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Customs House, South Shields – until 24th May 2025

Reviewed by Sandra Little

4****

This version of “Everybody’s Talking about Jamie” at the Customs House is an amateur production from Astravaganza Entertainment, produced by Liam Glendinnning and directed by David Ducasse. It is based on the smash hit musical of the same name which ran for three years in the West End.

The musical follows the trials and tribulations of Jamie New ( played by Corey Clarke), a 16 year old living on a council estate in Sheffield. From the outset it is clear that Jamie doesn’t fit in to this environment, he struggles with his identity, the reactions of others to his choices and is terrified about his future. Despite careers advice from school suggesting Jamie could be a fork lift truck driver, he has other ideas. From an early age Jamie has loved dressing up in girls’ clothes and his 16th birthday present from his mum is a pair of red stiletto shoes which he adores. At this point we learn that Jamie really wants to be a drag artist and not a fork lift truck driver!

Throughout his journey Jamie is supported by his mum (Nathalie Baxter) and her friend Ray (Deborah Taylor-Smith). Unfortunately Jamie’s dad (Chris Page) is unable to accept Jamie’s unconventional behaviour and rejects him. Jamie finds this rejection painful and he also faces prejudice and bullying from others along the way. Jamie’s plans to attend the school prom as a drag queen don’t go as smoothly as planned, but the story does have a happy ending when Jamie overcomes the prejudice he faces and beats the bullies. Although this “coming of age” story does have some darker moments, there are also lighter elements and some very amusing scenes.

I couldn’t begin to choose one stand out scene or performer in this fast paced, high energy musical, however it must be said that the dance routines are very polished and sometimes convey great emotion. The scene with drag artists and Legs Eleven club was both funny and touching and I particularly enjoyed Morgan Newman’s performance as Hugo / Loco Chanelle. In contrast the scene where Jamie’s mum sang, “If I met Myself Again” was quite tender and likewise the ballad, “He’s my Boy” was also quite moving.

As Jamie’s story evolves it demonstrates the importance of having the courage to to be yourself and to stand up to the bullies. In one tender moment, early in the show, Jamie’s friend, Pritti (Emily Jones) tells Jamie to stop waiting for permission to be himself and by the end of the performance it seems as though Jamie has taken on board this advice.

Although this is an amateur production, the performance on the opening night was a very polished “professional” offering from a predominantly young cast. I have seen several performances from this production team and the standard they achieve is quite amazing.

This production does contains strong language, mild sexual references and adult themes including homophobia.

James Acaster and Edinburgh previews announced in the Park Laughs series

• ames Acaster will be trying out his new show for four dates in July and August
• Further works in progress and Edinburgh Fringe previews will be presented throughout the summer, including Sophie Duker, Matt Forde, Rob Auton and Chloe Petts
• Fully developed shows include Chris Grace: Sardines and Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf*ckers
• Park Laughs Live returns with a line-up of Pierre Novellie, Catherine Bohart, Celya AB and Sophie Garrad
• Comedy Club 4 Kids continues with one Sunday show every month throughout the year

X (Twitter): @ParkTheatre | www.parktheatre.co.uk

Park Theatre has announced a jam-packed programme of fully developed shows, works in progress and Edinburgh Fringe previews as part of their Park Laughs series this summer, with appearances from more than 30 comedians including four dates from James Acaster.

James Acaster is known for his record breaking five consecutive nominations for Best Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Fringe, is the first UK comic to shoot more than one Netflix Original special, and also known for his books and podcasts. He’ll be trying out new ideas for an hour in July (16 & 17) and August (24 & 31).

In June, a quartet of comedians will also be road-testing new work. Anna Hale: Control Freak introduces a socially anxious extrovert and a perfectionist with sixty minutes to solve all her problems, while Pedro Leandro: Soft Animal invites his audience to reflect: will it, can it, ever be enough? (20 Jun). The following night (21 Jun) features Cabbage The Clown: Cinemadrome,one-part breathless parody of cinematic history, one-part thoughtful dissection of minimum wage careers, one-part rolling around on the floor covered in popcorn, and Bebe Cave: CHRISTBRIDE, a wild historical farce about what happens when you believe in yourself a little too much.

In two further nights of work in progress, double bills are presented by Eric Rushton and Hasan Al-Habib (29 June) ahead of their Edinburgh Fringe runs, and Sharon Wanjohi and Marty Gleeson (4 July). Eric Rushton: Inkeeper is paired with Hasan Al-Habib: Death To The West (Midlands), a love letter to his Iraqi heritage and Birmingham upbringing. Queer British Kenyan comedian Sharon Wanjohi tackles the lack of Gen-Z homeowners and cartoons that inspired a generation of sexual awakenings, whilst Irish comedian Marty Gleeson is renowned for her offbeat, captivating, and whimsical performance style.

In the week before the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Park Laughs will be presenting a series of Avalon Edinburgh Previews (21 – 26 Jul) with double bills of comedians in the intimate Park90 just ahead of their Scottish runs: Matt Forde and Joe Kent-Walters, Glenn Moore and Johnny White Really-Really, Chloe Petts and Pierre Novellie, Sophie Duker and Bella Hull, Rob Auton, Andrew Doherty, and two more to be announced. Earlier in the month Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) (12 July) is the Fringe preview from trailblazing comedian James Barr

One-off performances of developed shows include Chris Grace: Sardines (20 Jul), asking ‘can we enjoy life if we know how it ends?’ and ‘does making art actually help?’, and Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf*ckers (27 Jul) is a celebration of and for the female of the species. Invisible no more.

Park Laughs Live returns on 11 July, featuring hilarious household names alongside the most exciting rising stars in stand-up. This edition includes Pierre Novellie, Catherine Bohart, Celya AB and Sophie Garrad.

For younger audiences, Comedy Club 4 Kids continues to run monthly on a Sunday, offering family-friendly comedy without any patronising idiocy. Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude bits.

Park Theatre presents exceptional theatre in the heart of Finsbury Park, boasting two world-class performance spaces: Park200 for predominantly larger scale productions by established talent, and Park90, a flexible studio space, for emerging artists. In twelve years, it has enjoyed 10 West End transfers (including Rose starring Maureen Lipman, The Boys in the Band starring Mark Gatiss, Pressure starring David Haig and The Life I Lead starring Miles Jupp), two National Theatre transfers, 14 national tours, seven Olivier Award nominations, has won multiple OffWestEnd Offie Awards, and a Theatre of the Year award from The Stage as well as their inaugural Campaign of the Year award in 2025 for their work reaching underserved audiences with Canadian/ Korean comedy drama Kim’s Convenience.

Listings information

Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP

* Telephone booking fee of £3 per transaction applies. All ticket prices are inclusive of a £1.50 building levy.

Social media

Twitter:             @ParkTheatre

Instagram         @ParkTheatreLondon

Facebook          www.facebook.com/ParkTheatreLondon

TikTok               @ParkTheatreLondon

Park90                                                                                                 20 June

Anna Hale: Control Freak (Work in Progress) | Presented by Anna Hale in association with Park Theatre

Introducing Anna Hale: comedian, singersongwriter, control freak. She’s written the jokes, the music and the lyrics. She’s rigged the lights and sold the tickets. But what happens to a control freak when her world is out of control?

