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HAPPY HOUR AT THE ARTS WITH

THE CHOIR OF MAN

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE

The producers of Olivier-nominated international stage sensation THE CHOIR OF MAN are delighted to announce the launch of Happy Hour at the Arts Theatre, running over the summer. For the next four weeks, starting from Thursday 24 July, audiences can enjoy 20% off drinks at the bar and live music performed by the West End company and other special guests, in the foyer of the theatre from 5.30 – 6.30pm.

Kicking things off on 24 July will be Rob Godfrey, who currently plays ‘Beast’ in the show, performing an acoustic guitar set, adding a personal touch to the evening with his unique sound.

On 31 July, Happy Hour will be a collaboration with the team from The Room Where It Happens, London’s favourite musical theatre bar. 

Further acts to be announced on the show social channels.

Nic Doodson said on behalf of the producers, “We’re thrilled to offer this new Happy Hour experience for our audiences at the Arts. It’s a great way to connect, enjoy a drink and enjoy some live music before the show starts. We’re looking forward to sharing more summer evenings of music, joy and community in the heart  

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 show kicked off its West End journey at the Arts Theatre in October 2021 and has welcomed over 280,000 audience members through the doors across over 1,000 performances.

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 in 2025 came together with Signature Brew as the show’s Official Alcohol-Free Beer Partner.

The current cast are David Booth (The Threepenny Opera, Royal Philharmonic Choir; Fiddler On The Roof, Grange Park Opera; BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall) as ‘Pub Bore’, Jason Brock (Thriller Live – lead vocalist, Lyric Theatre and Shaftesbury Theatre) as ‘Romantic’, Tom Carter-Miles (Frankenstein, Illyria; The Choir of Man, NCL and West End) as swing, Toby Francis (High Fidelity, Hayes Theatre Co.; We Will Rock You, Neil Gooding Productions) as swing, Rob Godfrey (The Choir of Man, Sydney Opera House) as ‘Beast’, Ifan Gwilym-Jones (The Choir of Man, NCL; Australia and Chicago) as ‘Maestro’, Oliver Jacobson (Come From Away, UK tour; Grease, UK tour) as ‘Barman’, George Knapper (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, UK Tour; The Choir of Man, NCL; Canada; Australia; Chicago; Florida; West End) as ‘Handyman’, Benji Lord (Dreamboats and Petticoats: Bringing on Back The Good Times!, world premiere, UK tour; The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency, world premiere, UK tour) as ‘Joker’, Alex Mallalieu (As You Like It, UK tour; Buddy Holly & The Cricketers, UK tour) as swing, Paul McArthur (Tracks, Union Theatre; Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens, Camden Fringe) as ‘Poet’, David Shute (Once: The Musical, Barn; The Choir of Man, NCL; Chicago; Tampa; Australia; Edinburgh; Coventry) as swing, and Bradley Walwyn (We Will Rock You, Royal Caribbean; The Choir Of Man, NCL and Australia) as ‘Hardman’.

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 resident musical director, and Alistair Higgins as associate musical supervisor; movement direction and choreography by Freddie Huddleston, with Adam Hilton as associate choreographer and movement director; scenic design by Oli Townsend, lighting design by Richard Dinnen, costume design and co-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 HH Productions Ltd, Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, Wendy & Andy Barnes, Gavin Kalin and Hunter Arnold.

Website: choirofmanwestend.com

Facebook: @thechoirofman

Twitter & Instagram: @choirofman

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR DAVID LAN’S NEW PLAY THE LAND OF THE LIVING AS REHEARSALS BEGIN

The National Theatre today announces full casting for The Land of the Living – a new play by former Artistic Director of the Young Vic, David Lan – as rehearsals begin on the South Bank. Olivier Award-winner Juliet Stevenson (The Doctor) and Tom Wlaschiha (Game of Thrones) will play Ruth and Thomas in this timely new play that is immersed in the shapeshifting nature of memory and morality. Directed by Stephen Daldry (The Inheritance), The Land of the Living will run in the Dorfman theatre from 9 September to 1 November 2025 as part of former National Theatre Director Rufus Norris’ final season.

