MATTHEW HORNE, EMILY ATACK, ADELAYO ADEDAYO, LUCY BRIGGS-OWEN AND JAKE FERRETTI JOIN THE WEST END CAST OF
THE UNDERSTUDY
PALACE THEATRE LONDON
MONDAY 7TH – TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2020
Joining the stellar cast of The Understudy, which will once again raise funds for the UK’s theatre industry, is Matthew Horne, Emily Atack, Adelayo Adedayo, Lucy Briggs-Owen, and Jake Ferretti. A perfect pre-Christmas treat for theatre lovers, this exclusive semi-staged rehearsed reading of The Understudy will run for two nights only at London’s Palace Theatre.
The play forms part of the initiative first launched by the Lawrence Batley Theatre in May, with proceeds once again being split between Acting For Others, the Equity Charitable Trust and The Theatre Development Trust, run by the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre.
Directed by Giles Croft, The Understudy is written by Henry Filloux-Bennett and will be accompanied by Dusthouse’s wonderful animation from the play’s online version. Having previously recorded their lines in isolation, this will be the first time the actors will be performing together in the flesh as they swap their makeshift recording studios at home for the real life stage.
Based on the novel by the best-selling author David Nicholls,The Understudy tells the story of an underdog – a failed husband, a failing father, a failing actor, and the impossible choice he’s going to have to make between stealing the show and stealing another man’s wife.
Actor Stephen McQueen has just landed a dream West End role. Well, that’s not quite true – he’s going to be is understudying film star (and 12th Sexiest Man in the World) Josh Harper in the brand-new show ‘Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know’, but still…Whilst he’s waiting for his time to shine, he reflects on his career – one that has spanned everything from (non-speaking) Rent Boy 3 in ‘The Bill’ to his recent starring role as Sammy in the (low-budget) regional tour of ‘Sammy The Squirrel’s Seriously Silly Safari’.
With this new job Stephen’s stage career may be destined for the dizzying heights, but not everything is going quite as well. Stephen’s wife left him two years ago, wondering if he’d ever grow up; his daughter wonders when he’ll get an actual job; worst of all, he’s starting to fall for the leading man’s wife.
The Understudy was originally commissioned by The Lowry, Salford.
Highlighting the Northern experience, venues and women writers unite for Burn Bright Monday 14th December, 8pm
Burn Bright’s digitally commissioned anthology series Better In Person returns this winter with a northern-centric instalment, partnering with acclaimed venues to amplify the voices of northern writers who identify as women. Plagued with harsher lockdown conditions throughout the pandemic the company are keen to offer a platform for these stories to be shared. Bringing together five talented women writers to capture the reality of the north, Better In Person promises to be an eye-opening event.
The company are thrilled to partner with the Hull Truck Theatre, Live Theatre, Octagon Theatre and the Stephen Joseph Theatre to make this opportunity possible, commissioning writers who identify as women from Bolton, Bradford, Hull, Newcastle and Scarborough. The writers involved are Shannon Barker, Olivia Hannah, Rachel Hogg, Zoe Iqbal and Kat Rose-Martin.
Better In Person’s third iteration will be directed and hosted by company co-founder Tori Allen Martin, showcasing an intimate, hilarious, and very human collection of online conversations as we continue navigating a life of new rules, regulations and lockdowns. These five thoughtprovoking new plays will be showcased via Zoom on Monday 14th December at 8pm. Recordings of the previous events are currently available for pay per view on the Burn Bright website, for a limited time only.
Sarah Henley, Co-Founder of Burn Bright, comments, This industry can sometimes feel like it’s purely made up of “no’s” and closed doors (particularly if you don’t necessarily move in the ‘right crowd’) so Tori and I are completely overwhelmed at the ‘yesses’ from these power-house theatres for Better in Person! We feel like their seals of approval are a real show of validation for our efforts in turning a negative into a positive, and impetus for the sea-change we want to drive in terms of equality for women playwrights; a very encouraging end to an exceptionally challenging year!
