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REHEARSALS BEGIN FOR 

Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical

COMPANY

Directed by Marianne Elliott

PHOTOGRAPHS OF FIRST DAY OF REHEARSALS RELEASED TODAY

Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Previews from 26 September 2018

Opening Night 17 October 2018

 

Rehearsals for Marianne Elliott’s highly anticipated new production of George Furth and Stephen Sondheim’s COMPANY which opens at the Gielgud Theatre from 26 September 2018 began today (Monday 6 August 2018). Cast members including Rosalie Craig (Bobbie), Patti LuPone (Joanne), Mel Giedroyc (Sarah), Jonathan Bailey (Jamie) and Richard Fleeshman (Andy) listened to Marianne’s plans for the show and had a first look at Bunny Christie’s designs.

The complete cast for COMPANY is:  Rosalie Craig as Bobbie, Patti LuPone as Joanne, Mel Giedroyc as Sarah, Jonathan Bailey as Jamie, George Blagden as PJ, Ashley Campbell as Peter, Richard Fleeshman as Andy, Alex Gaumond as Paul, Richard Henders as David, Ben Lewis as Larry, Daisy Maywood as Susan, Jennifer Saayeng as Jenny, Matthew Seadon-Young as Theo and Gavin Spokes as Harry.  Joining them are:  Michael Colbourne, Francesca Ellis, Ewan Gillies, Grant Neal and Jaimie Pruden.

At Bobbie’s 35^thbirthday party all her friends are wondering why she isn’t married; why she can’t find the right man and why she hasn’t settled down to have a family. The multi-award winning musical comedy about life, love and marriage includes Stephen Sondheim’s iconic songs, The Ladies who Lunch, Being Alive, Side by Side and You Could Drive a Person Crazy.

Marianne Elliott, Artistic Director of Elliott & Harper Productions, a company she founded in 2016 with producer Chris Harper, was awarded an OBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List for her services to theatre. Elliott is the first woman in Broadway history to win two Tony Awards for Best Director and her recent Broadway transfer of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America received the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.  Angels in America at the National Theatre also received the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play. Marianne’s ground-breaking production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time received 7 Olivier Awards in London, including Best New Play and Best Director and 5 Tony Awards for its run on Broadway, including Best Play and Best Director and continues to tour internationally. Her production of Saint Joan earned her the Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play and Pillars of the Community earned her the Evening Standard Award for Best Director.  War Horse, which she co-directed, and has been seen by over 7 million people world-wide, and is on its second UK tour.

Joining director Marianne Elliott on the creative team for Company are:  choreographer Liam Steel, designer, musical supervisor and conductor Joel Fram, Bunny Christie, lighting designer Neil Austin, sound designer Ian Dickinson (for Autograph Sound), illusions designer Chris Fisher, orchestrator David Cullen, dance arranger Sam Davis and casting directors Alastair Coomer CDG and Charlotte Sutton CDG.

 

The producers for Company at the Gielgud Theatre are: Elliott & Harper Productions,Catherine Schreiber, Grove Entertainment, Jujamcyn Theaters, LD Entertainment, David Mirvish, Aged in Wood Productions/Ricardo Hornos, Bob Boyett/Tom Miller, Bruno Wang Productions/Salman Al-Rashid, Across the Pond Theatricals/Trio Theatricals and Greek Street Productions/Christopher Ketner.

Cinderella at Hull New Theatre – The Chuckle Brothers

Everyone at Hull New Theatre was saddened this weekend to learn of the passing of Barry ‘Chuckle’ Elliot who, along with his Brother Paul, made-up the legendary comedy double-act The Chuckle Brothers

The Chuckle Brothers have been an important part of the New Theatre’s heritage, having performed at the venue many times since 1995, including as stars of the Theatre’s fabulous 2012 pantomime Sleeping Beauty and more recently in their own children’s touring productions.

We know how much Hull and our wider audiences were looking forward to seeing Barry and Paul in Cinderella this Christmas.

Hull New Theatre’s manager, Janice Wincott said:

“The thoughts of us all at Hull New Theatre are with Barry’s family and friends at this time.

Audiences can be reassured that Cinderella will proceed as scheduled and in honour of Barry we will be working closely with our pantomime producer Qdos Entertainment to focus on making this year’s show a spectacle of family-friendly comedy featuring the very best of panto tradition.

