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Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff – until 22 June 2019

Reviewed by Rhys Payne

5*****

When I heard that Matthew Bourne’s re-imagination of Romeo and Juliet was heading to Wales Millenium Centre I was apprehensive. The last ballet I saw was three hours long with three intervals and while the dancing was impressive this was at times tedious and repetitive so there was some reservation about this show. However, this ballet exceeded all my expectations. While this show demonstrated the talent and ability of the cast but at the same time, it was modern and contemporary which provided a completely new perspective on ballet that I had never experienced before. One of the many interesting things about this ballet was that the dancing made logical sense. Many of the characters, especially the guard, danced in such a way that it made sense. The movements seemed to reflect the character who was doing them. This was a great inclusion as it made the entire story seem more believable and relatable. Instead of a person randomly breaking into a dance routine instead, it seemed logical to the audience which made the show even more enjoyable. Not only was the dancing incredible but also the orchestra accompaniment was powerful and so the players so should be praised.

This show was based heavily on the traditional tale of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare but there was the inclusion of some more up-to-date themes and story points. For example, there was a same-sex couple who experience police brutality which is one of the primary causes of the prison uproar. This can only benefit the ballet popularity and can help to make it more relevant in modern society. This ballet was also set in a prison/institute which was nice from a production perspective and as the set did not change the dancers had to work extra hard to portray what where they were and what was going on. A highlight scene in this show was one in which they were based in the bedroom and as there were only a few beds on stage they cleverly choreographed a routine that had the men and women alternate from under the bed respectively to show the two scenes running at the time which was genius. From a backstage viewpoint, having beds in the wings obviously take up a lot of space which can be frustrating but also from the audience’s perspective, it made the story easy to follow and continued to show the clever timing/choreography. Also due to the lack of set and props, the dancer had to work hard to show the audience what is going on. This is both a testament to Matthew Bourne’s storytelling and the dancer’s ability and so both should be appealed as there was not a single point where I did not know what was going on. To be able to portray an entire story only through dance, and without dialogue/sets, etc. , it not an easy thing which just shows was clearly this show was designed. Another clear inclusion was the book ending of the entire play with the scene of the two dead characters on a stone block. It was nice to see the continuity and was the completeness of the story. I realised that the main reason this scene appeared at the beginning of the ballet is due to the prologue of Romeo and Juliet. The main point in the prologue of the original play is that “A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life” and although this was slightly changed in the ballet it was obviously a representation of this dramatic foreshadowing.

Overall, this production was an excellent re-imaging of the classic play and actually showed me a completely new side to ballet and its potential. I would, especially, advise people who have never seen a ballet before to catch this show before it leaves as firstly, the skill and talent of the cast is incredible and is definitely not what you would expect from a ballet. Or if you are a fan of Romeo and Juliet you should watch this show as it provides a new and fresh interpretation of the classic play. I would rate this ballet 5 out of 5 stars and it’s a show not to miss

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh – until 22 June 2019

Reviewed by James Knight

4****

Louis de Bernières’ classic novel of romance, war and music comes to the stage in a UK tour. Adapted by Rona Munro and directed by Melly Still, the island of Cephalonia and its inhabitants and invaders come to life beautifully onstage, capturing the magic of the original novel.

While the play may be bookended by a letter to Captain Corelli (Alex Mugnaioni) to his fellow armyman Carlo (Ryan Donaldson), the true character to follow is that of Pelagia (Madison Clare). She’s the first character we are properly introduced to, scolding her father, Dr Iannis (Joseph Long) as he pees on the herbs. It’s her story we follow as she falls in and out love with Mandras (Ashley Gale) and protects the other Cephalonians from their German and Italian invaders. Munro’s script still manages to pay tribute to the other narrative threads of the source material, and so losses are still felt as the war progresses.

The cast are wonderfully engaging to watch, and with so many characters to keep track of, the relationships are drawn with subtlety. Supporting characters all get their moment, whether it be the Communist strongman Velisarios (Stewart Scudamore) or the surprisingly sympathetic Nazi soldier Gunter (Kate Spencer). And that’s nothing to say of the two ‘animal’ performers, Luisa Guerreiro and Elizabeth Mary Williams as a goat and a pine marten respectively, quite often stealing the show from their human counterparts.
And animals play a large part of this show – two of the most visually interesting moments involve them. Silver fish leap across the stage, and in a quiet grove while picking snails, Pelagia and Corelli cement their love for each other.

The production is a feast for the eyes and ears: the beauty of the afore-mentioned fish contrasts with the horror of being surrounded by frozen bodies. The music (by composer Harry Blake) is beautiful throughout, from the delicate, mandolin concerto ‘Pelagia’s March’, to the powerful strains of Eve Polycarpou’s haunting vocals depicting the tragedy and grief of war. Elsewhere, simple tricks are often best – guns are mimed and their firing is all sound effects throughout the show, making an actual onstage gunshot that much more effective when it happens.

And these do not detract from the quieter character moments, such as Dr Iannis talking to Pelagia about her love for Corelli, or a battalion of Italians performing the Humming Chorus before a firing squad, or even the final, gently heart-breaking few seconds.

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a beautiful elegiac piece of theatre, which, while showing great respect to its source material, is not afraid to depict the horrors of war, nor the glimmer of hope that comes after.

BIRMINGHAM STAGE COMPANY ANNOUNCE

CAST FOR WEST END RUN OF

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN – PART FOUR!

Birmingham Stage Company presents

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four!     

Written and Directed by Neal Foster

Designer: Jackie Trousdale; Lighting Designer: Jason Taylor; Sound Designer: Nick Sagar

Music: Matthew Scott

Apollo Theatre

1 – 31 August 2019

Birmingham Stage Company today announces cast for Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four! which returns to the Apollo Theatre marking Horrible Histories’ eighth year in the West End. Neal Foster directs Pip Chamberlain and Benedict Martin. Barmy Britain – Part Four! was the most successful Horrible Histories show so far and enjoyed a sell-out 2018 summer season. It opens this year on 6 August, with previews from 1 August, and runs until 31 August.

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with Barmy Britain – Part Four!

Be reduced to rubble by the ruthless Romans! Would you be shaken or stirred by Richard III? Will Queen Elizabeth I endure her terrible teeth? Would you be hanged by King James I for being a witch? Mount a mutiny against King Henry VIII! See Mary Tudor knock the spots off Mary Queen of Scots! Peep into the world of Samuel Pepys and help Georgian detectives find the headless man! Take a trip into the night with the night soil men and discover how to survive the first ever train ride!

After seven sensational years in the West End, Barmy Britain is back!

Terry Deary is the creator of Horrible Histories and one of Britain’s best-selling authors of the 21^st Century. He’s also the tenth most-borrowed author in British libraries. There are around 50 Horrible Histories titles with total sales of 25 million in 40 countries. Deary is also the author of over 200 fiction and non-fiction books for young people including his series of books Dangerous Days. This summer will also see the release of Horrible Histories The Movie.

Pip Chamberlain’s previous credits for Birmingham Stage Company include Horrible Histories: Best of Barmy Britain (international tour), Horrible Histories: More Best of Barmy Britain, Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, Horrible Histories: Vile Victorians (UK tour) and Horrible Histories: Wicked Warwick (Warwick Castle). Other theatre credits include Metal Sandwich, How Did I Get To This Point (Live Theatre), Frank Sumatra (Theatre N16/Alphabetti Theatre/comic 7B Festival de Teatru, Romania), Lucky Numbers (The Customs House), Seven Other Children (Octagon Theatre Bolton) and The Dice House (Arts Theatre). His television credits include Inspector George Gently and Vera.

Benedict Martin previous credits for Birmingham Stage Company include Gangsta Granny (UK tour/Garrick Theatre), Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, Horrible Histories: Vile Victorians, Horrible Science, Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain (Garrick Theatre/UK tour), Horrible Histories: Wicked Warwick (Warwick Castle), James and the Giant Peach, George’s Marvellous Medicine and The Jungle Book (UK tour). Other theatre credits include The Dice House (Arts Theatre), The Revenger’s Tragedy (Theatr Clwyd), The Royal Hunt of the Sun (Compass Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Principal Theatre), Secrets (Polka Theatre), Divine Words(Battersea Arts Centre) and The Tempest (Greenwich Theatre). His television credits include Lipstick on your Collar, Devices and Desires, The Alan Clark Diaries, Jekyll and Bleak House; and for film, Shadows in the Sun and The Disappeared.

Neal Foster is the Actor/Manager of Birmingham Stage Company which since its foundation in 1992 has staged over eighty productions. The company has become one of the world’s leading producers of theatre for children and their families, including Horrible Histories Live on Stage for fourteen years in the UK, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Foster has written and directed all of the most recent Horrible Histories shows including the Barmy Britain series seen in the West End, across the UK, and abroad. In addition, the world première of Tom Gates which he adapted with the author Liz Pichon is currently touring the country through to 2020 and he is also adapting and directing Billionaire Boy , his third David Walliams stage show after Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie.

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four!                                                                                Listings

Apollo Theatre

31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ 

Box Office: 0330 333 4809

www.nimaxtheatres.com

1 – 31 August 2019

Running time: 70 minutes

Horrible Histories shows are recommended for ages 5 to 105 (106 year olds may not like them)

www.barmybritain.com

Twitter: @HHLiveOnStage

Facebook: birminghamstage

FULL LINE-UP AND PRESENTERS ANNOUNCED FOR WEST END LIVE 2019

With just over a week until West End LIVE returns to London’s Trafalgar Square, the full line-up of award-winning shows and acts has been released and is now available to view on the West End LIVE website.

An exciting roster of debuts and old favourites will be taking to the stage on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June 2019 for a weekend of free entertainment in the heart of London’s West End.

Joining a host of previously announced musicals such as Come From Away, On Your Feet!, Six, Only Fools And Horses The Musical, 9 To 5 The Musical, Wicked and The Phantom Of The Opera, are new shows and acts including Brooklyn The Musical, Falsettos, The Illusionists, The Barricade Boys and Nadine Benjamin.

The likes of Faye Tozer and Layton Williams from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be sharing a stage with stars such as Amber Davies from 9 To 5 The Musical and Lucie Jones from Waitress, who will also be performing her own songs on the Sunday with Nathan Amzi.

Producer Paul Taylor-Mills will curate an exclusive segment celebrating new musical writing, featuring excerpts from musicals first workshopped at MT Fest UK earlier this year.

An array of presenters is sharing hosting duties on the West End LIVE stage, including comedian, actor and musical theatre performer Jason Manford, who hosted the Olivier Awards in April.

West End LIVE continues its partnership with Magic Radio, with presenters Emma B, Tom Chambers, Tom Price and Harriet Scott all co-hosting the stage across the weekend.

Louise Dearman and John Owen Jones, who are both performing this year, will also be hosting.

West End LIVE is a joint production by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT). Official London Theatre (SOLT’s public-facing website) will be backstage at West End LIVE throughout the weekend sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

West End LIVE will be BSL interpreted by Sue MacLaine and Marco Nardi.

westendlive.co.uk // @WestEndLIVE // @westendlive // @westendLIVE

IAN MCKELLEN’S GROUND-BREAKING THEATRE JOURNEY CONTINUES WITH A RETURN TO THE WEST END. 80 YEARS, 80 VENUES, 80,000 TICKETS SOLD ON TOUR AND NOW 80 MORE SHOWS ANNOUNCED TODAY, IN LONDON, FROM SEPTEMBER – ALL TO RAISE VITAL FUNDS FOR THEATRE CHARITIES.

IAN MCKELLEN ON STAGE
WITH TOLKIEN, SHAKESPEARE, OTHERS …AND YOU!

PRESENTED BY AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP PRODUCTIONS

DIRECTED BY SEAN MATHIAS

The Show will transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre from September 20th 2019 with all profits benefitting theatre charities. The season follows an unprecedented, sold-out tour of over 80 venues the length and breadth of the UK in celebration of McKellen’s 80th birthday year. Tickets are on sale today.

The acclaimed tour has thus far raised over £1million for causes related to the venues it has visited and will pass £2million when it ends in Orkney in August. The total target for money raised by the end of the tour and West End run is £3million.

Tickets for the new West End run will go on sale at 10am on Friday 14 June 2019 viawww.ianonstage.co.uk including 80 tickets per performance for just £10. Audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Ian McKellen says:

“Taking this new Show to 80+ theatres around the country, has been a joyful birthday present to myself.  I’ve played mainly in theatres I knew well as a young theatregoer and actor. On my birthday, I was in Bolton Town Hall where my dad used to work. It began last February with 15 theatres in Greater London and will end in Orkney.

Soon I will be back in London, for a limited season in the West End, raising much-needed funds for theatre charities. For each performance at the Harold Pinter Theatre, I’m glad that there will be 80 tickets at just £10.

As for the Show? Ask someone who’s seen it. Come and find out.”

“The theatre event of the year”: The Telegraph.

LISTINGS

IAN MCKELLEN ON STAGE
With Tolkien, Shakespeare, others …and you!
Presented by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions
Directed by Sean Mathias
www.ianonstage.co.uk
www.atgtickets.com

ON TOUR:

IAN MCKELLEN ON STAGE continues to tour the UK with venues, schedule, tour map and further information available at www.ianonstage.co.uk

IN THE WEST END:

Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton Street, London SW1Y 4DN

Performance schedule*

First performance: 20th September 2019
Last performance: 5th January 2020
Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30pm
Sunday at 3:00pm

*Performance on 1st November at 2:00pm
*No performances from 2nd – 7th November

*Christmas schedule:

23rd December at 7:30pm
24th December at 3:00pm
25th December No performance
26th December No performance
27th December at 7:30pm
28th December at 7:30pm
29th December at 7:30pm

Tickets from £10 at www.ianonstage.co.uk or www.atgtickets.com

INITIAL CASTING ANNOUNCED

ADAM COOPER RETURNS TO NEW ADVENTURES AFTER 20 YEARS

 TO PLAY ‘BORIS LERMONTOV’

ASHLEY SHAW TO REPRISE HER AWARD-WINNING ROLE

AS ‘VICTORIA PAGE’ IN

MATTHEW BOURNE’S

DOUBLE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING

SMASH HIT PRODUCTION OF

Based on the film by MICHAEL POWELL and EMERIC PRESSBURGER

and the HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN fairytale

Music by BERNARD HERRMANN

AT THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH,

THE LOWRY, SALFORD AND SADLER’S WELLS LONDON

New Adventures is delighted to announce that Adam Cooper and Ashley Shaw will star in the return of Matthew Bourne’s double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of “THE RED SHOES”. The tour opens on Monday 18 November at Theatre Royal Plymouth and runs until Saturday 23 November, before visiting The Lowry, Salford, from Tuesday 26 November to Saturday 30 November; ahead of a seven-week Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells, London, from Tuesday 3 December to Sunday 19 January 2020.

Also confirmed to revive their acclaimed created roles from the Original Cast are Dominic North as ‘Julian’, Liam Mower as ‘Ivan’, Michela Meazza as ‘Irina’, Glenn Graham as ‘Grischa’ and Cordelia Braithwaite who also plays ‘Victoria Page’.

Full casting to be announced soon. “THE RED SHOES” will tour throughout 2020 with further tour dates to be announced.

Matthew Bourne said today “The return of Adam Cooper after 20 years is a major event in New Adventures history. Through his iconic role as The Swan, Adam is still an inspirational figure for many of my dancers so I am delighted that the current generation of company stars will get the chance to work alongside him in The Red Shoes. Adam and I have talked many times over the years about working together again so I am utterly thrilled to have finally managed to persuade him to come home to his New Adventures family in the perfect role of Boris Lermontov, another iconic role that I’m sure he will make all his own” 

World famous, dancer, actor and choreographer, Adam Cooper returns to New  Adventures after more than 20 years, to play the iconic role of Svengali-like Impresario ‘Boris Lermontov’; and one of New Adventures much loved stars, Ashley Shaw, returns to the role of ‘Victoria Page’ having first created it for the 2016 World Premiere Season.

This will be the third time Adam Cooper has collaborated with Matthew Bourne. He first worked with Matthew in 1995 to create the iconic role of ‘The Swan’ in “Swan Lake”.  He played the role in London, New York, LA and Japan, for which he won a Time Out Award, Evening Standard Award, Astaire Award for Outstanding Male Dancer and a received a Tony Award Nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.  Adam returned to work with Matthew Bourne a second time in 1997, creating the role of ‘The Pilot’ in “Cinderella” in London and LA.  He also famously portrayed ‘grown up Billy’ dancing as ‘The Swan’ in the 2000 film “Billy Elliot”. Adam’s many theatre credits include “Singin’ in the Rain”, “On Your Toes” and “Guys and Dolls”.

Ashley Shaw has most recently performed in the title role of Matthew Bourne’s “Cinderella” in the UK, China, Japan and America. For her role as ‘Victoria Page’ in “THE RED SHOES” she won the Hospital Club 100 award for Theatre and Performance 2017 and the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Outstanding Female Performance 2017. Her other credits for New Adventures include: ‘Aurora’ in “Sleeping Beauty”; ‘Lana’ in “The Car Man”; ‘Kim Boggs’ in “Edward Scissorhands” and ‘Princess Sugar’  in “Nutcracker!”.

A sell-out before its world premiere season opened in 2016, Matthew Bourne’s triumphant adaptation of the legendary film returns in 2019, having won two Olivier Awards and dazzled audiences across the UK and the USA.

“THE RED SHOES” is a 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 battleground between the two men who inspire her passion.

Set to the achingly romantic music of golden-age Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, “THE RED SHOES” is orchestrated by Terry Davies and played by the New Adventures Orchestra, with cinematic designs by Lez Brotherston, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Paul Groothuis and projection design from Duncan McLean.

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.

For more information please visit: www.new-adventures.net

Facebook /MBNewAdventures    Twitter @New_Adventures     Instagram @MBNewAdventures

THE RED SHOES TOUR 2019-2020

www.new-adventures.net

MONDAY 18 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2019

THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH www.theatreroyal.com

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2019

THE LOWRY, SALFORD www.thelowry.com

ON SALE 22 MARCH 2019

TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2019 – SUNDAY 19 JANUARY 2020

SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE, LONDON www.sadlerswells.com

ON SALE 18 MARCH 2019

FURTHER TOUR DATES FOR 2020 TO BE ANNOUNCED

Adam Spiegel and Robert Bartner present

The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich and Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch production of

The multi award-winning Broadway and West End musical

Embarks on its first UK Tour from January 2020

Following run at Fairfield Halls, Croydon

One of the most celebrated musicals of all time, Once will embark on its first major UK tour from January 2020.

Following a run at Fairfield Halls, Croydon from Thursday 19 December 2019 – Saturday 11 January 2020, the tour will visit Southend, Liverpool, York, Woking, Milton Keynes, Bath, Coventry, Stoke, Malvern, Aberdeen, Nottingham, Oxford, Brighton, Sheffield, Cardiff, Southampton, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Canterbury, Leicester, Salford, Newcastle, Plymouth and Glasgow.

Based on the critically acclaimed and much-loved film, Once tells the uplifting yet yearning story of two lost souls – a Dublin street busker and a Czech musician – who unexpectedly fall in love. Following their relationship across five short days, big changes happen to both of them in little ways. Celebrated for its original score including the Academy Award-winning song Falling Slowly, Once is a spell-binding and uplifting story of hopes and dreams.

Once embarks on its first major UK tour after acclaimed runs on Broadway and in the West End, and having won awards across the world including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album, eight Tony Awards and an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music.

The cast will be led by Daniel Healy as Guy and Emma Lucia as Girl, who return to the roles after receiving critical and audience acclaim in this production’s 2018 premiere at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich and Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch. Daniel Healy is a singer-songwriter, musician and actor, who has co-written songs for multi-platinum artist Ronan Keating including the single Breathe, which topped the BBC Radio 2 Playlist. Theatre credits include Backbeat and Once, both in the West End. Emma Lucia made her professional debut as Marilyn and understudying Carole King in the UK Tour of Beautiful, before taking on the role of Girl in Once.

Further casting is to be announced.

Once is directed by Peter Rowe with set and costume design by Libby Watson, musical supervision by Ben Goddard, choreography by Francesca Jaynes, lighting design by Mark Dymock, sound design by James Cook, projection design by Peter Hazelwood and orchestrations by Martin Lowe. Casting is by Debbie O’Brien.

Based on the cult 2007 Irish indie feature, originally shot on a micro-budget of just $160,000, Once premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop in 2011 before transferring to Broadway in 2012. There it won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Productions have since opened all over the world, including the West End production in 2013 which received the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music.

Once has a Book by award-winning Irish playwright and screenwriter Enda Walsh, and Music & Lyrics by Academy Award winning Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová who, for Falling Slowly, won the Oscar for Best Original Song. It is based on the motion picture Written and Directed by John Carney. The Original Production Concept is by John Tiffany.

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

www.OnceTheMusicalOnStage.com

Facebook /OnceTheMusicalUK

Twitter @OnceTheMusicalUK

UK TOUR LISTINGS

Thursday 19 December – Saturday 11 January 2020

ASHCROFT THEATRE at FAIRFIELD HALLS, CROYDON

Box Office: www.fairfield.co.uk / 020 3292 0002

ON SALE NOW

Monday 13 – Saturday 18 January 2020

SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION

Box Office: www.southendtheatres.org.uk / 01702 351 135

ON SALE NOW

Monday 20 – Saturday 25 January 2020

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE THEATRE

Box Office: www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire / 0844 871 3017

ON SALE MONDAY 17 JUNE

Monday 3 – Saturday 8 February 2020

YORK GRAND OPERA HOUSE

Box Office: www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york / 0844 871 3024

ON SALE MONDAY 17 JUNE

Monday 10 – Saturday 15 February 2020

WOKING NEW VICTORIA THEATRE

Box Office: www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre / 0844 871 7645

ON SALE MONDAY 17 JUNE

Monday 17 – Saturday 22 February 2020

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

Box Office: www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre / 0844 871 7652

ON SALE MONDAY 17 JUNE

Monday 2 – Saturday 7 March 2020

BATH THEATRE ROYAL

Box Office: www.theatreroyal.org.uk / 01225 448844

ON SALE NOW

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 March 2020

COVENTRY BELGRADE THEATRE

Box Office: www.belgrade.co.uk / 024 7655 3055

ON SALE SOON

Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 March 2020

STOKE REGENT THEATRE

Box Office: www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre / 0844 871 7649

ON SALE MONDAY 17 JUNE

Monday 23 – Saturday 28 March 2020

MALVERN FESTIVAL THEATRE

Box Office: www.malvern-theatres.co.uk / 01684 892277

ON SALE NOW

Monday 30 March – Saturday 4 April 2020

ABERDEEN HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

Box Office: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com / 01224 641122

ON SALE TUESDAY 23 JULY

Monday 6 – Saturday 11 April 2020

NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL

Box Office: www.trch.co.uk / 0115 989 5555

ON SALE NOW

Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 April 2020

OXFORD NEW THEATRE

Box Office: www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford / 0844 871 3020

ON SALE THURSDAY 27 JUNE

Monday 20 – Saturday 25 April 2020

BRIGHTON THEATRE ROYAL

Box Office: www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton / 0844 871 7650

ON SALE THURSDAY 27 JUNE

Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 May 2020

SHEFFIELD LYCEUM THEATRE

Box Office: www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk / 0114 249 6000

ON SALE SATURDAY 29 JUNE

Monday 11 – Saturday 16 May 2020

CARDIFF WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

Box Office: www.wmc.org.uk / 029 2063 6464

ON SALE MONDAY 5 AUGUST

Monday 18 – Saturday 23 May 2020

SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER THEATRE

Box Office: www.mayflower.org.uk / 02380 711811

ON SALE NOW

Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 May 2020

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

Box Office: www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse / 0844 871 3014

ON SALE THURSDAY 27 JUNE

Monday 1 – Saturday 6 June 2020

BIRMINGHAM ALEXANDRA THEATRE

Box Office: www.atgtickets.com/venues/alexandra-theatre-birmingham / 0844 871 3011

ON SALE THURSDAY 27 JUNE

Monday 8 – Saturday 13 June 2020

CANTERBURY MARLOWE THEATRE

Box Office: www.marlowetheatre.com / 01227 787787

ON SALE MONDAY 5 AUGUST

Monday 15 – Saturday 20 June 2020

LEICESTER CURVE

Box Office: www.curveonline.co.uk / 0116 242 3595

ON SALE SOON

Monday 22 – Saturday 27 June 2020

SALFORD THE LOWRY

Box Office: www.thelowry.com / 0343 208 6000

ON SALE FRIDAY 21 JUNE

Monday 6 – Saturday 11 July 2020

PLYMOUTH THEATRE ROYAL

Box Office: www.theatreroyal.com / 01752 267222

ON SALE WEDNESDAY 3 JULY

Monday 13 – Saturday 18 July 2020

GLASGOW KING’S THEATRE

Box Office: www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre / 0844 871 7648

ON SALE THURSDAY 27 JUNE

FURTHER VENUES TO BE ANNOUNCED

THE SPECTACULAR, ACCLAIMED MUSICAL

RETURNS TO LONDON

Adam Cooper to reprise starring role of Don Lockwood

Jonathan Church and Andrew Wright to lead the creative team

Strictly limited season in 2020 at Sadler’s Wells

Michael Harrison and Jonathan Church are today delighted to announce that Chichester Festival Theatre’s Olivier Award-nominated production of Singin’ in the Rain will play a strictly limited five-week season at Sadler’s Wells in Summer 2020.

The star of that production, Adam Cooper, will return as Don Lockwood, having earned critical acclaim for his performance at Chichester Festival Theatre and again when the show transferred to London’s Palace Theatre. Adam is one of the most celebrated stars to perform at Sadler’s Wells, where he has headlined Matthew Bourne’s iconic production of Swan Lake.

Singin’ in the Rain will also reunite the original director Jonathan Church with choreographer Andrew Wright.

Performances begin on Friday 24 July 2020. Tickets go on General Sale on Monday 8 July 2019.

After Sadler’s Wells, Singin’ in the Rain will return to Japan. This will be the third season the production has played in the country, where Adam Cooper has also headlined its two previous triumphant runs. Singin’ in the Rain will play in Tokyo, from the end of September 2020.

Don Lockwood is a silent movie star with everything he could want – fame, adulation and a well-publicised ‘romance’ with his co-star Lina Lamont. But Hollywood is about to change forever. There is rumour in the studio of a new kind of film, where the actors actually talk … and sing … and dance. Can Don and the uniquely voiced Lina make the transition, and will chorus girl Kathy Seldon fulfil her dream of stardom and capture Don’s heart along the way?

This production of Singin’ in the Rain opened at Chichester Festival Theatre in summer 2011 and extended due to unprecedented public demand. It then transferred to the Palace Theatre in the West End in February 2012, where it received huge critical acclaim, four Olivier Award nominations, and played to more than 750,000 people…. some leaving the theatre a little wetter than when they arrived!

Singin’ in the Rain features songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, including Make ‘em Laugh, Good Morning, Moses Supposes and Singin’ in the Rain. Original screenplay and adaptations are by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Reuniting the original Chichester production team, Singin’ in the Rain will be directed by Jonathan Church, with Olivier Award-nominated choreography by Andrew Wright. The production is designed by Simon Higlett, with lighting by Tim Mitchell.

Adam Cooper is an English actor, choreographer, dancer and theatre director. He currently works as both a performer and choreographer in musicals and has choreographed and/or starred in award-winning shows suchas On Your Toes, Singin’ in the Rain and Grand Hotel. He began his professional career as a dancer of classical ballet and contemporary ballet and is a former Principal of the Royal Ballet, a major international ballet company based in London. He became internationally recognized for creating the lead role of Swan/Stranger in Matthew Bourne‘s contemporary dance production of the balletSwan Lake.

The stage production of Singin’ in the Rain is based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, regularly voted the most popular film musical of all time.

Michael Harrison Entertainment and Jonathan Church Productions present the Chichester Festival Theatre and Stage Entertainment Production of Singin’ in the Rain.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION OF JEKYLL & HYDE

Local theatre company Darlington Operatic Society is proud to announce the full casting of their next blockbuster musical, Jekyll & Hyde.

Directed and choreographed by Joanne Hand (Top Hat, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, West Side Story) alongside Musical Director Steven Hood (Chitty Chity Bang Bang, Strictly Musicals 2), Jekyll & Hyde will run at Darlington Hippodrome later this year.

The title role of Dr Henry Jekyll (who transforms into Mr Edward Hyde) will be shared between Julian Cound and Luke Oldfield who will play the role on alternate dates.

It is widely known that this is possibly one of the toughest musical theatre roles for any male performer to undertake. Beth Hopper will take the role of Emma Carew with Rhiannon Walker and Jessica Harrison sharing the role of Lucy Harris on alternate dates. The cast will also include Christopher McCann as John Utterson, Jason Slater as Sir Danvers Carew, Peter Robson as Simon Stride, Brandon Gatley as Spider & Archibald Proops, Andrew Hamilton as the Bishop of Basingstoke, David Murray as Lord Glossop, Hannah Gawthorpe as Lady Beaconsfield and Alex Taylor-Garthwaite as Lord Savage. The ensemble cast is Edwin Taylor, Scott Campbell, Ben Fitzpatrick, Joshua Ashton, Baily Gascoigne, Caitlin Foster, Fran Charlton-Hague, Lizzie Curwen, Eleanor Grainger, Abbie Hand, Claire Hirst, Zoe Kent, Carolyn Lithgo, Grace Murray, Eve Murray, Naomi Potts, Natalie Robinson, Mehan Smith, Rosalind Stuart, Vicky Tickle, Hayley Walker, Claire Willmer and Hannah Winship.

Director Joanne Hand said “This has been one of the hardest sets of auditions to cast from. There is so much strength in the membership of the society that Steven and I had some very difficult decisions to make. To have eight men auditioning for the role of Jekyll is astounding and testament to the reputation of DarlingtonOS to continually attract talented performers, both male and female.”

Jekyll & Hyde is conceived for the stage by Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden, with a book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and music by Wildhorn. Based on the book The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the musical tells the story of a London doctor who creates an alternate personality in an attempt to cure his father’s mental illness. The result is Mr. Hyde, an evil alter ego that causes violence and destruction. Jekyll & Hyde originally opened on Broadway April 28, 1997 at the Plymouth Theatre and earned four Tony Award nominations.

Jekyll & Hyde will run at Darlington Hippodrome from Wednesday 23 October to Saturday 2 November. Thursday 31 October is a BSL Interpreted performance and both Friday performances will be audio described. Tickets are on sale now by calling the Ticket Hotline on 01325 244659 or online at www.darlingtonos.org.uk

Recommended age 12+

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY’S UK PREMIÈRE OF

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY

The Menier Chocolate Factory present

The UK première

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY

Book by Marsha Norman

Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown

Director: Trevor Nunn; Designer: Jon Bausor; Video Designer: Tal Rosner; Lighting Designer: Tim Lutkin; Sound Designer: Gregory Clarke; Choreography:  Lynne Page; Musical Supervisor/Director: Tom Murray; Orchestrations: Jason Robert Brown

13 July – 14 September 2019

With Orpheus Descending running at the theatre, and Fiddler on the Roofplaying at the Playhouse Theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announces the full company for the UK première of the musical of Robert James Waller’s bestselling novel The Bridges of Madison County in a new staging by Trevor Nunn. Joining the previously announced Jenna Russell (Francesca) are Ed Baker-Duly (Robert), Georgia Brown (Chiara/Ginny/State Fair Singer), Maddison Bulleyment (Carolyn), Shanay Holmes (Marian), Gillian Kirkpatrick (Marge), Paul F Monaghan (Charlie), David Perkins(Michael) and Dale Rapley (Bud). The production opens on 23 July, with previews from 13 July, and runs until 14 September. Public booking is now open.

Francesca is an Italian immigrant housewife living a happy existence on a farm in the American Midwest.  However, when her family go off to the Iowa State Fair, she meets Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photographer on assignment filming bridges in the area.  Their initial friendship develops into a brief but passionate affair which has devastating consequences on all of their lives. 

Winner of the Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations, this is some of Jason Robert Brown’smost ravishing and unforgettable music.

The productionsees Trevor Nunn renew his collaboration with the Menier – he previously directed Fiddler on the Roof (currently running at the Playhouse Theatre),Lettice and Lovage, Love in Idleness (also West End), A Little Night Music (also West End and Broadway) and Aspects of Love for the company.

Edward Baker-Duly plays Robert. He previously appeared at the Chocolate Factory in Rookery Nook.His US theatre credits include the Broadway production of The King And I; and the Off-Broadway production of Peter And The Starcatcher. His West End theatre work includes The King and I, TheWizard Of Oz, Gone With The Wind, South Pacific, West Side Story, Salad Days. UK:  Noises Off, Anyone Can Whistle, The Lady Vanishes, Copacabana, The Pirates of Penzance, Singing in the Rain, The Full Monty, Twelfth Night and The Mikado. He most recently appeared in Kiss Me Kate at Sheffield Theatres. For television, his work includes Shades Of Blue, Billions, Elementary, The Blacklist, Royal Pains, Downton Abbey, Upstairs Downstairs, Micro Men, New Tricks and Yes Prime Minister; and for film, Heidi Queen Of The Mountain, DeLovely, Botched, The Circle and Welkome Home.

Georgia Brown plays Chiara/Ginny/State Fair Singer. Her theatre credits include Daddy’s Girl (Three Street Productions – also playwright), Carry on Jaywick (HighTide and tour), Somewhere in England(Eastern Angles),  A Chorus of Disapproval (Harold Pinter Theatre) and Harold Pinter – A Celebration(National Theatre); and for film, New Cross: Coming Up 2012.

Maddison Bulleyment plays Carolyn. This is her professional stage debut.

Shanay Holmes plays Marian. Her theatre work includes Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Kilworth House Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (Birmingham Rep), Rent (UK tour), Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Close to You – Bacharach Reimagined (Criterion Theatre), Rent and The Bodyguard (UK tour).

Gillian Kirkpatrick plays Marge. Her theatre work includes Sweeney Todd (Chichester Festival Theatre and Adelphi Theatre), Skellig (Nottingham Playhouse), Spring Awakening (Hope Mill Theatre), The Last Ones (Jermyn Street Theatre), Sunny Afternoon (Harold Pinter Theatre), American Psycho (Almeida Theatre) and Blood Brothers (Phoenix). For television, her work includes Inside Balmoral; and for film, All Roads Lead to Home, Dorcha and Recovery.

Paul F Monaghan plays Charlie. His theatre work includes Man of La Mancha (London Coliseum), La Cage aux Folles (UK tour), Cats the Musical (London Palladium and UK tour), A Man of No Importance (Arts Theatre) and Les Misérables (Palace Theatre and UK tour). His film work includes Mary Queen of Scots and Rough and Ready.

David Perkins plays Michael. He recently graduated from Mountiview. His theatre credits include Spring Awakening (Transfer Productions), The Rose Tattoo, The Life of Galileo, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Coast of Utopia: Shipwrecked and The Voysey Inheritance (National Theatre); and for film, Laura’s Star.

Dale Rapley plays Bud. His theatre work includes Richard III, Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre), The Addams Family Musical (UK and Ireland tour), Aladdin (Lyric Hammersmith), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre) and Wicked (UK tour). For television his work includes Silent Witness; and for film, Au Pair and Paper Mask.

Jenna Russell returns to the Menier to play Francesca – she previously appeared in Merrily We Roll Along (also Harold Pinter Theatre – Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical) and Sunday in the Park With George (Wyndham’s Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical; and Studio 54, Roundabout Theater Company – Drama League Award, and Tony Award and Drama Desk nominations for Leading Actress in a Musical). Other theatre work includes Fun Home (Young Vic), Doctor Faustus (Duke of York’s Theatre), Grey Gardens (Southwark Playhouse), Peter Pan the Musical (Royal Festival Hall), Songs for a New World (St James’ Theatre), Di and Viv and Rose(Vaudeville Theatre), Urinetown (St James’ Theatre and Apollo Theatre), Soho Cinders (Soho Theatre), That Day We Sang (MIF), Season’s Greetings (National Theatre), Amy’s View (Garrick Theatre), and Guys and Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre – Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical). For television, her work includes as series regular Michelle Fowler in EastEnders, Call the Midwife, The Ladies Paradise, Better Class of Person and Born and Bred; and for film, The Death and Life of John F. Donovan, Mortdecai, Scared Hearts and The Fear.

Marsha Norman is a playwright and screenwriter. Her theatre credits include Master Butcher’s Singing Club; Third and Oak: The Laundromat; ‘night, Mother – Pulitzer Prize Winner for Drama­; The Secret Garden – Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical; The Red Shoes; The Color Purple; Getting Out; The Pool Hall; The Holdup; Traveler in the Dark; Sarah and Abraham; Loving Daniel Boone; Trudy Blue and Last Dance. Her television credits include In Treatment. For film ‘night, Mother; Face of a Stranger; A Cooler Climate; Custody of the Heart and The Audrey Hepburn Story.

Jason Robert Brown is a three-time Tony Award winning composer and lyricist. His theatre credits include 13, The Last Five Years – which was also adapted into a film in 2015 starring Anna Kendrick, Parade – which won a Tony Award for Best Score, Honeymoon in Vegas, Songs for a New World and Urban Cowboy – which he co-wrote with Jeff Blumenkrantz.

From 1968 to 1986, Trevor Nunn was the youngest ever Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, directing over thirty productions, including most of the Shakespeare canon, as well as Nicholas Nickleby and Les Misérables.  From 1997 to 2003, he was Artistic Director of the National Theatre, where his productions included Troilus and Cressida, Oklahoma!, The Merchant of Venice, Summerfolk, My Fair Lady, A Streetcar Named Desire, Anything Goes and Love’s Labour’s Lost. He has directed the world premières of Tom Stoppard’s plays Arcadia, The Coast of Utopia and Rock n Roll; and of Cats, Sunset Boulevard, Starlight Express and Aspects of Love by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Other theatre includes Timon of Athens, Skellig (Young Vic); The Lady From The Sea (Almeida Theatre); Hamlet, Richard II, Inherit the Wind (The Old Vic), A Little Night Music(Menier Chocolate Factory, West End and Broadway), Cyrano de Bergerac, Kiss Me Kate (Chichester Festival Theatre); Heartbreak House, Flare Path, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, The Tempest (Theatre Royal, Haymarket); Scenes from a Marriage (Coventry & St James), All That Fall (Jermyn Street & New York); A Chorus of Disapproval and Relative Values (West End).  Work for television includes Antony and Cleopatra, The Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, Three Sisters, Othello, The Merchant of Venice and King Lear, and on film, Hedda, Lady Jane and Twelfth Night. 

This production is produced in association Michael Harrison and David Ian.

Listings Information                                                                                     The Bridges of Madison County

Venue:                                Menier Chocolate Factory

Address:                             53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

Dates:                                 13 July – 14 September 2019

Times:                                 For the performance schedule, please see the website

Box Office:                         020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website:             www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

Tickets:                               Prices vary, as below from discounted preview tickets to premier seats. With the emphasis on ‘the sooner you book, the better the price’:

A meal deal ticket includes a 2-course meal from the pre-theatre menu in the Menier Restaurant as well as the theatre ticket.

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory