PRODUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY FOR OLEANNA AT THEATRE ROYAL BATH

David Mamet’s provocative drama Oleanna, directed by Lucy Bailey stars Rosie Sheehy and Jonathan Slinger and is running at Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio from 3 December to 22 December and again from 4 January to 16 January 2021. Reduced capacity at the Ustinov Studio will allow for an audience of 60 persons per performance.

When Oleanna opened nearly thirty years ago, it caused uproar amongst audiences from New York to London. Set on an American campus, a seemingly innocuous conversation between a college professor and his female student warps into a nightmare which threatens to destroy them both, when she files a claim of sexual harassment against him. With its take on the corrosive excesses of political correctness and exploration of the use and abuse of language, this is the ultimate drama of pupil power and student revenge.

Addressing issues which are strikingly current, this will be a fascinating opportunity to see this landmark play from the perspective of our #MeToo era.

Rosie Sheehy has theatre credits including King John (RSC), Uncle Vanya (Theatre Clwyd/Sheffield Theatres) for which she won the ‘Best Female Performance in the English Language’ award at the Wales Theatre Awards 2018, The Whale (Theatre Royal Bath), Strife (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Hairy Ape (The Old Vic) and Chicken (Paines Plough). Screen credits include IRE (Ascendant Films), Call The Midwife (BBC1, Neal Street Productions), and Chernobyl (HBO/Sky).

Jonathan Slinger has worked extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company including the roles of Macbeth, Prospero, Hamlet, Richard II and Richard III. He has also worked at the National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe and further theatre credits include Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) and Bernard Woolley in Yes, Prime Minister (Chichester and West End).

Lucy Bailey (Director) has theatre credits including Gaslight (UK Tour), Witness for the Prosecution (County Hall, London), Love From A Stranger (Royal & Derngate / UK tour), The Graduate (Leeds Playhouse), Comus, A Masque In Honour of Chastity (Wanamaker Playhouse), Kenny Morgan (Arcola) and King Lear (Theatre Royal Bath). Bailey has also directed work at the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, Leeds Playhouse, Old Viv, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Crucible, Sheffield, Lyric Hammersmith, Hampstead Theatre and with the RSC and ENO. She was co-founder and co-artistic director of The Print Room, Notting Hill (2009 to 2012). 

David Mamet is one of the most distinctive voices in stage and film writing today. His multi award-winning plays include Glengarry Glen Ross, Speed-the-Plow and American Buffalo.

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LONDON’S MOST VIBRANT PRODUCER OF NEW

THEATRE, COMEDY AND CABARET

ANNOUNCES LIVE COMEDY PILOTS PROGRAMME,

FOUR NEW SOHO THEATRE ON DEMAND SHOWS

PLUS ADDITIONAL MASTERCLASSES

• LIVE COMEDY PILOTS PROGRAMME to start from 11 DECEMBER and will include SHAPPI KHORSANDI, JANINE HAROUNI, DANE BAPTISTE and TOUSSAINT DOUGLASS, CATHERINE BOHART, SINDHU VEE, HUGE DAVIES, JESSICA FOSTEKEW and TIM KEY

• Four new films added to SOHO THEATRE ON DEMAND from 9 DECEMBER: NEW PERSPECTIVES’ THE BOSS OF IT ALL, CAMILLE O’SULLIVAN, THE TIGER LILLIES and OPERAUPCLOSE’S LA BOHÈME

• Fourth series of COMEDY MASTERCLASSES announced for JANUARY 2021
  
• Film of Natasha Marshall’s HALF BREED announced in partnership with BBC ARTS for SPRING 2021

Following the recent announcements of its partnership with Amazon Prime Video UK, the UK/Ireland exclusive streaming of BenDeLaCreme Presents’ The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special, and the BBC Arts ‘Lights Up’ partnership on Natasha Marshall’s Half Breed, Soho Theatre today announces the launch of its live comedy pilots programme, as well as the fourth series of its Comedy Masterclasses, and the addition of four new films to its Soho Theatre On Demand platform. 

David Luff, Soho Theatre’s Creative Director, said:

“Following a year unlike any other, we reach the festive season with new films on Soho Theatre On Demand and Amazon Prime Video, Natasha Marshall’s Half Breed coming soon to BBC Four and iPlayer via our collaboration with BBC Arts Lights Up season, and more online comedy masterclasses. And thrillingly, with thanks in part to the Cultural Recovery Fund grant, a pilot season of live performances at our Dean Street home for the first time since we closed on Monday 16 March. With a brilliant selection of theatre, comedy and cabaret, this winter get comfy at home or wrap up warm and join us in Soho for a show and a drink. It’s been quite a year but, whisper it, live shows are on the way back!”

Highlights are:

• A Live Comedy Pilots Programme has been announced, starting 11 December, featuring shows from Shappi Khorsandi, Janine Harouni, Dane Baptiste (with support from Toussaint Douglass), Catherine Bohart, Sindhu Vee, Huge Davies, Jessica Fostekew, and Tim Key, marking the first time the Soho Downstairs space has been open to the public since March.

• Four new films join the Soho Theatre On Demand platform from 9 December. Two musical shows: the award-winning Irish/French singer Camille O’Sullivan, who transforms each of her songs into an intense, emotional and theatrical experience, and The Tiger Lillies, world famous punk, street-opera trio performing a mixture of pre-war Berlin cabaret, anarchic opera and gypsy music. Also coming to the Soho Theatre On Demand website will be OperaUpClose’s hugely acclaimed, 2011 Olivier Award-winning English version of Puccini’s La bohème, set in 21^st century Soho, and filmed at Soho Theatre. Finally, New Perspectives’ smash hit adaptation of Lars Von Trier’s cult film The Boss Of It All, with its full digital makeover, directed by Jack McNamara, captured live over Zoom in September 2020 will join the Soho Theatre On Demand roster. All films will be available to rent for £4 each for 48 hours.

• A fourth series of Comedy Masterclasses has been announced, with Zoë Coombs Marr, Aditi Mittal, Alex Edelman, and Glamrou and Crystal from drag supergroup Denim.        

*****

Marking the first time the Soho Downstairs space will be open to the public since Soho Theatre closed its doors on Monday 16 March, the Live Comedy Pilots Programme will feature some new and old work from Soho staples, in a covid-secure environment following government advice for Tier-2 venues. Measures will include a one-way system throughout the venue, a socially distanced seating plan with limited capacity, paperless tickets and contactless payments, a phone and online-only box office, as well as the possibility to pre-order drinks when buying your tickets. 

Friday 11 December, 7pm                 Shappi Khorsandi: The Shappi Hour

Shappi Khorsandi is one of the UK’s best stand-up comedians whose TV credits range from Mock the Week to Have I Got News For You, and 8/10 Cats to some obscure history show she’s not sure if anyone watched. Her radio credits are as long as your arm but where she truly shines is live on stage. Thank goodness she’s back, she’s not much good at anything else.

