Cilla The Musical Returns To The North-West Next Month
Direct from the West End and Broadway it’s The Barricade Boys
THE BARRICADE BOYS
Grand Opera House York
Wednesday 14 March
Direct from London’s West End and Broadway, The Barricade Boys hit the road with their premiere UK tour!
Not only do they perform the world’s greatest show tunes but they also celebrate music from some of the most iconic names in the music industry, from powerful ballads and beautiful operatic arias to some of the best pop, rock and swing numbers of all time. The Barricade Boys are a spectacular group with incredible moments and deliver “an unmissable show with talent, flair and fun – West End Frame”
The Barricade Boys have played major leading roles in musical theatre and have being guests on many primetime TV shows including, The Paul O’Grady Show, Sunday Night at the Palladium, Children In Need, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and most recently Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris.
Why settle for just another vocal group when you can have the world’s leading musical theatre super group!?
Do you hear the people sing? Yes! Fabulous harmonies, incredible vocals, dashing good looks and fantastic personalities the Barricade Boys showcase some of the world’s finest male voices from the West End, Broadway, International Tour and Hollywood movie of the world’s longest running musical – Les Misèrables.
Tickets: From £21
Box Office: 0844 871 3024
Online: www.atgtickets.com/york
Fat Friends the Musical Review
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 10th February. Reviewed by Jo Gordon
5*****
Kay Mellor OBE is one of the greatest writers and producers we currently cherish in the U.K, having an exceptional back catalogue of stage, film and TV hits. Including the children’s drama Children’s Ward , feature film Fanny and Elvis, a TV adaption of Jane Eyre and the recently aired Girlfriends. Kay has now adapted the TV series Fat Friends for the stage and I for one could not wait to see it!
Set in Headingly, Leeds and based around a slimming club we see the struggles, insecurities and love lives of an everyday group of people we can all probably relate to. The set is a cleverly designed row of shop fronts with a wedding shop, chippy and the church hall at the centre of the story.
Super Slimmers Group is run weekly by the wedding dress shop owner Lauren (Natalie Anderson), who wants to help the locals achieve the weight loss she was so successful with on the plan….. for a weekly fee of course! She dreams of meeting the love of her life and wearing one of the beautiful dresses in her shop . After group, Lauren runs a zumba class with the help of local vicar Paul (Jonathan Halliwell), who dreams of finding the love of his life….. I think we can all see what may happen here!
Group member and nominee for Super Slimmer of the year, Betty (Sam Bailey) and her husband Fergus (Kevin Kennedy) are struggling to make ends meet at their chippy Big & Battered as they go up against big, modern chains like Nandos et al and the rising demand for healthy foods unlike their beef dripping golden chips and battered fish. With the wedding of their daughter Kelly (Jodie Prenger) fast approaching to the lovable Kevin (Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff ), Kelly heads off to choose the wedding dress of her dreams , which turns out to be too small but she purchases anyway claiming to be able to slim into it within six weeks….. been there….. said that!
Super Slimmer of the Year day arrives and Julia Fleshman (Natasha Hamilton) arrives in town. The waif like, business minded, hangry founder of Super Slimmers. When Betty doesn’t win the award, Kelly begins a rant down the local TVs camera stating its all rubbish and she can lose the weight for the wedding herself and giving Leeds an eyeful of her curves. The unscrupulous Julia seizes this as a good business opportunity offering to pay for the wedding and dress if Kelly follows the plan and fits into the dress. Julia will get the correct outcome for her business no matter what it takes and no matter how unethical!
We have will they won’t they moments, see peoples vulnerabilities, hen nights, jealous stags, partial nudity, giant chocolate dance scenes, love, friendship, surprises, songs that will leave you breathless from laughing and scenes anyone who is a slimming club member will recognise nationwide! It is a strong, tight cast who deliver perfectly, Freddie can hold a tune…. who knew! I personally have six days till weighing in day….. plenty of time to reclaim the gain of the Big & Battered I’m about to inhale .
Grab your gang from slimming club and laugh away some calories!
Son of a Preacher Man Review
Darlington Hippodrome – until 10 February 2018.
3***
In Soho, in the swinging 60’s, there existed a record shop called The Preacher Man. The owner of the shop, the Preacher Man himself dispensed words of wisdom along with the vinyl to the teenagers and music fans who frequented his shop. But the Preacher Man is is long dead and his record shop is now a coffee shop run by his son, Simon (Nigel Richards).
