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The Vaults Theatre, June 12th – 22nd, 7.30pm

The Psychic Project is a mind-reading show based on the true story of America’s psychic spying programme from the Cold War. It tells the story of the programme and attempts the CIA’s experiments, seeing if the audience can achieve the same results; i.e. whether the audience can become psychic spies.

The show is unusual in that the performer, David Narayan, does not demonstrate any psychic powers. Instead, every experiment is attempted by audience members, using the techniques from the CIA’s archives. After sold out shows in 2017 and 2018, The Psychic Project comes to The Vaults Theatre for eight performances.

“As disturbing as it is astonishing” The Oxford Times

In 1972, the CIA was worried about Russian investment in mind-control research. They feared that the Russians were ‘weaponising’ psychic powers, with one report stating that the Soviets had the ability to collect
intelligence using paranormal means, and another that they may be able to mould the thoughts of key US military and civilian leaders, even causing the instant death of any US official.

Taking these reports seriously, America started a 20 year psychic research programme of their own. The research began as lab studies, but became operational, with projects including tracking drugs and locating hostages. The research was made public in 1995, with scientists divided over whether psychic spying was a genuine phenomena.

The Psychic Project draws upon 100,000 pages of CIA documents in order to attempt the experiments with a live audience. Previously only available via US Freedom of Information Act requests, the declassified documents were made available via the CIA’s website in 2017. Some parts are still redacted – in particular the sections on causing changes to human cells.

“Narayan presents this story with intrigue & suspense… impressive and inexplicable” Daily Info

PAUL O’GRADY RETURNS AND MATT BAKER JOINS

JULIAN CLARY, PAUL ZERDIN, NIGEL HAVERS AND GARY WILMOT IN

G O L D I L O C K S   A N D   T H E   T H R E E   B E A R S

FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED 5 WEEK RUN AT THE

LONDON PALLADIUM FOR THE 2019 FESTIVE SEASON

Qdos Entertainment today (Friday 24 May 2019) announce that Paul O’Grady will return to the London Palladium in Goldilocks and the Three Bears to play The Evil Ringmaster.  Joining O’Grady and making his Palladium Panto debut will be Matt Baker as Joey the Clown who will star alongside season regulars Julian Clary as The Ringmaster, Paul Zerdin as Silly Billy, Nigel Havers as Daddy Bear and Gary Wilmot as Dame Betty Barnum. 

Joining the cast will also be a series of speciality acts including internationally renowned illusionist Phil Hitchcock, The Skating Medini (Asia and Dylan Medini) – a dynamic high-speed roller-skating act from one of Italy’s oldest circus families, Sascha Williams – ‘Rola Bola’, from the Belli Family Circus in Germany and Europe’s youngest stunt rider Peter Pavlov and the ‘Globe of Speed’.

Performances begin at the London Palladium on Saturday 7 December 2019 for a strictly limited 5-week run until Sunday 12 January 2020.  Public booking opens on Friday 31 May 2019.  Final casting will be announced at a later date.

Dame Betty Barnum and her daughter Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their madcap circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang… Roll up, roll up to see panto join the circus, and be swept away by a London Palladium spectacular that’s just right at the home of pantomime!

Returning for the fourth year and once again produced by the Olivier award-winning team and directed by Michael Harrison, choreography will be by Karen Bruce, set design will be by Ian Westbrook, with a returning team of costume designers including Hugh Durrant, visual special effects by The Twins FX, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Gareth Owen and original music by Gary Hind.

Best known as host of BBC Radio 2’s The Paul O’Grady Show and for helping rescue dogs in For the Love of Dogs – not to mention his acid-tongued creation Lily Savage – Paul O’Grady is returning to the London Palladium following his performance as The Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella, which reintroduced pantomime to the iconic venue in 2016.

Matt Baker who will make his Palladium Panto debut is best known on television as a presenter of The One Show and Countryfile on BBC1. Previously he presented Blue Peter and was a finalist on Strictly Come Dancing.  He has been seen on stage as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

Julian Clary returns to the London Palladium for the fourth year having previously played The Man in the Mirror in last year’s Snow White at the London Palladium, The Spirit of the Bells in Dick Whittington and Dandini in Cinderella. 

Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin has previously appeared at the Palladium as Muddles in last year’s Snow White at the London Palladium, Idle Jack in Dick Whittington and as Buttons in Cinderella.

Nigel Havers played The Understudy in the 2019 production of Snow White at the London Palladium, Captain Nigel in Dick Whittington and Lord Chamberlain in Cinderella, all at the London Palladium.

Gary Wilmot’s played Mrs Crumble in last year’s Palladium pantomime Snow White at the London Palladium and was also seem in the previous year’s Dick Whittington.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is produced by Nick Thomas and Michael Harrison for Qdos Entertainment. Nick Thomas is the founder and Chairman of Qdos Entertainment Group, one of the largest entertainment companies in Europe and is the UK’s second largest regional theatre and concert hall operator.  Michael Harrison has previously produced over 100 pantomimes for Qdos Entertainment where he is also Managing Director.  As a producer in the West End his credits include the imminent production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium,Gypsy, The Bodyguard, Annie and Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein.

As the world’s biggest pantomime producer, over the past 37 years Qdos Entertainment has established itself as one of the largest entertainment companies in Europe. Over the past three decades the pantomime giant has staged 719 pantomimes.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Theatre:                               London Palladium, Argyll St, London W1F 7TF

Dates:                                  7 December 2019 – 12 January 2020

Gala night:                           11 December 2019 at 7.30pm

Box Office:                           020 7087 7747 (no booking fee)

Performances:                      see website for performance schedule

Website:                               PalladiumPantomime.com

Twitter:                                PalladiumPanto

Facebook:                             Facebook.com/PalladiumPantomime

The Little Orchestra – Messiah, Parts II and III
Porchester Hall, Porchester Road, London W2 5HS
Friday 7th – Saturday 8th June 2019

In the relaxed and sumptuous atmosphere of Porchester Hall, The Little Orchestra will present an exciting investigation of parts II and III of Handel’s Messiah, staged in their signature fashion with an intimate semi-immersive theatrical style concert, a pop-up food menu, a fully stocked bar and plush sofas. Appealing to a non-concert going audience, The Little Orchestra dissolve barriers between audience and music in their thrilling and unique productions

Revitalising the more traditional concert model, The Little Orchestra continue their exploration into one of the best-known classical works in Western music. Nicholas Little will be more than a conductor, bringing to life the stories behind the creation of the masterpiece and the composer’s life. Acting as a compere, he will guide the audience and ensure the music is accessible to the uninitiated. First performed more than 250 years ago, Handel’s Messiah has become one of the most frequently performed choral works in the canon

The Little Orchestra design a relaxed and fun evening where beautiful pieces are played by talented young musicians. Featuring a full choir and orchestra, they will transform Porchester Hall with a custom set and lighting design inspired by the music to create the perfect space to unwind and lounge.

After the main event a relaxed post-concert-soiree including some key arias from Handel’s bestknown Italian operas will continue to bring the space to life while people meet and mingle. With a themed food and drink offering and a bar that remains open until midnight, The Little Orchestra’s events bridge the divide between the concert experience, an immersive production and a good night out.

Nicholas Little comments, The story is so often the key and we want to allow people to be able to tune into this. Once people have a sense of the story of the music, whether there are words or not, that really lights up the imagination and changes the way you hear the music. Suddenly it’s not just a whole bunch of noises, but a landscape or a scene or an emotional dynamic.

For those who don’t want the full experience, The Little Orchestra are also presenting a stripped-back version for the first time, allowing a pure focus on the music and stories (with no food and drink offering) – for only £10. This will be held on Thursday 6th June at Cecil Sharp House.