Saturday 12 December, 9.30pm        Blue Book Artist Management presents

Huge Davies: The Carpark

From Comedy Central at the Comedy Store, Huge Davies brings his award nominated debut show to London. Expect dark humour, surreal songs, his one-of a-kind wearable keyboard and of course: a carpark. TV appearances include Harry Hill’s Clubnite (Channel 4), Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club and Out There (ITV), The Now Show (Radio 4), Comedy Central at the Comedy Store, The Comedy Central Chart Show and being the first ever musical battle on Roast Battle UK (Comedy Central). His acting credits include Lazy Susan’s Comedy Short and The First Team (BBC Two).

Wednesday 16 December, 7pm         UTC Artist Management presents

Dane Baptiste’s Christmas List (of Issues)

Join Dane Baptiste, one of the most celebrated stars in British comedy, as he reflects on a year like no other. Star of the brand new BBC Comedy Show BAMOUS launching in 2021 and hit podcast Dane Baptiste Questions Everything. As seen on Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Sunny D, Live at the Palladium… pretty much all over your TV screen.

With support from the fast-rising Toussaint Douglass. Toussaint Douglass is one of comedy’s most exciting and talked about new names and is already making serious waves across the industry. His innovative brand of stand up mixes the personal with the political, whilst adding a uniquely absurdist slant to brilliant comic effect.

Thursday 17 December, 7pm             Chambers Management presents

Sindhu Vee: WIP

Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer-nominee Sindhu Vee returns to Soho with an hour of brand-new material. As seen and heard on Live At The Apollo, QI, Have I Got News For You, Sex Education, Things My Mother Never Told Me (…About Lockdown) and The Guilty Feminist Podcast.

Friday 18 December, 7pm                 Ebdon Management presents

Jessica Fostekew: Hench Version 2.0 – The Re-remembering

Hench Version 2.0 – The re-remembering. With all the Christmas trimmings (code for new bits tucked in, here and there). Absolute powershed and regular host of The Guilty Feminist, Jessica Fostekew explores her big strong strength. Have you ever watched a feminist try and take ‘hench’ as a compliment? It’s like watching a snake eat but funny. Hench was nominated for the Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show, Best Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival and it won best show in the 2020 Chortle Awards, Jess also taking best break-through act. Jess has been seen on BBC’s Live at the Apollo, QI and Richard Osman’s House of Games, in BBC sitcoms Motherland and Cuckoo and BAFTA Award-winning drama Three Girls. She’s also in Michael Winterbottom’s feature film, Greed.

Friday 18 December, 9.30pm             PBJ Management presents

Tim Key: Chrimbo Bimbo

Tim Key will be tethering his long-suffering reindeer outside Soho Theatre and nipping in to empty his festive sack all over the floor/audience/place. There’ll be poems of course, stinkin’ sprouts, probably mulled wine, cloves, and other yule garbage. Poems have all been dug back out of Key’s trusty Christmas chest and Key’s tinsel is in tatters. Classic Christmas Fayre. Also, big questions over budget so reindeer may end up being a normal deer or cow.

Saturday 19 December, 7pm             Soho Theatre presents

Stand Up with Janine Harouni (Please Remain Seated)

At Janine’s father is a lifelong New Yorker and son of Middle-Eastern immigrants. He’s also an avid Donald Trump supporter. Attempting to reconcile those things makes for one tense Sunday dinner. Catch multi award-winning newcomer Janine Harouni in her debut show about standing up for what you believe in, even if you have to do it really nicely. Winner: Laughing Horse New Act of the Year 2018 and 1/3 of award-winning sketch trio Muriel. Seen/heard on Comedy Central, Comic Relief, BBC Three, and BBC Radio Four.

Saturday 19 December, 9.30pm        Chambers Management presents

Catherine Bohart: Live

At the beginning of 2020, Catherine Bohart was busy writing a stand-up show about moving into a new home with her long-term partner and about how life in general was going pretty well. This is not that show. Join the star of BBC2’s The Mash Report for an hour of (mostly) new stand-up comedy. As seen and heard on Roast Battle, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Jon Richardson: Ultimate Worrier and The Guilty Feminist Podcast.

*****

Soho Theatre’s digital service, Soho Theatre On Demand, is currently broadening the range of work available so that audiences can continue to see great theatre, comedy and cabaret, and provide a platform for independent artists, theatre companies and practitioners at this time when venues can’t fully reopen. The next batch of releases includes four new films: The Tiger Lillies: Live in Prague (2009), Camille O’Sullivan: Dark Angel, Live at the Olympia (2007), New Perspectives’ The Boss of It All (2020), and OperaUpClose’s La bohème (2015).

A New Perspectives and Soho Theatre co-production

in association with Derby QUAD

THE BOSS OF IT ALL (2020)

By Lars Von Trier

In an adaptation written by Jack McNamara

Presented by arrangement with Nordiska ApS, Copenhagen

Director Jack McNamara

Design Consultant Lily Arnold

Digital Consultancy TECH:SQUAD

Digital Producer Darius Powell

Technical Delivery Officer Adam Crowther

Stage Manager Oran O’Neill

With Angela Bain, Jamie de Courcey, Josie Lawrence, Rachel Summers, Ross Armstrong, David Alade, Yuriko Kotani, Tone Haldrup Lorenzen

The film will be available to rent on Soho Theatre On Demand from 9 December 2020 to 9 June 2021.

Probably The Best Danish Office Comedy in the World. For years the boss has tricked his staff into believing he is simply another co-worker. So when he needs a ‘real’ boss to help close the deal of a lifetime, he hires an actor to play the role. What could possibly go wrong? New Perspectives’ smash hit 2014 adaptation of Lars Von Trier’s cult film was given a full digital makeover, performed live and captured over Zoom in September 2020 when it won an On Comm Award. This outrageous and dry black comedy is led by Josie Lawrence and Ross Armstrong, joined by a host of acclaimed actors and comedians from around the world.

Praise for The Boss of It All (2014)

‘Wonderfully funny’ ★★★★ Exeunt Magazine

‘Sharp and smart’ ★★★★ The Stage

‘Impressively slick’ ★★★★ Time Out

Tim Whitehead Presents

THE TIGER LILLIES: LIVE IN PRAGUE (2009)

All songs written by Martyn Jacques

Directed by David Caleck

With The Tiger Lillies: Martyn Jacques (Vocals, Accordion, Piano), Adrian Stout (Contra Bass, Musical Saw, Theremin, Vocals), and Adrian Huge (Drums, Percussion, Toys)

Camera Operators: Matej Cibulka, Dalibor Fenci

Camera Equipment: Bratri s.r.o.