The full cast includes Atilla Akinci, Kate Duchêne, Michael Fox, Hubert Hanowicz, Caroline Loncq, Avital Lvova, Michael Marcus, Anastasia Martin, Marek Oravec, Cosima Shaw and Sasha Syzoneko. Young performers Darcy Tosun, Artie Wilkinson-Hunt and Anton Vehring complete the cast.

Writer David Lan and director Stephen Daldry are joined on the creative team by set designer Miriam Buether, costume designer Nicky Gillibrand, lighting designer James Farncombe, sound designer Gareth Fry, composer Paul Englishby, movement director Paul McGill, fight and intimacy director Maisie Carter, casting director Naomi Downham, dialect and language coach Victoria Woodward, voice coach Cathleen McCarron, associate director Jane Moriarty and staff director Júlia Levai. 

Germany, 1945. Thomas, one of thousands of children stolen by the Nazis from Eastern Europe during WWII, is under the care of Ruth, a UN relief worker. Should she try to find his parents or leave him with those he’s grown up with? The choice she makes will shape his life. Years later, Thomas visits Ruth. As they untangle the past, the decisions Ruth made as a very young woman are called powerfully into question.

The Land of the Living will play in the Dorfman theatre from 9 September to 1 November.

Kids go free this summer: 1000s of tickets still available for top London theatre shows 

OfficialLondonTheatre.com/Kids-Week 

Tickets on sale now 

• Over 222,000 tickets are still available for top London shows as part of Official London Theatre’s Kids Week campaign, which begins today
• Until 31 August, kids aged 17 and under can go to the theatre for free, when accompanied by a full paying adult 
• Plus, book ahead into September for selected shows 
• Two additional children can go for half price with every adult, all with no booking fees 
• Launched in 1998, Kids Week is the longest-running audience development initiative of its kind

Lovingly referred to as ‘the longest week in summer’, Kids Week is running until Sunday 31 August – tickets are available for selected performances throughout the summer holidays, with additional availability into September for some shows. During Kids Week, a child aged 17 and under can see a show for free when accompanied by an adult paying full price, plus an additional two children can attend for half price – and there are no booking fees. Tickets are available at OfficialLondonTheatre.com. 

With over 222,000 tickets available, families can experience the magic of theatre for less this summer. With over 40 top London shows still available to book, including 101 Dalmatians, Back To The Future The Musical, Clueless The Musical, The Devil Wears Prada, Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, Horrible Histories, RSC’s My Neighbour Totoro, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Smeds And The Smoos, Starlight Express, The Tiger Who Came To Tea and Wicked, there is something for all the family to enjoy. Plus, new shows have recently joined the campaign, including Cabaret, Oscar At The Crown, Saving Mozart and War Horse. 

Alongside the performances, many shows are offering additional activities, from dance and musical theatre workshops to puppet demonstrations, and ‘Kids Week Curtain Calls’ where all Kids Week bookers in attendance for that performance can stay for a post-show Q&A. At the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, families can also enjoy the only Afternoon Tea available in a West End theatre, a showstopping experience with a dramatic two-act menu – and kids go free with a full paying adult! 

Emma De Souza, Kids Week founder and Executive Director (Audiences & Commercial) at Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, said: 

“As Kids Week begins once again, I’m delighted that a new generation of theatre fans will soon experience the joy of London’s world-class productions for the very first time. A trip to the theatre is something everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy, and over the past 27 years, Kids Week has helped make that possible for more than 2.5 million children and their families. 

With thousands of tickets still available, there truly is something for everyone – especially for those who can be flexible with dates and shows. It’s a fantastic chance to create special memories this summer and, hopefully, spark a lifelong love of theatre.” 

List of available shows participating in Kids Week 2025 

101 Dalmatians 

The 3 Musketeers 

Alice In Wonderland 

Back To The Future The Musical 

The Baddies 

The Boy With Wings 

Cabaret 

The Choir Of Man 

Clueless The Musical 

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button 

The Daughter Of Time 

The Devil Wears Prada 

The Dinosaur That Pooped 

The Elves And The Shoemaker 

Fawlty Towers 

Fireman Sam Live: The Great Camping Adventure 

The Great Gatsby 

Hadestown 

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child 

Hold On To Your Butts 

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits 

Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical 

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe 

Little Dancer 

Mamma Mia! 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream 

Ministry Of Science Live! 

