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York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 4th November.  Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

5*****

Things I Know to be True is a new Australian play by Andrew Bovell. Following a successful 2016 Australian and UK tour, Frantic Assembly and State Theatre Company South Australia have now embarked on a 2017 tour, which luckily includes York Theatre Royal.

Things I Know to be True tells the story of the Price family, mother, father, plus four grown up children, and their lives over a year. Though it is set in Australia and the characters are Australian, we can all relate to them and the actors all speak with English accents, which seriously doesn’t matter and does not take away from the play at all.

Father Bob (John McArdie) is a retrenched car factory worker, who seems to spend all his time tending his garden, especially the roses. He is married to Fran (Cate Hamer) a senior nurse, who is certainly the matriarchal figure for the whole family. A close knit family that unravels and is slowly destroyed by revelations from each of the children and from Fran herself.

Our introduction to the play is to see a man in the darkness, standing there barefoot, slowly leaning forward. Several voices, taking turns, speak out from within the darkness. The sound, lighting and striking imagery, though quite simple, is mesmerizing and sets the tone for the whole story.

We then cut to another monologue, this time by the youngest daughter Rosie (Kirsty Oswald) who talks about finding love during a solo world trip, a whirlwind romance with THE ONE, before the ultimate betrayal. During this the other actors are at times utilized in movement/dance with Oswald, in such an effect that it was visually stunning and made the piece feel almost poetic.

One by one Pip (Seline Hisli), Mark (Matthew Barker) and Ben (Arthur Wilson) have their own stories and we get to see how the family cope and the dynamics change. After each of these highly emotional and sometime life changing scenes the family seems to recover only to be hit again by the next, to the last devastating scene.

The staging, lighting and sound, though quite simple, was a great success. Just the way the basic set was moved around was incredible, the simple sliding of tables and chairs effortlessly across the stage, with all the cast acting seamlessly as stage hands.

It is a wonderfully written, acted and beautifully choreographed play. The cast of six stood out in their own way, I could honestly not fault any of them. They all seemed to immerse themselves in their characters absolutely completely. It used humour, emotion, anxiety, tension, shock and also beautiful movement and dance.

Exhaustingly fantastic to watch, the audience laughed and cried. I think we could all recognise something from our own lives in this play which is why it struck a chord so well with the audience, I know it certainly resonated with me.

I cannot emphasize this enough, you MUST catch this wonderful, gripping and powerful play.

WORLD PREMIERE AT NEWCASTLE’S THEATRE ROYAL

SEE YOUR FAVOURITE STARS FROM THE SOLANA HOTEL

LIVE ON STAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME FROM 7^TH SEPTEMBER 2018

The official world premiere of Derren Litten’s smash hit ITV comedy BENIDORM is set to bring sunshine and smiles to Newcastle Theatre Royal on Friday 7^th September prior to a major national tour. The show will be produced for the stage by Michael Harrison and David Ian.

Litten has written an all new set of Alicante escapades for much-loved cast members as they swap sangria for stotties and head to Newcastle International next year after a quick spruce at the Blow ‘n’ Go.

Benidorm – Live will be the stage debut production of the hugely popular TV show, and on making its transfer, writer Derren Litten said: “I’ve loved ten years of writing my TV show Benidorm but despite a successful writing career I’m first and foremost a performer so have always been secretly frustrated I couldn’t hear the audience’s laughter. This national tour of Benidorm Live will not only make a long lasting dream come true but will also mean I no longer have to stand in strangers gardens listening at their windows at 9 o’clock on cold winter evenings.”

ITV’s smash-hit comedy celebrates a decade of all-inclusive hilarity, having followed the ensemble cast of holiday makers and staff for nine series since it first broadcast in 2007. Season 10 is due to broadcast early 2018. Critically acclaimed, Benidorm has received two National Television Awardsand TV Quick Award and nominations at the British Comedy Awards and BAFTAs.

