Author: FairyPoweredProductions

An imitating the dog production

War of the Worlds

Based on The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

Retold by imitating the dog

Supported by Lancaster Arts and Cast, Doncaster

imitating the dog to premiere audacious and timely retelling of H.G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds

Next year imitating the dog, one of the UK’s most original and innovative theatre companies is set to push their inventive storytelling to new heights when they stage a contemporary retelling of H.G Wells’s iconic science fiction tale The War of the Worlds.

Created by imitating the dog’s co-artistic directors Andrew Quick, Simon Wainwright and Pete Brooks, imitating the dog’s retelling of War of the Worlds will open at Cast Doncaster from 5-7 February ahead of a UK & Switzerland tour which will finish in early May.

Four performers enter the stage and construct an epic road movie before our eyes. 

It’s a story we know, or think we know – an apocalyptic tale of alien invasion and the unfolding destruction of everything we hold dear. Extraterrestrial lifeforms land from the skies. Lines of Brits scrabble to flee across the channel while their cities and towns lie in smouldering ruins. It’s all of our worst nightmares. 

What would you do if order broke down? What would you do to survive? How far would you go to protect your own?

Using miniature environments, model worlds, camera tricks and projection, imitating the dog mix the live and the recorded, the animate and the inanimate to create a thrilling, audacious and timely retelling of H. G. Wells’s classic novel.

Following their acclaimed adaptations of literary classics Heart of Darkness (2018), Dracula (2021), Macbeth (2023) and Frankenstein (2024), imitating the dog are set to push their creative storytelling to new heights.

Andrew Quick, Co-Director and Artistic Director of imitating the dog said: 

“I am so excited to be working on our adaptation of War of the Worlds.  It’s a great story, and its themes of paranoia, moral panic, technological and ecological catastrophe, and the ways in which society implodes when faced with crisis, seem so relevant to today. 

It’s a story of immense intensity and adapting the novel produces some difficult challenges.  We are testing our technological and storytelling skills to the limit but producing some amazing sequences that do justice to the novel, but which also connect to contemporary concerns. 

We have been exploring how to combine live green screen acting with miniature model worlds to create a live movie that is created in front of the audience.  Imagine a detailed model of a destroyed city: you see a performer operate a camera that moves through its devastated buildings.  At the same time, in another part of the stage, you see a live performer being filmed and the image of their performance is then projected into the city landscape, so you see them looking out of one of the windows in one of its burnt out buildings.  This interlacing of the live and the miniature, the real and the model, is a new direction for us, but it creates some stunning effects. 

And we need these effects to create the extraordinary, compelling and epic story that we are telling – all with just four performers.  Of all productions across 27 years of theatre making, this is the most ambitious and technologically challenging work that we have made. I really can’t wait to see how audiences react.”

The production’s creative team will feature set and costume design by Abby Clarke (Unfortunate – The Untold Story, national tour), projection and video design by Simon Wainwright (The Kid Stays in the Picture, Royal Court), lighting by Andrew Crofts (Trash Cuisine, Belarus Free Theatre and The Young Vic) and original music composed by James Hamilton (Night of The Living Dead ™ – Remix, imitating the dog). Casting will be announced in the coming months.

imitating the dog have been making ground-breaking work for theatres and other spaces for 27 years. Their work, which fuses live performance with digital technology, has been seen by hundreds of thousands of people in venues, outdoor festivals, and events across the world. Past productions have included Hotel Methuselah, A Farewell to Arms, Heart of Darkness, Night of The Living Dead ™- Remix, the award-winning Dracula: The Untold Story, Frankenstein, and most recently, All Blood Runs Red. In 2022 the company staged Cinema Inferno, a ground-breaking new show for the Parisian haute couture house Maison Margiela, based on an original concept by creative director John Galliano, for Maison Margiela’s Artisanal 2022 collection, presented on the official Paris Haute Couture Calendar.

imitating the dog’s retelling of War of the Worlds premieres at Cast, Doncaster from 5-7 February before touring to The Dukes Theatre Lancaster (18-21 February); Lowry, Salford (25-28 February); Liverpool Playhouse (4-7 March); New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich (11-14 March); Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (18-21 March); Theatr Clwyd, Mold (15-18 April) and Blackpool Grand Theatre (22-25 April) with further dates to be confirmed. The production will also tour to Switzerland in April.

War of the Worlds is supported by Lancaster Arts and Cast, Doncaster

For more information on War of the Worlds visit imitatingthedog.co.uk

Curve Theatre, Leicester – until 24th May 2025

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

3***

Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel, The Girl on the Train follows Rachel Watson, who becomes fascinated by a seemingly perfect couple she watches from her train window on her way to work. A very heavy drinker, she manages to catch the train every morning to watch this couple, who happen to live a few doors away from her ex-husband, his new wife and their baby. When the woman in the couple disappears, Rachel decides to play sleuth and find out what happened. Interrogating the woman’s psychiatrist, befriending the male of the couple to glean information and working alongside the police as if one of their own, Rachel discovers the truth behind the apparent mystery.

There is so much crammed into this adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, that relationships, motives and emotions come across as inauthentic. I couldn’t help but feel this play was reminiscent of another which left me puzzled by its adaptation, The Da Vinci Code. I was not surprised to find that Wagstaff and Abel were at the helm of that production. Not every successful novel transitions smoothly to the stage.

The storyline and characters are not believable. Rachel is struggling with alcoholism, yet she is able to catch the train every day to London to observe this couple she has fixated on. Why does she pretend she is still commuting to work after she has lost her job due to her alcoholism? She lives alone and has no one to be accountable to. She drinks herself into oblivion nightly, yet she can cohesively and articulately challenge a psychiatrist to find out crucial information about his patient (don’t get me started on ethics). She is also able to smoothly infiltrate the police on a high-profile missing person’s case, at one point wearing investigators coveralls. Not a hangover or daytime slur nor stumble in sight. It’s repeatedly stated that she is unreliable, yet she throws herself into playing drunk detective with aplomb and is surprisingly successful at it. Why she is taken seriously by the other characters is the real mystery of the tale, as her life is pretty much a dumpster fire, faced with eviction, struggling with her divorce and making drunk calls throughout the night, how she can make the professionals sing like canaries when questioned is beyond me. Characters flit from anger to tears in moments, ranting and raving only to recover themselves completely, moving on as if nothing happened.

The switches between flashbacks and reality are brilliantly done by the use of Jack Knowles spotlights and director Loveday Ingram’s stillness. Dan Light’s video projection is used to show the background changes in scenery and the ongoing missing person’s case in the press. The train graphics and motions are more reminiscent of a tube journey than a train journey. Louisa Lytton did the best she could as Rachel and the cast as a whole came together to offer up strong performances. Unfortunately, the material they were given meant that by the end of the performance I was left indifferent to the outcome and the final scenes bordered on farce.

Customs House, South Shields – until 24th May 2025

Reviewed by Sandra Little

4****

This version of “Everybody’s Talking about Jamie” at the Customs House is an amateur production from Astravaganza Entertainment, produced by Liam Glendinnning and directed by David Ducasse. It is based on the smash hit musical of the same name which ran for three years in the West End.

The musical follows the trials and tribulations of Jamie New ( played by Corey Clarke), a 16 year old living on a council estate in Sheffield. From the outset it is clear that Jamie doesn’t fit in to this environment, he struggles with his identity, the reactions of others to his choices and is terrified about his future. Despite careers advice from school suggesting Jamie could be a fork lift truck driver, he has other ideas. From an early age Jamie has loved dressing up in girls’ clothes and his 16th birthday present from his mum is a pair of red stiletto shoes which he adores. At this point we learn that Jamie really wants to be a drag artist and not a fork lift truck driver!

Throughout his journey Jamie is supported by his mum (Nathalie Baxter) and her friend Ray (Deborah Taylor-Smith). Unfortunately Jamie’s dad (Chris Page) is unable to accept Jamie’s unconventional behaviour and rejects him. Jamie finds this rejection painful and he also faces prejudice and bullying from others along the way. Jamie’s plans to attend the school prom as a drag queen don’t go as smoothly as planned, but the story does have a happy ending when Jamie overcomes the prejudice he faces and beats the bullies. Although this “coming of age” story does have some darker moments, there are also lighter elements and some very amusing scenes.

I couldn’t begin to choose one stand out scene or performer in this fast paced, high energy musical, however it must be said that the dance routines are very polished and sometimes convey great emotion. The scene with drag artists and Legs Eleven club was both funny and touching and I particularly enjoyed Morgan Newman’s performance as Hugo / Loco Chanelle. In contrast the scene where Jamie’s mum sang, “If I met Myself Again” was quite tender and likewise the ballad, “He’s my Boy” was also quite moving.

As Jamie’s story evolves it demonstrates the importance of having the courage to to be yourself and to stand up to the bullies. In one tender moment, early in the show, Jamie’s friend, Pritti (Emily Jones) tells Jamie to stop waiting for permission to be himself and by the end of the performance it seems as though Jamie has taken on board this advice.

Although this is an amateur production, the performance on the opening night was a very polished “professional” offering from a predominantly young cast. I have seen several performances from this production team and the standard they achieve is quite amazing.

This production does contains strong language, mild sexual references and adult themes including homophobia.

James Acaster and Edinburgh previews announced in the Park Laughs series

• ames Acaster will be trying out his new show for four dates in July and August
• Further works in progress and Edinburgh Fringe previews will be presented throughout the summer, including Sophie Duker, Matt Forde, Rob Auton and Chloe Petts
• Fully developed shows include Chris Grace: Sardines and Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf*ckers
• Park Laughs Live returns with a line-up of Pierre Novellie, Catherine Bohart, Celya AB and Sophie Garrad
• Comedy Club 4 Kids continues with one Sunday show every month throughout the year

X (Twitter): @ParkTheatre | www.parktheatre.co.uk

Park Theatre has announced a jam-packed programme of fully developed shows, works in progress and Edinburgh Fringe previews as part of their Park Laughs series this summer, with appearances from more than 30 comedians including four dates from James Acaster.

James Acaster is known for his record breaking five consecutive nominations for Best Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Fringe, is the first UK comic to shoot more than one Netflix Original special, and also known for his books and podcasts. He’ll be trying out new ideas for an hour in July (16 & 17) and August (24 & 31).

In June, a quartet of comedians will also be road-testing new work. Anna Hale: Control Freak introduces a socially anxious extrovert and a perfectionist with sixty minutes to solve all her problems, while Pedro Leandro: Soft Animal invites his audience to reflect: will it, can it, ever be enough? (20 Jun). The following night (21 Jun) features Cabbage The Clown: Cinemadrome,one-part breathless parody of cinematic history, one-part thoughtful dissection of minimum wage careers, one-part rolling around on the floor covered in popcorn, and Bebe Cave: CHRISTBRIDE, a wild historical farce about what happens when you believe in yourself a little too much.

In two further nights of work in progress, double bills are presented by Eric Rushton and Hasan Al-Habib (29 June) ahead of their Edinburgh Fringe runs, and Sharon Wanjohi and Marty Gleeson (4 July). Eric Rushton: Inkeeper is paired with Hasan Al-Habib: Death To The West (Midlands), a love letter to his Iraqi heritage and Birmingham upbringing. Queer British Kenyan comedian Sharon Wanjohi tackles the lack of Gen-Z homeowners and cartoons that inspired a generation of sexual awakenings, whilst Irish comedian Marty Gleeson is renowned for her offbeat, captivating, and whimsical performance style.

In the week before the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Park Laughs will be presenting a series of Avalon Edinburgh Previews (21 – 26 Jul) with double bills of comedians in the intimate Park90 just ahead of their Scottish runs: Matt Forde and Joe Kent-Walters, Glenn Moore and Johnny White Really-Really, Chloe Petts and Pierre Novellie, Sophie Duker and Bella Hull, Rob Auton, Andrew Doherty, and two more to be announced. Earlier in the month Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) (12 July) is the Fringe preview from trailblazing comedian James Barr

One-off performances of developed shows include Chris Grace: Sardines (20 Jul), asking ‘can we enjoy life if we know how it ends?’ and ‘does making art actually help?’, and Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf*ckers (27 Jul) is a celebration of and for the female of the species. Invisible no more.

Park Laughs Live returns on 11 July, featuring hilarious household names alongside the most exciting rising stars in stand-up. This edition includes Pierre Novellie, Catherine Bohart, Celya AB and Sophie Garrad.

For younger audiences, Comedy Club 4 Kids continues to run monthly on a Sunday, offering family-friendly comedy without any patronising idiocy. Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude bits.

Park Theatre presents exceptional theatre in the heart of Finsbury Park, boasting two world-class performance spaces: Park200 for predominantly larger scale productions by established talent, and Park90, a flexible studio space, for emerging artists. In twelve years, it has enjoyed 10 West End transfers (including Rose starring Maureen Lipman, The Boys in the Band starring Mark Gatiss, Pressure starring David Haig and The Life I Lead starring Miles Jupp), two National Theatre transfers, 14 national tours, seven Olivier Award nominations, has won multiple OffWestEnd Offie Awards, and a Theatre of the Year award from The Stage as well as their inaugural Campaign of the Year award in 2025 for their work reaching underserved audiences with Canadian/ Korean comedy drama Kim’s Convenience.

Listings information

Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP

* Telephone booking fee of £3 per transaction applies. All ticket prices are inclusive of a £1.50 building levy.

Social media

Twitter:             @ParkTheatre

Instagram         @ParkTheatreLondon

Facebook          www.facebook.com/ParkTheatreLondon

TikTok               @ParkTheatreLondon

Park90                                                                                                 20 June

Anna Hale: Control Freak (Work in Progress) | Presented by Anna Hale in association with Park Theatre

Introducing Anna Hale: comedian, singersongwriter, control freak. She’s written the jokes, the music and the lyrics. She’s rigged the lights and sold the tickets. But what happens to a control freak when her world is out of control?

Anna is a socially anxious extrovert and a perfectionist with sixty minutes to solve all her problems. The real challenge is doing it without letting anyone else have a go.

Featuring hilarious original songs, “natural charisma” (Beyond The Joke) and “undeniable vocal pyrotechnics” (Chortle), Control Freak is the debut show from the 2024 Musical Comedy Awards ‘Audience Favourite’.

1hr

Fri 20 Jun 7pm, £10 Multi-buy with Pedro Leandro, Cabbage the Clown or Bebe Cave: Two tickets for £16

Park90                                                                                                 20 June

Pedro Leandro: Soft Animal (Work in Progress) | Presented by Pedro Leandro in association with Park Theatre           

The debut show from Pedro Leandro, a comedian who has famously been described as ‘magnetic’ (Guardian) and ‘a beautiful bright-eyed joy’ (Everything Theatre).

Sadly, he has found this praise to be insufficient. Standing atop the lonely Everest of his innumerable achievements, he invites his audience to reflect: will it, can it, ever be enough?

If the whole world said, as one: “You are the greatest comedian that’s ever lived. In fact, you transcend that label. You are a raconteur. An artist. And we actually like that you’re gay” Would that be enough? I mean, it wouldn’t hurt.

1hr

Fri 20 Jun 8.30pm, £10 Multi-buy with Anna Hale, Cabbage the Clown or Bebe Cave: Two tickets for £16

Park90                                                                                                 21 June

Cabbage The Clown: Cinemadrome (Work in Progress) | Presented by Cabbage The Clown in association with Park Theatre   

Minimum wage cinema employee turned multi-award winning tragic fool Cabbage The Clown’s debut hour marries a buffet of genres in polygamous holy matrimony in the name of drag.

With over 8 million views online for their genre-busting brand of multimedia drag-clowning, Cabbage presents their hotly-anticipated debut show: One-part breathless parody of cinematic history, one part thoughtful dissection of minimum wage careers, one part rolling around on the floor covered in popcorn.

So talk through the trailers, get the loudest snacks available, then sit back, relax and enjoy this Bechdel Test-passing, BBFC-unapproved, global premiere.

Running time

Sat 21 June 7pm £10, Multi-buy with Anna Hale, Pedro Leandro or Bebe Cave: Two tickets for £16

Park90                                                                                                 21 June

Bebe Cave: CHRISTBRIDE (Work in Progress) | Presented by Bebe Cave in association with Park Theatre 

In the dark, deathly world of the middle ages, one (annoying) woman strives to find the light. Join CHRISTBRIDE, a female mystic in a world of male dullards, as she escapes from a life of monotony to a life of devotion.

Bebe Cave presents her debut character comedy show. In a time where people believe anything, CHRISTBRIDE is a wild historical farce about what happens when you believe in yourself a little too much.

1hr

Sat 21 June 8.30pm £10, Multi-buy with Anna Hale, Pedro Leandro or Cabbage the Clown: Two tickets for £16

Park200                                               Sundays: 29 Jun, 20 Jul, 24 Aug, 14 Sep, 12 Oct, 9 Nov, 14 Dec

Comedy Club 4 Kids | Presented by Comedy Club 4 Kids in association with Park Theatre  

Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude bits! Almost 20 years later, the company has expanded from one London residency to being countrywide, running shows and workshops all over the UK from Peebles to Portsmouth, even producing a book on how to write and perform stand-up, and hosting our own Radio Nonsense podcast to bring the sillies to families all over the world.

The show is family friendly, but without any patronising idiocy. In fact, it’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of the entire audience claiming to be called Bob.

Adults to sit with children in their party (and help explain anything they get stuck on).

Group bookings to contain at least one adult for every three kids.

Sun 29 Jun

Charlotte Cropper, Matt Green and more acts TBC.

Sun 20 Jul

Abigoliah Schamaun (MC), ventriloquist Max Fulham and more acts TBC.

Sun 24 Aug

Sketch duo Peasoup Comedy, Ben Van Der Velde and more acts TBC.

Sundays at 3pm: 29 Jun, 20 Jul, 24 Aug, 14 Sep, 12 Oct, 9 Nov, 14 Dec | £15, £10 (Park Up 16-26 years).

Park90                                                                                                 29 June

Eric Rushton and Hasan Al-Habib: Works In Progress | Presented by Chambers Touring in association with Park Theatre presents

Award-winning comedians Hasan Al-Habib and Eric Rushton each present a work-in-progress version of their 2025 solo shows ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Eric will be previewing his new show, Eric Rushton: Inkeeper, following on from a successful nationwide tour of his critically acclaimed previous hour earlier this year. Eric has also received the prestigious Channel 4 Sean Lock Award 2023, and Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2020.

Hasan will be previewing his debut solo show Hasan Al-Habib: Death To The West (Midlands), a love letter to his Iraqi heritage and Birmingham upbringing. The show has already received a nomination for Best Debut at the Leicester Comedy Festival earlier this year. Hasan has also won the 2023 Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award.

1hr 40 mins (inc interval)

Sun 29 Jun 7pm, £15

Park90                                                                                                 4 July

Sharon Wanjohi and Marty Gleeson: Work in Progress | Presented by IAM in association with Park Theatre

Join the hilarious Sharon Wanjohi and Marty Gleeson as they test out new material.

Sharon Wanjohi is a queer British Kenyan comedian, who’s been making waves on the circuit with her take on the lack of Gen-z homeowners and maybe too much material on the cartoons that inspired a generation of sexual awakenings.

She has written on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Late Night Lycett and The Jonathan Ross Show.

Irish comedian Marty Gleeson is fast becoming a well-known name in the UK comedy scene. Recently showcased on BBC New Comedy Award Finals and Channel 4’s Sean Lock Awards, she was crowned LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2024. Renowned for her offbeat, captivating, and whimsical performance style, Gleeson was also a part of the prestigious Pleasance Comedy Reserve at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024.

With over 30 million views online and tour support for Vittorio Angelone under her belt, Gleeson is a comic making big juicy turbulent waves, run for cover. No one is safe.

2hrs 20 mins (inc interval)

Fri 4 Jul, 8.30pm, £15

Park90                                                                                                 11 July

Park Laughs Live | Presented by Park Theatre

After sell-out shows from some of the biggest names in comedy – Harry Hill, Ivo Graham & Jenny Eclair, to name but a few– Park Theatre presents Park Laughs Live!

We’re bringing you hilarious household names alongside the most exciting rising stars in stand-up for an unforgettable night of laughter.

Our upcoming show features Pierre Novellie, Catherine Bohart, Celya AB and Sophie Garrad.

2hr (inc interval)

Fri 11 Jul, 8.30pm, £15 | £10 (Park Up 16-26 years).

Park90                                                                                                 12 July

Fringe Preview: Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) | Presented by         W!ZARD Live Presents in association with Park Theatre

Trailblazing comedian James Barr brings his Edinburgh Fringe Preview to Park Theatre.

Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) is a bold, ‘genre-defying’ (ArtsHub.com.au) stand-up hour about the things his ex-boyfriend did to him, including a pushy-wushy down the stairsy-wairsy.

Shortlisted at The British LGBT Awards. As seen on Hits Radio Breakfast and the British Podcast Award winning A Gay and A NonGay.

1hr 10 mins (approx.)

Sat 12 Jul, 8.30pm, £18 | £10 (Park Up 16-26 years)

Park200                                                                                               16 & 17 July, 24 & 31 Aug

James Acaster: Work in Progress | Presented by Plosive Live and PBJ Management in association with Park Theatre           

James Acaster tries new ideas for an hour.

A whimsical master, James has received acclaim from around the world, including a record breaking 5 consecutive nominations for Best Comedy Show at the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. In 2017 he toured the country with a staggering three-show trilogy, performing Recognise, Represent and Reset consecutively over three nights in each venue. These three shows and Recap form his Netflix four part series, Repertoire. It was the first of its kind, a stand up mini series with an overarching narrative, and James is the first UK comic to shoot more than one Netflix Original special.

In 2019 James completed a mammoth long tour of his hugely successful show Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 around the UK, Australia and America, the show was nominated for a critics choice award after its release in 2022 and is now available to watch on his website. James is currently touring his new show Hecklers Welcome internationally.

As well as a celebrated stand up, James is a Sunday Times best selling author, with three publications; Classic Scrapes, Perfect Sound Whatever and his most recent book, James Acaster’s Guide to Quitting Social Media. James also has three hit podcasts: Off Menu which he hosts with Ed Gamble, Perfect Sounds and his latest release; Springleaf which he wrote and stars in.

This year James joins the Ghostbusters cast in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

1hr

Weds 16 & Thurs 17 Jul 9.45pm, Sun 24 & 31 Aug 7pm | £15.75, £10 (Park Up 16-26 years).

Park200                                                                                               20 July

Chris Grace: Sardines | Presented by W!ZARD Live in association with Park Theatre          

Acclaimed actor and comedian Chris Grace (as seen in Superstore) brings his newest show to Park Theatre for one night.  

Sardines explores the tragic, hilarious, and important questions of our time: Can we enjoy life if we know how it ends? Does making art actually help? And if Rihanna’s song is called “Don’t Stop the Music”, why does the music… stop? Find out in this insightful and vulnerable comedy. Brighton Fringe Excellence Award Winner.

You may have seen Chris in Atypical (Netflix), Stumptown (ABC), This Is Us (NBC) and Superstore (Netflix). In 2025, he appears in Netflix’s The Residence.

60 mins

July 20, 7pm | £20

Park90, Park Laughs                                                                           21 July

Matt Forde and Joe Kent-Walters | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

Mon 7pm | £15

Park90                                                                                                 22 July

Glenn Moore and Johnny White Really-Really | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

Tues 7pm | £15

Park90                                                                                                 23 July

Rob Auton | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

One further act to be announced.

Weds 7pm | £15

Park90                                                                                                 24 July

Chloe Petts and Pierre Novellie | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

Thurs 7pm | £15

Park90                                                                                                 25 July

Sophie Duker and Bella Hull | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

Fri 7pm | £15

Park90                                                                                                 26 July

Andrew Doherty | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

One further act to be announced.

Sat 7pm | £15

Park200                                                                                               27 Jul

Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf*ckers | Presented by Roadtrip Media Limited in association with Park Theatre

Namaste Motherf*ckers is the new show from Cally Beaton (QI, Live at the Apollo), a quick-witted, unexpected and unapologetic insight into life in midlife.

Combining Cally’s comedic and storytelling prowess with extracts from her provocative, stereotype-busting book of the same name, the show has at its heart her own story of radical reinvention – taking her from meetings in boardrooms to treading the boards, thanks to a chance conversation with the late, great Joan Rivers.

A funny show about a deadly serious subject, Namaste Motherf*ckers is a celebration of and for the female of the species. Invisible no more.

The show includes a Q&A and meet-and-greet with Cally. Who knows, Jeff the wonder dog may even be there too…

1hr 40 mins (inc interval)

Sun 27 Jul, 7pm, £20 | £10 (Park Up 16-26 years)

The Barn Theatre, Cirencester – until Saturday 28th June 2025

Reviewed by Josie Aburrow Smith

5*****

This is another great Built by Barn production at the Barn theatre in Cirencester. 

Educating Rita, written by Willy Russell, is a classic pygmalion tale. Rita, played by Ellie Clayton, is a working class hairdresser who dreams of a different life. She signs up for an open university writing course.  Then there is Frank, played by Justin Edwards, who is an alcoholic academic that is disillusioned by life and his poetry. Ritas enthusiasm leads to a journey of rediscovery for them both. 

The whole play is set in one room, Franks office. The staging is cleverly designed with some great play on perspective. The set and costume design are from Cory Shipp.

It is skilfully Directed by Stephen Unwin, with lighting and sound design by Ben Ormerod and John Leonard respectively, Ginny Schiller provided casting direction, and the sound programmer is Michael Beer.

This is a great life affirming and incredibly funny classic British play with terrific and convincing acting. We all need laugh out loud moments and this offered plenty of them.

Grand Theatre Leeds- until 24^th May 2025

Reviewed by Katie Brewerton

5*****

Kinky Boots is back on tour! In Leeds for a sold out run until the end of the week, this fabulous feel-good musical has become a favourite amongst theatre goers in recent years. With music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots is a joy and a must see for all fans of theatre. 

Based on a true story Kinky Boots follows a failing Northampton shoe factory, inherited by Charlie Price (Dan Partridge). After his father dies Charlie is shocked to find out the state of the factory finances and just how many unsold shoes they have. He moves back from London, leaving his fiancé Nicola (Kara Lily Hayworth) there to work out a plan for the factory. When the final buyer cancels their order he thinks closing down and giving the staff their two weeks notice is the only option. Until he gets a talking to from Lauren, Courtney Bowman who tells him to find a niche market and start producing something else. 

After a chance run in with Drag Queen Lola (Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe) Charlie thinks he may have found the answer! Manufacturing high heeled ladies boots for men. With Lola’s help they aim to get to Milan to showcase their stiletto heels which can hold the weight of a man. Both Lola and Charlie battle with not living up to their fathers expectations and Lola must deal with judgement and prejudice from those around her.

Lola and her fellow drag queens soon win over the majority of the Northampton work force and together they create a range of Lola’s Kinky Boots.

The cast are wonderful with the drag queens particularly born performers with fabulous skills. Partridge and Radebe had great chemistry and their friendship as Charlie and Lola was pure and a joy to see. 

The physical comedy sprinkled in was great and I recommend keep an eye on the actions on the background characters as well as the ones the scene is focused on with Lauren’s realisation of feelings for Charlie a highlight. 

The music is joyous and upbeat and you’re sure to be singing to yourself on the way home. With hits such as ‘The Sex is in the Heel’, ‘What a Woman Wants’ and the heart wrenching ‘I’m not my Father’s Son’.

Full of glitz and glamour and flying the flag for Pride this is a truly fantastic show which had the whole audience up on their feet and clapping along at the end. 

PLAYHOUSE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 24TH MAY 2025

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

I walked into the Playhouse last night with absolutely no idea what to expect. I wasn’t even familiar with the name of the film, though I recognised Alfred Hitchcock’s name, having directed classics like The Birds and Psycho. The gentleman sitting beside me mentioned that he had high expectations, having seen the film and thoroughly enjoyed it. Curiously, I had done a bit of research and wondered how they could possibly adapt a movie featuring a crop duster biplane, a sleeper train, car chases and Mount Rushmore into a stage play. To my delight, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

Under the direction of Emma Rice, Wise Children brings Hitchcock’s suspenseful narrative to life as a theatrical spectacle, prioritising playful subversion over the tension inherent in the film. The production fully embraces theatricality, featuring six versatile actors who take on multiple roles, complemented by clever props such as suitcases. True to Rice’s penchant for the unexpected, inventive, and entertaining, this show boldly makes its own mark on the Hitchcock spy thriller.

The story centres on Roger Thornhill (Ewan Wardrop), a New York advertising executive who is mistakenly identified as a spy when he stands up to make a phone call in a hotel lobby. From that moment on, he finds himself pursued by state enemies, resulting in a series of misadventures.

The entire cast, along with the creative team, deserves recognition for their incredible contributions, but Katy Owen, who narrates as The Professor, truly stands out. She is a chameleon on stage, exuding charisma, confidence, and a captivating energy that draws the audience in, creating a genuine connection with the performance. Her impeccable comedic timing adds to her brilliance, making her absolutely hilarious.

Wardrop, in the lead role, delivers a captivating performance, perfectly capturing the charm and vulnerability of his character. Patrycja Kujawska supports him beautifully as Eve Kendall, infusing the narrative with depth and intrigue. Meanwhile, Karl Queensborough takes on the mysterious villain Phillip Vandamm and elicits uproarious laughter in his portrayal of Roger’s mother. Vandamm’s two murderous minions, Anna, portrayed by Mirabelle Gremaud, and Valerian, played by Simon Oskarsson, are notably humorous and bring a delightful charm to the performance with their ability to embody a variety of characters. The dynamic interactions among the entire cast on stage were truly captivating!

Rob Howell’s stage and set design, featuring four revolving doors, is exceptionally clever. It allows the actors to make entrances while also serving as different locations. Additionally, the labelled suitcases offer useful cues for both locations and characters, frequently unveiling intriguing props.

There is so much more I could share, but I don’t want to spoil any of the highlights. If you’re in the mood for an evening of top-notch theatrical entertainment that offers a captivating story filled with fun, flair, and plenty of surprises, then I highly recommend you give this a try. I can genuinely say that I have never witnessed anything quite like this on stage.

Darlington Hippodrome – until Saturday 24 May 2025

Reviewed by Alex Sykes

5*****

Set in a time before social media and sexting, and when the ‘M’ in MTV still stood for music, there was the 90s.

Cruel Intentions tells the story of Sebastian (Will Callan) and Kathryn (Nic Myers), step siblings living on the Upper East Side. After reading a copy of Seventeen Magazine, Sebastian and Kathryn make a bet, Sebastian will try to sleep with Annette (Abbie Budden) who is new in town. If Sebastian succeeds, Kathryn will sleep with him as she is the only girl he can’t have, if he fails, Kathryn gets his car.

Along the way, Kathryn and Sebastian also meddle in the love life of Cecile (Lucy Carter) and her music teacher, Ronald (Kevin Yates). With Cecile’s mother (Gabriella WIlliams) playing doing a memorable dance to No Scrubs

With a soundtrack of some of the biggest hits of the 90s, including Genie in a Bottle, Wannabe and Bitter Sweet Symphony, this musical is a brilliant night out whether you have seen the film or not. The band deserve a round of applause for their amazing talent.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, the original Kathryn in the film, provides a voice over at the start of the show, telling people to turn off their “sub par cell phones” and informing the audience that this musical doesn’t feature flying cars, green witches or boy wizards.

My mum was a bit dubious about seeing this as she thought it was going to be another teen girl rom com musical, but by the end of the first act she was absolutely in love with the whole show and although the story is about Kathryn and Sebastian, Nic Myers as Kathryn is the true star of the show.

Whether you see this show in Darlington or elsewhere on the tour, grab a ticket, grab a friend and enjoy a night of 90s nostalgia with an epic soundtrack.

Original Theatre present the world premiere stage tour
of Torben Betts’ new thriller
Murder at Midnight

starring Jason Durr, Susie Blake and Max Bowden

Murder at Midnight, the brand-new stage thriller from acclaimed writer Torben Betts following his smash-hit success  Murder in the Dark, will embark on a UK tour this Autumn. The play will star stage and screen favourites Jason Durr (Heartbeat, Casualty), Susie Blake (Victoria Wood as seen on TV, Coronation Street) and Max Bowden (Birdsong, EastEnders). It will be directed by Philip Franks (Murder in the Dark, The Mousetrap). Further cast and creatives are to be announced.

Murder at Midnight blends razor-sharp wit with chilling suspense, proving that even the best-laid plans can unravel spectacularly when the wrong people are in the wrong place at exactly the wrong time.

It’s New Year’s Eve in rural Kent, and Jonny “The Cyclops” has decided to throw a party.  But amidst the drinking, music and fireworks exploding overhead, a twisted trail of destruction emerges. As midnight looms, tarot cards foretell doom, police lights flash in the distance and a killer is in the house. Everyone’s hiding something – but who’s telling the truth?

Max Bowden said: “I’m excited to begin working on this ambitious new dark comedy from a writer and a team I admire greatly. It’s a new challenge and an exciting shift for my career, and I’m looking forward to working with Original Theatre again.”

Philip Franks said: “Murder at Midnight is a dark and often very funny thriller set in the luxury Kent mansion of a one eyed drug dealer, pig farmer and possible gangland killer, Jonny “The Cyclops”. At midnight on New Year’s Eve his past is catching up with him fast. It’s Feydeau rewritten by Tarantino.”

The tour of Murder at Midnight will play Derby Theatre (5-13 September), Birmingham Rep (16-20 September), Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham (23-27 September), Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford (30 September-4 October), Malvern Theatres (7-11 October), Palace Theatre, Southend (13-18 October), York Theatre Royal (21-25 October), Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (27-31 October), New Theatre, Cardiff (4-8 November), Fareham Live (18-22 November) and Churchill Theatre Bromley (25-29 November) with further dates to be announced.

Murder at Midnight is produced by the award-winning Original Theatre who brought audiences Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d, the sell-out thriller Murder in the Dark and the critically acclaimed drama Birdsong.

For more information, and to book tickets for Murder at Midnight, visit: www.murderplay.com

LISTINGS – 2025 TOUR DATES:

5 – 13 September – Derby Theatre

derbytheatre.co.uk/event/murder-at-midnight

16 – 20 September – Birmingham Rep

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/murder-at-midnight

23 – 27 September – Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/murder-at-midnight

30 September – 4 October – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/murder-at-midnight

7 – 11 October – Malvern Theatres

malvern-theatres.co.uk/event/murder-at-midnight

13 – 18 October – Palace Theatre, Southend

trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB/event/play/murder-at-midnight-tickets

21 – 25 October – York Theatre Royal

ON SALE SOON: www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

27 – 31 October – Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

ON SALE SOON: www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

4 – 8 November – New Theatre, Cardiff trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB/event/play/murder-at-midnight-tickets

18 – 22 November – Fareham Live

trafalgartickets.com/fareham-live-fareham/en-GB/event/play/murder-at-midnight-tickets

25 – 29 November – Churchill Theatre, Bromley

trafalgartickets.com/churchill-theatre-bromley/en-GB/event/play/murder-at-midnight-tickets

CARLOS ACOSTA’S

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA

TO TOUR THE UK FOR A SECOND TIME

FROM 31 OCTOBER 2025

Norwich Theatre and Valid Productions are delighted to announce the return of their co-production of the critically acclaimed CARLOS ACOSTA’S NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA, choreographed and directed by Carlos Acosta CBE. The ballet will embark on its second UK tour from 31 October 2025 at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre running until 11 February 2026 where it will return to its original home, Norwich Theatre Royal.

NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA originally opened in November 2024 to tremendous reviews and an overwhelming public response which led to sold-out performances across the country.  It is a colourful Cuban take on the festive classic, set to an exuberant Cuban newly-commissioned version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo. Featuring over 20 dancers from Carlos’ Cuban company Acosta Danza, this traditional story is brought to life with ballet at its core but in Carlos’ unique style, seeing dance traditions of Cuba carefully fused and woven throughout the classic tale.

With spectacular video projection and set design by Nina Dunn (9 to 5 Musical, Bonnie and Clyde, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Don Quixote), Cuba collides with the Land of Sweets, bringing snow to Havana in a visually stunning spectacular treat for all.

Carlos Acosta, said “Creating and touring this first full-length production for Acosta Danza makes me incredibly proud. Watching them fuse together their classical and contemporary dance genres and Cuban Folk, with their sheer joy of dance, to the delight of audiences up and down the country has been a real dream come true for me. The success of the first tour filled me with such pride and I am truly honoured that this very special show is touring again. I am excited for even more audiences to enjoy our Cuban Christmas treat”.

Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive and Creative Director of Norwich Theatre said “To see Nutcracker in Havana embark on its second UK tour is hugely exciting. Realising Carlos’ inspiring vision to bring something unique and fresh to such a well-known story was about creative bravery aligned with a commitment to making Nutcracker connect with new and different audiences. Daring to be different saw the inaugural tour a huge success, playing to sell-out audiences around the country, 39% of who were attending dance for the first time. Validated by both audiences and critics alike, Nutcracker in Havana underscores the power of being brave and embracing innovation and we are delighted that audiences in many more parts of the UK-wide can enjoy this wonderful production in their local theatre this year.”

Casting to be announced.

NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA is choreographed by Carlos Acosta, with video projection, set design and mapping by Nina Dunn, costume design by Angelo Alberto, compositions and arrangements by Pepe Gavilondo Peón and lighting design by Andrew Exeter.

NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA is produced by Norwich Theatre and Valid Productions.

Website: nutcrackerinhavana.com

Instagram: @nutcrackerinhavana

2025 – 2026 TOUR SCHEDULE

31 October – 1 November       Aylesbury Waterside Theatre                       

                                                www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury-waterside-theatre       

4 – 6 November                      Hackney Empire, London                                          020 8985 2424

                                                www.hackneyempire.co.uk                                        

12 – 15  November                 Blackpool Grand Theatre                                          01253 290190

                                                www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk    

18 – 22  November                 Richmond Theatre    

                                                www.atgtickets.com/richmond-theatre                                               

7 – 10 January 2026               Sheffield Lyceum                                     0114 249 6000

                                                www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

15 – 17 January                      Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre

aberdeenperformingarts.com

20 – 21 January                      Eden Court, Inverness                                               01463 234 234           

                                                eden-court.co.uk/                              

23 – 25 January                      Chester Storyhouse

                                                www.storyhouse.com

28 – 31 January                      York Grand Opera House                                                       

                                                www.atgtickets.com/york

3-4 February                           Edinburgh Festival Theatre                                       0131 529 6000

                                                www.capitaltheatres.com/

10 – 11 February                    Norwich Theatre Royal                                              01603 630 000

                                                www.norwichtheatre.org