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Bristol Hippodrome – until 1st December 2018

Reviewed  by Nicky Wyatt

5*****

The curtain goes up to lead you straight into a forest with a lake. The set of this ballet is just stunning, it felt as if you could actually walk through forest just beautiful. In the forest we are greeted by the Princess Odette (Erina Takahashi) dancing, unbeknown to her she is being watched from the forest edge by Rothbart( Junor Souza). Robert is half man half bird a wicked sorcerer who soon kidnaps the Princess and turns her into a swan. She now is trapped under his spell . What a fabulous opening scene.

As the story unfolds the stage is full of the most amazing dancers who tell this ballet story so beautifully. In the palace it’s all hands on deck for the birthday celebrations of Prince Siegfried (Francesco Gabriele Frola) . A huge party is planned for him and during the party his mother the Queen tells him he is required to choose a wife. She gives him the gift of a crossbow as a gift and
leaves him to it. He goes off to the lake armed with his crossbow planning to get some shooting practice in. Arriving at the lake he is greeted by a flock of beautiful swans flying overhead and sets out to hunt them. Of course he is not alone at the lake, the evil Rothbart is watching him. Eventually the Prince spies Odette Swan Queen as she dances he is entranced. Before long the sorcerer reappears and both Odette and the Prince flee he is desperate to find her. In a bid to confuse him Rothbart summons all the other girls he has captured and turned into swans to come to the lake. The lake is an amass of the most beautiful swans. Eventually the Prince returns to the lake and finds Odette amongst the swan maidens here he declares his live for her and promises himself to her
forever. Of course that dastardly sorcerer is nearby, he swoops in and steals her away leaving the Prince alone and heartbroken.

Back at the palace the birthday celebrations are in full swing. Amongst the guests are 6 ladies to be presented to the Prince. None of them will do as his heart belongs to Odette and he has promised to marry her. With a fanfare sorcerer Rothbart arrives with his daughter Odili ( (Erina Takahashi) she is however in disguise as Odette! The price believing it is hearts desire he sees in front of him falls for it. Not seeing the real Odette hiding in the wings. She witnesses this display and Rothbart takes delight in telling the Prince of his mistake.

Prince Siegfried finds her at the lake and begs her forgiveness, she concedes. Only for Rothbart to appear he fights with the Prince. A heartbroken Odette throws herself in the lake followed by the heartbroken Prince where they are united in everlasting love.

The fabulous orchestra that lead this production are just that totally fabulous I feel I need to single out the Harpist I’m afraid I couldn’t find her name but her playing was melodic . A totally mesmerising ballet that deserved every moment of its applause.

Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions present
Witness for the Prosecution
By Agatha Christie

• First look at Emma Rigby and Jasper Britton in costume in the new cast ofWitness for the Prosecution
• Now in its second year, the production welcomes new cast members including Emma Rigby as Romaine Vole, Daniel Solbe as the accused Leonard Vole, Jasper Britton as Sir Wilfrid Robarts, William Chubb as Mr Myers QC, Christopher Ravenscroft as Mr Justice Wainwright and Ewan Stewart as Mr Mayhew.

Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions today release the first images featuring the new cast of Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie, now in its second year in the spectacular Chamber space inside London’s County Hall. The new company’s first performance was on Tuesday 20 November and brand new production photography can be downloaded here.

Emma Rigby (Once Upon A Time in Wonderland, Hollyoaks) plays Romaine Vole, Daniel Solbeplays the accused Leonard Vole, Jasper Britton (Pack of Lies, The Libertine) plays Sir Wilfrid Robarts, William Chubb (Othello, This House) plays Mr Myers QC, Christopher Ravenscroft(High Society, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries) plays Mr Justice Wainwright and Ewan Stewart(Titanic, Let The Right One In) plays Mr Mayhew. The new company also includes Richard Banks, Chloé Booyens, Joanna Brookes, Miriam Cooper, Liam Lau Fernandez, Phoebe Marshall, Hugh Osborne, Simon Roberts, Leo Turner and Jamie Zubairi.

Director Lucy Bailey (Switzerland, Love From A Stranger, The Graduate) thrillingly places the audience in the thick of the action, with some even watching from the jury box, as this gripping tale of justice, passion and betrayal unfolds around them.

Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth. The stakes are high. Will Leonard survive the shocking witness testimony? Will he be able to convince the jury of his innocence and escape the hangman’s noose?

