What Once Was Ours: Barnsley teens contribute to Brexit play

Zest Theatre and Half Moon presents

What Once Was Ours

A part-verbatim, part-scripted immersive show about young people’s attitudes to Brexit taken from interviews with over 200 young people from two Remain and two Leave areas of Britain

Touring 5^th October to 24^th November

Highlighting the opinions of those too young to vote in the referendum, two of the UK’s leading companies creating work for young people have collaborated on a show based on interviews from over 200 teenagers from four areas of Britain: two that voted Leave and two that voted Remain. What Once Was Ours has been made in reaction to the extreme polarity of opinions and the readiness to attack those with alternate ones, and is aimed at increasing understanding and conversation between those of differing views. The show focuses on a half-brother and sister from very different backgrounds and the struggling relationship when one asks for help.

Katie and Callum couldn’t be any more distant and disconnected: different heritage, different cities, different opportunities. Except there is one thing they’ll always have in common: Dad. What happens when Callum suddenly turns up in desperate need of help? Beautiful imagery, striking original music and immersive design combine to create this powerful new production for young people, which asks why we’ve become so fearful of anyone who is different from us.

Between November 2016 and January 2017, Zest Theatre held extensive workshops in Barnsley, Newcastle/Gateshead, the company’s home county Lincolnshire, and in Tower Hamlets where the Half Moon is located. In each area the company talked to and listened to young people from across the divide to find out their feelings on Brexit, Britishness, politics and society. What Once Was Ours was created based on these conversations, and verbatim quotes from the workshops are used throughout the show.

Barnsley voted by 68% to leave the EU, and Boston, Lincolnshire voted to leave by 76%, the strongest leave vote in the country. Tower Hamlets voted to remain in the EU by 68%, and Newcastle by 51%. Zest Theatre also visited Gateshead, across the river from Newcastle, where the vote was 57% leave.

Toby Ealden, Artistic Director of Zest Theatre and director of What Once Was Ours, said, “The impetus for this new production came the day of the EU referendum result. When the result came in, we spent the day hearing so many of the towns we tour to portrayed in the media as somehow less intelligent, racist and small minded. This portrayal didn’t do these communities justice.

Chris Elwell, Director of the Half Moon and dramaturg of What Once Was Ours said, “We’re excited to be working with Zest Theatre on this exciting new piece of writing for young people that, importantly, has been driven by the voices, words and attitudes of young people across the UK to Brexit. While their views might not have been united, we hope that What Once Was Ours will allow audiences to witness a whole range of different opinions that will allow them to come together and start a more open dialogue.”

Lincoln based Zest Theatre, established in 2007 by Toby Ealden, creates theatre for, by and with young people. They aim to make theatre accessible through dynamic productions and participation projects inspired by the needs, lives and imaginations of those aged under 25. Zest’s previous productions include immersive house party Gatecrash, which toured in 2014 and again in 2016, and Thrive about Post Traumatic Growth, which toured from 2016 to 2017. Director Toby Ealden has been making theatre for young audiences for over ten years including youth theatres, school tours and national touring. His past work includes working as the youth theatre director for Nacro, the national crime reduction charity. During his time there, Nacro toured with young people across the country, including to the National Theatre.

Half Moon is the UK’s leading small-scale young people’s venue and touring company. It is a local organisation with a national remit, committed to supporting artists and young people at every stage of their creative development. Working from their base in East London, Half Moon specialises in new writing and artform development, acting as a gateway organisation that provides pathways for progression and experimentation. Half Moon’s wide-ranging programme reaches 50,000 people annually and engages those who are often excluded from arts activity. Half Moon’s activity includes a season of professional plays for young audiences, national touring productions and an extensive creative learning programme, including seven youth theatres.

Half Moon is a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England and receives regular funding from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Half Moon’s digital archive is available at www.stagesofhalfmoon.org.uk.

@zesttheatre | @halfmoontheatre | #whatonce | zesttheatre.com | halfmoon.org.uk

Suitable for ages 12+

Casting Update – Whither Would You Go? Fundraiser

www.whitherwouldyougo.com / #whitherwouldyougo / @WhitherWould

THIS SUNDAY! ROGER ALLAM, CELIA IMRIE & KEVIN BISHOP JOIN ALL-STAR CAST OF – ‘WHITHER WOULD YOU GO?’ – DIRECTED BY JAMIE LLOYD FOR REFUGEES

On October 22nd at the Harold Pinter Theatre, a host of stars will gather to perform scenes from Shakespeare’s plays in response to modern-day refugee video stories. The evening will bedirected by Jamie Lloyd. All profits go to the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR.

The burgeoning cast includes such luminaries as Roger Allam, Kevin Bishop, Zoe Boyle, Bertie Carvel, Lee Evans, Martin Freeman, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Celia Imrie, Eleanor Matsuura, Wunmi Mosaku, James Norton, Jack Whitehall, Olivia Williams & many more will join together to create a one-night-only, never-to-be-repeated gala event in support of the millions of forcibly displaced people around the world. The evening includes a special guest performance by actor Jay Abdo, himself a refugee of his native Syria.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s ‘refugee’ speech from ‘The Book of Sir Thomas More’, written as a plea for tolerance during the London riots of May 1517 (500 years ago this year), ‘Whither Would You Go?’ pairs scenes from Shakespeare, read by stars of stage and screen with genuine refugee stories from around the world.

Jamie Lloyd says ‘Whither Would You Go? uses the words of William Shakespeare to highlight our shared humanity. When we focus on what we all have in common, we can start a conversation. With more than 65m forcibly displaced people in the world – the highest levels ever recorded – we should be talking and we should be acting.’

Stephen Fry, who participated in the inaugural event in LA said ‘Shakespeare has always been a friend to the marginalised. Who better to champion the needs of refugees worldwide?’

Olivia Williams, LA event alumni & London cast member said ‘Contributing to Whither Would You Go? is the answer to the question, ‘what can I do to help?’

‘Whither Would You Go’ is the creation of Ella Smith & Emma West, both actors & producers who wanted to harness the power of storytelling to bring tangible help to refugees. Their inaugural production took place in Los Angeles in March and sold out. Further productions are now planned for New York & Sydney.

We are now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. An unprecedented 65.6 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 22.5 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18.

Often the first on the ground to help those forcibly displaced by conflict or persecution, UNHCR is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. All profits from ‘Whither Would You Go?’ go directly to UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency.

Best known for his work with his eponymous theatre company (The Jamie Lloyd Company) for Trafalgar Transformed at the Trafalgar Studios, Jamie Lloyd has been credited with drawing new people to the theatre and introducing plays to a wholly diverse audience. He is a proponent for affordable theatre for young and diverse audiences and has been credited with ‘redefining West End theatre’ (Nick Curtis, Evening Standard – ‘Jamie Lloyd: The Playmaker‘). He has an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for ‘The Pride’ at the Royal Court – and has been nominated a further four times. His production of ‘Passion’ during his associate directorship at the Donmar Warehouse won an Evening Standard award for Best Musical. He has also worked at the National Theatre, the Old Vic and in the West End.

A refugee of his native Syria, actor Jay Abdo’s career was cut short in 2011. During a trip to Beirut where he spoke to a reporter from the Los Angeles Times, Abdo spoke out against the Assad government and how they were “responsible for killings within their borders”. After returning to Syria, Abdo began to receive threats and was intimidated and criticized for his lack of patriotism. As a result, he moved to the United States in October 2011 to escape persecution. He joined his wife in Minnesota, where she was studying as a Humphrey fellow at the Fulbright Program and the couple later moved to Los Angeles so he could start acting again. After working several odd jobs, including delivering pizzas for Domino’s Pizza and driving an Uber, he finally began to land major roles again, including QUEEN OF THE DESERT with Nicole Kidman, A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING with Tom Hanks & most recently 1ST BORN with Val Kilmer & William Baldwin.

Kevin Bishop can currently be seen in the lead role of Fletcher in the BBC’s remake of PORRIDGE and will next be seen on stage in LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN alongside Jennifer Saunders. Kevin is a stalwart of the contemporary British TV comedy scene. He is best known for STAR STORIES, his own series THE KEVIN BISHOP SHOW and most recently THE TRACEY ULLMAN SHOW. Other recent credits include on stage in ONCE IN A LIFETIME at the Young Vic alongside Harry Enfield and as Nigel Farage in the BBC 2 mockumentary NIGEL FARAGE GETS HIS LIFE BACK.

Zoe Boyle’s TV credits include: DOWNTON ABBEY, SONS OF ANARCY, GREYS ANATOMY, FRONTIER, FORT JAMES for Netflix & the BBC’s WITLESS. Her theatre credits include: KING LEAR & THE SEAGULL for the Royal Shakespeare Company directed by Trevor Nunn, SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION for the Old Vic, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF as Maggie & PRESENT LAUGHTER. She is the recipient of a Screen Actor’s Guild Award for Outstanding Ensemble for her work in DOWNTON ABBEY.

Bertie Carvel is currently starring as Rupert Murdoch in INK at the Duke Of York’s Theatre in the West End, and on screen as Simon in the BBC’s hit drama DOCTOR FOSTER. Previously he starred in JONATHAN STRANGE & MR. NORRELL, COALITION, BABYLON and as Miss Trunchbull in MATILDA, THE MUSICAL in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the West End and on Broadway (Olivier award for Best Actor in a Musical).

Over the past decade Lee Evans has received rave reviews for his West-End theatre roles including; Samuel Beckett’s ENDGAME alongside the legendary Michael Gambon, Mel Brooks’ musical THE PRODUCERS with Nathan Lane plus Harold Pinter’s THE DUMB WAITER, with Jason Isaacs – for which he received the London Theatregoers’ Choice Award – and Clive Exton’s BARKING IN ESSEX.

Lee has won many accolades in the comedy world including ‘Special Contribution To Comedy’ Award at The British Comedy Awards 2011, the highly coveted ‘Perrier Award’ and the Time OutAward for Comedy. He has experienced huge success as an international film star with major starring roles in FREEZE FRAME THE MEDALLION, THE MARTINS, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, MOUSE HUNT, THE FIFTH ELEMENT and FUNNY BONES. He has also starred in several television series and television films; DOCTOR WHO, THE DINNER PARTY and THE HISTORY OF MR. POLLY.

Currently treading the boards of London’s West End in Jeremy Herrin-directed ‘Labour of Love’ for the Michael Grandage Company, Martin Freeman was most recently seen reprising his role of ‘Dr. John Watson’ in the much anticipated fourth series of SHERLOCK on both BBC One in the UK and PBS in the US. Martin is currently filming Ryan Coogler’s sci-fi drama BLACK PANTHER, alongside Danai Gurira, Michael B. Jordan, Andy Serkis, Forest Whitaker and Lupita Nyong’o. Martin takes on the role of ‘Everett K. Ross’ in a story concerning the story of new ruler ‘T’Challa’ defending his land from being torn apart by enemies from outside and inside the kingdom of Wakanda. The film will be released in February 2018.

Prior to this, Martin was seen in Crackle’s new drama STARTUP, alongside Adam Brody and Edi Gathegi. The series TX’d in September 2016 and ran for 10 episodes. Martin will also be seen in the big screen adaptation of Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s GHOST STORIES. The thriller also stars George MacKay and Andy Nyman and is due to be released later this year. 2017 will also see Martin in the feature film adaptation of award nominated short CARGO. The post-apocalyptic thriller also stars Anthony Hayes, Caren Pistorius and Susie Porter.

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s theatre credits include: DEATH & THE KING’S HORSEMAN, ANTIGONE, EDWARD II & Guildenstern in ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD (NT 50th Anniversary show) for the National Theatre; A RESPECTABLE WEDDING, JOE TURNER’S COME & GONE, THE CHANGELING & FEAST for the Young Vic; THE LOW ROAD for the Royal Court and HAMLET for the Barbican.
His film credits include: THE DOUBLE, DOCTOR STRANGE, JUSTICE LEAGUE, PADDINGTON 2 & MARY POPPINS RETURNS. Kobna’s TV credits include the BBC’s LITTLE BRITAIN, PULLING, SILK, FATHER BROWN, CLASS, WAGSTAFFE & THE SPLIT, as well as PHONE SHOP & MIDSOMER MURDERS.

Celia Imrie’s many film credits include: HIGHLANDER, Kenneth Branagh’s FRANKENSTEIN, the BRIDGET JONES trilogy, John Madden’s BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, CALENDAR GIRLS & Woody Allen’s YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER. Her varied TV credits include: BERGERAC, THE DARLING BUDS OF MAY, DINNER LADIES, ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS & BETTER THINGS as well as arguably her most iconic role in VICTORIA WOOD AS SEEN ON TV, where she shone in the now-infamous ACORN ANTIQUES sketches. In 2005 ACORN ANTIQUES became a West End musical directed by Trevor Nunn and Celia’s performance as Miss Babs won her the Olivier Award for ‘Best Supporting Actress in a Musical’. Last year she was honoured with the Barbara Tipple Best Actress Award by the Women’s International Film & Television Showcase.

Eleanor Matsuura was recently seen in the hugely successful film spin-off WONDER WOMAN and will reprise her role in the next film in the series JUSTICE LEAGUE. She is currently working on the 3rd series of INTO THE BADLANDS for AMC/Amazon where she will return as Baron Chau. She can be seen in the forthcoming feature film JULIET NAKED directed by Jesse Peretz as well as the new series of SHETLAND for BBC. She recently starred in the unique live-streamed one-take Woody Harrelson film – LOST IN LONDON, in which she played his wife Laura. She also appeared in the last series of internationally renowned BBC drama SHERLOCK – opposite Benedict Cumberbatch, as DI Hopkins.

Last year, she could be seen as Hippolyta in the BBC’s new adaptation of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM opposite Maxine Peake and her extensive work in theatre includes: Virgilia in CORIOLANUS for the RSC; DANTON’S DEATH at The National Theatre and THE CHANGELING at The Young Vic Theatre. She starred in the multi-award-winning hit play ENRON directed by Rupert Gould at The Royal Court theatre and in the West End. Following a hugely successful run in the UK and New York she also reprised the lead role in Mike Bartlett’s Olivier-award-winning new play BULL at the Young Vic Theatre.

Wunmi Mosaku’s theatre credits include: Jeremy Herrin’s THE VERTICAL HOUR, Debbie Tucker Green’s TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION & Vicki Featherstone’s CYPRESS AVENUE for The Royal Court; MR. BURNS for The Almeida & TIGER COUNTRY for Hampstead Theatre. ROUGH CROSSINGS for Headlong Theatre Company.

Her film credits include: OUR LOVED BOY (Best Supporting Actress BAFTA Award Winner), STOLEN & DON’T TAKE MY BABY (Bafta Award Winner) for the BBC, Stephen Frears’s PHILOMENA, FANTASTIC BEASTS & WHERE TO FIND THEM, BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE & MACBETH. Wunmi’s TV credits include: SILENT WITNESS VIII, MOSES JONES, BLACKOUT & Stephen Poliakoff’s DANCING ON THE EDGE for the BBC; FATHERS & SONS, SCOTT & BAILEY & VERA II for ITV and BLACK MIRROR: PLAYTEST for Netflix.

After graduating from Cambridge University, James Norton immediately went on to study at RADA. He is a bright star in the British acting landscape which was confirmed when he was selected by Screen International to be one of their highly prestigious ‘Stars of Tomorrow’.

James can currently be seen in FLATLINERS, the reboot of the hit 1990 sci-fi horror. He stars alongside Ellen Page, Diego Luna and Nina Dobrev as the character of would-be doctor ‘Jamie’. The story follows a group of medical students who conduct near-death experiments in order to explore the afterlife. James has recently completed work on the AMC/BBC One crime drama MCMAFIA, which is anticipated to release in 2018. Written by Hossein Amini and directed by James Watkins, the story follows Alex Godmanthe, English-raised son of Russian exiles with a mafia history, who has spent his life trying to escape the shadow of that criminal past, building his own legitimate business and forging a life with his girlfriend Rebecca.

James is also set to star alongside Imogen Poots in the Donmar Warehouse’s production of BELLEVILLE, penned by Amy Herzog. Directed by Michael Longhurst, the pair play American expatriates whose marriage violently unravels when they move to Paris. Faith Alabi and Malachi Kirby round out the production, which runs from December 7th to February 3rd.

Jack Whitehall is an award-winning comedian, writer and actor. As a successful and much sought-after stand up, actor, writer and presenter, Jack has firmly established himself as one of the UK’s most exciting and successful comedy talents, a status cemented by his People’s Choice Award for the King of Comedy at the 2012, 2013 & 2014 British Comedy Awards.

2017 saw Jack film a new adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel DECLINE AND FALL for BBC2 alongside David Suchet and Eva Longoria. This autumn sees Jack co-star in a new travel series with his father, Jack Whitehall: TRAVELS WITH MY FATHER which airs on Netflix and his arena tour, JACK WHITEHALL AT LARGE will also air as a Netflix Special later this year. In addition, Jack has co-written a new series for Sky 1 – BOUNTY HUNTERS is a comedy drama and sees Jack co-starring alongside Rosie Perez and Robert Lindsey – which will air this autumn.

Olivia Williams studied English at Cambridge University before training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Theatre credits include: For the National Theatre; Mosquitoes, Waste, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Richard II. For the RSC; Peer Gynt, The Wives’ Excuse, The Broken Heart, Wallenstein, Misha’s Party. For the West End: In a Forest Dark and Deep. Her TV credits include; Counterpart, The Halcyon, Manhattan, Salting the Battlefield, Playhouse Presents, Case Sensitive, City Hall, Dollhouse, Miss Austen Regrets, Krakatoa, Agatha Christie, Jason and the Argonauts, Friends, Emma, Van Der Valk, Ruth Rendell.

Olivia’s film credits include; Victoria and Abdul, Man Up, Altar, Maps to the Stars, Sabotage, Last Days on Mars, Seventh Son, Hyde Park on Hudson, Anna Karenina, Now is Good, Hanna, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, The Ghost Writer (ALFS award Supporting Actress, NSFC award Supporting Actress), An Education, Flashbacks of a Fool, There for Me, X-Men 3, Tara Road, Valiant, To Kill a King, The Heart of Me (British Independent Film Award, Best Actress), Below, Man from Elysian Fields, Lucky Break, Born Romantic, The Body, Dead Babies, Four Dogs Playing Poker, Sixth Sense, Rushmore, The Postman, Gaston’s War, Wesley, A Brand from the Burning.

Whither Would You Go?
Sunday 22 October 7:30pm
Harold Pinter Theatre Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN
Tickets £50-200
Tickets http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/whither-would-you-go/harold-pinter-theatre/
Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7622 (Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.)
Customer Service: 0844 871 7627
Group Bookings: 020 7206 1174
Access Bookings: 0800 912 6971
Further information and updates at www.whitherwouldyougo.com
More information about the UN Refugee Agency at http://www.unhcr.org

MORE CAST ANNOUNCED SOON…

17th October 2017

A Judgement in Stone Review

Grand Opera House York – until Saturday 21st October. Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

2**

The Classic Thriller Company presents its adaptation of one of Ruth Rendell’s early thrillers, the classic A Judgement in Stone. The story revolves around the murder of a family of four, slain with their own guns.

The show starts after the fact and we are treated to flashbacks, all played out using the one set, whilst trying to ascertain who slaughtered the Coverdales with the guidance of two dectectives, Det Supt Vetch, sent up from London and Det Sgt Challoner. They are really just a tool to take us through the flashbacks. Chris Ellison as Vetch is very reminiscent of his character in The Bill, Frank Burnside, but not so gritty.

The cast were a bit hit and miss with Robert Duncan and Rosie Thomson giving credible and somewhat energetic performances of the Coverdales, along with Pamela Dwyer as the daughter, and Ben Nealon as Challoner, being the best of the bunch.

Sophie Ward as Eunice Parchman was just not convincing enough, for a start she just looked too young and for another her wig was dreadful. We are then introduced to Joan Smith, played by Deborah Grant. Things definitely liven up but her character is just so over the top that her performance was just too unbelievable. How anyone can believe that any relationship would exit between the meek and dowdy housekeeper and this prostitute, turned post mistress is beyond me and never really explored.

The climax, which proved to be not much of a climax, supposedly a brutal and shocking scene, with gunshots, shouting and the opera, was so ridiculous several members of the audience just giggled.

I’m sure that there was a lot of promise in this play but it just fell flat. Maybe the direction should have emphasised the tension and got rid of the pointless humour as I’m not sure if it was trying to be a serious thriller, or a farce with the occasional uncomfortably moment.

17th October 2017

THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES ADULT CASTING FOR THE UK & IRELAND TOUR OF MATILDA THE MUSICAL

THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES ADULT CASTING FOR THE UK & IRELAND TOUR OF MATILDA THE MUSICAL
PREVIOUS WEST END CAST MEMBERS CRAIGE ELS AND REBECCA THORNHILL WILL JOIN THE TOUR AS MISS TRUNCHBULL AND MRS WORMWOOD
CARLY THOMS AND SEBASTIEN TORKIA WILL PLAY MISS HONEY AND MR WORMWOOD
LAUNCHING AT LEICESTER CURVE ON 5 MARCH, MATILDA THE MUSICAL WILL VISIT DUBLIN, SUNDERLAND, MILTON KEYNES, BIRMINGHAM, MANCHESTER AND CARDIFF IN 2018

Today, the Royal Shakespeare Company announces the adult casting for the first five venues of the Matilda The Musical 2018/19 UK and Ireland Tour. Craige Els will reprise the role of Miss Trunchbull, having played her in the West End for three years between 2014 and 2017. He will be joined by Carly Thoms as Miss Honey and Sebastien Torkia as Mr Wormwood as well as former West End cast-mate Rebecca Thornhill as Mrs Wormwood.

Winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical will open at Leicester Curve (5 – 24 March) and will then tour to the Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (4 – 28 April), Sunderland Empire (8 May – 2 June), Milton Keynes Theatre (5 June – 30 June), Birmingham Hippodrome (3 July – 8 September), Manchester Palace (18 September – 24 November) and Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre (4 December – 12 January 2019). Further dates and venues are to be announced in due course. The West End production will continue to play at the Cambridge Theatre, where it is currently booking until 27 May 2018.

The full adult cast includes Joe Atkinson, Peter Bindloss, Oliver Bingham, Emily Bull, Matthew Caputo, Samara Casteallo, Craige Els, Matt Gillett, Michelle Chantelle Hopewell, Sam Lathwood, Steffan Lloyd-Evans, Charlie Martin, Anu Ogunmefun, Carly Thoms, Rebecca Thornhill, Sebastien Torkia, Taylor Walker, Adam Vaughan and Dawn Williams. The children’s cast will be announced in due course.

Craige Els (Miss Trunchbull) has previously appeared on stage in Timon of Athens, Antigone andThe Cherry Orchard (National Theatre) and on screen in Ripper Street, The Bletchley Circle and Call The Midwife. Further theatre credits include Victoria Wood’s That Day We Sang (Royal Exchange, Manchester), Mamma Mia! (Novello), Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre), The New Yorkers(Sadler’s Wells), Never Forget (West End and tour) and Spamalot (West End). Craige has also appeared on the big screen in films such as The Imitation Game, Joe Wright’s Anna Karenina and Simon Connelly’s Hamlet.

Carly Thoms (Miss Honey) most recently starred as Natella/Ludvica in The Caucasian Chalk Circle(Greenwich Theatre). Other stage roles include LV in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (The Union Theatre), Miss Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Adelphi), the title role in Cinderella (Hackney Empire and De Montfort Hall), Lucy in Ushers (The Charing Cross Theatre) and Liesl in The Sound of Music UK Tour.

Rebecca Thornhill (Mrs Wormwood) is an Olivier Award-nominated actress with an illustrious musical theatre background. Rebecca’s previous stage credits include lead roles in From Here To Eternity (Shaftesbury), Mary Poppins (Prince Edward and USA tour), Chicago (Adelphi), Ragtime(Piccadilly), Witches of Eastwick (Prince of Wales and UK tour), South Pacific (UK tour), Beauty and the Beast (Dominion) and Les Misérables (Palace and Denmark). In addition to her credits in the West End, Rebecca has appeared at the National Theatre in Singin’ in the Rain (for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award) and played Gertie in Trevor Nunn’s production of Oklahoma!opposite Hugh Jackman and Maureen Lipman.

Sebastien Torkia (Mr Wormwood) has a wide range of theatre credits which include the original West End casts of La Cage Aux Folles, Guys and Dolls, Saturday Night Fever, Martin Guerre andGrease. Other roles include Sweeney Todd (West Yorkshire Playhouse and Royal Exchange, Manchester), Ed in The Lion King (Lyceum), A Streetcar Named Desire (Bolton Octogan),Women Beware Women (National Theatre), Eddie Ryan in Funny Girl (Chichester Festival Theatre), Greg Gardner in A Chorus Line (Sheffield Crucible), Maugrim/Giant Rumblebuffin in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Steve in Singin’ in the Rain (national tour), and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella in Japan.

The production will be accompanied by Change My Story, a new education programme inspired by Matilda The Musical which will engage young people in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland. With a travelling library of stories led by Mrs Phelps and whole school takeovers, the RSC aims to reach over 15,000 children, in collaboration with touring theatre partners. Further details can be found at http://uk.matildathemusical.com/tour/.

Matilda The Musical is the longest running production at the Cambridge Theatre and will enter its seventh year in London’s West End on 25 October 2017.

Inspired by the incomparable Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda The Musical was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at the RSC’s The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2010, before transferring to London’s West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews.

The New York production of Matilda The Musical opened in April 2013 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre and was celebrated on 10 “Top Ten” lists for 2013, including TIME Magazine’s #1 Show of the Year.

Matilda The Musical has now been seen by more than 7 million people worldwide. Having swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and winning four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway, Matilda The Musical has now played in over 60 cities and has played more than 5500 performances worldwide.

After winning a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Musical in 2015, the Australian and New Zealand tour has now played sold-out seasons in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. In July 2016,Matilda The Musical broke further records by winning all 13 Helpmann Awards for which it was nominated. The Australian and New Zealand production concludes its tour on 22 October, where it is playing at the Civic Theatre in Auckland.

Matilda The Musical is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company with André Ptaszynski and Denise Wood as Executive Producers. The production was developed with the support of Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.

Matilda The Musical is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus. The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

TOUR LISTINGS

Leicester Curve
Monday 5 – Saturday 24 March 2018
Box Office: 0116 242 3595
www.curveonline.co.uk

Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Wednesday 4 – Saturday 28 April 2018
Box Office: +353 (1) 677 7999
www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Sunderland Empire Theatre
Tuesday 8 May – Saturday 2 June 2018
Box Office: 0844 871 3022*
www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

Milton Keynes Theatre
Tuesday 5 – Saturday 30 June 2018
Box Office: 0844 871 7652*
www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

Birmingham Hippodrome
Tuesday 3 July – Saturday 8 September 2018
Box Office: 0844 338 5000**
www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Manchester Palace Theatre
Tuesday 18 September – Saturday 24 November 2018
Box Office: 0844 871 3019*
www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff / Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru
Tuesday 4 December 2018 – Saturday 12 January 2019
Box Office: 029 2063 6464
www.wmc.org.uk

* Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.
** Calls cost 4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

www.matildathemusical.com

#matildaontour

WEST END LISTING

MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, WC2H 9HU
Booking until 27 May 2018
Tuesdays 7pm
Wednesday – Saturday 7:30pm
Wednesday & Saturday 2:30pm
Sundays 3pm

Box Office: Cambridge Theatre 020 7087 7745 / RSC Ticket Hotline 01789 403493
No booking fee.

Twitter: @MatildaMusical
Facebook: @MatildaTheMusical
Instagram: @MatildaTheMusical

17th October 2017

STOMP to Close in London on 7 January 2018

STOMP

TO CLOSE IN LONDON AFTER 15 WONDERFUL YEARS

THE RUN AT THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE

TO END ON SUNDAY 7 JANUARY 2018

The Olivier Award-winning and global phenomenon STOMP will end its 15-year run in London’s West End on 7 January 2018, following a box office record-breaking 10-year run at London’s Ambassadors Theatre. However, as the creators of STOMP, Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, state, this is not the end of STOMP in London:

“We want to emphasise that we don’t consider this the end of STOMP here; we actually feel it’s going to be good for the show to take a break, reconfigure, reinvent and return at some point in the future in a different London venue, where we can present the show in a way that is more in keeping with its original ethos.”

In 2018, the show will continue to tour throughout the globe, with dates already confirmed for
Paris, Beirut, Prague, Lisbon and Milan, as well as a Dutch tour, a German tour, an Indian tour, an Italian tour, an Australian and New Zealand tour and a French tour. In addition, negotiations are underway for extended seasons in China, South America and Turkey.

STOMP was first performed in 1991 in Edinburgh. The show played Sadler’s Wells Theatre in January 1994 and won the Olivier Award for Best Choreography, before opening in New York in February of the same year. The European company was created in 1997 and began the show’s London run at the Vaudeville Theatre on 25 September 2002, transferring to the Ambassadors Theatre on 27 September 2007. On Monday 25 September 2017, STOMP celebrated the show’s 15^th Birthday in London’s West End.

One of Britain’s greatest exports, STOMP has toured the globe for 26 years, playing to more than 12 million people in 53 countries across 6 continents. There are currently four STOMP companies performing worldwide, including New York, where the show has been running for over 23 years, London, now in its 16th year, a world tour and a North American tour.

STOMP is presented in London by Yes/No Productions and Glynis Henderson Productions Limited.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Ambassadors Theatre

West Street

London WC2H 9ND

Box Office: 020 7395 5405

Tickets from £26 (subject to £2.50 transaction fee)

Performances: Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 6pm, with matinees Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 3pm

Extra Performances at 3pm & 8pm on Wednesday 18 & 25 October 2017

Christmas/New Year booking period:

Mon Dec 18 2017 8:00 PM

Wed Dec 20 2017 3:00 PM

Wed Dec 20 2017 8:00 PM

Thu Dec 21 2017 3:00 PM

Thu Dec 21 2017 8:00 PM

Fri Dec 22 2017 8:00 PM

Sat Dec 23 2017 3:00 PM

Sat Dec 23 2017 8:00 PM

Sun Dec 24 2017 1:00 PM

Wed Dec 27 2017 3:00 PM

Wed Dec 27 2017 8:00 PM

Thu Dec 28 2017 3:00 PM

Thu Dec 28 2017 8:00 PM

Fri Dec 29 2017 8:00 PM

Sat Dec 30 2017 3:00 PM

Sat Dec 30 2017 8:00 PM

Sun Dec 31 2017 3:00 PM

Sun Dec 31 2017 6:00 PM

Mon Jan 1 2018 8:00 PM

Running Time: 100 minutes with no interval

Booking Period: to 7 January 2018

www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk

www.stomplondon.com

@StompLDN

16th October 2017

THE DAMNED UNITED stage adaptation of David Peace’s novel transfers to London

The Damned United – stage adaptation of David Peace’s novel tours to The Pleasance, London

Red Ladder Theatre Company in association with Unity Theatre Liverpool presents

THE DAMNED UNITED

Written by Anders Lustgarten; Adapted from the novel by David Peace; Directed by Rod Dixon

13 – 18 November 2017, The Pleasance, Islington.

Press performance: Tuesday 14 November, 7.30pm.

The stage adaptation of THE DAMNED UNITED is transferring to London for a run at The Pleasance Islington from 13-18 November as part of its first UK tour. Award-winning playwright Anders Lustgarten (Lampedusa/The Seven Acts of Mercy) has adapted David Peace’s novel for Red Ladder Theatre Company, which takes the play to the London venue following its success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Combining fiction, fact and hearsay, David Peace’s compelling best-seller is an account of Brian Clough‘s disastrous 44-day period as manager of Leeds United. In a stripped-back staging directed by Red Ladder’s artistic director Rod Dixon, a company of three- Luke Dickson (Brian Clough), David Chafer (Peter Taylor) and Jamie Smelt (Sam Longson/Syd Owen/Jack Kirkland et al) – take audiences up-close to the sweat, fury and power-struggles from pitch-side and inside the flawed but brilliant mind of ‘Old Big ‘ed’.

The story of a troubled genius slamming-up against his limits, THE DAMNED UNITED brings to life the beauty and brutality of football, the working man’s ballet.

The rights for THE DAMNED UNITED were donated by David Peace to Red Ladder Theatre Company for £3.68 – a penny for each page in the novel – in 2014, as a show of support for the Leeds-based radical theatre company when it received a 100% cut to Arts Council Funding. In 2016, Red Ladder presented the world premiere of The Damned United as a co-production with West Yorkshire Playhouse, which played to full capacity houses during a five-week sell-out run. The Damned United has been freshly re-approached by Red Ladder Theatre Company for 2017-2018, as a small-scale production to tour into non-traditional arts spaces, including football grounds, in addition to theatres.

Rod Dixon, artistic director of Red Ladder, says “We’re thrilled to be bringing The Damned United to London after a very successful run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe where we welcomed fans of sports and theatre alike to our staging of David Peace’s ingenious novel. As a story The Damned United has it all –passion, power struggles, tragedy and a classic anti-hero in Clough – which lends itself brilliantly to theatre. Anders captures the grit, poetry and darkness of David’s writing and by charting the fall of Brian Clough and exposing what made ‘Old Big ‘ed’ tick, audiences are given a fascinating insight into the troubled but brilliant mind of a flawed genius –who remains one of the most controversial figures in sporting history.”

Playwright Anders Lustgarten says “The Damned United is a brilliantly theatrical book, full of looming shadows, incantatory prose and dramatic conflicts and betrayals. The trick with adapting such fantastic source material is to let it breathe and do its thing, rather than reshape it. I think we’ve done that very successfully, and had a great time in the bargain.”

Author David Peace says, “Football itself, at every level, is drama, theatre and spectacle played out before a living, breathing and usually very partisan audience; this is what Anders, Rod and everybody involved brought to the story which neither the book nor the film could do.”

Listings

Performances: 13-17 November 2017, 7.30pm, £13, £11 concs.

Press night: Tue 14 November, 7.30pm.

Book Tickets: Tel: 0207 609 1800. www.pleasance.co.uk

Venue details: Pleasance, Carpenters Mews, North Road, London, N7 9EF.

Red Ladder Theatre Company: RedLadder.co.uk; @redladdertheatr #thedamnedunited2017

16th October 2017

Phoenix Soars On Tour

PHOENIX DANCE THEATRE’S AUTUMN TOUR

York – Buxton – Bridlington – Malvern – Barnsley

Internationally acclaimed, Leeds-based Phoenix Dance Theatre begins its Autumn Tour next week.

The dance company’s Mixed Programme starts in York on October 25^th and goes on to Buxton, Bridlington, Malvern and Barnsley taking a range of bold performances with it.

Sharon Watson, Artistic Director at Phoenix Dance Theatre, and currently Yorkshire Woman of the Year, says: “I have worked with people from all over the world for this mixed piece and the result is three diverse, emotional and sassy dances in one thought-provoking performance.”

Beast is an unsettling and unforgettable piece by Leeds-based choreographer Douglas Thorpe. It explores the dark reaches of the mind, focussing on the concept of choice and consequences that follow wrong decisions.

Created by award-winning company dancer and choreographer, Sandrine Monin and composer Roberto Rusconi, Calyx is a new piece which was inspired by and based on the book of poems The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire, Calyx explores the themes of beauty, desire and decadence.

“The Calyx is the outermost part of a flower – the bud,” explains Sandrine. “It envelopes the flower, protecting it, and when it blooms it provides support for the rest of its life. I find it a fascinating and beautiful thing and have used the dancers to translate this.”

And with a live microphone at its heart, Aletta Collins’ Maybe Yes Maybe, Maybe No Maybe sees five dancers blend movement and voices to create a uniquely witty piece of dance.

The work is set to a score by composers Street Furniture Music, a Soho-based production company who specialise in in music and sound design for Film, TV, Games and Theatre; the dancers’ voices are transformed into the beats and accents of a pulsing soundtrack.

Phoenix Dance Theatre: Mixed Programme is at:

York Theatre Royal on Wednesday 25^th & Thursday 26^th October

Buxton Opera House Tuesday 31^st October

Bridlington Spa Tuesday 7^th November

Malvern Theatres 14^th November

Barnsley Civic 17^th November

For more information visit www.phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk

16th October 2017

LIFE IS A CABARET AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

LIFE IS A CABARET AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

For one week only, Leeds Grand Theatre will play host to Olivier-Award-winning musical, Cabaret, from Tuesday 24^th to Saturday 28^th October 2017.

Produced by Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre, Cabaret will star internationally renowned singer/songwriter Will Young, who reprises his Olivier Award-nominated performance as the enigmatic Emcee, musician and presenter Louise Redknapp, who makes her stage debut as Sally Bowles and Susan Penhaligon as Fraulein Schneider; Susan is best known for the popular television series Bouquet of Barbed Wire and the sitcom A Fine Romance with Judi Dench.

Set in 1930s Berlin against the backdrop of the seedy Kit Kat Club, Cabaret tells the tale of young American writer Cliff Bradshaw and his relationship with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles and features some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, including ‘Money Makes the World Go Round’, ‘Two Ladies’ ‘Maybe This Time’ and of course ‘Cabaret’.

Since its Broadway premiere in 1966 – and the famous movie version starring Liza Minnelli and Oscar-winner Joel Grey – Cabaret has won a staggering number of stage and screen awards, including eight Oscars, seven BAFTAs and 13 Tonys. Norris’ production has enjoyed two smash hit West End runs and has picked up two Olivier Awards.

Cabaret is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 24^th to Saturday 28^th October 2017

Tickets are on sale now priced at £20.50 (RV) to £41.50

(prices include a £3 booking fee. Postage charge £1 where applicable)

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

16th October 2017

Hayley Tamaddon to star in Throroughly Modern Millie 2018 UK tour

David King for Modern Millie Ltd presents

BROADWAY’S MULTI AWARD WINNING MUSICAL COMEDY

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE

TO EMBARK ON 2018 UK TOUR

CORONATION STREET, EMMERDALE AND DANCING ON ICE STAR

HAYLEY TAMADDON

TO STAR AS MILLIE

Following a hugely successful tour in Spring 2017, award-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie is set to tour the UK again in 2018 opening at Richmond Theatre on Tuesday 27 March with actress Hayley Tamaddontaking on the title role of Millie Dilmount, a Kansas girl determined to make it big in New York City.

Hayley Tamaddon is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Del Dingle in Emmerdale and Andrea Beckett in Coronation Street and for winning the fifth series of ITV1’s Dancing on Ice. Other television credits include Accused, Shameless, Waterloo Road, Where the Heart Is and The Royal. Her musical theatre roles include Roxie Hart in Chicago (UK Tour), The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot(UK tour), Janet in The Rocky Horror Show (UK Tour), Frenchie in Grease (UK Tour), Diana Morales in A Chorus Line (Sheffield Theatres), Trish in Boogie Nights (UK Tour), Carmen in Fame (UK Tour), Laura in Boyband (West End) and Lisa in Mamma Mia (West End). She has also starred in the UK tour of The Vagina Monologues and in John Godber’s play Muddy Cows (Stephen Joseph, Scarborough).

Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie is based on the 1967 Academy Award-winning film. Taking you back to the height of the Jazz Age in 1920s New York City, when ‘moderns’ including a flapper named Millie Dillmount, were bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines, entering the workforce and rewriting the rules of love.

From explosive tap numbers to a ‘Fred and Ginger’ dance routine on a window ledge, and featuring hit songs including Gimme Gimme and Not for the Life of Me, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a brilliantly funny and entertaining show for all the family.

Tickets for Thoroughly Modern Millie are on sale now. Further casting to be announced.

WEBSITE | TWITTER

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE

Book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan

New Music by Jeanine Tesori 

New Lyrics by Dick Scanlan

Original Story and Screenplay by Richard Morris for the Universal Pictures Film

Presented by arrangement with

Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited

Director and Choreographer Racky Plews

Musical Director Rob Wicks

Executive Producer David King

Casting Director Sue Talbert

Executive Director Graham King

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE – 2018 UK TOUR DATES

Tuesday 27 – Saturday 31 March Box Office: 0844 871 7651

Richmond Theatre Website: www.atgtickets.com/richmond

Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 April Box Office: 01323 412000 ON SALE SOON

Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne Website: www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 April Box Office: 0844 871 3022

Sunderland Empire Website: www.atgtickets.com/sunderland

Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 May Box Office: 0844 871 3020

Oxford New Theatre Website: www.atgtickets.com

Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 May Box Office: 0844 871 3023

The Princess Theatre, Torquay Website: www.atgtickets.com/torquay

Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 May Box Office: 01202 280000 ON SALE SOON

Poole Lighthouse Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 May Box Office: 0844 871 7649

Regent Theatre , Stoke on Trent Website: www.atgtickets.com/stoke

Tuesday 29 May – Saturday 2 June Box Office: +353 1 677 7999 ON SALE SOON

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin Website: www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 June Box Office: 01274 432000

Bradford Alhambra Website: www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 June Box Office: 01325 486555 ON SALE SOON

Darlington Hippodrome Website: www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 June Box Office: 01702 351135

Cliffs Pavilion, Southend Website:www.southendtheatres.org.uk

Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 June Box Office: 01902 429212

Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton Website: www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 July Box Office: 01473 433100 ON SALE SOON

Regent Theatre, Ipswich Website: www.apps.ipswich.gov.uk

Tuesday 31 July – Saturday 5 August Box Office: 01534 511115 ON SALE SOON

Jersey Opera House Website: www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk

MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

16th October 2017

THE OTHER PALACE Announces Autumn/Winter Season in The Other Studio

IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE

THE AUTUMN/WINTER SEASON IN

THE OTHER STUDIO

INCLUDING

“COME JOIN THE DOTS”

“HOT GAY TIME MACHINE”

“NATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE: THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK”

“KNOCK KNOCK “

“CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH NATALIE RUSHDIE”

AND

“BARRICADE BOYS – THE CHRISTMAS CABARET”

The Other Palace is delighted to announce the upcoming shows in the Autumn/Winter Season for The Other Studio.

There is an exciting mix of one-night performances and longer running shows in October and November beginning with “Come Join the Dots” on Friday 27 October; an evening of slick and sophisticated close part harmony, with just a dash of mischief. Fresh from their sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, “Hot Gay Time Machine” covers all the moments of a gay man’s life from coming out to navigating the naked politics of the locker room and runs for six performances from Monday 6 November to Wednesday 8 November. The National Youth Music Theatre return to The Other Palace for an evening celebrating the “Great American Songbook”on Saturday 25 November; and on Monday 27 November and Tuesday 28th November Niv Petel explores the effects of National Service on everyday life in “Knock Knock”.

Get into the festive spirit from early December and “Celebrate Christmas with Natalie Rushdie” as she performs a selection of Diva and Christmas Classics on Saturday 2 December. “The Barricade Boys – Christmas Cabaret” lights up the stage from Tuesday 5 December to Saturday 23 December showcasing some of the world’s finest male voices from the West End, International Tour and Hollywood movie of the world’s longest running musical – Les Misèrables.

Artistic Director Paul Taylor Mills said: “I am thrilled that the studio continues to offer a diverse programme of new music, comedy, variety and factual entertainment firmly establishing The Other Palace as a venue for all. As well as our produced programme we continue to nurture and foster new musicals at the start of their journey.”

“Come Join the Dots”

“Come Join The Dots” – Helen, Lucinda and Robine – for an evening of slick and sophisticated close part harmony, with just a dash of mischief. To begin, The Dots Do The Silver Screen – a celebration of the Hollywood musicals of the 30s and 40s. And for their second act, The Dots Do The Divas – a salute to the greatest female vocalists of all time. Expect shiny new musical arrangements plus dotty shenanigans as The Dots Do The Other Palace!

“Hot Gay Time Machine”

Fresh from their sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, join Zak and Toby as they take you on an extravaGAYnza of outrageous dances, hilarious comedy and mind-blowing original songs that will BLOW your minds. So what are you waiting for? Gay marriage? Well we got that already, so come party with the gays!

“NYMT PLATFORM: The Great American Songbook”

Founded in 1976, the National Youth Music Theatre has performed in 200 venues throughout the UK, from Glyndebourne and the National Theatre to the Royal Opera House, Shakespeare’s Globe and at eight West End theatres. Of their countless productions, over 50 have been new music theatre works.

The National Youth Music Theatre returns to the studio at The Other Palace for the second in their series of NYMT Platform concerts showcasing outstanding young talent in cabaret performances. This programme features fresh interpretations of favourites from the Great American Songbook alongside new material inspired by the golden age of American popular music.

“Knock Knock”

How would you raise your child, if you knew that one day their turn will come to hold a rifle?

As a liaison officer for the army, Ilana, a single mother, supports families who’ve lost their sons and daughters to the wars. But when the time comes for her own only son to wear the army uniform, she faces a life-changing dilemma.

How is it to grow up in a place where children are destined to be soldiers from the day they are born? The parents– all former soldiers themselves – know that one day, a liaison officer might knock on their door too.

Writer Niv Petel weaves a vivid and detailed familial relationship in this immersive physical mono-drama about the effects of National Service on everyday life. Inspired by real life situations, and with a lot of humour, “Knock Knock” cuts through the thick curtain of politics to tell a story about parenthood, friendship, love and sacrifice.

“Celebrate Christmas with Natalie Rushdie”

Join Natalie Rushdie, for one night only, as she makes her debut at The Other Palace for a Christmas extravaganza performing a selection of Diva and Christmas Classics. Take a sleigh ride down memory lane with Natalie and celebrate Christmas like the good old days with holiday favourites: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Let it Snow”, “Silent Night” and more including the greatest divas from Judy Garland to Ella Fitzgerald.

Natalie has toured the UK with Classic BRIT Award winners “Blake” and performed the National Anthem an amazing five times at Wembley Stadium earning her the moniker ‘The Voice of Wembley’. Natalie is accompanied by acclaimed pianist Ed Bussey.

“The Barricade Boys – Christmas Cabaret”

After sell-out performances in London’s West End, an appearance at the St James Theatre on Broadway and many international dates, “The Barricade Boys” are quickly securing their place as theatre land’s newest and most exciting male vocal group!

Come and join the Christmas party as they, not only, perform the world’s greatest show tunes but 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.

As well as appearing in the World’s longest running musical, Les Misèrables, and playing major leading roles in musical theatre “The Barricade Boys” 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.

LISTINGS

Come Join the Dots

Friday 27 October at 8pm

Tickets £20

Hot Gay Time Machine

Monday 6 November 7.30pm & 9.30pm

Tuesday 7 November 7.30pm & 9.30pm

Wednesday 8 November 7.30pm & 9.30pm

Tickets £15 & £20

NYMT PLATFORM: The Great American Songbook

Saturday 25 November at 8pm

Tickets £20 – £25

Knock Knock

Monday 27 November & Tuesday 28th November at 8pm

Tickets £15 & £18

Celebrate Christmas with Natalie Rushdie

Saturday 2 December at 8pm

Tickets £25 & £30

The Barricade Boys – Christmas Cabaret

Tuesday 5 December to Saturday 23 December at 8pm

Thursday and Saturday matinee performances 3pm

Tickets £20 & £25

Tickets:

Online: www.theotherpalace.co.uk

Phone: 020 7087 7900

In person: Box Office is open from 10.00am-6.30pm on show days and 10.00am – 6.00pm on non-show days. Sundays and Bank Holidays may vary.

Address: 12 Palace St, Westminster, London SW1E 5JA

For more information about The Other Palace and further listings information about each of the initiatives and shows please visit: www.theotherpalace.co.uk

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Company Information

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A Judgement in Stone Review

THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES ADULT CASTING FOR THE UK & IRELAND TOUR OF MATILDA THE MUSICAL

STOMP to Close in London on 7 January 2018

THE DAMNED UNITED stage adaptation of David Peace’s novel transfers to London

Phoenix Soars On Tour

LIFE IS A CABARET AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

Hayley Tamaddon to star in Throroughly Modern Millie 2018 UK tour

THE OTHER PALACE Announces Autumn/Winter Season in The Other Studio