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StoryHouse Live! Chester – until Sunday June 2nd 2019

Reviewed by Julie Noller

5*****

Most of us would know Little Shop of Horrors from the 1986 cult classic film not to mention it was the era of video bringing film and music to the masses at home, however you could be forgiven for not realising the Frank Oz directed film was in fact an adaption itself of the off Broadway musical comedy hit of the same name. Originally written and composed by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken it tells the tale of a geeky florist shop owner who discovers that his venus flytrap can speak, sounds simple enough. However put into context that it is all based on a 1960 low budget science fiction film and you realise that anything can happen.

The 1960s when black and white became colour, where people discovered freedom to speak their voice despite race or background. The American Dream was long ingrained and Little Shop of Horrors has it in abundance. With a direct quote from Alex Clifton, Art Director of Storyhouse ‘this is a joyous musical, telling a story of young love and killer plants. It’s very funny’ This made by Storyhouse production is deliciously kitsch and utilises the intimate thrust stage to bring us the audience even loser to the action…. If we dare.

I’ve read lots of opinions regarding Little Shop of Horrors, what is it really about? I think ultimately that’s for you to decide. Set in the era of fear over communism, the race into space, the after years following the economic crashes and world wars. Some say it’s based on a Greek tradegy, I saw flashes that hinted at seven deadly sins, greed, lust, wrath, gluttony,envy, pride and sloth. They all play their part in this brilliant retelling of a modern theatrical comedy classic.

It’s intriguing to be so close to the action almost part of the stage set, your eyes dart everywhere, desperately hoping not to miss any part of the action. It’s obvious it’s a rare treat to see the actors on stage performing equally – no one singer stands out above others, they all gel and give as much as the song requires. The pure abandonment of enjoyment is plain to see and the audience lap it up.

This is Director Stephen Mear’s first production at Storyhouse and I certainly hope this won’t be his last. He promised a few shocks and surprises and the squeals and laughter are the proof he succeeded with that brief.

Chiffon, Ronette and Crystal (Cindy Belliot, Emily-Mae and Tanisha Spring) are sassy with extra umph as the three grade school drop outs selling secrets for a fast buck, at one point I feared for their safety as they climbed down a ladder from the upper floor onto the stage.

Mr Mushnik (Tony Timberlake) a man who exploits a young man for his own greed, it touches on modern day slavery and is sad to see how exchanging an orphanage for sleeping on a shop floor is seen as betterment. Poor delicate Audrey (Michelle Bishop) who is doomed in a star crossed lover way, such a voice within a tiny frame, the audience loved her and winced at every black eye, every broken bone. Willing her into the arms of fellow flower shop worker turned owner Seymour (Joshua Lay) he is convincing as a nerdy wannabe botanist, lovable and vulnerable you just want to scoop him up and cuddle him. His problem is that he knows it’s wrong but he can’t help himself. Seeking the approval of both Mr Mushnik and Audrey longing hopefully for their love. Sounds like the classic tale of boy loves girl and boy wins girl. But no Greek tragedy ended thus and this isn’t Hollywood.

There’s two other characters; firstly Orin (Stephane Anelli) who’s turn as gas sniffing, sadistic dentist is in fact the show stealing character, he’s camp with a hint of Elvis and we can’t write a review without mentioning that motorbike cum dentist chair it’s genius. He also plays numerous other characters blink and you may miss his bag lady, lisping university agent, camp Dame Ednaesque magazine editor. He played the part and audience to perfection, from those naughty one liners to eye popping hip thrusts. Audrey II has a few changes from small venus fly trap plant to murderous greedy monster. Theres fake arms as Joshua Lay is puppet master that is slightly ridiculous but nothing is hidden and you see the humour. Brett Shiels and Ryan O’Gorman received well deserved applause as puppet and voice of Audery II. Audery II the green machine, demanding to be fed, trading deals like the devil collected souls. Is it a coincidence that Audrey II is green like cash is green? After all the saying is that money talks.