Film Postproduction: Bratri s.r.o.

Sound Engineers: Vaclav Flegl, Igor Pokorny

Sound Postproduction: Sounderground – Vaclav Flegl

Editor: Jan Danhel

Director of Photography: David Calek s.c.k.

Executive Producer: Kajka Gottwaldova

Producers: Sophie Seashell: The Tiger Lillies

Special thanks to Ondrej Hrab and all at the Archa Theatre, Prague, Tim Whitehead

Copyright and Publishing Misery Guts Music Ltd. 2011

The film will be available to rent 9^th December – 9^th March

Recorded live at the Archa Theatre, Prague, in 2009, the world-famous punk, street-opera trio The Tiger Lillies perform a legendary concert featuring many of their most famous songs.

The world of The Tiger Lillies is dark, peculiar and varied, with moments of deep sadness, cruel black humour and immense beauty. The unique, Grammy nominated, Brechtian street opera trio tour the world playing concerts and theatre shows such as Poe’s Haunted Palace, The Ancient Mariner, Hamlet and the Olivier award winning West End hit Shockheaded Peter. Their songs cover all the dark aspects of life, from prostitution and drug addiction to violence and despair.             

Always with a touch of twisted humor and sharp irony The Tiger Lillies point an implicit accusing finger back at us: what on Earth are we doing, laughing at this stuff? Their music is a mixture of pre-war Berlin cabaret, anarchic opera and gypsy music, echoing the voices of Bertolt Brecht and Jacques Brel. The Tiger Lillies shock, amuse and entertain in a postmodern vaudeville way, with their inimitable in-yer-face shows, where no limit should be taken for granted.

Praise for The Tiger Lillies

‘Martyn Jacques is a charismatic focus. Trudging between his piano and accordion like a man weighed down by supernatural dread – yet his voice is a molten cascade. The execution is impeccable throughout. Phenomenal.’ ★★★★★ The Guardian

‘They create a truly extraordinary atmosphere – a dark gypsy cabaret shimmering with menace. The music is also gorgeously beautiful, tender and delicate. It is hard to do justice to the dark, poetic brilliance of The Tiger Lillies, so the best thing I can advise is that you seek out a ticket for this glorious show’.  The Scotsman

‘Serious, humorous and blasphemous, leading one, unsuspecting, to an emotional climax that just reaches in and tears out your heart – a remarkable performance.’ ★★★★★ The Independent.

Tim Whitehead Presents

CAMILLE O’SULLIVAN: DARK ANGEL, LIVE AT THE OLYMPIA (2007)

With Camille O’Sullivan (Direction and Music), Feargal Murray (Music Director, Piano, Vox), Malachy Robinson (Double, Electric Bass), Paul Byrne (Drums), Karl Breen (Electric Guitar), Brendan Doyle (Sax, Clarinet, Flute), Mark Adams (Trumpet), and Eanna Hickey (Percussion, Trombone, Dustbin Lids, Kazoo, etc.)

Recorded live at the Olympia Theatre, Dubin in December 2007

Cameras: Graham Cantwell, Fergal O Hanton, Patrick Clarke

Lights: James O’Neill

Sound: Norman Verso

Monitors: John Chisholm, Tommy Furlong

Audio Recording: Andy Knightly

Music Mix: Feargal Murray, Camille O’Sullivan and Dave McCune

Music Master & Film Master: Aidan Foley at Masterlabs

Produced by Camille O’Sullivan

Edited by James Kelly and Saidhbh Ní Dhúlaing at Feenish Productions

The film will be available to rent 9^th December – 9^th March

Camille O’Sullivan performs a legendary concert at one of her favourite venues, The Olympia in her hometown of Dublin. Dark, sexy, fierce, amusing and mesmerizing Camille transforms each song into an intense, emotional and theatrical experience, inextricably drawing her audience into a world illuminated by the dark and the light. Expect joy and pure passion.

Camille enjoys a formidable international reputation for her stunning vocal performances. The award-winning singer has stunned audiences around the world with her sell-out concerts including the Sydney Opera House, London’s Royal Festival Hall and The Roundhouse. The Telegraph recently voted her one of the top 25 performances of all time on the BBC’s Later with Jools Holland.

Praise for Camille O’Sullivan

‘An artist at the top of her game pushing herself to be better and trusting us to keep up. It’s thrilling to watch’ ★★★★★ The Scotsman

‘She treats every song as an intense emotional journey…hypnotic… such an outpouring of passion you can’t resist being drawn into her web’ ★★★★★ The Independent

‘When she sings it’s as though her breath is soaked in paraffin – one spark, and the whole room would ignite’   ★★★★★ The Daily Telegraph

OperaUpClose presents their Olivier Award-winning production of Puccini’s

LA BOHEME (2015)

in an English version by Robin Norton-Hale

Librettist & Director Robin Norton-Hale

Original Musical Director Andrew Charity

Tour Musical Director Elspeth Wilkes

Costume & Set Designers Kate Guinness & Lucy Read

Original Lighting Designer Christopher Nairne

Tour Lighting Designer Richard Williamson

With Elspeth Wilkes, Louisa Tee, Anthony Flaum, Tom Stoddart, Sarah Minns, Julian Charles Debreuil, Ali Sutherland, Martin Nelson, Miles Horner, James Schouten, Rebecca Burraway

Film produced by Finite Films

The film will be available to rent 9^th December – 9^th March.

OperaUpClose presents their hugely acclaimed, 2011 Olivier Award Winning (Best New Opera Production) English version of Puccini’s La bohème, set in 21st Century Soho, and filmed in 2015 at Soho Theatre.

One of the most accessible and moving operas ever written, at the heart of Puccini’s La bohème is the romance between aspiring novelist Rodolfo and immigrant cleaner Mimi, as his friends flirt, fight and struggle to make ends meet around him.

La bohème was OperaUpClose’s first production and opened in 2009. It ran sold out for six months in London and has gone on to win an Olivier Award, three West End transfers, UK tours and a week at the highly respected Ravenna Festival in Italy. WhatsOnStage.com describe the production as a “defining moment” in UK opera.

The comic elements of this hugely popular production heighten its tragic ending, with audiences saying this 21st century La bohème affected them like no other, thanks to its stark relevance to modern day issues. Robin Norton-Hale has created a truly thought-provoking libretto and directs the piece with vigour and pace. La bohème is brought to audiences by a hugely talented creative team along with a young, vibrant and outstanding cast of performers.

Praise for La bohème

‘Madly brilliant’ ★★★★ The Times

‘A masterstroke’ ★★★★ The Guardian

‘A huge artistic success’ New York Times

*****

Soho Theatre is excited to announce the fourth series of its online Comedy Masterclasses. The sessions are held weekly on Zoom, over one day, featuring some of the top performers working in the industry today. Each performer will be looking back at their previous shows to take the audience step by step through their creative process. From developing the idea, to performing on the opening night and beyond, they will be revealing their secrets.

