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THE BARN THEATRE’S PRODUCTION

OF THE COMIC THRILLER

THE 39 STEPS

WILL TRANSFER TO THE THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR

FROM 12-17 AUGUST 2019

MARKING THE BARN’S FIRST TRANSFER

Winner of the Best Fringe Theatre at the 2019 Stage Awards, The Barn Theatre’s upcoming production of the classic comic thriller, The 39 Steps, which opens at the Cirencester theatre in July 2019, will now transfer to the Theatre Royal Windsor from 12 – 17 August 2019. The production launches the theatre’s Built By Barn initiative, transferring shows from the venue across the UK.

Based on John Buchan’s 1914 spy thriller The Thirty Nine Steps and adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow, The 39 Steps will be directed by Joseph O’Malley, with designs by Mike Leopold. Further creatives and full casting to be announced in due course.

Iwan Lewis, Artistic Director, The Barn Theatre, said, “It was always part of the long-term strategy as a producing house to look at opportunities to transfer our ‘Built By Barn’ shows and give them life beyond The Barn Theatre. This is the first of many and a very exciting development in our future growth.”

The Barn Theatre has been building a reputation since its opening just over a year ago, as an exciting, innovative producing house, and hopes to build on this success by providing its audience with a mix of challenging, entertaining and topical theme across its programming.

The 39 Steps is part of The Barn’s 2019 season of in-house productions, and runs at The Barn Theatre from 10 July – 10 August. The season includes four other in-house productions: one of Michael Morpurgo’s finest works, The Butterfly Lion, which finishes a highly successful run on 4 May; William Shakespeare’s classic history, Henry V, directed by Hal Chambers and starring Aaron Sidwell andLauren Samuels, which runs from 22 May – 22 June; the award-winning musical Daddy Long Legs, running from 2 October – 2 November; and a reimagining of Charles Dickens’ festive masterpiece, A Christmas Carol, from 27 November – 4 January.  

A cast of four, deftly take on a Hitchcock classic, The 39 Steps, in a wonderfully inventive comic-thriller parody adaptation of John Buchan’s 1915 novel.

The 39 Steps follows the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip and British gung-ho spirit as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and devastatingly beautiful women. The show is a frantic farce, jampacked with slapstick humour, a barrage of accents and hat-swaps culminating in chaos and calamity.

This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun, thrilling action and a colossal number of costume changes. Madcap hilarity for all the family!

Joseph O’Malley’sdirecting credits include The Hound of the Baskervilles (Barn Theatre), The Ugly Duckling and Other Stories (UK Tour) and Seeds of Change (Lion and Unicorn). Joseph’s assistant director credits include One Minute (Barn Theatre) and Significant Other (Vaults, Waterloo). Other upcoming productions include The Hound of the Baskervilles (UK Tour) and A Christmas Carol (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre).

THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR LISTINGS INFORMATION

The 39 Steps

Presented by Barn Theatre by arrangement with Edward Snape for Fiery Angel Ltd.

Theatre Royal Windsor

Monday 12 August – Saturday 17 August 2019

Written by John Buchan

Adapted by Patrick Barlow

From an original concept by Simon Noble and Nobby Dimon

Directed by Joseph O’Malley

Address: Theatre Royal Windsor, 32 Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PS

Box Office: 01753 853 888

Ticket Prices: From £19.50

Performances: Mon-Sat 8pm, Thurs 2.30pm, Sat 4.45pm

Website: www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @TheatreWindsor

Rupert Gavin and Dan Colman for Incidental Colman, Mallory Factor for Hill Street Productions and Trafalgar Theatre Productions in association with Tulchin Bartner Productions present

BRAINIAC LIVE!

• AN ACTION-PACKED HOUR OF EXPLOSIONS, EXPERIMENTS AND A LITTLE BEYONCÉ, BRAINIAC LIVE! WILL PLAY FOR FOUR WEEKS ONLY AT THE GARRICK THEATRE THIS SUMMER
   
• TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FOR SHOWS WHICH COMMENCE ON 31 JULY AND PLAY UNTIL 1 SEPTEMBER 2019
   
• FIRST SEEN ON STAGE IN 2008, BRAINIAC LIVE! HAS PLAYED TO MORE THAN 400,000 PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, ALL OVER THE WORLD
   

Brainiac Live! is delighted to announce that the show that laughs in the face of science is coming to London’s West End for a strictly limited season from 31 July to 1 September 2019. Tickets forBrainiac Live! are on sale today from the Garrick Theatre Box Office.

Based on the much loved, popular science entertainment TV show, the live show is a breathless, fun and fact-filled exploration of the weird and wonderful world of science, that through a series of high energy experiments delves fearlessly, and perhaps a little foolishly, into the mysteries of science. Expect exploding dustbins, supercharged spinning chairs and the ultimate Airzooka challenge!

Since 2008 Brainiac Live! has played to packed houses across the UK, blowing the minds of hundreds of thousands of children and their families. Headlining top sciences festivals as well performing in theatres across the globe, the live show has thrilled fans of all ages.

Andy Joyce, Number 1 Brainiac and director of the show said: “After performing the show across the UK and everywhere from Abu Dhabi to Australia, we are so excited about bringing the show back to the heart of London at the Garrick Theatre. I can’t wait to see the amazement on the children’s faces, when they see our daredevil experiments but remember DON’T DO THIS AT HOME!”

Tickets now on sale via www.BrainiacLiveLondon.com / 0330 333 4811. 
 

@HairsprayUKTour/ @HairsprayUKTour /
@Hairsprayuktour / www.hairsprayuktour.com/  

HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL 
UK TOUR
Directed by Paul Kerryson
Choreographed by Drew McOnie

HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL TO TOUR AGAIN IN 2020-21

Producers, Mark Goucher and Matthew Gale confirmed today that his smash hit production ofHairspray will go out on tour again in 2020. The tour will visit Manchester, Bradford, Blackpool, Northampton, Aylesbury, Birmingham, Glasgow and Liverpool, with further locations to be announced soon. The tour will extend into 2021 and follows two extremely successful tours in 2015/16 and 2017/18.

On-sale dates and further updates will be available in due course via the website:http://www.hairsprayuktour.com/

Featuring the iconic music and lyrics by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, this much-loved musical comedy is choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Drew McOnie with direction from Paul Kerryson.

It’s Baltimore 1962, where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way.

Hairspray is a musical based on the 1988 film of the same name which starred Divine and Ricki Lake by cult filmmaker John Waters. With music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Hairspray originally opened to rave reviews on Broadway in 2002 and subsequently won eight Tony Awards. The production opened in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2007 and won four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical. Proving to be an international success, Hairspray has also opened in South Africa, Japan, South Korea, China and Dubai. Following the musical’s phenomenal success on stage, a film of the musical was released in 2007 which starred John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and James Marsden.

Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough – until May 2nd 2019 before continuing National Tour

Reviewed by Sara Garner

4.5****

The Edit is a 90-minute play about two people who have not seen each other or spoken to each other after the traumatic breakup of their relationship two years ago.

We journey with Nick (Jamie Wilkes) and Eleana (Meghan Treadway) as they explore what went wrong in their relationship. It has all the usual suspects of blame, infidelity, money issues, resentment, trust and forgiveness. Where did it all go wrong and can they ever get past this to accept what happened so that they can move on? Does the past define your future?

Such is the quality of the writing and acting that the audience feels like it is watching a real couple go through these events. The whole 90 minutes flowed effortlessly to an extent that it could have be adlibbed throughout as it was so natural. From this you sense the power of the emotions.

The Edit is beautifully written by Sarah Gordon and acted by Jamie Wilkes and Meghan Treadway who must have been shattered after such an emotional performance.

Nick and Eleana dancing to David Bowie songs during which the actors were silent but communicated a great deal through movement alone. This is a wonderful reminiscing scene of their past relationship between them.

A very simple but believable sets design adds to the ambience of the play. We could not find fault with the writing, acting or staging, it was a true privilege to have the opportunity to watch The Edit.

Anyone that has been through the trauma of a relationship breakup with be able to connect with the nuances that were portrayed in The Edit and theatre is the perfect medium to explore this.

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until Saturday 4 May 2019

Reviewed By Jo Gordon

5*****  

I’m not going to lie, I have probably been a little too over excited for the past few weeks about seeing this stage production of Annie. Having been a huge fan of the 1982 film version when my 6 year old self annoyed my Mom with constant renditions of Tomorrow and Hard knock Life…with a Blackcountry twang rather than a New York one!

The red headed, optimistic orphan Annie (Freya Yates) and friends (Team Rockefella) are living in a run down orphanage come sweat shop run by the brash, drunken and mean Miss Hannigan (Craig Revel Horwood). Christmas is approaching and Billionaire Warbucks (Alex Bourne) sends his assistant to the home to find an orphan to come and stay at his mansion for the festive period. On arriving, Annie begins to change Warbucks outlook on life and he’d like to make it a more permanent stay. After explaining that she hopes her parents will come for her one day Warbucks helps Annie try to find them using an offer of a reward if they come forward…. this in turn brings out all sorts of unscrupulous people including Hannigan’s brother and his girlfriend Rooster and Lily (Richard Meek, Jenny Gayner). Will things end badly for all involved or will Annie live happily ever after?

Freya’s version of Annie was perfect hitting the mark with everything we love about the character and incredibly talented to be able to make all those high notes every time in show favourites such as the infamous Tomorrow, definitely one to watch as a future west end star!

Craig portrays the child hating, gin swilling, whistle blowing Hannigan perfectly and his rendition of Little Girls conveys the hatred for her charges spot, on with great comedic timing throughout the show alongside Alex’s brilliant Daddy Warbucks, the other orphans this evening(team Rockefella) and co it really is the complete theatrical package. The biggest star though judging from the audiences reaction was Sandy the dog (Amber) who never missed he cue! I would give this production six stars if I could.

Many dislike Annie for varied reasons but its proven longevity from its days first on stage in 1977 must mean something as it constantly gains new fans generation after generation. And I for one will always love it and now that love has been reignited I now have my own family to delight or annoy with my Blackcountry twanged renditions of Tomorrow…and I’m not even sorry!

Grand Theatre, Leeds – until Saturday 4th May 2019

Reviewed by Aimee Liddington

4****

Based on the novel by Peter James, The House on Cold Hill tells the story of a family who move into their ‘forever home’ but soon find out it was never really theirs to begin with.

Ollie Harcourt, played by Joe McFadden, and his family move into an old mansion that has been vacant for many years. Initially shrugging off the rumours of the locals, who seem to know an unusual amount about the history of the house, Ollie and his family eventually start to question the strange happenings in their dream home.

Novelist, Peter James and Stage Adaptor, Shaun McKenna have worked together to create a supernatural thriller that is peppered with humour. Ghost stories have existed since ancient times but The House on Cold Hill seems to shift the genre into the present day. The use of modern technology such as WiFi, FaceTime and even an Amazon ‘Echo’ has the audience both simultaneously charmed and spooked. Whether or not you are a believer in the supernatural, the play allows us to not only question the existence or mere definition of a ghost, but also to examine and question how technology has changed the world we live in.

If you are attracted by a cast list full of credible, well-known actors, then The House on Cold Hill is perfect for you. The two main characters, Ollie and Caro Harcourt, are played by Joe McFadden and Rita Simons who between them boast an impressive résumé of TV and film roles. Their acting experience is apparent through their seamless delivery of lines and easy movement on the stage. Nevertheless, I believe that the intrigue of the story line is largely enhanced by the introduction of the character Annie, played by Tricia Deighton. Bringing comedy and emotion to the audience, Deighton portrays everyone’s stereotypical idea of a hippie, psychic medium with great authenticity.

While one could say that the story took longer than expected to peak, by the interval I was left hanging in suspense, hungry for more. Through unexpected sounds and tricks and turns of light, the audience is transported to a world between this one and the next where anything is possible. Credit is due to the creative team, in particular Jason Taylor, Martin Hodgson and Nina Dunn who make up the lighting, sound and video and projection designers. The haunting experience would not be so poignant without their contributions.

Thoughtfully produced and directed and expertly performed, The House on Cold Hill is more than worth a watch.

JODIE PRENGER TO STAR AS ‘MISS HANNIGAN’ IN THE MUSICAL “ANNIE” AT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce that Jodie Prenger will star as ‘Miss Hannigan’ in the musical “ANNIE” at Birmingham Hippodrome fromTuesday 23 July – Sunday 11 August.

Jodie Prenger is probably best known for winning the role of ‘Nancy’ in Cameron Mackintosh’s West End production of “Oliver!” through the BBC television series “I’d Do Anything”. During her run in the show at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane she received both critical and public acclaim for her portrayal of the role. Jodie recently wowed audiences playing the lead role in the national tour of “Abigail’s Party”. She has also played the title role in the national tour of the musical “Calamity Jane” and starred in the National Theatre’s hit production of “One Man, Two Guvnors” both in the West End and on tour as well as ‘Lady of the Lake’ in “Spamalot”. Jodie is also a regular presenter on BBC Radio 2.

Joining Jodie in the show will be Alex Bourne as ‘Oliver Warbucks’, Richard Meek as ‘Rooster’, Jenny Gayner as ‘Lily’ and Carolyn Maitland as ‘Grace Farrell’. The title role of ‘Annie’ is shared by Faye Katsande, Ava Smith and Freya Yates. They are joined by three teams of young performers who play the girls in Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.

Completing the cast will be Michael Anderson, Thomas Audibert, Andy Barke, Caroline Bateson, Daisy Boyles, Blaise Colangelo, Gary Davis, Ashleigh Graham, George Rae, Anne Smith, India Thornton, Matt Trevorrow, Amy West and Samuel Wilson Freeman. 

This production recently ran for an extended season in the West End following a sell-out tour of the UK and Ireland in 2015/16 as well as a recent sell-out season in Toronto.

Alex Bourne reprises his performance as ‘Oliver Warbucks’ after playing the role in this  production of “Annie” in the West End, Toronto and on the 2015/16 tour. His many other West End credits include ‘Danny’ in “Grease”, ‘The Beast’ in “Beauty and the Beast”, ‘Billy Flynn’ in “Chicago”, ‘Khashoggi’ in “We Will Rock You” and ‘Fred/Petruchio’ in “Kiss Me, Kate” for which he received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. His other credits include ‘Daryl Van Horne’ in “The Witches of Eastwick” and the Watermill Theatre, for which he received a TMA nomination for Best Actor, ‘Sam Michael’ in the national tour of “Mamma Mia!” and ‘Lex Hogan’ in “Eugenius!” at the Other Palace.

Richard Meek’s many credits include ‘Trevor Graydon’ in “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, ‘Brad’, ‘Eddie’ and ‘Dr Scott’ in “The Rocky Horror Show” and ‘Sir Galahad’ in “Spamalot”, all on national tour. He has also appeared as ‘Leo Bloom’ in the international tour of “The Producers” as well as ‘Dustin’ and ‘Greaseball’ in the 25th anniversary cast of “Starlight Express” in Bochum, Germany.

Jenny Gayner’s West End credits include ‘Miss Wilson’ in the original cast of “The Girls” at the Phoenix Theatre, ‘Hunyak’ in “Chicago” at the Adelphi, Cambridge and Garrick theatres and “Spamalot” at the Palace Theatre. Jenny has also appeared as ‘Lina Lamont’ in “Singin’ in the Rain” and ‘Brooke Windham’ in “Legally Blonde”, both at Kilworth House.

Carolyn Maitland reprises her performance as ‘Grace Farrell’ after playing the role in this production of “Annie” in Toronto. Her West End credits include ‘Ellen’ in “Miss Saigon” at the Prince Edward Theatre, ‘Marian’ in “The Woman in White” at the Charing Cross Theatre and “Groundhog Day” and “Kiss Me, Kate”, both at the Old Vic. Her other credits include ‘Molly’ in the national tour of “Ghost” and ‘Kathy Seldon’ in Singin’ in the Rain at Kilworth House. 

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…

With its award-winning book and score, this stunning new production includes the unforgettable songs ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and ‘Tomorrow’.

“ANNIE” has Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and a Book by Thomas Meehan. “ANNIE” is directed by Nikolai Foster with set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Richard Brooker. “ANNIE” is produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian.

Annie runs at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 23 July to Sunday 11 August. To book tickets visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge). 

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh – until 4th of May 2019.

Reviewed by Hannah Plumb

4****

Rock of Ages opens on the Sunset Strip in 1987, “a sexier time” according to the pieces energetic narrator Lonny (Lucas Rush). Rock of Ages is, at its heart, a classic love story set to the backdrop of a glam rock tribute. It features over 25 well known rock anthems which the band play with such skill that it will make you feel like you are attending a White Snakes concert from the opening number. 

The whole musical actually has the feel of a devilish rock panto rather than your typical musical. Lonny (Rush) almost seems like a cheeky fairy godmother, introducing the setting and the characters while playing and improvising with the audience. He tackles the role with the perfect balance of weirdness and excellent comic timing. 

The piece follows your will-they-won’t-they young lovers Sherrie (Jodie Steele) and Drew (Luke Walsh) as they navigate their growing infatuation throughout a period of turmoil and change. Walsh and Steele have fantastic chemistry and are incredibly talented performers whose sharp and powerful vocals really lead the cast. Other notable performances include Franz (Andrew Carthy) the son of the rigid European developer determined on turning the rock and roll strip into a clean and boring commercial area. His physical comedy and strong voice come together to make a memorable performance. 

The cast of Rock of Ages are all very talented performers who’s high energy create a fun and vibrant performance. The choreography is sharp but keeping with the rock vibes of the show and is executed effortlessly. The whole show is a lot of fun. However, there is some questionable moments involving the women in the show that can leave audience members a little uncomfortable. On top of that the German antagonists could be treated with more care (the robotic walking and salutes can be a bit much at points). 

Overall, the musical is a lot of fun and if you lean in to the madness and slightly eccentric panto vibes you will have a lot of fun and a good night out. 

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Full cast announced for searing satire
Kill Climate Deniers
Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF
Tuesday 4th – Friday 28th June 2019

Does the end justify the means?

Joining the cast of the European premiere of Kill Climate Deniers are Home and Away’s Kelly Paterniti as Bekken, the critically acclaimed stand-up Bec Hill as Catch and Coronation Street’s Hannah Ellis Ryan. Exploring in parallel a hostage situation as it teeters on the brink of calamity and what happened when writer David Finnigan first tried to stage this play, the production blends fact and fiction as Nathan Coenen stars as Finig (The Sleepover Club; Teen Wolf).

They will be seen alongside the previously announced Felicity Ward who will make her UK theatre debut as Environment Minister Gwen Malkin whose plan to stop climate change is rudely interrupted when a group of eco-terrorists storm Australia’s Parliament House during a Fleetwood Mac concert. A fun action piece wrapped in a TED talk, David Finnigan’s incendiary play Kill Climate Deniers has provoked, enraged and delighted audiences and critics alike.

After running close to the line of breaking the law in Australia against the reckless use of language to incite terrorism, prompting debate in state parliament about whether his government funding should be revoked, and being targeted by Breitbart and Infowars, David Finnigan has kindled outrage to spur people out of complacency – what would it take to get instant action to combat climate change? Terrorism and a hostage situation?

More than just a play about climate change and the end of civilisation as we know it, Kill Climate Deniers is about the power of echo chambers, about political division, about a public distrustful and disinterested in experts. This is a play about failing to talk about the issues that matter most; it features action sequences Sylvester Stallone would be proud of.

Director Nic Connaughton comments, With climate protests taking over the streets, schools, and even British Parliament, it feels right to be presenting the European premiere of David Finnigan’s brave, bold and darkly satiric play now. Whilst set within the specifics of the Australian climate change debate, it chillingly foreshadows where the public discourse in the UK could be headed. We have brought together an incredible cast of actors to bring out both the hilarity and the pathos of this startling and original new play, which is both a lesson and a warning

As part of the run at the Pleasance, there will be the Environmental Activism Post-Show Q&A on Wednesday 19th June with Extinction Rebellion and Greenpeace to discuss how to lobby for change as well as an EcoMarket on Saturday 15th June which will offer everything from sustainable clothes to eco-food. There will also be a post-show Q&A with the cast, with the creatives and a work-in-progress performance of Think Bigly about sustainability and how you, finance and policy can be part of the solution.

Yvonne Arnaud – until 4 May 2019

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

Writers Jack Milner and Mark Stevenson have combined all the essential elements of incongruity, improbability, stereotypes and exaggeration, to produce a classic British farce in all its glory. In the opening scene you are wondering why Seymour (Nick Hancock) doesn’t just call the police, when he discovers a burglar in his home. This is soon forgotten as you are drawn into the ever evolving, ridiculous dynamic between Hancock and Paul Bradley (Marvin Haynes: Burglar). A fantastical sting is set up in Seymour (Hancock) and Gloria Bignall’s (Carolyn Backhouse) front room that could make everyone lots of money, but it all hinges on a web of lies!

Like any good farce, Octopus Soup has dark undertones that convey a message. The context of the play is not lost on a discerning audience, highlighting parallels and overlaps between the two worlds of corporate business and organised crime. Sad to say, a relevance in today’s society that will never age. Alan (Eric Richard) and Virginia Whale (Gillian Bevan) were the stereotypical villains on both sides of the coin. It was interesting to note references to the stress this causes and its impact on mental well-being – also ageless. Some of this is portrayed by the hilarious melt downs Gloria Bignall (Carolyn Backhouse) has, starting from her first entrance!

Caught in the middle of the power struggle are little people trying to make their way in life, with ambition and ethical aspirations. Things that apparently make ordinary people do extraordinary things! We have Marvin the burglar’s (Bradley) laugh out loud malapropisms, alongside Seymour’s (Hancock) absurd efforts to pluck out of thin air alternative acronyms and translations, smoothing over the relationship between two worlds. Something that cleverly highlights the parallels and doomed to go very wrong!

The set can be mistaken for a hotel room initially, particularly with the trouser press scene. The players ability to smooth over the occasional unintended trip and prop faux pas was admirable, adding to the humour.

The addition of Terry the octopus takes this farce to a whole new level. The reason for its inclusion unveils itself in the second act. Terry is the trigger that brings the whole sham tumbling down! Great dynamic between the actors and ace direction from Joe Harmston.