Three strangers, generations apart are drawn to the site of The Preacher Man. The trio, Kat (Alice Barlow), Alison (Debra Stephenson) and Paul (Michael Howe), hope to seek advice about love from the man himself. Paul was one of the “crowd”, now wanting to reconnect with an unrequited lost love from back then. Alison is a recently widowed tutor with feelings that she can’t decide are truly appropriate. Kat has just lost her grandmother, who was full of stories about The Preacher Man and has been delving into the world of online dating, only to be snubbed by “the man of her dreams”.
They are instead greeted with his son Simon, who is helped by the wonderful Cappuccino Sisters, a rather glamorous trinity of waitresses (Michelle Long, Kate Hardisty and Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong). Simon is quiet, meek and living under the shadow of his father, but at the same time unable to move forward. After much persuasion he seeks to channel the spirit of The Preacher Man to give the lovesick strangers The Look of Love.
The first act is almost pantomime-esq in its quest to set the story and to fit in many of Dusty Springfields fabulous songs. And the characters don’t really get the chance to develop. Alison (Stephenson) is the one that suffers most with this. Paul (Howe) gets the most rounded and fleshed out of the characters. Thankfully the second act works much better and although contrived it does reach a happy ending.
The cast all play instruments live on stage showing a vast range of talent. And the set shows versatility moving from record store to coffee shop to flat by way of opening and shutting in various ways.
There are, however some stand out moments. I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten where Paul introduces his story of unrequited (and at that time illegal) love is set with a beautifully choreographed ballet. But I wouldn’t expect anything less than fab-u-lous when the show is directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. A House is not a Home, Spooky and You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me all work well too and anything sung by Alice Barlow is fantastic. If you are a fan of the Dusty Springfield’s soulful vocals then this may not be the show for you. It is not a tribute nor does it claim to be. It is a musical and the songs have been adapted to fit the genre. However if you are happy to just sing along and enjoy the nostalgia then you may enjoy.
In Darlington until 10 February 2018 and on tour around the UK until July.
Nichola McAuliffe stars in a new adaptation of Great Expectations
Oliver Award-winner Nichola McAuliffe stars in new adaptation
of GREAT EXPECTATIONS
A brand-new production of the timeless classic Great Expectations starring Nichola McAuliffe, comes to Richmond Theatre from Mon 12 – Sat 17 Mar. This stunning new adaptation promises a thrilling and theatrical telling of Charles Dickens’ universally loved masterpiece featuring a powerful cast and innovative set design.
Following a terrifying encounter with an escaped convict, a young Pip is given an unexpected chance to better himself by visiting the reclusive and mysterious Miss Havisham. In the decaying grandeur of her house, Pip falls in love with Estella and helped by an anonymous benefactor, he moves to the bustling city to pursue his dream of winning Estella’s heart and of becoming part of the educated elite. For lovers of theatre and literature alike, this performance will capture you from the start with its memorable characters and jaw-dropping set design.
Leading the cast is Olivier Award-winning actress, Nichola McAuliffe who is set to play the iconic Miss Havisham. Nichola is best known for her role in the long running ITV sitcom, Surgical Spirit, and the films Tomorrow Never Dies and Chéri. Her many stage appearances include the award-winning role in Kiss Me Kate for the RSC, The Night of the Iguana in the West End & Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van.
This brand-new production is adapted by Ken Bentley, directed by Sophie Boyce Couzens and featuring new and inspiring set design from James Turner, winner of Best Set Design at the 2013 Off-West End Awards for Mercury Fur.
This new adaptation is co-produced by Malvern Theatres and Tilted Wig Productions, the same producers who delighted audiences with Travels With My Aunt (2015) and Our Man in Havana last year. This revival is set to revisit the classic story in a way not seen before and for lovers of Charles Dickens, this is not one to miss!
Great Expectations
Mon 12 – Sat 17 Mar at Richmond Theatre
Tickets: from £19.90* (includes booking fee)
Show link: http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/great-expectations/richmond-theatre
Richmond Box Office: 0844 871 7651* Website: atgtickets.com/Richmond*
*Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.
MURDER, SHE DIDN’T WRITE: THE IMPROVISED MURDER MYSTERY West End Debut Leciester Square Theatre
«««« Ed Fringe Review
Julia Donaldson’s TIDDLER returns to the stage; new UK Tour opens this week
Adapted from the bestselling books
by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
New UK Tour begins this week
Opening at Churchill Theatre, Bromley
After enchanting audiences in the West End and all over the world, Tiddler is back and swimming around the UK on a brand-new tour, opening at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley this Saturday 10 February. Adapted from the bestselling books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Tiddler and other Terrific Taleswill visit over 40 venues throughout Spring and Summer; full tour schedule attached.
Prepare to go under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, as four terrific tales are bought to life on stage with live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters from the best-loved titles:Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze. Funky moves, toe tapping tunes and giggles are guaranteed.
Tiddler and other Terrific Tales weaves together four stories by Julia Donaldson, the multi award-winning author of some of the world’s best loved children’s books, most notably the modern classic The Gruffalo which has sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Julia is best known for her popular rhyming stories for children, especially those illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which include Zog, Stick Man and Room on the Broom.
Tiddler and other Terrific Tales is directed by Sally Cookson, with music and lyrics by Benji Bower, design by Katie Sykes, lighting design by Elanor Higgins and musical direction by Brian Hargreaves. The Puppetry and Associate Director is Chris Pirie, and the Associate Director is Georgia Green. The cast features Maryam Grace, Anna Larkin and Alex Tosh.
Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales is produced by Freckle Productions, who fire the hearts and minds as well as the imaginations of young audiences who may be experiencing theatre for the very first time, but also changing the awareness of what performance can be for regular followers.
Recommended for ages 3+.
“To call this show lively would be a whopping understatement.
Packed with gleeful songs and jolly good fun”
The Guardian
Website: www.tiddlerlive.com
Twitter: @Freckle_Prods
Facebook: /FreckleProductions
Instagram: freckle_productions
UK TOUR LISTINGS
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 February 2018
Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Box Office www.churchilltheatre.co.uk
Monday 12 – Tuesday 13 February 2018
Richmond Theatre
Box Office www.atgtickets.com/richmond
Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 February 2018
Bristol Old Vic
Box Office www.bristololdvic.org.uk
Monday 19 February 2018
Guildford G-Live
Box Office www.glive.co.uk
Thursday 22 – Friday 23 February 2018
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Box Office www.shermantheatre.co.uk
Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 February 2018
The Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton
Box Office www.thebrewhouse.net
Monday 26 – Tuesday 27 February 2018
Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth
Box Office www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
Thursday 1 – Saturday 3 March 2018
Orchard Theatre, Dartford
Box Office www.orchardtheatre.co.uk
Sunday 4 March 2018
Artsdepot, North Finchley
Box Office www.artsdepot.co.uk
Monday 12 – Tuesday 13 March 2018
Southport Theatre
Box Office www.atgtickets.com/southport
Friday 16 – Sunday 18 March 2018
The Lowry, Salford
Box Office www.thelowry.com
Monday 26 – Tuesday 27 March 2018
Venue Cymru, Llandudno
Box Office www.venuecymru.co.uk
Wednesday 28 March 2018
Lowther Pavilion
Box Office www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk
Friday 30 March – Tuesday 3 April 2018
Birmingham Town Hall
Box Office www.thsh.co.uk
Thursday 5 – Friday 6 April 2018
Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Box Office www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
Saturday 7 April 2018
The Hexagon, Reading
Box Office www.readingarts.com/hexagon
Sunday 8 – Monday 9 April 2018
Watford Palace Theatre
Box Office www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Friday 20 – Saturday 21 April 2018
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle
Box Office www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
Sunday 22 – Monday 23 April 2018
Lincoln New Theatre Royal
Box Office www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
Sunday 29 – Monday 30 April 2018
The Octagon, Yeovil
Box Office www.octagon-theatre.co.uk
Friday 4 – Sunday 6 May 2018
Hertford Theatre
Box Office www.hertfordtheatre.com
Monday 7 May 2018
The Hawth, Crawley
Box Office www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk
Tuesday 8 – Wednesday 9 May 2018
Winchester Theatre Royal
Box Office www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
Friday 11 – Saturday 12 May 2018
The Cube, Corby
Box Office www.thecorecorby.com
Sunday 13 – Monday 14 May 2018
The Gulbenkian, Canterbury
Box Office www.thegulbenkian.co.uk
Sunday 20 May 2018
Nottingham Playhouse
Box Office www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Tuesday 22 May 2018
King’s Hall, Ilkley
Box Office www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Middlesbrough Theatre
Box Office www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
Monday 28 – Wednesday 30 May 2018
The Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
Box Office www.southendtheatres.org.uk
Friday 1 – Saturday 3 June 2018
Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds
Box Office www.theatreroyal.org
Friday 27 – Sunday 29 July 2018
Theatr Clwyd, Mold
Box Office www.theatrclwyd.com
Monday 30 – Tuesday 31 July 2018
Newark Palace Theatre
Box Office www.palacenewark.com
Thursday 2 – Friday 3 August 2018
King George’s Hall, Blackburn
Box Office www.kinggeorgeshall.com
Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 Aug 2018
Lanark Memorial Hall
Box Office www.slleisureandculture.co.uk
Tuesday 7 – Wednesday 8 August 2018
Falkirk Town Hall
Box Office www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org
Thursday 16 – Friday 17 August 2018
The Woodville, Gravesend
Box Office www.woodville.seatlive.com
Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 August 2018
Broadway Theatre, Peterborough
Box Office www.thebroadway.today
Monday 20 – Tuesday 21 August 2018
Brighton Theatre Royal
Box Office www.atgtickets.com/brighton
Wednesday 22 – Saturday 25 August 2018
Oxford Playhouse
Box Office www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Monday 27 – Wednesday 29 August 2018
Stoke Regent Theatre
Box Office www.atgtickets.com/stoke
Thursday 30 August – Saturday 1 Sept 2018
New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Box Office www.atgtickets.com/birmingham
THE COCKPIT LAUNCHES THEATRE MAKER: classes workshops and seminars on devising and making Motivated Theatre
Foil Arms & Hog UK Tour Stops Off At Chester’s Storyhouse
Off The Kerb Productions present:
FOIL ARMS & HOG
STORYHOUSE, CHESTER – FRI 6 APRIL
Quite simply, a sensation” – EDINBURGH FESTIVALS MAGAZINE
“An effervescent hour of fast-paced gags, fizzing with energy, invention and great lines” – CHORTLE
“Very funny” – ROWAN ATKINSON
With nine million hits on their YouTube channel, Foil Arms & Hog have a fast-growing fan-base; their weekly sketches, filmed in Dublin, include the hilarious WTF is Brexit?,US Immigration Test and How to Speak Dublin. The boys are equally in their element, however, when performing live to sellout audiences, and for this reason they are taking to the road in 2018 with a big tour of the UK and Ireland and stop off at Storyhouse in Chester on Friday 6th April.
If you like the videos, you’ll love the live show OINK, for no better reason than that the show encapsulates all the irreverent mirth of the vids – but with the added bonus of being longer. And live.
OINK is a fast-paced sketch show that features a collection of songs for the elderly, a baggage handler’s interpretive dance, and a shop that naively sells balaclavas and nothing else. Need we say more?
And what is, or who are, Foil Arms & Hog? Well they are three young Irishmen by the names of Sean Finegan, Conor McKenna and Sean Flanagan, who met at University College Dublin while studying architecture, engineering and genetics, and decided to give all that up to pursue the noble art of being downright silly, yet observational, yet sometimes very topical and refreshingly philosophical.
Since then the boys have come a long way, and as well as fill venues with laughter at their live shows they have embraced the digital universe to become veritable internet stars. Besides the YouTube nine million, they also have well over half a million Facebook followers and a fair few on Twitter too. All because they do concise, tightly-filmed stories that are both culturally relevant and absurd. But most of all, as Rowan Atkinson testifies, the trio are “very funny”.
Performing live is what FA&H do best though, and besides their native Ireland they have toured the UK, US and Australia – to rapturous applause. In 2018 they’re touring around Ireland and the UK. It’s guaranteed laughs all round, so go see them live, in the flesh, without a dodgy broadband connection in sight.
Further Information & Tickets: www.offthekerb.co.uk
www.youtube.com/user/foilarmsandhog
www.facebook.com/foilarmsandhog
TOURING SCHEDULE:
MARCH:
Wed 14 Mar – Thu 15 Mar Glasgow Comedy Festival, Garage 0844 873 7353http://www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
APRIL:
Friday, 6 April Chester, Storyhouse 01244 409 113 www.storyhouse.com
Saturday, 7 April Birmingham, Town Hall 0121 780 3333 www.thsh.co.uk
Thursday, 19 April Manchester, Dancehouse 0161 237 1413 www.thedancehouse.co.uk
Friday, 20 April Durham, Gala Theatre 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk
Thursday, 26 April Exeter, Corn Exchange 01392 665938 www.exetercornexchange.co.uk/
MAY:
Thursday, 10 May Hammersmith, Apollo 0208 563 3800 www.eventimapollo.com