Lotte Wakeham, Artist Director of Octagon Theatre adds, I’m delighted that the Octagon is partnering with Burn Bright on this project to champion the voices of Northern women. It will be wonderful to collaborate with these other fantastic Northern venues as well and I’m sure audiences will really enjoy the performance in December.
Furthering the partnership with the regional venues, a representative from each theatre will donate their time and expertise to Burn Bright’s Time Bank initiative. This pioneering scheme provides industry insight and mentorship for women writers looking to further their career development.
Danielle Tarento presents ‘Christmas LIVE at Charing Cross’ a season of fabulous festive treats featuring a host of stars
Tuesday 15 December at 7pm Benjamin Scheuer in Concert
American singer-songwriter and guitarist Benjamin Scheuer performs a brand new solo set, including songs from his Drama Desk Award-winning show ‘The Lion’, and from his forthcoming album for Parlophone (UK) & Atlantic/Canvasback(USA.)
Monday 21 – Wednesday 23 December at 7pm A Very Movie Christmas A Musical Holiday Celebration with Trevor Dion Nicholas and Guests
Celebrate this Christmas with music from the classic films we love to watch every holiday season, featuring songs from ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’, ‘Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas’, ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ and ma more. Bring the festive spirit from your screen, live to the London stage as Trevor Dion Nicholas, a three-piece rock band and some very special guests electrify your Christmas in a concert event not to be missed!
Monday 28 December at 7pm Emma Hatton – Songbird
Known and loved by thousands worldwide for her portrayal of iconic characters such as Elphaba and Eva Peron in the West End productions of ‘Wicked’ and ‘Evita’, Emma Hatton presents her sellout show ‘Songbird’, a celebration of Eva Cassidy, whose stirring and emotional interpretation of iconic songs coupled with her untimely death at the young age of 33 touched the world. Audiences can look forward to stunning arrangements of Eva’s songbook, including ‘Fields of Gold’, ‘Over the Rainbow’ and of course, ‘Songbird’, in a way only Emma can deliver – with warmth, fragility and heart.
Tuesday 29 December at 7pm Mr and Mrs Price’s Holiday Special
Join newlyweds Stuart Matthew Price and Heather Lundstedt for a festive celebration of song, stories and survival. Whether you love Broadway, Opera, Pop or Swing, these critically acclaimed artists offer something for everyone as they share their journey through 2020 with a sprinkle of holiday cheer.
Wednesday 30 December at 2pm Shaza Sings Liza
“The command and presence of a seasoned veteran”
Before creating the role of Sloane in Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out Of Hell’, Sharon Sexton was most recognised for her award winning portrayal of Liza Minnelli in a one-woman play that toured extensivelythroughout the UK & Europe, enjoying great success and many nominations and wins on the UK fringe circuit.
Sexton will step back into Minnelli’s shoes for this very special concert. Featuring a host of anecdotes, memories and hits from musical legends such as Sondheim, Kander and Ebb and Charles Aznavour, this promises to be an unmissable afternoon for Sexton and Minnelli fans alike!
Wednesday 30 December at 7pm Farewell 2020 with Sexton & Fowler
Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton met when cast as Falco and Sloane in Jim Steinman’s ‘Bat Out Of Hell’, which they have performed in Manchester, London and Toronto.
Join these West End performers as they musically recap their way through what has been a rollercoaster of a year and take you on a journey filled with ”the heart, vocals and chemistry that they are so loved for” (Rewritethistory) Danielle Tarento presents ‘Christmas LIVE at Charing Cross’
Charing Cross Theatre The Arches Villiers Street London WC2N 6NL
THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF SAMUEL BECKETT’S HAPPY DAYS AT RIVERSIDE STUDIOS
Anthology Theatre in association with Riverside Studios present
HAPPY DAYS
By Samuel Beckett
Directed by Trevor Nunn
Anthology Theatre, in association with Riverside Studios, presents the 60th anniversary production of Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece Happy Days. Trevor Nunn directs Lisa Dwan as Winnie, continuing their collaboration following Eh Joe at Jermyn Street Theatre. The production opens on 18 February 2021 at Riverside Studios, where the playwright rehearsed Endgame in 1980 and Waiting for Godot in 1984, with previews from 16 February, and running until 28 March.
