute production accessible online.

Dawn Smallwood

9th December 2020

PROFESSOR BERNARDINE EVARISTO OBE

APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF

ROSE BRUFORD COLLEGE

AWARD-WINING NOVELIST, CRITIC, ACADEMIC AND CHANGE-MAKER
STEPS INTO HONORARY ROLE AT HER ALMA MATER

Rose Bruford College, one of the UK’s leading drama schools, is pleased to announce that Professor Bernardine Evaristo OBE will take up the role of President of the College from January 2021, for a period of five years, stepping into a position previously held by Sir Richard Eyre.

Bernardine Evaristo is a highly successful, award-winning novelist, critic, academic and successful writer of fiction, drama, poetry, essays, articles, literary criticism and other projects for stage and radio. She won the 2019 Booker Prize for her eighth novel Girl, Woman, Other – the first Black woman and the first Black British person to do so. An alumna of Rose Bruford College, Evaristo studied on the Community Theatre Arts course and became a Fellow of the College in 2018. She is a longstanding advocate for the inclusion of writers and artists of colour and  is currently Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University London, a lifetime Honorary Fellow of St Anne’s College, University of Oxford, and lifetime Vice President of the Royal Society of Literature.

On leaving Rose Bruford College in 1982 she co-founded Britain’s first Black women’s theatre company, Theatre of Black Women, with Paulette Randall and Patricia Hilaire (also RBC alumni from the Community Theatre Arts course). She also organised Britain’s first major Black theatre conference, Future Histories, in 1995 at the Royal Festival Hall, and Britain’s first major conference on Black British writing, Tracing Paper, in 1997 at the Museum of London.

Principal Clarie Middleton, who joined Rose Bruford in 2018 from her previous role of Chief Executive of Hackney Empire, is spearheading the College’s vision to create the change-makers of the future. The College’s stated mission is to achieve social as well as cultural impact through delivering the highest quality vocational training and education, shaping graduates who are creative, empowered, employable, inclusive and diverse, ethical and intercultural in outlook. 

Clarie Middleton said, “We are delighted that Bernardine has accepted our invitation to become President of Rose Bruford College. We knew that we needed to look to someone of high profile in the creative arts; someone who has a connection with the College, is an activist in their own right, and who will be an influential ambassador for our vision and values including our commitment to equality and inclusion. Bernardine is a creative artist of considerable integrity who has been a Change-Maker all of her professional life, and she will be an enormous inspiration to us, as we continue to deliver the highest standards of learning and teaching and strive to make our own change in the field of creative arts higher education and to motivate our students to become the Change-Makers of the future.

The role of the President is a ceremonial one. An invitation to become the President of the College is an invitation to hold the most prestigious office that the College can award. It serves as a symbol of the College and is ambassadorial in its remit to promote the College.  The President’s involvement with the College includes officiating at graduation ceremonies; advocating on the College’s behalf regarding issues that affect the institution and its community; visits, talks and events with current students and alumni.

Bernardine Evaristo said, “It is quite surreal that nearly forty years after I graduated from Rose Bruford College, I am returning as President. I loved studying at the College and credit it with laying the foundations for my lifelong career as a creative practitioner and activist who believes in social change and the power of the arts to transform our society.  The College has always blazed a trail and its change-maker ethos is impressively in keeping with the spirit of our times. I look forward to the next five years ahead.”

Twitter and Instagram: @TheComebackPlay
Facebook: @TheComebackComedy
#TheComeback

www.TheComebackComedy.co.uk

Sonia Friedman Productions
Tulchin Bartner Productions
in association with
Playing Field, Eilene Davidson Productions, Rupert Gavin/Mallory Factor, David Mirvish

present

THE COMEBACK

A new comedy by Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen 
 

The Comeback, a brilliantly original and hilarious new comedy, is set to delight all generations at the Noel Coward Theatre this December. This debut play from The Pin’s award-winning Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen – ‘destined to become one of the great comedy duos’ (Radio Times) – tells the story of two double acts fighting to wrest control of the most chaotic, farcical and high-stakes gig of their respective careers. Directed by Emily Burns, The Comeback will have audiences doubled over laughing and wiping a tear away at the end with its heart-warming exploration of bittersweet nostalgia and the enduring power of friendship. This show is a much needed dose of feel-good, dizzying escapism with real emotional heart, and a celebrity guest each night to boot.

Up-and-coming comics Alex and Ben have been booked in the warm-up spot for a beloved but fading double act’s comeback tour. Neither duo are delighted to be playing to a sparse crowd in a sleepy, seaside town, but when it’s revealed that a Hollywood director is in the audience, both acts glimpse a final chance for their big break. Cue sabotage, mistaken identity and full on farcical mayhem, as the performance descends into a desperate battle for the limelight. With the action alternating between offstage and on, and the tone between Noises Off and Morecambe and Wise’s old-school charm, this is a warm-hearted, joyful, and dazzlingly funny new comedy.

Each night Ashenden and Owen will be joined on stage by a surprise celebrity guest star playing a cameo role in the production.

Previous praise for The Pin:
“Destined to become one of the great comedy duos” – Radio Times
“Exquisitely silly and very funny…makes you feel as though you might be hearing the next Mitchell and Webb” – The Times
“One of the most dazzling comedy shows in Edinburgh” ★★★★ Guardian
“I had a knot in my stomach from laughing so much” ★★★★ Times
“A very classy, very funny show indeed” ★★★★ Telegraph
“Will simply make you laugh your socks off” ★★★★ Evening Standard
“This absurdist deconstruction of the sketch show is masterful” ★★★★ Sunday Times
“A bulletproof nugget of comic theatre” Guardian

The production, which is the first produced by SFP since lockdown, will play at the Noel Coward Theatre. Audiences and company will observe social distancing guidelines and strict COVID-secure protocols. All practices will be following the most up-to-date government guidance and SOLT’s ‘See It Safely’ campaign.

Tickets for the production which is running at the Noel Coward Theatre until January 3rd are available from  www.thecomebackcomedy.co.uk.

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Daniel Bye, Boff Whalley and ARC Stockton present

THESE HILLS ARE OURS

Written and performed by Daniel Bye and Boff Whalley

Direction and Lighting Design by Katharine Williams
Commissioned by Beaford Arts, Eden Project North, Lancaster Arts, Leeds Playhouse and Shoreditch Town Hall
Produced by ARC Stockton / Supported by ArtsDepot and inov-8

• New project from writer/performer Daniel Bye (Arthur, Edinburgh Fringe) and singer/songwriter Boff Whalley (Chumbawamba)

• Project explores their mutual love of running through story and original songs by Whalley

• Premiere at ARC, Stockton

Opening: ARC, Stockton– 20-21 January 2021

Tour: 28 January -19 June 2021

Do you ever want to run away from it all?

ARC Stockton presents the world première of These Hills Are Ours, written by writer-performer Daniel Bye and singer-songwriter Boff Whalley (Chumbawamba) which explores their mutual love of running, celebrates the freedom to roam wild places – and asks what they’re really running from.

Originally set to premiere nearly one year ago before COVID-19 closed theatres, These Hills Are Ours will now open at ARC Stockton from 20-21 January and then tour till late June.

For the last three years Bye and Whalley have been running a series of routes, from the centre of the city in which they found themselves, to the top of the peak overlooking that city – culminating in one epic journey for Dan, more than twice as far as he’s ever run before. But what were they running from?

In story and in song, this is the story of what they found out – about the relationship between city and country, between wild and controlled, about land ownership, about why we’re drawn to wild places – and about how far we’re prepared to go for what we believe in. 

These Hills Are Ours is the most personal piece of work either Dan or Boff has made, the most heartfelt, and the most direct. It’s really funny and genuinely moving.

Daniel Bye said: “Boff and I have worked together on lots of projects, from very small to large enough to warrant an AA road sign. And work conversations always had a habit of drifting into conversation about running. So we thought it was high time to make hay out of that and work together on a show with running as its starting point.

As these things do, it’s evolved into something about much more than that: non-runners will get just as much from this show as runners. Anyone who’s ever enjoyed the countryside, celebrated freedom, done something really hard, or just wanted to run away from it all, will be at home in this show.

For those who want it, though, there is a bonus for runners: in each venue we’ll invite the audience to join us for a run the following morning. The route will be an escape, a route out of the town or city to the nearest high, wild, or green place. Because that’s what we’ve done together as part of working on the show and it’s great to be able to share that with the audience in a more real setting than a post-show Q&A. Although if you don’t run and do want to chat, I expect we’ll be in the bar afterwards.”

These Hills Are Ours is directed by Katharine Williams and produced by Daniel Bye, Boff Whalley and ARC Stockton. It was commissioned by Beaford Arts, Eden Project North, Lancaster Arts, Leeds Playhouse and Shoreditch Town Hall.