Witness for the Prosecution is now booking until 1 September 2019.  The production is designed by William Dudley, with lighting by Chris Davey and sound design by Mic Pool.

LISTINGS

Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions present
Witness for the Prosecution
By Agatha Christie
Directed by Lucy Bailey
Designed by William Dudley
Lighting Design by Chris Davey
Sound Design by Mic Pool

London’s County Hall
The Chamber, County Hall, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 7PB
Currently Booking until 1 September 2019
Box Office: 0844 815 7141

Online: www.witnesscountyhall.com

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30pm and matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday at 3pm

See website for the following performances:

17 December 2018 – 6 January 2019
18 – 24 February 2019
15 – 23 April 2019

TICKET PRICES

Tickets from £10
No booking fees if booked via the official website

Our exclusive VIP Jury Ticket will place you in the heart of the courtroom action. Jurors will receive a complimentary programme and 2 complimentary drinks (soft drink, beer or house wine) to be redeemed pre-show or at the interval.

A KILLER CHRISTMAS PRESENT – Gift packages now available. See website for details.

To celebrate a killer first year, Witness for the Prosecution is offering a new range of gift packages, just in time for Christmas.

You simply select which of the three packages you would like to send as a gift, and the date you’d like us to confirm the gift to your recipient, and we’ll send an email that allows them to choose a performance date and time that suits them.

Or if you prefer to present in person, we’ll send you one of our limited-edition Witness for the Prosecution gift boxes, with ticket voucher and information about the show – so you can give your friends and family their day in court.

JURY PACKAGE £210 – Become a member of the Jury, and be prepared to be “sworn to secrecy” as the trial begins. Package includes 2 VIP Jury tickets, programme and drinks before the show and during the interval.

JUDGE PACKAGE £175 – Take your seats in our Premium area, right at the heart of the action. Package includes 2 Premium seat tickets, programme and drinks before the show.

COURTROOM PACKAGE £150 – Watch the trial play out before you as Leonard Vole fights to convince the jury – and you – of his innocence. Package includes 2 Band A tickets, programme and drinks before the show.

Website: www.witnesscountyhall.com
#SeeYouInCourt
Twitter: @WitnessPlayLDN
Instagram: @witnessplayldn
Facebook: /WitnessPlayLDN

Box of Tricks presents
SparkPlug by David Judge
UK Tour: 13th February – 13th April 2019
Press night: 14th February 2019, HOME Manchester
He’s got two Dads, my lad. One’s black. That makes him black. I suppose.

Manchester, 1983. Dave loves Rod Stewart, Joanne and his Ford Capri. He’s all set for a new start. Only Joanne’s about to have someone else’s baby. Is Dave ready to become a Dad even though he’s not the father?

A punchy and poetic exploration of family, race, identity and love, SparkPlug is the story of a white man who becomes the adoptive father, mother and best friend of a mixed-race child, David. This lyrical and energetic monologue from Manchester-based dual heritage writer David Judge examines what family means today.

Inspired by autobiographical events and exploring the playwright’s background as an actor and spoken word artist, SparkPlug is unflinching in its portrayal of real situations as it explores racism, violence and masculinity – some of the most pressing issues currently being discussed. Offering a non-judgmental space in which to start a conversation, SparkPlug seeks to give people the chance to talk openly about these themes.

Writer David Judge comments, As a ‘man of colour’ my voice as a writer has become a valued weapon, loaded and aimed at those without. As a ‘man of colour’ I sometimes feel pressured to speak for a community I know nothing of and feel I am being recruited to hate those without, the ‘white man’. This fight both inside and outside of myself makes me question where my loyalties lie. Who am I loyal to? And who to me? The answers are straight forward; my biological Father, my ‘Black’ left me before I was born; my biological Mother, my ‘Blood’ left me when I was seven years old; the only person who stuck by me, from boy to man, who grew and shaped me into the man I am today was a white man. A white man with love and hate tattooed on his knuckles, with a ginger perm, with a Ford Capri, with Rod Stewart constantly on the stereo. So out of my loyalty to him, I have used my voice to write a play about the man who made me one. My Father. I hope it’s enjoyed.

SparkPlug was a finalist for the Alfred Fagon Award for Best New Play 2017. It is produced by Box of Tricks, a Manchester-based theatre company that champions the next generation of playwrights, producing top quality new plays on local and national stages. Their previous two productions Narvik (Best New Play at UK Theatre Awards 2017) and Plastic Figurines enjoyed sellout audiences and critical acclaim in 2016-17.

Tour Dates
Wed 13th – Sat 23rd Feb HOME, Manchester
www.homemcr.org

Tues 26th Feb – 2nd Mar Unity Theatre, Liverpool
www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk

Thurs 7th – Fri 8th Mar Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
www.theatresevern.co.uk

Sat 9th Mar Cheltenham Everyman Studio
www.everymantheatre.org.uk

Mon 11th – Tues 12th Mar Harrogate Theatre Studio
www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

Thurs 14th – Sat 16th Mar Live Theatre, Newcastle
www.live.org.uk

Tues 19th – Wed 20th Mar York Theatre Royal
www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Thurs 21st – Fri 22nd Mar Hull Truck
www.hulltruck.co.uk

Tues 26th – Wed 27th Mar Theatr Clwyd, Wales
www.theatrclwyd.com

Thurs 28th Mar Crewe Lyceum Studio
www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Fri 289h Mar Spring Arts Centre, Havant
www.thespring.co.uk

Fri 30th Mar The Lighthouse, Poole
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Wed 1st April Marlowe Studio, Canterbury
www.marlowetheatre.com

Thurs 2nd April Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead
www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Fri 3rd April The North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford
www.thenorthwall.com

Sat 4th April Square Chapel, Halifax
www.squarechapel.co.uk

Fri 5th & Mon 7th April The Met, Bury
www.themet.org.uk

Tues 8th – Wed 9th April Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
www.sjt.uk.com

Thurs 10th – Sat 13th April The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham
www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Sheffield Lyceum – until Saturday 1 December

Reviewed by Lottie Davis-Browne

5*****

It doesn’t seem like two minutes since Rock of Ages opened in London’s West End – yet in actual fact it is some seven years ago in 2011 when I first took a step back in time to the 80’s, to witness this jukebox musical for the first time. Although a huge lover of 80’s music, it’s the softer cheesier stuff I’m a particular fan of (artists such as Bananarama, Duran Duran, Wham! etc….), I took a step out of my comfort zone and embraced my inner (soft) rock Goddess. The show is filled with many famous glam metal and soft rock songs of the 1980’s – featuring songs by Journey (“Don’t Stop Believing”), Pat Benatar (“Hit Me With Your Best Shot”) and Bon Jovi (“Dead or Alive”).

Set around 1987-“ish”, the story is set around saving The Bourbon Room, (a bar/club owned by Dennis Dupree and assisted by Lonny) from pending demolition. Wannabe rock star Drew Boley (Luke Walsh) works as a bartender at The Bourbon Room, and when new arrival Sherrie arrives seeking a job, he is instantly smitten and begs Dennis to give her a job. Whilst the tour programme states Jodie Steele in the role of Sherrie, following finishing the West End run of “Heathers: The Musical” on Saturday, Jodie doesn’t actually start the role until Thursday evenings performance. This however was only discovered at the start of the show with a rather muffled voice over which only told the majority of the audience there were a few cast changes – sadly most of us didn’t hear any of the names but were able to find out during the interval. Having seen Jodie in Heathers and Wicked in the past, it was clear once the show started and we met our Sherrie (later confirmed to be Rhiannon Chesterman) that I realised Jodie wasn’t performing tonight. This left me feeling instantly deflated, however this feeling soon vanished once Rhiannon sang her first note. Her performance was flawless and I soon felt myself blush for feeling like a disappointed child on Christmas Day when I didn’t get everything I wanted!

With Chesterman stepping in as Sherrie (when she usually plays Regina), this meant Erin Bell stepped in to play Regina. Again another flawless performance. As this is a touring production, the stage set differs great dramatically from the original London production. The Bourbon Room is still there, kind of; just set back amongst the scaffolding which forms the main part of the set. There’s a video screen high up (if you’re sat in the stalls you have to strain your neck slightly to see it but it’s worth it!), which is used throughout. When the first press photos were released of the stripped back stage set, the Roadies (Rock of Ages Roadies) were not too impressed, and even has a fellow Roadie myself (having seen the original London cast a few times and followed the last tour up and down the UK), I was slightly anxious to how it would work but I actually preferred the set like this. There were several other more subtle changes to it to which just added to the humour. Rock of Ages is a musical that doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s what makes it such a laugh to watch over and over again – without getting bored of it. The vehicle used by Drew to collect Sherrie for their date can only be described as a child’s sit on motorcycle complete with side seat. (I had tears of laughter down my eyes at this point!). Or Kevin Kennedy (aka Curly Watts from Coronation Street many many moons ago – who was in Sheffield not that long ago with the tour of Fat Friends The Musical) as Dennis with his “naughty salt”. Or the mini ride on JCB digger on the day of the proposed demolition.

