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Adelphi Theatre – booking until 19 October 2019

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

Waitress is an irresistible dish of scrumptious music, bittersweet story and fluffy comedy that fills you with joy. Based on Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 film, the story of an unhappily pregnant waitress stuck in an abusive marriage beginning a relationship with her married gynaecologist doesn’t sound like your average stage musical plot. This shouldn’t work, but Sara Bareilles’ music and lyrics stirred together with Jessie Nelson’s book are the perfect recipe for a show served up perfectly by director Diane Paulus that leaves you laughing and sobbing in equal measure.

The experience begins the moment you walk into the theatre, with the aroma of mouth-watering pies baking wafting about. With columns of pies rotating either side of the stage as well, there were a few rumbling tummies before curtain up. Scott Pask’s slick but homely set design takes the cast from Joe’s Pie Diner to a lonely bus stop with seamless ease. As Jenna concocts her new pies to work through her troubles (her Betrayed By My Eggs Pie on having her pregnancy confirmed is my favourite) the flights of fancy as she dreams up the recipes are handled almost mystically by Choreographer Lorin Latarro, and throughout the show, the simple acts of breaking an egg or whisking the mix are represented beautifully and ritualistically as Jenna’s escape from the realities of her life by conjuring up memories of her mother, for whom baking was also an escape from her husband. Katharine McPhee captures Jenna’s mostly stoic hopelessness in a relatively quiet performance sprinkled with moments of perfect comic timing, until she starts belting out those amazing songs. Her character is the calm centre of the comic and often cartoonish storm around her, as the romantic lives of her friends Dawn (Laura Baldwin at her very best) and Becky (the showstopping Marisha Wallace) are explored to hilarious effect. Whenever Jack McBrayer is on stage as Ogie, Dawn’s online date, his goofy energy and charm is infectious. The men in Jenna’s life are clearly drawn, with Peter Hannah acing Earl’s pathetically needy and controlling nature without any need for explicit onstage violence and Shaun Prendergast’s grumpy Joe bringing a beautifully spiky warmth to the show. David Hunter is an outstanding Dr Pomatter, with enough awkward charm and comic chutzpah to keep his morally dubious decisions under the radar as he and Jenna attempt to hide their relationship from his exasperated nurse (the hysterical Kelly Agbowu).

Sara Bareille’s songs are gloriously catchy and the hook of Sugar, Butter, Flour is almost impossible to get out of your head. This fabulous mix of drab reality, abuse and immorality tempered with hope, dreams and humour that swings from sweet to pure filth all comes together to create one of the best shows on the West End this year. You’ll go back again and again, trust me – one slice won’t be enough.

Bridewell Theatre, London – until 9 March 2019

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

Sedos never cease to amaze with their production values, creating polished shows that you forget are by an amateur company. For NTYK, the theatre is transformed into Sullivan Street Tavern in New York. Mingling at the bar with the regulars until last orders is rung to get the audience into their seats, the ambience is brilliant, and the set design team deserve at least 10 stars for their authentic and detailed realisation of a bar that is instantly recognisable to anyone who watches New York set TV shows. The staging is wonderfully thought out and director Dan Saunders has created a special atmosphere. During the interval, the bar opens again, and the cast stay in character chatting to the audience and setting up a few dramatic events. This is all done fantastically and is arguably the most enjoyable part of the show as the actual musical isn’t that exciting.

It could well be my age, but the plot about a couple in their late twenties breaking up because of their different expectations and then getting back together again because one of them has suddenly realised that growing up means letting go of some dreams and finding a new path through life is all a bit bland. This sort of story has been done so much better. Joshua Salzman and Ryan Cunningham have come up with some fun musical numbers, but nothing that will stay in your head for longer than the walk to the train station. The book is flimsy, and the short running time allows no believable character development, leaving Waverly and Luke’s attitude changes jarring and ridiculously obviously signposted. The cast deserve better.

Laura Ellis (Waverly), Bobbi Mair (Lisa) and Chris Foxwell (Luke) and Luke James Leahy (Darren) are all on top form, doing all they can to make their cliched characters relatable, and showing great vocal skills. The ensemble cast do sterling work in their non-speaking roles during the performance, with lovely visual clowning, and go to town in the interval as they are given the opportunity to flesh out their characters.

A fantastic experience and production with a fine cast let down by the material. It’s a shame the company couldn’t just riff along with the audience for longer – that was the most entertaining part of the show.

Mina Anwar announced as the second Thunder Girl.

‘The Thunder Girls,’ is the debut play by Manchester local Melanie Blake, starring four female actors over the age of 50, and will have its will preview run at The Lowry Tue 24 – Sat 28 September.

On International Women’s Day Mina Anwar is announced as the second of four actors to star in the all-female cast of ‘The Thunder Girls.’ West End Star Mina Anwar is best known for her roles in ‘Everybody’s Talking about Jamie’ and ‘The Thin Blue Line.’ She will star alongside Coronation Street star Beverley Callard, with two more of the all-female cast still to be announced.

‘The Thunder Girls’ is a true celebration of women, with all four of The Thunder Girls female actors over 50, one of the most under-represented demographics in the UK entertainment industry

Mina Anwar takes on the role of Carly, the youngest member of The Thunder Girls and the peace maker of the group. Fiercely loyal and level headed, Carly has always been the beating heart of The Thunder Girls. Now in her 50s, Carly has finally found her voice – but at the band reunion from hell will Carly be the one to bring the group together? Or will the bitter betrayal she faced at the hands of corrupt music industry, force her hand? Carly has always played it nice and paid the price, but now that a second chance is on the table, justice could be sweet.

‘The Thunder Girls’ follows an ‘80s girl group reuniting 30 years after greed, envy and egos tore their friendship and the band apart. The play focuses on what goes on during the night from hell when lead singer Chrissie tries to reunite the band she dumped. Chrissie is desperate to salvage herself from bankruptcy after being conned out of her fortune by her toy boy husband.  But is there a fee which can heal the wounds?  Or maybe some friendships never die, even if you want them to?

They say write about what you know, and as one of the UK’s most powerful music managers, Melanie has lived and breathed The Thunder Girls. Melanie came from nothing but was inspired by Jackie Collins’ books and ‘80s television to believe that she could become whoever she wanted to be.  She started her career at Top of the Pops working with the biggest names in showbiz from Destiny’s Child to The Spice Girls

Mina Anwar said: “I met Melanie Blake, the author of the fabulous Thunder Girls stage play and novel, at a party recently. “Oh wow, Mina! I can’t believe you’re here!” she exclaimed excitedly “I’m just about to send you a play that I wrote with you in mind!

“She continued to tell me the story of The Thunder Girls, a successful girl group from the ‘80s who had split and gone their separate ways and who reunite at a dinner party many years later to discuss the chance for a sensational comeback – and, oh my word, what a dinner party it is it is! Full of stories of love, loss and betrayal, power games and passion, friendship and heartbreak. Funny, feisty, moving and intriguing. I couldn’t put it down! I’m so excited to be part of this incredible project.

“I’m thrilled to be the 2nd of The Thunder Girls to be announced and especially today on International Women’s Day. This show is a game changer. It’s written by a woman, about four empowering, authentic, funny and truthful female characters, all over 50, that dare to embrace their middle age and yet never fall victim to clichés or stereotypes. It is such a refreshing change to be sent a script like this. I believe that anyone, men and women alike, will fall in love with these women as I have done. It’s just a cracking good story!”

Angela Squire, Producer, said: On a day which celebrates women, we are thrilled to announce Mina Anwar is joining the cast of The Thunder Girls, a brand new play written by a woman, starring women, produced and directed by women. Let’s celebrate breaking through the glass ceilings.

Melanie Blake said: To be returning to my home city 25 years since I left with my debut play premiering at The Lowry is an honour and a privilege – and proof that dreams really can come true. It’s taken nearly two decades to bring The Thunder Girls play and book to the public and I can’t wait to come home and see the audiences’ reaction to this strong female narrative. It’s time we saw more strong female leads in theatre and my play is about four incredibly powerful and empowered women and I can’t wait to see it staged in Salford.”

Listings Information The Thunder Girls Dates: Tue 24 – Sat 28 September Times: 8pm. Wed & Sat 2pm. Tickets: £20.50 – £28.50 Website

The Studio, Edinburgh – until 9th March 2019

Reviewed by Siobhan Wilson

5*****

The Master of the House runs the local Mill. Currently the workers on strike and the Master is away negotiating with the Unions. The play is set in the kitchen of the manor. The 3 cast members play the Master’s daughter, the kitchen maid & the Master’s aid.

The story is of a scandalous love triangle. With emphasis on the forbidden love between the Master’s daughter and the Master’s favoured aid. This act is based on the book written by August Strindberg in the 1800’s. This adaptation by Zinnie Harris is based in Scotland in the 1920’s.

Lorn MacDonald as John left you feeling flabbergasted with his intensity and how easy he could convert between the two contrasting internal characters of this familiar role. In some of the raunchier scenes, you were left feeling like you should advert your eyes whilst simultaneously not being able to look away as the bubbling chemistry between Lorn and Hiftu Quasem as Miss Julie was palpable. Helen Mackay as Christina, her face is extremely expressive which is highly effective in portraying all the feelings that the jilted fiancé goes through whist maintaining her dignity.

The simple set design of the range, Belfast sink, a table with chairs left the floor open for the actors to take the centre stage whilst impeccably depicting the era in which the scene is set. The minimal yet effective score in line with the lighting techniques, only emphasised the crews acting ability.

I would highly recommend that you go see this play. You will not be disappointed.

SHIRLEY BALLAS TO STAR IN HIPPODROME’S JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Shirley Ballas will be swapping the Strictly dancefloor for the Hippodrome stage later this year to star in the theatre’s annual pantomime.

Darlington Hippodrome are delighted to announce Shirley Ballas will star in the festive family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk as Mother Nature, helping Jack outwit the evil giant and win fame, fortune and the hand of the girl he loves.

Having danced since the age of seven, Shirley has taken the dancing world by storm. She is 3 time ‘British Open to the World’ Latin American Champion, 10-time US Latin American Champion, and multiple-times British National Champion. By 21, Shirley had won nearly every major title she competed in worldwide. She is the only person to have ever won the ‘British Open to the World’ Latin American Championships in Blackpool with two different partners and reached the finals an impressive 17 times. Shirley still remains the youngest ever female to reach the ‘British Open to the World’ Dance Championship finals.

Since hanging up her competition heels twenty years ago, Shirley has gone on to forge a hugely successful career as one of the top Ballroom and Latin teachers and adjudicators in the world. She brings her immense expertise and experience to the judging panel of BBC’s primetime show Strictly Come Dancing, where she has been Head Judge since 2017. In addition to her role on Strictly, Shirley has been seen giving masterclasses and commentating on the American series Dancing with the Stars, is a frequent panellist on Loose Women, was the subject of BBC1’s Who Do You Think You Are?, joined ITV’s This Morning team presenting the feature Matchmaker Mountain, and climbed Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief’s Return to Kili. Last year Shirley made her pantomime debut for producers Qdos Entertainment in Liverpool, winning acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

Jack and the Beanstalk will be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and the team behind Darlington’s annual pantomime, who guarantee another must-see production packed with audience participation, sensational music and dancing, jaw-dropping special effects and fantastic festive entertainment suitable for all ages.

Jake Hine, Executive Producer for Qdos Entertainment, said: “I’m thrilled that we have managed to tempt Shirley out from behind the Strictly judging desk to show Darlington audiences just why she’s considered one of the world’s finest dancers. After her debut in pantomime for us last year I know Hippodrome audiences will enjoy yet another fantastic show this festive season.”

Darlington Hippodrome Director Lynda Winstanley said: “Strictly Come Dancing is one of the most popular programmes on television so who better to star in Darlington’s best pantomime than head judge Shirley Ballas. I’m sure Darlington audiences will be as excited as we are to see Shirley tripping the light fantastic on the Hippodrome stage.”

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Friday 6 December 2019 to Sunday 5 January 2020. For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.

York Theatre Royal – until 16 March 2019

Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

4****

Wise Children, a novel by Angela Carter, follows the life’s of two showgirl twins Nora and Dora. An exiting journey into entertainment, family and all the bits in between. Directed by Emma Rice, we are given a performance with gender and race blind casting. Something that lends itself to the beauty of of the piece. A tale of twins from twins, two brother who couldn’t be more different and two sisters who dress and act very similar.

Gareth Snook plays the older version on Dora, on stage for most of the play with the sister Nora played by Etta Murfitt. The two take us down memory lane telling stories of their childhood and singing along the way. The story telling aspect of the play suits the aesthetic. Both Snook and Murfitt do a great job of working with each other to make a believable bond and characters that are entertaining. The highlight of the acting in the show was from both show girls Nora and Dora played by Omari Douglas and Melissa James, this is where we are given raunch and funny interaction between the twins. Douglas plays an adventurous Nora who is entertaining along side Dora who seems the more calmer of the two. The whole cast just jumps between playing characters at different points in their characters life, each actor does a great job of creating a character that fits in place and gives the show a vaudeville vibe from showgirls to catchy songs.

The set really appeals to me, there is no hiding the fact that they are on a stage, everything seems out in the open. However the centrepiece is this caravan on stage that is used throughout the play with cleaver hidden set changes behind the caravan. There is no denying that the set is visually appealing, something that follows with the costumes on stage, with the razzle and dazzle mirrored in the music and energy throughout the play.

I loved this show, the first act was much more entertaining, however the second act touches upon issues that aren’t always obvious in the first act. This tale of two daughters wanting to be recognised by their father is a true journey through the ages with styles in costumes and music. It asks the question on what is more important, family or fame. We see characters fail and we see characters rise but who are the happy ones.

21st century technology to bring Shakespeare’s 16th century drama Much Ado About Nothing to life

21st century technology is bringing Shakespeare’s 16th century drama to life in an exciting new project launched by Halifax based Northern Broadsides and its partners.
 
A brand new mobile app provides background information, learning resources and even drama exercises based on Shakespeare’s language and stagecraft. The app runs alongside the current touring co-production of Much Ado About Nothing by Northern Broadsides and New Vic Theatre.

By scanning a map of Messina, where the action is based, students, audiences and lovers of the Bard can “lean in and listen” to the play’s back stories, immersing themselves in an interactive, augmented reality tour of key locations from the play.

As they move around the city through the screen of their mobile device, they can watch videos and listen to music, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of the production, which is set in the 1940s after World War II.

The app, which is available at the App Store (Apple) and Google Play (Android), and augmented reality content are the result of a collaboration between Northern Broadsides, Filament Projects, Stute Theatre and augmented reality specialists ooh-AR.

Further to the new app, actress Sophia Hatfield, who is playing Margaret and a member of the Watch in the show, has written A Muddle In Messina, a new storytelling piece aimed at school children aged 4 – 11, which will play in libraries alongside the tour. The interactive map and performance work in tandem to create a world of music, language and so much more.

Everyone who attends A Muddle In Messina will receive a printed map so they can enjoy the Augmented Reality content on their very own devices.

A pdf of the map is also available at www.northern-broadsides.co.uk/education/. Download the Much Ado About Nothing AR app, print out the map and put it flat in front of you before scanning it.

Northern Broadsides Artistic Director Conrad Nelson said

This Spring we tour our critically acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s, Much Ado about Nothing. It’s been my desire to explore the effective marriage between digital content and the live theatre experience and I am delighted to be working with Filament Projects, Stute Theatre and Ooh-AR in launching our first interactive, augmented reality app. This will run in conjunction with the excellent Northern Broadsides on-line education pack written by award winning playwright, Deborah McAndrew and a new live show, Muddle in Messina, written by Sophia Hatfield. This production for 4-11 year olds will tour to libraries across the UK. It is an ambitious project that has received support from ACE and generous donations from trusts and individuals for which, many thanks.

The Northern Broadsides and New Vic Theatre co-production of Much Ado About Nothing will be touring nationally until May 25. For further information visit www.northern-broadsides.co.uk

The projects are supported by the Arts Council England and the Community Foundation for Calderdale.

BRADFORD THEATRES ANNOUNCE
SUMMER 2019 SEASON

Bradford Theatres are delighted to reveal a Summer season jam packed with new musicals, returning favourites, world-class dance, family shows and top names in comedy and entertainment.

The Alhambra Theatre welcomes brand new musicals Little Miss Sunshine and Amélie The Musical, the explosive rock musical American Idiot and the Yorkshire exclusive of the “stirring and stunning blockbuster” (Irish Mail on Sunday) Les Misérables.

St George’s Hall re-opened in February 2019 following major refurbishment and hosts a packed summer season including a Gala Celebration weekend in June. The weekend includes A Night of Variety headlined by multi-award-winning recording artist and musical theatre actress Beverley Knight and The People’s Music Hall event, which will celebrate Bradford’s unique home grown talent in a wonderful evening of music, dance and song.

There’s an exhilarating selection of comedy, music and other events at King’s Hall, Ilkley, including My Leonard Cohen with Stewart D’Arrietta and his band and comedian Tom Stade; plus there’s even more comedy to enjoy at The Studio in Bradford from Jerry Sadowitz and Adam Riches.

Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:“We hope you can join us for our forthcoming summer season. With an array of exciting shows taking place at all four of our venues, there’s something for everyone.

At the Alhambra Theatre Les Misérables will take up residency in July for five weeks – the only Yorkshire dates on the tour. We welcome back Matthew Bourne with his dance production of Romeo & Juliet and there’s drama with Willy Russell’s Educating Rita. Other personalities and performers at St George’s Hall and King’s Hall in Ilkley include Kate Rusby, PJ Proby, Reginald D Hunter, Billy Pearce, Danny Baker and James Acaster.

St George’s Hall has now reopened to the public, after extensive and transformational refurbishment.The restoration is truly first rate and it really does bring the facilities right up to date. We are so looking forward to the range of shows that are coming to the venue throughout the year, including our Gala re-opening weekend on 1 & 2 June.”

Still Booking
Wet Wet Wet (Graeme Clark, Tommy Cunningham, Neil Mitchell and Kevin Simm) – Sunday 28 April 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Ghost – Tuesday 30 April – Saturday 4 May – Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thur 2 May 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 3 May 7.30pm. Audio Described: Sat 4 May 2.30pm
The movie Ghost has proven to be one of cinema’s biggest all-time hits. Starring the late Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg it was the highest grossing film of 1990 and won an Oscar for screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin who has adapted his screenplay for this musical. The movie and the musical feature The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody alongside many more terrific songs co-written by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart.

May
Menopause The Musical – Wednesday 1 – Friday 3 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
An Evening with Julian Norton – Thursday 2 May 7.30pm, The Studio
Barry Steele and Friends The Roy Orbison Story – Friday 3 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley
Wannabe – The Spice Girls Show – Saturday 4 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Wannabe is a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the World’s biggest girl band, the Spice Girls. Wannabe is a touring musical celebration featuring the hits of the Spice Girls! This is not part of the Spice Girls tour.

Educating Rita – Monday 6 – Saturday 11 May, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Fri 10 May 7.30pm Audio Described: Sat 11 May 2.30pm
Written by one of our greatest ever playwrights Willy Russell and starring one of our best loved actors Stephen Tompkinson as Frank and introducing Jessica Johnson as Rita.

Whitney Queen of the Night – Friday 10 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Chris Norman – Saturday 11 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Famed for fronting huge 70s hit band Smokie, Chris Norman returns to Bradford to perform all his hits and some great new tracks.

Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors & Awful Egyptians – Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 May, Alhambra Theatre
Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!

One Night of Queen – Performed by Gary Mullen and The Works – Saturday 18 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Tom Stade: I Swear To… Saturday 18 May 8pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley
The West End Bhangra Musical – Sunday 19 May 7pm, St George’s Hall

Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet – Wednesday 22 – Saturday 25 May
A passionate and contemporary re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic love story. Bursting with youth, vitality and Matthew Bourne’s trademark storytelling, Yorkshire’s brightest young dance talent join the New Adventures company.

Kate Rusby – Thursday 23 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Russian Philharmonic (of Novosibirsk) – Friday 24 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Part of the 151st International Orchestral Concert Season
Reginald D Hunter – Facing the Beast – Saturday 25 May 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 18+
Danny Baker – Good Time Charlie’s Back – Tuesday 28 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 14+
PJ Proby – The Farewell Tour with special guests Sounds of The Fortunes and The Revolvers – Thursday 30 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley
The King is Back – Ben Portsmouth is Elvis – Friday 31 May 8pm, St George’s Hall
Jerry Sadowitz – Make Comedy GRATE Again! Friday 31 May 7.30pm, The Studio. Adult content – age recommendation 18+

June
Gala Reopening Celebration Weekend:
Tickets on sale to Bradford Theatres Friends: Mon 11 March and to General Public Mon 18 March
A Night of Variety with Beverley Knight, Sarah Millican, Collabro & Escala – Saturday 1 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 16+
The People’s Music Hall – Sunday 2 June 6pm, St George’s Hall
Featuring some of Bradford’s best local groups and performers, this event will showcase the city’s unique home grown talent in a wonderful evening of music, dance and song.

Let It Be – Monday 3 – Saturday 8 June, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thur 6 June 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 7 June 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 8 June 2.30pm
Come Together and experience the iconic music of The Beatles with Let It Be, the spectacular concert jampacked with over 40 of The Beatles’ greatest hits! Direct from the West End, this international hit show celebrates the legacy of the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band.

Adam Riches – The Adam Riches Experience – Friday 7 June 8pm, The Studio. Age recommendation 16+
My Leonard Cohen with Stewart D’Arrietta and his band – Saturday 8 June 7.30pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley

Green Day’s American Idiot – Monday 10 – Saturday 15 June, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thur 13 June 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 14 June 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 15 June 2.30pm
Green Day’s explosive rock musical, American Idiot returns the UK to mark the show’s 10th anniversary and the 15th anniversary of the Grammy Award-winning original album. Starring singer-songwriter Luke Friend (X-Factor), Tom Milner (The Voice, Waterloo Road) and introducing Sam Lavery as Whatsername.
Contains strong language and drug references – not suitable for under 14s.

Ashley Blaker & Imran Yusuf Prophet Sharing – Wednesday 12 June 7.30pm, The Studio
Two great religions. Two great comedians. The pair is travelling the UK uniting people of every faith and none for an evening of laughter.

Little Miss Sunshine – Monday 17 – Saturday 22 June, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Thur 20 June 7.30pm, Signed: Fri 21 June 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 22 June 2.30pm
The road to happiness is a bumpy ride. Based on the Oscar-winning film, Little Miss Sunshine is a new musical comedy from Tony Award-winners James Lapine and William Finn. The Hoover family has more than a few troubles, but young Olive has her heart set on winning the Little Miss Sunshine beauty contest.
Age recommendation 14+

The New Jersey Boys – Thursday 20 June 7.30pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley
Luther – A Celebration – Thursday 20 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
With international Luther Vandross tribute Harry Cambridge and his ten-piece band
The Chef Show – Friday 21 June 7.30pm, The Studio
Part comedy-play, part cookery demonstration, The Chef Show takes you behind the scenes on a busy Saturday night in the local curry house.

An Evening of Adult Comedy with Billy Pearce – Friday 21 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 18+
Grimethorpe Colliery Band – Saturday 22 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Michael Palin Live on Stage 2019 – Erebus, Python and Other Stories – Thursday 27 June 7.30pm, Alhambra Theatre
In the Night Garden Live – Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June, Alhambra Theatre
Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their brand new live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day!

July
Forever in Blue Jeans – Thursday 4 July 7.30pm, King’s Hall, Ilkley
Here Come The Boys – Tuesday 9 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
The show that everyone has been waiting for! Starring three of the biggest rock stars of dance, Aljaž Škorjanec, Giovanni Pernice and Gorka Marquez.
Bowie Experience – Thursday 11 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Amélie The Musical – Monday 1 – Saturday 6 July, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thur 4 July 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 5 July 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 6 July 2.30pm
Amélie is a new musical based on the much loved five time Oscar®-nominated film. Come and be inspired by this imaginative dreamer who finds her voice, discovers the power of connection and sees possibilities around every corner. Age recommendation 12+

Les Misérables – Tuesday 9 July – Saturday 10 August, Alhambra Theatre
Captioned: Wed 17 July 7.30pm, Audio Described: Wed 24 July 2pm, Signed: Thur 1 August 7.30pm
This brilliant new staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed ‘Les Mis for the 21st Century’. With scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, One Day More, Master Of The House and many more.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story 50th Anniversary Tour – Tuesday 16 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
James Acaster -Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 – Thursday 25 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall & Monday 29 July, King’s Hall, Ilkley – BOTH SELLING FAST!
ZOG by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler – Friday 26 – Saturday 27 July, St George’s Hall

To book for all of these shows please contact the Box Office on 01274 432000
or visit our website: bradford-theatres.co.uk
Booking fees apply:
Phone/Counter – £1 per ticket plus postage charge where applicable.
Online – £1.50 per ticket plus £1 per transaction for postage.

Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until 10th March 2019.

Reviewed by Leanne Caplis

4****

Emma Reeves has worked her magic on the adaption of Jill Murphy’s Worst Witch to take it on a tour of the UK. Starting at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield on the 29th January it will run all the way through to the 1st June where it will finish at the Playhouse in Liverpool.

Mildred Hubble (Danielle Bird) who is not from a witching family finds herself at Miss Cackle’s (Polly Lister) Academy for Witches. Will she ever be able to learn to make a laughter potion? Can she master the flying of a broomstick with her beloved cat Tabby? Will the snobby with Ethel Hallow (Rosie Abraham) ever accept Mildred as a real witch?

It was nice to see the cast interacting with the audience prior to the show starting. The children, some who had dressed as little Witch’s themselves, loved getting their selfies with the stars of the show. There was a real buzz in the air right from the start.

Both the music and the voices of the whole cast throughout the production were top class. Especially clever was how the band was made up with characters from the story; Miss Drill (Megan Leigh Mason), Miss Bat (Molly-Grace Cutler) and Fenella (Meg Forgan).

Lots of cackles from the audience, both big and small, throughout the show. For me the cats were hilarious as were some of the movements of Miss Cackle. One of my favourite parts of the show was Polly Lister playing both Miss Cackle and her wicked witch sister Agatha in unison. The way Polly seamlessly moved between the two characters during one of her songs had me in stitches and was great to watch.

I thought the magic in the second half of the show better than the first although I’m sure the young audience members enjoyed it all. I’m still left wondering how Agatha became Miss Cackle without me noticing…real Witch magic right in front of your eyes does happen!

Rosie Abraham who played Ethel Hallow was the stand out character for me. She played the snobby Witch, with excellent facial expressions and nose in the air attitude, extremely well. Mildred was great and, although an adult, she managed to pull off being a child without difficulty. I’d have liked to have seen more of Enid (Consuela Rolle) who has a great singing voice, a real stage presence but unfortunately not enough lines.

The audience participation in the second half had the younger audience bouncing in their seats with excitement. The excellence of this play could be observed as the children were able to sit for over two hours without getting restless.

The staging was good with some excellent props with the magic mirror leaving me believing magic really could be real! I did think it a shame to see members of the backstage crew occasionally and this could quite easily be rectified for future shows by having the cast move the props. I’m sure, however, that most did not even notice. Be aware there are occasional loud bangs and flashing lights.

This is a superb show and a worthy watch. It will have adults cackling in delight and children wanting to join Miss Cackle’s Academy for sure!

CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Photo Credit: Women of Waitress on stage at the Adelphi Theatre, featuring creative team members Sara Bareilles (Music and Lyrics), Jessie Nelson (Book), Diane Paulus (Director); cast members Laura Baldwin (Dawn), Katharine McPhee (Jenna), Marisha Wallace (Becky) and ensemble members Kelly Agbowu, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Olivia Moore, Sarah O’Connor, Leanne Pinder, Charlotte Riby; LW Theatre’s Rebecca Kane Burton (Chief Executive Officer) and Jules Arnott (Chief Commercial Officer).

• Ahead of tonight’s official opening and International Women’s Day tomorrow an image celebrating the women of waitress has been released.
• Now booking to 19 October due to popular demand ahead of the show’s London premiere on 7 March at London’s Adelphi Theatre

To celebrate International Women’s Day tomorrow, an image of the women of Waitress has been released featuring the cast, creatives, front-of-house staff as well as the production, theatre management, marketing and PR teams.

The Tony-nominated musical by Sara Bareilles has also recently extended its booking period to 19 October at the Adelphi Theatre.

Based on the 2007 motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly, Waitress is the first Broadway and West End musical in history to have four women in the four top creative team spots. The show features original music and lyrics by 7-time Grammy®​ ​nominee Sara Bareilles (“Love Song”, “Brave”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (​I Am Sam​), direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (​Pippin​, ​Finding Neverland​) and choreography by Lorin Latarro. Waitressopened on 24 April 2016 at Broadway’s Brooks Atkinson Theater, is currently touring the US and has also announced it will have its Australian premiere in 2020 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.

Waitress stars Katharine McPhee (Smash) as Jenna, Emmy-nominee Jack McBrayer (30 Rock) as Ogie, Marisha Wallace as Becky, Laura Baldwin as Dawn, Peter Hannah as Earl, David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter and Shaun Prendergast as Old Joe.

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “​The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying run-in with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness.

Waitress also recently held the first of its “Cast Album Karaoke” nights in London, at which theatre lovers who have always dreamt of singing on the West End stage can make their dream a reality. The next karaoke night will be held post-show on Monday 18 March. For the chance to sing one minute of any song from the show – live on stage and accompanied by the show’s musical director Katharine Woolley – interested audience members just need to sign up in the theatre before the performance.

On its Broadway opening, Waitress was nominated for four Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical; two Drama League Award Nominations, including Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical; six Drama Desk Nominations, including Outstanding Musical; and four Tony Award Nominations, including Best Musical.