Following three series of successful and sold-out online Comedy Masterclasses, a fourth series will begin on 11^th January with Zoë Coombs Marr, as well as Aditi Mittal, Alex Edelman, and drag queens Glamrou and Crystal, with further dates to be confirmed.

Places on the masterclasses cost £50 and are strictly limited to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to ask questions and learn as much as possible in a more intimate online setting.

The Masterclasses will be available to purchase from https://sohotheatre.com/shows/comedy-masterclasses-jan-feb-21/

*****

Soho Theatre, Tigerlily Productions and Talawa Theatre Company production for BBC Arts Lights Up

HALF BREED (2020)

by Natasha Marshall

Half Breed is Natasha Marshall’s semi-autobiographical dark comedy about finding your voice. Created and performed by Natasha Marshall, Half Breed began its life as a poem at spoken word nights and was developed into a short play through Soho Theatre’s Writers’ Lab and Talawa Firsts.

Shortlisted for Soho Theatre’s Tony Craze Award (2016) and the Alfred Fagon Award (2016), Half Breed had its full-length premiere in Scotland as part of Soho Theatre’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2017 programme, co-produced with Talawa Theatre Company. Directed by Olivier Award-winning Miranda Cromwell, the critically acclaimed and UK Theatre Award nominated production went on to its London premiere at Soho Theatre and a UK tour (including Tash’s hometown in the West Country) before performances in Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi and Bangalore.

Half Breed is part ofBBC Arts Lights Up which begins in February 2021, following what has been one of the most difficult winters for the performing arts in history. The season will ‘light up’ stages and studios across the UK by supporting hard-hit organisations and artists, and ensuring that audiences at home continue to have the opportunity to enjoy theatre across BBC platforms. BBC Arts turns the spotlight on theatre as it continues its Culture in Quarantine initiative – bringing arts and culture into the nation’s homes – by partnering with theatres across the country, including Soho Theatre, to produce an unprecedented season of plays for audiences at home.

Half Breed is a Soho Theatre, Tigerlily Productions and Talawa Theatre Company production. It was commissioned for BBC Arts by Jonty Claypole. Director is Miranda Cromwell. Executive Producers are David Luff and Natasha Dack Ojumu.

NEW LIVE STREAMED EVENTS ANNOUNCED FOR JANUARY 2021 AT THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE

• Swingin’ the Dream. A concert of a work in progress from the Royal Shakespeare Company with the Young Vic and New York’s Theatre for a New Audience including original music and songs from the 1939 production by Gilbert Seldes and Erik Charell. Presented by Kwame Kwei-Armah.
• Young Bloods – A dynamic celebration of Shakespeare’s younger characters curated by members of the RSC’s Next Generation Act Company and Youth Advisory Board
• Michael Morpurgo’s Tales for Shakespeare – weekly retellings of Shakespeare’s timeless stories, streamed free to schools in January

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has today announced further details of its Tales for Winter 2020/21 programme which includes Swingin’ the Dream; a concert of a work in progress from the Royal Shakespeare Company, with the Young Vic and Theatre for a New Audience including original music and songs from the 1939 production by Gilbert Seldes and Erik Charell.

First performed at The Center Theatre, Broadway in 1939, Gilbert Seldes and Erik Charell’s jazz-infused version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious and intriguing Broadway musical adaptations of Shakespeare ever.

The original musical featured lyrics by Eddie de Lange and music by Jimmy Van Heusen with choreography by Agnes Demille. Relocating Shakespeare’s comedy from 16^th Century Athens to 1890s New Orleans, Erik Charell’s pioneering production combined original music with popular jazz standards from the great American songbook including Ain’t Misbehavin’, Blue Moon, St Louis Blues and Darn That Dream.

The 1939 musical also featured some of the most popular African American performers of the day including Louis Armstrong, Moms Mabley, Maxine Sullivan, the Dandridge Sisters and Butterfly McQueen alongside musical contributions from Count Basie, Fats Waller and Benny Goodman.

Now, eight decades on from the show’s Broadway premiere, the Royal Shakespeare Company has teamed up with London’s Young Vic and Theatre for a New Audience (New York) to swing into the New Year in style with a one-off concert telling the story of the musical.

Presented by Kwame Kwei-Armah, the show will feature a selection of original songs from the production performed by RSC musicians Peter Edwards (MD/Arranger/Piano), Neil Charles (Bass), Chris Storr (Trumpet) and Zara McFarlane (Vocals). The cast includes Alfred Clay, Andrew French, Kemi-Bo Jacobs, Cornell S John, Georgia Landers, Mogali Masuku, Baker Mukasa and Anne Odeke.

The concert performance will be streamed live from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on Saturday 9 January 2021 at 7pm.

Further details of the new musical co-production, inspired by Swingin’ the Dream, will be announced in due course.

Gregory Doran, RSC Artistic Director said: “The story of Swingin’ the Dream brings together so many different elements: Shakespeare, Jazz and some extraordinary talent. But it also touches on the deeply challenging issues of representation, of exploitation, of segregation and cultural ownership. The way these issues have gained in prominence, and the urgent need to tell stories which illuminate and articulate the historical and contemporary Black experience, makes the resonances of this story even more powerful.”

Kwame Kwei-Armah, Artistic Director of the Young Vic said; “The fact that this production of Swingin’ the Dream existed, and that the manuscript has since disappeared and has never been found, simply intrigues me. I am really excited by the idea that Louis Armstrong was once in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the fact that there was a Producer who wanted to make a statement on Broadway at that time about people coming together to simply create great art. So, the moment Greg pulled my coat to this project, I wanted in. And I wanted in because I think we can build something beautiful in the spirit of that original ‘dream’.”

Jeffrey Horowitz, Founding Artistic Director of Theatre for a New Audience said: “In 2017, Greg asked me if I knew about the 1939 Broadway musical, Swingin’ the Dream and the Duke Ellington quote, “Somehow, I suspect that if Shakespeare were alive today, he might be a jazz fan himself.”  Over the past three years, my excitement about working with the RSC and Young Vic on Swingin’ the Dream has only grown. But my understanding of what I think the story is and why an African-American playwright might want to collaborate with us – has evolved considerably.  

Everyone in the Swingin’ the Dream company is searching for their dream by making a new kind of art. The original songs and music are terrific and the dancing has great energy. But, against that buoyancy is the reality of what happened to the artists’ dreams? Without an African-American co-author such as, for example, Langston Hughes or Zora Neal Hurston who understood jazz and African American culture collaborating with Gilbert Seldes and Erik Charell, what was lost in this fusion of “Midsummer” with Swing? Who exploits whom? Who influences American cultural life? What might Black artists in the production feel they had to do to survive? And how might the rhythms of swing and jazz influence the speaking of Shakespeare’s text? These are all important questions which we want to address in creating this new musical around the idea of Swingin’ the Dream.” 

