Curve Theatre, Leicester – until 25th January 2025
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
5****
Curve’s brand-new production of Kinky Boots stitches new soul into the heartwarming tale which is based on true events. Through Harvey Fierstein’s book and Cyndi Lauper’s music and lyrics, we are drawn into the lives of two seemingly different people who serendipitously meet one fateful night. Charlie, having inherited the families struggling shoe factory in Northampton after his father’s death, fears he has no choice but to sell the factory and let down his loyal workers. Lola/Simon, is the most glamourous drag queen who, whilst confident and fabulous, still continuously faces prejudice and has to remind people that they have a right to be accepted as they are. Believing they are worlds apart, but discovering they have much in common, we are taken on their most beautiful journey of self-discovery and self-affirmant, both of which make for an unforgettable adventure and a spectacular show.
Johannes Radebe set the stage alight as Lola. The moment she appears, we know we are in the presence of a true showgirl. Commanding the stage not just with incredible dance moves but also sass, we are mesmerised. Yet, throughout the performance as a whole, there shone such beauty and vulnerability, with moments of light and dark through Lola/Simon’s story that meant this wasn’t a pastiche of drag but a homage to the art and struggle, a celebration of the power and strength. Dan Partridge as Charlie Price had a wonderful connection with Radebe, working through a range of emotions as he came to terms with his paternal struggles which paralleled those of Lola/Simon. Watching them both sing ‘Not My Father’s Son’ was incredibly moving and displayed how director Nikolai Foster and choreographer Leah Hill made genius choices on how to evoke emotions from the players and the audience with subtle grace. Courtney Bowman is an absolute delight as Lauren, the factory worker turned exec, who has a huge crush on Charlie. Belting out ‘The History of Wrong Guys’ with perfect comic timing shows that she is an incredible talent. The complete cast are amazing, from Lola’s drag angels to the factory workers, the dancing, singing and performing is utterly entertaining through and through.
Stunning set and costume design by Robert Jones accompanied by lighting designer Ben Cracknell meant that every scene shone. Drag costumes and wigs are opulent and glorious which balances perfectly with the muted tones of the factory attire. The set is made up mainly to reflect the industrial Northampton shoe factory, with a hanging carousel of shoes descending at certain intervals, and machines which would slide in and out. Then a quick switch to streets, a night club, a pub, a catwalk, all seamlessly done.
But behold the boots! Glorious, red, shiny and a pair to fit everyone, no matter what your age, shape, size, colour, gender…the list could go on. The boots accept people for who and what they are, so why can’t we. What a fantastic message for a spectacular show. Kinky Boots has a tremendous cast, sublime choreography, amazing costumes, funky music and an engaging, uplifting story. These boots put the sole into soul, so get yourself to see this show.
Disney Theatrical Group today announces full casting for Herculeswhich opens at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 24 June, with previews commencing on 6 June.
Joining the previously announced Luke Brady as Hercules are, as the Muses, Candace Furbert (Thalia), Sharlene Hector (Clio), Brianna Ogunbawo (Melpomene), Malinda Parris (Calliope), Robyn Rose-Li (Terpsichore), and Kamilla Fernandes (Standby Muse); Mae Ann Jorolan (Meg), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Phil), Stephen Carlile (Hades), and Craig Gallivan and Lee Zarrett (in the roles of Bob and Charles), with Rhianne Alleyne, Lana Antoniou, Daisy Barnett, Felipe Bejarano, Sarah Benbelaid, Joel Benjamin, Jack Butcher, Nicole Carlisle, Francessca Daniella-Baker, Jemal Felix, Marie Finlayson, Ryesha Higgs, Cruz-Troy Hunter, Travis Kerry, Stefan Lagoulis, Jason Leigh Winter, Jordan Livesey, Harriet Millier, Ellie Mitchell, Saffi Needham, Ingrid Olivia, Matt Overfield, Patrick Robinson, Ope Sowande and Rhys West.
With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by David Zippel, and a brand-new book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah, Casey Nicholaw’s production of Hercules, co-choreographed with Tanisha Scott, is inspired by the 1997 animated film of the same name from Walt Disney Studios. The feature film, directed by The Little Mermaid filmmakers John Musker and Ron Clements, and written by Clements, Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw and Irene Mecchi, won Best Animation Feature at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards and was nominated for the Academy Award® for Best Original Song for Go the Distance.
DISNEY’S
HERCULES
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by David Zippel
Book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah
Cast: Luke Brady (Hercules), Candace Furbert (Thalia), Sharlene Hector (Clio), Brianna Ogunbawo (Melpomene), Malinda Parris (Calliope), Robyn Rose-Li (Terpsichore), and Kamilla Fernandes (Standby Muse), Mae Ann Jorolan (Meg), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Phil), Stephen Carlile (Hades), and Craig Gallivan and Lee Zarrett (in the roles of Bob and Charles), with Rhianne Alleyne, Lana Antoniou, Daisy Barnett, Felipe Bejarano, Sarah Benbelaid, Joel Benjamin, Jack Butcher, Nicole Carlisle, Francessca Daniella-Baker, Jemal Felix, Marie Finlayson, Ryesha Higgs, Cruz-Troy Hunter, Travis Kerry, Stefan Lagoulis, Jason Leigh Winter, Jordan Livesey, Harriet Millier, Ellie Mitchell, Saffi Needham, Ingrid Olivia, Matt Overfield, Patrick Robinson, Ope Sowande and Rhys West
Director and Choreographer: Casey Nicholaw; Co-Choreographer: Tanisha Scott;
Scenic and Additional Video Design: Dane Laffrey; Costume Design: Gregg Barnes, Sky Switser;
Lighting Design: Jeff Croiter; Sound Design: Adam Fisher; Video Design: George Reeve;
Special Effects Design: Jeremy Chernick; Dance Music Arrangements: David Chase;
Hair and Wig Design: Mia M. Neal; Make-Up Design: Kirk Cambridge- Del Pesche
The musical, inspired by the animated film, based on the ancient myth.
It’s what classical civilisation would have wanted.
Ancient Greece. A time of gods, mortals… and Hercules, who isn’t quite either. But if he’s not a god, how can he possibly save the world from Hades? It’s one thing flexing those pecs, but going from zero to hero requires a different kind of strength.
Get ready for a wise-cracking, column-shaking, underworld-rocking ride of adventure, self-discovery, and love. In tunics.
Luke Brady plays Hercules. For theatre, his work includes As You Like It (RSC), SuperYou (Lyric Theatre), Assassins (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Prince of Egypt (Dominion Theatre), Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice, The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare’s Globe), St George and the Dragon (National Theatre), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Adelphi Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre), Vernon God Little (Young Vic), The Fantasticks (Duchess Theatre), and Tarantula in Petrol Blue (Aldeburgh Music). For television, his work includes Fresh Meat and Miracle Workers: Dark Ages; and Murder on the Orient Express.
Candace Furbert plays Thalia. For theatre, her credits include The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), Shrek the Musical (UK tour), The Color Purple (Ruth Seaton James Theatre), Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych Theatre), and Once Upon a Time – The Lyrics of Robert Gould (Union Theatre).
Sharlene Hector plays Clio. For theatre her work includes A Strange Loop (Barbican Theatre), Dreamgirls, Here and Now (UK tours), Hairspray (London Coliseum), and Standing at the Sky’s Edge (National Theatre, Gillian Lynne Theatre). Her television credits include Derren Brown’sShowman and Alan Carr’s Epic Game Show: Name That Tune.
Brianna Ogunbawo plays Melpomene. Her theatre credits include The Lion King, Hairspray, Crush: The Musical, Dreamgirls (UK tours), Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), Merrily We Roll Along (Harold Pinter Theatre), Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Hadestown (Lyric Theatre).
Malinda Parris plays Calliope. Her theatre credits include The Enormous Crocodile (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Little Big Things (sohoplace), & Juliet (Shaftesbury Theatre), Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Matilda (Cambridge Theatre, RSC), Aladdin (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre), Caroline, Or Change, The Light Princess (National Theatre), Anansi Trades Places (Shaw Theatre), Little Shop Of Horrors (New Wolsey Theatre), Parade (Donmar Warehouse). Her film credits include Wicked and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Robyn Rose Li plays Terpsichore. Her theatre credits include The Baker’s Wife (Menier Chocolate Factory), Tammy Faye (Almeida Theatre), Hairspray (London Coliseum), Fly More Than You Fall (Southwark Playhouse), and The Book of Mormon (Prince Edward Theatre); and for film, Wonka.
Kamilla Fernandes’ (Standby Muse) theatre credits include Grease (Dominion Theatre), Newsies (Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre), Groundhog Day (The Old Vic), Sunset Boulevard (Savoy Theatre)and Guys & Dolls (Bridge Theatre).
Mae Ann Jorolan makes her West End debut as Meg, she will create the role anew for the London production having originated the role in Hamburg. Her other international theatre credits include Disney’s Aladdin (Stage Theater Neue Flora, Hamburg), and Hamilton (Stage Operettenhaus, Hamburg).
Trevor Dion Nicholas plays Phil. For theatre, his work includes Hadestown (Lyric Theatre), Next to Normal (Donmar Warehouse, Wyndham’s Theatre), Hamilton (Palace Theatre), Bonnie & Clyde (Theatre Royal Drury Lane),Disney’s Aladdin – WhatsOnStage Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Prince Edward Theatre, New Amsterdam Theatre and US tour), Big River (US tour), The Wiz, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Ragtime, The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, Rent, The Exonerated and This is the Life (ETA Hoffman Theatre, Germany).His television credits include Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, Panellist/Judge on All Star Musicals, Moley and The Americans. As a presenter, his credits include The Show Must Go On, Friday Night is Music Night, Magic at the Musicals, The Fight of the Century: Ali v Frazier.
Stephen Carlile plays Hades. For theatre, his work includes The Lion King (Minskoff Theatre, New York, European tour), The Go Between (Apollo Theatre), Peter Pan 360, Evita (International tours), My Fair Lady (National Theatre), Twelfth Night (UK tour), The Wizard of Oz (New Vic Theatre), Next Door’s Baby, The Pirates of Penzance (Orange Tree Theatre), Park Avenue (Sadler’s Wells Theatre), By Jeeves (UK tour), The Producers (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), The Importance of Being Earnest (Jermyn Street Theatre), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre) and Noël (National Opera House). His television credits include Girls5eva; and for film, Perfectly Good Moment, The Invisible Atomic Monsters from Mars and Brideshead Revisited.
Craig Gallivan’s theatre credit include Frozen (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), School of Rock (New London Theatre), Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace Theatre), Crime and Punishment (National Theatre), Days of Significance (RSC), The Long, The Short and The Tall (Sheffield Theatres), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Oliver! (UK tours). For television, his work includes Stella (as series regular Luke), Torchwood, Footballer’s Wives (as series regular Callum Watson) and Care; and for film, The Edge of Love.
Lee Zarrett’s theatre credits include Harmony (Ethel Barrymore Theatre), My Fair Lady (Lincoln Center, US tour) On Your Feet! (Marquis Theatre), Peter and the Starcatcher, Les Misérables, (US tours), Jane Eyre (Brooks Atkinson Theatre), and Hair (St James Theatre, US tour). His television credits include High Fidelity, Gotham and Broadwalk Empire.
ACCLAIMED PERFORMER LAYTON WILLIAMS TO EXTEND RUN IN NEW HIT WEST END MUSICAL
“Layton Williams virtually stops the show as the Iceberg” – Daily Express NOW PLAYING CRITERION THEATRE UNTIL 8 JUNE 2025 london.titaniquemusical.com
Eva Price and Michael Harrison are delighted to confirm that Layton Williams will extend his run in the new hit West End musical Titanique at the Criterion Theatre until 8 June 2025. The show officially opened on 9 January to rave reviews.
Layton, who plays The Iceberg among other roles, will continue to perform alongside fellow original West End cast members, Lauren Drew as Celine Dion, Darren Bennett as Victor Garber / Luigi,Jordan Luke Gageas Cal, Stephen Guarino as Ruth, Rob Houchen as Jack, Kat Ronney as Rose and Charlotte Wakefield as Molly Brown.
On stage background vocalists Adrianne Langley, Madison Swan and Rodney Vubya, as well asoffstage understudies Freddie King and Kristina Walz, complete the cast now playing the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End until Sunday 8 June 2025.
Layton Williams said:“When the chance came to extend my run in Titanique I immediately took it. I’m having the most iconic time alongside this stellar original West End cast. The energy from audiences has been everything. Y’all have really been showing up and showing out and we’re so grateful. It’s such a wild, hilarious ride, and I’m buzzing to be able to slay as the Iceberg for another three months.”
★★★★★
The Times, Daily Mail, Sunday Express, Sunday Mirror, Gay Times, London Theatre
When the music of Céline Dion makes sweet Canadian love with the eleven-time Oscar®-winning blockbuster film Titanic, you get Titanique, off Broadway’s most award-winning splash hit that turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterical musical fantasia.
Want to find out what really happened to Jack and Rose on that fateful night? Just leave it to Céline Dion to enchant the audience with her totally wild take, recharting the course of Titanic’s beloved moments and characters with her iconic song catalogue. Sailing on fierce powerhouse voices in show-stopping performances of such hits as My Heart Will Go On, All by Myself and To Love you More – backed by a full live band – Titanique is a one-of-a-kind theatrical voyage bursting with nostalgia, heart and campy chaos. “Sensational. You won’t see anything funnier this year”. (Sunday Mirror)
Co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli, Titanique celebrated its Off-Broadway premiere in June 2022 at Asylum Theater, starring the musical’s co-authors Mindelle and Rousouli as Céline Dion and Jack Dawson. After several sold-out extensions, the musical transferred to the Daryl Roth Theatre on November 20, 2022 where it continues to play.
Titanique is directed by Tye Blue and choreographed by Ellenore Scott. Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations are by IRNE Award-Winner Nicholas James Connell. Scenic Design for Titanique is by Gabriel Hainer Evansohn and Grace Lauchbacher for Iron Bloom Creative Production; Costume Design is by Alejo Vietti; and Lighting Design is by Paige Seber; and Sound Design is by Lawrence Schober with casting by Pearson Casting CDG.
Titanique won seven major awards during the 2022/23 theatre season, including three Lucille Lortel Awards, the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, Las Culturistas’ Culture Award for Best Indoor Performance and two Dorian Awards.
The London production of Titaniqueis co-produced by Eva Price and Michael Harrison, Winkler & Smalberg, Diamond Dog Entertainment LLC, Echo Lake Entertainment, Jay Marcus, Sonia Friedman Productions, Willette and Manny Klausner and Lorne Michaels.
Heartfelt celebration of the iconic late Beatle’s life and music comes to 26 venues in 2025
TV and stage star Daniel Taylor fronts the new must-see biopic stage show
A compelling new celebration of the life and music of legendary Liverpool icon John Lennon is set to embark on a major UK tour in 2025.
Something About Lennon – The John Lennon Story comes from the same team behind the acclaimed shows Something About George, which salutes the talent of the late George Harrison, and Something About Simon which showcases the music of singer-songwriting genius Paul Simon.
The show will embark on its inaugural tour from May to July 2025, visiting 26 locations across the country.
It opens in Wrexham on May 19 before three dates in Scotland – at Arbroath on 20 May, Airdrie on 21 May and Dundee on May 22. From there the tour arrives at Ulverston on 23 May, Wolverhampton (25 May) and StHelens (27 May) before travelling to New Brighton (28 May), Southport (31 May), Crewe (1 June), Birmingham (4 June) Yarm (6 June), Hull (7 June), Cheltenham (10 June), Blackburn (12 June), Leeds (13 June), Alnwick (14 June), Hexham (15 June), Blackpool (18 June), Coventry (19 June), Shrewsbury (20 June), Swindon on 24 June, Peterborough (25 June), Sale (26 June) and Lincoln (4 July). The tour ends in Wakefield on 5 July.
West End performer and musician Daniel Taylor fronts the production’s band of five and tells the fascinating story of Lennon along with performing his best-known, best-loved hits. The band are Joe Smithson (MD, Guitar and Vocals), Callum Macmillan (Percussion/Drums), Jesse Eigen (Bass Guitar and Vocals)and James Breckon (Keyboard and Vocals).
Weaving together songs and stories, Something About Lennon is not a tribute show as we know it, but rather one musician authentically telling the tale and honouring the music of another in a story that will reveal a life that wasn’t always filled with peace and love.
A tale of controversy, genius, politics and protest, Something About Lennon charts John’s life from the breakup of the Beatles at the end of the 1960s to his shocking murder in New York in December 1980 and features an irresistible soundtrack of incredible songs including Woman, Instant Karma and Imagine – although of course the story wouldn’t be complete without a few of those Fab Four classics along the way too.
Something About Lennon is brought to audiences by producers Bill Elms, Jon Fellowes and Gary Edward Jones of Something About Productions.
It has also been announced that The Beatles Story is on board as a production partner.
Daniel Taylor trained at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London and is an actor, producer, and director. He has previously played John Lennon in the award-winning Lennon Through a Glass Onion, and is also known from his many years in Blood Brothers, along with The Very Best of Tommy Cooper, Twopence to Cross The Mersey and most recently in By The Waters Of Liverpool. He also played Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in New York’s Central Park.
Daniel Taylor says: “Following the huge success of Something About George, I’m really looking forward to creating the same magic with Something About Lennon which tours to venues across the UK in 2025.
“It’s lovely as a performer and actor to have people put so much trust in you to tell such an incredible story, and to celebrate someone as unique and timeless as John Lennon.
“And of course there are all those iconic songs which have formed the soundtrack to so many people’s lives, and which will be performed live with a brilliant band of musicians.
“I can’t wait to revisit the man and the legend in this fantastic new show.”
And co-producer Bill Elms adds:“John Lennon was a fascinating, and a multi-faceted character, and more than 40 years after his untimely death he continues to be a towering presence both within popular culture and beyond.
“Something About Lennon explores the decade between the breakup of the Beatles and Lennon’s death – a time that saw him re-examining his life and career, pursuing new passions, finding domestic contentment and, tragically, being taken from his family and the world just at the moment he had started what was set to be an amazing and creatively fulfilling new chapter.
“I’m excited to be able to present this stunning new show to audiences across the UK, and I’m also really delighted that The Beatles Story has joined us as a production partner for what I’m certain is going to be a fantastic tour.”
Dial M for Mayhem is a comedy following a theatre troupe performing a play in a village hall in a rural town in Scotland. They are performing, as the name suggests, Dial M for Murder. The stage is set with a small sitting room and walls towards the edge of the stage. There are spotlights at the front of the stage suggesting that we are watching a play within a play. The scene opens with a murder, one character hides behind a curtain and attempts to strangle another. She in turn reaches for a pair of scissors and stabs him. From this opening scene, you could be lead to believe that you had bought tickets for a murder mystery but the actor (Julian, played by Joey Lockhart) begins an over-exaggerated, comedic death sequence and you remember that this is a comedy. The lights come up, there is a shout of “cut” and the characters begin squabbling about Julian’s poor performance in the death scene.
As the characters argue, many things begin to go wrong, owing to the shows limited budget, the drafty village hall or the many different personalities of the actors. Some of this is indeed funny but a lot of it felt awkward instead. A few of the jokes were met with laughter from the audience but many with silence. A recurring joke in the play is that Rupert, played by Alasdair Baker, keeps farting. While a fart joke can be funny, I felt that this was overused. Everything that could go wrong, goes wrong while the producer played by Luke Rhodri tried his best to keep everything together.
In the second act the play begins and the set has been flipped so we can see the Mayhem backstage. The props are mislaid and the wrong sounds are queued and this is already funnier than the first act. However much like the first act, the performance is lacking polish
While this was an enjoyable night at the theatre, this play felt unfinished. It had all the makings of a very good comedy but was lacking something. It felt very much like a first draft, with all the potential to be good. Some of the acting felt a little awkward and amateur. Despite this, I found myself laughing out loud at moments
Based on the film by MICHAEL POWELL and EMERIC PRESSBURGER
and the HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN fairytale
Music by BERNARD HERRMANN
TO RETURN FOR THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SEASON
AT SADLER’S WELLS
2 DECEMBER 2025 – 18 JANUARY 2026
AS PART OF A UK TOUR
New Adventures is delighted to announce that Matthew Bourne’s double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of THE RED SHOES will return for the annual Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells as part of a 2025/26 tour, for the first time since its 2020 tour was cut short due to the pandemic.
The production will play the seven-week Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells, London, from 2 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, marking New Adventures’ 23rd consecutive Christmas season at the venue. Further tour dates and casting will be announced shortly.
Matthew Bourne said today: “The Red Shoes was the culmination of a twenty-year ambition to bring Powell and Pressburger’s seminal 1948 film to the stage. It was also, in many ways, a personal love letter to a life in theatre and dance.
When we created the show in 2016, we were not prepared for the overwhelming response from audiences everywhere we went both at home and internationally. The production went on to win two Olivier Awards and was honoured by the LA Critics Awards for both choreography and for Lez Brotherston’s memorable set and costume design.
This production was certainly a landmark event for New Adventures, becoming an instant classic and a beloved addition to our repertoire. I’m so happy to see it return this year, especially as our last tour in 2020 was sadly cut short by the pandemic and left many of our loyal audiences throughout the UK disappointed.
So, welcome back to the Ballet Lermontov and to paraphrase the great impresario himself… ‘It’s time to put on the red shoes, Vicky, and dance for us again….’”
A sell-out before its world premiere season opened in 2016, Matthew Bourne’s triumphant adaptation of the legendary film went on to win Best Entertainment at the 2017 Olivier Awards, with Matthew Bourne winning the award for Best Theatre Choreographer. The show then returned for a national tour in 2019.
A timeless fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion.
Matthew Bourne’s magical double Olivier Award-winning production of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film is set to a score orchestrated by Terry Davies, featuring the mesmerizing music of golden-age Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, with sumptuous designs by Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Paule Constable (lighting) and Paul Groothuis (sound).
An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences, The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart.
THE RED SHOES is supported using public funds by Arts Council England.
David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce that former Strictly Come Dancing professional and TV Presenter Janette Manrara will join the UK and Ireland tour of CHICAGO as Roxie Hart, making her musical theatre debut. Janette will open at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on Monday 3 March 2025.
Janette said today, “This is a dream come true! To have my musical theatre debut be playing the iconic Roxie Hart is so exciting. She is a beautifully complex character, and I cannot wait to bring my ‘Roxie’ to the stage. I truly look forward to working with the incredible cast and the whole team of one of the best musicals of all time. Looking forward to seeing everyone that comes to the show and giving them a real ‘razzle dazzle’ of a show!”
Janette joins West End leading lady Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, alongside Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
The cast is completed by Bethany Adamson, Victoria Anderson, Josh Crowther, Joe Dale, Jessica Keable, Robin Kent, Annabelle Laing, Jacob McLay Reid, Jonathan Milton, George Olney, Oliver Ramsdale, Elly Shaw, Lucy Anne Stacey, Matthew Sweet and Ria Tanaka.
Janette Manrara is best known for having been on Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the finals with HRVY, as well as co-hosting BBC2’s It Takes Two and hosting the Strictly Live tour across the UK. Her previous theatre credits include the Broadway and international tour of Burn the Floor, as well as UK touring productions A Christmas To Remember, Remembering Fred, Remembering the Movies and a streamed version of Remembering the Oscars, all with her husband Aljaž Škorjanec. Janette is also an author, having released her debut book, ‘Tiny Dancer, Big World’.
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.
Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, CHICAGO’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”. Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, CHICAGO is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.
Since it opened in New York in 1996, CHICAGO has played in 38 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean. Worldwide it has been seen by an estimated 34 million people, grossed over $1.7 billion has played over 35,000 performances.
CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The current 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.
Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 25 January 2025
Reviewed by Amy V Gathercole
4****
“Keeps you guessing right until the end! It captivates with its suspense and compelling performances”.
The Girl on the Train is based on the much-loved novel by Paula Hawkins, which sold over 20 million copies globally. Many may recall the 2016 film adaptation thriller starring Emily Blunt. This stage adaptation leans more into the plot of the film than the novel, providing a gripping and suspenseful experience full of tension and drama.
A great thriller is one that will have you questioning everyone’s motives and meanings throughout, and this play does precisely that. The flurry of “who did it?” moments keeps the audience on edge, second-guessing every character and their potential involvement in the crime. The writing is impeccable, ensuring that the suspense never lets up – kudos to director Loveday Ingram for this.
Giovanna Fletcher stars as Rachel Watson, a London commuter recently divorced and struggling to come to terms with her new lonely life. To cope, her drinking problem worsens, leading to increasingly erratic behaviour, including a peculiar fascination with watching people from the train.
Fletcher’s performance is nothing short of brilliant, portraying Rachel’s frazzled and unhinged state with conviction. She embodies a woman tormented by jealousy, bordering on alcoholism, who just doesn’t know who she should trust. She’s suffering from memory issues, not trusting what she thinks she believes and needs the help of others to help her piece things together following an attack that she doesn’t remember.
Separated from her ex-husband Tom (Jason Merrells), Rachel continues to cause drama for him and his new wife, Anna (Zena Carswell), and their new baby, Evie. Her harassment includes turning up at their house unannounced and making incessant phone calls when she’s had a skinful.
The story centres on the mysterious death of Megan Hipwell (Natalie Dunne), a woman whom Rachel has been observing during her train journeys, fantasising about Megan’s life while reflecting on her own choices. As the narrative unfolds, moments of humour are cleverly interspersed, offering much-needed relief amid the tension. The suspense and suspicions are relentless, keeping the audience guessing until the final scenes. Some comic relief is thankfully provided by Detective Inspector Gaskill, convincingly portrayed by TV favourite Paul McEwan, as the play tackles some trauma-based subjects and some darker adult themes, so the balance of DI Gaskill’s humour is welcomed.
DI Gaskill has a lot of potential leads to follow up on and stories to make sense of to establish what happened to Megan and why. The audience is left to wonder if they will figure out the truth before the police in the show do!
The set is sparse by design, allowing the cast to create many different sets with minimal fuss and very fast and effective changeovers of locations. It’s practical and effective work from the mind of Adam Wiltshire.
The use of physical slow and fast-motion sequences is an interesting storytelling choice that adds depth to the narrative, along with innovative lighting effects that enhance the overall mood and tension. The lighting work and design stand out as one of the show’s highlights, enhancing the mood and tension throughout the show with some set design pieces, including video design from Dan Light and a particularly impressive physical and digital piece in the final act. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil it! The Girl on the Train is a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts. It captivates with its suspense, compelling performances, and innovative storytelling techniques.
The Girl on the Train is visiting over 30 theatres across the UK in 2025 and you can purchase your tickets here
The producers of new musical Stalled donate £35,000 to totally transform King’s Head Theatre’s auditorium with luxury seating.
The new raked seats will be in place in February for the world premiere of the new musical about mothers, daughters and moving on, and to celebrate the theatre’s first birthday in its new home.
As Stalled starts rehearsals, the producers also announce a gala night on 18 February to raise funds for The Looking Out Foundation, founded by Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlile.
King’s Head Theatre in Islington celebrates its first birthday home with an exciting upgrade of its auditorium with new state-of-the-art luxury raked seating.
The Accolade seating is being supplied by renowned seating experts Audience Systems, whose clients include Sydney Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall and Roundhouse.
The luxury padded seats will be in place for the theatre’s next Main House production – the world premiere of the musical Stalled – thanks to a generous £35,000 donation by a foundation facilitated by the show’s producers.
The theatre is launching a fundraising campaign for the outstanding £15,000 needed which will allow the theatre to improve sightlines to its second row and add some accessibility features.
Stalled Producer Thomas Hopkins said today: “We are thrilled to support King’s Head Theatre by funding the installation of all-new seats for our upcoming musical, Stalled. The producers are dedicated to ensuring a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for every audience member. We can’t wait for everyone to relax and enjoy the show in style!”
King’s Head Theatre’s Executive Producer (Acting CEO) Sofi Berenger said: “We’re eternally grateful for this incredibly generous donation from the Stalled producers and the foundation. As we begin our second year in our new home, it’s wonderful to be able to continue to grow and improve on our audience facilities. We’ve only ever been able to make it this far thanks to the invaluable support we’ve received from the producing community and philanthropic investors, as we receive no public funding. These seats will be a game changer for our audiences, and we can’t wait for them to arrive in February ready to be enjoyed for Stalled and many more shows to come.”
The cast and creative team begin rehearsals for Stalled
As rehearsals for Stalled got underway this week, the show’s producers also announce that they will hold a gala evening on Tuesday 18 February to aid The Looking Out Foundation, founded by Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlile. Private presales for the gala have already exceeded £6,000.
Gloria Goeres, Executive Director of the charity, said: “The Looking Out Foundation is honoured and thrilled to be the chosen recipient of funds raised through the efforts of the musical, Stalled. We celebrate this opportunity to join their efforts to continue to make music mean more and appreciate all that Stalled does to strive for inclusion, hope and forgiveness for all.”
Stalled, a new musical about mothers, daughters and moving on, will play a 6-week season from Thursday 13 February – Sunday 23 March. The show’s book & lyrics are by Liesl Wilke and music & lyrics by Andy Marsh, as well as additional music and lyrics by Kyle Puccia, and direction by Vikki Stone.
The cast is led by West End and Broadway star Lauren Ward (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Dear Evan Hansen) and Josie Benson (Kiss Me Kate, Mamma Mia!).
In a bougie ass Seattle ladies’ room, meet a frazzled mother, a neurodivergent daughter, a fierce 16-year-old poet and a terrified queer computer scientist – together navigating the ups and downs of modern life with heart and courage. With soul-stirring melodies and a rare authenticity, witness their inspiring journeys in an unforgettable celebration of these complicated, beautiful souls. Get ready to be moved. Get ready to be inspired. Get ready to be stalled!
Looking Out Foundation
Founded by Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlile, the Looking Out Foundation amplifies the impact of music by supporting initiatives that drive social justice and equity. With a commitment to creating safe spaces and fostering opportunities for women, including transgender women, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, the foundation partners with grassroots organizations to address systemic inequities and empower underserved communities. Through advocacy, fundraising, and the transformative power of music, the foundation inspires action and drives meaningful change worldwide to Make Music Mean More. Learn more at LookingOutFoundation.org.
King’s Head Theatre
King’s Head Theatre is a purpose-built, wheelchair accessible theatre with a 200-seat flexible auditorium and 50-seat cabaret space off Upper St, Islington which showcases a wide range of performance styles from plays to musicals, to opera & cabaret, to drag & comedy.
Established in 1970, King’s Head Theatre was the oldest pub theatre in the UK until it closed its doors in August 2023. For 53 years the theatre was housed in the back room of the King’s Head Pub on Upper Street in an old boxing ring and pool hall, before opening the new space in Islington Square right behind the pub theatre in January 2024.
Under Artistic Director & Founder Dan Crawford, whose tenure lasted 35 years until his death in 2005, the theatre became known as a breeding ground for new talent and great work. Renowned actors like Maureen Lipman, Hugh Grant, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Alan Rickman & Richard E Grant all performed at the theatre, and a number of productions transferred to the West End and Broadway, premiering work from writers such as Steven Berkoff, Tom Stoppard, Bryony Lavery and Victoria Wood.
In 2010, the Olivier Award-winning company Opera UpClose Productions became the theatre’s resident company for four years, and with Adam Spreadbury-Maher as Artistic Director, turned the King’s Head into “London’s Little Opera House”, winning an Olivier Award for La Boheme in the Best New Opera category. Opera remains a key part of the theatre’s focus, alongside a commitment to emerging, daring and innovative work, such as Trainspotting, the Edinburgh Fringe and touring immersive hit developed by King’s Head Theatre.
The theatre showcases a lot of LGBTQ+ work which explores the full spectrum of experiences symbolised by the rainbow flag. It is a home for a new wave of theatre makers, with a focus on work which is joyful, irreverent, colourful & queer.
In the first year of the new King’s Head, the theatre has showcased work from artists such as Rob Madge, Luke Bayer, Olivier award-winner Shaun McKenna, triple Fringe First winners Xhloe & Natasha, Heartstopper’s Cormac Hyde-Corrin, Neil Ashton and writer Jonathan Maitland. The theatre has just announced its Spring 2025 season as it goes into its second year, working with artists such as Lauren Ward, Josie Benson, Vikki Stone, Rosie Day and former artistic director Hannah Price, who will be making her debut on the new stage.
LISTINGS INFO
Thomas Hopkins Productions for Stalled on Stage Ltd presents the world premiere of
STALLED a new musical Book writer & Co-Lyricist Liesl Wilke Composer & Lyricist Andy Marsh with additional music and lyrics by Kyle Puccia
Hope Mill Theatre are delighted to announce that Ted Lasso alum Charlie Hiscock will be making his stage debut as Cosme McMoon, alongside Wendi Peters, in the first major UK revival of hit comedy GLORIOUS!The True Story of The Worst Singer in the World. The show will open at Hope Mill Theatre on 27 February 2025 for a limited run ending on 30 March 2025. Tickets are on-sale.
Also joining the cast will be Anita Booth (Fatal Attraction, Ambassador Theatre Group, The Entertainer, Garrick Theatre) as Dorothy, Maria and Mrs Verrinder-Gedge, Ella Maria Danson (Showtune, Union Theatre) as cover Florence and other female roles and George Miller (Some Masterchef Sh*t, 53Two) as cover Cosme.
Written by Peter Quilter (End of the Rainbow) and directed by Kirk Jameson (Song from Far Away, I Am Harvey Milk) GLORIOUS! is the true story of American socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, dubbed ‘the worst singer in the world’, who was known for her flamboyant costumes, enigmatic performances and decidedly off-key voice.
Charlie Hiscock is best known for playing the role of Will Kitman in the Golden Globe-winning series Ted Lasso. Other previous credits include the Academy Award nominated film Poor Things where he can be seen opposite Willem Defoe, The Borrowers (BBC) with Stephen Fry, Victoria Wood and Christopher Ecclestone and Secret Life of Boys (CBBC). Charlie has just finished filming the new series of Black Mirror (Netflix) coming out in 2025 and can also be seen on BBC/Netflix’s new drama Red Rose.
On joining the cast Charlie said: “I’m truly honoured to be making my stage debut in this incredible play, and I couldn’t have imagined a better place to begin this journey than back home, up North at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester”.
Nominated for Best New Comedy at the 2006 Olivier Awards,GLORIOUS! follows Florence’s journey as she prepares for her concerts, builds an unlikely friendship with her accompanist Cosme McMoon, and pursues her passion despite all odds. At first bewildered by her lack of talent, Cosme is gradually won over by her indomitable spirit. As her recitals gained a devoted following in 1940s New York (including admirers like Enrico Caruso and Cole Porter), they became must-see events, culminating in a sold-out show at Carnegie Hall, where Florence performed Mozart in angel wings and a halo.
Florence’s story was made into an Oscar nominated, BAFTA award-winning film in 2016 starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. This production celebrates a woman who defied critics and sceptical audiences, to make her dreams come true.
GLORIOUS! will be directed by Kirk Jameson with musical supervision by Nick Barstow, set & costume design by Ingrid Hu, casting by Harry Blumenau CDG CDA, lighting design by Mike Robertson, sound design & assistant musical supervision by Mark Goggins, Italian translation & dialect coaching by Judith Blazer, costume supervision by Lorraine Parry, wig design by Helen Keane and artwork by FEAST Creative.
GLORIOUS! is produced by Hope Mill Theatre and Thomas Hopkins & Jana Robbins.