Anna is a socially anxious extrovert and a perfectionist with sixty minutes to solve all her problems. The real challenge is doing it without letting anyone else have a go.

Featuring hilarious original songs, “natural charisma” (Beyond The Joke) and “undeniable vocal pyrotechnics” (Chortle), Control Freak is the debut show from the 2024 Musical Comedy Awards ‘Audience Favourite’.

1hr

Fri 20 Jun 7pm, £10 Multi-buy with Pedro Leandro, Cabbage the Clown or Bebe Cave: Two tickets for £16

Park90                                                                                                 20 June

Pedro Leandro: Soft Animal (Work in Progress) | Presented by Pedro Leandro in association with Park Theatre           

The debut show from Pedro Leandro, a comedian who has famously been described as ‘magnetic’ (Guardian) and ‘a beautiful bright-eyed joy’ (Everything Theatre).

Sadly, he has found this praise to be insufficient. Standing atop the lonely Everest of his innumerable achievements, he invites his audience to reflect: will it, can it, ever be enough?

If the whole world said, as one: “You are the greatest comedian that’s ever lived. In fact, you transcend that label. You are a raconteur. An artist. And we actually like that you’re gay” Would that be enough? I mean, it wouldn’t hurt.

1hr

Fri 20 Jun 8.30pm, £10 Multi-buy with Anna Hale, Cabbage the Clown or Bebe Cave: Two tickets for £16

Park90                                                                                                 21 June

Cabbage The Clown: Cinemadrome (Work in Progress) | Presented by Cabbage The Clown in association with Park Theatre   

Minimum wage cinema employee turned multi-award winning tragic fool Cabbage The Clown’s debut hour marries a buffet of genres in polygamous holy matrimony in the name of drag.

With over 8 million views online for their genre-busting brand of multimedia drag-clowning, Cabbage presents their hotly-anticipated debut show: One-part breathless parody of cinematic history, one part thoughtful dissection of minimum wage careers, one part rolling around on the floor covered in popcorn.

So talk through the trailers, get the loudest snacks available, then sit back, relax and enjoy this Bechdel Test-passing, BBFC-unapproved, global premiere.

Running time

Sat 21 June 7pm £10, Multi-buy with Anna Hale, Pedro Leandro or Bebe Cave: Two tickets for £16

Park90                                                                                                 21 June

Bebe Cave: CHRISTBRIDE (Work in Progress) | Presented by Bebe Cave in association with Park Theatre 

In the dark, deathly world of the middle ages, one (annoying) woman strives to find the light. Join CHRISTBRIDE, a female mystic in a world of male dullards, as she escapes from a life of monotony to a life of devotion.

Bebe Cave presents her debut character comedy show. In a time where people believe anything, CHRISTBRIDE is a wild historical farce about what happens when you believe in yourself a little too much.

1hr

Sat 21 June 8.30pm £10, Multi-buy with Anna Hale, Pedro Leandro or Cabbage the Clown: Two tickets for £16

Park200                                               Sundays: 29 Jun, 20 Jul, 24 Aug, 14 Sep, 12 Oct, 9 Nov, 14 Dec

Comedy Club 4 Kids | Presented by Comedy Club 4 Kids in association with Park Theatre  

Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude bits! Almost 20 years later, the company has expanded from one London residency to being countrywide, running shows and workshops all over the UK from Peebles to Portsmouth, even producing a book on how to write and perform stand-up, and hosting our own Radio Nonsense podcast to bring the sillies to families all over the world.

The show is family friendly, but without any patronising idiocy. In fact, it’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of the entire audience claiming to be called Bob.

Adults to sit with children in their party (and help explain anything they get stuck on).

Group bookings to contain at least one adult for every three kids.

Sun 29 Jun

Charlotte Cropper, Matt Green and more acts TBC.

Sun 20 Jul

Abigoliah Schamaun (MC), ventriloquist Max Fulham and more acts TBC.

Sun 24 Aug

Sketch duo Peasoup Comedy, Ben Van Der Velde and more acts TBC.

Sundays at 3pm: 29 Jun, 20 Jul, 24 Aug, 14 Sep, 12 Oct, 9 Nov, 14 Dec | £15, £10 (Park Up 16-26 years).

Park90                                                                                                 29 June

Eric Rushton and Hasan Al-Habib: Works In Progress | Presented by Chambers Touring in association with Park Theatre presents

Award-winning comedians Hasan Al-Habib and Eric Rushton each present a work-in-progress version of their 2025 solo shows ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Eric will be previewing his new show, Eric Rushton: Inkeeper, following on from a successful nationwide tour of his critically acclaimed previous hour earlier this year. Eric has also received the prestigious Channel 4 Sean Lock Award 2023, and Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2020.

Hasan will be previewing his debut solo show Hasan Al-Habib: Death To The West (Midlands), a love letter to his Iraqi heritage and Birmingham upbringing. The show has already received a nomination for Best Debut at the Leicester Comedy Festival earlier this year. Hasan has also won the 2023 Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award.

1hr 40 mins (inc interval)

Sun 29 Jun 7pm, £15

Park90                                                                                                 4 July

Sharon Wanjohi and Marty Gleeson: Work in Progress | Presented by IAM in association with Park Theatre

Join the hilarious Sharon Wanjohi and Marty Gleeson as they test out new material.

Sharon Wanjohi is a queer British Kenyan comedian, who’s been making waves on the circuit with her take on the lack of Gen-z homeowners and maybe too much material on the cartoons that inspired a generation of sexual awakenings.

She has written on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Late Night Lycett and The Jonathan Ross Show.

Irish comedian Marty Gleeson is fast becoming a well-known name in the UK comedy scene. Recently showcased on BBC New Comedy Award Finals and Channel 4’s Sean Lock Awards, she was crowned LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2024. Renowned for her offbeat, captivating, and whimsical performance style, Gleeson was also a part of the prestigious Pleasance Comedy Reserve at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024.

With over 30 million views online and tour support for Vittorio Angelone under her belt, Gleeson is a comic making big juicy turbulent waves, run for cover. No one is safe.

2hrs 20 mins (inc interval)

Fri 4 Jul, 8.30pm, £15

Park90                                                                                                 11 July

Park Laughs Live | Presented by Park Theatre

After sell-out shows from some of the biggest names in comedy – Harry Hill, Ivo Graham & Jenny Eclair, to name but a few– Park Theatre presents Park Laughs Live!

We’re bringing you hilarious household names alongside the most exciting rising stars in stand-up for an unforgettable night of laughter.

Our upcoming show features Pierre Novellie, Catherine Bohart, Celya AB and Sophie Garrad.

2hr (inc interval)

Fri 11 Jul, 8.30pm, £15 | £10 (Park Up 16-26 years).

Park90                                                                                                 12 July

Fringe Preview: Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) | Presented by         W!ZARD Live Presents in association with Park Theatre

Trailblazing comedian James Barr brings his Edinburgh Fringe Preview to Park Theatre.

Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) is a bold, ‘genre-defying’ (ArtsHub.com.au) stand-up hour about the things his ex-boyfriend did to him, including a pushy-wushy down the stairsy-wairsy.

Shortlisted at The British LGBT Awards. As seen on Hits Radio Breakfast and the British Podcast Award winning A Gay and A NonGay.

1hr 10 mins (approx.)

Sat 12 Jul, 8.30pm, £18 | £10 (Park Up 16-26 years)

Park200                                                                                               16 & 17 July, 24 & 31 Aug

James Acaster: Work in Progress | Presented by Plosive Live and PBJ Management in association with Park Theatre           

James Acaster tries new ideas for an hour.

A whimsical master, James has received acclaim from around the world, including a record breaking 5 consecutive nominations for Best Comedy Show at the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. In 2017 he toured the country with a staggering three-show trilogy, performing Recognise, Represent and Reset consecutively over three nights in each venue. These three shows and Recap form his Netflix four part series, Repertoire. It was the first of its kind, a stand up mini series with an overarching narrative, and James is the first UK comic to shoot more than one Netflix Original special.

In 2019 James completed a mammoth long tour of his hugely successful show Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 around the UK, Australia and America, the show was nominated for a critics choice award after its release in 2022 and is now available to watch on his website. James is currently touring his new show Hecklers Welcome internationally.

As well as a celebrated stand up, James is a Sunday Times best selling author, with three publications; Classic Scrapes, Perfect Sound Whatever and his most recent book, James Acaster’s Guide to Quitting Social Media. James also has three hit podcasts: Off Menu which he hosts with Ed Gamble, Perfect Sounds and his latest release; Springleaf which he wrote and stars in.

This year James joins the Ghostbusters cast in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

1hr

Weds 16 & Thurs 17 Jul 9.45pm, Sun 24 & 31 Aug 7pm | £15.75, £10 (Park Up 16-26 years).

Park200                                                                                               20 July

Chris Grace: Sardines | Presented by W!ZARD Live in association with Park Theatre          

Acclaimed actor and comedian Chris Grace (as seen in Superstore) brings his newest show to Park Theatre for one night.  

Sardines explores the tragic, hilarious, and important questions of our time: Can we enjoy life if we know how it ends? Does making art actually help? And if Rihanna’s song is called “Don’t Stop the Music”, why does the music… stop? Find out in this insightful and vulnerable comedy. Brighton Fringe Excellence Award Winner.

You may have seen Chris in Atypical (Netflix), Stumptown (ABC), This Is Us (NBC) and Superstore (Netflix). In 2025, he appears in Netflix’s The Residence.

60 mins

July 20, 7pm | £20

Park90, Park Laughs                                                                           21 July

Matt Forde and Joe Kent-Walters | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

Mon 7pm | £15

Park90                                                                                                 22 July

Glenn Moore and Johnny White Really-Really | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

Tues 7pm | £15

Park90                                                                                                 23 July

Rob Auton | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

One further act to be announced.

Weds 7pm | £15

Park90                                                                                                 24 July

Chloe Petts and Pierre Novellie | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

Thurs 7pm | £15

Park90                                                                                                 25 July

Sophie Duker and Bella Hull | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

Fri 7pm | £15

Park90                                                                                                 26 July

Andrew Doherty | Presented by Avalon in association with Park Theatre

Avalon Edinburgh Previews

140 mins (inc interval)

One further act to be announced.

Sat 7pm | £15

Park200                                                                                               27 Jul

Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf*ckers | Presented by Roadtrip Media Limited in association with Park Theatre

Namaste Motherf*ckers is the new show from Cally Beaton (QI, Live at the Apollo), a quick-witted, unexpected and unapologetic insight into life in midlife.

Combining Cally’s comedic and storytelling prowess with extracts from her provocative, stereotype-busting book of the same name, the show has at its heart her own story of radical reinvention – taking her from meetings in boardrooms to treading the boards, thanks to a chance conversation with the late, great Joan Rivers.

A funny show about a deadly serious subject, Namaste Motherf*ckers is a celebration of and for the female of the species. Invisible no more.

The show includes a Q&A and meet-and-greet with Cally. Who knows, Jeff the wonder dog may even be there too…

1hr 40 mins (inc interval)

Sun 27 Jul, 7pm, £20 | £10 (Park Up 16-26 years)

The Barn Theatre, Cirencester – until Saturday 28th June 2025

Reviewed by Josie Aburrow Smith

5*****

This is another great Built by Barn production at the Barn theatre in Cirencester. 

Educating Rita, written by Willy Russell, is a classic pygmalion tale. Rita, played by Ellie Clayton, is a working class hairdresser who dreams of a different life. She signs up for an open university writing course.  Then there is Frank, played by Justin Edwards, who is an alcoholic academic that is disillusioned by life and his poetry. Ritas enthusiasm leads to a journey of rediscovery for them both. 

The whole play is set in one room, Franks office. The staging is cleverly designed with some great play on perspective. The set and costume design are from Cory Shipp.

It is skilfully Directed by Stephen Unwin, with lighting and sound design by Ben Ormerod and John Leonard respectively, Ginny Schiller provided casting direction, and the sound programmer is Michael Beer.

This is a great life affirming and incredibly funny classic British play with terrific and convincing acting. We all need laugh out loud moments and this offered plenty of them.

Grand Theatre Leeds- until 24^th May 2025

Reviewed by Katie Brewerton

5*****

Kinky Boots is back on tour! In Leeds for a sold out run until the end of the week, this fabulous feel-good musical has become a favourite amongst theatre goers in recent years. With music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots is a joy and a must see for all fans of theatre. 

Based on a true story Kinky Boots follows a failing Northampton shoe factory, inherited by Charlie Price (Dan Partridge). After his father dies Charlie is shocked to find out the state of the factory finances and just how many unsold shoes they have. He moves back from London, leaving his fiancé Nicola (Kara Lily Hayworth) there to work out a plan for the factory. When the final buyer cancels their order he thinks closing down and giving the staff their two weeks notice is the only option. Until he gets a talking to from Lauren, Courtney Bowman who tells him to find a niche market and start producing something else. 

After a chance run in with Drag Queen Lola (Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe) Charlie thinks he may have found the answer! Manufacturing high heeled ladies boots for men. With Lola’s help they aim to get to Milan to showcase their stiletto heels which can hold the weight of a man. Both Lola and Charlie battle with not living up to their fathers expectations and Lola must deal with judgement and prejudice from those around her.

Lola and her fellow drag queens soon win over the majority of the Northampton work force and together they create a range of Lola’s Kinky Boots.

The cast are wonderful with the drag queens particularly born performers with fabulous skills. Partridge and Radebe had great chemistry and their friendship as Charlie and Lola was pure and a joy to see. 

The physical comedy sprinkled in was great and I recommend keep an eye on the actions on the background characters as well as the ones the scene is focused on with Lauren’s realisation of feelings for Charlie a highlight. 

The music is joyous and upbeat and you’re sure to be singing to yourself on the way home. With hits such as ‘The Sex is in the Heel’, ‘What a Woman Wants’ and the heart wrenching ‘I’m not my Father’s Son’.

Full of glitz and glamour and flying the flag for Pride this is a truly fantastic show which had the whole audience up on their feet and clapping along at the end. 

PLAYHOUSE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 24TH MAY 2025

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

I walked into the Playhouse last night with absolutely no idea what to expect. I wasn’t even familiar with the name of the film, though I recognised Alfred Hitchcock’s name, having directed classics like The Birds and Psycho. The gentleman sitting beside me mentioned that he had high expectations, having seen the film and thoroughly enjoyed it. Curiously, I had done a bit of research and wondered how they could possibly adapt a movie featuring a crop duster biplane, a sleeper train, car chases and Mount Rushmore into a stage play. To my delight, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

Under the direction of Emma Rice, Wise Children brings Hitchcock’s suspenseful narrative to life as a theatrical spectacle, prioritising playful subversion over the tension inherent in the film. The production fully embraces theatricality, featuring six versatile actors who take on multiple roles, complemented by clever props such as suitcases. True to Rice’s penchant for the unexpected, inventive, and entertaining, this show boldly makes its own mark on the Hitchcock spy thriller.

The story centres on Roger Thornhill (Ewan Wardrop), a New York advertising executive who is mistakenly identified as a spy when he stands up to make a phone call in a hotel lobby. From that moment on, he finds himself pursued by state enemies, resulting in a series of misadventures.

The entire cast, along with the creative team, deserves recognition for their incredible contributions, but Katy Owen, who narrates as The Professor, truly stands out. She is a chameleon on stage, exuding charisma, confidence, and a captivating energy that draws the audience in, creating a genuine connection with the performance. Her impeccable comedic timing adds to her brilliance, making her absolutely hilarious.

Wardrop, in the lead role, delivers a captivating performance, perfectly capturing the charm and vulnerability of his character. Patrycja Kujawska supports him beautifully as Eve Kendall, infusing the narrative with depth and intrigue. Meanwhile, Karl Queensborough takes on the mysterious villain Phillip Vandamm and elicits uproarious laughter in his portrayal of Roger’s mother. Vandamm’s two murderous minions, Anna, portrayed by Mirabelle Gremaud, and Valerian, played by Simon Oskarsson, are notably humorous and bring a delightful charm to the performance with their ability to embody a variety of characters. The dynamic interactions among the entire cast on stage were truly captivating!

Rob Howell’s stage and set design, featuring four revolving doors, is exceptionally clever. It allows the actors to make entrances while also serving as different locations. Additionally, the labelled suitcases offer useful cues for both locations and characters, frequently unveiling intriguing props.

There is so much more I could share, but I don’t want to spoil any of the highlights. If you’re in the mood for an evening of top-notch theatrical entertainment that offers a captivating story filled with fun, flair, and plenty of surprises, then I highly recommend you give this a try. I can genuinely say that I have never witnessed anything quite like this on stage.

Darlington Hippodrome – until Saturday 24 May 2025

Reviewed by Alex Sykes

5*****

Set in a time before social media and sexting, and when the ‘M’ in MTV still stood for music, there was the 90s.

Cruel Intentions tells the story of Sebastian (Will Callan) and Kathryn (Nic Myers), step siblings living on the Upper East Side. After reading a copy of Seventeen Magazine, Sebastian and Kathryn make a bet, Sebastian will try to sleep with Annette (Abbie Budden) who is new in town. If Sebastian succeeds, Kathryn will sleep with him as she is the only girl he can’t have, if he fails, Kathryn gets his car.

Along the way, Kathryn and Sebastian also meddle in the love life of Cecile (Lucy Carter) and her music teacher, Ronald (Kevin Yates). With Cecile’s mother (Gabriella WIlliams) playing doing a memorable dance to No Scrubs

With a soundtrack of some of the biggest hits of the 90s, including Genie in a Bottle, Wannabe and Bitter Sweet Symphony, this musical is a brilliant night out whether you have seen the film or not. The band deserve a round of applause for their amazing talent.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, the original Kathryn in the film, provides a voice over at the start of the show, telling people to turn off their “sub par cell phones” and informing the audience that this musical doesn’t feature flying cars, green witches or boy wizards.

My mum was a bit dubious about seeing this as she thought it was going to be another teen girl rom com musical, but by the end of the first act she was absolutely in love with the whole show and although the story is about Kathryn and Sebastian, Nic Myers as Kathryn is the true star of the show.

Whether you see this show in Darlington or elsewhere on the tour, grab a ticket, grab a friend and enjoy a night of 90s nostalgia with an epic soundtrack.

Original Theatre present the world premiere stage tour
of Torben Betts’ new thriller
Murder at Midnight

starring Jason Durr, Susie Blake and Max Bowden

Murder at Midnight, the brand-new stage thriller from acclaimed writer Torben Betts following his smash-hit success  Murder in the Dark, will embark on a UK tour this Autumn. The play will star stage and screen favourites Jason Durr (Heartbeat, Casualty), Susie Blake (Victoria Wood as seen on TV, Coronation Street) and Max Bowden (Birdsong, EastEnders). It will be directed by Philip Franks (Murder in the Dark, The Mousetrap). Further cast and creatives are to be announced.

Murder at Midnight blends razor-sharp wit with chilling suspense, proving that even the best-laid plans can unravel spectacularly when the wrong people are in the wrong place at exactly the wrong time.

It’s New Year’s Eve in rural Kent, and Jonny “The Cyclops” has decided to throw a party.  But amidst the drinking, music and fireworks exploding overhead, a twisted trail of destruction emerges. As midnight looms, tarot cards foretell doom, police lights flash in the distance and a killer is in the house. Everyone’s hiding something – but who’s telling the truth?

Max Bowden said: “I’m excited to begin working on this ambitious new dark comedy from a writer and a team I admire greatly. It’s a new challenge and an exciting shift for my career, and I’m looking forward to working with Original Theatre again.”

Philip Franks said: “Murder at Midnight is a dark and often very funny thriller set in the luxury Kent mansion of a one eyed drug dealer, pig farmer and possible gangland killer, Jonny “The Cyclops”. At midnight on New Year’s Eve his past is catching up with him fast. It’s Feydeau rewritten by Tarantino.”

The tour of Murder at Midnight will play Derby Theatre (5-13 September), Birmingham Rep (16-20 September), Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham (23-27 September), Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford (30 September-4 October), Malvern Theatres (7-11 October), Palace Theatre, Southend (13-18 October), York Theatre Royal (21-25 October), Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (27-31 October), New Theatre, Cardiff (4-8 November), Fareham Live (18-22 November) and Churchill Theatre Bromley (25-29 November) with further dates to be announced.

Murder at Midnight is produced by the award-winning Original Theatre who brought audiences Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d, the sell-out thriller Murder in the Dark and the critically acclaimed drama Birdsong.