These Hills Are Ours will start its national tour at ARC Stockton from 20-21 January 2021 and then tour till late June.

For more information on These Hills Are Ours visit

http://www.danielbye.co.uk/these-hills-are-ours.html

MORPHEUS PRESENTS TWO THRILLING NEW INTERACTIVE SHOWS THIS CHRISTMAS

Following on from the success of Locked Down and All Hallow’s Eve, Morpheus will open two new virtual immersive shows this Christmas. Undercover is an espionage thriller suitable for audiences over 18 and Spymaker is created for teenagers aged 13-17.

Booking for both shows opens today, 10 December, with performances beginning on 12 December for dates throughout the festive period and into the new year.

Both Undercover and Spymaker bring audiences in to an exhilarating, hilarious and unique world of secret agents, mysterious strangers and mindboggling encounters. As social distancing regulations continue to impact all of our lives across the globe, Morpheus’ new shows offer a fantastic way for friends, families and colleagues to connect with one another and share the thrill of immersive theatre in the safety of their own homes.

This is a theatrical experience like no other. Hosted online by live actors, audiences are invited to close their eyes and let Morpheus take control as they are guided on an entertaining and extraordinary sonic adventure. Groups of up to six people – each wearing headphones and a blindfold – are invited to join this sensory escapade via Zoom. Audiences don’t need to have the latest gadgets or be IT experts, they simply need a stable internet connection and desire to see the unseen.

Undercover begins with a mysterious group of elegantly dressed strangers; a night time rendezvous in the heart of the desert; a genius scientist in the clutches of the enemy; and a dangerous mission ahead. Who are these people? Spies? Undercover agents? And what are they doing here? It is up to you, the audience of this interactive, lively adventure, to discover the answers and do your country proud… But keep your wits about you – the desert at night does strange things to the brain, and nothing is quite as it seems!

Spymaker asks audiences aged 13+ if they have got what it takes to become a secret agent. Can you sneak behind enemy lines, uncover the mysterious invention of a crazy scientist, avoid the guards, and escape from a world gone mad!? Are you made of the right stuff? Spymaker takes teens on a thrilling, mind-bending mission, full of secrets and sabotage.

LISTINGS

Undercover
Aged 18+

Spymaker
Ages 13-17

Booking opens 10 December
Performances start 12 December
For times please see website

Tickets available to book from http://morpheus-show.co.uk
From £39 with discounts available for groups of 6

To participate in any of Morpheus’s productions you will need a computer/tablet/smartphone with access to Zoom, a stable internet connection, headphones and a blindfold.

The show may not be suitable for anyone who is pregnant or who suffers from epilepsy, claustrophobia or anxiety.

Northern Ballet wins at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards
 

Northern Ballet is delighted to have won the dance award at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards for its production of Victoria. Presented at a socially-distanced ceremony at the London Coliseum on Wednesday, Northern Ballet was nominated alongside Ballet Black and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures. The awards will be televised on Sky Arts, Freeview channel 11, at 8pm on Sunday 20 December.

Recognising British achievements in the arts since 1996, the South Bank Sky Arts Awards are unique in celebrating the arts in their entirety, including; dance, opera, comedy, TV drama, literature, classical music, pop, film, visual art and theatre.

Northern Ballet’s Victoria premièred in Leeds in March 2019 before embarking on a national tour. The production, choreographed by Cathy Marston, is a co-production with The National Ballet of Canada and has previously been screened on BBC Four and in cinemas nationally. Victoria is currently available to purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray at northernballet.com/victoria.

Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director David Nixon OBE, said: ‘It is an incredible honour to have won the dance award at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards this year. Northern Ballet is about creativity and nurturing talent – resulting in the captivating and original performances we bring to audiences across the UK, like Victoria, through both the stage and the screen. This award is a significant recognition of the quality and innovation of our productions, the high standard achieved by all of our performing artists and the excellence of our creative team.’

Choreographer Cathy Marston said: ‘I’m incredibly excited and honoured that Victoria has received the dance award at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards. Creating the work was such an inspiring challenge and the result of incredible teamwork from all concerned. I want to thank and celebrate this recognition with David Nixon, Mark Skipper, the dancers and all at Northern Ballet as well as my creative team – Philip Feeney (Composer), Steffen Aarfing (Designer), Uzma Hameed (Co-scenario writer with me), Alastair West (Lighting designer) and Jenny Tattersall (my choreographic collaborator).’

