Constance & Eva – A new play about revolutionary sisters written out of history

Urania, in association with The Bread & Roses Theatre, presents
Constance & Eva
by Kimberly Campanello, directed by Luke Davies
17th to 27th September at 7.30pm
Except: 2.30pm only on 24th; no performance on 23rd
at The Bread & Roses Theatre in Clapham
Press Night: Tuesday 19th September at 7.30pm
 
A new play by Kimberly Campanello about two sisters who abandoned their privileged upbringing in Ireland to become political radicals. Constance Markievicz and Eva Gore-Booth battled imperialism, fought for women’s rights, and sought to redefine gender and sexuality. They were famous – even infamous – during their lifetimes, but history has largely forgotten them.
 
How can their stories be told, and what can we learn from them about how to be politically active today?
 
Constance and Eva is a multimedia reimagining of the lives of these two sisters, bringing together archive footage, found text and performance to tell their story. It is a first time collaboration between the poet Kimberly Campanello (Strange Country, Hymn to Kali) and director Luke Davies (Chemsex Monologues, HIV Monologues), and is Urania’s first production.
 
‘When I first learned of these sisters I was immediately struck by their relentless commitment to political action and their love of art and language. Researching them in the archives with actor Charlotte Gallagher felt like an intimate conversation with contemporaries – wicked smart and full on.’ – Kimberly Campanello (Writer)
 
‘Kimberly Campanello’s debut play is a vital piece of work, not just because it reminds us about the achievements of two brilliant women – but also because it asks searching questions about how we relate to our own environment, and our comparative struggles.’ – Luke Davies (Director)
 
Praise for director Davies’ most recent production, The Chemsex Monologues (King’s Head Theatre and Adelaide Fringe, 2017): ‘Luke Davies ensures the emotional intensity hits with pinpoint accuracy’ – Ian Foster. ★★★★★ – Plays to See, What’s on in Adelaide, Gay Times,London Theatre 1Act Drop, Tezza’s Theatre Place. ★★★★ – West End WilmaBritish TheatreIslington Gazette, London Pub Theatres.
 
Christodoulos Makris on Campanello: “Razor-sharp, exhilarating, and revelling in the power of words.”
 
The Bread & Roses Theatre is a 40- to 60-seat award-winning and innovative pub theatre. Equality, diversity and artistic quality are at the forefront of the theatre’s programming, which features in-house productions as well as visiting companies and collaborations. The theatre was launched in November 2014 and has since gone on to produce 5 star reviewed productions of ‘Miss Julie’ (2015), ‘Low Level Panic’ (2016) and dirty butterfly (2017).
Listing Details
Constance & Eva, by Kimberly Campanello, directed by Luke Davies
17th to 27th September at 7.30pm (except: 2.30pm only on 23rd; no performance on 24th)
Press Night:
The Bread and Roses Theatre, 68 Clapham Manor Street, SW4 6DZ Clapham, London
Tickets £12 I Concessions £10
Running Time: 60-70 minutes
Cast: Eva: Hannah Berry; Constance: Charlotte Gallagher
Creative team: Written by Kimberly Campanello; Directed by Luke Davies; Sound design by JP Thwaites; Film by Sandeep Gill; Set design by Luke Davies

Sid and Viv at Theatre503

Cast announced for Sid and Viv
Theatre503, The Latchmere, 503 Battersea Park Road, London SW11 3BW
Wednesday 30th August – Saturday 30th September 2017

Charlie Hardwick (Emmerdale, ITV; Cooking with Elves, Live Theatre/Adam Kenwright; Cabaret, Live Theatre) and Patrick Driver (A Tale of Two Cities, Regent’s Park Theatre; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Apollo Theatre; The Office, BBC) have been announced as the leads in Philip Correia’s exciting, edgy new production Sid and Viv. They will be joined by, Aimee Kelly (Wolfblood and Wolfblood 2 BBC; Care, Warp Films), Joe Blakemore (Stan Lee’s
Lucky Man; Vera, ITV; The Car, Jamie Childs), Ryan Nolan (Neil, Alphabetti Theatre; Sunshine on Leith, Sage Productions; Road, Project A) and Sarah Balfour (Valhalla, Theatre503; Burning Bridges, Theatre503; Herstory 2, N16).

Everyone says Sid and Viv’s house is dangerous, weird and a bit freaky. So why does Dunney think it feels so much like home? Dunney is a young lad who doesn’t fit in and to make matters worse he lives in Blyth, Northumberland, voted ‘the second worse town to live in Britain 1992’. His school, the police, even his parents don’t want him. Nobody does. That is until he meets Sid and Viv. Sid and Viv are pensioners who don’t act their age. They introduce Dunney to a side of life he’s never seen before. Their house has a secret code, a left-wing dog and a 6ft python. Unbeknownst to Dunney, joining the apparently secretive gang at Sid and Viv’s house has consequences he could never have imagined.

Sid and Viv is a story about lost kids and coming of age in an uncertain world – one of post truth, ethical uncertainty, ‘broken’ families and impending war.

This electrifying play premieres at Theatre503 in London before transferring to Northern Stage in Newcastle in October. Producers NorthSEE Theatre create cutting edge productions which provide opportunities for the best in new and established regional talent.

This is the debut play from Philip Correia, best known for his work as an actor with the National Theatre, West End, regionally and on screen. Philip was a member of the Orange Tree Writer’s Collective 2015/16. Sid and Viv was a runner up in the 2015 Papatango Prize and has since been performed as a rehearsed reading at the NT Studio and at the Live Theatre! Newcastle upon Tyne.

Playwright, Philip Correia comments, We’ve gotten so accustomed to the message of division in the U.K. we’ve forgotten how to imagine. We can change the message through inclusion. That’s the story of Sid and Viv. This play is about community. It’s about inclusion and laughter and people. Arts participation in the North East is around 31%. This is a play to change that. Our cast our North Eastern. We’re showcasing them in London and then taking them back home.

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man | UK Tour | September 2017 – January 2018

Scamp Theatre and Freckle Productions present
Stick Man
Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
UK Tour: September 2017 – January 2018

Following six consecutive Christmas seasons in London’s West End and multiple UK and international tours, the joyful adaptation of Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book, Stick Man, is back on the road again for another enchanting UK tour.

Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three…’.But the world outside the family tree is a dangerous place for Stick Man. What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure – a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?

Touching, funny and utterly original, this fantastic production features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

Stick Man is produced by the recently founded Freckle Productions – the team behind Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales. Freckle’s shows aim to be vigorous and challenging; firing the imaginations of young audiences who may be experiencing theatre for the very first time but also changing the
awareness of what performance can be for regular followers.

Producer Jennifer Sutherland comments, Freckle Productions are delighted to be taking everyone’s favourite stick man back on the road for an exciting autumn and winter tour, in co-production with Scamp Theatre. The Stick Man family will be going north to south and east to west, bringing one of Julia Donaldson’s most loved books to life.

★★★★ Julia Donaldson’s miniature epic. Sally Cookson and her team recreate the book with vigour and imagination (The Times).

Performance Dates
2nd – 3rd September Wycombe Swan
St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE

4th – 5th September Cambridge Corn Exchange
2 Wheeler Street, Cambridge CB2 3QB

9th – 10th September Hertford Theatre
The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PS

11th – 14th September Gulbenkian
Gulbenkian, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NB

16th – 17th September Watford Palace Theatre
20 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ

18th – 19th September Trinity Tunbridge Wells
Church Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP

22nd – 23rd September King’s Theatre
297 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JN

24th – 25th September Alhambra Theatre
33-35 Canmore Street, Dunfermline KY12 7NX

26th – 27th September Falkirk Town Hall
Westbridge Street, Falkirk FK1 5RS

30th September – 1st October The Lowry, Salford
Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ

2nd – 3rd October Tyne Theatre & Opera House
117 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4AG

6th – 7
th October King George’s Hall
Northgate, Blackburn BB2 1AA

8th – 9th October Middlesbrough Theatre
The Avenue, Middlesbrough TS5 6SA

10th – 11th October Nottingham Theatre Royal
Theatre Square, Nottingham NG1 5ND

13th – 15th October Winchester Theatre Royal
Jewry St, Winchester SO23

16th October Spa Pavilion, Warwick
Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4HN

