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FIRST CHANCE TO HEAR THE CAST OF

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO FOOTAGE RELEASED TODAY

Video footage of the cast of & Juliet performing with the orchestra for the very first time has been released today, see following link: & Juliet – sitzprobe video

& Juliet – the joyous new musical that imagines Juliet’s famous ending as just her beginning – soars with the music of Max Martin, the acclaimed song-writer of some of the biggest pop anthems of the last 30 years.

& Juliet brings together a host of acclaimed West End stars who have headlined some of the most celebrated shows of recent years: Miriam-Teak Lee (Hamilton), Cassidy Janson (Leading Ladies, Chess, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical); Oliver Tompsett (Kinky Boots, Wicked); Arun Blair-Mangat (Leave to Remain, Angels in America); Melanie La Barrie (Wicked, Matilda); Jordan Luke Gage (who starred in the lead role of Strat in Bat Out of Hell), and Tim Mahendran (Spring Awakening).

Brought to life by an award-winning creative team in an explosive fusion of styles, & Juliet will be directed by Luke Sheppard (In the Heights) with a book by David West Read (Schitt’s Creek), electrifying choreography from Jennifer Weber, stunning set design from Soutra Gilmour and costume design by Paloma Young.

Leeds Grand Theatre – until 24 August 2019

5*****

With just a jump to the left and step to the right the Rocky Horror Show dances its way into Leeds this week.  And over 45 years later this show is still as fresh as ever.

The fans were out in force in their basques and fishnet stockings, their yellow top hats and fishtail coats, their lab coats and all the other Rocky Horror paraphernalia. They were there to cheer—a huge roar went up when the house lights started to dim, but then they came up again and the roar died away; they were there to heckle and make their contributions to the fun (which they did every chance they got) and they were there to do the Time Warp —and they did it at every conceivable opportunity. At the curtain call, the entire audience was on its feet—doing the Time Warp again

Duncan James is an absolute force of nature as Frank n Furter. As strapping as he is statuesque in the quintessential Frank look of basque, stockings, suspenders and heels, James has a stage presence that oozes confidence and vigour.  Whilst previous leads have played Frank as sophisticated and mysterious,James gave a fresh, vibrant and brilliantly scandalous performance as Frank ‘n’ Furter, with spot on comic timing.  For me he was a quite a butch Frank, different but still fabulous. Excitable like a child in a sweet shop his vocals – especially in his final solo piece – were outstanding and he seemed to love the audience as much as they loved him, interacting well.

Sweet Transvestite and Make You A Man were real standouts as his fine vocals filled the air. He nails Frank’s arrogance and frantic showman persona to a tee and earned a well deserved standing ovation.

Kristian Lavercombe (normally Riff Raff) was a natural fit for the narrator with a delightful charm that immediately drew the audience in.  The narrator in Rocky Horror can make or break a performance as the interaction with the audience is a crucial part of the show.  Lavercombe was exceptional – dealing with the hecklers and shouting, with witty asides and never putting down or insulting the audience.

Brad and Janet – played by James Darch and Joanne Clifton, both have excellent voices and portray young and naive with perfect charm.  Clifton perfectly portrayed Janet’s transition from sexually repressed to sexually awakened with Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me a real treat, while Darch always obtained a grain of innocence in spite of the saucy shenanigans going on around him. 

While Rocky Horror doesn’t have a huge cast, they all have a part to play with Laura Harrison eerie yet vampish as Magenta, Callum Evans definitely catching the eye as Rocky, Miracle Chance energetic and frustrated as Columbia and Reece Budin a real presence as Riff-Raff.

There isn’t a weak link in this show at all, performers, musicians and outstanding production make this one of the best versions of Rocky Horror to tour in a long time.

It’s a fan favourite, full of innuendo, an adult pantomime, camper than Christmas, and a guaranteed standing ovation when the audience rises as one to do an encore of the Time Warp.

JOHN PARTRIDGE, KARA LILY HAYWORTH, ANITA HARRIS 
AND FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR
KANDER & EBB’S MULTI AWARD WINNING MUSICAL

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS
CABARET

IN THE SMASH HIT PRODUCTION DIRECTED BY RUFUS NORRIS

Full casting has been announced for Rufus Norris’ multi award-winning production of Kander and Ebb’s landmark musical Cabaret, which embarks on an extensive 2019 UK and Ireland tour, opening at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre from 28 August.

John Partridge, winner of Celebrity MasterChef in 2018, well known to TV audiences as EastEnders’ Christian Clarke, and one of West End theatre’s most prolific leading men (A Chorus Line, Chicago, and La Cage Aux Folles) leads this production of Cabaret as Emcee. In the role of Sally Bowles is Kara Lily Hayworth who recently won rave reviews across the country for her portrayal of Cilla Black in Cilla the Musical, after she was discovered by Bill Kenwright during the show’s nationwide TV auditions. As Fraulein Schneider we have singer and screen icon Anita Harris who first rose to fame as a singer in the 1960s, beginning a lifelong career as a performer and actress. She has appeared both on screen (Follow That Camel and Carry on Doctor) and on stage, most notably as Grizabella in the West End’s Cats.

Joining this talented line-up is Basienka Blake (Casualty) as Fraulein Kost, Charles Hagerty (The Bodyguard, West End) as Cliff Bradshaw, James Paterson (The Phantom Of The Opera, West End) as Herr Schultz and Nick Tizzard (Doc Martin) as Ernst Ludwig. 

The ensemble comprises: Gemma Archer, Joseph Dockree, Francis Foreman, Sophie Hirst, Mary Hodgkinson, Sara Morley, Hannah Nicholas, Oliver Roll, Ben Rutter, Catherine Saunders and Tom Scanlon. 

Directed by the National Theatre’s Artistic Director Rufus Norris and featuring the Olivier Award Winning Choreography by Javier De Frutos, the production has enjoyed two smash hit West End runs at The Lyric and The Savoy theatres.

It’s 1931, Berlin is a haven of divine decadence and the legendary Sally Bowles is about to take stage at the infamous Kit Kat Klub…

Following Bromley, the tour will then continue to Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Crawley, Chester, Dublin, Belfast, Leicester, Shrewsbury, Hull, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Malvern, Peterborough, Sunderland, Oxford, Wimbledon, Manchester, Leeds, Canterbury, Sheffield, Cardiff and Stoke. Further dates and venues will be announced in due course.

CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE AND MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

ANNOUNCE FULL CAST FOR THE LONDON PREMIÈRE OF

LAURA WADE’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED THE WATSONS

Chichester Festival Theatre and Menier Chocolate Factory present

THE WATSONS

A new play by Laura Wade

Adapted from the unfinished novel by Jane Austen

20 September – 16 November

Director: Samuel West; Designer: Ben Stones; Lighting Designer: Richard Howell

Sound Designer: Gregory Clarke; Music: Isobel Waller-Bridge; Movement: Mike Ashcroft

Casting Director: Charlotte Sutton

Chichester Festival Theatre and Menier Chocolate Factory today announce the full cast for the London première of Olivier Award-winner Laura Wade’s The Watsons at the Menier. Samuel West directs original cast members Sam Alexander (Robert Watson), Sally Bankes (Nanny), Joe Bannister (Lord Osborne), Jane Booker(Lady Osborne), Elaine Claxton (Mrs Edwards), Tim Delap (Mr Howard), Sophie Duval (Mrs Robert), Louise Ford (Laura), John Wilson Goddard (Mr Watson), Grace Molony (Emma Watson), Elander Moore (Bertie), Paksie Vernon (Elizabeth Watson), Cat White (Miss Osborne) and Laurence Ubong Williams (Tom Musgrave), who are joined by Rhianna McGreevy (Margaret Watson), with Isaac Forward, Sonny Fowler and Teddy Probets sharing the role of Charles Howard for the run at the Menier. The Watsons played to critical acclaim at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2018. The production opens at the Menier on 30 September, with previews from 20 September, and runs until 16 November.

What happens when the writer loses the plot?

Emma Watson is nineteen and new in town. She’s been cut off by her rich aunt and dumped back in the family home. Emma and her sisters must marry, fast. If not, they face poverty, spinsterhood, or worse: an eternity with their boorish brother and his awful wife.

Luckily there are plenty of potential suitors to dance with, from flirtatious Tom Musgrave to castle-owning Lord Osborne, who’s as awkward as he is rich.

So far so familiar. But there’s a problem: Jane Austen didn’t finish the story. Who will write Emma’s happy ending now?

Based on her incomplete novel, this sparklingly witty play looks under the bonnet of Jane Austen and asks: what can characters do when their author abandons them?

Laura Wade is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Her credits include Home I’m Darling (Theatr Clwyd, National Theatre, Duke of York’s Theatre and UK tour – Olivier Award for Best New Comedy), Tipping the Velvet (Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, adapted from the novel by Sarah Waters), Posh (Royal Court Theatre and West End), Alice (Sheffield Theatres), Kreutzer vs. Kreutzer (Sydney Opera House and Australian Tour, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Royal Festival Hall and UK tour), Other Hands (Soho Theatre), Colder Than Here (Soho Theatre and MCC Theatre New York), Breathing Corpses (Royal Court Theatre), Young Emma (Finborough Theatre), and 16 Winters (Bristol Old Vic Basement).  Film credits include The Riot Club and Britain Isn’t Eating.  

The cast is Sam Alexander (One Man, Two Guvnors – National Theatre, and Theatre Royal Haymarket, Love’s Labour Lost – Chichester, RSC and West End), Sally Bankes (East is East – Trafalgar Studios, and for television,World Without End and Titanic), Joe Bannister (Ramona Tells Jim – Bush Theatre, Wild Honey – Hampstead Theatre and Hobson’s Choice – Vaudeville Theatre), Jane Booker (The Beaux Stratagem – National Theatre, and for film Finding Neverland), Elaine Claxton (Carthage – Finborough Theatre, and for television, Delicious), Tim Delap (Jane Eyre – National Theatre and UK tour, Losing Venice and French Without Tears – Orange Tree Theatre), Sophie Duval (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – National Theatre and Apollo Theatre, for television, Doctor Who and Chewing Gum, and for film, Topsy-Turvey), Louise Ford (Quartermaine’s Terms – Wyndham’s Theatre, and for television, The Windsors and Crashing), John Wilson Goddard (The Question – BAC, Oedipus Needs Help – Vital Experience), Rhianna McGreevy (Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice and The Taming of the Shrew – Shakespeare Globe tour), Grace Molony (The Country Girls at Chichester – winner of The Stage Debut Award, and Lady Windemere’s Fan – Vaudeville Theatre, and for film, Artemis Fowland Mary Queen of Scots), Elander Moore (The Rink – Southwark Playhouse and The Goat, Or Who is Sylvia? – Theatre Royal Haymarket), Paksie Vernon (Network and Angels in America – National Theatre), Cat White (Our Town – North Wall, Shudder – Soho Theatre), and Laurence Ubong Williams (The Deep Blue Sea – Chichester, Jumpy – Theatr Clwyd), with Isaac Forward, Sonny Fowler and Teddy Probets.

Samuel West directs. His directorial work includes After Electra (Tricycle Theatre), Close The Coalhouse Door(Northern Stage), Waste (Almeida Theatre) and Dealer’s Choice (Menier Chocolate Factory/Trafalgar Studios). As Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres he directed the first revival of The Romans in Britain by Howard Brenton, and As You Like It for the RSC’s Complete Works Festival. He also directed Money by Edward Bulwer-Lytton for BBC Radio. As an actor, work includes the title roles in Hamlet and Richard II for the RSC, Jeffrey Skilling in Lucy Prebble’s Enron (Chichester/Royal Court/Noel Coward theatres), three series of Mr Selfridge, the film Howards End, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Suffragette and On Chesil Beach.

This production is based on the Chichester Festival Theatre production which had its world première at the Minerva Theatre on 3 November 2018.

This production is generously supported by Sonia Friedman Productions and Playing Field.

Listings Information                                                                                                                   The Watsons

Venue:                                Menier Chocolate Factory

Address:                             53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU

Dates:                                 20 September – 16 November

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

Mayflower Theatre Southampton -until  24 August 2019

Reviewed by Jo Gordon

5*****

Bill Kenwrights stage adaption of Saturday Night Fever is certainly a crowd pleaser, I have not seen a theatre audience so buzzing for a while! Most people of a certain age are aware of the huge 1977 film of the same name, I’ve never seen it but it does seem imbedded in my psyche as I recognised the iconic white suit and musical score just as well as the long term fans around me. 

Set in 1970’s New York we follow the life of Tony Manero (Richard Winsor). Living with an out of work abusive father, his downtrodden mother and under the shadow of his brother who joined the Priesthood Tony loves to dance to get away from it all. He lives to dance at the 2001 club with his friends and thinks of himself as a ladies man. While trying to fend off the unwanted advances of Annette (Natasha Firth) and falls for beautiful dancer Stephanie Mangano (Olivia Fines). A dance competition is announced with a prize of $1000, Tony has to decide which lady will be his partner all while dealing with the trials, tribulations and heartache life is throwing at him… will he succeed in becoming the man he wishes to be?

There is no question that Richard is perfect for this part being from a dancing background, he wiggles and thrusts his way through the production perfectly without missing a beat and flips from bolshy Tony to gentle Tony beautifully. The equally triple talented Stephanie wows the audience with her dance, singing and acting skills bringing to life the vulnerabilities of her character. The whole cast were on the mark throughout, an exceptionally talented bunch discoing their way across the stage bringing the 2001 club alive helped by the Bee Gees stood centre stage providing the well known tunes we all know  and disco balls dazzling the audience. Lots of iconic moments that the crowds went wild for with one being more popular than most in when Tony pops on his famous white suit… for many many reasons!

Every one was buzzing on leaving the theatre, its a Discoballed Strutfest that lifts your spirits in uncertain times !

THE SPELLBINDING WEST END PREMIERE OF  

MUST END ITS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED RUN AT

THE VAUDEVILLE THEATRE

ON 8 SEPTEMBER

★★★★

Daily Telegraph, Time Out, Mail On Sunday, WhatsOnStage,

Daily Express, The Week, The Stage, The Observer

‘Young theatregoers can – finally – believe in magic’ The Times

‘A cauldron of delights perfect for a family summer show’ WhatsOnStage

‘Enchanting’ Mail On Sunday

‘Delightfully boisterous production… splendid’ Daily Telegraph

‘Magical mischief and crowd pleasing mayhem’ WhatsOnStage

‘A riot from start to finish… pure magic’ Sunday Mirror

Casting a spell on the West End this summer, the critically acclaimed production of The Worst Witch must complete its run at the Vaudeville Theatre on 8 September 2019. Budding young witches and wizards have less than 3 weeks left to catch this hit production before it flies off into the night.

The Worst Witch, adapted for the stage by Emma Reeves from Jill Murphy’s original books, has enjoyed a magical summer season in London’s West End, following a hugely successful nationwide tour and run at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton.

The Worst Witch is the story of an ordinary girl who finds herself in an extraordinary place: a school for witches.

Accident-prone Mildred Hubble and her fellow pupils leave a trail of mayhem behind them as they find themselves at the centre of a battle that’s being fought for their future.

Featuring Jill Murphy’s much-loved characters, the production includes original songs, music, magic and a dose of Mildred’s unique brand of utter pandemonium!

The all-female cast at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches are: Rosie Abraham (Ethel), Danielle Bird (Mildred), Molly-Grace Cutler (Miss Bat), Meg Forgan (Fenella), Rachel Heaton (Miss Hardbroom), Rebecca Killick (Maud), Emma Lau (Drusilla), Megan Leigh Mason (Miss Drill), Polly Lister (Agatha/Miss Cackle), Lauryn Redding (Griselda) and Consuela Rolle (Enid).

The Worst Witch is directed by Theresa Heskins (2017 UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People) and designed by Simon Daw, with lighting by Aideen Malone, sound by Leigh Davies, original music by Luke Potter, aerial direction by Vicki Amedume, choreography by Beverley Norris-Edmunds, and illusions by John Bulleid. Kenny Wax Family Entertainment, Novel Theatre and Nica Burns present a Royal & Derngate, Northampton production.

THE IMPOSSIBLE MAN

• A BRAND NEW MUSICAL IS IN DEVELOPMENT BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF ILLUSIONIST AND SHOWMAN HARRY HOUDINI.
   
• PRODUCER KARL SYDOW AND DIRECTOR/PRODUCER FEDERICO BELLONE WILL BRING TOGETHER AN INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE TEAM.
   
• THE MUSICAL SPECTACULAR PROMISES OVER TWENTY BIG ILLUSIONS NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN ON STAGE OR SCREEN.
   
• FOLLOWING INITIAL READINGS AND RECORDING SESSIONS IN LONDON, FULL WORKSHOPS ARE TO TAKE PLACE IN 2020 WITH PREVIEWS IN DETROIT IN 2021 AND SIGHTS ON BROADWAY AND THE WEST END.

Producer Karl Sydow (The Last Ship, Dance of Death, Red Joan) and Director Federico Bellone (Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins in Milan, new production of Dirty Dancing and upcoming revival of Sugar both in the West End) announce the development of a brand new musical, The Impossible Man, based on the true story of illusionist and stunt showman, Harry Houdini.

Following successful readings and recording sessions in London, the show will see workshops from 2020, with full scale previews planned for Detroit (location of Houdini’s last stunt) the year afterwards and sights on Broadway and the West End.

Bringing together an international creative team, The Impossible Man will feature over twenty big stage illusions, many of which have never been presented before on a stage or screen, and a musical theatre score influenced by the Hungarian folk music of Houdini’s birthplace.

Budapest-born Houdini moved to America as a child where, from a young age, he would marvel audiences; first as a trapeze artist before making a name for himself in the US and on European tours as an escapologist and stunt daredevil. The Impossible Man is set during the last show of the great magician’s life in the autumn of 1926 and through a series of flashbacks, we experience his life, loves and rise to fame.

RECIPIENTS OF THE FOURTH YEAR OF

MGCFUTURES BURSARIES ANNOUNCED

Including new bursaries in partnership with Gate Theatre,

English Touring Theatre and Deafinitely Theatre

Michael Grandage today announces the recipients of the fourth annual MGCfutures Bursaries awarded across a range of theatrical disciplines including directing, writing, producing, designing, composing, choreography and performance-makers. A registered charity, MGCfutures offers both financial and ongoing mentoring support to the recipients who come from across the UK. 

The recipients of this year’s bursaries are Chisara Agor, Louise Anderson, Josh Anio Grigg, Nicola Baldwin,Hannah Blamire, Simon Carroll-Jones, Marcelo Dos Santos, Hannah Farley-Hills, Joshua Gadsby, Gus Gowland, Annie Jenkins, Beth Kapila, Anastasia Osei-Kuffour, Audrey Sheffield, Julian Spooner and Sita Thomas.

In addition, MGCfutures today awards Twan Lentjes The Stephanie Arditti Bursary created in the memory of award-winning costume supervisor Stephanie Arditti; and in partnership with three companies – Sara Malikand Kaleya Baxe are the recipients of the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill, Assistant Director Bursaries; Sophie Slater the recipient of the English Touring Theatre Assistant Production Manager Bursary for ETT’s co-production with Sheffield Theatres of Reasons to Stay Alive; and Zoe McWhinney (directing), Laura Goldberg (stage management) and James Greenhaigh (costume and design) for Deafinitely Theatre’s bursaries on HUB, the first ever deaf accessible theatre training scheme.

Artistic Director Michael Grandage said today, “We knew when we started MGCfutures, we wanted to find ways to support the next generation of theatre-makers to achieve their dreams and goals, in whatever their chosen field. No one piece of theatre is made without a collective effort from many people, and we’re thrilled today to give bursaries to such a range of talent from across so many sectors.

“We’re delighted to partner with the Gate Theatre, English Touring Theatre and Deafinitely Theatre to create these additional opportunities, and also to give the first bursary in honour of a dear friend and collaborator Stephanie Arditti.”

Patron of MGCfutures Judi Dench commented, “It’s heartening for the future of theatre to see such an incredible group of artists receive bursaries from MGCfutures. It’s a wonderful scheme which puts the recipient first, and not only offers a bursary, but invaluable mentoring and support moving forward.”

Michael Grandage founded MGCfutures in 2013 – a charity designed to encourage and support the next generation of theatre-makers and theatregoers. The bursaries programme was launched in 2016, and reaches out across the UK to seek the very best creative talent showing a commitment to their chosen career and looking to progress to the next stage of their development. Applicants can apply for bursaries of up to £5000.

QUOTES FROM BURSARY RECIPIENTS:

Hannah Blamire: “I am very excited to be one of the 2019 recipients of the MGCfutures Bursary. It will mean that I can continue my training in theatre rigging and technical drawing, hopefully propelling me to the next level in my career. It is an honour and a real confidence boost to have the backing of such a prestigious organisation and I look forward to putting my new skills in to practice.”

Gus Gowland: “I am utterly thrilled to have been awarded an MGCfutures Bursary to support The Red Virgin. The bursary will enable me to complete the first draft of this new musical, telling an incredible true story that I’ve long been passionate about bringing the stage.  It is incredibly validating to receive this support, and I’m so grateful to MGCfutures for gifting me that most precious of commodities – time to write.”

Twan Lentjes: “Receiving the MGCfutures Bursary is an absolute blessing. It will allow me to buy the software needed to create a digital embroidery library, with a focus on historical embroidery. It also allows me to explore the potential of getting more embroidery work and collaborations within the costume industry.”

Julian Spooner: “I’m thrilled to be awarded with an MGCfutures Bursary. This will allow me to embark on an R and D period on an exciting project called Dancing Bears, which I’m directing and developing with the writer Nick Bruckman. The production takes inspiration from the last dancing bears that existed in Bulgaria in the early 90s before the country joined the EU and the practice was banned. It’s a piece that will explore the relationship between a dancing bear and their keeper. We seek to delve into definitions of civilised behaviour and culture, masochism and love, and the empathy that can join humans and animals.”

Zoe McWhinney: “I’m elated to be awarded the MCGfutures bursary to work with Paula Garfield, of Deafinitely Theatre, to build a bridge from being an actress to a director, and towards achieving my passion of being a theatre-maker. This bursary gives me wings, figuratively and literally.”

RSC ACTOR ED BENNETT LEADS THE CAST FOR 
ALAN TURING DRAMA BREAKING THE CODE

Casting is announced today for Wiltshire Creative’s ground-breaking production of Hugh Whitemore’sBreaking the Code, the story of the brilliant maths genius Alan Turing who cracked the Enigma code and helped win World War II.

Breaking the Code will be staged from 5-26 October at Salisbury Playhouse in-the-round on multi-tiered platforms, using light boxes and reproductions of some original code, on a set designed by James Button (Relatively Speaking, Love on the Links and Worst Wedding Ever – all Salisbury Playhouse).

Ed Bennett (Macbeth, Love’s Labour’s Lost / Much Ado About Nothing, all RSC; School for Scandal, Salisbury Playhouse) plays Alan Turing in the production.

The cast for Breaking the Code also includes Hubert Burton (The Last Post, BBC; The Inheritance, West End), Louise Calf (Downton Abbey, ITV; The Railway Children, Kings Cross Theatre) and Caroline Harker (Handbagged, Salisbury Playhouse; The Chalk Garden, Chichester Festival Theatre; Middlemarch, BBC).

The cast is completed by Julian Firth (Bodyguard, BBC; Strife, Chichester Festival Theatre), Joey Phillips (A Christmas Carol, RSC), Ian Redford (King Charles III, BBC; Casualty, BBC) and Fraser Wilson (Our Tale, The Lights, Andover).

Hubert Burton, Louise Calf and Caroline Harker are also appearing in Wiltshire Creative’s production of Relatively Speaking which runs at Salisbury Playhouse from 4-28 September.

Breaking the Code is directed by Christian Durham (Quaint Honour, Finborough Theatre; Café Society Swing, Theatre Royal Stratford East). Lighting is by Chris Davey (The Constant Wife, Private Lives, The Winslow Boy all Salisbury Playhouse) and sound and music are by Michael Scott (The Wizard of Oz, Her Naked Skin, Love on the Links all Salisbury Playhouse).

Hugh Whitemore’s compelling play Breaking the Code intertwines the story of World War II eccentric genius Alan Turing and his work on breaking the complex German Enigma code at Bletchley Park with the story of his persecution as a homosexual in 1950s Britain. Turing’s story was told in the 2014 Oscar-winning film The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Earlier this year, Turing was voted Ultimate Icon of the 20^th Century in a BBC poll.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked by calling Ticket Sales on 01722 320333 or by visitingwww.wiltshirecreative.co.uk. 

Breaking the Code is generously supported by Jim Douglas.

RICHMOND THEATRE CELEBRATES 120^TH BIRTHDAY

After undergoing a refurbishment this summer, Richmond Theatre will be throwing open its doors to celebrate its 120^th Birthday, wowing visitors with a series of one night events and a special community open day. 

Richmond Theatre has been at the heart of the community over the past 120 years, therefore community engagement and customer experience is the overarching focus for the anniversary year. 

To begin the celebrations, Fane Productions, in association with Richmond Theatre, have curated an exciting 120^th Anniversary Series. Opening on 13 September 2019 is An Evening with Bonnie Langford with Bonnie sharing songs and behind-the-scenes stories from her glittering career on stage, including tributes to some iconic leading ladies with a touch of Stevie Wonder. Continuing on 14 September 2019 is Nicholas Parsons & Gyles Brandreth: Just a Minute or Two – celebrating their half century friendship and varied tales of their different and impressive careers.

The celebrations keep going on 15 September 2019 with Richmond Theatre’s Open Day inviting the community to look behind-the-scenes for free and have unrivalled access to Frank Matcham’s beautiful theatre. Visitors will be able to meet the team, take part in creative learning activities, get on stage and learn some technical skills, as well as see the venue up close and personal. 

On the same evening, and concluding the week’s events, is All the World’s a Stage, a free event for the community in association with The Richmond Local History Society and The Richmond Society. This event will be uncovering 120 years of fascinating history of Richmond Theatre hosted by: Theatre Director Brendan Riding; the Chairman of the Frank Matcham Society, Mark Fox; Paul Velluet, a local architect and chairman of theRichmond Local History Society; and some other special guests. 

Throughout the 120^th year, Richmond Theatre will be donating 120 tickets per month to members of the community who may not otherwise be able to visit the theatre. They will be working with local charities and organisations, with the support of producers and promoters of the season’s shows, to enable the wider proportion of the community to experience the powerful medium of live entertainment.

Theatre Director, Brendan Riding said: “I’m so excited to reintroduce everyone to our beautiful theatre. This is a theatre of the community and for the community. So many people have such amazing memories of it and I know they will continue making memories for generations to come. I personally have a long relationship with Richmond Theatre, firstly as a customer, later as an actor and then when working with Theatre Producer, Bill Kenwright, where I was fortunate enough to bring countless shows to the theatre. I can’t wait to share our theatre with the community again with our anniversary celebrations and our autumn season of shows.”

The multi-million pound summer refurbishment has focused on both the interior and exterior of the Theatre. There has been a full redecoration and cleaning of the theatre’s façade, and internally, an extensive deep clean of the auditorium and proscenium arch, while retaining all the character and charm of the original features.

Robert Hill from The Historic Building Advisory Services says, “It was imperative that we ensured the heritage of this wonderful building was preserved and enhanced. It is hoped that this refreshed appearance will glow both night and day and that it will stand out with the pomp it would have had when the clientele arrived by carriage rather than by car.” 

Internally, customers will feel the difference in atmosphere, as the replacement of the mechanical plant on the roof has enabled a better and more consistent air conditioning temperature to be maintained in all public spaces. In addition, all three of the Theatre’s bars have been fully renovated to enhance customers experience, including doubling the number of sales points across the venue to ease the queues before, during and after performances, and all feature a new colour scheme influenced by the auditorium.

The project team have recently worked on landmark projects at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane and The Royal Opera House. Andrew Ellingworth, project Director from Gleeds said; “The work is not intended to redesign or change the overall look of the building, but to recapture at least some of the character it would have had in its heyday at the end of the 19^th century.”

More anniversary celebrations will be announced over the upcoming year.

Richmond Theatre celebrates their 120^th Anniversary this autumn with a packed season of shows from early September onwards. For more information, visit: ATGTICKETS.COM/Richmond.