Peter Pan and Wendy Review

Gala Durham – until 27th July 2024

Review by Stee Leahy

4****

Adapted by Laura Turner

The stage was set, it was somewhat reminiscent of the opening of ‘Everybody’s Talking about Jamie’ – Absolutely not what you would visually expect from a production of ‘Peter Pan’. It was intriguing. 

Opening the show was Lucy Davis’ Wendy, A 13-year-old girl alone in her bedroom. Lucy’s energy was electric from the moment she began to sing. Such a fantastic voice and one I would’ve liked to have heard a little more throughout the show. The first real scene consisted of Wendy having a conversation with her mother Cassandra, played by Rosie Stancliffe. Stancliffe Plays a few characters in this production, however the role of Cassandra was my personal favourite of hers. Her on stage mother/daughter chemistry with Davis was spot on. 

The next significant characters we are Introduced to is that of the three lost boys played by Rosie Stancliffe, Jordan Larkin and Meena Al-Nawrasy, respectively. Each bringing dynamically different characteristics to their roles. Each working together to complement one another. I would like to point out that Larkin’s portrayal of ‘Nibs’ was one of the stand outs in the show for me. Bravo! Delicately hilarious. 

Rounding off the lost boys is that of Peter Pan, brought to life by the incredibly talented Lucas Bradley Benson. His entrance was perfect, he flew! I do however wish this was the first time that the flying mechanism was used. It was put to use earlier in the show, depicting Wendy travelling to Neverland, that was fun too – however, I just think the impact, the magic and the wow factor would have hit so much harder if the first character we saw fly was indeed Peter Pan. Benson captured the essence of the traditional Pan wonderfully. I could see him play Peter in any version or vision of this beloved story. Perfect casting! 

Finally we meet Captain Hook, but like you’ve never seen him before. He’s done away with his pirate boat, sword and to my disappointment even his iconic hook hand – in this version, he’s more along the lines of a dodgy cowboy biker! Kieron Michael was the Hook we never knew we needed. Funny, witty, camp and enjoyable – after all who doesn’t enjoy a good villain! He had us in the palm of his hand – and we loved being there too.

The story had the same skeleton, it hit all the main plot points you’d expect to see in any production of Peter Pan, however, it is absolutely not what you would expect when thinking of “Peter Pan”. 

The simply elaborate set was used to its fullest, creating different parts of Neverland by just changing and moving slightly. It was beautiful, the trees particularly were stunning. 

The cast as an ensemble were excellent… The scenes I enjoyed the most were that which consisted of everyone being on stage at the same time. Again, the character dynamics were exceptional.

The character of Tinkerbell, honestly was nothing less than you’d expect in London’s West End. The projection and the way the characters held an imaginary little fairy in their hands had the children, and the grown-ups smiling with pure joy. I loved that. 

If you’re looking for something with a great message, something that’s a little bit different, then I definitely think this reimagined version of the much loved family classic is the show for you. Peter Pan and Wendy at the Gala Durham – it’s an awfully big adventure!

British Youth Music Theatre’s ‘Unbound’ set to bewitch audiences

Witchcraft and mystery meet 80s rock with British Youth Music Theatre’s ‘Unbound’

British Youth Musical Theatre present a brand-new musical exploring community and what it is to belong. The debut stage musical by Matthew Harvey, Unbound is set to an 80’s fueled pop-rock score and features big choruses, big hair and big magic.

BYMT present a brand-new musical exploring community and what it is to belong. The debut stage musical by Matthew HarveyUNBOUND is set to an 80’s fueled pop-rock score and features big choruses, big hair and big magic. Through BYMT’s partnerships with local schools, the production includes two young people from  Birmingham, as part of a cast brought together from across the UK.

Home-schooled Iris has finally convinced her mother to let her attend Black Lake High. Ready for an ‘ordinary’ life of friends, parties and school spirit, Iris’ world is turned upside down when she unknowingly frees an ancient witch and finds herself part of the coven. Will Iris’ newfound powers help her win over her new classmates, or spell disaster for the town of Beggars Hollow?

Writer/composer Matthew Harvey was a finalist in the 2021 Stiles and Drew Best New Song Prize for The Road from his musical Now or Never (a song cycle created during the pandemic inspired by theatre’s resilience during lockdown), a recipient of the MGCfutures Bursary, and Associate Artist at The Barn Theatre. He is joined by Director Sarah Schostack (Spin, Edinburgh Fringe/Arcola) and Choreographer Steven Moore (Urinetown the Musical, Lost Nation Theater).

