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FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR MICHAEL LONGHURST’S

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF FLORIAN ZELLER’S THE SON

★★★★★     ★★★★★     ★★★★★     ★★★★★      ★★★★★

                                                           Daily Telegraph        Observer                Times                Daily Mail                     Sunday Express

★★★★        ★★★★        ★★★★        ★★★★

                                                                Guardian        Evening Standard     Financial Times       The Stage

FIERY ANGEL AND GAVIN KALIN PRODUCTIONS PRESENT THE KILN THEATRE PRODUCTION OF

THE SON

By Florian Zeller

In a translation by Christopher Hampton

Director: Michael Longhurst; Designer: Lizzie Clachan; Lighting Designer: Lee Curran

Composer and Sound Designer: Isobel Waller-Bridge; Casting Director: Amy Ball

24 August – 2 November

‘Florian Zeller’s remarkable play… Michael Longhurst’s immaculate production…

I’d defy anyone not to be moved’ Guardian

The full cast is announced for the Michael Longhurst’s critically acclaimed production of Florian Zeller’s The Son, in a translation by Christopher Hampton, as it transfers to the West End. The production opens at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 2 September, with previews from 24 August, and runs until 2 November. Amanda Abbington, Laurie Kynaston, John Light, Amaka Okafor and Martin Turner reprise their lauded performances for the strictly limited 10 week run. They are joined by Cudjoe Asare to complete the company. The Son marks the first West End transfer for the Kiln Theatre since it reopened last September, and is presented in the West End by Fiery Angel and Gavin Kalin Productions.

‘This final part of Florian Zeller’s trilogy is the most powerful of all’

The Times

‘A compulsive, involving, emotionally stirring evening – theatre’s answer to a page-turner.’

Observer

Written by the internationally acclaimed Florian Zeller, lauded by The Guardian as ‘the most exciting playwright of our time’, The Son is directed by the award-winning Michael Longhurst and forms the final part of the critically acclaimed trilogy with The Father and The Mother.

I’m telling you. I don’t understand what’s happening to me.

Nicolas is going through a difficult phase after his parents’ divorce. He’s listless, skipping school, lying and thinks that moving in with his father and his new family may help. A fresh start. When he doesn’t settle there either, he decides that going back to his mother’s may be the answer. When change feels like the only way to survive, what will he do when the options begin to run out?

‘Exceptional… Fizzes with raw emotion… It totally blew me away.’

Daily Mail

Florian Zeller is a French novelist and playwright. Zeller won the prestigious Prix Interallié in 2004 (Fascination of Evil) and several Molière Awards for his plays La Mère (The mother)and Le Père (The father). L’Autre, le Manège, Si tu mourais, Elle t’attend, La Vérité (The truth)andUne heure de Tranquillité were successfully produced in France and internationally. L’Envers du décor, starring Daniel Auteuil was produced in Paris in 2016. Avant de s’envoler was on the same season, and recently played at the Wyndham’s Theatre (The Height of the Storm) with Jonathan Pryce and Eileen Atkins (Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress) directed by Jonathan Kent. Le Père (The father), was nominated as Best New Play at the 2016 Olivier Awards, with Kenneth Cranham winning for Best Actor in a Play. It also received two nominations for the 2016 Tony Awards – Best Play and Best Performance by an Actor, the latter was won by Frank Langella. This play has been performed in over 35 countries and is being adapted into a feature film with Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman which Zeller will direct. Christopher Hampton has translated most of Zeller’s plays into English; and his plays have received many international awards.

Christopher Hampton has translated plays by Ibsen, Molière, Chekhov, Yasmina Reza (including Art and Life x 3) and Florian Zeller’s The Father, The Mother and The Truth. He won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the adaptation of his own play, Les Liaisons Dangereuses (released as Dangerous Liaisons). He was nominated again in 2007 for adapting Ian McEwan’s novel Atonement. His television work includes adaptations of The History Man and Hotel du Lac.

‘The surgical precision of the writing achieves a devastating visceral impact’

Daily Telegraph

Amanda Abbington plays Anne. Her theatre credits include The God of Carnage (Theatre Royal Bath), A Little Princess (Royal Festival Hall), Abigail’s Party (Theatre Royal Bath/UK Tour), God Bless This Child (Royal Court), Love Me Tonight (Hampstead Theatre), The Safari Party (Stephen Joseph Theatre /Hampstead Theatre), Something Blue (Stephen Joseph Theatre), Taming of the Shrew (Queen Mother Theatre) and Tin Soldiers (New End Theatre/Grace Theatre). For television her credits include Flack, Safe, Sherlock, Mr Selfridge, Being Human, Case Histories, Psychoville, Man Stroke Woman, Booze Cruise, Teachers and Coupling; and for film, We The Kings, Crooked House, Another Mother’s Son and Ghosted.

