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Back by popular demand: Northern Ballet’s Puss in Bootsreturns to Leeds in time for Easter

Puss in Boots

A ballet for children

Tuesday 02 – Friday 05 April

Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds

theatreleeds.com

In just two weeks Puss in Boots, the newest children’s production created by Northern Ballet, is set toreturn to Leeds before striding out on a major national tour from April to June. Following a hugely successful sold out world première in October 2018, Puss in Boots will be performed at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre from 02 to 05 April, in perfect time for the Easter holidays.

Inspired by the much-loved fairytale, Puss in Boots tells the story of a remarkable cat who, despite being both clever and charming, always seems to bring his master bad luck. This child friendly 40 minute ballet follows their adventure as they meet a flurry of characters and even come face to face with royalty! It has been created especially for children and their families to experience live dance, music and theatre together.

Puss in Boots follows in the footsteps of the Company’s five previous children’s ballets, all of which have achieved huge popularity both live on stage and in CBeebies TV adaptations. Choreographed by Jenna Lee, founder and Creative Director of JLee Productions and former English National Ballet Soloist, Puss in Boots will feature set designs by Ali Allen, lighting by Alastair West, costume designs by Jenna Lee in collaboration with Kim Brassley and Carley Marsh, and music composed by RichardNorriss, played live by members of Northern Ballet Sinfonia at every venue.

Daniel de Andrade, Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director of Children’s Ballets, said: ‘We are delighted thatPuss in Boots is returning to Leeds before setting off on tour around the country. The production previously sold out at its world première in October, so we are thrilled that its return this Easter means even more local families can experience the magic of live ballet and theatre together.’

Tickets for Puss in Boots at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds can be booked online attheatreleeds.com or by calling the Box Office on 0113 220 8008. Tickets are priced at £6.50 for adults and £5.00 for children.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre Announces New Artistic and Executive Directors

Birmingham Repertory Theatre is thrilled to announce that Sean Foley will become the theatre’s new Artistic Director, Amit Sharma will be Deputy Artistic Director, and Rachael Thomas will become Executive Director.

Sean Foley is an award-winning actor, writer and director. He co-founded The Right Size, creating many original comedies and touring nationally and throughout the world. He is a double Olivier Award-winner for co-writing and starring in The Play What I Wrote – also Tony nominated – and Do You Come Here Often? He directedthe Olivier Award-winning Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, andhas also directed, co-written or starred in many further Olivier Award-nominated productions, including The Ladykillers, Ducktastic, Arturo Brachetti: Change, and The Miser. He has worked extensively with many leading actors, writers and comedians, and is one of the very few people to have received Olivier nominations as an actor, a writer, and as a director.Other directing credits include The Painkiller starring Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon; I Can’t Sing starring Cynthia Erivo; and The Walworth Farce starring Brendan, Domhnall, and Briain Gleeson. His film directing credits include Mindhorn starring Julian Barrett and Steve Coogan; TV includes Marilyn Monroe and Billy Wilder, starring Gemma Arterton, and One Normal Night – both for Sky Arts.

Sean Foley said of his appointment:

“Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s history as one of the most important theatres in the country is inspiring. Birmingham itself has always had an exceptional level of creativity and innovation, and has a unique and world-class cultural ecology. I’m tremendously honoured to be invited to contribute to that, and to have been appointed Artistic Director at this ground-breaking theatre.

“The UK’s ‘Second City’ is full of amazing people: as one of the most multicultural cities in Britain, its stories are specific, but also universal. I’m British, but also half Irish, half Brummie, and am excited to be returning to work in the city having grown up in its suburbs.

“I hope to fill the theatre with stories that engage all its communities and audiences while connecting with the wider world. The ambition, in taking on this exciting challenge with Amit and Rachael, is to create a national home for truly popular theatre.”

Amit Sharma has been Associate Director at Graeae Theatre Company since 2011 and also Associate Artistic Director at the Royal Exchange, Manchester from 2017-2019.  For Graeae, Amit directed the world première of Jack Thorne’s The Solid Life of Sugar Water – a hit of the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Cosmic Scallies at the Royal Exchange, and The Iron Man which toured nationally and internationally.  Also for Graeae, Amit has co-directed the outdoor spectaclePrometheus Awakes and Sequins and Snowballs. In Autumn 2019, Amit will direct a new version of Winsome Pinnock’s One Under for a UK tour. Amit has extensive experience in creating opportunities for artists – he led Graeae’s flagship UK-wide new writing programme, Write to Play and developed many opportunities for D/deaf and disabled artists while at the Royal Exchange.

Amit Sharma said of his appointment:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the iconic Birmingham Repertory Theatre. I know what a wonderful theatre it is having performed on its main stage, directed a show which was programmed in The DOOR (with another show programmed later this year) and worked with the arts team developing new talent in the past. I have had such an amazing time with Graeae, who will always be part of my life, but the opportunity to join Sean, Rachael and the remarkable team in Birmingham fills me with such excitement that I can’t wait to get started on the next chapter in The REP’s illustrious history.”

Rachael Thomas joins The REP following her role as Executive Director of Derby Theatre and a 25-year career in the cultural sector. At Derby Theatre she has helped secure significant increases in grant funding and earned income from programme and commercial sources. In her previous role at Lincoln Castle she project managed the delivery of Lincoln Castle Revealed – the £22 million award-winning restoration and re-interpretation of the medieval castle and Magna Carta exhibition.  Prior to this Rachael worked for ten years at Nottingham Playhouse as Head of Finance and Business Development. Her other roles have included Director of Phoenix Arts, Leicester and Director of the Merlin Theatre in Somerset.  Rachael has an MBA from the University of Bath. 

At The REP Rachael will work closely with Sean Foley and Amit Sharma to realise their artistic vision, alongside managing and developing the business plan and the strategic management of the organisation.

Rachael Thomas said of her appointment:

“The REP is a theatre that I’ve admired throughout my career and I’m absolutely thrilled to be appointed Executive Director. These are exciting times for Birmingham as it continues its transformation into a world class city – from the major redevelopment of the city centre to its role as host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the vision and ambition within the city is clear. As one of the UK’s most multicultural cities it’s also a place with many different stories to be told and many communities to connect with and the wealth of opportunities that this presents for the theatre is extraordinary. With Sean and Amit I share a vision for The REP to play a bold and distinctive role in the life of the city as a theatre that’s firmly grounded in and relevant to all its local communities but with a national and international outlook.”  

Angela Maxwell, Chair of the Board at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, said:

“The board set out to find a leadership team with a creative and cultural reputation who could take the theatre on to even greater success as a leading player in contemporary British theatre.

“Sean, Amit and Rachael are an exciting combination and in them we have found a dream team with a passion for theatre, commitment to excellence and an ambition to raise the profile and impact of The REP for the future. We’re thrilled they have chosen to come and work with us and they demonstrate Birmingham’s growing cultural confidence and ability to attract artistic talent.”

Tarek Iskander, Director Theatre at Arts Council England, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Sean Foley as Artistic Director and Rachael Thomas as Executive Director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre. We’re also particularly pleased to welcome Amit Sharma as Deputy Artistic Director. As a graduate of the Arts Council’s Changemakers scheme, which offers support to disabled and Black and minority ethnic leaders offering experience, knowledge and skills within organisations to take the next step into senior leadership positions, it’s fantastic to see Amit’s journey continue. We look forward to seeing Sean, Rachael and Amit’s combined wealth of experience, ambition, passion and creativity drive the theatre on to future success.

“Tribute must, of course, be paid to Stuart Rogers and Roxana Silbert, as they leave The REP having worked there for a staggering 24 years between them. During this time they have successfully developed the audience, programme and artistic community for the theatre, focusing on The REP’s central commitment to the diversity of Birmingham. They have built a thriving theatre, despite the challenging economic times.

“The REP is at the heart of the city’s thriving cultural scene, creating stories that are made in Birmingham but which resonate everywhere. This an exciting time for the city, as we approach the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and we look forward to seeing the team continue to inspire audiences with innovative productions long into the future.”

Sean Foley, Amit Sharma and Rachael Thomas will take up their posts in Spring / Summer 2019 with their first season of work starting in 2020. They take over from The REP’s current Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert and Executive Director, Stuart Rogers who leave later this year.

JAMIE WILSON, MARK GOUCHER, GAVIN KALIN

AND

KEVIN McCOLLUM

WITH
JASON HAIGH-ELLERY, LAURENCE MYERS, COLIN INGRAM AND PETER KANE FOR INTHEATRE PRODUCTIONS AND CURVE

PRESENT

CURVE’S PRODUCTION OF

IRVING BERLIN’S

WHITE CHRISTMAS

FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON

AT LONDON’S DOMINION THEATRE
FROM 15 NOVEMBER 2019 – 4 JANUARY 2020

STARRING DANNY MAC AS BOB WALLACE

AND DAN BURTON AS PHIL DAVIS

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 25 MARCH 2019 AT 10.00AM

Jamie Wilson, Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Kevin McCollum are delighted to present the spectacular new Made at Curve production of Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS at London’s Dominion Theatre from Friday 15 November 2019 – Saturday 4 January 2020. Tickets on sale Monday 25 March 2019 at 10.00am.

This feel-good family musical will star Danny Mac as Bob Wallace and Dan Burton as Phil Davis, who both reprise their acclaimed roles following the successful run at Curve, Leicester. Further casting will be announced soon.

Danny Mac’s many theatre credits include Joe Gillis in the recent tour of Sunset Boulevard, Gabey in On The Town at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and the West End productions of Wicked and Legally Blonde. He captured the nation’s hearts and received overwhelming support during his incredible time on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, making it all the way to the final.

Dan Burton was nominated for an Olivier for his performance as Tulsa in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre. His other West End credits include Jersey Boys, The Pajama Game, Chicago, Legally Blonde, Betty Blue Eyes and Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall.

A timeless romantic comedy to warm hearts of all ages, WHITE CHRISTMAS features the classic songs “Blue Skies”, “Sisters” and the most famous festive song of all… “White Christmas”.

WHITE CHRISTMAS has Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin and a Book by David Ives and Paul Blake. It is Directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Annie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and Choreographed by two-time Olivier Award-winning choreographer Stephen Mear (Mary Poppins, Gypsy). Set Design is by Michael Taylor and Costume Design is by Diego Pitarch. Musical Supervision is by Stephen Brooker, Lighting Design by Mark Henderson and Sound Design by Tom Marshall. Orchestrations are by Larry Blank with New Musical arrangements by Jason Carr.

Presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of R&H Theatricals.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS

15 November 2019 – 4 January 2020

Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7AQ

Box Office: 0345 200 7982

Website: whitechristmasthemusical.co.uk

Instagram: @whitexmasshow

Twitter:  @whitexmasshow

• SOHO ESTATES ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF A BRAND NEW THEATRE FOR LONDON IN THE HEART OF SOHO TO OPEN IN LATE 2019

• DESIGNED BY ARCHITECTS SODA STUDIO AND THEATRE CONSULTANTS CHARCOALBLUE, THE BOULEVARD THEATRE WILL BE SITUATED ON THE SITE OF THE ORIGINAL BOULEVARD IN WALKER’S COURT

• THE BOULEVARD WILL PRODUCE ITS OWN IN-HOUSE PRODUCTIONS ALONGSIDE A LATE NIGHT PROGRAMME OF LIVE MUSIC, COMEDY, SPOKEN WORD, CABARET AND FILM

• THE THEATRE WILL FEATURE A CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN THAT ALLOWS FOR MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS IN A FULLY REVOLVING AUDITORIUM AND BALCONY

• FAWN JAMES DIRECTOR OF SOHO ESTATES WILL BE JOINED BY NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR RACHEL EDWARDS

Fawn James (director of Soho Estates) today announced the launch of the Boulevard Theatre in the heart of Soho in Walker’s Court. The revived venue is located on the site where her grandfather Paul Raymond opened the original Boulevard Theatre.

The artistic programme will be headed up by the artistic director Rachel Edwards (Sweeney Todd – London & New York, Founder of Tooting Arts Club).  With a seated capacity of up to 165, the venue will present its own in-house theatre productions together with a vibrant late night programme of live music, comedy, spoken word, cabaret and films.  The venue and operations will be run by General Manager Leon Scott. Both will be supported by the Executive Director Martin Ball.

Using cutting-edge VR technology SODA studio, in collaboration with Charcoalblue, have designed the innovative space which features Europe’s most advanced revolving theatre (the balcony and stalls independently revolve allowing for multiple configurations) and a two-floor glass bridge leading to a restaurant and bar area.

The opening season of work will be announced later in the year, and the venue will open its doors to the public in late 2019.

The original Boulevard Theatre site began as a sister venue to the Raymond Revuebar. It was run under the same name as the Revuebar and provided an additional bar and restaurant which housed gaming tables, prior to the gaming act in 1968.

The Boulevard Theatre presented various productions, including erotic, comedy and straight plays, and is most famously known as the home of Peter Richardson’s Comic Strip. Over the years, shows included: ‘Women Behind Bars’ c.1977 / Jeremy Taylor’s ‘Back in Town’ c.1979 / ‘The Marilyn Chambers Show’ c.1979 / ‘The Comic Strip Presents’ c.1980 / ‘The Collector’ (by John Fowles, adapted by David Parker) c.1984 / ‘Infidelities’ starring Jill Bennett c.1986 / Eddie Izzard’s ‘Raging Bull’ comedy club c.1989.

Soho Estates has been a prominent landowner in Soho for over 50 years. Fawn James is a Director of Soho Estates. Her grandfather was Soho Estates’ founder Paul Raymond, an entertainment impresario and property investor, who staged revue and variety shows at countless Soho venues from the 1950s onwards. Fawn intends to honour her grandfather’s legacy by helping to promote Soho as an arts and entertainment district. The regeneration of Walker’s Court has provided the ideal opportunity to amalgamate her passion for the arts and to embrace her heritage.

A brand new website has been launched today for people interested in hearing more about The Boulevard Theatre and its programme of work:

www.boulevardtheatre.co.uk  

ONE WEEK UNTIL HEARTWARMING

TALE OF ANNIE COMES TO TOWN

It’s less than one week until family favourite Annie the musical arrives in Chester to entertain audiences.

Full casting for the forthcoming UK tour of the smash hit production was announced recently byMichael Harrison and David Ian who are bringing their new show to Storyhouse.

Annie comes to Storyhouse from Monday 25 March to Saturday 30 March 2019. There are matinees on the Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Anita Dobson will star as Miss Hannigan, joined by Alex Bourne as Oliver Warbucks, Richard Meek as Rooster, Jenny Gayner as Lily, and Carolyn Maitland as Grace Farrell.

The title role of Annie is shared by Faye Katsande, Ava Smith and Freya Yates. They are joined by three teams of young performers who play the girls in Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. 

Completing the cast are Michael Anderson, Thomas Audibert, Andy Barke, Caroline Bateson, Daisy Boyles, Blaise Colangelo, Gary Davis, Ashleigh Graham, George Rae, Anne Smith, India Thornton, Matt Trevorrow, Amy West, and Samuel Wilson Freeman.

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search.

With its award-winning book and score, this stunning new production includes the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You, and Tomorrow.

As Angie Watts in EastEnders, Anita Dobson created one of the most popular characters in television winning numerous awards. Her West End theatre credits include Madame Morrible in Wicked; Mama Morton in Chicago; Mrs Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie; Chris in Calendar Girls; Joan Crawford in Bette and Joan; and Nancy in Frozen at the National Theatre, for which she was nominated for an Olivier, Evening Standard and London Critics Award. Her film credits include London Road.

Alex Bourne reprises his performance as Oliver Warbucks after playing the role in this production of Annie in the West End, Toronto, and on the 2015/16 tour. His many other West End credits include Danny in Grease; The Beast in Beauty and the Beast; Billy Flynn in Chicago; Khashoggi in We Will Rock You; and Fred/Petruchio in Kiss Me, Kate, for which he received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. His other credits include Daryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick; and the Watermill Theatre, for which he received a TMA nomination for Best Actor; Sam Michael in the national tour of Mamma Mia!; and Lex Hogan in Eugenius! at the Other Palace.

Richard Meek’s many credits include Trevor Graydon in Thoroughly Modern Millie; Brad, Eddie and Dr Scott in The Rocky Horror Show; and Sir Galahad in Spamalot, all on national tour. He has also appeared as Leo Bloom in the international tour of The Producers, as well as Dustin and Greaseball in the 25^th anniversary cast of Starlight Express in Bochum, Germany.

Jenny Gayner’s West End credits include Miss Wilson in the original cast of The Girls at the Phoenix Theatre; Hunyak in Chicago at the Adelphi, Cambridge and Garrick theatres; and Spamalot at the Palace Theatre. Jenny has also appeared as Lina Lamont in Singin’ In The Rain and Brooke Windham in Legally Blonde, both at Kilworth House.

Carolyn Maitland reprises her performance as Grace Farrell after playing the role in this production of Annie in Toronto. Her West End credits include Ellen in Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre; Marian in The Woman In White at Charing Cross Theatre; and Groundhog Day and Kiss Me, Kate, both at the Old Vic. Her other credits include Molly in the national tour of Ghost; and Kathy Seldon in Singin’ In The Rain at Kilworth House.

Annie has music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. The musical is directed by Nikolai Foster, with set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell, and sound design by Richard Brooker. Annie is produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian.

Tickets are on sale now and range in price from £20.50 to £60 (each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee).

Storyhouse has a dynamic pricing policy on the majority of shows, ensuring the earlier you book your tickets, guarantees the best seats at the lowest price.

Website:         www.storyhouse.com

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/storyhouselive/

Twitter:           @StoryhouseLive

LISTING INFORMATION

ANNIE

Monday 25 March 2019 – Saturday 30 March 2019

STORYHOUSE

Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

Monday 25 March 2019 at 7.30pm

Tuesday 26 March 2019 at 7.30pm

Wednesday 27 March 2019 at 2.30pm

Wednesday 27 March 2019 at 7.30pm

Thursday 28 March 2019 at 7.30pm

Friday 29 March 2019 at 7.30pm

Saturday 30 March 2019 at 2.30pm

Saturday 30 March 2019 at 7.30pm

Tickets: £20.50 – £60 (each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee)

Dynamic Pricing: Book early to guarantee cheapest and best seats

HOW TO BOOK

Online:            Visit www.storyhouse.com

By Phone:       Call 01244 409 113

In person:       Visit the Ticket Kiosks at Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

Leeds Grand Theatre – until Sat 23 March 2019

Reviewed by Sally Richmond

5*****

Want to party? Then go see Benidorm Live – the stage show based on the hugely, successful popular TV programme. Derren Litten’s stage version of Benidorm has the audience in fits of laughter right from take off and continuously throughout the whole performance.

Benidorm Live is set in the Solana Resort in Benidorm, Spain, where we meet the crazy staff and holiday makers played by the brilliant cast from the TV series including: Joyce (Sherrie Hewson), Liam (Adam Gillen), Kenneth (Tony Maudsley), Mateo (Jake Canuso), Jacqueline (Janine Duvitski) and Sam (Shelley Longworth) and new members – Sophie (Tricia Adele-Turner), Ben (Bradley Clarkson), Ricky (Will Jennings) and Derek (Damian Williams). The plot of the live stage production involves the team trying to uncover secret hotel inspectors, who are going to shut down the Solana Resort and of course it’s all done in a most farcical manner. Obviously chaos erupts, giving many laugh-out loud moments along the way. Performed on Mark Walters’ dazzling set, which smoothly transforms from hotel reception, poolside, Blow ’N’ Go salon and Neptune’s entertainment bar, Benidorm Live is a show which gives you everything you want and expect from it – brash comedy, jaw breaking jokes and your favourite characters at their best (or in Jacqueline’s case her naughty worst!).

Like the TV programme, the stage version is a hit because of the enormously talented cast. Jan Duvitski has some show stealing moments with her constant stream of innuendos and perfectly timed one-liners. The moment she jumped on fellow cast members and screamed, ‘Bouncy! Bouncy!’ she had the packed Grand audience in stitches. Hewson is her dazzling self throughout and simply adored by the audience during her whole performance as she flounces around giving commands and not realising what a dreadful manager she actually is. The Solana’s very own original Latin Lover Mateo, brings his character to life as he wows the audience with his hip-thrusting moves to Livin’ La Vida Loca and tries to seduce the female holidaymakers. Longworth gives a beautiful rendition of Faith Hill’s There You’ll Be and her powerful vocals hit the high notes to perfection. Maudsley’s fabulous Kenneth and Gillen’s Liam are as outrageous as ever and the stage production gives them more opportunities to ham up the slap-stick another notch.

Litten’s stage debut certainly entertains the audience and oozes the feel-good throughout. Totally brazen, brash pleasure-seeking has been the success to Benidorm the TV series for more than a decade and it translates to the stage extremely well, in fact given the audiences reactions – singing along and even having a boogie at some points, one could say that being on the stage actually enhanced it for some.

Benidorm Live brought a lot of sunshine to a cold, wet Monday evening in Leeds and provided much laughter and cheer to a full audience . Guaranteed to make you giggle – this show really transports you to Spain and on leaving, you’ll feel like you’ve just had a wild 24 hours at The Solana. Book your ticket and don’t miss the next flight!

DISNEY’S FROZEN OPENS IN AUTUMN 2020 IN LONDON’S WEST END

As Frozen celebrates its first year on Broadway, Disney Theatrical Productions today announces the opening of a new production of the musical in London’s West End in Autumn 2020. With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and book by Jennifer Lee, Michael Grandage’s production, with set and costume designs by Christopher Oram, lighting design by Natasha Katz, and choreography by Rob Ashford, will reopen the newly refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Frozen – produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher – opened on Broadway in March 2018 and quickly established itself as the biggest new musical hit of its season, nominated for the Tony Award® for Best Musical. In addition to the opening in London, the musical has a North American tour planned for Autumn 2019, productions in Australia and Japan opening in 2020, and a further production for Hamburg in 2021.

The highest grossing animated film of all time, Frozen was released in cinemas in 2013, winning multiple awards, including two Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Let It Go”), the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film and the BAFTA for Best Animated Film. It was written and directed (with Chris Buck) by Jennifer Lee, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Frozen 2 will be coming to UK cinemas this November.

Audiences are invited to learn more about Frozen the Musical and to sign up for priority booking at FrozenTheMusical.co.uk. Performance schedule and casting to be announced at a later date.

Jennifer Lee said today, “We’re so humbled by the continued support for Frozen – at its heart, a joyous story about love and sisterhood. We’re very excited to share what we have created on stage with London and to see it come to life in that gorgeous theatre.”

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez commented, “The power of Frozen comes from the story of two strong, very real women saving their world by leaning in to their deep love for one another. Expanding this story has been an absolute joy. We went deeper and discovered several song moments that enrich the story in a new emotional and theatrical way.”

Michael Grandage said, “Bringing Frozen to the stage has been a gloriously happy journey. We’re all looking forward to getting back in the room together as a creative team, to build our London company and bring Frozento the West End.”

Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer Disney Theatrical Productions, added, “As Frozen celebrates its first year on Broadway, we’re thrilled to share the London plans for the show. Michael Grandage has created a production that is as full of heart and joy as it is spectacle. It will be an honour to reopen Andrew Lloyd Webber’s gorgeously refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane, one of the crown jewels of London’s West End.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, owned and managed by LW Theatres, is closed for 20 months for a landmark £45 million renovation and restoration project and will reopen as Frozen begins previews.

With choreography by Rob Ashford,set and costume design by Christopher Oram, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Peter Hylenski,video design by Finn Ross, puppet design by Michael Curry, and musical supervision and arrangements by Stephen Oremus.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez’s theatre credits include In Transit (Broadway), Up Here (La Jolla Playhouse) and Finding Nemo: The Musical (Disney World, running since 2006). For television, her songs include for 87th Academy Awards (Emmy® nomination), The Comedians, and The Wonder Pets. For film, her work includes Disney Pixar’s Coco (Oscar® Best Original Song win for “Remember Me”, Grammy nomination), Frozen (Oscar and Grammy Award® wins for “Let It Go”), Winnie The Pooh, and the forthcoming Frozen 2. She was a 2014 recipient, and now board member, of the Lilly Awards.

Robert Lopez’s Broadway credits include as co-creator/writer of The Book of Mormon (five Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in Music; nine Tony® Awards including Best Book, Best Original Score and Best Musical), co-creator/songwriter of Avenue Q (three Tony Awards including Best Original Score and Best Musical). Other theatre work includes Up Here (La Jolla Playhouse) and 1001 Nights(Atlantic Theater). His television work includes songs for The 87th Academy Awards, The Simpsons, South Park, Scrubs and The Wonder Pets. For film, his work includes, Disney Pixar’s Coco (Oscar® Best Original Song win for “Remember Me”, Grammy nomination), Frozen (Oscar Best Original Song win for “Let It Go”), and the forthcoming Frozen 2.

Lopez is one of 12 artists to win Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar® and Tony Awards® (EGOT).

Jennifer Lee is Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios. She is the Academy Award®-winning writer of Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Frozen, which she also directed with Chris Buck. For her work on Frozen, Lee received numerous awards including a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice Award, a BAFTA and an Academy Award®. Her Disney Animation career began as co-writer of the Oscar®-nominated Wreck-It Ralph. She also wrote the screenplay for Disney’s 2018 release A Wrinkle in Time. Currently, Lee is writing and directing Frozen 2.

Michael Grandage is Artistic Director of the Michael Grandage Company in London. For the company he directed Henry V, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Peter and Alice and Privates on Parade, Dawn French: 30 Million Minutes Photograph 51, Red and The Lieutenant of Inishmore, and the feature film Genius with Colin Firth. He was Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse (2002–2012) and Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres (2000–05). He is the recipient of Tony, Drama Desk, Olivier, Evening Standard, Critics’ Circle and South Bank Awards. He has been awarded Honorary Doctorates by the University of London, Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam University and is President of Central School of Speech and Drama. He was appointed CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2011. His book, A Decade At The Donmar, was published by Constable & Robins in 2012.

Twitter @FrozenLondon

Facebook /FrozenLondon

Instagram @FrozenLondon

DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS (DTP) operates under the direction of Thomas Schumacher bringing live entertainment events to a global audience of more than 20 million people a year in more than 50 countries. Current London: Aladdin at The Prince Edward and The Lion King, approaching its 20th anniversary at The Lyceum.  Other London credits: the Olivier-nominated play Shakespeare in Love and DTP’s inaugural production Beauty and the Beast, which won the Olivier Award for Best Musical.  Other productions on Broadway and around the world: Frozen, Newsies, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh, TARZAN® and Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida.  Other successful stage musical ventures have included productions of Disney’s High School Musical, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame in Berlin, and King David in concert.

Worldwide, its nine Broadway titles have been seen by over 160 million theatregoers, and have been nominated for 20 Olivier Awards, winning the honour five times. With 20 productions currently produced or licensed, a Disney musical is being performed professionally somewhere on the planet virtually every hour of the day.

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

LW Theatres will breathe new life into the unique and iconic architecture of their Grade 1 Regency building and restore the historic theatre to its former 1812 glory. The revived Theatre Royal Drury Lane will also be the first commercial theatre in the West End to offer facilities beyond the regular theatrical fare, creating a true destination venue in its own right. Front of house facilities will be open to the public all day and include bars, restaurants and cafes so the iconic interiors can be enjoyed by everyone not just theatre goers in the heart of Covent Garden.

Royal & Derngate, Northampton, presents 

Ibsen’s                                                    
Ghosts
in a new version by Mike Poulton

Royal & Derngate, Northampton – Friday 19 April to Saturday 11 May 

Royal & Derngate announces full cast and creative team for Ibsen’s Ghosts in a new version by Mike Poulton

• James Wilby and Declan Conlon announced to join Penny Downie and Pierro Niel-Mee
• Directed by Lucy Bailey and designed by Mike Britton, with lighting design by Oliver Fenwick and sound design and music by Richard Hammarton
• World premiere of Mike Poulton’s new adaptation of Ibsen’s masterpiece Ghosts to open in Northampton in April
• Part of Royal & Derngate’s Made in Northampton season
• @RoyalDerngate / #MadeInNorthampton / #GhostsThePlay

The full cast and creative team has been confirmed for Royal & Derngate’s world premiere production of a brand new version by Mike Poulton of Henrik Ibsen’s masterpiece Ghosts, opening in Northampton in April. The cast will be led by Penny Downie, James Wilby, Declan Conlon andPierro Niel-Mee, and the play is directed by Lucy Bailey with Mike Britton as designer, Oliver Fenwick as lighting designer and Richard Hammarton as sound designer and composer.

A shattering story of the consequences of secrets and lies, Ibsen’s Ghosts is a damning comment on the morality and hypocrisy of 19th century life and this searing new version asks if much has changed since it was written over 100 years ago.

Constrained for years by societal expectations, widow Helen Alving is determined to escape the ghosts of her past but when her son Osvald returns home it is clear that some legacies are impossible to avoid. With secrets kept and lies told, the ghosts of her husband’s actions demand bigger sacrifices now than ever before.

As previously announced, Helen will be played by Penny Downie, whose extensive stage and television credits include Hamlet in the West End and ITV’s Downton Abbey. She is joined in the cast by James Wilby, as Pastor Manders. James’ extensive stage credits include work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Lyric Hammersmith and his screen credits include leading roles inPoldark, Maurice, Gosford Park, Howards End, Regeneration and A Handful of Dust.

Celebrated Irish actor Declan Conlon will play Jakob Engstrand and Pierro Niel-Mee will play Osvald. Declan was recently seen in The Ferryman at the Gielgud Theatre and in Anna Karenina andCome on Home at the Abbey Theatre Dublin, for which he is nominated for the 2019 Irish Times Award for Best Actor. Pierro recently played Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love and appeared at the RSC and in the West End in Imperium. Eleanor McLoughlin (Ah, Wilderness, Young Vic; The Winter’s Tale, Cheek by Jowl) completes the cast as Regina Engstrand.

With Tony nominations for Fortune’s Fool and adaptations of Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies, playwright Mike Poulton’s acclaimed plays also include Imperium for the Royal Shakespeare Company and A Tale of Two Cities for Royal & Derngate. At the Northampton venue, Lucy Baileypreviously directed Gaslight and Love from a Stranger (nominated for the UK Theatre Best Touring Production Award in 2018). Her Olivier Award-nominated production of Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution is still going strong at London County Hall over a year after first opening.

Ghosts is designed by Mike Britton whose previous credits for Royal & Derngate include Love from a Stranger and A Tale of Two Cities (UK Theatre Award nomination for Best Design). Other credits include Henry V at the Royal Exchange Theatre (winner of Manchester Evening News Award for Best Design). Also re-united from the Love from a Stranger creative team are lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, whose other credits include King Lear (Duke of York’s Theatre/Chichester Festival Theatre), and sound designer and composer Richard Hammarton whose credits include The Mountaintop(Theatre503, Trafalgar Studios).

Ghosts can be seen at Royal & Derngate from Friday 19 April till Saturday 11 May, with a national press night on Wednesday 24 April.

#GhostsThePlay

* A charge of £3 applies for all transactions of £15 and over. Does not apply to Groups, Friends or Disabled Patrons, and is per-transaction, not per-ticket.

B-SIDE brings Hip-Hop back to Birmingham

(B-Boy competing at B-Side Hip-Hop Festival 2018)

B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival is back from Friday 3 – Sunday 12 May, with a phenomenal line up of dance battles, high-energy workshops, live music and DJ sets from legendary names in Hip-Hop.

The explosive festival will feature the best national and international artists plus the city’s finest talent. Already confirmed are Karl ‘Dyzee’ Alba (Canada), Roxy (UK), ChryBaby (New York) and Youth Olympic Bronze medal winner B-Boy Shigekix (Japan), with many more to be announced.

Birmingham Hippodrome is working with festival partners to bring the key elements of Hip-Hop to Birmingham. Break Mission are back with their epic international dance battles andSweat The Technique workshops, Marso Riviere’s popular KRE8! Labs and battles return, as well as DJ Psykhomantus’s Vision Bombing Game Show. Juice Aleem brings hisFluxCon comic convention along with many speakers and performers and once again the Southside streets will be filled with eye-catching live graffiti courtesy of High-Vis Festival.

Expect to see many new performances specially created for the festival with Dance Hub Birmingham commissioning several new exciting pieces including Break Mission’s Dance of Death. Zoo Nation Youth Company Birmingham, one of Birmingham Hippodrome’s Young Companies, will also showcase an exciting piece of contemporary Hip-Hop theatre.

B-SIDE opens during May Bank Holiday Weekend (Friday 3 May) with a Hit the Ode andB-SIDE R.A.P Party special. The poetry and music night will showcase some amazing spoken word artists and Hip-Hop DJs. 

On Saturday 4 May, the festival continues in Bullring & Grand Central, for the first of two take-over days. The team are bringing a host of DJs, dance and rap battles, and live performances to the shopping centre. It also returns on Monday 6 May for a B-SIDE family day, B-SIDE Breakin’ the Bullring, complete with pop-up performances and Fun DMC, a Hip-Hop inspired party for kids and parents.

On Sunday 5 May, High-Vis Festival will lead a graffiti trail beginning at the Hippodrome and ending in Digbeth, a part of Birmingham famous for its street art. Elsewhere, a special screening of Bombin’ will take place at The Mocking Bird as part of Flatpack Festival,. The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at UK Hip-Hop and graffiti culture featuring some recognisable locations in Birmingham. 

The festival culminates on Sunday 12 May with the B-SIDE and Break Mission International Dance Championship taking place in Southside. The epic clash will see dancers from all around the world competing in this tense battle.

Graham Callister, Associate Director of Community Engagement and Festivals at Birmingham Hippodrome, commented: “B-Side is fast becoming the UK’s number one Hip-Hop festival for international and national artists alongside the amazing talents we have in the city. 

“We’ve expanded both the length of the festival, from five to 10 days, and locations of our events as we stretch ourselves from Southside to Bullring & Grand Central, and for the first time into Digbeth.  Each of our festival partners brings a different energy and take on what contemporary Hip-Hop culture is, enabling us to offer a truly diverse festival and attract a wider audience year on year.  We’re really hyped about this year’s programme and are already planning the party for our fifth anniversary next year in 2020 so don’t miss it!”

B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival is a Birmingham Hippodrome Project supported by Arts Council England, Southside BID, Bullring and Grand Central and The Arcadian.

Stay up-to-date with activities and join the conversation on social media using #BSIDE.

For more information, visit: www.birminghamhippodrome.com/bside

• THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES NEW CHILD CASTING FOR THE UK & IRELAND TOUR OF MATILDA THE MUSICAL
• OLIVIA JUNO CLEVERLEY, FREYA SCOTT AND SOPHIE WOOLHOUSE WILL JOIN SCARLETT CECIL IN THE TITLE ROLE OF MATILDA FROM 19 MARCH

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced new child casting for the Matilda The Musical UK and Ireland Tour with Olivia Juno Cleverley, Freya Scott and Sophie Woolhouse joining Scarlett Cecil in sharing the title role of Matilda from today, 18 March. The West End production will continue to play at the Cambridge Theatre, where it is now in its eighth year and is booking until 24 May 2020.

The other young performers announced today will join the UK and Ireland Tour who play the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall are as follows: Aiya Agustin, Elliot Boothroyd, Brooke Burke, Presley Charman, Oliver Dalby, Lillie May Downton, Charlie Garton, Toby Hales, Theo Hanness, Porsha Hoyland-Lau, Darcy Kelly, Noah Leggott, Ben Pike, Erin Rushidi, Alfie Sanderson, Ryan Tayler-Young andLily Van Veen.

Evie Allen, Joseph Black, Georgia Mae Brown, Adam Lord, Felicity Mitson, Toby Mocrei, Chantelle Tonolete and Joely Robertson will continue in the company, playing the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the pupils at Crunchem Hall.

After joining the cast in January, Elliot Harper (Miss Trunchbull) will continue to play alongsideCarly Thoms (Miss Honey) and Sebastien Torkia and Rebecca Thornhill (Mr and Mrs Wormwood) until the tour concludes its run at Norwich Theatre Royal on 17 August 2019.

The full adult cast includes Richard Astbury, Joe Atkinson, Nina Bell, Peter Bindloss, Oliver Bingham, Emily Bull, Samara Casteallo, Matthew Caputo, Matt Gillett, Michelle Chantelle Hopewell, Sam Lathwood, Steffan Lloyd-Evans, Charlie Martin, Anu Ogunmefun, Carly Thoms, Rebecca Thornhill, Sebastien Torkia, Adam Vaughan andDawn Williams.

Matilda The Musical UK and Ireland tour is currently playing in Bradford where it’ll play until 23 March before touring to Edinburgh Playhouse (2 – 27 April), Bristol Hippodrome (7 May- 8 June), Southampton Mayflower (11 June – 6 July) and Norwich Theatre Royal (16 July – 17 August). 

Matilda The Musical is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus. The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

Winner of 94 international awards, including 23 for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical has now been seen by 9 million people worldwide, having toured to over 70 cities and played more than 6600 performances in the West End, on Broadway and on tour across North America, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Matilda The Musical had its first non-English language production at the LG Arts Centre in Seoul, South Korea from September 2018 to February 2019.

Inspired by the incomparable Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda The Musical was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon home in November 2010, before transferring to London’s West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews. The New York production of Matilda The Musical opened in April 2013 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre and was celebrated on 10 “Top Ten” lists for 2013, including TIME Magazine’s #1 Show of the Year.

Matilda The Musical swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway.

The Australian and New Zealand production won a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Musical in 2015, and played sold-out seasons in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Auckland. The show broke further records in July 2016 by winning all 13 Helpmann Awards for which it was nominated.

Matilda The Musical is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company with André Ptaszynski and Denise Wood as Executive Producers. The production was developed with the support of Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.