3 hearts canvas and Izzy Carney today announce that theworld premiere of Jessica Norman’sThis Little Earthwill debut at Arcola Theatre, Studio 2.
This Little Earth is Norman’s debut full-length play and was shortlisted for The Women’s Prize for Playwriting and The Originals Playwriting Award. Imy Wyatt Corner directs the production which opens on 24 October, with previews from 22 October, and runs until 15 November.
Jessica Norman said today, “This Little Earth explores a world where truth has become increasingly elusive. I’m thrilled to be working with Imy Wyatt Corner and the team at 3 hearts canvas to bring this story about love, survival and the dangerous pursuit of truth to life at the Arcola theatre.”
Cast and full creative team will be announced shortly.
3 hearts canvas and Izzy Carney present
THIS LITTLE EARTH
By Jessica Norman
Director: Imy Wyatt Corner
22 October – 15 November
Two Flat Earthers travel to Antarctica to find the edge of the world…
When Honey’s sister dies she is left with a curious yearning for the South Pole and endless questions. Christopher knows to question everything. He believes that the truth is out there, but it’s hidden from us by the people in power. In Antarctica, the most inhospitable place on the planet, where nothing is quite what it seems, their unconventional love story turns into a fever dream.
But will they survive discovering what really lies at the ends of the Earth?
Jessica Norman’s gripping debut play explores the perils of a world where ‘truth’ has been co-opted by powerful liars. Directed by Imy Wyatt Corner, This Little Earth looks at the strange and sometimes dangerous ways we attempt to control the chaotic world around us.
Jessica Norman is a playwright and screenwriter. Her other plays include Wilding (shortlisted for the Papatango Prize and the Women’s Prize for Playwriting), The Stones and Vitriol (Theatre 503 International Award Longlist). She is developing a slate of projects for screen, including an original series with James Norton’s Rabbit Track Pictures. She is an alumnus of Soho Theatre Writers Lab, Hampstead Theatre’s 2022/23 INSPIRE Writers Group, and Oxford Playhouse Playmakers 23/24.
Imy Wyatt Corner directs. This will be her third show at Arcola Theatre, after award-winning productions of Duck and The Last One. She was an Artistic Associate there from 2023/4. Other Directing credits include Fringe First Award Winning show BEASTS, Passing (Park Theatre), The Maladies (Kiln Theatre Youth Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Grove DIY Skatepark) and Happy Yet? (International Theatre, Frankfurt). She has worked as Associate/Assistant Director in the West End, on touring productions and at Kiln Theatre, where she recently finished her year as Mackintosh Resident Assistant Director. She’s also a recipient of the 2025/6 Nicole Kidman Bursary from Michael Grandage Company.
Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® are delighted to announce the full cast and creative team for their 15th anniversary production of one of Shakespeare’s most popular tragedies. The story of a privileged, whiny lad who goes a bit bonkers and does some stabbings, Hamlet will run at Leicester Square Theatre from Thursday 7 August to Sunday 21 September, followed by a UK tour. Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® have toured the world, broken America, established themselves on London’s West End, won numerous awards, and survived a zero-star review in The Times.
15 years ago, Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® set out on the world’s longest bar crawl and have been staggering from theatre to theatre ever since. From Edinburgh to Australia, Boston to Southend, this bunch of irreverent drama queens have been shaking up The Bard, performing to sellout crowds and most importantly, making people roar with laughter ever since. Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® has delighted audiences the world over with their high-brow mix of classical Elizabethan drama and no-holds-barred drunken antics.
Featuring a rotating cast of the finest classically trained actors, the choicest cuts of Shakespearean classics, and more inebriated antics than you can shake a weather beaten bull’s pizzle at! Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® is the unique theatrical experience that has left audiences roaring in the aisles the world over.
With a genuinely inebriated cast member each night, no two shows are ever the same…
Making their Sh!tfaced debuts will be Josh Bryant-Jones (The Importance of Being Earnest with Erasmus Theatre), Aaron Phinehas Peters (Mind Mangler: Member of The Tragic Circle with Mischief Theatre, Retail Is Hell: Webseries, Eastenders), Kate Roche (Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet with Dickens Theatre Company, Bard In The Yard with Will & Co Theatre, The Merchant of Venice at Stafford Gatehouse), Shady Murphy (The Taming of the Shrew with HER Productions, The Heat Shop with Prime Theatre, Fighting Irish at Belgrade Theatre) and returning to the Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® company are Jamie Sandersfield (Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet), John Mitton (Oliver Twist at Cambridge Corn Exchange, A Pissedmas Carol at Leicester Square Theatre), Princess Donnough (The Wedding Speech at SOHO Theatre, House of Shame at White Bear Theatre and Romeo and Juliet with Open Bar Theatre) and Charlie Keable (Cockfosters at The Turbine Theatre and Locomotive for Murder as part of Pinch Punch Improv at Edinburgh Fringe).
This Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® production of Hamlet will be directed by Stacey Norris, produced by James Murfitt and Johanna Rigg for Leicester Square Theatre, dance choreography from Beth-Louise Priestley and fight choreography from Robbie Capaldi, lighting design by Tom Williams, set design by Nicola Jones, costume design by Lorna Jean Costumes, musical arrangement by Emily Stratford marketed by Tom McGregor, with PR from ANRPR.
James Murfitt, Producer said, “From our humble beginnings performing drunk in gardens and festivals to selling out Edinburgh and the West End, across the pond and down under, here’s to another 15 years of more irreverent drunken chaos!”
Following the production’s run in London, the show will tour the UK, visiting Albert Halls, Bolton (1 October), Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield (2 October), Princes Hall, Aldershot (3 October), The Exchange, Twickenham (4 October), Lichfield Garrick (7 October), The Albany Theatre, Coventry (8 October), Taunton Brewhouse (9 October), Exmouth Pavilion (10 October), The Berry Theatre, Hedge End (11 October), Chelmsford Theatre (16 October), The Haymarket, Basingstoke (17 October), Exeter Corn Exchange (18 October), Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil (19 October), Palace Theatre, Southend (21 October), Corn Exchange, Ipswich (22 October), The Cresset, Peterborough (23 October), The Capitol Horsham (25 October), The Old Market, Brighton (26 October), Komedia Bath (28 October), Kenton Theatre, Henley (29 October), Farnham Maltings (30 October), Shanklin Theatre, Isle Of Wight (31 October), New Theatre Royal Portsmouth (1 November), Tivoli, Wimborne (2 November), Royal & Derngate, Northampton (4 – 5 November), Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle (6 November), Scarborough Spa (7 November), Middleborough Town Hall (8 November), Epic Studios, Norwich (12 November), Norwich Theatre (13 November), Lincoln Arts Centre (14 November), Old Woollen, Leeds (15 November).
AND DIRECTED BY MULTI-TONY AWARD WINNER CASEY NICHOLAW
RUNNING FROM 14 SEPTEMBER – 16 NOVEMBER 2025
The new London musical 50 First Dates is ready for you to meet its cast with Georgia Arron (Mean Girls) as Sharon,Aizaac Aruna (Stardust) as Miles/Ensemble, Zoë Ann Bown(The Sound Of Music) as Miriam, Emily Olive Boyd (Les Misérables) as Fran, Greg Stylianou Burns (The Lightning Thief) as Ensemble, Cole Dunn (Kinky Boots) as Swing, Samuelle Durojaiye (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Swing, Paul Kemble (Hello, Dolly!) as Swing, John Marquez (The Birthday Party) as Marlin Whitmore, Natasha O’Brien (Mamma Mia) as Delilah, Aiesha Naomi Pease (Wicked) as Ukulele Sue, David Pendlebury (The Phantom Of The Opera) as Sid, Martha Pothen (The Frogs) as Cora, Ricky Rojas (Moulin Rouge!) as Marco, Chad Saint Louis (Cry-Baby) as Sandy, Samantha Thomas (Les Misérables) as Swing and Charlie Toland (Sin The Musical) as Doug Whitmore.
They join the previously announced Georgina Castle (Mean Girls) as Lucy Whitmore, an artist with short-term memory loss and Josh St. Clair (Ghost) as Henry Roth, the commitment-phobe who falls in love with her, in the lead roles made famous by Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in the 2004 beloved romantic comedy film of the same name.
Coming to The Other Palace this September, London audiences will get the chance to see this iconic love story brought to life on stage, featuring original songs, with a story that celebrates love, resilience and second chances.
He’s falling for her every day—she’s forgetting him every night. When notorious bachelor Henry meets art teacher Lucy, he thinks he’s finally found “the one”. Until the next morning when she wakes up with no memory of their first date…
Based upon the Columbia Pictures Motion Picture, 50 First Dates, with screenplay by George Wing; 50 First Dates: The Musical has book, music and lyrics by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen (The Other Josh Cohen) and is directed by multi-Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (Hercules,Mean Girls, The Book of Mormon). The production has set and costume design by Fly Davis(Caroline Or Change), lighting design by Aideen Malone (Fiddler on the Roof), video design by George Reeve (Hercules), sound design by Adam Fisher (Sunset Boulevard), hair and makeup design by Cynthia De La Rosa (Barcelona), orchestrations and arrangements by Matthew Jackson(Burlesque) and musical supervision and musical director is Richard Beadle (Hamilton). The casting directoris Natalie Gallacher for Natalie Gallacher and Pippa Ailion Casting. Produced by ATG Productions, Bad Robot Live and Gavin Kalin Productions.
50 First Dates: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming date night…that you’ll never forget.
Hope Mill Theatre are delighted to announce that the special fundraising concertof ACORN ANTIQUES THE MUSICAL will have one night at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, on Sunday 9 November 2025 at 7:30pm. In addition, due to popular demand for the concert on Sunday 2 November 2025, a second performance at Manchester Opera House has been added on Sunday 16 November 2025 at 5pm.
The concert will be directed by Hope Mill’s own Joseph Houston and William Whelton with musical direction and supervision by Nigel Lilley and choreography by Sammy Murray.
Tickets for the new performances will go on-sale from 10am today, Monday 30 June.
Come along to Manchesterford, a place full of quaint, old-fashioned shops such as “Acorn Antiques” run by sisters Miss Babs and Miss Berta. They are assisted by business partner Mr Clifford, elderly tea lady Mrs Overall, and two ‘pitiful adolescents’. But before long their cosy world faces a threat from developers, who want to turn their high street into a collection of coffee bars and sexy underwear shops. As the plot unfolds, Miss Babs and Miss Berta are faced with financial woes and family secrets, including a lost triplet sister. Will the innocent antique dealers fight off the developers and a sinister loan shark? Can they find the missing will of their father? And will Miss Berta ever find true love?
This laugh out loud musical parody will be sure to have you rolling in the aisles and toe tapping along…so grab yourself a macaroon and don’t miss this special one-off performance.
Star cast and further creative team to be announced.
Victoria Wood originally wrote Acorn Antiques as a weekly slot in her sketch show, Victoria Wood As Seen on TV. She based it on the long-running serial Crossroads, and radio soap Waggoners Walk. Taking swipes at soaps with their wobbly sets, overacting, cheesy dialogue and wildly improbable plots. Its premise – the lives and loves of the staff of an antiques shop – lampooned the staples of soap operas: love triangles, amnesiacs, sudden deaths and siblings reunited. In 2005, Victoria Wood created the musical version, with the intention of giving people a “lovely, happy night in the theatre”. It was directed by Trevor Nunn with choreography by Stephen Mear and opened at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket and had a sellout season. Several key members of the original cast joined the stage production including Julie Walters, Celia Imrie and Duncan Preston – with Victoria Wood alternating with Julie Walters in the role of Mrs Overall. The show earned several Olivier Award nominations, including Best New Musical and winning Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for Celia Imrie.
The concert will celebrate 10 years of Hope Mill Theatre, with all box office money going towards their Outreach programme, which includes Hope Mill Theatre School, as well as funding a brand-new community space within Hope Mill.
ACORN ANTIQUES THE MUSICAL is produced by Hope Mill Theatre.
York Theatre Royal, in association with Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House, today announces the full cast and creative team forthe world premiere of Debbie Isitt’s Military Wives – The Musical. Debbie Isitt directs Kayla Carter (Faith), Emma Crossley (Bex), Jessica Daley (Jenny), Ashleigh Gray (Terri), Adrian Hansel(Luke), Sydney Isitt-Ager (Sarah), Joe Kelly (Adam), Bobbie Little (Olive/Paula), Billy Roberts (Dale/Simon/Andy), Caroline Sheen (Susannah), Rachael Wooding (Krissy) and Stewart Wright (Dave the Welfare Officer).
This new musical is inspired by the true story of the Military Wives choir and is based on the hit 2019 film Military Wives. The production opens at York Theatre Royal on 16 September, with previews from 10 September and runs until 27 September.
Joining writer/director Debbie Isitt to complete the creative team are George Dyer (Arranger, Orchestrator and Musical Supervisor), Katie Lias (Designer), Rory Beaton (Lighting Designer), Richard Brooker (Sound Designer), Rebecca Louis (Movement Director) and Marc Frankum (Casting Director).
Debbie Isitt said today: “I’m so excited to get started with this phenomenal cast and creative team to bring Military Wives – The Musical to life. It’s an uplifting and powerful story about friendship, courage, and finding your voice, and I can’t wait for audiences in York to be the first to experience it on stage.”
Paul Crewes, CEO of York Theatre Royal said today: “We are so excited to be investing in the creation of a brand-new British musical right here in York. Audiences can expect a really special show full of songs they will know and love!”
York Theatre Royal
In association with Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House presents
MILITARY WIVES – THE MUSICAL
Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie
Written and directed by Debbie Isitt
10 September – 27 September
This Autumn, join us for the world premiere of a brand-new British musical, based on the 2019 hit movie Military Wives and inspired by a true story.
A joyous celebration of female friendship, courage and ‘unsung’ heroes. Get ready for the inspirational story of the Military Wives choir as they change the world one song at a time.
Written and directed by Bafta award winner Debbie Isitt (Nativity!), this new production is a funny, feel-good story of female empowerment and the perfect harmony of laughter, emotion and fun.
With their husbands and partners away at war, the women are isolated, bored and desperate to find a focus to take their minds off feelings of impending doom. Enter Olive who arrives on the ‘patch’ to help them form a choir and learn to sing. But Olive gets a lot more than she bargains for with this diverse group of women – who through the power of song find themselves facing their fears and making unexpected friendships along the way.
Featuring a fantastic mix of pop, rock and power ballads to make you laugh, cry and sing your hearts out!
Debbie Isitt is a BAFTA and EMMY award winning writer and director of film, television and theatre. Debbie originally trained as an actor and spent her youth touring the world with her internationally renowned theatre company, Snarling Beasties and after a successful run in London’s West End, her play The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband is still performed across the globe. In recent years Debbie has created a hugely successful UK film franchise by writing and directing (in her inimitable improvisational process) a series of blockbuster Christmas films; Nativity! starring Martin Freeman, Nativity 2 starring David Tennant, Nativity 3 starring Martin Clunes and Catherine Tate, and Nativity Rocks! starring Celia Imrie and Craig Revel Horwood, which have all been major box office hits. She also adapted and directed the hit stage show Nativity! The Musical, which will be returning in 2026. Last year, she wrote and directed a major new stage musical I Should Be So Lucky , featuring Kylie Minogue, based on the songs of hit factory composers Stock, Aitken and Waterman which embarked on an extensive UK tour. Her other films include Confetti and Christmas on Mistletoe Farm.
Kayla Carter plays Faith. Her stage credits include Sister Act (Australian Tour), I Should Be So Lucky (UK tour), The Color Purple (Curve Theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome & UK tour), Bedknobs and Broomsticks (UK & Ireland tour), Rent (Hope Mill Theatre), Refresh (Underbelly Festival) and The Limit (Vaults Festival).
Emma Crossley plays Bex. Her stage credits include I Should Be So Lucky, Jersey Boys, Priscilla Queen of the Desert (UK Tour), Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre) and Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre).
Jessica Daley plays Jenny. Her stage credits include I Should Be So Lucky, The Sound of Music (UK tour), The Wizard of Oz (London Palladium), White Christmas, Billy Elliot, Grease, An Officer and a Gentleman (Curve Theatre), Lady Be Good (Teatro Massimo, Sicily), Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre) and Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre).
Ashleigh Gray plays Terri. Her stage credits include Only Fools and Horses – The Musical (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Nativity! The Musical (Hammersmith Apollo, UK tour), Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre, UK & Ireland tour), Cool Rider Live (London Palladium & Duchess Theatre), Company (Aberdeen Arts Centre), The Secret Garden, Grease and Taboo (UK tour), Betwixt! and Vanities (Trafalgar Studios).
Adrian Hansel plays Luke. His stage credits include We Will Rock You (London Coliseum), Guys and Dolls (Sheffield Theatres), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Southwark Playhouse), Five Guys Named Moe (Marble Arch Theatre), The Distance You Have Come (Cockpit Theatre, Apollo Theatre), Carmen Jones (Old Vic), Carousel (National Theatre), Porgy and Bess (Royal Opera House), All You Need Is Love (Queen’s Theatre), Oh! What a Night (Australian Tour), Dancing in the Street (Playhouse Theatre), Hairspray (Shaftesbury Theatre, UK tour). His film credits include Matilda The Musical and Mary Poppins Returns.
Sydney Isitt-Ager plays Sarah. Her stage credits include I Should Be So Lucky (UK tour), Nativity! The Musical (Birmingham Rep). Her film credits include Christmas on Mistletoe Farm, Nativity!, Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger and Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?
Joe Kelly plays Adam. His stage credits include Two Strangers Carry A Cake Across New York (Criterion Theatre), I Should Be So Lucky (UK tour) and Saturday Night Fever (Royal Caribbean).
Bobbie Little plays Olive/Paula. Her stage credits include Standing at the Sky’s Edge (National Theatre, Sheffield Theatres) The Witches (National Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre), Heathers: The Musical (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Kiss Me, Kate (Sheffield Theatres), Rent, Hairspray (UK tour), Carrie (Southwark Playhouse), Malory Towers (Theatre by the Lake) and High Fidelity (Turbine Theatre). Her television credits include The Ex-Wife, The Flatshare, Testament and 40 Acres; and for film, Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, The Grinch Live and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Billy Roberts plays Dale/Simon/Andy. His stage credits include Mrs Doubtfire the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), Maiden Voyage (Southwark Playhouse), I Should Be So Lucky, Titanic the Musical (UK & Ireland tour), Nativity! The Musical (Birmingham Rep, UK tour, Hammersmith Apollo), Rock of Ages, Summer Holiday, Our House (UK tour), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (Kilworth House Theatre) and The Wizard of Oz (Sutton Theatre).
Caroline Sheen plays Susannah. Her stage credits include Plaza Suite, Nine to Five (Savoy Theatre), Camelot, Under Milk Wood, Crazy for You (Watermill Theatre), Kiss Me Kate (Kilworth House Theatre), Only the Brave (Wales Millennium Centre, Soho Theatre), City of Angels, Into the Woods (Donmar Warehouse), Putting it Together (The Other Palace), The Light in the Piazza (Curve Theatre), Once in a Lifetime, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (National Theatre), The Witches of Eastwick (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium), Mamma Mia (Prince Edward), Mary Poppins – Helen Hayes Award (UK/US tour), Les Misérables (Palace Theatre, Queens Theatre), Grease (Cambridge Theatre, Victoria Palace Theatre). Her television credits include Ghosts, Press, The Rook, Pitching In, Silent Witness, The Sister Boniface Mysteries: The Book Of Shadows, The Mallorca Files, The Way; and for film, Mr Burton, Four Kids and It, Nativity Rocks and Les Misérables.
Rachael Wooding plays Krissy. Her stage credits include Standing at the Sky’s Edge (Gillian Lynne Theatre, National Theatre, Sheffield Theatres), Pretty Woman (Piccadilly Theatre), Fat Friends The Musical, Wonderland, Evita (UK tour), Another Night Before Christmas (Bridge House Theatre), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre) and Jersey Boys (Prince Edward Theatre).
Stewart Wright plays Dave the Welfare Officer. His stage credits include TheUpstart Crow (Apollo Theatre), Datenight (Bristol Tobacco Factory), The Memory Of Water (Nottingham Playhouse), Much Ado About Nothing (Rose Theatre), The Railway Children (The Northcott Theatre), World Cup Final 1966, Wild Oats (Bristol Old Vic), Swallows and Amazons (Bristol Old Vic, Vaudeville Theatre, UK tour). His television credits include I Want My Wife Back, Love and Marriage, Marley’s Ghosts, Doc Martin and Small Axe; and for film, Christmas on Mistletoe Farm, Jungle Cry, Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?, Incendiary, A Good Year and Best Man.
MILITARY WIVES THE MUSICAL
LISTINGS
York Theatre Royal
St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD
Tickets are now on sale online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk and at the York Theatre Royal Box Office (01904 623568.)
10 – 27 September 2025
Press night: 16 September at 7:30pm
Wed 10 Sep – 7.30pm
Thu 11 Sep – 7.30pm
Fri 12 Sep – 7.30pm (Post Show Discussion)
Sat 13 Sep – 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Mon 15 Sep – 7.30pm
Wed 17 Sep – 7.30pm
Thu 18 Sep – 2pm & 7.30pm
Fri 19 Sep – 7.30pm (British Sign Language Interpreted)
Actor and singer Edward Harrison sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 questions. Edward is currently playing Tom on tour in The Girl on the Train. Due to appear at Leeds Grand Theatre from 1 July, tickets available here
Let’s start with a few favourites
Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?
Festen
Favourite book?
I am a sucker for anything David Nicholls. Relatable, funny and a lump in the throat
Favourite theatre?
Olivier National Theatre
Favourite song?
Pass!
Favourite music?
Motown
Favourite food?
Anything from the sea
Favourite drink?
Margarita
What is your favourite role?
Gary in Noises Off
What was your first role?
Uncle Henry in The Wizard of Oz
And what role would you really like to play?
Roger Debris in The Producers
If you weren’t a performer what would you be?
A chef in a low pressure but highly successful cafe by the sea
What made you decide to be a performer?
I was told I was alright at it
Do you enjoy touring?
Mostly. Amazing theatres of different sizes and periods, coupled with audiences that change in what they respond to is a wonderful thing
What advice would you give 16 year old you?
Chill out, go with it and call your grandparents
Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing?
No thank you
What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?
Ballet Shoes – genuine joy for 8-80 year olds!
Favourite line from any show?
Tom’s proposal in The Norman Conquests…”Would you like me to marry you?”
If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?
Someone pleasant with a yacht
What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans?
Bespoke lip balm from a Doctor Who fan in the US
Can you tell us what you will be up to next?
I’ve only just boarded this train. Ask me later!The Girl on the Train is on tour around the UK. Tickets can be found here
Last night my partner and I found ourselves marching on together down to Leeds Playhouse to review Chris O’Connor’s play “Through It All Together”, a play storying Marcelo Bielsa’s time at Championship Leeds United through the eyes of a family coming to terms with a difficult new future for them with the dad suffering from early onset dementia. Straight off the bat I have to say that in my opinion this is the most accurate and touching portrayal of dementia that I have seen on stage. As someone who this awful disease has touched on a personal level I found myself at times with tears in my eyes remembering my loved one, both happy tears and not so happy ones. Chris O’Connor’s script has so many perfect little touches that would be truly appreciated by people who have experienced this, from the hobb being left on on the cooker in the night, the notes all around the house and that fear of being seen out while suffering from this disease, this was as true a tale as you are likely to see.
The cast of five were equally as impressive and mighty, taking this very sensitive subject material by the horns and managing to portray a beautiful and wholesome story not asking for sympathy, but full of love. Reece Dinsdale was masterful in the role of “Howard”, a Leeds United season ticket holder coming to terms with his diagnosis. Dinsdale portrayed the emotional rollercoaster perfectly, being full of joy cheering one second and then in an instant in complete floods of tears over what he was losing. The way he performed the memory issues was simply perfect, not feeling in the slightest bit overdone or immaculate. Simply put… perfection. Shobna Gulati was touching as “Sue”, Howard’s loyal wife. Just as Leeds mad as her husband (if not more), Gulati gave a performance that really reminded me of my own grandmother, never once wavering in her love for her husband despite slowly losing the old him. Natalie Davies was strong as “Hazel”, the daughter of Howard and Sue. I thought she handled the subject matter really well, and the scene where she came out to her father was truly touching. Dean Smith and Everal A. Walsh were both hilarious as their multiple characters, from the hosts of the Pale Ayling podcast to the hilarious portrayal of Victor Orta, they really lifted the mood and brought a bit of light into this production. Bravo to all!
The set was simple but spot on, a two tiered set, the lower part being the home of the family and the upper being used for various other scenes. I liked how they used the two tiers to spread the characters out in the stands of Elland Road and a particular favourite part of the set for me was the stained glass window of “saint” Marcelo Bielsa, I cracked up when I spotted this! The costume was effective, nothing extravagant needed for such a true story, although I did spot a mighty impressive kit in the corner flag cafe! The lighting and sound were both spot on, simple and effective.
Overall, I would highly recommend that you pick up this play while you can. The first thing I did when I left the theatre was pick up the phone to my mum and tell her she needed to see this, and I would give the same recommendation to all of you!
Rebecca Frecknall’s Midas touch creates magic in this Eugene O’Neill revival. The stellar cast make even the most overwrought moments of the plot feel vital.
A dilapidated Connecticut farm in the early 1920s is home to Josie Hogan (Ruth Wilson) and her father Phil (David Threlfall). Josie’s brothers have all left, unable to cope with Phil’s drunken domineering ways. The play begins with Josie helping her youngest brother (Peter Corboy) to escape as he gives unsolicited advice on her morals and behaviour as Josie has a bad reputation, which she gladly flaunts. Josie loves their neighbour Jim (Michael Shannon), and he loves her – a fact that Phil is well aware of and uses to his advantage. Jim and Phil drink heavily at the local tavern, and a drunken threat becomes the lynch pin in Phil’s machinations and manipulations as he tries to stop Jim selling their farm to their hated rich neighbour Harder (Akie Kotabe).
The first half of the play establishes the relationship between the three, with Josie and her father arguing, joking and scheming and entertaining Jim by gleefully tormenting Harder when he drops in. The underlying sadness of Josie and Jim is always made clear, and her reaction when Phil tells her that Jim has betrayed them turns to anger as she and her father plot to trap him and ensure that the farm will remain hers.
The second part is much more intense as Josie and Jim spend their night together under the moon and reveal their true selves. Most scenes are fairly static with the couple alternating between holding each other or sitting stiffly at a distance, and this is where Frecknall’s direction and vision create magic.
Designer Tom Scutt’s bare stage suggests the steps to the farmhouse and its interior, with just a chair and Josie’s dressing table inside. Surrounding this area are jumbled stacks of crates, planks and ladders – the barriers the characters have built for themselves and the opportunities for escape they never took. Lighting designer Jack Knowles has two lights travelling on loops above and around the stage, creating ever changing shadows and illuminating the couple’s faces brightly at the most emotionally heightened points. Simply beautiful.
Even with this cast, the torment O’Neill puts the characters through can wear you down, but there is so much humour and passion in this production that sweeps the audience along. Ruth Wilson is mesmerising as Josie – strong and fierce and then heartbreakingly pure and self-sacrificing as she realises what Jim needs and admits the truth about herself. Michael Shannon is devastating as Jim, a shell of a man drinking himself to death from guilt over his mother’s death. Stumbling and slurring but with occasional lyrical and giddy energy showing the spark of the man he used to be. David Threlfall is devilishly funny as the cantankerous and conniving Phil, hilarious even when at his most malevolent. The acts and tricks he pulls to manoeuvre those around him are a delight in Threlfall’s hands – making the betrayals sting even more.
This moving tale of love, freedom and sacrifice is the hottest ticket in town this summer.
The Boy with Wings is a production adapted by Arvind Ethan David from Sir Lenny Henry’s fabulous book. The action-packed, humorous and captivating show is certainly something to interest the children as well as the adults. We’re taken on a journey alongside Tunde (Adiel Boboye) where we’re whisked away by aliens, saving the galaxy and not to mention Tunde sprouting wings and finding out his mum, Ruth (Mia Jerome) has been hiding something important from him…
The set was perfectly incorporated into the play, making the production a lot more immersive while also having the kids in the audience gasping and gawping at the images projected onto the stage. Particularly in the parkour scenes, where Tunde goes out with his friends, Dev (Samir Mahat) and Kylie (Millie Elkins-Green) and we see them do parkour, the video from their digital camera as they do parkour projected on the backdrop of the stage. These scenes were also elevated with the set of the stage incorporating slopes and ladders. Both the props and set played a significant role within the performance, adding to the storyline while simultaneously keeping the children interested in what was happening.
Alongside the set and props, the costumes were truly brilliant, bright and vibrant, adding to the childlike atmosphere of the play. In particular Juba (Jessica Murrain) and Aaven (Stephan Boyce) has spectacular costumes, Juba’s costume playing into her feline features, particularly with the bushy tail and cat ears. Opposingly Aaven acquiring a magnificent set of wings. Contrasting with the average, everyday human- obviously since they’re alien warriors, living on different planets.
All in all, this is the perfect performance to go to for a family day out, it’s colourful and fun, all wrapped up in funny jokes and lines, silliness and much singing and rapping!
Wilton’s Music Hall, London – until 28th June 2025
Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith
3***
On the stage of Wilton’s Music Hall, there is a desk on which sits a plant pot. Out of that plant pot, a plant appears named Potty. He is rather sweet with button eyes and a squeaky lil American voice. Potty lives in the office of his best friend, the vampirically vibed Dr Acula, at Lil Boo Boo’s General Hospital. Originally a short film, Potty the Plant went on to have two popular runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and will be returning there this summer.
It is billed as a dark comedy musical and it is certainly that. Directors and creators Aeddan Sussex, Baden Burns, and Sarah Burns’ show is perfect Fringe material with chaos, larks, and silly songs aplenty. At one hour long, we follow the antics of the employees of Lil Boo Boo’s General Hospital as they try and figure out why kids are disappearing and they have their suspicions. Dr Acula (Ash K-B) has his sights set on the lovely Miss Lacey (Lucy Appleton) thinking her family sitting on a goldmine, but Potty (voiced and puppeted by Baden Burns) loves her and so teams up with the nurses (Stephanie Cubello, Sam Ridley, Joe Winter) to foil Dr Acula’s plans.
The cast all look as they are having the best time and they have fantastic vocal and acting talents. The stage is buzzing with energy and there are some funny moments. Some of the jokes seem a bit tired, like a nurse being ginger and then it turns out he’s not and everyone is relieved, and there are several pedophile jokes. This show didn’t quite land for me at Wilton’s, perhaps the space was too big to fill with what felt like a student production.
Potty the Plant is brimming with imagination, and it will be good to see what the creators of this show do next. This musical may not be for everyone, but there were some big laughs in the audience, so if you like very silly, campy, botany adjacent musical comedies, then this might just be for you.