For more information, and to book tickets for Murder at Midnight, visit: www.murderplay.com

LISTINGS – 2025 TOUR DATES:

5 – 13 September – Derby Theatre

derbytheatre.co.uk/event/murder-at-midnight

16 – 20 September – Birmingham Rep

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/murder-at-midnight

23 – 27 September – Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/murder-at-midnight

30 September – 4 October – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/murder-at-midnight

7 – 11 October – Malvern Theatres

malvern-theatres.co.uk/event/murder-at-midnight

13 – 18 October – Palace Theatre, Southend

trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB/event/play/murder-at-midnight-tickets

21 – 25 October – York Theatre Royal

ON SALE SOON: www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

27 – 31 October – Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

ON SALE SOON: www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

4 – 8 November – New Theatre, Cardiff trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB/event/play/murder-at-midnight-tickets

18 – 22 November – Fareham Live

trafalgartickets.com/fareham-live-fareham/en-GB/event/play/murder-at-midnight-tickets

25 – 29 November – Churchill Theatre, Bromley

trafalgartickets.com/churchill-theatre-bromley/en-GB/event/play/murder-at-midnight-tickets

CARLOS ACOSTA’S

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA

TO TOUR THE UK FOR A SECOND TIME

FROM 31 OCTOBER 2025

Norwich Theatre and Valid Productions are delighted to announce the return of their co-production of the critically acclaimed CARLOS ACOSTA’S NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA, choreographed and directed by Carlos Acosta CBE. The ballet will embark on its second UK tour from 31 October 2025 at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre running until 11 February 2026 where it will return to its original home, Norwich Theatre Royal.

NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA originally opened in November 2024 to tremendous reviews and an overwhelming public response which led to sold-out performances across the country.  It is a colourful Cuban take on the festive classic, set to an exuberant Cuban newly-commissioned version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo. Featuring over 20 dancers from Carlos’ Cuban company Acosta Danza, this traditional story is brought to life with ballet at its core but in Carlos’ unique style, seeing dance traditions of Cuba carefully fused and woven throughout the classic tale.

With spectacular video projection and set design by Nina Dunn (9 to 5 Musical, Bonnie and Clyde, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Don Quixote), Cuba collides with the Land of Sweets, bringing snow to Havana in a visually stunning spectacular treat for all.

Carlos Acosta, said “Creating and touring this first full-length production for Acosta Danza makes me incredibly proud. Watching them fuse together their classical and contemporary dance genres and Cuban Folk, with their sheer joy of dance, to the delight of audiences up and down the country has been a real dream come true for me. The success of the first tour filled me with such pride and I am truly honoured that this very special show is touring again. I am excited for even more audiences to enjoy our Cuban Christmas treat”.

Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive and Creative Director of Norwich Theatre said “To see Nutcracker in Havana embark on its second UK tour is hugely exciting. Realising Carlos’ inspiring vision to bring something unique and fresh to such a well-known story was about creative bravery aligned with a commitment to making Nutcracker connect with new and different audiences. Daring to be different saw the inaugural tour a huge success, playing to sell-out audiences around the country, 39% of who were attending dance for the first time. Validated by both audiences and critics alike, Nutcracker in Havana underscores the power of being brave and embracing innovation and we are delighted that audiences in many more parts of the UK-wide can enjoy this wonderful production in their local theatre this year.”

Casting to be announced.

NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA is choreographed by Carlos Acosta, with video projection, set design and mapping by Nina Dunn, costume design by Angelo Alberto, compositions and arrangements by Pepe Gavilondo Peón and lighting design by Andrew Exeter.

NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA is produced by Norwich Theatre and Valid Productions.

Website: nutcrackerinhavana.com

Instagram: @nutcrackerinhavana

2025 – 2026 TOUR SCHEDULE

31 October – 1 November       Aylesbury Waterside Theatre                       

                                                www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury-waterside-theatre       

4 – 6 November                      Hackney Empire, London                                          020 8985 2424

                                                www.hackneyempire.co.uk                                        

12 – 15  November                 Blackpool Grand Theatre                                          01253 290190

                                                www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk    

18 – 22  November                 Richmond Theatre    

                                                www.atgtickets.com/richmond-theatre                                               

7 – 10 January 2026               Sheffield Lyceum                                     0114 249 6000

                                                www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

15 – 17 January                      Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre

aberdeenperformingarts.com

20 – 21 January                      Eden Court, Inverness                                               01463 234 234           

                                                eden-court.co.uk/                              

23 – 25 January                      Chester Storyhouse

                                                www.storyhouse.com

28 – 31 January                      York Grand Opera House                                                       

                                                www.atgtickets.com/york

3-4 February                           Edinburgh Festival Theatre                                       0131 529 6000

                                                www.capitaltheatres.com/

10 – 11 February                    Norwich Theatre Royal                                              01603 630 000

                                                www.norwichtheatre.org     

OVER £110,000 RAISED AT THE ACTING FOR OTHERS

WEST END FLEA MARKET

Theatrical charity Acting for Others today announces that more than £110,000 was raised at their fifth annual West End Flea Market, held on Saturday 17 May at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden. Making it their most successful event to date.

Acting for Others Co-Chairman Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen today said, “We are delighted that the West End Flea Market is going from strength to strength and the wonderful amount raised, which is significantly higher than previous years. Thank you to everyone that attended, supported, and made the event so successful.”

Book of Mormon was this year crowned the Best Dressed Stall, in the competition judged by national stars Christopher Biggins, Dame Arlene Phillips and Janie Dee. The stall included show memorabilia and exclusive props used in the show for sale, they also had a game of ‘Spooky Mormon Hoopla’ for participants to play for a chance to win a selfie or a signed polaroid.

Many other West End shows had stalls including ATG Productions, Back to The Future, Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club, Clueless, Go Live Theatre Projects, Hadestown, Hamilton, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge, Operation Mincemeat, Phantom of The Opera, SIX, Stiletto, The Book of Mormon, The Devil Wears Prada, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, The Mousetrap, Mischief &The Play That Goes Wrong, TINA – The Tina Turner Musicaland Titanique, and other attractions included; Go Live Theatre Projects, Theatrical Memorabilia, Tombola, West End Charity Football Club Penalty Shoot-out, My Shot!, Peter Hannah Arts, Ensemble Games and Gifts, Encore Gifts with a Hook a Duck, Jamie’s Bakery, and several Panto Dames.

There were stars in the church taking selfies and signing posters and goodies for fans including Bronté Barbé, Luke Bayer, Christopher Biggins, Joanne Clifton, Janie Dee, Alfred Enoch, Clare Foster, Em Hoggett, Shanay Holmes, Derek Jacobi, Cassidy Janson, Lily Kerhoas, Alexia Khadime, Debbie Kurup, Josephina Lewis Ortiz, Robert Lindsay, Simon Lipkin, Toby Marlow, Ewan Miller, Lucy Moss, Grace Mouat, Natalie Paris, Mason Park Alexander, Dame Arlene Phillips, Dianne Pilkington, Peter Polycarpou, Sophia Priolo, David Rintoul, Caroline Sheen, Giles Terera, Harriet Thorpe, Rachel Tucker, Tom Read Wilson and Lucy St Louis.

With thanks to Shaftesbury Capital Plc for their generous sponsorship.

www.actingforothers.co.uk

Facebook: /Acting4Others

Instagram: @actingforothers

Twitter: @ActingForOthers

#WestEndFleaMarket

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE ANNOUNCES

FULL CAST FOR RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S
DREAM BALLETS: A TRIPLE BILL

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre today announce the full cast of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Dream Ballets: A Triple Bill with award-winning musical theatre choreographers Julia Cheng, Shelley Maxwell and Kate Prince re-imagining the dream ballets from Allegro, Oklahoma! and Carousel. The production runs from 19 – 22 June 2025.

For Allegro, choreographed by Julia Cheng, the dancers are Asmara Cammock, Jonadette Carpio, Paris Crossley, Jevan Howard-Jones, Hannah Joseph and Stuart Thomas.

For Oklahoma!, choreographed by Shelley Maxwell, the dancers are Tanisha Addicott, Chris Akrill, José Alves Tania Dimbelo, Nahum McLean and Vanessa Vince-Pang.

For Carousel, choreographed by Kate Prince, the dancers are Deavion Brown, Tommy Franzen, Nethra Menon, Hannah Sandilands, Elijah Smith and Malachi Welch.

Creatives include Simon Hale (Orchestration & Arrangements); Joshie Harriette (Lighting Designer); Nick Lidster (Sound Designer); Alex Parker (Musical Supervisor & Conductor); Yann Seabra (Costume Designer) and Sinfonia Smith Square (Orchestra).

Drew McOnie, Artistic Director, said: “I am thrilled to be welcoming three outstanding groups of dancers to Regent’s Park for what will be a unique celebration of dance and music. I can’t wait to see how they and Shelley Maxwell, Julia Cheng and Kate Prince reimagine these timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Dream Ballets for audiences at the Open Air Theatre.”

A Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s

DREAM BALLETS: A TRIPLE BILL

Choreography by Julia Cheng (Allegro), Shelley Maxwell (Oklahoma!) & Kate Prince (Carousel)

Thursday 19 June – Sunday 22 June 2025

‘Then out of my dreams I’ll go into a dream with you.’

A timeless celebration of dance and music from three of the UK’s leading musical theatre choreographers, accompanied live on stage by the 26-piece orchestra of the Sinfonia Smith Square, and set to the magical scores of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s dream ballets.

In this enchanting triple bill, the dream ballets are re-imagined for the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre stage by award-winning musical theatre dance makers Julia Cheng (Fiddler on the Roof) who choreographs the rarely performed Allegro, Shelley Maxwell (Get Up Stand Up!) who choreographs Oklahoma!’s dream ballet and Kate Prince (Message in a Bottle, Zoo Nation) who choreographs the dream ballet from Carousel, all with extended new musical arrangements by Tony Award winner Simon Hale (Girl from the North Country).

A unique opportunity to experience Rodgers & Hammerstein’s music brought to life through dance like never before.

Supported by The Thistle Trust and Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a Donar Advised Fund, held at The Prism Charitable Trust.

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Julia Cheng | Choreographer | Allegro

Training: Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies (University of Surrey), Dance & Drama (Université Lumière Lyon 2, France). 
For Regent’s Park: Fiddler on the Roof.
Theatre/opera/dance work includes: The Legend of 1900 (Shanghai Grand Theatre, China); Cabaret (The Kit Kat Club, West End and Broadway); Macbeth (RSC); Untold (Theater Rotterdam, Belgium and Holland); Warrior Queens (House of Absolute, Sadler’s Wells); The Seven Deadly Sins/Mahagonny Songspiel (Royal Opera House); The Importance of Music to Girls (Kings Place).

Shelley Maxwell | Choreographer | Oklahoma!

As Choreographer: Starter for Ten (Bristol Old Vic); The Time Traveller’s Wife: The Musical (Apollo Theatre); The Secret Life of Bees (Almeida); The Ballet Boyz “England on Fire” (Sadler’s Wells); Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical (Lyric Theatre); Equus (Stratford East/Trafalgar Studios); ‘Master Harold’ …and the boys (National Theatre); Cinderella (Lyric Hammersmith).
As Movement Director: After Life, Hansard, Antony & Cleopatra, Twelfth Night (National Theatre); Nine Night (National Theatre/Trafalgar Studios); Love’s Labour’s Lost and Tartuffe (RSC); Macbeth (Donmar Warehouse/Harold Pinter); Barcelona (Duke of York Theatre); Mlima’s Tale (Kiln); Beneatha’s Place, Untitled F*ck m*ss S**gon Play (Royal Exchange Manchester & Young Vic ); Winter, Why It’s Kicking Off Everywhere and Cuttin’ It (Young Vic); Best of Enemies (Young Vic/Noel Coward Theatre); Shifters (Bush/Duke of York Theatre); Alma Mater (Almeida); August in England (Bush); J’Ouvert (Harold Pinter); Macbeth (Shakespeare’s Globe); King Hedley II (Stratford East); Cougar and Dealing with Clair (Orange Tree); Faustus (Headlong at Lyric & Birmingham Repertory Theatre); A Streetcar Named Desire (Nuffield, Southampton); Apologia (English Theatre Frankfurt); Grey (Oval House); Rules for Living (Royal & Derngate/ The Rose, Kingston).
TV & Film includes: Anansi Boys (Amazon); Joan (ITV); The Marvels (Disney); Romeo and Juliet (Sky Arts/PBS/National Theatre); ear for eye (BBC/Fruit Tree Media).
Shelley Maxwell won the award for Best Choreographer at the inaugural Black British Theatre Awards in 2019 for her work on Equus.

Kate Prince | Choreographer | Carousel

Theatre includes (with ZooNation): Sylvia (Old Vic); Into the Hoods (Novello, West End); Some Like it Hip Hop (Sadler’s Wells Peacock & UK tour); Message in a Bottle (Sadler’s Wells & Universal Music, World Tour); The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (Royal Opera House Linbury Studio & The Roundhouse); Groove on Down the Road (SouthBank Centre). 
TV includes: Imagine: Kate Prince – Every Move She Makes (BBC); Strictly Come Dancing; So You Think You Can Dance; The Royal Variety Show; Top of the Pops; CD:UK. 
Film includes: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Warp, Film 4, New Regency & Amazon); Message in a Bottle (PBS America); StreetDance 3D (BBC Films & Vertigo); The Holloway Laundrette (writer & co-directed, BAFTA/Channel 4).
Other theatre includes: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Sheffield Crucible & West End); Ballyturk (National Theatre); Shoes (Sadler’s Wells); I Can’t Sing: the X-Factor Musical (Palladium); A Mad World My Masters (RSC).
Events include: Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations; Beijing Olympic & Paralympic Handover Ceremonies (ZooNation).
Kate is a writer, director and choreographer and the Artistic Director of ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company which she founded in 2002. She is an Associate Artist at both The Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells, where ZooNation is also a Resident Company.
Kate’s work has been nominated for five Olivier Awards, a South Bank Sky Arts Award, a WhatsOnStage Award and three Critic’s Circle National Dance Awards – winning the latter in 2024 for Best Mid Scale Dance Company. She has an MA from the University of Edinburgh, an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Winchester and an MBE for services to dance.

