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Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, until 29 June 2019

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

4****

A Hollywood crew is filming in the green and scenic southwest of Ireland. Townspeople have eagerly signed up as extras, and an interloper called Charlie is camping nearby to take advantage of free meals and £40 a day. He is quickly rumbled by born-and-bred local Jake, and the two strike up a sort of friendship. At first the extras are excited and dazzled, especially by the film’s star Caroline Giovanni. But then a drug-addled local teenager drowns himself (with stones in his pockets) after being humiliated by Caroline and the crew, and the townspeople begin to see how cynical and exploitative the Hollywood dream factory is.

The riveting thing about this play is that everybody is played by the same two actors. Owen Sharpe (Jake) and Kevin Trainor (Charlie) transform themselves in the blink of an eye into a dozen other people, from sleek director to harrassed film crew to film star Caroline (oozing touchy-feely sensitivity) to peppery old bloke whose claim to fame is that he is the last surviving extra from the filming of The Quiet Man – and the sad figure of the teenager Sean. It’s all done with voice and gesture rather than costume changes, and it’s very clever and entertaining.

This play premiered in Belfast in 1996, and toured to local community centres before finding West End and Broadway fame. The set (Peter McKintosh) looks like a small piece of Ireland – rough pasture, stone wall and a cloudy sky – with a big props trunk in view. It’s perhaps a little corny that Jake and Charlie end up devising a script about what we have just seen, but playwright Marie Jones is clearly writing from the heart as she shows us the romanticised Hollywood Ireland alongside the reality of broken dreams and stifled ambitions of people living there. You could see the play as a wider commentary on the way powerful organisations diminish people’s lives while promising to fulfill their dreams, in a surprisingly bitter undertow to this energetic and funny show.

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

FURTHER DATES ANNOUNCED FOR UK TOUR OF

NIGEL SLATER’S TOAST

Following its world premiere at The Lowry, Salford in May, a sold-out run at as part of Traverse Festival 2018 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and a London transfer to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Other Palace, where it is currently playing until 3 August, Nigel Slater’s Toast announces further dates for its UK tour.

In addition to the venues previously announced, the tour will also visit Liverpool Playhouse (10-14 Sept), Richmond Theatre (21-26 Oct), Theatre Royal Brighton (28 Oct-2 Nov) and Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre (25-30 Nov).

The tour 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.

Fresh from the West End run, Giles Cooper will continue to star as Nigel Slater, with further casting to be announced. Giles’s theatre credits include This House, People and After The Dance at the National Theatre, and Henry V and The Duchess of Malfi at Shakespeare’s Globe. Roles in hit British films include Pride and The Lady in The Van. 

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 is a new play based on Nigel Slater’s award-winning autobiography. Vividly recreating suburban England in the 1960s, Nigel’s childhood is told through the tastes and smells he grew up with and the audience with be enveloped by the evocative sights and sounds of cookery that defined the definitive moments of his youth.

Writer Henry Filloux-Bennett was the recent recipient of the award for Best Screen to Stage adaptation at the CAMEO Awards (Creativity Across Media: Entertainment and Originality) at White City House. The London Book and Screen Week Awards celebrate outstanding adaptations in the fields of Book to Audio, Film, TV and Stage. This year’s Stage category also included competition from Sally Cookson’s adaptation of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (Walker Books) and Rona Munro’s adaptation of My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout (Viking).

Originally produced by The Lowry for Week 53 festival, Toast is written by Henry Filloux-Bennett and directed by Jonnie Riordan.

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 Greenfeast has 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 Sept – 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

FOLLOW US

Facebook @ToastPlay

Twitter @ToastPlay

www.nigelslaterstoast.co.uk

FULL COMPANY ANNOUNCED FOR

BLUES IN THE NIGHT

KILN THEATRE PRESENTS

BLUES IN THE NIGHT

Conceived and Originally Directed by Sheldon Epps

Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited

18 July – 7 September 2019

Director: Susie McKenna; Musical Direction: Mark Dickman; Choreographer: Frank Thompson

Designer: Robert Jones; Costume Designer: Lotte Collett; Lighting Designer: Neil Austin

Sound Designer: Avgoustos Psillas

As rehearsals begin for Blues in Night, Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham announces the full company. Joining the previously announced Sharon D Clarke (The Lady), Debbie Kurup (The Woman), Clive Rowe (The Man) and Gemma Sutton (The Girl) are Aston New (The Hustler) and Joseph Poulton (The Barman) to complete the company for the first major London revival in 30 years. Susie McKenna’s production opens on 24 July, with previews from 18 July, and runs until 7 September.

‘A man is a two-face, a worrisome thing

Who’ll leave you to sing, the blues in the night.’

Chicago 1939. One man, three women, their lives, memories and the sweet music that gets them through the night.

The Olivier and Tony Award nominated musical is a scorching compilation of 26 hot and torchy blues numbers that frame the lives and loves of four residents of a downtown hotel. Featuring soul-filled songs by blues and jazz icons Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen and many more, this will be a sizzling night to remember. 

GALA PERFORMANCE

5 September 2019, 7pm

To celebrate a year to the day since the Kiln Theatre came into being, the company are hosting a Gala Performance of Blues in the Night on 5 September 2019, 7pm.

Every ticket includes a glass of sparkling wine or a specially conceived Blues in the Night cocktail upon arrival, plus a signed programme. All proceeds from the evening are in aid of Kiln Theatre.

www.KilnTheatre.com

Twitter: @KilnTheatre / @KilnCinema

KILN SEASON AT A GLANCE

WIFE

Until 6 July

Audio Described: 4 July

BLUES IN THE NIGHT

18 July – 7 September 2019

Captioned performance: 22 August

Audio Described performance: 8 August

A FRIENDLY SOCIETY (WORKING TITLE)

26 – 29 September 2019

WHEN THE CROWS VISIT

23 October – 30 November 2019

Captioned performance: 21 November

Audio Described performance: 14 November

SNOWFLAKE

10 December 2019 – 18 January 2020

For full schedule over Christmas, please see the website

Captioned performance: 9 January

Audio Described performance: 14 January

Priority Booking onsale: 24 June 10am

Public Booking onsale: 25 June 10am

THE LUDDITES’ DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD OF DEFIANCE – A MANCHESTER STORY OF REBELLION   

A Royal Exchange Theatre production in association with Kandinsky  

THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT: SCENES FROM THE LUDDITE REBELLION

Created by Lauren Mooney and James Yeatman
Directed by James YeatmanDramturgy by Lauren Mooney

25 July – 10 August 2019 

Unearthing an early 1800s story about resistance, resilience and espionage, KANDINSKY’s latest devised piece THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT: SCENES FROM THE LUDDITE REBELLION explores the ramifications of valuing machines over human life. James Yeatman and Lauren Mooney of KANDINSKY question contemporary misconceptions about the Luddite uprising and ask audiences to think again about the real cost of progress then and now. These days, to be a ‘luddite’ is a joke: to be technologically incapable, pointlessly resisting the future. But in 1812, Luddites brought the UK close to revolution. At a time when Manchester was the most modern city in the world, inventing the ways people would live and work for years to come, the Luddite rebellion was an attempt by the city’s most powerless to shape this future for themselves before it wiped them out. The production runs in The Theatre from 25 July – 10 August. 

The show will be devised by The Company using original source material, including letters, handbills and newspaper articles. Improvisation and extensive ensemble work will create a playful and immediate theatrical experience, using 21st century technology to bring early 19th century Manchester to life.