ORE ODUBA

TO PLAY TEEN ANGEL

AT CERTAIN PERFORMANCES IN LEEDS

FOR THE UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF

GREASE

TV presenter and winner of Strictly Come Dancing, Ore Oduba will play the role of Teen Angel at certain performances at Leeds Grand Theatre, the opening venue of the UK and Ireland tour of GREASE. Ore alternates the role with the previously announced Peter Andre. Ore will play the role on 24 & 25 June and from 29 June to 16 July. GREASE opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on 19 June, running there until 20 July 2019. The tour then continues until October 2019. This new production of GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips.

Since his Strictly Come Dancing triumph in 2016, Ore Oduba has gone on to present some of TV’s biggest shows, including This Morning and The One Show. He also hosts the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour and is a familiar voice to listeners of BBC Radio 2, having deputised for the likes of Zoe Ball, Claudia Winkleman and Steve Wright.

Ore Oduba said, “GREASE is one of the most iconic musicals of all time, so to be making my stage debut in such a well-loved piece is a dream come true. I can’t wait to start rehearsals with our talented young cast and creative team; I just know this show is going to be truly electrifyin’!”

Also in the cast are Dan Partridge as Danny, Martha Kirby as Sandy, Louis Gaunt as Kenickie, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky as Rizzo, Jordan Abey as Doody, Ryan Anderson as Roger, Damian Buhagiar as Sonny, Eloise Davies as Frenchy, Natalie Woods as Jan, Tara Sweeting as Marty, Dale White as Eugene, Jessica Croll as Patty Simcox, Corinna Powlesland as Miss Lynch, Abigail Climer as Cha Cha, Darren Bennett as Vince Fontaine and Will Haswell as Johnny Casino. Completing the cast are Thea Bunting as Cynthia, Emily Beth Harrington as Carly, Jonathan Hermosa Lopez as Bobby, Dom Hutcheson as Mickey, Ruby May Martinwood as Sofia, Lindsay McAllister as Donna Sue and Kevin O’Dwyer as Chad.

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 40^th 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 Philips, 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 for InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, William Sinclair, Ricardo Marques, Hunter Arnold and Curve.

Website: greasethemusicalontour.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greaseUKTour

Twitter: @greaseuktour                     

2019 TOUR SCHEDULE

19 June – 20 July                      Leeds Grand Theatre                                        0844 848 2700 

                                                  www.leedsgrandtheatre.com                                   

23 – 27 July                              Cliffs Pavilion, Southend                                  01702 351135                                                                                                                                                      www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk                               

30 July – 3 August                     Sunderland Empire                                          0844 871 3022                                                                                                                                                     www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland 

13 – 24 August                          Birmingham Hippodrome                                 0844 338 5000

                                                  www.birminghamhippodrome.com                     

27 – 31 August                          King’s Theatre, Glasgow                                  0844 871 7648

                                                  www.atgtickets.com/venues/glasgow    

3 – 14 September                      Curve, Leicester                                               0116 242 3595

                                                  www.curveonline.co.uk                                     

17 – 28 September                    Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin                   0844 847 2455                                                                                                                                                  www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                           

1 – 5 October                            New Theatre, Oxford                                         0844 871 3020

                                                  www.atgtickets.com/oxford                              

8 – 12 October                          Churchill Theatre, Bromley                              020 3285 6000                                                                                                                                                   churchilltheatre.co.uk                

15 – 19 October                        Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff                     029 2063 6464                                                                                                                                                   www.wmc.org.uk

CAROLINE SHEEN

RETURNS TO THE ROLE OF ‘VIOLET NEWSTEAD’ IN

DOLLY PARTON’S

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, Book by Patricia Resnick

and Directed by Jeff Calhoun

Based on the 20^th Century Fox Picture

AT THE SAVOY THEATRE FROM 4 JULY 2019

Caroline Sheen will return to the role of ‘Violet Newstead’ in 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL at the Savoy Theatre, London from 4 July 2019.

Caroline starred as ‘Violet Newstead’ to rave reviews when this production first opened at the Savoy Theatre in February. She is renowned for her leading roles in the West End, US and on tour throughout the UK. These include the West End productions of “Les Misérables” at the Palace and Queen’s theatres, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the London Palladium, the original cast of “The Witches of Eastwick” at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, ‘Once in a Lifetime’ and ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ at the National Theatre and the title role in “Mary Poppins” on tour throughout the US and the UK. She was most recently seen as ‘Carys’ in the new BBC series ‘Pitching In.’

Caroline will star opposite Amber Davies as ‘Judy Bernly’, Natalie McQueen as ‘Doralee Rhodes’, Bonnie Langford as ‘Roz Keith’ and Brian Conley as ‘Franklin Hart until 31 August 2019.

Casting from September 2019 onwards, for both the London production at the Savoy Theatre and the second production starting its tour in Birmingham, will be announced soon.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL opened in the West End in February, where Dolly Parton attended the premiere and joined the cast on stage at the finale. The musical features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by multi Grammy Award winner, country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy – three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the women manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Poti Martin, video design by Nina Dunn, original arrangements by Stephen Oremus & Alex Lacamoire, original Broadway orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin, musical supervisor, reductions & extra arrangements by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe.

Based on the 20^th Century Fox Picture. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Gavin Kalin Productions with Benjamin Lowy Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Showtime Theatre Productions, Hartshorn – Hook Productions, Harmonia Holdings and Kilimanjaro Live.

Full cast announced for Dark Sublime at
Trafalgar Studios
Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY
Tuesday 25th June – Saturday 3rd August 2019

Joining Marina Sirtis (Star Trek: The Next Generation) as she makes her West End debut are theatre titans Jacqueline King (Doctor Who, BBC; Spring Storm, National Theatre) and Simon Thorp (Hard Sun, BBC; Royal Shakespeare Company), esteemed actor and LQBTQ+ campaigner Sophie Ward (Young Sherlock Holmes, Amblin Entertainment; Jane Eyre, BBC Films) alongside one of the most exciting up and coming UK actors Kwaku Mills (good dog, UK Tour; The End of Eddy, UK Tour). Stage and screen star Mark Gatiss (Sherlock and League of Gentlemen, BBC; The Madness of George III, Nottingham Playhouse) will be lending his voice to the part of Kosley, a hysterical talking computer, in this world premiere of Dark Sublime

Oli arrives at the door of Marianne, a fading jobbing actress. He’s impatient to make an impression, to make a friend. Marianne knows about waiting – for her turn at something more substantial than a half-remembered role on a cult TV show, for her best friend to see her differently. As Oli forces her back into the past, and a strange, outrageous world she hasn’t visited in almost 40 years, Marianne must find her own way into the future. Together they begin to discover what every good relationship needs: time and space

Directed by Andrew Keates (As Is and Dessa Rose, Trafalgar Studios), Dark Sublime boldly explores the complexities of relationships, especially in the LGBTQ community. Considering what later life is like for older gay women as well as the next generation, it contrasts bittersweet lived experiences with real humour.

This thrilling debut play by Michael Dennis is a theatrical love-letter to British sci-fi television which examines the feeling of belonging that comes with finding your place among the outcasts. Fans will do anything for their heroes, but what if your biggest fan is your closest companion?

Keates comments, I’m so glad to be coming home to Trafalgar Studios after having such an extraordinary time directing both As Is and Dessa Rose. Now we bring a brand new play from a debut playwright that gives a stage for mature women and modern LGBT issues with a cast that is truly out of this world.

Incredible Broadway and West End cast announced for Bare: A Pop Opera
The Vaults, Leake Street, London SE1 7NN
Friday 21st June – Sunday 4th August 2019

An incredible Broadway and West End cast has been announced for the electric and explosive Bare: A Pop Opera at The Vaults. Taking the role of Sister Chantelle is Broadway star Stacy Francis (Ex-girlfriend, Warner Bros; The X Factor, USA; Footloose, Broadway). Joining her as Claire is the West End’s own Jo Napthine (Mamma Mia, Novello Theatre; Made in Dagenham, Adelphi Theatre; Sister Act, London Palladium).