Young Bloods

Bringing the Tales for Winter season to a close on Saturday 16 January 2021, Young Bloods will put power into the hands of young people as members of the Next Generation Act Company and Youth Advisory Board take up the role of RSC Artistic Directors.

Directed by Tinuke Craig, Young Bloods will see the RSC Acting Company perform extracts from Shakespeare’s plays selected by young people which showcase the voices, priorities and experiences which resonate for them today.

Drawing inspiration from the words of William Shakespeare whilst responding directly to the world in which we live, this unique coming-together of talent from across the Royal Shakespeare Company will shine a spotlight on the issues that matter most to young people. At the same time, it will celebrate the timeless and enduring power of Shakespeare’s words which continue to make their presence felt across the generations.

Young Bloods will be streamed live from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on Saturday 16 January 2021 at 7pm.

Made up of 25 young people aged between 13 and 18, Next Generation Act is one strand of RSC Next Generation, a unique talent development programme that provides gifted young people from backgrounds currently under-represented in the theatre industry the opportunity to gain experience in acting, directing or backstage roles and explore whether a career in the theatre is for them.

The RSC Youth Advisory Board is made up of 31 young people, aged 9 -21 from across England. The Youth Advisory Board report directly to the RSC’s Board which is responsible for the governance of the RSC as a registered charity.

The Company works with hundreds of thousands of young people every year through its education work, and the Youth Advisory Board ensures that their voices opinions and ideas contribute to the RSC’s vision and planning.

Michael Morpurgo’s Tales from Shakespeare

As young people and teachers continue to adapt to new ways of teaching and learning as a result of Covid-19, the RSC will join forces with celebrated author Michael Morpurgo, to present a new series of weekly online Tales from Shakespeare running for five weeks from 8 January 2021.

The series will launch on Wednesday 6 January 2021, the day of Twelfth Night itself, with a celebratory reading by Michael Morpurgo, who will share his contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s funny and touching tale of the same name alongside performed scenes from the play.

With additional titles including Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, The Winter’s Tale, The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, these performances are suitable for young people from Key Stages 1-4 and feature Michael Morpurgo himself as well as performances by the RSC’s current Acting Company.

Tales from Shakespeare will be streamed as live free into UK schools at 11am each Friday for a five-week period starting from Friday 8 January 2021. The recordings will then be available on demand for a three-month period for all schools who register.

Each event will then be available from 11am the following Monday for families to watch online on demand for seven days at a cost of £5 per family.

For more information, visit https://www.rsc.org.uk/education/schools-broadcasts/

45NORTH ANNOUNCES SEED COMMISSION SCHEME FOR 2021

45North today announces the Seed Commission Scheme for 2021, a program supporting theatre-makers from underrepresented groups. There will be two initiatives running in 2021, the firstsupports trans and gender non-conforming artists, across a variety of disciplines, who are looking to develop an idea for live performance.

Three artists will be selected, each receiving a fee of £1000, access to rehearsal or office space for a week and £750 towards collaborator fees. In addition, they will receive 15 hours of mentorship and one-to-one support from Tabby Lamb, the curator and facilitator of the first initiative, as they develop a partial, or what the scheme refers to as a ‘0.5’, draft of their work across 6-week period in March and April 2021.

Further information on the Seed Commission Scheme’s second initiative will be announced in 2021.

Jessica Rose McVay, Creative Director and CEO of 45North, said today, “In redefining our seed commissions we wanted to create space facilitated by some of the artists we admire most who will provide support and guidance for our commissioned artists. I am thrilled that Tabby will be our first curator and facilitator, they are not only an artist of the highest calibre, but also a champion of other artists.”

Tabby Lamb added, “Having worked with 45North myself over the past few months, I have seen firsthand how committed they are to representation and intersectionality. I am so proud to be joining them in supporting the future of Queer Theatre through this first Seed Commission Scheme of 2021. I know for a fact that Trans People are some of the most talented and innovative people in the world, but due to so many systematic barriers we often don’t even apply for funding, let alone know how to play the game well enough to secure it – I’m hoping that these commissions will empower artists and give them the tools to take their creation out into the world.”

Applications are open to theatre-makers, writers, devisors, directors and designers who identify as gender-diverse.

Applications open Monday 4 January at 10am until Friday 29 January at 6pm. Interviews will take place early February, with feedback by 19 February. Those applying must be available for the development period March and April 2021.

For further information and details on how to apply please visit:

Career Support

Tabby Lamb is a non-binary writer and performer based in East London and a graduate of the Theatre Directing course at Dartington College of Arts.Similarly inspired by Carly Rae Jepson and Tennessee Williams, she strives to tell stories that explore the intersections between popular culture and politics.Their credits include SINCE U BEEN GONE (Gate theatre/Edinburgh Festival Fringe). Tabby is an associate writer with Middle Child, she’s on attachment at the Oxford Playhouse via their Playhouse Playmaker scheme 2021 and she’s developing new work on the Wild Child’s Oli Lansley mentor scheme, mentored by Sarah Solemani. She has previously been part of the Soho Theatre Writers Lab and the LGBTQ Arts Review #RaisingOurVoices scheme for queer and trans writers. Tabby is also a facilitator, running creative arts projects for young people from the LGBTQ+ community.

THEATR CLWYD ANNOUNCES

CHRISTMAS PRODUCTIONS FOR 2020

Tamara Harvey, Artistic Director of Theatr Clwyd today announces the company’s reimagined Christmas season. Commencing on 5 December, the season includes the immersive family experience Once Upon A Christmas; Christian Patterson’s The Panto That Nearly Never Was! directed by Harvey; and the bilingual family show Gwrach yr Iâ / The Ice Witch, in co-production with Pontio Arts,written and directed by Emyr John. If theatres in Wales continue to be unable to open under Covid restrictions, The Panto That Nearly Never Was and The Ice Witch will be streamed into audiences’ homes, whilst Once Upon A Christmas – three brand new pre-recorded Christmas stories told in three immersive worlds – is able to take place under such restrictions.

Tamara Harvey today said, “Despite the obvious challenges 2020 has brought, it felt vital to us as a company to deliver on the commitment we make to audiences at Christmas, and find a way to share this time with them. Every year we bring three different events to our building to cater for audiences of all ages, and we will do so again this year with the immersive production Once Upon a Christmas, our annual bilingual family production Gwrach yr Iâ / The Ice Witch and of course our beloved pantomime The Panto That Nearly Never Was. Although we can’t share the festive magic in the way we usually would, we have found a way forward to bring music, joy and laughter to our audiences – whether they are joining us in person or from afar.”