To find out more about Northern Ballet’s upcoming work, please visit northernballet.com

NEW EARTH THEATRE AND STORYHOUSE ANNOUNCE UK TOUR OF ACCLAIMED ADAPTATION OF AUGUST STRINDBERG’S MISS JULIE

New Earth Theatre and Storyhouse present

The Storyhouse production of

MISS JULIE

Written by August Strindberg

Adapted by Amy Ng

Directed by Dadiow Lin

UK tour: 5 March – 31 March 2021

New Earth Theatre and Storyhouse today announce the Storyhouse production of August Strindberg’s Miss Julie, following its acclaimed run earlier this year. The production, adapted by Amy Ng and directed by Dadiow Lin, tours the UK, 5 – 31 March 2021, opening at Storyhouse, before visiting Southwark Playhouse and Sheffield Theatres with further venues to be announced.

It’s Chinese New Year in 1940s Hong Kong and celebrations are in full swing.

Julie, the daughter of the island’s British Governor, crashes the servant’s party downstairs. What starts as a game descends into a fight for survival as sex, power, money and race collide on a hot night in the Pearl River Delta.

Alex Clifton, Artistic Director of Storyhouse, said today, “We are delighted to announce this tour, as a positive message of revival after such an exhausting year – most starkly for our freelance communities. New Earth are a brilliant team to partner with, and we’re thrilled to restage this extraordinary show with them, which we first commissioned from Amy two years ago. Its political currency has only grown; its urgency only intensified. This is a vital story, tackling complex social politics – relations between Britain, China and Hong Kong – in a simple, powerful human story.”

Kumiko Mendl, Artistic Director of New Earth Theatre, also commented, “After what has been a massively difficult and challenging year for everyone in our industry it is wonderful news that New Earth Theatre will be presenting in partnership with Storyhouse, a tour of Amy Ng’s gripping and politically charged adaptation of Miss Julie.

Set in 1940’s Hong Kong at a time of seismic change in the colony, Amy’s adaptation resonates powerfully with current contemporary preoccupations of colonialism, race and sexual politics. I am delighted we are able to bring this excellent Storyhouse production, live to audiences across the UK, first seen earlier this year and now imaginatively updated by Amy for our socially distanced age.”

Johan August Strindberg (1849 – 1912) was a Swedish playwright, novelist, poet, essayist and painter. His principal works for the stage include Creditors, The Father, A Dream Play, The Ghost Sonata and The Dance of Death.

Amy Ng is a British-Hong Kong playwright. Her previous theatre credits include Under The Umbrella (Belgrade Theatre/UK tour), Acceptance (Hampstead Theatre) and Shangri-La (Finborough Theatre).

Dadiow Lin directs. Her credits include in a word, Reply (Young Vic), Bad Joke (Omnibus Theatre), Thatcher In China (Soho Theatre), 100 Ways To Start A Fire (Theatre503) and Am I Pretty? (Camden People’s Theatre).

This adaptation of Strindberg’s naturalistic play will be staged in a Covid safe environment following government advice and adhering to social distancing guidelines.

TOUR DATES:

Storyhouse

5 – 13 March 2021 

Box Office: 01244 409 113 /www.storyhouse.com

Southwark Playhouse

TBC

Box Office: 020 7407 0234 /southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

Sheffield Theatres

29 – 31 March 2021

Box Office: 0114 249 6000 /www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

SHEFFIELD THEATRES ANNOUNCE NEW SEASON IN THE LYCEUM FOR 2021-2022

Sheffield Theatres is looking ahead to 2021 with the launch of a brand new season of shows in the Lyceum theatre.

To welcome as many people back as possible, the programme of touring productions is designed to cater for everyone: from Jurassic encounters with Dinosaur World to stand-up comedy from Al Murray, unnerving illusions with Derren Brown to gospel-singing nuns in Sister Act, the Lyceum’s new season will be bringing performance of all genres back on stage.

Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres, Dan Bates, said:

‘It is so exciting to be looking ahead to a new season of shows in the Lyceum, which has been unable to host performances for over eight months. It was heart-breaking to see so many brilliant productions cancelled or postponed, but we are incredibly grateful for the support and patience of our audiences. We’re delighted to finally be able to reschedule shows from the original line-up, and to welcome some new productions to the season too.’

The new season opens with the chilling mystery Looking Good Dead from 19 April 2021. From number one best-selling author Peter James and adapted by award-winning writer Shaun McKenna, Looking Good Dead follows train passenger Tom Bryce – played by EastEnders’ Adam Woodyatt – who, after finding a mysterious USB stick left in his carriage, inadvertently becomes witness to a brutal murder. Danger follows as the case unfurls and Bryce fights to protect his family’s lives in this gripping new play.

Over in the Crucible, we welcome back The World Seniors Snooker Championship for their return from the 6 – 9 May. Defending champion Jimmy White will head up a 16-strong field who will battle for the title, which will feature many former world champions and legends of the game. For snooker fans, it promises to be an exciting opportunity to see some of the legends of the game do battle.

In May, the stage will be taken over by the prehistoric with Dinosaur World: Live from Thu 13 – Fri 14. In its return to the Lyceum, this treacherous tale of Triceratops and T-rexes makes for a spectacular theatre experience, perfect for kids eager for some live-on-stage action.

On 15 May, Al Murray takes to the stage with his stand-up show Landlord of Hope and Glory. As sharp, charming and belittling as ever, the nation’s favourite pub landlord gives a performance straight from the rambunctious atmosphere of your local pub: something we have all been missing this year.

On 25 May, the kids are alright with Mischief Theatre’s latest rollick Groan Ups. A ‘brand-new comedy for anyone who ever went to school’, this production from the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong follows a class of unruly six-year-olds on their journey to anarchic high school teenagers and beyond.

Leading into June is the classic musical Chicago, as it embarks on its international tour. From 22 June, lose yourself in the bright lights of 1920s New York with classic songs and dazzling dance routines. Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer, murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her and discovers the blurred lines between celebrity and criminal.

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic whodunit Dial M for Murder arrives from 13 July. Starring Strictly’s Tom Chambers and EastEnders’ star Samantha Womack, this masterclass of suspense will have audiences hanging on until the very end when ex-tennis pro Tony Wendice seeks revenge on his unfaithful wife and delves deep into the pursuit of the perfect crime.

On the theme of mystery and intrigue, Derren Brown returns to the Lyceum for another infamously inexplicable live show from 20 July. Showman, his first new theatre show in six years, promises to astonish and amaze audiences. Although the content of the show remains a closely-guarded secret, if you’ve seen him before, you know you are in for a mind-boggling performance.

Next, the romantic musical comedy Waitress will be on stage from 28 September. Waitress Jenna dreams of finding happiness, so when an attractive new doctor arrives in town, life suddenly gets complicated for the expert pie-maker. With its score created by seven-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), Waitress is a heart-warming musical that’s sweet enough to eat.

From 12 October is Sister Act: the divine musical comedy about a disco diva who winds up under protective custody in a convent after she witnesses a murder. Featuring original music by Tony® and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted) and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this joyous and hilarious musical is one nostalgia-filled trip you will never forget.

My Best Friend’s Wedding follows from 9 November, starring Alexandra Burke (The Bodyguard, Chicago, Sister Act) as fiery Julianne Potter, a food critic who always turned her nose up at romance, until her closest friend and long-term sweetheart Michael announces he’s engaged – to someone else. Chaos unfurls in this wickedly funny musical based on the well-loved 1997 film.

Moving into 2022, The Commitments runs from 17 October. A young working-class music fan shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians into the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced in this feel-good celebration the world’s biggest soul hits, based on the BAFTA award-winning film.

Finally, audiences can then enjoy to the sunshine of Greece with Mamma Mia! from 25 October 2022, as the all-singing, all-dancing musical featuring the timeless hits of ABBA returns to Sheffield. With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Judy Craymer’s ingenious staging tells the entertaining and emotional tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads.

Shows for the new season begin from 19 April 2021. Tickets go on sale to Centre Stage Members on Monday 14 December and then on general sale Monday 21 December 2020. Tickets can be booked online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.

SHEFFIELD THEATRES ANNOUNCES NEW SHOWS AND CONTINUATION OF THE TOGETHER SEASON

• Sheffield Theatres announces the latest shows for early 2021 in their Together Season in the Crucible Theatre, presented in a socially distanced format

• From the team behind Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Artistic Associate Chris Bush writes The Band Plays On, a modern history of Sheffield through a celebration of its music (Wednesday 3 – Saturday 13 February 2021)

• A festival of local work co-curated by Sheffield residents and artists, the Open Submissions Programme takes place from Monday 22 February – Saturday 6 March

• The rescheduled Operation Crucible by Kieran Knowles returns following its 2016 sell-out run from Tue 9 – Sat 13 March

• The regional premiere of Caryl Churchill’s Escaped Alone is directed by Artistic Associate Caroline Steinbeis (Wednesday 17 – Saturday 27 March 2021)

• New Earth and Storyhouse present Miss Julie (Mon 29 – Wed 31 March 2021)

• Far Gone by John Rwothomack, also rescheduled, returns from Thu 1 & Sat 3 April 2021

Fresh from success at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards 2020 Artistic Director, Robert Hastie, today announces new shows as part of the Sheffield Theatres’ Together Season, an exciting programme of live theatre featuring world and regional premieres alongside rescheduled performances of productions unable to take place as originally planned in autumn 2020.

Speaking about the new season, Artistic Director Robert Hastie said:

“Announcing new shows for 2021 feels like the best way to end 2020.

It’s never been more important to champion our local artists. Our Associate Artistic Director Anthony Lau is leading an open submissions process with a selection panel made up of local residents, artists and staff, to programme a festival of work for the Crucible stage that celebrates the incredible talent we have on our doorstep.

I’m hugely looking forward to opening the year with The Band Plays On, and to be collaborating again with Chris Bush so soon after picking up the Sky Arts South Bank Show Award for Standing at the Sky’s Edge, which Chris co-wrote with Richard Hawley. Part concert, part play, The Band Plays On looks at key moments in Sheffield’s history through the eyes of its citizens and some of the most iconic songs this music city has to offer.

We’re very excited to be welcoming hit shows Operation Crucible and Far Gone back, having been rescheduled from their original dates, and the fabulous touring company New Earth, who will present Chester Storyhouse’s production of Miss Julie, brilliantly adapted by Amy Ng.

And finally the regional premiere of Caryl Churchill’s Escaped Alone is directed by Artistic Associate Caroline Steinbeis. While Caryl’s genius is timeless, the prescience of this blistering play is startling, and it taps right into the thoughts and emotions running through our recent shared experiences of the world.

We’ve been knocked down – reopening the Crucible Theatre and the Together Season in October only to close again after a few performances was a blow – but we get back up again. And we’ll keep programming and making work, staying ambitious, staying hopeful and doing what we’re here for.”

The experience of attending The Together Season has been designed with everyone’s safety in mind, in accordance with government advice for Stage 4 of theatres reopening. The performances will take place in the Crucible Theatre which has been configured to ensure social distancing and the safest and most relaxed experience for everyone. This includes the introduction of measures such as e-tickets, staggered audience arrival times, temperature checks, the ability to purchase tickets in distanced bubbles and new cleaning routines. Sheffield Theatres will remain responsive to government guidance and will adapt its approach accordingly.

The Together Season has been generously supported by the Victoria Wood Foundation.

The Playhouse, Salisbury – until 27 December 2020

Reviewed Alexandra Browning

5*****

Nothing gets you more into the Christmas spirit than a Christmas musical, and at Salisbury Playhouse it’s showtime! (with a very warm welcome). My first note of great appreciation goes to the team working at the playhouse who have ensured a very safe and pleasant experience. The effort that has gone into guaranteeing the theatre is ready for safe viewing is very evident and welcoming.

Little Robin Redbreast is a wonderful Christmas musical, the socially-distanced crew were marvellous at portraying a festive wonder. The musical sees you follow Robin, a small boy, through a magical winter wonderland, with a few local-to-Salisbury references made along the way. Ryan Heenan, as Robin, portrayed the wonder of Christmas through a child’s eyes in the most entertaining way. Heenan’s portrayal of Robin allows for the audience to follow him on a winter adventure. Similar to opening the doors on an advent calendar Robin lets us follow him on the countdown to Christmas.

Throughout the magical musical, we saw the highly skilled cast through a variety of scenes. A few personal highlights were a family of squirrels rapping, mice tapping and a family of Swedish reindeer. There was a spectacular mix of light humoured puns and some fantastic nut-related jokes. Throughout the musical Dan Smith, as Daddy, showed his fantastic array of skills with his piano playing for the musical and his fantastic embodiment of Daddy Squirrel, alongside Smith, Phillipa Hogg, as Molly, joined in the piano playing, however, also displayed a fantastic skill for tap dance in a Mouse and Robin performance with Heenan.

The cast and crew of Little Robin Redbreast did a marvellous job of bringing a traditional Christmas spirit into a very unconventional year. I would say anyone in need of a little festive treat would be delighted with the performance at Salisbury Playhouse