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TodayTix announces London Theatre Week:

tickets for major shows across London from £15 and the chance to win free theatre tickets for a year

www.todaytix.com

TodayTix, the global ticketing platform connecting audiences to live performances around the world, today announces London Theatre Week. Running from Monday 25th February until Sunday 10th March tickets at some of London’s hottest musicals and shows are now available at £15, £25 and £35. Tickets can be purchased for performances from 25th February through Spring 2019.

Offering access to the best-priced tickets to audiences across the capital, TodayTix has launched London Theatre Week in partnership with leading producers to ensure that theatregoers will have an annual opportunity to see top shows, such as Wicked, Aladdin and Book of Mormon, at accessible ticket prices.  

If London Theatre Week doesn’t cure the appetite for theatre, TodayTix are also offering a year’s worth of tickets (a pair a month) to one lucky winner through the competition: Free Theatre Tickets for a Year.

Brian Fenty, Co-Founder and CEO of TodayTix, says: “Our mission at TodayTix is to offer theatre goers flexibility and affordability to some of the top shows across Broadway and London’s West End. Through London Theatre Week, TodayTix takes this ambition a step further by bringing together an incredible group of these world-renowned productions to make this possible.”

Merritt Baer, Co-Founder and President, Head of Europe for TodayTix, says: “We’re so proud to be launching London Theatre Week with the the support and participation of so many of London’s superb productions. The West End is the theatrical epicenter of Europe, and hopefully this initiative reminds Londoners that theatre is accessible and affordable – and this is a perfect opportunity to see an exciting new production or revisit a classic – and ultimately have an incredible experience with one or more of the 30+ productions that we’ve partnered with for this initiative.

Sonia Friedman, Producer, Sonia Friedman Productions, says: “I’m thrilled that three shows from the Sonia Friedman Production family – Book of Mormon, Fiddler on the Roof and Rosmersholm – can be part of London Theatre Week. TodayTix has been a fantastic partner over the years on many of our hit productions  and we are delighted to embark on this new endeavour with them so that Londoners can easily see leading shows at prices for everyone.”   

Other shows taking part include the smash-hit musicals Come From Away, Waitress and Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, all of which have transferred from Broadway to the West End in 2019. There will also be tickets available to buy for the National Theatre’s Home, I’m Darling, which has opened at the Duke of York’s, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time at the Piccadilly Theatre,  the critically acclaimed Company and the Old Vic’s production of Arthur Miller’s The American Clock, and many more.

For more information about London Theatre Week and to purchase tickets on TodayTix, visit londontheatreweek.com

Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

Failing systems, budget cuts and privatisation of rapidly deteriorating prisons …

‘The Stretch’

6th – 15th March

53two, Manchester

Written by Joe Ainsworth

Directed by Simon Naylor

Following success in JB Shorts 19 this extended piece is set to launch in the arches in March. Follow Lee in this powerful and poignant piece as he finds his way through a ten year stretch inside, after just one terrible mistake. Experience the highs, and definitely the lows and witness just how it affects him and those nearest to him. A play that discusses an all too current issue and the support given to those incarcerated and those trying to rehabilitate and reinstate themselves into society.

MAP Productions are delighted to be bringing this piece back to the stage following rave reviews from the critically acclaimed JB Shorts Festival. Written with support from the pastoral team at HMP Forest Bank and based on true experiences, this extended version is set to be even more powerful than the first outing almost a year ago. TV writer Joe Ainsworth ‘The Stretch’ will continue to raise the bar for fringe theatre in Manchester and draw in a new and more diverse audience. A sensory journey using spoken word, movement & music to spark discussion about a subject all too present in the media; how one decision can change lives. The piece also looks at how people in this situation deal with the decision and its consequences in what some would consider a failing prison system.

‘The first time I directed this piece, in its shorter format, I knew Joe had written something special. James, our lead actor felt the same and this combined passion to discuss the problems that prisons and their inmates face, as well as highlighting to a younger audience that decisions last beyond the instant they are made in, was all we needed to move the piece forward. It’s an incredibly important piece of writing and now with ACE Funding, we get to really let fly.’

Simon Naylor – Director

MAP Productions

Alongside the production, MAP and the team will look to engage with companies such as Clinks, the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance and Young Identity to run workshops with their members and have them perform alongside Manchester poet Argh Kid on a fundraiser night on Sunday 10th March. All proceeds going towards charities that support the rehabilitation of those convicted and/or offer support inside prisons.

Performances

53two, 8 Albion St, Manchester

6th – 15th March

7:30pm

£10 (£2 Unwaged tickets)

(No show Sunday 10th – Fundraiser Night)

We have a competition this week to win a pair of tickets to see Birmingham Royal Ballet: Beauty and The Beast on Wednesday 1st May at Bristol Hippodrome.

In order to win answer this very easy question:

In the original Disney animated film, who voiced the role of Mrs Potts?

Competition closes at 1pm on Monday 11 March

To enter either comment on the post on Facebook, on Twitter or by email to lindsay@fairypoweredproductions.com

Jack Studio Theatre – 23 February 2019

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

Italo Svevo’s brief period of fame as a writer came in his sixties, when Mussolini and his Blackshirts violently suppressed criticism and dissent. Howard Colyer’s monologue imagines Svevo waiting for the critics’ and the authorities’ reactions to his new play, As a Man Grows Younger, a thinly veiled parody of the fascists’ mission to rejuvenate Italy. Will the reviews denounce his work as anti-fascist or will the Blackshirts storm in and carry him to his death?

The play begins with a torpedo attack in the harbour of Trieste which cements Svevo’s pacifist views and signals the upcoming political complications of statehood after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, especially for a Jewish family with Italian, German and Hungarian roots.

As Svevo awaits his fate his emotions rattle back and forth between terror and anger, despair to joyful remembrance as he tells of his family and career. We learn of his repeated resolution to quit smoking and his almost childish, gleeful pride in his reviews and the fact that HE is James Joyce’s Leopold Bloom.

This is an impressive play visually, with William Ingham’s evocative lighting of Karl Swinyard’s detailed set. Kate Bannister’s assured direction and David Bromley’s energetic and compelling performance ensure the audience do not tire of Svevo’s quirks. Bromley puts just the right amount of OTT characterisation into Svevo’s impressions of his wife, mother-in-law and Mussolini, and you wish there were more anecdotes about James Joyce as Bromley’s take on him is delightful

Hopping (literally) rapidly between different trains of thought effectively demonstrates the struggle and fear in Svevo’s mind as the consequences of speaking out are weighed against the moral price of keeping your head down and weathering the storm, but Colyer’s script does occasionally leap from moments of piercing insight to forgettable filler that wouldn’t be missed.

A thoughtful, heartfelt and moving tribute to Svevo that is well worth seeing.

Pleasance Theatre – until 9th March 2019

Review by Heather Chalkley

3***

This is a hard hitting 90 minutes of real life in the 80’s, given to the writers by people who lived through it. A stark illustration of Soho backstreets in all its infamous glory. Playwrights are notorious for bending real life to suit dramatic ends – being faithful to actual events can be hard. As a debut piece from Nicola and Stacey Bland, this piece shows great potential for their writing careers.

Wendi Peters (Sylvie) came across as a very real person, channelling all the emotions of a caring mother, accepting her child’s decision to transition with the knowledge only she could have. Matt Greenwood gives Vicky all the sass of a drag queen, needed to front out the prejudice and outright hostility of 80’s society. Greenwood then shows the vulnerable, frightened underbelly of Vicky that so desperately wants to transition. Nicola Bland plays Debbie with love and understanding, showing how resilient true friendship can be. Stacey Bland (Gabby) carries off well the single mother who feels caught in a trap with only one way out. Ben Welch as Fat Pearl brings a good deal of humour
and a wealth of life experience that manipulates and loves the young people at the Golden Girl with equal measure.

The Director Victoria Gimby, has made good use of costume, set and language to bring to life that era. She has used dark and light shades of the main characters to strengthen the intensity of the dialogue at the most poignant moments. This is heightened by the thrust stage, which increases the intimacy between actors and the audience. However, it does mean there can be prolonged periods when the players have their back on the audience, causing them to twist and turn to make eye contact. There were times when Vicky (Greenwood) spoke so softly you could barely hear her.

Having lived through the 80’s as a young person myself, all the characters are very believable and true to the times. This true story has been delivered with honesty and compassion, giving you an insight that, unless you had walked in their high heels, you would have no idea.

Leeds Playhouse – Saturday 23rd February 2019

Reviewed By Dawn Smallwood

4****

Members of both the Leeds Playhouse’s older people’s and young people’s programmes have come together to collaborate and bring Dinner 18:55. Leeds Playhouse is reputed for their creative and inclusive engagement for people of all ages and backgrounds to access the theatre. Over the six months this new community ensemble has put together Dinner 18:55 and this production consists a sharing of conversations and individual stories and over time they have formed a live theatrical piece.

Intergeneration certainly plays a big part in how the younger and older members interact and grow. Age is no longer an issue and common grounds are established. Life experiences between older and young people are different but not for any better or for any worse. What is explored on stage is why taking the time to sit down and share a meal can be such an effort?

Social isolation and loneliness are on the increase today especially when older people and young people are socially and politically polarised and marginalised by the media. Time is also a big issue as the modern world is much busier compared to past generations. Young people are faced with pressuring expectations, some acknowledge impossible, along with the never ending social media demands. There is certainly an emphasis of intergeneration and a must need across all communities.

This short heart-warming production brings two generations who make time to make and share their meals together. Dinner 18:55 gives a lot of food for thought and under the direction of Maggie de Ruyck and with the sounding of knives, forks and plates the ensemble brings alive a well done inter-generation experience on stage. This emphasises the utmost importance of spending time with people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Lowry, Salford – until Sunday 24th February.

Reviewed by Joseph Everton.

5*****

David Tomlinson. I didn’t know the name but I knew the face and the portrayal of Mr Banks in Mary Poppins, complete with bowler hat and that moustache. I wondered if having little to no knowledge of David Tomlinson would ruin this play for me, whether it would be fair to comment on the script. My fears were assuaged early on as Miles Jupp delivered a brilliantly written script, gifted to him by comedy writer, James Kettle. The Life I Lead, with its name taken from the song performed by Tomlinson in Mary Poppins, turned out to be a show full of laughs and learning.

A bit of research revealed that Jupp, who Kettle wrote the script specifically for, actually shares a strange number of characteristics with Tomlinson. But why Tomlinson? Well, to believe the classic actor’s story, you really have to watch the show. In a one-man performance, Miles Jupp tells the scarcely believable tale of Tomlinson’s life, beginning with his experiences as an airman in World War Two and then skilfully dancing forward and then backwards in time to address, among other things, Tomlinson’s relationship with his father, his wives, sons and his experiences creating the character of Mr Banks under the direction of Walt Disney himself.

Miles Jupp, arguably best known for his comedy and appearances on Mock the Week, beautifully portrays Tomlinson’s enthusiasm for life, wit and desire never to be taken seriously. However, many aspects of his life are incredibly thought provoking and sometimes desperately sad, meaning that Jupp is required to play a range of emotions. He manages this perfectly. One moment the audience is rapt, silent whilst listening to Tomlinson recall the loss of his first wife. The next, chuckling with laughter as he recalls his fabrication of fake agent, Harry Gunnell (not to be rhymed with funnel), who had a particular penchant for turning down roles as Tomlinson sought a quiet retirement.

I was moved by David Tomlinson’s story but this was not a tale full of sadness. In fact, it struck a perfect balance between tugging at your heart strings and inducing snorts of laughter. The Life I Lead, Tomlinson’s story, the neat production, the brilliant script and Miles Jupp’s performance were enthralling and the show deserves to be seen.

DEAFINITELY THEATRE AND BIRMINGHAM STAGE COMPANY ANNOUNCE FULL CASTING OF HORRIBLE HISTORIES – DREADFUL DEAF – 

DEAFINITELY NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED!

Deafinitely Theatre and Birmingham Stage Company present

The World Première of

Horrible Histories – Dreadful Deaf – Deafinitely not for the faint-hearted!

Director: Paula Garfield; Designer: Paul Burgess; Lighting Designer: Joe Hornsby

Composer and Sound Designer: Chris Bartholomew

On tour: 29 May – 23 June 2019

Deafinitely Theatre and Birmingham Stage Company today announce the full cast for Horrible Histories – Dreadful Deaf – Deafinitely not for the faint-hearted!. Paula Garfield directs Fifi Garfield, Naomi Gray and Nadeem Islam. Dreadful Deaf has a special school’s performance at Heathlands School in St Albans on 24 May before opening at Bristol Old Vic Theatre on Wednesday 29 May. The show then tours to York Theatre Royal and The North Wall in Oxford before completing its run at Derby Theatre onSunday23 June.

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is deaf dead!

So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage as it delves into the dreadful, dangerous and deluded stories of the deaf! From groovy Greeks to gorgeous Georgians, ruthless Romans to vile Victorians, come with us into this incredible world to discover the extraordinary people and amazing stories you simply won’t believe!

Deaf or hearing, this bilingual production – in spoken English and British Sign Language – is a truly frightful treat for all the family!

Fifi Garfield’s previous credits for Deafinitely Theatre include Contractions (New Diorama Theatre) and A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe) Other theatre credits include London Bubble (UK tour).

Naomi Gray’s theatre credits include Mirror Mirror (UK tour), The Sam Neill Experience: A Dance Musical (The Camden Fringe) and Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood (CAST, Doncaster). For television her credits include Julian Fellows Investigates: A Most Mysterious Murder. For film her credits include The Feast of the Goat.

Nadeem Islam’s previous credit for Deafinitely Theatre is Something Else (UK tour). His other theatre credits include Up N Under. His television credits include Deaf Funny, Lost Community and Up For It.

Paula Garfield directs. For Deafinitely Theatre she has directed 4.48 Psychosis – whichwas nominated for best direction on short list by BroadwayWorld UK, Contractions – which wonthe Off West End Award for Best Production, Two Chairs, Motherland, Children of a Greater God, Playing God, Double Sentence and Gold Dust. She also devised and directed The Boy and the Statue for Deafinitely at the Tricycle Theatre and on a London schools’ tour.  Garfield has directed two productions at Shakespeare’s Globe – Love Labour’s Lost, for the Globe to Globe Festival as part of Deafinitely’s 10th anniversary, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Her other directing work includes Tanika’s Journey (Southwark Playhouse) Grounded (Park Theatre).

An actor, director, workshop leader and organiser, Garfield has worked on a variety of television, film and theatre projects over the past fifteen years. In 2002 she established Deafinitely Theatre with Steven Webb and Kate Furby after becoming frustrated at the barriers that deaf actors and directors face across the arts and media. She has produced and directed many plays and worked extensively in TV, including Channel Four’s Learn Sign Language, Four Fingers and a Thumb, BBC’s Hands Up and Casualty, plus appearances in every series of the BBC’s deaf drama, Switch.

About Deafinitely Theatre

Deafinitely Theatre is the UK’s first professional deaf-launched and led theatre company, creating bilingual productions of classic and contemporary plays for deaf and hearing audiences that combine the visual storytelling of British Sign Language with the immediacy of spoken English.

Established in 2002, the company’s vision is a world where deaf people are a valued part of the national theatre landscape, recognised for the excellence of their work. Deafinitely challenges barriers to training and opportunities, working hard to nurture the next generation of deaf theatre makers and audiences through its continuing programme of productions, consultancy work and education and training activities for young people and adults.

The company’s most recent productions include 2018’s sold-out run of 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane at New Diorama Theatre and Derby Theatre and 2017’s award-winning production of Contractions by Mike Bartlett at ND2 (New Diorama Theatre) – winner of the 2018 Off West End Award for Best Production.

About Birmingham Stage Company

Birmingham Stage Company is the award-winning producers of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie. The company produce all the Horrible Histories shows live on stage including the West End productions of Barmy Britain. The company also performs internationally, including David Almond’s Skellig on Broadway, and Horrible Histories at The Sydney Opera House.

Neal Foster is Actor/Manager of Birmingham Stage Company which since its foundation in 1992 has staged over eighty productions. The company has become one of the world’s leading producers of theatre for children and their families, including Horrible Histories Live on Stage for thirteen years in the UK, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Foster has written and directed all of the most recent Horrible Histories shows including Barmy Britain – Parts One, Two, Three & Four (Garrick Theatre, Apollo Theatre and Sydney Opera House); Groovy Greeks andIncredible Invaders for a national tour and Wicked Warwick at Warwick Castle. His first fictional adaptation was David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny,which transferred to the Garrick Theatre and then the Harold Pinter Theatre and was nominated for a Best Entertainment and Family Olivier Award.  His adaptation of David Walliams’ Awful Auntie enjoyed an 18 month national tour and his next David Walliams’ show will be Billionaire Boy in autumn 2019.

