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FAULTY TOWERS THE DINING EXPERIENCE

13 YEARS IN THE WEST END…WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

THOUSANDS OF TICKETS RELEASED FOR LONDON AND UK RESIDENCIES IN 2025

https://www.interactivetheatre.com.au/faulty-towers-the-dining-experience

SOME PEOPLE JUST DON’T GET IT: CLICK HERE!

[Friday 13 September 2024] On the most auspicious day of the year, Artistic Director Alison Pollard-Mansergh, Producer Jared Harford, and the whole team at Interactive Theatre International are proud to announce that Faulty Towers The Dining Experience – the multi award-winning global phenomenon that offers an experience like no other, set in the iconic Fawlty Towers hotel – is releasing thousands of new tickets for 2025, as it heads into its 13^th year in London.

Audiences can enjoy a quintessentially British experience as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up theatre and chaos alongside a 70s-style 3-course meal at the President Hotel, right in the heart of Bloomsbury, London, where the trio have spent over a decade setting West End records for longest running immersive experience, longest running show based on a TV series, and the longest running Fawlty Towers show of any kind worldwide!

Tickets go on sale today for the President Hotel (9 January to 21 December 2025). [LINK] – To reflect increased demand, from 5 February performances will increase from 5 to 7 per week, with Wednesday and Sunday evening shows now added to the weekly schedule.

As well as constantly touring round the UK, the show has also enjoyed a series of sell out sit down residencies in major UK cities during 2023 – 24. Return dates for spring 2025 residencies are also on sale today.

13 – 23 February voco Manchester

27 February – 2 March Novotel Bristol Centre

6 – 9 March Northampton Town Centre Hotel

11 – 16 March Birmingham Council House

20 – 23 March York Pavilion

25 – 30 March Royal Station Hotel Newcastle

Producer Jared Harford said, “We continue to be thrilled and humbled by the global success of Faulty Towers The Dining Experience. With such renewed interest and demand out there for Fawlty Towers, we’re so pleased to be extending our London season into our 13^th year, and once again have an extensive UK tour planned. 13 has always been my lucky number, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue brining Britain’s most loved hoteliers to life in our largest season yet!”

In October 2009, the show played its first performance in London: a sold-out weekend in Covent Garden. The next two years saw sold -out summer seasons of six weeks. Then, in 2012, the show opened its first London West End residency at Charing Cross Hotel (now Amba Hotel Charing Cross). Since opening, the cast have performed to notable guests including Fawlty Towers’ very own Andrew Sachs, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, and England footballer Joe Cole, as well as taking a pop-up version of their restaurant on the London Underground and to a sold-out Royal Albert Hall.

In 2019, the one millionth guest welcomed through the door at Edinburgh Festival Fringe – celebrations include bagpipes and Champagne!

In 2022, the show moved from the Raddison Blu Edwardian to the President Hotel in Bloomsbury, and the show celebrated its 25^th anniversary worldwide, as well as ten years in London.

for the critically acclaimed international immersive dining phenomenon that recently celebrated its fifteen year in the UK and more than twenty five years worldwide,

Devised by Alison Pollard-Mansergh, Andrew Foreman and others, the show has been touring the UK and internationally since 2008, having appeared in 43 countries to date, and employing 56 actors per season. The show has toured to over 1000 venues, with approximately 400 shows per year on average across the UK. A loving tribute to the BBC’s classic TV series, the show has been seen by over a million people worldwide since the very first show at the Ridges Hotel in Brisbane on 24 April 1997.

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is a loving tribute to Fawlty Towers. Faulty Towers The Dining Experience uses scripts and a dining experience format devised by Imagination Workshop Pty Limited and is not endorsed in any way by John Cleese or Connie Booth.

For more information on the show visit www.faultytowersdining.com

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF REYKJAVIK BY RICHARD BEAN DIRECTED BY EMILY BURNS

18 OCTOBER – 23 NOVEMBER

Hampstead Theatre today announces casting for the world premiere of Reykjavik, a new play by Richard Bean and directed by Emily Burns. The production will run from 18 October to 23 November.

John Hollingworth (Poldark, Napoleon) will play trawler owner Donald Claxton. He will be joined by Sophie Cox whois making her professional London stage debut; Matthew Durkan (Daddy Issues, BBC; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, The Old Vic); Laura Elsworthy (Corrina, Corrina, Headlong and Liverpool Everyman); Paul Hickey (Brokeback Mountain, Soho Place; House of the Dragon, HBO); Adam Hugill (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Sheffield Theatre; Sherwood, BBC)and Matt Sutton (Big Big Sky,Hampstead Theatre).

February 1975. In freezing weather off the coast of Iceland, the sidewinder Graham Greene ices up, heels over, and sinks in seconds, taking fifteen of her crew with her. Such are the realities of the brutal world of trawler fishing. On impulse, despised trawler-owner Donald Claxton flies to Reykjavik to see the survivors, setting in train an evening of drinking, horseplay, romance and story-telling that will change all their lives forever.

Richard Bean revisits Hull’s Distant Water trawling fleet that gave him his 2005 hit Under the Whaleback. His other plays include To Have and To Hold, Kiss Me and In the Club at Hampstead, and One Man, Two Guvnors and Jack Absolute Flies Again at the National Theatre.Hull tralwrer

Director Emily Burns makes her Hampstead Theatre debut. Her previous productions have included Dear Octopus and Jack Absolute Flies Again (National Theatre) and Love’s Labour’s Lost (RSC).

The production team, led by Emily Burns, includes designer Anna Reid, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, sound designer Christopher Shutt, composer Grant Olding, dialect Mary Howland and fight director MC_Combat (Maisie Carter). The Casting Director is Bryony Jarvis-Taylor.

Reykjavik plays the Main Stage at Hampstead Theatre from 18 October to 23 November. Tickets are on sale now at hampsteadtheatre.com.

BUSH THEATRE – UNTIL 26th OCTOBER 2024

Reviewed by Jackie Thornton

4****

Can friendships forged in childhood make it through the trials and tribulations of adulthood when life comes to get you? That’s the question preoccupying award-winning playwright WALEED AKHTAR (The P Word) in his latest drama making its debut at the Bush Theatre.

Skilfully directed by ANTHONY SIMPSON-PIKE, it follows British Pakistani best friends ZAID and NEELAM from drug-taking, partying 19-year-olds in 2006 to grown ups with careers and responsibilities at 36 in the present day. With jibes at the entrenched racism and classism of the British theatre industry as well society at large, this witty, moving and provocative play glides so seamlessly across time that the ending kind of sneaks up on you.

NATHANIEL CURTIS takes on the role of aspiring playwright Zaid with cheekiness, charm and an endearing dose of naivety as we wonder if he’ll ever gain the courage to come out to his conservative parents let alone introduce his white and considerably older lover JEREMY (ANTHONY HOWELL). Zaid’s partner in crime, Neelam is played with a steely and determined grit by MARIAM HAQUE, so adept at conjuring up a forced smile, as she faces presenting her Black British Nigerian partner DEJI (NNABIKO EJIMOFOR) to her devout Muslim family. Zaid and Neelam are so tactile and at ease with each other that we root for them like they were lovers, leaving Jeremy and Deji to play second fiddle, which naturally becomes the source of much conflict.

A simple circular pit set and minimal costume changes by ANISHA FIELDS ensures the spotlight is always on the performers while contemporary indie tunes are blasted in and a backdrop intermittently signalling the ages of our beloved characters perfectly situates us in time.

This story charting friendships across youth and towards middle age is warm yet spiky, familiar yet devastating and will certainly leave you wanting more

Grand Opera House York – until Saturday 21st September 2024

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

I was lucky enough to attend the rocking Grand Opera House York, for York Stage’s opening night, of their latest production, School of Rock: The Musical, based on the 2003 film of the same name, book by Julian Fellow, lyrics by Glenn Slater and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. With some huge names in the entertainment world, plus the added bonus of being performed by the wonderful York Stage, it certainly promised to be a great night.

Opening with a performance from rock band ‘No Vacancy’, we are introduced to Dewey Finn (Finn East), the guitarist. With his over-the-top eagerness, he just can’t help himself in morphing into his rock god persona, which should never be seen in public, throwing shade on the rest of the band. Finding himself ditched by the band, penniless and the threat of being kicked out by his best friend Ned Schneebly (James Robert Ball), Dewey can’t resist an unexpected opportunity. Impersonating Ned, a teacher, to cover at the prestigious Horace Green. Thinking he can just coast by, letting the kids take permanent recess, his attitude changes when he hears them taking classical music lessons. What follows is an education in rock’n’roll, with one aim, entering Battle of the Bands and getting one over his old band ‘No Vacancy’.

East is magnificent as Dewey, with strong comparisons to Jack Black, who played the original Dewey in the film, he encapsulates the role perfectly. East puts his stamp and throws himself into the role, with his personality and comedic timing. Managing to make loser, into a hero, who not only teaches the kids, but also grows into a man with a purpose in life. Despite his bad habits and failings, but with the progress he makes, you can’t help but rooting for the loveable Dewey.

The young, super talented kids are truly excellent. Led by some truly gifted musicians, guitarist Zack (Charlie Jewison), Lawrence (Daniel Tomlin) on keyboard, Katie (Matilda Park) on bass and Freddie (Zach Denison) on drums. All the band were sensational, with some great ‘rock’ faces, who not only play live, but act, sing and dance as well. They are joined by an ensemble, who perform on rotation. I watched Team Gibson, and I have no doubt that Team Fender would be just as excellent. Shout out to the sass of Theo Rae playing stylist Billy. I cannot express fully, how fabulous each and every one of them were.

The grownups were the cherry on the cake. Couple Ned and Patty (Amy Barrett), squabbling over Dewey, prim and proper Principal Mullins (Megan Waite), plus the ensemble playing numerous roles. The show is also supported by a live band playing in boxes at the side of the stage.

The show is packed full of numbers, my favourites were, Waite’s Where Did The Rock Go, what a sensational voice, Amazing Grace sung by Eady Mensah as Tomika, I had goosebumps, and Stick It To The Man, such a catchy tune sung with vigour by Dewey and the students.

We did encounter some sound issues, with dialogue being lost and at times the music drowned out some of the vocals. Hopefully this can be improved over the run.

School of Rock is engaging and full of infectious energy, with some super talented youngsters, I am in awe. Make sure you get out and support this awesome cast, you will not be disappointed.

York Stage have once again hit the mark with School of Rock. Time and time again they elevate the standard of amateur theatre. With this show they have certainly built this city on rock‘n’roll.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

GHOST IN CONCERT

AT THE ADELPHI THEATRE

ON TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2024

Olivier Award-winning producer, Colin Ingram, the original West End and Broadway producer of the smash-hit musical GHOST,is delighted to announce the full cast for the one-off special concert at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End at 8pm on Tuesday 1 October 2024.

Joining the previously announced Lucie Jones as Molly and Oliver Tompsett as Sam, will be original Broadway cast member Moya Angela (America’s Got Talent, The Lion King and Dreamgirls) as Oda Mae Brown, David Seadon-Young (Ghost the Musical National/Australian Tour) as Carl Bruner, Sam Mackay (In the Heights, Mamma Mia!) as Willie Lopez and original West End cast members Lisa Davina Phillip (The Lion King, Matilda the Musical) and Jenny Fitzpatrick (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Rock of Ages UK Tour), who will reprise their roles as Clara and Louise. Completing the cast will be Gabriela García as Mrs Santiago/Featured Ensemble, Kimmy Edwards as Ortisha/Ensemble, C.J. Borger as Orlando/Ensemble, and Ensemble members Michael Cortez and Stevie Hutchinson.

GHOST IN CONCERT will be directed by original associate director Paul Warwick Griffin, with musical supervision by Laurie Perkins, video design by Jon Driscoll, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound by Jav Pando, choreography by Ashley Wallen, costume supervision by Sharon Williams and casting by David Grindrod Casting.

Producer Colin Ingram said, “I am delighted to be bringing GHOST THE MUSICAL back in a new format for this one-off performance, so audiences can enjoy some of the incredible music that Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard wrote over ten years ago and which has now been produced in over 20 countries, from Brazil to Hungary. I’m so happy to have Oliver Tompsett play Sam Wheat, after he helped develop the role in workshops, and for Lucie Jones to return as Molly, after playing the role in China and South East Asia. I’m thrilled that some of our original cast members, including Moya Angela from our run on Broadway and Lisa Davina Philip and Jenny Fitzpatrick from London, will be joining us, alongside the brilliant David Seadon-Young, who played Carl on the National Tour, Sam Mackay as Willie Lopez and a hugely talented ensemble from across the West End.”

Tony and Olivier Award-nominated GHOST THE MUSICAL first premiered at Manchester’s Opera House in March 2011, before transferring to London’s Piccadilly Theatre for its West End debut in July of the same year. The musical later transferred to Broadway in 2012, receiving three Tony Award nominations, and later embarked on a UK Tour in 2013. An official Original London Cast Recording was released in 2012, which has had over 10 million streams and purchases.

Based on Bruce Joel Rubin’s 1990 Oscar-winning hit film starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, GHOST IN CONCERT will feature and focus on the music from the Olivier- and Tony-nominated show, written by six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard and multi Grammy Award-winning Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, including the much loved With You,which has featured on Britain’s Got Talent, America’s Got Talent and The X Factor, alongside the iconic Unchained Melody.

GHOST tells the story oflovers Sam and Molly, who find themselves in danger walking back to their apartment one night, leaving Sam tragically murdered and trapped between this world and the next. Unable to leave Molly and worried about the ongoing peril she now faces, Sam attempts to communicate with her through the help of dubious psychic Oda Mae Brown.

GHOST THE MUSICAL has been produced in 20 countries across the world, including Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Australia, Japan, Denmark, South Korea, Singapore and Dubai, alongside two UK National Tours and a North American Tour. 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

GHOST IN CONCERT

1 October 2024

Adelphi Theatre

Strand

Covent Garden

London WC2R 0NS

Performance at 8pm

Box Office: 020 3925 2998 

Website: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/ghost-in-concert/
Instagram / Facebook / X: @GhostTheConcert

Garrick Theatre, London – until 13 February 2025

Reviewed by Emily Smith

5*****

From the writers of the hugely successful musical, SIX, comes the brand new ‘big, fancy’ musical Why Am I So Single? which has burst onto London’s West End, complete with an impressive pink sparkly sign.

Without spoilers, this is a musical about writing a musical. Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss take the audience on a journey of their self-discovery by revisiting their own dating histories to try and find out why they are so single. While this, as a plot, doesn’t sound like much, somehow Marlow and Moss have managed to make an entire musical out of this concept, and there’s plenty of musical numbers, jokes and cut-scenes to keep the audience entertained throughout! There is a mixture of narration show-tune flashbacks, and audience interaction as the fourth wall is broken and rebuilt throughout. I really enjoyed this, especially because it is so different to other shows.

The musical numbers in this show are very well-written and apt, with plenty of pop culture references. The catchy number 8 Dates is an early audience favourite and had me wishing I could dance with the cast, rather than just bop along in my seat. The late 90s and 00s references brought plenty of nostalgia, with these influences being carefully crafted into the songs themselves, with nods to artists such as Blink 182, Shakira and Flo Rida. I also couldn’t write this review without also mentioning the fantastic number, Interlude in B minor, but you’ll have to see the show to find out why! There were also plenty of references to other musicals, from the obvious Oliver! to references to Les Misérables, Wicked and of course SIX – the Musical. I almost saw it as a challenge to try to spot them all, which I am sure will please fellow musical theatre lovers!

Jo Foster was absolutely brilliant as Oliver – they are a star! Jo has a fantastic vocal range, bringing great diversity to the role and getting plenty of laughs from the audience. That being said, Jo also delivered an emotionally-charged performance in their standout number, Disco Ball. Leesa Tulley was also a fantastic leading lady in the role of Nancy. For me, some of the songs had some hesitant, or slower beginnings, but I was pleasantly surprised each time at how they built into the type of musical numbers that we all love. This was particularly true of Leesa’s number Just In Case, where it was clear to see her confidence building throughout the song, to the point that by the end the audience were mesmerized and captivated by her incredible vocals. Noah Thomas (Artie) was also fantastic, particularly when leading the catchy number, C U Never. The entire ensemble were also fantastic – delivering flawless choreography and vocals.

The set design (by Moi Tran) is relatively simple, formed of freestanding walls with cut-out windows, a sofa and coffee table, moveable doorways, and with the band on stage on an upper level. Because of this, the use of the ensemble as (usually) inanimate household objects and furniture such as fridges, bins, coat stands, and footstools was very clever and brought its own comedic value to the show, and it helps that these costumes were very cleverly designed.

I think it is important to acknowledge that I most definitely fit into this show’s ‘target audience’ – born in the 90s, with experience of online dating, meaning the plentiful pop culture references and humour brought to online dating experiences were relatable. While I am sure older and younger audiences alike would still appreciate the show, it may be said that some of the references or relatability would be lost. Despite this, the underlying story of platonic love and self-exploration feel incredibly genuine and you can’t help but fall in love with these two friends.

This feel-good show had us laughing throughout – at the jokes, clever plays on words, and innuendo – and it is complete with catchy show tunes and a standout cast. For anyone who has grown up in the 90s and 00s, this is a must-see!

RIVERSIDE STUDIOS – UNTIL 26th OCTOBER 2024

Reviewed by Jackie Thornton

5*****

The award-winning play which inspired the Netflix comedy is back by popular demand and it’s easy to see why as playwright INS CHOI takes the titular role and has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. Kim, or Appa as he’s affectionately known, the ageing Korean immigrant whose identity in Canada has been forged by the convenience store he’s toiled in for 30 years, is as effortlessly funny while bickering with his adult daughter JANET(JENNIFER KIM), who has dreams of becoming a photographer, as he is interacting with thieving customers. He’s developed his own hilarious system of criminal profiling over the years that speaks volumes about western society.

A colourful and realistic set by MONA CAMILLE brings us right into the daily grind of running a store. Apart from a brief interlude in front of an equally bold stained glass church window where Kim’s wife Umma (NAMJU GO) secretly meets with their estranged son JUNG (EDWARD WU), it’s where all of the action takes place over just one hectic day.

Intergenerational conflict is further introduced as Kim contemplates his retirement and what will become of the store. MILES MITCHELL is wonderfully adaptable as he takes on the roles of various customers before settling in to play Black police officer and blast from the past MIKE, a childhood friend of Jung who has designs on Janet. There’s also some highly entertaining physical comedy powered by Choi, Kim and Mitchell which contrasts nicely with the calmer performances of Wu and Go.

Direction from ESTHER JUN, who’s been involved with the show since its conception nearly 20 years ago and has also previously played Janet, ensures that its core – a love letter to the strength, weakness and complexity of first immigrant parents – remains intact. Indeed, what shines through in this production is the antagonism between self-sacrifice and the threat of losing identity. Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity to laugh, cry and cheer, hanging out with cantankerous Kim in his convenience store

THE FIRST EVER UK TOUR OF

DEAR EVAN HANSEN

WILL PERFORM THREE NUMBERS

FROM THE

BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION

OVER TIKTOK LIVE

AT 1.00PM ON SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

The brand-new production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning Best Musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN will hold a TikTok LIVE at 1.00pm on Saturday 14 September, in which the cast and band will perform three numbers from the upcoming tour. tiktok.com/@dehuktour

The livestream will feature studio performances of Waving Through A Window (performed by Ryan Kopel), Good for You (performed by Alice Fearn, Vivian Panka, Tom Dickerson and Ryan Kopel) and You Will Be Found (performed by the full company).

Directed by Nottingham Playhouse’s Artistic Director Adam Penford, DEAR EVAN HANSEN opened at the Nottingham Playhouse on 9 September 2024, where it plays until 28 September, ahead of a UK tour.

Ryan Kopel (Newsies) plays the iconic role of Evan Hansen, alongside Lauren Conroy (Into The Woods)as Zoe Murphy and Alice Fearn (Wicked, Come From Away) as Evan’s mum, Heidi.

They are joined by Helen Anker (Mamma Mia!) as Cynthia Murphy, Richard Hurst (The Lion King) as Larry Murphy, Killian Thomas Lefevre (Bat Out Of Hell) as Connor Murphy, Tom Dickerson (Heathers)as Jared Kleinman, Vivian Panka (9 to 5 the Musical) as Alana Beck and Sonny Monaghan (discovered via TikTok) as alternate Evan.

This is the first production of Dear Evan Hansen in the UK to perform the show with an ensemble. The ensemble are Lara Beth-Sas, Will Forgrave, Daniel Forrester, Jessica Lim, Sonny Monaghan and Elise Zavou.

Morgan Large is Set and Costume Designer (Newsies, Sister Act), with Carrie-Anne Ingrouille as Choreographer (Six, Zoo Nation), Matt Daw as Lighting Designer (Pet Shop Boys, Lorde), Tom Marshall as Sound Designer (West Side Story, Sister Act), Ravi Deepres as Video Designer (School for Scandal, Woolf Works), Matt Smith as Musical Supervisor (Dear Evan Hansen, My Neighbour Totoro), Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion & Natalie Gallacher Casting as casting director (Mean Girls, MJ The Musical, Moulin Rouge), Michelle Payne as Associate Director and Laura Llewellyn-Jones as Orchestral Manager.

Packed with some of the biggest musical theatre songs of the last decade, DEAR EVAN HANSEN has a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Oscar-winning composers for The Greatest Showman) and a book by Steven Levenson. Its many awards include the Tony® Award for Best Musical, Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Today is going to be a good day. And here’s why…

Meet Evan: an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to fit in. The thing is, on his way to fitting in, he didn’t tell the whole truth. And now must give up on a life he never dreamt he’d have. As events spiral and the truth comes out, Evan faces a reckoning with himself and everyone around him.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN is presented by ATG Productions and Nottingham Playhouse by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

MEDIA STATEMENT

Please see a special statement from Mrs Doubtfire:

“Following lots of speculation in the gossip columns, I have decided to make the following statement to the press. 

I have made it known loudly that I’ve had a lovely time here in London. I have loved that so many parents made my show their choice for their children’s first visit to the theatre, but I’m starting to get itchy feet dears  – so the time has come to have a little VaCAY.  I’ve decided I’m going to take myself on a world tour – like Taylor Swift – but with bigger corsets.

Fear not though poppets, I won’t be leaving London just yet, you can catch me here at The Shaftesbury Theatre until April 26^th – see you soon dears!”

Mrs Doubtfire The Musical has extended booking and will continue to play at The Shaftesbury Theatre, London until a final performance on Saturday 26 April 2025. Visit www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk

Forthcoming engagements of Mrs Doubtfire The Musical will be announced in due course.

Broadway, West End and The Greatest Showman star
Keala Settle
will lead the cast in the UK premiere of the musical
FLY MORE THAN YOU FALL

Southwark Playhouse Elephant
18th October- 23rd November

Tony nominated Broadway star Keala Settle is to lead the cast in the UK premiere of the new US musical Fly More Than You Fall at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 18th October- 23rd November.

Based on lived experiences the uplifting and inspiring show navigates grief with some incredible songs that are bound to get stuck in your head! This isn’t just a musical, it’s a journey that will break your heart and mend it all in one night.

Keala achieved global fame as the bearded lady Lettie Lutz in the film The Greatest Showman. Her moving rendition of the anthem ‘This is Me’ was a standout song in the movie, going on to win the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and a video on YouTube has now been watched 82m times. She will also appear as Miss Coddle in the film adaptation of Wicked later this year.

On Broadway she made her debut in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, played Madame Thenardier in Les Misérables and originated the role of Becky in Waitress, she played Tracy Turnblad in the US national tour of Hairspray, Bloody Mary in the Lincoln Center production of South Pacific, made her West End debut as Angélique in & Juliet and co-starred with Jennifer Saunders in Sister Act. She was recently unmasked as “Air Fryer” taking fifth place in The Masked Singer UK.

Keala said today: “I’m thrilled to be a part of this beautifully uplifting story. It’s such a testament to the strength and compassion of the human spirit and the freedom that resides within us all.”

When Malia’s mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer, her life is thrown into turmoil. As she navigates  Following her Mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis Malia’s life is thrown into turmoil. Yet as she navigates the next stage of her own life, Malia finds solace and strength in her writing and in her stories, Malia creates an imaginative world where a brave bird named Willow mirrors her own journey of resilience and growth.

Through the support of her friends, the guidance of her family, and her own inner resolve (along with a banging soundtrack), Malia learns to face her fears and embrace hope, discovering that even in the darkest times, we can find the courage to soar.

In a society that doesn’t talk about grief we may all feel alone at times – Fly More Than You Fall gives us all a chance to lift each other and heal together with Malia.

Fly More Than You Fall, with Book & Lyrics by Eric Holmes (TV’s The Good Fight, Smash), Music & Lyrics by Nat Zegree, will be directed by Christian Durham.

More cast to be announced

Creative team:
Director Christian Durham
Associate Director Georgie Rankcom
Movement Director Heather Douglas
Orchestrations & Arrangements Daniel Edmonds
General Manager  James Steel Productions
Casting Director Pearson Casting CDG
Lead Producer Marc David Levine

Eric Holmes and Nat Zegree both lost a parent to cancer at an early age and the writers have poured their personal grief and pain into this emotionally charged, uplifting musical. Holmes said: “We created the show because we needed the show. Nat and I had been wanting to write about our experiences of losing our parents at a very young age. Anyone who’s lost someone knows that with grief, there’s no time limit. It’s not three months and you’re out. You’re grieving the loss of a parent or any loved one for the rest of your life.”

Fly More Than You Fall is being lead produced by Tony & Olivier Award winner Marc David Levine  (Hadestown, Company, Merrily We Roll Along, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical).

Multiple award-winner Eric Holmes was a writer on the critically acclaimed TV series The Good Fight  for four seasons. His musical Wild About You, with a score by Chilina Kennedy, played two sold out concerts at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane earlier this year.  His new musical with Chilina Kennedy and Daniel Edmonds is releasing a concept album later this year. His musical Born Country, that he wrote with his wife Erin Holmes, received a NYC workshop in 2024. Other credits include: Smash (NBC).

Nat Zegree has been playing piano since he was three years old. A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Nat performs one man shows and concerts across the country. Nat is also a writer/composer and recording artist. His original album Fly More Than You Fall is available on iTunes, He has written three original musicals with writing partner Eric Holmes. He has played Jerry Lee for over 300 performances in Million Dollar Quartet, receiving a Broadwayworld award. He played Mozart in a live music production of Amadeus and his voice has been heard as a virtual singer for the Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen.

Christian Durham (Director)
Theatre credits include: Zorro – the Musical (Hope Mill/Charing Cross Theatre), Breaking The Code (Salisbury Playhouse), Cafe Society Swing (Theatre Royal Stratford East), Quaint Honour (Finborough), Spend Spend Spend and Children of Eden (Union Theatre), Pieces of String (Waterloo East), Proud (New Wimbledon Theatre Studio), Boy George’s Taboo (UK tour – Best Musical, Manchester Evening News Awards), Debbie Does Dallas (Edinburgh Fringe, nominated Best Musical Production – MTM Awards).

LISTINGS INFO

FLY MORE THAN YOU FALL
a new musical
Book & Lyrics by Eric Holmes
Music & Lyrics by Nat Zegree

Directed by Christian Durham

Southwark Playhouse (Elephant)
1 Dante Place
80 Newington Butts
London
SE11 4RX

How To Get There:
The nearest stations are
Elephant & Castle and Kennington

Box office:
https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/

Performance Dates & Times:

18th October- 23rd November

Previews:
Friday, 18th October at 7:30pm
Saturday, 19th October at 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Monday, 21st October at 7:30pm
Tuesday, 22nd October at 7:30pm

Regular Performances:
25th October – 23rd November
Mondays to Fridays: 7:30pm
Thursdays & Saturdays: 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Tickets:
£18 Previews
Mon-Wed, Standard Tickets: £40/£35/£20, Off Peak
Thu – Sat, Standard Tickets: £45/£36.50/£25.50, Peak
Mon-Wed, Concessions: £32/£28 Off Peak

Social media
Instagram: @flymorethanyoufall
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