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FOLLOWING A HIGHLY SUCCESFUL LONDON RUN

JAMIE WILSON AND GAVIN KALIN ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR

ON YOUR FEET!

THE STORY OF EMILIO AND GLORIA ESTEFAN

TO RETURN TO LONDON SUMMER 2020

CAST FOR FORTHCOMING INTERNATIONAL TOUR ANNOUNCED

Following a highly successful season at the London Coliseum which will end its run on 31 August 2019, producers Jamie Wilson and Gavin Kalin announced today plans for ON YOUR FEET! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan to return to London next Summer 2020. It was also announced today that the forthcoming international tour will star current London cast members Philippa Stefani as ‘Gloria Estefan’, George Ioannides as ‘Emilio Estefan’, Madalena Alberto as ‘Gloria Fajardo’and Karen Mann as ‘Consuelo’when the tour opens on 3 September 2019 at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Jamie Wilson said ‘After our triumphant London run we are currently in exciting talks with theatre owners to bring the show back to London next year for a second summer. I am absolutely delighted that our original London cast, Philippa, George, Madalena and Karen will be taking the show on its international tour. The love and support from the audiences in London has been amazing and we look forward to bringing this Miami party back in 2020’.

Philippa Stefani is currently playing the role of ‘Gloria Estefan’ in ON YOUR FEET! at the London Coliseum. Her previous theatre roles include ‘Mimi’ in the recent national tour of “Rent”. She has also played ‘Daniela’ in “In The Heights” at King’s Cross Theatre. Her other theatre credits include the original London casts of “Wicked” at the Apollo Victoria and “I Can’t Sing” and “Sister Act”, both at the London Palladium. She has also appeared in “High Society at the Old Vic and ”Ghost” at the Piccadilly Theatre.

George Ioannides has appeared in the West End productions of “Annie” and “Mamma Mia!” and was most recently seen as ‘Eduardo Cortez’ in “An Officer and a Gentleman” at Curve, Leicester and on national tour. George is currently playing the role of ‘Emilio Estefan’ in the London production of ON YOUR FEET!

Madalena Alberto’s West End credits include the title role in “Evita” at the Dominion Theatre and ‘Grizabella’ in “Cats” at the London Palladium. She has also appeared as ‘Fantine’ in the 25^th Anniversary tour of “Les Miserables” and was most recently seen as ‘Giulietta’ in “Aspects of Love” at the Southwark Playhouse. Madalena is currently playing the role of ‘Gloria Fajardo’ in the London production of ON YOUR FEET!

Karen Mann’s many credits include ‘Golde’ in the national tour of “Fiddler on the Roof” opposite Paul Michael Glaser, ‘Marley’ in “Scrooge” at Curve and ‘Mother Superior’ in “Sister Act” also at Curve and on national tour. Her extensive work at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury includes ‘Gladys’ in “Copacabana”, ‘Viv’ in “Spend Spend Spend” and ‘Mrs Lovett in “Sweeney Todd”, which transferred to both the New Ambassadors Theatre and Trafalgar Studios. Karen is currently playing the role of ‘Conseulo’ in the London production of ON YOUR FEET!

Completing the cast will be Elia Lo Tauro, Sharif Afifi, Hollie Cassar, Laura Friedrich Tejero, Denzel Giskus, Francesca Lara Gordon, Yonly Leyva Desdunes, Olivia Kate Holding, Francisco Del Solar, Gabriella-Rose Marchant, Martin McCarthy, Alicia Mencía, Ciro Lourencio Meulens, Robert Oliver, Clayton Rosa, Julia Ruiz Fernandez, Dawnita Smith, Despina Violari, Nathan Zammit and Alain Zambrana Borges.

ON YOUR FEET! is the inspiring true love story of Emilio and Gloria and charts their journey from its origins in Cuba, onto the streets of Miami and finally to international superstardom and features some of the most iconic pops songs of the era, including ‘Rhythm is Gonna Get You’, ‘Conga’, ‘Get On Your Feet’, ‘Don’t Want To Lose You’ and ‘1-2-3’.

Gloria Estefan has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is the most successful Latin crossover performer in the history of pop music.  In addition to her 38 number 1 hits across the Billboard charts, Gloria recorded the Oscar-nominated song ‘Music of My Heart’ and has received numerous honours and awards over the course of her illustrious career. Emilio Estefan is a founding member of the pioneering Miami Sound Machine, who created a brand -ew Latin crossover sound – fusing infectious Cuban rhythms with American pop and disco. Combined, they have won a staggering 26 Grammy awards.

The Tony Award® nominated show ran on Broadway for two years, playing for over 750 performances. It is currently on a two year US tour, whilst the production in Holland played to sell out business and standing ovations for a season in 2017/18.

ON YOUR FEET! is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and book by Academy Award® winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman).

