Joseph Rowntree Theatre – until Saturday 26th July 2025
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
Pick Me Up Theatre, an independent and one of York’s excellent am-dram groups, are currently staging Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Centred around a coming-of-age story, music by Dan Gillespie Sells, lyrics by Tom MacRae, this stage musical is based upon true life events. Jamie, a 16-year-old schoolboy, hits the headlines and upsets the apple cart, all because he wants to attend prom in a dress.
Set in Sheffield, Jamie New and his classmates are asked what careers they hope to follow when they are older. Jamie, who gets teased about his homosexuality, goes against the careers advice of forklift driver and reveals he wants to be a drag queen. With highs and lows along the way, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Jamie is fully supported by his best friend Pritti (Ruby Salter), mum (Gemma McDonald) and family friend Ray (Lottie Farmer), but it isn’t until he meets Hugo and his alter ego, drag queen Loco Chanelle (Zander Fick), that his dreams start to materialise.
The chemistry between Stevens, McDonald and Farmer, as a family unit, is strong. Farmer has the best one liners and I’m sure we all wished we had a friend just like her. McDonald performance was gut wrenching, seeing her struggle and supporting her son 100%. Her rendition of He’s My Boy was moving. Fick is stupendous when he is full on drag as Loco Chanelle. Not only does he look stunning, but the vocals match the look. I must shout out to the other drag queens, and I especially loved the deep voices. The performances from the whole cast were full of energy and engaging to watch.
Harvey Stevens is the star of the show, breathtaking as Jamie. He totally encapsulates the essence and spirit of the character he is portraying. He is absolutely stunning, all long limbed, legs to die for, and beautiful long slim hands. Not only does he sashay effortlessly across the stage in a gorgeous pair of 6-inch red stilettos but shows an air of vulnerability in the scenes where he is trying to find out who he really is. With some delightful physical movements, he is a star to watch out for. Harvey’s dad sat in front of me during the show, he was so proud, as he should be, of his son and took great delight in telling us all.
This production is supported by a live band, led by director Adam Tomlinson. They are raised up at the back of the stage and added an extra layer to the performance.
This is a witty, funny and emotional rollercoaster of a show. You can’t help but laugh and cry. A message and celebration of individuality, inclusivity and acceptance that deserves to be seen and heard. Make sure you buy tickets whilst you can for this Pick Me Up Theatre Production, showing until Saturday.
From the minute the curtain went up to the very last note, the cast of Calamity Jane never let the energy wain at all. They were all so good, excellent singers, dancers and actors and not forgetting some of the fabulous actor/musicians being part of the action as well!
Based on the 1953 film Calamity Jane starring Doris Day, this fabulous production stars Carrie Hope Fletcher in the title role, she is magnificent, her vocals and her diction were brilliant. She really embodied the character. The script stays very true to the film; Calamity lives in Deadwood a town in America miles from anywhere and only accessible by stagecoach…not much goes on in the town but theatre owner Henry Miller (Peter Peverley) decides to hire an act to entertain the town. But instead of the sultry actress and singer that the town expects, he manages to hire Francis Fryer (played by the excellent Samuel Holmes) instead. The town people are in uproar and Calamity offers to go the Chicago and get the number one pin up of the time, Adelaid Adams (Molly-Grace Cutler). Calamity hasn’t seen Miss Adams so when her maid, Katie Brown (Seren Sandham-Davies) manages to convince Calamity that she is Adelaid what could possibly go wrong when the pair return to Deadwood?! Calamity is in love with Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (Luke Wilson) and Katies arrival really puts the cat amongst the pigeons as both him and Wild Bill Hickok (Vinny Coyle) profess their love for Katie, much to Calamity Janes outrage. And what follows shows the path of true love really never runs smoothly!
The band, under musical director Christopher Mundy, played the very recognisable excellently, with songs such as Deadwood Stage, Just Blew in From the Windy City, Black Hills of Dakota, Secret Love and many more.
If you are a fan of the film or just a fan of an entertaining, brilliantly executed musical this is one for you. If you go and watch this fabulous show you will leave the theatre with a smile on your face, a spring in your step and be singing the songs on your way home…I know I did!!
A bird, a bathroom and four housemates on the brink of madness….
Few things in life can bring a busy home to a screeching halt quite like an unexpected visit from a feathered friend. Following on from its successful ten-minute debut at The Old Joint Stock’s Play/Test Scratch Night, where six new pieces were previewed, There’s a Pigeon In My Bathroom returned as an hour-long work-in-progress piece. The show is produced by Liam Alexandru and Perro Loco Productions and written and directed by Patrick Euan Large (who also performs in the show).
Set in the living room of a flat shared by Ben (Patrick Euan Large), Emma (Abigail Wasdell), Hugo (Max Jordan) and Katie (Edie Murphy). Their lives spiral into chaos as a pigeon suddenly appears in the bathroom. The four friends must work together to figure out how to remove it. Their frantic attempts to evict their unwanted guest trigger a chain reaction of silliness as each character tries to figure out a solution, including a very out-of-date fire extinguisher. Amidst all the craziness, we learn of the secret feelings the characters have for each other.
The chemistry between the actors is apparent from the first scene. Patrick Euan Large as Ben is a calm, level-headed character who tries (and often fails) to keep the ensuing chaos under control. Large plays Ben’s vulnerability well in later scenes. Edie Murphy plays Katie with a deliciously sarcastic edge who delivers some biting lines, but never overplays them. Abigail Wasdall was a delight as the often confused Emma. There was a danger of her drifting into a stereotypical kooky character, but this was avoided. Max Jordan as Hugo storms into scenes like a force of nature, aggressive and impulsive, yet incredibly endearing. Occasionally, he made those of us in the front row jump as he charged back into the scene! Hugo attempts to solve the Pigeon problem with the swagger of someone who has fought off larger animals before (although maybe not with a can of deodorant and a lighter). Underneath the bravado, we discover a softer side, especially when it comes to Katie. Finally, the apparent villain and puppet master of the piece is the pigeon (or Peeve, as he is later christened). He became the fifth member of the ensemble. When we finally see the Pigeon, it is a small toy prop. At first, I thought it should be a bigger prop, but on reflection, this adds to the humour of the show.
The running time of an hour flew by (pun entirely intended). Producer Liam Alexandru paced the action tightly, and it never felt like the time was dragging, even in the quieter moments. Patrick Euan Large’s script is clever, fast-paced, and at times, incredibly moving. It occasionally drifts into sitcom tropes of flatmate misunderstandings and the occasional punchline cliché that doesn’t quite land well. However, the jokes were generally well received. The fact that we never see inside the bathroom works well, as the audience’s imagination is very good at filling in the blanks, which often makes the situation even funnier. A few well-timed sound effects from the unseen bathroom would add to the humour, even the occasional coo of that pesky pigeon! I believe that with a little bit of fine-tuning, this piece would work exceptionally well at fringe festivals and if taken on tour. I look forward to seeing how this show progresses in the future.
Even if you’ve never experienced domestic disturbances of the avian variety, there are moments in the play that we can all identify with and enjoy. It is witty, weird and surprisingly touching. If you get the chance, go and see it, but remember to close all your windows when you leave!
Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann today announce full casting for the extension of their successful UK tour of Anne-Marie Casey’s new stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s much loved novel Little Women,directed by Loveday Ingram.
Joining the previously announced Belinda Lang, ( Sister Boniface Mysteries and 2point4 Children)reprising her role as Aunt March, are TV Bafta award winner Juliet Aubrey as Marmee (Middlemarch, Professor T, All Creatures Great and Small) with Natalie Dunne (Locked Up Abroad), Tom Richardson (Brooke/Bhaer), Jewelle Hutchinson (Amy), Megan Richards (Beth), Jade Oswald (Meg), Perry Williams (Laurie).
The production is set to begin it’s new autumn tour at Salisbury Playhouse from the 3-13 September, before going on tour to a further seven venues across the UK, concluding its run at Liverpool Playhouse 4 – 8 November.
Lee Dean and Daniel Schumann present
Louisa May Alcott’s
LITTLE WOMEN
Adapted by Anne-Marie Casey
Cast: Belinda Lang (Aunt March), Juliet Aubrey (Marmee), Natalie Dunne (Jo), Jewelle Hutchinson (Amy), Megan Richards (Beth), Tom Richardson (Brooke/Bhaer), Jade Oswald (Meg), Perry Williams (Laurie)
Director: Loveday Ingram; Designer: Ruari Murchison; Lighting: Mike Roberston; Composer and Sound Designer: Mathew Bugg; Movement: Mike Ashcroft
Anne-Marie Casey’s masterful new adaptation of Little Women that breathes new life into one of the best loved novels of all time.
Step into the world of sisterhood, courage, ambition, as the March sisters – tomboy Jo, beautiful Meg, sensitive Beth, and spoilt Amy – navigate the challenges of the Civil War era, forging unbreakable bonds of love and family.
Inspired by author Louisa May Alcott’s own journey into womanhood, Little Women is as relevant today as it was at the time of its first release, proving that women can be bold, persistent, self-assured, and the heroes of their own story.
Following the recent success of the Greta Gerwig film, this beautiful new adaptation is a celebration of women, filled with laugher, tears and a theatrical, heartwarming lifting of the spirits.
Anne-Marie Casey’s play adaptations include Wuthering Heights – adapted from the novel by Emily Brontë, and Tess – the circus adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel. For television, her credits include Miss Haversham, The Shockers, The Story of Lucy Gault – adapted from the novel by William Trevor, Wild Irish Girl, and The Master.
Belinda Lang plays Aunt March. Her theatre credits include Duet For One, Single Spies, Ladies in Lavender, The Reluctant Debutante, Present Laughter, Duet For One (UK tours), The Country Wife (Chichester Festival Theatre), Humble Boy (Orange Tree Theatre), Oklahoma! (Albert Hall Prom), The Constant Wife (Gate Theatre), The School For Scandal (Park Theatre), The Letter of Last Resort (Traverse Theatre) The Bomb (Tricycle Theatre), The Killing of Sister George (Arts Theatre), An Hour and A Half Late (Bath Theatre Royal), Hay Fever (Royal Exchange Theatre, Theatre Royal Haymarket), Liberty (Globe Theatre), What The Butler Saw (Criterion Theatre), Dead Funny (Savoy Theatre) and Mrs Klein (National Theatre). Her television credits include Sister Boniface Mysteries (as series regular Mrs Clam), This England, Citizen Khan, My Family, Three Minute Moments, Rosemary & Thyme, Justice in Wonderland, 2point4 Children (as series regular Bill Porter), Second Thoughts (as series regular Liza), The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (as series regular Agatha Troy), Dear John (as series regular Kate)and To Serve Them All My Days.
Juliet Aubrey plays Marmee. Her theatre credits include The Last Yankee (Bolton Library Theatre), An Oak Tree (Soho Theatre), Ivanov, Summerfolk (National Theatre), The Tempest (Oxford Stage Company), and The Long Mirror (Theatre Clwyd). Her television credits include Whitstable Pearl, All Creatures Great and Small, Professor T, On the Edge, Van der Valk, Snatch, The Village, The White Queen, Lilyhammer, Silent Witness, Hunted, Outcast, Five Daughters, City of Vice, Criminal Justice, Judge John Deed, Primeval, The Mayor Of Casterbridge, Measure For Measure, Bertie and Elizabeth, Ella and The Mothers, Extremely Dangerous, The Unknown Soldier, Supply & Demand, The Moth, Death of a Salesman, and Middlemarch (TV BAFTA for Best Actress); and for film, Truly Naked, Vindicta, Frankenstein: Legacy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, LX 2048, Fallen, Christmas Eve, Mine, The Infiltrator, Super Eruption, Caught in The Act, A Good Murder, The Constant Gardener, Iris, II Tempo Dell’ Amore, The Lost Lover, Still Crazy, For My Baby, Food of Love, Welcome to Sarajevo, Go Now, Jacob, Look To The Sky and Shining Through.
Natalie Dunne plays Jo. Her theatre credits include The Girl on the Train (UK tour), Party Games (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre), The Third Man (Menier Chocolate Factory), Works of Art (Turbine Theatre), Victoria Knicker (Soho Theatre) and To Paint the Earth (Southwark Playhouse). Her television credits include FBI International, Trying, and Banged up Abroad; and for film, Surviving Earth and Your Christmas or Mine?.
Jewelle Hutchinson plays Amy. Her theatre credits include Stiletto (Charing Cross Theatre), Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella (Nottingham Playhouse), Coram Boy (Chichester Festival Theatre, Lowry Salford).
Megan Richards makes her professional stage debut as Beth. Her television credits include Wanderlust and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Tom Richardson plays Brooke/Bhaer. His theatre credits include Just Between Ourselves, Abigail’s Party (UK tour) Twelfth Night, Hamlet (The Orange Tree), Sleeping Beauty, The Snow Queen, A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Julius Caesar (Storyhouse), The Hound of The Baskervilles (Eastbourne Theatre), Little Women (HOME Manchester), Much To Do About Nothing (Actors From The London Stage), Sherlock: A Study In Lipstick, Ketchup & Blood, Private Lives (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), She Stoops to Conquer, As You Like It, Twelfth Night, The Merry Wives of Windsor(Guildford Shakespeare Company),Lady Chatterley’s Lover (Churchill Theatre Bromley), The Prince and The Pauper (New Vic Theatre), Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, Single Spies, Sense and Sensibility (Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, York Theatre Royal), Elton John’s Glasses (Watford Palace Theatre), Dial M For Murder, The Rivals, Watch It Sailor! (Theatre by the Lake), Twelfth Night: A Gender Experiment (The Rose Playhouse) The White Carnation (The Jermyn Street Theatre), Romeo and Juliet, The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Wind in the Willows, The Comedy of Errors, Macbeth (Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre), Roots (Nottingham Playhouse, Hull Truck, New Vic), The Heir at Law (Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds), Arsenic and Old Lace, The Winter’s Tale, The Rivals, The Grapes of Wrath (Mercury Theatre, Colchester), Arsenic and Old Lace (Vienna’s English Theatre), Dad’s Army Marches On, Dad’s Army – The Lost Episodes (UK tours), and The Mousetrap (St Martins Theatre, 60th Asia Tour).
Jade Oswald plays Meg. Her theatre credits include Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Musical (Theatre Royal Bath), Treason The Musical: Concert (Theatre Royal Drury lane), Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends (Sondheim Theatre), Maria Friedman And Friends: Legacy (Menier Chocolate Factory), Judy – No Place Like Home (Lyric Theatre), 73 Seconds: A New Musical(Birmingham Hippodrome), Sondheim In Red (Phoenix Arts Theatre) and Doctor Zhivago The Musical In Concert(Cadogan Hall).
Perry Williams plays Laurie. His theatre credits include Maud (The Vaults) and Player Kings (Noël Coward Theatre); and for film, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Loveday Ingram’s directing credits include Room 13 (Barn Theatre), Rebus: A Game called Malice, Fatal Attraction (UK tours), Dinner with Groucho (Dublin Theatre Festival, Belfast International Festival and Arcola Theatre), The Girl on the Train (Salisbury Playhouse) The Rover (RSC), My One and Only, Pal Joey (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Blue Room (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Liverpool Playhouse), Baskerville (National Centre for the Performing Arts, China) Julius Caesar, Henry V (Storyhouse Theatre), Macbeth (Theatre Severn), Boston Marriage and Hysteria (B*Spoke Theatre Company). Additional directing credits include the original Assistant Director for Mamma Mia! and Associate Director at Chichester Festival Theatre. Her writing credits include a short film selected to represent Women’s Aid internationally for the campaign for Elimination of Violence Against Women.
CAST ANNOUNCED FOR UPCOMING UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF
BLUEY’S BIG PLAY
As the live stage show Bluey’s Big Play returns to the UK and Ireland, featuring Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Dad, a talented company of actors and puppeteers has been announced for the Olivier Award-nominated production. The tour will run from October 2025 until August 2026.
Bringing the title role of Bluey to life are Shakira Alleyne (Hey Duggee / Bluey’s Big Play UK & Ireland Tour), Shea Ellen Roberts (To the Moon and Back / Captain Birdbrains Birthday) and Laura Wingrove (The Stranger Things Experience / Girl Scouts vs Aliens). Starring as Bingo are Shanaye Flanagan (Bluey’s Big Play, International Tour / Smurfs Live on Stage, CBeebies & Friends-It’s Party Time!), recent graduate Reanne Hewitt, and Tess Oliver (Bluey’s Big Play UK & Ireland/Europe Tour).
Taking on the role of Dad are Adam Ryan (Bluey’s Big Play UK& Ireland /Europe Tour, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show), Aarod Vawser (Bluey’s Big Play Australia, US, UK & Ireland & Europe), and Rhys Wild (Zog Live UK Tour). Sharing the role of Mum are Miroe Fuches (Bluey’s Big Play UK & Ireland / International Tour, The Wizard of Oz), Olivia Rainbow (The Paddington Bear Experience, Thor the Walrus), and Evie Whybrow (The Jungle Book, Magic at the Musicals). With Helena Mitchell (Milkshake Live, The Dinosaur Show), who also joins as Off-Stage Swing.
The tour opens on 25 October and will continue to visit 32 venues across the UK and Ireland until August 2026. It will also play the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall for the festive season from 18 December to 11 January.
Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family. The critically acclaimed stage show has captivated audiences of all ages, with the much-loved Bluey and her family delighting fans with an unforgettable live theatrical experience.
“’Expect full chair dancing and shrieks of joy’” Broadway World ★★★★★
“Puppy puppets’ sweet show sets tails wagging” The Guardian
Since premiering in Australia, Bluey’s Big Play has toured globally across the UK, Ireland, Canada, the US, Europe Singapore, South Africa and the UAE and has been seen by millions of fans worldwide.
Ben Hatton, Senior Vice President, Arts & Entertainment at Cuffe and Taylor said “We are delighted to announce this hugely talented cast, many who have worked on Bluey’s Big Play before, to bring the much-loved Heeler’s to life for audiences across the UK and Ireland. We can’t wait for the tour to open this Autumn!”
Bluey’s Big Play is a delightful treat for families, featuring the original voices from the beloved TV series, including the instantly recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Dad and Mum. Based on an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and featuring music by series composer Joff Bush, this live adaptation is produced by Andrew Kay and Cuffe & Taylor with Windmill Theatre Co for BBC Studios.
When Dad feels like a little bit of afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. With an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. This is Bluey, For Real Life.
Magical Merlin will cast its spell on families this Autumn half-term
at St. Martin’s Theatre in London’s West End
playing a limited run from 27 October to 2 November 2025
Get ready for a spellbinding adventure this Autumn half-term as Magical Merlin returns to the West End for a limited run of magical, musical fun for children and their families. Presented by Perform Productions, the show will play daytime performances at St. Martin’s Theatre (long-time home of The Mousetrap) from Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November 2025.
Set in the enchanted world of Ancient Britain, Magical Merlin whisks you away to a land of witches, wizards, and legendary adventures. When the baby King Arthur is born and his jealous sister Morgan Le Fay starts turning people into animals, it’s up to Merlin to save the kingdom. With help from brave Sir Lancelot and kind-hearted Princess Guinevere, the quest takes them past fire-breathing dragons and into the magical waters of The Lady of the Lake – all before Morgan can turn the royal baby into a hamster!
Bursting with catchy songs, dazzling choreography and laugh-out-loud moments, Magical Merlin celebrates friendship, courage, and believing in yourself.
Magical Merlin’s Creative Team is Writer and Director Will Barnett, Choreographer Aimee Leigh, Musical Director Annemarie Lewis Thomas, Designer Ryan Dawson Laight, Sound Designer Tom Marshall and Lighting Designer Jack Weir with Production Management by Felix Davies. The cast of professional performers is to be announced.
Perform Productions is run by Lucy Quick and Will Barnett, the team behind the sold-out 2022 West End runs of Jungle Rumble and Magical Merlin. In addition to their theatrical success, they are also the founders and managers of Perform – one of the UK’s leading drama schools for 4-12 year olds. This term, Perform’s classes for 4-7s will be themed around Magical Merlin, bringing the magic of the stage to the classroom. In 2023, Perform hosted Perform in the Park, a six-week theatre festival at Coram’s Fields featuring four family-friendly shows. This unique event combined the joy of live theatre with Perform’s mission to inspire creativity in children, cementing its position as a leader in family entertainment.
Watch the Magical Merlin trailer here on the Perform website.
Venue: St. Martin’s Theatre, West Street, London, WC2H 9NZ
Dates – Autumn Half-Term 2025:
Monday 27 October – 2pm Tuesday 28 October – 11am Wednesday 29 October – 11.30am & 2pm Thursday 30 October – 11am Friday 31 October – 11.30am & 2pm Saturday 1 November – 11am Sunday 2 November – 11am, 2pm & 4pm Running Time: 60 minutes (no interval) Box Office:www.perform.org.uk/shows/magical-merlin Tickets: £17.50-£50 (booking fees may apply)
Age Guidance: 3+ Content Warnings: Contains small pyrotechnic effects and some flashing lights, plus the use of smoke and haze. Access information: visit https://themousetrap.com/access/, call the Box Office on 020 7836 1443 or email access@stmartinstheatre.co.uk Category: family theatre / children’s event / London / half-term
DAVID STURZAKER WILL PLAY GARETH SOUTHGATE AND STAGE AND SCREEN ACTRESS SAMANTHA WOMACK WILL PLAY PIPPA GRANGE IN THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NATIONAL TOUR OF JAMES GRAHAM’S OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING PLAY
DEAR ENGLAND
PERFORMANCES KICK-OFF 15 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT THE THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH, VISITING 16 VENUES ACROSS ENGLAND UNTIL MARCH 2026
The National Theatre today announces casting news for its highly anticipated national tour of Dear England. Leading the cast in ‘the decade’s biggest theatrical triumph’ (★★★★ Daily Telegraph) will be David Sturzaker as England manager Gareth Southgate, with East Enders and Mount Pleasant actress Samantha Womack playing the role of team psychologist Pippa Grange. Football and non-football fans alike will be brought to their feet for this inspiring, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager.
The Olivier Award-winning Best New Play, which broke box office records during its West End run in 2023, will tour to 16 venues across England from 15 September 2025 until 14 March 2026 in a co-production with Josh Andrews and Stuart Galbraith for JAS Theatricals.
Dear England is written by the multi-award-winning stage and screen writer, James Graham (Punch, West End; Sherwood, BBC One), directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, Ink; Almeida Theatre/West End/Broadway) with set design by Es Devlin (Beyonce’s Renaissance, World Tour; The Lehman Trilogy, National Theatre).
David Sturzaker is best known for playing Simon Bond in BBC One’s Doctors. Theatre credits include Captain Stanhope in Journey’s End (West End), To Kill a Mockingbird (West End), Charles II (The Globe/West End) and Torvald Helmer in A Doll’s House (Royal Exchange). Other screen credits include Endeavour (ITV), Da Vinci’s Demons (STARZ) and Father Brown (BBC One).
Samantha Womack is best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell in BBC One’s EastEnders. She has also starred in Game On (BBC Two) and Mount Pleasant (Sky) on TV, represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest and performed leading stage roles in the West End and on tour. Theatre credits include Rachel in The Girl on the Train and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (West End and UK Tours), 42nd Street and Morticia in The Addams Family (UK tours); South Pacific (Barbican/UK tour) and Guys and Dolls (West End). Other screen credits include Silent Witness (BBC One), The Marlow Murder Club (UKTV) and film, Kingsman: The Secret Service (20th Century Studios).
Further casting to be announced.
It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.
Dear England is ‘gripping, moving and funny…as good as theatre gets’ (★★★★ The Sunday Times). It will launch at Theatre Royal Plymouth (15 – 20 September), and then tour to Nottingham Theatre Royal (23 – 27 September), The Marlowe, Canterbury (7 – 18 October), Sheffield Lyceum (21 – 25 October), Leeds Grand Theatre (4 – 8 November), Theatre Royal Newcastle (11 – 15 November), Chichester Festival Theatre (20 – 29 November), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (13 – 17 January), Milton Keynes Theatre (20 – 24 January), New Theatre, Oxford (27 – 31 January), Norwich Theatre Royal (3 – 7 February), New Victoria Theatre, Woking (10 – 14 February), TheAlhambra Theatre, Bradford (17 – 21 February), New Wimbledon Theatre (24 – 28 February), Liverpool Empire (3 – 7 March) and Birmingham Hippodrome (10 – 14 March).
Actor David Sturzaker who will play the role of Gareth Southgate said:
“I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of Gareth Southgate. It’s a great responsibility and an honour to be playing him. He’s been an inspiring figurehead for many, rebuilding a team, and the country’s self-belief at what is possible, on and off, the football pitch. This is one of the aspects of the play that resonates most for me – the ability of football, and sport in general, to extend its reach beyond the game, to unite us and inspire us in our lives beyond the sport itself. It’s also hugely exciting to be involved in a production that has already been such a hit in London and Salford. I’m looking forward to taking Dear England on tour across the country, giving many more people the opportunity to see this fantastic show.”
Actress, Samantha Womack, who will play the role of Pippa Grange said:
“I am so excited to be returning to the stage to perform in Dear England. It’s a wonderful piece of theatre – entertaining and thought-provoking as well as incredibly staged. I am also fascinated by Pippa Grange and her impact on England men’s team during her term as Head of People and Team Development at the Football Association during Gareth Southgate’s tenure. She fundamentally changed the culture and, in turn, the course of sporting history by teaching the squad to embrace their fears and she’s an extremely inspiring role to take on. I can’t wait to delve in and get back to touring around the country with this fantastic show.“
The wider creative team for Dear England includes costume designer, Evie Gurney; lighting designer, Jon Clark; co-movement directors, Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf; video designer, Ash J Woodward; co-sound designers, Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons with additional music by Max Perryment.
They are joined by tour revival director Connie Treves, revival movement director Tom Herron, casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG, associate lighting designer Ben Jacobs, associate video designer Libby Ward, associate sound designer Johnny Edwards, casting associate Lilly Mackie and resident director Dan Hutton.
The National Theatre will run a year-long schools engagement programme inspired by Gareth Southgate’s ‘Dear England’ open letter that he wrote to England fans in 2021. This programme, which will prompt young people across the UK to reflect on their own place in history, just as the footballers in Southgate’s squad were encouraged to do, is in response to this year being the 80th anniversary of the Second World War. It will be delivered in schools across England with assemblies and workshops using spoken word and sound design to support students to share the hopes and aspirations they have for themselves, and other young people, 80 years from now. The resulting sound archive will form a unique 2025–2026 time capsule. Students will also be invited to see performances of Dear England during the tour. This year-long schools engagement programme is expected to reach over 10,000 young people.
Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department. Its world premiere was on 20 June 2023 in the Olivier theatre. Following a sold-out run,Dear England transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, from 9 October 2023 to 13 January 2024, where it broke box office records. Dear England was subsequently released to cinemas through National Theatre Live on 24 January 2024 and has been screened almost 2,500 times across the UK. In February 2024, the BBC announced it had commissioned a four-part drama of Dear England based on the stage production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and it won ‘Best New Play’ at the 2024 Olivier Awards later that year. Dear England returned to the National Theatre in spring 2025, updated to reflect the 2024 UEFA EURO tournament and Gareth Southgate’s final chapter as England manager. The play had its regional premiere at the Lowry in Salford on 29 May followed by a 4-week run.
This 2025/2026 national tour of Dear England is a co-production between National Theatre Productions and JAS Theatricals. It has been supported by ‘Incentivising Touring: Repayable Grants for Theatre and Dance’, a pilot scheme developed by Arts Council England to support larger-scale productions to tour to regional venues. Dear England was amongst the first to receive a share of over £2million as part of the first round of the scheme, which creates the opportunity for more people to see high-quality shows close to where they live.
Assisted performances are available throughout the run at each venue. Check individual venue websites for information and booking details.
Raymond James and Charles Stanley are proud to support the national tour of Dear England.
Winter Gardens, Blackpool – until Saturday 26 July 2025
Reviewed by Debra Skelton
5*****
The provoking musical Chicago has dazzled it’s way to the Winter Gardens Blackpool and will be showing until Saturday 26th July.
I hadn’t seen any version of Chicago so was really looking forward to seeing what all the hype was about and the only word I can say is AMAZING so, get yourself down to the Winter Gardens Blackpool now as you will not be disappointed.
This musical is by the legendary talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse. Their artistic chemistry delivers all the ingredients of a great show: gripping emotional drama, relatable characters, precise choreography and a sultry jazz-blues score.
The story is set in 1920’s gangster land Chicago at the helm of the prohibition era. It centres around the fame hungry nightclub dancer and housewife Roxie Hart who murders her lover when he threatens to leave her.
Roxie tells her infatuated husband that her lover was actually a burglar but unfortunately for her, she gets caught in this lie and ends up in prison where she meets other glamourous murderesses including Velma Kelly.
To avoid the death penalty, Roxie hires the slickest criminal lawyer in town, Billy Flynn to ensure that she wins the public affections ahead of her jury trial by ensuring she makes sensational headlines.
Even though this musical is around women accused of murder, it also tells a story around the power of the media, the public’s insatiable appetite for gruesome stories, corruption…and all that Jazz.
The story is actually based on true events where in 1924, Beulah Annan shot her lover dead and with the assistance of her charming defence layer, sympathy was stirred with the public around her case. Beulah became the inspiration for Maurine Watkins play who was the journalist who described her as ‘the prettiest woman ever charged with murder in Chicago’. Watkin’s play was later adapted into a captivating musical and in 2022 it was adapted into film starring the award winners Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger, further establishing its popularity.
The cast in this production can only be described as sensational starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, Darren Day as Billy Flynn, Linda John-Pierre as Mama Morton, Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart, Matthew Sweet as Mary Sunshine with the support of such an incredible cast. Their voices can only be described as out of this world and along with their acting talents and the superb choreography they created such a presence on stage with a standing ovation at the end.
This production also has a superb 10-piece band led by musical director Neil MacDonald. As well as conducting the sultry jazz blues score with style, Neil also has the chance to step into the spotlight by introducing characters, songs and snippets of the storyline. This remarkable band integrates itself into the storytelling at every opportunity which is vital to the success of this production.
Chicago features two terrific hours with well-known numbers including All That Jazz, Razzle Dazzle, Cell Block Tango and many more.
Special thanks also need to go to John Lee Beatty for the set design, William Ivey Long for the costume design and Ken Billington for the lighting design.
After seeing this show, it’s no surprise that Chicago remains a crowd-pleaser well into the 21st century.
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER VISITS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ACTOR-MUSICIAN PRODUCTION OF
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
NOW PLAYING AT THE WATERMILL UNTIL SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR IS SET TO BECOME THE WATERMILL’S BEST-SELLING PRODUCTION EVER, WITH TICKETS SELLING FAST FOR EXPANDED SUMMER RUN.
BOOK ONLINE AT WATERMILL.ORG.UK OR VIA THE BOX OFFICE ON 01635 46044
Joint CEOs Artistic Director Paul Hart, Executive Director Claire Murray, and the whole team at the Watermill Theatre were delighted to welcome Andrew Lloyd Webber to the Newbury venue to see their smash-hit summer musical Jesus Christ Superstar.
A Watermill Theatre production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd, Jesus Christ Superstar is playing an expanded summer season until Sunday 21 September, and has recently garnered a slew of four- and five-star reviews. With over two thirds of the tickets for the entire run sold only two weeks into the run, the production is on track to be the Watermill Theatre’s best and fastest selling production to date! The Watermill have been welcoming people from across the world to their new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic rock musical, including audiences from Australia, Japan, Singapore, USA and Dominican Republic.
Artistic Director and Joint CEO Paul Hart said, “It was our great pleasure to welcome Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber to the Watermill for our production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Spending some time with the cast and crew after the show, he talked about his long relationship with Watermill going back to when David Gollins converted the building into the theatre we know and love today. He was full of praise for the amazing team who bring the piece to life in its most intimate production to date.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber said, “Congratulations to the wonderful company of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Watermill Theatre. I wish you all the best for the rest of your run.”
Executive Director and Joint CEO Claire Murray said “Staging Sir Tim Rice and Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s epic rock opera in our 200-seat theatre and gardens is a huge undertaking and we’re delighted that it’s on track to becoming our fastest and best-selling production ever. The summer production is vitally important to our sustainability as an independent charity, so it’s wonderful to see audiences flocking to the Watermill for this fantastic, immersive experience.’
Thanks to funding from Greenham Trust, six members of the ensemble are recently graduated musical theatre students who are being given a unique opportunity to learn and work alongside an experienced team on a large-scale regional production.
Claire Murray added, “We have a talented 18-strong company bringing the story to life, 6 of whom are at the very beginning of their professional careers. These 6 performers will be delivering workshops from next week, working with local young people giving them the opportunity to meet the team and see behind the scenes. This exciting project has been made possible by funding from Greenham Trust and we’re so grateful for them for joining with us to nurture young people to develop transferable skills and help realise their potential.”
Starting from 24 July, the theatre will also be offering a series of free workshops, tickets and cast Q&As to local young people focusing on both on and off-stage career opportunities in the arts. Tickets for the cast Q&As (and other selected performances) are £15 for ages 16-30, when joining the Watermill’s 16-30: Beginners scheme. Full details of the offer availability and how to join the scheme here.
Marylebone Theatre, London – until 31st August 2025
Reviewed by Ava Clarkson
5*****
The Marylebone Theatre just off London’s West End, is the location for the internationally acclaimed production of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale Alice in Wonderland. The Marylebone Theatre opened its doors in September 2022 and has since been awarded the Off West End award for Best Production and received numerous five and four star reviews.
This well loved story of Alice, sees her go on a magical adventure, falling down a rabbit hole, meeting strange and whimsical characters, guided by the grinning Cheshire Cat into mischief, following the scurrying White Rabbit and avoiding the scary Queen of Hearts who is determined to chop off her head…
The audience is made up of mainly parents with children aged between 5 and 9 years old. The contagious laughter fills the theatre as the children remain spellbound throughout the 60 minute feast for the eyes.
The stage is awash with bright colours and oversized props, we are truly in Alice’s dream world. The quintessential stop watch, giant mushrooms and playing cards bring Wonderland to life. Alice (Charlotte Bradley)bounds around the stage, shrinking and growing and tumbling down rabbit holes before us. In every scene, she is a joy to watch.
The White Rabbit (Clare Brice) moved around the stage with both grace and urgency, leaping energetically and portraying the anxious white rabbit as we know and love him.
Throughout the show, a selection of enchanting puppets are used designed by Chris Barlow to great effect. The giant orange and blue grinning Cheshire Cat displays his feline prowling so well, we forget he is indeed a puppet. Dodo and Dormouse (Sean Garrat) are also portrayed in puppetry with just as much effect as the human cast. Sean Garret also plays both the Caterpillar and Dormouse. The laid back caterpillar smoking his pipe on his giant mushroom, fills the room with smoke until he eventually turns into a beautiful, illuminated butterfly.
Tweedle Dum (Skye Hallam) and Tweedle Dee (Katriona Brown) are a riot of fun as the bumbling, nose picking, clown like double act which were a true hit with the younger members of the audience.
Daniel Page was outstanding in his portrayal of The Queen of Hearts. Fearsome and funny, the imposing frame and booming voice, bought a pantomime dame likeness to the character. Owning the stage on her throne and launching hedgehogs into the air with the flamingo croquet mallet. Double entendre’s abound throughout making for an abundance of adult laughter, which leant nicely alongside the slapstick humour for the younger audience.
This production is bright and vibrant and bursting with energy and colour. It truly recognises the chaos of Lewis Carroll’s storyline whilst bringing a modern energy and style. Whether you are looking to wander down a nostalgic rabbit hole or take along a younger audience member for the first time, this will not disappoint. Magical eerie lighting, original score, colourful costumes and larger than life characters will leave you captivated in wonderland.