Matthew Harvey, writer/composer: “I couldn’t be more excited to be working with BYMT to bring Unbound to life this summer. As a composer, seeing BYMT lead the charge to develop and nurture new musical theatre fills me with hope for the future. 

Unbound is what happens when you combine Stranger Things, Stephen King, Hocus Pocus and an 80’s rock band. I hope audiences will enjoy watching the show as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. With the help of our nearly 40-strong cast of talented young people and live rock band, I hope we can bring some magic, both literal and figurative, to the stage in Birmingham.”

Written and composed by Matthew Harvey, directed by Sarah Schostack and choreography by Steven Moore, Unbound will be in Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio from 16 to 18 August. 

Tickets can be booked at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0844 338 5000*

 *0844 calls will cost you 4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

MADDIE MOATE’S A VERY CURIOUS CHRISTMAS – BELOVED CHILDREN’S TV PRESENTER MAKES WEST END DEBUT WITH FESTIVE LIVE SCIENCE SHOW – APOLLO THEATRE, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE 6 DEC 24 – 4 JAN 25

MADDIE MOATE’S A VERY CURIOUS CHRISTMAS

BELOVED CHILDREN’S TV PRESENTER MAKES HER WEST END DEBUT WITH A FESTIVE LIVE SCIENCE SHOW FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

APOLLO THEATRE, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE

FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER 24 – SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 25

Following the success of her hit book A Very Curious Christmas, beloved children’s TV presenter Maddie Moate (CBeebies ‘Maddie’s Do You Know?) will make her West End debut with her brand-new festive show,  MADDIE MOATE’S VERY CURIOUS CHRISTMASplaying at the Apollo Theatre from Friday 6 December to Saturday 4 January, with a press performance on Sunday 8 December at 3.30pm.  Tickets are on sale now here.

This seasonal adventure dives into the science of winter, uncovers the mysteries behind our festive traditions, and answers some of your most curious Christmas questions.  Where does snow come from?  How do crackers go BANG?  And why do Brussels sprouts make you fart?!

Packed with interactive fun and brimming with festive cheer, Maddie’s live science show promises to be an unforgettable and informative holiday treat for the whole family.

Maddie Moate is a BAFTA-winning children’s TV presenter and YouTube filmmaker renowned for her passion for science, wildlife, and travel. She hosted the BAFTA-nominated CBeebies TV series Maddie’s Do You Know?, CBBC’s Show Me the Honey, Springwatch’s Wildlife Academy on BBC iPlayer, and Magnolia Network’s Make Yourself At Home on Discovery Plus.

Maddie is one of the few presenters in the world making fun, educational YouTube videos for kids and families. She has spent the past decade producing curiosity-fuelled science content for her YouTube channel which was awarded “Best Kids Channel” by Kidscreen in 2022 and has amassed more than 80 million views. In addition to her own channel, Maddie has fronted online video series for BBC Earth, English Heritage, Fully Charged, and LEGO.

Beyond digital content and television, Maddie brings science to the stage, writing, producing, and hosting shows for her audiences. In the summer 2021, she debuted her show, The Wonder Games, during a London residency at The London Wonderground, and later took it to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival’s Underbelly stage in 2022. In 2023, Maddie performed at Shakespeare’s Globe in a CBeebies adaptation of Twelfth Night. She has also been a regular in the popular CBeebies Christmas Show since 2017, and is set to perform at the Royal Albert Hall for the CBeebies Prom for the third time in 2024.

Maddie is also an accomplished author. In 2021, she published her first nonfiction children’s book, Stuff: Eco Stories of Everyday Things, with Puffin Books. Her second book with Puffin, A Very Curious Christmas, hit the shelves in hardback in autumn 2023, and will be available in paperback from 3 October 2024.

Additionally, Maddie is a patron of the Youth STEM Awards (YSA) scheme and an ambassador for The Wildlife Trust and Eureka: The National Children’s Museum. Her work continues to inspire curiosity and a love for science in children and families worldwide.

Maddie Moate said, “I can’t wait to bring my live, festive-flavoured science show to the Apollo Theatre this Christmas! I’ll be exploring the history of our favourite traditions, asking some of the more unusual Yuletide questions, and carrying out a bunch of fun and fascinating experiments as we explore the real-life science behind the Christmas period!”

Full casting and creative team will be announced.

Instagram – @maddimoate

TikTok – @Maddie Moate

Facebook- facebook.com/maddiemoatepresenter

YouTube – @maddiemoate (youtube.com/maddiemoate)

www.maddiemoate.com

The Gruffalo – Live on Stage Review

The Lyric Theatre, London – until 8th September 2024

Reviewed by Ava Clarkson

5*****

A Sunday morning outing at 10am to sit in a theatre full of 3-9 year olds is not my normal weekend day out, but off to the Lyric Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue I went to review The Gruffalo live on stage. As a mum of grown up boys, neither wanted to accompany me, so me and a friend ventured out. As a mum I have watched and loved The Gruffalo cartoon and read the book to sleepy children many times. The nostalgia of these memories made me want to review this play. The Gruffalo was published in 1999 by one of the best loved children’s authors Julia Donaldson. Julia has written some of the most loved children’s books since then and held the high accolade of children’s poet laureate from 2011-2013.

The Lyric Theatre is perfectly placed in the heart of the West End and is the oldest surviving theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. It was originally built as an Opera house and this shows inside as the acoustics were amazing – even over a packed audience of children shouting at the characters, you could easily hear the performers.

The production of The Gruffalo is by Tall Stories, a registered charity touring the UK and bringing classic stories combined with music and laughter to all. The charity was founded in 1997 by Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell and vows to bring theatre to all with accessible relaxed performances and removing barriers which might normally prevent families coming along. They also offer free community tickets for all children to enjoy the magic of theatre.

The stage is set and looks exactly like I remember in the book – the deep dark wood has been recreated and as the lights go down the children’s anticipation (and mine) ramps up. The Gruffalo is about a clever mouse who tricks his predators using his brains by telling them about his scary (but made-up) friend The Gruffalo. He avoids being eaten by explaining the gruffalos favourite meals are roasted fox, boiled owl and scrambled snake, and in turn he becomes the scariest animal in the woods.

During the whole show we see just three performers. The star of the story, the little brown mouse, was played by Elouise Warboys, a petite and energetic performer who fitted the role perfectly. She bounced around the stage and perfectly portrayed “Mouse” in all his glory – the scared mouse we see at the start of the story through his journey to become brave and overcome his enemies. Kemi Clarke played the three enemies of Mouse – Fox, Owl and Snake. Each character had its own personality and Kemi morphed into each one beautifully. For me he was the star of this show – the songs each of his characters brought to the audience were engaging and funny and catchy in equal measures. As Fox he bought smugness to the stage, with a madness style song, strutting around with confidence. As Kemi became “Owl”, the vibe became 1920’s flapper style with a very catchy song “Flap a dapper ding dong day” which everyone joined in with. The best was yet to come, as Kemi morphed into “Snake” in a gold lame jumpsuit, the disco ball came out and the audience was treated to a 1970’s style show, lights flashed, the audience clapped and Snake encouraged us to “be more snake” whilst breakdancing on the stage. I certainly don’t remember this part of the book…. But everyone loved it!

The 3rd member of the production, David Scotland, had been narrating in the background, but it was clear he was starting to become The Gruffalo in front of our eyes. As the gruffalo finally emerges from the shadows, you can see that David is perfect for this part. He is very tall and has a commanding gruff scottish accent, but also has a soft and playful side which he brings to the character. The audience finally have the gruffalo on stage and sing along to “It’s just what Gruffalo’s do”. The children are encouraged to growl and clap and most of the parents help out enthusiastically too.

As the story comes to a close you can see that the audience is thoroughly engaged, clapping, singing and enjoying the show. The show goes on for just 1 hour which is the perfect time to hold the children’s attention. A standing ovation is given to these amazing performers who brought the book to life on stage. I encourage children to take their adults along, or like me grab a friend and enjoy the nostalgia and warmth of this lovely timeless story.

Kids Go Free at The Wizard of Oz This Summer

KIDS GO FREE AT THE WIZARD OF OZ

THIS SUMMER

THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL RETURNS TO THE WEST END

WITH A CAST LED BY ASTON MERRYGOLD AS THE TIN MAN AND

THE VIVIENNE AS THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST

www.wizardofozmusical.com

Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are delighted to announce a new Kids Go Free promotion for The Wizard of Oz this summer. The beloved musical, based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum begins a strictly limited four-week summer season at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on Thursday 15 August following a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour. Those planning to go over the rainbow can take advantage of this offer either in person at the box office, or online via this BOOKING LINK.

The promotion includes one free child ticket per full price adult. The offer will appear as two tickets at 50% off each and excludes Sat 17th Aug Mat, Tues 20th Aug Mat, Weds 21st Aug Mat, Fri 23rd Mat & Fri 30th Aug Mat. Subject to availability.

Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film (which celebrates its 85th year in 2024), with much-loved songs including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off To See the Wizard – with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – this spectacular production is a magical experience for all the family.

The Wizard of Oz’s London run stars JLS sensation Aston Merrygold* as The Tin Man and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, alongside principal company members also currently starring in the UK and Ireland touring production: Allan Stewart (Stones in His Pockets, West End, UK Tour, TorontoSTV Hello, Good Evening, Welcome) and Alex Bourne (Annie, West End, UK Tour, Toronto; Hairspray, UK Tour) as The Wizard, Aviva Tulley (Book of Mormon, UK Tour) as DorothyBenjamin Yates (ITV’s EmmerdaleJersey Boys, West End) as The Scarecrow, Nic Greenshields (Love Never Dies West End; Les Misérables West End, International Tour) as The Cowardly Lion, Emily Bull (9 to 5, UK Tour; Matilda UK Tour) as Glinda The Good Witch and Abigail Matthews as Toto (Bleak Expectations, West End; War Horse, West End).* Femi Akinfolarin (Treason, UK Tour; Moulin Rouge! The Musical, West End) will appear as The Tin Man at certain dates. 

The company is completed by: David Burrows, Adam Craig, Cole Dunn, Tyler Ephraim, Olivia Kate Holding, Thomas Kalek, Sadie Levett, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, Martin McCarthy, Rose Ouellette, Fanja Parent, Alexandra Regan, Nathan Routledge, and Sydney Spencer.

The Wizard of Oz on tour is presented by Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin Productions, David Mirvish, Crossroads Live, Rupert Gavin and Mallory Factor, Jake Hine, and Playing Field, by arrangement with the Really Useful Group Ltd. Originally produced at Curve.

LONDON SUMMER SEASON – LISTINGS

Gillian Lynne Theatre

Thursday 15 August – Sunday 8 September 2024

166 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5PW

CAST APPEARANCES

Please visit www.wizardofozmusical.com for specific cast schedules.

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg
Additional Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Additional Lyrics by Tim Rice
Adaption by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams
Orchestrations by David Cullen
Orchestrations adapted by George Dyer

From the book by L. Frank Baum

Based Upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Warner Media, and produced with the permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and EMI Music Publishing

Director Nikolai Foster 
Choreographer Shay Barclay
Set Designer Colin Richmond
Projection Designer Douglas O’Connell 
Costume and Puppet Designer Rachael Canning 
Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell
Sound Designer Adam Fisher

Creative Consultant Mark Kaufman

Musical Supervisor George Dyer

Casting by Debbie O’Brien
Props Supervisor Marcus Hall Props
Wigs, Hair, and Makeup Designer Elizabeth Marini

Tickets

www.wizardofozmusical.com

Social Media

Instagram: @yellowbrickroad | Twitter: @yellowbrickroad | Facebook: @WizardOfOzTheMusical

The Spongebob Musical Review

Kings Theatre, Portsmouth – until 21 July 2024

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

5*****

Having been a fan of SpongeBob SquarePants on tv and the film in my younger years, I was excited to hear they’d made a musical -I was even more excited when I heard the first chorus of this amazing cast singing as they knocked my socks off!

A very easy storyline-SpongeBob (Casper Horn) along with his best friends Sandy Cheeks (Ella Burgos) and Patrick Starr (Stanley Searl) must save the town of Bikini Bottom from a volcano, that if it erupts will wipe out the whole town! With determination, grit and a lot of effort this wonderful trio manage to save the town and become Heroes! I was absolutely astounded at the sheer talent this cast had, but Casper Horn as our eponymous hero knocked it out of the park. He was the perfect embodiment of SpongeBob – his vocals, mannerisms and reactions were spot on at every turn. There was one moment during ‘Just a Simple Sponge’ that Horn actually made me recoil in sheer joy at how impressive he was. Burgos and Searl were also perfectly cast in their roles as Sandy and Patrick, giving gravitas and vocals that one can only dream of! I was enthralled at every moment during the show because of these three, but also the ensemble were brilliant. They were completely focussed, giving a professional performance. One member of this ensemble caught my eye each time he was on stage with his brilliant dancing and energy, bringing the extra edge to the production-a massive well done to Bobby Watkins for this. Costumes were provided by D and S Costumes, which solidified the image being created on stage.

Overall, this is the perfect production directed by Paul Clements and one that every member of the company should be proud of. I was so taken aback by this amazing cast and cannot wait to see how these young people will start to storm the West End in years to come. I’m just disappointed it doesn’t have a longer run, so that more people can enjoy these hard work and talent this cast has.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WISHAW REVIEW

BARD IN THE BOTANICS FESTIVAL, GLASGOWUNTIL 27 JULY 2024

REVIEWED BY RACHEL FARRIER 

5*****

I’ve seen a number of Shakespeare’s comedies given the Bard in the Botanics treatment in the last few years and they have all been a treat, so I am happy to say at the outset of my review that this production of The Merry Wives of Wishaw did not disappoint. 

Having never seen The Merry Wives of Windsor before, I made sure to look up a plot summary online beforehand. The consensus of the internet seemed to be that The Merry Wives of Windsor is very far from Shakespeare’s finest play, and Gordon Barr (who adapted and directed this production) says as much in his programme notes. So perhaps transplanting it to a current day Scottish central belt suburban context was a stroke of genius, because the central conceit of the play  – in Barr’s own words a ‘feminist farce’ using disguise and pretended seduction to bring down a pompous and conniving womanizer – convinces and amuses as well as any of Shakespeare’s more famous comedies. 

Alan Steele reprises his role as Falstaff, having appeared in the same role in Henry IV last summer (apparently, Elizabeth I so enjoyed the character in Henry IV that she compelled Shakespeare to bring him back in a different play), and this thread of continuity is another excellent trick for Bard in the Botanics regulars. Steele is magnificent in portraying the bombastic, sleazy fallibility of the man, and the scene in which he ends up in a pink wheelie bin will stay long in my memory – it was one of several moments where I was crying with laughter. 

Isabelle Joss and Claire Macallister as Nell Page and Alice Ford (the ‘Merry Wives’) are an absolute treat, and Joss’s portrayal of a very recognisable (to a Scottish audience, at any rate) mammy feels like the comedy glue which holds the production together, in the best possible way. The wives’ increasingly hilarious schemes for outwitting Falstaff draw in all the other characters, and Kyle Gardiner as the salon-owning, money grabbing but spineless Abraham Slender is a delight. 

Eimi Quinn and Johnny Panchaud shine as the genuine, love-struck couple Ned and Anne, and their sweet (and funny) romance tempers the cynical and world weary take on love and relationships of the older characters. 

As a side note, the whole cast should also be commended for battling through the cacophany of a police helicopter and sirens at a nearby incident during the first half – unexpected outside events are always a risk for an outdoor production but the show went on without a hitch.

The musical finale of this production is the unexpected cherry on the cake of an absolutely brilliant night, and the standing ovation from the audience was absolutely justified. If I can get along to see it again in the coming week, I will. 

Tony Blackburn: Sounds of the 60’s Live Review

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 18th July 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

4.5****

Another star studded night in Malvern, this time in the company of the almost legendary Tony Blackburn and a lorra lorra music from the 60’s (arguably the best decade).

The evening began with the obviously well drilled and musically accomplished Sounds of the 60’s All-Star Band and singers Tor and Ian giving us a taster of what the evening held in store, via a medley including Runaway, Let’s Twist Again and Only The Lonely and the crowd went (gently) wild. And that was all before the great man himself came on!

After a brief introduction and a wonderfully cheesy joke or two – more on that later – we were off again with another medley from the early 60’s which heavily featured Cliff. You can forget how powerful songs like Move It were back in the day – Britain’s first, genuine Rock ‘n’ Roll record still has it.

Apart from more endless cheesy jokes (have I mentioned those?) there’s plenty of anecdotes about Tony’s career including his time on Radio Caroline and Radio 1 and, as you’d expect from someone who is approaching 60 years of professional broadcasting, he knows how to spin an interesting yarn.

Both singers were fabulous and whilst not quite scaling the heights or visceral power of Tom or Tina (then again, who does?) they nevertheless gave it plenty, hit all the right notes and knew how to please, please me (sorry, the crowd).

A flower power section gave the audience members in full Sgt Pepper gear (plus wigs) a moment in the spotlight and for Tony to indulge in some playful ribbing. All good naturedly – he takes the mickey out of himself more than anyone else, especially his own musical achievements (he’s released 29 singles y’know!).

Motown featured heavily and it’s obvious it’s one of Tony’s loves. There were also anecdotes about his shmoozing with pop royalty such as Gene Pitney and Frank (yes Frank) Sinatra! Really, just an excuse to have another medley of hits – and why not? Everyone loved it

It’s strange being feet away from someone who’s been in your living room for decades. Like having a friend over. The love flowed between stage and stalls and back again all evening. He may disparage them but I loved his jokes – my favourites being the ones about buying fruit and undersized jumpers (no punchline spoilers there).

Inevitably, plenty of your favourite songs will be left out. Personally, I’d have liked more Beatles, some Rolling Stones and even Black Sabbath to show the breadth of what the 60’s gave. As it was, there was The Kinks You Really Got Me – a song that is as shockingly visceral now as it was way back then.

So, an evening that was as much a celebration of the man, broadcasting generally and popstar name dropping as it was Tony. A pleasurable couple of hours in the company of some new friends, having fun. Nothing controversial, nothing upsetting, just good clean entertainment. How fitting and how wonderful in this day and age when the news is often so gloomy and TV has forgotten what “light” entertainment means. Well done that man, see you next time around.

Queens, the major new exhibition inspired by SIX the Musical, will begin its reign at The Lowry this weekend, and run until 3 November

Photo by Nathan Chandler

QUEENS, THE NEW EXHIBITION INSPIRED BY SIX THE MUSICAL BEGINS ITS REIGN AT THE LOWRY

SATURDAY 20TH JULY TO SUNDAY 3rd NOVEMBER 2024

FREE ENTRY

Queens, the major new exhibition inspired by SIX the Musical, will begin its reign at The Lowry this weekend.

Queens: The Exhibition will run in the Galleries of the Salford arts venue from Saturday 20th July to Sunday 3rd November 2024.

The free exhibition – curated by The Lowry – is the first of its kind and is produced with the support of SIX and its creators Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss.

The word ‘Queen’ has become a positive term of self-reference, and this exhibition asks the question ‘What kind of Queen are you?’ and celebrates ‘everyday’ queens of every description.

The exhibition will start with a celebration of the hit musical SIX and taking centre stage will be two of Gabriella Slade’s iconic costumes from the show: those of Catherine of Aragon and Katherine Howard – a first for the North West.

The costumes will be displayed alongside a newly-commissioned model of the SIX stage set, designed by Emma Bailey, as well as scripts, film and memorabilia from Toby and Lucy.

It will feature new commissions from local legend, The Mancorialist, Instagram cartoonist Lily O’Farrell and from Manchester-based artist, Johnny Humes, whose remarkable new painting throws a spotlight on Fanny and Stella, two young men who shocked Victorian England. 

A Tudor-esque house inside the exhibition will be filled with UV light for some magical opportunities for visitors to draw their own pictures.  There’s the chance to sing your heart out, and even a huge oversized gothic throne for that essential regal selfie. And there are mini-Queens hidden throughout the galleries to find.

There will also be venue-wide free learning and engagement activities based around the Queens theme for the duration of the exhibition’s run, including arts & crafts, silent discos and dance workshops. For full details of what’s on offer during Queens, including live music performances and Queens-themed food and drink offerings in The Queens Head’ pub, please check the website.

Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the creators of SIX, said: We are so, so excited that this SIX-inspired exhibition is being curated by The Lowry! It has been such a wonderful home for our show for so many years, and it’s just so cool that it will be inviting the Queendom to engage with it, its history, and theatre in a different way. We can’t wait for everyone to come along and experience the magic the team have been cooking up – we hope it’ll be super inspiring!”

Michael Simpson, The Lowry’s Director of Visual Arts, said: “SIX first came to The Lowry at Christmas 2018, at the end of the show’s first ever UK tour, and the production has returned regularly ever since, with sold-out audiences every time.

“With Queens we want to celebrate not only SIX and its huge personality and sense of fun, but also its glorious inclusivity, attitude and creativity.  We know it’s going to be an exhibition like no other and is for everyone who loves SIX, but also for everyone who likes to have a good time.”

SIX follows the six wives of Henry VIII as they take to the mic to tell their own personal tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.

Since its early days as a student production in a 100-seat room at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show has fast become a global musical phenomenon.