After leaving school in Hull in the late 1980’s Derren Litten spent a year working as a professional magician while auditioning for drama schools.  He won a place on the 3 year acting course at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama where he met fellow student Catherine Tate.  After 10 years of working as an actor Derren was asked by Catherine to write for her newly commissioned TV sketch show, The Catherine Tate Show; in which he also appeared in many of the sketches.  After co-writing and appearing in 2 series and a Christmas Special Derren was given a script commission by legendary comedy producer Geoffrey Perkins, “just write anything you want as long as it’s funny”he said; that show turned out to be ITV’s BAFTA nominated hit comedy Benidorm. Derren’s hobbies include drinking and karaoke, usually in that order. He splits his time equally between homes in London and Spain.

Full casting and tour dates to be announced.

FOLLOW US TO FUN IN THE SUN

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Benidorm on Stage

LISTINGS INFORMATION

7 – 15 September 2018                                                  08448 11 21 21

Theatre Royal, Newcastle                                               www.theatreroyal.co.uk

HAMILTON

WEST END PRODUCTION OF

H A M I L T O N

RELEASES FURTHER SEATS FOR FIRST BOOKING PERIOD

Jeffrey Seller and Cameron Mackintosh today announce a further release of tickets for the first booking period of HAMILTON which will go on sale tomorrow, 3 November 2017, at 12 noon GMT.

The reseating process necessitated by the rescheduling of preview performances is now complete.  As previously announced by the Producers, once the extensive reconstruction of the Victoria Palace Theatre was nearing completion, a further allocation of tickets for the first booking period of HAMILTON was to become available for sale. This further release includes newly created boxes, the remaining reseat tickets and some production seats.  In addition, as well as the previously announced Daily Lottery tickets, new standing tickets will become available, details of which will be announced at a later date.  Additionally, Patrons are advised to check the officialHAMILTON channels for news of late release of seats which may become available at short notice. Full ticketing information can be found on the official website at hamiltonthemusical.co.uk

HAMILTON will re-open the brand-new Victoria Palace Theatre with previews beginning on 6 December 2017. The official opening night will take place on 21 December 2017.  HAMILTON is currently booking to 30 June 2018, with a new booking period to be announced by the end of this year.

The producers of HAMILTON are working to combat the unauthorised profiteering of third party resellers and ticket touts.  Delfont Mackintosh Theatres has pioneered for the West End a paperless ticket system for this production – HAMILTON Paperless Ticketing, powered by Ticketmaster.

HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today. The score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway – the story of America then, as told by America now.

HAMILTON has book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations byAlex Lacamoire and is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton.

Winner of 11 Tony Awards including Best Musical, the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, HAMILTON continues its run at The Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway.  A second US production is also playing at the PrivateBank Theatre in Chicago and a third US production opened in March at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco before transferring to Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles.

HAMILTON is produced in London by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Dates                                   From 6 December 2017

Currently booking to              now booking to 30 June 2018

Theatre                                Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London SW1E 5EA

Performances                       Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Running time                        2 hours and 45 mins including interval

Website                                www.hamiltonthemusical.co.uk

Social Media                          facebook.com/HamiltonWestEnd

twitter.com/HamiltonWestEnd

instagram.com/HamiltonWestEnd

                                           #HamiltonLDN

Spring 2018 at Northern Stage
Tickets from £10, priority booking opens 2 November

The spring 2018 season at Northern Stage features ambitious new productions made in Newcastle, including the UK premiere of Sting’s The Last Ship, alongside new shows from some of the UK’s most exciting and innovative theatre companies. Plus comedy, dance, shows for children and young people and an eclectic programme in the intimate Stage 3 performance space.

A brand new production of Sting’s The Last Ship will open at Northern Stage (12 March – 7 April) before a national tour. Directed by Northern Stage Artistic Director Lorne Campbell and starring Jimmy Nail, Sting’s personal, political and passionate musical comes home to Newcastle in an epic tale of community, hope and a great act of collective defiance.

A Northern Stage production in association with Karl Sydow and Kathryn Schenker, The Last Ship tells the story of a community amid the demise of the shipbuilding industry in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, with the closure of the town’s shipyard. Director Lorne Campbell says, “It is a great pleasure and a privilege to be bringing this new version of The Last Ship to Newcastle. Sting’s score is steeped deep in the traditions of Northumbrian music and this epic story is fundamental to the identity of the people of the North East. This is a story of community, of resilience and how in even the very darkest of moments, hope and possibility remain.”

Northern Stage has expanded its pioneering NORTH programme beyond actor training to include staging and touring a new production, offering four emerging actors from the North East the opportunity to perform professionally with the theatre in Spring 2018. The maiden production will be a new adaptation of H.G.
Wells’ classic sci-fi story of survival, The War of the Worlds (31 Jan – 10 Feb), written by Laura Lindow (Key Change, Open Clasp) with sound design by Mariam Rezaei (A Song for Ella Grey, Northern Stage), and directed by Elayce Ismail, recipient of the Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme’s pilot Associate Directorship to prepare directors for artistic leadership.

This vivid and dynamic new production relocates the story to the North East of England, where a band of survivorsconfront a Martian invasion against the  backdrop of 1898 Newcastle. Director Elayce Ismail explains, “Setting the story in the North East has given us a brilliant opportunity to reveal the secrets of this area and delve into its rich and evocative past. We’re really excited to be bringing this part of the world to life on stage for our audiences.”

Following on from the success of David Almond’s A Song for Ella Grey in which more than 50 young people worked with the creative team to create a virtual Greek chorus, Northern Stage Young Company presents Where Do We Stand (25-28 April). Collectively written by a team of professional writers, and co-produced and co-authored by young people from across North East England, Where Do We Stand will combine spoken word, live music, physical and virtual landscapes to tell stories of what it is to live, work and dream in Newcastle in 2018. Led by Associate Director Louie Ingham, and thanks to funding awarded by the Clothworkers Foundation in 2016, Northern Stage has expanded Young Company to give more 16-21 year olds from disadvantaged communities open access to a diverse and innovative programme offering new opportunities to explore key roles and areas of theatre making through practical workshops in Theatre Design, Composition, Directing, Production and Stage Management.

Offbeat romantic comedy Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune (21 May – 2 June) will be directed by Northern Stage Associate Director Mark Calvert (James & the Giant Peach, Northern Stage). Written by American playwright Terrence McNally who also wrote the screenplay for the hit 1991 film starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer, the play started life off-Broadway in 1987 and is an intimate look at the first fragile moments of risking your heart and taking a chance. Casting to be announced early 2018.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) will bring its acclaimed production of Hamlet to Northern Stage (20- 24 February). Originally seen in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2016, Hamlet will tour the UK before transferring to London’s Hackney Empire in March. Directed by Simon Godwin, the production will see RSC Associate Artist Paapa Essiedu reprise his award-winning performance in the title role as one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragic heroes. Paapa Essiedu won Best Performance in a Play at the UK Theatre Awards in 2016 for his role as
Hamlet. Other RSC credits include Edmund in King Lear, Fenton in The Merry Wives of Windsor and The Mouse and his Child. Additional theatre credits include King Lear (National Theatre) and Romeo and Juliet (Tobacco Factory) and he played Demetrius in Russell T Davies’ adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for BBC1 (2016).

Complicité present a reimagined version of A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer (7-10 February), a collaboration with performance artist Bryony Kimmings. Known for her unique take on taboo topics – from her sexual health (Sex Idiot), to her boyfriend’s depression (Fake It ’Til You Make It), Kimmings’ acclaimed collaboration with Complicité blows everything you think you know about cancer out of the water. Originally a co-production with the National Theatre in association with HOME Manchester, Kirsty Housley, Co-Director
of The Encounter and long-term Complicité collaborator will direct, with writer Bryony Kimmings leading the company in this reworked production touring the UK before heading to Australia.

Black Men Walking (15-17 February) by writer and award-winning beat boxer Testament is the first national tour born from Revolution Mix – a three year movement to create and produce an ambitious body of work telling Black British stories. An Eclipse Theatre Company and Royal Exchange Theatre co-production, Dawn Walton will direct this story of a black men’s walking group in Sheffield.

Third Angel and Northern Stage present The Department of Distractions (2-10 February), a consipiracy theory documentary for the 21st century. Pilot Theatre and York Theatre Royal are co-producing a new adaption of Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock (1-5 May) by acclaimed writer Bryony Lavery. LIFT present Lola
Arias’ Minefield (22-24 March) – a collaboratively created work with Falklands/Malvinas war veterans merging theatre and film. Javaad Alipoor brings The Believers Are But Brothers (14-16 June); this Fringe First award winning multi-media show exploring an online world of fantasy, gaming and extremism was a huge hit in the Northern Stage at Summerhall programme at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe. And Phoenix Dance Company celebrate the 70th anniversary of SS Empire Windrush’s arrival bringing the first Caribbean migrants to the UK with Windrush: Movement of the People (9-10 May).

For families and young people, Theatre Alibi’s The Boy Who Climbed into the Moon (6-7 April) features live music and puppetry to tell a fantastical story for 6-11 year olds from the novel by award-winning writer David Almond; Highly Sprung present Fall Out (13-14 March) – a high-energy physical theatre performance set in a nightclub for young people age 14+; Showstopper! (17 February) offer an afternoon family show of their must-see improvised musical; The Owl & the Pussycat (13-17 February) from Kitchen Zoo uses puppets and live music to bring to life an unexpected ted telling of Edward Lear’s classic tale for 3-7 year olds; and on the first Saturday of every month The Storyteller Chris Bostock shares stories from all over the world with children aged 5-8 and their grown-ups.

Comedy, live music and spoken word includes Sophie Willan: Branded (15 March) – fresh from a sell to run at the Edinburgh Fringe Branded; Ruby Wax: Frazzled (20-21 April); Newcastle Poetry Festival (3-5 May); and Sunderland’s Mercury Prize Award-nominated Field Music launch their sixth album Open Here (2-3 February) with three specially staged shows at Northern Stage.

The Stage 3 programme will feature an eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy, spoken word, poetry and scratch nights which will be announced later in the year.

Tickets for most shows start at £10 and will go on sale to members on 2 November and on general sale on 9 November. For full details or to book tickets see northernstage.co.uk or call the box office on 0191 230 5151

BARRY HUMPHRIES’

WEIMAR CABARET

‘AN EVENING OF DEGENERATE MUSIK’

RETURNS TO LONDON IN 2018 FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON

FEATURING MEOW MEOW

11 – 29 JULY 2018 AT THE BARBICAN, LONDON

Barry Humphries’ critically acclaimed Weimar Cabaret returns to London in 2018 for a strictly limited season of 22 performances from 11- 29 July 2018 at the Barbican Centre, London. Starring alongside Barry is renowned artist Meow Meow accompanied by Aurora Orchestra, led by Satu Vänskä.

Last seen in London in July 2016 for a brief run at Cadogan Hall before performances at the Edinburgh International Festival, Weimar Cabaret is a celebration of Humphries’ lifelong passion and fascination with the music of the Weimar Republic, the German state that existed in the inter-war period between Germany’s defeat in World War I in 1918 and Hitler’s rise to power in 1933. This period of political, economic and social change gave rise to a cultural explosion of ideas across music, art, drama and literature with many Jewish artists central to this new artistic movement.

Since discovering a collection of sheet music of composers banned by the Third Reich, including Erich Korngold, Kurt Weill and Ernst Krenek in a Melbourne book shop as a teenager in the 1940’s, Humphries has been fascinated with the period’s cultural experimentalism, defiance and unique mix of classical music and jazz.

On stage Barry Humphries narrates in his own inimitable style his very personal journey and obsession with the music of this artistically fertile and experimental period of history. He is joined by the internationally acclaimed performer Meow Meow who brings to life some of the iconic musical numbers of the period by some of its leading composers including Kurt Weill, Ernst Krenek, Erwin Schulhoff, Ernst Toch and Mischa Spoliansky.

Global star and legendary entertainer, Barry Humphries is perhaps best known for his on stage and television alter-egos Dame Edna Everage, Australian cultural attaché the Honourable Sir Les Patterson and Sandy Stone.  Humphries’ characters have brought him international acclaim, and he has appeared in numerous films, stage productions, and television shows.  He is also a film producer and script writer, a star of London’s West End musical theatre, an award-winning writer, actor, satirist, artist, and author.

Australian artist Meow Meow specialises in the Weimar repertoire. She is also a prolific music and theatre creator. Her award-winning solo works have been curated by David Bowie, Pina Bausch, and Mikhail Baryshnikov and numerous international arts festivals. She recently appeared as Titania in Emma Rice’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream season at Shakespeare’s Globe. She has performed with the Berlin Philharmonic with Pink Martini, and Brighton Festival with Souvenir – a fantastical song cycle written with composers Jherek Bischoff and August Von Trapp. She recently performed at the Edinburgh International Festival with her showMeow Meow’s Little Mermaid. 4 December sees her perform Meow’s Pandemonium with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall, and 20 – 31 December Shakespeare’s Globe presentsApocalypse Meow: Crisis is Born at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.

Aurora Orchestra is a British chamber orchestra, co-founded in 2004 by conductors Nicholas Collon and Robin Ticciati. Comprising of some of the finest British instrumentalists, Aurora has embraced an entrepreneurial and risk-taking approach to concert presentation, overturning expectations as to what an orchestra should and can do on the concert platform. Resident Orchestra at King’s Place since 2009, Aurora was resident orchestra at LSO St Luke’s from 2010-2015 and in 2016 became resident orchestra at Southbank Centre. Aurora performs regularly at Wigmore Hall, the Barbican and at the Linbury Studio Theatre at the Royal Opera House. It has also performed at the last eight BBC Proms seasons at the Royal Albert Hall.

Barry Humphries’ Weimar Cabaret is produced by Fiery Angel.

The Mayflower Southampton – until 11 November.  Reviewed by Jo Gordon

5*****

Written by Tim Firth and co produced by David Pugh, Dafydd Rogers, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams – The Band is the newest jukebox musical to hit the stage.  Gary’s TV talent show, Let it Shine, found the perfect line up of boys to play the part of the productions Boy Band Five to Five ( A J Bentley, Yazdan Qafouri, Curtis T Johns, Sario Solomon and Nick Carsberg) who perfectly fit the bill.

With the opening scenes set in the early nineties, a time where Top of the Pops was king, you couldn’t see your bedroom walls for posters from Smash Hits Magazine (much to my dads disgust!) and you taped the hits off the radio, we follow a group of five friends who share a love for the same band and win a competition to see them.

Rachel (Faye Christall), Heather (Katy Clayton), Debbie (Rachelle Diedericks), Claire (Sarah Howarth) and Zoe (Lauren Jacobs) have the night of their life and on the way home stop to remember that point in time and declare what they hope their future lives to be, however tragedy strikes and the group of friends drift apart and go their separate ways.

Fast forward 25 years and a fortysomething Rachel wins a competition to see the Five to Five comeback tour (sound familiar?).  Despite her partners initial excitement of a trip to Prague, “Beer capital of the world” she explains to Jeff (Martin Miller) that she had contacted the girls as she feels its the perfect chance of a reunion, they agree and hilarity ensues! Their friendship comes back together, they talk about their current lives and how different it turned out to what they had dreamed, the affect of not having each other after they drifted apart, and decide on their futures now they are back in the fold. All of this while the boys are in the background singing what is essentially the theme tune to their lives, with a hit from Take That for every scenario. The set is wonderful, from that 90’s bedroom right through to aeroplanes and the most ingenious fountain I have ever witnessed! Keep an eye out for the comedic “Dave” (Andy Williams) as he is every bus driver, workman and roadie we have ever come across.

Being a fortysomething woman now, it was set bang on target for my own life and mirrored experiences I had back then and now. I laughed, I sang and I sobbed as I saw my 16 year old, Dr Marten wearing, overconfident self on that stage and thought of the dreams I’d had back then and my life and friendships now. You will no doubt do the same!

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE ANNOUNCE
2018 SEASON

• Timothy Sheader and Liam Steel’s Olivier Award-nominated production of PETER PAN by J. M. Barrie returns in the final year of First World War Centenary Commemorations
• Max Webster directs Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT, with original music by Charlie Fink
• Maria Aberg directs the mean green monster musical, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith
• DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE plays daytime performances for ages 3+
• Full creative team confirmed for THE TURN OF THE SCREW including conductor Toby Purser and designer Soutra Gilmour

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre have today announced details of their 2018 season, which includes Peter Pan, As You Like It, Dinosaur World Live, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Turn of the Screw, a co-production with English National Opera.

The season opens on 17 May 2018 with Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie (17 May – 15 June), a revival of their 2015 Olivier Award-nominated production, in the final year of the First World War Centenary Commemorations. For the wounded soldiers of WW1, imagination is their only escape. Yet as they’re transported to the fantastical lagoons and pirate ships of Never Land, allegories of the war they’ve left behind are ever present. George Llewelyn Davies, later killed in action in 1915, was one of the children who inspired J. M. Barrie to create the iconic character of Peter Pan. Remembering him, and a generation of Lost Boys, the production enchanted young and old alike during its original, critically
acclaimed run. Kids go half price at most performances.

Directed by Open Air Theatre Artistic Director Timothy Sheader (Jesus Christ Superstar, To Kill a Mockingbird, Running Wild) and Liam Steel (Lord of the Flies, Into The Woods), set design is by Jon Bausor who recently won the UK Theatre Award for The Grinning Man (Bristol Old Vic). Costume design is by Jon Morrell, puppet design and direction by Rachael Canning, composition and sound score by Nick Powell, lighting design by Rick Fisher, sound design by Nick Lidster for Autograph, fight direction by Kate Waters, casting by Polly Jerrold and musical supervision/musical direction by Candida Caldicot. The Season Associate Director (Voice and Text) is Barbara Houseman.

Also confirmed is the full creative team for The Turn of the Screw (22 June – 30 June), a co-production with English National Opera. Members of the ENO orchestra will be conducted by ENO Mackerras Fellow Toby Purser. Timothy Sheader directs with design by Soutra Gilmour, who previously designed Into the Woods at the Open Air Theatre / Public Theatre, New York. Lighting design is by Jon Clark, sound design by Nick Lidster for Autograph, and casting by ENO Head of Casting, Michelle Williams.

The story of unearthly encounters at a remote country house, and of a young governess desperate to protect her children, finds chilling new levels of suspense in this unique outdoor production of Benjamin Britten’s masterly reworking of Henry James’ classic novella.

Next, Max Webster directs William Shakespeare’s As You Like It (06 July – 28 July). Returning to the Open Air Theatre following his production of Twelfth Night re-imagined in 2014, Max recently directed A Winter’s Tale (Edinburgh Lyceum), The Twits and King Lear (Northampton Royal & Derngate), and
The Lorax, which is currently playing at the Old Vic.

In the mythical Forest of Arden, a world of transformation where anything is possible and anything permissible, two young people discover what it really means to be in love. Design is by Naomi Dawson who recently designed Dr Faustus (Royal Shakespeare Company) and Brave New World (Northampton
Royal & Derngate). Movement direction is by Polly Bennett, original music composed by former ‘Noah and the Whale’ frontman, Charlie Fink (The Lorax), lighting design by Lee Curran (Jesus Christ Superstar) and sound design by Gareth Fry.

This warm, open-hearted production promises adventure, sibling rivalry, mistaken identity and romance – Shakespeare comedy as you like it.

Playing daytime performances, Dinosaur World Live (14 August – 09 September), is a new interactive show for all the family (ages 3+). This 50-minute show is written and directed by Derek Bond (Sweet Charity / Little Shop of Horrors, Royal Exchange Manchester), puppet design is by Max Humphries and
puppet direction by Laura Cubitt who, with Dinosaur World Live puppet consultant Toby Olié, previously worked on Running Wild at the Open Air Theatre. Set and costume design is by James Perkins, lighting design by John Maddox and sound design by Tom Mann.

Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs – including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Dinosaur World Live will announce further tour dates for 2018 in due course.

The 2018 season concludes with the mean green monster musical Little Shop of Horrors (03 August – 15 September). Book and lyrics are by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, based on the film by Roger Corman with screenplay by Charles Griffith.

For the misfits of Skid Row, life is full of broken dreams and dead ends. But there’s hope on the horizon for flower shop assistant, Seymour, when he discovers a mysterious new plant with killer potential. Will his newfound fame and fortune win the attention of kind, sweet, delicate Audrey? Can he finally break free and be happy…whatever the consequences?

Making her Open Air Theatre debut, the production is directed by Maria Aberg. Maria’s recent work includes Dr Faustus, The White Devil, As You Like It, King John, The Gods Weep, Days of Significance (all Royal Shakespeare Company), Hotel (National Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (Royal Exchange Manchester), The Chairs (Theatre Royal Bath), Alaska (Royal Court) and Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox (Nuffield/Lyric Hammersmith). Design is by Tom Scutt whose credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (Open Air Theatre), King Charles III (Almeida/West End/Broadway), The Deep Blue Sea, Medea (National Theatre), Les Liaisons Dangereuses, The Weir (Donmar Warehouse) and Constellations (West
End/MTC New York/Royal Court). Musical supervision is by Tom Deering (Jesus Christ Superstar, On The Town), lighting design by Howard Hudson (On The Town), sound design by Nick Lidster for Autograph and casting by Stuart Burt.

IT’S ALIVE at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre…somewhere that’s green!

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar opens at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, USA in April 2018. Timothy Sheader directs with design by Tom Scutt, choreography by Drew McOnie and lighting design by Lee Curran.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Memberships are on sale now and priority booking for Members will open at 11am, 08 November. Visit www.openairtheatre.com/membership for more information.
Public booking opens at 11am, 06 December.

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION
Box Office 0844 826 4242* | openairtheatre.com
Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NU
Social Media
Twitter: @OpenAirTheatre / #OAT2018
#PeterPan / #TheTurnoftheScrew / #AsYouLikeIt / #DinosaurWorldLive / #LittleShopOfHorrors
Facebook, Google+: RegentsParkOpenAirTheatre
*Lines open from 9am – 9pm. £1.50 per ticket telephone booking fee applies. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. A £1.50 per ticket booking fee applies for telephone and online bookings for Dinosaur World Live.

LISTINGS
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2018 season:

Peter Pan
By J. M. Barrie
Directed by Timothy Sheader and Liam Steel
By arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity

Thursday 17 May – Friday 15 June
First preview: 17 May

Performances:
Tuesday – Sunday @ 7.45pm (gates 6.15pm)
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday @ 2.15pm (gates 12.45pm)
No matinee 19 or 23 May; extra matinee on Thursday 14 June
_____________________
Regent’s Park Theatre and English National Opera
The Turn of the Screw
Music by Benjamin Britten Libretto by Myfanwy Piper
After a story by Henry James
Directed by Timothy Sheader

Friday 22 June – 30 June
First preview: 22 June

Performances:
Monday – Saturday @ 7.45pm (gates 6.15pm)
Wednesday & Saturday @ 2.15pm (gates 12.45pm)
No performance on Thursday 28 June; no matinee 23 June
_____________________
As You Like It
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Max Webster

Friday 06 July – Saturday 28 July
First preview: 06 July

Performances:
Monday – Saturday @ 7.45pm (gates 6.15pm)
Thursday & Saturday @ 2.15pm (gates 12.45pm)
No matinee 07 July
_____________________
Dinosaur World Live
Created by Derek Bond and Max Humphries

Tuesday 14 August – Sunday 09 September
Performances:
Monday – Wednesday: 2.15pm (gates 1.45pm)
Friday & Sunday: 10.30am (gates 10.00am) & 1.00pm (gates 12.30pm)
Saturday: 10.30am (gates 10.00am)
No performances 03 – 06 September; No 1pm performance on Sunday 02 September.
_____________________
Little Shop of Horrors
Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken
Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith
Directed by Maria Aberg

Friday 03 August – Saturday 15 September
First preview: 03 August

Performances:
Monday – Saturday @ 7.45pm (gates 6.15pm)
Thursday & Saturday @ 2.15pm (gates 12.45pm)
No matinee 04 or 09 August

TICKETS
Peter Pan, The Turn of the Screw and As You Like It: £25 – £55
Little Shop of Horrors: £25 – £59
Dinosaur World Live: All tickets £16.50 (£15 ticket + £1.50 booking fee)
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Season Ticket
Available when purchasing a ticket for all of the following productions in the same transaction: PeterPan, The Turn of the Screw, As You Like It and Little Shop of Horrors.
Band A Season Ticket: £185 (saving of up to £39)
Band B Season Ticket: £145 (saving of up to £38)
• No per-ticket online or telephone booking fee; a one-off £4.50 telephone transaction fee applies.
• Cannot be combined with any other concession or discount.
• All tickets must be booked in the same transaction and in the same price band.
Previews
Early Bird: £5 off price bands A – C during previews (excluding Dinosaur World Live) when booked before 30 April 2018; thereafter, £2 off all prices during previews (excluding Dinosaur World Live).
Groups 10+
£5 off price bands A – C. Valid all performances, excluding Dinosaur World Live and excluding all Saturday Evening performances. A £4.50 transaction fee applies. This applies on top of the Preview and Early Bird Preview pricing. Call 0844 826 4242*, Monday – Friday, 9am – 9pm.
*Calls cost 7ppm plus your telephone company’s usual access charge.
Senior Citizens Matinees
£25 best available weekday matinees (cannot be combined with any other discount or concession).
U18
Half Price Tickets on all performances excluding Saturday evenings and Dinosaur World Live (£1.50 telephone booking fee applies. No online booking fee).

A full performance schedule is available at www.openairtheatre.com/schedule
All information correct at the time of going to print. For latest information visit
www.openairtheatre.com
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Production photography of The Exorcist – Phoenix Theatre – is released today ahead of opening night tonight (31 October)

The Exorcist is booking to 10 March 2018. Starring Peter Bowles (Father Merrin), Clare Louise Connolly (Regan), Adam Garcia (Father Karras) and Jenny Seagrove (Chris).

Ian McKellen  features  as the voice of the Demon. 

A play by John Pielmeier.
Adapted from the novel by William Peter Blatty.
Directed by Sean Mathias.

LISTINGS

Bill Kenwright presents

THE EXORCIST

A play by John Pielmeier. Adapted from the novel by William Peter Blatty. Directed by Sean Mathias.

By Special Arrangement with Ben Sprecher and Stuart Snyder.

In Association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Phoenix Theatre Charing Cross Rd

London

WC2H 0JP

PLEASE NOTE this production contains material which may shock and offend. Recommended age guidance 18+.

Booking to 10 March 2018 Monday – Thursday 8pm ‘Friday is Fright-Night’ 6pm evening and ‘Fright Night late show’ 9pm Saturday 4pm and 8pm

www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-exorcist/phoenix-theatre/ 0844 871 7629 Facebook: @TheExorcistLIVE Twitter: @TheExorcistLIVE

Last night was the eighth annual star-studded fundraiser, WEST END BARES, which saw over 100 of the hottest performers from the West End stage bare all in RUBY STRIPPERS, alongside an array of celebrity hosts at the Novello Theatre, raising well over £50,000 so far, breaking last year’s record. The final amount will be announced in due course.

This year’s celebrity hosts included Graham Norton, Mark Gatiss, Adam Garcia, Tom Allen and Summer Strallen.

All of the money raised goes to The Make A Difference Trust to fund HIV and AIDS projects that raise awareness, educate and provide care and support in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Audiences joined the much loves characters of Oz for a night combining the naughtiness of burlesque with the magic of the West End at WEST END BARES: RUBY STRIPPERS. www.madtrust.org.uk