What they lacked in stage set the cast made up for with even more humour thrown into the mix. During a particular romantic number between Dennis and Lonny (Lucas Rush) “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” – where other productions have included a certain Dirty Dancing lift at the end of the duet, tonight instead we saw Dennis “fall” and land behind the bar and appear back on his feet in seconds doing cartwheels and more across the stage faster than the speed of light before disappearing again behind the bar and coming back pretending to be worn out – to which Lonny retorts (trying very hard not to laugh) “I never knew you were so agile Dennis!”

Another thing I love about this particular production is that whilst the West End had a rather large cast, this one appears much smaller in comparison but they use each and every member to fill scenes where needed making it appear the cast numbers are actually larger than what they really are.

I was eager to see how Zoe Birkett (2002 Pop Idol Winner) would perform as Justice, after seeing some unpleasant comments following cast announcements from the shows fans saying she was too young etc for the role. For me age is just a number and having been the understudy Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard before taking on the role permanently for the tour, I knew vocally she would not disappoint. Despite being under the weather tonight, Birkett still gave a knockout performance. If this was her “not at my best” as she so put it after the show somewhat apologetically, I was quick to reply that she must blow the roof off when she’s on top form!

A highlight of the show for me has always been the duet between Regina (Erin Bell) and Franz (Andrew Carthy) “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” – partly for the fantastic blink-and-you-miss-it lightening flash costume change and the humour that follows – tonight’s cast again did not disappoint on this and I thought that Erin suited the role perfectly. She certainly appeared to be having fun!

Although the movie “never ends” and go’s “on and on and on”, sadly as much as I could talk about this show and this particular tour cast for hours, I must wrap up and take off my leg warmers (for now!) and hope that it won’t be long until I am back in the Bourbon Room.

What a better way to ease the stress of the year and get into party mode in time for Christmas and New Year! I won’t stop believing, will you?

(P.S: If like me you love all things 1980s, then watch out for the tour of brand new 1980s themed musical Club Tropicana which arrives in Sheffield next March!)

ARCOLA THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH MAYA ELLIS ANNOUNCE FULL CAST FOR STOP AND SEARCH

Arcola Theatre in association with Maya Ellis present

The World Première of

STOP AND SEARCH

By Gabriel Gbadamosi

Directed by Mehmet Ergen

Set Design: Eleanor Bull; Lighting Design: Richard Williamson; Sound Design: Daniel Balfour

Arcola Theatre

9 January – 9 February 2019

Arcola Theatre in association with Maya Ellis today announce the full cast for the world première of Gabriel Gbadamosi’s Stop and Search. Artistic Director of the Arcola Mehmet Ergen directs Munashe Chirisa (Akim), Tyler Luke Cunningham (Lee), David Kirkbride (Tone), Shaun Mason (Tel) and Jessye Romeo (Bev). The production opens on 14 January, with previews from 9 January, and runs until 9 February.

A driver picks up a young man crossing Europe. Two police officers work a surveillance case. A passenger directs her taxi to the edge of a bridge. Three conversations grow increasingly uneasy.

From award-winning writer Gabriel Gbadamosi comes a visceral new play, exploring a time of distrust where the lines blur between conversation and interrogation. Stop and Search explores our deep ambivalence about the ways we police each other.

Gabriel Gbadamosi is an Irish-Nigerian poet and playwright. Stop and Search marks his London stage debut. His theatre credits include Eshu’s Faust (Jesus College, Cambridge), Hotel Orpheu (Schaubühne, Berlin), Shango(DNA, Amsterdam); and for radio, The Long, Hot Summer of ’76 – winner of the first Richard Imison Award. Gbadamosi’s novel Vauxhall won the Tibor Jones Pageturner Prize and Best International Novel at the Sharjah Book Fair.

Munashe Chirisa plays Akim. His theatre credits include Doctor Faustus, Water, Bread and Salt, All of Us, The Blue Room (UK tour) and So You Think I’m Crazy (Ovalhouse).

Tyler Luke Cunningham plays Lee. His theatre credits include Summer in London (Theatre Royal Stratford East), The Butch Monologues (UK tour) and The Night Before Christmas (Chickenshed). His television credits includeBoy Meets Girl.

David Kirkbride plays Tone. His theatre credits include Under Milk Wood (Northern Stage), Pinocchio, Othello(National Theatre), The Crucible (UK tour), Rathband (Tristan Bates Theatre), Robin Hood and Marian, Larksong, Unearthed, The Gift (New Vic Theatre), Shrapnel: 34 Fragments of a Massacre (Arcola Theatre), The Muddy Choir (Theatre Centre), Luna Park (The Albany), Titus Andronicus (Dundee Rep Theatre) and The Machine Gunners (Polka Theatre). His television credits include Privates.

Shaun Mason plays Tel. His theatre credits include One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Romeo and Juliet(Sheffield Theatres), All’s Well That Ends Well (Shakespeare’s Globe), Oliver Twist (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Black Lives Black Words (Bush Theatre), Feed the Beast (Birmingham Rep/New Wolsey Theatre), AClockwork Orange (Citizens Theatre), Macbeth, Billy Wonderful (Liverpool Everyman), A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Council Depot Blues (Liverpool Royal Court). His television credits include Snatch, Cilla and Good Cop.

Jessye Romeo plays Bev. Her theatre credits include Big Guns (The Yard), The Islanders (Whitechapel Gallery), Itch and Scratch (Hackney Showroom) and Martyr (Unicorn Theatre/Bristol Old Vic/Traverse Theatre). Her television credits include Curfew, In the Long Run and Stan Lee’s Lucky Man.

Artistic Director of Arcola Theatre Mehmet Ergen is an award-winning director. His theatre credits for the company include Richard III, Bliss, The Cherry Orchard, Drones, Baby, Drones, An Enemy of the People, The Cradle Will Rock, Clarion, Shrapnel: 34 Fragments of a Massacre, Don Gil of the Green Breeches, Mare Rider,Sweet Smell of Success, The Painter, Macbeth, Fool for Love, Betrayal, Ashes to Ashes, Water’s Edge, Dumb Show, Lost in the Stars, In The Jungle of the Cities and Piano. Other theatre credits include King Lear (Southwark Playhouse). Ergen is also Artistic Director and founder of Arcola Istanbul and was previously Artistic Director of Southwark Playhouse, which he co-founded in 1993.

Stop and Search

Listings

Arcola Theatre

24 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London E8 3DL

Box Office: 020 7503 1646

www.arcolatheatre.com

9 January – 9 February 2019

Tickets: £15 – £22 (concessions available)

A Modest Little Man
January 15th – 26th 2018, Bread and Roses Theatre

The Bunker Theatre announces 2019 spring
season from new Artistic Director Chris Sonnex
The Bunker, 53A Southwark Street London SE1 1RU
January – May 2019

The Bunker’s revolutionary spring season is the first from its new Artistic Director, Chris Sonnex. The season, which spans four months and includes six productions and a unique festival, will also mark the opening of the Bunker’s Writers’ Snug – a free-to-use space in the theatre for up to four playwrights, with one desk reserved for underrepresented writers.

The Bunker have also named Debbie Hannan (Things of Dry Hours, Latir, Cuckoo) as their new Associate Director; she will present a new monthly podcast – The Underground Podcast – which will be packed with artists and activists, investigating, naming and exploring what needs to change in the theatre industry. In response to the themes discussed in the podcast, The Bunker will also host a monthly variety night – The Underground Night – which will feature new and established musical, spoken word and dance talent.

Sonnex’s first season opens with the world premiere of Borderline’s Welcome To The UK! – a powerful satirical comedy about the situation of refugees in the UK. This bold production has been devised and performed by a mixed ensemble which includes people who have recently sought refuge in the UK. Following this, Sacha Voit and Jessica Butcher’s funny and frank Boots is a story of cross-generational connection through forests and FemFresh, where an unlikely friendship reveals the loneliness of age and the power of Mother Nature.

My White Best Friend and Other Letters Left Unsaid…is a week-long festival exploring intersecting identities and tensions responding to writer Rachel De-Lahay’s original provocative piece, My White Best Friend. She and director Milli Bhatia have commissioned eleven exceptional writers to pen their own letters that say the unsaid to the people that matter most. Two of the letters will be cold-read by performers each night, alongside Rachel’s piece.

March and April see a double bill of one woman shows putting female working class voices front and centre with Kat Woods’ Killymuck and Monsay Whitney’s Box Clever. Written with humour, care and urgency, Killymuck gives an insight into the trials and tribulations of being from the benefit class system whereas Box Clever confronts us with the repercussions of systemic failure in politics to care for the working classes.

Emma Dennis-Edwards’ Fringe First award-winning Funeral Flowers follows 17-year-old Angelique as she navigates her way through adulthood, the care system and the recurring threat from her boyfriend’s gang. The powerful season concludes with Joanna Nastari’s Fuck You Pay Me – a surreal collision of comedy, poetry and storytelling which gives a hilarious insight into the life of a stripper in
London’s fast-changing cityscape.

Artistic Director Chris Sonnex comments, Theatre exists to disrupt, challenge and interrogate the world that is put before us. We live in a world where the words of so many people are struggling to be meaningfully heard. There is an artistic and political revolution bubbling across our society, whether that be very personal revolutions or a bigger structural, seismic revolt. This season explores the full spectrum of revolution, from Emma Dennis-Edwards exploring how one very personal decision can change someone’s life in Funeral Flowers to Jessica Butcher and Sacha Voit’s burning it all down and starting again in their new play Boots. At The Bunker, we are incredibly honoured to welcome theatre makers who have something to say that reflects and comments on today’s world. These voices will rise up from an underground car park in South London and be heard across the city.

The Bunker’s Spring Season 2019 is as follows:

Welcome To The UK! and Borderline (PSYCHEdelight and The Bunker)
Directed by Sophie NL Besse
Tuesday 22nd January – Saturday 16th February 2019
Press Night: Friday 25th January, 7:30pm
Borderline are a unique theatre ensemble created by PSYCHEdelight, shortlisted for the Community Integration Awards. The world premiere of Welcome to the UK! is set on this side of the Channel, devised and performed by mixed ensemble which includes people who have recently sought refuge in the UK. The production has been developed alongside the Women for Refugee Women drama group which refugee and asylum women performers who have joined the Borderline cast. They will also be performing their first show, Borderline, a satire of the Calais Jungle, twice a week.

Boots (Arsalan Sattari Productions and The Bunker)
Written by Sacha Voit and Jessica Butcher, directed by Nadia Papachronopoulou
Tuesday 19th February – Saturday 16th March 2019
Press Night: Friday 22nd February 2019                                                                   The time for silence is over. When it looks like Fred Astaire has burnt down a branch of Boots the chemist, Willow knows that something is seriously afoot. She braves the wilds of Lynx Africa, talking trees, and infertility to find an unlikely friend in Liz as she tracks down the truth. Bring your advantage card.

My White Best Friend and Other Letters Left Unsaid… (The Bunker)
Curated by Rachel De-Lahay and director Milli Bhatia
Monday 18th – Saturday 23rd March 2019
Industry Night: Wednesday 20th March 2019, 7:30pm
Could you put your white best friend on stage and remind them that they’re part of the problem? Originally featured as part of Black Lives Black Words at The Bush Theatre, writer Rachel De-Lahay and director Milli Bhatia have commissioned eleven writers to pen their own letters that say the unsaid to the people that matter most. Two of these new letters will be cold-read by performers each night to build up a network of intersecting identities and tensions through the week-long festival. The writers will include: Bola Agbaje, Zia Ahmed, Travis Alabanza, Fatimah Ashgar, Nathan Bryon, Matilda Ibini, Jammz, Iman Qureshi, Anya Reiss, Nina Segal, Tolani Shoneye.

Double Bill – Killymuck and Box Clever:
(W14 Productions and The Bunker)
Tuesday 26 th March – Saturday 13th April 2019
Press Night: Thursday 28th March 2019, 7:30pm
We are not all born equal. If you’re born into a working-class family, you have less: less money, less support and crucially, less opportunity. Killymuck and Box Clever explore the political cause and effect of what being born with less means.

Killymuck
Written by Kat Woods and directed by Catriona Shoobridge
Inspired by real events, Killymuck tells of a housing estate built on a paupers’ graveyard in 1970s Ireland. Kat Woods’ compelling play sees Niamh navigate the trials and tribulations of being a kid from the benefit system. Educational barriers, impoverishment, depression and lack of opportunities conspire against the struggle to escape the underclass stereotype in this powerful exploration of survival.

Box Clever
Written by Monsay Whitney and directed by Stef O’Driscoll
Ever get the feeling you’re going round in one big circle? Ten years. Back and forth between a trio of arseholes and nothing to show for it except a baby, an Argos ring and a busted nose. At the refuge they call that a pattern.

Moving, truthful and darkly comic, Box Clever is about one woman’s experience of a refuge and a Mother’s commitment to do the best for her daughter.

Funeral Flowers (Harts Theatre Company and The Bunker)
Written and Performed by Emma Dennis Edwards and directed by Rachel Nwokoro
Monday 15th April – Saturday 4th May 2019
Press Night: Wednesday 17th April 2019, 7:30pm
Part poetry, part play, part floristry masterclass, this Fringe First winning play tells the story of 17- year-old Angelique who dreams of being a florist. With her mum in prison, she is left to navigate her way through adulthood, the care system and the recurring threat from her boyfriend’s gang.

Fuck You Pay Me (FYPM and The Bunker)
Written and performed by Joanna Nastari, directed by Bethany Pitts
Tuesday 7th – Saturday 18th May 2019
Press Night: Thursday 9th May, 7:30pm
An evening of shameless entertainment, Of divine feminine fury. A burial of preconceptions, A night of Sex-Witch Anarchy.
Featuring a live score and nightly special guests, Joana Nastari’s award-winning debut Fuck You Pay Me is a no-holds-barred, explosive trip through the world of London strip club culture.

NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE HOLDS ‘PUTTIN’ ON THE BLITZ KIDZ’ FUNDRAISING GALA DINNER AT CAFÉ DE PARIS

• THE NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE PLAYS HOST TO ALUMNI AND VIP GUESTS AT FUNDRAISING GALA ‘PUTTIN’ ON THE BLITZ KIDZ’ AT CAFÉ DE PARIS
• MORE THAN £150,000 WAS RAISED WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE

On Monday 26 November, The National Youth Theatre hosted its annual fundraising gala, this year to the theme ‘Puttin’ on the Blitz Kidz’ at Café de Paris, and was attended by VIP guests, past alumni and current NYT performers. The event, featuring music and theatre performances, auctions and fundraising events significantly exceeded targets, raising more than £150,000 to support The National Youth Theatre’s ongoing projects.

Guests included Seraphina Beh, Barbara Broccoli, Cerrie Burnell, Lolita Chakrabarti, Ellise Chappell, Gwendoline Christie, Giles Deacon, Sope Dirisu, Rusty Egan, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Feeling, HRH The Earl of Wessex, Derek Jacobi, Lily James, Beverley Knight, Adrian Lester, Daisy Lewis, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Valene Kane, Kate Kennedy, Yolanda Kettle, Katia Kvinge, Lauren Lyle, Gina Miller, Gareth Pugh, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Matt Smith, Rhys Stephenson, Lucy Verasamy, Arabella Weir, Paula Wilcox, Shane Zaza and Ashley Zhangazha.

Charlie Ross hosted an auction of very special prizes including lunch with Sir Ian McKellen at Coutts HQ, dinner with Bond novelist Anthony Horowitz, a Rolls Royce Tour of London, memorabilia signed by Orlando Bloom, Daniel Craig, Labrinth and Helen Mirren, luxury holidays to South Africa and Marrakech, a Paul Oz Diamond David Bowie print, VIP experiences to the Aston Martin factory and Cheltenham Festival, Conor Collins commissioned artwork, a Remainers’ dinner at the Houses of Parliament, an ITV weather masterclass with Lucy Verasamy and more.

The event was hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Cerrie Burnell with music from The Feeling and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, a DJ set by Rusty Egan, plus a performance from current members of The National Youth Theatre.

The evening was made possible thanks to the support of headline sponsors Eon Productions and host venue Café de Paris where VIP attendees enjoyed a champagne Bollinger reception followed by dinner specially chosen by Elizabeth Haigh, the youngest female chef ever to receive a Michelin star in the UK. The menu included ceviche of salmon, roasted squash hot salad, rump of lamp with rosemary jus, pan fried potato gnocchi with wild mushrooms, vanilla panna cotta and chocolate and orange mousse, accompanied by Majestic Loves wine.

STRICTLY COME DANCING

LIVE UK ARENA TOUR

18 JANUARY – 10 FEBRUARY 2019

STACEY DOOLEY & ALJAŽ ŠKORJANEC

DR RANJ SINGH & JANETTE MANRARA

JOE SUGG & DIANNE BUSWELL

ARE FIRST COUPLES ANNOUNCED FOR

THE STRICTLY LIVE TOUR 2019!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Strictly fans will be thrilled to learn that the first couples to appear on next year’s Strictly Come Dancing UK Arena Tour have been announced as documentary maker Stacey Dooley andAljaž Škorjanec, This Morning’s Dr Ranj Singh and Janette Manrara, and YouTube sensation Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell.

Stacey, Aljaž, Dr Ranj, Janette, Joe and Dianne will don their dancing shoes and join tour host, Ore Oduba, and the Live Tour judging panel of awesome foursome Craig Revel Horwood, Dame Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli, as they cha-cha around the country for 29 glittering shows from 18 January 2019.

Stacey Dooley is a renowned BBC journalist whose hard hitting documentaries have taken her to some of the most dangerous and unexpected parts of the world. Stacey said: “I’m loving this experience so much. I know people always say that, but it’s so true. To be able to go on tour and perform for the fans all over the UK is such an honour. I’m so excited! I will miss Kev, but I am looking forward to putting Aljaž through his paces!”.

Dr Ranj Singh is best known as resident doctor on This Morning, with his beaming smile making him a much loved Strictly Come Dancing star. Dr Ranj said: “From the sequins to the sashays, I have loved my Strictly journey, so to join the Live Tour is beyond exciting. I can’t wait to be reunited with Janette, hit the road and meet all the Strictly fans!”.

Joe Sugg is a global star, vlogger, filmmaker and entrepreneur with over eight million subscribers tuning into his YouTube channel every day to watch his hilarious antics and shenanigans.  Joe said: “I’m so thrilled to be joining the Strictly Tour in the New Year. I’m loving every minute of Strictly, so continuing my journey into 2019 is going to be brilliant. I can’t wait to get quick stepping at arenas all over the UK.”.

The three couples and the judges will all be reunited with more celebrities and professional dancers from this year’s BBC series, as they tour the biggest entertainment venues across the country recreating the glittering moves and pure magic of the nation’s favourite TV show.  Further names will be announced soon.

After opening in Birmingham, the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour will then visit arenas across the UK including; Leeds’ First Direct Arena, Manchester Arena, Liverpool’s Echo Arena, Sheffield’s Fly DSA Arena, The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena and The SSE Arena, Wembley.  The tour culminates with four shows at The O2 Arena in London on 9 and 10 February.

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR 2019

18–21 January                        Arena Birmingham                            0844 338 8000

(Friday 18^th at 7.30pm, Saturday 19^th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 20^th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm, Monday 21^st at 7.30pm)

24-25 January             Leeds First Direct Arena                                0844 248 1585

(Thursday 24^th at 7.30pm, Friday 25^th at 7.30pm)

26-27 January             Manchester Arena                                         0844 847 8000

(Saturday 26^th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 27^th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

29 January                  Liverpool Echo Arena                                    0344 8000 400

(Tuesday 29^th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

30-31 January             Sheffield Fly DSA Arena                                0114 256 5656

(Wednesday 30^th at 7.30pm, Thursday 31^st at 7.30pm)

1-3 February               Glasgow The SSE Hydro                                0844 395 4000

(Friday 1^st at 7.30pm, Saturday 2^nd at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 3^rd at 1.30pm)

5-6 February               Nottingham Motorpoint Arena                   0843 373 3000 

(Tuesday 5^th at 7.30pm, Wednesday 6^th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

7-8 February               London The SSE Arena Wembley                0844 815 0815

(Thursday 7^th at 7.30pm, Friday 8^th at 7.30pm)

9-10 February             London The O2 Arena                                    0844 856 0202

(Saturday 9^th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 10^th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)        

Tickets: £35 – £65 (bands venue dependent) 

All ticket prices are subject to a booking fee and may be subject to a venue facility fee

To book tickets please contact the venue or call 0844 875 8758

For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.strictlycomedancinglive.com

Twitter: SCD_Live_Tour

Facebook: @strictlylive

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR is produced by Stage Entertainment UK and Phil McIntyre Entertainments, in association with BBC.