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Savoy Theatre – 12th March 2019

Reviewed by Jessica Brady

3.5***

Who can utter the words 9 to 5 without thinking of the iconic Dolly Parton? Not I, so getting the opportunity to see the musical that has captured the hearts of Dolly fans worldwide was something not to be missed. Based on the 1980 film starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, this musical satire is true to the films characters and story with the added flare of an upbeat score. The story focuses on three women living in a male dominated world and the complications that come from working for a chauvinistic male boss.

We follow Violet Newstead (Caroline Sheen), an intelligent, hard working, single mom who has invested time and energy into the company she works for in the hopes of a well deserved promotion, Doralee Rhodes (Natalie McQueen) is an outgoing, beautiful and strong woman but is the talk of the office when it is assumed she is sleeping with the boss and finally the young and naive Judy Bernly (Amber Davies) who’s attempt to make it on her own without her cheating husband ‘Dick’ isn’t without its tears and challenges.

When the three ladies have reached the limit with their scumbag boss and his sexist behaviour , Franklin Hart Jnr (Brian Conley), they decide to take action by the way of kidnapping him from the office and gun point and hiding him in his own home and suspending him off the chandelier in full kinky bondage attire found from his bedroom.

The disappearance of Hart leaves his devoted and besotted assistant, Roz Keith (Bonnie Langford), at a loss and the three women get the opportunity to run the company how they see fit with Violet taking on the role of CEO.

The themes in the show are a little dated now and that is very evident with the book and the feeble attempts at modernising it with Trump references and Conley doing the ‘Floss’ at one point. I think there are much stronger representatives of female empowerment in theatre now and the honest truth is the three women as characters are very black and white. Having said that, its stories like 9 to 5 that have paved the way for the developments in women’s rights and equality, it could be argued in a way watching the show could be considered a celebration of the fact that we have come a long way since the 80’s but still have a way to go.

The show has some nice moments throughout but overall is just going through the motions (or so it looked like). Bonnie Langford as Roz is a perfect casting choice as she gives us showbiz, glamour and comedy all in one song- Hart to Hart. Langford is hilarious and I was left wanting more when her bits were over! The main reason to go and see 9 to 5 is for Natalie McQueen as Doralee. McQueen had the task of taking on the role originated by Dolly Parton herself and she does it with complete ease and gives you everything you expect and more. Her comic timing is perfect and her vocals never fail to amaze me, a true show stealer and Dolly should be proud to have her as part of her legacy.

Aside from Bonnie Langford and Natalie McQueen stealing the show with every seen they were in, the rest of the cast don’t quite match up to them. Brian Conley is a good sport by being suspended for the majority of the show on wires in very little clothing and a ball gag and he has fantastic comic timing but I had a hard time understanding what he was saying at points as his diction was not clear enough with the accent! Amber Davies does a decent job with Judy but her characters growth in the story is not made explicit through her performance but she does give us a great rendition of Get out and Stay Out which is the highlight for her. Caroline Sheen is great as Violet and her big standout number One of the Boys is really impressive and full of sass!

The ensemble is pretty lacklustre and heavily reliant on a click track to support their vocals. The effort with the choreography is good but it isn’t massively complicated and they seem to be more like stage hands with the amount of set moving that goes on involving them.

Overall there are some good numbers in the score and a few giggles throughout but I don’t know if the Savoy is the right venue for this production as it doesn’t quite match up the previous calibre of the shows before it, however it will be a hit amongst the Dolly Parton fans and with some digital cameos from the Queen of Country Music herself, it’s a bit of fun and a chance for you to sing along with those famous lyrics

New Victoria, Woking – until 16 March 2019

Reviewed by Isobel Glassar

4****

Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing one of the top computer-animated adventure comedy films Madagascar , now Madagascar the Musical, at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. It was performed brilliantly, the actors put all their effort into their characters and it paid off, it was such a pleasure to watch. The theatre production followed the story line of the children’s film very well, the set design was brilliant, and everything flowed throughout the production when moving from one location to the next.

At first I was sceptical about the use of puppets in the production to play some of the characters, but they were so well made, and the actors really made them come to life on stage. They were brilliant for bringing that comedic side of the production to light, what also impressed me was the actors handling the puppets, they did such a great job at becoming the puppet that half the time you never even noticed the person standing behind it! The costumes were just fantastic, they did an excellent job on bringing these characters to life on stage.

Unfortunately Matt Terry wasn’t able to play Alex that night, so they had Brandon Gale step in. I was not disappointed, he did absolutely brilliantly. He had the charisma and cockiness of Alex the Lion that you would expect, and really flowed well with the other cast members, he was truly a joy to watch. The actor Antoine Murray – Straughan, who played Marty the Zebra honestly surprised me, Marty is a huge character in the production and you have the comedic expectations of Chris Rock, but he did such a fantastic job, he even sounded just like the character from the films, which added a sense of familiarity to the character. He managed to land every joke and honestly did amazing having to dance in that costume, it was quite impressive. He was definitely one of the stars of the show! The actress, Timmika Ramsay who played the character Gloria the hippo did an amazing job portraying the sassy and loveable female of the production and blew me away with her singing voice, I was also impressed on how she managed to do the production in that big costume, she made it seem effortless, and she was really a joy to watch. The actor, Jamie – Lee Morgan that played the character Melvin was extremely impressive, he managed to do the part amazingly, and all while controlling the head of the giraffe. He did well controlling the puppet, half the time I forgot there was actually someone in the suit! Melvin’s comedy was played very well, he did a brilliant job of playing the nervous, cautious character and the comedic spin just made him loveable. And last, but definitely not least the actor, Jo Parsons that played King Julian was fantastic! He really made the production upbeat and fun for all, he managed to bring the self-loving funny lemur to life on stage. He appealed to both the kids and the adults in the audience, he got people up and dancing and singing along. I have to admit his jokes brought me to the brink of tears, he landed them so well, and it was such a fantastic casting.

I definitely encourage you to go see this performance, whether you bring your children or just an evening out with a friend, it is honestly a joy to watch for all! You won’t find a production quite like this one, the actors, set and costume design was undeniably brilliant. If you ever want an evening for the kids, I recommend it tremendously.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK PREMIERE OF NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD™ LIVE 
 

• NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD™ LIVE ANNOUNCES ASHLEY SAMUELS, JENNIFER HARDING, MARC PICKERING, MARI MCGINLAY, MIKE BODIE AND TAMA PHETHEAN IN THE NEW STAGE PRODUCTION BASED ON GEORGE A. ROMERO’S 1968 CULT HORROR FILM

• THE ONLY STAGE ADAPTATION OFFICIALLY AUTHORISED BY THE ROMERO ESTATE, RUNNING AT PLEASANCE, LONDON, FROM 9 APRIL – 19 MAY 2019, PRESENTED BY ARIA ENTERTAINMENT AND SENBLA
   
• THE PRODUCTION PLAYS HOMAGE TO THE 1968 FILM WITH A MONOCHROME SET AND DESIGN AND OFFERS AUDIENCES SEATING OPTIONS IN THE ‘SPLATTER ZONES’ OR ‘SUPPOSEDLY SAFE ZONES’

Casting is announced today for Night of the Living Dead™ Live, the first ever UK stage adaptation and the only officially authorised production based on George A. Romero’s cult zombie classic. The production, directed by Benji Sperring (The Toxic Avenger: The Musical; Shock Treatment, Valley Of Song) will come to life at Pleasance, London from 9 April to 19 May 2019. 

The production stars Ashley Samuels (Ben), recently seen in Fun Home at the Young Vic andMotown the Musical in the West End, in the iconic role of the protagonist, with Jennifer Harding (Helen/Judy) who was named Hello Magazine’s Rising Star of 2018 and received multi-award nominations for her role in The Clockmaker’s Daughter, Marc Pickering  (Harry) best known for playing the young Sheriff Enoch Thompson in Sky Atlantic’s Boardwalk Empire, Mari McGinlay (Barbra) winner of the Young Scottish Musical Theatre Performer of the Year Award,Mike Bodie (Chief McClelland) who has starred in The Comedy About a Bank Robbery and is a creator and founding member of Mischief Theatre, and Tama Phethean (Tom) previously seen at The Globe in The Great Duke of Florence and The False One.

1960s, rural Pennsylvania. Six strangers, a lonely farmhouse, surrounded by zombies – what could possibly go wrong? Who will make it out alive?

This new adaptation of Night of the Living Dead™ will be played out on a monochrome set paying homage to the 1968 classic and featuring all the iconic scenes along with an entirely new journey for the beloved characters from the farmhouse in the second act. A loving, comedic tribute to the world-renowned zombie film, this production skirts the line between the horrific and the hysterical, culminating in a frightening and funny night out. Audiences can choose to get amongst the gore in one of the special ‘Splatter Zones’ or those who prefer to keep zombies at arm’s length can opt for seating in the ‘Supposedly Safe Zones’.  

Night of the Living Dead™ Live had its world premiere in Toronto in 2013 and is the only officially authorised stage production endorsed by the Romero Estate which will come to the UK for the first time this spring.

First seen in 1968, Night of the Living Dead™ is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential releases of all time. Previously dominated by Hammer horror, George A. Romeroradically redefined the genre of the modern horror film introducing zombies as a social construct in his seminal 1968 movie. His influence is still felt today spawning countless zombie films and series such as Sean of the Dead and The Walking Dead. Now, more than 50 years on, the story of Night of the Living Dead™ remains as relevant as ever through its exploration of race, class division and America’s national identity.

Night of the Living Dead™ Live, based on the film by George A. Romero, is co-produced by award-winning producer Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Ollie Rosenblatt forSenbla by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd. It is written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyer and Trevor Martin and created by Christopher Harrison and Phil Pattison.  The production is directed by Benji Sperring, designed by Diego Pitarch with lighting design byNic Farman, soundscape design by Samuel West and casting by Jane Deitch. 

Tickets on sale at www.LivingDeadLondon.com

LISTINGS

Aria Entertainment and Senbla, by special arrangement with Samuel French, present
George A. Romero’s
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD™ LIVE!
Written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyer and Trevor Martin
Created by Christopher Harrison and Phil Pattison 
Directed by Benji Sperring
Designed by Diego Pitarch
Lighting Design by Nic Farman
Soundscape Design by Samuel West
Casting by Jane Deitch

Pleasance, London
Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF

First Performance: 9 April 2019
Final Performance: 19 May 2019
Performances: Tuesday to Saturday 7.30pm, matinees Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm and Sunday, 5pm.

Box Office details 
Website: www.LivingDeadLondon.com
Tel: 020 7609 1800
Prices from £15

Twitter: @LivingDeadLDN
Facebook: @LivingDeadLondon
Instagram: @LivingDeadLDN
#LivingDeadLondon

NEW CAST BEGIN REHEARSALS FOR WEST END PRODUCTION OF

HARRY   POTTER   AND   THE   CURSED   CHILD

PARTS ONE AND TWO

WWW.HARRYPOTTERTHEPLAY.COM

Rehearsals began this week for the fourth West End cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child who will start performances at the Palace Theatre in London on 22 May 2019 following the final performance from the current cast on 19 May 2019

Joining the company are Michelle Gayle as Hermione Granger, Rayxia Ojo as her daughter Rose Granger-Weasley and Dominic Short as Albus Potter.  Continuing company members include Jamie Ballard as Harry Potter, Susie Trayling as Ginny Potter, Thomas Aldridge as Ron Weasley, James Howard as Draco Malfoy and Jonathan Case as his son Scorpius Malfoy. 

They are joined by cast members Lola Adaja, David Annen, Valerie Antwi, Emma Bown,Adrian Christopher, Craig Connolly, Robert Curtis, Tim Dewberry, Rachelle Diedericks,Blythe Duff, Antony Eden, Jim Fish, Thomas Gilbey, Elliot Grihault, Rosie Hilal, Joseph Horsford, Mia Hudson, William Lawlor, Susan Lawson-Reynolds, Ronnie Lee, Ryan J Mackay, Lucy Mangan, David Mara, Barry McCarthy, Marcus McKinlay, Kathryn Meisle,Gordon Millar, Duncan Shelton, Molly Shenker, Luke Sumner,  Mark Theodore,  Emma-May Uden, Madeleine Walker and Maddy Yates who complete the 42-strong company playing a variety of characters, including seven children who will alternate two roles. 

New tickets for the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will next be released on 2 April 2019 for performances at the Palace Theatre until 19 January 2020.  Tickets are priced from £15 per part, and for every performance there are over 300 tickets at £20 or less per part. 

The most awarded new play in theatre history, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has won 24 major theatre awards in the UK and is the most awarded play in the history of the Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking nine awards including Best New Play.  The production has also won 25 major US awards with six Tony Awards including Best Play.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, one play presented in two parts, is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage.  The critically acclaimed production received its world premiere in July 2016 at the Palace Theatre in London.  It is also now playing at the Lyric Theatre on Broadway and at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in Australia.  A further North American production will open at San Francisco’s Curran in autumn 2019 and, in spring 2020, a German language version of the play – marking its first non-English language production – will open at the Mehr! Theater am Großmarkt in Hamburg, Germany.

Details of all productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child can be found atHarryPotterthePlay.com

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a new play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany with movement bySteven Hoggett, set by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, music & arrangements by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, illusions & magic by Jamie Harrison,music supervision & arrangements by Martin Lowe, and casting by Julia Horan CDG.

The Music of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, an album of music from the internationally acclaimed stage production, is now available in stores as well as digitally, released by Sony Music Masterworks. The Music of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is written, composed, performed and recorded by Grammy and Ivor Novello Award-winner Imogen Heap. It is presented as four contemporary musical suites, each showcasing one of the play’s theatrical acts.  This unique new album format from Imogen Heap chronologically features the music heard in the stage production, further reworked to transport listeners on a sonic journey through the world of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.  For more information, visit HarryPotterthePlay.com/uk/music/.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions.

The regular performance schedule is as follows – Monday – no performance, Tuesday – no performance, Wednesday – 2pm Part One & 7.30pm Part Two, Thursday – 7.30pm Part One, Friday – 7.30pm Part Two, Saturday – 2pm Part One & 7.30pm Part Two, Sunday – 1pm Part One & 6.30pm Part Two. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has partnered with TodayTix for The Friday Forty,the production’s Lottery for Patrons to apply for some of the very best seats in the theatre priced at £40 (£20 per part) which will secure a seat for both Part One and Part Two on consecutive performances.  Patrons can enter any time from 12.01am every Monday, through to 1pm that Friday, when entries will close. Winners will be notified between 1pm and 5pm that day, and have the opportunity to purchase up to two tickets for both Part One and Part Two on consecutive performances the following week.  For further details and to enter The FridayForty, visit the official website HarryPotterthePlay.com/uk/the-friday-forty/ or download the TodayTix app foriOS orAndroid. The Friday Forty is operated by TodayTix. 

Returned and other late-release tickets may also become available at short notice. Any tickets that do become available will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis, online or in person at the Palace Theatre Box Office.

Details of any other ticket releases will continue to be listed on the official Harry Potter and the Cursed Child website, social media channels and the official newsletter.   

Kathryn Meisle is appearing with the support of UK Equity, incorporating the Variety Artistes’ Federation, pursuant to an exchange program between American Equity and UK Equity.

Box Office – 0330 333 4813

HarryPotterthePlay.com                          

@HPPlayLDN

Facebook.com/HPPlayLDN

instagram.com/hpplayldn

Pottermore.com

LEGENDARY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA

COMES TO CHESTER IN SEPTEMBER

★★★★★

“Fresh, subversive, essential”

Daily Telegraph

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Iconic musical Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show is coming to Storyhouse in Chester this Autumn – and tickets are on sale now.

Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, The Rocky Horror Show has become the world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical, having been performed worldwide for 45 years in more than 30 countries and translated into over 20 languages.

This critically acclaimed stunning new production is now back by public demand and will tour the UK until November 2019.

The Rocky Horror Show comes to Storyhouse from Monday 16 September to Saturday 21 September 2019 for eight performances only, including early evening shows on Friday and Saturday at 5.30pm.

Cast playing the roles of The Narrator, Frank, Janet and Brad at Storyhouse will be announced shortly.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all of the famous musical numbers which have made The Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for over four decades, including Sweet Transvestite, Science Fiction/Double Feature, Dammit Janet and, of course, the timeless floor-filler The Time-Warp.

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank ‘n’ Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity – bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits.

The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science fiction, horror, comedy and music, while encouraging audience participation – which means audience members getting dressed in the most outrageous fancy dress.

The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs.  It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre (1973-79) and the Comedy Theatre in the West End (1979-80).

In 1975 it was transformed into a film called The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This film adaptation took over $135 million and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history.

Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan, and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past 45 years.

In 2015, as part of a sold-out season at London’s Playhouse Theatre, a special star-studded gala charity performance in aid of Amnesty International was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. The live screening featured a host of celebrities playing The Narrator, including Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Emma Bunton, Ade Edmondson, Anthony Head and Richard O’Brien – it smashed box office records and was the biggest grossing film in cinemas across the UK. The performance was subsequently screened on the Sky Arts channel.

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!

Tickets for The Rocky Horror Show are priced between £15.50 and £46.50. 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.

The online version of the Storyhouse spring season 2019 brochure can be viewed by visitinghttps://issuu.com/storyhouselive/docs/storyhouse_spring_19

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY ABOUT THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

‘Panto for grown-ups – colourful, in your face,

relentlessly energetic and high on audience participation’

The Times

‘Hard to think of another musical quite as unique as this. Christopher Luscombe’s affectionate production feels like a genuine blast from the past’

Mail on Sunday

‘As delightfully naughty as ever!’

Daily Telegraph

‘So fast, so funny, so sexy’

Daily Mail

‘Still the sexiest and funniest show in town’

Evening Standard

Website:         www.rockyhorror.co.uk

Twitter:           @rockyhorroruk

Facebook:       /rockyhorrorshow

LISTING INFORMATION

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Monday 16 September 2019 – Saturday 21 September 2019

STORYHOUSE

Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

Monday 16 September 2019 at 8pm

Tuesday 17 September 2019 at 8pm

Wednesday 18 September 2019 at 8pm

Thursday 19 September 2019 at 8pm

Friday 20 September 2019 at 5.30pm

Friday 20 September 2019 at 8.30pm

Saturday 21 September 2019 at 5.30pm

Saturday 21 September 2019 at 8.30pm

Duration: 2 hours including interval

Suitable for aged 14 upwards

Tickets: £15.50 – £46.50 (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

Website:         www.storyhouse.com

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/storyhouselive/

Twitter:           @StoryhouseLive

Kinky Boots struts into Birmingham Bullring
and Grand Central

Donned, with knee-high boots, rhinestones and plenty of sparkle, cast members of the smash-hit musical Kinky Boots left shoppers in Birmingham’s Bullring and Grand Central head-over-heels as they brought the windows of Irregular Choice to glittering life.

Posing as living mannequins, the ‘Angels’ surprised passers-by as the shop windows burst to life with a rainbow of colour thanks to some of the spectacular boots, shoes and costumes featured in the award-winning production.

Currently playing at Birmingham Hippodrome until 23 March, Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, a young man struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the shoe factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola – a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

Kinky Boots was nominated for 7 Olivier Awards during its West End run and won the award for ‘Best New Musical’. The production has now won every major Best Musical award across the globe and was seen by over 1.4 million people during its time in London alone.

Kinky Boots runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sat 23 March. To book tickets visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).

NOTTINGHAM BASED THEATRE COMPANY NONSUCH ANNOUNCE NEW PERFORMANCE SPACE 

Nottingham based theatre company and cultural studio, Nonsuch, today announce their brand new creative studio venue, set to open this Spring. Nonsuch Studios will be an expansion of the company’s existing rehearsal and event space offer, currently based on Clarendon Street, where they’ve been located since 2015. The heart of the space will be the new 110 seater studio theatre and performance space, the only independent space of its kind in Nottingham. 

Nonsuch Studios is set to cover 9000 square feet, increasing studio and rehearsal rooms to 5 individual spaces. The space will also include a cafe/bar, and will provide office and creative co-working space for artists, producers and creatives alike. The new studios will be located at a former signage distribution centre at 92 Lower Parliament Street at the bottom of Hockley, in the city centre and the heart of Nottingham’s Creative Quarter.

In this new performance space, an exciting programme will bring together the best of theatre, performance, dance, comedy, cabaret, music and film to Nottingham. The venue will also act as a hub venue for local festivals, conferences and events. Top Nottingham artists will be presented alongside national and international artists, as well as work created by Nonsuch themselves.

The new space will also facilitate an ongoing commitment from the company to support work from local and emerging artists. To date Nonsuch have provided over 900-hours of free rehearsal space and consultation to artists through East Midland’s artist development programme ‘In Good Company’, of which Nonsuch themselves were initially a benefactor, and now are partners of the programme supporting the work of the future.  

The new workshop spaces will also house many of Nonsuch’s community projects and programmes, including their youth theatres, community company and creative wellbeing programmes such as ‘Womanuel’ – a programme supporting women with experience of homelessness from Emmanuel House.

In order to undergo the development of the space, Nonsuch Studios has secured £90,000 worth of social investment from the Key Fund, and other key partnerships.

CEO & Artistic Director of Nonsuch Edward Boott said: 

“This is a big step up for theatre and performance in Nottingham and one we are delighted to be taking ahead of our sixth birthday this year. Nonsuch Studios will allow us and the artists we work with to raise our cultural ambitions, and most importantly get even more great art seen by Nottingham’s audiences.”

He adds:

“I set Nonsuch up as a young drama school graduate and would have loved access to a space such as this one. I’m keen that this new space serves as a springboard for untapped talent from across the country, and also attracts high calibre touring shows which may not have been able to visit Nottingham before.” 

Nonsuch Studios will officially open in April, but there will be a number of taster events that will be announced over the coming weeks. Confirmed so far is the award-winning Drip by Boundless Theatre direct from The Bush Theatre in London, Silent Uproar’s A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad), Nottingham-based family theatre company Ditto’s Edinburgh Fringe Underbelly Untapped Award nominated Rocket Girl, Nonsuch Young Performer Training’s production of Start Swimming, and Nonsuch’s show for babies,intotheclouds.

NONSUCH STUDIOS LISTINGS INFORMATION

Studio Address:  Nonsuch Studios,

92 Lower Parliament Street

Nottingham,

NG1 1EH

Box Office Phone Number: 0115 837 1950

Company Website:  www.wearenonsuch.com 

Social Media:  Twitter/Instagram: @WeareNonsuch

Facebook: Wearenonsuch

Bristol Hippodrome – until 16 March 2019

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

4****

Matthew Bourne’s stunning interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic ‘Swan Lake’ hits Bristol Hippodrome this week and is an absolute must see!!

The story, told entirely through the medium of dance and music, depicts a young prince (James Lovell) who is desperately rejected by his mother (Katrina Lyndon) and finds love in The Swan (Will Bozier). The audience are not sure whether the Swan is a figment of the Prince’s imagination or whether he is truly there, but the magic and mystique that brings is part of the appeal.

The entire company were flawless, showing extreme control and precision over every movement during the production. A move as simple as an eyebrow raise, a finger wag or a turned corner of a mouth added to the performance and those small movements were powerful enough to change the tone of the act. Freya Field as The Girlfriend, a highly inappropriate character who finds herself as one with Royalty was an expert at delivering these small movements. Her facial expressions combined with her elegance and grace in dance made for a truly enjoyable and comedic performance. James Lovell and Will Bozier as the Prince and Swan were electric. Their chemistry onstage was phenomenal and showed the expertise of Matthew Bourne’s casting and perfect choreography. Bozier excelled during this production and showed his talents perfectly. He moved with ease, danced with grace and had posture to die for! He encapsulated the audience and took us through the hauntingly beautiful piece step by step, eventually climaxing at the tragic ending. A very talented performer who was unrivalled. Act 2, ‘A City Park’ was outstanding. Every male dancer in the company became a Cygnet and had movements perfectly in sync and were gliding across the stage like the beautiful swans they were portraying.

Les Brotherston and Paule’s Constable’s Set and Lighting designs were amazing. Each small change of light enhanced this already beautiful story and the set was outstanding. Another addition to the stage from Brotherston was the little toy corgi. This mechanical Corgi brought such joy to the audience and it was so pleasing to see this ‘walk’ across the stage-it showed that the little details truly make a big impact. 

If you were near the Hippodrome and need to immerse yourself in a beautiful piece, this is the one for you.

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH AND KNEEHIGH RELEASE NEW SHOW TRAILER AND ANNOUNCE FULL CASTING FOR

DEAD DOG IN A SUITCASE (AND OTHER LOVE SONGS)

Written by Carl Grose

Music and Music Direction by Charles Hazlewood

Directed by Mike Shepherd

A Kneehigh with Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse production.

Lyric Hammersmith

21 May – 15 June 2019

Mayor Goodman has been assassinated. And so has his dog. Contract killer Macheath has just married Pretty Polly Peachum and Mr and Mrs Peachum aren’t happy. Not one bit.

The full cast have been announced for Kneehigh’s trail-blazing and much celebrated Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs). The touring production will open at the Lyric Hammersmith on Thursday 23 May for a 4-week run. The Lyric Hammersmith have also today released a new trailer for the production

The vibrant and violent underbelly of a gritty urban world explodes into glorious theatrical life in this revival of the critically acclaimed and extraordinary musical masterpiece from the ever-inventive Kneehigh.

Written by Carl Grose with original score by Charles Hazelwood and directed by Kneehigh’s Artistic Director and founder Mike Shepherd; Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs) is a radical re-working of John Gay’s scabrous satire, The Beggar’s Opera.  The production returns having enjoyed sold-out houses around the country when it first toured in 2014. 

The versatile ensemble includes Rina Fatania (Mrs Peachum), Georgia Frost (Filch) James Gow(Musician & Mac’s Gang), Angela Hardie (Polly Peachum), Martin Hyder (Les Peachum), Dave Johnzy (Musician and Mac’s Gang), Giles King (Colin Lockit), Patrycja Kujawska / Lucy Rivers(Widow Goodman), Alex Lupo (Musician, Mayor Goodman & Mac’s Gang), Dominic Marsh(Macheath), Beverly Rudd (Lucy Lockitt), and Sarah Wright / Tim Dalling (Punch Puppeteer and Mac’s Gang).

Grose’s savage political comedy propels along with Hazelwood’s pulsing score as the notorious urban assassin Macheath carves a swathe through a criminal world, dodging bullets and breaking hearts as he goes, in this twisted morality tale for our timesbursting with wit, wonder and weirdness.

Taking inspiration from Gay’s original, this bold re-telling shines a contemporary light on people’s capacity for corruption; confronting big business, corrupt institutions, urban myths and pilchards.

The live score plunders the sound of our times; trip hop combines with folk, ska with grime and dubstep to create a gorgeous and powerful musical mix.

CREATIVE TEAM

Written by                                           Carl Grose

Music and Music Direction by             Charles Hazlewood

Directed by                                          Mike Shepherd

Designed by                                        Michael Vale

Lighting Design by                              Malcolm Rippeth

Choreographed by                              Etta Murfitt

Puppet Director                                   Sarah Wright

LET IT BE 2019 UK TOUR

CAST ANNOUNCED

Tour opens in Portsmouth in April, followed by Inverness, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Blackpool, Bath, Bradford and Norwich

Act Two features ‘must see’ reunion that never was, featuring Fab Four’s iconic solo material

The super talented cast of singers and musicians appearing in the 2019 UK tour of Let It Be: A Celebration Of The Music Of The Beatles has been announced.

The smash-hit show returns to stages during Spring 2019 to present the updated show to UK audiences.

The new UK tour starts in Portsmouth on 23 April, before visiting Inverness, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Blackpool, Bath, Bradford and Norwich.

Emanuele Angeletti (Paul McCartney); John Brosnan (George Harrison); and Ben Cullingworth (Ringo Starr) all resume their respective roles from the previous tour. Richard Jordan as John Lennon completes the Fab Four line-up. The band will be joined on stage throughout the tour by musical director Michael Bramwell on keyboards.

Let It Be is a celebration of the iconic music of The Beatles and has already been seen by more than two million people worldwide, including a run in the West End and two UK tours.

The acclaimed theatrical concert has now been updated and features an all-new Let It Be Part IIreunion concert. The new show proved such a hit with audiences and critics alike when it was premiered across the UK last Autumn, that a sell out European Tour followed.

Beatles fans are invited to join John, Paul, George and Ringo for an unforgettable night of live music –with Manny, John, Ben, Richard and Michael playing and singing live.

Emanuele Angeletti (Paul McCartney)

Fondly known as Manny, he was part of the original cast to open Let It Be in London’s West End in 2012. He has played Paul McCartney in various productions for 17 years. After playing guitar right-handed, he then taught himself to play left-handed just like Paul McCartney. Manny is from Civita Castellana, near Rome, and is still based in Italy. He also starred in the lead role of Macca – The Concert in 2017 and 2018.

Favourite Beatles song: The Long And Winding Road

John Brosnan (George Harrison)

John is also part of the original cast who opened Let It Be in the West End (2012) and on New York’s Broadway (2013), which he classes as real highlights. The Irish/Australian is now London based. John has performed Beatles’ music with major symphony orchestras across the world.

Favourite Beatles song: Across The Universe

Ben Cullingworth (Ringo Starr)

A self-confessed Beatles’ fan, Ben previously appeared in Let It Be between 2013 and 2015, before rejoining the show again last year to appear in the updated production. His theatre credits also include The Sessions, Million Dollar Quarter, and 20^th Century Boy. Ben is from Market Harborough, Leicestershire.

Favourite Beatles song: Ticket To Ride

Richard Jordan (John Lennon)

A professional musician, Richard has performed in Beatles bands for 17 years. He is delighted to step into the role of John Lennon. Richard has performed all over the UK, including many times at Liverpool’s Cavern Club. His favourite Beatles era was the early 1960s, the rock ‘n’ roll days. Richard is from Redcar in the North East and has family links to Glasgow.

Favourite Beatles song: Paperback Writer

Michael Bramwell (keyboards)

Michael studied piano at the London College of Music and has performed, recorded and toured internationally as a pianist and keyboard player. He was Associate Musical Director for We Will Rock You in Germany, and also regularly performed in the London production. He has been part of the Let It Be cast since the show opened in 2012. Michael is from South London.

Favourite Beatles song: Something

The Let It Be tour is made possible by West End producer Mark Goucher and Canadian producer Jeff Parry, a huge Beatles’ fan who created the show.

Act One takes audiences through the early days of the band as they embarked on their musical journey and onwards to the heights of global Beatlemania. The first half of the evening features many of their most famous songs including I Want to Hold Your Hand, Day Tripper, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Penny Lane, A Day In The Life, Come Together, Get Back, and The End.

In a twist from the original Let It Be show, Act Two is set a decade after The Beatles went their separate ways. It gives fans a rare glimpse of how the Fab Four could have Come Together once again to perform – and is not to be missed.

Audiences are taken on a memorable and unique step back in time to the reunion concert taking place on 9 October 1980 – it’s John Lennon’s 40^th Birthday. This is the ultimate concert that never was. Just imagine: the band reunites for one night only. The band’s solo material featured includes Starting Over, Band On The Run, Black Bird, Got My Mind Set On You, My Sweet Lord, Live and Let Die, and Imagine.

Let It Be producer Jeff Parry said: “We’re delighted and excited to announce the cast – and we’re already counting down the days to curtain up on the new tour. We’ve received such fantastic feedback since we announced the new dates. Let It Be really touches the hearts of Beatles’ fans, and we’re received a warm and welcoming response to the tour.

“Manny, John, Ben, Richard and Michael are incredible performers and musicians, who really bring the audience into the show, making them feel part of it. We want theatregoers to feel like they’re actually right there, watching the Fab Four. The new Act Two also gives a whole new perspective to the show with the reunion that never was – it’s very special and we believe it’s never been done before. And as a Beatles’ fan from a very young age, I was truly moved – so I know audiences will treasure that feeling too.”

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY ABOUT LET IT BE

‘A masterstroke’

British Theatre Guide

‘A rare glimpse of how the Fab Four could have Come Together once again’

Theatre News UK

“A joy to hear these beloved songs live”

The Mail on Sunday

‘The cast left me in complete awe during the second half of Let It Be’

Lowdown Magazine

Website:         www.LetItBeLive.com

Facebook:       /LetItBeUKTour

Twitter:           @LetItBeUKTour

LET IT BE UK 2019 TOUR

PORTSMOUTH

Kings Theatre

Tuesday 23 April – Saturday 27 April 2019

023 9282 8282

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ON SALE NOW

PRESS NIGHT TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2019

INVERNESS

Eden Court

Monday 29 April – Saturday 4 May 2019

01463 234234

www.eden-court.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

PRESS NIGHT MONDAY 29 APRIL 2019

GLASGOW

SEC Centre

Friday 10 May – Saturday 11 May 2019

0844 395 4000

www.sec.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

PRESS NIGHT FRIDAY 10 MAY 2019

ABERDEEN

His Majesty’s Theatre

Monday 13 May – Saturday 18 May 2019

01224 641122

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

ON SALE NOW

PRESS NIGHT MONDAY 13 MAY 2019

BLACKPOOL

Winter Gardens

Wednesday 22 May – Saturday 25 May 2019

0844 856 1111

www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

PRESS NIGHT WEDNESDAY 22 MAY 2019

BATH

Theatre Royal

Monday 27 May – Saturday 1 June 2019

01225 448844

www.theatreroyal.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

PRESS NIGHT MONDAY 27 MAY 2019

BRADFORD

Alhambra Theatre

Tuesday 4 June – Saturday 8 June 2019

01274 432000

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

PRESS NIGHT TUESDAY 4 JUNE 2019

NORWICH
Theatre Royal

Monday 17 June – Saturday 22 June 2019

01603 630000

www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

PRESS NIGHT MONDAY 17 JUNE 2019