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PARK THEATRE ANNOUNCES

NEW BAME INITIATIVE:

THE PRISM PROJECT

Park Theatre today announces their new theatre and artist development initiative, The Prism Project, which has been specially created to nurture BAME voices on stage, and provide a starting block which will help to disperse new stories. The project, spearheaded by Park Theatre’s Administrator Melissa Bonnelame, will encompass a series of rehearsed readings at Park Theatre that will offer BAME creatives free rehearsal space and a professional theatre in which to develop and showcase diverse stories. The initiative hopes to address the need within the theatre industry to provide support and professional opportunities for BAME creatives and their work.

Any artist who is Black, Asian or part of a minority ethnic group is eligible to apply for the scheme. The only requirement is that they are working on a script (either themselves or as part of a creative team) that could use the space for its development, and have a creative team available to work on their project.

For all successful applicants Park Theatre will provide:

• A morning of rehearsal space in Park Theatre, free of charge
• One of their two professional theatre spaces to perform a rehearsed reading, free of charge
• A listing on The Prism Project webpage, as well as a select amount of organic social media support
• Where appropriate, Park Theatre will invite a select number of guests to the reading with the rest of the seats to be filled by the successful applicants

Founder of The Prism Project, and Park Theatre’s administrator, Melissa Bonnelame said: “As a person of colour from North London who is aware of the variety of stories our wonderfully diverse city has to offer, it is really important to me that BAME creatives are given the chance to share their narratives and – most importantly – given the chance to speak for themselves. That is why I hope to see The Prism Project give creatives a platform to cultivate their voice, grow new ideas and reflect different voices within the community.”

Artistic Director Jez Bond said: “I am excited about the launch of The Prism Project for two reasons. Firstly, because it’s about using our resources to give a voice to traditionally more marginalised sectors of the community and, secondly, because it’s a programme led by our Administrator, allowing a member of staff to use a set of tools not normally deployed in their role and at the same time giving them ownership of a project close to their heart.”

The Prism Project’s first reading is a two-part series. Damsel in Distress? is an interactive play for those who know life won’t always be on easy mode, which is being directed by Tiwalade Ibirogba-Olulode who was the Assistant Director on The Other Place which performed in Park200 from September to October last year, and is being produced by Holly Adomah Thompson who completed a marketing internship with the venue in 2018.Set in Stains is a brand new play by Nuu Theatre in collaboration with writer Ruby Holder. Directed by Artistic Director, Ben Quashie, Set in Stains is a work in progress piece debuting the exciting work from this company of young theatre makers and writing talent.

The Prism Project is a rolling programme and is open to submissions throughout the year, subject to availability. There is no application deadline, and those interested in applying for the scheme can download the application form and submission details from Park Theatre’s website.

www.parktheatre.co.uk

Box office: 020 7870 6876*
* Telephone booking fee: 10% (capped at £2.50 per ticket)

Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until Saturday 9th February 2019

Reviewed by Leanne Caplis

4****

Based on the best-selling novel and film Simon Friend, Amblin Partners and Josh Andrews bring to the stage The Girl on the Train. Starting its UK tour in Milton Keynes it will run in theatre’s around the UK until Saturday 13th July 2019.

Have you ever been so gripped by something that you have to remind yourself to breathe? Well this show does just that! Having read the book and watched the film it was hard to envisage how they could make such a fast moving storyline, with many flashbacks, fit the stage setting but Simon Friend and Josh Andrews (Directors) and their team did it perfectly.

Rachel Watson (Samantha Womak) a drunken divorcee has hit the bottle hard. After losing her job Rachel continues to ride the train daily to work where she becomes obsessed with the lives of others. Does her obsession go one step to far? Did she murder Megan Hipwell (Kirsty Oswald)?

An intense physiological thriller that had me gripped from the very first moment with Rachel being the stand out performer. It was mesmerising to watch a member of the cast remain on the stage throughout the whole performance whilst the set behind her changed seamlessly and simultaneously.

Rachel continues to get more involved in solving the disappearance of Megan and during her visits to the physiatrist Kamal Abdic (Naeem Hayat) the clever use of the staging to demonstrate the flashbacks makes them my favourite parts of the performance.