Hoping to illustrate how the Luddites helped inspire the birth of Manchester’s radical political identity, dramaturg Lauren Mooney and director James Yeatman have said:

“When we began researching this show, we were looking to make a piece of theatre that could speak to modern Manchester as well as its radical past. The more we’ve learned about the Lancashire Luddites, about the real people who lived and died in this city 200 years ago, the more confident we’ve felt that this moment in history has a huge amount to say to all of us. The questions the Luddites were asking have never been answered: questions about economic and industrial progress, about who gets to define what that progress means and who it benefits. In the next fifteen years, the UK will lose ten million jobs to automation. This is a story of resistance from the beginning of the modern world as we know it, and we hope Manchester – a city with a unique political identity – will enjoy seeing itself reflected here.”

Amelda Brown, Nisa Cole, David Crellin, Reuben Johnson, Daniel Millar and Katie West star in THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT: SCENES FROM THE LUDDITE REBELLION which is on in The Theatre from 25 July -10 August.

Lauren Mooney is a writer, producer and theatre-maker. She has been part of Kandinsky since 2015. Work with the company, as both producer and co-writer, includes DOG SHOW, STILL ILL, TRAP STREET and DINOMANIA. She worked as Clean Break’s Literary Producer from 2016 to 2018, supporting emerging writers, developing new work and producing the company’s engagement work in prisons. She also co-edited their monologue collection Rebel Voices (Methuen, 2019). Lauren is a graduate of the Royal Court Introduction to Playwriting course (2015) and is currently the David Higham Scholar on the Creative Writing MA at University of East Anglia.

James Yeatman returns to the Royal Exchange following his work as Dramaturg/co-adaptor with Jeff James on PERSUASION. He co-founded Kandinsky and his work with them includes TRAP STREET (Director/Writer), STILL ILL (Director/Writer), DOG SHOW (Director) and LIMEHOUSE NIGHTS (Director/Writer). Director credits include: RADIO (Soho Studio / 59e59 Theatres New York). James is an associate artist with Complicite for whom he was the co-adapter/director on THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE (Royal Court) and BEWARE OF PITY (Schaubuhne), the co-director on LIONBOY (tricycle and international) and the associate director on THE MASTER AND MARGARITA (Barbican and European Tour).

The creative team also includes Designers Naomi Kuyck-Cohen and Joshua Gadsby and Sound Designer Pete Malkin

“HOW YOU DOIN’?”

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED WORLD PREMIERE OF 

A NEW PARODY MUSICAL 

INSPIRED BY THE ICONIC TV SHOW FRIENDS

MARKING THE SHOW’S 25^TH ANNIVERSARY 

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY MIRANDA LARSON

RUNNING AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE FROM 1 – 25 AUGUST 

& ON UK TOUR UNTIL 2 NOVEMBER 2019

Full casting has been announced for the eagerly awaited world premiere of Friendsical. Playing everyone’s favourite friends are Jordan Fox (Joey), Sarah Goggin (Monica), Jamie Lee-Morgan (Ross), Thomas Mitchells (Chandler), Ally Retberg (Phoebe) and Charlotte Elisabeth York (Rachel). They will be joined by Duncan Burt (Ensemble) and Rebecca Withers (Ensemble). 

The hilarious parody musical, written by Miranda Larson, will embark on a extensive UK tour, opening at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham on 15 July 2019 followed by: Darlington, Derry, Newcastle, Kingston, Malvern, Blackpool, Chelmsford, Southampton and Croydon. Friendsical will also enjoy a full run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 1 – 25 August as part of the Assembly Festival programme in The Assembly Rooms’ Music Hall. 

When Ross’ wife leaves him for another woman, he fears he will never find love again. But then Rachel runs back into his life… will he end up with his one true love?

Featuring original songs such as ‘(He’s her) Lobster!’, ‘Richard’s Moustache’ and ‘You’re Over Me? When Were You Under Me?’, the gang take on naked Thursdays, a power cut, and a dinosaur convention.

What could possibly go wrong?

Friendsical is written and directed by Miranda Larson, with designs by Anthony Lamble, lighting by Dom Jeffery, sound by Julian Butler, musical composition by Barrie Bignold, choreography by Darren Carnall, associate choreography by Michael Vinsen and is produced by Birdbrooke Entertainment ltd. 

LISTINGS

FRIENDSICAL

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY MIRANDA LARSON

UK TOUR FROM 15 JULY – 2 NOVEMBER 2019

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE FROM 1 – 25 AUGUST 2019 

Website: friendsical.com

Twitter/Instagram: @Friendsical

TOUR DATES

CHELTENHAM Everyman Theatre                             Everymantheatre.org.uk
17 – 20 July 2019                                                         01242 572 573

DARLINGTON Hippodrome                                        Darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

24 – 27 July 2019                                                         01325 405405

EDINBURGH Assembly Rooms                                  assemblyfestival.com

01 – 25 August 2019                                                    01316233030

DERRY Millennium Forum                                         Millenniumforum.co.uk
28 – 31 August 2019                                                   028 7126 4455

NEWCASTLE Northern Stage                                     Northernstage.co.uk

3 – 7 September 2019                                              0191 230 5151

KINGSTON Rose Theatre                                            Rosetheatrekingston.org

9 – 14 September 2019                                              020 8174 0090

MALVERN Festival Theatre                                        Malvern-theatres.co.uk

16 – 21 September 2019                                           01684 892277

BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre                                       Blackpoolgrand.co.uk

23 – 28 September 2019                                            01253 290 190

CHELMSFORD Civic Theatre                                       Chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres
14 – 19 October 2019                                                  01245 606 505

SOUTHAMPTON Nuffield Theatre                             Nstheatres.co.uk

21 – 26 October 2019                                                   0238067 1771

CROYDON Ashcroft Playhouse                                   Fairfield.co.uk
28 October – 2 November 2019                                  0203 292 0001

WILTSHIRE CREATIVE ANNOUNCES PACKED PROGRAMME FOR AUTUMN WINTER 2019-20 AT SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE AND SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE

Tickets on sale: 28 June

• Barney Norris’s explosive retelling of Blood Wedding set in modern-day Wiltshire (6-22 February 2020)
• Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy Relatively Speaking (5-28 September) and Alan Turing drama Breaking the Code (4-26 October) will be performed in the round at Salisbury Playhouse
• Best theatre from visiting companies includes Nigel Slater’s Toast and Tracie Bennett in musical Mame
• Christmas offer includes pantomime Robin Hood, a new musical adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s A Tailor of Gloucester and music, comedy and murder mystery at Salisbury Arts Centre

Wiltshire Creative has announced a packed season of performances for its Autumn Winter 2019-20 programme that includes new work by local writer Barney Norris alongside comedy, dance, music and special Christmas events.

Wiltshire Creative will premiere Barney Norris’ explosive new adaptation of Lorca’s Blood Wedding, retold in present-day Wiltshire, at Salisbury Playhouse in February as part of Wiltshire Creative’s 2019-20 Autumn Winter season.

Blood Wedding, a Wiltshire Creative, Up In Arms and Oxford Playhouse production, is a tragedy by Federico Garcia Lorca about the cycle of life, the progression of time, choice, deception, fate and nature. Norris’s previous plays include Echo’s End (Salisbury Playhouse), Nightfall (The Bridge Theatre) and The Remains of the Day (Out of Joint, national tour).

Barney Norris said: “I can’t express how fortunate I feel to be making work for Salisbury once more. This is the ninth story I’ve told in this theatre; the support Wiltshire Creative has given me over that period has shaped the stories I tell, the artist I am. Since I was a kid growing up in Salisbury, I’ve had a dream: to make a play for the main house that could then tour round the country, carrying the city’s stories far and wide for all to hear. With this play, I’m finally achieving my dream, and I’m thrilled to be championing the lives of the people of Wiltshire at a moment when the world is talking about us for reasons we’d rather hadn’t happened. This play is an attempt to insist on the epic dignity of our lives, wherever we live them: this feels like a good moment for this county to be telling that story.”

Also part of the forthcoming season are previously announced Wiltshire Creative productions of Alan Ayckbourn’s sparkling comedy Relatively Speaking and of Hugh Whitemore’s Alan Turing drama Breaking the Code – both of which will be performed in the round in a transformed auditorium at Salisbury Playhouse.

Wiltshire Creative Artistic Director Gareth Machin said: “We’re delighted to be working again with Barney Norris, following Echo’s End which ran here in 2017. We’re also really looking forward to transforming the Main House again, to present two captivating plays in the round for our audiences.”

Once again, Salisbury Playhouse will also present the best theatre from visiting companies including Nigel Slater’s memoir Toast direct from the West End, three nights of the legendary Eric and Ernie, two-time Olivier Award winner Tracie Bennett in the musical Mame and an adaptation of Sarah Waters’ 1940s-set novel The Night Watch from Original Theatre (Birdsong, The Habit of Art and The Importance of Being Earnest).

Wiltshire Creative’s Christmas offer includes celebrated pantomime with Robin Hood at Salisbury Playhouse, Guy Masterson in A Child’s Christmas in Wales and, for younger audiences, a new musical adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s A Tailor of Gloucester. Salisbury Arts Centre will celebrate Christmas with a festive murder mystery, music from The Dots featuring Helen Colby (Spite in Beauty and the Beast last year) and a special Christmas edition of Barnstormers Comedy Night.

The Autumn Winter line-up in the Salberg at Salisbury Playhouse includes David Hare’s Skylight, The Soldier by Rachel Wagstaff (The Mirror Crack’d), magicians Morgan & West and Graeae with a reimagining of One Under, the story of a tube train driver who experienced a suicide first-hand.

Family theatre includes The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Same, Same But Different and You’ve Got Dragons all on offer over the October half term.

The line-up at Salisbury Arts Centre includes music from folk band Rant (nominated Folk Band of the Year), percussion duo O Duo and The Beat drummer Everett Morton with The Beat Goes Bang. Theatre at Salisbury Arts Centre includes readings from author Lemn Sissay and performances of Odyssey from Living Spit; dance comes from Anjali Dance Company and Rosie Kay; comedy features Sindhu Vee and there is a full film programme on Wednesdays at the Arts Centre.

Visual art includes ceramicist Kate Wilson reflecting on the conflict in Afghanistan, a winter exhibition from leading contemporary British craft practitioners and Cornwall-based artist Nicola Bealing with a solo exhibition which responds to the retelling of Lorca’s Blood Wedding at Salisbury Playhouse.

Ticketed events went on sale to Members on 22 June and go on general sale on Friday 28 June.

For more information and to book, call Ticket Sales on 01722 320333 or visit www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk. 

REGENT’S PARK THEATRE ANNOUNCE FULL CASTING AND EXTRA PERFORMANCES FOR TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S EVITA

• AS REHEARSALS START, FULL CASTING IS CONFIRMED FOR EVITA
• EXTRA PERFORMANCES ADDED DUE TO DEMAND

Regent’s Park Theatre have today confirmed full casting for their production of Tim Rice and

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita.

Opening on 2 August, Evita is the fastest selling production in the theatre’s history, and two additional matinee performances have been added, due to demand, on Wednesday 21 August and Wednesday 28 August*.

Evita is produced by William Village and Timothy Sheader for Regent’s Park Theatre Ltd by special arrangement with The Really Useful Group Limited.

_________________________________________

As Agustín Magaldi, Adam Pearce joins the already announced casting of Samantha Pauly (Eva Perón), Ektor Rivera (Juan Perón), Trent Saunders (Che) and Frances Mayli McCann (The Mistress).

The cast also includes: Alexander Barria, Felipe Bejarano, Alex Cardall, Russell Dickson, Lauren Drew, Hannah Fairclough, Chris Fung, Chlöe Hart, Travis Kerry, Jessica Lee, Dale Mathurin,Peter Nash, Sarah Naudi, Mireia Mambo, Marsha Songcome, Bree Smith, Monica Swayne,Oliver Tester, Amy Thornton, Jon Tsouras and Rodney Vubya. Four children alternate at each performance: Saffia Layla, Ava Masters, Chanai Owusu-Ansah and Ellicia Simondwood.

Evita premiered in the West End in 1978, and features a chart-topping score including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Oh! What A Circus, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, and the Academy Award-winningYou Must Love Me, originally performed by Madonna in the motion picture.

_________________________________________

Chicago-based Samantha Pauly* makes her UK debut in the role of Eva Perón, direct from her performance in SIX (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) and as Valkyrie in Bat Out Of Hell (US Tour). She appears alongside Ektor Rivera, also making his UK debut, having recently played Emilio Estefan inOn Your Feet! on Broadway and US Tour. In addition to lead roles in Rent, Hairspray and High School Musical, Ektor was selected by Jennifer López to be one of the lead singers in the US Television and Live show Q’Viva! The Chosen, which was seen by over 30 million television viewers.

* Please note that Samantha Pauly will not appear at the matinee performances on 21 & 28 August.

An original Broadway cast member of Disney’s Aladdin – where he has been performing on and off for the last 5 years – Trent Saunders returns to the UK in the role of Che following his appearance as St. Jimmy in Green Day’s American Idiot (Hammersmith Apollo). Nominated for an Olivier Award for her role as Kylah in Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Frances Mayli McCann plays the role of TheMistress.

Adam Pearce takes the role of Agustín Magaldi having recently appeared in the World Premiere ofLocal Hero, a co-production between the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh and The Old Vic. He also played Max Von Meyerling in Sunset Boulevard (UK Tour) and appeared in The Light Princess(National Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Adelphi/Chichester Festival), Love Never Dies and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Adelphi).

_________________________________________

Evita is directed by Jamie Lloyd, who is joined by Soutra Gilmour (Designer), Fabian Aloise(Choreographer), Alan Williams (Musical Supervisor), Jon Clark (Lighting Designer), Nick Lidsterfor Autograph (Sound Designer), Barbara Houseman (Season Associate Director, Voice and Text) and Kate Waters (Fight Director). Casting is by Will Burton CDG for DGA, and US casting by Tara Rubin Casting.

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Following their productions of Our Town and, in a co-production with English National Opera, Hansel and Gretel, the 2019 season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre also includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream (28 June – 27 July). Their multi award-winning production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar plays a limited 60-performance season at the Barbican from 4 July.

For more information visit: openairtheatre.com

Twitter: @OpenAirTheatre / #OAT2019 / #Evita

Facebook: RegentsParkOpenAirTheatre | Instagram: RegentsParkOAT

KILN THEATRE AND FICTIONAL COMPANY PRESENT

THE LONDON PREMIÈRE OF MIKE BARTLETT’S NEW PLAY SNOWFLAKE

Kiln Theatre and Fictional Company present

SNOWFLAKE

by Mike Bartlett

10 December 2019 – 18 January 2020

Director Clare Lizzimore; Designer Jeremy Herbert;

Lighting Designer Jessica Hung Han Yun; Sound Designer Elena Peña

With the world premiere of Samuel Adamson’s Wife running at the theatre, Blues in the Night in rehearsals, Florian Zeller’s The Son due to transfer to the West End and Handbagged running in New York, Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre Indhu Rubasingham today announces the London première of Mike Bartlett’s latest play Snowflake which will run at Kiln Theatre over Christmas. 

Snowflake was originally created for the Old Fire Station in Oxford, a trailblazing venue run in partnership with homeless charity Crisis. Following critical acclaim, this new work by triple Olivier Award-winning playwright Mike Bartlett has been relocated to contemporary Kilburn – where Bartlett lived for a decade.

Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham said today, “I am very excited to be bringing Snowflake to London and for Mike Bartlett to be re-setting it, right here in Kilburn. Mike has written a beautiful and current piece which is both a sensitive human story and response to the political uncertainty and disarray we currently find ourselves in. I can’t wait for Mike and Clare to tell this very special story here at Kiln Theatre.”

Announcing the transfer, Mike Bartlett said, “I’ve lived in just two places in my life: Kilburn and Oxford. Snowflake is a play fundamentally about home and identity, so when the chance to bring it to London came up, Kiln Theatre was the perfect place – and I’m looking forward to finding new resonances in what became my second home in London.”

Director Clare Lizzimore’s production opens on 16 December, with previews from 10 December, and runs until 18 January 2020. Casting to be announced shortly; and for a full schedule over Christmas, please see the website.

‘Because Christmas. Well… That’s when they say people come home.’

Andy’s 43. He loves nostalgic TV and pints down the Kilburn High Road. His daughter Maya is 21. She left home three years ago and hasn’t spoken to him since. This Christmas, Andy knows she’s coming back – Maya knows she’s not.

Snowflake is an epic story about generational conflict, fathers and daughters, and whether we’re living in the best or worst of times…

The critically-acclaimed festive hit by Olivier Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated Mike Bartlett, directed by Olivier Award-winner Clare Lizzimore, makes its London debut at Kiln Theatre.

Mike Bartlett is a multi-award-winning stage and screen writer. He has won three Olivier Awards for his playsCock (Royal Court Theatre – Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre), King Charles III (Almeida Theatre/Wyndham’s Theatre – Best New Play; also winner of Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Play), Bull (Young Vic – Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre). He also won the UK Theatre Award for Best New Play for Love, Love, Love, which transferred to the Royal Court Theatre. Other plays include Albion, Game (Almeida Theatre), Wild (Hampstead Theatre), 13, Earthquakes In London (National Theatre) and many others. He has previously been Writer-in-Residence at the Royal Court Theatre, National Theatre and Paines Plough. His television work has also won national acclaim, including hit BBC One series Doctor Foster, which won BAFTA, National Television, Royal Television Society and Broadcasting Press Guild Awards. Other TV credits include Press (BBC), Trauma, The Town (ITV – BAFTA nominated) and the TV adaptation of King Charles III (BBC).

Clare Lizzimore is an award-winning writer and director. Snowflake is her second collaboration with playwright Mike Bartlett, following Bull (Young Vic, Sheffield Theatres & 59E59 New York), which won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in An Affiliate Theatre. She has also won a Channel 4 Theatre Directors Award (Formally the RTYDS Award) and Arts Foundation Theatre Directing Fellowship; and she was previously resident director at Citizens Theatre, Glasgow and staff director at the National Theatre. Her other directing credits include One Day When We Were Young (Paines Plough/Sheffield Theatres/Shoreditch Town Hall), Lay Down Your Cross, On The Rocks (Hampstead Theatre), Pieces of Vincent (Arcola Theatre), Faces In The Crowd, The Mother (Royal Court Theatre), Fear and Misery, War and Peace (Royal Court Theatre/Latitude), The Most Humane Way To Kill a Lobster (Theatre503), and Tom Fool (Glasgow Citizens/Bush).

www.KilnTheatre.com

@KilnTheatre

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER AND CAMERON MACKINTOSH

ANNOUNCE A UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF

THE BRILLIANT ORIGINAL PRODUCTION OF

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

OPENING AT CURVE, LEICESTER

ON 24 FEBRUARY 2020

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh are delighted to announce a UK and Ireland tour of the brilliant original production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA opening at Curve, Leicester on 24 February 2020 where it will run until 21 March 2020 ahead of visiting Manchester Palace Theatre (26 March – 30 May 2020), Bord Gais Energy Theatre Dublin (10 June – 18 July 2020), Birmingham Hippodrome (29 July – 12 September 2020) and Edinburgh Festival Theatre (23 September – 31 October 2020). Venue details and on sale dates below. Further dates and full casting to be announced soon.

Now in its 33^rd phenomenal year in the West End, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular productions in history. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting and soaring score includes Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade and the iconic title song.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano – Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, the Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is one of the most successful musicals in entertainment history playing to over 145 million people in 41 countries and 183 cities in 17 languages. It has won more than 70 major theatre awards, including seven Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is the only show in history to have celebrated 30 years on both sides of the Atlantic. In October 2016 the London production celebrated its 30^th Anniversary with a special gala performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre and in October 2011 the London production celebrated its 25^th Anniversary with a spectacular staging of “The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall” which was screened live in cinemas all over the world and subsequently released on DVD. The musical became the longest running show in Broadway history on 9 January 2006 when it celebrated its 7,486^th performance. On 1 January 2018 it celebrated its 13,000^th performance and later that month on 24 January the Broadway production celebrated an amazing 30 years on Broadway.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart, and Additional Lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Book is by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber,   Based on the novel ‘Le Fantôme de l’Opera’ by Gaston Leroux, with Orchestraions by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Theatre Company Limited.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is currently showing in London, New York, Prague and Sao Paulo, as well as on tour in the US and Asia. 

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

UK AND IRLEAND TOUR

MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 21 MARCH 2020

Curve Theatre, Leicester

www.curveonline.co.uk

ON SALE 4 JULY 2019

THURSDAY 26 MARCH – SATURDAY 30 MAY 2020

Palace Theatre, Manchester

www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester/

ON SALE 1 JULY 2019

WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE – SATURDAY 18 JULY 2020

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

ON SALE 28 JUNE 2019

WEDNESDAY 29 JULY – SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2020

Birmingham Hippodrome

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

ON SALE 26 SEPTEMBER 2019

WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER 2020

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

www.capitaltheatres.com/your-visit/festival-theatre

ON SALE 30 SEPTEMBER 2019

MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

Royal Festival Hall – until 5 July 2019

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

This gorgeously nostalgic musical is an uplifting treat, full of romance and humour. Margaret (Renée Fleming) has returned to Italy, where she spent her honeymoon, with her daughter Clara (Dove Cameron). A chance encounter in a Florentine piazza sees Clara falling head over heels in love with Fabrizio (Rob Houchen). His family welcome Clara with open arms and are soon organising a wedding, but Margaret is keeping a secret about Clara and her childlike innocence and joy, and debates whether to tell them the truth about Clara’s childhood brain injury.

Craig Lucas’s book doesn’t really dwell on the serious issues around Clara’s emotional and intellectual acuity, instead Margaret voices her concern but keeps hoping that maybe Clara can live independently and happily with her new Italian family. The message of hope and true love banishes any shade in this piazza. This may bother some people, but this show is a lushly lit, gorgeously costumed and ultimately light-hearted romance that doesn’t pretend to be hard-hitting or realistic. Just sit back and let the story and the beautiful music wash over you.

Adam Guettel’s music is heavenly – a soaring mix of light opera and Broadway ballads, all played perfectly by the orchestra conducted by Kimberly Grigsby. Renée Fleming is magnificent as Margaret, with pristine vocals and a lovely light touch conveying Margaret’s fears and frustrations, especially during her trans-Atlantic phone calls with her husband (a fabulously gruff Malcolm Sinclair). Dove Cameron makes a delightful Clara, with impressive vocals and subtle clues to Clara’s disability before the big reveal. Rob Houchen steals the show as the sweet and wide-eyed Fabrizio with his stunning vocals. After each of his numbers, there were satisfied sighs and quiet “wows” from everyone around me – an incredible performance.

A perfect midsummer pick-me-up for hopeless romantics and music lovers.