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TREVOR NUNN’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF EXTENDS DUE TO PUBLIC DEMAND

★★★★★
‘A thrilling experience. The best Fiddler I’ve seen in the West End’

Daily Telegraph

Chocolate Factory Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions and Michael Harrison present

The Menier Chocolate Factory production of

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Book by Joseph Stein               Music by Jerry Bock          Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick         

Director Trevor Nunn; Choreographers Jerome Robbins & Matt Cole; Set Designer Robert Jones   

Costume Designer Jonathan Lipman; Hair and Make Up Designer Richard Mawbey

Lighting Designer Tim Lutkin; Sound Designer Gregory Clarke

Musical Supervisor & Director Paul Bogaev; Orchestrations Jason Carr

Trevor Nunn’s critically acclaimed production of Fiddler on the Roof, which opened this week at the reconfigured Playhouse Theatre, has extended its run due to public demand – the production, which broke box office records with the highest advance of any show at the theatre, is now booking until 28 September. Nunn directs a cast including Andy Nyman (Tevye), Judy Kuhn (Golde), Nicola Brown (Chava), Harriet Bunton (Hodel), Dermot Canavan (Lazar Wolf), Stewart Clarke (Perchik), Joshua Gannon (Motel), Matthew Hawksley (Fyedka), Louise Gold (Yente), and Molly Osborne (Tzeitel), as well as Miles Barrow, Sofia Bennett, Philip Bertioli, Lottie Casserley, Elena Cervesi, Lia Cohen, Talia Etherington, Shoshana Ezequiel, Isabella Foat, Fenton Gray, James Hameed,  Adam Linstead, Adam Margilewski, Robert Maskell, Benny Maslov, Robyn McIntyre,Gaynor Miles, Ellie Mullane, Tania Newton, Craig Pinder, Valentina Theodoulou and Ed Wade.

★★★★★

‘Musically, geopolitically, emotionally, this Fiddler raises the roof.’

The Guardian

Direct from its sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Tony and Olivier award-winning director Trevor Nunn’s ‘exuberant revival’ (Daily Telegraph) of the classic Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof transfers to the West End for a strictly limited run. The Playhouse Theatre has been specially transformed into an immersive space for this ‘shiveringly intimate chamber musical about family’ (The Times).

★★★★★

‘An evening to be celebrated as a spikily poignant reminder of what it is to be human in politically dark times. Both whirlingly energetic and achingly moving, it marks itself out straight away as one of the most uplifting nights possible to be had in the West End right now.’
The Arts Desk

Old traditions and young love collide in this joyous and timely celebration of life. Tevye’s daughters’ unexpected choice of husbands opens his heart to new possibilities, as his close-knit community also feel winds of change blowing through their tiny village.

Featuring the iconic score including ‘Tradition’, ‘Matchmaker, Matchmaker’, ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ and ‘If I Were a Rich Man’, and featuring original choreography from Tony Award-winning Jerome Robbins alongside new choreography by Matt Cole, Fiddler on the Roof ‘bursts from the stage’ (Financial Times), bringing new life to one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Listings                                                                                                                         Fiddler on the Roof

Playhouse Theatre

Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5DE

Box Office: 0844 871 7631

Tickets from £20

www.fiddlerwestend.com

Twitter: @FiddlerWestEnd

Instagram: @FiddlerWestEnd

Facebook: /FiddlerWestEnd

Performances:

Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm until 30 March (matinees on Saturdays)

Tuesday to Saturday from w/c 2 April (matinees on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

Please check the website for full details of performance schedule.

Groups Bookings: 020 7206 1174

Access Bookings: 0800 912 6971

Captioned performance: Wednesday 8 May

Audio Described: Wednesday 15 May

MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL
ALHAMBRA THEATRE UNVEILS THE FAIREST
PANTOMIME LINE UP OF THEM ALL!
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Saturday 14 December 2019 – Sunday 26 January 2020
On sale to Bradford Theatres Friends Members, Group & School Bookers: Monday 1 April 2019 at 10am
On general public sale: Monday 8 April 2019 at 9am
Call the Box Office on 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk

The Alhambra Theatre in Bradford is delighted to announce that Billy Pearce will be joined by pop sensation and Steps star Faye Tozer and the hilarious fellow-funny man Paul Chuckle in this year’s enchanting fairy tale pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

After celebrating twenty Alhambra Theatre pantomimes last year, the region’s much-loved panto legend Billy Pearce will be back to star as the hilarious Muddles, best friend to Princess Snow White. No stranger to the Alhambra Theatre stage, Billy will once again bring his array of mad-cap comedy, hilarious local references and boundless energy, which have afforded him his reputation as the King of Yorkshire panto.

Joining Billy will be singer, song-writer, dancer, stage actress and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Faye Tozer who stars as The Wicked Queen. As one fifth of the multi award winning pop band Steps for the last two decades, Faye and her band-mates released over twenty hit singles, five chart-topping studio albums and toured the nation nine times with their inimitable style of pop and famous dance routines, amassing record sales of over 20 million worldwide. After a brief hiatus the group reformed to celebrate their 20th anniversary, releasing new critically acclaimed material delighting existing fans and winning them legions of new ones.

Outside of the Steps-phere, Faye has also enjoyed an extensive theatre career, starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s one-woman musical Tell Me On A Sunday to great critical acclaim, the UK tour of Love Shack, Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens in London’s West End, Me and My Girl and Over The Rainbow where she played the late Eva Cassidy as well as appearing in numerous pantomimes. In 2018 Faye took part in the sixteenth series of BBC1’s primetime show, Strictly Come Dancing. Coupled with Giovanni Pernice, the pair sashayed into the final and wowed audiences with their incredible footwork, only narrowly missing out on winning the coveted glitter ball winners’ trophy.

During the mid-nineties Paul and Barry also recorded three series of their own TV game show and have toured the UK extensively, even releasing a charity single with Tinchy Stryder and performed in over 50 pantomimes at major venues across the UK every Christmas

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be lavishly brought to life in a production packed full of magical mirrors, seven friendly dwarfs, an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance and jaw-dropping special effects, for which the annual Alhambra Theatre pantomime is so well known and loved.

Michael Harrison of Qdos Entertainment, the producers of the Alhambra Theatre pantomime said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be bringing the magic of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Bradford this Christmas. With Billy, Faye and Paul at the helm we can guarantee a lot of laughter, stunning vocals and spectacular dance, and plenty of surprises that will have to be seen to be believed.”

Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres added:
“With this superb cast, there’s no doubt that theatregoers of all ages will thoroughly enjoy another exceptional pantomime in Bradford this year. The region’s audiences have huge affection for the Alhambra Theatre’s pantomime and with our reputation for providing outstanding entertainment for all ages, I’m sure that people will choose Snow White as their festive treat.”

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will run from Saturday 14 December 2019 to Sunday 26 January. Book now to secure the best seats, or you won’t be able to look yourself in the mirror!

SOMETHING BIG IS COMING TO LONDON!

BIG THE MUSICAL TO HAVE ITS LONDON PREMIERE

AT THE DOMINION THEATRE

FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED 9-WEEK SEASON

FROM 6 SEPTEMBER TO 2 NOVEMBER 2019

WITH A GALA NIGHT IN AID OF MAKE-A-WISH® UK

ON TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2019

TICKETS ON SALE FROM TUESDAY 2 APRIL

Based on the smash-hit movie starring Tom Hanks, BIG The Musical makes its West End premiere at the Dominion Theatre for a strictly limited nine-week season from 6 September to 2 November 2019, with a Gala Night in aid of Make-A-Wish on Tuesday 17 September.

BIG is a joyous, heart-warming musical about 12 year-old Josh Baskin who longs to be big.  When a mysterious Zoltar machine grants his wish, he finds himself trapped inside an adult’s body and he is forced to live and work in a grown-up world, but his childlike innocence has a transforming effect on the adults he encounters.

Jay McGuiness will star as Josh Baskin, having originated the role at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in 2016.  Jay came to fame as part of the successful boy band The Wanted.  His fame widened when he won Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 with professional dancer Aliona Vilani.  He and fellow bandmate Siva won last year’s celebrity version of Channel 4’s Hunted, raising money for Stand Up To Cancer.  Jay is also a regular contributor to the BBC’s The One Show and is currently starring in Rip It Up – The 60’s in London’s West End until June.

With music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, BIG has a book by John Weidman and direction and choreography by Morgan Young.  Associate choreographer is Helen Rymer, musical supervisor Stuart Morley, set and costume designer Simon Higlett, lighting designer Tim Lutkin, video designer Ian Galloway, and sound designers Terry Jardine and Avgoustos Psillas.

Based on the Twentieth Century Fox Film BIG written by Gary Ross and Ann Spielberg, BIG will be produced in London by Michael Rose, Damien Sanders and Paul Gregg for Encore Theatre Productions Limited.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

BIG

6 September – 2 November 2019

Dominion Theatre

268-269 Tottenham Court Road

LONDON W1T 7AQ

Box Office 0845 200 7982

Tickets from £31 (£1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Make-A-Wish® UK)

Performances Monday to Saturday 7.30pm*, Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm(*7pm on 17 September)

Website www.BigTheMusical.co.uk  

 #BigTheMusical 

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF

NAPOLI, BROOKLYN

BY MEGHAN KENNEDY

Robert Cavanah as Nic, Madeleine Worrall as Luda and Laurie Ogden as Connie join the previously announced Georgia May Foote as Vita, Hannah Bristow as Fran, Mona Goodwin as Tina, Gloria Onitiri as Celia and Stephen Hogan as Albert in the 2019 European Premiere of Meghan Kennedy’s NAPOLI, BROOKLYN, beginning a UK Tour on 1 May at Malvern Theatres, running through to 8 June at Oxford Playhouse. The Tour will be followed by a limited four-week season from 13 June to 13 July at Park Theatre, London, with a national press night on Monday 17 June 2019.

NAPOLI, BROOKLYN was originally presented by Roundabout Theatre Company at the Laura Pels Theatre, New York. It is the story of an Italian-American family in 1959. It explores the struggle in immigrant families which is passed down from generation to generation, particularly for women. Set in Brooklyn, it’s a story of strong women taking risks to define a generation as they are forced to confront their conflicting visions for the future in this gripping, provocative portrait of love in all its danger and beauty.

Robert Cavanah’s theatre credits include: Love For Love and Queen Anne (RSC) and Men Should Weep (National Theatre). Television credits include: Outlander (STARZ), Shetland (BBC) and Emmerdale (ITV). Film credits include: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider II. Madeleine Worrall’s theatre credits include: Kingdom Come (RSC) Peter Pan and Jane Eyre (National Theatre/Bristol Old Vic). Her television and film credits include: Clique (BBC), Endeavour (ITV) and Tarzan (Warner Bros). Laurie Ogden’s theatre credits include: To Kill A Mockingbird (Lyric Hammersmith) and Macbeth (Garrick Theatre).

Georgia May Foote is best known for her television roles as Katy Armstrong in Coronation Street (ITV), Alison Simmons in Grange Hill (Lime Pictures), Holly in Trollied (Sky1), Gemma in This is England ’86 (Channel 4). She was runner up in Strictly Come Dancing in 2015. Her other theatre credits include Breakfast at Tiffany’s (UK Tour). Hannah Bristow’s theatre credits include: Jane Eyre (National Theatre and UK Tour), Kindertransport (Queens Theatre, Hornchurch and Theatre de la Ville, Luxembourg) and Who Cares (LUNG Theatre and The Lowry). Mona Goodwin is best known for Black Mirror (Channel 4), Capital (Kudos/BBC) and Marvellous (Tiger Aspect). Her theatre credits include: Ross and Rachel (UK Tour), Generation Z (Royale Productions). Gloria Onitiri’s theatre credits include: Hadestown (National Theatre), Brighton Rock (Pilot Theatre/Tour), Caroline, Or Change (Chichester Festival Theatre), Taming of The Shrew (Globe Theatre). Her television credits include Doctors (BBC). Stephen Hogan is best known for Redwater (BBC One), Injustice, Primeval (ITV), The Tudors (BBC). His film credits include: The Foreigner, Handsome Devil, The Sweeter Side Of Life and Starship Troopers Marauder.

NAPOLI, BROOKLYN is directed by Lisa Blair, designed by Frankie Bradshaw, with lighting by Johanna Town, sound by Max Pappenheim and casting by Ruth O’Dowd. The production is produced by The Original Theatre Company in association with Park Theatre.

Website: www.originaltheatre.com
Facebook: Original Theatre #NapoliBrooklyn
Twitter: @OriginalTheatre #NapoliBrooklyn
Age Guidance: 12+

Tour Schedule

1 – 4 May                                 Malvern Theatres                                             01684 892 277
www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

6 – 11 May                               Theatre Royal, Windsor                                   01753 853 888
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

13 – 18 May                             Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford                  01483 440 000
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

27 – 31 May                             Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne             01323 412 000
www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

4 – 8 June                                Oxford Playhouse                                             01865 305 305
www.oxfordplayhouse.com

13 June – 13 July                     Park Theatre, London                                      020 7870 6876*
www.parktheatre.co.uk
*10% telephone booking fee, capped at £2.50 per ticket.

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE WINNER, ACTOR

AND COMEDIAN

BIANCA DEL RIO

MAKES WEST END DEBUT IN

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the award-winning feel good musical sensation, is pleased to announce thatRoy Haylock, best known as his drag alter ego, Bianca Del Rio, will making his West End debut playing the role of Loco Chanelle/Hugo from Saturday 6 May until Saturday 29 June 2019.

Bianca Del Rio said:

“I’m absolutely ecstatic to be joining the brilliant cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie! What better way to return to the musical theatre stage than in a WEST END production?! It’s such an incredible honour.  Helen Mirren beat me to playing Queen Elizabeth, so I accepted the role of the next best admired queen… Loco Chanelle!”.

Nica Burns, Producer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie said:

“We are so excited to have a genuine drag queen playing the part of Loco Chanelle/Hugo for the first time. Bianca Del Rio is a queen amongst queens, a world famous, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner.   This is her West End debut and while dazzling us as Loco Chanelle, she will also be channelling her inner actor in the double role of Hugo”.

Bianca Del Rio was the season six winner of the hit TV series RuPaul’s Drag Race. A self-proclaimed “clown in a gown,” he received the Best New Television Personality Award from NewNowNextin 2014 and made Varietymagazine’s list of Top 10 Comics To Watch for 2015. The New York Times called Haylock the “Joan Rivers of the Drag World”, and Joan Rivers herself referred to him as “So funny! So sharp!“

Since winning RuPaul’s Drag Race, Haylock has completed three solo stand-up tours to sold-out audiences around the world, starred in two feature films (Hurricane Bianca and Hurricane Bianca: From Russia with Hate) which are now available on Netflix, and wrote his first book: Blame It On Bianca Del Rio: The Expert on Nothing With an Opinion on Everything.

As Bianca, he made guest appearances on MTV’s Mardi Gras with Britney Spears and Carson Dalyand In Bed With Joan starring Joan Rivers, as well as starred in the LogoTV Christmas special Not Today Bianca. On stage Haylock has had theatrical starring roles that include Miss Mazeppa in Gypsy, the Emcee in Cabaret, and Angel in Rent.

Haylock is now touring with his fourth solo stand-up show, It’s Jester Joke, that will reach six continents and over 25 countries in 2019. The tour will include performances at New York City’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Wembley Arena which will be the first time a drag queen headlines either of those venues with a solo act.

Roy will join current cast members: Layton Williams (Jamie New), Faye Tozer (Miss Hedge), Alex Anstey (Laika Virgin), Luke Baker (Dean Paxton), Courtney Bowman (Fatimah), Marvyn Charles (Swing), Marlon G Day (Dad), Momar Diagne, Zahra Jones (Becca), James Gillan (Tray Sophisticay), Ryan Hughes (Mickey), Daniel Jacob (Sandra Bollock), Melissa Jacques, Emily Kenwright (Vicki), Sejal Keshwala (Ray), Luke Latchman (Sayid), Jordan Laviniere (Cy), Rebecca McKinnis (Margaret New), Harriet Payne (Bex), Rachel Price (Swing), Sabrina Sandhu (Pritti Pasha), Biancha Szynal (Swing), Adam Taylor (Swing) and Ziggy Tyler Taylor (Levi).

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield.

Jamie doesn’t quite fit in.

Jamie is terrified about the future.

Jamie is going to be a sensation.

Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. With catchy songs by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, and book and lyrics by writer Tom MacRae, this funny, fabulous, feel-good, musical sensation has been wowing audiences and critics alike. Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true.

Watch the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie trailer here.

Music by Dan Gillespie Sells

Book and Lyrics by Tom MacRae

From an idea by Jonathan Butterell

Directed by Jonathan Butterell

Design by Anna Fleischle

Choreography by Kate Prince

Lighting design by Lucy Carter

Sound design by Paul Groothuis

Casting by Will Burton

Musical Supervisor Theo Jamieson

Musical Director Richard Weeden

Video Design Luke Halls

FELICITY KENDAL TO STAR IN THE ARGUMENT AS PART OF THEATRE ROYAL BATH’S 2019 SUMMER SEASON 
 

• FELICITY KENDAL TO STAR IN WILLIAM BOYD’S THE ARGUMENT, DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHER LUSCOMBE
   
• THE ARGUMENT RUNS FROM 7 TO 24 AUGUST WITH PRESS NIGHT ON 12 AUGUST, AS PART OF THEATRE ROYAL BATH’S 2019 SUMMER SEASON
   
• PRIORITY BOOKING OPENS ON 29 MARCH WITH GENERAL ON-SALE FROM 5 APRIL

Theatre Royal Bath today announces The Argument by William Boyd, its third Summer Season production, with Felicity Kendal starring in the role of Chloe. The production, directed byChristopher Luscombe, will run in the Main House from 7 to 24 August with opening night for press on 12 August.

The Argument delves into what it is to dispute with those we love and offers a biting take on human dynamics. This is an often hilarious, darkly comic and compelling exploration of how it is the tone in which words are said which has such potency.

Pip and Meredith are having a disagreement about a film they’ve just seen when Pip’s phone rings and a full-scale row about their marriage breaks out. In the course of ten arguments, we follow the repercussions, as Meredith’s parents, Chloe and Frank, her best-friend Jane, and Pip’s best-friend Tony, take sides and end up embroiled in arguments of their own. Vitriolic, razor-sharp and veracious, the arguments rake over past prejudices, expose unjust judgements and reveal difficult truths.

The Argument will run in addition to the previously announced Blithe Spirit by Noël Coward,directed by Richard Eyre and starring Jennifer Saunders as well as Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya in which Rupert Everett makes his directorial stage debut and will also play the title role in a new version by David Hare. Further casting and the full summer programme will be announced in due course.

Felicity Kendal CBE is one of the UK’s best-loved actresses, best known for her role in the BBC sitcom The Good Life. She has appeared in previous Theatre Royal Bath productions, including A Room with a View, Hay Fever and Relatively Speaking. Her roles in Much Ado About Nothing and Ivanov at the Strand Theatre won her the 1989 Evening Standard Award for Best Actress. Other stage credits also include Waste and the Seagull (Old Vic), Indian Ink (Aldwych), Heartbreak House (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Tartuffe (Playhouse) and Arcadia, The Second Mrs Tanqueray, Othello and Amadeus for the National Theatre.

Christopher Luscombe’s (Director) recent credits include The Nightingales and Nell Gwynn,winner of the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. Other productions include Love’s Labour’s Lost, Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night for The RSC, The Merry Wives of Windsor andNell Gwynn for Shakespeare’s Globe and in the West End, Enjoy, When We Are Married and The Madness of George III. He is an associate artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

William Boyd OBE (writer) is a novelist, short story writer and screenwriter. His many novels includeAn Ice Cream War, Restless and Sweet Caress. His works have received several awards including the Whitbread Book award and Somerset Maugham Award for his novel A Good Man in Africa. His workAny Human Heart also won the Prix Jean Monnet de Littérature Européenne and was longlisted for the Booker Prize. His stage work also includes Longing, an adaptation of two Chekhov short stories.

The Argument is presented by arrangement with Lee Dean.

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE ANNOUNCE:

• FULL CREATIVE TEAM CONFIRMED FOR OUR TOWN
• THE STAGE DEBUT AWARD WINNER ROSIE ELNILE DESIGNS
• FRANCESCA HENRY PLAYS THE ROLE OF EMILY WEBB
• RELAXED PERFORMANCE CONFIRMED 30 MAY, 2.15PM

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre have today confirmed the full Creative Team behind Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Our Town. Launching their 2019 season on 16 May, designerRosie Elnile joins the already announced director, Ellen McDougall. Also confirmed are Sasha Milavic Davies (Movement Director), Orlando Gough (Composer), Lizzie Powell (Lighting Designer), Tom Gibbons (Sound Designer) and David Ridley (Musical Director). Casting is byJacob Sparrow and Barbara Houseman is Season Associate Director (Voice and Text).

Also confirmed, and featured on the artwork, is Francesca Henry who plays the role of Emily Webb. Francesca recently made her professional debut in The Wolves at Stratford East, also directed by Ellen McDougall. Full casting to be announced in due course.

A Relaxed Performance of Our Town will take place on Thursday 30 May at 2.15pm (gates to the venue will open at 12.45pm). All tickets for this performance will be £25.

_______________________________________________

Birth; marriage; death. And everything in between. As day breaks on another ordinary day, the townsfolk of Grover’s Corners go about their business: newspapers are delivered; people go to work; gardens are tended to. And a boy and girl fall in love. But as life’s events unfold and a community comes together, one question remains: “do any human beings ever realise life as they live it? Every, every minute?”

Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town celebrates what it means to be human and the bonds that unite us all.

_______________________________________________

Our Town is directed by Ellen McDougall, Artistic Director of the Gate Theatre, where credits includeEffigies of Wickedness, The Tale of the Unknown Island and Idomeneus. Other recent credits include:The Wolves (Stratford East), Othello (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Remains of Maisie Duggan (Abbey Theatre, Dublin), The Glass Menagerie (Headlong), Anna Karenina (Royal Exchange Manchester) and Ivan and the Dogs (Olivier Award-nomination, Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre/Actors Touring Company/Soho).

Designer Rosie Elnile is an Associate Artist at the Gate Theatre, where she won The Stage Debut Award for her design work on The Convert. Other theatre credits include: The Wolves (Stratford East),The Mysteries (Royal Exchange Manchester), Three Sisters (Royal Exchange Manchester/The Yard), Abandon (Lyric Hammersmith) and, as Costume Designer, The American Clock (Old Vic).

Movement direction is by Sasha Milavic Davies. A founding member and Artistic Associate of The Yard, Sasha makes work in the UK, France, Serbia, and Germany. Recent theatre, as Movement Director/Choreographer includes: Berberian Sound Studio (Donmar Warehouse), Touching the Void(Bristol Old Vic), Pity (Royal Court), The Writer (Almeida) and Jubilee (Royal Exchange, Manchester / Lyric, Hammersmith).

Music composition is by Orlando Gough who, as a composer, lyricist, librettist, music director and recording engineer, writes opera and choral music, and creates large-scale site-specific work.

Lighting Designer Lizzie Powell, has recently worked on productions including Mother Courage andAnna Karenina (Royal Exchange Manchester), Macbeth (RSC), Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour(National Theatre of Scotland/Duke of York’s) and Country Girls (Chichester Festival). She has also worked extensively with Citizens Theatre, Glasgow and National Theatre of Scotland.

Sound Design is by Tom Gibbons, whose recent work includes: All About Eve (Noel Coward), The Wild Duck (Almeida), The Madness of George III (Nottingham Playhouse), The Woods (Royal Court) and Home, I’m Darling (National Theatre/Theatr Clwyd). Tom won the Olivier Award for Best Sound Design for People, Places and Things (Young Vic/Wyndham’s). 

Casting Director Jacob Sparrow is part of the internal casting department at the National Theatre, and has worked on their productions including: Hadestown, Pericles, Follies and Amadeus. Musical Director, David Ridley has previously worked on The Duchess of Malfi and Miss Littlewood (RSC),Jane Eyre (National Theatre/Bristol Old Vic) and Last Five Years (Tobacco Factory) and, continuing her work with the Open Air Theatre, Barbara Houseman is Season Associate Director (Voice and Text).

_______________________________________________

The 2019 season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre also includes the opera Hansel and Gretel (14 – 22 June) in a co-production with English National Opera, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (28 June – 27 July) and Evita (2 August – 21 September), lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Their award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar plays a 60-performance season at the Barbican Theatre (4 July – 24 August)

HIPPODROME LAUNCHES EXCITING SUMMER 2019 SEASON Darlington Hippodrome has lifted the lid on a selection of new shows for its Summer 2019 season.

The new season includes some thrilling new drama, a hand-picked selection of the world’s most dazzling musicals and some truly magical family shows.

For drama lovers, there are thriller spectaculars in store with powerful new productions on the horizon.

Agatha Christie lovers are in for a treat as The Mousetrap, starring Gwyneth Strong (April 29 – May 4) and the classic Miss Marple tale A Murder is Announced will keep audiences on the edge of their seats (September 10 – 14) with The Lady Vanishes hot on their tail (October 15 – 19) a new stage adaptation based on the classic Hitchcock film.

For less thrills and more laughs there is Stones in His Pockets (July 15 – 20) and Stephen Tompkinson stars in Educating Rita (August 12 – 17).

Musical fans will be delighted to hear that some major musical blockbusters are heading this way.

Jaymi Hensley (UnionJ) will be pulling on that coat of many colours as he stars in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (May 21 – 25). Celebrating 30 terrific years, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story will have you dancing in the aisles (September 17 – 21). The entire family will simply love Madagascar The Musical (October 9 – 13) and there will be chills abound when DarlingtonOS presents Jekyll & Hyde The Musical (October 23 – November 2). Jason Manford stars in the musical comedy / murder mystery Curtains (November 12 – 16).

For younger visitors and families there is a whole host of shows to entertain.

That larger-than-life dragon Zog is on his way to Darlington (May 17 – 19), you can get an hilarious history lesson with the team from Horrible Histories as they present Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians (June 20 – 23). A brand new stage show of In The Night Garden will enthral young visitors to the Hippodrome (September 29 & 29) and the David Walliams classic story Billionaire Boy will hit the stage later in the year (November 6 – 10).

Operetta and Song & Dance fans have a selection of productions which will appeal to all tastes and ages.

The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company present three G&S classics – The Gondoliers, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado (August 1 – 3). For a little more glamour and glitz Puttin’ On The Ritz will bring to life the music of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and George Gershwin (August 6 – 8). Celebrating the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is New Jersey Nights (August 22 – 24).

Also on sale is the festive family pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk starring Strictly judge Shirley Ballas.

Comedy lovers will have no shortage of laughs over the coming months.

Dave Spikey will grace the stage (May 16), there is an afternoon of fun with The Good Old Days of Variety (June 6), Adam Kay is back by popular demand (June 7), La Voix offers her own unique style of entertainment (June 18) while Frank Skinner (October 6) and Alexander Armstrong (November 4) will certainly pull in the crowds.

In The Hullabaloo more intimate comedy can be found with Tom Stade (May 3), Sophie Willan & Jonny Pelham (May 12), and Jan Ravens (May 29).

There are a number of fabulous ‘one night only’ productions including Sing-A-Long-A The Greatest Showman (May 11), Elkie Brooks (May 29), Rhythm of the Dance (July 23), The Best of Wham! (September 1), T.Rextacy (October 2) and many, many more.

Additional shows are regularly being added to the Darlington Hippodrome schedule. To ensure you keep up to date please visit the website.

For further information and to book contact the box office on 01325 405405, or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk to choose your own seats online. Follow the theatre on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Studio, Edinburgh – until 30^th March.

Reviewed by James Knight

2**

Two actors (John Shedden and Finlay McLean) and a skeleton take us through an exploration of a variety of characters, some all too recognisable in everyday life, and others more obscure. Although advertised as a series of sketches, the show plays out more like a collection of interlinked monologues and duologues, with smatterings of comedy, drama and philosophical musings, written and directed by David Henry Wilson.

As is the danger with sketch shows, or, perhaps more accurately in this case ‘compilation’ shows, some scenes will succeed better than others. Particular highlights are the ‘Old Critics’, two luvvies bemoaning the state of modern-day theatre and the world whilst remaining completely oblivious to their lack of relevance, and ‘The Wordsmith’, a comment on the evolution of words and how they have changed over the years. Other scenes suffer due to a tendency to pull out a point to its extremes. Potentially interesting segments, such as the interviews with Shylock and Hamlet, bordered on overstaying their welcome, while ‘The Eye Test’, despite being played with a mischievous twinkle in the eye of Mr Shedden, lacks the spontaneity of some of the late Ronnie Barker’s ‘instructional’ videos (‘How To Speak Swedish’ sprung to mind), and labours the message for too long. ‘Brevity is the soul of wit’, indeed.

But the performers themselves are at their best when playing off each other, particularly in ‘Prime Minister meets President’, a thinly veiled imagining of the Bush/Blair eras, although, in this current political climate, could just as easily be a toned-down vision of the future, and whomever takes over the unenviable position of Theresa May and the deluded Trump. Both actors slip into various characters with ease, showcasing their chameleonic abilities, even if some of the pacing could have been tighter. And, as the ‘Old Critics’ might have mentioned, in an age of mumbling stage and screen actors, the old school of diction and clarity won out, as every word was crystal clear in whichever accent was being deployed.

A valiant, if shaky effort.

Wimbledon Theatre – until 30 March 2019

Reviewed by Jess Brady

5*****

Hair the Musical has landed at Wimbledon theatre packed with all the peace, love, freedom and happiness possible as the show continues in celebration of its 50th anniversary. A true festival of colour, psychedelic trips aplenty, and an unforgettable score, it’s easy to see why Hair has stood the test of time and is still as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.

Set in late 1960’s America, Hair is a culmination of rebellion against the Vietnam War, breaking racial and sexual prejudice and freedom. The show introduces us to a tribe of hippies who in turn speak to the crowds and share their stories of how they came to be in this drug fuelled, free loving clan. Each tribe member appears to be far removed from the real world from an outsider’s perspective but when you get to the heart of the matter, they are probably more grounded than most of the top flying politicians of the decade whose decisions were leading a nation into crisis.

The stage is an explosion of colourful ribbons, banners and green fields which the displaced hairy ensemble meander onto from the stalls as the show begins setting the tone for the duration of the evening, no forth wall and as immersive as it can be for a theatre of that size and we kick off with the infamous Aquarius.

This show has been a favourite of mine for quite some time and I am always excited by the ways in which it can be reinvented with a score that has always been a standout, with each song offering something special and unique in its style and lyrics but one thing always the remains, the cast vocals have to be on point, this cast excelled in vocal ability. The strength of each performer is evident and each role is clearly defined from the outset. Each number was bursting with gusto and the tight choreography was given real attack from the cast which elevated the show.

Jake Quickenden (Berger) and Daisy Wood Davis (Sheila) both starting new chapters in their careers, take to their roles with ease and seem to be having a ball in the process. The entire ensemble is excellent; it’s difficult to name standout performers as it really is a team effort throughout but special mentions must go to Bradley Judge as Woof, Marcus Collins as Hud and Alesha Pease as Dionne, all three gave incredible vocal performances as well as plenty of that hippy energy which is vital to a show like Hair. Tom Bales and Margaret Mead was a personal highlight for me as his interactions with the audience were hilarious and the rest of the crowd seemed to agree.

Once again this production has knocked it out of the park and has certainly set the bar high for the future of Hair The Musical, with great direction by Jonathan O’Boyal, impressive choreography by William Whelton and seamless musical direction by Gareth Bretherton you can’t help but come out of the theatre feeling good and that is something to cherish! Lovers of Hair will not be disappointed as this feels like a fresh, new and exciting interpretation with a cast that can pack a punch, so let your hair down and enjoy!