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The Sound of Music Review

Edinburgh Playhouse – until 24 February 2018.  Reviewed by Linda McLaughlan

5*****

This new production by Bill Kenwright of the Von Trapp family is a true version of how the family who were fierce opponents of the developing Nazi regime fled their be-loved Austria but by bringing Maria and music into the family helped ease the burden of their oppression’s.

At the beginning of the performance we see Maria played by Lucy O’Byrne as a young Novice from a Benedictine Convent enjoying some time in the Mountains she has grown up knowing. Precious time away from the strict religious life she has devoted herself too. Maria is given the task of becoming a Governess for the seven Von Trapp children.

The Mother Abbott played by Pippa Winslow in her role portraying the strict Religious figure who through her experience takes advice from the other nuns, but at the same time knowing how Maria ticks and why she finds the convents rules hard to adhere too at times. The Mother Abbott and Maria are both local girls who before taking up religious order, both had similar ideas as described in the song My Favourite Things it shows that they both look outside the convent at their past lives.

The story continues with Maria being introduced to the Von Trapp children by their father Naval Captain Von Trapp played by Neil McDermott. His strict approach shows the audience how he summons his children and staff by the use of a whistle, much to the horror of Maria who promptly refuses to be summoned this way. This causes a little discord with the Captain but he learns to get used to it.

Maria introduces the children to the wonders of singing and music by going through the musical scale Do Re Me which the children take to very well. At first the children are sceptical about a new Governess and at first consider their tricks to get hid of her but hey soon realise that Maria wants to be their friend rather than a teacher/governess. This is seen when the eldest child confides in how she feels about a local boy Rolf Gruber who finds reasons to return to the Von Trapp home delivering telegrams.

The range of music takes the audience through the story of the family’s joys and sorrows and the hardships they overcome together with the favourites such as Sixteen Going On Seventeen, The Lonely Goatherd, So Long Farewell and Climb Every Mountain

This arrangement brought freshness to the night and added a classic touch. Songs which everyone recognised allowed the audience to participate by clapping and singing throughout the performance. I would recommend that everyone makes a family night of going to the Playhouse to enjoy this performance of a classic movie played out on the stage. The evening concluded with a much deserved standing ovation and a fantastic opening performance which everyone associated with the

Production team and performers should be very proud of themselves delivery a truly spectacular performance from the youngest star to well established performers who bring a wealth of experience and talent to the show

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Guys and Dolls Review

York Theatre Royal until Saturday 17th March 2018. Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

3 ½ ***

York Light Opera Company bring the musical fable of Broadway, Guys and Dolls, by Frank Loesser, Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, to the stage at York Theatre Royal.

The show opens with a lively dance number where the stage is full of the hustle and bustle of 1950’s New York. The story revolves around two couples, a crazy mixed bunch of gamblers, a gangster, some street missionaries and beautiful showgirls, The Hot Box Girls.

Nathan Detroit (Andy Roberts), is intent on setting up an illegal craps game and needs to find somewhere to host it, a place where he won’t be caught out, much to the disapproval of his fiancée of 14 years, Miss Adelaide (Rachael Wilkinson), a cabaret singer. He has somewhere in mind but has to fork out $1000, money he just does not have. He comes up with the idea of making a bet that he cannot lose, is there such a thing (?), with Sky Masterson (George Morgan), who will bet on anything and usually wins. The bet involves Masterson convincing Salvation Army Sergeant Sarah Brown (Annabel Van Griethuysen) to accompany him on a date to Havana. Needless to say, the charming Masterson, in all his bravado, manages to pull it off, but beneath the veneer we can see a softer side and the obvious chemistry between the characters.

The large ensemble cast showed great chemistry, that word again, worked well together and looked like they were having a blast. The orchestra, conducted by John Atkin, were uplifting and a real asset to the whole performance.

The four leads hold their own throughout the show. Roberts plays Detroit as a cheeky, loveable chancer that you can’t help siding with. Wilkinson plays his long suffering fiancée, with her squeaky New York accent, with a vulnerability and sweet innocence, belying the fact that she is a cabaret singer. Morgan and Van Griethuysen are making their first appearances with York Light, both who I would love to see again. The two, but especially Van Griethuysen, gave great vocal performances and I have already mentioned showed a lovely chemistry together and I really wanted the “guy” to get the “doll”.

