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STORYHOUSE, CHESTER – UNTIL SATURDAY 6TH JUNE 2026

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

4****

Attending the press night of Mrs Dalloway at Storyhouse was a captivating and surprisingly immersive experience, especially for someone like me who is not familiar with Virginia Woolf’s original novel. From the moment the audience began to take their seats, it was evident that this would not be a conventional production. Kit Green, tall, poised, and elegantly dressed, mingled among the audience in character, warmly greeting attendees and creating an atmosphere that felt more like an intimate social gathering than a traditional performance.

As the lights remained dimmed, Green stepped onto the stage, introducing herself as Clarissa Dalloway and swiftly immersing the audience in her narrative. The set design, although seemingly straightforward, proved to be highly effective; three large panels, which appeared to be green drapes, were unveiled as screens. In one corner stood a black piano, while the opposite side featured a solitary chair with a book and glasses. This minimalist staging ensured that the emphasis remained squarely on the storytelling and the performances.

This new adaptation features a solo performance that combines live acting with film and visual design. Director Jen Heyes refers to it as “cine-theatre,” a blend of film and live performance. This integration is executed seamlessly on stage, enriching the narrative rather than detracting from it.

The play, inspired by Woolf’s 1925 novel, unfolds over a single day in London during 1923, focusing on Clarissa as she prepares for an evening party while contemplating her past. Her narrative is intertwined with that of a war veteran grappling with the psychological scars of World War One, creating a poignant contrast between external social poise and internal conflict. This duality is portrayed with sensitivity and clarity, making the themes approachable even for those unfamiliar with the original material.

Green’s performance was particularly captivating as she effortlessly balanced charm and vulnerability. She held the audience’s attention throughout, skillfully guiding them through Clarissa’s memories and emotions with subtle shifts in tone and presence. During transitions between narrative threads, Green adeptly maintained the flow by inviting the audience to consent to “plunge into the heart of the moment,” a device that felt both playful and disarming. Each new thread was clearly introduced, ensuring the tone remained light and accessible, while she frequently engaged with the audience. At one point, she even invited four audience members on stage to enjoy a playful round of “What time is it, Virginia Woolf?”, which added an unexpected and memorable layer of interaction.

Overall, Mrs Dalloway at Storyhouse is a thoughtful and innovative adaptation that warmly and intelligently welcomes audiences into its world. This production merits attention and contemplation, leaving viewers uplifted and thoroughly enchanted by its originality and charm.

Hull New Theatre – until 6th June 2026

Reviewed By Dawn Bennett

5*****

Bill Kenwright Ltd presents The Watermill Theatre Production of Barnum the Circus Musical, with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and based on the book by Mark Bramble

Lee Mead was a fabulous P.T. Barnum and truly made the role his own. His voice was excellent, and he delivered each song with real feeling.

Barnum The Musical tells the story of Phineas Taylor Barnum, from his early beginnings in the 1830s through to the 1880s and follows how he took his travelling company across America, bringing his shows to the masses.

His wife, Charity (Monique Young), wants him to settle into a factory job, but that would never suit him—showbusiness is in his blood.

As the story unfolds, we follow Barnum through his life and encounter some of the real-life figures who became part of his world and his shows, including General Tom Thumb (Fergus Rattigan) and the Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind (Penny Ashmore).

Under the musical direction of Kevin Oliver Jones, the actor-musicians were on stage for most of the performance and were superb throughout, playing more than 150 instruments between them.

The set and costumes, designed by Lee Newby, were stunning and vividly evoked the atmosphere of a bygone circus.

Few shows keep you quite so tense, whether on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, or glancing away at the most daring moments because the circus skills in this production are genuinely first class.

The performance features an impressive range of acts, from fire eaters, trapeze artists hoop and silk performers, acrobats and a tightrope walk.

With so much happening on stage at once, it is often hard to know where to look, which only adds to the excitement and spectacle.

The entire cast was superb and came together to deliver a fabulous performance.

This is another show at Hull New Theatre that should not be missed. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

BEN PLATT IS JOINED BY GREGOR MILNE AND BARRY JAMES

FOR THE UK PREMIERE OF

MARK SONNENBLICK’S MIDNIGHT AT THE NEVER GET

AT THE MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

The Menier Chocolate Factory today announce the full cast for Midnight at The Never Get with book, music and lyrics by Academy Award, Golden Globe and Grammy-winner Mark Sonnenblick. Joining the previously announced Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winner Ben Platt are Gregor Milne and Barry James.

Midnight at The Never Get comes to the Menier for a strictly limited season in a brand-new production for its UK premiere directed by Drama Desk and Tony Award-winner David Cromeropening on 20 July, with previews from 11 July, and runs until 12 September.

Also announced today, joining Cromer and Set Designer Scott Pask on the creative team are Costume Designer: Jonathan Lipman; Lighting Designer: Heather Gilbert; Sound Designer: Paul Groothuis; and Musical Supervisor/Orchestrator: Andrew Resnick.

MIDNIGHT AT THE NEVER GET

Book, Music & Lyrics by Mark Sonnenblick

Conceived by Sam Bolen, Max Friedman and Mark Sonnenblick

Cast: Ben Platt, Gregor Milne, Barry James

Director: David Cromer; Set Designer: Scott Pask; Costume Designer: Jonathan Lipman;

Lighting Designer: Heather Gilbert; Sound Designer: Paul Groothuis;

Musical Supervisor/Orchestrator: Andrew Resnick

11 July – 12 September

The Menier Chocolate Factory, in association with Greg Berlanti & Robbie Rogers, and ATG Productions (by Kristin Caskey, Bee Carrozzini,and Mike Isaacson) present the UK premiere of Mark Sonnenblick’s Midnight at the Never Get – David Cromer directs Ben Platt is his London theatre run debut.

1965, New York City. Trevor Copeland and Arthur Brightman’s romance is against the law.

In their secret nightclub act, “Midnight”, they perform love songs in an act of defiance of a world that demands they stay hidden. As tensions rise at the start of a historic movement, Trevor and Arthur are torn between their own surreptitious affair and the oncoming storm of social revolution.

Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winner Ben Platt recently starred opposite Rachel Zegler for The Last Five Years 25^th Anniversary Concert (London Palladium, Hollywood Bowl and Radio City Music Hall). He reopened the Palace Theatre last May with a three-week solo residency, Ben Platt: Live at the Palace. Previously, he played Leo Frank in Parade at New York City Center, which later transferred to Broadway – for which he received his second Tony Award nomination. In 2023, Platt produced, co-wrote and starred in the award-winning Sundance darling Theater Camp, which was released by Searchlight Pictures. Platt won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in the title role of Dear Evan Hansen, as well as the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance (youngest recipient in history). He later reprised his role in the Universal Pictures film adaptation alongside Julianne Moore and Amy Adams. He starred in Ryan Murphy’s popular Netflix series The Politician, where he served as the executive producer – his performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Additionally, Platt has begun filming Merrily We Roll Along, an adaptation of the seminal Sondheim musical, alongside Beanie Feldstein and Paul Mescal. Other film and television credits include Pitch Perfect 1 & 2, The People We Hate at the Wedding, Ricki & The Flash, and a guest appearance on Will & Grace. An accomplished recording artist, Platt has released three albums – 2019’s Sing to Me Instead, 2021’s Reverie, and 2024’s Honeymind. He completed three solo tours following the release of each subsequent album, which saw him headlining sellout crowds at venues including the Hollywood Bowl, Madison Square Garden, and Radio City Music Hall. 

Gregor Milne’s stage work includes Teeth ‘n’ Smiles (Duke of York’s Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Barbican and tour), Sunset Boulevard (Savoy Theatre) and Girl From the North Country (UK and Ireland tour). His television work includes Shetland.

Barry James returns to the Menier – he previously appeared in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ The Musical and Little Shop of Horrors (also at Duke of York’s and Ambassadors Theatres). His other theatre credits include Jo: The Little Women Musical in Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), A Letter to Harvey Milk (Waterloo East), Guys and Dolls (Théâtre Marigny); for the National Theatre at The Old Vic – The Merchant of Venice, A Woman Killed with Kindness, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Volpone, Edward II, Three Sisters, Sancho Panza; for the National Theatre – The Rivals, Love for Love, The Threepenny Opera, American Clock, Danton’s Death, Sweeney Todd; and in the West End, Billy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Little Shop of Horrors, Les Misérables, Grand Hotel, She Loves Me, Chicago and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. For television his work includes Thriller: Kiss Me and Die, Further Up Pompeii, Porridge and The Dance of Death; and for film, A Christmas Carol.

Mark Sonnenblick most recently co-wrote seven songs for the Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation movie KPop Demon Hunters. The soundtrack earned him an extended run as the #1 songwriter on Billboard’s Hot 100 as well as an Academy Award and Grammy for the song “Golden”. He also received a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year, the first time an animated musical has been nominated since The Lion King. Sonnenblick previously collaborated with Elton John and Shaina Taub on the stage adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada, which stars Vanessa Williams and is currently in its second year in the West End. Other projects include Theater Camp (Searchlight Pictures, Sundance Special Jury Award), Spirited (with Pasek and Paul, Apple TV+), Lyle Lyle Crocodile (with Pasek and Paul, Sony Pictures), Saturday Night Seder (youtube.com), and Harlem (Amazon Prime). He has been nominated for Primetime Emmy and Drama Desk awards and won a Jonathan Larson grant (American Theater Wing), the Harold Adamson Award (ASCAP), and Best Production at the New York Fringe Festival (RIP). 

David Cromer’s New York credits include The Fear of 13, Bug, Dead Outlaw, Good Night and Good Luck, The Antiquities, The Counter, I’m Almost There, Prayer for the French Republic, Camp Siegfried, A Case for the Existence of God,  The Sound Inside, The Band’s Visit – 2018 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical, The Treasurer, The House of Blue Leaves, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Nikolai and the Others, The Effect, When the Rain Stops Falling, Tribes, Adding Machine, Our Town and Orson’s Shadow. In Chicago his directing credits include Next to Normal, A Streetcar Named Desire, Picnic, Booth, Cherrywood, Mojo, The Hot l Baltimore, The Cider House Rules (co-directed with Marc Grapey at Famous Door), and Angels in America (The Journeymen). For his work he has received a Tony Award, three Tony Award nominations, a Drama Desk Award, three Obie Awards, three Lortel Awards, and in 2010 was named a MacArthur Foundation fellow.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

EQUUS

Until 4 July

Theatre Royal Bath: 13 – 25 July

MIDNIGHT AT THE NEVER GET

11 July – 12 September

MENIER ELSEWHERE

THE PRODUCERS

Garrick Theatre

Currently booking until 19 September

SABRAGE

Lafayette London

Currently booking until 6 September

Box Office: 020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website: www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Instagram: @menierchocolatefactory

• Initial cast announced for the major national tour of Simon Beaufoy’s The Full Monty as the iconic film celebrates its 30^th anniversary in 2027.
• Cast includes: Kevin Clifton as Gaz, Stewart Wright as Dave, James Gaddas as Gerald, Ben Onwukwe as Horse, Jon-Paul Bell as Guy, and Zrey Sholapurkar as Lomper. Images and behind-the-scenes video can be downloaded here
• Tickets are on sale now from www.fullmontytheplay.com.

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham and Buxton Opera House, in association with Mark Goucher and David Pugh, today announced the creative team and initial casting for the major national tour of The Full Monty. The beloved film will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, and the production will open in Sheffield, where the film is set on 15th January 2027 and will then tour the UK until July 2027. For full tour dates and tickets visit www.fullmontytheplay.com.

The cast includes Kevin Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing, BBC One; Priscilla Queen of the Desert, UK Tour) as Gaz, Stewart Wright (Doc Martin, ITV; The Upstart Crow, Apollo Theatre) as Dave, James Gaddas (Coronation Street, ITV; The Rocky Horror Picture Show, UK Tour) as Gerald, Ben Onwukwe (The Full Monty, UK Tour 2024; The Shawshank Redemption, UK Tour) as Horse, Jon-Paul Bell (Hollyoaks, Channel 4; Masters of Air, Apple TV) as Guy and Zrey Sholapurkar (Lark Rise to Candelford, The Watermill Theatre/Theatre by the Lake; The History Boys, UK Tour) as Lomper. Further casting to be announced.

The Full Monty will be directed by Michael Gyngell, choreography and intimacy direction by Ian West, the Resident Director is Rachel Heyburn, Set and Costume Design by Jasmine Swan with Lighting Design by Andrew Exeter, Sound Design by Chris Whybrow, the Casting Director is Marc Frankum, and the Children’s Casting is by Carolan Copley – Tucci.

Simon Beaufoy’s heartfelt play tells the story of an ordinary group of men striving to reclaim their dignity and pride. Fast-paced and irresistibly funny, the play remains strikingly relevant today, resonating powerfully in an era marked once again by a cost-of-living crisis. Gaz and his mates find themselves down on their luck, cast aside and underestimated — but determined to fight back, even if it means revealing more than they ever imagined.

Echoing the 1997 smash-hit film, this production delivers a rollercoaster of laughter and heartbreak as audiences are invited to relive the iconic music of the 90s cheering on this unforgettable group of lads as they prepare to put on the show of their lives.

The tour dates for this beloved musical are Sheffield  Lyceum Theatre (15-30 January), Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre (2-6 February), Nottingham Theatre Royal (8-13 February), Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (15-20 February), Woking Theatre (22-27 February), Bradford Alhambra Theatre (1-6 March), Brighton Theatre Royal (8-13 March), Southampton Mayflower (15-20 March), Hull New Theatre (22-27 March), Buxton Opera House (29 March – 3 April), Manchester Opera House (5-10 April), Belfast Grand Opera House (13-17 April), Truro Hall for Cornwall (20-24 April), Cheltenham The Everyman (3-8 May), Sunderland Empire (17-22 May), Dartford Orchard Theatre (24-29 May), London New Wimbledon Theatre (31 May – 5 June), Norwich Theatre Royal (7-12 June), Glasgow King’s Theatre (14-19 June), Liverpool Empire (21-26 June), Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre (28 June – 3 July), Leicester Curve Theatre (5-10 July), York Grand Opera House (12-17 July) and Malvern (19-24 July).

Simon Beaufoy is an Academy Award–winning British screenwriter who won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Slumdog Millionaire. Beaufoy is also best known for writing The Full Monty, which became an international hit and earned him an additional Oscar nomination.

INITIAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

WEST END TRANSFER OF

OLIVIER AWARD WINNING, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SMASH-HIT

INTO THE WOODS

With Original Cast Members Returning including

Kate Fleetwood, Jo Foster, and Gracie McGonigal

Jamie Wilson Productions, Kevin McCollum and New Ventures Entertainment today announce the initial casting for the West End transfer of multi-award-winning Bridge Theatre production of Into The Woods. Sondheim and Lapine’s iconic production marks the first West End transfer for The Bridge Theatre and the first time Into The Woods has been in the West End since 1991. Jordan Fein’s production opens at the Noël Coward Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre, on 7 October 2026, with previews from 22 September, running until 9 January 2027.

Joining the previously announced Kate Fleetwood (The Witch), are Valda Aviks (Grandmother/Giant), Geoffrey Aymer (Cinderella’s Father), Jo Foster (Jack), Jennifer Hepburn (Cinderella’s Stepmother and Alternate Witch), Hana Ichijo (Lucinda), Julie Jupp (Jack’s Mother), Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson (Florinda) and Gracie McGonigal (Little Red Ridinghood), with Jacob Fowler and Sophie Linder-Lee as Standbys. Full casting to be announced. 

The production opened late last year at the Bridge Theatre, going on to win Best Ensemble or Cast and Best Designer at the Critics’ Circle Awards, and Best Musical Revival and Best Lighting Design at the Olivier Awards.

For tickets, please visit intothewoodsonstage.com

intothewoodsonstage.com

@intothewoodsonstage

Jamie Wilson Productions, Kevin McCollum and New Ventures Entertainment

The Bridge Theatre Production of

INTO THE WOODS

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and Book by James Lapine

Cast includes: Valda Aviks (Grandmother/Giant), Geoffrey Aymer (Cinderella’s Father), Kate Fleetwood (The Witch), Jo Foster (Jack), Jennifer Hepburn (Cinderella’s Stepmother and Alternate Witch), Hana Ichijo (Lucinda), Julie Jupp (Jack’s Mother), Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson (Florinda), Gracie McGonigal (Little Red Ridinghood) and Jacob Fowler and Sophie Linder-Lee as Standbys.

Director: Jordan Fein; Set and Costume Designer: Tom Scutt; Musical Supervisor: Mark Aspinall; Orchestrations by: Jonathan Tunick; Sound Designer: Adam Fisher; Lighting Designer: Aideen Malone; Video Designer: Roland Horvath; Movement Director: Jenny Ogilvie; Wigs, Hair & Make-Up Designer: Sam Cox; Puppetry Design: Cheryl ‘Chuck’ Brown, Max Humphries & Tom Scutt; Musical Director: Alex Beetschen; Casting Director: Stuart Burt CDG CSA; Production Manager: Chris Hay; Associate Director: Georgia Green; Scenic Associate: David Allen; Associate Musical Director: Cat Beveridge; Associate Sound Designer: Ollie Durrant; Associate Lighting Designer: Lucy Adams; Associate Costume Designer: Lucy Martin; Associate Video Designer: Hayley Egan; Wigs, Hair & Make-Up Supervisor: Charlie Watson; Costume Supervisor: Lydia McDonald; Props Supervisors: Jonathan Hall & Chris Marcus for Marcus Hall Props; Orchestral Management: Andy Barnwell & Rich Weeden for BW Musicians

Noël Coward Theatre 22 September 2026 – 9 January 2027

Why would you go into the woods?

To sell the cow

To visit mother

To see the king

To lift the spell

In Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s dazzling musical, the Baker, the Baker’s Wife, the Witch, Jack, Little Red Ridinghood, Cinderella and Rapunzel take us beyond happy ever after to discover what really matters.

Sondheim and Lapine’s second collaboration after Sunday in the Park with George brilliantly weaves together four Grimms’ fairy tales. On its Broadway debut in 1986, Into The Woods won Tony Awards each for Sondheim (Best Original Score) and Lapine (Best Book). In London it has had productions by Richard Jones (Phoenix Theatre, 1990), John Crowley (Donmar, 1998) and Timothy Sheader (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, 2010). This is its first major London production since 2016 and its first West End production in 30 years.

Valda Aviks returns as Grandmother/Giant. Her theatre credits include The Addams Family (UK Tour), On The Twentieth Century (Union Theatre), Into the Woods (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Full Monty (English Theatre, Frankfurt), Mary Poppins (UK Tour), Blithe Spirit (English Theatre, Vienna), Caroline or Change, Jerry Springer: The Opera (National Theatre), The Witches of Eastwick (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), When Florence met Isadora (Rosemary Branch Theatre), Beauty and the Beast (Dominion Theatre), Oliver! (London Palladium), Sweeney Todd (Curve, Leicester), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Les Miserables (Palace Theatre), and Cats (New London Theatre). Her screen credits include Doctor Who, Bad Penny, Little Britain, Words of Love, and Nightbreed.

Geoffrey Aymer returns as Cinderella’s Father. His theatre credits include Hamlet, The Taxidermist’s Daughter (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Crucible (Sheffield Theatres), Romeo and Juliet (Royal Exchange Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (Curve, Leicester and London Palladium), Clutch (Bush Theatre), Jitney (The Old Vic, Headlong, Leeds Playhouse), The Color Purple (Curve, Leicester Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Young Vic), To Kill a Mockingbird (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Barbican), The Lightning Child, and Macbeth (Shakespeare’s Globe). His screen credits include Mr Winner, Guerrilla, Club Class, The A Force, The Real McCoy, Ragtag, Sket, and Wicked.

Kate Fleetwood returns as the Witch. Her theatre work includes My Master Builder (Wyndham’s Theatre), A View From the Bridge (Theatre Royal Haymarket), 101 Dalmatians (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Absolute Hell, Ugly Lies the Bone, King Lear, London Road – Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical, Love’s Labour’s Lost (National Theatre), Bug (Found111), Medea (Almeida Theatre), High Society (The Old Vic), Life is a Dream, Hecuba (Donmar Warehouse), Macbeth – Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Chichester Festival Theatre, Gielgud Theatre, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Broadway), Twelfth Night (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Winter’s Tale, Pericles (RSC), Othello (Northampton Theatre Royal), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bristol Old Vic). For television, her work includes Big Mood, Mary and George, Rain Dogs, The Wheel of Time, Fate: The Winx Club Saga, Brave New World, Victoria, Harlots, War and Peace, The People Next Door, The Widower, Way to Go, Touch of Cloth, Sarah Jane Adventures, Hustle and After Thomas; and for film, Scoop, Choose or Die, Beirut, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, London Road, Philomena, Les Miserables, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Macbeth, The Golden Age, 77 Beds, Vanity Fair, A Changed Man and Beautiful People.

Jo Foster returns as Jack. Their theatre credits include Four Play (DEM Productions), The Frogs (Southwark Playhouse), Why Am I So Single? (Garrick Theatre), Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical (The Old Vic), & Juliet (Shaftesbury Theatre), Legally Blonde (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Hex (National Theatre), and Rent (Hope Mill Theatre).

Jennifer Hepburn returns as Cinderella’s Stepmother and Alternate Witch. Her theatre credits include The Buccaneer (Finborough Theatre), Moonshadow (Anders Albien/Chris Nightingale), Jekyll and Hyde (UK tour), Opening Night (Gielgud Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre), Corbyn: The Musical (Waterloo East), Van Winkle: A Folk Musical (SimG), Taboo (End of the Pier Productions), A Tale of Two Cities (Upstairs at the Gatehouse), Anything Goes (New York City), Les Miserables (Queens Theatre), and Cats 25^th Anniversary Tour (Live Nation).

Hana Ichijo returns as Lucinda. Her theatre credits include The Baker’s Wife, The Producers (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Sound of Music (Chichester Festival Theatre), George Takei’s Allegiance (Charing Cross Theatre), A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic), Anyone Can Whistle (Southwark Playhouse), Little Women (Park Theatre), and The Pirate Queen (London Coliseum).

Julie Jupp returns as Jack’s Mother. Her theatre credits include A Christmas Carol, The American Clock, Groundhog Day (The Old Vic), La Cage Aux Folles (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Jack and the Beanstalk (Hackney Empire), Man of La Mancha (English National Opera), Thor+Loki (Vicky Graham Productions), Urinetown (St James Theatre/Apollo Theatre), Richard III (Trafalgar Studios), Merrily We Roll Along (Harold Pinter Theatre), Finding Neverland (Curve, Leicester), and Road Show (Menier Chocolate Factory). For television, her credits include Silent Witness, Unforgotten, Friday Night Dinner, and Serious & Organised.

Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson returns as Florinda. Her theatre credits include Dorian: The Musical (Southwark Playhouse), Identical (Nottingham Playhouse, The Lowry, Salford), Pippin (Charing Cross Theatre), The Boy Friend (Menier Chocolate Factory), 42^nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), and Billy Elliot: The Musical (Victoria Palace). Her feature film credits include Cats.

Gracie McGonigal returns as Little Red Ridinghood. Her theatre credits include The Little Foxes (Young Vic), Fangirls (Lyric Hammersmith), The Phase (VAULT Festival), The Little Big Things (@sohoplace), The Crucible (National Theatre, Gielgud Theatre), Cinderella (Theatre Royal Stratford East), and Aladdin (Lyric Hammersmith).  For television, her credits include The Power, Father Brown, and Bridgerton – as series regular Hazel.

Jacob Fowler returns as Standby. His theatre credits include The Addams Family (UK Tour), Heathers the Musical (UK Tour, The Other Palace), [title of show], Before After (Southwark Playhouse), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Hope Mill Theatre), Dreamboats and Petticoats: Bringing on Back the Good Times (UK Tour),  Vanara (Hackney Empire) and In Pieces (Turbine Theatre). Concert credits include his New York debut solo show Jacob Fowler: Direct From London (The Green Room 42), Cool Rider (London Palladium), Comparing Notes with Edward Seckerson, Jacob Fowler: Intimate and Live, Scott Alan (Crazy Coqs), Stiles + Drewe Best New Song Prize (Hackney Empire) and Kings of Broadway (Palace Theatre). His television credits include in 2020, Jacob won the BBC One show Little Mix: The Search with his band Since September. The band subsequently supported Little Mix on their sold-out 2022 UK arena tour, Confetti, and released three singles.

Sophie Linder-Lee returns as Standby. Her theatre credits include Muriel’s Wedding (Curve), Magic Mike Live (Hippodrome), Biography Girl (Finborough Theatre), Big Fish (Other Palace), Rocky Horror Show (UK Tour, Playhouse Theatre), Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Silence the Musical (Barons Court Theatre) and Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales). TV credits include Royal Variety Performance, Dancer in The Slammer and Top of the Pops. Recordings include Voiceover in Magic Mike Live TV/Radio Commercials and Vocalist in Don’t Stop Believing (UK Tour).

Into The Woods

Listings

Noël Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AP

22 September 2026 – 9 January 2027

Box Office: delfontmackintosh.co.uk / 0344 482 5151

Access booking on 0344 482 5137 (lines open Monday to Saturday 10am – 7.30pm)

Access Performances:

Audio Described Performance: Friday 9 October 2026 7.30pm

Captioned Performance: Monday 9 November 7.30pm

intothewoodsonstage.com

TikTok: @intothewoodsonstage | tiktok.com/@intothewoodsonstage

Instagram: @intothewoodsonstage | instagram.com/intothewoodsonstage/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/IntoTheWoodsOnStage

Tickets from £15

STARRING EDWARD EASTON AS THE ONE MAN

“extraordinary” #1 Comedy Show of the Year
The Guardian

“By rights, this theatrical tour de force deserves a 38-year run in the West End and similar on Broadway”
Rolling Stone

After enjoying a triumphant debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 and going on to storm Melbourne Comedy Festival and London’s Soho Theatre and Underbelly Boulevard, Flo & Joan’s award-winning One Man Musical returns to Soho Theatre from Wednesday 17^th to Friday 3^rd July at 9pm, before embarking to its birthplace at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from Wednesday 5^th to Sunday 30^th August at 4:50pm, performing at The Pleasance Beyond.

In its brand new run, the smash hit musical will see acclaimed actor Edward Easton (of legendary Edinburgh Fringe cult favourite Tarot fame, and as seen on Porters (Dave), Starstruck (BBC Three) and The Horne Section TV Show (C4)) stepping into the mighty role of the titular One Man. With music performed by Flo & Joan (aka Rosie and Nicola Dempsey), watch as an icon of the musical theatre world finally turns the spotlight onto the one story he’s yet to tell: his own.

Since the show began it has picked up multiple accolades including #1 Comedy Show of 2024 in The Guardian, Best Show of 2024 at the Chortle Awards, it was nominated for Most Outstanding Show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 and for Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer at the Stage Debut Awards 2025. Previous runs of the show starred George Fouracres (Saturday Night Live UK, Sky One) in the leading role, while the show recently won Best Production at the Offies 2026 where it was nominated for two further accolades.

Presented by Avalon with Georgie Staight (Operation Mincemeat, Dawn French Is A Huge Tw*t, The Wizard of Oz) directing the production, supported by a full band (two musical comedians hiding at the back of the stage named Rosie and Nicola Dempsey, aka Flo & Joan), and together they are set to give audiences another chance to see a maestro at work.

WHAT THE PRESS HAVE SAID ABOUT ONE MAN MUSICAL:

“Audiences will love it – even if the lawyers demur.”
Brian Logan, The Guardian ★ ★ ★ ★

“a triumphant spoof… It’s better than Cats” 
Dominic Maxwell, The Sunday Times ★★★★

“They’ve just crammed in jokes. And those jokes are made even funnier by Fouracres’s absurdly overblown performance …brilliantly written, superbly performed and surprisingly thoroughly researched”
Tim Bano, The Stage ★★★★★

“Flo & Joan’s qualified love for their quarry shines through in the musical homages, while the sprightly and versatile Fouracres imbues the preening, prickly lord with overweening ambition, pathos and consistent hilarity”
Jay Richardson, The List ★ ★ ★ ★

“magnificent… Flo and Joan (who accompany the show and provide some supporting character turns) are onto a winner here”Alex Wood, What’s On Stage ★★★★

“it’s an absolute blast”
Steve Bennett, Chortle ★★★★

“Highly Recommend”Mervyn Stutter Pick Of The Fringe ★★★★

“It’s undeniably funny”
Robert Parker-White, Edinburgh Festivals Magazine ★★★★

“The music is superb, and the writing is tight. There’s so much packed into this show… One Man Musical by Flo & Joan is a delightful and unexpected comedy show that transcends expectations. Its unique blend of wit and musical talent leaves you laughing and uplifted”
Andrew Girdwood, Edinburgh Reviews ★★★★★

“Flo and Joan’s One Man Musical is an incredibly and satisfyingly mischievous composition of character and musical comedy”
Katrina Partolina Swartz, Broadway Baby ★★★★

Mickey Jo Theatre  ★★★★★

Lost in Theatreland ★★★★★

“It is a riotously funny hour… One Man Musical has everything you could want from a musical comedy– and theatre kids this is an unmissable show for you”
Amy Rye, Lost in Theatreland ★★★★★

TONY & GRAMMY-WINNING ARTIST

LESLIE ODOM, JR.

TO PERFORM SOLO CONCERT AT

LONDON PALLADIUM

ON SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER 2026, 7.30PM

TICKETS ON SALE 12 JUNE

Producers Darren Bell and Cuffe & Taylor are thrilled to announce that Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist and one of today’s most celebrated performers, LESLIE ODOM, JR. will perform live in concert at the London Palladium on Saturday 31 October 2026 at 7.30pm. Tickets on sale 12 June 2026.

LESLIE ODOM, JR. brings his extraordinary voice, magnetic stage presence, and genre-spanning artistry to the stage for an evening of music that is soulful, sophisticated, and deeply moving. This captivating concert features selections from the American Songbook, reimagined pop favourites, and beloved musical theatre classics — including special performances of songs from Hamilton, the Broadway phenomenon that earned Odom a Tony Award for his iconic portrayal of Aaron Burr.

With his signature charm, stunning vocals, and heartfelt storytelling, Leslie Odom, Jr. creates a live experience that is intimate, inspiring, and unforgettable.

LESLIE ODOM, JR. is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning, three-time Emmy Award nominee, two-time Academy Award nominee, acclaimed songwriter, actor, producer, and New York Times bestselling author whose work continues to span Broadway, film, television, music, and publishing.

Best known for his groundbreaking portrayal of Aaron Burr in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway phenomenon Hamilton, Odom made a highly anticipated return to the role in September 2025, nine years after his original departure from the production. His limited engagement became a major cultural and commercial event, helping Hamilton achieve the highest-grossing performances in the show’s ten-year Broadway history.

Odom’s celebrated return to Broadway first began in 2023 with the critically acclaimed revival of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by legendary playwright Ossie Davis, which he produced alongside Nicolette Robinson and producer Jeffrey Richards. The production opened to widespread acclaim, earning six Tony Award nominations and one win, while Odom himself received a Tony nomination for his performance. The production was later recorded and broadcast nationally as part of Great Performances on PBS.

Across film and television, Odom has continued to deliver standout performances, most notably as legendary soul singer Sam Cooke in One Night in Miami…, directed by Regina King. His acclaimed performance, alongside the original song “Speak Now,” earned widespread recognition and multiple award nominations.

His extensive screen credits also include Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery for Netflix, directed by Rian Johnson; The Many Saints of Newark, the feature prequel to HBO’s The Sopranos; Central Park; Hamilton on Disney+; The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back! on CBS; Abbott Elementary; The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder; and Harriet, among many others.

Beyond the stage and screen, Odom is also a bestselling author. His first book, Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning, was released in 2018 and later published in paperback in 2025. In 2023, Odom and Nicolette Robinson co-authored the children’s book I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know, which debuted at No. 7 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Odom has released six full-length albums. His sixth and first-ever live album, An Offering: Live at Speakeasy Studios, was released on October 17, 2025.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

LESLIE ODOM, JR. in Concert

Saturday 31 October 2026, 7.30pm

London Palladium

8 Argyll St

London

W1F 7TF

To book: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on

Instagram: @leslieodomjr/ @darrenbellproductions/ @cuffeandtaylor

Sheffield Lyceum – until Saturday 6th June 2026

Reviewed by Claire Moore

4****

I have been wanting to see 2:22 A Ghost Story for quite some time and, despite seven West End seasons, a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour, and more than thirty productions across the globe, I managed to avoid finding out how it ends. So don’t worry — there will be no spoilers from me for anyone else coming to it fresh.

Written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist, the play has featured a host of high-profile cast members over the years. In this production, James Bye plays Sam, Natalie Casey is Lauren, Grant Kilburn is Ben, and Shvorne Marks takes on the role of Jenny.

Set in the new home of Sam and Jenny and their newborn baby, the story begins with the couple entertaining friends Lauren and Ben over food and plenty of wine. As the evening unfolds, it becomes clear that Jenny is unsettled in the house. While home alone over the last few nights, she has experienced a series of strange events at 2.22am that have left her convinced the property is haunted. Meanwhile, her husband Sam, a committed sceptic, is determined to explain away every concern with logic and reason.

The lighting, designed by Lucy Carter, plays a huge part in building the tension, shifting from the warm glow of a family home to sudden flashes that, combined with Ian Dickinson’s clever sound design, have the audience jumping in their seats. (I definitely wouldn’t recommend holding a drink on your knee.) The set, designed by Anna Fleischle, works equally well. The house feels completely believable, as though you’re sitting in someone’s front room watching events unfold around you.

The cast work well together, with each character bringing something different to the evening’s debate. Sam is domineering, dismissive and convinced he’s always right, which makes a great contrast to Ben’s more likeable personality and cheeky charm.

Lauren spends much of the evening fuelled by wine and delivers some genuinely funny moments, if occasionally a little over the top. We do see a more vulnerable side to her later in the play, although I found the American accent slightly distracting at times.

The standout performance for me was Shvorne Marks as Jenny. She portrays Jenny’s fear in a controlled and believable way, never tipping into melodrama. As her frustration and anxiety grow throughout the evening, you really feel for her almost wanting her to be right.

The tension steadily builds as we watch the glowing red clock edge closer and closer to 2.22am. When the ending finally arrives, it comes quickly, leaving the audience piecing everything together and having those satisfying “Ah, that’s what that meant” moments. I’d definitely recommend going in knowing as little as possible. Half the fun is trying to work it all out for yourself, and the fewer surprises spoiled beforehand, the better.

Theatre Royal Windsor – until Sat 6th June 2026

Reviewed by Andrew and Kate Lawrence

5*****

“An exceptional romantic comedy by Noel Coward”

We had the absolute delight of watching “The Marquise” at the Theatre Royal Windsor, a play originally written by Noel Coward almost 100 years ago and now updated and directed by Philip Wilson.

The play is a romantic comedy set entirely in the living room of the country mansion of Raoul de Vriaac (played by Simon Shepherd) and his daughter Adrienne (played by Eva O’Hara).

In the opening scene, Raoul and his long time friend Esteban (played by Tristan Gemmill) have arranged the betrothal of Adrienne with Esteban’s son Miguel (played by Barnaby Tobias). They are joined by Raoul’s live-in priest Father Clement (played by Martin Carroll), Raoul’s secretary Jacques (played by Albie Marber) and Raoul’s servant Hubert (played by Lee Peck).

What transpires, is a classic romance story of a young couple betrothed in marriage who unfortunately do not love each other, and as is always the case in such stories, their true loves do not fit the socially acceptable norms of the time. Inter-twined into this classic story, are comedy twists and turns that only Noel Coward could have invented.

Which brings me to the focal character, “The Marquise”, Eloise de Kestournel (played by Juliet Aubrey), whose arrival at the house later that evening, for not the first time, turns everybody’s world upside down. Juliet is certainly the star of this show and mandates the centre of attention throughout, and deservingly so.

She portrays the flamboyant but frivolous lady of society, flaunting herself across the many pieces of available living room furniture and landing perfectly timed comedy bombs throughout her performance. She is both the romance and the comedy rolled into one.

Eloise, (the Marquise) unpicks the characters one by one, revealing uncomfortable truths and sometimes shocking revelations, but delivering a lot of laughs along the way.

It’s a very funny and unique story, a wonderful cast, and an exceptional Marquise. A mention must also go to the beautiful and atmospheric music played on a piano throughout the play.

This is a must-see play, it closes in Windsor on Sat 6th June, do not miss it.

FINAL TICKETS RELEASED

FOR

BROADWAY’S ORIGINAL ‘AARON BURR’

LESLIE ODOM, JR.’s

WEST END SEASON

IN THE LONDON PRODUCTION  

OF THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING
HAMILTON

AT THE VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE
FROM 3 JULY – 5 SEPTEMBER 2026 ONLY

Final tickets will be released to purchase on Thursday 4 June 2026 at 10.00am for Leslie Odom, Jr.’s sold-out run in the London production of HAMILTON at the Victoria Palace Theatre from 3 July – 5 September 2026 where he will make his West End debut reprising his Tony and Grammy Award-winning role as ‘Aaron Burr’. www.hamiltonmusical.com/london Now in its 9^th year in London, HAMILTON is currently booking to Saturday 13^th March 2027.

DMT+ members who haven’t already secured tickets will be able to purchase tickets from Tuesday 2 June at 2.00pm and those who originally signed up for tickets for Leslie Odom, Jr.’s run and who haven’t already secured tickets will be able to purchase tickets from Wednesday 3 June at 10.00am.

These tickets will be available at a range of prices up to £275. There will also be a limited number of tickets priced at £500 for each performance, of which £225 will go directly to support and expand HAMILTON’s extensive education and outreach programme for schools and young people who can’t afford theatre tickets without subsidy. Supported by HAMILTON producers Jeffrey Seller and Cameron Mackintosh, the creative team, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres and Leslie Odom, Jr., 100% of the income raised from the £225 portion of the £500 tickets will go towards the scheme.

HAMILTON’S EDUCATION AND OUTREACH WORK IN THE UK

Since opening at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 2017, Hamilton has provided 30 additional education performances in London and across the UK & Ireland. These performances, known as EduHam are exclusively for young people who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to see the show. They are followed by a Q&A with cast members, musicians and backstage staff of the Hamilton company. Tickets cost £10 each, including a complimentary programme, and have been attended by over 42,000 young people to date.

To build on the impact of these EduHam performances, free workshops have been offered to hundreds of young people in schools and community groups across London. These sessions are designed to keep students engaged in the arts and to continue the conversation around the numerous and varied career opportunities in theatre. 

The Hamilton backstage work experience programme began on the UK & Ireland Tour in 2024 and was rolled out to the London production in 2025. This programme is aimed at young people 18-28 years old, who are from underrepresented groups and who do not have any formal theatre training. So far, nearly 100 positions have been offered.

In April 2026, the London production of Hamilton presented its first Relaxed Performance in collaboration with Go Live Theatre. Through this collaboration, the production delivered an inclusive and welcoming experience for audiences with learning difficulties, special educational needs, and/or disabilities and was carefully adapted to support neurodiverse audience members, including those on the autism spectrum and individuals with sensory or communication needs.

Hamilton’s goal is to continue its education and outreach programme with more workshops, more training positions and future education performances as well as other opportunities to support schools and young people.

If you would like more information about the education, training and outreach programmes available at Hamilton, please follow the Hamilton and CML social media channels for updates as they become available.

Leslie Odom, Jr. – for his portrayal of Aaron Burr, Odom won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and a Grammy Award for his performance on the original cast recording. He returned to the role on Broadway for a sell-out 12-week season in the Autumn of last year. His other Broadway credits include his Tony nominated performance in the 2023 revival of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch. In 2020, he starred in and performed the songs of legendary singer Sam Cooke in the critically acclaimed film adaptation of One Night in Miami…His portrayal of the soul icon was met with widespread praise and critical acclaim earning him nominations for an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Critic’s Choice Award, Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Odom was enlisted to write, compose and perform the film’s original Song ‘Speak Now’, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and earned him a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Song as well as several other award nominations. His many other screen credits include Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Murder on the Orient Express, The Good Wife, One Dollar, Only, Love in the Time of Corona, Central Park, Abbott Elementary and The Many Saints of Newark.

Leslie Odom, Jr. is scheduled to appear at all performances Friday 3 July – Saturday 5 September inclusive (excluding Monday 27 July, Tuesday 28 July and Wednesday 29 July).

From 15 June, Stephenson Ardern-Sodje will play Alexander Hamilton, Yeukayi Ushe Aaron Burr Georgina Onuorah Angelica Schuyler, Bente Mulan Eliza Hamilton Akmed Junior Khemalai George Washington, Ashley J. Daniels Marquis De Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Bellinfantie Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Shak Mancel James John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Jasmine Jia Yung Shen Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds and Daniel Boys King George III.

The cast is completed by Yuki Abe, Turrell Barrett-Wallace, John Browning, Milan Cacacie, Joshua Clemetson, Roxanne Couch, Yesy Garcia, Manaia Glassey-Ohlson, Riccardo Haerri, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Olivia Kate Holding, Sergi Ibanez, Jared Irving, Nicolais-Andre Kerry, Lily Laight, Michael Lin, Avigalle Mendoza, Fallon Mondlane, Tamara Morgan, Liam Morris, Tim Nutt, Joshian Angelo Omaña, Aharon Rayner , Phoebe Samuel-Gray and Daisy Ward.

HAMILTON has book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire and is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.

HAMILTON is produced in London by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.