We are also currently working closely with Qdos Entertainment to announce a revised star line-up for Cinderella and will share casting news as soon as possible.”

Nick Thomas, chairman of Qdos Entertainment said:

“Barry’s passing is a tragic loss to the pantomime art-form and the world of entertainment. The warmth and versatility of The Chuckle Brothers’ comedy has kept them relevant to generations of TV viewers and theatregoers.

We know how important pantomime is to so many people in Hull and we’re working closely with the theatre to make sure this year’s New Theatre show lives up to the long tradition of brilliant festive productions at the venue. We will share further casting news over coming weeks.”

Cinderella opens at Hull New Theatre on Thursday 6 December.

Official statement from The Chuckle Brothers management

“We are devastated to confirm that Barry Chuckle the veteran television and theatre entertainer has died at the age of 73.”

A statement from his manager Phil Dale said:

“It is with great sadness that the family announce that Barry passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Ann and all his family.

Barry with Paul had recently filmed a new series titled ChuckleTime for Ch5 and he said it was just like the wonderful days of filming ChuckleVision for BBC1.

Barry hadn’t been well towards the end of the filming and summer work was cancelled whilst he rested at his doctor’s request. Unfortunately, not long after this, his health deteriorated.

The family would like to express their thanks to the many people who have been fans of The Chuckle Brothers and they know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel.

Paul added ‘I’ve not just lost my brother; I’ve lost my theatrical partner of many, many years and my very best friend.’

There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be much appreciated if the privacy of Barry’s family is respected at this most difficult time.”

Bring the history of St George’s Hall to life
Appeal for memorabilia for new permanent displays

Have you ever been to the notable St George’s Hall in the heart of Bradford? Did you see your favourite band there? Enjoy a classical performance? Been captivated by a magic show? Laughed your socks off at a comedy event? If you have, then we want to hear from you!

From Bowie to Bollywood or Hallé to Houdini, an amazing variety of famous personalities and performers have visited and performed at St George’s Hall since it opened in 1853

The first ever monumental civic building of its type in the North of England, and one of the largest and lavish concert halls in the country, St George’s Hall has a rich and fascinating past

Now, as a major refurbishment nears completion, the people of Bradford and the surrounding areas are being asked to help to piece together the story, so it can be brought to life with unique dynamic displays that weave along all four levels of the venue

Adam Renton, General Manager of Bradford Theatres, says:

“We are looking forward to recording the wonderful story of St George’s Hall, for current and future generations to understand and treasure. There are many items in our archive that will enable us to do this, but there are also some gaps, and we are really hopeful that the people of Bradford, and indeed West Yorkshire and beyond, can help us to fill them, whether it’s a poster from a music gig or a programme from a classical concert.”

Memorabilia is particularly needed for any bands and singers, speakers or personalities who appeared at the venue in the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Other souvenirs are needed for: David Bowie who performed at St George’s Hall in 1972/73, Queen in 1973, The Stranglers in 1987 or 1990, New Model Army in the 1980s; as well as Cleo Laine in 1953, Shirley Bassey, Beverley Knight and
Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty more recently

Historical items which may have been passed down to family members are also wanted, particularly relating to Charles Hallé, the Hallé Orchestra and the early classical subscription concerts which began in the late 1850s and 1860s; plus appearances by the likes of Clara Novello in 1855; and John Suchet & the European Union Chamber Orchestra, Tasmin Little, or James Galway as part of the more recent classical music seasons

Mystery and magic performers have appeared at St George’s Hall over the years and anything related to the late great Harry Houdini would be a great asset to the displays. Or perhaps you know of other magicians, illusionists or performers who incorporated magic into their acts at St George’s Hall, such as Tommy Cooper or children’s favourite, Sooty!

There is also a gap in the archive relating to political rallies known to have been held at St George’s Hall by the likes of Winston Churchill; and appearances by the actor Henry Irving in 1878 and the explorer Rev. Dr Livingstone in relation to his discoveries in Central Africa in 1857

If you have any memorabilia that you could share with us or loan to the collection when the venue reopens, please contact [email protected] or call 01274 433634

Pigtails Productions, Polka Theatre and Oxford Playhouse present

How to Hide a Lion

UK Tour: 8th September – 18th November 2018

Having first roared into life at Polka Theatre and Oxford Playhouse in 2016, Helen Stephen’s much-loved children’s story How to Hide a Lion will now embark on its first national tour, enchanting young audiences around the UK. Adapted and directed by Peter Glanville, this magical play features dazzling puppets and lively jazz by acclaimed jazz and cabaret artist Barb Jung

With playful humour and lots of roars, How to Hide a Lion tells the story of Iris, a little girl who develops an unexpected friendship with a lion. When the lion is chased out of town, Iris helps him to find somewhere to hide. Join Iris on her mission to squash her new friend into a variety of sneaky tight spots, as the misinformed town folk try to track him down

Adapted from Helen Stephen’s award-winning first book, which has now been sold in fourteen languages worldwide, the central character of Iris is lovingly based on Stephen’s own daughter

Peter Glanville comments, It has been a pleasure to adapt Helen Stephen’s captivating tale with the talented composer Barb Jungr. The show was a roaring success at Polka and I’m delighted that Pigtails Productions are taking this production out on a national tour. The story of this young girl who is the only person in town to befriend a kind Lion is a heart-warming tale of friendship and acceptance of the outsider – a strong social message in the world we live in. Barb Jungr’s ‘cool’ jazz score brings a joyful quality to the musical alongside beautifully designed puppets that magically bring the beautiful book illustrations to 3D life. Whilst Polka present theatre at their base in Wimbledon all year round, we are keen to reach audiences across the country. This UK tour will allow us to share our expertise in creating world-class theatre

Staying true to the terrific tale and delightful drawings, with an extra pawful of stagey sprinkles… this makes for a very classy production (Curious Mum)

Generously supported using public funding by Arts Council England

Tour Dates

Sat 8th – Sat 15th Sept New Wimbledon Theatre

 

Sun 16th Sept Hertford Theatre

 

Tues 18th Sep Westcliff Palace

 

Wed 19th Sept Letchworth Broadway

 

Thurs 20th Sept Redbridge Drama Centre

 

Sat 22nd – Sun 23rd Sept Oxford Playhouse

 

Thurs 27th Sept Memo Arts Centre

 

Fri 28th Sept The Welfare Ystradgynlais

 

Sat 29th Sept Riverfront Newport

 

Sun 30th Sept HighTide Festival

 

Thurs 4th Sept Uppingham Theatre

 

Wed 3rd Oct Trinity Theatre

 

Fri 5th Oct Radlett Arts Centre

 

Sat 6th Oct Greenwich Theatre

 

Sun 7th Oct The Hawth Crawley, Studio

 

Tues 9th Oct Guildhall Arts Centre

 

Wed 10th Oct Lincoln Drill Hall

 

Thurs 11th Oct Mitchell Arts Centre

 

Fri 12th Oct The Neeld, Chippenham

 

Sat 13th Oct Chipping Norton Theatre

 

Sun 14th Oct Epstein Theatre

 

Wed 17th Oct Malvern Theatre

 

Thurs 18th Oct Taleisin Arts Centre

 

Fri 19th Oct Royal Spa Centre

 

Sat 20th Oct Lyric Hammersmith, London

 

Sun 21st Oct Broadway Theatre, Peterborough

 

Mon 22 – Tues 23 Oct Winchester Theatre Royal

 

Thurs 25th – Sun 28th Oct The Lowry

 

Tues 30th – Wed 31st Oct Hull Truck

 

Thurs 1st – Fri 2nd Nov Theatre Clywd

 

Sat 3rd Nov Roses Theatre Twekesbury

 

Sun 4th Nov artsdepot

 

Tues 6th Nov Rhodes Arts Centre

 

Wed 7th Nov The Beacon Wantage

 

Thurs 8th Nov The Albany Studio, Coventry

 

Fri 9th – Sat 10th Nov The Haymarket Basingstoke

 

Sun 11th Nov Kenton Theatre

 

Tues 13th Nov Stantonbury Theatre

 

Wed 14th Nov The Old Court Windsor

 

Thurs 15th Nov Ropetackle Arts Centre

 

Fri 16th Nov Burgess Hall

 

Sat 17th Nov Chequer Mead, East Grinstead

 

Sun 18th Nov Margate Theatre Royal

 

FINTY WILLIAMS AND JASPER BRITTON JOIN THE COMPANY OF

THE MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF

HUGH WHITEMORE’S PACK OF LIES

 

PACK OF LIES

By Hugh Whitemore

 

Direction: Hannah Chissick; Set and Costume Design: Paul Farnsworth

Lighting Design: Paul Anderson

 

With Spamilton: An American Parody recently extending its run at the theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factorytoday announces initial casting for their major revival of Hugh Whitemore’s Pack of Lies. Hannah Chissick directs Finty Williams as Barbara Jackson and Jasper Britton as Stewart. The production opens on 1 October, with previews from 20 September, and runs until 17 November. The full company will be announced shortly.

The Jacksons are a nice middle aged English couple. Their best friends are the Krogers, their Canadian neighbours. All is blissful in their world until a detective from Scotland Yard asks to use their house as an observation station to foil a Soviet spy ring operating in the area. They are really put to the test when the detective asks them to help set a trap. Should they betray their friends… Or their country?

Hugh Whitemore adapted Pack of Lies from his Act of Betrayal which was part of the Play for Today television series. Inspired by a real-life events, the story is based on Bill and Ruth Search and their teenage daughter Gay Search (who later became a television presenter and journalist), who find themselves at the centre of the investigations into the Portland Soviet spy ring. This new production is the first London revival since it premièred at the Lyric Theatre in 1983 with real life husband and wife Judi Dench and Michael Williams – Dench received an Olivier Award for her performance.

 

Finty Williams plays Barbara Jackson. Her theatre work includes The Divide (The Old Vic), Blithe Spirit (The Mill at Sonning), Dinner with Friends (Park Theatre), The Vote (Donmar Warehouse – also More4), The Armour(Defibrillator Theatre), The Lightning Child, Macbeth, Bedlam (Shakespeare’s Globe), Luise Miller (Donmar Warehouse) and Twelfth Night (National Theatre). Her television work includes Doc Martin, The Cranford Chronicles, Born and Bred and Tales From the Crypt; and for film, Six Minutes to Midnight, We Can Be Heroes, Delicious, The Good Night, Ladies in Lavender, Gosford Park, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Secret Rapture and Mrs Brown.

Jasper Britton returns to the Menier Chocolate Factory to play Stewart – he previously appeared in Little Shop of Horrors. His theatre work includes Scrooge, What the Butler Saw (Curve, Leicester), The Blinding Light(Jermyn Street Theatre), The Libertine (Theatre Royal Bath and Theatre Royal Haymarket), Richard II, Henry IV, The Jew of Malta, Marat/Sade (RSC), Race, Private Lives (Hampstead Theatre), The Last Cigarette (Chichester Festival Theatre and West End), Oedipus (National Theatre), Plague Over England (Finborough Theatre) and Rhinoceros (Royal Court Theatre). His television work includes Garrow’s Law, The Royal, Semi Detached, My Dad’s the Prime Minister and Murder in Mind; and for film, Rise of the Foot Soldiers 2, Blood, Anonymous, Morris: A Life with Bells On, Black Beard, Nostradamus and The New World.

 

Hugh Whitemore (1936 – 2018) began his writing career in British television (contributing to The Wednesday Play, Armchair Theatre and Play for Today) and twice received Writers’ Guild Awards. Film credits include The Return of the Soldier (an adaptation of the novel by Rebecca West), Mel Brooks’ production of 84 Charing Cross Road, Utz, (an adaptation of Bruce Chatwin’s novel) and Franco Zeffirelli’s Jane Eyre. His other stage plays include Stevie, Breaking the Code, The Best of Friends, It’s Ralph, A Letter of Resignation, Disposing of the Body, God Only Knows and a new version of Pirandello’s As You Desire Me. These plays have been translated into many languages and produced throughout the world. His work has twice been named Best Single TV drama by the UK Broadcasting Press Guild, he has received the Scripter Award in Hollywood (for 84 Charing Cross Road), the Script Prize at the 1998 Monte Carlo Festival (for his adaptation of A Dance to the Music of Time) and a special Communications Award from the American Mathematical Society (for Breaking the Code). He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and an Honorary Fellow of King’s College, London.

Hannah Chissick directs. Her most recent work includes Mother Courage and Her Children and the UK professional première of the musical Side Show (Southwark Playhouse), Down the Dock Road (Liverpool Royal Court), both for the NYMT – Brass (Hackney Empire) and Sunday in the Park With George (The Other Palace), Rags and Amour (Royal Academy of Music), Marry Me a Little (St James Studio) and Teechers (John Godber Theatre Company). She was Assistant Director to Matthew Warchus on the play Art in London and New York and was Associate Director on his acclaimed production of Boeing Boeing, directing casts in London, on Broadway and in Melbourne. In 2003, she became the youngest women to become an Artistic Director in the UK, when Harrogate Theatre appointed her at the age of 25. Other credits include the critically-acclaimed revival of Side by Side by Sondheim (The Venue, London), Abigail’s Party (Northcott Theatre Exeter), Teechers(Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke), a tour of Grumpy Old Women Live, the world première of Horrid Henry – Live(tour and West End), and the world premiere of Pushing Up Poppies (Theatre503).

Listings Information

Pack of Lies

Venue:                                Menier Chocolate Factory

Address:                             53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

Press performance:         1 October at 8pm

Dates:                                 20 September – 1 October

Times:                                For the performance schedule, please see the website

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

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

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

                                             Prices from £32.50

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

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

For further information contact Kate Morley

Tel: 07970 465 648 / [email protected]

Welcome to the August Newsletter from the Majestic Theatre Darlington

Lyall Events and Entertainment are delighted to announce a whole host of shows to suit all ages and tastes

To book all shows just go to http://www.majestictheatre-lee.com/box-office.html

For Music lovers we have

Thursday 30 August

New Jersey Nights

A tribute to the Jersey Boys

 

Friday 7 September

All Shook Up

A live musical experience featuring songs from the golden era of Rock ‘n’ Roll

 

Friday 21 September

Live/Wire – the AC/DC Show

The hugely successful and unique six-man tribute to rock music’s greatest band AC/DC, complete with cannons, a wall of Marshalls’ and over two hours of High Voltage Rock ‘n’ Roll in a show critically acclaimed for its closeness in look and sound to the real thing

 

Friday 9 November

Made in Motown

If you’re a fan of Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Supremes, Mary Wells, Four Tops & many more Motown legends, then this is the show not to be missed

 

Saturday 10 November

Bon Giovi

Covering every aspect of Bon Jovi’s extensive career, BON GIOVI perform all the greatest hits such as ‘Living On A Prayer’, It’s My Life, Wanted Dead or Alive, as well as many others from every album ever produced in one amazing stage show which include all these hits and more, not to mention performing rare tracks that even Bon Jovi haven’t performed for many years.

 

Saturday 24 November

Hazel O’Connor Breaking Glass

A very special evening with award-winning singer songwriter Hazel O’Connor,featuring a rare screening of the digitally re-mastered uncut version of the film followed by an intimate Q&A and live performance of some of the films best loved songs

 

For lovers of Variety and Comedy

23 and 24 September

Majestic Summer Showcase

From the makers of A Night Amongst the Stars, they are coming together once again to make a thrilling show full of different kind of acts to entertain your evening!

 

Saturday 29 September

Nish Kumar

Double Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee, Nish Kumar is taking his brand new show on a national tour of the UK

 

Friday 19 October

Magic at the Majestic

Roll Up, Roll Up … For a World Class Variety Show Featuring Acts of Magic, Comedy, Circus, Sideshow, Song, Dance & Much More – Expect the Unexpected in this Old school Music Hall-esque eccentric Evening of LIVE Variety Entertainment!

 

Friday 2 November

Mat Ricardo vs The World

Award-winning cabaret star, and the UK’s most successful juggler, Mat Ricardo had run out of new tricks. So he bet everyone in the world that he could learn any trick they could think of

If you want to see some high class acting

Friday 5 October

Communicate

An intimate and gripping account of life and death, developed in association with Cruse Bereavement Care

 

Thursday 25 October

The Goon Show

Apollo Theatre Company and Spike Milligan Productions are proud to team up to celebrate Spike’s centenary year by bringing this timeless comedy classic to the stage in the first major theatrical production of the show in its illustrious history

And pure family entertainment

Sunday 9 September

Da Silva Marionette Circus Troop

This traditional family show, now in its second generation, has been brought right up to date with all the thrills and spills of a real-life circus

 

Thursday 1 November

Double Trouble and The Pirates of the Spooky Lagoon

The Pirates are coming back to Darlington this Halloween with a brand new show full of swashbuckling fun for all the family

 

11 to 24 December

Peter Pan

The Majestic Theatre & Darlington College Performing Arts Department bring to life one of the most magical stories ever written. Join our fabulous cast of pirates, lost boys and Indians for a thrilling journey to Neverland!

Lyall Events and Entertainment

are proud to present

Hazel O’Connor

at the Majestic Theatre Darlington

 

Hazel O’Connor Breaking Glass      Sat 24 Nov 2018, 7:30PM http://www.majestictheatre-lee.com/box-office.html

 

HAZEL O’CONNOR AND BREAKING GLASS

The Film, a Q&A and Live Performance

 

“They were absolutely fantastic, bringing the entire audience roaring to its feet” Daily Telegraph

 

A very special evening with award- winning singer songwriter Hazel O’Connor, featuring a rare screening of the digitally re-mastered uncut version of the film, followed by an intimate Q&A and live performance of some of the films best loved songs.

 

Striding into the spotlight and catapulted into fame in 1980 in the iconic movie Breaking Glass, Hazel not only made the lead role her own, but also wrote all the songs . The soundtrack album Breaking Glass went on to go double platinum during its 38 week chart run, defining Hazel O’Connor as a powerful passionate performer and a force to be reckoned with. Joined here onstage by Clare Hirst (Belle Stars, Communards, David Bowie) on sax, Sarah Fisher (Eurythmics) on keyboards and Josh Blackmore (Troyka/Strobes ) on percussion, the superb blend of the three voices and stunning musicianship add a sweet touch of class to their vibrant performance

 

Live onstage, her unforgettable songs from the film including Eighth Day, Will You, Big Brother, Decadent Days, If Only and more seem even more relevant in our present times. With a special Meet & Greet immediately after the show you’re in for a treat. Unmissable, book early!

 

www.hazeloconnor.com

Freckle Productions present

STICK MAN

From the book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler

 

Returning to Leicester Square Theatre on Saturday 20 October 2018

for its 8^th annual West End season

and celebrating the 10^th Anniversary of the book

 

Freckle Productions are delighted to announce that Stick Man, based on the book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler, will return to London in 2018 for its eighth annual West End season. Playing at Leicester Square Theatre from Saturday 20 October 2018 to Sunday 6 January 2019, the run will coincide with the 10^th Anniversary of the book.

 

‘Stick Man lives in the family tree
With his Stick Lady Love
and their stick children three…’

 

But what starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? Packed full of puppetry, live music and funky moves, Stick Man is a touching, funny and utterly original adaptation that will delight all ages.

Stick Man is adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson, the multi award-winning author of some of the world’s best loved children’s books, most notably the modern classic The Gruffalo which has sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Julia is best known for her popular rhyming stories for children, especially those illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which have sold millions of copies and have been translated into over 40 languages.

 

Stick Man is a perennial bestseller and has been translated into 23 languages. In 2015, Magic Light Pictures premiered the animated film of Stick Man with an all-star cast including Martin Freeman, Jennifer Saunders and Hugh Bonneville. The film was the 4th most-viewed 2015 Christmas Day TV programme in the UK, and the book went to number one in the children’s chart. In 2018 Stick Mancelebrates its 10^th anniversary.

 

Stick Man is produced by Freckle Productions, who have brought many of Julia Donaldson’s books to the stage including Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and the forthcoming premiere UK Tour of Tabby McTat. It has original direction by Sally Cookson (A Monster Calls, Old Vic Theatre) with design byKatie Sykes (Jane Eyre, National Theatre), lighting by Elanor Higgins (Private Peaceful, UK Tours) and music by Benji Bower (A Monster Calls, Old Vic Theatre).  The Associate Director is Mark Kane.

 

LISTINGS

Saturday 20 October 2018 – Sunday 6 January 2019

LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE

6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX

 

Performances:          Wed – Fri 11.00am and 1.30pm, Sat – Sun 10.30am, 12.15pm, 2.00pm (additional peak performances, see website for details)

Tickets:                   £19.00 (Child), £24.00 (Adult), £75.00 (Family – 4 tickets, max 2 adults)

Box Office:                   www.leicestersquaretheatre.com | 020 7734 2222

Running time:               55 minutes

 

Suitable for all ages

London Underbelly Festival – until 12 August

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Metta Theatre’s Circus Musical is a magical adaptation of The Little Mermaid that thankfully owes more to the Hans Christian Anderson original (without all the immortal soul moralising) than the saccharine Disney version.

The Underbelly Spiegeltent is transformed into the underwater world effortlessly not through fancy sets or effects, but by subtle and evocative sound effects and the graceful movements of the mermaid sisters as they tumble around the stage and use the aerial hoop to simulate their freedom and buoyancy.

On her 16th birthday, Little (Tilly Lee-Kronick) can finally rise to the surface to see the world of men, and instantly falls in love with a man she saves from a shipwreck. Wanting to be with him, and against her sisters’ advice, she makes a deal with the evil seawitch, exchanging her voice for legs, joining her beloved on the land and hoping for a happily ever after. Writer and director Poppy Burton-Morgan has ensured that Little is a bold, headstrong but ultimately compassionate heroine, and includes plenty of empowering moments. The brilliant “He’ll Only Love You If You’re Perfect” is a sharp, scathing and very funny commentary on expectations of female beauty, performed with glee and panache by Rosalind Ford. The pain she feels and the blood that pours from the mermaid’s feet as she walks in Anderson’s tale are represented in stark colour as red ballet shoes are forced on Little’s feet, and her wobbling first steps and dance are sweet, funny and horrible at the same time.

The seawitch (Josh Frazer) is as far away from the Disney octopus as you could hope for, with voluminous collar and frills resembling a jellyfish. The use of the cyr wheel is hypnotic and the finality of the spell as the wheel smashes to the floor made a lot of the audience jump. The juggling, acrobatics and aerial work could overpower a weaker story, but the circus aspects fit seamlessly and keep the narrative flowing. The music and lyrics by Matt Devereaux and Poppy Burton-Morgan are mostly jolly folk/theatre numbers that match the tone of the show, and the talented cast sing and play instruments. The vocals are a little variable, with Rosalind Ford being the standout, but when the singers are performing acrobatics at the same time, all is forgiven. At one point there’s a violin solo from Aelfwyn Shipton as she spins around hanging upside down from the aerial ring!

This is a captivating, often breathtakingly magical production that has the perfect blend of humour, jeopardy, sacrifice and redemption to delight any discerning child, and will charm and astonish adults too. The Little Mermaid is a wonderful, offbeat family treat – a wonderful way to spend a Summer afternoon.

FUNNY GIRL STARRING SHERIDAN SMITH

TO BE SCREENED IN CINEMAS ACROSS THE UK

TICKETS ARE ON SALE 

***** ‘Sheridan Smith is the greatest star by far.’

Daily Telegraph

***** ‘Michael Mayer’s exhilarating embrace of a production.’ The Independent

 

Funny Girl starring Sheridan Smith will be broadcast in cinemas nationwide on 24 October, as part of a worldwide release of the smash-hit stage production that played to critical acclaim at the Menier Chocolate Factory, in the West End and on tour. Michael Mayer’s production was filmed during the final week of its run at the Manchester Palace Theatre by Digital Theatre, and will be released in cinemas by Trafalgar Releasing.

Darius Campbell played Nick Arnstein to Smith’s Fanny Brice, and they were joined by Nigel Barber (Florenz Ziegfeld), Zoë Ann Bown (Mrs. Meeker), Martin Callaghan (Mr. Keeney), Jennifer Harding (Emma), Rachel Izen(Mrs Brice), Joshua Lay (Eddie) and Myra Sands (Mrs. Strakosh); with Rhianne Alleyne, Kit Benjamin, Lloyd Davies, Flora Dawson, Joseph Dockree, Abigayle Honeywill, Brontë Lavine, David Mcintosh, Peter Nash, Gillian Parkhouse, Tom Partridge, Nova Skipp, Alexandra Waite-Roberts, Sam Wingfield and Alexandra Wright.