There were a few teething problems on the opening night, namely the noisy scene changes from behind the curtain and a couple of mike hiccups. I’m glad to say that they weren’t too much of a distraction and I’m sure will improve as the run continues.

Guys and Dolls is really just a sweet tale about saints and sinners, but ultimately redemption, that in parts made me laugh out loud, what more could you ask?

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Tom and Bunny Save the World Review

Clapham Omnibus, London- Until 9th March.  Reviewed by Sabrina Fancy

4 ****

Fat rascals have created another brilliant production in Tom and Bunny Save the World!

Set in the UK, this is a tongue and cheek musical about diverse group of people who are trying to flee zombies who have taken over the UK and are in search of a cure for a zombie-apocalypse infested UK.

There are several queer characters with a cast of strong, fierce women! I love a good female heroine! Fat Rascals, the brilliant production company behind the show are renowned for creating fresh and funny feminist theatre-which is a real rarity in musical theatre!

The show centres around free loving Bunny (played by Robyn Grant) and Oxford graduate geek Tom (Jamie Mawson) The 2 of them form an unlikely team to make the journey up to Yorkshire. Mawson and Grant have a great on stage, presence. The other cast members deliver an equally brilliant performance as well and are real standouts, despite not being the leads.

The show pokes fun at the UK’s regional stereotypes, which is very amusing. The musical numbers are short, but punchy and all of the cast members had great vocals – especially Robyn Grant (Bunny). It is difficult not to enjoy this. With Zombies, and catchy folk tunes this is something unique. The dialogue was also very witty along with the musical score. I genuinely feel that this is a supremely talented cast. I also loved the understated political elements that were subtly weaved into the framework of the production.

My only complaint of Tom and Bunny Save The World, was that it was only an hour long, which left me wanting more! However, this is a great testament for the quality of the production.

If you can manage to catch Tom and Bunny, expect lots of laughs, madness and catchy folk tunes performed by a very talented cast. This is the third production that I have seen by Fat Rascals and I always leave with a smile on my face. I give this 4 stars.

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OK, Bye Review

 

The Vaults Festival, London – 7 March 2018.  Reviewed by Brian Gordon

5*****

The Vaults Festival has been running since 2011 and is now an exciting and vibrant collective of events and activities spread in the bowels of the tunnels below Waterloo Station. Easily accessed and a truly inviting atmosphere the festival has show after show in amongst the bars, food and social areas of this unique environment. Shows running until 18th March means you still have the chance to catch this event.

OK Bye is being delivered on its opening night like it had been running from the start of the festival. RedBellyBlack Theatre Companies production and arrangement was top draw with a cleverly articulated story of the goodbye. The recollection and reflection along with the story telling of the loss of a parent. The matriarch figure who was the glue in the siblings’ relationships is gone. Caring, death, grief and time are portrayed with the clever use of choreography, none dialogue, music and a little singing and dancing to great effect. Simple and yet effective lighting and set enabled the cast to deliver a funny and yet thought-provoking narrative to living life whilst working hard and working happy, as well as being knocked by the crackles of grief.

Wrestling with the nuances of not being guided and finding a new world order the rhythm of life has changed and will never be the same again. The eldest and only daughter April played by Kate Goodfellow gives a wonderful performance throughout with humour and poignance balanced whilst also able to deliver a lip-synched discussion over the weight of the world being on a pigeon’s shoulders…! Pete the older brother is portrayed by Sam Cornforth with hilarious and endearing quality. The baby of the family, university drop out Oli is delivered by Oscar Scott-White and is intriguing within the dynamic. Forced together again by tragedy and finding a new rhythm in life, its challenging having to be the grown up….

Musically accompanied from within view by Andrew Armfield and ably supported by Abi Toghill and Sally Colletts production this show uses a mix of techniques and craftsmanship to deliver a unique performance. Over played interviews, light boxes, dance and novel physical comedy to name but a few. You will sympathise, laugh, understand and be intrigued as you watch this hour of real moments with people.

I would recommend heading down the Vaults Festival to see this or indeed a selection of the shows on offer amongst the labyrinth of entertainment and art. OK Bye is a five star production running until 11 March 18 and for less than a tenner you will get a show that you will chat about for days for its unique story telling…

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Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em Review

Richmond Theatre – until 10th March. Reviewed by Jessica Brady

5*****

The 70’s classic Sit-com Some Mothers Do ‘Ave’ Em gave us some wonderful years of slapstick comedy with heart behind it and notable catch phrases have stood the test of time. So, it seems like a perfect opportunity to relive this classic in a wonderfully written stage version filled to the brim with hilarious and unfortunate mishaps!

The script is sculpted around Raymond Allen’s original series, re-written and directed perfectly by Guy Unsworth, who has stayed true to the original innuendos and stunt like comedy and taken several storylines from the TV episodes to make a full and coherent play which can be enjoyed by all ages!

Taking on the title role of Frank Spencer is ‘Im a Celebrity’ King of the Jungle Joe Pasquale and what a set of shoes to fill! Michael Crawford made the original Frank Iconic, with his clumsy ways and ‘OOH Betty’ but that is not an obstacle for Pasquale who take the role and makes it his own and manages effortlessly to make the audience laugh with his interpretation. A real tour de force performance and makes you fall in love with ‘Some Mothers’ all over again.

Betty Spencer, Franks long suffering but incredibly understanding wife is played by Sarah Earnshaw who again doesn’t try to replicate the performance of Michele Dotrice, but instead brings her own warm and patience to Betty which creates a lovely chemistry between Frank and Betty.

Susie Blake is well known for her comedy prowess and playing Betty’s mother, Barbara is no obstacle and proves to be equally hilarious character as Frank. Blake even does arguably one of the best stunts in the show and nothing phases her!

The rest of the cast are fantastic and support the show with the gusto it needs! Father O’Hara (played by David Shaw Parker), Terry Luscombe (played by Moray Treadwell) and the Constable (Played by Chris Kiely) all work their magic to control the chaos that unravels.

This is a wonderful example of fantastic family fun comedy, there really is something for everyone and I often had tears in my eyes from laughing so much! If you’re a fan of the original sitcom this is something you simply can not miss out on seeing whilst its on its UK tour! A fun filled evening that will leave your belly aching from laughter!

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Dinosaur World Live roars into theatres for 2018 UK Tour and London season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE ROARS INTO THEATRES WITH A MAJOR UK TOUR
 
AND A SUMMER SEASON AT REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE, LONDON
 
NEW 2018 CAST ANNOUNCED
UK Tour: 30 March – 11 Aug 2018
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London: 14 Aug – 9 Sep 2018
DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE brings dinosaurs to life on stage in an interactive show for all the family (ages 3+). Following a hugely successful UK tour last year, DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE returns due to popular demand, now featuring a brand new Triceratops. The 2018 UK tour opens on 30 March at The Broadway, Peterborough, visiting a further 30 venues nationwide, followed by a 4-week summer season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London (14 August – 9 September 2018). The 2018 cast includes: Elizabeth Mary Williams (Miranda), Alexandra Harman (Understudy Miranda/ Puppeteer), Darcy Collins (Puppeteer), Liam Wright (Puppeteer), Samantha Arends (Puppeteer), Chris Milford (Puppet Technician/Puppeteer).
Using stunning puppetry to bring remarkably life-like dinosaurs to the stage, DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE presents a host of impressive pre-historic creatures including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, along with a Giraffatitan, Microraptor, Segnosaurus and Triceratops. The show introduces Miranda, daughter of palaeontologists, who grew up surrounded by dinosaurs on a far-away island off the coast of South America. She has brought her pre-historic pals to your local theatre and would love you to meet them. Warning: some of these dinosaurs aren’t as docile as they seem!

If looking for fun things to do with the kids, DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE delivers an entertaining and educational live show that promises to delight the whole family. Each performance is followed by a post-show meet and greet where audience members have the opportunity to meet some of the dinosaurs in person.
Dino-lovers are urged to book fast before tickets become extinct!
DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE is written and directed by Derek Bond (Sweet Charity, Manchester Theatre Awards 2017 winner, Little Shop of Horrors Manchester Royal Exchange). The creative team includes: Puppet Designer Max Humphries (National Theatre, Royal Opera House, Cirque de Soleil); Puppet Director Laura Cubitt (Running Wild, Chichester Festival Theatre; Don Quixote, RSC; War Horse NT Berlin); Puppetry Consultant Toby Olié (for the National Theatre: Elephantom, Peter Pan, The Light Princess, Hansel & Gretel, NT: 50 Years on Stage and also the original hind puppeteer of Joey in War Horse); Set & Costume Designer James Perkins; Lighting Designer John Maddox and Sound Designer Tom Mann. Produced by NICOLL Ltd.
@dinoworldlive
Full tour listings:
DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE UK TOUR 2018 
 
PETERBOROUGH The Broadway 
46 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1RS
Fri 30 – Sat 31 Mar
Fri: 11am & 2pm
Sat: 2pm
Box Office 01733 306071
thebroadway.today
 
TRURO Hall For Cornwall 
Back Quay, Truro, TR1 2LL
Mon 02 – Tue 03 Apr
Mon: 2pm & 4.30pm
Tue: 11am & 2pm
Box Office 01872 262466
 
NEWBURY Corn Exchange 
Market Place, Newbury, Berks, RG14 5BD
Wed 04 – Fri 06 Apr
Wed: 2pm & 4pm
Thu – Fri: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 0845 5218218
 
CHESTER Storyhouse
Hunter Street, Chester CH1 2AR
Sat 07 – Sun 08 Apr
Sat: 2pm & 4.30pm
Sun: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 01244 409113
 
ST ALBANS Alban Arena 
Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3LD
Mon 09 Jan – Tue 10 Apr
Mon: 2pm & 4.30pmTue: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 01727 844488
 
CHELMSFORD Civic Theatre
Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JG
Thu 12 – Sat 14 Apr
Thur: 2pm & 4.30pm
Fri – Sat: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 01245 606505
 
BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre 
33 Church Street, Blackpool, FY1 1HT
Fri 20 – Sun 22 Apr
Fri: 2pm & 4.30pm
Sat – Sun: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 01253 290190
 
DERRY Millennium Forum
Newmarket Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6EB
Thu 26 – Fri 27 Apr
Thu: 2pm & 4.30pm
Fri: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 02871 264455
 
BELFAST Waterfront
2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 3WH
Sat 28 – Sun 29 Apr
Sat – Sun: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 02890 334455
 
SCUNTHORPE Baths Hall
Doncaster Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7RG
Wed 02 – Thu 03 May
Wed: 2pm & 4.30pm
Thu: 10.30am & 2pm
Box Office: 0844 854 2776
 
DARLINGTON Hippodrome
Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR
Fri: 4pm
Sat & Sun: 11am, 2pm | 4pm (Sat only)
Box Office: 01325 405405
 
NEWARK Palace Theatre
Appletongate, Newark, NG24 1JY
Wed 09 – Thu 10 May
Wed: 4.30pm
Thu: 10.30am & 1.30pm
Box Office: 01636 655755
 
KING’S LYNN Corn Exchange
Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JW
Sat 12 – Sun 13 May
Sat – Sun: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 01553 764864
 
BIRMINGHAM Town Hall
Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ
Sat 19 – Sun 20 May
Sat: 2pm & 4pm
Sun: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 0121 780 3333
 
HAYES Beck Theatre
Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 2UE
Mon 21 – Tue 22 May
Mon: 1.30pm & 4.30pm
Tue: 10.30am & 4.30pm
Box Office: 020 8561 8371
 
BRIDLINGTON Spa
South Marine Drive, Bridlington, YO15 3JH
Fri 25 – Sat 26 May
Sat: 1.30pm & 4.30pm
Sun: 1.30pm & 4.30pm
Box Office: 01262 678258
 
DONCASTER Cast
Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BU
Sun 27 – Mon 28 May
Sun: 2pm & 4pm
Mon: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 01302 303 959
 
OXFORD Playhouse
Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW
Tue 29 – Wed 30 May
Tue & Wed: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 01865 305305
 
HERTFORD Theatre
The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS
Thu 31 May – Fri 01 Jun
Thu: 2pm & 4.30pm
Fri: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 01992 531500
 
READING Hexagon Theatre
Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA
Sat 02 – Sun 03 Jun
Sat: 1.30pm & 4pm
Sun: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 0118 960 6060
 
YORK Theatre Royal
St Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
Wed 13 – Thu 14 Jun
Wed: 1.30pm & 4.30pm
Thu: 10.30am & 4.30pm
Box Office: 01904 623568
 
HARROGATE Theatres
Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF
Sat: 2pm & 4.30pm
Sun: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 01423 502 116
 
BRISTOL Hippodrome
St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ
Thu 28 – Sat 30 Jun
Thu: 4.30pm
Fri: 11am & 2pm | Sat: 11am
Box Office: 0844 871 3012
 
CHELTENHAM Everyman Theatre
Regent Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1HQ
Fri 06 – Sun 08 Jul
Fri: 9am & 4.30pm
Fri – Sun: 11am & 4pm
Box Office: 01242 572573
 
SWANSEA Grand Theatre
Singleton Street, Swansea, SA1 3QJ
Mon 09 – Wed 11 Jul
Mon: 1.30pm & 4.30pm
Tues – Wed: 10.30am & 1.30pm | 4.30pm (Tue only)
Box Office: 01792 475715
 
WORTHING Pavilion Theatre
Marine Parade, Worthing, BN11 3PX
Fri 13 – Sun 15 Jul
Fri: 4.30pm
Sat: 10am & 1pm | Sun: 11am
Box Office: 01903 206 206
 
MILTON KEYNES Theatre
500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ
Thu 19 – Sat 21 Jul
Thu: 4.30pm
Fri: 11am & 4.30pm | Sat: 11am
Box Office: 0844 871 7652
 
DORKING Halls
Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SG
Wed 25 – Thu 26 Jul
Wed: 1.30pm & 4.30pm
Thu: 11am & 1.30pm
Box Office: 01306 881717
 
DARTFORD The Orchard Theatre
Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED
Mon 30 Jul – Wed 01 Aug
Mon: 1.30pm & 4.30pm
Tues & Wed: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 01322 220000
 
GUILDFORD G Live
London Road, Guildford, GU1 2AA
Fri 03 Aug – Sat 04 Aug
Fri: 1.30pm & 4.30pm
Sat: 11am & 2pm
Box Office: 01483 369350
 
TELFORD Oakengates Theatre: The Place in The Park
Limes Walk, Oakengates, Telford TF2 6EP
Tue 07 – Wed 08 Aug
Tue: 12pm & 3pm
Wed: 12pm & 3pm
Box Office: 01952 382 382
 
HULL New Theatre
Kingston Square, Hull, HU1 3HF
Thu 09 – Sat 11 Aug
Thu: 4.30pm
Fri – Sat: 11am & 2pm & 4.30pm
Box Office: 01482 300 306
 
LONDON Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NU
Tue 14 Aug – Sun 09 Sep
Times vary, visit website for details
Box Office: 0844 826 4242
Running Time: 50 minutes + 15 min post show meet and greet
Suitable for ages 3+
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Further Tour Dates Announced for ROCK OF AGES

DAN LOONEY, ADAM PAULDEN,

JASON HAIGH-ELLERY AND SELLADOOR WORLDWIDE ANNOUNCE FURTHER DATES FOR THE

UK TOUR OF

THE AWARD-WINNING SMASH HIT MUSICAL

 

“ROCK OF AGES”

OPENING AT THE CHURCHILL THEATRE, BROMLEY

ON 20 SEPTEMBER 2018

Dan Looney, Adam Paulden, Jason Haigh-Ellery and Selladoor Worldwide are delighted to announce further dates for the UK tour of the award-winning smash-hit musical “ROCK OF AGES” opening at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley on 20 September 2018. Further to the previously announced dates, “ROCK OF AGES” will now also play Glasgow King’s Theatre (22  – 26 January 2019), His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen (29 January – 2 February 2019), Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent (12 – 16 February 2019), The Hawth Crawley (19 – 23 February 2019), New Wimbledon Theatre (26 February – 2 March 2019), Ipswich Regent Theatre (5 – 9 March 2019), Coventry Belgrade Theatre (12 – 16 March 2019), New Theatre Oxford (19 – 23 March 2019), Theatre Royal Nottingham (2 – 6 April 2019), Bristol Hippodrome (16 – 20 April 2019), Grand Opera House York (23 – 28 April 2019), Edinburgh Playhouse (30 April – 4 May 2019), Northampton Royal & Derngate (7 – 11 May 2019), Swansea Grand Theatre (14 – 19 May 2019), New Victoria Theatre Woking (21 – 25 May 2019), Marlowe Theatre Canterbury (25 – 29 June 2019), Blackpool Winter Gardens (2 – 6 July 2019) and Sunderland Empire (23 – 27 July 2019).

Full tour schedule below with casting to be announced soon. www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk

“ROCK OF AGES” is an LA love story lavished with over 25 classic rock anthems. Lose yourself in a city and a time where the dreams are as big as the hair, and yes, they can come true!

This hilarious musical comedy features the songs, including We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is, played loud and proud by an awesome live band.

WARNING: CONTAINS SERIOUS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL DEBAUCHERY!

Now a global smash with extensive runs in London’s West End, on Broadway and in Las Vegas, the show has also been made in to a star studded Hollywood movie.

“ROCK OF AGES” has a book by Chris D’Arienzo and Arrangements and Orchestrations by Ethan Popp. It is directed and choreographed by Nick Winston (“The Royal Variety Performance”, “Annie” and “The Wedding Singer”) designed by Morgan Large (“The Woman in White”, “Top Hat” and “The Christmasaurus”) and has lighting design by Ben Cracknell (“Young Frankenstein”, “Sunset Boulevard” and “Annie”).

ROCK OF AGES – UK Tour 2018/2019

THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2018

The Churchill Theatre, Bromley

www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2018

Manchester Opera House

www.atgtickets.com/venues/opera-house-manchester

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 2 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 6 OCTOBER 2018

Wycombe Swan Theatre

www.wycombeswan.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 8 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER 2018

Darlington Hippodrome

www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER 2018

Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie/

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 23 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER 2018

Liverpool Empire Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2018

New Theatre, Cardiff

www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2018

New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/

ON SALE NOW

TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2018

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

MONDAY 26 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER 2018

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 22 JANUARY – SATURDAY 26 JANUARY 2019

Glasgow Kings Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 29 JANUARY – SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/venues/his-majestys-theatre

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2019

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent

www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre/

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2019

The Hawth, Crawley

www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/The-Hawth

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 26 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 2 MARCH 2019

New Wimbledon Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 5 MARCH – SATURDAY 9 MARCH 2019

Ipswich Regent Theatre

www.apps.ipswich.gov.uk

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 12 MARCH – SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2019

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

www.belgrade.co.uk/

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 19 MARCH – SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019

New Theatre, Oxford

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford/

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 2 APRIL – SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019

Theatre Royal, Nottingham

www.trch.co.uk

ON SALE 15 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 16 APRIL – SATURDAY 20 APRIL 2019

Bristol Hippodrome

www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 23 APRIL – SATURDAY 28 APRIL 2019

Grand Opera House, York

www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 30 APRIL – SATURDAY 4 MAY 2019

Edinburgh Playhouse

www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse/

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 7 MAY – SATURDAY 11 MAY 2019

Royal and Derngate, Northampton

www.royalandderngate.co.uk/

ON SALE SOON

TUESDAY 14 MAY – SATURDAY 19 MAY 2019

Swansea Grand Theatre

www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseagrandtheatre

ON SALE 10 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 21 MAY – SATURDAY 25 MAY 2019

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre/

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 25 JUNE – SATURDAY 29 JUNE 2019

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

www.marlowetheatre.com

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 2 JULY – SATURDAY 6 JULY 2019

Winter Gardens, Blackpool

www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

TUESDAY 23 JULY – SATURDAY 27 JULY 2019

Sunderland Empire Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

ON SALE 12 MARCH 2018

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Madam Butterfly Review

Lowry, Salford – Tuesday 6 March 2018.  Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

5*****

Puccini’s tragic opera “Madama Butterfly” came to the Lowry in Manchester under the company Opera North. The play follows a Geisha called Butterfly, a devoted wife to an American Navy man. Set on a hill near the city Nagasaki, we see how long Butterfly will wait for love.

The play offers powerful visuals and even more powerful acting and vocal ability. The main character of Butterfly played by Anne Sophie Duprels, the fifteen year old to be sold to Lieutenant Pinkerton played by Merūnas Vitulskis. The leading lady gave one of the most spectacular performances I have ever seen in my life, giving the character innocence and charm, whilst being able to sing with a voice that controlled the whole room, and in the end tearing her heart on stage to let the whole weep the tale of Madama Butterfly. The servant of Butterfly is Suzuki played by Anne Taylor, who share a lot of stage time with Duprels, the two had a beautiful connection on stage and gave the second act a lot of energy and life. Taylor’s vocals were also outstanding and gave a performance that complimented the show perfectly. The whole cast of the show were stunning, and I have to note the chorus in the first act who gave an introduction for Butterfly that I don’t think I will ever forget with each member having a different and interesting character.

The set at first seemed rather small with only a tenth of the stage being used, then this metal wall was lived to introduce a stunning Japanese house with walls that moved and gave the house as much character as the actual character, we are given a painting of a volcano in the background which was dormant and added to the picturesque scenery of the show. The band who brought the show to life and worked with the company of actors to deliver what we remember most about the songs from the show, the music, led by Anthony Kraus, I don’t think I heard a single instrument or voice out of tune the whole entire show and there we some complex songs that blew me away.

Whenever I go to the Opera I am always amazed by the sheer talent of the whole production and everyone who is involved in bringing a classic art form to life, but Madama Butterfly blew me away with its stellar and beautiful show. It has become the best opera I have ever seen and I’m looking forward to watching the other two productions of Opera North at the Lowry as part of a trio along with Don Giovanni and Un Ballo in Maschera.

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The Band Review

Hull New Theatre – until 17th March 2018.  Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

5*****

Let’s be clear from the start I am not a Take That fan so I went to the Hull New Theatre last night wondering whether I would enjoy The Band and a tad dubious about seeing another “Jukebox” musical. I shouldn’t have worried what a fabulous night I had as this sleek, high-energy, high-powered musical is a triumph.

As we waited for the show to start Ceefax entertained us with pages from September 1993, setting the scene beautifully. The show’s story revolves around five teenagers who adore “The Band” and win tickets to a concert of their heroes. The second act sees a reunion of four of the women 25 years later. Tim Firth’s writing is very carefully observed and makes us laugh, cringe, cry and cheer for the women who this musical is really about. The teenagers were superb and took me right back to the days when I too adored a pop star and made promises I was so sure I would keep.

Take That’s music is very cleverly interwoven into the story adding to the whole piece and helping to tell the story, but not taking it over. I loved the way “The Band” popped up to sing in the most unlikely places. The version of Back For Good sung by the teenagers to their adult selves was particularly moving. The music is an integral part of the show and reminds us how important music is to so many and that it has the power to inspire, to support us when we’re down and to instantly transport us to another time and place.

The scenery, lighting and special effects are simply stunning and at times it was difficult to know where to look next. I don’t think I have ever seen gladiators, singing statues, and planes in the same piece before!

It would feel wrong to single out one member of the cast for praise as they were all outstanding, all playing their parts superbly. This really is an ensemble piece and the cast have to be at the top of their game as the tale unfolds and the music weaves in and out of the story. It was like watching a 1000 piece jigsaw being put together, all the individual bits adding up to an extravaganza to please all the senses.

I came out of the theatre buzzing, having loved every minute of this spectacular show. If you get the chance go and see for yourself – you won’t be disappointed.

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Casting announced for Tartuffe at Theatre Royal Haymarket

CASTING ANNOUNCED
FOR NEW WEST END ADAPTATION

OF MOLIÈRE’S TARTUFFE

Peaky Blinders, The Revenant and Sherlock Holmes star
PAUL ANDERSON in West End debut as Tartuffe

 

Internationally acclaimed French actress and Spiral star
AUDREY FLEUROT to play Elmire

 

Theatre Royal Haymarket | 25 May – 28 July 2018

Acclaimed film and television actor Paul Anderson will play the title role in Tartuffe at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, alongside celebrated French stage and screen star Audrey Fleurot as Elmire. In the West End’s first ever dual-language production, Molière’s classic comedy re-imagines Tartuffe as a radical American evangelist who uproots the life of a French film tycoon in Hollywood.

 

Tartuffe will premiere for a limited ten-week West End run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from Friday 25thMay 2018 (Press Night on Tuesday 29th May).

 

Paul Anderson will make his West End debut as Tartuffe, a duplicitous evangelist who holds Orgon’s family under his seductive spell. As well as starring in the hit drama Peaky Blinders (BBC & Netflix) as Arthur Shelby, Paul Anderson has held leading roles in The Revenant (20th Century Fox), Legend (Working Title), In the Heart of the Sea (Warner Bros. Pictures) and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (Warner Bros. Pictures). Paul Anderson will also appear as Guy of Gisborne in Leonardo DiCaprio’s upcoming Robin Hood film (Summit Entertainment) later in 2018.

 

Audrey Fleurot will play Elmire, Orgon’s wily wife who endeavours to avoid the beguiling effects of Tartuffe’s charm. Audrey Fleurot’s leading roles have included Joséphine Karlsson in the BAFTA nominated Spiral (Canal + / BBC), Magalie in the multi award-winning international hit film The Intouchables (Quad), Hortense in Un village français (Tétra Média) and as herself in Call My Agent! / Dix pour cent! (Netflix).

 

Additional casting is yet to be announced.

 

L.A. Present day. French media tycoon Orgon has re-located to Tinsel town with his family, his heart set on becoming Hollywood royalty. With a new studio to his name, and a palatial Beverly Hills mansion, his empire seems infallible. But all is not as it seems, as Orgon falls under the seductive spell of Tartuffe, a radical evangelist. So comprehensively has Tartuffe hoodwinked Orgon that he looks set to steal his fortune, drive away his son, seduce his wife and marry his daughter.  

 

As befitting the Theatre Royal Haymarket, which was known to the play-going world as ‘The New French Theatre’ following it’s opening in 1720, this adaptation of Tartuffe will alternate between English with French surtitles and French with English surtitles to reflect the unfolding plot.

 

Written in 1664, Tartuffe, or The Impostor became regarded as one of Molière’s most celebrated comedies, complete with some of the greatest classical theatre roles. Set present day in Donald Trump’s America, the play’s trenchant mockery of human frailties remains as relevant as ever in this darkly comic adaptation of the classic satire.

 

Adaptor Christopher Hampton is an Academy, BAFTA and Olivier award winning writer and director. His screenplay credits include the Oscar-winning Dangerous Liaisons, Atonement, Ali and Nino and A Dangerous Method. His stage credits include his Olivier Award-winning adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Sunset Boulevard, Stephen Ward, and his original plays Appomatox, The Talking Cure, White Chameleon, Treats, Savages and The Philanthropist.

 

Director Gerald Garutti is the former dramaturg of the French National Theatre (Théâtre National Populaire, 2006-11). In English, he has directed a script-in-hand performance of Dangerous Liaisons for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Notes from the Underground starring Harry Lloyd (The Print Room) and The Fall Of The House Of Usher (Vingtième Théâtre). His latest production in France was the sell out Brief Praise of Nightstarring Pierre Richard (Théâtre du Rond-Point & touring). He has written, adapted and directed texts including Badly But Quickly (National Theatre, Odéon), Correspondence For Three (Le Printemps des Poètes), The Hunters of the Absolute (France Culture), A Century of Fury (Brangues), The Sense of Desire (Odéon), Haim – In The Light Of A Violin (Salle Gaveau, national tour for four seasons) and Lorenzaccio (Théâtre National La Criée).

www.TartuffePlay.com

CREATIVES

Directed by Gerald Garutti

Adapted by Christopher Hampton

Composed by Laurent Petitgand

Designed by Tim Goodchild

Lighting design by Paul Anderson

Sound design by David Gregory

 

ADDRESS

Theatre Royal Haymarket

18 Suffolk Street

London

SW1Y 4HT

 

SEASON DATES

Friday 25 May – Saturday 28 July 2018

  

BOOKING ONLINE

www.trh.co.uk

 

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Mondays – Saturdays: 7.30pm 

Thursdays: 2.30pm

 

TICKETS

Prices from £15

TELEPHONE BOOKING

020 7930 8800

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: TartuffePlay

Twitter: @TartuffePlay

#TartuffePlay