With a small cast I thought the venue would perhaps be too big. I was wrong! A pin drop could be heard whilst the story unfolded in front of our eyes and the tension could be felt everywhere. Some of the scenes made me forget I was in a room with hundreds of other people. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to help Rachel convince those around her that she was telling the truth; get them to listen and to stop her ex-husband Tom (Adam Jackson-Smith) manipulating her.

I can’t recommend this train journey enough and I’m sure you will come out agreeing with me it was worth the ride!

Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh – until 9th of February 2019

Reviewed by Hannah Plumb

3***

Greenday’s American Idiot album was to many a soundtrack of their teenage years. When the 2004 pop-punk concept album first became a musical it was a triumph that twice extended it’s run. The album was about escaping suburbia and rebelling against the propaganda of a post 9/11 America. It discussed the feelings of a disillusioned youth that is still as relevant today as when it was first written. Ten years after the initial run American Idiot returns to stages for its 10th Anniversary UK Tour. 

The story follows three young male protagonists Johnny (Tom Miller), Tunny (Joshua Dowen) and Will (Samuel Pope) as they attempt to escape the monotony of suburbia for the excitement of the city. Longing to rebel against the hypocrisy of modern America and the death of the America dream the three heroes must tackle war, addiction, and love in order to understand where their place is in this new world. Miller as Johnny embodies the flawed tortured rebel that would make every young punk swoon. However, his portrayal of a young man struggling with addiction is rooted in a dark reality and is a hauntingly brilliant performance.

The production mixes a live rock band with actor-musicians which give the musical the electricity of a pop-punk concert. The band rock out at the top of the Sara Perks fantastic set, which provides an epic backdrop for the chaos of the characters journeys, visually it is very cool. Miller, Dowen, and Pope lead the cast with strong and rocky vocals that really reflect the soul of the original Greenday trio. The vocals throughout the whole show are what carries the story and make it a truly worthwhile experience. A special nod to Raquel Jones who’s portrayal of Extraordinary Girl is not one to be missed, her powerful voice is a beautiful contrast to the heavy drums and electric guitar. Her performance with Dowen of the song Extraordinary Girl is a powerful moment which elevates the rock opera to another level. 

Although the performances are all incredibly strong the plot of American Idiot is somewhat disjointed and I believe it would be hard to follow if you were not already a fan of the music. My biggest issue with the musical was the sheer amount of talented female performers who were wasted in a musical that uses women to complete a male story arc and very little else. The female characters have very little meaning other than to either bolster or conflict the three leading males.

That being said if you’re a fan of Green Day, a talented young cast and exceptional vocals, American Idiot at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre will transport you back to the days where we all wanted an outrageous fringe and for our parents to get out of our rooms. 

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Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – until 9th February 2019

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

A smoothly presented production with Doyle’s usual intricacies that only Sherlock Holmes unique talent can figure out. Set in India and London, the creative team have to be commended on an unusual set that gives the atmosphere of both places, strongly supported by a skilled musical score. The interchange of actor musicians flows beautifully. Composer Tristan Parkes and Director Nick Lane have a synergy that creates a well accomplished piece.

Luke Barton (Sherlock Holmes) captures the quirky, dynamic energy of Holmes, keeping the audience engaged throughout. Joseph Derrington (Dr John Watson) is a believable, likable character, reflecting the exasperation of their relationship. Stephanie Rutherford manages to play three very different roles (Mary Morstan, Mrs Hudson, Mrs Smith) with three accents and is part of the musical ensemble as well, all with energy and enthusiasm, bringing some humour to the piece. Also brought in by Christopher Glover as Detective Athelney-Jones, portrayed as Sherlock Holmes perceives him; a policeman plod. This is in direct contrast to Glover’s Dost Akbar, who gives a warmth and an air of calm confidence. Ru Hamilton is clearly an accomplished musician, playing several instruments and several parts (Thaddeus Sholto, Major Sholto, Sherman) seemingly without breaking a sweat. My favourite performance of the night comes from Zach Lee (Jonathan Small, Captain Morstan, McMurdo), offering emotional intelligence that is perceptible to the audience.

Nick Lane has adapted The Sign of Four well to the stage, managing to cover all the intricacies of the characters and plot by including an element of narration in some of the characters. I think Sir Arthur would have enjoyed seeing his work come to life.

Theatre Royal, Glasgow – until 9 February 2019

Reviewed by Linda McLaughlan

5*****

Throwback to the 70’s for many of the audience.

The audience at Theatre Royal appeared to contain a mixture of generations awaiting what has become a comedy stage classic.

The scene is set in a suburban living room with all the decor of the 70’s on show. Beverly (played by Jodie Prenger) sets the scene as she appears in a large floral dress which I am sure many of the audience will remember and begins to prepare for her evening. Cigarette in hand she puts on the record player play and sways to the music whilst bringing out the nibbles….. cheese and pineapple on sticks and nuts and crisps, avoiding the olives as she doesn’t like these as we find out when her husband Laurence (played by Daniel Casey) appears home from work stressed from his job as an Estate Agent. The couple although having only been married 3 years appears strained and difficult. Beverly having already poured herself a G & T tops up her drink and reminds Laurence that the new neighbours are coming round for a few drinks as well as their neighbour Sue (played by Rose Keegan). Sue’s daughter Abigail who is 15 is having a party hence why she is leaving the house.

Before Laurence leaves the house to deal with a late development at work the new neighbours arrive Angela (played by Vicky Binns) and Tony (played by Calum Callaghan). The new neighbours are young professionals with Angela being a Nurse and Tony a Computer Operator. Having bough their first house they are climbing the social ladder which at this time in the 70’s is a privileged experience.

As the evening goes on and drink flows with Beverly being the very dominant host ensuring that everyone has their glass full even when they don’t want it. The sexual tension becomes quite electric as Beverly flirts with Tony and Sue worrying about the party which can be heard in the background.

The play highlights the changes in the social structure within Britain especially 1977 which has streets celebrating the Queens Jubilee and the musical era going through changes in music from Punk to Donna Summer.

Without giving away the end of the play I would recommend that you go to this play and enjoy the highs and lows of the people’s lives with much laughter and times of worry. A must see and outstanding performances from the cast of 5 people throughout the entire play.

WOW London 2019

• WOW LONDON 2019 BRINGS THE WOW COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO ASK‘WHAT NOW?’ AND ‘WHAT NEXT?’ IN AN UNMISSABLE TWO-DAY PROGRAMME
   
• CELEBRATING RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS, EACH DAY WILL ALSO TAKE A FRANK LOOK AT ONGOING EQUALITY ISSUES IN DIALOGUE WITH A RANGE OF INSPIRING SPEAKERS

WOW – Women of the World – has announced two major events across International Women’s Day 2019 to address the state of gender equality today.

On Friday 8 March in What Now? looks at the here and now. From politics to financial empowerment, from toxic masculinity to the intersection of sexism, racism and homophobia here are the subjects that matter most collated from WOW Thinkins around the world. Annie Lennoxleads a conversation on Global Feminism, and how local activism can turn into international solidarity; Julia Gillard, the first woman Prime Minister of Australia, talks about resilience and her mission to dispel the myths about female leadership, and we put money high on the agenda with a challenge to talk more about our personal finances – in particular, our pensions. Other speakers include: Gina Miller, the woman who successfully challenged the UK government’s authority to trigger Article 50; Rizzle Kicks musician and actor Jordan Stephenson the effects of toxic masculinity; Scarlett Curtis, curator of Feminists Don’t Wear Pink (and Other Lies); Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones), actor and co-creator of daisie, a new online community for creative collaboration; stand-up comedian Rosie Jones; cellist and singer Ayanna Witter-Johnson as well as spoken word from some of the UK’s best established and up and coming poets.

On Saturday 9 March we ask What’s Next?,  and present some of the artists, thinkers, and activists who are bringing new thinking and ideas that will transform the world. Speakers includeSandi Toksvig; model and activist Munroe Bergdorf; author of Eve Was Shamed: How British Justice is Failing Women Helena Kennedy QC ; bestselling author Reshma Saujani (Founder of Girls Who Code)and Jenny Sealey MBE (Graeae Theatre Company) who will be launching ‘Where is my Vagina’, a new initiative born out of conversations with her friends about sex and aging. WOW will also be in conversation with Lily Allen in the wake of her book My Thoughts Exactly.

What Next? also invites a group of First Nations and Indigenous women to discuss how women leaders are practising a new model of global leadership in the face of colonial power and its ongoing legacies. Speakers will include Dr Sandra Phillips (Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, University of Technology Sydney) and Mayor Vonda Malone, the first female mayor of Torres Shire Council with 22 years’ experience with the Australian government, and a Torres Strait Islander born and raised on Thursday Island.

What Now? and What Next? is every feminist’s dream double bill. A one-off event led by WOW’s founder Jude Kelly, it marks the launch of The WOW Foundation, an independent charitable organisation with national and global reach. WOW is preparing major festivals to celebrate its tenth birthday in 2020.

WHAT NOW? and WHAT NEXT? are a major part of the previously announced WOW London line up including: legendary activist and writer Angela Davis in conversation, award-winning journalist and author Naomi Klein speaking to Jude Kelly; the launch of major new international anthology New Daughters of Africa edited by Margaret Busby; comedy from Jo Brand; a world premiere from Women’s Equality Party co-founder Catherine Mayer; Bestselling author, blogger and campaigner Chidera Eggerue, aka The Slumflower.

WOW London takes place by arrangement with Southbank Centre.

LISTINGS

WHAT NOW?
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre
Friday 8 March, 2pm
Approx run time 210 minutes

Consider the ideas that matter to women in an event led by Jude Kelly, founder of WOW – Women of the World, with Annie Lennox, Gina Miller, Julia Gillard and more.

From the toughest realities many women and girls face every day, to the greatest triumphs, we present an afternoon of stories and performances designed to blow your mind and change your world view, featuring some of the best speakers, performers, activists and thinkers in the field.

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/133399-wow-what-now-2019

WHAT NEXT?
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre
Saturday 9 March, 2pm
Approx run time 210 minutes

In an age of hyperconnectivity, extreme ideas and political turmoil, what’s in store for the future of gender equality? Hear from Sandi Toksvig, Munroe Bergdorf, Lily Allen and more.

Hear from the women helping us imagine an equal world – from those on the frontlines of global movements to girls and young women changing our world for the better.

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/133411-wow-what-next-2019

Tickets are on sale

A number of events will be British Sign Language – details will be confirmed.

Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road
London SE1 8XX

Royal Shakespeare Company to tour three productions in repertoire for the first time.

RSC will tour ‘As You Like It’, ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ and ‘Measure for Measure’ to The Lowry in September 2019.

For the first time the Royal Shakespeare Company will tour three productions in repertoire to six regional theatres, playing for two weeks in each venue.  As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew and Measure for Measure will visit The Lowry from Wed 25 September to Sat 5 October 2019. 

The productions originally open in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, running between February and August 2019.

The company will feature 27 actors, who will each appear in two of the three productions.  As You Like It is directed by Kimberley Sykes, The Taming of the Shrew by Justin Audibert, and Measure for Measure by RSC Artistic Director, Gregory Doran.  Set design for all three productions is by Stephen Brimson Lewis, Director of Design for the RSC.

Gregory Doran, RSC Artistic Director, said: “We have worked hard to assemble a company of actors which reflects the nation in ways it has never done before. Featuring a 50/50 gender balanced ensemble, we have brought together talent from all corners of the United Kingdom, reflecting both the ethnic, geographical and cultural diversity of Britain today and those artists that are underrepresented on our stages. We want to create a season of work which places contemporary audiences at its heart, which speaks directly to the present moment.”

Erica Whyman, RSC Deputy Artistic Director, added: “We want as many people as possible to see our work, and we really believe Shakespeare should be for everyone, so taking plays around our nation is an essential part of what we do. I’m delighted that this new tour will give audiences the chance to see not just one production, but our wonderful company of actors in three very different plays.  My ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is currently making its way around the UK, as is our award-winning ‘Matilda The Musical’, and later this year we will take our First Encounters with Shakespeare production of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ into regional theatres and schools, ensuring we are a truly national theatre company.” 

As You Like It
Following her roles in Dido Queen of Carthage, Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra in 2017, Lucy Phelps returns to play Rosalind in Kimberley Sykes’ production of As You Like It. She will be joined by David Ajao as Orlando whose previous productions for the RSC include The Merchant of Venice, Othello and Hecuba.  

The full cast includes Charlotte Arrowsmith (Audrey), Patrick Brennan (Corin), Graeme Brookes (Charles/Forester), Antony Byrne (Duke Senior/Duke Frederick), Richard Clews (Adam), Tom Dawze (William), Amelia Donkor (Silvia), Laura Elsworthy (Phoebe), Sandy Grierson (Touchstone), Emily Johnstone (Amiens/Le Beau), Alex Jones (A Lord), Karina Jones (Martext), Sophie Khan Levy (Celia), Sophie Stanton (Jaques), Aaron Thiara (Jaques de Bois/Dennis) and Leo Wan (Oliver). 

Stephen Brimson Lewis will design the set for As You Like It with Bretta Gerecke designing both costumes and lighting in a first for the RSC. Music is composed by Tim Sutton, with sound by Jonathan Ruddick and movement by Ayse Tashkiran. Fights by Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown. Puppetry Director and Co-Designer,  Mervyn Millar.

The Taming of the Shrew
Claire Price plays Petruchia and Joseph Arkley plays Katherine in Justin Audibert’s reimagined staging of The Taming of the Shrew and will do so among a cast where women play the roles written as men, and men play those written as women.  

The full cast includes Charlotte Arrowsmith (Curtis), Hannah Azuonye (Pedant), Melody Brown (Vincentia), Richard Clews (Grumio), James Cooney (Bianco), Amelia Donkor (Hortensia), Laura Elsworthy (Trania), Amanda Harris (Baptista), Emily Johnstone (Lucentia), Alex Jones (Haberdasher), Alexander Mushore (Servant), Michael Patrick (Tailor), Sophie Stanton (Gremia) Aaron Thiara (Servant of Petruchia) Amy Trigg (Biondella) and Leo Wan (Widower). 

The set for The Taming of the Shrew is designed by Stephen Brimson Lewis with costume design by Hannah Clark and lighting by Matt Peel. Music is composed by Ruth Chan, sound by Claire Windsor, and movement by Lucy Cullingford. Fights are by Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown. 

Measure for Measure
Sandy Grierson, who took on the roles of Faustus and Mephistopheles in Maria Aberg’s 2016 production of Dr Faustus, will play Angelo in Gregory Doran’s staging of Measure for Measure. Following his performance as Antony in Antony and Cleopatra, Antony Byrne returns to play The Duke. They are joined by Lucy Phelps in the role of Isabella. 

Full casting for Measure for Measure includes David Ajao (Pompey), Joseph Arkley (Lucio), Hannah Azuonye (Lady), Patrick Brennan (Abhorson/Friar Thomas), Graeme Brookes (Mistress Overdone/Barnadine), Melody Brown (Justice), James Cooney (Claudio), Tom Dawze (Froth), Amanda Harris (Provost), Karina Jones (Sister Francisca), Sophie Khan Levy (Mariana), Alexander Mushore (Gent), Michael Patrick (Elbow), Claire Price (Escalus) and Amy Trigg (Juliet). 

The set and costumes for Measure for Measure are designed by RSC Director of Design, Stephen Brimson Lewis, with lighting by Simon Spencer. Music is composed by Paul Englishby. Sound is by Steven Atkinson, and fights are by Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown. 

Listings Information 
Royal Shakespeare Company
As You Like It, Taming of the Shrew, Measure for Measure
Dates: Wed 25 September – Sat 5 October
On sale: 5 February 2019 (Members); 11 February 2019 (Public) 

Aria Entertainment and Senbla, by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd, present George A. Romero’s
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD™ LIVE
Written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyer and Trevor Martin 
Created by Christopher Harrison and Phil Pattinson 
 

• THE UK PREMIERE OF NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD™ LIVE, BASED ON GEORGE A. ROMERO’S CULT HORROR FILM WILL OPEN AT PLEASANCE, LONDON FROM 9 APRIL – 19 MAY 2019
   
• NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD™ LIVE! IS THE ONLY OFFICIALLY AUTHORISED STAGE PRODUCTION IN THE UK, BASED ON THE 1968 GENRE-DEFINING ZOMBIE THRILLER, CO-PRODUCED BY KATY LIPSON FOR ARIA ENTERTAINMENT AND OLLIE ROSENBLATT FOR SENBLA 
   
• TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT WWW.LIVINGDEADLONDON.COM
  
  

Six strangers, a lonely farmhouse, surrounded by brain-eating zombies – what could possibly go wrong? Who will make it out alive?

Based on George A. Romero’s unparalleled 1968 film Night of the Living Dead™, the first ever UK stage adaptation and the only officially authorised production will come to life at Pleasance, London from 9 April to 19 May 2019. Directed by Benji Sperring (The Toxic Avenger: The Musical; Shock Treatment, Valley Of Song), Night of the Living Dead™ Livewill pay homage to the cult monochrome classic, skirting the line between the horrific and the hysterical as it resurrects the original zombie masterpiece. Casting will be announced in due course.

Katy Lipson, Producer of Night of the Living Dead™ Live said: “At Aria Entertainment, we’re known for an eclectic mix of musicals and new writing productions, such as The Addams Family andThe Toxic Avenger, and it gives me chills to now present Romero’s seminal work with the wonderful Ollie Rosenblatt from Senbla. I’ve always been a fan of the horror genre and I know just how much this show will delight fans of the original movie as well as a whole new generation of theatregoers. There will be all the iconic scenes from Night of the Living Dead along with unexpected new material culminating in a frightening and funny night out packed full of zombies, brains and buckets of blood. Expect laughs, screams and most of all, a lot of fun.”

Suzanne Desrocher-Romero, wife of the late director and Founder and Chair of The George A. Romero Foundation, said: “How super exciting that Night of the Living Dead will be staged in London. Romero loved London night and day and now London will enjoy Night! Stay Scared!”

Night of the Living Dead™ is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential releases of all time. Romero radically redefined the genre of the modern horror film and is commonly referred to as the father of the zombie genre with his influence still spawning countless zombie films and series as seen today. Now, more than 50 years on, the story of Night of the Living Dead™, remains as relevant as ever through its exploration of race, class division and America’s national identity.

Night of the Living Dead™ Live, based on the film by George A. Romero, is co-produced by award-winning producer Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Ollie Rosenblatt for Senblaby special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd. It is written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyerand Trevor Martin and created by Christopher Harrison and Phil Pattinson. 

Tickets are now on sale at www.LivingDeadLondon.com
 

LISTINGS

Aria Entertainment and Senbla, by special arrangement with Samuel French, present
George A. Romero’s
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD™ LIVE!
Written by Christopher Bond, Dale Boyer and Trevor Martin
Created by Christopher Harrison and Phil Pattinson 
Directed by Benji Sperring

Pleasance, London
Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF

First Performance: 9 April 2019
Final Performance: 19 May 2019
Performances: Tuesday to Saturday 7.30pm, matinees Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm and Sunday, 5pm.

Box Office details
Website: www.LivingDeadLondon.com
Tel: 020 7609 1800
Prices from £15

Twitter: @LivingDeadLDN
Facebook: @LivingDeadLondon
Instagram: @LivingDeadLDN
#LivingDeadLondon

Back Room of the Star Inn, Guildford – until 8th February 2019

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

3***

Strange how sinister a pram on the stage can be. Somehow you just know the evening is going to be more Rosemary’s Baby than Mary Poppins. Steve Griffin and Nathan Jones start mildly enough, inviting the audience to talk about beliefs and share any experience they might have of the supernatural. They then move smoothly on to tell us a creepy true-life murder story. In 1973 a woman died in childbirth in the German town of Wurzburg, which was once the scene of horrific witch trials. Miraculously, the baby survived, but the father became convinced that the mother continued to visit the child and that both were possessed by a demonic power. Eventually he murdered his closest friend and confidant, and told the police he had also killed the baby – but the baby’s body was never found.

It’s a short show of less than an hour (written and first performed by Sasha Roberts and Tom Worsley). With the help of a good old-fashioned slide projector, Griffin and Jones kept us intrigued and entertained, but they didn’t succeed in totally spooking us. Somehow they never created a really eerie atmosphere, despite the story’s many uncanny aspects – Wurzburg’s witch history, the cult of the murderous Erlking, odd footprints in the snow and the mother’s mysterious past, not to mention all the darkness of 20th-century German history, which might have made for a more serious play. Perhaps more work on the lighting and sound effects would have helped, or perhaps the show is just too short – it would have been more satisfying if we could have finished as we started, with the audience invited to mull over what they had just heard and seen. Still, you can do that anyway if you go with the right person – the Star Inn has just the right atmosphere for it.

Note to Griffin and Jones: try not to block the audience’s view of the screen

NEW MUSICAL

THE VIEW UPSTAIRS

TO PLAY A LIMITED SEASON AT  SOHO THEATRE

FROM 18 JULY TO 31 AUGUST

Jack Maple & Brian Zeilinger for Take Two Theatricals, and Ken Fakler present the European premiere of new LGBTQ+ musical THE VIEW UPSTAIRS from 18 July to 31 August at Soho Theatre, following a triumphant run Off-Broadway, multiple regional US productions and a recent Australian premiere, THE VIEW UPSTAIRS is written by young up-and-coming artist Max Vernon and will be directed in London by Jonathan O’Boyle (Aspects of Love, Pippin, Hair), with choreography by Fabian Aloise (The Rink, Madagascar The Musical, Our House, Working). Casting is to be announced.

Max Vernon is a three-time Drama Desk nominee, Out100 Honoree and recipient of the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical, Richard Rodgers Award, Jonathan Larson Grant, New York Stage and Film’s Founders Award, New York Foundation of the Arts Fellowship and the JFund Award from the Jerome Foundation. He has been a Dramatist Guild Theatre Fellow, MacDowell Fellow, and an artist in residence at Berkeley Rep, Ars Nova, Kimmel Center (via The Public Theater), Disney Creative Entertainment and Rhinebeck Writer’s Retreat, among others. His musical KPOP had a sell-out run at Ars Nova in October 2018 and was the most nominated Off-Broadway show of the 2017/18 season. Max’s notable concert performances include the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Max said of the London production, “As a devotee and lover of British theatre, art, music and culture (from Caryl Churchill and Joe Orton to Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, Roxy Music, T. Rex and Siouxsie and The Banshees), it has been a lifelong dream of mine to bring an original musical to London. For that show to be The View UpStairs – which is high fashion, rock and roll, queer, subversive, and speaks to an important forgotten history in the LGBTQ+ community – that is an enormous opportunity. I’m obsessed with the director & producing team’s vision for how to mount this work. We are ready to turn it the f*q out and create something iconic & unheard of at the Soho Theatre.”
The musical opens in present day when Wes, a young fashion designer buys an abandoned space, not realising this had been the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant ’70s gay bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans, which, in 1973, was burned down in an arson attack, killing 32 people, making it the worst attack on the LGBTQ+ community until the 2016 shooting at The Pulse nightclub in Orlando. THE VIEW UPSTAIRS brings to life this forgotten community and takes the audience on an exhilarating journey of seduction and self-exploration, celebrating the lives of those forgotten, while featuring a soulful, rock and jazz score.
Jonathan O’Boyle said, “I’m thrilled to be working with Max Vernon on his brilliant new musical The View Upstairs for its European premiere at Soho Theatre this summer. The View Upstairs is a beautiful, uplifting musical that celebrates the lives of these forgotten people. Max is a brilliant new voice in modern musical theatre, and this show, inspired by true events, takes us on a radical, rollercoaster ride through the extraordinary lives of these special human beings.”
THE VIEW UPSTAIRS opened to rave reviews Off-Broadway in 2017, where Entertainment Weekly described it as “a moving homage to LGBT culture, past and present”, and the musical gained support from some of the LGBTQ+ community’s biggest advocates, including RuPaul. The London production of the musical is one of ten that have been and are being mounted around the world between 2017 and 2019, and there is an original cast recording available on Broadway Records.

LISTINGS INFORMATION18 July – 31 August

21 Dean St,
Soho,
London W1D 3NE

Performance Times:
Monday – Saturday at 7.15pm
Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Tickets: from £10 (standing) and £19.50 (£18.50 concessions) seated. Please note, £1 restoration levy on all tickets.

Box Office:  020 7478 0100

Tickets:  www.sohotheatre.com
Website: www.theviewupstairs.co.uk
Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @theviewupstairs