For Once Upon A Christmas,TheatrClwydhas commissioned three playwrights, Robert Evans, Diana Nneka Atuona and Rebecca Wilson to write new festive stories, which have then been recorded by the panto company. Design team Jacob Hughes, Lucy Carter and Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, with directors Francesca Goodridge and Eleri Jones (Theatr Clwyd Carne Trainee Directors) have created three magical worlds in Theatr Clwyd’s gallery and cinema, inspired by the stories. As the audience, one household at a time, step into each space, the stories ring out with sound, music and lighting transporting them to each new world.

Inspired by the Theatr Clwyd team’s sadness at having to cancel Beauty and the Beast and penned by award-winning panto playwright Christian Patterson, The Panto That Nearly Never Was follows Bella Trix the Witch as she realises that she doesn’t have a job and so enlists the help of Dame, sidekick, fairy and wizard to try and save panto.

The Ice Witch / Gwrach yr Iâis the third in the trilogy of family Christmas plays created by Theatr Clwyd’s Creative Engagement Associate, Emyr John, in co-production with Pontio Arts. Combining music, storytelling and dance, it will play in both venues and, for the first time this year, be offered to Theatr Clwyd’s audience in English as well as Welsh.

This Christmas season continues Theatr Clwyd’s ongoing support and entertainment for their local community throughout theatre closures this year – encouraging creativity in young and old and those most isolated through the online Together programme, hosting blood donation sessions for the Welsh Blood Service, distributing food and creative packages to vulnerable families, leading digital dance workshops for those with Parkinson’s, running a Creative Hub for at-risk young people, and more. The company also established the Micro-Bursaries for Freelancers initiative, financially and creatively supporting creative industry freelancers across Wales and the UK.

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS

By Robert Evans, Diana Nneka Atuona and Rebecca Wilson

5 Dec 2020 – 3 Jan 2021

Over snow-covered mountains, past frozen lakes, round a warming fire, stories are made…

Step through a magical doorway into three magical worlds filled with festive stories of joy and hope.

For ages 4 to 10 years this family immersive experience is a fun, calm, physically distanced installation.

THE PANTO THAT NEARLY NEVER WAS!

By Christian Patterson

Directed by Tamara Harvey

17 December 2020 – 3 January 2021

The Wicked Witch has won!
What’ll we do for festive fun?
Pantoland is silent – it’s all locked down…
But the good get on up when they’re knocked down…

An hour-long, rock ’n’ roll, panto-esque show before panto returns with Beauty and the Beast in 2021.

Christian Patterson is an Associate at Theatr Clwyd. He has scripted the company’s previous two pantomimes, Dick Whittington and Jack and the Beanstalk,having written award-winning pantomimes at other venues across the UK, and also directed Wave Me Goodbye. As an actor his credits for the company include The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Insignificance, All My Sons and Under Milk Wood. Other credits include The Way of the World (Donmar Warehouse), My Country (National Theatre), Blackbird (The Other Room) and Plays in a Bag – The Knowledge (Royal Court Theatre). His television credits include My Country, Ellen and Mr Selfridge; and for film, Pride and Malice in Wonderland. He won the Best Actor honour at the Wales Theatre Awards in 2016.

Tamara Harvey has been Artistic Director of Theatr Clwyd since August 2015. Most recently she directed Orpheus Descending, and the world premières of Pavilion,and Home I’m Darling by Laura Wade – which was nominated for UK Theatre and Evening Standard Awards, as well as five Olivier Awards, winning the Olivier for Best New Comedy. Also for the company she has directed Much Ado About Nothing, the première of Elinor Cook’s award-winning play, Pilgrims, Skylight by David Hare and the première of Peter Gill’s version of Uncle Vanya (Best Production, Best Supporting Actress and Best Director in the English Language at the Wales Theatre Awards). She has directed in the West End, throughout the UK and abroad, working on classic plays, new writing, musical theatre and in film. Her previous credits include the world premières of From Here to Eternity (Shaftesbury Theatre), Breeders (St James Theatre), The Kitchen Sink, The Contingency Plan, Sixty-Six Books and tHe dYsFUnCKshOnalZ! (Bush Theatre), In the Vale of Health (a cycle of four plays by Simon Gray), Elephants and Hello/Goodbye (Hampstead Theatre), Plague Over England (Finborough Theatre & West End). Other theatre includes Kreutzer vs Kreutzer (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse/Royal Festival Hall), Bash (Trafalgar Studios), Whipping It Up (New Ambassadors), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Gielgud & Garrick Theatres), Educating Rita (Menier Chocolate Factory & Theatre Royal Bath), the UK première of Something Cloudy, Something Clear (Finborough Theatre) and Pride and Prejudice (Sheffield Theatres). 

THE ICE WITCH | GWRACH YR IÂ

Written and directed by Emyr John

22 – 29 December 2020

Vasilisa is kidnapped by the Ice Witch. To escape she’ll need all her courage, a talking mirror, and a teddy bear.

A family story with shows in Welsh and English.

Guidance: aged 5+

Emyr John is from North Wales and trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He worked regularly for 15 years for a number of theatre companies including, Theatr West Glamorgan, Theatr Iolo, Hijinx Theatre, Gwent Theatre and Cwmni Theatr Gwynedd. He has worked at Theatr Clwyd for the past 12 years, and is currently a Creative Engagement Associate, where his responsibilities include workshop leading and directing numerous theatre in education projects, Justice in a Day, Bright Sparks, Connor’s Time, High Voltage, as well as writing and directing previous Christmas productions, Llew a’r Crydd, and Y Trol Wnaeth Ddwyn y ‘Dolig

Theatr Clwyd Listings

Raikes Lane, Mold CH7 1YA

Box Office: 01352 701521 www.theatrclwyd.com/en/

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS

5 Dec 2020 – 3 Jan 2021

THE PANTO THAT NEARLY NEVER WAS!

17 December 2020 – 3 January 2021

THE ICE WITCH | GWRACH YR IÂ

22 – 29 December 2020

ABOUT THEATR CLWYD

The award-winning Theatr Clwyd is Wales’ biggest producing theatre. Since 1976 Theatr Clwyd has created exceptional theatre from its home in Flintshire, North Wales. Driven by the vision and dynamism of award-winning Artistic Director Tamara Harvey and Executive Director Liam Evans-Ford, Theatr Clwyd pushes theatrical boundaries creating world-class productions.

Theatr Clwyd’s recent partnership with the National Theatre led to the creation of Home, I’m Darling which won Best New Comedy at the Olivier Awards and was nominated in five categories including Best Set Design and Best Costume Design. Other projects of note include the UK Theatre Award-winning musical The Assassination of Katie Hopkins, the site specific, immersive Great Gatsby and the Menier Chocolate Factory co-production of Orpheus Descending.

Theatr Clwyd is one of only four theatres in the UK to build sets and props, make costumes and paint scenery in-house. Their impressive team of workshop, wardrobe and scenic artists, props makers and technicians ensure the skills vital to a vibrant theatre industry are nurtured right in the heart of Wales, developing the theatre makers of the future. In addition to this, Theatr Clwyd hosts an artist development programme, trainee technicians’ scheme and an eighteen month traineeship for directors, to develop the Artistic Directors of the future.

Theatr Clwyd works in the community across all art forms and is recognised as a cultural leader for its cross generational theatre groups, work in youth justice and diverse programme of arts, health and wellbeing. Award-winning Community Engagement projects include Arts from the Armchair, in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which uses theatrical making skills to help people with early onset memory loss and their carers, and Justice In A Day, working in schools and the law courts to help at risk children to realise the consequences of crime.

Theatr Clwyd has completed the public consultation period for a major Capital Redevelopment Project which will reimagine the theatre’s public spaces and create a greener, more efficient and sustainable building where world-class art can thrive and social action is rooted for generations to come.

During the Covid-19 pandemic the theatre has been active in helping its community, from hosting blood donation sessions and distributing food to vulnerable families to creating digital dance workshops for those with Parkinson’s and sharing creative packages and activities with those most isolated.

www.theatrclwyd.comTwitter: @ClwydTweets
Facebook.com/TheatrClwyd  

GEORGE ORWELL’S ICONIC NOVEL, ANIMAL FARM,

TO BECOME A NEW STAGE MUSICAL

Written by Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham

Music by 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken,

with lyrics by Grammy and Emmy Award Winner Glenn Slater

Workshop planned for 2021, ahead of World Premiere in the West End

Adam Spiegel is thrilled to announce today that he is developing a new musical based on George Orwell’s masterpiece Animal Farm.

Multi award-winning playwright James Graham (This House, Quiz) is collaborating with Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and The Beast, Sister Act) and lyricist Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, School of Rock) to create a new musical based on Orwell’s iconic novel.

Described as a ‘Chilling Fairy Tale’, the musical is currently in development and planning a series of workshops in 2021. It will make its World Premiere in London’s West End thereafter.

James Graham said: “To be working on Animal Farm, one of the greatest political fables of the 20th Century, with this team of Alan and Glenn, one of the greatest in musical theatre, is both a sheer delight, and also a real responsibility. Orwell’s themes of power and misinformation, corruption and ideological divides resonate strongly today. We want this gothic fairytale to open them up to a wide audience in a boldly theatrical way.”

Alan Menken said: “I am beyond excited to be adapting George Orwell’s masterpiece, Animal Farm, as a musical. And to be embarking on a brand new collaboration with James Graham, as book writer, and to be resuming my partnership with Glenn Slater, as lyricist, is truly thrilling.”

Glenn Slater said: “Animal Farm could not be more relevant to the world we’re living in today. I’m wildly excited to thrill, provoke, and perturb audiences with a new of-the-moment musical version of this timeless tale —and especially to do so in tandem with two certified geniuses like Alan Menken and James Graham.”

All further production information, including the theatre where Animal Farm will be staged, will be announced at a later date.

Animal Farm will be produced by Adam Spiegel Productions.

Sasha Regan makes West End theatre accessible for all

Contemplating the need for families and friends to see affordable West End theatre, award-winning director and theatre owner Sasha Regan, has decided to slash ticket prices.  For this weekend only there is a £25 ticket offer on all seats to Sasha’s award-winning all-male take on Gilbert & Sullivan’s THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at the Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.  The offer will run until Sunday 6^th December at midnight.

“It’s vital that those with children, those who need to get out and do something this year have the chance to experience live theatre,” explains Sasha.  “We all remember going to the local panto or seeing a show at Christmas.  What a shame if families don’t feel they can afford this magic after what has been a tough year.  I want to make sure that everyone has the chance to see a live West End show in one of the oldest, grandest theatres in London and sit in good seats.  Theatre brings joy and changes lives and there’s nothing more important right now after this horrible year than offering that chance to everyone.”

The pop up £25 ticket rate to Sasha Regan’s all-male take on Gilbert & Sullivan’s THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at the Palace Theatre will run until midnight on Sunday 6^th December. Just quote POP25 in the promo code box when booking online. 

Tickets are likely to sell faster than you can say “Ahoy shipmates!”  Don’t miss out!

Packed with comedy, romance, clumsy policemen, bonkers adventures and an abundance of men in bonnets and petticoats, it’s just the tonic to put an end to lockdown gloom! 

A joyous and much needed escape for families and friends. Book your offer tickets today!

★ ★ ★ ★ 
‘Immensely Charming’
FINANCIAL TIMES

Runs on Saturday 12th December and Sunday 13th December

The Palace Theatre, 113 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5AY

Tickets online: https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/pirates-of-penzance/
TICKET OFFER PROMO CODE: POP25
Box Office: 0330 333 4813
Performance Time: 7:00pm
Running time: 2 hours including an interval

Cast: Oliver Savile; Alan Richardson; David McKechnie; Michael Burgen; Leon Craig; Lee Greenaway; Benjamin Vivian-Jones; Daniel Miles; Jamie Chidzey; Joel Elferink; Tom Duern; Matthew Facchino; Dominic Harbison; Tom Senior; Richard Russell Edwards; Sam Kipling; Marc Akinfolarin.

Creatives:
Director and Co-Producer – Sasha Regan
Choreographer – Lizzi Gee
Designer – Robyn Wilson-Owen
Musical Director – Richard Baker
Associate Choreographer – Lee Greenaway
Lighting Design – Ben Bull
Casting – Adam Braham Casting
Marketing and Public Relations – Fiona Lockley
Co-produced by Ben De Wynter

Philharmonia Orchestra and Wardington’s Original Ludlow Dry Gin launch new partnership with limited-edition London Dry ‘Philharmonia Gin’

The Philharmonia Orchestra is delighted to announce a new partnership with award-winning Shropshire gin distillery Wardington’s Original Ludlow Dry Gin, and the creation of a limited-edition  London Dry ‘Philharmonia Gin’.

A proportion of proceeds from each bottle sold will go to support the Orchestra, helping to support the Philharmonia’s online performances and wider activity in a year that has seen a drastic reduction of ticketed income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jennifer Suggitt, Development Director at the Philharmonia, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this new partnership with Wardington’s Original Ludlow Dry Gin. The opportunity to collaborate in a creation as distinctive as the new Philharmonia Gin has been a wonderful experience for players and staff alike, and working so closely with Shaun Ward and his team has given us all a unique insight into the pride and expertise involved in their work.