ON YOUR FEET! is produced by Jamie Wilson and Gavin Kalin with InTheatre Productions, Hunter Arnold, Marc David Levine, Eilene Davidson, Iris Smith, Josh Andrews for Kilimanjaro Theatricals, Carlos Candal and Curve.

ON YOUR FEET! UK TOUR LISTINGS 2019:

3 – 7 September

Birmingham Hippodrome

Home

9 – 14 September

Plymouth Theatre Royal

https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/

16 – 21 September

Nottingham Theatre Royal

Home

30 September – 5 October

Sunderland Empire

www.atgtickets.com/sunderland

7 – 12 October

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

www.capitaltheatres.com

15 – 19 October

Sheffield Lyceum Theatres

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

21 – 26 October

Wales Millennium Centre

www.wmc.org.uk

28 October – 2 November

Manchester Palace

www.atgtickets.com/manchester

11 – 16 November

Belfast Grand Opera House

www.goh.co.uk

19 – 23 November

Norwich Theatre Royal

theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

ON YOUR FEET! UK TOUR LISTINGS 2020:

20 – 25 January

Canterbury Marlowe Theatre

www.marlowetheatre.com

3 – 8 February

Cheltenham Everyman Theatre

www.everymantheatre.org.uk

11 – 16 February

Milton Keynes Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

17 – 22 February

Liverpool Empire

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

24 – 29 February

New Wimbledon Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon

2 – 7 March

Glasgow Kings Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon

10 -14 March

Aberdeen, Her Majesty’s Theatre

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

17 – 22 March

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

www.grandtheatre.co.uk

23 – 28 March

Leeds Grand Theatre

www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

31 March – 4 April

Southampton Mayflower Theatre

www.mayflower.org.uk

14 – 18 April

Newcastle Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

27 April – 2 May

Hull New Theatre

www.hulltheatres.co.uk

*With further West End dates to be confirmed

RADIO PERSONALITIES HOST

SPECIAL EVENING OF NOSTALGIA,

LAUGHTER AND MUSIC

Wireless Wise – A Celebration comes to Storyhouse in September

Unique show features Alistair McGowan, the Reverend Richard Coles,

Garry Richardson, Charlotte Green and Richie Webb

A group of popular radio personalities are coming together to create a brand new show which comes to Chester in September.

Wireless Wise – A Celebration Of Radio 4 brings together a group of well-known names from the airwaves for an unforgettable evening of comedy and nostalgia.

Alistair McGowan, the Reverend Richard Coles, Garry Richardson and Charlotte Green have collectively been entertaining radio audiences for more than two centuries.

The show will be hosted by the Today programme’s Garry Richardson. The lively line-up will bejoined by special guest Richie Webb, from Radio 4’s 15 Minute Musicals, as they reminisce with a show packed with hilarious anecdotes, sketches and music.

Wireless Wise – A Celebration Of Radio 4 comes to Storyhouse on Sunday 22 September 2019 for one night only. The show starts at 7.30pm.

Alistair McGowan is a cherished household name, a master impressionist, stand-up comic, actor, pianist, writer of sketches, articles, stage and radio plays. But he is still probably best known to British audiences for The Big Impression, which was one of BBC1’s top rating comedy programmes over four years, winning numerous awards including a BAFTA. In 2017, Sony Classical released Alistair McGowan; The Piano Album, which went to Number One in The Official Classical Charts, reached number two in the Classic FM chart, and was John Brunning’s Album of The Week.

The Reverend Richard Coles is sometimes described as “Britain’s most famous Vicar”, he is a regular presenter on Radio 4’s Saturday Live and Radio 2. A colourful career saw Richard form the pop band The Communards in the 1980s. He’s the only vicar to have had a Number One record, so he’ll have plenty of tales to share from his extraordinary journey from popstar to priest, to Strictly Come Dancing and beyond.

Garry Richardson joined the BBC in 1974 and “here’s Garry with the sport” has been heard on Radio 4’s Today programme since 1981 – making him the longest serving member of the team and giving him a wealth of hilarious behind the scenes stories to tell. Garry is known for his racing tips which never win, and he famously got David Cameron to select two horses on his first day as Prime Minister. Garry is the regular presenter on 5 Live’s Sportsweek, and has interviewed some of the world’s most famous names, including an impromptu 15-minute chat with President Bill Clinton, live from Wimbledon’s Centre Court. 

Newsreader Charlotte Green was once voted the nation’s favourite voice in a Radio Times poll, and is one of the country’s most recognisable and cherished voices. Well-known for her warm tones, diction and poise, a fit of the giggles live on air made her a national treasure – with even Prince Charles thanking her for her “impossibly infectious giggling”. With appearances on the News Quiz and The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, Charlotte is a great raconteur and can still be heard on Saturday evenings reading the football results on Radio 5 Live.