‘Nothing more to say, nothing more to do’
Winnie and her husband Willie are stuck in every sense of the word. Endless days and nights pass by while they struggle on, with only each other for company.
Samuel Beckett’s world-renowned play Happy Days comes to the Riverside Studios in a landmark 60th anniversary production. Brought to you by a multi-award-winning creative team, with direction from Trevor Nunn and starring ‘Beckett interpreter of the first rank’ (Observer) Lisa Dwan as our heroine Winnie, this is a spirited and triumphant revival most pertinent for our unparalleled times.
Winnie takes comfort in the monotony of her existence, passing the time by completing routine tasks, her blithe and buoyant manner allowing her to believe ‘another happy day’ is occurring. But ritual and a sunny disposition can only keep Winnie’s head above the parapet for so long, before the futility of her and Willie’s existence threatens to engulf her completely.
This enduring, potent, and lively tale of existential limbo presents a playful, but poignant look, at human strength and survival amidst the most surreal of circumstances.
This brand-new production of Beckett’s two hander will be staged in a Covid safe environment following government advice and adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Happy Days marks the first production from recently relaunched Anthology Theatre Productions. With a long history of investment and co-production, Anthology Theatre has repositioned itself as a full-scale production company, producing and managing its own work under newly appointed Managing Director & Executive Producer, Lil Lambley.
Samuel Beckett (1906 – 1989) was an Irish writer, dramatist and poet. He wrote in both English and French, and his principal works for the stage also include Endgame, Krapp’s Last Tape and Waiting for Godot. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969.
LISA DWAN is an award-winning Irish performer, director, writer, and scholar. Having originally trained in the UK as a ballet dancer—dancing with Rudolf Nureyev in Coppelia and with The London Lewis Ballet Company—she began acting professionally in her teens. She has since worked extensively in theatre, film, and television, both internationally and in her native Ireland. Hailed by Ben Brantley in the New York Times as “the nonpareil interpreter of Samuel Beckett”, Dwan is best known for her critically acclaimed one-woman performances of Beckett’s plays, including The Beckett Trilogy & No’s Knife, both of which have sold out across the globe. She will soon be seen in the new BBC TV series Bloodlands, as well as continuing in her role as Lizzie in the new season of Netflix’s Top Boy – in a part written especially for her by acclaimed BAFTA winning writer, Ronan Bennett and produced by the Canadian rap artist Drake. Over the past two years, and as part of her project series of rewriting the Greek classics for women, Dwan has worked closely with Colm Tóibín to create a new version of Pale Sister which had its world première in November 2019, recorded for Audible 2020, and is due to be filmed by the BBC in Spring 2021. Continuing this series, she has recently begun collaborating with Margaret Atwood on a new translation of Medea to be directed by Robert Lepage, and with Salman Rushdie, who is writing an adaption of Helen of Troy especially for her. Other recent theatre includes The Lover & The Collection (STC in Washington DC – 2019 Emery Battis award for outstanding contribution to acting), world premières of Studio Creole and American Standard (The Forum Theatre, New York), The Lover & The Collection,Pale Sister (Gate Theatre), Anna Karenina(Abbey Theatre Dublin), No’s Knife’ (The Old Vic), Margot, Diary of an Unhappy Queen (Barbican), The Journey Between Us (Southwark Playhouse), Illusions (Bush Theatre), Not I (Royal Court Theatre), and Beside the Sea (Southbank Centre). Her screenwork includes as Anna Livia Plurabelle in Suzanne Lopez’s film adaptation of James Joyce’s ‘Finnegan’s Wake’, Wake the Streets, Trust, An Afterthought and Disney’s Oliver Twist. Dwan writes, presents, and lectures regularly on theatre, culture and Beckett for various publications including BBC Radio and Television; as well as lecturing both in the UK and US, where recently she took up the position of long-term visiting professor at Princeton University. Her book A Body of Beckett will be published by Virago Books (UK) in 2021. She is also contributor to the recently published Vision For Europe Hay Festival Press and En Compagnie de Beckett / In The Company of Beckett published by Passages.
From 1968 to 1986, Trevor Nunn was the youngest ever Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, directing over thirty productions, including most of the Shakespeare canon, as well as Nicholas Nickleby and Les Misérables. From 1997 to 2003, he was Artistic Director of the National Theatre, where his productions included Troilus and Cressida, Oklahoma!, The Merchant of Venice, Summerfolk, My Fair Lady, A Streetcar Named Desire, Anything Goes and Love’s Labour’s Lost. He has directed the world premières of Tom Stoppard’s plays Arcadia, The Coast of Utopia and Rock n Roll; and of Cats, Sunset Boulevard, Starlight Express and Aspects of Love by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Other theatre includes Timon of Athens, Skellig (Young Vic); The Lady From The Sea (Almeida Theatre); Hamlet, Richard II, Inherit the Wind (The Old Vic), A Little Night Music (Menier Chocolate Factory, West End and Broadway), Fiddler on the Roof (Menier Chocolate Factory and Playhouse Theatre), Cyrano de Bergerac, Kiss Me Kate (Chichester Festival Theatre); Heartbreak House, Flare Path, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, The Tempest (Theatre Royal, Haymarket); Scenes from a Marriage (Coventry & St James), All That Fall (Jermyn Street & New York); A Chorus of Disapproval and Relative Values (West End). Work for television includes Antony and Cleopatra, The Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, Three Sisters, Othello, The Merchant of Venice and King Lear, and on film, Hedda, Lady Jane and Twelfth Night.
DEATH OF ENGLAND: DELROY TO BE STREAMED FOR FREE VIA YOUTUBE ON 27 NOVEMBER AND RETURN TO THE OLIVIER STAGE FOR LIVE PERFORMANCES IN SPRING 2021
Death of England: Delroy, which was mid-way through its run at the National Theatre before it was forced to close, will be streamed for free on YouTube on 27 November at 7pm GMT and return to the Olivier Theatre in Spring 2021.
This comes as the new national Coronavirus measures regrettably resulted in the cancellation of the original scheduled run of the production, which was due to end on 28 November. All ticket holders booked in for cancelled performances have been contacted to offer a refund or credit note.
The production was captured at the final performance on Wednesday 4 November and will be streamed on 27 November for 24 hours on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel. The broadcast will be available for free with viewers invited to make a donation via YouTube or the National Theatre website. The National Theatre is making an up-front payment to the artists to enable the limited-window stream during lockdown.
Death of England: Delroy by Clint Dyer and Roy Williams and directed by Dyer,explores what it is like to be a Black working-class man searching for truth and confronting his relationship with Great Britain. The role of Delroy is performed by Michael Balogun.
To accompany the broadcast, NT Associate Ola Animashawun will host a pre-recorded discussion with Dyer, Williams and Balogun that explores their experience of creating the show under Coronavirus restrictions, and how the piece reflects on the Black Lives Matter movement. The talk will be available for free on YouTube from 8.30pm GMT 27 November.
Clint Dyer and Roy Williams said: “We were hugely disappointed that Death of England: Delroy was unable to complete its full run in the Olivier theatre. The production team worked tirelessly, alongside the staff at the NT, throughout the rehearsal period and for the two weeks we were able to perform to the public and we want to thank them for their efforts. We are thrilled that Michael Balogun’s remarkable performance will be streamed to audiences for a limited time period of the 27 November and that we will be able to perform to live audiences once again in the Spring.”
Set and costume designers are by Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey and ULTZ, with lighting design by Jackie Shemesh, sound design by Pete Malkin and Benjamin Grant.
Tickets for Olivier theatre performances will go on sale in the new year.
Featuring over 150 performers and musicians, reunited from across the world to present a truly unique, memorable and breath-taking performance of ALL THAT JAZZ from the legendary Kander and Ebb musical, CHICAGO.
Bringing together former Broadway, West End and International Tour company members to celebrate the 24th Anniversary of CHICAGO on Broadway, ALL THAT JAZZ provides plenty of razzle dazzle, featuring award winning stars that played the roles of Velma Kelly, Roxie Hart, Billy Flynn and Mama Morton including Ute Lemper, Sally Ann Triplet, Debbie Kurup, Bonnie Langford, Sue Kelvin, Ian Kelsey, Michael Greco, David Hasselhoff and many more.
The Make A Difference Trust continues to raise much needed funds to provide emergency relief for the theatre community during the current theatre shutdown. The CoVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund supports performers, technicians, front of house staff, creatives, production staff, theatre administration and support staff.
Alice in Streamingland: The Binge-Worthy Musical Pantomime
At the Phoenix Arts Club, London
From Saturday 5th December 2020 to 3rd January 2021
Well, it takes two lockdowns for us to realise how much we appreciate Lockdown Streaming TV! Alice in Streamingland is a pansexual musical pantomime, playing at the much loved Phoenix Arts Club from 5th December to 3rd January, celebrating Alice’s fall into the world of Streamingland – those streaming entertainment channels we couldn’t do without over the last nine months.
This LIVE musical pantomime finds Alice following the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole into Interflixland, Disney C Minusland and iPlayerland as she struggles to get home. Will the Evil Queen of Hearts take over as Vice President of Global TV, will The White Knight win through with his new “Made in Streamingland” reality show, or will Alice triumph against all odds as she records her journey for her TokTik channel?
Along the way, she’ll meet all the familiar Wonderland characters – but with a twist – who would have thought that the Queen of Hearts would be played by RuPaul, The White Rabbit by Joe Exotic, The Cheshire Cat by Moira Rose, or the Duchess by Dot Cotton?!
Alice in Streamingland is one of just a handful of LIVE pantomimes to be running in London’s west end this winter, and will be performed under social distancing measures to ensure cast and audience safety. Capacity will be limited to just 40%, and audience members will be provided dedicated cabaret tables – just like being at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! To ensure inclusivity, single ticket options are being provided, and guests from the same bubble are strongly encouraged to attend.
Alice in Streamingland is written by Colin Savage, an Executive Producer with twenty years’ experience in the world of TV and social media. With Alice in Streamingland, he smashes together his experience of TV memes with years of knowledge playing a traditional pantomime Dame all over the country. The set cleverly involves video backgrounds and live cameras to create an amazing mix between staged theatre and television, with ten thumping songs performed by West End actor singers.
Colin Savage says: “What’s been the most enjoyable is being able to enjoy the nostalgia of Lockdown Streaming TV so early on – who would have thought that RuPaul’s Drag Race, Schitt’s Creek and Tiger King would become such an important part of our social history so quickly – let alone keep us going through those long lockdown months.”
Cast & Creatives:
Sofie Kaern as Alice
Sofie will be making her debut on the British theatre scene by taking on the role of Alice. She has recently graduated from the MA Music Theatre at Royal Central School of Drama where she was incredibly lucky to finish her year off in an online streamed and socially distanced performance of the musical ‘Catch Me’.
As a Danish actress she is more than excited to be entering this new world of Panto at the Phoenix and is looking forward to a crazy show to brighten up this Christmas.
Twitter & Instagram @Sofiekaern
Colin Savage as Queen of Hearts
Colin Savage is an actor, singer, musician, writer who trained at the Drama Studio London and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has performed in numerous pantomimes over the years, and spends each summer acting Shakespeare in Cambridge. He has travelled the world headlining on P&O World Cruises, performed and hosted in the West End, and appeared in many short films and music videos. Colin worked as an Executive Producer in television for the BBC for twenty years before leaving to pursue his performance career.
Twitter: @colinsavageuk
Kane Hoad as White Knight & Caterpillar
Kane Hoad is a singer, dancer, actor and model who has been seen performing across the globe, working with the likes of Disney and even a finalist in Mr Gay England 2020. As seen as The Snowman in The Snowman (Westend Musical), Muscle Man in Naked Boys Singing (Off Westend and Nicolas Brothers/Ensemble in (Vegas the Show) with Norwegian Cruise Lines and Lead Vocalist in 50’s & 60’s Do- Wop (UK Tour).
Twitter & Instagram @kanehoad
Matt Bateman as White Rabbit, Mad Hatter & Knave of Hearts
Matt Bateman is an experienced performer, and has been seen on stages around the world, including in Phantom of the Opera in the West End, and most recently in Sweeney Todd at The English Theatre Frankfurt. He is delighted to be back performing, and especially at the Phoenix Arts Club, a place he holds very close to his heart.
Twitter & Instagram: @MattBateman1991
Laura Hyde as Black and White Cat & Duchess
Laura is excited to be back at The Phoenix Arts Club, a place she holds dearly, to be appearing in Alice in Steamingland! It’s fortunate to be her second pandemic credit, having appeared in an open air tour of Two Gentleman of Verona this summer with British Touring Shakespeare.
She’s somewhat of an adult panto veteran having appeared in Dick! And Dick Comes Again! At The Leicester Square Theatre back in 2013/14 and she can’t wait be back performing again to round off this slightly crazy year.
Twitter & Instagram @lauraruthiehyde
Music Arrangements: James Doughty
Sound and Lighting Design: Nathan Etherington and Daisy Hebblewhite
Produced by: Phoenix Artist Club Ltd for Phoenix Arts Club
ODEON COMBINES TRADITIONAL PANTO WITH IMMERSIVE BIG SCREEN EXPERIENCE
In association with Curtis Productions, ODEON cinemas will launch brand new retelling of Cinderella in a live action pantomime with immersive big-screen backing this Christmas
Liberty X star Michelle Heaton to don wand and wings as Fairy Godmother
Performances coming to Stoke, Manchester and London from 18th December – 3rd January
ODEON’s Safer Cinema measures in place for all performances to ensure the wellbeing of guests, cast and staff
ODEON is ensuring Brits can still get their traditional panto magic, but in a bigger and more immersive way and the chain has announced it will be bringing the festive magic of pantomime to selected screens across the UK in a brand new retelling of the beloved classic, Cinderella. In association with Curtis Productions, the show will feature a blend of live action performances from the cast with scenic and interactive projections beamed onto ODEON’s cutting-edge screens to enhance the production and immerse audiences into the fairy tale.
Taking centre stage as the iconic Fairy Godmother will be Liberty X star Michelle Heaton. Since her Brit award-winning popstar days, Michelle has become a best-selling author, TV presenter and Mum to two. As she steps into the wand-waving role, Michelle will be bewitching audiences with her renditions of famous tunes, assuring guests that despite a tough year, they shall go to the ball!
Michelle and cast will bring the well-known story and pantomime favourite of Cinderella to life through both live-action performances and animated on-screen scenery which adapts and animates as the plot unfolds, providing guests with the ultimate pantomime experience. The ageless tale will be brought into the modern day with plenty of references to recent cultural events and contemporary pop hits including Adore You by Harry Styles and 2002 by Anne-Marie which are sure to have families singing along.
To further instil the festive spirit, ODEON is encouraging guests to attend in their Christmas best, whether this be loud jumpers and Santa hats, or fairy dresses and villain gowns – costumes of all kinds that are worn with a face covering will be welcomed to the show!
Fairy Godmother Michelle Heatonsaid: “I’m so excited to be able to appear in a very different Pantomime by partnering with ODEON cinemas and Curtis Productions to make the festive season extra special this year.
“It’s been a difficult year for everyone, so to be able to play the Fairy Godmother to spread some magic will put a smile on my face – and hopefully the audiences too. Thanks to the measures in place at ODEON the show can go on in a safe and socially distant way that is still filled with fun!”
Cinderella will be showing in a limited run for three shows per day at ODEON Stoke (18th – 21st December), ODEON Manchester Great Northern (22nd – 24th December & 26th – 28th December), ODEON Wimbledon (29th December – 2nd January) finishing off for a grand finale at flagship site ODEON Luxe Leicester Square (3rd January) where four shows will take place with the cinema’s state-of-the-art Dolby Vision screen complete with Dolby Atmos surround sound technology to provide a breath-taking performance.
To ensure guests can enjoy the ODEON Safer Cinema experience in the most controlled environment, ODEON has worked with the UK Cinema Association and UK Government to introduce enhanced health and safety measures to each site. These safety measures include:
Safer Buying
Contactless experience, including booking online and contactless ticket checks in cinema and contactless till and kiosk payments for purchasing food and drinks
A Safer Space:
Limited seats on sale for each show and guaranteed unoccupied seats between guests to meet social distancing requirements, whilst enabling family groups and social bubbles to sit together
Staggered show start times to reduce queues, with safe queuing measures in place such as floor markings and cinema host support
Newly serviced air conditioning that ensures fresh air is delivered into all screens
Enhanced cleaning by well-trained teams
More frequent cleaning routines on all high contact areas of the cinema guest journey
Guest sanitiser stations offering complimentary sanitising gels and wipes
Teams diligently trained on safety and hygiene measures, equipped with PPE, including face coverings and gloves
FURTHER CASTING AND NEW DATES ANNOUNCED FOR SOCIALLY DISTANCED SEASON AT CURVE
Sunset Boulevard – 18 Dec – 9 Jan
Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual – 25 Jan – 6 Feb
The Color Purple – 1 – 13 Mar
Leicester’s Curve theatre has revealed new dates and further casting for its upcoming season of socially distanced performances.
Following the latest lockdown measures in England, Curve has rescheduled The Color Purple in concertto Monday 1 to Saturday 13 Mar 2021. Sunset Boulevard in concertwill now open slightly later than originally planned and run Friday 18 Dec – Saturday 9 Jan. Dates for Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual remain unchanged (Monday 25 Jan to Saturday 6 Feb). All three productions will be fully costumed and performed in the round in the theatre’s newly transformed 533-seat socially distanced auditorium, with concert performances of Sunset Boulevard and The Color Purple making use of a triple revolve donated by Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
Joining the previously announced Ria Jones as Norma Desmond and Danny Mac as Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard will be a host of original company members from Curve’s award-winning 2017 touring production. Molly Lynch will reprise her role as Betty Schaefer, Adam Pearce returns as Max Von Mayerling, Dougie Carter as Artie Green and Carl Sanderson as Cecil B DeMille.
The Sunset Boulevard company will also include Benjamin Chambers, Owen Chaponda, Joanna Goodwin, Kristoffer Hellström, James Meunier, Gemma Naylor, Joanna O’Hare, Jessica Paul, Sam Peggs and Barney Wilkinson.
Set over a turbulent New Year’s Eve in 1940s Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard is a gripping tale of romance, glamour and obsession. Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster will once again direct this production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece, which features book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton and is based on the 1950 film by Billy Wilder.
A 16-piece orchestra, supported by music licensing company PPL, will bring the musical’s score to life with musical supervision by Stephen Brooker. Set Designer Colin Richmond, Video Designer Douglas O’Connell and Choreographer Lee Proud will also rejoin the production team.
Led by the previously announced T’Shan Williams as Celie, original company members of Curve’s 2019 production of The Color Purple, including KM Drew Boateng, Owen Chaponda, Perola Congo, Danielle Kassarate, Anelisa Lamola, Karen Mavundukure, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, Landi Oshinowo, Simon Anthony Rhoden and Jo Servi, will also return to Curve’s stage next year. Due to prior commitments, Danielle Fiamanya is now unable to join as Nettie in the rescheduled performances.
Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, performances of this evocative and life-affirming musical will be directed by Tinuke Craig, with a six-piece orchestra led by Musical Director Alex Parker. The team will be joined by Set Designer Alex Lowde and Choreographer Mark Smith.
Both productions of Sunset Boulevard and The Color Purple will be lit by Curve Associate Ben Cracknell, with sound design from Tom Marshall.
Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual will see award-nominated Leicester actor Hareet Deol reprise his role as Suf Khan in Dougal Irvine’s drama based on the real life of reformed Leicester football hooligan Riaz Khan, who will also rejoin the cast. Director Nikolai Foster will once again bring the 80s streets of Leicester to life on Curve’s stage, with design from Grace Smart. Lighting Designer Charlotte Burton and Composer Tasha Taylor Johnson also join the show’s production team.
Full casting for all three productions will be announced in due course, with The Color Purple and Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual casting by Curve Associate Kay Magson CDG, and Sunset Boulevard casting by David Grindrod CDG. Both productions of The Color Purple and Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual are also being supported by De Montfort University.
Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:
“Although the latest lockdown has impacted on our scheduled plans, we are pleased to confirm new dates for both The Color Purple and Sunset Boulevard.
“Working on The Color Purple, Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual and Sunset Boulevard have been highlights for us at Curve over the past few years. When these productions closed, we could never have imagined these incredible shows would one day play a monumental role in reopening our theatre and welcoming audiences back into our building.
“We are thrilled an incredible ensemble of actors, musicians and creatives will be joining us from next month to bring these extraordinary plays to life. Ria Jones, T’Shan Williams, Danny Mac, Hareet Deol, Adam Pearce and Molly Lynch all made a huge impact in their respective roles, and we are delighted they are returning to Curve to lead our ‘Welcome Back’ company of actors, musicians and creatives. Seeing these actors close-up, in the round, will be thrilling and we can’t wait to revisit these wonderful plays once more in our specially adapted Covid-safe theatre.
“We are indebted to the DCMS and Arts Council England for the Culture Recovery Fund grant which will enable Curve to reopen with social distancing. However, we have a long road to recovery and the best way audiences can support our theatre is by purchasing a ticket to see one of these incredible shows. We guarantee audiences will not lose their money if shows are forced to be cancelled or if someone is unwell prior to attending.”
Tickets for Sunset Boulevard, Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual and The Color Purple at Curve are on sale now. Curve will be in touch with all customers affected by the rescheduled dates to arrange automatic ticket transfers.
To welcome audiences safely back to the theatre, Curve has implemented a number of new measures throughout its building, including additional cleaning, temperature checks and a one-way system. For further information on Covid safety at Curve, visit – www.curveonline.co.uk/re-opening-faqs/
Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment and Adam Lenson of Adam Lenson Productions are joining forces to commission a new musical from writers based in the United Kingdom.
Both companies are hugely committed to new musical theatre, evidenced by Aria Entertainment’s FROM PAGE TO STAGE festival and full-time literary department, and Lenson’s regular SIGNAL concerts. They have come together to offer this commission for an original piece which they intend to be a yearly offering.
They are seeking interested parties to pitch a potential idea through their online portal and the selected writing team will receive a writing commission of up to £6000 which will be funded by these two independent organisations.
During the pandemic the producers have supported revivals of small-scale chamber musicals such as Aria Entertainment’s THE LAST 5 YEARS and live-streamed productions of new musicals including ALP’s PUBLIC DOMAIN, SHIFT+ALT+RIGHT and THE FABULIST FOX SISTER. Both producers are acutely aware of the lack of more established British chamber musicals within mainstream publishing and licensing houses and would like to help support UK-based writers in creating content which in the long term could fill these gaps.
It is their intention to find, curate and develop a show for production which may also lead to publishing and International production opportunities.
The producers actively encourage applications from writers with diverse backgrounds. They are keen to hear from individuals who have an idea for a show with a cast of four or fewer with themes that respond to the world we are living in today. They are seeking innovation, bold, and brave new ideas and voices. They are not looking for pre-existing work.
