Joshua McTaggart appointed as Director of Theatres Trust
Theatres Trust, the national public advisory and advocacy body for theatres, has announced the appointment of Joshua McTaggart as its new Director. Joshua will join Theatres Trust in December, taking over from outgoing Director Jon Morgan, who is stepping down after eight years in the role.
Joshua was previously the founding Artistic Director of the Bunker Theatre in London Bridge and served as the CEO of the Chelsea Theatre during its multi-million-pound capital refurbishment. He currently works in the London Borough of Lambeth’s Culture and Creative Economy Division as Cultural Development Manager.
Joshua McTaggart says, It is a real privilege to be entrusted to lead the dedicated team at Theatres Trust as we continue to ensure every person in the UK, no matter where they live, has access to inspirational live performances. I have experienced first-hand the important and life-changing role that theatres play in our communities, but it is undeniable that the current economic climate presents a multitude of challenges for theatres and the hard working teams who programme, operate, and manage them. That said, I am hopeful for the future of our sector: I know that there are ambitious and talented people up and down the country who work tirelessly to ensure our theatres are fit for the future, and I am excited to support, empower, and advocate for them as the Theatres Trust’s next Director
Dave Moutrey, Chair of Theatres Trust says, Theatres Trust’s Board is delighted to have appointed Joshua McTaggart to lead Theatres Trust in the next chapter of its development, building on the work undertaken by Jon Morgan to modernise the Trust. Joshua brings with him a fantastic amount of energy and passion for theatres, and we look forward to working with him to protect and support theatres across the UK.
With Abigail’s Party directed by Nadia Fall beginning previews this week, launching Stratford East’s 140th anniversary season, the theatre today announces new shows and events for this milestone year, and Fall’s final season as the theatre’s Artistic Director.
Featuring productions that exemplify the creative spirit that Stratford East is synonymous with, this season carries the baton of the past brightly into the now, and beyond into the future.
A new adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm by Tatty Hennessy, directed by Amy Leach. Co-produced with Leeds Playhouse in association with Nottingham Playhouse.
Azuka Oforka’s debut play The Women of Llanrumney, directed by Patricia Logue and starring Suzanne Packer (Casualty) who returns to Stratford East, having previously presented work at the venue as co-founder of the BiBi Crew. Co-produced with Sherman Theatre.
Tambo & Bones by Dave Harris returns to Stratford East, directed by Matthew Xia, in a co-production between Actors Touring Company, Stratford East and Royal & Derngate, Northampton in association with Belgrade Theatre, Leeds Playhouse and Liverpool Everyman.
New British musical Lovestuck by two of the co-creators of the hit podcast My Dad Wrote A Porno, James Cooper (Book & Lyrics) and Jamie Morton (Director), with Bryn Christopher (Music & Lyrics) and Martin Batchelar (Music). Co-produced with Wildpark Entertainment.
A community production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet co-produced with Sadler’s Wells, adapted by Kwame Owusu, co-directed by Emily Ling Williams and Malik Nashad Sharpe, bringing young artists and the local Newham community together with a professional cast.
20 years after staging the original production, Stratford East presents, in association with Washington Square Films, a new production of reggae musicalTheHarder They Come, book by Suzan-Lori Parks, featuring songs by Jimmy Cliff, additional new songs by Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by Matthew Xia.Based on the cult film produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written by Trevor Rhone.
Alongside the main stage programming, there will be a series of events – the first, a panel talk exploring Stratford East’s heritage of championing Black and Asian artists and audiences, hosted by Chinonyerem Odimba, Artistic Director of tiata fahodzi, with the panel including Roy Williams, Tanika Gupta, Jo Martin and Dipo Baruwa-Etti. The second, a panel talk delving into Stratford East’s history of staging political work. Hosted by Mark Thomas with a panel including Amy Leach.
Stratford East’s programme of one-night events also continues, with the return of Live at Stratford East; Canned Laughter, a mixed bill comedy night raising funds for the Trussell Trust; and Kiell Smith-Bynoe: Kool Story Bro, with further events to be announced.
Nadia Fall, Artistic Director of Stratford East, said today:
“I am excited to announce our 140th anniversary season, which is also my final season as Artistic Director of Stratford East. Though I’m already teary about leaving at the end of the year, this programme is very much my love letter to the theatre, staff, artists and audiences. And we certainly intend for it to be a brilliant celebration of our big birthday!
In the new year, we will begin with an adaptation of George Orwell’s modern classic Animal Farm in a visceral and moving production. Up next is an extraordinary debut play, The Women of Llanrumney by Azuka Oforka, which leaps from laugh-out-loud funny to downright harrowing, set on a plantation in Jamaica on the eve of a revolutionary uprising. Due to popular demand, Dave Harris’ thought-provoking satire Tambo & Bones, which cooked up a veritable storm last year, returns, once again directed by Matthew Xia.
In the summer, the co-creators of the hit podcast My Dad Wrote A Porno debut their hilarious and life-affirming new musical Lovestuck, a romcom with a shocker of a meet-cute. The theme of love continues with Romeo & Juliet, a large-scale community show bringing our talented young artists and local community together with a professional cast to tell Shakespeare’s great love story. Finally, in the autumn, we present the groundbreaking musical The Harder They Come,featuring the incredible reggae music of Jimmy Cliff together with a new book by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Suzan-Lori Parks, based on the cult film.
I hope the upcoming season brings you joy, romance, food for thought and a sense of community, everything I feel our beautiful and historic theatre has embodied over the last 140 years – and continues to embody.”
Eleanor Lang, Executive Director of Stratford East, also commented:
“We are delighted that alongside the productions we are announcing today, thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards our 140th celebrations, we will be opening up the theatre to more people. We will hold a series of events looking at Stratford East over the years, host open days and celebrate our history through an updated Front of House exhibition. We have been part of the Newham community since 1884 and we want to make sure we continue to be here for the next 140 years. We can’t do this alone, so later in the year we will be launching a birthday fundraising campaign to ensure our future.”
Priority booking for Stratford East Members and customers with access requirements opens on Tuesday 3 September at 12pm. Public booking opens on Thursday 5 September at 12pm.
These new productions join previously announced shows including Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh, directed by Artistic Director Nadia Fall (6 September – 12 October 2024) and Pinocchioby Trish Cooke and Robert Hyman, directed by Omar F. Okai (23 November 2024 – 4 January 2025). Visiting productions include Wonder Boy by Ross Willis (Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 October 2024), Ballet Black: Heroes (Wednesday 23 – Saturday 26 October 2024) and The Mountaintop by Katori Hall (Tuesday 29 October – Saturday 02 November 2024).
NEW COMPANY ANNOUNCED FOR OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATED WEST END SENSATION,
NOW ENTERING ITS THIRD SINGSATIONAL YEAR AT THE ARTS THEATRE
TICKETS AT THE ARTS THEATRE AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE
The producers of Olivier-nominated international stage sensation THE CHOIR OF MAN now entering its third singsational year at the Arts Theatre, are pleased to announce the new company joining the show from 17 September.
Welcome to THE JUNGLE, the best pub in the world.
Here, an (extra)ordinary cast of nine guys combine beautiful harmonies and foot-stomping singalongs with first-rate tap dance and poetic meditations on the power of community.
Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this is a pub like no other!
An uplifting celebration of community and friendship with something for everyone – including free beer! Enjoy 90 minutes of feel-good, foot-stomping entertainment unlike anything else in the West End.
The cast members who are staying on as pub regulars are Luke Conner Hall (Bat Out of Hell – International Tour, Australia/New Zealand, Peacock Theatre, QUEENZ: The Show With Balls! – Coventry, Edinburgh Fringe, UK Tour) as ‘Romantic’, Sam Pope (Bat Out of Hell – UK Tour) as ‘Joker’, Rob Godfrey (Choir of Man – Sydney Opera House)as ‘Beast’ and Seán Keany (Once in Concert – West End, China and Japan, The Choir of Man – Korea) continuing as a swing.
The Choir of Man alumni joining the West End Company include Tyler Orphé-Baker (Disney’s The Lion King, Lyceum; The Choir of Man, West End) as ‘Pub Bore’, Shane McDaid (Titanic the Musical, UK/International; The Choir of Man NCL and Chicago) as ‘Poet’, Ifan Gwilym-Jones (The Choir of Man, NCL; Australia and Chicago) as ‘Maestro’, Kristian Morse (The Corn is Green, National Theatre; The Choir of Man, Chicago) as ‘Barman’, George Knapper (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, UK Tour and The Choir of Man NCL; Canada; Australia; Chicago; Florida and West End) as ‘Handyman’ with Bradley Walwyn (We Will Rock You, Royal Caribbean; The Choir Of Man NCL and Australia) as ‘Hardman’ and David Shute (Once: The Musical, Barn and The Choir of Man NCL; Chicago; Tampa; Australia; Edinburgh; Coventry) and Tom Carter-Miles (Frankenstein Illyria; The Choir of Man, NCL and West End), and Paul Deegan (The Choir of Man NCL and Chicago) as swings.
The on-stage band has Jacob Evans on drums, Jack Hartigan on guitar, Darius Luke Thompson on violin and Sam Tookey on bass.
THE CHOIR OF MAN previously played three sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and multiple sold-out US and European tours. Following its last run at the Arts Theatre from October 2021 to April 2022, it received an Olivier nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, and then went on to play in Coventry as part of the City of Culture Assembly Festival season and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show re-opened at the Arts Theatre in October 2022, and has continued to see many sold-out shows, with loyal audiences returning again and again. In 2023 the show announced partnerships with suicide prevention charity CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably), and Big Drop Brewing Co – the world’s first brewer dedicated to alcohol-free beer – as the show’s Official Alcohol-Free Beer Partner.
THE CHOIR OF MAN is created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, directed by Nic Doodson, with Daniel Harnett as associate director and resident director; monologues written by Ben Norris; with musical supervision, vocal arrangements and orchestrations by Jack Blume, with Lee Freeman as musical director, and Alistair Higgins as associate musical supervisor; movement direction and choreography by Freddie Huddleston, with Adam Hilton as associate movement director; scenic design by Oli Townsend, lighting design by Richard Dinnen, costume design and associate scenic design by Verity Sadler, sound design by Sten Severson, with Liam McDermott as associate sound designer; casting by Debbie O’Brien.
The show is produced by Immersive Everywhere, Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, Wendy & Andy Barnes, Gavin Kalin and Hunter Arnold.
Jeffrey Seller and Cameron Mackintosh, producers of the West End production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s HAMILTON at the Victoria Palace Theatre, are delighted to announce that booking is extended until Saturday 27 September 2025.
HAMILTON stars Alex Sawyer as Alexander Hamilton, Jay Perry as Aaron Burr, Nathania Ong as Eliza Hamilton, Emily-Mae as Angelica Schuyler, Simbi Akande as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds, Thomas Vernal as George Washington, Lemuel Knights as Marquis De Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Jordan Castle as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Jordan Benjamin as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton and Joel Montague as King George III. At certain performances, the role of Alexander Hamilton will be played by Adam J. Bernard.
The company is completed by Gabriela Acosta, Richard Appiah-Sarpong, Elizabeth Armstrong, Turrell Barrett-Wallace, Alishia-Marie Blake, Roxanne Couch, Nicola Espallardo, Remi Ferdinand, Manaia Glassey-Ohlson, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Amie Hibbert, Sam Holden, Barney Hudson, Nicolais-Andre Kerry, Christian Knight, Ella Kora, Aaron Lee Lambert, Jairus McClanahan, Stacey McGuire, Kerri Norville,Jamai Robinson, Samuel Sarpong-Broni,Hassun Sharif and Paulo Teixeira.
HAMILTON has book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire and is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.
HAMILTON is produced in London by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.
HAMILTON
Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London SW1E 5EA
Hope Mill Theatre announces full casting and extension for the return of rock musical LIZZIE to Manchester this Autumn
Now runs from Thursday 17th October to Sunday 17th Nov 2024
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Hope Mill Theatre has announced the full casting and a week’s extension for the return of its hit production of rock musical LIZZIEin Manchester this October, which due to popular demand, will now run until Sunday 17th November 2024.
The show – which first enjoyed a hit Manchester run in September 2023 – will play at Hope Mill Theatre from Thursday 17th October to Sunday 17th November 2024.
Joining the previously announced Kayleigh McKnight (SIX, Jesus Christ Superstar)as Lizzie will be Katie Tonkinson (Bonnie & Clyde, Bat Out of Hell) as Alice, Jennifer Caldwell (SIX, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World) as Bridget and Emilie Louise Israel(Hamilton, Once on This Island) as Emma. Completing the cast will be Emma Louise Hoey (Lizzie, Club Mex) as Alternate Lizzie and Cover Alice and Eve Kitchingman (LIFT The Musical, The Commitments) as Cover Emma and Bridget.
LIZZIEexplores the life of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892.
The rock musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2009, delves into Lizzie’s complex psyche and speculates on the motivations she may have had: loss of inheritance, history of sexual abuse, oppression, and madness.
Lizzie, along with her older sister Emma, maid Bridget, and neighbour Alice, bring to life the infamous story supported on stage by an all-female band.
Lizzie is Rage! Sex! Betrayal! Bloody Murder!
Lizzie The Musical will be directed and choreographed by Hope Mill co-founder William Whelton, and has music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt, lyrics by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner and a book by Tim Maner.
William Whelton said: “I am thrilled to be bringing LIZZIE back home to Hope Mill Theatre, where this production was originally rehearsed and created last year. Audiences across the UK fell in love with this show just as much as I have and I can’t wait to share it again with fans and welcome even more new audiences into The House of Borden. I am so excited today to share our full cast for the run in Manchester. Lizzie is a story of female empowerment and the talent we have assembled is off the scale. I know that these power-house female performers will blow the roof off the Hope Mill Theatre. I am equally thrilled to announce an extra weeks extension to the run, due to phenomenal demand.”
LIZZIE has swung her axe in over 60 cities, in 6 countries, in 5 languages, across 4 continents and has been honoured with dozens of awards including 8 Best Musical Awards! (and she’s still swinging…)
Music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt
Lyrics by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner
Book by Tim Maner
Additional Music by Tim Maner
Additional Lyrics by Alan Stevens Hewitt
Based on an original concept by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner
Orchestrations by Alan Stevens Hewit
Produced by Hope Mill Theatre, Director/Choreographer William Whelton, Set and Lighting Design Andrew Exeter, Sound Designer Adam Fisher, Musical Supervision Katy Richardson, Video Designer Dan Light, Associate Video Designer Ieuan Watkins- Hyde, Dialect Coach Manny Crooks, Costume Designer Rachel Tansey, Associate Choreographer Yandass Ndlovu, Assistant Producer Rhianna Swyer and Casting by Pearson Casting CDG CDA CSA. KEY ARTWORK BY FEAST CREATIVE.
LIZZIE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC. (www.broadwaylicensing.com).
LISTINGS
Lizzie the Musical
Hope Mill Theatre Manchester
Thursday 17th October to Sunday 17th Nov 2024
Halloween Event on 31st October 2024
Emma Louise Hoey will play the role of Lizzie at the Following Performances:
Wednesday 23rd October, Saturday 2nd November, Saturday 9th November and Saturday 16th November – all 2.30pm.
Tuesday 3 September 2024 – Producers Eva Price & Michael Harrison today announced that New York’s ‘must-sea’ and highly anticipated musical comedy, Titanique will begin performances at the Criterion Theatre on Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End, on Monday 9 December 2024.
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.
Titanique has taken New York by storm – extending multiple times since its premiere in 2022, it has also been recognised with critical acclaim and multiple awards. Now it is coming to the UK.
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.
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.
Producer Eva Price said:
“Producing Titanique has been a thrill of a lifetime. I’m so grateful to have productions now happening all over the world, but I’m beyond ecstatic to be coming to the West End. London has always been the epicenter of quality, show-stopping entertainment and I couldn’t be happier then to be dropping anchor in Piccadilly Circus at the esteemed Criterion Theater. I am thrilled Londoners will soon experience the unhinged delight that Titanique brings night after night to Americans.”
Producer Michael Harrison added:
“When I first saw Titanique in New York, I thought it was the funniest show I had ever seen. Every time I have returned since, I have only loved it more, and I was determined to bring it to London so audiences here could also be thrilled by its irresistible joy. We have found the perfect theatre to set sail, and I can’t wait to open the doors later this year.”
The authors are: Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli & Tye Blue, the set is designed by Gabriel HainerEvansohn & Grace Laubacher, costumes are designed by Alejo Vietti, the lighting designer is Paige Seber, the sound designer is Lawrence Schober, the casting director is Pearson Casting CDG, musical supervision, orchestration & arrangements are by Nicholas J Connell, choreography is by Ellenore Scott and Titanique is directed by the co-author Tye Blue (RuPaul’s Drag Race).
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 Titanique is co-produced by Eva Price and Michael Harrison.
All further information, including casting, to follow at a later date.
Listings Information
TITANIQUE
Criterion Theatre
218-223 Piccadilly London
London
W1J 9HR
Creative Team
Authors: Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli & Tye Blue
Set Designer: Gabriel Hainer Evansohn & Grace Laubacher
Costume Designer: Alejo Vietti
Lighting Designer: Paige Seber
Sound Designer: Lawrence Schober
Casting Director: Pearson Casting CDG
Musical Supervisor, Orchestrator & Arrangements: Nicholas J Connell
Choreographer: Ellenore Scott
Director & Co-Author: Tye Blue
Cast
To Be Announced
Performances
Performances begin Monday 9 December 2024
From w/c Monday 9 December 2024
Monday – Saturday at 7:30pm
Friday and Saturday matinees at 3:00pm
Christmas schedule 2024
w/c Monday 16 December:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm
Friday & Saturday matinees at 3:00pm
Sunday at 5:00pm
w/c Monday 23 December:
Monday at 7:00pm, Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm
Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday matinees at 3:00pm
Sunday at 5:00pm
w/c Monday 30 December:
Monday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm
Tuesday & Sunday at 7:00pm
Monday, Saturday & Sunday matinees at 3:00pm; Tuesday matinee at 4:00pm
From w/c Monday 6 January as w/c Monday 9 December on-going
“Just when you think it couldn’t get better, Titanique makes you love it more, with a glow-up in a bigger theater that makes the show even more impactful and irresistible! Yet, there’s still a scrappy, endearing “let’s put on a show” energy to it, that gives the musical its Titanic-sized charm. YOU’RE GUARANTEED TO LAUGH YOUR ICEBERG OFF.”
– People Magazine
“VERY FUNNY! The ‘Titanique’ Musical Finds Its Sea Legs…. Near, far, wherever you are, Céline Dion will be there, in this camp reimagining of the maritime blockbuster that revs up into increasing absurdity.”
– New York Times
“TITANIQUE IS F*CKING GREAT. SWIM, DON’T WALK, to see this Céline Dion jukebox fantasia!”
– Vulture
“SENSATIONAL, HILARIOUS AND DERANGED!
Titanique is, by a nautical mile, the funniest musical in town!”
– The New York Post
“The silliest, smartest, gayest, FEVER-DREAM MIRACLE! A sold-out smash created to manifest pure joy”
“A culture that diminishes women is a disaster – for us all” Baroness Helena Morrissey, The Telegraph (August 2024)
CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR WORLD PREMIERE OF DARKLY SATIRICAL PLAY
THAT TACKLES OFFICE SEXISM HEAD ON
AT THE PLAYGROUND THEATRE LONDON FROM 1 – 27 OCTOBER 2024
Leading the cast in the role of Eve is Miriam Grace Edwards (Romeo & Juliet at Shakespeare’ Globe, The Empress, RSC and Lyric Hammersmith) and playing Eve’s mysterious new colleague Heidi is 2023 Spotlight Prize Finalist Jessica Gough.Daniel Kendrick (Our Town at the Almeida, Vera Vera Vera at The Royal Court Theatre) as Kevin and Matt Ray Brown (Julius Caesar, RSC, and Ghosts at Trafalgar Studios) as The Chair complete the cast.
Written by the exciting playwright Tim Edge, whose previous work, Under the Black Rock was praised by The Guardian to have “…razor-sharp, harrowing and darkly funny dialogue” with “the many plot twists and turns are pulled off immaculately…”, One of The Boys offers a sharp commentary on corporate sexism and the compromises many women feel compelled to make to compete equally with men in the workplace.
Eve is on the brink of a ground-breaking career move; she is about to become the first woman in her company to land the role of CEO. Yes, she has had to compromise, make personal sacrifices, but it was all worth it… right?
Enter Heidi, a young executive with an agenda. As Heidi gains a foothold within the company, her presence begins to threaten the established culture in which the company thrives, as well as the position that Eve has worked so hard for. Will Eve’s ambition triumph over her conscience, or is it time to smash it all to the ground and start again?
By highlighting and calling out workplace misogyny, One of The Boys raises awareness about the issues women face in professional settings. This can be an eye-opening experience for audiences who may not be fully aware of the extent of the problem.
With the potential to engage, educate, and inspire audiences by addressing a critical social issue through the lens of storytelling and artistic expression, One of The Boys provides an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and advocacy for positive change.
Directed by Lydia McKinley, written by Tim Edge with design by Ellie Wintour, One of The Boysis at The Playground Theatre from 1 – 27 October 2024.
A NEW MODERN-DAY GHOST STORY ON STAGE, INSPIRED BY THE STORIES OF M.R. JAMES,
BARN THEATRE, CIRENCESTER SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
The Barn Theatre has today announced casting for the world premiere of Room 13, a brand-new play by Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff, inspired by the ghost stories of M.R. James, set in the modern day. Room 13, directed by Loveday Ingram, will open on Saturday 28 September and play to Saturday 9 November, with a press performance on Tuesday 1October.
In a lonely hotel, four strangers are forced to spend the night in Room 13. Bearing the weight of their own grief, shame and darkness, they come to realise that Room 13 has secrets of its own. As the four solitary souls develop unexpected bonds, they each share something from their past that still haunts them – stories of a painting that conceals a horrific secret; a macabre song that whispers in the depths of night, and children’s voices that echo from a forgotten well. As the veil between the present and the past, the living and the dead, becomes frayed, the new companions will have to face their darkest fears if they are ever to escape Room 13…
Samuel Collings will play ‘Anderson’. Recent stage credits include The Great Murder Mystery for The Lost Estate, and The Girl on the Train at Salisbury Playhouse. His film credits include Thirty Seven and Bluebird and his TV work includes The Lost Pirate Kingdom, The Last Czars and Outlander.
George Naylor will star as ‘Jacobs’. TV creditsinclude Spirit Rangers, Dancing Queens and Casualty and his stage work includes Henry V at the Changeling Theatre, and the West End production and UK tour of Mousetrap.
Ffion Jolly will play ‘Mary’. Most recently see on stage in The Dark Place at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe, her film appearances include Mission Impossible: Fallout, The Marvels and Hotel Cleaners. Ffion’s recent TV credits include Insomnia, Coronation Street and Doc Martin.
Alice Bailey Johnson will appear as ‘Lena’. Stage credits include Tina: The Musical at the Aldwych and Uncle Vanya at Hampstead. She has appeared in films such as Hard Truths and King of Thieves and on TV in Black Mirror 5, Pillow and Sexy Beast.
Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff said, “We are thrilled to be working with The Barn again and very excited to premiere our new play, Room 13, in The Barn’s unique theatre – the most perfect and evocative space for this original ghost story!”
Room 13 is written by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, directed by Loveday Ingram, with design by Alfie Heywood, lighting design by Hector Murray, and sound design and composition by Elizabeth Purnell. Emily Jones CDG is Casting Director. The stage management team are Judith Volk (ASM), Victoria Rose (ASM), Gareth Newcombe (DSM) and Christopher Reid (sound programmer).
Room 13 is a Built by Barn production in association with Bob & Marianne Benton, and Ollie Hancock for Tiny Giant Productions.
Since launching in 2018, the Barn Theatre has gained national recognition having produced over 20 Built by Barn shows and being awarded The Stage Awards’ Best Fringe Theatre of the Year Award 2019. Last year, the theatre celebrated its fifth anniversary with a season that included world premieres of Simon Reade’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Waiting For Anya, Jonathan Lynn’s final instalment of his classic series I’m Sorry Prime Minister, I Can’t Quite Remember, as well as a reimagined revival production of the musical Once and the world premiere of a musical adaptation of Treasure Island. Recent 2024 highlights have included Sherlock Holmes and the Whitechapel Fiend, Constellations, Midsummer and Stones in His Pockets.
Darlington Hippodrome – 1 September 2024and on a UK tour
5****
When Baby fairypowered saw this show advertised we knew we needed to buy tickets for it. What’s not to like – songs from the shows sung by the stars of the shows – a perfect fairypowered family night out!
And what a night out! Not just a brilliant show (more on that later) but a female empowered show, with an all women cast and creative – perfect.
The four fabulous females: Michelle Pentecost, Maggie Lynne, Tasha Sheridan and Jodie Nolan sang some of the greatest female powerful anthems of the past and present. Some charged with high emotion (Me and the Sky from Come from Away) or showing leadership (Candy Store from Heathers). Featuring shows such as Waitress, Evita, Blood Brothers, Carousel, Les Miserables, Six, and of course Wicked. All emphasising that there can be some strong female parts. Between the shows the women discussed such things as juggling motherhood and working, auditioning, casting brackets and their favourite shows – both what they’ve worked on and what they would like to work on – fingers crossed they get their wish. The all women band supporting them were equally fantastic and I am sorry I didn’t catch your names.
This is a fairly new show and has the capacity to grow. There are some outstanding female stars out there and this could be an ever changing cast and creative, bringing a different sparkle to an already excellent starting point.
I look forward to seeing this show continue to grow and really look forward to seeing it again.
Channing Tatum and his co-producers are delighted to announce a new booking period for Magic Mike Live at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino in London. Patrons will be able to book performances through to Sunday 31 August 2025 from today, Monday 2 September 2024.
The cast of Magic Mike Live in London includes Theo O. Bailey, Clare Billson, Daniel Blessing, Jake Brewer, Jo Calderwood, Joel Ekperigin, Mattia Fazioli, Petr Fedorovskii, Nathan Fernand, Myles Harper, Todd Holdsworth, Mark Lace, Jack Manley, Kay Nicholson, James Percy, Charlotte Perry, Ross Sands and Shane Scarth.
Conceived and co-directed by Channing Tatum, Magic Mike Live, has performed over 2000 shows in the West End, has wowed over 650,000 people in London and over 1,500,000 worldwide. It is a large-scale, live production show based on the hit films Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, which opened at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square in November 2018. Magic Mike Live inspired a new television series on HBO Max, Finding Magic Mike, and the third instalment of the Magic Mike film franchise, Magic Mike’s Last Dance.Magic Mike Livehas become an international sensation since opening in Las Vegas in April 2017. In addition to breaking box office records and performing to sold-out audiences in Las Vegas and London, the show has thrilled audiences around the world with engagements in Berlin, Australia, and Miami and Dallas in North America.