The exhibition’s run coincides with a visit by SIX to The Lowry’s Lyric Theatre from Tuesday 13th August to Sunday 1st September – tickets on sale now.

Entry to Queens: The Exhibition is free but timeslots are required, which can be booked in advance on The Lowry website. Entry may also be available on arrival at The Lowry – however these will be subject to demand on the day and availability may vary so booking in advance is recommended to ensure entry.

The Lowry’s Galleries are open Tuesday to Friday 11am-5pm and Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm. The Lowry is closed on Mondays.

During the run of SIX, the Galleries will be open from 5pm-7.30pm on selected dates – check website for details.

The Lowry is a charity and while entry to The Galleries is free, donations are gratefully received and can be made online when booking a timeslot or in the venue.

QUEENS: The Exhibition

The Lowry, Salford

Saturday 20th July to Sunday 3rd November 2024.

Free Entry, donations welcome

https://thelowry.com/whats-on/queens-the-exhibition

SIX the Musical

The Lowry, Salford

Tuesday 13th August to Sunday 1st September.

Tickets from £28.50

https://thelowry.com/whats-on/six-2024

EXTRA PERFORMANCES ADDED TO SELL-OUT MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT SUMMER SEASON AT THE OTHER PALACE

SEVEN EXTRA PERFORMANCES ADDED TO

SELL-OUT MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT

SUMMER SEASON

AT THE OTHER PALACE

Monday 29 July – Sunday 1 September 2024

The Other Palace, London  

Friday 19 July – Seven extra performances have been added to the Mischief Movie Night season at The Other Palace this summer.  The season has proved so popular that the original scheduled performances have already sold out.

The first performance is now on Monday 29 July at 8pm (originally it was on 30 July 2024) with the season running until Sunday 1 September 2024.

The other six extra performances are:  Monday 5 August at 7pm & 8.45pm, Monday 12 August at 7pm & 8.45pm and Monday 26 August at 7pm & 8.45pm.

Tickets for these extra performances are available at 12pm on Friday 19 July 2024 from www.MischiefMovieNight.co.uk.

The original Mischief gang, creators of Mischief’s flagship comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, return to London and to their comedy roots to present their hilarious improvised Mischief Movie Night.

Every show is different with audience members suggesting a genre, location and title.  Mischief hilariously brings the show to life, complete with rewinds, fast forwards, directors cuts and a thrilling live score to laugh along to. 

Mischief Movie Night features Mischief original cast members and regulars including:  Ruth Bratt as Look Who’s Talking, Matt Cavendish as Time, Gentlemen Please, Bryony Corrigan as TBC, Rhyanna Alexander Davies as Don’t Know Yet, Josh Elliott as No Idea, Susan Harrison as I Suppose We’ll Find Out, Henry Lewis as Not Sure, Ellie Morris as Surely Not Now, Niall Ransome as Guess Who?,  Charlie Russell as Couldn’t Tell You, Jonathan Sayer as Wait and See, Lauren Shearing as We’ll Never Know, Henry Shields as Need to Check and Nancy Zamit as It’s a Slam Dunk. They will be joined by musicians Richard Baker, Ed Zanders and Yshani Perinpanayagam.

Originally created by Mischief for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show has transferred to the West End for a limited season, and during the pandemic was streamed globally and watched in over 50 countries, bringing laughter directly into families living rooms.  

Mischief Movie Night is created by Mischief with lighting by David Howe. 

Mischief’s production of The Play that Goes Wrong is currently running at the Duchess Theatre and celebrates 10 years in the West End in September 2024.

Listings Information

Mischief Present

MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT

The Improvised Movie, Live On Stage

www.MischiefMovieNight.co.uk

The Other Palace

12 Palace Street

London

SW1E 5JA

29 July – 1 September 2024

Box Office:

Telephone: 020 7592 0302

Performance Times

Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri & Sun at 8pm

Monday 5 August at 7pm & 8.45pm, Monday 12 August at 7pm & 8.45pm and Monday 26 August at 7pm & 8.45pm

Tickets

£25, £30, £5 and £40

All tickets include a £1.50 Theatre Restoration and Development Levy

Age Recommendation:

12+

Please note children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age.

Running Time:  1 hour (no interval)

Social Media:

Facebook:          @MischiefTheatre

X:                            @MischiefComedy

Instagram:         @MischiefComedy

TikTok:                  @MischiefComedy