With a proportion of proceeds from every bottle going to the Philharmonia, it provides the Orchestra with an innovative new channel to raise vital funds during this difficult time, especially with disruption from COVID-19 set to continue into the new year. Through this partnership we look forward to extending the profile of the Philharmonia to new audiences– and to sharing a wonderful Christmas gift for music lovers everywhere.”

Shaun Ward, Founder of Wardington’s Original Ludlow Dry Gin, said: “Creating a unique hand-crafted gin to support the Philharmonia is both a great privilege and honour. The Philharmonia has played a significant role in our home lives as the Resident Orchestra of the Three Choirs Festival, and in so many ways we feel a strong connection to its work across the UK. As a music graduate, I understand first-hand the importance of music and the arts, especially in the difficult times we find ourselves in. 

The idea of creating a new gin to support the Orchestra developed during the first lockdown, and we have since worked closely with players and staff to develop a new and exciting recipe. For centuries, the Philharmonia’s London home was one of the most vibrant docklands in the world, importing fruits and spices from across the globe – this has served as our inspiration: bitter oranges from Seville, and delicate and fragrant cassia bark from the far east. Creating a gin is much like the work of conducting an orchestra, allowing certain colours and textures to sing out to create the perfect ensemble. We look forward to a successful partnership with the orchestra and hope audiences enjoy the fruits of our labours.”

Created by Master Distiller Shaun Ward in collaboration with Members of the Orchestra, ‘Philharmonia Gin’ is a bespoke, limited-edition gin, combining Wardington’s Original Ludlow Dry Gin’s traditional copper distillation technique with the distinctive botanicals of Seville orange and cassia. The gin is inspired by the renowned sound of the Philharmonia, and celebrates the Orchestra’s 75 years of musical history in its anniversary year. Its final recipe was selected by a group of players from the Philharmonia.

CATHERINE TYLDESLEY’S FIRST EVER COMEDY PLAY TO BE FILMED AT CITY VARIETIES MUSIC HALL

• CATHERINE TYLDESLEY WRITES AND STARS IN HER FIRST EVER COMEDY PLAY ‘THE CEREMONY’, FILMED AT THE VARIETIES AND BROADCAST VIA STREAM.THEATRE FROM SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER 2020
• FEATURING PAULA LANE, JODIE PRENGER, STEPHEN RAHMAN-HUGHES, SAMANTHA GILES, SUE JOHNSTON, AND IS DIRECTED BY LEE SALISBURY
• ALL PROCEEDS TO BE DONATED TO ACTING FOR OTHERS, THEATRES ARTIST FUND AND LEEDS HERITAGE THEATRES
• TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT www.stream.theatre

City Varieties Music Hall is set to take a starring role in the filming of Catherine Tyldesley’s(Coronation Street, Scarborough) first ever comedy play, The Ceremony, which will be broadcast online from Sunday 13 December, with all proceeds going to Acting for Others, Theatre Artists Fund and Leeds Heritage Theatres.

Starring a host of British television stars; Paula Lane (Coronation Street), Jodie Prenger (Fat Friends The Musical), Stephen Rahman-Hughes (Emmerdale, Eastenders), Samantha Giles (Emmerdale, Where The Heart Is),and Sue Johnston (The Royle Family, Brookside, Coronation Street), The Ceremony is directed by Lee Salisbury (Eastenders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale) and produced in association with stream.theatre,

Set on Canal Street, Manchester, The Ceremony tells the story of Donna Dium, life coach and self-taught shamaness, and her first ever attempt to contact the spirit world. Following a string of appearances on daytime chat shows and armed with fifty quid’s worth of Ayahuasca from Bury Market, what could possibly go wrong? The evening soon derails into chaos, tears and laughter, as her oblivious guests purge themselves of their hidden ghosts.

Catherine Tyldesley says, “I’m super excited about my first play going into production! I wrote ‘The Ceremony’ during lockdown. I’ve managed to assemble my dream cast along with one of my all-time favourite directors, the brilliant Lee Salisbury.

“Writing has always been close to my heart and to finally see my words brought to life by such incredible talent is nothing short of a dream come true.

“I’m hopeful people will love the play as much as we do, and I’m thrilled we can raise money for the arts at the same time.”

Acting for Others and Theatre Artists Fund have been relentlessly supporting the UK’s Arts Industry during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, whilst, like so many others, Leeds Heritage Theatres has been forced to temporarily close their doors having entertained Leeds’ audiences for more than 400 years collectively.

Tickets can be purchased at www.stream.theatre.

Alexandra Palace Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram
Gruffalo’s Child Website / Twitter / Facebook
Tall Stories Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram

THE HIT MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE PICTURE BOOK
BY JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER 

IS READY TO WELCOME BACK AUDIENCES TO ALEXANDRA PALACE THEATRE THIS CHRISTMAS

• THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD WILL BE ARRIVING AT ALEXANDRA PALACE THEATRE THIS WEEKEND AS PART OF THE ALLY PALLY CHRISTMAS SEASON
  
• ALLY PALLY FESTIVITIES WILL ALSO INCLUDE SANTA’S GROTTO, CHRISTMAS MOVIE SEASON, ICE SKATING & MORE

The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should
Ever set foot in the deep dark wood…

Today Tall Stories have released a first look at The Gruffalo’s Child which will be arriving at Alexandra Palace Theatre for a limited Christmas season this weekend 5 December 2020 – 3 January 2021.

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in this magical musical stage adaptation, of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Tall Stories’ hit musical adaptation of the award-winning sequel to The Gruffalo, published by Macmillan Children’s Books, is ‘everything good children’s theatre should be’ (The List) featuring songs, laughs and lots of fun for children aged 3 and up, and their families.

The Gruffalo’s Child is produced by award-winning theatre company Tall Stories – a creative force whose productions include The Gruffalo, the Olivier Award Nominated Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale and The Snow Dragon. The creative team includes Director Olivia Jacobs, Creative Producer Toby Mitchell, Designer Isla Shaw, Composers Jon Fiber & Andy Shaw of JollyGoodTunes and Lighting Designer James Whiteside.

Christmas doesn’t stop there as the Palace’s East Court will also host Santa’s Grotto. This year we have made some adjustments to the experience and a safe and suitable distance will be maintained between Santa and the children as well as a one-way system. Santa will be in residence on selected dates between 5-23 December, with full information available via the Alexandra Palace website. Skating is a year-round activity at Ally Pally, but the Ice Rink feels particularly celebratory and joyous at Christmas time, giving everyone yet another reason to make this iconic venue a destination for a full-on-festive day out. The Theatre is also the venue for the Ally Pally Christmas Film Season. The programme runs over three weeks, starting on the 5 December. Festive classics on show include, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, Santa Claus the Movie and Die Hard, among a host of others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vbnHVWXFr8&feature=youtu.be