Asmara Cammock | Allegro

Training: The Brit School for Performing Arts and Technology, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Runway House.  
Theatre and dance include: Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre); Cabaret (The Kit Kat Club); Lion King (UK & Ireland Tour); ACE Dance And Music (Phoenix Dance Theatre); WizKid live concert (The O2). 
Commercials include: The BBC; Hyundai; Tampax; Starbucks; Google; JD Sports. 
Other credits include: London Fashion Week; It’s not loving if it’s not with you (The 1975 music video); Love I’m Given (Ellie Goulding music video). 

Jonadette Carpio | AllegroCrews include: Buckness Personified, Fiya House.
Theatre and dance includes: Seven Deadly Sins (Royal Opera House); East Wall (Hofesh Shechter, Tower of London); Ma Vie (Northern Ballet, Royal Opera House/Leeds Playhouse Theatre); Veljo Tormis – Curse Upon Iron (BBC Choir).
Film includes: Syllabub in Cats.
Jonadette is a strong female dance-artist specialising in the styles of Krump, Popping and Hip-Hop. She was a finalist on BBC Young Dancer.

Paris Crossley | AllegroCompanies and choreographers worked with include: Russell Maliphant, Boy Blue, House of Absolute, Just Us, Cirque Bijou, Kadir ’Amigo’ Memis.
Competitions include: Break Ya Neck – Popping x HipHop (Winner); Get Ready For The Next Battle 2024 – All Styles (Winner); Bside Festival 2024 – 4 VS 4 All Styles (Winner); JOAT 2024 – Popping (Semi-Finalist); Random Circles 2023 – Popping (Winner); Ladies of Hip Hop 2023 – Popping (Winner); Summer Dance Forever – Popping (x3 judges rounds/Best Six); Challenge South Concept 2021 – Popping (Winner).
Artists worked with include: Rita Ora; Dua Lipa; Benjamin Clementine; Ed Sheeran.
Commercials include: Nike; Puma; Sweaty Betty.
Paris has been an associate artist with Dance East since 2022.

Jevan Howard-Jones | AllegroTraining: London Contemporary Dance School, The Brit School.
Film includes: Wicked.
As Choreographer: Cable Street (Southwark Playhouse Borough & Elephant); Peter Pan (Hall for Cornwall)
As Associate and Assistant Choreographer: Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe (Gillian Lynne West End/UK Tour).
As Movement Director: Insurrection (Royal Opera House); Buckets (The Courtyard Theatre).

Hannah Joseph | Allegro

Training: Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.

Companies include: Company Wayne McGregor.

Choreographers worked with include: Botis Seva, Russell Maliphant, Alesandra Seutin, Alexander Whitley and Matthew Bourne.

Performances includes: UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey, AutoBiography, Deepstaria (Company Wayne McGregor); Matthew Bourne’s Romeo+Juliet (New Adventures, Sadler’s Wells); Moschino SS24 Milan Fashion Week; London Fashion Week 2024; Hermès Brides de Gala.

As Choreographer and Performer: BBC Young Dancer 2022 (The Roundhouse); AX² for Legacy (Royal Ballet, Linbury Theatre).

As Choreographer: SUN (Nowness); Ax.One for Festival of New Choreography (Royal Ballet)

Hannah was a finalist on BBC Young Dancer 2022.

Stuart Thomas  | Allegro
Training: London Studio Centre (Full Scholarship Award). 
Companies include: Union Dance Company; William Chase On Company, New York; Jiving Lindy Hoppers; William Louthers Dance and Theatre Co-operation; Jerusalem Dance Theatre; Souls in Motion. 
Theatre includes: King – The story of Martin Luther King Jr.; Josephine (The Fortune Theatre); Harvest Moon Ball (Southbank). 
Film includes: Voyager; Signals (Film on 4); The Technics; Rage & Desire (Film on 4). 
Other credits include: Red Shoes (Kate Bush music video). 

Tanisha Addicott | Oklahoma!Training: Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
Theatre and dance include: Matthew Bourne’s Romeo & Juliet (New Adventures, UK & International Tour); Shoot the Cameraman (As We Are, India Tour); Eshu at the Crossroads (Theatre Rites & Miguel Altunaga, UK Tour – Original cast); The Little Match Girl (Ballo Arthur Pita, UK Tour); My Glimmer Boo / Toasted (Blue Makwana for Sadler’s Wells Young Associates, Sadler’s Wells Theatre); The Sisters of Elva Hill / Tales of Jenny Greenteeth (Ballet Folk, UK Tour).

Chris Akrill | Oklahoma!Training: Northern Ballet Theatre.
For Regent’s Park: To Kill a Mockingbird
Theatre and dance includes: Osipova/Linbury (Royal Ballet, Linbury Theatre); Little Shop Of Horrors (Crucible Theatre Sheffield); Hex (National Theatre); White Hare, The Most Incredible Thing (Sadler’s Wells); To Kill a Mockingbird (The Barbican); Cabaret (Lyric Theatre); Dr Dee (English National Opera); Waiting for Godot (BeMe Theatre Munich); The Hairy Ape (The Old Vic); The Expected, The Odyssey (Wilton’s Music Hall); The White Bike (The Space); Stepmother/Stepfather, While You Are Here (The Place); The Wind in the Willows (Duchess Theatre); Pinocchio, Ghosts, Captain Alving, Three and Four Quarters, If Play is Play, The Canticles (The Royal Opera House, Linbury Theatre); Swan Lake, A Study of Entertainment (Cullberg Ballet, Stockholm); Carmen (International Tour, Cullberg Ballet); Romeo and Juliet, A Christmas Carol (UK Tour, Northern Ballet); Sleeping Beauty (Hannover Ballet).
TV includes: Stan Lee’s Lucky Man (Sky One); Little Grey Fergie, House of the Dragon (HBO); Taboo (FX).
Film includes: Romeo and Juliet (National Theatre); Muppets Most Wanted (Walt Disney Pictures); The Corridor (Black Dog Films, RSA Films); London Road (Cuba Pictures).
As Choreographer and Movement Director: Mametz (National Theatre Wales); Imogen (Shakespeare’s Globe).
As Assistant Choreographer: Home I’m Darling (National Theatre).
Chris is the co-creator and co-director of the award-winning company HeadSpaceDance, which was awarded the Best Independent Company at the Critic’s Circle National Dance Award in 2017. He was nominated for Outstanding Male Performance (Modern) by the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award, the Christer Holgersons award from the Carina Ari Memorial Foundation, and the Riksteatern Award for Artistic Contributions & Excellence In Dance.

José Alves  | Oklahoma!
Training: Adalgisa Rolim Ballet School, Bolshoi Theatre School (Brazil).
Companies include: Ballet Company of the Young (Palace of Arts), Teatr Muzyczny w Łódz, Ballet Black, Polski Teatr Tańca, New English Ballet Theatre.
Choreographers worked with include: Javier de Frutos, Will Tuckett, Ludovic Ondiviela, Arthur Pita, Mark Bruce, Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa, Cathy Marston, Sophie Laplane, Mthuthuzeli November, Peter Leung, Martin Lawrance, Gregory Maqoma, Cassa Pancho.
Theatre and dance include: A Dream Within a Midsummer Night’s Dream (Arthur Pita); Second Coming (Mark Bruce); Captured (Martin Lawrence); Red Riding Hood (Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa); Dopamine (you make my levels go silly) (Ludovic Ondiviela, BBC); The Suit (Cathy Marston); Say It Loud (Cassa Pancho and Company); EIGHTFOLD: Love, Le Train Bleu (for Men in Motion Gala, London Coliseum); Melissa Hamilton’s Grand Ballet Gala (Grand Opera House Belfast).
Other credits include: Samba (Ricky Martin Music Video).
Joséwon the 2018 Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Outstanding Male Classical Dancer for his role in The Suit. He is the subject of a biography, A História De Um Bailarino Incomum (2021) by Taís Fernanda Reis.

Tania Dimbelo | Oklahoma!Training: Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
Theatre and dance includes: Good Toes Naughty Toes (Thick & Tight, Royal Opera House); England on Fire (BalletBoyz, Sadler’s Wells); Silent Lines (Russell Maliphant); Congregation (Botis Seva); Animalis (Dane Hurst, Dulwich Picture Gallery); BEAUTIFUL (Sweetshop Revolution).
Film includes: Wicked; BlackBirdRedRose (short film by Mark Bruce)
Other credits include: Nike (Cyber Week Campaign); EE (Full Works Plan Advertisement); Playscape (FKA Twigs music video); SS22 London Fashion Week.
As Assistant Movement Director: SS25 Paris Fashion Week.

Nahum McLean | Oklahoma!Training: The Hammond School (UK), Prodanza Ballet Academy (Cuba), The Ailey School (New York).
Theatre and dance include: Richard Alston Dance Company (Sadler’s Wells); West Side Story (International Tour); Inala – A Zulu Ballet (Peacock Theatre & International Tour); The Wiz 40th Anniversary Concert (SummerStage NYC); Find Your Eyes (Factory International); House of Flamenca (Peacock Theatre);Complexions Contemporary Ballet (Park Avenue Armory);Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater(Lincoln Center); Camille A. Brown and Dancers (New York City Center); New York Dance Lab (Guggenheim).
Film includes: Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice (Warner Bros); Barbie (Warner Bros); Knuckles (Paramount).

Vanessa Vince-Pang | Oklahoma!Training: Rambert School Of Ballet & Contemporary Dance.
Performances include: Salt Of The Earth (Venice Biennale); Human Rights 75 Concert (United Nations International Broadcast); VOGUE World (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Jungle Book Reimagined (Akram Khan, International Tour); Tour De France (Leeds Arena); Laurence Olivier Awards (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Phoenix Dance Theatre(International Tour).
As Assistant Choreographer: Jesus Christ Superstar (Watermill Theatre).
TV & Film includes: Wicked, The Marvels (Feature films) Wednesday, Sandman, Too Much, Enola Holmes 2 (Netflix); Dope Girls, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (BBC); Everything But The Girl: Run A Red Light.
Commercials include: Magic FM, Legoland, Swarovski x Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa x O2, Sky Arts, Tern Bicycles.
Vanessa was nominated for a National Dance Award and Dancer Of The Month in the Dancing Times. She was an external examiner and mentor for the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and currently a mentor at the London Contemporary Dance School’s MA Programme. She is also a former trustee of the National Youth Ballet and ThickSkin Theatre.

Deavion Brown | Carousel
Training: TDM Stage School, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts.
Theatre and dance include: Thriller Live; Message in a Bottle (ZooNation, International Tour).
Film includes: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Tommy Franzen | CarouselTraining: Urdang Academy.
Theatre and dance include: Message in a Bottle, Some Like It Hip Hop (ZooNation).
Film includes: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire;Mamma Mia!; Mamma Mia 2 – Here We Go Again; Aladdin; Cats; Tomorrow Morning; Snow White; Everybody Is Talking About Jamie.
As Choreographer: Strictly Come Dancing.
As Associate Director & Choreographer: Your Lie In April (Europe Premiere).
As Assistant Choreographer: Burlesque The Musical (World Premiere).
Tommy won Outstanding Male Performance at the National Dance Awards and was nominated for the Breakthrough Award at The Times Southbank Sky Arts Awards and Outstanding Achievement in Dance at the Olivier Awards. Tommy was awarded second place in BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance in 2010.

Nethra Menon | CarouselTraining: The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
Theatre and dance include: Cabaret (Kit Kat Club); The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (ZooNation, Royal Opera House); Message In A Bottle (ZooNation, North American Tour); Saudi Games Opening Ceremony (King Fahd Stadium); Boomtown Festival Opening Ceremony (Winchester); Eurovision Song Contest Opening Ceremony (St. George’s Hall); Filmfare Awards(Jio Garden, Mumbai).
Film includes: Jagga Jasoos, Hrudyantar.

Hannah Sandilands | CarouselTheatre and dance includes:Message in a Bottle (ZooNation, Original Cast/World Tour).
Film & TV includes: Message in a Bottle: The Movie; BBC The Greatest Dancer; Better Man; The Voice UK Finals; Apartment 7A.
As Assistant Choreographer: Strictly Come Dancing.

Elijah Smith | CarouselCompanies include: ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company, Flawless, Boy Blue.
Theatre and dance include: The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (ZooNation, Royal Opera House); A Night with Boy Blue (Boy Blue, Barbican); The Flawless 20^th Anniversary Show (Flawless, Peacock Theatre).
As choreographer: ZooNation Youth Company (Royal Opera House); D’Eli Collective (Move It); The Movement Factory (Nike Town).

Malachi Welch | Carousel
Training: The BRIT school, London Contemporary Dance School.
Companies include: Boy Blue Entertainment, ZooNation: A Kate Prince Company.
Theatre and dance include: Disney’s The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre); Lord of the Flies (New Adventures, Sadler’s Wells); Traplord (@180 Studios); Message in a Bottle (ZooNation, International Tour); The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (ZooNation, Royal Opera House); Our Mighty Groove (Sadler’s Wells East).

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

Box Office 0333 400 3562* | openairtheatre.com                              

Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NU

* Lines open Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm. A £1.50 per transaction booking fee applies. 0333 numbers are charged at the same rate as calls to 01 and 02 numbers as regulated by Ofcom. Please check with your provider for further details.

Visit openairtheatre.com for latest ticket prices, concessions and discounts.

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