Mark Jardine (Emmerdale, ITV; Blood Brothers, West End; Mamma Mia, International Tour) will play the Priest, while stepping into the lead as struggling Golden Boy Jason is Darragh Cowley (Spring Awakening, Hope Mill Theatre; Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Crucible Theatre; Snow
White, London Palladium). Daniel Mack Shand (The Masters of Mystery, Marlow Theatre; Rent, Frogmore Paper Mill; Les Misérables, Working Title Films) will appear as Jason’s star-crossed lover Peter as Lizzie Emery (Rent, Frogmore Paper Mill; Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Towngate Theatre) takes the role of Ivy.

Making her professional debut as Nadia is Georgie Lovatt, Matt will be played by Tom Hier (Miss Saigon, International Tour; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, UK Tour), and Lucas will be played by Bradley Connor (Club Mex, Hope Mill Theatre; 1917, Universal Pictures; Unforgotten, ITV). Joining the class are Athena Collins (West End Live: West End Masterclass), Georgia Bradshaw (Dreamgirls, West End; Flashdance, Korean Tour), Liv Alexander in her professional debut and Beccy Lane (Dick Whittington, Lichfield Garrick Theatre; Cinderella, Camberley Theatre). Completing the amazing line up are Tom Scanlon (Kinky Boots, West End; Dirty Dancing, UK tour; Dance Til Dawn, West End and UK Tour), Alexander Moneypenny, making his professional debut, and Hollie Ann Lowe (Flashdance, UK and International Tour;
Annie, West Yorkshire Playhouse).

Directed by Julie Atherton, with book and lyrics by Jon Hartmere, and book and music by Damon Intrabartolo, Bare: A Pop Opera follows the students of St Cecilia’s as they explore sex, drugs, queer identity, and prepare to bare their souls. SR Productions brings this moving piece and its unique pop score to The Vaults Theatre from June. This is a show not only for musical theatre fans but for anyone who has faced adversity or experienced love in its purest form.

Julie Atherton says, I’m so excited to work with this fabulous bunch! I just can’t wait to get started and see what they bring to this special piece.

Producer Jason Shand-Rodger comments, We are super excited to share with you the amazing cast we have found for this production of Bare. I cannot wait for audiences to see what they can really do and bring this show to life.

Bare: A Pop Opera is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 122-124 Regent St, London, W1B 5SA. +44 (0)20 7101 9596, www.theatricalrights.co.uk.

Mamma Mia! UK and international tour cast announced

Casting has been announced for the Mamma Mia! UK and international tour, which celebrates 20 years since the musical first premiered.

Opening in Edinburgh in September 2019, the production will visit Bradford (30 October to 23 November), Dublin (10 December to 5 January), Newcastle (22 January to 8 February), Southampton (11 to 29 February), Hull (3 to 21 March), Nottingham (24 March to 4 April) and Birmingham (12 to 30 May).

Sharon Sexton (Donna Sheridan), Sarah Harlington (Alternate Donna), Nicky Swift (Rosie), Helen Anker (Tanya), Rob Fowler (Sam Carmichael), Daniel Crowder (Harry Bright), Jamie Kenna (Bill Austin), Emma Mullen (Sophie Sheridan), Toby Miles (Sky), Marie Finlayson (Ali), Mariella Mazzilli (Lisa), James Willoughby Moore (Pepper), Eamonn Cox (Eddie) and Matthew Ronchetti (Father Alexander) will star in the production from 3 March 2020.

Completing the cast are Taylor Bridges, Ambra Caserotti, Martin Dickinson, Billy Downes, Katie Dunsden, Matt Kennedy, Lewis Kidd, Emma Odell, Blair Robertson, Kaine Ruddach, Ellie Rutherford, Chiara Sparkes, Amy Thiroff, Cameron Vear, Sarah Wilkie and Robert Knight.

Mamma Mia! originally opened at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999 and transferred to the Prince of Wales in 2004. It opened at the Novello Theatre in 2012.

With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the musical is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast.

The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch.

From West End to global phenomenon, Mamma Mia!is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with a sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads unfolding on a Greek island idyll.

To date, it has been seen by over 65 million people in 50 productions in 16 different languages. In 2011 it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China. Mamma Mia!became the 8th longest running show in Broadway history where it played a record-breaking run for 14 years. Mamma Mia!continues to thrill audiences in London’s West End at the Novello Theatre where it celebrated its 20th Anniversary on 6 April 2019.

Produced by Judy Craymer, Mamma Mia! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008. A second film, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, opened in July 2018 and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time.

TOUR DATES

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

19 – 28 SEPTEMBER 2019 BOOK NOW DETAILS

LA SEINE MUSICALE, PARIS

4 – 20 OCTOBER 2019 BOOK NOW DETAILS

THE ALHAMBRA THEATRE, BRADFORD

30 OCTOBER – 23 NOVEMBER 2019 BOOK NOW DETAILS

BORD GÁIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN

10 DECEMBER 2019 – 5 JANUARY 2020 BOOK NOW DETAILS

THEATRE ROYAL, NEWCASTLE

22 JANUARY – 8 FEBRUARY 2020 BOOK NOW DETAILS

MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON

11 – 29 FEBRUARY 2020 BOOK NOW DETAILS

HULL NEW THEATRE, HULL

3 – 21 MARCH 2020 BOOK NOW DETAILS

ROYAL CONCERT HALL, NOTTINGHAM

24 MARCH – 4 APRIL 2020 BOOK NOW DETAILS

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME, BIRMINGHAM

12 – 30 MAY 2020 BOOK NOW DETAILS

Didi Conn is The One That Brid Wants as Grease Legend Stars in Panto

Bridlington Spa has announced that Grease legend Didi Conn will star as the Fairy Godmother in this year’s magical family pantomime, Cinderella.

Known worldwide as the loveable Beauty School Dropout, Frenchy, Didi burst onto screens as the Pink Lady, with even pinker hair, in the iconic 1978 movie musical Grease. Voted no.1 in Channel 4’s 100 Greatest Film Musicals, Grease is still as popular as ever thrilling ‘Hopelessly Devoted’ fans and constantly finding news ones as it’s introduced to a whole new generation through theatre tours, sing-a-long screenings and regular TV re-runs.

Didi is the only original cast member to have appeared in all three incarnations of Grease, reprising her role as Frenchy in follow-up movie Grease 2 and coming full circle to make a touching cameo in the diner of 2016’s Live TV adaptation as Vi, giving sage advice to Carly Rae Jepsen’s Frenchy.

Away from Rydell High, Didi is fondly remembered as the bubbly Manager of Shining Time Station, Stacy Jones; a role she played for six years with the character also appearing in crossover feature film Thomas and the Magic Railroad. She also leant her inimitable voice to the role of Raggedy Ann for the animated movie Raggedy Ann and Andy: A Musical Adventure.

Having continued an illustrious stage and screen career, Didi was most recently seen on UK TV screens as a contestant on ITV’s hugely popular Dancing on Ice. At the age of 67, Didi was the oldest competitor in the show’s history. She delighted audiences when she donned her original Pink Ladies jacket to skate to We Go Together, still sporting a mustard stain picked up whilst filming the movie’s famous drive-in scene.  Alongside her partner, professional ice skater Łukasz Różycki, she made it to week four of the competition impressing the judges and viewers alike with her infectious personality, boundless energy and incomparable showmanship.

Now, Didi will be making her pantomime debut as Cinderella’s magical Fairy Godmother as she swaps her hometown of New York for the beautiful shores of Bridlington.

Pantomime Producer Paul Holman said: “I am delighted to be bringing the magnificent Didi to Bridlington this Christmas. With her vivacious charm and exceptional talent, audiences will be hand-jiving into the New Year!”

Andrew Aldis, General Manager of Bridlington Spa said: “I believe that announcing an unexpected star name is name of the game in regional pantomime.  I suspect people are reacting to this announcement with the words, ‘Frenchie from Grease?  In Bridlington?’ and knowing that’s being said brings me real joy.

“Once I knew that she was coming, I showed her picture to a few people of different ages and every single one recognised her – such is the appeal of the 1978 film and her time on Dancing on Ice.

“All I can say for our Cinderella is that I hope she listens to the Fairy Godmother’s advice better than Frenchie did her guardian angel in the Beauty School Dropout number.  If she doesn’t then she might not be going to a ball any time soon.”

Cinderella promises to be more spectacular than ever with lavish costumes and scenery, breathtaking special effects and side-splitting comedy capers along with all the best loved pantomime traditions, plenty of audience interaction and movie legend Didi Conn sprinkling her effervescent fairy dust over Bridlington.

Cinderella runs at Bridlington Spa from Friday 13 December 2019 to Sunday 5 January 2020. Tickets are on sale now via www.bridspa.com or at the Box Office on 01262 678258.

Rocky Horror Show Newsflash!

STRICTLY STAR JOANNE CLIFTON CONFIRMS FUTURE DATES

DUNCAN JAMES IS “AWE INSPRING” AS FRANK

ALISON HAMMOND, BEVERLEY CALLARD AND DOM JOLY ADD TO THE FRIVOLITIES

JAMES DARCH JOINS THE SHOW AS BRAD

PLUS KRISTIAN LAVERCOMBE TO PLAY THE NARRATOR FOR TWO SPECIAL PERFROMANCES

AS THE LEGENDARY MUSICAL CONTINUES

TO THRILL AUDIENCES ACROSS THE UK

★★★★★

“Fresh, subversive, essential”

Daily Telegraph

The Rocky Horror Show continues to play to packed houses as it tours the length and breadth of the UK throughout 2019 featuring a wealth of star performers.  More than 100,000 people have seen the show during the tour and there are no signs of this incredible cast slowing down. Strictly star Joanne Clifton, who has been delighting audiences and receiving rave reviews as Janet, will continue to don her corset and fishnets as she extends her role in the musical extravaganza for a further six months until the end of the 2019 tour.Joanne said: “I absolutely love playing Janet, so I’m delighted to continue with the show throughout the year”.

Blue star Duncan James has excited theatre fans playing the character of Frank n Furter, slipping into a corset and heels with ease. Already wowing Rocky Horror audiences up and down the country, critics agree that Duncan “makes for an awe-inspiring Frank n Furter” (Liverpool Echo) and “adds a new dimension to the character” (Wirral Globe). Bringing just the right amount of cheeky, sensual energy to the stage Duncan continues to thrill.  Catch him in Birmingham, Bristol, Blackpool, Dublin, Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham, Hull and Edinburgh.  Duncan said: “I’m just loving every minute.  Frank is such an iconic role; it’s an honour to play him.”

In Manchester and Liverpool, Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard performed to sell-out crowds as the first female Narrator.  Beverley said: “When the producers asked me to play the Narrator, I couldn’t believe it.  I just thought, I can’t say no. I’ve been Time Warping for years!”

Comedian Dom Joly, TV presenter Alison Hammond, comedian Steve Punt and actor Philip Franks continue to share the role of The Narrator in the UK tour. The four stars will take to the stage to perform the iconic role at various moments throughout 2019. Kristian Lavercombe will also surprise audiences as he steps into the Narrator’s shoes for two special performances on 24 June at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool and 22 August at the Leeds Grand Theatre.

From 27 May, James Darch will join the cast to play Brad.  James, an accomplished actor with an impressive CV, is currently starring as Pat Casey in Maggie May at The Finborough Theatre. Other credits include An Officer and a Gentleman (UK tour), Wicked (Apollo Victoria), and Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre).  James said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of The Rocky Horror Show. It’s mad – there is no denying that.  But, as the devoted audiences prove, it’s a story that’s got heart and relevance through every generation. Its infectious energy is still standing the test of time and coming out on top. I can’t wait to put my own small stamp on such a well known and loved character as Brad – bring on the madness!”

The legendary musical extravaganza also stars West End star Stephen Webb as Frank and Kristian Lavercombe, who reprises his role as Riff Raff following more than 1500 performances around the world. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all of the famous musical numbers which have made The Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for over four decades, including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, “The Time-Warp”.

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits.  The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation meaning, of course, getting dressed in the most outrageous fancy dress.

The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs.  It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80.  In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history.

The Rocky Horror Show has become the world’s favourite Rock ‘N’ Roll musical, having been performed worldwide for 45 years in more than 30 countries and translated into over 20 languages. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past 45 years.

In 2015, as part of a sold-out season at London’s Playhouse Theatre, a special star-studded Gala charity performance in aid of Amnesty International was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. The live screening – featuring a host of celebrities playing The Narrator including Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Emma Bunton, Ade Edmondson, Anthony Head and Richard O’Brien –

smashed box office records and was the biggest grossing film in cinemas across the UK. The performance was subsequently screened on the Sky Arts channel.

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!

The Rocky Horror Show 2019 UK Tour Dates

Theatre	Date	Narrator
Eastbourne Theatres Congress	27 May –1 June 2019	Steve Punt
Regent TheatreStoke-On-Trent	3 June –8 June 2019	Steve Punt
Grand Opera House York	10 June –15 June 2019	Steve Punt
Bristol Hippodrome Theatre	17 June –22 June 2019	Dom Joly
Winter Gardens Blackpool	24 June –29 June 2019	Steve Punt24th June only Kristian Lavercombe
Bord Gais TheatreDublin	1 July –6 July 2019	To Be Announced
Cambridge Arts Theatre	15 July –20 July 2019	Steve Punt
Malvern Theatre	22 July –27 July 2019	Steve Punt
Southend Cliffs Pavilion	29 July –3 August 2019	Steve Punt
Theatre Royal Newcastle	5 August –10 August 2019	Steve Punt
King’s Theatre Glasgow	12 August –17 August 2019	To Be Announced
Leeds GrandTheatre	19 August –24 August 2019	Steve Punt22nd August only Kristian Lavercombe
Royal Concert Hall Nottingham	28 August –1 September 2019	Philip Franks
Wycombe Swan	9 September –14 September 2019	Philip Franks
Chester Storyhouse	16 September –21 September 2019	Philip Franks
Orchard Theatre Dartford	23 September –28 September 2019	Philip Franks
Hull NewTheatre	30 September –5 October 2019	Philip Franks
Plymouth Theatre Royal	7 October –12 October 2019	Philip Franks
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre	14 October –19 October 2019	Philip Franks
Bournemouth  Pavilion Theatre	21 October –26 October 2019	Philip Franks
Edinburgh Playhouse	28 October –2 November 2019	To Be Announced

What the press have said about The Rocky Horror Show:

“Panto for grown-ups – colourful, in your face, relentlessly energetic and high on audience participation” – The Times

“Hard to think of another musical quite as unique as this. Christopher Luscombe’s affectionate production feels like a genuine blast from the past” – Mail on Sunday

“As delightfully naughty as ever!” – Daily Telegraph

“So fast, so funny, so sexy” – Daily Mail

“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” – Evening Standard

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Ticket prices: From £10

Website: www.rockyhorror.co.uk

Twitter: @rockyhorroruk

Facebook: /rockyhorrorshow

Further cast includes:

Columbia – Miracle Chance

Eddie/Dr Scott – Ross Chisari

Rocky – Callum Evans

Magenta/Usherette – Laura Harrison

Phantom – Reece Budin

Phantom – Shelby Farmer

Phantom – Katie Monks

Phantom – Jake Small

Swing & Resident Choreographer – Andrew Ahern

Swing & Dance Captain – Maddie Hope Coelho