There is poor Seymour’s mental state, a break down and attacking Audrey II with an axe do not stop this alien plant on it’s journey to ultimate world domination. You see where Little Shop of Horrors belongs in the world of musical theatre, it’s story has itself influenced many films and shows from Gremlins to Avenue Q.

If you need a reminder of the short comings of humanity or just want to enjoy a superb show that has abundance of laughter and the odd surprise to keep you on your toes then Little Shop of Horrors at Storyhouse should be your night or afternoon matinee of choice

MOUNTVIEW COMPLETES THEATRE FUNDRASING CAMPAIGN 

WITH MILLION POUND GIFT

Theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh has today (17 May 2019) announced a gift of £1 million to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.

His gift ensures the completion of Mountview’s new home in Peckham, including a 200-seat main auditorium to be named the Cameron Mackintosh Theatre in honour of this incredibly generous gift. The theatre will present over 20 student productions annually as well as hosting work from professional companies and community groups.  

Mountview Chairman Vikki Heywood CBE said: “This extraordinary gift is game-changing for Mountview. Cameron’s generosity provides us with our first main house theatre in our 75-year history. His commitment to training the next generation of talented actors and theatre technicians, from wherever they come, is perfectly in tune with the vision of our Principal, Stephen Jameson and Executive Director, Sarah Preece. The Cameron Mackintosh Theatre will provide an ideal space for the training and showcasing of our exceptionally talented students for generations to come.”

Cameron Mackintosh added: “I am delighted to support the completion of Mountview’s spectacular and ambitious renaissance in its striking new home in Southwark.  It was an inspired idea to relocate this long-established drama school into an exciting and diverse borough of London, far away from the leafy affluent suburbs where drama schools are usually sited.  The vision of the school’s Principal, Stephen Jameson, vigorously supported by their brilliant Chair, Vikki Heywood and her Board, including my industry colleagues such as André Ptaszynski, together with their President Dame Judi Dench, have convinced me that Mountview is on track to enjoy a brilliant new era as one of Britain’s finest Drama schools, harnessing thrilling raw talent from every corner of society and preparing them for a great career in both drama and musical theatre. A lot has been written recently, sometimes unfairly, about careers in the theatre being out of reach to anyone who is not from a well-heeled background.  The new Mountview will prove that to get on, you don’t have to be posh.  You just have to be good.” 

Dame Judi Dench, President, said: “I was overwhelmed to receive Cameron’s hand-written note revealing the news.  His extraordinary gift is a milestone moment in Mountview’s history, completing its new home in Peckham and giving generations of students for years to come a world-class stage to match the calibre of its training. This philanthropic investment in the future stars of our profession, both onstage and off, is testament to Mountview’s position as one of the most exciting, innovative and accessible theatre training grounds in the world. I am very excited and proud to have been Mountview’s President for the past fourteen years.”

Giles Terera, Actor and Mountview Alumnus, commented: “Working with Cameron on the West End production of Hamilton was one of the highlights of my career and I am thrilled that he has chosen to support my former drama school. The training I received at Mountview has been the foundation of my career and allowed me to go on to perform Shakespeare and Ibsen as well as West End musicals.  I couldn’t have asked for a better place to begin my journey as an actor.”

One of the UK’s most diverse drama schools, Mountview holds a reputation for opening its doors to exceptionally talented youngsters – half of whom receive a means-tested bursary to enable them to train. Mountview has been training actors, musical theatre performers and production artists since 1945. With 90% of students from across the UK, Mountview also attracts students from all over the world with 33 countries currently represented.  Alumni include Eddie Marsan, Amanda Holden, Michael Longhurst (newly appointed Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse), playwright Ayub Khan-Din and Giles Terera.