Richie Webb is an established radio comedy writer, performer and producer with his Writers’ Guild award-winning show 15 Minute Musical, a mainstay of the Radio 4 schedule. He also wrote, produced and performed three series of sitcom The Music Teacher, as well as his current project Mr Muzak, now in its second series. He has previously written and performed in multiple series of The Cheese Shop, Look Away Now, and The Bigger Issues for Radio 4, and nine series of Parsons and Naylor’s Pull-Out Sections for BBC Radio 2.

Away from the wireless, Richie is a prolific composer and songwriter for children’s television, and is best known for composing all 100 plus songs for the multiple BAFTA, Emmy, British Comedy Award winning Horrible Histories. As well as having a BBC Children’s Prom dedicated to his songs at the Royal Albert Hall, he has followed the show to the big screen – composing the songs and score for the new Horrible Histories: The Movie.

Tickets for Wireless Wise – A Celebration Of Radio 4 are priced at £25. Each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee.

Website:         www.storyhouse.com

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/storyhouselive/

Twitter:           @StoryhouseLive

LISTING INFORMATION

WIRELESS WISE – A CELEBRATION OF RADIO 4

Sunday 22 September 2019 at 7.30pm

STORYHOUSE

Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

Tickets £25 (each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee)

HOW TO BOOK

Online:            Visit www.storyhouse.com

By Phone:       Call 01244 409 113

In person:       Visit the Ticket Kiosks at Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

Website:         www.storyhouse.com

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/storyhouselive/

Twitter:           @StoryhouseLive

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS
MARTIN SHAW 
IN A NEW PRODUCTION OF PATRICK HAMILTON’S CLASSIC PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER
GASLIGHT

Star casting announced

Directed by Lucy Bailey

Opening Theatre Royal Windsor on 17 September 2019 then moving to The Alexandra Theatre Birmingham, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford, Theatre Royal Bath and New Theatre Peterborough prior to West End.

Martin Shaw, one of the UK’s best loved stars returns to the stage in a new production of Patrick Hamilton’s classic psychological thriller Gaslight, in the role of retired Detective Rough.

A lost watch, a missing brooch, a displaced picture frame… Tricks of the mind perhaps, but for BellaManningham everything seems horribly real.

As the fog-bound evening draws in and the gaslight dims again, Bella realizes she is alone with no one to protect her from the footsteps creaking in the attic.

Only the unexpected arrival of former police detective Rough can help untangle fact from fiction and save a woman on the brink of insanity.

Martin was catapulted to international stardom in the late Seventies, immediately after the first few episodes of The Professionals, launching a career that has hardly seen him out of the limelight since. Martinis best known to TV audiences for his title-roles in the decade long crime drama Inspector George Gently and Judge John Deed, the BBC hit thathad audiences hooked for 6 years, drawing in tens of millions of viewers. His more recent credits include roles in Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Apparitions.

On the West End stage, he has starred in several Bill Kenwright productions including Twelve Angry Men(Garrick Theatre) alongside An Ideal Husband (Theatre Royal, Haymarket), Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Phoenix Theatre), A Man for All Seasons (Theatre Royal, Haymarket), The Country Girl (Apollo Theatre) and The Best Man (The Playhouse Theatre).

Martin is joined by James Wilby who has been entertaining households for almost 40 years and is renowned for his lead role in the film Maurice (Cinecom Pictures). He has since been known for his role as dominant political figure, Lord Falmouth in Poldark (BBC). Both Martin and James will be joined by Charlotte Emmerson,who has graced TV shows such as Love, Lies and Records (BBC), Silent Witness (BBC) and Law & Order (BBC) to name a few. She has appeared in the title role of Lucy Bailey’s acclaimed National Theatre production of Baby Doll.

The cast is completed by Mary Chater of Kinsey (BBC), Wycliffe (ITV) and Footballers’ Wives (ITV) and Georgia Clarke-Day who starred in Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them (Warner Bros. Pictures).

First staged in 1938 and then adapted as a film in 1944 starring Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotton and Charles Boyer, Gaslight is one of the greatest-ever thrillers. Such was the play’s ground-breaking cultural and impact that it popularised ‘gaslighting’ as a term for psychological abuse.

The production, directed by the Olivier Award-nominated Lucy Bailey and designed by Olivier Award winner William Dudley, will tour the UK until 26 October 2019, opening at the Theatre Royal Windsor on 18 September 2019. Lighting Design is by Chris Davey (Witness for the Prosecution, County Hall London) and Sound Design is by Tony Award winner Mic Pool (ART, Old Vic and Royale Theatre Broadway).

TOUR DATES

Wed 18 – Sat 28 September                                                                                           Box Office: 01753 853888

Windsor, Theatre Royal Windsor                                                                                   Website: theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Mon 30 September – Sat 5 October                                                                             Box Office: 0844 871 3011

Birmingham, The Alexandra Theatre                                                                           Website: atgtickets.com

Mon 7 – Sat 12 October                                                                                                   Box Office: 01483 44 00 00

Guildford, Yvonne Arnaud                                                                                               Website: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Mon 14 – Sat 19 October                                                                                                 Box Office: 01225 448844

Bath, Theatre Royal                                                                                                           Website: theatreroyal.org.uk

Mon 21 – Sat 26 October                                                                                                 Box Office: 01733 852 992

Peterborough, New Theatre                                                                                           Website: newtheatre-peterborough.com

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM TO BE STAGED IN ALEXANDRA PALACE’S HISTORIC BASEMENTS

RIFT and Kaleidoscope Festival present:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Alexandra Palace

For one of the first times in the history of Alexandra Palace, audiences will be invited to venture down into the cavernous basements for an immersive performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream; a new production from experiential theatre experts RIFT.

Using the eerie atmosphere of this unique location, RIFT will create a liminal dreamscape that provides the setting for the play. Beginning on the eve of the first TV broadcast, the myriad of characters will steal through distorted tv studios and into live streams with the lovers, fairies and players ebbing and flowing throughout the space, followed closely by the audience.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will allow audiences to explore a rarely accessed area of the building, steeped in history and dating back almost 150 years. The basements have survived two devastating fires and housed 18,000 internees during the First World War, their original features are still evident and historical relics still remain to this day.

Conceived and directed by Felix Mortimer and Joshua Nawras (co-founders of RIFT) with associate directors Rob Myles and Thomas Bostock the cast features Michael Adams (Oberon), Daniel Booroff (Snug), Sam Ducane (Demetrius), Lowri James (Titania), Henry Maynard (Bottom), Penelope Maynard (Quince), Rob Myles (Puck), Phoebe Naughton (Helena), Stanton Plummer-Cambridge (Flute), Dewi Sarginson (Hermia) and Ben Teare (Lysander). With designs by Katharine Heath and Jasper Sutherland, costume design by Hilary McCool, choreography by Emma Farnell-Watson and musical consultation by Theo Bard.

RIFT’s previous Shakespeare productions include The Tempest (O Brave New World) staged in an East London shop and a Macbeth performed overnight at Balfron Tower in Poplar. Theirinterpretations use formal experimentation to get under the skin of classic plays, to lay them bare and explore them from the inside.

Louise Stewart, Alexandra Palace chief executive, says: “We can’t wait to welcome people into the basement and see the cast in action in this amazing space. It’s one of the charity’s aims to open up more areas of the Palace for people to enjoy to make the most of these heritage spaces, but to do so sensitively and in ways that will stimulate and exhilarate, like this production with Rift undoubtedly will.”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream can be seen in the Victorian basements of Alexandra Palace from 3rd – 28th September. 

Churchill Theatre – until 31 August 2019

Review by Elizabeth J Smith

How can you take a 1972 film directed by the infamous Bob Fosse whose moves are iconic and legendary, bring it bang up to date and leave your own mark? That was a question I was asking myself on the way to the Churchill Theatre last night. Cabaret has always been a favourite of mine and in the past when seeing other shows that have been revived I have always left feeling a little let down, they didn’t quite equal the original and in some cases missed the spot completely – but not here. What a triumph. There is so much right with this production I’m not sure where to begin.

Let’s start by congratulating the production team.

Directed by Rufus Norris, who had every character from the lead’s to the dancers, and even members of the orchestra, living their roles.

Designed by Katrina Lindsay, who created a darkness to each scene that portrayed the troubled times the story is set in, with the final scene evoking huge emotion from the audience, myself included.

Choreographed by Javier De Frutos, who, lets face it had huge shoes to fill, did a magnificent job. The dancing was “Fosse” esque, but totally unique. Portraying the seediness of the night club to the interpretation of the political environment of the time. Very unsettling.

Lighting and sound design added another level of seediness and despair. With the musical direction captivating the emotion of each piece.

John Partridge, Emcee, was delightfully creepy and slightly grotesque. Someone you wouldn’t usually feel empathy with but in the final scene you do. His puppetry for Tomorrow Belongs To Me expresses deeper meaning when you think of the Nazi rise in the 1930’s.

Kara Lily Hayworth, Sally Bowles, brings an air of childlike innocence that real life can’t catch her but it does. When she sings Cabaret it no longer resembles the uplifting nightclub staple of today but the true despairing song it was always meant to be.

Anita Harris, Fraulin Schneider, brings grace and maturity and a story of love with an unhappy ending.

Charles Hagerty, Cliff Bradshaw, portrays an innocent abroad discovering the world has a tantalising underbelly of pleasures and learns too except his true self in a back ground of prejudice and violence.

James Patterson, Herr Schultz, shows the tenderness of age and the optimism that many Jewish Germans felt at the time.

Nick Tizzard, Ernst Ludwig, is everyones best friend until his Nazi association dictates who he can and can’t be friends with.

So put “down your knitting, the book and the broom” and rush to the Churchill to see this awesome production of sex, violence, love, friendship, sadness, prejudice that prove life is a Cabaret.

Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until Saturday 31 August 2019

Reviewed by Leanne Caplis

4****

Selladoor Productions and Showtime Theatre Productions in association with Richard Darbourne Limited and ABG Productions bring the UK tour of Avenue Q to The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton where it runs until Saturday 31st August 2019.

Co-creators Jeff Marx and Bobby Lopez have worked their magic to bring their naughty puppets to life in order to entertain audiences with what can only be likened to an adult Sesame Street.

Be prepared for lots of adult humour as Princeton (Lawrence Smith) moves to Avenue Q and lives amongst neighbours including Kate Monster (Cecily Redman), Rod, Trekkie Monster (Tom Steedon) and the three humans Brian, Christmas Eve and Gary (Oliver Stanley, Saori Oda and Nicholas McLean).

Will Princeton find love with Kate Monster or will Lucy the Slut get in the way? Will Kate’s dream of a Monster School become reality and is the internet only good for porn? All will be revealed over the 2hr 10 min production.

Albeit a short delay to the show the fun packed action of the first half soon made you forget about it. The clever use of lyrics made the songs entertaining and the cast all have very good voices. The staging is very basic and there were not many scene changes; that said the cast made good use of what was available and credit to the production team for that.

Initially the puppeteers are my main focus but very soon I forgot about them and the puppets really do come alive. This is helped by the fact the puppeteers also act out their parts making them become one with their puppet.

It is hard to choose a star for this show as all cast members look to be having an amazing time on stage and all have equal parts to play. Lawrence, Cecily and Tom do deserve their own mention though as they control more than one puppet and switch between their parts flawlessly.

This show is definitely not one for those easily offended as there are songs about racism, sexual orientation and porn. However these songs are all light hearted and bring lots of laughs from the audience. A hard core muppet sex scene performed to the song You can be as loud as the hell you want (when you’re makin’ love) will stick in my mind forever!

There was the odd moment where I couldn’t quite catch what Christmas Eve was saying but I know this was an exaggerated Japanese accent intended for the show. It was hard for me to find any other negatives about this show and the audiences positive reaction echoed my own opinion.

There is a reason this show has been so successful in London and on tour and I would highly recommend it for any adult who has a sense of humour and is not easily offended

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY ANNOUNCES

MAJOR REVIVAL OF

SANDY WILSON’S THE BOY FRIEND

The Menier Chocolate Factory presents

THE BOY FRIEND

Book, Music and Lyrics by Sandy Wilson

Director: Matthew White; Choreographer & Associate Director: Bill Deamer

Designer: Paul Farnsworth; Lighting Designer: Paul Anderson; Sound Designer: Gregory Clarke

Hair & Wig Designer: Richard Mawbey; Musical Supervisor & Director: Simon Beck

Orchestrator: David Cullen

22 November 2019 – 7 March 2020

With The Bridges of Madison County currently running at the Menier and Fiddler on the Roof playing at the Playhouse Theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announces a major revival of Sandy Wilson’s The Boy Friend running at the theatre over Christmas, directed by Matthew White. The production opens on 3 December, with previews from 22 November, and runs until 7 March 2020. Booking opens for supporters of the Menier today – 30 August, with public booking on 9 September at 9am.

We plead to have/We need to have/In fact our poor hearts bleed to have/

That certain thing called ‘The Boy Friend’

Sandy Wilson’s all-singing all-dancing love letter to 1920s musical comedies returns for the first major London revival in over 10 years.  Set in Madame Dubonnet’s finishing school in the south of France, these perfect young ladies burst into song at the least provocation, and forbidden boy friends are forever popping through the French windows to sing and dance with them. Since its premiere in 1953, this light-hearted soufflé of a show has delighted audiences worldwide and has become one of the most well-loved British musicals of all time. 

The Boy Friend opened in London in 1953, before a West End run in 1954, and ran for more than 5 years. The subsequent Broadway run in 1954 made a star of the then-unknown Julie Andrews. Ken Russell adapted it into a 1971 film with Twiggy who won two Golden Globes for her performance.

Matthew White returns to the Menier – he previously directed She Loves Me, Candide, Sweet Charity (also Haymarket Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (also Duke of York’s Theatre), and The Last Five Years for the company. His other theatre work includes The Addams Family (Festival Theatre, Edinburgh and UK tour), Kiss Me Kate, West Side Story (Kilworth House), The Producers (UK tour), Top Hat (also adapted for the stage, UK tour and Aldwych Theatre – Olivier Award for Best New Musical), Maria Friedman – By Special Arrangement(Donmar Warehouse), Closer than Ever (Jermyn Street Theatre), and Mr Stink (also adapted, Curve and UK tour).

Listings Information                                                                                                                   The Boy Friend

Booking opens for supporters of the Menier on 30 August, with public booking on 9 September

Venue:                                Menier Chocolate Factory

Address:                             53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

Dates:                                 22 November 2019 – 7 March 2020

Times:                                 For the performance schedule, please see the website

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

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

Tickets:                               Prices vary, as below from discounted preview tickets to premier seats. With the emphasis on ‘the sooner you book, the better the price’:

A meal deal ticket includes a 2-course meal from the pre-theatre menu in the Menier Restaurant as well as the theatre ticket.

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

45 YEARS SINCE THE OSCAR WINNING FILM’S UK CINEMA RELEASE
FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE TOUR OF THE WEST END HIT

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS
THE EXORCIST

DIRECTED BY SEAN MATHIAS

STARRING PAUL NICHOLAS, SOPHIE WARD & BEN CAPLAN

★★★★

‘A grand polished blockbuster. Visually miraculous. It is a thrill to watch’
Metro

★★★
‘A storming version of The Exorcist’ 
Daily Mail

★★★★
‘A genuine crowd pleaser’
London Theatre

The full cast has been announced for the UK and Ireland tour of The Exorcist, starring national treasure and BAFTA Award Winner, Paul Nicholas, most recognised for playing the role of Vince Pinner in the celebrated British sitcom Just Good Friends, who will play Father Merin. Alongside Paul will be TV star Sophie Ward, best known for her roles in Holby City and Heartbeat playing Chris MacNeil, and household name Ben Caplan best known for his time as Sgt. Peter Noakes in Call the Midwife, who will play Father Damien. This talented trio will lead the cast for the UK and Ireland tour of the spine-tingling live production of The Exorcist,based on the best-selling novel by William Peter Blatty.

The cast is completed by Tristram Wymark, Henry Labouchere in Victoria; Stephen Billington, D.I. Knight in Armchair Detectives; Patrick Toomey Christopher Sutherland in Holby City; Joseph Wilkins of Young Marx at The Bridge Theatre; Susannah Edgley who starred in The Exorcist in the West End;Jonathan Blakeley from The Mousetrap and making her professional debut is Eliza Capel.

Inspired by true events, this devilishly thrilling tale has been adapted for stage by John Pielmeier and directed by Sean Mathias (Waiting for Godot, No Man’s Land), featuring the voice of Ian McKellen as the Demon.

When the medical profession fails to provide answers to young Regan’s strange symptoms, her desperate mother Chris turns to a local priest for help. But before Father Damien can tackle what’s before him, he must overcome his own shaken beliefs, as this fight is for more than just one girl’s soul…

Widely considered the scariest movie of all time, the film adaptation of The Exorcist sparked unprecedented worldwide controversy when it was released in cinemas in 1973. Winner of two Academy Awards, William Friedkin’s masterpiece saw audiences petrified to the point of passing out and went on to become one of the top ten highest grossing films of all time. Now, 45 years after its release, fans of the film and theatre alike get to experience a visually astounding, intelligent and thrilling theatrical experience.

This production is designed by Olivier Award winning set designer Anna Fleischle (Death of a Salesman, Young Vic and Home, I’m Darling, National Theatre). Lighting Design is by multi-award winning designer Philip Gladwell (A Very Very Very Dark Matter, The Bridge Theatre). Composition and Sound Design is by Tony Award winning Adam Cork (London Road, National Theatre). Illusions are by Gold Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle Ben Hart best known for his mind-blowing illusions on Britain’s Got Talent. Projection Design is by long-time collaborators Jon Driscoll and Gemma Carrington (Brief Encounter, Birdsong and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland).

Opening at the Theatre Royal Windsor on 4 September 2019, the production will then visit Glasgow,Wimbledon, Stoke, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin, Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen.

LISTINGS

THE EXORCIST

A PLAY BY JOHN PIELMEIER

ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL BY WILLIAM PETER BLATTY

DIRECTED BY SEAN MATHIAS

PRODUCED BY BILL KENWRIGHT

Facebook: @BKLProductions

Twitter: @BKL_Productions

Please note this production contains adult material and scenes of a sexual nature, which may shock and offend.

Theatre Royal, Windsor                                          theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
Mon 2 Sep – Sat 14 Sep                                           01753 853 888

Theatre Royal, Glasgow                                          atgtickets.com/theatreroyalglasgow

Tue 17 Sep – Sat 21 Sep                                          0844 871 7647

Wimbledon New Theatre                                        atgtickets.com/newwimbledon-theatre 

Tues 24 Sep – Sat 28 Sep                                          0844 871 7646

Stoke, Regent Theatre                                             atgtickets.com/regent-theatre

Tues 01 Oct– Sat 5 Oct                                             0844 871 7649

Milton Keynes Theatre                                            atgtickets.com/miltonkeynestheatre

Tues 8 Oct – Sat 12 Oct                                            0844 871 7652

Birmingham Alexandra Theatre                             atgtickets.com/birmingham

Tues 15 Oct– Sat 19 Oct                                            0844 871 3011

Manchester Opera House                                        atgtickets.com/operahousemanchester

Mon 21 Oct – Sat 26 Oct                                           0844 871 3018 

Dublin Gaiety Theatre                                                gaietytheatre.ie

Tues 29 Oct – Sat 2 Dec                                              0818 719 38

                                                                                        00 353 (0)818 903 001 (UK residents)

Kings Theatre, Edinburgh                                          capitaltheatres.com/kingstheatre

Tues 5 Nov – Sat 9 Nov                                               0131529 6000

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness                                eden-court.co.uk

Tues 12 Nov – Sat 16 Nov                                          01463 234 234

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen                           aberdeenperformingarts.com

Tues 19 Nov – Sat 23 Nov                                          01224 641 122           

The Royal Theatrical Support Trust and Curve, in partnership with English Touring Theatre and Rose Theatre Kingston, announce Anthony Almeida as winner and Maria Crocker as runner-up of the RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award 2019

The Royal Theatrical Support Trust (RTST) and Leicester’s Curve have announced Anthony Almeida as the winner of the 2019 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award and Maria Crocker as the runner-up. Now in its fourth year, the award – which honours the memory of RTST co-founder, Sir Peter Hall – is made to an up-and-coming director demonstrating exceptional directing skills in a rigorous competitive process.

As the winner of the 2019 award, Anthony will now get the opportunity to direct a full-scale, fully funded production to open in 2020 at Curve, as a Made at Curve co-production between Curve, Rose Theatre Kingston and English Touring Theatre (ETT), then tour across the UK. The RTST will make a grant of £50,000 to Curve to be applied towards the costs of the winner’s production.

Anthony and Maria were selected by a panel comprising: Nikolai Foster (Artistic Director of Curve) as chair, and judges Jerry Gunn (Executive Producer at Rose Theatre Kingston), Carol Leeming (Poet and Playwright, Resident Assistant Director of Curve), Richard Twyman (Artistic Director of English Touring Theatre), Lindsay Posner (Theatre Director), Grace Smart (Theatre Set & Costume Designer), Cathy Tyson (Actor), Erica Whyman (Deputy Artistic Director, Royal Shakespeare Company).

The scheme promotes the RTST’s charitable objectives by nurturing up-and-coming talent in the theatre and supporting British regional theatres. It is also intended to appeal to a wide range of candidates and to play a part in promoting diversity in the theatre, onstage, offstage and among audiences.

Chairman of the RTST, Sir Geoffrey Cass, said: “The 2019 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award had 8 finalists of the very highest quality, selected from a strong field of 53 candidates. Directing workshops – held over two full days, in which the finalists had to direct actors, observed by our immensely experienced panel of judges, and then be interviewed by the panel – constituted a unique and exacting test of their directing skills. The winner’s prize is the exceptional opportunity to direct a production that will premiere on the stage of Curve, Leicester, move on to the Rose Theatre, Kingston, then go on a main-stage national tour with English Touring Theatre (ETT). The RTST’s collaboration with Leicester’s Curve, Kingston’s Rose Theatre, and English Touring Theatre is admirably fulfilling the RTST’s twin primary charitable objectives of identifying and encouraging emerging theatre professionals and promoting British regional theatre”.

Deputy Chairman, Mark Hawes, said: “This unique Award propels Anthony Almeida deservedly into mid-scale regional tour direction. While there can only be one winner, the selection process has given other hugely talented directors rare and valuable exposure to the influential theatre practitioners who served on the judging panel.”

Curve Chief Executive Chris Stafford, Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director of English Touring TheatreRichard Twyman and Rose Theatre Kingston Executive Producer Jerry Gunn said: “Anthony impressed the entire panel with his vision, rigour and ability to inspire actors. He showed a real passion for making work for audiences outside of London and we’re incredibly excited to collaborate with him on this production which will be seen in Leicester, Kingston and across the UK. We’d like to thank all of the directors that took part in the workshop weekend, who displayed such talent and inspired us all with their commitment to the process and craft of directing.”

Winner, Anthony Almeida said: “Being named the 2019 winner of the mighty RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award is a gift. I’m feeling moved. I’m feeling ecstatic. At a time of ever increasing financial uncertainty, when up-and-coming directors can be seen as unnecessary risks, this opportunity is a true lifeline. The process encouraged and challenged all of me. It offers genuine warmth and demands utmost rigour. Now there’s work to be made – I’m thrilled to be taking the vital next steps in my artistic adventures with the big-hearted, wildly ambitious folk at Curve, ETT and Rose Theatre Kingston – to you all, and to the essential RTST: thank you.”

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE SECOND YEAR OF 

THE UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF

CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S

ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

“LES MISÉRABLES”

FURTHER VENUES FOR 2020 ALSO ANNOUNCED

BRISTOL HIPPODROME – 7 APRIL – 9 MAY 2020 
GLASGOW THEATRE ROYAL – 3 – 27 JUNE 2020

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE – 23 JULY – 15 AUGUST 2020

DUBLIN BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE – 25 AUGUST – 12 SEPTEMBER 2020

CANTERBURY MARLOWE THEATRE – 25 SEPTEMBER 24 OCTOBER 2020

AND HULL NEW THEATRE – 28 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER 2020

Cameron Mackintosh announced today casting for the second year of the UK and Ireland tour of his acclaimed production of the Boublil and Schönberg musical “LES MISÉRABLES”.From 18 November 2019 Dean Chisnallwill play ‘Jean Valjean’, Nic Greenshields ‘Javert’, Katie Hall ‘Fantine’, Ian Hughes ‘Thénardier’, Harry Apps‘Marius’, Charlie Burn ‘Cosette’, Barnaby Hughes ‘Enjolras’ and Helen Walsh ‘Madame Thénardier’.

Also in the cast will be Joseph Anthony, George Arvidson, Adam Boardman, Olivia Brereton, Danny Colligan, Rebecca Ferrin, Aimee Good, Jenna Innes, Ebony Jonelle, Robert Madge, Liam Marcellino, Emily Owens, Jordan Simon Pollard, Corinne Priest, Jamie Pritchard, Aaron Pryce-Lewis, Dean Read andJanne Snellen. Further casting to be announced soon.

Further 2020 dates were also announced today with “LES MISÉRABLES” now confirmed to play Bristol Hippodrome (7 April – 9 May 2020), Glasgow Theatre Royal (3 – 27 June 2020), Leeds Grand Theatre (23 July – 15 August 2020), Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre (25 August – 12 September 2020) Canterbury Marlowe Theatre (25 September – 24 October 2020) and Hull New Theatre (28 October – 21 November 2020).Full tour schedule with on sale dates below.

Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this new production of “Les Misérables” in 2009 to celebrate the show’s 25^th anniversary it has taken the world by storm. Originally touring the UK throughout 2009/10, and concluding with 22 performances at the Barbican, this production was hailed by audiences and critics alike.

Now this UK and Ireland tour, embraced by modern audiences across the globe as a Les Mis for the 21^st century, has sold out in record breaking time in each venue it has played since opening in 2018.

This production inspired the hugely successful movie version starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne. This brilliant new staging has scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo,and has to date already been seen in North America, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Spain, France, Manila, Singapore, Dubai and Broadway.

Boublil and Schönberg’s magnificent score of “LES MISÉRABLES” includes the songs, “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Stars”, “Bring Him Home”, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, “One Day More”, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”, “Master Of The House” and many more.  Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, “LES MISÉRABLES” is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of “LES MISÉRABLES” is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and original adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. The original “LES MISÉRABLES” orchestrations are by John Cameron with new orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke, Stephen Metcalfe and Stephen Brooker. The production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and Geoffrey Garratt, projections by Fifty-Nine Productions and musicsupervision by Stephen Brooker and Graham Hurman.

LISTINGS

LES MISÉRABLES UK AND IRELAND TOUR 2019/2020 – lesmis.com

NOW PLAYING UNTIL SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2019

NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

theatreroyal.co.uk

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2019

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

atgtickets.com/venues/Liverpool

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2019

SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER

mayflower.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2019 – SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2020

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE CARDIFF

wmc.org.uk

ON SALE NOW

WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH – SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020

NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL

theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 7 APRIL – SATURDAY 9 MAY 2020

BRISTOL HIPPODROME
atgtickets.com/venues/Bristol

ON SALE 25 SEPTEMBER 2019

WEDNESDAY 3 – SATURDAY 27 JUNE 2020  
GLASGOW THEATRE ROYAL

atgtickets.com/venues/Glasgow

ON SALE 30 OCTOBER 2019

TUESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 30 MAY 2020

SALFORD LOWRY

thelowry.com

ON SALE NOW

THURSDAY 23 JULY – SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2020
LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

leedsgrandtheatre.com

ON SALE 16 SEPTEMBER 2019

TUESDAY 25 AUGUST – SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2020

DUBLIN BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE

bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

ON SALE 3 SEPTEMBER 2019

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER 2020

CANTERBURY MARLOWE THEATRE

marlowetheatre.com

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2019

WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2020

HULL NEW THEATRE

hulltheatres.co.uk

ON SALE 23 SEPTEMBER 2019