Les Misérables 

MJ The Musical 

Monopoly Lifesized 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical 

The Mousetrap 

RSC’s My Neighbour Totoro 

Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs Live! 

Oscar At The Crown 

The Play That Goes Wrong 

Rough Magic 

Saving Mozart 

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical 

Sing Street 

The Smeds And The Smoos 

Spot’s Birthday Party 

Starlight Express 

Stranger Things: The First Shadow 

The Tiger Who Came To Tea 

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical 

Tom Gates Epic Stage Show 

War Horse 

Wicked 

Age recommendations and restrictions for participating shows will vary. Please check the show listings on OfficialLondonTheatre.com for more information. 

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#OLTKidsWeek 

The Mill at Sonning – until 6 September 2025

Reviewed by Marcia Spiers

4****

Set in the 1990s, this thoughtfully crafted play combines drama with elements of humor to explore the intricate dynamics of two families who, despite apparent differences, reveal comparable levels of dysfunction over time. Written by Robin Hawdon and Directed by Sally Hughes this production features a blend of seasoned performers and promising newcomers. Special recognition is due to Jackie Hutson (set designer) and the backstage team for their outstanding work in creating an impressive setting.

The narrative unfolds aboard an attractive boat moored on the River Thames, where Arthur Bullhead—portrayed adeptly by (Stephen Pinder) as an egotistical and self-absorbed businessman—invites the Coombes family for a weekend gathering alongside his patient wife Mary well played by (Melanie Gutteridge) and assertive teenage daughter Shirley (Francesca Barrett) giving a fantastic performance in her debut at The Mill.

(Harry Gostelow), perfectly cast as John Coombes who is presented as a community-minded solicitor of strong principles, joins with his wife Carol, again a great performance by the experienced (Rachel Fielding), who describes her husband as balanced and dependable yet laments the monotony of their relationship. Their daughter Wendy (Hannah Brown), in her debut at The Mill, delivers a compelling performance as a reserved 17-year-old with little in common with Shirley, despite attending the same school. Both teenagers are initially apprehensive about sharing accommodations.

Arthur’s intention is to leverage John’s council influence for personal gain. Depicted as loquacious and dismissive, Arthur regularly blames his wife for setbacks, which Mary counters with either sarcasm or silence, while Shirley openly challenges her father’s conduct and does what she pleases despite his protestations.

Observing Arthur’s motives, John anticipates the approval of the planning proposals and disconcerted, retires early, leaving Carol and Arthur alone. Subsequent events see both adults candidly discussing their spouses and more before being interrupted by their daughters’ return from an unsanctioned outing. The following morning, Carol empathizes with Wendy, recalling her own past, leading to a confrontation with John that prompts him to insist on leaving, as

Arthur, with his newly acquired knowledge, seeks an alternative approach. This raises questions about lasting changes within the Coombes family.

The play addresses enduring themes such as governmental corruption, local politics, educational concerns, family relationships, generational conflict, morality, and the pervasive influence of wealth, encouraging reflection on their continued relevance today. Overall, the production is well-cast and offers an engaging piece of theatre.

As always, the setting of the Mill on the banks of the River Thames with the bonus of a delicious meal beforehand is delightful. Well done to Director Sally Hughes and all the team for another great evening.

Birmingham Hippodrome – until 23rd August 2025

Reviewed by Emma Millward

5*****

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s epic production of Mary Poppins flew into Birmingham Hippodrome this week for a six-week run. The show brings together elements of the novel by P.L Travers and the 1964 Disney film. Directed by Richard Eyres and Matthew Bourne, with a book by Julian Fellowes. The show includes all the classic songs by The Sherman Brothers that are featured in the film, plus new songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. 

The show tells the story of the Banks Family of Cherry Tree Lane, London. George Banks (Michael D.Xavier) and Winifred Banks (Sarah-Marie Maxwell) are struggling to find a suitable nanny for their two children, Jane (Olive Harrison) and Michael (Oliver Benson). As if by magic, Mary Poppins (Stefanie Jones) appears and turns their lives upside down. Mary and her friend Bert (Jack Chambers) take the children on magical adventures through parks with dancing statutes, over the rooftops of London and a magical shop to purchase the letters to a very familiar and very special word! The children in this performance were brilliant, and bounced well off their adult co-stars. Olive Harrison and Oliver Benson repeatedly gave a scene-stealing performance.

Touring productions often have a smaller cast, but Mary Poppins has a much larger ensemble of performers and understudies. Alongside the main characters, Mrs Brill (Rosemary Ashe), Robertson Ay (Ruairidh McDonald), Mrs Corry (Sharon Wattis) and the Bird Woman (Patti Boulaye) all impress in their roles. Michael D.Xavier perfectly captures a stern, but ultimately vulnerable Mr Banks, especially during scenes with the terrifying Mrs Andrew (Wendy Ferguson). Sarah-Marie Maxwell’s portrayal of the disenchanted Mrs Banks was beautifully played, especially during the touching ‘Being Mrs Banks’. Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers are sublime as Mary and Bert. Both wowed the crowd with their gravity-defying moments during the show.

Set Designer Bob Crowley’s folding ‘Doll House’ set becomes almost a character in its own right. It swiftly and sleekly changes from the frontage of Cherry Tree Lane, to the bedroom of the Banks children, to the rooftop of the house. Each different room setting was filled with clever little details, especially the kitchen set where cupboard doors and drawers magically opened and closed. Paul Kieve and Jim Steinmeyer’s awe-inspiring illusions throughout the show drew gasps from adults and children alike. As soon as I saw Mary Poppins reaching into her famous carpet bag, I waited to see what she would pull out of there, and it did not disappoint. 

The choreography by Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear was breathtaking throughout, especially the scenes with dancing statues and their balletic graceful movements, especially Cameron Thomas Jones as the delightful Neleus. I wondered if a production of this size would translate well to a UK tour, but my concerns were eased within the first few minutes. This show brings together all the magic, special effects and large-scale production values of a West End show.

Mary Poppins proclaims herself to be “Practically perfect in every way” and I have to wholeheartedly agree! The show is the perfect spellbinding spectacular for all the family this summer. Grab your tickets before the wind changes…. or before 23rd August!!!

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR PHILIP RIDLEY’S

THE PITCHFORK DISNEY AT KING’S HEAD THEATRE

Lidless Theatre, Zoe Weldon and King’s Head Theatre today announce full casting for their new production of Philip Ridley’s seminal work The Pitchfork Disney. Lidless Theatre’s Co-Artistic Director Max Harrison directs Elizabeth Connick as Haley, Ned Costello as Presley (Offie Winner for Lead Performance in a Play), and William Robinson as Cosmo (Ian Charleson Award Finalist and Offie Winner for Lead Performance in a Play).

The production opens on 2 September 2025, with previews from 27 August and runs until 4 October at King’s Head Theatre.

Ridley’s first professional stage play, The Pitchfork Disney,premiered at Bush Theatre on 2 January 1991 and was instrumental in launching the In-Yer-Face theatre movement. A dark and unsettling play, The Pitchfork Disney follows the relationship of two siblings and an encounter they have with an unexpected visitor.

This production marks a continued collaboration between Lidless Theatre and Philip Ridley, following the company’s critically acclaimed stagings of Moonfleece and Tender Napalm.

Max Harrison today said, “I’m totally thrilled to be working with such a talented and dynamic cast and creative team on The Pitchfork Disney. It’s a real privilege to be collaborating again with Philip Ridley and to continue Lidless Theatre’s relationship with one of our greatest living writers, on this era defining play.”

Lidless Theatre, Zoe Weldon and King’s Head Theatre present

THE PITCHFORK DISNEY

By Philip Ridley

27 August – 4 October 2025

Cast: Elizabeth Connick (Haley), Ned Costello (Presley), William Robinson (Cosmo)
Director: Max Harrison; Designer: Kit Hinchcliffe; Lighting Designer: Ben Jacobs;

Sound Designer: Sam Glossop; General Manager: James Quaife;

Production Manager: Carrie Croft

You know why the ghost train is so popular? Because there are no ghosts. Once you’ve learnt that you can make a fortune.

Ten years ago something terrible happened to Presley and Haley. Since then they’ve lived alone in their dead parents’ house, doors bolted against the terrors of the world. But, one night, Presley sees a beautiful stranger on the street outside. And while his sister sleeps…he invites in their worst nightmare.

