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Sheffield Lyceum – until 10 November 2018

Reviewed by Lottie Davis-Browne

4****

The Messiah is an hilarious new play – actually it’s a play-within-a play, featuring a cast of three – comedian and impressionist Hugh Dennis, actor John Marquez (best known for his role as PC Joe Penhale in ITV’s “Doc Martin”) and opera singer Lesley Garrett (ironically playing the role of an Opera Singer), in this unique and highly addictive rendition of “the greatest story ever told” (nope not Harry Potter – the OTHER greatest story ever told – the one of the birth of Jesus!….although personally I think Harry Potter makes more sense than the immaculate conception of Mary!)

The Christmas production by The Maurice Rose Players, a theatre company with just three remaining members – the groups creator – Maurice Rose (Hugh Dennis), Ronald Bream (John Marquez) and the diva of an opera singer, Mrs Leonora Fflyte (Lesley Garrett).

Group leader Maurice is the typical self worshipping, patronising company director (I’m sure we have all met a boss or coach like Maurice – my own being the ballet schools’ owner who would sit and watch my teachers classes, demoralising and putting fear in people’s abilities – including my poor wonderful teachers), who despite Ronald’s loyalty to the Company still makes Ronald doubt his acting abilities. Ronald is shy and rather dim but loveable with it. Despite only three remaining members, the group are still in full swing for their take on the famous Christmas nativity, even when diva “Mrs F” doesn’t make her appearance on time…!

Playing everything from Herod, the three wise men, Angel Gabriel and of course Mary and Joseph, the three theatre company members take us on the journey to Bethlehem with plenty of slapstick comedy, audience participation, play on words, deliberate mis-pronunciation of words, the show is virgin on the ridiculous…(see what I did there?!)

John Marquez provides laughs a plenty, in fact there’s so many jokes and gags it’s hard not to miss any, but the most memorable side spitting gags include Marquez cycling across the stage on a vintage bike dressed as a member of Midwife team from “Call The Midwife” as Mary and Joseph realise it’s time to “call the Midwife” as Mary is having her “main attractions” (contractions).

Dennis also provides bags of comedy, and moments of madness as Maurice has a meltdown. With audience participation (yes I was chosen by Marquez along with several other audience members, to do some of the callouts and plenty of sensational singing from Garrett including a soothing and hypnotic “Silent Night”.

Usually the thought of watching anything remotely biblical is enough to send me to sleep, however, The Messiah brings the same kind of humour to the stage as the likes of “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “The Comedy About A Bank Robbery”, making it perfect comedy for an adults only festive night out. (Not suitable for children!)

 

Richmond Theatre, London – until Saturday 10th November 2018

Reviewed by Lisa Harlow

5*****

Rain Man is brought to the stage courtesy of Bill Kenwright Productions’ Classic Screen to Stage Company. A reminder that this film is now thirty years old and is a classic!

Originally featuring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, this film focused on two brothers rediscovering not just each other, but an ability to grow outside of their own shell, created by different circumstances but ultimately firmly shaped by the same hard-hearted father. Raymond Babbitt (Mathew Horne) is the autistic older brother, or ‘savant’, who exhibits extraordinary abilities and becomes the beneficiary of the will on the passing of the father but who had been left at an Institute since a young age.

The younger brother Charlie (Ed Speleers) is your classic 80’s American car dealer hustler stereotype: self-obsessed, unable to emotionally express himself, preoccupied with getting himself out of the latest financial scrape and making money, all whilst wearing chinos, loafers and a very flamboyant hairdo. He cannot remember the presence of a brother, and is estranged from his father (following the stealing of his father’s 1949 Buick convertible resulting in a prison stay). His eye is firmly on the financial prize. When he discovers that there is a trust fund and it is in fact in the name of his brother, he begins a crude attempt to use him as leverage by kidnapping him from the hospital.

The outset is loud and brash, as was the true raging heart of the 80’s, and the dialogue flies at the audience at top speed, almost not allowing digestion. By the time the brothers are introduced, the pace begins to drop and the audience are immersed in the content completely. Mathew Horne as Raymond is compelling from the moment he sets foot on stage. Even every departure he makes from stage demands attention. His mastery of the character, his ticks, traits, vulnerabilities, superpowers – however you may label them – prompts an overwhelming feeling of nurturance and compassion. Ed Speleers meets this quality in turn, and as a pair their energy fills the stage in a powerful, funny and, at times, raw manner.

People may wonder if today’s lens allows this content, written in the eighties, to be palatable, to be laughed at and to be truly enjoyed. It is. And this is a tribute to all the cast as it is so intensely and beautifully held and performed. The emotion in the end scenes was palpable as a chorus of gulps could be heard through the audience, restraining their tears. There is a tenderness and eventual spiritual breakthrough for Charlie that is not cliché or cringeworthy. A truly moving and evocative performance.

Mayflower Southampton – until 10th November

Reviewed by Jo Gordon

5*****

Following on from the hugely popular, ten series TV sitcom Benidorm, Benidorm Live has hit the stage running and seems to certainly be pulling in the fans. Sticking to the same format of being set at the Salerno Hotel with some very familiar faces it felt like catching up with an old friend.

There are several story lines intertwining to keep us entertained. A couple who have been sent to the Salerno after their posh hotel overbooked are struggling to adapt to a less decedent  establishment, there is rumour of a hotel inspector lurking around, gay swingers, randy Spanish waiters, family reunions, romances and big musical show numbers!   Ditsy Joyce Temple-Savage (Sherrie Hewson), lothario Mateo (Jake Canuso), Blow and Go duo Liam (Adam Gillen) and Kenneth (Tony Maudsley), ageing swinger Jacqueline (Janine Duvitski) and holiday maker turned staff Sam (Shelley Longworth) provide us with the saucy postcard humour and slapstick comedy we all love Benidorm for .

The set is simple but works well with set changes providing a chance for the cast to impress us with some rather splendid dance moves and vocal acrobatics that will get your toes tapping and hands clapping. The entire audience were beaming from ear to ear and laughter from all ages filled the theatre. Benidorm Live is a large throbbing shaft of light at the end of a dark moist tunnel, much needed in our current climate!

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

THE CLASSIC SCREEN TO STAGE THEATRE COMPANY’S

INAUGURAL PRODUCTION

RAIN MANEXTENDING INTO 2019 WITH A NEW STAR CAST

 

                ****                                          ****

‘POIGNANT AND GRIPPING’          ‘THOUGHTFUL, FUNNY AND MOVING’

                   THE DAILY MAIL                                               THE SCOTSMAN

 

STARRING PAUL NICHOLLS & CHRIS FOUNTAIN

OPENING AT THEATRE ROYAL BATH ON 14 JANUARY 2019

 

After a successful first year, Rain Man, the inaugural production of Bill Kenwright’s Classic Screen to Stage Theatre Company, has extended its run into 2019 with a new star cast. Paul Nicholls will play Raymond Babbit, joined by Chris Fountain as Charlie Babbitt.

 

PAUL NICHOLLS became a household name when he joined EastEnders as the troubled Joe Wicks in 1996 until 1997. He has also appeared in acclaimed dramas such as Channel 4’s hit drama Ackley Bridge, The C Word for the BBC and ITV’s Law and Order. His film work includes Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, If Only and The Trench. Previous theatre work includes Long Day’s Journey Into Night with Jessica Lange (Lyric Theatre), Vincent in Brixton (National Theatre), Billy Liar (Bush Theatre) and The Shawshank Redemption (UK Tour).

 

CHRIS FOUNTAIN won Best Actor in the 2008 British Soap Awards for his portrayal of Justin Burton in Hollyoaks. He played Tommy Duckworth for 2 years in Coronation Street and has also starred in Dancing On Ice and most recently the ITV drama, Girlfriends. In 2016 he made his stage debut as Guy in the award-winning production of The Full Monty UK Tour.

 

The 2019 run will open at Theatre Royal Bath on 14 January 2019 and then continue on its UK road trip to Woking, Barnstaple, Malvern, Crawley, Darlington, Clwyd, Southampton, Manchester, High Wycombe, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Weston-Super-Mare.

 

TWO BROTHERS. ONE DESTINY.

 

When self-centered salesman Charlie Babbitt discovers that his long-lost brother

Raymond, an autistic savant with a genius for numbers, has inherited the family fortune; he sets out to get ‘his half’.

 

Charlie ‘borrows’ Raymond from the institution where he has spent most of his life and the two brothers embark on a trip across America where Charlie soon discovers that Raymond is worth more than he could have ever imagined…

 

Inspired by the heart-warming Oscar-winning film, which famously starred Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman and won Oscar’s for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor, Rain Manfollows previous acclaimed Bill Kenwright productions of films to the stage such as A Few Good Men, The Shawshank Redemption and Twelve Angry Men.

 

The production is directed by Jonathan O’Boyle whose credits include: A Guide for the Homesick(Trafalgar Studios), Rasheeda Speaking (Trafalgar Studios), This House (UK Tour); Pippin (Hope Mill Theatre/Southwark Playhouse); and Hair (Hope Mill Theatre/The Vaults) winner of the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Off West End Production.

 

BILL KENWRIGHT

Presents

The Classic Screen to Stage Theatre Company

PAUL NICHOLLS                                              CHRIS FOUNTAIN

IN

RAIN MAN

BY DAN GORDON

 

DIRECTED BY JONATHAN O’BOYLE

Based on the MGM motion picture · Story by Barry Morrow · Screenplay by Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow ·

Produced by special arrangement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

 

Designed by Morgan Large

Lighting by Jack Weir

Sound by Dan Samson

 

 

Dates: 14 January – 20 April 2019

Website: www.kenwright.com

Twitter: @BKL_Productions

 

DATES AND VENUES

 

BATH Theatre Royal 14-19 January	Theatreroyal.org.uk 01225 448844
WOKING News Victoria Theatre 21-26 January	Atgtickets.com/newvictoriatheatre 0844 871 7645
BARNSTAPLE Queens Theatre 28 January – 2 February	Parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/Queenstheatre 01271 316063
MALVERN Festival Theatre 4-9 February	Malvern-theatres.co.uk 01684 892277
CRAWLEY Hawth Theatre 11-16 February	Parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/thehawth 01293 553636
DARLINGTON Hippodrome 18-23 February	Darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk 01325 405405
MOLD Theatr Clwyd 25 February – 2 March	Theatrclwyd.com 01352 701521
SOUTHAMPTON Nuffield Theatre 4-9 March	Nstheatres.co.uk 0238067 1771
MANCHESTER Lowry Theatre 11-16 March	Thelowry.com 0843 208 6000
HIGH WYCOMBE Swan Theatre 18-23 March	Wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512 000
GLASGOW Theatre Royal 25-30 March	Atgtickets.com/theatreroyalglasgow 0844 871 7647
ABERDEEN His Majesty’s Theatre 1-6 April	Aberdeenperformingarts.com 01224 641122
NEWCASTLE Northern Stage Theatre 8-13 April	Northernstage.co.uk 0191 230 5151
WESTON-SUPER-MARE Playhouse Theatre 15-20 April	Parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/playhousetheatre 01934645544

BOYS

       27 November – 1 December, New Diorama Theatre

      Nine men of colour share stories about growing up in London, in a celebration of manhood far removed from toxic masculinity

The PappyShow will bring their first ever full-length production, the award-winning BOYS, to New Diorama Theatre this month.

 

In an era where toxic masculinity is the dominant narrative of the male experience, BOYS explores and celebrates diverse experiences of manhood centred on the stories of nine men of colour growing up in London; their ancestry, their present lives and their hopes for the future.

 

The way we move. The way we talk. The way we think. We want to show you the things about BOYS that you never get to see.

 

A joyful, fascinating and socially revelatory look at what it means to be a man in 2018, BOYS subverts the myths and stereotypes of the masculine experience (particularly that of young men of colour) with a combination of beautiful, playful movement-driven visual theatre, powerful and humorous direct address storytelling, and joyous interactive play.

 

The PappyShow was founded by Kane Husbands in 2013 and the company specialises in training and workshops in movement, choreography, and the of use games and free play to create theatre. This perspective and range of skills has created a unique style of performance.

 

Kane Husbands founded The PappyShow after choreographing the London 2012 Olympics Team Welcome Ceremonies in conjunction with the National Youth Theatre, where they still run workshops presently.

                                                                                

BOYS was first performed at the 2018 VAULT Festival where it won the Origins Award for Outstanding New Work, and went on to perform to great acclaim at Latitude 2018.

 

Some cast members change every time the show is performed, with the personal nature of the material performed meaning that each production of the show is different from the last. The common thread is that each version of BOYS is devised and performed by an ensemble whose communities, families and heritage span the entire world, creating a joyful and tender dance that uncovers the endless possibilities which make up a man.

November 22nd 2018, Roundhouse, 7.30pm

Digital artists Simon Katan and Luke Fraser present Clamour, an interactive mixed media theatre piece for live coder and audience, experienced simultaneously on stage and via a smartphone app in a new frontier for digital theatre.

The setting is Sealand – a lone outpost surrounded by vast swathes of ocean, and survivor of global catastrophe. Now faced with an existential fight for its future, its people must forge the tools they require. New rules must be written, paving the way for a new state of being. With their resourcefulness and through working together what could go wrong?

Through this story and the unfolding of subsequent events, Clamour wryly and reflexively interrogates how tech and social media mediate and influence our knowledge, relationships, and identities. Via their engagement with both the action on screen and via their smartphones, the audience make collective
decisions to influence what they are seeing on stage.

Throughout, an inscrutable figure on stage will play a powerful role in shaping divergent audience experiences with heuristic games that charm, frustrate and deceive. Digital projection and sound diffusion will form an integrated counterpoint. Yet it is the audience themselves, through gameplay with
image, sound, and text, who will determine the shape of the final performance.

Dr Simon Katan is a digital artist with a background in music and a strong preoccupation with games and play. He completed a PhD researching audio-visual co-dependency in music at Brunel University in 2012 and won a Prix Ars Electronica Honorary Mention for his work ‘Cube with Magic Ribbons’. He lectures in computing and has been head of Creative Computing at Goldsmiths University since 2015.

Luke Fraser is a London-based composer and educator working across a range of media including sound, music, film, movement and text. He is currently a Composer-in-Residence at Visby International Centre for Composers and at Elektronmusik Studion EMS, Stockholm.

Clamour is funded by Arts Council England – Grants for the Arts.

NEW ADVENTURES

ANNOUNCES FULL SEASON CASTING FOR

‘THE SWAN’ AND ‘THE PRINCE’

IN

MATTHEW BOURNE’S

“SWAN LAKE”

AT SADLER’S WELLS

4 DECEMBER 2018 – 27 JANUARY 2019

New Adventures is delighted to announce casting for ‘The Swan’ and ‘The Prince’ in Matthew Bourne’s new production of his legendary “SWAN LAKE” at Sadler’s Wells from Tuesday 4 December 2018 to Sunday 27 January 2019. 

The Royal Ballet’s newest Principal Dancer, Matthew Ball, will be joining New Adventures for the entire London season of Matthew Bourne’s “SWAN LAKE” at Sadler’s Wells in the role of ‘The Swan’. Matthew will be making his debut with New Adventures and will dance four performances each week during the eight-week season at Sadler’s Wells. This year he also made his debut as ‘Prince Siegfried’ in The Royal Ballet’s new production of “Swan Lake” at the Royal Opera House. Matthew Ball joins New Adventures star Will Bozier, who most recently danced to great acclaim as ‘Harry, the Pilot’, in Matthew Bourne’s “Cinderella” and former English National Ballet star Max Westwell who was also recently seen in the West End in “An American in Paris”. Will and Max are both making their debuts in the role of ‘The Swan’ and will perform throughout the UK and International tour. 

Returning to the role of ‘The Prince’ are two much loved New Adventures stars, Liam Mower (recently wowing audiences as ‘The Angel’ in “Cinderella”) and Dominic North (acclaimed star of “Edward Scissorhands”, “The Car Man”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “The Red Shoes” and “Cinderella”). They are joined by New Adventures newcomer, 19 year old James Lovell, who is making his professional debut in this production.

The casting for the London season at Sadler’s Wells is:

Tuesday 4 December: Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Wednesday 5 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Thursday 6 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Friday 7 December: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 8 December (mat): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 8 December (eve): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 9 December (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 9 December (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Monday 10 December: NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 11 December: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Wednesday 12 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Thursday 13 December: Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Friday 14 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 15 December (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 15 December (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 16 December (mat): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 16 December (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Monday 17 December: NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 18 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Wednesday 19 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Thursday 20 December: Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Friday 21 December: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 22 December (mat): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 22 December (eve): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 23 December (mat): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 23 December (eve): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Monday 24 December: NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 25 December: NO PERFORMANCE

Wednesday 26 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Thursday 27 December (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’

Thursday 27 December (eve): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Friday 28 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 29 December (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 29 December (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 30 December (mat): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 30 December (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Monday 31 December: NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 1 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Wednesday 2 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Thursday 3 January: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Friday 4 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 5 January (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 5 January (eve): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 6 January (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 6 January (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Monday 7 January: NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 8 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Wednesday 9 January: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Thursday 10 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Friday 11 January: Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 12 January (mat): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 12 January (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 13 January (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 13 January (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Monday 14 January: NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 15 January: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Wednesday 16 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Thursday 17 January: Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’

Friday 18 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 19 January (mat): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 19 January (eve): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 20 January (mat): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 20 January (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Monday 21 January: NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 22 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Wednesday 23 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Thursday 24 January (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’

Thursday 24 January (eve): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Friday 25 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 26 January (mat): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Saturday 26 January (eve): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Sunday 27 January (mat): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

 

Please note: Changes to published casting may be necessary at short notice due to illness or injury and no exchanges or refunds will be offered to any ticket holders in this instance,

No exchanges or refunds will be offered to any existing ticket holders following this casting announcement.

Matthew Bourne’s “SWAN LAKE” returns with a fresh look for the 21^st century.

Retaining the iconic elements of the original production loved by millions around the world, Matthew Bourne and his Associate Artists, award-winning designers Lez Brotherston (Set & Costumes) and Paule Constable(Lighting) will create an exciting re-imagining of the classic production.

Thrilling, audacious, witty and emotive, this Swan Lake is perhaps still best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered conventions, turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm.

Collecting over thirty international accolades including an Olivier Award in the UK and three Tonys on Broadway, Matthew Bourne’s powerful interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece is a passionate and contemporary Swan Lake for our times.

For more information please visit: www.new-adventures.net

Facebook /MBNewAdventures    Twitter @New_Adventures     Instagram @MBNewAdventures

STAR OF RuPAUL’S DRAG RACE, AMERICAN IDOL
AND YOUTUBE SENSATION

TODRICK HALL
TO STAR AS BILLY FLYNN IN

AT THE PHOENIX THEATRE

FROM 19 NOVEMBER 2018 – 5 JANUARY 2019

 

Star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, American Idol and YouTube sensation Todrick Hall will star as Billy Flynn in CHICAGO from 19 November 2018 until the end of the show’s run at the Phoenix Theatre on 5 January 2019.

Todrick will join Sarah Soetaert as Roxie Hart, Josefina Gabrielle as Velma Kelly, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton and Paul Rider as Amos Hart.

Alexandra Burke plays the role of Roxie Hart until 10 November and Duncan James plays the role of Billy Flynn until 17 November.

Todrick Hall first rose to fame as a semi-finalist on the ninth series of American Idol. He joined YouTube in 2006 where he now has 2.9 million subscribers with his videos being viewed over 593million times. In 2016 he appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, later appearing as a full-time judge for RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 2 and again for the ninth season last year. No stranger to theatre he as appeared on Broadway as Billy Flynn in Chicago and Lola in Kinky Boots.

The multi award-winning Kander & Ebb musical CHICAGO, winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, returned to London’s West End on Monday 26 March 2018, with a press night on Wednesday 11 April at the Phoenix Theatre in London.

 

CHICAGO originally ran in London for 15 years, making it the West End’s longest running revival.  It first opened at the Adelphi Theatre on 18 November 1997 to rave reviews and immediately became a sell-out hit.  CHICAGO won the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for ‘Outstanding Musical Production’ as well as the 1998 Critics Circle Drama Award for ‘Best Musical’.  CHICAGO transferred from the Adelphi Theatre to the Cambridge Theatre in April 2006, where it ran for five years until 27 August 2011.  The show then opened at the Garrick Theatre on 7 November 2011, where it ran until 1 September 2012.

Since it opened in New York in 1996, CHICAGO has played in 36 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean.  It has grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide and has played over 32,500 performances worldwide, with an estimated 31 million people around the world having seen CHICAGO.  CHICAGO continues to play on Broadway, where it celebrated its 21^st birthday last year, and around the world in multiple languages.  It is the world’s longest running American musical.

CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.  The 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO was choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Phoenix Theatre

110 Charing Cross Road

London WC2H 0JP

Box Office: 0844 871 7629 / www.atgtickets.com/shows/chicago/phoenix-theatre

Ticket Prices: From £20.00

Performances: Monday-Saturday 7.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm

Booking Period:  Booking Until 5 January 2019

Running Time:  2 hours, 25 minutes (with interval)

Website: ChicagoWestEnd.com

Twitter: @ChicagoOnStage

Christmas 2018/19 Performance Schedule

 

Monday 24 December                   NO PERFORMANCE

Tuesday 25 December                   NO PERFORMANCE

Wednesday 26 December             7.30pm

Thursday 27 December                  2.30pm and 7.30pm

Friday 28 December                                   2.30pm and 7.30pm

Saturday 29 December                  2.30pm and 7.30pm

Monday 31 December                   2.30pm

Tuesday 1 January 2019                 7.30pm

Wednesday 2 January                   2.30pm and 7.30pm

Thursday 3 January                         2.30pm and 7.30pm

Friday 4 January                             7.30pm

Saturday 5 January                                    2.30pm and 7.30pm

140 YEARS YOUNG: LEEDS GRAND THEATRE CELEBRATES MAJOR MILESTONE WITH A SERIES OF EVENTS

Leeds Grand Theatre turns 140-years-old on Sunday 18 November and is celebrating this major milestone with a series of events spanning two weeks, including ‘Oh What a Night’ a red carpet event in collaboration with hit Broadway and West End musical, Jersey Boys.

Built in 1878, reportedly following an off-the-cuff remark by Prince Albert that Leeds needed a good theatre as “nothing was more calculated to promote culture and raise the tone of the people”, Leeds Grand Theatre or The Grand Old Lady of Leeds (the staff universally refer to the Grand as ‘she’) is an intriguing mix of Romanesque and Victorian Gothic styles and a major milestone in Victorian design; famed for its sumptuous interior, plasterwork and other decorative features.

The brainchild of architect, George Corson, the build took 13 months to complete at a cost of £62,000. The overall scheme embraced six shops, Assembly Rooms, a Supper Room and large cellars; this magnificent Grade II* listed building was deemed ‘ahead of its time’ and once described as ‘probably the finest of its size in Britain’.

Opening night featured Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing starring the then actor-manager and playwright, Wilson Barrett (several function rooms within The Grand have since been named in his honour). Stars that have since trodden the boards include Julie Andrews, Ken Dodd, Bruce Forsyth, Elton John, Peter Kay, Morecambe and Wise, Laurence Olivier, Cliff Richard and Tommy Steele. In more recent years, The Grand has welcomed Fern Britton, Dara O’Briain, Jake Bugg, Andrew Flintoff, Nigel Havers, Jane McDonald and Sting.

Seating 1466 at full capacity, the auditorium provides a home for performances of all types, including its resident companies Opera North and Northern Ballet. Since its Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council supported ‘transformation’ in 2006, the theatre has hosted the best of the West End and other touring productions, including large musicals, drama from the National Theatre, comedians and music. The theatre provided a venue for the world premieres of Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s, The Girls (2015), and Fat Friends The Musical (2017) which was penned by Leeds’s own award-winning writer, Kay Mellor.

Chris Blythe, CEO, says: “Leeds Grand Theatre is a stalwart in a city famed for its cultural offering; a jewel in its crown. It has welcomed an incredible number of diverse entertainers and shows over the past 140 years and will continue to do so for many years to come; we hope at least another 140!

 

“Thanks to the overwhelming and enduring support of the people of Leeds (not forgetting the significant financial support from Leeds City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund) the theatre has weathered substantial challenges throughout its 140 years. From a planned demolition in 1969 to make way for new office blocks to the discovery of a significant risk to the roof holding up the ornate plaster ceiling in the auditorium which almost closed the venue in 2016, the theatre remains true to the old motto that ‘the show must go on’. It is a tribute to the staff, both past and present that this ‘grand old lady’ of Leeds continues to bring entertainment and joy to the city and the region.”

To celebrate 140 years, Leeds Grand will have a popup exhibition of images and ‘fun facts’ in Victoria Gate on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November. A gala event, in collaboration with Jersey Boys will be held on Wednesday 21 November and an afternoon tea for past and present staff will be held in the Emerald Grand Hall on Sunday 25 November.

Patrons of Leeds Grand are being encouraged to share their stories on social media tagging @grandtheatreLS1and using the hashtag #LeedsGrandAt140 or by emailing info@leedsgrandtheatre.com. The best stories will be shared on The Grand’s social platforms.

 

“We should all be so very proud of the Grand Theatre, right through the country, the world and of course here in Yorkshire.” Dickie Bird OBE.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR THE FORTHCOMING UK AND IRELAND TOUR

 OF THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL 

THE BODYGUARD

OPENING AT THE

THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW

ON MONDAY 3 DECEMBER

Producers, Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce full casting for the forthcoming UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning smash hit musical THE BODYGUARD opening at the Theatre Royal Glasgowon Monday 3 December. Tour schedule below. thebodyguardmusical.com

Joining the previously announced Alexandra Burke as Rachel Marron will be Benoît Maréchal as Frank Farmer, Micha Richardson as Nicki Marron, Peter Landi as Bill Devaney, Craig Berry as Tony, Gary Turner as Sy Spector, Phil Atkinson as The Stalker and Simon Cotton as Ray Court. At certain performances the role of Rachel Marron will be played by Carole Stennett.

 

Alexandra Burke will not be performing the role of Rachel Marron at all shows. Patrons should check before booking.

 

The rest of the company includes Rosie Cava-Beale, Callum Clack, Myles Cork, Kerry Crozier, Sia Dauda, Gustav Die, Chris Edgerley, James Lee Harris, Holly Liburd, Jack Loy, Hannah Millichamp, Helen Parsons, Daniil Shmidt, Jessica Simmons, Yiota Theo and Michael Wade Peters.

Alexandra Burke returns to the role of Rachel Marron following her triumphant run in the show in both the West End and the subsequent sell out 2015/2016 tour. She first rose to fame after winning the fifth series of The X Factor and her debut number one single Hallelujah sold over one million copies in the UK, a first for a British female soloist. She most recently appeared as ‘Svetlana’ in “Chess” at the London Coliseum and can currently be seen as ‘Roxie’ in “Chicago” at the West End’s Phoenix Theatre. Last year she reached the final of “Strictly Come Dancing”. Her other theatre credits include ‘Deloris Van Cartier’ in the national tour of the musical “Sister Act”. Benoît Maréchal starred as Frank Farmer in the French Production of The Bodyguard. His other credits include Quartett at the Odeon Theatre Paris and La Passion Selon St Jean at the Chatelet Theatre. On TV he has appeared in the successful Spiral. Micha Richardson’s credits include the national tours of Legally Blonde, Fame and Mamma Mia! where she played the role of Ali. Her international tour credits include We Will Rock You and The Bodyguard. Peter Landi’s many theatre credits include This House at the National Theatre, To Kill a Mockingbird at Manchester’s Royal Exchange and I.D. at the Almeida. Craig Berry’s many theatre credits include Mamma Mia!, Cats, Closer to Heaven, Titanic and The Producers. Gary Turner is probably best known for playing Carlos Diaz in ITV1’s Emmerdale and Nathan Blake in Hollyoaks. His many theatre credits include national tours of Dead Guilty, How the Other Half Loves, Jekyll and Hyde and most recently Strictly Murder. Phil Atkinson recently played Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Kilworth House. He has also appeared in Little Shop of Horrors and Spring Awakening. Simon Cotton has appeared in A Clockwork Orange at the Park Theatre and The Dumb Waiter at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre. Carole Stennett’s many theatre credits include Rosa Parks in King at Hackney Empire, Dotty in Caroline, or Change at Hampstead Theatre and Nala in The Lion King in the West End and on tour. Carole has appeared as Rachel Marron many times in The Bodyguard in the West End, China and Toronto as well as the role of Nicki Marron in the show in the West End.

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD, directed by Thea Sharrock with book by Oscar winning (Birdman) Alex Dinelaris, had its world premiere at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End in 2012 and was nominated for four Olivier Awards. A sell out 18 month UK and Ireland tour followed, before the show returned to the West End at the Dominion Theatre. THE BODYGUARD has also played in the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Canada, Italy, Australia, Madrid, France, and on tour throughout the US and can currently be seen in Stuttgart.

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

 

THE BODYGUARD – UK TOUR 2018 – 2019

MONDAY 3 DECEMBER – SATURDAY 29 DECEMBER 2018

GLASGOW, THEATRE ROYAL www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

TUESDAY 8 JANUARY – SATURDAY 19 JANUARY 2019

HULL NEW THEATRE www.hulltheatres.co.uk

TUESDAY 22 JANUARY – SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2019

SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION www.southendtheatres.org.uk

WEDNESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2019

GRAND OPERA HOUSE BELFAST www.goh.co.uk

TUESDAY 26 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 9 MARCH

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

TUESDAY 12 MARCH – SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

TUESDAY 26 MARCH – SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019

BRISTOL HIPPODROME www.atgtickets.com/bristol

TUESDAY 16 APRIL – SATURDAY 27 APRIL 2019

CARDIFF, WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE www.wmc.org.uk

TUESDAY 30 APRIL – SATURDAY 11 MAY 2019

NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

 

TUESDAY 14 – SATURDAY 25 MAY 2019

MARLOWE THEATRE, CANTERBURY www.marlowetheatre.com

TUESDAY 28 MAY – SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2019

MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON www.mayflower.org.uk

TUESDAY 11 JUNE – SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2019

ROYAL CONCERT HALL, NOTTINGHAM www.trch.co.uk

TUESDAY 25 JUNE – SATURDAY 6 JULY 2019

WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE www.grandtheatre.co.uk

The casting of Rachel Marron will be announced soon

TUESDAY 9 JULY – SATURDAY 20 JULY

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh

TUESDAY 23 JULY – SATURDAY 3 AUGUST 2019

NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL www.theatreroyal.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST – SATURDAY 17 AUGUST 2019

BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

ON SALE SOON