Laurie Kynaston plays Nicolas. His theatre credits include The Ferryman (Gielgud Theatre), Jumpy, The Winslow Boy (Theatre Clwyd). For television, his work includes Derry Girls, The Feed, Cradle to Grave, Murder Games and Our World War; and for film, How To Build a Girl, Undercliffe and England is Mine.

John Light plays Pierre. Theatre credits include Uncle Vanya (Theatre Royal Bath), Mary Stuart (Duke of York’s Theatre), The Winter’s Tale, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe), Three Days In The Country (National Theatre), Taken at Midnight (Chichester Festival Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket – Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor), The Blackest Black (Hampstead Theatre), Julius Caesar (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Thom Pain (Based on Nothing) (The Print Room), Luise Miller (Donmar Warehouse), The Master Builder, Certain Young Men (Almeida Theatre), True West (Sheffield Crucible) and Apologia (Bush Theatre). For television, his work includes Agatha Raisin, Mars, Maigret, Father Brown, Silk, Dresden, North and South, Cambridge Spies, Band of Brothers, Love in a Cold Climate and Aristocrats; and for film, Albert Nobbs, Scoop, The Lion in Winter and A Rather English Marriage.

Amaka Okafor plays Sofia. Her theatre credits include I’m Not Running, Macbeth, Saint George and The Dragon, Peter Pan (National Theatre), Hamlet (Almeida Theatre), Grimly Handsome, I See You (Royal Court Theatre) and Hamlet (Barbican).

Martin Turner plays The Doctor. His theatre work includes The Plague (Arcola Theatre), The Crucible (Storyhouse), Uncle Vanya (Theatr Clwyd and Sheffield Theatres), The Haunting of Hill House (Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse), The King’s Speech (Chichester Festival Theatre and tour), Medea (National Theatre), Twelve Angry Men (Garrick Theatre and Birmingham Rep) and A Life of Galileo (RSC). For television, his work includes A Very English Murder, Mother’s Day, Follow the Money, Maigret, New Tricks, The White Queen and Dark Matters; and for film, Urban Hymn and Labirent.

Cudjoe Asare plays Nurse. He Bristol Old Vic Theatre School this summer and The Son marks his professional stage debut.

The understudies are Rebecca D’Souza (Anne and Sofia), Piers Hampton (Pierre,  Doctor and Nurse), and Harry Rundle (Nicolas).

Michael Longhurst directs. He was recently appointed Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse, and opened his inaugural production there – David Greig’s Europe – in June. His other recent credits include the recent revival of Caroline or Change (Chichester, Festival Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, and Playhouse Theatre – nominated for 3 Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival, with Sharon D. Clarke winning the Best Actress in a Musical Award), and Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus (National Theatre) and Nick Payne’s Constellations starring Sally Hawkins and Rafe Spall at Royal Court Theatre and in the West End, and with Ruth Wilson and Jake Gyllenhaal on Broadway. Longhurst also worked with Gyllenhaal on his American stage debut in If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet (Roundabout Theatre, New York). Other credits include Gloria (Hampstead Theatre), Belleville (Donmar Warehouse), Bad Jews (Theatre Royal Bath/West End), and Linda (Royal Court Theatre).

Based in Kilburn, Kiln Theatre creates internationally renowned, high-quality, engaging and innovative work which presents the world through a variety of different lenses, amplifying unheard voices into the mainstream. Led by Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham and Executive Director Daisy Heath, it makes theatre that crosses continents and tells big stories about human connections across cultures, race and languages.

We encourage artists of all ages and backgrounds. Our work is commissioned specifically for our theatre and produced by Kiln Theatre’s artistic team, as well as additional work which is programmed in collaboration with national or international partners.

Recent productions include White Teeth by Zadie Smith, adapted by Stephen Sharkey, Holy Sh!t by Alexis Zegerman, Approaching Empty by Ishy Din, The Son by Florian Zeller, The Half God of Rainfall by Inua Ellams, Wife by Samuel Adamson and Blues in the Night. Recent collaborations include the National Theatre, Tamasha and Sundance Theatre Lab (US).

The ambitious Creative Learning programme aims to champion the imagination, aspiration and potential of the Brent community young and old. It invests in creating meaningful relationships with young people to inspire and encourage their creativity, their confidence and self-esteem. It works with older people to create a thriving community around the theatre.

Listings                                                                                                                                                       The Son

Duke of York’s Theatre

St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2B 4BG

24 August – 2 November

Box Office: 0844 871 7623

Online:  www.thesonwestend.com

Twitter @thesonwestend

Instagram @thesonwestend

Facebook /thesonwestend

Monday to Saturday 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinee 3pm

Tickets from £15

Apollo Theatre – until 31 August 2019

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

5*****

“History with the horrible bits left in” is how Horrible Histories live is billed and they are absolutely right. Presented by the Birmingham Stage company, Benedict Martin and Pip Chamberlin bring the books of Terry Deary to life on stage.

Giving an in-site into the life of St Alban, Vikings, Tudors and Victorians amongst others, Martin and Chamberlin become various characters from history, some fictional and some real, and make the historic events memorable through jokes, songs and audience participation. If you ever want to see a Night-soil man do the floss dance or watch a Viking and Saxon have a rap battle then this is the show for you.

With a very basic set consisting of two old fashioned lamp posts and a large wooden box that is moved to become a Viking long boat, a train interior and a throne and costumes being taken from a fancy box so the actors can be dressed for the historical era they are explaining, the emphasis is more on the facts than the staging.

With references to modern day events such as Boris Johnson being the Prime Minister and the impending Brexit deadline, the show is as much for adults as it is children. Grab a ticket whilst the show is still on and enjoy history in a fun but educational way whilst laughing at fart jokes

New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until 10 August 2019

Reviewed by Lisa Harlow

4****

So iconic is this show that I can guarantee the title song strikes up immediately in your mind, the moment you read the title. Right?

The film and soundtrack, now over 40 years old, told the story of how disco took over the world, but also how Saturday Night became a beacon for most people trying to escape their down-trodden Monday to Friday lives.

The vibrancy of the dancefloor brings pretty much the only light into Tony Manero’s (Richard Winsor) Brooklyn working class life, the infamous main role played by John Travolta in that suit.

Tony finds himself stifled in a strict Catholic Italian family, with a bitter, unemployed father always ready to take aim with his pot shots. His friends occupy themselves with girls and fighting, whilst Tony finds his pulse and his freedom dancing in club 2001.

Enter Stephanie Mangano (Olivia Fines), and Tony’s occupation with dancing increases ten-fold as he follows his dream to find release in dancing. The sparkle from the dancefloor cannot overshadow the apparent darkness in Tony and his entourage’s lives; this story is not without tragedy.

You Should Be Dancing blasts out into the audience and for me, it was the first unveiling of the true vivacity of the music in this show. Unfortunately, there were a few audio issues during the first half, which were all handled professionally by the cast. It wasn’t clear if this was the true cause of the underlying cool, jazz vibe I felt up from the performance up to the interval, rather than fiery energy I had been anticipating. Dialogue between Tony and his father (Grant Neal) needed more impact, some dialogue needed more volume, all in all, I felt it a little muffled.

Post interval, the performance was rousing, emotionally moving and exhilarating. Winsor’s ballet training brought beautiful poise and flow to the dance moves, he also had great stage presence when peacocking on the dancefloor. Fines was hypnotic in her role as the enigmatic Mangano, and I found it hard to take my eyes off her when she was dancing. The trio singing the Bee Gees much loved songs were fantastic throughout, as was the choreography and supporting cast. By Jive Talking, Saturday Night Fever’s true explosive disco spirit had been unleashed and we were all consumed by its dazzling fire. Not only for nostalgic reasons, this show shakes your disco spirit free with its Burn Baby Burn fiery heart: a thoroughly enjoyable, glitterball of an evening

Darlington Hippodrome – until 8 August 2019

3***

This show is definitely one of two parts.  Stunning performance but not quite as good production. With no programmes available, the lovely Nic at Darlington Hippodrome managed to find me a cast list or I would be lost as to who to praise and who to grumble.

Puttin’ on the Ritz is from David Kings Spirit Productions and is currently on tour around the UK after a tour in Australia.  It covers the golden age of Hollywood with songs from Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin. The vocalists Katherine Glover, Robyn Tempest, Tamara Eden, Sean Smith and Miles Braithwaite are incredibly talented and the dancers Chloe Gatward, Shaunna Olley, Gemma Taylor, Daniella Hyner-Anderson, Charlie Barker, Lewis Herring, James Chew and Dan Holland help to lift the amazing vocals with stunning footwork.  The second act concentrates on the stars of the time – Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Al Jolson and The Cotton Club.

The singing is fabulous, evoking memories of glamour of a bygone era and the dancers are spellbinding – performing many different types of choreography from waltz to a Charleston which had an audience member up on the stage joining in – he looked like he was having a whale of a time.

Unfortunately what the performers gave the production took away.  The costumes which should have been dazzling were lacking. The hems were down, they had bald patches where sequins had fallen off, the appliqué was unstitched, feathers were missing and the fans looked like they were held together with luck.  The men appeared to be wearing each others clothes, with nothing actually fitting anyone. During the staging of Putting on my Top Hat, the male singers managed to find tailcoats and top hats but not white ties – a simple issue easily remedied if someone just took 5  minutes to check their outfits either before or after their wear.

The sound was made up of backing tracks which sometimes drowned the singers and when there was tap dancing the track seemed to be dubbed with extra taps to make it sound like more people were on the stage.

This could be a glorious show, the potential is there, with just a bit of care and a little bit of money spending it could be spectacular.  However, the predominantly elderly audience all seemed to be enjoying themselves and that is all that matters

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF 42^nd STREET STARRING BONNIE LANGFORD TO BE SCREENED IN CINEMAS ACROSS THE UK AND IRELAND

★★★★★

“Achingly beautiful revival of an American classic”

The Telegraph

More2Screen today announces the cinema release of the critically acclaimed West End revival of Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble’s 42^nd Street which will be screenedin more than 550 cinemas across the UK and Ireland from 10 November 2019. This legendary musical stars national treasure Bonnie Langford as Dorothy Brock with music and lyrics by Harry Warren and Al Dubin. Cinema tickets are on sale now at 42ndStreetCinema.com

★★★★★

”Utterly moreish extravaganza of glitz”

The Times

42^nd Street tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway. This is the largest ever staging of the Tony® Award-winning musical, and featuring iconic songs 42nd Street, We’re In The Money and Lullaby Of Broadway, this is pure musical magic on the big screen.

The stage production was produced by Michael Linnit and Michael Grade. It was filmed live for the cinema screen at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in November 2018 by BroadwayHD, the US-based streaming service for live theatre. Ross MacGibbon directed the filmed version in collaboration with the late Mark Bramble, filming in 4K with 8 cameras at three separate performances to capture the spectacular scale of the stage show.

Bonnie Langford today said, I’m so proud that this great production is now going to be screened in cinemas, reaching more people across the UK and Ireland than ever before. 42^nd Street has been a part of my life since my twenties when I first played Peggy Sawyer and then a whole 25 years later I returned as Dorothy Brock to Theatre Royal Drury Lane. It feels like the perfect conclusion to a joyous run.”

Christine Costello, CEO and Founder of More2Screen added, “42nd Street is one of the all-time great Broadway musicals and we’re delighted to be bringing this fabulous West End revival to cinema audiences all across the UK and Ireland.”

The production stars Emmerdale’s Tom Lister (Julian Marsh), Philip Bertioli (Billy Lawlor), Clare Halse (Peggy Sawyer), and star of theatre, film and television Bonnie Langford (Dorothy Brock).

The 60-strong cast features Jasna Ivir (Maggie Jones), Christopher Howell (Bert Barry), Matthew Goodgame(Pat Denning), Graeme Henderson (Andy Lee), Bruce Montague (Abner Dillon), Mark McKerracher (Mac/ Doc / Thug), Emma Caffrey (Annie), Ella Martine (Lorraine), Clare Rickard (Phyllis) and Paul Knight (Oscar).

Mark Bramble (December 1950 – February 2019) was an American writer, director and producer. Having produced and co-written the original production in 1980, which receiveda Tony Award Nomination for Best Direction of a Musical in 1981, Bramble directed the 2001 revival of 42^nd Street on Broadway, which secureda further Tony Award nomination in the same category. He directed productions of 42^nd Street across the world including Sydney, Shanghai, Tokyo, Amsterdam and Vienna, and finally in London’s West End in 2017. His previous credits as a writer include The Three Musketeers and Barnum (Tony Award Nomination for Best Book of a Musical – 1980). Creditsas a director and writer include Fat Pig and Someone Else’s Rainbow, and as a director Notre Dame.

For more information or to find a cinema screening please visit: 42ndstreetcinema.com

#42ndStreet

#42ndStreetMusical

#42ndStreetCinema

Running time:                    143 minutes (including a 10-minute interval)

BBFC Age Rating:              To be confirmed

THE KING’S HEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW ARTISTIC ASSOCIATES

The King’s Head Theatre is proud to announce 12 new Artistic Associates, collectively encompassing a range of different theatrical specialisms. Their appointment reflects the venue’s commitment to showcasing the breadth of creative talent working on the London fringe.Artistic Director Adam Spreadbury-Maher says: ‘I am thrilled to announce such a fantastic group of theatre makers as our brand new Artistic Associates. From a first-time playwright to an actress whose career spans seven decades, their work embodies the breadth of our programme. I cannot wait to see where their talents take us next!’

The new Associates include directors, playwrights, designers, stage managers and performers, with an age range of early twenties to early nineties and diverse racial, sexual and gender identities. They have between then worked at every echelon of London theatre, including the National Theatre, in the West End and Off West End. Amongst them are Harry Mackrill, Associate Director of the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of Angels in America, regular King’s Head Theatre collaborators Designer Amanda Mascarenhas, Lighting Designer Nic Farman and Sound Designer Nicola Chang, and former Trainee Resident Director Jamie Armitage, best known as Co-Director of the multi-Olivier Award nominated SIX The Musical.The King’s Head Theatre was established in 1970. Passionate about championing ethically produced fringe theatre, we are known for our challenging work and support of young artists. Last year 116,151 audience members saw a show of ours: 44,607 at our 110-seater home on Upper Street and 71,544 elsewhere. At our home in Islington we had 774 performances last year of 95 different shows. We are committed to fighting prejudice through the work we stage, the artists and staff we work with and by producing work for minority audience groups. We believe in fair pay for all on the fringe and create accessible routes for early career artists to stage their work; work we are passionate about. Last year we announced the theatre is on the move.

From fairytales to a gothic saga: Northern Ballet’s new season in Yorkshire

Three Short Ballets – Leeds and Doncaster

Cinderella – Sheffield, Hull and Leeds

Dracula – Leeds

Little Red Riding Hood – Leeds

50^th Anniversary Celebration Gala – Leeds

northernballet.com/whatson

Commencing in September, theatregoers in Yorkshire will be able to enjoy an impressive new season of dramatic, contemporary and family friendly dance courtesy of Leeds-based Northern Ballet. The Company will perform a captivating programme of Three Short Ballets followed by a new national tour of Cinderella, the return of Dracula and the world première of children’s ballet Little Red Riding Hood, topped off with their 50^th Anniversary Celebration Gala.

Northern Ballet kicks off their new season with Three Short Ballets, a triple bill of exhilarating short dance works. With performances in Leeds (5 – 7 Sep) and Doncaster (10 – 11 Sep), the programme features The Kingdom of Back, Morgann Runacre-Temple’s humorous and moving tribute to Wolfgang’s sister Nannerl Mozart, David Nixon OBE’s heart-thumping, music pumping Powerhouse Rhumba and the world première of For an instant by in-demand choreographer Amaury Lebrun.

Returning for the first time since its world première tour ended in 2014, David Nixon OBE’s enchanting adaptation of Cinderella embarks on a new national tour from late September. The world’s most famous rags to riches fairytale, Cinderella combines thrilling dance with magic and circus skills in a feel-good, family friendly spectacle. Cinderella tours to Sheffield (24 – 28 Sep), Hull (15 – 19 Oct) and Leeds (17 Dec – 2 Jan).

In October, perfectly timed for Halloween, Northern Ballet’s gothic production of Dracula returns to the Leeds Playhouse stage. This dark and enthralling tale reveals the tormented world of Bram Stoker’s sinister vampire in a story that has seduced countless generations. Performances in Leeds are from 29 Oct – 2 Nov and audiences can also see this production broadcast live to cinemas for one night only on 31 Oct.

The latest in its highly successful repertoire of ballets created especially for children, Mariana Rodrigues’ charming adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood will première at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre in Leeds from 28 Oct – 2 Nov. Telling the story of Little Red on a big adventure, she encounters a very hungry wolf and discovers the importance of kindness.

Northern Ballet’s winter season will come to a magnificent close as the Company marks its milestone birthday with a 50^th Anniversary Celebration Gala at Leeds Grand Theatre on 4 Jan. Joined by dancers from internationally renowned companies including The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, English National Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre, the gala will be a remarkable celebration with a never-before-seen programme of excerpts from across Northern Ballet’s history.

Tickets for all productions are on sale now. See northernballet.com/whatson for details.

Yorkshire Performance Dates

Three Short Ballets

Leeds, Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre5 – 7 September 2019	Box Office: 0113 220 8008 theatreleeds.com
Doncaster, Cast10 – 11 September 2019	Box Office: 01302 303 959 castindoncaster.com

Cinderella

Sheffield Lyceum Theatre24 – 28 September 2019	Box Office: 0114 249 6000sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Hull New Theatre15 – 19 October 2019	Box Office: 01482 300 306hulltheatres.co.uk
Leeds Grand Theatre17 December 2019 – 2 January 2020	Box Office: 0844 848 2700*leedsgrandtheatre.com

Dracula

Leeds Playhouse29 October – 2 November 2019

Box Office: 0113 213 7700leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Little Red Riding Hood

Leeds, Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre28 Oct – 2 Nov 2019

Box Office: 0113 220 8008 theatreleeds.com

50^th Anniversary Celebration Gala

Leeds Grand Theatre4 January 2020

Box Office: 0844 848 2700*leedsgrandtheatre.com

*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s charge

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR BLOOD BROTHERS 2019 AUTUMN TOUR

Bill Kenwright’s ‘Dazzling’ (Sunday Telegraph) production of the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers returns this summer with a three-week season at Cork Opera House from 5 August before embarking on a UK tour. Starring Lyn Paul in the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone for the final time, she will be joined by Joel Benedict as Eddie, Danielle Corlass as Linda, Danny Taylor as Sammy and Chloe Taylor as Mrs Lyons. Alexander Patmore returns as Mickey alongside Robbie Scotcher as the narrator.

The rest of the cast for Blood Brothers includes Tim Churchill, Graham Martin, Gemma Brodrick, Hannah Barr Graeme Kinniburgh, Shaun McCourt and Connor Bannister.

Considered ‘One of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), Blood Brothers, written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell has triumphed across the Globe. Scooping up no fewer than four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, Blood Brothers is simply ‘Unmissable and unbeatable’ (The Spectator).

This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981 before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. It has since completed sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan and ran in London’s West End for 24 years, exceeding 10,000 performances. One of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

Blood Brothers tells the moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet.

It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax. A sensational cast, brilliant book, show stopping music, remarkable staging and five-star performances make Blood Brothers an enthralling night of entertainment.

Willy Russellis one of this country’s leading contemporary dramatists. His theatre credits include Educating Rita, Shirley Valentine, Breezeblock Park and Our Day Out. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a film starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Bill Kenwright presents

BLOOD BROTHERS

By Willy Russell

Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright

Designed by Andy Walmsley                                    Sound Designed By Dan Samson

Musical Direction by Kelvin Towse                        Lighting Designed by Nick Richings

BLOOD BROTHERS – 2019 TOUR DATES

Tuesday 6 August – Saturday 17 August                                              Box Office: +353 (21) – 427 0022

Cork Opera House                                                                        Website: www.corkoperahouse.ie

Tuesday 27 August – Saturday 31 August                           Box Office: 01227 787787

Canterbury, The Marlowe                                                         Website: www.marlowetheatre.com

Tuesday 3 September – Saturday 14 September                             Box Office: 0844 871 7615

Liverpool Empire                                                                           Website:www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire 

Tuesday 17 September – Saturday 28 September           Box Office: 029 2087 8889

Cardiff, New Theatre                                                                   Website: www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

Monday 30 September – Saturday 12 October                 Box Office: 0844 338 5000

Birmingham Hippodrome                                                          Website:www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Monday 14 October – Saturday 19 October                       Box Office: 01332 59 39 39

Derby Theatre                                                                                                Website:www.derbytheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 22 October – Saturday 26 October                       Box Office: 01482 300306

Hull New Theatre                                                                         Website: www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Monday 28 October – Saturday 2 November                    Box Office: 0844 871 7615

Grand Opera House York                                                                           Website:www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york

Tuesday 5 November – Saturday 9 November                 Box Office: 01270 368 242

Crewe Lyceum                                                                                               Website:www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Tuesday 12 November – Saturday 16 November             Box Office: 01424 462 288

Hastings, White Rock Theatre                                                  Website: www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Tuesday 19 November – Saturday 23 November                             Box Office: 01322 220000

Dartford, Orchard Theatre                                                        Website: www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 December                                         Box Office: 0844 871 3022

Sunderland Empire                                                                      Website:www.atgtickets.com/sunderland

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 December                                   Box Office: 01323 412000

Eastbourne Congress Theatre                                                                  Website:www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/venue/congress-theatre

Leeds Grand Theatre – until Saturday 17 August 2019

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

I must start by saying this was my first visit to Leeds Grand Theatre, and what a lovely old Victorian theatre it is, with all it’s nooks and crannies. The detail inside is absolutely stunning, that’s worth a visit just on its own.

Dirty Dancing is the well-loved 1987 film, which has been adapted to stage. This record-breaking tour has hit Leeds with a whoop, whistle and a cheer. Before the show there was such a buzz in theatre, the audience of predominately women, chatting away with eager excitement, I have never heard such a noisy theatre, but as soon as the curtain rose it quietened down, well for the most part anyway, I will come to that later.

Set during the summer of 1963 it tells the story of Frances “Baby” Houseman (Katie Eccles) visiting Kellermans, with her parents and sister. This is the summer that sees her maturing into a young woman with the help of Johnny Castle (Michael O’Reilly). Baby and her family arrive at Kellermans, has her first glimpse of Johnny and then manages to gate-crash a staff party, and yes the “I carried a watermelon” scene is included. This is where she starts falling for Johnny, but then again who wouldn’t?

The story follows the film quite closely as we see the naïve Baby maturing into a young woman, as she steps in to cover Penny (Millie Hood) and must learn to dance, with the help of Johnny. Eccles, who is in fact the understudy, but has previously toured in the role of Baby, plays Baby with a goofy turn, growing from awkward teenager into a confident young woman. I did find at times that she was just a bit too goofy and forced, she needed to be more natural, but that was a minor niggle. I have seen this show in York, quite early on in its tour, and I can remember thinking that O’Reilly needed to take ownership of his role. I am glad to say he has, he looks a lot more confident and comfortable as Johnny and his acting and accent have improved, this role is also his professional debut. He really is an amazing dancer, very charismatic.

The choreography throughout is fast paced and exciting, performed by such a talented cast. Hood, also an understudy, stepping up from the ensemble is supple as Penny, I would so love to dance like that, I would love to be able to dance full stop. I did think that maybe the show was missing a few dancers with having two of the main characters using understudies, not that you could tell.

Greg Fossard as Neil Kellerman, provided us with a few laughs, but the real laughter was courtesy of Lizzie Ottley as Lisa Houseman. Her rendition of the Hula Hana song had us all in stitches and received a huge cheer and applause. What was the really icing on the cake was the fact that she was loving it, really exaggerated her performance, it was fabulous. All the cast of actors, dancers and singers were engaging and worked well together, you could tell they had been touring together for a while.

The staging was quite intricate with it constantly moving as the scenes changed. This didn’t always run smoothly, as sometimes you could see the stage hands moving, what looked to be, quite a heavy set. The lake scene is also a sight to behold, and maybe not for the right reasons. It is not good, but I’m not sure how it could have been done differently. It did provide the whole audience with a huge giggle, which can’t be bad, all those endorphins. Dirty Dancing is not really a musical, more a play with a bit of live singing, the only ones to really sing are Alex Wheeler as Billy, Sian Gentle-Green and Colin Charles. It does have a live band, who are very good, and some recorded music with tunes so well remembered from the film.

The audience undeniably approved of the very muscular O’Reilly and his naked chest and bare bottom, on show for us all to see. The Leeds crowd is a lot less restrained than the reserved York crowd, I can tell you, and they showed their appreciation in all its glory. The finale of I’ve had the Time of my Life had us all up on our feet, singing and dancing along. What a great ending to a wonderful evening.

Dirty Dancing is a show not to miss. Who can resist “I’ve carried a watermelon”, “nobody puts baby in a corner” and that iconic lift?

PW Productions and Karl Sydow present The Lowry production of Nigel Slater’s Toast

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR UK TOUR OF

NIGEL SLATER’S TOAST

Following its successful London transfer to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Other Palace, Nigel Slater’s Toast announces its full cast for its UK tour, which launches at Huddersfield’s Lawrence Batley Theatre on 19 August,where the play’s writer Henry Filloux-Bennett has recently been appointed Chief Executive, and will conclude at the Crewe Lyceum on 7 December.

In addition to the previously announced Giles Cooper as Nigel Slater, he is joined by Katy Federman (Abigail’s Party, The Fulstow Boys) as Mum and Blair Plant (The Railway Children, The Ladykillers) as Dad. Samantha Hopkins (One Man Two Guvnors, Duet for One) plays Joan and Stefan Edwards (The Mousetrap, All or Nothing) completes the company as Josh.

From making the perfect sherry trifle, waging war over cakes through to the playground politics of sweets and the rigid rules of restaurant dining, this is a moving and evocative tale of love, loss and… toast.

Nigel Slater said: “With the London run approaching its conclusion, it’s an extremely exciting time as the words on the page will soon come to life once again for audiences around the country. I’m thrilled that the play will continue its journey after The Other Palace.”

Henry Filloux-Bennett continued: “Having written ‘Toast’ whilst working at The Lowry, that the production is coming back to the North of England after its run at The Other Palace is exciting enough. Now that I have moved to the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield, I’m completely delighted that we get to open the tour of ‘Toast’ here in Yorkshire, starting as it will our 25^th Anniversary season.”

Based on the British Book Awards Biography of the Year, Toast tells the story of Nigel Slater’s childhood through the tastes and smells he grew up with, vividly recreating suburban England in the 1960s and enveloping audiences with the evocative sights and sounds of cookery that defined the significant moments of his youth.

Originally produced by The Lowry for Week 53 festival in 2018, Toast is written by Henry Filloux-Bennett and directed by Jonnie Riordan. It is co-produced by PW Productions and Karl Sydow, who between them are behind some of the most successful regional touring productions,  An Inspector Calls, The Woman in Black, & Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story On Stage.

The author of a collection of bestselling books and presenter of nine BBC television series, Nigel Slater has been the food columnist for The Observer for 25 years. His memoir Toast – the Story of a Boy’s Hunger won six major awards, has been translated into five languages and became a BBC film starring Helena Bonham Carter and Freddie Highmore. Nigel’s latest book Greenfeasthas recently been published by HarperCollins. 

Nigel Slater’s Toast – Autumn Tour 2019

Mon 19 – Sat 24 August                                         Box Office: 01484 430 528

Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield               www.thelbt.org

Mon 26 – Sat 31 August                                         Box Office: 01865 305 305

Oxford Playhouse                                                     www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Tues 3 – Sat 7 September                                      Box Office: 01702 351 135

Southend Palace Theatre                                       www.palacetheatresouthend.co.uk

Tues 10 – Sat 14 September                                 Box Office: 0151 709 4776

Liverpool Playhouse                                                www.everymanplayhouse.com/

Tues 17 – Sat 21 September                                 Box Office: 0191 230 5151

Northern Stage, Newcastle                                    www.northernstage.co.uk

Mon 30 September – Sat 5 October                   Box Office: 01684 892 277

Malvern Theatres                                                    www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Mon 7 – Sat 12 October                                        Box Office: 01604 624 811

Royal & Derngate, Northampton                         www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Mon 21 – Sat 26 October                                     Box Office: 0844 871 7651

Richmond Theatre                                                 www.atgtickets.com/richmond/

Mon 28 October – Sat 2 November                   Box Office: 0844 871 7650

Theatre Royal Brighton                                         www.atgtickets.com/brighton/

Mon 4 – Sat 9 November                                     Box Office: 01722 320 333

Salisbury Playhouse                                               www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Mon 11 – Sat 16 November                                Box Office: 0343 208 6000

The Lowry, Salford                                                 www.thelowry.com

Tues 19 – Sat 23 November                                Box Office: 01904 623 568

York Theatre Royal                                                www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Mon 25 – Sat 30 November                                Box Office: 01246 345 222

Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield                   www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/

Tues 3 – Sat 7 December                                     Box Office: 01270 368 242

Crewe Lyceum Theatre                                         www.crewelyceum.co.uk

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