From the bespoke entrance off Cranbourn Street, to the specially curated lounge and bar experience, to the cast of world-class performers, Magic Mike Live is a complete evening of unparalleled entertainment for guests aged 18 and up. Audience members enter Magic Mike’s mythical club and marvel as a group of extraordinary artists perform a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular in front of, behind, and above them. Sexy dance routines intertwined with one-of-a-kind acts, are presented by a diverse cast of performers from around the world.
Guests can also enjoy pre and post show cocktails and cuisine at two bespoke bar and lounge experiences – Permission and Archive & Myth – designed and curated by Magic Mike Live designer Rachel O’Toole. Patrons can either book their spots in advance or drop in if they fancy an intimate and luxurious space to unwind in the heart of London’s West End.
Permission was recently voted one of Open Table’s ‘Top 10 Best Restaurants in London.’ The intimate and atmospheric lounge, located just steps from the theatre entrance offers a range of food and beverage options, including a weekend brunch package, as well as live music curated by the Magic Mike Live team.
Archive & Myth, hidden beneath the Hippodrome Casino, is accessed by a password-protected door off Cranbourn Street. This secret bar offers a stylish escape from the Square’s hustle and bustle, with a tempting menu of elevated classic cocktails, bespoke vintage spirits and light bites, enjoyed in an elegant space that is richly-inspired by the heritage and legends of the venue itself.
Patrons can also book a Luxe Seats package, guaranteeing the best seats in the house, complimentary cocktails, and entry to Permission with a personal concierge escort to the show. The Luxe package also includes a meet and greet with some of the dancers after the show. For more information visit magicmikelondon.co.uk
Magic Mike Live in London is co-directed by Channing Tatum and Alison Faulk, with Luke Broadlick as associate director, and choreography by Alison Faulk and Luke Broadlick.The Executive Producer is Vincent Marini with General Management by Crossroads Live. The production designer is Rachel O’Toole, with scenic design by Rob Bissinger and Anita LaScala (Arda Studio), costume design by Marina Toybina, lighting design by Philip Gladwell and video design by Luke Halls. Musical supervisor is Jack Rayner, with sound design by Nick Kourtides. Dreya Weber is aerial choreographer & aerial apparatus designer.
Magic Mike Live is produced in London by Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin, Greg Jacobs, Peter Kiernan, Steven Soderbergh, Nick Wechsler and United Talent Agency in association with Warner Bros., Vincent Marini, The Hippodrome Casino, Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman, TSG Entertainment & Ashley DeSimone, Richard Winkler and The Creative House.
Please note there are no performances w/c 16 & 23 September 2024 and w/c 6 January 2025.
Magic Mike Live London is also introducing the following accessible performances:
Captioned – Stagetext
Wednesday 5 February 2025, 7pm
Wednesday 6 August 2025, 7pm
Audio Described – Vocal Eyes
Wednesday 2 April 2025, 7pm
BSL – Theatre Sign
Wednesday 4 June 2025, 7pm
Customers attending with Nimbus access card are entitled to tickets for these performances at the reduced rate of £65 per person. Those entitled to an essential companion will receive that ticket complimentary. For further information on our access performances please email [[email protected]%20][email protected] or call the box office 020 3978 4400. Customer Service hours are between 12pm – 6pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Christmas 2024 Performance Schedule
Monday 23 December – No Performance
Tuesday 24 December – No Performance
Wednesday 25 December – No Performance
Thursday 26 December – 7pm & 9:30pm
Friday 27 December – 7pm & 9:30pm
Saturday 28 December – 4pm, 7pm & 9:30pm
Sunday 29 December – 4pm & 7pm
Monday 30 December – No Performance
Tuesday 31 December – 7pm
Wednesday 1 January – 7pm
Thursday 2 January – 7pm & 9:30pm
Friday 3 January – 7pm & 9:30pm
Saturday 4 January – 4pm, 7pm & 9:30pm
Sunday 5 January – 4pm & 7pm
Magic Mike Live guests must be at least 18 years to attend – appropriate photo ID will be requested on arrival at the venue – begambleaware.org