Darkly comic and deeply unsettling, Philip Ridley’s seminal masterpiece single-handedly changed the course of British drama. Its exploration of ‘a climate of fear’, living in ‘alternate worlds’, and persistent thrum of sexual anxiety has continued to act as a tuning fork for the zeitgeist. It is a play whose relevance is forever in the now.

Philip Ridley’s plays include The Pitchfork Disney (now published as a Methuen Modern Classic), The Fastest Clock in the Universe (winner of a Time Out Award, the Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright, and the Meyer-Whitworth Prize), Ghost from a Perfect Place, Vincent River (nominated for the London Festival Fringe Best Play Award), the highly controversial Mercury Fur, Leaves of Glass, Piranha Heights, Tender Napalm, Shivered, Dark Vanilla Jungle (winner of an Edinburgh Festival Fringe First Award), Radiant Vermin (now published as a Methuen Modern Classic), Tonight With Donny Stixx, Karagula, The Beast of Blue Yonder, The Poltergeist, and Tarantula, plus several plays for young people (collectively known as The Storyteller Sequence): Karamazoo, Fairytaleheart, Moonfleece (named as one of the 50 Best Works About Cultural Diversity by the National Centre for Children’s Books), Sparkleshark (the first of the Connections Festival plays for young people to be staged professionally by the National Theatre), and Brokenville; also, Feathers in the Snow (shortlisted for the Brian Way Best Play Award).

Elizabeth Connick plays Haley. Her theatre credits include Gun To Your Head (The Workshop King’s Lynn), Girls with Wings and Trauma (Bush Theatre), Something as Raw as a Funeral (Marylebone Theatre), and The Jew (Kiln Theatre); and for television, Dalgleish.

Ned Costello plays Presley, renewing his collaboration with Lidless Theatre following his role in Leaves of Glass (Park Theatre – Offie Winner for Best Performance in a Play). His further theatre credits include The History Boys (Theatre Royal Bath), Hansel and Gretel (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Clothes They Stood Up In (Nottingham Playhouse), and Britannicus (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre). His television credits include Andor, Grantchester, and Wreck.

Will Robinson plays Cosmo. His theatre credits include Julius Caesar (RSC), Britannicus (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre), Bacon (Finborough Theatre – Offie Winner for Best Performance in a Play), and Romeo and Juliet (Young Shakespeare Company). His television credits include The Silence & the Noise, Masters of the Air, and Cuffs. Robinson was also an Ian Charleson Award Finalist in 2023.

Max Harrison is a freelance theatre director and Co-Artistic Director of Lidless Theatre. His directing credits include Miss Julie, Leaves of Glass (Park Theatre), Tender Napalm (King’s Head Theatre), Vesper Monologues (Arcola Theatre), and In Place of Fear and Moonfleece (Pleasance Theatre). As Associate Director, his credits include Waiting for Godot (Theatre Royal Haymarket), and as Assistant Director, Five Characters in Search of a Good Night’s Sleep (Southwark Playhouse).


LISTINGS 

THE PITCHFORK DISNEY
King’s Head Theatre
116p Upper St, London N1 1QP

Box Office: 0207 226 8561 / https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/29/by-philip-ridley-directed-by-max-harrison/the-pitchfork-disney
27 August – 4 October 2025

Tickets from £10

TRACIE BENNETT, JOHN PARTRIDGE,
SOLOMON DAVY & NICK BLAKELEY
TO STAR IN THE CODE
BY MICHAEL MCKEEVER
OPENING AT
SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE ELEPHANT
FROM 12 SEPTEMBER 2025

Producers Jim Kierstead, Merrie L. Davis, Jim Head, Elisabeth Rock, Jim Karp/James Manuel Meneses, Vasi Laurence/Adina Schecter and Ted Snowdon are delighted to announce the brand-new London production of THE CODE byMichael McKeever (Daniel’s Husband, Off Broadway and London December 2025; After and Mr. Parker, Off Broadway), which will run at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 12 September 2025 to 11 October 2025 with an official opening night on 17 September. THE CODE will be directed by Drama Desk award-winning and Tony-nominated Christopher Renshaw (The King and I, Broadway; We Will Rock You, West End).