The £1 million gift completes a £6.5 million fundraising campaign which has enabled Mountview to build its £30 million home in Peckham. The new school provides 21 dance and acting studios, two theatres, TV and sound recording studios, as well as production and set building facilities, all of which will be used to teach the next generation of theatre artists as well as being available for use by the local community of Peckham. The capital campaign has been championed by Stephen Daldry, Olivia Colman, Dame Twiggy Lawson and Mountview’s President Dame Judi Dench.  

The completion of the campaign means Mountview can now focus on raising bursaries and hardship funds to support training for the most talented students, both on and off-stage.

BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL

TO OPEN AT MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE

ON THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2020 FOR 12-WEEK SEASON AHEAD OF WEST END TRANSFER

BOX OFFICE OPENS 10:00 ON FRIDAY 24 MAY 2019

Producer Colin Ingram (Ghost – The Musical) and the creators of the film Back To The Future, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, are delighted to announce that BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical will open at the Manchester Opera House on 20 February 2020 for a strictly limited 12-week season, finishing on 17 May, prior to transferring to the West End. The Box Office will open at 10.00am on Friday 24 May 2019. 

Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, the new musical will have a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical will be directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Hugh Vanstone (lighting), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, illusions by Paul Kieve and musical supervision and vocal arrangements by Nick Finlow. Orchestrations will be by Ethan Popp, with dance arrangements by David Chase.

The role of Marty McFly will be played by Olly Dobson, whose previous West End credits include the original cast of Bat Out Of Hell The Musical and Matilda. Further casting to be announced.

Back to the Future the movie was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett Brown. The film grossed $360.6 million (£279 million) at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Future franchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).

Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr Emmett Brown.  But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.

All members of the original cast of the film are excited about this new musical version. Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc Brown, said, “Ever since Bob Gale told me about this, I’ve been eagerly anticipating it and, in particular, wondering what it will be like to hear Doc Brown sing. So I’m really looking forward to attending the opening in Manchester to experience our wonderful movie as a musical. I’m only sorry I don’t have a real time machine so that I could see it tomorrow!”

Bob Gale, who wrote the film with Robert Zemeckis and who is writing the book for the musical said, “Bob Zemeckis and I have been trying to get this project off the ground for years, but good things take time and finally, the time is right. Our cast is outstanding, the songs are fantastic, and director John Rando is doing an amazing job ensuring the show truly captures the magic of the movie.  We’re thrilled that we can retell our story on stage in a brand-new way, and we’re certain that Back to the Future fans all over the world will share our enthusiasm. In the words of Marty McFly, ‘your kids are gonna love it’ – and so will you and your parents. There’s truly no better way to celebrate the movie’s 35^th Anniversary, and we’re happy to say ‘The Future’ is coming back!”

Producer Colin Ingram said, “This show has been six years in the making and we are delighted to be showing it to the people of Manchester first before the rest of the world gets to see it.  As I did with Ghost – The Musical, Manchester gets it first, so synchronize your watches because, when this musical hits 88 mph, you’re going to see some serious…entertainment!”

John Rando has directed extensively internationally and on Broadway, winning the Tony Award for Urinetown the Musical in 2002, and receiving a further nomination in 2015 for the Broadway revival of On the Town. Other productions include Gettin’ the Band Back Together and Jerry Springer – The Opera.

Robert Zemeckis directed all three of the Back to the Future films, as well as Romancing the Stone, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Forrest Gump, for which he won the Oscar for Best Director. Further directing credits include Cast Away, What Lies Beneath, The Polar Express, Flight and A Christmas Carol starring Jim Carrey.

Bob Gale co-wrote and co-produced the Back to the Future Trilogy with Robert Zemeckis, his long-standing collaborator. In addition to numerous other screenplays, he has also written comics, including issues of Batman and The Amazing Spider-Man.

Alan Silvestri first worked with Robert Zemeckis on the 1984 film Romancing the Stone. Since then, he has composed the music for all of Zemeckis’s films, including the Back to the Future Trilogy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Death Becomes Her, Forrest Gump, Cast Away and The Polar Express. He won two Grammy Awards for ‘Believe’ from The Polar Express and for Cast Away.

Six-time Grammy award-winner Glen Ballard has sold more than 150 million records worldwide and has worked with Aretha Franklin, Van Halen, Aerosmith and Katy Perry, to name a few. He co-wrote and produced Billboard magazine’s Best Album of the Decade (1990s), and the multi-platinum Jagged Little Pill for Alanis Morissette. He co-wrote the Grammy Award-winning ‘Believe’ with Alan Silvestri for The Polar Express,and his other songs for films include ‘Ordinary Miracle’ for Charlotte’s Web and ‘A Hero Comes Home’ for Beowulf. He co-wrote music and lyrics for Ghost – the Musical with Dave Stewart.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is produced by Colin Ingram, Donovan Mannato, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Gavin Kalin Productions, Hunter Arnold, Crush Music, CJ ENM, Teresa Tsai, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, Augury in association with Herman-Adelman, Kimberly Magarro, Robert L. Hutt, Ricardo Marques, Glass Half Full Productions.

Website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com

Twitter: @BTTFmusical

Instagram: @BTTFmusical         

LISTINGS INFORMATION

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical

20 February – 17 May 2020

Opera House Manchester

3 Quay Street 
Manchester 
M3 3HP

Box Office: 0844 871 3018

Performances: 
20 Feb – 14 Mar: Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm

17 Mar – 17 May: Tue – Sat 7.30pm, Wed, Sat & Sun matinees 2.30pm

Tickets: From £19.55

DAN LOONEY, ADAM PAULDEN AND

JASON HAIGH-ELLERY FOR DLAP ENTERTAINMENT

PRESENT

A UK TOUR OF THE CLASSIC

WEST END AND BROADWAY SMASH HIT COMEDY

BOEING-BOEING

STARRING TOM LISTER AND DANIEL CASEY

OPENING AT BRIGHTON THEATRE ROYAL

ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2019

Dan Looney, Adam Paulden and Jason Haigh-Ellery for DLAP Entertainment are delighted to announce a national tour of the classic West End and Broadway smash hit comedy BOEING-BOEING starring Tom Lister as Bernard and Daniel Casey as Robert, opening at Brighton Theatre Royal on 4 September 2019. Tour schedule below with further casting and dates to be announced soon. boeing-boeing.com

Tom Lister is best known for his role as Carl King in ITV1’s Emmerdale, a role he played for nine years. Tom most recently starred as Julian Marsh in the critically acclaimed production of 42^nd Street at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. His other theatre credits include the national tour of Calamity Jane where he played Wild Bill Hickock. 

Daniel Casey is probably best known for playing Sgt Troy in ITV’s Midsomer Murders and more recently Tom Bailey in BBC1’s EastEnders. His theatre credits include Laurence in the national tour of Abigail’s Party and Roger Shears in the National Theatre’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Bernard has managed to keep his three fiancés blissfully unaware of each other – until now. Three Flight Attendants, three different airlines, three different timetables, each perfectly manoeuvred to avoid Bernard’s intricate love life crashing down to earth.  But it’s 1965, and Boeing have launched a new, faster aeroplane that’s going to create some serious turbulence, with Bernard’s three fiancés landing unexpectedly and simultaneously! As the hilarity really starts to take off, can Bernard survive while his long-suffering maid struggles to keep up with the changes and his befuddled friend Robert can’t even remember which stories go with which airline….?

BOEING-BOEING by Marc Camoletti is translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans and is directed by Guy Unsworth.

LONDON’S BIGGEST THEATRE SHOWS TO PERFORM FOR FREE AS WEST END LIVE RETURNS

• The free theatre festival returns to Trafalgar Square on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June
• Performances from top London shows including new hits, crowd-pleasing classics and upcoming productions
• Family-friendly stalls, sing-alongs, signings, merchandise and activities

The shows performing at this year’s West End LIVE in Trafalgar Square have been revealed.

The line-up will feature first time appearances from new hits Come From Away, Only Fools And Horses The Musical, Waitress, 9 To 5 The Musical, Fiddler On The Roof and Magic Mike Live amongst others – as well as the return of much-loved classics like Les Misérables, The Phantom Of The Opera, Wicked and Disney’s The Lion King.

Audiences will also get exclusive previews of hotly anticipated shows yet to arrive in the West End, including the Gloria Estefan musical On Your Feet!, Shakespearean pop musical & Juliet, dance spectacular Heartbeat Of Home  (from the company behind Riverdance) and the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

West End LIVE, produced and organised by Westminster City Council and Society of London Theatre (SOLT) with support from the Mayor of London, celebrates London’s world-leading West End theatre scene, which continues to break audience and box office records. Now in its 15th year, the totally free, unticketed event attracts tens of thousands of theatre fans to Trafalgar Square over the weekend.

Cllr Nickie Aiken, Westminster City Council leader, said:

‘West End LIVE shows why hundreds of thousands of people are drawn to our theatres every year. There is so much to do in the West End and we know that many people go on to combine the West End LIVE taster of world-class musicals with shopping and a visit to our landmark restaurants and bars. Last year’s shows were incredible. We are into our 15th year and it is going to be even bigger and better. Most importantly West End LIVE is still completely free!’

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of SOLT and UK Theatre, said:

‘Following another record-breaking year for London’s theatre industry, it is fantastic to be back in Trafalgar Square, continuing our partnership with the City of Westminster to showcase the extraordinary talent and creativity of so many top West End productions. Nowhere else do theatre fans get the opportunity to see exclusive live performances from their favourite shows – and all for free.’

List of shows performing at West End LIVE 2019

Disney’s Aladdin

Avenue Q

BalletBoyz

Brainiac Live

Come From Away

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Fiddler On The Roof

Heartbeat Of Home

Jesus Christ Superstar

& Juliet

Disney’s The Lion King

Magic Mike Live

Mamma Mia!

Matilda The Musical

Les Misérables

On Your Feet!

Only Fools And Horses The Musical

The Phantom Of The Opera

Six

Thriller Live

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

The View UpStairs

Waitress

Wicked

The Worst Witch

Yummy

9 To 5 The Musical

Further acts, presenters and performance schedules will be announced soon.

Official London Theatre (SOLT’s public-facing website) will be backstage at West End LIVE throughout the weekend sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

West End LIVE will be BSL interpreted by Sue MacLaine and Marco Nardi.

westendlive.co.uk // @WestEndLIVE // @westendlive // @westendLIVE

officiallondontheatre.com/west-end-live

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE TO BE TRANSFORMED FOR IN-THE-ROUND SEASON THIS AUTUMN

Tickets on general sale: Saturday 18 May

·         Alan Ayckbourn’s Relatively Speaking runs 5-28 September

·         Hugh Whitemore’s Breaking the Code runs 4-26 October

Wiltshire Creative today announces that it will transform Salisbury Playhouse for two productions performed in-the-round this autumn.

The Main House will be dramatically transformed, with seating on all sides of the stage, for Alan Ayckbourn’s sparkling comedy Relatively Speaking and Hugh Whitemore’s Breaking the Code about Enigma code-breaker Alan Turing.

Relatively Speaking was Ayckbourn’s first big West End hit and is set over a summer weekend with a dizzying series of family misunderstandings leading to chaotic comedy.

Breaking the Code tells the famous story of Bletchley Park genius Alan Turing, which was the inspiration for the Oscar-winning film The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

Relatively Speaking runs from 5 to 28 September 2019, followed by Breaking the Code from 4 to 26 October.

Wiltshire Creative Artistic Director, Gareth Machin, said: “We’re really excited about transforming the Main House this autumn for two very different productions. With seating on all sides, audiences will be closer than ever to the action and it will make for some very special theatre experiences.”

Tickets go on general sale on Saturday 18 May.

Also now on sale is the premiere of Barney Norris’ adaptation of Lorca’s Blood Wedding, retold in present-day Wiltshire. The production will run from 6 to 22 February 2020.

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

MUCH ANTICIPATED LEAD ROLE OF

JERRY SPRINGER IN MUSICAL ANNOUNCED

Actor Michael Howe steps into the shoes of

Jerry Springer in revival of iconic theatre show

The hotly anticipated lead role in the revival of JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA has been revealed.

Renowned actor Michael Howe (Life Begins, Solo, Hollyoaks) will step into the shoes of Jerry Springer for a four-week run in Manchester this Summer – almost 15 years since the show was last performed in the UK.

JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA can be seen at Hope Mill Theatre from Thursday 8 August through toSaturday 31 August 2019. Tickets are on sale now.

Michael, who has a strong resemblance to Jerry Springer, was delighted to be cast in the lead role.

Michael commented: “I’m so excited to join the show and be part of the revival of such an iconic piece of social theatre. It is going to be a theatrical rollercoaster of a show. And I’m really looking forward to performing at Hope Mill Theatre, I’ve heard lots of great things about this fantastic venue.

“I can’t wait to start rehearsals and meet my fellow cast members and the Jerry Choir, who just sound incredible. It’s going to be a fantastic four weeks in Manchester, and I cannot wait to meet the audiences.”

Michael is best known from his television role playing Sebastian in the BBC series Solo alongside Felicity Kendall; as well as Mr Wilson the barrister in Hollyoaks. Other TV credits include Casualty, Life Begins, New Tricks, Kings and Queens, South By South West, Cats Eyes and Mackenzie.

Stage roles have included numerous West End productions including Footloose, The Son Of A Preacher Man, A Tale of Two Cities, Chess, Othello, My Fair Lady, 42nd Street, and High Society.

Film credits include the 2016 film A United Kingdom with David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike.

The casting of Michael as Jerry Springer follows the recent announcement that 14 singers from across the Greater Manchester region have been cast as the Jerry Choir, who will play an instrumental rolein the show by supporting the cast of professional actors. The remaining full cast will be announced soon.

The controversial musical is being brought to the stage by new production company Northern Ricochet, recentlyformed by James Baker (Parade, Yank), Tom Chester (Parade, Mamma Mia),andBill Elms (Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, The Ruby Slippers and Something About Simon).

Northern Ricochet are passionate about producing quality theatre in the North, for the North and using Northern creatives, actors and voices.

The first joint venture from Northern Ricochet will see James Baker as director; Tom Chester as musical director; and Bill Elms as co-producer of JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA.

Director James Baker commented: “Announcing Michael Howe as our Jerry is a pivotal moment in bringing this iconic show back to the stage after 15 years and especially at this very timely and poignant moment in UK chat show history, where big questions need to be asked.

“Jerry is the glue which binds the whole production together and we are excited to see Michael’s portrayal as Jerry. Michael’s calibre and experience will enable us to have a new conversion with the work, maintaining the iconic legacy of Jerry whilst elevating the creative vision with the full cast who are equally exceptional.”

JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA caused a storm when it came to the UK stage in 2002, and in this new revival it promises the same raucous energy with a revamped and fresh production for 2019!

JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA was written by Richard Thomas, who also wrote the music and lyrics, with the book and additional lyrics by Stewart Lee and Richard Thomas. It is based on The Jerry Springer Show, which was first broadcast on television in 1991 and was on the air for 27 years. It tells the story of America’s favourite talk show host who suffers the worst day in his career when faced with some of the most challenging guests he’s ever met on set.

Further cast to be announced soon for JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA.

Website: hopemilltheatre.co.uk

Facebook: /Jerry Springer Manchester      

Twitter: @JSTOMANC #JERRYJERRY

LISTING INFORMATION

JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA

Dates: Thursday 8 August – Saturday 31 August 2019

Times: Tue – Sateves 7.30pm| Sat mat 2pm | Sunday 1pm & 5pm |Thu 29 Aug 2pm

Hope Mill Theatre

113 Pollard Street,

Manchester,

M4 7JA

HOW TO BOOK

Tickets: Preview tickets all £20.00 | General tickets £22.50 & £25.00 (concessions available) | Premium VIP On Stage seating £23.00, £25.50 & £28.00 (limited 8 seats per show)

Online: Visit https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/jerry-springer-the-opera/

3 hearts canvas and Over Here Theatre Company in association with Park Theatre present the World Premiere of

The Actor’s Nightmare

By Christopher Durang

16 July– 10 Aug 2019 | Park Theatre

CAMP ROCK STAR MEAGHAN MARTIN TO MAKE PROFESSIONAL STAGE DEBUT IN THE UK PREMIERE OF CURATED SELECTION OF TONY AWARD-WINNING PLAYWRIGHT’S WORK

Camp Rock star Meaghan Martin is set to make her professional stage debut in Tony Award-winning playwright Christopher Durang’s dark comedy The Actor’s Nightmare. The piece, especially curated from a selection of Durang’s shorts by 3 hearts canvas into a cohesive, stand-alone piece, explores different areas of the entertainment industry through biting satire and surreal comedy. The production runs from 16^th July – 10^thAugust 2019, with the official press night being held on Friday 19^th July at 7pm.

The Actor’s Nightmare offers snapshots of the eccentric and absurd, as audiences are offered an insight into the madness of the entertainment industry and all the things that those involved in it love to hate. From Tennessee Williams to Euripides, tossing in a bit of Beckett, no renowned playwright is safe. Classic plays are warped and distorted, with an outcome that is both shocking and hilarious. The World Premiere of this curated piece includes the UK Premiere of some of Durang’s finest works including Mrs Sorken and Desire, Desire, Desire.

The Actor’s Nightmare features an ensemble multi-rolling cast, lead by Meaghan Martin. Meaghan Martin is best known for playing the role of Tess Tyler in Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (Disney Channel Original Movie) and played the lead role in the 10 Things I Hate About You (ABC Family) TV series. Other credits include Mean Girls 2 (ABC Family); Melissa & Joey (ABC Family); The Suite Life Of Zach and Cody (Disney Channel); Geography Club (Breaking Glass Pictures); Dear Lemon Lima (Phase 4 Films); Safelight (ARC Entertainment); The Good Mother (Lifetime Television); House (Fox); Awkward (MTV) and Close To Home (CBS). Meaghan moved to the UK to attend drama school, and recently graduated from LAMDA.

The cast is completed by Layo-Christina Akinlude (The Secret Life Of Baba Segi’s Wives – Arcola Theatre and Taming Of The Shrew – Shakespeare’s Globe); Stefan Menaul (I Loved Lucy – Jermyn St Theatre and Dirty Dancing – UK Tour and West End); Adrian Richards (The Winter’s Tale, Macbeth and The Suicide – National Theatre and Eden – Hampstead Theatre) and Kate Sumpter (The Little Drummer Girl – BBC).

The production is directed by Lydia Parker, artistic director of Over Here Theatre Company which produced ObamAmerica, (Theatre503), Our American Cousin and Dolphins and Sharks (Finborough Theatre)both of which she also directed. Other work includes Our Children Will Be Next (Theatre503), Superman and Me (Canal Café), Something There That’s Missing (Edinburgh Festival)  Skinhead (Brockley Jack Studio), A Big Fridge and Other Plays by James Fritz (Hen and Chickens), All I Need Is a F**k Buddy (Canal Café). She frequently directs for Little Pieces of Gold. She has previously written comedy for BBC Radio 4 with Maureen Oakeley and now writes and directs comedy music web series The Band Formerly Known As with her musician daughter Sabrina Parker.

www.parktheatre.co.uk

Box office: 020 7870 6876*

FIRST MAJOR REVIVAL OF CHLOE MOSS’S

HOW LOVE IS SPELT

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE 4^th-28^th SEPTEMBER

“She wanted spontaneity, adventure … I said I can be spontaneous … I just need a little bit of time to plan.”

Brickdust and Project One are delighted to present the first major revival of Chloë Moss’s fascinating and funny play How Love Is Spelt. Directed by Charlotte Peters (Associate Director War Horse UK Tour and An Inspector Calls West End), How Love Is Spelt opens at Southwark Playhouse on Wednesday 4^th September and runs until Saturday 28^th September, with a national press night on Friday 6^th September. Casting to be announced.

Set in 2004, How Love Is Spelt tells the story of Peta, who’s new in town and ready for whatever London has to throw at her. She’s looking for romance, for friendship, for exciting people to lead her on big adventures. But being an independent woman in the new millennium isn’t easy, especially when there’s a constant reminder of the life you’re trying to escape. With each new encounter, Peta flirts with what might have been, but has the journey to London put enough distance between her and her past?

This nostalgic and honest meditation on love and relationships from Susan Smith Blackburn Prize-winning playwright Chloë Moss (This Wide Night, Soho Theatre; Dickensian, BBC), was first produced and performed at the Bush Theatre in 2004.

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh – until 18 May 2019

Reviewed by James Knight

4****

Mischief Theatre, creators of Olivier award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, arrives in Edinburgh with The Comedy About A Bank Robbery. Immediately different from their previous shows in that it has nothing to do with the Cornley Polytechnic Society, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery takes everything to be enjoyed about previous Mischief shows, fast wordplay, extended slapstick and creative sets, and places them in an homage to 50s crime movies.

In Minneapolis, where ‘everyone’s a crook’, the City Bank is taking care of Prince Ludwig of Hungary’s Maguvin Diamond. So, naturally, it has to be stolen. Multiple elements are seamlessly woven together, with hardman Mitch Ruscitti (Liam Jeavons) breaking out of prison with the help of his idiotic guard Cooper (David Coomber). His girlfriend, Caprice (Julia Frith) has moved on since he was imprisoned, now scamming men into sending her cheques. Her father happens to be Robin Freeboys (here played by understudy Eddy Westbury), the manager of Minneapolis City Bank, and being a banker, is just as crooked as anyone else. Add in new love interest, a James Dean-alike conman Sam Monaghan (Seán Carey), helpless punching bag and intern for thirty years Warren Slax (Jon Trenchard) and a meddling FBI agent Randal Shuck (Killian Macardle), the stage is set for all sorts of mayhem.

There’s a lot to appreciate in the show – the verbal wordplay begins almost immediately, and doesn’t stop for the whole show. It’s the ‘Who’s on First’ variety show. Various running gags sprint through the entire show with seagulls, giant moustaches and Monaghan’s various identities as a lawyer-doctor-rabbi and more. Scenes are changed with impressive renditions of 50s songs, complete with all the doo-wap-a-doo and sha-boogie you could hope for.

Highlights include a manic game of charades to pass off one character as another, a seagull’s eye-view of an office and the actual diamond heist itself, as cast members dangle from the ceiling while singing ‘Hush-a-Bye Baby’. Credit also to George Hannigan as ‘Everyone Else’, who gets his moment to shine as every single one of Caprice’s various love interests at the same time.

While the characters may not be as carefully constructed as in other Mischief shows, let’s be honest, we’re here for the laughs and the outrageous set pieces, and boy, do they deliver. Hilarious, witty and clever, you’ve got nothing to lose except your valuables.