Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Big heArt Busk

Powered by Showcatcher.com

A call out to performers and artist around the country to bring some life back to the world of live entertainment

starts 02 October 2020

Showcatcher.com today announces Big heArt Busk, an initiative which will see performers from all around the country busking in socially distanced spaces from Friday 02 October.

The project was conceived by producer William Burdett-Coutts and Kim Acland and has received early support from major figures in the UK arts, Stephen Fry and Brian Cox. 

Big heArt Busk is an opportunity for artists and entertainers around the UK to get out and celebrate live performance anywhere and everywhere they can, remind the public of the importance of live performance, and, importantly solicit financial support.

Since most artists are freelance, they have not had any support or income through this very difficult time. This is the first call out to all artists and entertainers to get their acts together and ready to start busking from Friday 02 October.

After months of almost no live performances the challenge is to bring productions back to life for all to enjoy in safe open air spaces, parks, theatre foyers and any other accessible setting which allows for a socially distanced audience. Given the limitation on numbers this may restrict how a performances can take place, but even if “buskers” can only play to a limited audience they can record their ‘busk’ on their phone and upload it to Showcatcher.com to reach a larger audience online.

William Burdett-Coutts said “We are announcing the Big heArt Busk today to give the artists and performers time to rehearse before 02 October. We hope the country’s performers get such a good response form the public that they will continue busking until they go are able to get back to work on stage as normal.”

Supporter of the initiative, Brian Cox said “Artists have been so restricted this past few months, they need to be able to flex their muscles no matter they are a stand-up, a dancer, an actor or a trick cyclist, they need to express and practice and the Big heArt Busk gives them that opportunity and I wholly support it as will those performers to take part.”

Another supporter, Stephen Fry, said“This is a great idea. Naturally, I’m in favour of anything that might help energise, renew and revivify the performing arts.” 

Sir Ian McKellen supports the Space’s crowdfunder campaign

with exclusive online Q and A 

The Space is part of a national initiative launched by the Theatres Trust to prevent the permanent closure of hundreds of UK theatres. The Space’s patron, Sir Ian McKellen has pledged an online Q and A and everyone who donates will be entered into a draw for tickets. 

During lockdown the Space supported hundreds of theatre-makers and engaged with thousands of people across East London and globally through our Locked Down, Looking Up programme.  In addition to raising funds to secure the venue’s future, this campaign is designed to continue providing support for freelance creatives.  

Artistic Director, Adam Hemming explains, “We wanted to encourage our supporters to buy rewards for other people so we have sponsorship packages for a range of theatre-makers. So far, we’ve had pledges for 4 playwrights, 3 actors, 2 theatre companies, 2 residencies, a theatre practitioner and an online workshop course for up to 30 people. Those beneficiaries will receive bespoke development support from members of our board of trustees, staff and artistic associates. The most popular reward so far has been my 8-year-old daughter’s doodles that she creates live during our weekly Facebook broadcasts.” 

In the first week of the month-long campaign, the Space has raised over 40% of its £15,000 target and received praise from its supporters:- 

“So many theatres needing our support, but this one is oh so special and so worthy of helping out in any way we can. Looking forward to more excellent Space productions in the years to come.” 

“The Space is unique. It means so much, to so many people. It’s unimaginable that it should cease to exist, because of this random turn of events that has caused such devastation to live theatre. It’s vital that we don’t let this happen.” 

“I have been lucky enough to be part of The Space for 10 years. I have seen so many wonderful productions put on by the most talented theatre practitioners. The creative team at the Space nurtures new writers, directors and actors with expert help and advice. It also plays an enormous part in the Isle of Dogs community.” 

“Bravo to the Space! Your innovative online work proves that those that adapt, survive! I love the reach and longevity that your courses can provide – and look forward to joining you again soon” 

The Space has survived lockdown thanks to innovative programming and the generosity of their supporters. However, decreased income from traditional ticket sales, venue hires and rent from their cafe/bar has significantly impacted their financial position. As a result, the Space now faces risks that could result in permanent closure.  

The Space aims to continue providing live theatre, both at the venue and online, and is due to celebrate 25 years of operation in September 2021.  

The crowdfunding campaign can be found at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/saveourtheatresthespace  

ST HELENS ANNOUNCE FULL CAST

FOR BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 

PRODUCERS REGAL ENTERTAINMENTS PROMISE AUDIENCES

COVID-SECURE CHRISTMAS PANTO FAMILY FUN FOR 2020 

St Helens Theatre Royal is thrilled to announce the full cast for its Covid-secure Christmas pantomime for 2020, the enchanting tale of Beauty And The Beast. 

Producers Regal Entertainments recently announced that the panto would still go ahead in St Helens this Christmastime, despite a change to the previously announced show. 

Beauty And The Beast will now run at St Helens Theatre Royal from Friday 11 December 2020 through to Sunday 3 January 2021. Tickets are on sale now. 

The countdown is now on to bring Beauty And The Beast to life onstage in St Helens, with all the high production values and comedy that audiences have come to enjoy. 

The highly anticipated show is sure to be a popular choice this festive season, especially given the lack of theatre productions over the last six months and audiences craving live entertainment. 

Audiences are reassured that St Helens Theatre Royal and the team behind Beauty And The Beast will be fully adhering to social distancing measures and Government guidelines to ensure the safety of theatregoers, venue staff, cast and crew. 

St Helens Theatre Royal also reopened its telephone booking line this week, so tickets can be bought over the phone between 10am and 2pm from Monday to Thursday. Tickets can also be purchased online, however the theatre will remain closed for in-person bookings. 

The full cast of Beauty And The Beast has been announced today (Tuesday 15 September) as Jamie Greer as Potty Polly; Abigail Middleton as Madame Botox; Scott Gallagher as French Frank; Olivia Sloyan as Belle; Andrew Geater as The Beast; Tim Lucas as Gaston; and Jenna Sian O’Hara as Fairy Rose. 

The show will be directed by Chantelle Nolan, written by Liam Mellor, with choreography by Nazene Langfield, and Callum Clarke as musical supervisor. 

Get ready to go on a family adventure this Christmas with the fabulous family friendly pantomime, Beauty And The Beast. This is the timeless story of Belle, a beautiful young woman who falls in love with the most unexpected of princes, who has been cursed to look like a hideous beast. Will the Beast learn to love and be loved? Will the spell be broken in time for all to live happily ever after? 

Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan commented: “It’s been a very challenging time for theatres nationwide and everyone who works behind the scenes, and St Helens Theatre Royal is no different. But we’re absolutely thrilled we can now announce a stellar cast of familiar faces and St Helens favourites who will take to our stage this Christmas to ensure the panto does go on, alongside our incredible front of house teams and production crews. 

“Beauty And The Beast is a stunning tale full of friendship, faith, love and escapism – something we can all resonate with right now. Once again, we’d like to thank the community for their ongoing support, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to a special and safe festive family experience.” 

Beauty And The Beast replaces the previously announced festive show Cinderella which should have featured Birds Of A Feather star and Loose Women panellist Linda Robson in the lead role. Government-enforced restrictions on theatres sadly made it unviable financially as the fairytale is one of the biggest and most costly pantomime productions to stage. 

However, to continue its tradition of offering one of the region’s best festive family friendly shows, Regal Entertainments has worked tirelessly to ensure the show will go on to provide top entertainment to its community and regular attenders this Christmas. 

Covid-secure safety measures being implemented include reduced capacity auditorium, temperature checks, the wearing of face masks, deep cleaning, and pre-order drinks and confectionery. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Cinderella ticketholders are being contacted to ensure all patrons are rescheduled as close as possible to their original booking. 

Tickets for Beauty And The Beast are being sold as unreserved seats. Theatregoers will then be contacted to confirm seat allocation. 

Beauty And The Beast runs at St Helens Theatre Royal from Friday 11 December 2020 to Sunday 3 January 2021. Tickets are on sale now. 

For more information please visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com 

Follow St Helens Theatre Royal on social media channels: 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/St-Helens-Theatre-Royal 

Twitter: @TheatreRoyalStH 

Instagram: @TheatreRoyalStH 

LISTING DETAILS 

Regal Entertainments Ltd Present: Beauty And The Beast 

Dates: Friday 11 December 2020 – Sunday 3 January 2021 

Tickets: From £18* 

*All prices are inclusive of a £1 per seat booking fee. Online bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat on-line processing fee. 

CONTACT 

Due to the Coronavirus, St Helens Theatre Royal Box Office is closed for in-person bookings. Telephone bookings can be made by calling 01744 756000 between 10am and 2pm from Monday to Thursday. Online bookings are available at www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com or email the Box Office on [email protected] 

New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

STAFFORDSHIRE’S NEW VIC THEATRE REIMAGINES ICONIC STORIES AS PART OF INNOVATIVE ‘HOUSEWARMING’ SEASON

Staffordshire’s New Vic Theatre will produce an innovative season of work, reimagining some iconic stories, to reopen their newly refurbished auditorium and safely invite in-person audiences back to performances this autumn.

The New Vic’s Housewarming Season includes:

·        Hoard: Rediscovered – A reimagining of pieces from the theatre-in-the-round’s 2015 Staffordshire Hoard Festival, developed in conjunction with the support of National Theatre Studio, digitally reimagined for socially distanced audiences

·        Coppelia: A Mystery – An installative promenade performance taking festive audiences on an intimate journey around the theatre to discover curious secrets

·        Ghostlight – A light and sound installation offering audiences a dynamic first-look at the theatre’s newly refurbished auditorium

Theresa Heskins, Artistic Director of the New Vic Theatre said: “The New Vic hasn’t been closed over the summer: our education and outreach teams have been working hard to support our local communities during this challenging time.  It feels very special now to be welcoming those communities back into the extraordinary New Vic building.  Whether on stage, in the community, or online, we’ve embraced the opportunity to think differently about the way we make and present work. It’s been an unsettling year for everyone; with our Housewarming season, I’m hoping the New Vic can help spread a little joy this autumn.

The story of the Staffordshire Hoard is such an important part of our national and local heritage. It has changed our understanding of history, and new discoveries have been made since 2015. This feels like the right time to reignite the magic provided by the Hoard, offering audiences nationally and locally an insight into the treasure’s history and its impact on us today. I’ve updated our documentary-drama Unearthed, and am looking forward to producing digital versions of the micro plays which some of the country’s most talented writers created for the New Vic during development at the National Theatre Studio.

Whilst I’m disappointed that we won’t be able to bring our planned production of Beauty and The Beast to life on stage this year, the experience of Christmas at the New Vic will be just as magical. Audiences will be able to experience our wonderful theatre like never before in Coppelia – A Mystery. At its heart, this is a story about love and happiness, which I think is what we all need a little of right now.”

The theatre will reopen their newly refurbished auditorium in October with Ghostlight. Inspired by the theatre tradition of the ghost light – a light left on in an empty auditorium to signal that audiences will return – this dynamic light and sound installation will combine with a collage of voices from favourite New Vic shows, celebrating the ‘ghosts’ of shows past, and the thought of shows in the future. As audiences walk through the space, this evocative installation will reveal the completed auditorium following the theatre’s major refurbishment project, which has been carried out over the summer.

Hoard: Rediscovered will digitally reimagine some of the pieces from the theatre-in-the-round’s 2015 Staffordshire Hoard Festival, to bring a taster of this innovative festival back to the stage. Originally developed with the support of the National Theatre Studio during the New Vic’s tenure as an affiliate company, the Staffordshire Hoard Festival celebrated the story of the discovery of Anglo-Saxon treasure in the Midlands. Hoard: Rediscovered will include a digital staging of New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins’ documentary-drama Unearthed and a selection of micro plays from some of the country’s most talented writers.

The New Vic’s previously announced production of Beauty and The Beast will be rescheduled to Christmas 2021. In its place, across the festive season, the theatre will stage Coppelia – A Mystery; an innovative socially distanced performance based on the story of Coppelia that invites audiences on a journey around the theatre’s spaces.

With the Housewarming Season, the theatre offers audiences the opportunity to rediscover performances at their own pace. With a mix of digital offerings culminating in live performances across the festive season, the New Vic will entice audiences with stories of local pride and national significance.

The Housewarming Season goes on sale on Tuesday 22 September.

RIVERSIDE STUDIOS ANNOUNCES SCREENING OF THE

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ROCKS AND LIVE Q&A WITH FILMMAKERS

★★★★★

“An energetic five-star triumph”

The Guardian

Riverside Studios today announces a screening of Sarah Gavron’s critically acclaimed new feature film Rocks on 18 September, the day of its UK theatrical release, followed by a live Zoom Q&A with associate director Anu Henriques, producer Faye Ward and writers Theresa Ikoko and Claire Wilson.

★★★★

“Brilliant, powerful & wildly charming” 

The Telegraph

The cast includes Kosar Ali (Sumaya), Bukky Bakray (Rocks), Tawheda Begum (Khadijah), Anastasia Dymitrow (Sabina), Shaneigha-Monik Greyson (Roshé), Afi Okaidja (Yawa), D’Angelous Osei Kissiedu (Emmanuel).

Reflecting on the joy, resilience and spirit of girlhood, Rocks follows teenager Rocks who fears that she and her little brother Emmanuel will be forced apart if anyone discovers they are living alone. With the help of her friends, she evades the authorities and navigates the most defining days of her life.

The film marks Sarah Gavron’s third feature and a collaboration with an all-female creative team, including BAFTA-nominated producer Faye Ward. Like 2015’s Suffragette and 2007’s Brick Lane, the film reflects Gavron’s desire to bring women’s stories to the screen.

Tickets are available to book via the Riverside Studios website: www.riversidestudios.co.uk/book/cinema/rocks-filmmaker-qa

Riverside Studios is putting customer safety and well-being at the forefront of reopening measures. As a result, the cinema capacity has been reduced from 200 to 68. This means that audiences will be unable to pre-book specific seats, and these will be allocated in advance to ensure at least 1m+ social distancing.  Audiences are encouraged to book in advance to ensure the best experience possible. As a courtesy to others, Riverside asks that face masks are worn. Staff will likewise be wearing face masks. 

Anu Henriques, associate director of Rocks, has worked across development and production for Fable Pictures since joining the company in January 2017. For the last three years she has worked with Sarah Gavron through development, shoot and post production on Rocks. Alongside her work at Fable, she is also the founder and co-editor-in-chief of Skin Deep, a creative print, digital and live events platform redefining culture and amplifying voices of colour through discussions of race, politics and activism.

Faye Ward, producer of Rocks, is a BAFTA-nominated producer and founder of Fable Pictures. Under the Fable banner, Faye has produced Stan & Ollie and Wild Rose. She was previously part of the producing team for Left Bank Pictures’ series The Crown,  and spent many years at Ruby Film & Television, where projects included BBC dramas Dancing on the Edge, Toast and Small Island, as well as 2007 film Brick Lane, the first of several collaborations with Sarah Gavron and screenwriter Abi Morgan. 

Theresa Ikoko, co-writer of Rocks, is a British playwright of Nigerian descent. Brought up in Hackney, Theresa has a master’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Psychology from the University of Oxford, and has worked on social inclusion and community engagement projects in prisons. Her theatre credits include Normal (Talawa Firsts Series – 2014), Girls (Soho Theatre/UK tour – Alfred Fagon Award for Best New Play). Theresa also was selected as one of five winners of the Channel 4 Playwrights Scheme.

Claire Wilson, co-writer of Rocks, is a screenwriter and graduate of Vancouver Film School. Her 2010 screenplay Where There’s Darkness (Element Pictures) made the Brit List in 2010 and she was featured as one of Screen Daily’s ‘Stars of Tomorrow’. For television, her co-writing credits include Agatha Christie’s Partners In Crime, The Little Drummer Girl, Mary Rose and The Hunt.

An Elphaba, a Jean Valjean, a Phantom and his Christine

walk into to a field…

“VOICES OF THE WEST END”

BRINGS MUSICALS TO THE PEOPLE AGAIN

AT

BYWELL HALL, STOCKSFIELD ON 19 SEPTEMBER 2020

BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM, WARWICK ON 25, 26, 27 SEPTEMBER 2020

Following four performances at the Broadlands Estate where the show played to an audience of over 2000 musical theatre lovers, one of the first successfully social distanced songs from the shows concerts, VOICES OF THE WEST END, will also play BYWELL HALL in Stocksfield on 19 September 2020 and the BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM in Warwick on 25, 26, 27 September 2020. Listings details below.

The 90-minute roller coaster of songs from the musicals stars two previous Phantoms, Earl Carpenter and John Owen-Jones, with Katie Hall who played the legendary role of Christine alongside John and Earl in the West End and UK touring productions of The Phantom of the Opera. They are joined by the wonderful Kerry Ellis who originated lead roles in the West End and Broadway productions of Wicked and We Will Rock You.

Audience members will sit in 3-metre square, roped off pitches. Tickets are based on up to 4 PEOPLE ONLY exclusively from two households or support bubbles sharing a post and roped pitch that is allocated on arrival. Tickets are also available for just 2 people sharing a pitch.

As well as hosting VOICES OF THE WEST END at these beautiful venues, the team have partnered with the Newcastle Theatre Royal and Birmingham Hippodrome to sell tickets through their Box Offices and provide staff as marshals for the event.

Producer and performer Earl Carpenter said, “I have to say it was really quite emotional for me. To see five months of work come to fruition, to be singing live again and to hear the most incredible reaction at the end of our little concert was worth all the grey hairs I’ve developed! The support we’ve had from the venues we are visiting and the theatre box offices and technical companies we’re partnering with is overwhelming. They’ve all commented on how positive this project is for their own teams.”

As a commitment to their industry, Earl, John, Katie, Kerry and musicians Music Director and Accompanist Jennifer Whyte and Cellist Yvonne Marie Parsons are championing Acting For Others.

LISTINGS

19 SEPTEMBER 2020

BYWELL HALL – home to the Northumberland County Show

STOCKSFIELD, NE43 7AB

Tickets – www.theatreroyal.co.uk

25. 26, 27 SEPTEMBER 2020

BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM

GAYDON, WARWICK, CV35 0BJ

Tickets – www.birminghamhippodrome.com

DARKFIELD

THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED BRITISH IMMERSIVE THEATRE COMPANY

PRODUCING MORE INNOVATIVE DIGITAL WORK AS IT MOVES INTO THE XR / VR SPACE

• VISITORS – DARKFIELD RADIO’S SECOND SHOW TO LAUNCH 6 OCTOBER
• VISITORS – CONFIRMED AS JOINING THE OFFICIAL SELECTION FOR RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2020
• VISITORS – RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL NOMINATIONS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN AUDIO AND BEST NARRATIVE EXPERIENCE
• DOUBLE – THE FIRST CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED DARKFIELD RADIO SHOW HITS NEARLY 10000 DOWNLOADS WORLDWIDE
• DOUBLE – FIRST EVER AUDIO ONLY EXPERIENCE SELECTED IN ‘BEST OF XR CATEGORY AT THE VENICE FILM FESTIVAL 2020
• DOUBLE – NOW BROADCASTING IN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

DARKFIELD – the British immersive theatre company producing innovative work at the forefront of technology and theatre since 2016, with an emphasis on binaural sound and sensory effects, are pleased to announce further exciting developments for 2020, including a brand new show – VISITORS – the second presentation of DARKFIELD RADIO, following the success of DOUBLE that launched in July. Previous DARKFIELD experiences SEANCE, FLIGHT and COMA, sited in shipping containers, originally premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and have since toured the UK and Australia.

DARKFIELD RADIO is a series of immersive audio experiences for audiences to do together at home. Its launch represented a shift from physical installations to home entertainment, as a reaction to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and lockdown.  The experience is communal – the DARKFIELD RADIO app, available on IOS and Android, is designed to deliver the show at a set time and date, so not only are audiences experiencing the show in pairs, but the show is replicated in hundreds of rooms across the world, much like going to the cinema for a screening, or a theatre for a play.

VISITORS, the second show to broadcast on DARKFIELD RADIO, has been confirmed as joining the Official Selection for the Raindance Film Festival 2020 and nominated for two awards – Outstanding Achievement in Audio and Best Narrative Experience. VISITORS will start performances from 6 October, with press previews from 1st October.

The first show, DOUBLE – a dark psychological thriller – launched in July in the UK and Australia to great critical acclaim, and subsequently expanded globally with evening performances launched in the US and New Zealand  in mid-August. DOUBLE was selected for the Venice International Film Festival (2 – 12 September 2020) as part of the ‘Best of XR’ (eXtended Reality a catch all term for immersive productions including AR and VR) category; the first ever audio-only experience in the programme.  

Artistic Directors David Rosenberg and Glen Neath said, “The 77th Venice International Film Festival has been an incredible experience for us – it was an honour to feature our work DOUBLE, but also to see the brilliant work of our peers. The work that has gone into digitising the festival has been phenomenal and we are grateful to have been involved at this unique point in time. We feel truly welcomed by the VR/XR community.

Our new DARKFIELD RADIO platform has had an incredible launch with the inclusion of DOUBLE in the Venice programme and we are excited to announce that VISITORS, our next show on the platform will be featured at Raindance Film Festival 2020. With DARKFIELD’s official entry into the world of Film festivals, VR & XR we hope to make this new world our home.”

DOUBLE is a troubling exercise in familiarity for two people sitting opposite each other on either side of their kitchen table. It asks ‘‘everyone to be who they say they are”. DOUBLE explores the Capgras delusion, a condition in which the sufferer is convinced that a loved one has been replaced by an exact replica with malign intentions. DOUBLE has been the most critically acclaimed and widely experienced show ever produced by Darkfield, with people in 35+ countries worldwide downloading it since the launch in July, including 500 participants of the Venice International Film Festival.

VISITORS, a strange and curious world built from 360 degree binaural sound – is the second presentation to be broadcast on DARKFIELD RADIO, also an experience for two people to experience in their home.

Thank you for inviting us into your home. We didn’t know where else to go…

A dead couple look for a temporary solution to their permanent condition.

VISITORS is a reflection on our irrepressible desire to touch and why the dead find so little comfort in the world of the living. David Rosenberg and Glen Neath said, ‘In these times of social distancing we require you to stand three metres apart, and while you may yearn to reach across the chasm that separates you, we ask you to be careful who else you invite into the gap.’

DARKFIELD has so far welcomed 170000+ audience members globally and with DARKFIELD RADIO, will now reach even larger audiences worldwide in their homes. The Darkfield Radio App is powered by Wiretapper, and funded by the Arts Council for England.

DOUBLE runs every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 20:00 & 21:30. PLEASE BE AWARE SHOWS ARE 14+.

Experienced through the DARKFIELD RADIO app available for android and iphone.

http://www.darkfield.org/radio

West End Musical Drive In & Ginger Quiff Media
present Godspell in concert 50th Anniversary
screening with live performances from the cast
West End Musical Drive In, Troubadour Meridian Water, Harbet Road, London, N18 3QQ
Sunday 4th October, 2.30pm
Chris Steward & Shanay Holmes for West End Musical Drive In and Thomas Hopkins &
Michael Quinn for Ginger Quiff Media

Prepare ye the way of Godspell in concert at the West End Musical Drive In! Following the
success of the recent 50th anniversary online production, some of the West End’s biggest stars will reunite to continue the celebration in an exciting one-off screening with performances from the cast.

Godspell is the acclaimed work of renowned composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked; Pippin; The Prince of Egypt) which tells a series of parables leading up to the Passion of Christ. Directed by award-winning Michael Strassen (Billy; Assassins) the screening, which includes visuals filmed from the cast’s homes and edited together with striking visual animations, will also feature live performances on stage from cast members Jodie Steele (SIX; Heathers), Danyl Johnson (The X Factor finalist), Jenny Fitzpatrick (Tina, The Musical; Our House), John Barr (The Story of Bart; Tommy), Sally Ann Triplett (Mamma Mia!; Viva Forever), Matthew Croke (Aladdin), and Alison Jiear (Jerry Springer: The Opera).

Starring alongside them with onscreen performances will be Darren Day (Joseph and the
Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat; Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), Ruthie Henshall (Chicago; Billy Elliot), Jenna Russell (The Bridges of Madison County; Fun Home), Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen), Natalie Green (The Prince of Egypt; Hair), Shekinah McFarlane (Six; Hair), Ria Jones (Sunset Boulevard; High Society), Lucy Williamson (The Fix; Judy & Liza), Ronald Brian (Beautiful, The Carol King Musical; Newsies), Jerome Bell (The Voice USA; Hairspray) and an ensemble from Italia Conti.

Chris Steward, Producer of West End Musical Drive In comments, This incredible work drives home a message of hope and community at a time when it has never been more important. We are proud to partner with Ginger Quiff Media to enable audiences to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Godspell and experience live theatre during these unprecedented times.

Thomas Hopkins of Ginger Quiff Media says, We are thrilled to be able to share this wonderful concert once again, in a new form with stunning live performances.

The online concert managed to raise an incredible £13,638, which will be split across three
wonderful charities: Hope Mill Theatre (A Factory of Creativity CIO), Acting For Others, and
National AIDS Trust. A percentage of the profits from this event will also be donated to these charities.

SIX WEEK EXTENSION ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK PREMIERE OF C-o-n-t-a-c-t, WITH TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Aria Entertainment and WEF Productions have today announced a six-week extension for the UK premiere of C-o-n-t-a-c-t, the immersive outdoor performance featuring a captivating 3D sound design. Now playing until 22nd November 2020, the production is delighted to add St. Paul’s to the list of locations where the show can now be experienced.  

This unique and innovative production opened to 4* reviews from The Guardian and the i, with The Times calling it “a tantalising vision of a new kind of theatre for these difficult times.”

The production stars Charles Angiama (The Exonerated, Hope Mill Theatre; My Week with Marilyn),  Louis Bernard (Radieuse Vermine, Théâtre Montparnasse), Chloe Gentles (Beautiful – The Carol King Musical), Max Gold (Endeavour; Poldark), Richard Heap (Buried Child, National Theatre; The Summer Before Everything, Menagerie Theatre), Aoife Kennan (ITV’s Victoria; For Services Rendered, Jermyn Street Theatre), Katja Quist (Earthquakes In London, Bristol Old Vic) and Laura White (The Play That Goes Wrong, West End and UK Tour). The cast will alternate between three London locations; Tower Bridge, Greenwich and Clapham Common.

C-o-n-t-a-c-t brings together a creative team of international talent including Director Samuel Sené, Book by Eric Chantelauze, English adaptation by Quentin Bruno, Music and Sound Designer Cyril Barbessol and Associate Director Bronagh Lagan.

Originally created by Samuel Sené and Gabrielle Jourdain and premiering in France with French production company Musidrama over the summer in a world where social distancing became the ‘new normal’, this timely story of a moving and unexpected encounter explores the themes of mental health and anxiety through the eyes of Sarah as she is approached by someone she believes to be a stranger. She discovers that he can hear her thoughts but how? Who is this man? Dive into her mind in this unique sensory and immersive new show and experience theatre like never before.

The show runs for 50 minutes without an interval and audiences download the audio from the app which is a completely new piece of technology synchronizing the spectators and actors, allowing the show to play with theatrical concepts and a new form of dramaturgy. Audiences of no more than 15 per show will purchase their tickets online and will then receive a link to download the app which will provide the exact location.

Following the government’s announcement regarding the reduction of social gatherings to 6, it is understood that this doesn’t affect performances of C-O-N-T-A-C-T as the show complies with the safety & hygiene measures in place for businesses and the performing arts set out by the government. This pedestrian performance is an outdoor promenade experience for small groups of up to 15 and adheres to strict social distancing between audience members. It is also an audio experience which involves no direct speaking of any actor in the play. All audience members will be required to wear a face covering and observe social distancing measures. 

Tickets can be purchased via TodayTix or the C-o-n-t-a-c-t website.

Hope Mill Theatre confirms RENT will go ahead this year and it’s set to be the hottest ticket in town!

Hitting Manchester from Friday 30th October to Sunday 6th December 2020

Hope Mill Theatre has announced its hotly-anticipated revival of classic rock musical RENT will run to socially distanced audiences this autumn – with the 12-strong cast forming a ‘bubble’ for the duration of the show’s run in Manchester.

RENT, directed by Luke Sheppard, was due to play at the venue in July, but the run was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The venue has been working hard and keeping updated with new guidance being released regarding inside performances and after much careful consideration are excited to announce the production is scheduled to go ahead as planned.

Hope Mill Theatre will be operating with strict covid guidelines in place in line with the Government guidance for the performing arts.

This will include operating at 50% capacity per show with audience rows spaced 2 metres apart and a transparent safety screen separating bookings.

The venue will be clearly signposted with essential information and will put in place hand sanitising stations, extra toilets for patrons, staggered arrival times and temperature checks on arrival.

The theatre space will be fully sanitised before each performance and audiences will be asked to wear face coverings during the show or visors for those who are exempt.

In line with current guidelines the venue will not allow groups of more than 6 people per booking from different households and will be collecting audience details to comply with the NHS Test & Trace scheme.

All customers who have already booked for RENT have been contacted regarding their bookings with new information on any changes.

With some performances already sold out and many close to selling out the venue is urging audiences not delay and grab a ticket whilst they can.

The incredible cast that has been assembled will be announced very soon and is not to be missed!

Performers will be placed in one ‘bubble’ for the duration of the run in Manchester and receive covid testing.

William Whelton, Executive Director of Hope Mill Theatre, said: “The past few months have been a whirlwind of highs and lows for our venue. We have worked so hard to make RENT possible along with the support of the wider creative team, the cast and our own venue staff.

“We stated previously that we would  not proceed with the production if we couldn’t do it in a safe and secure way for everyone involved including our audiences. After a lot of investment in equipment and working alongside a health and safety officer we are more than confident that we can deliver not only an incredible production but one that is covid-secure and enjoyable for everyone involved.

“We want nothing more than to have our doors open once more and welcome back our loyal and supportive audiences, as well as supporting the industry that we love so much at a time that they need us the most. After all we must Measure in Love.”

RENT is a rock musical with music, lyrics, and book by Jonathan Larson and is loosely based on Puccini’s opera La Bohème. It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists living, loving and working in Manhattan’s East Village, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

The show premiered off Broadway in 1996 before moving to Broadway later the same year. The show has been staged all over the world, including in the West End in 1998 and in 2005 was released as a motion picture. It features hit songs such as Rent, Without You, La Vie La Bohème and the iconic Seasons of Love.

RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop. Musical Arrangements by Steve Skinner, Music Supervision and Additional Arrangements by Tim Weil, Original Concept/Additional Lyrics Billy Aronson and Dramaturg Lynn Thomson.

Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited.

Twitter: @Hopemilltheatr1

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