Starring two-time Olivier winner Tracie Bennett (Here We Are, National Theatre; Hairspray, West End; High Society, West End) as Tallulah Bankhead and star of stage and screen John Partridge (Eastenders, BBC; Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, West End; Cats, West End & UK Tour) as Billy Haines. THE CODE lays bare the unspoken rules of Hollywood, then and now: a world where image still shapes opportunity, where authenticity is curated and identity remains politicized.

Starring alongside Tracie Bennett and John Partridge will be Solomon Davy (Hairspray, UK Tour; Grease, West End) as Chad Manford and Nick Blakeley (Underdog: The Other Brontë, National Theatre; 24 Hour Plays, The Old Vic; Father Brown, BBC; Goodbye Christopher Robin, Fox Searchlight) as Henry Willson.

Writer Michael McKeever said: “I am thrilled to bring this show to London. I look forward to seeing what this splendid team will do with it. It’s fascinating to me how relevant the issues in the play have become in these strange times in which we live.”

Director Christopher Renshaw said: “I am genuinely excited to be at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, directing this wonderful quartet of actors in this equally wonderful play.”

Producer Jim Kierstead said: “It gives me great pleasure to bring this brilliantly inspiring and timely show to London with our incredible producing team. Working with Chris and Michael and this talented group of actors and creatives is a dream come true.”

Hollywood, 1950. A fading star. A rising one. An agent with an agenda. And a legend who’s seen it all.

Tallulah Bankhead – magnetic, mercurial, and unapologetically sharp-tongued – stops in for a cocktail at the home of former screen idol turned interior designer Billy Haines, who may – or may not – be planning to disappear from the town he once ruled.

Enter power agent Henry Willson and his all-too-perfect protégé Chad Manford, setting the room alight. In a world where image is everything, and identity must be carefully edited to survive, can any of them break “the code” without losing everything?

“This entire town is a cesspool, darling. Beautifully lit. Well appointed. But a cesspool nonetheless.”

THE CODE has set and costume design by Ethan Cheek (This Is My Family, Southwark Playhouse Elephant; Constellations, Barn Theatre), lighting design by Jack Weir (The Woman in White, Electric Theatre; The Friends Experience, London Excel; To Wong Foo, Hope Mill Theatre), and casting by Nicholas Hockaday (The Creakers, Southbank Centre; Sappho, Southwark Playhouse Elephant). The full creative team will be announced at a later date.

Website: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-code/
Instagram: dem.productions
Facebook: deusexmachinaproductions

LISTINGS INFORMATION:

THE CODE

Performances: Friday 12 September 2025 – Saturday 11 October 2025

Southwark Playhouse Elephant

1 Dante Pl,
London
SE11 4RX

How To Get There: The nearest stations are Borough and Elephant & Castle

Performance Dates & Times: 12 September – 11 October, 7pm evenings, 2.30 matinees (Thu & Sat)

Box Office: 020 7407 0234

southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

Ticket Prices:
£10 Pioneers’ Preview
£16 Previews
£17.50-£45 Performances

The Code

Age Guidance: 14+
Content Warnings: Strong language

FINAL WEEKS FOR

MISCHIEF’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED

WEST END HIT

THREE PERFORMANCES STARRING

ORIGINAL MISCHIEF MEMBERS

TO BE RECORDED LIVE

AT THE NOЁL COWARD THEATRE

As Mischief’s critically acclaimed and hilarious new caper The Comedy About Spies heads to its final West End performance on 5 September 2025, it was announced today that three performances of the show will be recorded live at London’s Noël Coward Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre on 20 August at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and 21 August at 7.30pm.

For anyone who wishes to be part of the audience for these very special filmed performances which plan to capture the joy and laughter the five-star hit is bringing to the West End every night, tickets are now available from www.SpiesComedy.com.  Plans for releasing the capture are still being finalised and will be shared in due course.

Since The Comedy About Spies, written by Mischief’s Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, began its hugely successful run at the Noël Coward Theatre in April, 1545 bottles of Shiraz have been thrown out of the window, there have been 315 pigeon attacks and 115 bananas have been eaten on stage.

The Comedy About Spies stars members of the original Mischief Company – Dave Hearn, Chris Leask, Henry Lewis, Charlie Russell, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill and Nancy Zamit with Adele James making her Mischief debut.  They are joined by ensemble members: Macadie Amoroso, Adam Byron, Matt Cavendish, Allie Dart, Colm Gleeson, Niall Ransome and Ashley Tucker.

Mischief, the multi award-winning company behind The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, The Comedy About a Bank Robbery and the upcoming Christmas Carol Goes Wrong are entertaining audiences at the Noël Coward Theatre for the next seven weeks with this uproarious 1960’s spy escapade, bursting with bungled missions, tangled identities, and miscommunication that’s anything but covert.

When a rogue British agent pilfers plans for a top-secret weapon, CIA and KGB spies converge on London’s Piccadilly Hotel in pursuit of the elusive file. Add to the mix a clueless young couple, a hapless actor angling for the role of James Bond, and enough double agents to confuse even the sharpest operative, and you’ve got a mission that’s hilariously out of control.

The Director is Matt DiCarlo, Set Design is David Farley, Costume Design is by Deborah Andrews, the  Movement Director is Shelley Maxwell, Lighting Design is by Johanna Town,  Sound Design and Composition is by  Jon Fiber for JollyGoodTunes, Casting by Lucy Jenkins CDG & Sooki McShane CDG, Additional Casting by Heather Basten CDG CSA and the Executive Producer is Jonathan Sayer.

The Comedy about Spies is presented by Kenny Wax and Stage Presence in association with Jo Danvers.

MULTI PLATINUM SELLING ARTIST

PASSENGER

RELEASES FIRST SINGLE & VIDEO

FEATURING JACK WOLFE

FROM HIS NEW CONCEPT ALBUM

OF

THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF

HAROLD FRY THE MUSICAL

WITH THE ACCLAIMED NEW

MUSICAL

SET TO TRANSFER TO THE

WEST END IN 2026

Sign-up for information at www.haroldfrymusical.com

It was announced today that Passenger (AKA Mike Rosenberg), who wrote the music and lyrics for the critically acclaimed new musical, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, has released the first single and music video from his new concept album, based on the hit show.

The single, Song For The Countryside, performed by Passenger & Jack Wolfe, can be viewed here.

The song accompanies Harold as he decides to set off on his pilgrimage. It is an awakening, a joyful realisation of life and spring and new beginnings. A remembering of the beauty that has always been right outside his front door.

It is also announced today that The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry will transfer to London’s West End in 2026, with dates and theatre to be announced. The joyous and life-affirming new musical had its World Premiere at the Chichester Festival Theatre this Spring, where it sold out the entire season and opened to 5-star reviews and standing ovations. The production starred Mark Addy as Harold, Jenna Russell as Maureen and Jack Wolfe as The Balladeer.  It is based on the best-selling novel by Rachel Joyce and directed by Katy Rudd. 

Visit HaroldFryMusical.com to sign-up for the latest news and priority booking for the West End transfer, as well as for links to download the new single and watch the music video.

Passenger is a multi-award-winning and multi-platinum-selling artist, who has recently celebrated a decade since the release of his seminal album All The Little Lights featuring the global hit single Let Her Go, which soared to #1 in 19 countries and stands out as the second most Shazamed song of all time, with billions of streams worldwide. 

He said of writing the music and lyrics for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, ‘I never thought I would write a musical.  But when I was asked, I read the book and immediately fell in love with it. I love the story and I resonate so deeply with the characters and the journeys they go on. I instantly knew that it was something that I had to be a part of.  It’s been a real labour of love – not just for me, but all of the amazing people involved in the production.

As an independent artist Passenger has released 15 studio albums to date, securing his first ever UK #1 album with Young As The Morning Old As the Sea and has been a firm advocate for releasing music direct to his dedicated fanbase. Throughout the years he has used a number of these albums to generate significant donations to Unicef, Shelter and The Trussell Trust.   

Over the years he has delivered show-stopping performances, from busking on street corners to headlining stadiums, winning a global fanbase. He has recently returned to the UK after another world tour, including notable shows such as Red Rocks in Colorado, The Beacon Theatre in NYC as well as two sold out Sydney Opera House gigs.

The musical tells the moving story of Harold Fry.  Grey, tired and lonely, he receives a letter from an old friend and heads out to post his reply and keeps walking. From South Devon to Berwick upon Tweed, he leaves his bewildered wife Maureen behind.

Because Harold is trying to make up for lost time, confront the ghosts in his past, and – perhaps – keep someone alive.

As word spreads of his unlikely pilgrimage, a whole company of lost souls join him on his quest. And the horizons for both Harold and Maureen open wider than they could ever have imagined.

The Chichester Festival Theatre production will be presented in the West End by Chris Harper Productions and Nick Sidi.

KING’S HEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES FREE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN TO ATTEND THEATRE TO COMBAT SCHOOL FUNDING CUTS

The Golden Goose Scheme is a pay-it-forward fundraising programme which will provide free pantomime tickets to local schools, partnering with Islington Council’s 11by11 programme

King’s Head Theatre have announced that their 2025 Christmas pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk will feature an expanded Pay It Forward initiative, which will provide over 2000 free tickets to schools. In a time where funding cuts are meaning fewer and fewer children are able to experience live theatre, this initiative asks the community, individuals and organisations to purchase tickets for local state schools to attend. The theatre will also provide tickets to low-income families in the area.

The programme began in 2024 as the Fairy Godmother Scheme, which raised over £4,800 – meaning 855 school children were able to see the pantomime thanks to kind donations from businesses and individuals in the community. This year, the theatre has a target of £10,000 – this will allow 2,000 school children to experience the pantomime for free, or at heavily subsidised rates of £2-6 per student. The programme will also allow for subsidies to ensure that all low-income families in the area will have the opportunity to attend the pantomime at heavily reduced rates.

The theatre will be working with Islington Council’s 11by11 programme to deliver the scheme. This is a borough-wide commitment by schools, cultural organisations and councils to work together on ensuring that every child participates in 11 cultural activities by the time they are 11 years old.

Cllr Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington said: “It is incredible to see King’s Head Theatre supporting the local community and encouraging young people to engage in the arts. Islington has a thriving cultural scene, and we are committed to removing the barriers for children to benefit from everything on offer. We are delighted that King’s Head Theatre are making such an exciting step forward with this, and to see them working with the brilliant 11 by 11 Scheme. Pantomime is such a British institution and it’s great to see such a high quality production open its doors to the local families. On recent visits to the venue I’ve been thoroughly impressed by their community ethos, and this initiative will help widen access to something that can genuinely improve people’s quality of life.”

In a poll by The Sutton Trust, it was revealed that this year more than 50% of schools are reducing their budgets for trips and outings, which is the most significant cut since 2017. The Golden Goose initiative hopes to innovate and find new solutions for children to experience the magic of pantomime – often a child’s first experience of theatre.

King’s Head Theatre’s Chief Executive and Executive Producer Sofi Berenger said: “In a borough with such significant economic disparity, the funding cuts we are experiencing to schools disproportionately impact low-income families which perpetuates the division many children experience in accessing theatre and culture. Funding to the education sector is in as much of a crisis as funding to the arts, so theatres need to think outside of the box in order to provide these opportunities and thrive through other avenues.”

Since the theatre moved into its new premises in 2024, it has now been able to welcome school groups and families to its shows far beyond what was possible in the old venue. The theatre produced its first family pantomime last year –  Cinderella, led by pantomime legend Andrew Pollard who will be returning to write and direct this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk. Due to the success of last year, and increased demand for the Golden Goose Scheme, the theatre has extended the pantomime a week into term time.  

Berenger continued: “Every child deserves the opportunity to see live theatre, and pantomime is a perfect first experience. This scheme enables everyone in the community to come together, no matter whether they are able to donate £10 or £10,000, to do their small bit in ensuring a vibrant, thriving and equitable cultural community. This programme, now in its second year, will only continue to grow and be able to provide more support where other sources have dried up.” 

The scheme already has some supporters including the Belaqua Charitable Trust and Unity Theatre Trust who have contributed to the fund. In 2024, supporters included Dame Judi Dench, Humble Grape, Fredericks Restaurant, Timpsons and other local organisations, with more to be added this year.

As an additional part of their commitment to accessibility, the theatre is also offering a Pay What You Can performance on Wednesday 26th November at 6pm.

For more information about the Golden Goose Scheme, and to donate, please see here.

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