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The Hexagon. Reading – until 8th September 2018

Reviewed by Nicky Wyatt

3***

The class of ’84 at PA school in New York City bring us Fame the Musical, celebrating its 30th anniversary. Taking you right back to the 80’s, to the iconic movie that those of us in a certain age bracket remember fondly. Like the movie it is loud, full of high energy routines, plenty of hormones flying about and just a few leg warmers. With an artsy backdrop of year books and yellow cabs randomly driving up the wall.

PA or Fame school in the 80’s was the springboard of so many hopefuls with dreams and aspirations to be a star, fame being the longed for prize. Today they do X Factor and similar shows I guess. As with so many shows there is a lot going on, we only get a glimpse into the characters struggles and dreams, although it seems pushy parents, drugs, sexuality are all touched on.

Iris (Jorgie Porter from Hollyoaks) has a great chemistry and fluidity almost nymph like when dancing with Tyrone (Jamal Kane Crawford). Tyrone is without doubt the male dance star of the show his routines are superb.

The story touches on some serious issues like Tyrones dyslexia which is picked up by the formidable Miss Sherman (Mica Paris). She pushes him to his limit and she gets through to him in the end, like so many he needed someone to believe him and she did, their relationship is sound. Her pupils are the children she didn’t have and her rendition of These are my children is simply stunning, what a voice!

The other stunning voice is that of Carmen (Stephanie Rojas) so desperate to be famous and to see her name in lights she quits school and her budding romance with Schlomo (Simon Anthony) and heads off to LA having been lured by a would be agent, everyone tries to talk her out of going, she ignores them all and heads off. We see her again in a dishevelled state on the night the others all head off for their big night. Carmen delivers some big tunes including the title song Fame and I’m a survivor, sadly she wasn’t.

There are some fab dance routines in this show along with superb dancers three caught my eye Mabel (Hayley Johnson) she’s funny too with her see food diet, it was her dancing and voice that I really noticed. Two of the male ensemble Morgan Jackson and Ryan Kayode are really good, worth looking out for.

There are some really funny lines in this not least the ones delivered by Joe (Albey Brookes) he is suggestive, cheeky and slightly inappropriate but overall he is funny.

Its high energy carries the show through to it’s fabulous finale which has Mica Paris and Stephanie Rojas singing Fame, 2 powerful ladies belting out an iconic classic.

It’s an 80’s classic show that was thrilling an audience of youngsters whose parents watched the movie .

REVIEW: Madagascar The Musical (Sunderland Empire) ★★★★

September 3, 2018 

For: West End Wilma 

https://www.westendwilma.com/review-madagascar-the-musical-sunderland-empire/

It’s not every show where a monkey warns you not to take photos or else it will throw poo at you. But it made the many children in the audience laugh and laid the tone for the rest of the show.

Based on the Dreamworks film of the same name, Selladoor’s production of Madagascar tells the story of Marty the Zebra becoming disillusioned with his life in Central Park zoo, so escapes to see the outside world. Worried for his safety, his friends Alex the Lion, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo follow him, but are captured and sent to a Kenyan nature reserve. After the boat they are travelling on is seized by penguins and crashes, they become stranded on the strange and madcap island of Madagascar where they meet King Julien the 13th and his tribe of Lemurs.

Antoine Murray-Straughan plays Marty, streetwise and sassy. X Factor winner Matt Terry is Alex, the Lion who loves to show off but needs steak because he is starving. Jamie-Lee Morgan’s hypochondriac Melman proves his worth as a puppeteer as he swings around his long giraffe neck, while Timmika Ramsay brings more sass to Gloria’s caring nature. But it is Jo Parsons‘ King Julien who steals the show in the second act, playing the party-loving Lemur monarch.

The costumes were brilliant and the set design, bright and enchanting. The use of puppetry for the penguins, monkey and lemurs contributed to the comic mood and magic of the evening.

Whilst the majority of the songs are less than memorable, ‘Move It’ had the theatre clapping and sing along.

At only 100 minutes long, it is a short story but it’s probably long enough for its target of audience of younger children. But this is a night of simple fun and a great introduction to live theatre for the next generation.

BRENDAN COLE LIVE TOUR

ALL NIGHT LONG

LAST CHANCE TO SEE THE SHOW

THAT GOT 120,000 FEET TAPPING!

The one and only Brendan Cole is to bring back his spectacular and critically acclaimed production All Night Long on a UK tour this Autumn opening at Kings theatre Southsea 27 October and touring until 21 November including a debut West End performance at the Adelphi Theatre London, for one night only.

Created and hosted by Brendan himself, All Night Long takes audiences on a journey through dance, music, comedy, passion, intimacy and all things ballroom as Brendan is joined on stage by a sensational cast of superbly talented championship dancers and a 13-piece band and singers; whipping up an extravagant mix of Latin fever and ballroom magic – from tantalising Tango to powerful Paso Doble, the elegant Foxtrot to breath-taking Waltz – and with a few surprises in store – this is no ordinary dance show.

Brendan Cole is best known from TV favourite Strictly Come Dancing and until announcing his departure from the series earlier this year, was just one of just two of the professional dancers to have competed in each series.  Brendan danced the first show of the first series and winning the first glitterball trophy. Partners have included Charlotte Hawkins; Natasha Kaplinsky; Kelly Brook; Lisa Snowdon; Jo Wood; Victoria Pendleton, Sunetra Sarker; Kirsty Gallacher; Sophie Ellis-Bextor; and pop star Anastacia.  Never too far away from the action, this year Brendan can be found giving his usual no-holds barred verdict on all things Strictly in his weekly column in Hello magazine.

Brendan has been touring the UK for 10 years in his shows including Live & Unjudged, Licence to Thrill,A Night To Remember, and All Night Long with over 120,000 people toe-tapping along to his most recent tour.

All Night Long brings high energy dynamite dance together with live music, stunning special effects and Brendan’s own dazzling choreography performed to the songs of great music legends and exciting contemporary artists, to make for an unforgettable party!

For your night with one of the UK’s best loved dance performers book your tickets now to avoid disappointment. For more information visit www.brendancolelive.com or www.pmbpresentations.com

Find us on Twitter @BrendanColeLive and Facebook @BrendanColeTour

FULL LISTINGS

27 Oct 2018 – SOUTHSEA – King’s Theatre Click Here

28 Oct 2018 – LIVERPOOL – Liverpool Empire Theatre * Click Here

30 Oct 2018 – BLACKPOOL – Grand Theatre Click Here

31 Oct 2018 – BLACKBURN – King George’s Hall Click Here

01 Nov 2018 – BOURNEMOUTH – Pavilion Theatre Click Here

02 Nov 2018 – PLYMOUTH – Pavilion Theatre Click Here

04 Nov 2018 – WOKING – New Victoria Theatre* Click Here

05 Nov 2018 – OXFORD – New Theatre* Click Here

06 Nov 2018 – WATFORD – Colosseum Click Here

07 Nov 2018 – SWANSEA – Brangwyn Hall Click Here

08 Nov 2018 – BASINGSTOKE – The Anvil Theatre Click Here

10 Nov 2018 – DORKING – Dorking Halls Click Here

11 Nov 2018 – WESTON SUPER MARE – The Playhouse  Click Here

13 Nov 2018 – BRADFORD – Alhambra Theatre Click Here

14 Nov 2018 – KINGS LYNN – Corn Exchange Click Here

15 Nov 2018 – DONCASTER – The Dome Click Here

16 Nov 2018 – CARLISLE – The Sands Centre Click Here

17 Nov 2018 – AYLESBURY – Waterside Theatre* Click Here

18 Nov 2018 – LONDON – ADELPHI THEATRE LONDON Click Here

20 Nov 2018 – SUNDERLAND – Empire Theatre* Click Here

21 Nov 2018 – DUNDEE – Caird Hall – Click Here

Tickets may be subject to a booking fee

*Bkg fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per min plus your phone company’s access charge.

Last weekend, Kinky Boots Angels George Grayson and Joshua Lovell from the smash hit musical Kinky Boots joined Manchester’s Pride celebrations, adding even more glitter and glam to Saturday’s Parade.

Starting on Deansgate near the iconic Beetham Tower, the Angels joined the line-dancers, jugglers and circus acts all taking part in this year’s ‘Circus of Acceptance’ themed parade. And accepted they were! High-kicking their way through the city to meet the thousands of revellers enjoying the Parade, the Kinky Boots cast members were greeted with screams of delight from fans already aware of the musical, and those desperate to see it during its Manchester run this November.

With the mantra ‘Just be who you wanna be’, Kinky Boots was the perfect musical to be showcased at this year’s Pride. The show tells the story of Charlie Price, who is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the shoe factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola – a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots takes audiences from the factory floor to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Cast includes Callum Francis, who returns to play Lola following his award-winning, critically-acclaimed performances in Australia, alongside Paula Lane as Lauren, best known for her role as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street. West End star Joel Harper-Jackson completes the trio, as Charlie Price.

The hit musical struts in Manchester’s Opera House from Monday 12^th November – Saturday 1^st December. For more information, or to book, visit atgtickets.com/Manchester.

THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY CELEBRATES 1000 WEST END PERFORMANCES

 

Created by Mischief Theatre

Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields

 

How many times have they tried to steal that diamond… one thousand times! The Comedy About A Bank Robbery has been making mischief and madness at the Criterion Theatre since it opened in 2016 having broken into its third year in April. This Sunday the cast and creatives were let out on day release to celebrate the 1000^th West End performance with a party and cake! There’s still plenty more swag to be had so catch them while you can – booking until April 2019.

‘The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is one of the flat-out funniest pieces of theatre I’ve ever seen.’  Dominic Maxwell – The Times

 

Mischief Theatre’s smash-and-grab hit The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is a fast, fabulous comedy caper and the funniest show in the West End!

Summer 1958. Minneapolis City Bank has been entrusted with a priceless diamond. An escaped convict is dead set on pocketing the gem with the help of his screwball sidekick, trickster girlfriend… and the maintenance man. With mistaken identities, love triangles and hidden agendas, even the most reputable can’t be trusted. In a town where everyone’s a crook, who will end up bagging the jewel?

Book now for this dynamite comedy. It would be criminal to miss it!

The cast includes Samson Ajewole (Cooper), Jenna Augen (Ruth Monaghan), Jack Baldwin (Officer Shuck), Leonard Cook (Robin Freeboys), Samuel Fogell (Sam Monaghan), Matt Hunt (Mitch Ruscitti), Chris Leask (Everyone Else), Peter McGovern (Warren Slax), Holly Sumpton (Caprice Freeboys) and the company is completed by Lydia Fraser, Sarah Gage, Samuel Thomas, Jack Whittle and Jean-Luke Worrell.

Mischief Theatre was founded in 2008 by graduates of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Starting as an improvised theatre group on the London and Edinburgh fringes, they have grown into one of the UK’s leading theatre companies, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy for The Play That Goes Wrong, and licensing their productions worldwide. Their newest show, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is currently running in London’s West End. In December 2016, Mischief made their TV debut on the BBC with Peter Pan Goes (Olivier Award Nominee 2016) which has also had two sell-out West End seasons, followed by A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong starring Derek Jacobi and Diana Rigg at Christmas 2017. The company is led by Henry Lewis, Artistic Director and Jonathan Sayer, Company Director.

Kenny Wax Ltd is currently producing productions of The Play That Goes Wrong on Broadway, in the West End and on tour in the UK. Following its continuing success in the West End, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery embarks on a UK tour in Summer 2018. In 2017 he produced a stage adaption of the Fellini masterpiece La Strada and a new Around the World in 80 Days. Kenny presented the world première production of Top Hat, which was the recipient of three Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, The Play That Goes Wrong which won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy 2015, WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Comedy and Best Play at the Broadway World Theatre Awards, Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Olivier Award nominated) and Once On This Island (Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 1995). Productions this year include a stage adaptation of Jilly Murphy’s The Worst Witch.

Directed by Mark Bell with Nancy Zamit for Mischief Theatre; Associate Director: Kirsty Patrick Ward

Designer: David Farley; Costume Designer: Roberto Surace; Lighting Designer: David Howe

Associate Lighting Designer: Matt Leventhall; Sound Design: Jon Fiber for JollyGoodTunes

Musical Director and Arranger: Joey Hickman

 

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery

Listings

Criterion Theatre, 218-223 Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, London, W1V 9LB

 

Box Office: 0844 815 6131

www.bankrobberycomedy.com

Twitter: @BankRobberyPlay

Facebook: BankRobberyComedy

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Tuesday to Saturday evenings at 7:30pm

Saturday matinee at 2:30pm, Sunday matinee at 3pm and Sunday evening at 7pm

TICKET PRICES

Sunday evening – Thursday:

£49.50, £39.50, £35.00, £29.50, £25, £20, £15, £10

Premium Seats £69.50

Friday – Sunday Matinee:

£52.50, £42.50, £38.00, £32.50, £28, £23, £18, £10

Premium Seats £72.50

 

AGE

11+

Mark Goucher and Jason Donovan present
PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT
in association with Nullarbor Productions and MGM on Stage

Book by Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott
Directed by Paul Kerryson

• PRODUCER MARK GOUCHER TODAY ANNOUNCES THAT FIRST-TIME PRODUCER JASON DONOVAN WILL CO-PRESENT A UK TOUR OF A BRAND NEW PRODUCTION OF THE CULT CLASSIC

• PAUL KERRYSON WILL DIRECT THE SHOW WHICH WILL OPEN IN DARTFORD IN SEPTEMBER 2019 AHEAD OF A UK AND IRELAND TOUR

Mark Goucher is joining forces with first time producer Jason Donovan to create a brand new production of the much-loved glittering hit musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The show makes a perfect vehicle for Donovan to begin his life as a producer, having performed in the cast of the original West End production and two subsequent UK tours. The producing team will be completed by Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale. The production will open in Dartford in September 2019 and will then tour throughout the UK and Ireland.

Jason Donovan said: “Having spent years performing and always harbouring the desire to become more involved in the creative process, I am delighted to be joining Mark Goucher as producer on this wonderful show. Priscilla is perfect vehicle to venture into the world of producing and bringing all my experience on the show seems the logical next step. Priscilla is such a wonderful Australian story about diversity. It is a modern musical with a great heart.”

The iconic hit musical has more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more.

Based on the Oscar-winning film, PRISCILLA is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.

This brand new production comes from the team behind the critically acclaimed UK tours of Hairspray; with direction by Paul Kerryson, choreography by Tom Jackson-Greaves with designs by Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Ben Harrison.

PriscillaUKTour.com & PriscillaUKTour.co.uk

TOURING SCHEDULE

Thursday 5 September – Saturday 14 September 2019
DARTFORD ORCHARD THEATRE
Tel: 01322 220000
Tickets now on sale

Tuesday 17 September – Saturday 21 September 2019
BRADFORD ALHAMBRA THEATRE
Tel: 01274 432000
Tickets now on sale

Monday 23 September – Saturday 28 September 2019
RHYL PAVILLION
Tel: 01745 330000
Tickets now on sale

Monday 30 September – Saturday 5 October 2019
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE
Tel: 0844 8717652
Tickets on sale 14th September

Monday 7 October – Saturday 12 October 2019
NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE
Tel: 0844 8717646
Tickets on sale 14th September

Monday 14 October – Saturday 19 October 2019
MALVERN FESTIVAL THEATRE
Tel: 01684 892277
On sale now

Monday 21 October – Saturday 26 October 2019
BLACKPOOL WINTER GARDENS
Tel: 0844 8561111
Tickets on sale now

Monday 28 October – Saturday 2 November 2019
LEICESTER CURVE
Tel: 0116 2423595
Tickets on sale soon

Monday 4 November – Saturday 9 November 2019
EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
Tel: 0844 8713014
Tickets on sale 14th September

Monday 11 November – Saturday 16 November 2019
LIVERPOOL EMPIRE THEATRE
Tel: 0844 8713017
Tickets on sale 14th September

Monday 18 November – Saturday 23 November 2019
INVERNESS EDEN COURT
Tel: 01463 234234
Tickets now on sale

Monday 25 November – Saturday 30 November 2019
MANCHESTER PALACE THEATRE
Tel: 0844 8713019
Tickets on sale 14th September

Please visit www.priscillauktour.com  for details of 2019 touring dates

DARLINGTON HIPPODROME LAUNCH AUTUMN SEASON

As the nights draw in and the countdown to winter begins, Darlington Hippodrome is pleased to announce a hot season of shows leading up to the annual family festive Pantomime.

As opening shows go you can’t do better than a world premiere! Darlington Hippodrome and Wisecrack Productions present The Great Joe Wilson – a comedy drama set in Darlington about Joe Wilson, arguably the greatest ever north-east singer / songwriter. Written by top playwright Ed Waugh (Alf Ramsey Knew my Grandfather, Dirty Dusting, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Durham) with musical input by internationally renowned musicians Pete Scott and Alex Glasgow this is a must-see production. The Great Joe Wilson runs on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September.

Week-long shows

Two of British theatre’s finest actors star in the deeply moving and funny play Duet For One from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 September. Belinda Lang and Jonathan Coy rise to the challenge of playing out the psychological duel between two razor-sharp minds and the humour that underlines their relationship.

What better way to re-live the memories of sunshine, sea and sandy beaches than with a trip on an old London Bus and the iconic musical Summer Holiday. Starring Ray Quinn, this is a brand new stage musical based on the 1960s Cliff Richard and The Shadows movie. A fabulous, feel-good show with bundles of energy and lots of laughs, Summer Holiday runs from Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 September.

Three classic Savoy Operas are presented by the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company accompanied by the National Festival Orchestra. On Monday 1 October Iolanthe tells the topsy-turvy love story about fairies and members of the House of Lords and contains some of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most famous music including the Peers Chorus and the Nightmare Song. On Tuesday 2 October Ruddigore is the mysterious tale of love and an old family curse. The Pirates of Penzance storm onto the Hippodrome stage on Wednesday 3 October. This wonderfully jolly romp with swashbuckling pirates, a hopeless police force and a dotty Major General has all the elements for a delightfully entertaining time at the theatre.

The smash hit musical Rock of Ages blasts into Darlington from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 October. A love story packed full of 25 classic rock anthems, Rock of Ages stars Zoe Birkett, Danielle Hope and Kevin Kennedy. Lose yourself in a time when dreams were as big as the hair, a global smash with hit seasons on Broadway, in the West End and Las Vegas and a star studded Hollywood movie.

Flying on to the Hippodrome stage from Wednesday October 24 to Saturday November 3 is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang presented by the award-winning Darlington Operatic Society. With sensational sets, stunning special effects and, of course, a magical flying car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the eternal family favourite musical.

Another world premiere is on its way to Darlington with the Touring Consortium Theatre Company’s production of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Completely re-imagined by an exciting creative team from London’s West End this brand new, multi-sensory stage adaptation is brought to irresistible life in a contemporary interpretation of the horror classic starring Cheryl Campbell. Dracula runs from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 November.

 

Drop everything and get ready for The Full Monty. Based on one of the most acclaimed British films ever, The Full Monty stage play has become one of the most phenomenal theatrical productions ever. Six out-of-work steelworkers from Sheffield with nothing to lose embark on a journey of friendship and self-discovery. The Full Monty is at Darlington Hippodrome from Monday 12 to Saturday 17 November.

Cilla The Musical is a spectacular and heart-warming musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed ITV mini-series by BAFTA award winner Jeff Pope. The story follows the extraordinary life of the teenage girl from Liverpool, Priscilla White, and her rocky, yet incredible rise to fame as Cilla Black. Featuring a musical score full of 60s classics, Cilla The Musical runs from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 November.

With the festive season on the horizon thoughts turn to Pantomime – oh, yes they do! From Saturday 8 December to Sunday 6 January Darlington Hippodrome will be home to a spectacular and thrilling production of Aladdin. This amazing adventure is brought spectacularly to life with stunning sets, sensational song and dance numbers and more than a touch of genie magic by the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Qdos Entertainment. The cast of Aladdin is headed by Louie Spence with Zoe Birkett, Robin Askwith, Eric Potts and Liam Mellor.

Shorter-runs

The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment come to Darlington on Sunday 9 and Monday 10 September. On the Sunday they present The Apple Tree – a concert created specially for 2 – 5 year olds at The Hullabaloo. Learn about the changing seasons through a mixture of Baroque and Folk music. On Monday roll the clocks back to 1926 for an historically-informed performance featuring a big-screen adaptation of Strauss’ classic opera Der Rosenkavalier played on instruments from the time the music was written.

Comedy legends Cannon and Ball bring their play The Dressing Room to the Hippodrome on Tuesday 11 September. Part play, part variety show and also starring Stu Francis and Johnnie Casson, The Dressing Room is set in a run-down theatre where the fading stars enjoy telling their showbiz stories and what they really think of their audiences! Prepare to shed tears of laughter in this show suitable for the entire family.

Classic hits from Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes are just a small section of The Magic of Motown on Friday 14 September followed on Saturday 15 September by the amazing Flawless as they present Chase The Dream: The Reboot – a fantastically high energy, acrobat-fused, feel-good family show.

Another not-to-be-missed family show is This Is The Greatest Show on Wednesday October 17. Inspired by the imagination of PT Barnum, join a cast of the finest West End singers and a live band who will take you on a journey through music from The Greatest Showman, Moulin Rouge, Smash, Barnum and many others.

The two original vocalists with The Real Thing come to Darlington with their Feel The Force tour. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of their debut hit single You To Me Are Everything, The Real Thing boast three million-selling hit singles making them one of the UK’s best-selling groups of the late 70s.

Here we go again – Abba Mania returns to Darlington Hippodrome on Saturday 20 October. Accepted as the world’s number one touring Abba tribute production, the show celebrates the music of Abba, reviving special memories of when the quartet ruled the airwaves.

You are guaranteed a night of laughs on Sunday 18 November with a comedy double bill of Jasper Carrot and Alistair McGowan who present a show of pure laughter and entertainment not to be missed. On Monday 26 November join The Manfreds and Georgie Fame with their show Maximum Rhythm and Blues – a fabulous evening of music and nostalgia. On Tuesday 27 November the songbook of Adele is celebrated with Someone Like You staring Katie Markham who was hand-picked by Adele herself to star in the show.

Take a trip back to the decade of the New Romantics, big hair and even bigger shoulder pads with 80s Mania at Christmas on Wednesday 28 November. Currently taking the UK by storm the show features the music of 25 chart-toppers including Duran Duran, Human League, Culture Club, Wham!, Madness, Soft Cell and many, many more.

Pure musical theatre entertainment is brought to you by Beyond The Barricade on Thursday 29 November. The UK’s longest running musical theatre concert tour features past principal performers from Les Misérables and delivers over two hours of the best of Broadway and the West End. On Friday 30 November stand-up comic Lee Nelson presents his Serious Joker show for one night only following his 150 date smash-hit UK tour.

The life and music of Neil Diamond is celebrated on Saturday 1 December with A Beautiful Noise. Award winning Fisher Stevens stars in the show with his sensational band taking you through five decades of Diamond’s biggest hits – the ultimate journey that all Diamond fans old and new have been waiting for.

At the Hullabaloo

Comic Steve Bugeja was voted ‘most likely to be forgotten’ at school. To prove his former classmates wrong he hits the road for his third and largest UK tour Almost which comes to the Hullabaloo on Tuesday 9 October. French-born singer Flossie Malaville has become an accomplished performer playing at folk clubs and festivals all over the UK. On Sunday 21 October she plays the Hullabaloo and, with her quaint northern twang and humorous banter will no doubt leave you with a smile on your face.

For the last two years Pip Stewart has travelled on expeditions to the Amazon to get a close view of the issues in the region. On Tuesday 6 November Pip will recount tales from her exciting journeys. The Black Sheep Frederick Dickens are an electro duo from Darlington, appearing at the Hullabaloo on Friday 23 November. They take the tragic story of Charles Dickens’ wastrel brother, Frederick, and use it as a metaphor for the modern day.

More comedy from Matt Richardson with his show Slash on Saturday 24 November. Most comedians hope to win accolades and make many people laugh. Very few end up with Heat magazine’s Weird Crush trophy. Who could resist this festive treat – A Christmas Carol brought to life by Guy Masterson on Wednesday 28 November, guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Tickets for this new season go on sale from 10am on Monday 3 September.

For further information and to book contact the box office on 01325 405405, or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk to choose your own seats online. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Experience exceptional dance this autumn at the
Stanley & Audrey Burton TheatreNorthern Ballet’s Mixed Programme – September

James Wilton Dance, Phoenix Dance Theatre, Puss in Boots – October

Arts Theatre, London – until 14 October

5*****

I like to tell people about the first time I saw The Play That Goes Wrong – in a room above a pub, where the cast outnumbered the audience. It’s since gone on to become an award winning global success.  And I truly believe that SIX is destined to go the same way.

When I first saw SIX, in a tiny room at the Apex Hotel it was performed by members of Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society. Now it’s got a new cast of professional singers, a fabulous backing band, wonderful costumes (Gabriella Slade), and excellent staging – Emma Bailey’s Set, Paul Gatehouse’s Sound and Tim Deiling’s Lighting.

Created by Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow, SIX delivers a completely unforgettable history lesson taking the well known rhyme “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived” but with a twist –  it’s now “Divorced … Beheaded … Live” telling the story of the unfortunate wives of Henry VIII, reformed as a girl group, embarking on a world tour. The wives get to step into the limelight, to tell their stories so that the audience can vote for the wife that has suffered the most to become the lead singer of the group.

It’s a full on show, with a mix of electro pop, beat, hip hop, rap and up-tempo girl band classics.  But this lot can change the mood and the tempo too, as one or two numbers placed adroitly mid-show demonstrated, giving the audience a bit of time to reflect, as well as slowing things down.  Catherine of Aragon (Jarneia Richard-Noel) laments how she was brought to England as a teen to marry Henry’s brother Arthur, having been betrothed to him at the age of three. And with a lack of a son, Henry looked elsewhere and threatened to send Catherine to a convent.  Anne Boleyn (Millie O’Connell) gave us the very upbeat “Don’t Lose Your Head”, all pop beat and text speak and very funny

Jane Seymore (Natalie Paris) gives a power ballad about how she will never see her son grow up after her unfortunate death.  This followed by the totally bonkers, German techno beat “Haus of Holbein”. Anne of Cleeves (Alexia Mcintosh) revels with her song “King of the Castle” as she brags about how good her life is now she is divorced.

Catherine Howard (Aimie Atkinson) puts her sad life in to perspective, reminding us just how young she was.  But Catherine Parr (Maiya Quansah-Breed) shows how impossible it was for any of the wives to say no to Henry – a King who got what he wanted to the detriment of the poor women he married

This is the ultimate in girl power with a thoroughly deserved standing ovation at the end.  The lyrics are catchy and I’m still humming along to the show now. I desperately hope there is a soundtrack CD to accompany the production because I would be playing it all the time.  This is a musical that unlike the poor wives, deserves a very long life and I feel sure that it will get just that.