AMELIE THE MUSICAL TO OPEN IN THE UK IN 2019

AMELIE THE MUSICAL

UK PREMIERE PRODUCTION TO TOUR THE UK IN 2019,

PRIOR TO MAJOR INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS

Amélie The Musical, an adaptation of the much-loved 2001 award-winning film Amélie, will have its UK stage premiere at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury from 11 April to 18 May, and then embark on an extensive UK tour from 20 May. With music by Hem’s Daniel Messé, lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Daniel Messé and book by Craig Lucas, this new musical adaptation of the five-time Oscar®-nominated film written by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant, will be directed by Michael Fentiman, with star casting to be announced.

Amélie is the story of an astonishing young woman who lives quietly in the world, but loudly in her mind. She secretly improvises small, but extraordinary acts of kindness that bring happiness to those around her. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realises that to find her own contentment she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. Although times are hard for dreamers, Amélie is someone to believe in…

Michael Fentiman said, “As a theatre maker, staging Amélie as a musical is one of those exciting, terrifying challenges, that you absolutely cannot turn down. It is a gentle, magical and uncynically joyous piece – that takes its audience on a surreal flight of fancy, into the mind of an extraordinary young woman, Amélie Poulain. It’s going to be a huge pleasure to open the show at the beautiful Watermill Theatre before then taking our extremely talented actor musician cast around the UK.

The original film, Le Fabuleux Destin D’Amélie Poulain, was released in 2001, starring Audrey Tatou and Matthieu Kassovitz. Taking over $33 million in a limited theatrical release, it is to date the highest-grossing French-language film released in the United States, and one of the biggest international successes for a French film. Amélie won Best Film at the European Film Awards, four César Awards in 2002 (including Best Film and Best Director), two BAFTA Awards (including Best Original Screenplay), and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including best foreign language film.

Amélie The Musical was first staged in California in 2015 and was described as an ‘enchanting act of theatrical reinvention’ (The Los Angeles Times).

When the UK tour concludes in August 2019, Amélie The Musical will tour internationally, with dates to be announced.

Amélie The Musical, is produced by Hartshorn – Hook Productions, Selladoor Productions, The Watermill Theatre and Broadway Asia

Website: http://ameliethemusical.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmelieMusicalUK/ @AmelieMusicalUK Twitter: https://twitter.com/ameliemusicaluk @AmelieMusicalUK

LISTINGS

The Watermill Theatre

Dates: Thursday 11 April to Saturday 18 May 2019

Interpreted performances: Audio Described on Sat 11 May at 2.30pm, Touch Tour at 1pm.

Performances: Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm

Last Saturday performances at 1.30pm and 6.30pm

Tickets: from £16 – £29. £10 tickets for those aged 16 to 25 (subject to availability).

Box Office: 01635 46044 | www.watermill.org.uk

TOUR DATES 2019 – MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

22 – 25 May Box Office: 0844 871 7646 New Wimbledon Theatre Website: https://new-wimbledon-theatre/

3 – 8 June Box Office: 01392 726363 Exeter Northcott Theatre Website: https://exeternorthcott.co.uk/

10 – 15 June Box Office: 01494 512000 Wycombe Swan Theatre Website: https://wycombeswan.co.uk/

17 – 22 June Box Office: 0844 871 3020 New Theatre, Oxford Website: https://new-theatre-oxford/

24 – 29 June Box Office: 0131 529 6000 King’s Theatre, Edinburgh Website: https://kings-theatre-edinburgh/

1 – 6 July Box Office: 01274 432000 Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Website: https://the-alhambra-theatre

8 – 13 July Box Office: 0116 296 1236 Haymarket Theatre, Leicester Website: https://www.haytheatre.com/

22 – 27 July Box Office: 0844 871 3011 Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Website: https://alexandra-theatre-birmingham/

19 – 24 August Box Office: 0844 871 7648 King’s Theatre, Glasgow Website: https://kings-theatre-glasgow/

26 – 31 August Box Office: 0844 871 7645 Victoria Theatre, Woking Website: https://new-victoria-theatre/

Brendan Cole All Night Long Review

Kings Theatre Southsea

Review by Nicky Wyatt

5*****

Strictly’s bad boy Brendan may not be on our screens on a Saturday night anymore, he is however touring the country with his fabulous show. It’s like an up close and personal masterclass in all things strictly with lots more thrown in.

The show opens with its title song All Night Long for a Samba which is danced by Brendan and his partner Fay Huddlestone along with six other dancers it is the ultimate opener to create the party vibe. With a superb band directed by Barry Robinson with singers Jenna Lee James and Iain Mackenzie. It was clear from this first dance that we were in for a treat.

Whether you are a Latin on Ballroom fan you can’t fail to be impressed with the choreography of this dance marathon. 14 dances in all with some seriously quick costume changes keep you totally enthralled. At times it’s hard to know where to look first , is it the costumes, the amazing footwork, the expressions especially Brendan’s?! For me it’s the feet first, I find it mesmerising to watch. Do keep an eye on the brass section of the band though, they have their own routines and are entertaining to watch.

There are a great mix of dances and dancers in this show. I’m.not a huge fan of contemporary dance but on this occasion my mind was changed by Nancy Xu tonight not only did she look amazing the dance was just wow. I always love the romance of a waltz, this one is different danced to a Buble song At This Moment it depicts an affair it’s quite beautiful.

The Argentine Tango is meant to he a sultry dance. This one danced by Faye was just that, it’s sultry, erotic and fuelled with passion totally immersive and transports you to a smoky cocktail bar with subdued lighting in Argentina, pure theatre.

The master of the dance showcased his many talents with a dynamic Paso. The posturing and cape work done in perfect unison by Brendan with the 3 other guys Gary, Alberto and Moreno is just fantastic .

The voice of Jenna Lee James as she sang Defying Gravity from Wicked is just spellbinding.

Mixed in amongst this fantastic night of dance there are some really funny moments as Brendan interacts with the audience. He’s a funny guy! He banters about Strictly and has a little gossip and snipe. When he came out in to the audience I thought my friend beside me was going to burst as he was so close. He gave birthday kisses out, amazing how many women had a birthday today! He also sang and played guitar doing a medley of Ed Sheerans Evergreen. He is not only a fantastic dancer but a great host and compere too a great showman.

If you like glitz, glamour and sparkles you will absolutely love this show. Ammaazzzing Da’hling

Putting It Together Review

Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester – until 24th November.  

Reviewed by Joseph Everton

5*****

Although retaining it’s industrial, rugged charms, the warmth and intimacy of the Hope Mill theatre plays the perfect host to Putting It Together, a chocolate box of Sondheim numbers pieced together with a hint of a narrative and just enough, with a little imagination, to turn a collection of songs into a believable tale.

Beautifully performed Sondheim classics paint pictures of juxtaposing relationships, one loveless and one in its honeymoon phase, at a boozy party in a Manhattan apartment. Five performers, choreographed to perfection by venue owner William Whelton, revolve around one another and, if you didn’t know it already, you might not even realise the thirty two musical numbers were plucked from shows with a variety of contexts. And even if you did, each number, performed with the ever-present Michael Webber on piano, will likely put a smile on your face.

The cast deliver a performance full of wit and the compact venue means we can gaze into their eyes as they showcase their considerable talents in a fitting tribute to Stephen Sondheim’s brilliance. Lauren James Ray’s performance is a particular highlight, worthy of five stars and a pleasure to watch. Her portrayal of an unhappy wife in a marriage in its death throes, earned the snorts, giggles and sometimes raucous laughter of her audience and ensured that we could not take our eyes off her. Amongst a wealth of excellent showings by the whole cast, including Alex Cardall’s heart-warming Marry Me a Little and Andrew Gallo’s hilarious Buddy’s Blues from Follies, her rendition of Getting Married Today from Company stole the show.

You can watch Sondheim’s Putting It Together at the Hope Mill Theatre until Saturday 24th November and you really should.

The Wipers Times Review

Arts Theatre – until 1 December

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

As the centenary of the Armistice that ended World War One approaches, The Wipers Times returns to the West End after a national tour. Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s play about this extraordinary publication is a wonderful celebration and memorial for the humour, spirit and bravery of the men and women of WW1.

When the men of the 24th Division of the Sherwood Foresters come across a printing press in a bomb-damaged building in Ypres, their commanding officer, Captain Fred Roberts (James Dutton) decides to start their own front line newspaper. With Lt Jack Pearson (George Kemp) as deputy editor and Sgt Tyler (Dan Mersh) using his civilian expertise to run the press the Wipers Times was born.

Hislop and Newman’s clever script blends with original articles from the publication, full of terrible puns, poetry and satirical comment. Adverts, poems and articles are presented as music halls sketches and songs by the brilliantly tight cast, escalating the sense of bewilderment and incredulity of the men at the reality of war. The set feels as if it was built by soldiers, with every inch serving a practical purpose at some stage of the play. Wooden planks serve as the walls of bombed out buildings or trenches, and the cast move props around as they sing more ridiculous war songs.

The humour veers between laugh out loud one liners, dad jokes and infantile humour, but it all works brilliantly. The officers of the General Staff are most abused, and quite rightly, and the Wipers Times main nemesis, Lt Colonel Howfield (Sam Ducane) and his Captain – nicknamed Bobbing Bobby – are instantly familiar to Blackadder fans, but are exactly what the plot needs. The home front is represented by Frank’s wife (Emilia Williams) and her news of their chickens, and the indomitable Lady Somersby (Clio Davies), determined to drive the demon drink from the trenches. The camaraderie on stage is infectious, with the entire cast giving stellar performances.

Amongst the laughs are some harrowing moments, always tempered by an inappropriate laugh – the standouts being when the men are preparing to go over the top at the Somme. The horrors of war are always present, with the sound of artillery and debris from falling bombs scattering the stage, but the way the men coped with these dreadful times by looking for the humour and ridiculousness of their day to day existence speaks to us all. The running joke about the amount of poetry submitted by soldiers reminds us that the publication of the Wipers Times is as emotionally and historically important as the more “noble” works of the WW1 poets, presenting us with the long-forgotten reality that soldiers’ camaraderie and humour is very difficult to extinguish, even in the nightmare of the trenches.

The Wipers Times is a fascinating and life-affirming story told with humour and anarchic energy that the original editors adored. A wonderful way to celebrate the Armistice centenary – pack up your troubles and get to the Arts Theatre.

Pickle Jar Review

Soho Theatre – until 10 November 2018

Review by Elizabeth J Smith

5*****

Maddie Rice delivers a one woman, insightful piece of theatre.

Taking us on a journey with “Miss” as she navigates life through her job as a teacher and a single millennial trying to cope with being a grown up and yet still listening to the inner child.

We are introduced to influencing characters in her class room. Carly, the surly teenager who calls Miss out on many subjects. But Miss has a respect for Carly and even emulates her dance moves, very funny outcome to that impression of youth. We meet a fellow teacher who everyone, teachers and pupils alike, fancy the pants off. He seems to charm all females in an unthreatening friendly way. Can looks be deceiving? Her hilarious Irish flat mate Mairead who is also a teacher but has a somewhat devil-may-care attitude. Pina colada’s on a school night? Drawing Miss out of herself and into an unsuspected dangerous situation. Mairead also provides the metaphor of what Pickle jar is all about.

The story takes a dramatic twist when a suicide is discovered and Miss blames herself for this tragedy.

Maddie Rice evokes all the sympathy one needs for Miss on this journey with great humour, sharp writing and convincing performance. All characters come to life, you feel you have watched a full cast. With laugh out loud moments and tear jerking scenes, an emotional rollercoster, a modern day masterpiece

LAMBERT JACKSON ANNOUNCES WEST END WOMEN – A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN MUSICALS AT CADOGAN HALL

LAMBERT JACKSON ANNOUNCES WEST END WOMEN 

A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN MUSICALS AT CADOGAN HALL

 

Lambert Jackson present

West End Women

A Celebration of Women in Musicals

 

Cadogan Hall

Saturday 2 February, 7:30pm

Following the sell-out success of their debut production, There’s Nothin’ Like a DameLambert Jackson today announces West End Women – A Celebration of Women in MusicalsRachel John, Lauren Samuels andCelinde Schoenmaker come together for one night only to perform some of the most famous musical theatre hits from across the decades at Cadogan Hall on 2 February.

 

From Lerner and Loewe to Lloyd Webber, Gershwin to Guettel; these three incredibly talented women will take you on a journey through time. With these three superstars singing some of the biggest and best-loved showstoppers, it will be a night you won’t want to miss.

Jamie Lambert, CEO of Lambert Jackson, “After the phenomenal success and fantastic critical response for There’s Nothin’ Like a Dame, which has been nominated for a BroadwayWorld Award for Best Theatrical Event of 2018, we are thrilled to be continuing our celebration of women in musical theatre with West End Women”

Rachel John’s theatre credits include Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre – for which she received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical), The Color Purple in Concert (Cadogan Hall), The Bodyguard (Dominion Theatre/UK tour), Memphis (Shaftesbury Theatre), Rent (UK tour), We Will Rock YouSister Act (The Palladium)and The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre/international tour).

 

Lauren Samuel’s theatre credits include Romantics Anonymous (Shakespeare’s Globe), La Ronde (Bunker Theatre – which received a 2018 WhatsOnStage Award nomination for Best Off West End Production), Bend It Like Beckham (Phoenix Theatre – for which she was nominated for a WhatsOnStage Award for Best Supporting Actress In A Musical), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre/ international tour), The Buskers Opera (Park Theatre), Love Story (Bolton Octagon), Water BabiesPeter Pan A Musical  (Curve), Vampirette (Manchester Opera House), Children of Eden (Prince of Wales Theatre), The Last Five Years (Tabard Theatre) and Grease (Piccadilly Theatre).  

Celinde Schoenmaker’s theatre credits include Barnum (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Phantom of the Opera(Her Majesty’s Theatre), Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre), Musicals in Concert (Ziggo Dome), Hundred City Story (Prince of Wales Theatre) and Ghost (Landestheater Linz, Holland).

 

West End Women – A Celebration of Women in Musicals                                                          Listings

Cadogan Hall

5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ

 

Box Office: 020 7730 4500 

www.cadoganhall.com/event/west-end-women

 

Cadogan Hall

Saturday 2 February, 7:30pm

 

Tickets: from £25

 

LAMBERT JACKSON

Lambert Jackson is a production company dedicated to producing musical theatre shows and stunning one-night performances. Founded by Jamie Lambert (CEO) and Eliza Jackson (Creative Director), the company made its debut at Cadogan Hall in August 2018 with There’s Nothin’ Like a Dame – 100 Years of Women in Musical Theatre.

 

Twitter:                @LJProds

Instagram:           @lambertjacksonproductions

Facebook:           /lambertjacksonproductions

The Three Musketeers, Northern Ballet Review

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – runs until 27th October 2018.

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

3***

Before curtain up at the Lyceum there is a rapturous round of applause in anticipation. The audience are clearly fully aware of what Northern Ballet can deliver and the majority feel like regulars to the companies dramatic productions.

David Nixon has rejuvenated his 2006 adaptation of The Three Musketeers for this tour, we join the heroic trio in a tale of love and friendship against church tyranny in 17th Century France.

Nixons’ version of Alexandre Dumas’ tale contains the main thread of the original storyline, paying homage to it with the most intricate and well choreographed fight scenes. The blend of classical ballet and physical dance theatre is just about right but slightly more traditional than some of Northern Ballets other recent pieces.

Dashing D’Artagnan, played by Kevin Poeung takes on a mission to find his fortune and a place with the fabled royal musketeers, on the mean Parisian Streets. Things take a turn

When he happens to have a run in with the three famous musketeers while out on a session! The challenge takes place and we see some fantastically well oiled fight choreography, made even more challenging by many men on the stage at once. Once the altercation is over, the four men join forces and a beautiful friendship starts to blossom.

The four friends are then drawn into some regal power play between the scheming Cardinal and Queen Anne, who the Cardinal is bent on humiliating over a relationship with the Duke of Buckingham. Will we see the musketeers successful in their plight to retrieve a diamond necklace the Queen gave in a moment of madness to the English Duke? And will it be in time for a royal ball where the Cardinal has manipulated to get King Louis to demand his wife wear the jewels he gave her? All will be revealed in a desperate race across France battling the mysterious spy Lady D’Winter and her evil men.

Real highlights have to include the oriental style dance with a group of females donning fan like dresses. The pas de deux sections are exquisite, a solid display of true talent, some intricate lifts danced in the most elegant manner; this is seen during superb performances between love interests D’Artagnan and Constance, played by Antoinette Brooks-Daw.

The set is rather simple but is that really important? Credit to David Nixon for the beautiful graceful costumes, adding an extra string to the bow of the visual effects. The men are dressed possibly more elegantly than the ladies, creating the charming feeling in which their characters are based around.

Another great tour from the Northern Ballet, maybe not as different or modern as some of their others but if you are wanting a hearty, somewhat traditional chunk of ballet then this is the show for you.

The Goon Show Review

Majestic Theatre, Darlington – 25 October 2018

5*****

The Apollo Theatre Company brought their absolutely hilarious Goon Show to the Majestic Theatre in Darlington.  With over 250 episode’s, many written by Spike Milligan, who would have been 100 years old this year.

Fans of the show need not worry about the transfer of The Goons to the stage. The scripts have not been adapted, but are performed exactly as Spike wrote them, even if some of the references are not understood by modern audiences!  A very simple but effective set shows behind the scenes of the BBC radio broadcasting’s that ran from 1951 to 1960 right down to the ON AIR sign. Julian Howard McDowell (Peter Sellers), Colin Elmer (Spike Milligan), Clive Greenwood (Harry Secombe) and their announcer Tom Capper (Wallace Greenslade) bring to life original scripts from the radio show in the style of The Goons and much hilarity ensues

Each of the episodes served up the legendary, surreal characters that made The Goon Show such a success, with Sellers providing the voice for Major Dennis Bloodnok, Henry Crun, and the still hilarious Bluebottle, among others, Secombe mainly delivering the voice of Ned Seagoon, and Milligan giving us the likes of Eccles, Count Jim Moriarty and Minnie Bannister. Other diverse characters ranged from working-class Cockney, Willium Cobblers, to Little Jim, voiced by Milligan, who had only one line – the famous “He’s fallen in the water”. The line-up, who combined on an encore of the very silly ‘Ying Tong Song’, was completed by Tom Capper as BBC announcer Wallace Greenslade and Rachel Davies and Anthony Coote, aka Java Jive, who provided the music and sound effects.

The rest of the evening proceeds exactly as dictated by Spike Milligan’s original scripts. Many of the audience seemed to be familiar with these and laughed enthusiastically in all the right places. The three performers playing The Goons did a brilliant job

This is a joyous laugh out loud comedy, heralding back to a much more innocent time.  You’ll go home with a smile on your face and the Ying Tong song stuck in your head. Well worth a visit for a very funny night out

 

Dementia Friendly performance of Still Alice

THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW TO HOLD DEMENTIA FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE OF STILL ALICE

THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER, 2.30PM

Theatre Royal, Glasgow is to hold a Dementia Friendly performance of Still Alice next month as part of the venue’s ongoing commitment to providing an accessible theatre environment.

Still Alice, which is based on the novel of the same name by Lisa Genova, runs at the city centre venue from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 November with the Dementia Friendly performance taking place on Thursday 15 November at 2.30pm.

Still Alice tells the story of Alice Howland, stubborn, clever and driven – a professional at the top of her game. But, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 50, she is compelled to confront her new reality and draw on her resilience to remain independent for as long as possible.

Starring Sharon Small with a ‘spellbinding’ performance as Alice, this tender and touching play is a unique insight into the experience of a woman fighting to maintain her identity as her world changes.

Industry publication The Stage described Still Alice as, ‘a moving production that manages to find the positivity at the centre of an otherwise devastating illness.’

The Dementia Friendly performance is carefully tailored for people living with dementia as well as their families and carers so everyone can enjoy this wonderful production in an environment that is comfortable and supportive.

The house lights will be partially left up throughout the performance and quiet break-out rooms will be available before, during and after the performance. Specially informed theatre staff will also be on hand during the show to answer any questions people may have. There will also be an Alzheimer Scotland information stand available during each screening.

A bucket collection will be taken throughout the week in support of Alzheimer Scotland.

Familiarisation visits are available should anyone wish to undertake one of these prior to attending the performance.

This Dementia Friendly staging follows successful Dementia Friendly showcases of Scottish Opera productions at Theatre Royal, Relaxed Performances of pantomime at Theatre Royal’s sister venue, the King’s Theatre alongside several Captioned and BSL aided shows every year across both theatres.

James HaworthTheatre Director at Theatre Royal, said: “Working with the producers of Still Alice and Alzheimer Scotland to bring a Dementia Friendly performance of this poignant play to Theatre Royal has been extremely rewarding.

“Alzheimer Scotland have been a tremendous support to our staff, ensuring we as a venue understand how to assist those living with the illness when they visit our theatres. I do hope our patrons will consider leaving a donation for this fantastic organisation during their visit to see Still Alice.”

Sarah Burgess, Head of Localities from Alzheimer Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to be working alongside the Theatre Royal Glasgow to create a dementia friendly performance of Still Alice.

“Knowing that the theatre is aware of what dementia is and how staff can support people can really help those living with the illness become less isolated and more engaged with the arts. This is another crucial step towards building a Dementia Friendly Scotland, where nobody should face dementia alone.”

For any questions you may have about the performance or any specific additional requirements, please our dedicated Access Booking Line on Freephone 0800 912 6971.

FACT BOX 

Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge faced by society today.

There are around 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland and it is now estimated that 20,000 people will be diagnosed with the condition every year by 2020.

If you have any questions about dementia, or the support available in your area, call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24 Hour Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000.

Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s leading dementia organisation, providing care, activities, support, information and advice to people with dementia, their carers and their families.   The charity aims to improve public policies relating to dementia and be a voice for the estimated 90,000 people in Scotland currently living with dementia.  For further information on Alzheimer Scotland visit www.alzscot.org.

 

5 things about dementia

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain

Dementia is not just about losing your memory

It’s possible to live well with dementia

There’s more to the person than their dementia

To read more about the 5 Things about Dementia download the leaflet from www.alzscot.org/5_things

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant UK Tour Announcement

JOIN ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT LIVE ON STAGE

IN A BRAND NEW 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

In 2019 Elmer the Patchwork Elephant celebrates his 30th Birthday and will be heading out on an extensive tour across the UK.  The brand-new Live stage adaptation is based on the classic children’s book series by David McKee and opens in The Churchill Theatre Bromley on 17th January 2019.

Elephants, as everyone knows, are big, have trunks, and are grey. But Elmer is a patchwork of brilliant colours! His fun-loving and cheerful personality keeps everyone in a playful mood, until the day he gets tired of being different and tries to blend in with the herd.

Elmer The Patchwork Elephant Show tells the tale of an elephant that stands out – both with his patchwork-coloured skin and his sense of humour – but ultimately realizing that his friends have always valued his unique characteristics.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show will be brought to life on stage by Selladoor Family, the producers behind James And The Giant Peach, Seussical , The Owl And The Pussycat, Guess How Much I Love Youand Madagascar the Musical;  and MEI Theatrical, producers of family entertainment across Asia and the Middle East and The Very Hungry Caterpillar show and Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday in the UK.

A favourite of young people since the book was first published in 1989, this classic tale has been created by Jonathan Rockefeller and adapted for the stage by Suzanne Maynard Miller, with songs by Allison Leyton-Brown Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show will be directed by Scott le Crass with Puppet Direction from Yvonne Stone and Design by Richard Evans.

David Hutchinson CEO of Selladoor Family says “we are committed to engaging young people in theatre and strongly believe these experiences help to develop a sense of imagination, playfulness and confidence. Elmer is a wonderful story with a powerful message which will delight children and families who love the hugely popular series of books”

Alex Parker, Lead Producer for Selladoor adds “We are thrilled to be bringing this much-loved character to life alongside the important stories that Elmer represents. Expect puppetry, colour and a trunk-load of fun!”

The show’s subtle message that it is always best to be yourself, combined with the vibrant colour and cheeky humour of the main character, makes Elmer a great show for children of all ages.  A celebration of individuality and the power of laughter!

Book your tickets at www.elmertheshow.com

LISTINGS

Jan 17 – 19              Churchill Theatre Bromley www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

Jan 22 & 23             Billingham Forum www.teesactive.co.uk/billingham-forum

Jan 25 & 26             Radlett Arts Centre www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Jan 29 & 30             Alban Arena www.alban-arena.co.uk

Jan 31                    Towngate Theatre Basildon www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Feb 02                    Albany Theatre Coventry www.albanytheatre.co.uk

Feb 03                    Corner Stone Arts Centre Didcot  www.cornerstone-arts.org

Feb 05 & 06             Richmond Theatre www.atgtickets.com/richmond

Feb 12 & 13             Theatre Royal Brighton www.atgtickets.com/brighton

Feb 16 & 17             Hertford Theatre www.hertfordtheatre.com

Feb 19 – 21             The Lowry Manchester www.thelowry.com

Feb 22                    Royal Spa Centre, Warwick  www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre/site/index.php

Feb 23 & 24             Norwich Playhouse www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk

Feb 26                    Uppingham Theatre www.uppinghamtheatre.co.uk

Feb 27 & 28             New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

Mar 01 – 03             Haymarket Theatre Basingstoke www.anvilarts.org.uk

Mar 11 & 12             Grand Opera House York www.atgtickets.com

Mar 14                    The Maltings –  Berwick Upon Tweed www.maltingsberwick.co.uk

Mar 16                    Live Borders Selkirk www.liveborders.org.uk

Mar 17 & 18             Falkirk Town Hall www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Mar 29 & 30             Loughborough Town Hall www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

Mar 31                     Parr Hall, Warrington www.parrhall.culturewarrington.org

Apr 03                      Waterside Sale www.watersidearts.org

Apr 06 – 10              Arts Depot , London www.artsdepot.co.uk

Apr 12 & 13              Connaught Theatre Worthing www.worthingtheatres.co.uk

Apr 14 – 16              Westcliff Palace Southend www.southendtheatres.org.uk

Apr 18  – 20              Winchester Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

Apr 27                      The Met, Bury www.themet.org.uk

Apr 28                       Lowther Pavilion www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk

Apr 30                      Taliesin Arts Centre www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk

May 05                   Civic Theatre Stourport  www.thecivicstourport.co.uk

28 May – Jun 02        Camberley theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz