In line with the closure of all venues and entertainment spaces due to enhanced government restrictions, CROOKS 1926 was forced to halt performances throughout November. The producers are planning to reopen on Thursday 10 December with twice weekly shows until 19 December, and then again from 15 January 2021 through February, and then returning to a full Wednesday to Sunday performance schedule from 3 March onwards. Performances are now on sale via https://www.colabtheatre.co.uk/crooks-2
Plunge deep into the cockney criminal underworld of Elephant and Castle as you are immersed in one family’s brutal battle for supremacy. Nothing is certain, violence is rampant, and bargains are made to be broken. Fix a horse-race, hire thugs and plan the grand territorial takeover of London. But keep an open ear and a sharp mind for not all is as it seems… Become the Blinder as you rub shoulders with the likes of Alfie White and The Cortesi Brothers. Dress to impress in your best 1920’s gear. The gritty world of the 1920’s has never been closer.
With strict social distancing guidelines implemented throughout, the COLAB Tavern in SE1 is fully Covid-secure, with a robust cleaning regime in place during and between shows. Audience members are temperature checked on arrival, and masks are worn throughout the performance. Audience members book tickets and attend in household pods of 2,4 or 6 people. These pods solve riddles, play games, and negotiate with each other, and are fully socially distanced from other pods.
Starring Angus Woodward as ‘Wag MacDonald’, Simon Pothecary as ‘Wal MacDonald’, Holli Dillon as ‘Alice Diamond’ and Josh Harvey as ‘Sabini’, CROOKS 1926 is directed by Ben Chamberlain, produced by Larissa Nugroho and designed by Lucy Ashmore.
Boasting over ten years of experience, the veteran immersive theatre company COLAB Theatre, lead by Artistic Director Bertie Watkins, debuted CROOKS 1926 at their brand new, permanently dedicated space in South London in January 2020. Forced to close in March due to the pandemic, the team re-mounted the show in August and found there was still great demand for theatrical immersive entertainment that could be done in a Covid-secure way.
Bertie Watkins said, “As with all organisations in the arts industry, we were hit hard at COLAB, It has been a long, 6 month process and getting COLAB Tavern back on its feet again made us think creatively and flexibly about how CROOKS 1926 would look. The key was reversing the audience/actor movement. Originally the actors stayed in their rooms and the audience came to them, now the audience stay fixed in bubbles and the actors move rooms. Immersive we found, lends itself to the kind of distancing that is required for COVID measures. Our audience is already in non-traditional seating which means capacity reduction was less than those in proscenium seating. The various games and activities lend themselves to bubbles working together whilst still using the actors to bridge the gap of communication between socially distanced groups. Live theatre has undoubtedly struggled and will continue to struggle whilst we are under COVID measures, but as a number of immersive theatre productions are proving; it is our kind of work that adapts best to the new constraints that have been put on us.”
Photograph from previous Young writers programme from Selladoo
Selladoor Worldwide are excited to launch their New Writers Programme – offering ten participants the opportunity to develop their skills as part of their bridging initiative following recent DCMS funding.
David Hutchinson CEO of Selladoor Worldwide says “Our New Writers Programme offers an incredible opportunity for those interested in developing their writing craft. The course will challenge its members to write to a specific brief, giving them the opportunity to have their work produced by an award-winning theatre company, and meet and work with talented professionals along the way”
“Sessions will be led by our in-house staff and visiting experts from across the industry, and enrolment on the course will include access to at least two existing online theatre productions”
The short course entitled “Responding and Adapting to the New Normal” is an eight-week series of sessions for anyone living within the Greenwich area at the early stages of their writing career. The course will run on Monday evenings from the 11th January to the 1st March. Sessions will look at character, structure and style, and build to each participant creating a short play responding to their recent experience of the world. Each piece will be created specifically to reflect the ‘new normal’ and will be designed to be performed online or without an audience. Final plays will be performed by professional actors and released online in the week of the 29th March. As part of the government’s Cultural Recovery programme, this course is free of charge to successful applicants and no previous writing experience is necessary. Sessions will take place online or in person in Deptford where possible) and participants will be expected to complete tasks outside of the classroom.
LOCKED DOWN: THE SCARIEST SHOW YOU WILL NEVER SEE!
Morpheus presents Locked Down, an innovative and exhilarating new theatrical experience which offers participants the thrill of immersive theatre in the safety of their own homes.
This is a show like no other. Hosted online by live actors, Locked Down is an exclusive, interactive experience in which audiences are invited to close their eyes and let Morpheus take control as they are guided on a terrifying and imagination-bending sonic adventure.
Dystopic and nightmarish, Locked Down guides groups of up to six people – each wearing headphones and a blindfold – on a sensory journey via Zoom.
With Covid-19 restrictions currently in place throughout the world, this is the ultimate ‘night out at home’ for groups of friends or families looking for a unique and memorable party idea. As the UK continues to socially distance Locked Down allows individuals to virtually meet like-minded people and make new friends. The show is also the perfect team-building experience for workplaces whose employees are working remotely.
Following on from the recent success of Morpheus’ first digital production All Hallow’s Eve, Locked Down began performances on 11 November and is open for booking now.
A clock strikes, darkness falls and the game begins… Everything depends on you!
You wake to find yourself in a strange dystopian facility. Memories distorted – a jigsaw puzzle of violence and horror. What happened here? As you explore your new surroundings, the pieces begin to slot together. There was a deadly virus. A frantic search for a cure. Mass panic. Civil unrest. Riots. A war.
There is now just one hope for civilization: you.
Can you work together to find the cure? Will you escape alive or will watch as the world descends into darkness? In this adrenalized and interactive experience, you are the star, the saviour.
To participate in any of Morpheus’s productions you will need a computer/tablet/smartphone with access to Zoom, a stable internet connection, headphones and a blindfold.
The show may not be suitable for anyone who is pregnant or who suffers from epilepsy, claustrophobia or anxiety.
AIMIE ATKINSON AND NICKY SWEETLAND JOIN THESPIE LEADERSHIP TEAM TO DEVELOP SHOWS AND BUILD AUDIENCES The rising theatre discovery platform is broadening its slate of artist-led programming and audience engagement tools, led by respected industry experts
Headline Details:
Theatre discovery platform Thespie offers listings for theatre streaming, educational resources, live London theatre, theatre news, and more; and has begun developing its own original concert and theatre productions for streaming and stage.
Aimie Atkinson joins Thespie as Creative Producer. The Olivier-nominated West End star of Pretty Woman and SIX is building a slate of artist-led programming for theatre audiences in London and across the globe, and will advise on artist programs.
Nicky Sweetland joins Thespie to run Marketing and Communications, after running marketing for The Theatre Café and co-producing 100+ lockdown livestreams. She will lead Thespie’s efforts to build theatre audiences and foster audience engagement.
Thespie’s first original production, The Reunion, was one of the bestselling paid theatre streaming events in the UK, selling tickets to 3600 households across 65 countries; and employed 35 live entertainment workers who received over £30k in income.
Thespie is built and run by a team of theatre lovers with extensive tech and theatre credentials (Amazon, Disney, ATG, Live Nation, Encore/TodayTix, Met Opera) and founded by ex-Amazon, ex-Wharton arts entrepreneur Tyler Stoops.
Theatre discovery platform Thespie today announces two major new appointments to its leadership team. These appointments continue Thespie’s commitment to fostering the connection between artists and audiences, keeping people across the globe connected to theatre, and supporting artists into the continued theatre recovery effort.
The Olivier-nominated musical theatre artist Aimie Atkinson (Pretty Woman, SIX) has been named Creative Producer, and is developing an extensive slate of artist-led programming. She will also advise on new artist programs being developed by Thespie and liaise with producers on new projects and co-productions. Atkinson first worked with Thespie as an artist in The Reunion, Thespie’s first original production of three COVID-safe concerts in London, with a global livestream that sold tickets to over 3600 households in 65 countries. Atkinson led much of the remote rehearsal work, vocal arrangements, and staging, as well as working with Thespie on production planning, safety, operations, marketing and other business aspects of the production.
Of her new role Atkinson said, “I’m thrilled to be joining Thespie as Creative Producer. This is a unique opportunity to help create work for artists at all stages of their careers and I cannot wait to share all our news and the exciting projects we have coming soon.”
Thespie Founder Tyler Stoops said, “With The Reunion, I was amazed by Aimie’s work ethic, high artistic standards, and warmth with colleagues on stage and off. I know she’ll create work that recruits talented artists with big hearts, and draws audiences that want to be part of meaningful, inspiring theatre experiences. I couldn’t ask for a better collaborator to lead our artistic work.”
Atkinson will continue to perform alongside her producing work for Thespie, and is scheduled to resume her role as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman: The Musical in 2021.
Veteran marketer and journalist Nicky Sweetland joins Thespie to lead Marketing and Communications, having recently led marketing, editorial and streaming activity at The Theatre Café. She will take over all editorial and audience development efforts, and support Thespie’s artist-led programming slate. During the pandemic, Sweetland co-produced more than 100 livestreams, managing everything from helping artists livestream from home, to sourcing streaming crews, to developing new tech integrations, to customer service.
Sweetland commented, “I’m thrilled to be joining such a collaborative team that cares about artists, and to get to help support the development of new work with many of the artists that I’ve worked with across my career. This is an exciting time for theatre, and there’s a lot of good that our team will do to inspire audiences and help them discover the amazing resources available on Thespie.”
Stoops commented, “I’ve admired Nicky’s impact on audiences for a very long time, and seeing her thrive in the circumstances of the last six months has been an inspiration. She embodies the leadership every start-up looks for: passionate about the business vision, exceptionally skilled in their area of expertise, and willing to roll up their sleeves and help wherever is needed. I feel very lucky that she’s decided to join us.”
Fourth Wall Live and The Hippodrome Casino London are thrilled to announce a new performance schedule for the LIVE IN LONDON series at the Hippodrome Casino this winter. The season runs from Thursday 3 December until Sunday 20 December and includes two shows nightly at 7.00pm and 9.00pm. The series will feature stars from the world of musical theatre, comedy and magic with all tickets priced £20. Audiences will be safely socially distanced following the most up-to-date safety guidelines. There are 130 tickets on sale per show and tickets are on sale now.
This new schedule is different from the previously published roster due to the lockdown removing November from the season. Sadly, not all artists originally billed were able to reschedule, but Fourth Wall Live will endeavour to bring those artists to you another time.
DECEMBER 2020
THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – Trevor Dion Nicholas does Disney on Broadway
THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM – A Night with the UK tour cast of Rock of Ages ft. Kevin Clifton, Luke Walsh and Rhiannon Chesterman
FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – Jodie Jacobs & Friends in Concert
FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM – Comedian Stephen K Amos
SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – Aaron Sidwell and Guests ft. American Idiot Cast Reunion
SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM – Stradivari Violinist Yury Revich
SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – Matt Cardle
SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM.– ComedianShappi Khorsandi
WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – Courtney Stapleton & Eloise Davies
WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM – Ryan Molloy
THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – Kim Ismay & Friends in Concert
THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM – Myra DuBois Live in London
FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – Julie Atherton in Concert
FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM – Sooz Kempner & Richard Thomas: Wrong Songs for Christmas
SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – Jenna Russell in Concert
SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM – Anna-Jane Casey in Concert
SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER 7.00pm – Magical Bones
SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER 9.00pm – Vocal Xtr3me – The 80s Rock Concert
MONDAY 14 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – Danielle Steers: Unplugged
MONDAY 14 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM – Sarah O’Connor
WEDNESDAY 16 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM & 9.00PM – The Barricade Boys at Christmas
THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM & 9.00PM – The Knights of Music featuring Oliver Ormson, Liam Doyle & Sandy Grigelis
FRIDAY 18 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – Oliver Tompsett Live in London
FRIDAY 18 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM – Funny Gals featuring Vikki Stone & Natasha Barnes
SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – The Two Aladdins –Dean John-Wilson and Matthew Croke
SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM – Declan Bennett – LIVE
SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER AT 7.00PM – Dianne Pilkington and Chris Hamilton
SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER AT 9.00PM – Wendi Peters
Fourth Wall Live Fourth Wall Live is an exciting new venture between hit concert producers Club 11 London and producers DLAP Entertainment. Club 11 London and DLAP have previously collaborated on Chita Rivera at Cadogan Hall and are thrilled to be bringing live entertainment back into one of London’s most iconic venues. Club 11 London previously produced Jeremy Jordan, Tituss Burgess, Matthew Morrison, Michael Ball, Cynthia Erivo, and Shoshana Bean at the Hippodrome Casino.
The Hippodrome Casino is an over 18’s venue only. If you are lucky enough to look under 25 you must bring photo ID.
Following the success of the streamed online concert Spotlight on the FutureLIVE!, Louis Rayneau and The Drive In London today announces the return of Spotlight on the Future LIVE! at The Drive In. Taking place on 6 December at 6pm the concert sees stars from leading West End shows including Mamma Mia!, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Book of Mormon and Kinky Boots join forces with this year’s most talented musical theatre graduates to perform musical theatre classics and pop hits direct to your car.
The concert, hosted by Britain’s Got Talent’s Michael Auger and Charlotte Jaconelli takes place at The Drive In at Troubadour Meridian Water, raising money for Make A Wish Foundation, Acting For Others, Stop Hate UK and Lebanon Red Cross.
Joanne Clifton, Steph Parry, Lucinda Lawrence, Jason Leigh Winter, Jade Davies and Michael Pickering are among the musical theatre stars taking part, performing a mix of solos, duets, trios and quartets with 2020 graduates.
The creative team for the concert is headed by creator and producer Louis Rayneau, with musical director and keyboardist Ed Court.
Louis Rayneau said today, “I couldn’t be more grateful for all the wonderful support Spotlight On The Future has received so far. Watching it grow from a 3am idea to a web duet series on YouTube to a streamed concert to takeovers at Circa Live Lounge to now!
It has been a pleasure to work with the lovely people at The Drive In London to bring you an entirely contact-free EPIC LIVE CONCERT in support of four wonderful charities! These phenomenal performances from established seasoned professionals teaming up with incredible 2020 graduates are sure to blow lockdown blues away! Don’t miss out and come for night you will not forget and enjoy the magic that is Spotlight On The Future LIVE at The Drive In London.”
BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME AND QDOS ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT AN ALL-NEW, SOCIALLY DISTANCED PRODUCTION OF ROBIN HOOD AT THE ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM
CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD, MATT SLACK, RICHARD CADELL & SOOTY AND DOREEN TIPTON LEAD THE CAST OF THE ANNUAL HIPPODROME FESTIVE PRODUCTION
Birmingham Hippodrome and Qdos Entertainment, producers of the city’s annual festive production, have today announced that pantomime will be going ahead with an all-new production of Robin Hood staged, for the first time in 20 years, at the nearby Alexandra.
Starring the Strictly judge the nation loves to hate, the fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood as The Sheriff of Nottingham, alongside the Hippodrome’s pantomime superstar Matt Slack, the legendary pairing of Richard Cadell & Sooty and the Black Country’s funniest matriarch Doreen Tipton, Robin Hood will play from 15 to 31 January 2021 for a Strictly limited run.
The socially distanced, one-act production will temporarily change venues due to Birmingham Hippodrome’s hosting of the critically acclaimed Van Gogh Alive experience.
The production is able to go ahead thanks to the support of The National Lottery, which will give thousands of theatregoers, in Birmingham and across the country, the chance to enjoy socially distanced pantomime this Christmas. The show is being staged as a result of an initiative between The National Lottery and Qdos Entertainment which is providing financial support for theatres to stage socially distanced, live pantomimes this festive season. This will make it viable for venues to open their doors to the general public, generating vital income for the theatres and helping to restore jobs while providing much-needed cheer for pantomime lovers.
Fresh from the ballroom, Craig Revel Horwood will star as the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham and show Birmingham his real mettle as he tries to outwit Robin Hood and win the hand of the beautiful Maid Marion. Craig is a well-known face on television in the UK and now all over the world, as a judge on all 18 series of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing. In 2013, Craig wrote and directed a brand-new show, Strictly Confidential that toured the UK starring familiar faces from Strictly Come Dancing. He has directed and choreographed the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, as well as appearing as a judge.
He recently returned to his roots as a performer in musical theatre, starring as Miss Hannigan in the West End and UK touring production of Annie. Craig also choreographed and directed the UK tour of Sister Act and the Dusty Springfield musical, Son of a Preacher Man. Craig has also published three autobiographies; All Balls and Glitter, Tales from the Dance Floor and In Strictest Confidence. This autumn he released his first novel, Dances and Dreams on Diamond Street. Robin Hood marks Craig’s 12th consecutive pantomime for producers Qdos Entertainment having starred as a Wicked Queen, a Wicked Stepmother and Captain Hook in Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan respectively.
He will be joined by hilarious Hippodrome funny man, Matt Slack as Robin Hood. His television credits include Casualty, Doctors and EastEnders for the BBC, ITV’s Law and Order and the feature film The Rise of the Krays. On stage he has appeared in Boogie Nights and Hot Flush on their UK tours, and in Blood Brothers in London’s West End. Matt has entertained and delighted audiences at the Hippodrome pantomime for the last seven years in roles which have won him, amongst others, the Best Comic accolade at the Great British Pantomime Awards.
Craig and Matt will be joined by television icons Richard Cadell as Will Scarlet, with his mischievous sidekick, Sooty. A star of television, stage, comics, animation and movies, Sooty made his screen debut almost 70 years ago and in that time has delighted audiences of millions worldwide with his cheeky sense of humour, jaw-dropping magic tricks and hilarious mishaps, despite not ageing whatsoever. First supported by his original owner and friend Harry Corbett (and later his son Matthew) Sooty became a regular on the BBC’s Saturday Special, and fronted his own programmes The Sooty Show and Sooty & Co. Richard has presented Sooty on stage and television for over 20 years following Matthew’s retirement, with their programmes remaining ITVs most popular children’s show.
Joining them as Mrs Tuck is Doreen Tipton, back for her second consecutive Hippodrome pantomime, following her star turn in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs last year. In her own inimitable style, the Black Country star will showcase her dry wit, penchant for doing as little as possible and helping Robin and his Merry Men as they rob from the rich and give to the poor.
Joining them will be hilarious pantomime dame and Hippodrome regular Andrew Ryan and west end musical leading ladies Landi Oshinowo, Nicola Meehan and Lauren Chia.
Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, Fiona Allan and Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment Michael Harrison, who hasdirected the Hippodrome pantomime for the past 10 years, said: “We’re delighted to be working together to make sure that our loyal audiences in Birmingham don’t miss out on the magic of pantomime this year. Presenting Robin Hood at The Alexandra allows us to see two of the city’s key cultural institutions open with social distancing in place.Although on a different stage, this year’s show will be designed and created by the usual Hippodrome panto creative team, and will feature all the comedy and laughter our audiences have come to expect”.
This new production will be packed full of comedy routines, audience-safe participation and all the unmissable magic that Hippodrome audiences know and love from their annual festive pantomime in their temporary theatrical home at The Alexandra for this year only.
Lisa Mart, Theatre Director at The Alexandra added: “Words can’t quite express how thrilled we are to be working with Qdos Entertainment and our friends at Birmingham Hippodrome to bring this much loved annual tradition back to the city this festive season! This cross-venue collaboration is one of many examples of cultural organisations in Birmingham working together to provide audiences with entertainment during what has been a challenging time for the sector. We are incredibly grateful to the National Lottery for their support, without which we would not have been able to proceed. The opportunity to bring our team back to the venue to prepare for this special socially-distanced experience is the Christmas present we have all been dreaming of!”
The previously advertised production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears starring Jason Donovan and Matt Slack will be staged back at the Hippodrome in December 2021 and existing bookers have already been contacted with details of their new tickets.
The support of The National Lottery will ensure that socially distanced panto can take place this year in Birmingham, and other theatres across the UK. Up to 20,000 free tickets to pantomimes across the country, will be made available to National Lottery players to thank them for making it possible for this Christmas tradition to go ahead. National Lottery players raise on average £30M each week for Good Causes. This year has seen up to £600M in National Lottery funding being used by charities and organisations affected by the impact of the coronavirus outbreak across the arts, community and charity, heritage, education, environment and sport sectors.
Tickets for Robin Hood will be on sale to Birmingham Hippodrome Friends and ATG Cardholders from Monday 16 November and on general on sale from Wednesday 18 November. Tickets can be booked by visiting ATGTICKETS.COM/Birmingham or by calling 0844 871 7615*
ATGTICKETS.COM/Birmingham
*Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.
ALL TICKETS FOR THE FIRST PERFORMANCE OF THEIR 5 PANTOMIMES
PRODUCED BY QDOS ENTERTAINMENT
WILL BE GIFTED TO NHS WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
SLEEPING BEAUTY AT MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE TO STAR
JASON MANFORD, BILLY PEARCE, JODIE PRENGER AND ERIC POTTS
ROBIN HOOD AT BRISTOL HIPPODROME AND BIRMINGHAM ALEXANDRA
TO STAR
CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD, MATT SLACK, RICHARD CADELL & SOOTY
SLEEPING BEAUTY AT MILTON KEYNES THEATRE TO STAR
LEE MEAD, CLAIRE SWEENEY, SUZANNE SHAW, PETE FIRMAN, ALLAN STEWART AND ANDY GRAY
ROBINSON CRUSOE AT REGENT THEATRE STOKE-ON-TRENT TO STAR JONATHAN WILKES AND CHRISTIAN PATTERSON
ALL PRODUCTIONS NOW ON SALE @ ATGTICKETS.COM
AND ARE SUPPORTED BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERY
Ambassador Theatre Group are delighted to announce that all tickets for the first performance of their pantomimes, produced by Qdos Entertainment in Manchester, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham will be gifted to NHS workers and their families.
Mark Cornell, CEO at Ambassador Theatre Group said today “The Ambassador Theatre Group is delighted to be showing pantomimes in five of our venues in Bristol, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Stoke and Birmingham this Christmas, thanks to the support of The National Lottery. ATG and its staff are also inviting our magnificent NHS and their families to the first performance at each venue free of charge. We hope that this small gesture shows how incredibly grateful we all are for what the NHS has done for this country”.
NHS workers just need to head to healthservicediscounts.com and register for the ballot. Full details below.
The productions are able to go ahead thanks to the support of The National Lottery, giving thousands of theatregoers in each city and across the country the chance to enjoy socially distanced pantomimes this Christmas. This initiative between The National Lottery and Qdos Entertainment is providing financial support for theatres to stage socially distanced live pantomimes making it viable for venues to open their doors to the general public, generating vital income for the theatre and helping to restore jobs whilst also providing much needed cheer.
Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) is the global leader in live theatre, operating 50 venues across Britain, the US and Germany. They produce shows across the entertainment spectrum and are proud to have won many Olivier and Tony awards with a clear mission to bring the very best in live entertainment to the largest possible number of people.
SLEEPING BEAUTY at the Manchester Opera House will star Jason Manford as Muddles, Billy Pearce as King Billy, Jodie Prenger as The Enchantress, Eric Potts as The Queen, Louis Gaunt as The Prince and Lauren Chia as Princess Beauty and will run from Saturday 12 December 2020 – Sunday 3 January 2021.
ROBIN HOOD at the Bristol Hippodrome will star Craig Revel Horwood as The Sheriff of Nottingham alongside Matt Slack as Robin Hood, Richard Cadell & Sooty, Andrew Ryan as Nancy the Cook, Landi Oshinowo as Morgiana and Nicola Meehan as the Spirit of Sherwoodand will run from Friday 18 December 2020 – Sunday 10 January 2021.
This production will also play the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre with the same cast from Friday 15 – Sunday 31 January 2021 and is presented in association with the Birmingham Hippodrome.
SLEEPING BEAUTY at Milton Keynes Theatre will star Lee Mead as The Prince, Claire Sweeney as Carabosse, Suzanne Shaw as The Enchantress, Pete Firman as Muddles, Allan Stewart as The Queen, Andy Gray as The King, Will Jennings as Slimeball and Tegan Bannister as Princess Beauty alongside and will run from Saturday 19 December 2020 – Sunday 10 January 2021.
ROBINSON CRUSOE at Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent Theatre will star Jonathan Wilkes as Robinson Crusoe and Christian Patterson as Mrs Crusoe and will run from Saturday 19 December 2020.
#CheerUpCharlie & West End Friends release their fundraising charity single You Will Be Found today in aid of youth charity The Diana Award to tie in with the start of National Anti-Bullying Week
YouWill Be Found by #CheerUpCharlie & West End Friends, a fundraising charity single in aid of youth charity The Diana Award, has been released today (Sunday 15 November 2020) by Auburn Jam Music to tie in with the start of National Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from 16-20 November.
The star-studded single is led by ten-year-old Charlie Kristensen from Wokingham, whose experience of being bullied started the viral #CheerUpCharlie campaign. Charlie is joined on the song by numerous stage and screen stars including Wendi Peters, Layton Williams and Michael Xavier, with Iain Armitage, Michael Ball, Rufus Hound, and Faye Tozer amongst many famous faces reading their supportive messages on the song’s video.
YouWill Be Found by #CheerUpCharlie & West End Friends is available to download and stream via all major online music services including iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon: https://ditto.fm/you-will-be-found. The video can be seen on the Charlie Kristensen #CheerUpCharlie YouTube page. All proceeds will be in aid of The Diana Award, with an additional JustGiving fundraiser for people to donate more if they wish to support the #CheerUpCharlie Anti-Bullying campaign further.
Charlie Kristensen won over the hearts of the West End theatre industry and the public last year and hit the national headlines when, encouraged by his performance coach West End performer Jacqueline Hughes, he launched his #CheerUpCharlie campaign to help others, channelling his own traumatic experiences of being bullied for his love of musical theatre, and the support he received from hundreds of performers from the West End, Broadway and even Hollywood who identified with Charlie’s story. Subsequently Charlie was trained as an Ambassador by The Diana Award which runs the UK’s leading anti-bullying programme. Charlie has also set up his weekly online Musical Chairs chat show on YouTube interviewing actors, presenters and others in the spotlight.
Charlie Kristensen said: “It is an amazing feeling to have a single released and especially one that is so spectacular and sincere. I want people to associate the single with hope, determination and strength especially at this current time. I want everyone to recognise this song and for it to help people understand life isn’t perfect, we aren’t perfect but we are amazing just the way we are.”
Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Charlie and all his West End Friends for their support. Charlie’s courage in the face of his own bullying experience is an inspiration to us and the thousands of young people who will hear about his story. He reminds us daily how important it is to do the right thing, not the easy thing. He is a fantastic Anti-Bullying ambassador and everyone at The Diana Award is proud of him.”
Music producers Nikki and Joe Davison from Auburn Jam Music approached Charlie and Jacqueline after they saw Charlie’s story on Twitter last year. They invited Jacqueline to bring Charlie to their studio to have his first experience of recording, and Jacqueline put the word out to some of her fellow West End performers who had shown Charlie support to see if they might like to record with him. The song choice was obvious to everyone – the powerful anthem You Will Be Found from hit musical Dear Evan Hansen, about the courage it takes to be yourself through tough times until you find your people. Nikki and Joe wrote a new pop orchestration and arrangement to accommodate the many voices, and they were so moved by how many performers came together in support of the #CheerUpCharlie anti-bullying message, that they thought the world should hear it! So, they created a video featuring studio footage along with some of the amazing messages of support Charlie received from stars of stage and screen. They hope that through this they can raise awareness and financial support for the brilliant work that The Diana Award does.
Singing alongside Charlie Kristensen on the single are (in alphabetical order): Daniel Boys (Nativity), Matthew Croke (Aladdin), Alice Fearn (Wicked), Lyndsey Gardiner (ThePhantom of the Opera), Adrian Hansel (Hairspray), Jacqueline Hughes (Mary Poppins), Melissa Jacques (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Caroline Kay (The Space Between), Nathaniel Morrison (Waitress), Nadim Naaman (The Phantom of the Opera), Wendi Peters (Coronation Street), Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins), Layton Williams (Bad Education) and Michael Xavier (Sunset Boulevard).
Messages of support seen in the video are from (in order of appearance): Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon), Danny Hatchard (EastEnders), Michael Ball (Les Misérables), Nina West (Ru-Paul’s Drag Race), Mark Evans (Mrs Doubtfire on Broadway), Jason Leigh Winter (Frozen), Hannah Waddingham (Game of Thrones), Louise Dearman (Wicked), Giles Terera (Hamilton), Maiya Quansah-Breed (SIX The Musical), Charlie Stemp (Mary Poppins), Steps star Faye Tozer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Sierra Boggess (The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway), Grace Mouat (SIX The Musical), comedian and actor Rufus Hound (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Wicked’s Elphaba and Glinda Sophie Evans & Alice Fearn, West End cast of Matilda The Musical, West End cast of Come From Away, West End cast of The Phantom of the Opera, Broadway cast of Be More Chill, West End cast of Hamilton, West End cast of Aladdin, UK Tour of Annie The Musical, UK Tour of Kinky Boots, Off-West End cast of The View Upstairs, West End cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and West End cast of Dear Evan Hansen.
The track was written by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul. Produced, arranged and video by Joe and Nikki Davison for Auburn Jam Music with production support from Jacqueline Hughes. Artwork illustrator: Mark Manley @3minutedoodle. Published by Kobalt Music. Label: Auburn Jam Records.
CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE: AUTUMN SEASON UPDATE AND SPRING SEASON PREVIEW
Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner to star in Michael Frayn’s Benefactors next February
New dates for A Merry Little Christmas Celebration and Pinocchio
Online streams for Sheila Hancock, Michael Ball, Joe Stilgoe and A Merry Little Christmas Celebration
Following the COVID-19 lockdown until 2 December, Chichester Festival Theatre is deeply sorry to have had to cancel or postpone some of the shows in the Autumn season.
However, we are glad to be able to stream a number of performances to audiences at home; and after 2 December, our Christmas shows are scheduled to go ahead with some date alterations. We are also actively planning our Spring season.
BENEFACTORS
Looking ahead to early 2021, Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner – who starred in the BBC’s hugely popular Outnumbered– will lead the cast of a new production of Michael Frayn’s multi award-winning classic comedy, Benefactors.
Directed by Charlotte Gwinner in a co-production with Jonathan Church Theatre Productions, and touring to Bath Theatre Royal, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, The Lowry Salford and Everyman Theatre Cheltenham after its Chichester run, Benefactors is a funny, gripping and wryly shrewd look at the unforeseen consequences of our best intentions.
The production will run at Chichester from 5 – 27 February, and booking will open in early January.
Streaming to audiences at home this Autumn will be:
Facing The Music: Sheila Hancock in conversation with Edward Seckerson, Wednesday 18 November at 2.30pm
Facing The Music: Michael Ball in conversation with Edward Seckerson, Wednesday 25 November at 2.30pm
Joe Stilgoe – Out of the Shed, Wednesday 25 November at 7.30pm
A new intimate show performed on the Festival Theatre stage – Joe’s own songs, classics from Jimmy Webb to Joni Mitchell to Stevie Wonder to Cole Porter – and the spotlight back on his first love, the piano.
A Merry Little Christmas Celebration, Friday 4 December as below
Christmas shows to live, socially distanced audiences at CFT will now run as follows:
A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION – NEW DATES:
Thursday 3 December – Saturday 5 December, Festival Theatre
Thu & Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Fri 7.30pm
Friday 4 December, 7.30pm, Live Stream
A joyous and warming evening of seasonal words and music, with Simon Callow reading yuletide poems and an extract from A Christmas Carol, and West End singers Rebecca Caine, Emmanuel Kojo and Rebecca Trehearn joining CFT Artistic Director Daniel Evans and a special surprise guest each night for a range of traditional carols and festive favourites.
DEAR SANTAwill play as originally scheduled:
5 – 24 December, Minerva Theatre at Chichester Festival Theatre
Music, laughter and plenty of (socially distanced) audience participation, with a chance to meet Santa himself after the show. A perfect introduction to theatre for ages 2 – 7.
PINOCCHIO – NEW DATES:
16 December 2020 – 2 January 2021, Festival Theatre
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre present a brand-new version of this classic tale, written especially for them by CFT’s Writer-in-Residence Anna Ledwich with music by Tom Brady. Director Dale Rooks, whose work at Chichester includes The Butterfly Lion, The Midnight Gang and Running Wild, will bring her trademark visual flair and gift for storytelling to this darkly magical reinvention. Recommended for ages 7+.
There will be a Polish-translated performance of Pinocchio on 21 December at 7pm and a Relaxed Performance on Sunday 27 December at 2pm.
All remaining shows in the Autumn season have been cancelled. We hope it may be possible to reschedule them in the future. All ticket holders are being contacted with the option of exchanges, credits, refunds or donations.
BOOKING INFORMATION
cft.org.uk 01243 781312
Tickets from £10. Booking for Benefactors will open in the New Year.
Prologue: £5 tickets for 16 – 30s
£5 tickets are available for 16 to 30 year-olds for A Merry Little Christmas Celebration and Pinocchio; sign up for free at cft.org.uk/prologue.
Autumn & Spring 2020 sponsors
A Merry Little Christmas Celebration is sponsored by itd Consultants
