LGW Productions are sorry to announce that their upcoming production of Love, Genius and a Walk, the fascinating story of composer and conductor Gustav Mahler, written by the New York Writer Gay Walley and directed by Leah Townley, has been postponed until Autumn 2020.
The story explores the theories of Sigmund Freud, who Mahler met, together with Mahler’s approach to composing and how this might have physically manifested itself. This includes a focus on his relationship with his wife Alma, an amazing woman and composer in her own right. The play also contrasts the role of women in the 19th century with the character of a female writer in contemporary scenes.
The production will return in Autumn 2020 at Theatro Technis, with further announcements to follow
At the age of 26, in the space of three weeks, Adam Pownall went from being a fit and healthy dancer and performer to a paralysed man unable to blink unaided.Getting Better Slowly is his story of being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome and his two-and-half-year journey to recovery from being isolated in his own body. From learning to walk and talk again to the painful months stuck at home to the first time he managed to play football again, the show asked audiences how they might deal with an unexpected illness or accident, and now sheds light on a journey to the other side of isolation. Getting Better Slowly toured extensively through Autumn 2016 and 2017, and was recorded at Lincoln Drill Hall. The show, which has already reached many recovered GBS suffers, was previously streamed in Spring 2017 to reach those who were currently undergoing treatment for the illness.
Through speech, movement, sound and verbatim text taken from interviews with Adam and his family, the show follows him from diagnosis to rehabilitation, capturing his highs and lows to create an inspirational piece about illness and recovery.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare autoimmune condition affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually leading to temporary or long-term paralysis. Around 80% of those with GBS will make a good recovery, but between 5-10% of people will not survive and the other 10-15% may be left with severe mobility or dexterity issues. Chronic variants such as CIDP are similar but longer-lasting, requiring ongoing treatment.
Following his rehabilitation, Adam returned to work in the arts. In 2014 he won the Olwen Wymark Award for supporting New Writing within Theatre for the Writer’s Guild for his work in opening and running Create Theatre in Mansfield, before becoming Programme Co-ordinator at Derby Theatre, Artistic Director of Lincoln Drill Hall, and Programming Director at Hull Truck Theatre, where he is currently.
Adam said, “We are proud to be able to share this production again, we think it’s important to share theatre during these times, especially with such positivity at its heart. Our goal has always been to help raise awareness of such a rare condition and make people aware of GAIN charity and the important work that they do. When we toured the production we found that this story, whilst being engaging theatre, is also an important learning tool for medical practitioners, and for anyone who has suffered or whose loved ones have suffered a debilitating illness.
“We are unable to tour the production again and having the streaming footage means we are able to still reach more audiences and raise further awareness, all at no cost which removes any price barriers. The footage will also be captioned making it accessible to more audiences as well.”
GAIN helps people understand and manage acute and chronic variants of the syndrome, raises awareness, and promotes clinical and non-clinical research into these conditions. For further information visit www.gaincharity.org.uk
Running Time: 60 mins | Suitable for ages 11+
Company Information
Cast Kitty Randle and Adam Pownall
Creative Producer Adam Pownall Writer Nick Wood
Director Tilly Branson Movement Director Marc Brew
Associate Choreographer Kimberley Harvey Designer Kate Unwin
Sound Designer Adam P. McCready Lighting Designer Howell Thomas
Associate Dramaturg Luca RutherfordProduction Manager Laura Stone
For free, every weekday at 1pm for 30 minutes, the King’s Head Theatre will be streaming a different window into the theatre accessible to everybody: our entire community, from artists to audiences to just Facebook followers, we can stay connected and we can develop together.
Monday a Companies Take Over: we will bring you some of our favourite artists online: this week, associate company and Carol Tambor award-winning Atticist.
Tuesday a Q&A with our staff members: this week, our fundraiser Molly Waiting will lead you through a fundraising Q&A.
Wednesday will be aimed at small companies where you can ‘Ask Us Anything’ – this week, featuring actor Lee Knight.
Thursday will be a Skills Session with a leading industry professional: this week, opera director Paul Higgins.
Friday a Book Club looking at a play text together that you can read online: this week, Duncan Macmillan’s Lungs.
After the enforced postponement of the original premiere date, 14 April 2020, due to Covid-19, Sergei Polunin’s company, Polunin Ink, is delighted to announce that this one-night-only performance has now been rescheduled for Thursday 6 May 2021 at the Royal Albert Hall.
Starring Sergei Polunin and Alina Cojocaru and choreographed by Johan Kobborg, this brand-new staging of the ballet classic garnered great critical acclaim after its world premiere in Italy and will mark Sergei’s return to the London stage as well as his debut here in the role of Romeo.
Johan Kobborg’s version of the world’s greatest love story marries classical dance with a contemporary twist to create a dynamic, vibrant and modern re-telling of this ageless drama of all-consuming love, passion, ecstasy and heartbreak. Set to Prokofiev’s powerful, exquisite score, and with a striking stage set design by Canadian-based sculptor David Umemoto, the story follows the narrative of Shakespeare’s play with the classical ballet vocabulary as its core language.
Original tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date.
HAMPSTEAD THEATRE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GUARDIAN, TO STREAM A SERIES OF HIT PRODUCTIONS FROM ITS DIGITAL ARCHIVE, FOR FREE
Hampstead Theatre and The Guardian will re-release the live stream recordings of Mike Bartlett’s Wild, Beth Steel’s Wonderland and Howard Brenton’s Drawing the Line for free.
Available to watch on theguardian.com and hampsteadtheatre.com, the three productions will be made available, on demand, over three consecutive weeks as part of the theatre’s #HampsteadTheatreAtHome series.
Week 1, from Monday 30 March 10am to Sunday 5 April 10pm (GMT), will feature Mike Bartlett’s Wild (2016).Directed by James Macdonald,this darkly comic play explores the unexpected, bewildering, and life-changing consequences of challenging the status quo at a global level, inspired by the case of Edward Snowden, the American whistleblower who copied and leaked classified information from the US National Security Agency in 2013.
Week 2, from Monday 6 April, 10am – Sunday 12 April, 10pm (GMT) will feature Beth Steel’s Wonderland (2014). Directed by the theatre’s previous Artistic Director, Edward Hall, this epic and witty drama takes a look at the clashing ideologies during the UK’s Miners’ Strike of 1984–85 and presents the full sweep of the turbulent events that transformed the country.
Week 3, from Monday 13 April, 10am – Sunday 19 April, 10pm (GMT) will feature Howard Brenton’s Drawing the Line (2013). Directed by the late Howard Davies, the play features a large ensemble, and tells the story of the chaotic partitioning of India in 1947 whilst celebrating the strength of humanity.
All three productions were originally live streamed from Hampstead Theatre and were available to watch on theguardian.com followed by an on-demand service for 72 hours.
Hampstead Theatre closed its building following UK Government advice on Monday 16 March 2020. The #HampsteadTheatreAtHome is a series of digital initiatives designed to support audiences in isolation by sharing world class entertainment with them in their home for free. Its first initiative, I and You, Lauren Gunderson’switty and uplifting portrayal of friendship, youth and living life to the full, was available on Instagram’s mobile video platform IGTV from Monday 23 10am until Sunday 29 March, 10pm (GMT). Starring Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones) and Zach Wyatt, it was a box office and critical success at the theatre in 2018 and previously broadcast on Instagram from 30 November to 3 December 2018.
Roxana Silbert, Artistic Director of Hampstead Theatre said:
“I am delighted and grateful to be in a position to offer this new #HampsteadTheatreAtHome series from Hampstead’s digital archive.I hope these productions offer audiences entertainment, connection and nourishment in a time of uncertainty and isolation. These three plays all shine a light on turbulent points in our international history which, along with acknowledging the worst of human behaviour, celebrates the ingenuity, humour, compassion and resilience of the best.
Thank you to the many artists involved for allowing us to create this series so quickly and to The Guardian for being our wonderful streaming partner again, helping us reach as many people as possible.”
Meet Dawn – the Regional Editor for Yorkshire and Humberside
Favourite show? I like a wide range of shows especially the independent and darker plays. I do love dance, opera and musicals including the popular ones such as Miss Saigon, Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
Favourite Theatre? My favourite theatre must be my local one, Leeds Playhouse. I’m proud that the Playhouse takes pride in making theatre accessible to everyone everywhere.
How I began reviewing? I began reviewing in 2014. I love reviewing because it gives me an opportunity to appreciate what makes a show tick particularly the creative teams behind the productions.
About me
I’m an ESOL Tutor and I teach English to learners whose first language isn’t English. I love what I do and it’s always rewarding to see the progress my learners make.
I enjoy being out in nature and the open space. I love being by the water especially canals where I can also appreciate its social and industrial history.
Northern Ballet announces Pay As You Feel Digital Season
Productions featured include:Jonathan Watkins’ 1984; Mariana Rodrigues’ Little Red Riding Hood; extended highlights from Northern Ballet’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala; and David Nixon OBE’s Dracula.Kenneth Tindall and Dan Lowenstein’s dance film EGOwill also be released.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, many of Northern Ballet’s upcoming performances have been cancelled or are under threat of cancellation. Whilst the Company is not performing live at this time, a selection of ballets from Northern Ballet’s repertoire plus a new original dance film will be available to watch online or on television as part of the Company’s Pay As You Feel Digital Season.
Over the next few weeks people will be able to tune into 1984,Little Red Riding Hoodand Dracula from the comfort of their home. The Company will also release a new dance film, Kenneth Tindall and Dan Lowenstein’s EGO plus the extended highlights of their 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala which took place at Leeds Grand Theatre at the beginning of the year.
Northern Ballet are asking audiences to consider making a donation as they watch content from the Pay As You Feel Digital Season to support the Company, their people and work during these unprecedented times and the significant financial hardship the Company is facing. Lost income from cancelled performances could affect Northern Ballet’s ability to pay their workforce, many of whom are freelancers, as well as their ability to present new ballets, including Merlin which is planned to première this autumn. Those who wish to support the Company can donate at northernballet.com/pay-as-you-feel.
Kenneth Tindall and Dan Lowenstein’s new dance film EGO kicks off the season and will be available to watch online today, Friday 27 March, from 7pm at northernballet.com/ego.
EGOexplores parallel versions of one couple’s relationship. At first appearing the perfect Hollywood romance, the couple’s alter egos tell a different story filled with raw animalistic emotion, asking ‘How much does your ego control your behaviour?’
First premièred in 2015 to critical acclaim, Jonathan Watkins’ award-winning 1984will be available to watch from Friday 3 April at northernballet.com/1984. Based on George Orwell’s masterpiece, the ballet follows the story of Winston Smith and his life of conformity under the watchful eye of Big Brother.
CBeebies will screen their special version of Mariana Rodrigues’ Little Red Riding Hoodon Friday 10 April at 9.30am. Created especially for children, Little Red Riding Hood retells the classic fairytale with a Northern Ballet twist.
From Friday 17 April, extended highlights from Northern Ballet’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala will be available to watch at northernballet.com. This sell-out performance featured excerpts of productions from Northern Ballet’s history and brought together dancers from The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre alongside Northern Ballet’s dancers.
After wowing audiences during its live to cinema performances last Halloween, David Nixon OBE’s Dracula will make its television debut as part of the BBC’s Culture in Quarantine Season. Seducing countless generations, Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire lives on in this extraordinary ballet which will be available to watch in the coming weeks on BBC Four and iPlayer.
Bridlington Spa has announced that singing sensation Michael Auger from Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro will headline in the starring role of Peter Pan, in the Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan this Christmas.
The world’s most successful Musical Theatre group, the Collabro boys met for their first rehearsal only one month before going on to wow the Britain’s Got Talent judges, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams, at their first round audition at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.
Their rousing rendition of Stars; their first public performance as a group; brought both the audience and all four judges to their feet and their overwhelming popularity secured them a coveted spot in the live finals. Collabro went on to win the Eighth series of Britain’s Got Talent with one of the highest majorities in the show’s history. Millions of captivated viewers watched as Collabro claimed their prize, performing in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the 2014 Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium.
Six years on, and with a legion of loyal fans; known fondly as the Collaborators; Collabro have gone on to enjoy phenomenal success with five studio albums under their belt and a string of worldwide sell-out tours across the UK, America and Asia.
Bridlington Spa will be joining forces once again with award-winning pantomime producers Paul Holman Associates to present this year’s production following on from the success and popularity of last year’s record-breaking Cinderella.
Pantomime Producer Paul Holman said; “This Christmas, Michael will be stepping into the spotlight on his own to take centre stage as ‘the boy who never grew up’. He is going to wow panto-goers with his exuberance, cheeky sense of fun and breathtakingly beautiful voice as he flies high over the audiences of Bridlington Spa.”
Mark Lonsdale, general manager of Bridlington Spa, added : “In these difficult times, I am delighted that we are able to give people in the East Riding something to look forward to, and a glimpse ahead to a time when we hope we will be returning to something approaching normality again. I am excited that Michael will be starring in what promises to be another brilliant pantomime, after the enormous success of Cinderella last Christmas. We look forward to working with Paul Holman Associates again to bring the magic of the Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan to the stage at Bridlington Spa!”
Michael joins comedian Troy Harris who is returning due to great popular demand after his scene-stealing role as Buttons in last year’s Cinderella to play Captain Hook’s riotous right hand man, Smee.
This year’s production promises to be more spectacular than ever featuring all of the traditional elements of pantomime combined with dazzling scenery and costumes, bucket-loads of laughter and awe-inspiring flying guaranteed to entertain all the family.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan runs at Bridlington Spa from Monday 14th December 2020 to Sunday 3rd January 2021. Tickets are on sale now via bridspa.com or through the Box Office on 01262 678258.
Following announcements from the government, we have recently been informed LW Theatres have sadly suspended all performances until Sunday 26th April 2020 and thus we will unfortunately not be able to proceed with our planned production of CASES at The Other Palace.
We have been delighted to share exclusive content and fresh insights into recent developments of the musical. We are deeply committed to the future of CASES and grateful to The Other Palace, our cast, partners, friends and followers for their support throughout the past few months.
If you have already booked a performance, your box office/retailer from whom you purchased your tickets will be in contact with regards to refunds and exchanges. If you would like to donate or pledge support for future productions of CASES, we would love to hear from you at [email protected].
CASES will return and we look forward to sharing future updates.
TO ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY AND SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
In response to the imposed restrictions from the Covid-19 pandemic, Theatr Clwyd’s Artistic Director Tamara Harvey and Executive Director Liam Evans-Ford today announce a major creative programme, Theatr Clwyd Together | Theatr Clwyd Ynghyd, to encourage and facilitate creativity amongst their audiences and in their community, reaching out to local schoolchildren and the wider public, supporting those that rely on Theatr Clwyd’s outreach programmes, and offering cross-arts engagement to those in need.
Tamara Harvey and Liam Evans-Ford today said, “In this moment when we can’t welcome our community into our theatre, we want to bring a little bit of our theatre to them. The actors, directors, writers, designers, choreographers, musicians, film makers and artists who would have been making shows and engagement projects with us right now will instead be working with our Theatr Clwyd team to share art, music, dance and theatre with our audiences, and give everyone in our community the chance to be creative – hopefully reminding us all that we’re not alone – that we can get through this together.”
Theatr Clwyd Together | Theatr Clwyd Ynghyd will provide free weekly themed creative projects online, with the Theatr Clwyd team and freelance artists providing content and inspiration in music, dance, visual arts and theatre.
Each themed week of Theatr Clwyd Together | Theatr Clwyd Ynghyd will introduce a new creative project, and will include a Visual Arts Day, Music Day, Dance Day, and Theatre Day, where the Theatr Clwyd team and associated artists will create online content and creative tasks that anyone can try. Those taking part are encouraged to send their moments of creativity to Theatr Clwyd to be shared across social media. The first week’s theme is The Theatr Clwyd Story So Far, followed by Sing Us A Song, A View from the Window, Get Moving, A Play in a Fortnight, The People’s Poems, and Bedtime Story.
Six artists from across North Wales have created weekly online tasks as a teaching resource for local schools whose students are currently learning at home, as part of Theatr Clwyd’s creative school project, Cynefin, and the theatre has also used its existing resources to create food packs and creative packs for local homeless shelters, at-risk families, members of the Arts From The Armchair group for those with early onset memory loss and their carers, and refugee families in Flintshire. The theatre will also continue all its weekly creative workshops and outreach programmes virtually.
For Cynefin, a film maker, a graphic designer, a writer, a musician, a visual artist, and a dance practitioner from North Wales have come together to create an online creative programme for six local schools that are currently closed. The artists will introduce a booklet of creative tasks each week, and then make a final creative piece from the work produced by the schoolchildren, which will be released online.
Theatr Clwyd delivers over 400,000 creative engagement sessions each year for the local community and will continue to deliver all planned sessions virtually during the theatre’s closure. Members of these groups that are left particularly isolated during this time, such as those who attend the award-winning Arts From The Armchair programme – in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board – will also receive regular phone calls, parcels of creative tasks, and letters from their session leaders. Weekly sessions that will continue virtually include workshops for 4 years+, FUSE for those with additional needs, and Companies 25, 35 and 55 – the theatre’s community groups for anyone with a love of theatre.
In addition, in order to ensure all their resources are taken advantage of, Theatr Clwyd have also donated their food stock to four local homeless shelters and accommodation for vulnerable individuals, and have provided food packs to at-risk families identified by social services. All these shelters and families, as well as the Flintshire refugee families that Theatr Clwyd works with regularly in conjunction with the charity Synergy, have also received creative packs of tasks and prompts, made up from the theatre’s existing resources; craft supplies, costume fabric, and props. They will also have access to a programme of weekly creative online sessions.
To take part in Theatr Clwyd Together | Theatr Clwyd Ynghyd, please visit www.theatrclwyd.com for more information.
ABOUT THEATR CLWYD
The award-winning Theatr Clwyd is Wales’ biggest producing theatre, with over 700,000 people across the UK seeing a Theatr Clwyd production over the last two years.
Based in Flintshire, the gateway to North Wales, since 1976 Theatr Clwyd has been a cultural powerhouse producing world-class theatre, from the UK Theatre Award-winning musical The Assassination of Katie Hopkins and the Olivier Award-winning National Theatre and West End comedy Home, I’m Darling, to the site specific, immersive Great Gatsby and its sell-out rock ‘n’ roll pantomime.
Led by Artistic Director Tamara Harvey and Executive Director Liam Evans-Ford, Theatr Clwyd’s world-class team of workshop, wardrobe and scenic artists, props makers and technicians ensure the skills vital to a vibrant theatre industry are nurtured right in the heart of Wales. Alongside the three theatre spaces, cinema, café, bar and art galleries, Theatr Clwyd works with the community in many different ways across all art forms, delivering over 400,000 creative engagement sessions each year. It is recognised as a cultural leader for its cross-generational theatre groups, work in youth justice and award-winning programme of arts, health and wellbeing.