This production is made possible by the generous support of:

Arts Council Strategic Touring Fund, Autograph Sound Recording, Edwardian Hotels London, The Garfield Weston Foundation, Old Diorama Arts Centre and White Light Ltd.

Dreadful Deaf – Deafinitely not for the faint-hearted

Listings

On tour: 29 May – 23 June 2019               

www.deafinitelytheatre.co.uk

Twitter:                @DeafinitelyT

Facebook:           deafinitelytheatre

Dreadful Deaf – Deafinitely not for the faint-hearted is suitable for ages 5+

Tour Dates 

Bristol Old Vic 

29 May – 1 June

Box Office: 0117 987 7877

www.bristololdvic.org.uk

York Theatre Royal

7 June – 8 June 

Box Office: 01904 623 568

www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

The North Wall

18 June

Box Office: 01865 319 450

www.thenorthwall.com

Derby Theatre

22 June – 23 June 

Box Office: 01332 59 39 39

www.derbytheatre.co.uk

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR WITH MOTHER DAUGHTER DUO, LINDA LUSARDI AND LUCY KANE IN PANTO AT ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL THIS EASTER

FULL CAST FOR THE WIZARD OF OZ REVEALED

Regal Entertainments are delighted to announce the full cast of their Easter panto, The Wizard of Oz,which comes to St Helens Theatre Royal from Sat 6 – Mon 22 April.

Recently announced Linda Lusardi who is set to play The Wicked Witch, will be joined by her daughter, ITV’s The Voice star Lucy Kane, as Glinda.

The full cast also includes Charlotte Gallagher; Harry Moore; Steve Arnott; Reece Sibbald; and Jay Lusted.

Linda Lusardi’s career has spanned nearly 30 years. The former Emmerdale and Brooksideactress first shot to fame in the early 80’s as one of Britain’s best-loved models, before moving in to the world of television.

Her major TV roles include Carrie Nichols in ITV’s Emmerdale, where she murdered Tom King in one of the most memorable storylines of the year; Maggie Lyons in The Bill; Frankie in Brookside; and played herself in The Detectorists on BBC4.

Her real-life daughter, singer and actress Lucy Kane, rose to fame on 2017’s series of The Voice as part of Team Tom. Her stage credits include the title role in Annie, Princess Jasmine in Aladdin at Alban Arena, St Albans and the title role in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Playhouse, Weston-Super-Mare.

On appearing on stage together, Linda Lusardi said: “I am thrilled to be working with Lucy for the second time this year. She is not only my daughter but my best friend. She’s so talented and I am immensely proud of her. We have great fun spending time on and off stage. We are really looking forward to appearing in The Wizard of Oz and meeting the people of St Helen’s”

Lucy Kane added: “I am so excited to be performing in The Wizard of Oz this year in St Helen’s. It’s such a beautiful story and I get to share the stage with my brilliant Mum!”

Charlotte Gallagher steps back in to the famous ruby slippers as Dorothy. No stranger to the Theatre Royal stage, Charlotte previously appeared in the 2015 and 2016 productions of The Wizard of Oz as well as Snow White and Peter Pan.

Another familiar face to St Helens audiences is Harry Moore,who played the role of the Wizard in last year’s February half-term production. He is back for 2019 as Tin Man.

There are also a whole host of new faces.

Steve Arnott who has a plethora of panto experience including Captain Hook in Peter Pan at Darlington Hippodrome and Abanazer in Aladdin at Venue Cymru, will play Lion.

Playing the role of Scarecrow is Reece Sibbald. His previous stage roles include Scarecrow in the touring production of Chuckles of Oz starring alongside The Chuckle Brothers.

Completing the cast, Jay Lusted, who played one of the seven dwarfs in 2017’s Christmas panto Snow White, returns as the great Wizard of Oz.

Click your heels together and join Dorothy and Toto as they journey along the Yellow Brick Road to meet the Wizard so he can make their dreams come true.

Regal Entertainments’ reimagined panto version of this classic family tale includes a brand-new script and music for 2019 including lots of chart hits, old and new, for audiences to sing along to.

St Helens Theatre Royal manager, Chantelle Nolan said: “I am very excited to announce the full cast for The Wizard of Oz. It will be wonderful to see the chemistry on stage between Linda and Lucy. We have some returning favourites, as well as some new faces to this year’s production; plus, a new script and lots of brilliant new songs to sing and dance to. So be sure to join us over the rainbow in Oz this Easter!”

Get ready for a whole lot of family fun as this fantastic tale is reawakened.

For more information, please visit: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Like us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/St-Helens-Theatre-Royal

Follow us on Twitter: @TheatreRoyalStH

LISTING DETAILS

Regal Entertainments Ltd presents The Wizard of Oz

Dates: Saturday 6 April – Monday 22 April 2019

Times: Monday-Friday: 1pm / Saturday and Sunday: 1pm & 5pm

Tickets: From £13*

*All prices are inclusive of a £1 per seat transaction fee. On-line bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat on-line processing fee.

THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS

Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office, Corporation Street, St. Helens, Merseyside WA10 1LQ (Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm). Alternatively, call 01744 756 000 or log on to:www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com.

RITA SIMONS AND JOE MCFADDEN STAR IN PETER JAMES’

THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL AT RICHMOND THEATRE

Monday 8 – Saturday 13 April

Following the success of Not Dead Enough (2017), Dead Simple (2015) and The Perfect Murder (2014), multi-million selling author Peter James returns to Richmond Theatre with THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL from Mon 8 – Sat 13 Apr. This new adaptation stars Rita Simons and Joe McFadden in a nail-biting story based on the author’s own real-life experience in a haunted house.

The Harcourt family – Ollie, Caro and daughter Jade – move into the house of the dreams that has been empty for the last forty years. However, their dream home quickly turns into the stuff of nightmares, as they begin to sense that they aren’t the only residents at Cold Hill… THE HOUSE ON COLD HILLis a modern-day ghostly thriller that will send shivers down your spine and make you think twice about returning home to a dark, empty house after the show!

Rita Simons is best known for playing ‘Roxy Mitchel in BBC’s Eastenders, having won numerous awards for her role. Her other credits include Mile High, Dream Team and Legally Blonde.  In Spring 2012, Rita was the subject of a major documentary film Rita Simons: My Daughter, Deafness and Me made by Leopard Films for primetime BBC1. Most recently Rita rave reviews for her performance as Lisa Prescott in the film The Krays: Dead Man Walking, an untold chapter from the notorious legend of the Kray Twins. In November 2018, Rita was a contestant on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Outta Here! Finishing in 8^th place.

Simons says, “I am really thrilled to be starring in the House on Cold Hill alongside such great actors as Joe, Charlie, Persephone and the rest the cast. I could not put it down when I first read the script – it’s a brilliant and modern day supernatural thriller that had me totally gripped and occasionally jumping out of my seat! I can’t wait to see audiences hopefully have the same reaction to it, in theatres around the UK.”

BAFTA nominated actor Joe McFadden is perhaps best known for playing series regular Raf di Lucca in BBC1’s Holby City from 2014 – 2017, and as ‘P C Joe Mason’ in Heartbeat from 2010 – 2014. Other acclaimed TV roles include Sex, Chips and Rock n Roll, The Crow Road (for which he received a BAFTA nomination), Cranford and Take The High Road. His extensive theatrical credits include working with John Tiffany and the National Theatre of Scotland on The Missing, touring the UK with Alan Ayckbourn’s Haunting Julia, Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song Trilogy at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Rent at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End and Rainbow Kiss at the Royal Court. Last year he partnered with Katya Jones in BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing and captured the nation’s hearts, eventually winning the series to become the 2017 Strictly Champion.

McFadden says, “It’s a real honour to be entrusted with the character of Ollie and the words of skilled wordsmith, Peter James. He’s created a story that is both chilling and an interesting portrayal of modern family life and will definitely make you think twice about buying that sprawling dream pad in the country!”

They will be joined by Charlie Clements (EastEnders, Casualty, The Bill) and Persephone Swales-Dawson (Hollyoaks) with THE HOUSE ON COLD HILLmarking her professional stage debut.

THE HOUSE ON COLD HILLreunites Peter James with two time Olivier-nominated theatre producer Joshua Andrews, the Olivier award-winning director Ian Talbot and award-winning writer Shaun McKenna. Also joining the company are Padraig Lynch as Fortinbras, Tricia Deighton as Annie and understudy Zoe Hickson.