Home

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE NEW NATIONWIDE TOUR  OF SHREK THE MUSICAL 

• CAST INCLUDES STEFFAN HARRI AS ‘SHREK’, CALL THE MIDWIFE STAR LAURA MAIN AS ‘PRINCESS FIONA’, MARCUS AYTON AS ‘DONKEY’ AND SAMUEL HOLMES AS ‘LORD FARQUAAD’
• NIGEL HARMAN RETURNS AS DIRECTOR FOR THE HIT PRODUCTION, OPENING AT THE EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS 2017

Believe all ‘ogre’ again! SHREK THE MUSICAL® today announces casting for the major nationwide tour. Following the unprecedented success of the first UK and Ireland tour, the original production team reunites to bring the hit musical to a swamp near you. Opening at Edinburgh Playhouse for the festive season this year from 12 December, the production will then tour throughout the country in 2018.

Leading the cast as beloved swamp-dwelling ogre ‘Shrek’ will be Steffan Harri, having previously starred in the original UK tour of SHREK THE MUSICAL®, and Call the Midwife star Laura Main as ‘Princess Fiona’. Due to filming commitments Laura will be performing at selected venues throughout the tour, with full list of dates below*. Also joining the cast will be Marcus Ayton as Shrek’s wisecracking sidekick ‘Donkey’ and Samuel Holmes as pint-sized villain ‘Lord Farquaad’. Further casting to be announced.

The company of fairy-tale characters will include Adam Baker, Ethan Bradshaw, Michael Carolan, Joseph Dockree, Will Hawksworth, Sarah-Louise Jones, Reece Kerridge,Thomas Lee Kidd, Amy Oxley, Jemma Revell, Lucinda Shaw, Sam Stones, Adam Taylor, Jennifer Tierney, Sophie Wallis, Francesca Williams, Laura Wilson andKevin Yates.

Laura Main (Princess Fiona) says:

‘I’ve been waiting a long time for an adventure like this to come along and now that it has I am ready to swap the surgery for the swamp in one of my favourite musicals. Shrek has made a Believer out of me and I can’t wait for this fairytale to take me across the country.’ 

Caro Newling (Co-Producer, Neal Street Productions) says:

‘At Neal Street we take pride in bringing together colleagues from different disciplines in new creative collaborations. For this Shrek tour, we are particularly excited to be bringing together Nigel Harman, with whom we have worked on many successful Neal Street projects, and Laura Main who joined Call The Midwife for the very first series back in 2012. Since Shrek the Musical’s West End debut in 2011 we have opened our doors to nearly 2 million audience members nationwide. It’s great to be out on the road again, ten years after Neal Street co-produced the first incarnation of the show with DreamWorks Animation in Seattle and then on Broadway.’

Nick Salmon (Co-Producer, Playful Productions) says:

‘I am thrilled that the show will be reuniting many of the talented team members who have been involved in the production since day one. Nigel has gone from being Lord Farquaad, in the West End to directing our touring production and Steffan, who was previously one of our hilarious Three Pigs, will be stepping into Shrek’s ogre-sized shoes. We can’t wait to bring this much loved story to audiences across the country once more.’

Opening at Edinburgh Playhouse for the Christmas 2017/18 season from 12 December to 7 January, the production will then tour to Manchester, Sunderland, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Northampton, Sheffield, Cardiff, Stoke, Blackpool, Woking, Liverpool, Canterbury, Milton Keynes, Bristol, Llandudno and Leeds, plus newly added venues in Norwich, Nottingham, Belfast, Dublin, Plymouth and Southampton.

As previously announced, Nigel Harman will return as director, having made his directorial debut on the first ever tour. Since then Nigel has gone on to direct Lunch & The Bow of Ulysses(Trafalgar Studios) and will direct Kelsey Grammer in Big Fish The Musical (The Other Palace) this autumn. Best known for his stage and television work, Nigel originated the role of Lord Farquaad in the West End, winning the Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

Steffan Harri starred in the first ever UK tour of Shrek the Musical, covering the role of Lord Farquaad. West End theatre credits include Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre), Spamalot(Playhouse Theatre) and Children of Eden (Prince of Wales Theatre). Steffan also played Lyn in Welsh language soap opera Rownd a Rownd.

Laura Main is best known for her role as Shelagh Turner in the award-winning Call the Midwife (BBC/Neal Street Productions). Appearing initially as Sister Bernadette, she left behind her life as a nun to marry Dr Turner. Laura has appeared in all six series to date and will return for this year’s Christmas special and series 7 in 2018. She has also had regular roles as Rebecca Howlett in The Mill (Channel 4) and DC Alison Bain in Murder City (ITV). Stage credits includeCompany (Southwark Playhouse), Me and Juliet (Finborough Theatre) and State Fair (Trafalgar Studios / Finborough Theatre).

Marcus Ayton’s recent credits include Sammy Davis Jr in The Rat Pack Live, Ray Charles in A Tribute to the Brothers Live and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour).

Samuel Holmes is currently appearing as George in the UK Tour of The Wedding Singer. Other stage credits include Mrs Henderson Presents (Theatre Royal Bath; Noel Coward Theatre), Water Babies (Curve Theatre), Spamalot (Playhouse Theatre), Kiss Me Kate (Chichester Festival Theatre) and Crazy for You (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; Novello Theatre).

SHREK THE MUSICAL® is based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek!and the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animations feature film. Originally directed in the West End by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford, the production has book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori with multi award-winning set and costume design by Tim Hatley.

The UK and Ireland tour of the original DreamWorks Production will be presented by the original West End production team Neal Street Productions and Playful Productions with Ron Kastner, Saracen Films, Tulchin/Bartner Productions, Gavin Kalin, Glass Half Full Productions/Just For Laughs Theatricals, Lee Menzies and Mark Cartwright.

*Laura Main is scheduled to play at the following venues; Edinburgh, Manchester, Sunderland, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Northampton, Sheffield, Cardiff, Woking, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Southampton and Leeds. The producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artists subject to holiday, illness or events beyond the producers’ control.

 

UPDATED LISTINGS INFORMATION

Tuesday 12 December 2017 – Sunday 7 January 2018
EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh
0844 871 3014

Tuesday 16 January – Sunday 28 January 2018
PALACE THEATRE, MANCHESTER
www.atgtickets.com/manchester
0844 871 3019

Wednesday 31 January – Sunday 11 February 2018
SUNDERLAND EMPIRE THEATRE
www.atgtickets.com/sunderland
0844 871 3022

Wednesday 14 February – Sunday 25 February 2018
NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM 
www.atgtickets.com/birmingham
0844 871 3011

Wednesday 28 February – Sunday 11 March 2018
HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE, ABERDEEN
www.boxofficeaberdeen.com
01224 641 122

Wednesday 14 March – Sunday 25 March, 2018
ROYAL & DERNGATE, NORTHAMPTON
www.royalandderngate.co.uk
01604 624 811

Wednesday 28 March – Sunday 8 April 2018
SHEFFIELD LYCEUM THEATRE 
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
0114 249 6000

Tuesday 10 April – Sunday 22 April 2018
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF 
www.wmc.org.uk
029 2063 6464

Wednesday 2 May – Sunday 13 May 2018
REGENT THEATRE, STOKE
www.atgtickets.com/stoke
0844 871 7649

Tuesday 15 May – Sunday 27 May 2018
BLACKPOOL WINTER GARDENS THEATRE
www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
0844 856 1111

Wednesday 30 May – Sunday 10 June 2018
NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING 
www.atgtickets.com/woking
0844 871 7645

Tuesday 12 June – Sunday 24 June 2018
LIVERPOOL EMPIRE 
www.atgtickets.com/liverpool
0844 871 3017

Tuesday 26 June – Sunday 8 July 2018                    *On Sale 25 September
NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL
www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
01603 630000

Wednesday 11 July – Sunday 22 July 2018
MARLOWE THEATRE, CANTERBURY
www.marlowetheatre.com
01227 787787

Wednesday 25 July – Sunday 5 August 2018
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE
www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
0844 871 7652

Wednesday 8 August – Sunday 19 August 2018
THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME
www.atgtickets.com/bristol
0844 871 3012

Tuesday 21 August – Sunday 2 September 2018
VENUE CYMRU, LLANDUDNO
www.venuecymru.co.uk
01492 872000

Tuesday 11 September – Sunday 23 September 2018
THEATRE ROYAL NOTTINGHAM
www.trch.co.uk
0115 989 5555

Tuesday 9 October – Sunday 21 October 2018
BELFAST GRAND OPERA HOUSE
www.goh.co.uk
02890 241 919

Tuesday 23 October to Sunday 4 November 2018    *On Sale 27 October
DUBLIN BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE 
www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie
ROI : 0818 719 377 / UK & NI : 0844 847 2455

Tuesday 13 November – Saturday 24 November 2018
THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH
www.theatreroyal.com
01752 267222

Tuesday 27 November – Saturday 8 December 2018
MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON
www.mayflower.org.uk
02380 711811

Tuesday 18 December 2018 – Sunday 6 January 2019
LEEDS GRAND THEATRE
www.leedsgrandtheatre.com
0844 848 2700
FURTHER TOUR DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

WEBSITE: www.shrekthemusical.co.uk
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/shrekuktour
FACEBOOK:  www.facebook.com/shrekuktour
INSTAGRAM:  www.instagram.com/shrekuktour
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/ShrekLondon

CHILDREN’S TOURING PARTNERSHIP

AND

ROYAL & DERNGATE, NORTHAMPTON

ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE

THE UK TOUR OF

 

“THE JUNGLE BOOK”

 

BY JESSICA SWALE

DIRECTED BY MAX WEBSTER

MUSIC BY JOE STILGOE

BASED ON THE STORIES BY RUDYARD KIPLING

 

 

Children’s Touring Partnership and Royal & Derngate, Northampton are delighted to announce a new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s family classic, “THE JUNGLE BOOK”. The production will premiere at Royal & Derngate, Northampton from Tuesday 28 November until Sunday 31 December 2017 and will then embark on a UK national tour from Thursday 25 January 2018 beginning at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Originally written in 1894, Kipling’s beloved tale will be reimagined with a brand new score and script, exploring the universal themes of family, belonging and identity.

“THE JUNGLE BOOK” tells of Mowgli the man cub who battles for survival in this heart-warming coming-of-age story about a boy raised by wolves in the jungle. With the help of his animal friends, including Bagheera the panther, Balloo the bear and Kaa the python, Mowgli outwits the cruel and powerful tiger, Shere Khan, and learns the law of the jungle.

Cast includes Rachel Dawson as ‘Kaa Grey’, Lloyd Gorman as ‘Shere Khan’, TJ Holmes as   ‘Hiran’, Avita Jay as ‘Raksha’, Keziah Joseph as ‘Mowgli’, Dyfrig Morris as ‘Balloo’, Deborah Oyelade as ‘Bagheera’ andTripti Tripuraneni as ‘Akala’. They are joined by Ruri James and Chipo Kureya in the ensemble.

The award winning creative team bringing Kipling’s timeless story to the stage includes playwright Jessica Swale, director Max Webster and internationally renowned songwriter Joe Stilgoe.

Playwright Jessica Swale will be adapting the story for the stage. Her previous acclaimed play “Nell Gwynn” won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2016.

Max Webster directed Dr Seuss’ “The Lorax” at the Old Vic, which was nominated for Best Entertainment and Family Show at the 2016 Olivier Awards.

 

Jessica Swale¸ writer, said “I jumped at the chance to adapt “THE JUNGLE BOOK” because it’s such a vivid world- yet, for a writer, there’s so much opportunity to imagine the jungle afresh. Part of the book’s enduring appeal is that the jungle can be anything we choose. It’s a playground, a school, a hideaway, an adventure, so I’ve enjoyed exploring what sort of place this mysterious, delightful, sometimes scary place might be- and what better way to do that than with Max Webster, one of the most inventive and imaginative directors working today.

‘I loved the characters as Kipling wrote them, but wanted to find new voices which resonate now- funny, bright, dynamic voices, with a little more wit, and greater diversity, in terms of place, tone, gender and culture. It’s a funny, heart-filled roller coaster of a journey which, I hope, will transport the audience right round the world and back again”.

Director, Max Webster, said ““THE JUNGLE BOOK” was an instant classic when it was written over a hundred years ago with its story of Mowgli finding his path through the jungle. Each generation has re imagined this story as their own, and now Jess Swale brings it right up to date in a hilarious and action-packed version for the twenty first century. With wonderful songs by the jazz legend Joe Stilgoe, and packed with adventure, humour and magic this classic tale will tickle the tales of all the family. I am delighted to be working alongside Jessica, Joe, Children’s Touring Partnership and Royal & Derngate to bring this vivid adaptation to the stage”.

Completing the creative team is set and costume designer Peter McKintosh, musical supervision from Paul Herbert, movement direction by Lizzi Gee, lighting design by Charles Balfour, puppetry design and direction byNick Barnes and fight direction by Kate Waters.

Children’s Touring Partnership is led by Fiery Angel and Chichester Festival Theatre. Previous productions include the award winning West End and UK tour production of “Goodnight Mister Tom” and most recently the UK touring production of Michael Morpurgo’s “Running Wild”.

*Suitable for ages 6+

“THE JUNGLE BOOK” 2017/18

28 NOVEMBER – 31 DECEMBER 2017

Northampton, Royal & Derngate

https://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/

25 JANUARY – 3 FEBRUARY 2018

Chichester Festival Theatre

https://www.cft.org.uk/

TUESDAY 6 –  SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2018

Richmond Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/richmond

TUESDAY 13 –  SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2018

Liverpool Playhouse

https://www.everymanplayhouse.com/

TUESDAY 20 –  SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2018

Wycombe Swan

https://wycombeswan.co.uk/Online/

TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY –  SUNDAY 4 MARCH 2018

Bromley Churchill Theatre

https://churchilltheatre.co.uk/Online/

TUESDAY 13 – SATURDAY 17 MARCH 2018

Malvern Festival Theatre

http://www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/

TUESDAY 20 – SATURDAY 24 MARCH 2018

Cambridge Arts Theatre

https://www.cambridgeartstheatre.com/

TUESDAY 27 – SATURDAY 31 MARCH 2018

Newcastle Theatre Royal

https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on

TUESDAY 3 – SATURDAY 7 APRIL 2018

Plymouth Theatre Royal

https://www.theatreroyal.com/

TUESDAY 10 – SATURDAY 14 APRIL 2018

Norwich Theatre Royal

https://secure.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/Online/

TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 21 APRIL 2018

Nottingham Theatre Royal

https://trch.co.uk/

WEDNESDAY 25 – SATURDAY 28 APRIL 2018

Canterbury Marlowe Theatre

https://marlowetheatre.com/

WEDNESDAY 2 – SUNDAY 6 MAY

Salford, Lowry Theatre

https://www.thelowry.com/events

TUESDAY 8 – SATURDAY 12 MAY

Blackpool Grand Theatre

https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/

Grand Opera House York – until 16 September.  Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

York Stage Musicals brings the camp classic Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, to the Grand Opera House, York in a brand new production.

Based on the 1994 movie, this musical follows the adventures of two drag queens and a transsexual, Tick (Joe Wawrzyniak), Adam/Felicia (Jacob Husband) and Bernadette (Alex Weatherhill), through the Australian outback on a bus they christen Priscilla. The ulterior motive of Tick is to finally meet his son. He persuades Bernadette to come on the road trip in order to get over her grief over losing her partner Trumpet, and as for Adam, he is just along for the ride, with the ultimate prize of performing their drag act at a casino in Alice Springs. Along the way they have engine troubles, meet unforgiving locals and get to sing the cult gay anthems we remember from the film, with even more Kylie thrown in.

Whilst on the road poor Priscilla breaks down in the back of beyond. They manage to put out a mayday, not knowing if anyone will come to their rescue, but then along comes Bob (Craig Kirby) the mechanic. He befriends the girls and forms a special bond with Bernadette, even though he does have a mail order bride, Cynthia, a dancer with a unique party trick with ping pong balls! We get to see the relationship between Bernadette and Bob blossoming and I really found it quite touching, played beautifully by Weatherhill and Kirby.

Wawrzynaik portrayed Tick with a vulnerability and his performance during MacArthur Park, and the cake out in the rain, was hilarious. Weatherhill plays a softer Bernadette, just looking to be loved, portraying her with style and sensitivity. Husband as Adam is the young whipper snapper of the piece, with attitude to match. He plays the role with just the right amount of sass.

Priscilla uses three divas, singing the vocals for the lip synching drag queens. Jacqueline Bell, Lauren Sheriston and Joanne Theaker. They all looked fabulous and sounded every inch the stage sirens belting out some of the disco greats in the show.

The ensemble worked really hard through it all, and with some really impressive costume changes. Talking about the costumes, they were impressive with all their glitz and glamour and outrageousness, I especially loved the cupcakes. The time and effort gone into producing all the costumes, let alone the costume changes, doesn’t bare thinking about.

York Stage Musicals, under the direction of Nik Briggs, have yet again put on another great show. Every time I see a performance stage by York Stage Musicals I am blown away. To think that their shows are all done on a voluntary basis by local performers and production staff, and again they have managed to pull off a really professional production. Well done and congratulations to such a talented cast!

This show is a great feel good musical with some great disco tunes, even though it was missing most of the song Finally by CeCe Peniston, which is the song that I most associate with the film, and the song that was in my head when I knew I was going to watch the show.

A definite for anyone wishing to have a good night of feel good fun, playing in York until Saturday 16th September.

 

The Bunker Theatre, 6 – 30 September.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

Alex Gwyther’s new play is a rare gem – tightly plotted and beautifully written, Eyes Closed, Ears Covered is a piece of theatre that will haunt you.

It’s 1986, and two Woking boys, Aaron and Seb, bunk off school and travel to Brighton to meet Seb’s mother. A violent incident on the beach finds them in police custody, and the police question Aaron to try to piece together the events of the day. By setting the action in the 1980s, before mobile phones and social media, the actions and naivety of the boys, and attitudes of the adults they meet, ring true. This was the era when children were bombarded with terrifying public information films (none of us went NEAR the railway tracks after seeing what happened to poor Robbie!) and then trusted to run free all day as long as they were back for tea. Actually, at first, I thought we were in for a testosterone filled version of the early 80s classic kids’ serial, Break in the Sun, where Patsy runs away from her violent father to her mother’s old home in Margate. But Alex Gwyther takes us into much darker territory.

The superb lighting design by Norvydas Genys, gives an immediate clarity of location and time on the clinically minimal set, and under Derek Anderson’s assured direction, the cast’s movement creates a relieving contrast between the interview scenes and the characters” little adventures”.

Danny-Boy Hatchard dominates the first act as Aaron, Seb’s only friend and protector. Cocky, funny and aggressive, Aaron is written with wonderful insight into the teenage mind – and Hatchard excels in his performance, switching from thuggish posturing to childish storytelling as he embellishes the events of the day. With the police officers and other officials represented as voiceovers, the focus is entirely on the onstage cast, and their reactions as they listen are superb. Seb (Joe Idris-Roberts) enters Aaron’s narrative, and is introduced as an awkward loner, on the spectrum, seemingly completely dependent on Aaron. The relationship between the two boys is portrayed sympathetically, and the physical and verbal comedy is authentically teenage, and very funny.

Some of Aaron’s actions begin to raise a few questions before the interval, and hints about the fate of Seb’s father are left hanging. Act two, with Seb reliving his last days with his mother, answers every question. The language used by Lily (the wonderful Phoebe Thomas) strikes a chord, and you begin to question everything you’ve seen in act one. Idris-Roberts, so sweet in act one, shines as 10-year-old Seb tries to make sense of what is happening at home as his mother Lily tries to protect him from the realities of the abuse she is suffering at the hands of her husband. Again, Gwyther has created a brilliantly relatable and real relationship – the two actors will give you goose bumps. And when your growing suspicions about what exactly is going on are proved correct, the emotional impact is overwhelming, with Idris-Roberts exceptional in the final scene.

There have been lots of plays about domestic violence and mental health, but Alex Gwyther’s Eyes Closed, Ears Covered, dramatising a broken child’s point of view, is a heart-breaking and thrilling triumph. A must-see show – grab a ticket now.

Sadler’s Wells.  7 – 9 September.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

Award-winning Serendip Productions bring London’s first ever Anglo Punjabi Sufi musical to Sadler’s Wells to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence.

ISHQ tells the legend of Heer Ranjha, one of the most famous Punjabi love stories – think Romeo and Juliet, but with a woman who dares to challenge the patriarchal society keeping her from her lover. A very modern heroine, and an adaptation full of recognisable issues that are still relevant today.

With specially commissioned music from the UK and Pakistan, ISHQ is full of colourful, high energy dance and movement. The story is told in rhyme, with Mushfiq Murshed creating some knowing modern humour, but also some unintentional laughs as a few torturous lines are truly a crime against rhyme. The rhythm of the delivery and the wonderful energy give the production a pantomime feel (I mean that in a positive way), and there’s even a brilliantly hissable villain – Adnan Jaffar as Kaido, Heer’s evil uncle – the embodiment of hate and evil in the story.

The quieter moments are simply beautiful – I could have watched Heer and Ranjha dancing in the billowing green cloth fields all night. The traditional music is a triumph, with glorious choreography and amazing flute and drum performances. The modern musical theatre numbers weren’t quite as successful, but gave the characters room to show more emotion, and Kaido’s songs were a hoot.

There have obviously only been minimal opportunities for tech rehearsals, as there are huge sound issues and the scene changes are sometimes longer than the actual scenes. I don’t really understand why the director felt the need to wheel huge pieces of clunky scenery on and off simply for the cast to stand in front of when the projections on the backdrops were so beautifully evocative. Just carry the chairs on, and leave the rest to the audience’ imagination.

The enthusiastic cast give it their all, with some fine comedic touches and a charming central couple in Ashan Khan and Rasheeda Ali.

ISHQ is a joyous celebration of the rich cultural history of Pakistan, and is a wonderful way to celebrate the 70th anniversary of that proud country.

As the children go back to school after an endless summer and the nights begin to draw in, our thoughts turn to Christmas.  And with Christmas comes Pantomime. Today in Darlington, fairypowered was lucky enough to meet and chat with some of the very lovely stars of Snow White – Zoe Birkett, Lee Ryan, Liam Mellor and Eric Potts

Have you been to Darlington before?

Zoe: Yes, I’m from Darlington and went to school here so this is a homecoming for me.

Lee: No, this is my first time

Liam: Yes, I’m from Redcar so I’m local but I also came to see Boogie Nights when it was still the Civic.  Chico was in the show and I’d just been in pantomime with him.

Eric: Yes, the first time was in 1988 and I was in a show called the Selfish Shellfish, but more recently I was in a comedy about Les Dawson called Cissie and Ada.

Have you done pantomime before?

Zoe: Yes, and I’ve done panto in Darlington before.  I was Sleeping Beauty at the old Civic.

Lee: Yes, once.  I was in Jack and the Beanstalk in Hayes

Liam:  Yes this is my 13th year, but I’ve done around 18 in total with summer panto’s

Eric: Yes, this is around my 21st and I’ve been playing the dame for around 18 years now

What do you plan to do in your time off from the show?

Zoe: I’ve got a 4 month old baby, so I shall be playing mummy between shows

Lee: Resting, maybe trying out the local spa’s and visiting the gym

Liam: My wife is due to have a baby imminently, so I’ll be looking after my newborn and my other children

Eric: Sleep!!! Although I’d like to visit Raby Castle and High Force.  I’m directing the panto so I’ll be making sure everything is ticking over for the show too

What can you tell us about Snow White?

Zoe:  I’m looking forward to being evil, this is my 3rd time in an evil part so I get some evil songs and it’s a good script.

Lee: I love a good panto, I enjoy watching Disney movies at home with my kids.  So I’m hoping it will be fun

Liam: It’s a brand new Script from QDOS who are producing the show, it has a big cast, comedy and it’s tailored to Darlington

Eric: It’s a fun, old fashioned, comedy.  Its looks spectacular, it has some very special effects and a very good script.

Do you like doing Panto’s? Would you like to do more theatre?

Zoe: I love panto.  I’ve just finished doing the musical of the Bodyguard which I loved.  I’ve done a few plays which are good to get your teeth into as an actress but I do enjoy doing musical theatre.

Lee: Yes, I’m currently in Eastenders which is serious drama so this is a bit of light relief

Liam: I love panto, but  enjoy performing

Eric: I love panto, it’s the part of the year that I love.  I’m directing a pantomime in Scotland before I start in Darlington.  But I’m also rehearsing for the Threepenny Opera, after panto I’m Polonius in Hamlet and I’m also playing Colonel Tom Parker, so I am keeping busy.

What is it like playing your character?

Zoe:  I’m the Wicked Queen.  I can be evil but with some comedy and I get fly to this year.  I’m really looking forward to flying.

Lee: I’m the Prince. I’m a hero, but I get to be nice

Liam: I’m Muddles.  It’s just me playing me, playing the fool and having fun

Eric: I’m the Dame.  I being part of the history of the pantomime dame.  We all play our dame in different ways and if I do my job properly every child will love me

What do you plan to do on Christmas Day?

Zoe: It’s my baby girls first Christmas so I’ll be making it magical for her

Lee: I’ve not confirmed my plans yet, I doubt timewise I’ll get home so I’ll buy my kids big presents to make up for missing it

Liam: We will have a new baby, so I will be cooking the dinner and have a chill out time

Eric: I will be going home to Lancashire to be with my wife and daughters, I always try to get home for a proper family Christmas

Do you plan to see any other panto’s while you are here?

Zoe: I’m hoping to get to see the panto in Newcastle, I know a few people in the show.  And I’m hoping to see some local shows

Lee:  I’ve not thought about it but I hope to see something while I am here

Liam: Hopefully the Newcastle panto and it would be nice to see a local show too

Eric: I’m planning on going to Newcastle, we’ll have to get a trip up!  And something local would be nice if we get the chance

Snow White will be playing at the beautifully restored Darlington Hippodrome from Saturday 9 December to Sunday 14 January.  Tickets available at https://www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs/

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR KAY MELLOR’S FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL

The first image of the Fat Friends The Musical family has been released today as full casting for Kay Mellor’snew musical is unveiled. Fat Friends The Musical will premiere at Leeds Grand Theatre this November.

Joining the previously announced cast, Natasha Hamilton (Atomic Kitten) will take on the role of Julia, Kevin Kennedy (Coronation Street) stars as Fergus, Yorkshire’s own Rachael Wooding (We Will Rock You) appears as Joanne, alongside Jonathan Halliwell (Let It Shine) as Paul and Chloe Hart (Hairspray) as Val. Yorkshire-born, Neil Hurst, will play Alan. Neil was one of 13 men shortlisted to audition for the role of the overweight ambulance driver following an open call for would-be ‘Alans’. Auditions were held at Leeds Grand Theatre on Friday 2^nd September.

As previously announced, the cast is completed by Jodie Prenger, Sam Bailey, Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff and ‘Yorkshire lass’, Natalie Anderson.

The award-winning TV drama has been adapted for the stage by its creator and one of the UK’s most prolific writers, Kay Mellor, whose extensive television credits include hit series Band of Gold, The Chase, The Syndicate and In the Club, and whose stage credits include A Passionate Woman.

Produced by Joshua Andrews and Adam Spiegel, with original music and songs composed by Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Fat Friends The Musical is packed full of warmth, life and weight loss. This brand-new stage show reunites our favourite foodie friends in an original musical bulging with hopes, humour and heart. Join the infamous group of loveable characters as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmer’s by the lovelorn Lauren, whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. Fat Friends – the Musical offers a generous serving of hilarious fun with a sprinkle of romance on top!

Fat Friends hit television screens in October 2000, following the lives of a group of overweight friends as they struggled with the absurdities of modern dieting. Running for five years on ITV, the show starred Alison Steadman, Gaynor Faye and Lisa Riley, and launched the careers of James Corden and Ruth Jones. Written by Kay Mellor, the show was nominated for multiple awards including the BAFTA for Best Drama Series.

Fat Friends The Musical is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7^th Nov to Saturday 2^nd Dec 2017

Tickets are priced from £20 (RV) to £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

PERFORMANCES NOW BEGIN 6 DECEMBER 2017

FOLLOWING MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION

OF VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE

 

FINAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR WEST END PRODUCTION

 

HAMILTON will re-open the brand-new Victoria Palace Theatre with previews now beginning on 6 December 2017 rather than 21 November 2017 as originally announced.  Following a multi-million pound expansion and restoration to the listed building, the Victoria Palace Theatre will open two weeks later than previously announced, with the need to reschedule 16 performances.

Customers who have purchased tickets via official HAMILTON channels for the performances affected by the rescheduled previews will be contacted directly by Ticketmaster in order to be re-seated. All seats that were put on sale for the first booking period to June 2018 have now sold out, however, a large numbers of seats were held in reserve to be released at the time the building was nearing completion which will allow affected patrons to be re-seated early in the run with a minimum of inconvenience.  Once the reseating has been completed, the remaining tickets for this first booking period will be put on sale in October.

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

Cameron Mackintosh, owner of the Victoria Palace Theatre and Co-Producer of HAMILTONsaid:

“The massive redevelopment in Victoria by Land Securities and Transport For London gave me a once in a hundred years opportunity to expand and restore the Victoria Palace Theatre.  It has been an extraordinary undertaking, both thrilling and fraught, not only because of the complexity of putting what is practically a brand new building into the shell of a much loved historical masterpiece, but because it was also the ideal theatre for the most eagerly awaited American musical in decades ‘Hamilton’. 

 

The time constraints to access the land around the theatre to enable the rebuild and getting the show open to the public by the end of this year have been equally tight, not helped by the theatre being built over the huge King’s Scholars’ Pond Sewer, an active 200 year-old brick tunnel.

Added to the usual unhelpful problems that always happen when doing up old buildings, this has put pressure on the time needed to commission the entirely new services that have been installed at the theatre and obtain the necessary licences to reopen to the public.  We have therefore needed to take a pragmatic decision to reschedule the previews of ‘Hamilton’ to commence on December 6^th, two weeks later than originally planned.

 

I am, of course, sorry to amend the performance schedule but undertaking a private rebuilding project on this scale in Central London has no precedent.

 

Thanks to the phenomenal efforts of the amazing team (of hundreds!) working often around the clock to get the theatre ready, I look forward to welcoming our patrons to the newly constructed theatre where Frank Matcham’s masterpiece will be revealed in even greater splendour as a spectacular home for this landmark musical.”

Jeffrey Seller, Producer said:

“We are extremely sorry to disappoint patrons who we know expended time, effort, and valuable resources to purchase tickets for our first performances. But they will be given immediate priority so that they can be re-seated as early as possible. 

 

We have been looking forward to coming to London since the day after we opened in New York.  We chose the Victoria Palace Theatre because it will be the very best place to experience ‘Hamilton’.”

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.

 

The West End cast comprises Christine Allado (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds), Rachelle Ann Go (Eliza Hamilton), Tarinn Callender (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison), Michael Jibson (King George), Rachel John (Angelica Schuyler), Jason Pennycooke (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Cleve September (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton), Giles Terera (Aaron Burr), Obioma Ugoala (George Washington) and Jamael Westman (Alexander Hamilton).  At certain performances, the role of Alexander Hamilton will be played by Ash Hunter.

They are joined by Jade Albertsen, Curtis Angus, Johnny Bishop, Courtney-Mae Briggs, Jack Butterworth, Jon-Scott Clark, Kelly Downing, Leslie Garcia Bowman, Lia Given,

Gregory Haney*, Leah Hill, Barney Hudson, Waylon Jacobs, Miriam-Teak Lee, Aaron Lee Lambert, Phoebe Liberty, Sifiso Mazibuko, Gabriel Mokake, Alexzandra Sarmiento, Marsha Songcome, Christopher Tendai and Lindsey Tierney. 

Full ticketing information can be found on the official website at hamiltonthemusical.co.uk where details of how to apply for the daily (£20) and weekly (£37.50) lottery tickets will be posted closer to performances beginning.  The producers of HAMILTON are determined 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 – HAMILTONPaperless Ticketing, powered by Ticketmaster.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.  HAMILTON’s creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award ® Winning Best Musical IN THE HEIGHTS.   HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.

 

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 first opened on Broadway in 2015 where it smashed box office records and continues its run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.  A second US production opened in September 2016 at the PrivateBank Theatre in Chicago and earlier this year a third US production concluded a run at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco.   A US Tour has recently opened at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles and a second will begin in Seattle in February 2018.

 

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

* Gregory Haney is appearing with the permission of UK Equity, incorporating the Variety Artistes’ Federation, pursuant to an exchange program between American Equity and UK Equity.

                                                                      

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Dates:                                  From 6 December 2017

Currently 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

Antic Disposition presents: A Christmas Carol
Middle Temple Hall, Middle Temple Lane, London, EC4Y 9AT
Friday 22nd – Saturday 30th December 2017

Following three sell-out seasons in 2012, 2014 and 2015, Antic Disposition’s much-loved musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive classic A Christmas Carol returns to the spectacular Elizabethan setting of Middle Temple Hall this December.

A joyous celebration of the festive season, Antic Disposition’s A Christmas Carol combines the ghostly tale of miser Ebenezer Scrooge with a score of original songs inspired by the carols of a traditional Victorian Christmas. Newly expanded for 2017 for a talented company of actormusicians, the production has already been seen by over 7,000 people and is firmly established as one of London’s most magical Christmas treats.

A Christmas Carol will be performed in the highly atmospheric 16th-century Middle Temple Hall, a location well known to Dickens himself, who studied law at the ancient institution. Hidden away between Fleet Street and the River Thames, the stunning hall was completed in 1573 and remains virtually unchanged to this day. With its cobbled alleyways and gas-lit courtyards, a visit
to the Middle Temple is a journey into the London that Dickens himself knew, creating the perfect backdrop for this unique interpretation of his much-loved Christmas classic.

The historic hall will be decked for the occasion with boughs of holly, and mulled wine, mince pies and other traditional festive fare will be available to add to the Yuletide cheer.

Directors Ben Horslen and John Risebero comment, After a busy couple of years touring cathedrals around the country with our productions of Henry V and Richard III, we’re delighted to be returning to one of our very favourite venues, the beautiful Middle Temple Hall, for our fourth season of A Christmas Carol. Experiencing Dickens’ timeless tale in this amazing space is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season, and we look forward to sharing our production and raising a glass of mulled wine with audiences old and new.

Award-winning theatre company Antic Disposition, founded by director Ben Horslen and director/designer John Risebero, is best known for presenting innovative and visually striking productions of classic plays and stories in spectacular historic buildings. Past productions include The Comedy of Errors in Gray’s Inn Hall, Richard III and Romeo and Juliet in the ancient Temple Church, and Henry V, which recently toured twelve UK cathedrals marking the centenary of the First World War and Shakespeare400.

Based on the novella by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol has a book and lyrics by Ben Horslen and John Risebero, and music by Nick Barstow. A Christmas Carol is directed by Ben Horslen and John Risebero, who also designs. The cast is yet to be announced.

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 9 September.  Reviewed by Karen Millington Burnet

2**

We were really, really looking forward to seeing this version of Flash Dance. With my niece, who is four decades younger than myself, I really thought I could share the 80s with her… bright leotards, leg warmers and big bushy hair.

The music drowned what I think could have been great vocals from the two lead actors, Joanne Clifton and Ben Adams. Their voices were distorted and neither of us could understand a word of that was being said. Song after song…it became a bore.  Yes, we were sitting right opposite the speakers;  row J…but really, this was painful.

The energy was clear from the cast but on occasions the dancing was basic, repetitive and not to the standard I’d have expected from a world class ballroom dancer like Joanne.  At one point we thought she would do herself some damage…as she threw herself around like a demented bull. While Joanne played Alex well enough, at times she just tried too hard and ended up stomping around the stage.

Ben Adams came over well but, with the sound system, we really could not hear him very well.  With the music playing it was impossible and at times I felt the whole cast were shouting to be heard.  Nevertheless, we did warm to him…but maybe that was just his good looks!  The actor who did stand out was Rhodri Watkins. A great dancer; my niece felt he was the star.

The stage itself was a complicated set, and the actors had to move it themselves…which got in the way of the acting.  In some scenes, for example when Alex invited Ben back to her room, I thought it was a street scene.

The clothes were very eighties and Alex had great bushy, wild blond hair.

Sadly, I think the show could gave been great, but we were fighting the sound system and at times the dancing and choreography were just not good enough.