18th – 19th October Marina Theatre
Marina, Lowestoft, NR32 1HH

21st – 22nd October artsdepot
5 Nether Street, North Finchley, London N12 0GA

23rd – 24th October Theatre Royal Portsmouth
20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD

26th – 27th October Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds
Westgate Street, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1QR

28th – 29th October Palace Theatre
430 London Road, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 9LA

1st – 2nd November Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre
Westover Road, Bournemouth BH1 2BU

4th – 5th November Bristol Old Vic
King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED

6th – 7th November Forum Theatre
Grange Road, Malvern WR14 3HB

8th November Roses Theatre
Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX

12th – 14th November Theatre Royal
Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP

17th – 18th November The Atkinson
Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB

19th November The Forum
Bullamoor Road, Hambleton, Northallerton DL6 1LP

18th – 24th December The Stables
Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU

26th December – 12th January Birmingham Town Hall
Victoria Square, Birmingham B3 3DQ

THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH’S FUNDRAISING GALA, LYRIC FEST, FEATURING JUDE LAW ONSTAGE WITH LYRIC YOUNG ARTISTS

TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH’S
FUNDRAISING GALA, LYRIC FEST, FEATURING JUDE
LAW ONSTAGE WITH LYRIC YOUNG ARTISTS

On Sunday 24 September, the Lyric Hammersmith celebrates their life-changing work with young people with a night of entertainment hosted by Mel Giedroyc. Lyric Fest, the Lyric’s biennial Fundraising Gala will raise funds to deliver and grow the Lyric’s important work in supporting a diverse new generation of artists and creatives. For one night only, the main auditorium will be transformed into a festival setting to showcase the Lyric’s world-class work onstage and its innovative programmes with and for young people.

The show curated by the Lyric’s Artistic Director, Sean Holmes and hosted by Mel Giedroyc and Lyric alumni, writer and Benidorm star Nathan Bryon, will feature performances from Jude Law, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Joe Stilgoe, Vikki Stone and Deanna Rodger alongside the Lyric’s young artists.

The Lyric is committed to working with exciting artists and young people to create innovative and exceptional performances and projects. Over the past decade the Lyric has established a national and international reputation for its work with young people. The Lyric celebrated 10 years of START last December, a theatre based programme for vulnerable young people struggling to engage with education, employment or training.

The Lyric is profoundly committed to giving young people from all backgrounds access to the arts in order to develop their creative, social, personal and economic potential. In particular they recognise the power of bringing young people into the Lyric to create work in a professional theatre alongside professional artists.

Sean Holmes, Artistic Director said: “This Gala celebrates the unique vision of the Lyric as a home to the highest quality theatre and the best inspirational work with young people.

“In a glorious synthesis of these two strands, leading theatre, comedy and music artists will partner with our young performers to deliver a Gala show of surprise, delight and collaboration across the generations.

“At the centre of this, in a splendid showcase of his acting mettle – Jude Law will perform in six two character mini plays written by our young writers. Each of the plays will feature one of our Young Lyric actors, giving them the chance to share the main stage with Jude.

“All that is great about the Lyric celebrated over one great night and securing a fundraising legacy that will support the next generation of diverse young artists.”

Britney Spears: The Cabaret heads to London in September

GWB Entertainment UK

Presents

 

Britney Spears: The Cabaret

At The Other Palace

From Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 September 2017

 

After sell-out seasons in Australia, Britney Spears: The Cabaret arrives in London for one week only this Summer, playing in the Theatre at The Other Palace from Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 September.

 

Not so much a cabaret as a cry for helpBritney Spears: The Cabaret charts the rise and fall of the true Princess of Pop, and takes a satirical look at the perils of fame. Transforming her greatest hits into cabaret standards, and weaving them into the fabric of her life story, Britney Spears: The Cabaret is at turns site-splittingly funny and strangely touching.

 

Star of Australian stage and screen Christie Whelan Browne reprises her critically acclaimed performance as Britney. Her stage work in Australia includes CompanyThe ProducersXanaduThe Drowsy Chaperone(Helpmann Award Nomination) and playing opposite Geoffrey Rush in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Later this year Christie will star in the world premiere stage adaptation of Muriel’s Wedding: The Musical for Sydney Theatre Company.

 

“Whelan-Browne is remarkable”

Sydney Morning Herald

 

“Whelan Browne delivers with laser precision, switching in a nano-second

from dumb broad to sweet innocent. Brilliant!”

The Australian

 

Britney Spears: The Cabaret is written and directed by Dean Bryant, whose directing work in Australia includes Sweet Charity (Hayes Theatre Company, Helpmann Award for Best Director of a Musical), and Skylightand Next to Normal (Melbourne Theatre Company). Writing credits include Prodigal (Off Broadway) and Liza (on an E) (Vaudeville Theatre, West End). Musical direction and arrangements are by Mathew Frank.

 

Recommended for ages 15+

 

LISTINGS

 

TUESDAY 5 – SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE OTHER PALACE

12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA

Press Night: Wednesday 6 September, 8.00pm

Performances: Tue – Fri 8.00pm, Sat 6.00pm and 9.00pm

Tickets: £15-30

Box Office: 0844 264 2121 | www.theotherpalace.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

SUMMER FUN FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE AND CITY VARIETIES

SUMMER FUN FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE AND CITY VARIETIES

 

 

Children aged 0 to 17 are invited to participate in a wide range of activities this August at Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall (CVMH).

Organised by a creative group of 11-15-year olds, the Summer Festival promises to both inspire and entertain children by offering them a chance to get involved in activities that they might otherwise not experience, including puppetry, vlogging, animation and song-writing. It also provides an opportunity to explore two of Leeds’s iconic cultural venues.

Catherine Hayward, Learning Manager, said: “Created by young people, for young people, the Summer Festival offers children of all ages and abilities, first-timers or regular attendees, the chance to make friends, have fun and learn new skills.

“We hope that by opening our doors throughout the summer, that some, if not all of the children, will want to get involved year-round through our Youth Theatre, projects or workshops.”

Run in collaboration with Leeds groups and industry professionals, the programme runs as follows:

Who:     7-11 years

When:  10am to 3pm, Monday 14th to Friday 18th August

What:    Performing Arts Summer School in collaboration with Duck Egg Theatre

7-11-year olds are invited to learn new skills in drama, dance, music and more whilst exploring the sights and sounds of the CVMH famous stage. The week ends with a performance for friends and family on Friday 18th August.

—-

Who:     0-3 years

When:  10.30am to 12pm on Monday 21st August

What:    Down in the Jungle in collaboration with Boomchikkaboom

An exciting adventure exploring the jungle through sensory play, props, singing and story-telling.

—-

Who:     3-6 years

When:  1.30pm to 3pm on Monday 21st August

What:    My Mind, My Body, My Imagination in collaboration with Boomchikkaboom

A fast-paced, energetic workshop for little adventurers exploring voice and movement with crafts.

—-

Who:     7-11 years

When:  10am to 3pm, Tuesday 22nd to Friday 25th August

What:    Summer Workshop

Four days of creative activity planned by young people and delivered by arts professionals. Activities include dance, music-making, puppetry and song-writing.

Who:     11-17 years

When:  10am to 3pm, Tuesday 29th August to Friday 1st September

What:    Summer Workshop

Four days of creative activity planned by young people and delivered by arts professionals. Activities include dance, vlogging, animation and singing.

 

Places for each activity are limited. For more information and to book call Box Office on 0113 243 0808 or visit www.cityvarieties.co.uk.

Costs range from £4 to £100 depending on activity

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR NEW MUSICAL HEAVEN ON EARTH

Full Casting Announced for Brand New Arena Spectacular

Heaven on Earth

UK Arena Tour 2017 – 2018

 

Starring Kerry Ellis and Hugh Maynard

Featuring the Voice of Russell Watson

Full casting has been announced for the brand-new arena spectacular Heaven on Earth which will be touring arenas across the UK from December 2017 to May 2018.

The greatest story ever written comes spectacularly to life in a brand new musical experience. This epic and inspirational journey of Adam and Eve is told through state of the art digital technology, innovative staging and stunning choreography.

Joining the previously announced star cast of Kerry Ellis as Eve (Wicked, Cats, Les Miserables, We Will Rock You) and Hugh Maynard as Adam (Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, Lion King), and featuring the voice of the UK’s award winning and bestselling classical artist, Russell Watson as God, are:

Richard Carson as Enoch (Mamma Mia, Miss Saigon, Wicked), Lisa Bridge as Isla (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bend It Like Beckham, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Neil Moors as Serpent, (Jesus Christ Superstar, Shrek, The Sound of Music), Denis Grindel as Cain (The Commitments), Michael Colbourne as Abel (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Les Miserables) and Albert Simon Hart as Young Enoch (Oliver).

The ensemble is:

Alice Baker, Laura Benazaize, Tom Brandon, Charlie Bull, Carly Cook, Martin Dickinson, Mike Fellows, Taofique Folarin, Loula Geater, Richie Gooding, Kelly HampsonZoe Innes, Abbi Kennedy, Victoria Lamm, Nick Len, Adam Margilewski, Stephanie Rojas, Craig Ryder, Guy Salim, Hayley Ellen Scott, Spin, Sam Varley and Sharon Wattis.

The greatest story ever told will come to life with Heaven on Earth, a classic re-telling of the story of Adam and Eve and their fall from Paradise.  It is an exhilarating story of love, loss, and redemption, and an exploration of the universal search for the meaning of life.

eHeaven

The creative team behind Heaven on Earth includes director & choreographer Racky Plews – American Idiot (West End and Tour), Footloose (West End and Tour), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tour), set designer Jacqueline Pyle – Robbie Williams (Take The Crown Tour), Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremony (UK), Take That (Progress Live Tour), and arranger Adam Langston – (Alien Covenant, Les Miserables, Independence Day Resurgence, Walking With Dinosaurs) and musical director Richard John – Sinatra (London Palladium), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre).

For further details about Heaven on Earth go to www.heavenonearththemusical.co.uk

Follow Heaven on Earth:

Twitter: @heavenearthtour

Facebook: @heavenonearthtour

Heaven on Earth Tour Dates

  • Birmingham Barclaycard Arena 4 – 7 December 2017
  • Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 15 – 18 Jan 2018
  • Nottingham Motorpoint Arena 27 -30 Jan
  • Leeds First Direct Arena 9th – 12 Feb
  • Manchester Arena 22 – 25 Feb
  • Sheffield Arena 7 – 10 March
  • Edinburgh Royal Highland Centre 14 – 17 March
  • Liverpool Echo Arena Liverpool 22 – 25 March
  • Aberdeen AECC Arena 28 – 31 March
  • Portsmouth Guildhall 4 – 7 April
  • Newcastle Radio Metro Arena 11 – 14 April
  • Glasgow Clyde Auditorium 18 – 21 April
  • Exeter Westpoint Arena 26 – 29 April
  • The SSE Arena, Wembley 9 – 12 May

BBC Let it Shine’s Matt Knight announced as Akela in street dance version of Jungle Book at The Lowry.

BBC Let it Shine’s Matt Knight announced as Akela in street dance version of
Jungle Book at The Lowry.

Matt Knight, known for his performance on BBC’s Let it Shine, will star as Akela in a new urban version of Jungle Book at The Lowry (Tue 29 Aug – Sat 2 Sept). Fans of the show will remember the 27 year old who performed ‘Wake Me Up’ by Avicii in his audition and later joined boyband Iron Sun.

The radical re-imagining of Kipling’s much loved classic Jungle Book will also star some of the UK’s leading dancers and circus performers when it comes to Salford later this summer. Starring alongside Matt Knight are aerial artist Alfa Marks (Mowgli), dancer and actor Ellen Wolf (Raksha), Kloé Dean(Bagheera/ Messua) who is founder of all-female Hip Hop dance company Myself, circus performer Nathalie Alison (Kaa/ Vee), dancer and choreographer Stefano Addae (Baloo / Buldeo) and Dancer Kaner Scott(Shere Khan).

Award-winning Metta Theatre’s new version of Jungle Book uses street dance, circus and spoken word. It is a contemporary urban jungle of skateboarding wolves, street dancing monkeys, a beat-loving bin man Baloo and graffiti artist Bagheera. With choreography from acclaimed hip hop artist Kendra J Horsburgh. Kipling for the 21st century – this production astonishes with its physical virtuosity and provokes with its politics.

Metta Theatre are known for their powerful visual storytelling and exploration of multicultural stories often from a female perspective. In Jungle Book we follow Mowgli on her search for identity and belonging – vulnerable, isolated and trying to find her place in an alien environment. The story transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences young and old, urban and rural.

Composer Filipe Gomes has created a beat-driven score using real world sounds of the city. Add to this designer William Reynolds’ trademark minimalism and an urban jungle is created – a stark forest of streetlamps disguising circus equipment on which these recognisably human animals cavort and contort themselves. The show uses street dance and circus to explore the search for identity and belonging in contemporary multicultural Britain.

Listings Information
Jungle Book 
Dates: Tue 29 Aug – Sat 02 Aug
Times: 7pm, Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets: £20.50. Conc £4 off. Family ticket £68.
Age Guidance: 8+
Website

Phoenix Dance Return To Their Roots

PHOENIX AT HOME: A CELEBRATION OF FEMALE CHOREOGRAPHERS

 

27-30 September, Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds

Leeds-based Phoenix Dance Theatre returns to its home stage in September with a performance that celebrates the exceptional female talent within the company.

Led by Artistic Director and Yorkshire Woman of the Year, Sharon Watson, the evening promises to be a vibrant showcase of dance championing the work of its own female choreographers.

Last year there was much discussion around the lack of female choreographers – it hit the national newspapers and caused a bit of stir,” says Sharon. “I was part of that national discussion; it’s no secret that whilst early dance is populated with women, the higher up the ladder you go the less women you see.”

Sharon is still passionate about the subject and so created this production as a positive response to the negative backlash.

Phoenix at Home is a celebration of the women we have in the company,” continues Sharon. “It’s important that we shout about this, say how great we are and show young women coming through that it can – and should – be done.”

The result is a thrilling evening of dance that includes a never-before-seen excerpt of a major new piece choreographed by Sharon.  Windrush: Movement of the People celebrates the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the ship SS Empire Windrush which brought the first generation of Caribbean immigrants to England in large numbers; it was 1948 and it would mark the start of the post-war immigration boom which was to radically change British society.

I am really excited about this piece,” says Sharon. “Windrush highlights both the struggles and the good times the Jamaican community experienced during those early years.  It’s an uplifting production and has a great soundtrack – everything from Calypso to RnB. It premieres at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in February next year, but I thought this was a perfect opportunity to give our audiences a taste of what’s to come.”

Earlier this year company dancer and choreographer Sandrine Monin won two national awards from the lead industry body for dance and dance education, One Dance UK, which was a real coup for the company.  Just last year Sharon had given Sandrine her first commission and the outcome was Calyx.

Inspired by and based on the book of poems The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire, Calyx explores the themes of beauty, desire and decadence.

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

Alongside Calyx and the exclusive Windrush excerpt is an original solo by dancer Carmen Vazquez Marfil; a tongue-in-cheek collaboration between dancer Vanessa Pang and Rehearsal Director Tracy Tinker set in the audition room, and a new piece choreographed by dancers Natalie Alleston and Vanessa Pang for the rising stars of the Phoenix Youth Academy.

Phoenix At Home: A Celebration of Female Choreographers is at The Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds from Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th September

 

Tickets are on sale now priced at £15, £12 concession

 

Book online at www.theatreleeds.com or call box office on 0113 220 8008

 

For more information about Phoenix Dance Theatre visit www.phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk

 

Twitter: @phoenixleeds Instagram: @phoenixdancetheatre Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhoenixDanceTheatre/

 

Lions and Tigers and Bares, Oh My! Theme Announced For WEST END BARES

LIONS AND TIGERS AND BARES, OH MY!

 

THEME ANNOUNCED FOR WEST END BARES 2017

SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER

AT 7.00PM AND 9.30PM

AT THE NOVELLO THEATRE

 

Now in its eighth year as the West End’s hottest annual fundraiser, join the cast of WEST END BARES as they strip off to see the Wizard in WEST END BARES: RUBY STRIPPERS at The Novello Theatre on Sunday 29 October with performances at 7.00pm and 9.30pm.

Join the much-loved characters of Oz for an extraordinary night at WEST END BARES: RUBY STRIPPERS, which will see over 100 of the hottest performers from the West End stage and beyond, along with an array of celebrity hosts as they take to the stage to combine the naughtiness of burlesque with the magic of the West End. All monies raised will go to The Make A Difference Trust to fund HIV and AIDS projects that raise awareness, educate and provide care and support in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Click here for an exclusive look behind the scenes of the WEST END BARES: RUBY STRIPPERS photo shoot https://youtu.be/4XYiliFar0o

Directed by David Grewcock with choreography from Racky Plews (American Idiot; Footloose; Heaven on Earth), Ashley Nottingham (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Dance Mums; Disaster!), Will Lucas (Cats; Wicked),Joanna Goodwin (Barnum; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Sunset Boulevard), Aaron Renfree (X Factor; The Saturdays), Simone Mistry-Palmer (Motown; Dirty Dancing), Jaye Elster (Singin’ In The Rain; Half A Sixpence), Ashley Jordan-Packer (Cats; Thriller Live), Fletcher Dobinson (Cats; West Side Story), Chris Whittaker (Blondel; Judy!), and James Wilson (Strictly Come Dancing; The Voice)

Opening the show in style, WEST END BARES: RUBY STRIPPERS is delighted to welcome Olivier Award winner Rebecca Trehearn (Showboat, City of Angels, Ghost), who will perform a brand-new track written for the occasion by Mark Anderson (The Book Of Mormon, Legally Blonde) and Luke di Somma (That Bloody Woman [composer], 21 Chump Street).

Award winning director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell, creator of the original concept ‘Broadway Bares’, the inspiration behind West End Bares, said: “Lions and tigers and BARES, oh my! I can’t wait to see the eighth edition of West End Bares in London and what a perfect theme to go full out and celebrate LIFE.  We need to keep up the fight against HIV and AIDS and by doing what we love or by buying a ticket and supporting this incredible night, you can be part of something HUGE that will change people’s lives – and you get to watch the hottest dancers in London strip, so it’s a no brainer!

 

Melanie Tranter, Co-Founder, Chair and Trustee of The Make A Difference Trust said: “Who can resist an amazing night of witches, lions and scarecrows combined with the magic that is West End Bares? I can’t believe that this is the eighth year of this amazing show. Sparkly shoes take over from the legends of Camelot, as David Grewcock and the amazing team behind last year’s EXCALIBARE, bring you Ruby Strippers. Every single ticket sold means that the Make A Difference Trust can continue our work towards a world free of HIV and AIDS. Together we can make a difference. So buy your tickets, get your MAD money, and enjoy one of the sexiest, most fun evenings you can have in a theatre!  I can’t wait to see you there!”

 

To celebrate this year’s theme release, for a limited time only with every Premium (£100) ticket purchased, ticketholders will also receive a complimentary mini bottle of Prosecco to enjoy from the best seats in the house for the legendary Rotation*

*limited time only and only when booking through DMT website.

The Make A Difference Trust is a UK based charity with a vision of a world free from HIV and AIDS. Building on the legacy of 25 years of fundraising by the Theatre industry, they continue to make the vision a reality having distributed over £1.6million in grants to support individuals experiencing hardship across the UK as well as over £1million to support projects with their UK and international partners. For further information about the Make A Difference Trust please visit  www.madtrust.org.uk

Tickets for WEST END BARES are now on sale and are priced at £15 – £100.

Tickets are available from www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk or the DMT WEST END BARES booking line 0844 482 5172 and in person at the Novello Theatre Box Office. Booking fees apply and calls to Delfont Mackintosh Theatres 0844 numbers cost 7 pence per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

WEST END BARES are proud to be partnering with 100 Wardour St for this year’s exclusive After Party where you can continue to celebrate with the cast of the show. Tickets cost £10 and are only available when you buy a ticket for the 7pm or 9.30pm show.  Once again, there is limited availability for the After Party and when the tickets are gone, they’re gone – so don’t miss out!100 Wardour St is split between a laid-back Bar & Lounge and chic Restaurant & Club, offering great food from midday right through until 2am with classic and contemporary cocktails. As befits the venues history as the site of London’s iconic Marquee Club where artists like David Bowie and The Rolling Stones performed, there are DJ’s and live music five nights a week.

 

Please note: All artists appear subject to availability