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GUEST PRESENTERS AND PERFORMANCES FROM MEAN GIRLS, GUYS & DOLLS AND MR. SWALLOW REVEALED FOR THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2024

The Stage Debut Awards are today announcing a stellar line-up of guest presenters and performances from the West End’s most popular musicals for their annual ceremony, in association with ATG Entertainment. As the UK’s only awards dedicated to celebrating breakthrough theatre talent, this prestigious event shines a spotlight on the industry’s rising stars from performers, directors, writers, composers and lyricists to set, costume, lighting, sound and video design.

Some of the biggest names in theatre will gather on Sunday, September 29, at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London to honour this year’s standout talent. After her own triumphant debut as host last year, legendary drag artist, performer and singer Divina De Campo returns to once again lead the ceremony. The evening will recognise 49 nominees across eight categories — all who made remarkable professional debuts over the past year.

The awards will be presented by a star-studded roll call of well-known personalities including actor and writer Stephen Mangan, whose impressive 30-year career includes standout roles in the BAFTA-winning Green Wing and on stage in The Birthday Party.

Joining Stephen Mangan is his The Birthday Party co-star Pearl Mackie, who first gained prominence for her captivating portrayal of Bill Potts in Doctor Who. As the show’s first openly gay companion, Pearl made a significant impact with her role in the iconic sci-fi TV series and will also be seen on stage in White Rabbit Red Rabbit at @sohoplace. This year she also appeared in The Human Body at the Donmar Warehouse alongside Keeley Hawes.

Also presenting are singer, actor and former X Factor contestant Diana Vickers, who recently earned acclaim for her performance as Gwyneth Paltrow in I Wish You Well at the Edinburgh Fringe which will be transferring to the Criterion in the West End, and Harry Potter star Alfred Enoch, best known for his role in the global wizard franchise as Dean Thomas and in Shonda Rhimes’ thriller How to Get Away with Murder. Alfredwill also be seen in White Rabbit Red Rabbit at @sohoplace and was cast alongside 2023 Best West End Debut performer star Rose Ayling-Ellis in As You Like It in her winning role.

Representing the behind-the-scenes talent is directing powerhouse and Bush Theatre artistic director Lynette Linton. With her most recent West End shows—Shifters and upcoming Barcelona, starring Lily Collins—at the Duke of York’s Theatre, Lynette is currently one of the most sought-after directors in theatre and also a previous The Stage Debuts winner.

The evening also welcomes Tony and Olivier award-winning designer Rae Smith, celebrated for her innovative work on War Horse. Her designs can also currently be seen in Hello, Dolly! playing at the London Palladium and Waiting for Godot, which opens at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Meanwhile musical powerhouse duo Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, creators of Six and newly opened West End production Why Am I So Single? will present Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer. Completing these prestigious creatives is Chris Bush, the Book Writer of the Olivier award-winning Best New Musical Standing at the Sky’s Edge.

The ceremony will feature performances from some of the hottest shows on the West End. Georgina Castle, currently playing the infamous Regina George in Mean Girls at the Savoy Theatre, will perform a number from the show. Joining her is Timmika Ramsay, who is dazzling audiences as Miss Adelaide in the hit revival of Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, who will also perform a number from this legendary musical. Divina De Campo, whose performance last year was a hit with the audience, will also take the stage with another iconic number while celebrated actor, comedian and writer, Nick Mohammed is set to perform in the guise of his acclaimed and hilarious alter-ego Mr. Swallow in a very special and exclusive performance.

The Stage Debut Award winners will be announced onSeptember 29 2024 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London. With thanks to our headline sponsors ATG Entertainment as well as Theatrical Rights Worldwide, Michael Harrison Entertainment, Arts Council England, Preevue, Sonia Friedman Productions, Crossroads Live, Noël Coward Foundation and Trafalgar Entertainment.

For table bookings please contact Sarah DuMay, sarah.dumay@thestage.co.uk

In 2017, The Stage launched The Stage Debut Awards to celebrate breakthrough theatre talent. They are the only awards dedicated to recognising emerging theatre actors and creatives, from all backgrounds, at a point in their careers when the recognition can really make a difference.

Since its launch, the winners have gone on to win Olivier awards, film BBC dramas, perform on Broadway, design for the National Theatre and direct at the Royal Exchange.

Notable award winners include Jodie Comer (Prima Facie), Rose Ayling-Ellis (As You Like It), Tyrell Williams (Red Pitch), Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen), Miriam-Teak Lee (& Juliet), Rob Madge (My Son’s a Queer, (But What Can You Do?)) Arinzé Kene (Misty), and Composers Femi Temowo (Death of a Salesman) and Dan Gillespie Sells (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie).

Dominion Theatre – until 20th September 2024

Reviewed by Liberty Noke

4****

Rocky Horror Show has been thrilling audiences for over 50 years now and it is clear to see why. This naughty, seductive musical has still got it.

The show opens with Brad (Connor Carson) and Janet (Lauren Chia) driving home from a wedding. Their car breaks down and they seek help at a nearby castle. In the castle they meet Dr Frank N Furter played by Jason Donovan. He enters to the song “Sweet Transvestite” which as always is a massive crowd pleaser. Donovan is unrecognisable in a corset and heels but he plays an incredible Frank oozing flirtatious energy.

The energy on stage is incredible every performer brings the heat in this raunchy, sexy production. The time Warp had the audience on their feet and dancing and the vocals throughout were incredible. Natasha Hoeberigs gave a fabulous and flirty performance as Magenta and Job Greuter’s Riff Raff was sensational.

For me the star of the Show was Mawaan Rizwan. I have been fortunate enough to see The Rocky Horror Show multiple times and this is my favourite portrayal of the narrator. He brought his own sense of humour and a modern flair to the role and his witty comebacks to the audience were genuinely hilarious. When the audience shouted “your career” in response to being asked “whats over?” he pretended to be offended and walked off the stage- a joke that has been done and over done to the point where I no longer thought it was funny but somehow he left the audience waiting just long enough and made this joke funny again, a real credit to his comic genius.

I think what makes Rocky Horror so special is the audience. Every time I go, I am excited to see the costumes and hear what new things will be shouted at the narrator. The love people have for Rocky Horror makes it more than just a musical and this I believe is the secret to its continued success.

COURTNEY BOWMAN

TO STAR AS LAUREN IN

UK & IRELAND TOUR OF

KINKY BOOTS THE MUSICAL

OPENING AT CURVE, LEICESTER FROM 17 JANUARY 2025

Producers ROYO and Curve are delighted to announce WhatsOnStage Award-winner, Courtney Bowman, will star as Lauren in the brand-new Made at Curve production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical KINKY BOOTS The Musical, which will tour the UK and Ireland from 17 January 2025.

Courtney joins the previously announced Johannes Radebe (STRICTLY COME DANCING) as Lola and Dan Partridge (GREASE) as Charlie Price.

KINKY BOOTS The Musical features a score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein. It will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (THE WIZARD OF OZ, A CHORUS LINE, BILLY ELLIOT).

Courtney Bowman won the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Performer in a Musical in 2023 for her portrayal of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Her other theatre credits include: Closer to Heaven (Turbine Theatre), Cool Rider: 10^th Anniversary Concert (London Palladium), Pretty Woman (Savoy Theatre), SIX (Arts Theatre/Lyric Theatre) and she was part of the original cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre/Sheffield Crucible). Courtney’s TV credits include Eastenders (BBC) and the lead role of Little Cook Small for 2 series in Big Cook Little Cook (CBeebies).

Full casting for KINKY BOOTS will be announced in due course.

KINKY BOOTS The Musical was a Broadway and West End phenomenon based on a true story and movie of the same name released in 2005.

After inheriting his family’s failing shoe factory and with a relationship on the rocks, life is proving to be very challenging for Charlie Price. That is until he meets Lola, a drag queen whose sparkle and unsteady heels might just hold the answer to saving the struggling business.

Guaranteed to RAISE YOU UP and celebrate everybody’s individuality, don’t miss KINKY BOOTS on tour commencing January 2025!

KINKY BOOTS is directed by Nikolai Foster with choreography by Leah Hill, set and costume design by Robert Jones, musical supervision by George Dyer, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Adam Fisher, casting by Harry Blumenau CDG CDA, wigs, hair and make up design by Campbell Young Associates with associate direction by Michaela Powell, associate choreography by Johnny Bishop, associate sound design by Harry Barker and production management by Setting Line.

KINKY BOOTS is produced by ROYO and CURVE.

KINKY BOOTS

Book by

Harvey Fierstein

Music And Lyrics by

Cyndi Lauper

Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell

Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots

Written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth

KINKY BOOTS is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International www.mtishows.co.uk

URL: www.kinkybootstour.com

X: KINKYBOOTS_UK

Instagram: KINKYBOOTS_UK

TikTok: Kinkyboots_uk

2025 TOUR SCHEDULE

17 – 25 January                       Leicester Curve                                             0116 242 3595

                                                www.curveonline.co.uk                                  

28 January – 1 February         Woking New Victoria Theatre                                                                                                            

                                                www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

4 – 8 February                         Manchester Palace Theatre             

                                                www.atgtickets.com/manchester                  

11 – 15 February                     Glasgow Kings Theatre

                                                www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

18 – 22 February                     Edinburgh Playhouse

                                                www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh         

25 February -1 March             Truro Hall for Cornwall                                   01872 262 466

                                                www.hallforcornwall.co.uk                               

4 – 8 March                              Norwich Theatre Royal                                  01603 630 000

                                               www.norwichtheatre.org                  

11 – 15 March                          Milton Keynes Theatre

                                                www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes     

18 – 22 March                          Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre                                                                                                      

                                                 www.wmc.org.uk                     

25 – 29 March                          Brighton Theatre Royal                                 **

                                                www.atgtickets.com/brighton

15 – 19 April                            Birmingham Hippodrome                              0844 338 5000

                                                www.birminghamhippodrome.com

22 – 26 April                            Plymouth Theatre Royal                               01752 267222

                                                www.theatreroyal.com           

29 April – 3 May                      Stockton Globe

                                                www.stocktonglobe.co.uk

6 – 10 May                               Newcastle Theatre Royal                              0191 232 7010

                                                www.theatreroyal.co.uk

13 – 17 May                             Bristol Hippodrome                                                                                                                            

                                                www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol   

20 – 24 May                            Leeds Grand Theatre                                     0113 243 0808                                                    

                                                www.leedsheritagetheatres.com                   

27 – 31 May                            Southampton Mayflower Theatre                 02380 711 811                                                      

                                                 www.mayflower.org.uk

3 – 7 June                                Southend Cliffs Pavilion                                0343 310 0030                                                    

                                                 www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

10 – 14 June                            Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                        01227 787787                                                                        

                                                 www.marlowetheatre.com      

17 – 21 June                            Belfast Grand Opera House                                     

www.goh.co.uk                                                           

24 – 28 June                            Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                             0114 249 6000                                                    

                                                www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                           

1- 5 July                                  Nottingham Theatre Royal                            0115 989 5555

                                                www.trch.co.uk

8 – 12 July                              Liverpool Empire Theatre                                                                                                                 

                                                www.atgtickets.com/liverpool 

15 – 19 July                             Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre                 0818719377 (ROI)                                                      

                                                bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                                    08442485101 (UK)

22 – 26 July                            Oxford New Theatre                                      **

                                               www.atgtickets.com/oxford                            

Please note, Johannes Radebe will not be performing at every performance on the tour.

Patrons are advised to check the website for his performance dates and further information.

** Johannes Radebe will not be appearing in this venue.

WISE CHILDREN ANNOUNCE NEW SEASON OF WORK

INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF EMMA RICE’S ADAPTATION OF ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S NORTH BY NORTHWEST

With their co-production with the RSC of The Buddha of Suburbia about to transfer to the Barbican, Wise Children today announce their forthcoming season of work, which includes Artistic Director Emma Rice’s brand-new adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, which she also directs. Co-produced by York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse the production previews at York Theatre Royal from 18 March, before touring to Manchester, Liverpool and other UK venues, with full details to be announced soon.

Also announced today, the company’s family show The Little Match Girl and Happier Tales will return to their home base The Lucky Chance in Frome over Christmas, running in tandem with a production for younger children, The Ugly Duckling, directed by Mike Shepherd. 2025 also sees the return of their smash-hit production of Wuthering Heights for tour of Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China, with full details coming shortly.

Emma Rice said today, “I feel breathless as I think about the months ahead. Wise Children will be taking work across the planet, up and down the country, and just around the corner. The company will be truly local and international, as we perform our beloved Little Match Girl to neighbours in Frome, new show North by Northwest to friends in Manchester, York, Liverpool and beyond, and returning favourite Wuthering Heights to new audiences in Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. Astonishing! I couldn’t be prouder and, as we look ahead to our seventh year, I thank the theatre gods (and my incredible team of actors, musicians, administrators and technicians!) for all their blessings. Imagine playing London’s Barbican Centre one month, Frome’s Lucky Chance the next, and the Hong Kong Arts Festival weeks later. We are walking through our dreams, and I could jump for joy. Join us for one, or join us for all – this is dizzying.”

A Wise Children, York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse co-production

ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S

NORTH BY NORTHWEST 

Adapted and directed by Emma Rice

It would be strange, would it not, if, in a city of seven million people, one man were never mistaken for another…

But that is exactly what happens to Roger Thornhill, reluctant hero of North by Northwest, when a mistimed phone call to his mother lands him smack bang in the middle of a Cold War conspiracy. Now he’s on the run, dodging spies, airplanes and a femme fatale who might not be all she seems. 

Emma Rice takes on film legend Alfred Hitchcock in this riotously funny reworking that turns the original thriller on its head. With just six shape-shifting performers, a fabulous ‘50s soundtrack and a LOT of hats, this dazzling production plays with the heart, mind and soul. Join us for a night of glamour, romance, jeopardy and a liberal sprinkling of tender truths.

Based on the Turner Entertainment Co. Film North by Northwest

Produced by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Kay & McLean Productions

North by Northwest is a 1959 film, produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason.

Emma Rice is the Artistic Director of Wise Children and is an internationally respected theatre-maker and director. For Wise Children she has adapted and directed The Buddha of Suburbia, Blue Beard, The Little Matchgirl and Happier Tales, Wuthering Heights, Bagdad Café, Angela Carter’s Wise Children, Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers and Romantics Anonymous. As Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe: Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Little Matchgirl (and Other Happier Tales). Rice worked for Kneehigh as an actor, director and Artistic Director, creating critically acclaimed productions including: The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, The Wild Bride, The Red Shoes, Cymbeline (in association with RSC), A Matter of Life and Death (in association with National Theatre), Brief Encounter (in association with David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers Productions), Don John (in association with the RSC and Bristol Old Vic), Wah! Wah! Girls (in association with Sadler’s Wells and Theatre Royal Stratford East for World Stages), and Steptoe and Son. She received the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre award at the 2019 UK Theatre Awards.  

Wise Children presents

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL AND HAPPIER TALES

Based on the original production written and co-adapted by Joel Horwood and Emma Rice

Directed by Emma Rice

As the Little Match Girl struggles to survive, she strikes her precious matches to keep warm. Each match conjures a new story, and we hold her hand as she tumbles down a rabbit hole of folk tales.

Inspired by the beautiful and poignant Hans Christian Andersen tale and interweaving it with The Princess and the Pea and The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Match Girl and Happier Tales reveals a spellbinding world of magic and mystery.

Steeped in the metaphor and meaning that run through Andersen’s enduring stories, this will be an event to delight, transport, move and surprise. For adults and brave children alike, the show will feature music, puppetry, dark magic… and perhaps some modern truths that we all might rather remain hidden.

The Little Match Girl and Happier Tales will play at The Lucky Chance, Frome, in December with full dates and booking details to be announced at the start of October.

Silent Tide and Wise Children present

Hans Christian Andersen’s

THE UGLY DUCKLING

Directed by Mike Shepherd

Puppets by Lyndie Wright

When Mother Duck’s eggs start to hatch, one of her ducklings is a little bit different from the others. He’s larger, clumsier and just, well, not quite like the rest…

This beautiful new show from Kneehigh’s Mike Shepherd fuses storytelling, live music and puppets from Lyndie Wright (The Little Angel) to bring the beloved Hans Christian Andersen tale to life in a sweet, silly and sometimes sad show for children aged three and up.

Mike Shepherd started Kneehigh in 1980 and remained in ‘the middle of things’ for over 40 years. Mike is an actor, teacher and director who continues to run the Kneehigh Barns in Cornwall as a home for artists, community and creativity, aiming to ‘tickle, jolt and edify the numb parts of us all back into being’. Shepherd’s recent work includes: Calvino Nights, a show for everyone; a pop-up version of The Very Old Man with Enormous Wings; and films Cyrano and Princess and Peppernose with Joe Wright.

Lyndie Wright is founder of the legendary Little Angel Theatre in Islington, London. Her artistic vision has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of British puppetry and made Lyndie a luminary in the world of puppetry. Designing and making for theatre and film, Wright’s puppets have performed for companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company; Kneehigh; Wise Children; and the National Theatre. Lyndie is still making full-time and teaching, passing on her skills to the next generation of artists, and inspiring audiences young and old with her creations. Wright’s work can currently be seen in an exhibition at Hauser & Wirth.

The Ugly Duckling Tales will play at The Lucky Chance, Frome, in December with full dates and booking details to be announced at the start of October.

A Wise Children, National Theatre, Bristol Old Vic and York Theatre Royal co-production

EMILY BRONTE’S

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Adapted and directed by Emma Rice

After successful UK and US tours, and a run at the National Theatre, Emma Rice’s smash-hit adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights returns for an international tour – of Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, with full details to be announced shortly.

The Yorkshire moors tell an epic story of love, revenge and redemption.

Rescued from the Liverpool docks as a child, Heathcliff is adopted by the Earnshaws and taken to live at Wuthering Heights. He finds a kindred spirit in Catherine Earnshaw and a fierce love ignites. When forced apart, a brutal chain of events is unleashed.

Shot through with music, dance, passion and hope, Emma Rice transforms Emily Brontë’s masterpiece into a powerful and uniquely theatrical experience. Lucy McCormick leads the company of performers and musicians in this intoxicating revenge tragedy for our time.

“I am Heathcliff! Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”

With composition by Ian Ross; set and costume design by Vicki Mortimer; sound and video by Simon Baker; lighting design by Jai Morjaria; movement and choreography by Etta Murfitt.

LISTINGS

WISE CHILDREN

THE BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA

Barbican

22 October – Sat 16 November 2024

Press Night: Tuesday 29 October, 7pm

https://www.barbican.org.uk

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

York Theatre Royal

18 March – 5 April

HOME Manchester

29 April – 10 May

Liverpool Playhouse

20 – 24 May

https://www.everymanplayhouse.com

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Roslyn Packet Theatre, Sydney

31 January – 22 February

https://www.roslynpackertheatre.com.au/whats-on/productions/2025/wuthering-heights

MUSICAL THEATRE STAR CLAIRE MOORE TO PLAY ‘SCROOGE’ IN HOPE MILL THEATRE’S NEW PRODUCTION OF THE MUSICAL VERSION OF
A CHRISTMAS CAROL

THE LOWRY, SALFORD

FROM FRIDAY 6^th DECEMBER 2024 to SUNDAY  5^th JANUARY 2025

Musical Theatre star Claire Moore is to play ‘Scrooge’ in Hope Mill Theatre’s new production of the magical musical version of A Christmas Carol at The Lowry, Salford for the 2024/25 festive season, it is announced today.

Following their critically acclaimed production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 2022, Hope Mill co-founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton will reunite to co-direct a new version of A Christmas Carol, with Whelton also choreographing. 

As part of Hope Mill Theatre’s future development the venue is expanding their operations to produce its award-winning musicals on a larger scale in other venues and A Christmas Carol will run in The Lowry’s Quays Theatre from Friday 6^th December 2024 to Sunday 5^th January 2025.

Based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella of the same name, A Christmas Carol has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens. It was a New York festive staple from 1994 to 2003 where it was presented annually at The Theater At Madison Square Garden and in 2004 it was adapted for television by Hallmark Entertainment for NBC starring Kelsey Grammer as Scrooge.

The classic Dickens story comes to life with true broadway spectacle in this Musical version brought to you by Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty And The Beast The Little Mermaid and Newsies and Little Shop Of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once On This Island), and breathes fantastic new life into the classic tale of A Christmas Carol.

Scrooge believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!”, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve which leads Scrooge on a journey through the Past, Present and Future. 

Bolton-born Claire Moore will star as ‘Scrooge’ in the production. Claire’s West End credits include ‘Christine’ in The Phantom of the Opera, ‘Ellen’ in Miss Saigon,’ Fantine’ in Les Miserables, ‘Nancy’ in Oliver!, ‘Anna’ in The King and I and most recently ‘Babs’ in The Great British Bake Off: The Musical. Claire featured in the in the 2004 version of A Christmas Carol alongside Kelsey Grammer as ‘Mrs Fezziwig’ and has previously appeared at The Lowry in the Calendar Girls musical.

Claire Moore said: “I am so excited to be invited to play one of Charles Dickens’ most iconic characters, Scrooge, in ‘A Christmas Carol’. I am especially delighted to be portraying Scrooge as a woman; the first time this has been done in this version of the story, and I am very much looking forward to working with the directors Joseph Houston and William Whelton to discover new facets of this beloved character.

“Twenty years ago I had the joy of playing Mrs Fezziwig in the film version of the show, and my association with the wonderful Alan Menken goes way back to 1983 when I played Audrey in the original West End production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’; the first non-American to play the role. It was my first leading role in the West End and it changed my life!

“So, far from ‘Bah, humbug’, I can’t wait for Christmas, and I do hope you’ll come and join us!”

William Whelton & Joseph Houston said: “We are honoured to have Claire Moore leading our version of A Christmas Carol the Musical in the much-loved-and- loathed role of Scrooge. We fell in love with this stunning version of the tale many years ago, but in true Hope Mill Theatre style we wanted to bring a whole new feel and journey to the classic tale. We always wondered how the story would feel, as told through the eyes of a woman, and we couldn’t have found a better leading lady than Claire. We can’t wait to explore and develop the show with Claire as Scrooge and look forward to presenting audiences young and old with the iconic Christmas tale that everyone knows and loves but told in whole new light, and of course hearing the stunning score sung by one of the best vocalists in the business.”

Matthew Eames, Head of Theatres (Contemporary & Commissioning) at The Lowry, said: “We are tremendously excited to present Hope Mill’s first full production outside their iconic venue. They are always innovative in their work and brilliant at finding a new take or twist  to an established musical. This will be no different and I can’t wait to see Claire’s Scrooge! We look forward to welcoming Hope MIll and Lowry audiences for a magical Christmas experience’

A Christmas Carol is a Hope Mill Theatre Production. Associate Producer- Interactive Theatre International

Further casting and full creative team to be announced.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens

Book by Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent

Based on the story by Charles Dickens
Original choreography by Susan Stroman Originally directed by Mike Ockrent
Originally presented by Radio City Entertainment at the Theater at Madison Square Garden
Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International

A Hope Mill Theatre Production

Associate Producer Interactive Theatre International

LISTING INFO:

Hope Mill Theatre present A Christmas Carol

The Lowry, Salford

Friday 6^th December 2024 to Sunday 5^th h January 2025

Tickets: https://thelowry.com/whats-on/a-christmas-carol/

FIRST LOOK: PRODUCTION IMAGES RELEASED FOR
THE UK & IRELAND TOUR OF

WAR HORSE

Brand new production images have been released for the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse,based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel. This all-new production is now touring the UK and Ireland, currently playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre.

The full cast of 35 includes: Rianna Ash (Joey/Topthorn head), Alexander Ballinger (Captain Friedrich Müller/Allan),  Eloise Beaumont-Wood (Baby Joey), Ike Bennett (David Taylor/Thomas Bone), Haydn Burke (Billy Narracott/Sergeant Klebb), Sophie Cartman (Matron Callaghan), Jo Castleton (Rose Narracott), Owen Dagnall (Geordie), Alexandra Donnachie (Joey/Topthorn head), Felicity Donnelly (Joey/Topthorn hind), Tom Gilbey (Sergeant Fine), Thomas Goodridge (Joey/Topthorn hind), Karl Haynes (Ted Narracott), Robin Hayward (Joey/Topthorn heart), Michael Larcombe (Joey/Topthorn hind), Matthew Lawrence (Joey/Topthorn head), Madeleine Leslay (Paulette/Sarah Carter), Jack Lord (Klausen/Priest), Damian Lynch (Carter/Strauss), Lewis McBean (Joey/Topthorn heart), Chris Milford (Joey/Tophorn heart), Jordan Paris (Baby Joey), Anne-Marie Piazza (Nell Allan/Schnabel), Tea Poldervaart (Joey/Topthorn head), Lucy Thorburn (Jenny Bone/Annie Gilbert), Gareth Radcliffe (Arthur Narracott/Sergeant Thunder), Daniel Rock (Captain Stewart/Ludwig), Diany Samba-Bandza (Emilie/Baby Joey),Tom Sturgess (Albert Narracott), Alistair So (Vet Martin), Simon Stanhope (Manfred), Gun Suen (Joey/Topthorn hind), Sally Swanson (The Singer), Chris Williams (Lieutenant Nicholls/Dr Schewyk) and Rafe Young (Joey/Topthorn heart).

War Horse,adapted by Nick Stafford and originally directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris,has become the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre, winning more than 25 major awards including the Tony Award for ‘Best Play’, and has been seen by over 8.3 million people worldwide. This new tour is co-produced with Michael Harrison, Fiery Angel, and Playing Field.

War Horse tells the remarkable story of a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama is a show of phenomenal inventiveness, filled with stirring music and songs, featuring ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping, charging, horses to thrilling life on stage and has inspired a generation of theatre-makers since its premiere in 2007.

At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France.  He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land.  Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

The tour is playing at: New Wimbledon Theatre (until 14 September 2024), The Lowry, Salford (18 – 28 September 2024) Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (8 – 19 October 2024), The Marlowe, Canterbury (22 October – 2 November 2024), Sunderland Empire (5 – 16 November 2024), Theatre Royal Plymouth (26 November – 7 December 2024), New Theatre Oxford (10 December 2024 – 4 January 2025), New Victoria Theatre, Woking (14 – 25 January 2025),Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin (29 January – 1 February 2025), Grand Opera House, Belfast (4 – 15 February 2025), The Regent Theatre, Stoke (4 – 8 March 2025), Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (11 – 22 March 2025), Theatre Royal Glasgow (25 March – 5 April 2025), Liverpool Empire (8– 19 April), Milton Keynes Theatre (22 April – 3 May 2025), Nottingham Royal Concert Hall (7 – 17 May 2025) and Bristol Hippodrome (3 – 21 June 2025).

Casting for Leeds Grand Theatre (19 August – 6 September 2025), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (2 – 11 October 2025), Wales Millennium Centre (15 – 25 October 2025) and Norwich Theatre Royal (28 October – 8 November 2025) to be announced.

Assisted performances are available throughout the run at each venue.  Further tour dates and venues to be announced. For more information and to book tickets visit WarHorseOnStage.com.   

This tour of War Horse marks 110 years since the start of the First World War and follows the 40^th anniversary of the publication of Michael Morpurgo’s global best-selling novel, which has now sold over 2 million copies world-wide and in 44 different languages.  

Creative development for the tour has been led by Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry, featuring reimagined designs by Rae Smith and additional music by Adrian Sutton.  Puppet design and fabrication is by Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company, lighting design is by Rob Casey, movement and horse choreography is by Toby Sedgwick with puppet direction by Matthew Forbes.  Animation and projection design is by Nicol Scott for 59 Productions, John Tams is songmaker and sound design is by Christopher Shutt.  Casting is by Jill Green CDG.They are joined by associate designer William Fricker and associate costume designer Johanna Coe, associate lighting designer Tom Turner, assistant lighting designer Charly Dunford, music assosicate Matthew Gough, associate sound designer Rob Bettle, assistant sound designer Raffaela Pancucci, musical director Dom Coyote, fight director Paul Benzing,voice coach Carol Fairlamb, dialect coach Rebecca Daltry, resident director Anna Marshall, assistant puppetry director Lewis Howard and dramatherapist Samantha Adams. Casting associates are Olivia Laydon and Tom Shiels.

War Horse received its world premiere on 9 October 2007 at the National Theatre, where it played for two seasons before opening at the New London Theatre in March 2009.  Since then, War Horse has been seen in 97 cities in 14 countries, including productions on Broadway, in Toronto and Berlin, with touring productions in the UK and Ireland, North America, the Netherlands and Belgium. 

The National Theatre’s Partner for Financial Wellbeing, Charles Stanley, is supporting War Horse on tour.  War Horse will visit Theatre Nation Partnerships venues, including The Lowry in Salford, Sunderland Empire, Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Lambert Jackson and Positive Sum, in association with M&C Saatchi Talent present

OTI MABUSE – VIVA CARNIVAL!

UK TOUR IN JUNE 2025

TICKETS ON GENERAL SALE: 10AM THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

Ticket Link: https://www.lambertjackson.co.uk/whats-on/oti-mabuse-viva-carnival

The country’s favourite pro-dancer, Oti Mabuse, is heading out on a new UK tour. Get ready to groove in a city near you, and don’t miss this fabulous fiesta coming your way in June 2025. Viva Carnival. Ticket Link: https://www.lambertjackson.co.uk/whats-on/oti-mabuse-viva-carnival

Oti said, “I’m so excited to bring Viva Carnival to the stage!  Performing on stage is something I feel so passionately about and have missed so much. Dance has the power to bring people together and I can’t wait to party with everyone.”

Join the Queen of the dance floor, Oti Mabuse as she celebrates the world’s most electrifying carnivals. From the Sambas of Brazilian Carnival to the Tangos of Argentina’s Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, the dance scene at England’s own Glastonbury Festival and the swing of the Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Oti knows how to party.  Let your hair down, let loose and let’s go… on an unforgettable dance journey.

Tickets will go on presale on Wednesday 11 September, with general on sale at 10am on Thursday 12 September – https://www.lambertjackson.co.uk/whats-on/oti-mabuse-viva-carnival

Sheffield City Hall                             12/06/2025

The Glasshouse Gateshead          13/06/2025

Norwich Theatre Royal                   14/06/2025 (On Sale 23 September)

Manchester Bridgewater               15/06/2025

Blackpool Opera House                 16/06/2025

Guildford G Live                                17/06/2025

Birmingham Symphony Hall         20/06/2025

Bath The Forum                               21/06/2025

London Adelphi Theatre                 24/06/2025

Tickets: https://www.lambertjackson.co.uk/whats-on/oti-mabuse-viva-carnival

Instagram @otimabuse

Instagram and Facebook: @lambertjacksonproductions

Twitter: @ljprods

The Bridge Theatre – until 4th January 2025

Reviewed by Liam Clarkson

5*****

The Bridge Theatre on the edge of the river Thames, overlooking Tower Bridge and the Tower of London is a very special venue which transforms itself into the streets of Manhattan and the Havana bars and clubs for one of the biggest, greatest and most loved musicals of all time.

The show at The Bridge, has now been receiving outstanding reviews since the start of its current run back in March 2023, but in recent weeks has had a cast change for nearly half the cast so it was worth reviewing this phenomenal musical again.

Written by Damon Runyon, Guys and Dolls is a musical based on the short stories he wrote in the 1930’s. These stories told of the world of gangsters, gamblers, and other characters of the New York underworld. The musical centres on two couples: gambler Nathan Detroit and his fiancee Adelaide, and Sky Masterson, who accepts a bet from Nathan to take Sarah Brown, the local mission leader, to Cuba.

Guys and Dolls had its premiere on Broadway back in 1950 and has since had many revivals both on Broadway and in London, as well as being made into a film starring Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando. The show first came to London in 1985, again for a run in 1997 and now has been spectacularly revived for its new run back in London. This show is one of the hottest tickets in town – and as soon as you arrive inside the Bridge Theatre you can feel and see why.

The staging is one of the highlights of this production. The set is designed to resemble a bustling new york suburban street. The vibrant colors and noises made us the audience feel as though we were truly part of the show – and indeed if you have chosen the standing immersive tickets, you soon become part of the show.

The tickets are in two categories – one seated in the raised stalls and the other in the immersive areas next to the main stage. The immersive area engaged the audience throughout as audience members were included in the performance with the actors singing with the audience, dancing and bringing individuals up onto the stage for specific parts of the play such as the dining scenes where members of the audience were sat down on the tables and chairs placed in the dining area on the stage. Even the stage hands whose job it was to keep immersive ticket holders in areas where they could see the stage properly, were part of the show. The blurring of boundaries between performers and the audience was fun and added an extra layer to the show – in fact by the interval, I was wishing I had purchased an immersive ticket instead. That being said the raised seating area and stalls were situated in a very good place allowing for an optimal view of the whole performance. The actors still made the people in the raised areas feel included in the performance with their eye contact and body language drawing us in and feeling part of the play even though we weren’t on or near the stage itself.

Throughout the performance, the stage is moving, rising up and down to expose new york skyscrapers and bars and with the amazing lighting this is a stage like you’ve never seen before. It continually remakes itself right before our eyes.

The Orchestra was far from being just in the background, the musicians were seamlessly integrated into the show, and their energetic performances added layers to each scene. The music interacted with the action happening on stage, creating a rich auditory tapestry that complemented the performers and enhanced the narrative’s emotional depth.

The actors were top class throughout with a specific focus on Skye Masterson (George Ionnides), Miss Adelaide (Timmika Ramsay) and Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Jonathan Andrew Hume). These three stood-out throughout the entire performance with their crisp, clear voices when speaking and singing in the musical parts and solos. Miss Adelaide was very suited to her role – traditionally depicted as a “dumb blonde”; Timmika’s portrayal of Adelaide shattered that stereotype as she brought depth and intelligence to her role, and was seen as a woman who deserves respect. Her journey was marked by a clear sense of empowerment.

This is Guys and Dolls on a whole new level – the colours, the noise, the interaction, the moving stage and the amazing performers not only bring this amazing musical into the 2020’s but in doing so appeals to today’s generation and future musical goers too. A very easy 5 star review from me. I am off to buy immersive tickets before it ends its run early next year.

Duchess Theatre, London – booking until February 2026

5*****

By Emily Smith

Fairy Powered Productions were delighted to be invited to attend the 10th anniversary gala performance of The Play That Goes Wrong, to help celebrate a decade on London’s West End.

The atmosphere at the Duchess Theatre was electric with a very excited audience which was made up of those who have been involved in the production over the last ten years, including many previous cast members and those from Mischief.

The show itself was brilliant; I have never seen such an incredible set (by Nigel Hook) that is so cleverly designed to literally fall apart every night and then be put back together to do it all again the next night! The special effects (sparks, flames, you name it) and stunts, with accompanying sound effects, had the audience shrieking and gasping throughout.

This is of course not to mention the comedic value of the play which had the audience laughing from start to finish. In fact, while trying to quickly jot a few notes down for this article, I found myself missing some of the jokes on stage – you really couldn’t look away for even a second without missing something! This is testament to the great writing by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, as well as direction by Mark Bell.

Given that so much deliberately goes wrong, it is near impossible to tell what was supposed to happen and what (if anything) was ad-libbed, but that is part of the charm of this show! As a self-confessed perfectionist, watching something full of ‘mistakes’ was refreshing and perhaps we should all take a leaf from this show’s book!

The whole cast were absolutely brilliant. For me, the standout performances of the night were by Owen Jenkins (Robert), Jay Olpin (Max) and Daniel Anthony (Dennis), who had the audience in absolute fits of laughter with their excellently delivered lines, perfect comedic timing and audience interaction.

The entire audience clearly felt a huge emotional attachment to the show, and everyone involved should be proud of what it has achieved over the years! The speech at the end of the show by Jonathan Sayer was a testament to this, and really captured how beloved this show is by so many.

The Play That Goes Wrong is the longest comedy in the West End, and it’s clear to see why – for a play that goes wrong, it certainly gets a lot right!

AS IT CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

IN THE WEST END

THE PLAY THAT

GOES WRONG

MAKES DISASTER LAST LONGER

WITH PERFORMANCES NOW EXTENDED

THROUGH TO 1^ST FEBRUARY 2026

The smash hit Olivier and Tony-Award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, celebrated 10 years at the Duchess Theatre in London’s West End last night (10 September 2024) with a special 10^th Birthday Gala Performance and today announced that performances would be extended to February 2026. 

Original Company members and creators of The Play That Goes Wrong and other special guests attended the glittering gala performance, with original members of the company joining the current cast on stage.

Co-writers Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields said:  “We are so proud that The Play that Goes Wrong is celebrating its 10th Birthday in the West End. It is a such a joyful show that still makes us laugh even now. We are so grateful to everyone who has been part of its decade long journey” 

The Play That Goes Wrong opened at the Duchess Theatre in September 2014 and the production shows no signs of slowing down since its first performance at The Old Red Lion Theatre playing to only four paying customers.  The show’s success is a testament to the hard work and determination of a group of drama school graduates who became friends, set up a company under the name ‘Mischief’ and created an extraordinary body of work over the past decade. 

The show’s many achievements to date include:

• Over 3500 performances of The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre. 
• During the West End run members of The Cornley Drama Society have been hit (by objects or each other) more than 125,545 times
• 106 actors have performed in the show’s Duchess Theatre run.
• The show has won 11 awards, including an Olivier, Tony and a Moliere.
• There have been productions of the play in 49 countries and in every continent except Antarctica (where producers fear a frosty reception).
• More than 4,246,481 million people have seen the show worldwide, and there have been 7,822 performances in the English language.
• An actor has shouted out for a ledger 54,747 times. (And that’s only in English.)
• A total of 58,180 door slams in America alone.
• 8 million people watched the 2015 performance at The Royal Variety Performance, with a further 6.3 million seeing the clip on YouTube.
• 2,607 fire extinguishers have been used to put out fires in The Play That Goes Wrong somewhere in the world in these past ten years.
• Winston the Dog has been successfully located zero times.

The cast of The Play that Goes Wrong is:  Jordan Akkaya as Trevor, Daniel Anthony as Dennis, Joe Bolland as Jonathan, Daniel Fraser as Chris, Billie Hamer as Annie, Owen Jenkins as Robert, Jay Olpin as Max and Hannah Sinclair Robinson as Sandra.  The understudies are:  Alex Bird, Munashe Chirisa, Colm Gleeson, Dumile Sibanda and Alice Stokoe. 

The Play That Goes Wrong is co-written by Mischief company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields and is directed by Mark Bell, with set designs by Nigel Hook, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Ric Mountjoy, original music by Rob Falconer, sound design by Andy Johnson, the Associate Director is Amy Milburn  and the Resident Director is Lexie Ward. The Play That Goes Wrong is produced in the West End by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd.