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

Tickets on general sale: Saturday 18 May

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets go on general sale on Saturday 18 May.

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

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

MUCH ANTICIPATED LEAD ROLE OF

JERRY SPRINGER IN MUSICAL ANNOUNCED

Actor Michael Howe steps into the shoes of

Jerry Springer in revival of iconic theatre show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website: hopemilltheatre.co.uk

Facebook: /Jerry Springer Manchester      

Twitter: @JSTOMANC #JERRYJERRY

LISTING INFORMATION

JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA

Dates: Thursday 8 August – Saturday 31 August 2019

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

Hope Mill Theatre

113 Pollard Street,

Manchester,

M4 7JA

HOW TO BOOK

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

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

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

The Actor’s Nightmare

By Christopher Durang

16 July– 10 Aug 2019 | Park Theatre

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.parktheatre.co.uk

Box office: 020 7870 6876*

FIRST MAJOR REVIVAL OF CHLOE MOSS’S

HOW LOVE IS SPELT

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE 4^th-28^th SEPTEMBER

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

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

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

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

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh – until 18 May 2019

Reviewed by James Knight

4****

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

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

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

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

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

Wales Millennium Centre – until 18 May 2019

Reviewed by Alex Browning

5*****

“An absolute showstopper”

The performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat was a absolute showstopper from start to finish. The introduction began with a fantastic rendition from the band, who were exceptional through the whole performance. The curtains open to a choir of children and an opening number from Trina Hill as the Narrator. Jacob and sons are swiftly introduced and a group number was soon unfolding, Joseph, the favourite son, was slowly introduced to be an amazing singer, with vocals from pop band Union J’s Jaymi Hensley, and as Joseph he did not disappoint.

The first half of the performance was everything I wanted it to be and more and with a large build up there was much awaited second half after a short interval. You are welcomed back into the second half of the performance with an amazing performance from the Children’s Choir, from Mark Jermin Stage School. The second half featured amazing choreography and also featured more songs in which Jacob’s other sons got the opportunity to shine, Matt Jolly as Gad was a personal favourite with a standout performance.

Overall this production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat was incredible and featured some absolutely incredible performers, it will leave you tapping your toes and wanting to sing for days.

London Coliseum – until 8 June 2019

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

Michael Linnit and Michael Grade bring Man of La Mancha back to London for the first time since 1968, and have thrown everything, including the kitchen sink, at this production to make it a success. Ultimately, there is nothing that can rescue this show from its awkward and dated book.

The story of Don Quixote is an old favourite, and writer David Wasserman has Miguel de Cervantes (Kelsey Grammar) and his faithful servant Sancho Panza (Peter Polycarpou) thrown into prison as they await their trial by the Spanish Inquisition. To stop the prisoners burning his precious manuscript, Cervantes mounts his defence in this informal court by enlisting the prisoners and performing the story of Don Quixote. The classic story of the delusional old man who believes himself a knight errant, tilting at windmills and wooing the virtuous Lady Dulcinea.

The set – apparently representing the bombed-out basement of a museum, and the costumes of the prisoners give the opening a futuristic dystopic vibe, which is a little confusing after the stirring overture from the ENO orchestra. I was expecting Snake Plissken to burst in at any moment. When the prisoners start putting on Cervantes’ costumes, the mood lightens and the show builds some momentum, but the lines the cast must work with are very hit and miss. Peter Polycarpou milks every bit of comedy and pathos from his role, and Nicholas Lyndhurst is terrific as the squiffy innkeeper, but even their acting chops can’t save the show. Kelsey Grammar has a fine voice but hasn’t the power or charisma to carry the show, seeming physically ill at ease as he moves around the stage. The role of Aldonza/Dulcinea is shared by Danielle de Niese and Cassidy Janson – I saw Janson and she gives a passionate and energetic performance, capturing the fatalism of Aldonza as she is used and abused by men until Don Quixote shows her honour and respect.

There are some odd choices that jar – the strange prison setting, the Muslim prisoner becoming the Padre, Janson as a Spanish serving girl with a strong Scottish accent, the inclusion of the overlong and frankly unnecessary “abduction” of Aldonza by the muleteers – basically gang rape as a ballet – and the casting of Grammar.

Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion’s music and lyrics are wonderful, full of flamenco rhythms and instantly familiar as so many artists have performed them over the years. The weakest link is the most famous song from the show – The Impossible Dream – it really doesn’t gel with the rest of the score, and Grammer’s delivery is frankly underwhelming (I went home and listened to the Carter USM version instead), although the final rendition by the prisoners reaches the levels of emotion needed.

This is definitely not a great musical – more of a curiosity – but the wonderful music carries the show along, and it is an enjoyable night out with some excellent performances.

First look at Birmingham Hippodrome and Curve’s

co-production of THE COLOR PURPLE
 

Introducing

T’SHAN WILLIAMS AS CELIE

The first images of Birmingham Hippodrome and Leicester Curve’s production of Tony Award-winning Broadway production The Color Purple have been released, with T’Shan Williams set to take the role of Celie. This brand new production comes to Birmingham Hippodrome from 16th – 20th July 2019.

T’Shan Williams joins the cast as heroine Celie. T’Shan’s previous credits include Heather Duke in Heathers The Musical (Theatre Royal, Haymarket & The Other Palace); Caroline, or Change (Hampstead Theatre) and Queen in The Life (Southwark Playhouse) for which she won the Off-West End award for Best Female in a Musical.

She joins the previously announced cast including Joanna Francis as Shug Avery, Ako Mitchell as Mister, Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Mister’s son Harpo, Karen Mavundukure as his wife Sophia, Danielle Fiamanya as Celie’s sister Nettie and Delroy Brown as Pa.

The cast is completed by Geoff Aymer, Owen Chaponda, Perola Congo, KM Drew Boateng, Danielle Kassaraté, Anelisa Lamola, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy, Landi Oshinowo and Jo Servi.

Directed by Tinuke Craig, The Color Purple is filled with a soul-raising musical score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues. The landmark musical, from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel, classic hit film and Tony Award-winning production on Broadway, follows heroine Celie as she discovers her own identity and power over the course of 40 years in 19th century southern America.

The Color Purple comes to Birmingham Hippodrome from 16th – 20th July 2019. To book visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge). 

Creative Team

Director Tinuke Craig 
Set & Costume Designer Alex Lowde 
Musical Supervisor and Musical Director Alex Parker 
Orchestrator Martin Higgins 
Choreographer Mark Smith 
Lighting Designer Joshua Pharo 
Sound Designer Tom Marshall 
Hair & Make-up Designer Cynthia De La Rosa 
Casting Director Kay Magson CDG 
Co-producers Birmingham Hippodrome and Curve

York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 18th May 2019

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s comedy about love and treachery, has been reimagined by Northern Broadsides in conjunction with the New Vic Theatre. Currently playing in York as part of its UK tour, ending next week in Harrogate, before opening the Shakespeare Festival in Germany in June.

Set in 1945 after six long years of fighting, World War Two is finally over. Set in Messina, servicemen in British RAF uniforms are returning from the battlefields, land girls working in the fields, and in the air, is hope, optimism, and much needed laughter. Two young dreamers, Hero and Claudio, fall head over heels, whilst Benedick and Beatrice have a love hate relationship, who are then tricked into declaring love for one another. Yet amid all this hope, treachery is afoot, a vengeful brother plotting the downfall of the Prince, Don Pedro. How will it all end, can true love overcome, or will gossip and rumour win out?

Sarah Kemeela Impey as Hero and Linford Johnson as Claudio are sweet as the young, innocent couple, before heartbreak descends. Robin Simpson as Benedick and Isobel Middleton as Beatrice are the complete opposite. Their relationship is hilarious and you just know what will happen after their distaste for each over. They had great chemistry together when they were at loggerheads, and the scenes when they were both set up gave the audience laughs aplenty. I must say that the star of the show was Simpson, his acting was brilliant and he showed great comic timing. His interaction with the audience had us all laughing and even had the rest of the cast couldn’t help themselves. Brilliant.

The production is interspersed with music, the cast breaking into song and a band of musicians popping up playing various instruments. By no means is this production a musical, but the music is certainly a key element in the story telling. It showcased the multi-talented cast in how adaptable they were.

The staging and props were very simple, in fact the staging didn’t alter at all, just the props, a few chairs, newspapers and buckets and not much else to be honest, but that is all that was needed.

I have seen a few of Shakespeare’s plays now and I have a bit of a love, hate relationship with them. I have come to the conclusion that I’m not so keen on the more serious wordy plays, but I enjoy the comedies. I have never read the play or seen it in theatre or even in film and had no idea of the story beforehand, so was unsure of what to expect. At just short of three hours long I did not hold up much hope, I honestly thought I would flag, how wrong I was, it was a superb show. At times I was crying with laughter. Could it have been shorter? Maybe, but the time flew by and I was thoroughly captivated by the whole tale.

This production is a great introduction to Shakespeare, with great comic relief but with a darker element. Catch it whilst you can and be captivated just as I was.

Applications open today for first of two major new theatre commissioning programmes from HOME, Manchester 

HOME has announced that it will be working with Trafalgar Entertainment Group on a major new commissioning opportunity for theatre-makers wanting to expand their practice.

The HOME 2020 Commission provides a rare opportunity for theatre makers who have been working in smaller spaces to make a step change in their careers. Through an open call out to any artist who has been producing work at a small scale for at least three years, HOME and TEG will provide a full commission and comprehensive development opportunities.

Following a bespoke residency and intensive periods of R&D, HOME will then commit to premiering the new production in its 500 seat theatre.

The first HOME 2020 Commission is specifically for theatre-makers who make musicals or plays with music. There will be a further HOME 2020 Commission announced later in the year, which will be delivered in partnership with English Touring Theatre.

HOME’s Director & CEO Dave Moutrey said:

“All too frequently some of the most pioneering artists can find themselves ghettoised in terms of scale and budget. The larger stages in our institutions often feel like the domain of a limited number of practitioners. With the HOME 2020 Commission we want to provide a critical step-change in practice for theatre-makers to create on a bigger scale, and make work for a larger audience.” 

The HOME 2020 Commission is just part of a new artistic approach which will see HOME provide opportunities for artists to take a step-up in scale. This will include a new show by acclaimed cabaret artists Bourgois and Maurice, which will form part of the programme next year. Moutrey believes presenting this as an “open call” to artists is critical:

“Speaking to artists from across the country, its not just the lack of opportunities to develop their practice that cause frustration – but that they only feel available for closed networks. We want to be clear that the HOME 2020 Commission is an open call to artists from across the country to make a show on our T1 stage. We want to meet new people, and discover new talent. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.”

Sir Howard Panter, Joint CEO and Creative Director for Trafalgar Entertainment, said; “We’re delighted to be supporting the HOME 2020 Commission in discovering and developing home grown productions in Manchester, a city already bursting with creativity as a result of its incredible cultural heritage. We are huge admirers of the work HOME has been doing to unearth and nurture new talent and are very excited about the projects we expect to emerge. We share HOME’s commitment to helping artists make the difficult jump to the next stage in their careers and hope, ultimately, that both projects and artists involved in the initiative will soon be playing on our stages in London’s Trafalgar Studios and further afield as well.” 

This spirit of open opportunity for artists is also a key feature of all HOME’s artistic opportunities. Earlier this month HOME launched a new round of Made at HOME funds, open applications for artists to access funding and support to explore and develop ideas and platform them at HOME.

Applications open today, Monday 13 May until Monday 10th June. Commissions will be announced in July.

More information on the HOME 2020 Commission, including how to apply can be foundhomemcr.org/opportunity/home-2020-commission