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Cast and creatives announced for
This is Black at The Bunker
The Bunker, 53A Southwark Street London SE1 1RU
Monday 5th – Sunday 25th August 2019

Opening The Bunker’s Autumn Season the curated festival This is Black will premiere theatre productions by four new and exciting Black writers across an alternating double-bill. Exploring identity, family relationships and universal struggles, the festival will showcase All the Shit I Can’t Say to My Dad by Abraham Adeyemi and Blue Beneath My Skin by Macadie Amoroso with PYNEAPPLE by Chantelle Alle and Melissa Saint and Teleportation by Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo.

The festival will also feature a visual art exhibition curated by Sophia Tassew, an art director and creative who has curated a number of sell-out exhibitions with brands such as ASOS and Converse. The exhibit will run every Sunday, highlighting the work of artists Amaal Mohamed, Sharon Adebisi and Taja Boodie in response to the stimulus, ‘What does it mean to be Black in the UK? Past, present and future’.

Abraham Adeyemi’s All the Shit I Can’t Say to My Dad is a musical exploration of unresolved conflicts within a strained parent relationship, from differences of faith to absent fatherhood. Through music the relationships are analysed and unspoken truths surface. Director Jade Lewis (Superhoe, Royal Court and Brighton Festival, Assistant Director for Nine Night, National Theatre and Trafalgar Studios) will bring the production to life, with casting still to be announced.

Macadie Amoroso will both write and star in her one-woman debut, Blue Beneath my Skin, directed by established actor Janet Etuk (TAO of Glass, Royal Exchange Theatre; Love, National Theatre, Birmingham Rep and UK Tour). Using her own experiences and poetic prose to capture the mixedrace experience of identity and knowing your heritage, Macadie explores the universal struggles of humanity – we can all feel blue regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.

A debut from the SPYCE collective, PYNEAPPLE by writers Chantelle Alle and Melissa Saint, is a vibrant and humorous new play grappling with the stereotypes surrounding young black women. Set in a London hair salon, shampoo and social conditioning get the theatre treatment as a group of women come together with difference voices but same shared experiences. Directed by Abigail Sewell (The Lost Ones, Ovalhouse; Assistant Director for Pah-La, Royal Court Theatre; Things of Dry Hours, Young Vic) the cast includes co-writer Melissa Saint, as well as Amba Rose Mendy, Elise Palmer, and Odera Ndujiuba.

Differing cultures collide in the debut play Teleportation by actress Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo (Doctor Who, BBC; The Mountaintop, Young Vic) when a carer meets her new disabled companion, exploring how two polar-opposites can share a single spirit, question their prejudices and discover themselves through one another. This will be directed by festival curator, Steven Kavuma (BOYS, Dalston Eastern Curve Garden; Assistant Director for Still No Idea, Royal Court Theatre), starring actress Antonia Layiwola.

This is Black curator Steven Kavuma comments, As a writer and director, I have always wanted to go and showcase my work at the Edinburgh Fringe but have felt mindful of participating as I am aware of the mental and physical baggage it involves to be a Black artist presenting work in Edinburgh and other fringe theatre spaces which are often occupied by white people. I have heard stories from friends about their experiences from racial profiling, racist comments and white audiences unwilling to take flyers for their shows.

It feels as though there is only space, time, money and resources for a particular kind of person in this industry, who is always given the license to make “edgy”, “radical” and “experimental” work. When we do make work and take ownership of spaces, it is often branded by some critics as “aggressive”, “too loud”, “too violent” and “not challenging enough”. As an artist, this annoys me but as a Black person making work, it displaces me in this industry and in this country.

Kavuma adds, I believe that Blackness is not one dimensional; it is layered, complex, beautiful, ugly, angry, loud, and everything more that is unsaid and with all the plays in this festival, we aim to offer audiences a varied depiction of Black stories. With the DJ sets and exhibition, I hope this will begin to deconstruct how none or not regular theatregoers interact and engage with theatre.

This is Black aims to support, encourage and celebrate Black artists, and to create a supportive fringe festival experience that existing platforms do not always successfully provide. Friday and Saturday nights will also include a DJ set until late from Ashleigh Simone who has DJed events such as Sony Music Entertainment’s International Women’s Day Event, Boxpark Croydon Ree-Up Presents and Syco’s Annual Summer Party at the V&A museum.

Grease is the word as 1959 pink Cadillac rolls 
in to Birmingham

This week, ahead of the arrival of the world’s best-loved musical, GREASE a 1959 pink Cadillac rolled in to Birmingham’s Brindley Place bringing those Summer Nights to the people of Brum.

The Cadillac even added some Summer Lovin’ to a special day as a pair of newlyweds stopped by to have their photo taken just minutes after tying the knot.

The brand new production of GREASE comes to Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 13 – Saturday 24 August. Peter Andre and Ore Oduba will share the role of Teen Angel at certain performances with Dan Partridge as Danny, Martha Kirby as Sandy, Louis Gaunt as Kenickie and Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky as Rizzo.

GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show’s eight-year run, at the time, little known actors, including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta, all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere.

The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, when adjusted for inflation, is the highest-grossing live action musical of all time and celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights,Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want.

GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, with designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Guy Hoare and sound design by Tom Marshall and casting by David Grindrod CDG for DGA.

This new production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram, InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, William Sinclair, Ricardo Marques, Hunter Arnold and Curve.

GREASE comes to Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 13 – Saturday 24 August. To book visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge). 

Gala Premiere of LS Lowry biopic to take place at The Lowry in Salford.

The Lowry arts centre in Salford is to host a special ‘Gala Premiere’ of the upcoming LS Lowry biopic, Mrs Lowry & Son, on Tuesday 27 August.

The film, which stars Academy Award® winner Vanessa Redgrave and BAFTA® Nominee Timothy Spall in the title roles, depicts the complicated relationship between the two in 1930s Salford.

Tickets for the red carpet event have gone on sale today priced at £15.

Spall will be among those attending the premiere in the venue’s Lyric Theatre and will take part in an on-stage ‘In Conversation’ with the film’s director, former Royal Shakespeare Company director, Adrian Noble, after the screening.

Commenting on their hosting of the Gala Premiere, Julia Fawcett OBE, chief executive of The Lowry, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to showcase this very powerful yet humorous insight into the relationship between Lowry and his mother to a home audience here in the heart of Salford

“Lowry is a much-loved artist but there’s so much more to him than many people know. I think cinemagoers will be surprised to see some of the struggles he faced throughout his career, not least of all his mother’s criticism of his work.”

Timothy Spall said: “I’m delighted to be bringing this film back to Lowry’s hometown of Salford, and am thrilled that the premiere is taking place in the building where his work is on display for all to enjoy.”

Mrs Lowry & Son opens in cinemas nationwide on Friday 30 August

The Lowry is home to the world’s largest public collection of paintings and drawings by the Salford artist. It provides critical and curatorial analysis of his work and seeks to raise his profile as an artist of international stature.

Their permanent exhibition, LS Lowry: The Art & The Artist, features more than 160 paintings and drawings from a collection of over 300 works held in trust on behalf of the people of Salford.

Open daily and free of charge, it currently features a display dedicated to Mrs Lowry & Son, including behind the scenes photographs, props, film clips, mood boards, shooting schedules and the final screenplay signed by the cast.

Listing information:

Mrs Lowry & Son – Gala Premiere & In Conversation
Tuesday 27 August 2019, 7.30pm
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ
Tickets: £15 (Box Office: 0343 208 6000 / Website: www.thelowry.com)

CAMERON MACKINTOSH INTRODUCES

SHAN AKO AND LILY KERHOAS TO JOIN THE PRINCIPAL CAST OF

L E S   M I S É R A B L E S  

THE STAGED CONCERT

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED AS REHEARSALS BEGIN

As rehearsals begin for Les Misérables –The Staged Concert, Cameron Mackintosh introduces Shan Ako and Lily Kerhoas who complete the principal casting as Éponine and Cosette respectively.  They join the previously announced Michael Ball as Javert, Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Fantine, Matt Lucas as Thénardier, Rob Houchen as Marius, Bradley Jaden as Enjolras, Katy Secombe as Madame Thénardier and, for three performances a week,John Owen-Jones as Jean Valjean. 

This spectacular staging of the legendary concert, with a company of over 65, will run from 10 August – 30 November 2019 at the intimate Gielgud Theatre, next door to the home of Les Misérables at the recently re-named Sondheim Theatre, previously the Queen’s.

The Company also includes Rosanna Bates, Adam Bayjou, Ciarán Bowling, Simon Bowman,Oliver Brenin, Earl Carpenter, Vinny Coyle, Samantha Dorsey, Tamsin Dowsett, Nicola Espallardo, Celia Graham, Barnaby Hughes, Holly-Anne Hull, Oliver Jackson, Christopher Jacobsen, Gavin James, Will Jennings, Ciaran Joyce, Katie Kerr, Sarah Lark, Joanna Loxton, Craig Mather, Stephen Matthews, James Nicholson, Rosa O’Reilly, Claire Parrish,Sophie Reeves, Grainne Renihan, Leo Roberts, Raymond Walsh, Gemma Wardle andAndrew York. 

Les Misérables‘’ much celebrated score 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. 

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 Kretzmerand original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel with additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird.

Produced on stage by Cameron Mackintosh, Les Misérables is the world’s longest running musical now in its 35^th year in London.  Produced on screen also by Mackintosh (along with Working Title and Universal), Les Misérablesis now the most successful movie of an original stage musical.  The new production of Les Misérables, with a separate company, is currently on a sold-out international tour which has recently been extended to Autumn 2020.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Les Misérables – The Staged Concert

Theatre:                    Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6AR

Dates:                       10 August – 30 November 2019

Performances:           Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm

                                At certain performances John Owen-Jones will be performing the role of Jean Valjean

Les Misérables – The New Production

Theatre:                    Sondheim Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6AR

Dates:                       From 18 December 2019

Performances:           Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Booking details

Website:                    https://www.lesmis.com/london

Box Office:                0844 482 5151

Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/lesmisofficial/          

Twitter:                     https://twitter.com/lesmisofficial

Instagram       https://www.instagram.com/lesmizofficial/

Previews begin tomorrow for Sally Cookson’s magical retelling of Peter Pan at Troubadour White City Theatre, a brand new state-of-the-art venue in West London.

The National Theatre production of Sally Cookson’s magical retelling of Peter Pan takes flight tomorrow night at Troubadour White City Theatre, London’s newest theatre, located just minutes from Westfield in West London. Peter Pan runs until 27 October

Peter Pan, first seen at Bristol Old Vic and reconceived at the National Theatre in 2016, is a thrilling story suitable for all ages. Devised by the companies and directed by Olivier Award-winner Sally Cookson (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Jane Eyre, A Monster Calls), the production features innovative aerial acrobatics and live music from an on stage band. Bursting with magic, mischief, music and make-believe, this wondrously inventive Peter Pan is a funny and moving version of a much-loved story.

Troubadour White City Theatre opens for the first time tomorrow at White City Place, the former BBC Media Village in West London. The venue consists of two fully flexible spaces including a 1,200 seat theatre where Peter, Wendy and the lost boys will soar over the audience in the fully flexible space, and an 800-seat multi-purpose state-of-the-art theatre. White City Place is a joint venture development between Stanhope, Mitsui Fudosan and AIMCo.

John Pfumojena, who played Michael Darling in the 2016 production at the NT leads a 24-strong company as Peter Pan, alongside Daisy Maywood as Wendy Darling and Kelly Price as Captain Hook, who also plays Mrs Darling. They are joined by: Greg Bernstein (Ensemble), Matthew Churcher (Ensemble), Raffaella Covino (Swing & Dance Captain), Josh Donovan (Swing), Ammar Duffus (Michael Darling/Pirate), Jemma Geanaus (Swing), Philippa Hogg (Ensemble), Mark Kane(Nana/Tootles/Pirate), Richard Kent (Ensemble), Cora Kirk (Jane/Nibs/Pirate), David Langham (Mr Darling/Smee/Lost Boy (Twin Two)), Nadine Lee (Band), Iniki Mariano (Ensemble), Harry Miller(Band), Jessica Murrain (Tiger Lily/Slightly/Pirate), Loren O’Dair (Twin One/Pirate/Ensemble), Miles Paloma (Swing), Luke Potter (Band), Shiv Rabheru (Tinkerbell/Curly/Pirate), Jools Scott (Band) and Alistair Toovey (John Darling/Pirate).

Peter Pan is designed by Michael Vale with costume design by Katie Sykes, dramaturgy by Mike Akers, lighting design by Aideen Malone, and sound design by Dominic Bilkey. Peter Pan features original music by Benji Bower, with movement direction by Dan Canham, puppetry design and direction by Toby Olié, aerial direction by Gwen Hales, fight direction by Rachel Bown-Williams andRuth Copper-Brown of RC-ANNIE Ltd, and Aerial Rigging Direction by John Maddox. Casting is bySam Stevenson CDG.

Sally Cookson trained at LAMDA and worked as an actor for ten years before embarking on a freelance directing career. Her theatre credits include The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (West Yorkshire Playhouse); Jane Eyre and Peter Pan (Bristol Old Vic/National Theatre). She is an associate artist at Bristol Old Vic, where other productions include Sleeping Beauty, Treasure Island,The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Papa Please Get the Moon for Me, Clown, Strange Case, Pericles, Pains of Youth and The Visit. Her numerous collaborations with Travelling Light theatre include Strictly Balti,The Ugly Duckling, Boing!, How Cold My Toes, Shadowplay, Cloudland, Lenny and Bob the Man on the Moon. Other theatre includes One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,Cinderella – A Fairytale (Tobacco Factory Theatre, Olivier Award nomination); La Strada, Hetty Feather (Olivier Award nomination); We’re Going On A Bear Hunt (Kenny Wax Productions); Romeo and Juliet (The Rose Theatre); Stick Man and Tiddler (Scamp Theatre).

Peter Pan is a National Theatre co-production with Bristol Old Vic.

Presented by special arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Samuel French Ltd.

Peter Pan at Troubadour White City Theatre is supported by American Express, the National Theatre’s preferred Card Partner.

DRYWRITE, SOHO THEATRE AND ANNAPURNA THEATRE PRESENT

FLEABAG

Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Directed by Vicky Jones   

• THREE BRAND NEW WAYS TO SEE FLEABAG IN THE WEST END

• FLEABAG WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE TO CINEMAS AROUND THE UK AND INTERNATIONALLY ON 12^TH SEPTEMBER WITH NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE  
   
• ONLINE LOTTERY: 50 SEATS AT £15 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR EVERY PERFORMANCE VIA TODAYTIX
   
• A LIMITED NUMBER OF £10 STANDING TICKETS ARE SET TO BE AVAILABLE FROM THE WYNDHAM’S THEATRE BOX OFFICE ON THE DAY OF EACH PERFORMANCE
   
• PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE’S MULTI AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTIONFLEABAG RUNS AT WYNDHAM’S THEATRE FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON FROM 20 AUGUST – 14 SEPTEMBER

​DryWrite, Soho Theatre and Annapurna Theatre have today announced three brand new ways to see the critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning FLEABAG in the West End this summer. There will be a live cinema broadcast of the production on 12th September, an online lottery for £15 tickets to every performance of the show and £10 standing tickets which are to be made available at box office daily. The production runs at Wyndham’s Theatre from 20^th August – 14^th September.

FLEABAG will be broadcast live to venues around the UK and internationally on 12^th September at 7.30pm with National Theatre Live. For more information on where to watch and how to buy tickets, audiences are advised to check with their venue or the NT live website.

A digital lottery will be available through the TodayTix app. A total of 50 tickets for each of the 30 performances (1,500 in total) will be available for £15. The FLEABAG lottery will be held weekly during the season, with the first one opening on Monday 12 August and closing on Wednesday 14 August, enabling users to apply for multiple performances at the same time. To enter the lottery, users must download the free TodayTix app, and register. All TodayTix users will be notified when the lottery opens and winners will have the choice to purchase either one or two tickets. Seats allocated for the lottery will include prime positions in the front row. Please see the ‘Listings’ section below for the full lottery schedule.

There will also be a limited number of £10 tickets will be available to purchase each morning in person from 10am at the Wyndham’s Box Office. Each person will be permitted to purchase one ticket each and are subject to availability.

The critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning FLEABAG will play the West End for a strictly limited four week run this summer. Written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones, the one-woman show recently played to a sold-out house Off-Broadway in New York, and premiered its second season on BBC Three to universal acclaim. The homecoming run will be the last time Waller-Bridge will perform the piece. The play will begin previews on 20 August 2019 with an opening night on Wednesday 28^th August 7:30pm at Wyndham’s Theatre.

FLEABAG was originally produced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Vicky Jones and producer Francesca Moody’s company DryWrite. It previewed at Soho Theatre before its Edinburgh Festival debut in 2013, winning rave reviews and a Fringe First Award. It returned to play the Soho Theatre in London that autumn and was revived by DryWrite and Soho Theatre in 2014 and 2016, as well as touring the UK (2015 and 2018), South Korea (2014) and Australia (2018) and an Edinburgh Festival revival as part of the British Council Edinburgh Showcase (2017). The production also won The Stage Best Solo Performer Award, the Off-West End Award for Most Promising New Playwright and Best Female Performance, and was nominated for an Olivier Award and an Evening Standard Award. In 2019, Annapurna Theatre produced the New York Off-Broadway premiere, co-produced by DryWrite and Soho Theatre. The extended, sold-out New York run earned Waller-Bridge a Drama League Award nomination for Distinguished Performance, a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Solo Show, and a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Solo Performance. 

FLEABAG was adapted into a BBC Three Television series in partnership with Amazon Prime Video in 2016 and earned Phoebe a BAFTA Award for Best Female Comedy Performance. The series was also nominated for a Gotham Independent Film Award, Television Critics Association Award and Critics Choice TV Award, among other accolades. The BBC and Amazon renewed the series for a second season, which premiered on BBC Three and Amazon Prime Video earlier this year. Waller-Bridge also created and wrote the first season of the celebrated BBC America television series “Killing Eve,” which was nominated for an Emmy, Golden Globe and 15 BAFTA TV Awards. FLEABAG and Phoebe Waller-Bridge received several 2019 Emmy nominations on Tuesday, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.

FLEABAG is a rip-roaring look at some sort of woman living her sort of life. Fleabag may appear emotionally unfiltered and oversexed, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With family and friendships under strain and a guinea pig café struggling to keep afloat, Fleabag suddenly finds herself with nothing to lose.

FLEABAG is produced by DryWrite, Soho Theatre and Annapurna Theatre.

INITIAL WEST END CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR “THE PRINCE OF EGYPT”

LUKE BRADY, LIAM TAMNE, CHRISTINE ALLADO AND ALEXIA KHADIME TO LEAD

 THE CAST OF THE NEW MUSICAL BASED ON THE DREAMWORKS ANIMATION FILM

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT BEGINS 5 FEBRUARY 2020 AT

LONDON’S DOMINION THEATRE

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, the brand-new stage musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell) and a book by Philip LaZebnik (Mulan, Pocahontas) and based on the celebrated DreamWorks Animation film, today announces initial casting for its West End premiere production.  Luke Brady and Liam Tamne will lead the cast as ‘Moses’ and ‘Ramses’ respectively, with Christine Allado as ‘Tzipporah’ and Alexia Khadime as ‘Miriam’. Further casting to be announced.

Luke Brady (Moses) trained at RADA and is best known for playing ‘Anthony Hope’ in Jonathan Kent’s acclaimed production of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd (West End and Chichester Festival Theatre). His other credits include: The Merchant of Venice, Twelfth Night and The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare’s Globe and Tour); and St George and the Dragon (National Theatre).

Liam Tamne (Ramses) most recently starred as ‘Guiseppe Naccarelli’ in The Light in the Piazza at the South Bank Centre. He has also appeared in: Working (Southwark Playhouse); Spamilton (Menier Chocolate Factory); The Rocky Horror Show (UK Tour); The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Wicked in the West End. He appeared on The Voice (Series 2) and Eurovision: You Decide.

Christine Allado (Tzipporah) starred in the dual role of ‘Peggy Schuyler’ and ‘Maria Reynolds’ in the original London cast of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton. Her additional theatre work includes: In The Heights (Kings Cross Theatre); Here Lies Love (National Theatre); and Sweet Charity (Manchester Royal Exchange). Christine has also toured internationally with Andrea Bocelli as a guest artist and sang the role of ‘Maria’ in the BBC’s acclaimed documentary West Side Stories: The Making of a Classic.

Alexia Khadime (Miriam)has played leading roles in multiple West End musicals including: ‘Elphaba’ in Stephen Schwartz’s Wicked; ‘Nala’ in Disney’s The Lion King; ‘Eponine’ in Les Misérables and ‘Nabulungi’ in the original London cast of The Book of Mormon. Her additional theatre work includes: Welcome To Thebes (National Theatre); Ordinary Days (Trafalgar Studios); and ‘Rita Marley’ in One Love: The Bob Marley Musical (Birmingham Rep).

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT is directed by Scott Schwartz with choreography by Sean Cheesman;set designs by Kevin Depinet; costume designs by Ann Hould-Ward; lighting design by Mike Billings; sound design by Gareth Owen; projection designs by Jon Driscoll; illusion designs by Chris Fisher; orchestrations by August Eriksmoen; musical supervision and arrangements by Dominick Amendum; musical direction by Dave Rose and casting by Jim Arnold CDG.

Performances begin at London’s Dominion Theatre on Wednesday 5 February 2020, with an official West End premiere on Tuesday 25 February 2020, for a limited 32-week engagement. Tickets are now available via www.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Philip LaZebnik and features 10 new songs written by Stephen Schwartz, together with 5 of his acclaimed songs from the DreamWorks Animation film, including Deliver Us, All I Ever Wanted, Through Heaven’s Eyes and the Academy Award®-winning When You Believe.

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

A milestone in cinematic achievement, DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt captivated audiences across the world and recently celebrated its 20^th Anniversary. Hailed as “an outstanding artistic achievement” (Variety) and “a stunning film” (The Guardian), it remains one of the most beloved and acclaimed animated feature films of all time.

The Academy Award®-winning song When You Believe, recorded by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey in 1998, went on to become a global hit. In 2007, Simon Cowell selected it as the winner’s single for the UK’s popular TV show The X-Factor, spending three weeks at the top of the UK charts.

Developmental productions of THE PRINCE OF EGYPT were presented at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley (winner of the 2019 Regional Theatre Tony Award®) and Fredericia Teater Denmark.

The West End premiere production of THE PRINCE OF EGYPT is produced by DreamWorks Theatricals (a division of Universal Theatrical Group), Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw.

Official website: www.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @PrinceOfEgyptUK

LISTINGS INFORMATION

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT – A NEW MUSICAL

DOMINION THEATRE

268-269 TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD

LONDON W1T 7AQ

The theatre is adjacent to Tottenham Court Road Underground Station.

BOOKING:

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

www.ThePrinceOfEgyptMusical.com

Telephone bookings: 0345 200 7982 (or +44 161 876 2405 if dialling from outside the UK).

Operated by Quay Tickets, 9am-9pm, 7 days a week. No booking fees online, by telephone or in person.

£2.50 transaction charge for online and telephone bookings.

Groups and Schools (10+): www.ThePrinceofEgyptGroups.com or call 0344 847 2311 

Dominion Theatre Groups Department open 10am-5.30pm Monday-Friday (closed Bank Holidays).

Access:  020 7927 0929 or dominion.access@nederlander.co.uk

Ticket prices from: £19.50

Ticket prices include a £1.50 theatre restoration levy.

DATES:

32 WEEKS ONLY from Wednesday 5 February until Saturday 12 September 2020.

REDUCED PRICE PERFORMANCES WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY – FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2020.

London Premiere Tuesday 25 February 2020.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Monday-Saturday 7.30pm*

Matinees Thursday** & Saturday 2.30pm

Running time: TBC

*London Premiere Tuesday 25 February 2020 at 7.00pm

**First Thursday matinee: 20 February 2020 at 2.30pm (Half Term)

Please note that there is no performance on Monday 10 February 2020

The production is recommended for ages 7+. Children under 5 cannot be admitted.

Extra shows added: Tuesday 14 April, Tuesday 11 August and Tuesday 25 August 2020, all at 2.30pm

ACCESS PERFORMANCES

Captioned: Saturday 16 May 2.30pm

Audio Described: Thursday 21 May 7.30pm

British Sign Language: Thursday 4 June 7.30pm

Official website: www.ThePrinceofEgyptMusical.com

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @PrinceOfEgyptUK

Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Chester – until 24th August 2019

Reviewed by Julie Noller

4****

The Open Air Theatre is as well known around Chester as The Cathedral or the Roman Legion who marches masses of school children through the streets. However you could be forgiven for thinking it had been a summer mainstay for longer than it’s celebratory 10 years in 2019.

I am ashamed to say for many reasons I have never ventured inside the wooden gates, perhaps more to do with the fact I am a wuss when it comes to the great British weather. However fear not, for it’s a whole experience unlike any other theatre you may visit. There’s a check list I feel I must share, you will be offered depending upon ticket either a directors style chair or perhaps like us sat up under cover (phew) a folding seat back (it’s a god send). Most importantly take a cushion, do not look at the rain and leave it in your car, you will not forgive yourself and neither will your derriere. The staff on duty are warm and friendly, if you have any issues they will quickly resolve them. Picnics are welcome and as throughout the 3 hour performance we heard plenty of corks popping, there’s a sense that it’s more of a social inclusion theatre experience. You may if the performance finishes late and ahem mother nature has been stamping her feet again, take a blanket. There were plenty of ponchos purchased because the front rows including those directors chairs are completely open to the elements.

There’s a sense with an open air production that you could be anywhere around the world, transported into an imaginary land and time, I loved the immersive atmosphere, striped back stage setting, lack of technology – after all Shakespeare didn’t have the use of sound decks and flashy lights. I’m a history buff and so I wondered if this is what it would’ve have been like to sit in The Globe Theatre, albeit they were a far harsher naughtier audience. Shakespeare the man, the genius. I’m sure when his plays were written he never believed hundreds of years from now, school children will have to study me. I’m sure if like me you were put of having to listen to others opinions of what you should interpret instead of like I did last night just sit and watch and enjoy a story that’s funny, naughty and full of slapstick humour.

Twelfth Night packs it in, each character full of depth and well rounded. I came to realise that it is the performer who must bring their interpretation of those words to life, I really feel there could be no stopping as to the fun they could have. The history of Twelfth Night is that it was written after the death of one of his twins, Hamnet in 1596. Some will say the story of twins separated in a shipwreck, where waves wash over you like grief washes over you may be a gentle look at grief and loss a child. You don’t need to have studied history to enjoy this performance just a love of humour and theatre. When Shakespeare himself passed away in 1616 he bequeathed many things but to Judith his surviving daughter (and twin) he left Twelfth Night, perhaps there’s a message in there and the story contains words that he was unable to say in life.

I may have mentioned Twelfth Night was written by Shakespeare, It’s one I didn’t fully understand and hadn’t read or even seen before. So the whole experience was an exciting one for me, thoroughly enjoyable and a night I would like to repeat again – perhaps with better weather though; damp as the night was it didn’t ruin the performance.

Marc Benga and Whitney Kehinde are our twins Sebastian and Viola/Cesario; they become separated in a shipwreck each fearing the other dead. Viola carves a life for herself as the male Cesario pursued by Olivia (Sarah-Jane Potts) who in turn is pursued by Count Orsino (Steven Elliott). Viola herself has a crush on the Count and the whole love triangle situation becomes a tad confusing and takes on a Benny Hill vibe. Some of the actors on stage are better at projecting their voices than others and if they turn their backs towards you then you may struggle to hear words clearly, some speeches do take a good ear to understand but not grasping every word doesn’t deflect from the story and somewhat chaotic scenes unfolding on stage.

Within the cast there are many who deserve a mention, Chris Wright as the mostly drunk Sir Toby Belch – even his name suggests a man of low morals. Seren Vickers, who sings and whips her guitar around the arena delighting us as Curio. The audience favourites as always are the camp and extremely amusing Malvolio (Samuel Collings) all I can say is wow those Yoga moves, wow those very very yellow stockings and whit woo that silky gown. Mitesh Soni as the equally camp and somewhat trying to be very manly yet failing Sir Andrew Aguecheek. We spend far too much time these days discussing gender and how we are perceived as if it’s a modern concept, yet here was Shakespeare over 400 years using gender fluidity and bringing those differences to life.

As always with Shakespeare he kept the masses happy, there’s some naughty words, sexual suggestion, hip flexes and wanton desire. But in equal measures there’s comedy, fun and laughter and the deep message of forbidden love, unrequited love but better still there’s a happy ever after ending. We left smiling not just at a great story brought to life but the rain had stopped!

Totally Thames 2019 announces full
festival programme
Sunday 1st – Monday 30th September 2019

Totally Thames 2019 has announced the incredible full programme of events for this year’s festival, exploring the environmental importance and the rich and varied cultural heritage of the capital’s river. Totally Thames encourages visitors from London and further afield to participate in artistic, historical and musical events in celebration of this iconic landmark

This year four amazing highlight events commemorate the river as the vital cultural centre of the city. The Ship of Tolerance, by renowned artists Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, brings together the works of 1000 children in the sails of a stunning ship, celebrating unity and diversity in the heart of London. Navigating the tides of history, Foragers of the Foreshore is the most significant exploration of mudlarking ever held. The Barking Stink tackles the rich, pungent history of London, diving nose-first into the infamous odours that used to emanate from Barking Creek. Tideway’s trailblazing Regatta London is coming to London at the end of September, an exciting mass participation event fundraising for local and national environmental causes as boaters of all kinds gather to race.

Totally Thames will see artistic, musical, dance and literary events celebrate the river this September with the return of the sensational Rivers of the World and the introduction of My Story of Water, an impactful new exhibition of jerry cans painted by children from Lagos, highlighting the importance of water itself. An exciting evening of tangoing on the Thames awaits with Mid-River Milonga, and the magic of the Bascule Chamber Concerts returns to this year’s festival. Thank You For Having Us is an adrenaline-filled performance challenging audiences to think about the impact of plastics on our natural environment, and Giles Walker’s Monster asks if the Thames could disappear under the weight of the capitalist machine.

Championing the heritage of the river as the vital centre of London’s history, its diverse culture and its connection to the rest of the world, Totally Thames 2019 is jam-packed with amazing events bringing together local communities with visitors from across the globe.

The Vaults, London – until 20 July 2019

Reviewed by Lisa Harlow

3***

Chaos theory is part of mathematics which demonstrates how a small change in the starting position of a chaotic system can make a big difference after a while.

This idea is explored in this Robbi Stevens The Chaos Theory Play through the eyes of three women who are led to breaking point by life’s traumas and trapped within destructive patterns of behaviour. Each are given the chance to go back to a particular moment in time to make a different choice. And haven’t we all had times in life where we had wished for the same grace?

The introduction is Hollywood movie style drama, with its use of cinematic style imagery and soundtrack. The tunnel venue shrouds the stage with ominous darkness and the regular booming of train wheels above add to the atmosphere and tension.

All of the issues tackled within this play are hard hitting and deeply embedded in a modern London cityscape: mental health, poverty, drug addiction, domestic abuse and sexual assault. Real life traumatic events from London’s history are also included.

The interrelationships of the characters are cleverly woven together as each of the women revisit an earlier decision which impacts on the others.

Becca (Shelley-Ann Harrison) and Aiden’s (Sam Londt) sugary sweet beginnings to their life together hold no clues to the thorny and abusive underbelly to their relationship and how this poison gradually pollutes the air and relationships around them.

Kieran E Sims, playing Becca’s brother and Caroline’s dad, and Kandice Morris as Alesha and Grace, bring the few welcome spells of humour. Kandice’s stage presence is powerful and she always raises a smile in the right places. Rory Kennedy multi-tasking as Mike, Harry and Paul also brought a lot of flair and fear each time he erupted on the stage.

This is not for the faint hearted. This is a play for those seeking a deeper exploration of an inner city’s darker underside and how many can seemingly get entrapped in its spider web of power dynamics, abuse and manipulation. The performances are convincing and the venue well suited for this purpose. Billed as 90 minutes, this actually ran for two hours: too long and my investment in its plotline began to fray.

However, at the heart of this seemingly dark play is a shaft of light: a message of how connection, love and hope can redeem anyone no matter how far gone.

This was a message worth waiting for.