 

“Fanny Brice was an extraordinary woman who broke the mould for female entertainment, not only that, she was a brilliant comic! Her lack of vanity and her goofiness made her unique and very special, and the role was an utter joy to play. I’m beyond excited to be able to share our production of Funny Girl with audiences across the UK.” Sheridan Smith

“Sheridan Smith gives the performance of a lifetime in this unforgettable production of Funny Girl. We are excited to give audiences the opportunity to see the show in cinemas across the UK. We look forward to collaborating with Digital Theatre, Sonia Friedman Productions and the Menier Chocolate Factory.” Alice De Rosa, Director of Distribution for Trafalgar Releasing

“Funny Girl has been a true collaboration for all those involved, and yet again as we prepare to share the production with cinema audiences across the UK. It’s a privilege for Digital Theatre to have become part of the remarkable story of this production, working with so many fantastic collaborators and to have been able to capture this unforgettable star turn from Sheridan Smith.” Robert Delamere, Founder of Digital Theatre

With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill and book by Isobel Lennart, the Broadway smash which skyrocketed Barbra Streisand to stardom, was revived with Sheridan Smith playing Fanny Brice, who rose from the Lower East Side of New York to become one of Broadway’s biggest stars under producer Florenz Ziegfield.  While she was cheered onstage as a great comedienne, offstage she faced a doomed relationship with the man she loved.  With a score featuring now-classic songs such as “People”, “You Are Woman, I Am Man” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, this new production was a must-see theatrical event.

‘A winningly exuberant performance. The most brilliant comic actress at work today.’

Sunday Times

 

‘Michael Mayer’s vivacious production has wit, charm and energy, sparkly choreography, and a strong, ebullient cast.’ Financial Times

“Sheridan Smith is one of British Theatre’s truly golden performers – a versatile star who thrills with her ability to be simultaneously touching and hilarious. Here she’s on glorious form.”

Evening Standard

 

‘An unforgettable star turn… Smith is hilarious, glorious, touching. With a performance that is all-singing, all dancing, all-joking and, somehow, all-soul too.’ The Times

 

Sheridan Smith reprises her smash hit performance in the role of Fanny Brice. Her other theatre work includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Michael Grandage Company at the Noel Coward Theatre), Hedda Gabler (Old Vic), Flare Path (Theatre Royal Haymarket – Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress, Evening Standard Theatre Award and Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Actress), Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical), Tinderbox (Bush Theatre), The People are Friendly (Royal Court) and Into the Woods (Donmar Warehouse). For television, her credits include Clean Break, Ratburger, The Moorside Project, Blackwork, The C Word, Cilla, The Widower, The 7.39, Dates, Mr Stink, Mrs Biggs (BAFTA Award for Best Actress), Accused, Scapegoat, Little Crackers, Jonathan Creek, Gavin & Stacey, Larkrise to Candleford, Grown Ups, Love Soup, Two Pints of Larger and a Packet of Crisps, The Royle Family and Wives and Daughters; and for film, The More You Ignore Me, The Huntsman, Powder Room, Quartet, Tower Block and Hysteria. She released her self-titled debut album Sheridan in November 2017 and embarked on a subsequent sell out tour.

 

Following runs at the Menier, in the West End and on tour, Darius Campbell plays Nick Arnstein. His theatre work includes in the West End, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Gone with the Wind, and From Here to Eternity; Carmen (Europe and 02) and The History of the Big Bands (tour). Also a recording artist, his first single Colourblind went to #1 in the UK singles chart.

Michael Mayer directs. His West End credits include Spring Awakening (Lyric Hammersmith and Novello Theatre) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Shaftesbury Theatre). For Broadway his work includes The Terms of My Surrender, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Tony Award nomination for Best Director), On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, American Idiot (Drama Desk Award for Best Director of a Musical), Spring Awakening (Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Drama Desk Award for Best Direction of a Musical) and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Drama Desk Award nomination for Best Direction of a Musical).  For television, his work includes Smash and Alpha House, and for film his credits include A Home at the End of the World, Flicka and Chekhov’s The Seagull.  He made his Metropolitan Opera debut with a celebrated new production of Rigoletto.

FUNNY GIRL

Music by Jule Styne   Lyrics by Bob Merrill

Book by Isobel Lennart from an original story by Miss Lennart

Revised Book by Harvey Fierstein

Directed by Michael Mayer

Choreography is by Lynne Page, with set design by Michael Pavelka, costume design by Matthew Wright, lighting design by Mark Henderson and sound design by Richard Brooker, the musical supervisor is Alan Williams and orchestrations are by Chris Walker.

The capture of Funny Girl is co-produced by Digital Theatre and Sky Arts.

For more information or to find a cinema screening Funny Girl please visit: www.funnygirlincinemas.com

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