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George Renshaw and Markus Sodergren
announced for the UK premiere
of the Broadway musical

THE STORY OF MY LIFE

The Stage Door Theatre
150-151 Drury Lane
London WC2B 5TD

4 September – October 19

George Renshaw and Markus Sodergren, who both attended Arts Ed Performing Arts School and performed in the recent hit production of Heathers the Musical, will play childhood friends in the UK premiere of the intimate two-person Broadway musical The Story of My Life.

The Story of My Life, with Music and Lyrics by Neil Bartram and Book by Brian Hill, Directed by Robert McWhir, will open at the Stage Door Theatre in Drury Lane, the first pub theatre in the West End, on Wednesday 4 September and run to Saturday October 19.

Best-selling author Thomas Weaver has come back to his hometown to deliver the eulogy for his childhood friend, Alvin Kelby, but finds himself desperately scrambling for something to say. His reality is shattered by the memory of Alvin who takes him deep into Thomas’s mind cluttered with a lifetime of stories.

George Renshaw (Alvin) played ‘JD’ in Heathers the Musical at The Other Palace. He is currently playing Harry Wotton in Dorian the Musical at Southwark Playhouse.

Markus Sodergren (Thomas) returns to The Stage Door Theatre after playing ‘Man’ in the two-hander Stephen Sondheim revue, Marry Me A Little (Offie nomination Best Lead Performance in a Musical). His previous credits include Heathers the Musical (UK tour).

Nominated for four 2009 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical, The Story of My Life is a Broadway rarity: an intimate musical that candidly explores the simplicity of human need and the complexity of emotions under which it lies buried.  A series of songs – in turn playful, touching and dramatic –  The Story of My Life inspires us to reconnect with those who were part of the earliest chapters of our own life stories.

Director Robert McWhir
Musical Director Aaron Clingham
Designer David Shields
Producer LAMBCO Productions

Neil Bartram (Music and Lyrics)
Neil is the composer and lyricist of Broadway’s The Story of My Life with book writer Brian Hill (four Drama Desk Award nominations). Other projects with Brian includeThe Adventures of Pinocchio (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), The Theory of Relativity (Canadian Music Theatre Project, Goodspeed Musicals, London Off-West End), Something Wicked This Way Comes (Delaware Theatre Company – 11 Barrymore Award nominations), and You Are Here(Goodspeed Musicals). Neil also wrote the score for Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s and Asolo Repertory Theatre’s productions of Shakespeare in Love. Upcoming projects include Les Belles (the stage adaptation of Michel Tremblay’s Les Belles Soeurs) and the stage adaptation of Disney’s beloved film Bedknobs & Broomsticks. Neil’s awards include the ASCAP Foundation’s Yellen Award, a Jonathan Larson Foundation Award, and a Dramatists Guild Fellowship.

Brian Hill (Book)
With composer/lyricist Neil Bartram, Brian has writtenThe Adventures of Pinocchio, The Theory of Relativity and The Story of My Life, which premiered on Broadway in 2009, earning four Drama Desk Award nominations (Outstanding Musical, Music, Lyrics, and Book). Current Bartram and Hill projects include Senza Luce (CMTP), Les Belles, You Are Here,Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Something Wicked This Way Comes (Delaware Theatre Company – 11 Barrymore Award nominations). Brian wrote the new book for the Old Globe’s production of October Sky and the revised book for the Goodman Theatre’s acclaimed production of Brigadoon.

Robert McWhir (Director)
Robert McWhir is Artistic Director of the Stage Door Theatre. Robert was previously Artistic Director of the Landor Theatre in Clapham for 16 years, where his many productions included critically acclaimed versions of The Clockmaker’s Daughter, She Loves Me, The Man Inside, Meet Me In St Louis, A Class Act, Curtains, Ragtime, Tomorrow Morning, Into The Woods, I Love You Because and Follies.
LISTINGS INFO

Lambco presents
the UK premiere of
the Broadway musical

The Story of My Life
Music and Lyrics by Neil Bartram
Book by Brian Hill

Directed by Robert McWhir

Stage Door Theatre
The Prince of Wales pub
150-151 Drury Lane
London
WC2B 5TD

Wednesday 4 September – Saturday October 19

Tuesday – Friday  at 19:30
Saturdays at 20.30pm  

Dinner Tickets: £41,
Show only: £24 (plus booking fee)

Box Office: 07917 221639

stagedoortheatre.co.uk

Show length 90 mins (no interval)

The Story of My Life is presented by
arrangement with Music Theatre International

Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 3 August 2024

Reviewed by Amy V Gathercole

3***

“Full of nostalgia, iconic 80s music and a timeless love story – it’s a fun night out”

The surprising scene where Richard Gere sweeps up his love interest in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’, is arguably one of the more famous and memorable scenes in 80’s cinema.

Zach Mayo (Luke Baker) is a lad who’s been dealt one of the tougher hands in life and he just wants to show that he can better himself. He wants to prove everyone else wrong (especially his absent Father Byron Mayo (Tim Rogers), when he enlists in the programme with a dream of learning to fly jets, he’s going for all-or-nothing.

He’s one of many in the competitive and very challenging programme, and no one— including him has much confidence that he will make it through.

Zach is joined by several others including Seegar (Olivia Foster-Brown), a woman with a dream to do it better than the boys and escape her circumstances.

Sid (Paul French) is a troubled young man who desperately tries to please his parents, no matter what the cost to himself as he attempts to fill his brother’s shoes, literally.

They’re all in the care of Sergeant Foley (Jamal Crawford) – who anyone who saw the panto at this venue last winter, may recognise as Prince Charming?

Here, he’s bitter, he’s truly mean, and he’s there to ensure the cadets have what it takes to be an asset to their country and get the best out of them. Through commanding tortuous training exercises and deadly drills. He ultimately attempts to obtain their ‘DOR’ (drop on request) from the programme.

Jamal was my favourite performance in the show with his brutal drills, determination and charisma shining though.

One night Zach meets a local girl, Paula (Georgia Lennon) who’s got dreams a lot bigger than her home town and craves excitement and love. Above all else she doesn’t want to follow in her mother’s (Melanie Mason) footsteps and make the same mistakes she did.

Sparks attempt to fly but the chemistry between the two leads sadly doesn’t quite lift us up where we belong. Other romances are more convincing.

With Paula falling for troubled Zach, her best friend Lynette (Sinead Long) is also seeking her ticket out of small-time life in Pensacola, Florida. Lynette wants to marry a pilot to end her less-than-lovely life as ‘trailer trash’ and desires to be allowed to spread her own wings by marrying one of the flyboys. Enter Sid as her romantic fling.

Packed with iconic 80s pop and rock songs including Madonna’s ‘Material Girl’, Bon Jovi’s
‘Living on a Prayer’ and Blondie’s ‘Heart of Glass’ plus many more you’re bound to
recognise – the production has wholeheartedly embraced the nostalgia!

With an industrial looking and feeling set that constantly transforms into a naval camp and bunks to various town bars and a few other settings. It’s a slick set with a very clever build for its multi-purpose use.

Personally, I think I’ve had enough of this concept of the jukebox musical. This show, the latest in a long line and it’s starting to feel a little lazy and formulaic.

There were also a couple of jarring moments in the show to gain audience participation, by encouraging them to clap along with the action on stage, which removed some of the immersion for me!

Telling a story that’s well and truly set around the concept of the working class fighting for their own slice of the ‘American Dream’. This show absolutely nails the 80s aesthetic and nostalgia. The costuming from Michael Taylor, alongside his strong set vision, is impressive, as are the hair, make-up, and wigs from Sam Cox.

If you always wanted a handsome Richard Gere to sweep you up in your own fairytale and love an underdog story, grab tickets.

Jack Studio Theatre, London – until 3 August 2024

Reviewed by Sitarah Locke

3***

As a local myself, I was curious to see this one. Jack Studio is gem among south London theatres and is well suited to host smaller productions like this one. We are greeted by a simple set – a black room with a blasting DJ’s table.

That’s where small and simple stops, however. This larger-than-life story follows Chino Igwe, a Deptford baby born and bred, as he debates leaving the postcode he loves so much to pursue his dream of becoming a famous novelist. Unfortunately, an attempt to hand in his university thesis is interrupted by a sudden and inexplicable flood. And the water hosts more than just the locals…

Chukwudi Onwere, star and writer, brings boundless physicality to the role. As he cotches on the high street, we are vibing; as he throws himself around the stage, we are swept underwater with him; and as he hunches, gagging inside a fish (just go with it) we can almost smell the stench. His performance is timed to lighting and sound cues, helping transport us between locations. A shout out to designers Carey Chomsoonthorn and DJ Tommy Tappah. The whole thing is one big love letter to Deptford.

At this point, I should probably point out that it is also, basically, a one man show. Chukwudi spins characters like plates, introducing us to a collection of Deptford faces. These include Chino’s aging warrior father, a wise local aunty, community rallyist “ginger man”, sassy scouser Adaeze, beloved teacher Mr Hennessy, and a not-so-beloved school cleaner, to recall just a few.

The only two roles he doesn’t embody are the backing DJ and local legend Deptford Cat. These are hilariously represented by DJ Tommy Tappah, the loyal mate every Deptford Baby needs. He acts as both hype man and silent side-eye king, backing Chino at every hurdle – and we’re right there with him.

Is the story rather far-fetched? Yes. Could the script be a bit more polished? Sure. But whether he is working up the courage to talk to Adaeze or to face off against sea monsters, Chino’s audience has committed to the tale and are egging him on. Ultimately, it is a family-friendly journey of discovering that bravery lives within all of us, in many forms, and we can help each other find it. In the face of adversity and selfdoubt, some may find strength in Deptford’s slogan: See it, Fight it, Restore your community.

GROSVENOR PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE, CHESTER – SATURDAY 31ST AUGUST 2024

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

Last night, I revisited the purpose-built outdoor theatre located in the lovely Grosvenor Park in Chester. This picturesque setting is once again hosting a season of live storytelling this summer, under the stars. One of the three performances this year is an adaptation of “The Gangs of New York” by award-winning writer Kieran Lynn and directed by John Young. This production is based on the iconic 1928 non-fiction book by Herbert Asbury, rather than the 2002 film by Martin Scorsese. The show tells a tale of the American Dream, fierce rivalries in New York’s notorious Five Points neighbourhood, and includes elements of humour and romance.

The show follows the journey of friends John Morrissey (played by Oisín Thompson) and Hellcat Maggie (played by Hanora Kamen) from Ireland as they search for a better future. Morrissey, a determined immigrant, transitions from an underground boxer to a gang leader, and eventually a respected politician. Along the way, he encounters the challenges of society in his quest for a brighter life, in a story filled with themes of love, rivalry, deception and power. Although it is a serious and intense play, it also incorporates a sense of fun. The script skilfully develops a couple of romances, adding to the overall enjoyment of the evening’s entertainment.

It’s challenging to choose a standout performance as the entire cast deserves recognition for delivering their lines flawlessly, nailing their accents, and bringing incredible energy to the stage. However, if I were to highlight one, it would be Oisin Thompson. His accent and charm captivated me from the moment he first appeared. I must also mention Jenny Murphy, who portrayed Catherine, and her comedic portrayal of a naive and childlike character really made me laugh.

One distinct aspect of the Storyhouse productions at the Grosvenor Open Air Theatre is that all performances take place in-the-round. This setup enhances immersion and provides an ideal setting for audience involvement, something that I believe GOAT audiences anticipate and enjoy. Whether you found yourself tapping your feet to the Irish inspired live soundtrack, witnessing an underground boxing match, or partaking in lively cheers at a political rally as either a Democrat or Republican, the experience was sure to make the audience feel part of the story. It adds a light-hearted element to this dark story with multiple funny and engaging moments. A friendly heads-up: remember to bring a raincoat, even if it’s not raining. Sitting at the front may result in getting splashed! As the theatre is located outdoors, it can be challenging to hear the dialogue clearly. However, efforts were made to enhance accessibility for all by providing captions for every performance.

I highly recommend both the show and the venue, as they offer a theatre experience unlike any other. The staff were all very helpful and friendly. Even if it rains, is expected, as long as you come prepared, you will still have a great time.

The Other Palace Theatre, – until 8th September 2024

Reviewed by Ava Clarkson

5*****

The Other Palace Theatre close to Victoria is the venue for the musical adaptation of the amazing book of the same name by Kate Pankhurst – a distant relative of Emmeline Pankhurst – very distant…. But as Kate says, with a surname like Pankhurst, who could not be inspired by such an iconic woman of history – the leader of the suffragettes who campaigned to secure votes for women in the early 1900’s and her call for “deeds not words”. This musical promises to wow us with more great women who changed the world and boy (or should I say girl) did it deliver…

The Other Palace Theatre is a modern and trendy venue, with a lively bar in the foyer which was buzzing with excitement when we arrived. The theatre inside is a steep 300 seated space which makes for a perfect view for all.

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is the award-winning musical which returns to London, for 7 weeks only. Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Gillian Lynne Theatre) and Miranda Cooper have adapted the books of Kate Pankhurst to the stage along with music by Miranda Cooper and Jennifer Decilveo and direction by Amy Hodge.

The story surrounds Jade, a schoolgirl separated from her class trip and feeling not only lost on the trip but lost in the world. She stumbles upon the “Gallery of Greatness” and is told not to enter at all costs… so in true female determined style, she goes inside where she meets 12 brilliant women from history – Amelia Earhart, Emmeline Pankhurst, Sacagawea, Gertrude Ederle, Jane Austen, Frida Kahlo, Agent Fifi, Mary Seacole, Mary Anning, Marie Curies, Rosa Parks and Anne Frank.

Each character is brought to life through songs such as “Deeds not words”, “Mary, Mary and Marie” and “Rosa’s Lullaby” to name but a few. These songs are high energy and full of colour and comedy. The Suffragette Rap and Jane Austen’s Operatic moment are truly amazing, combined with incredible choreography and use of props, mean every musical number is a joy and has the audience clapping and singing along. There is a happy vibe coming from everyone inside the theatre and as the play continues this ramps up even more.

The costumes really deserve a mention in this musical, Joanne Scotcher has done a stunning job with the outfits. Each historical woman feels true to character but with a modern twist. You know exactly who each woman is even though they are dressed in fluorescent camouflage or a PVC jumpsuit!

As we move through the stories of these 12 great women, we learn a little about each and Jade, the focus of the story, becomes more and more inspired and empowered – as do we the audience. These women really have changed the world, Marie Curie was the 1st woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize, Gertrude Ederle at just 20 years old swam the English Channel 2 hours faster than the 5 men who had attempted it before her. The stories go on and as we come to the end of the show I want to jump up and punch the air. We are treated to a megamix of the show’s songs at the end and the musicians Audra Cramer, Nicola T. Chang and Isis Dunthorne, who we have seen above the stage throughout the show join the stage. The audience stands and dances along to the catchy songs we have been treated to. A ticker tape finale brings the show to a close in an explosion of noise and colour.

The cast have been spectacular throughout. Georgia Grant-Anderson played a great role as the schoolgirl Jade who navigated us through the show. The performers Elena Breschi, Meg Hateley, Charlotte Jaconelli and Anelisa Lamola played several parts each, all seamlessly changing into each character. A mention must go to the amazing voice of Anelisa Lamola, who gave me goosebumps when she sang “Rosa’s Lullaby!”

I can truly say this is one of my favourite plays. The energy, colour and empowerment on the stage was inspiring. We leave the theatre feeling we can change the world. We are reminded that “you must never be fearful of doing something right” and “a better world for everyone begins with better dreams”.

Every woman leaves with a membership card to the Fantastically Great Women Club – to continue the work of great women everywhere!. My number is 59,746,280,445 and I am going to use it!!

York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 3rd August 2024

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

Around the World in 80 Days-ish is a York Theatre Royal production and is currently wowing the audience in York. Directed and adapted by Juliet Forster, it first hit the city of York in the summer of 2021, in an outdoor setting due to Covid restrictions, it has since added ish the title. I was lucky enough to see it then and I was blown away, so I jumped at the chance to catch it again within a theatre setting.

This time it was me and three grandchildren, 8 and under, attending on press night. The theatre had some pre-show activities in the foyer and outside courtyard. We were encouraged to participate in some plate spinning, juggling and other bits, plus with a fire-eating show also laid on. We all enjoyed taking part and were wowed with the breathtaking fire show, though I did have to explain to the boys not to try the latter at home. Thank you YTR for a fabulous start to the evening.

As we entered the theatre, the stage is set with a big-top tent, indicative of the circus theme that runs through this adaptation. Based on the Jules Verne book, not any of the films which you might have seen. Did you know there is not a hot air balloon in the book? You do now, and it was a surprise to me when I first saw this show, as it is such an iconic image of certainly, the first film I ever saw of Around the World in 80 Days.

Phileas Fogg (Kiefer Moriarty), is set in his ways, doing the same thing day after day, at the same time, that is until he agrees on a wager to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. Along with his newly appointed man servant Passepartout (David Abecassis), they set off on their travels. It’s a wild ride, through many different countries, these were written on a reel as the journey unfolded, the boys enjoyed spelling and reading these out. A range of characters are encountered on the way, Mr Fix (Rowan Armitt-Brewster), Aouda (Ambika Sharma). This show is not just about Phileas Fogg and his travels, but also covers the real-life adventures of Nellie Bly (Maria Gray), a female American journalist, who actually managed to circumnavigate the globe in only 72 days, a huge feat in Victorian times, and by a woman at that. A remarkable story that is not often heard about.

Moriaty, resplendent in his ringmaster outfit and wonderful moustache, is a commanding presence on stage. Gray not only plays Bly, but she is also the acrobat, twirling on a ring in the air, the captain of the ship and many more, jumping from accent to accent, from American to Hull. The supporting cast bring a lot of energy to the stage and some wonderful comedic moments with their clownish antics. A highlight with the audience was Armitt-Brewsters over the top accents.

The stage and props were imaginatively used by the five actors, used to depict a ship, steamboat, carriage, and a train, changing as we travelled from country to country.

The costumes were quite stunning, from Fogg’s ringmaster attire to Aouda’s tradition Indian wear, and Bly’s magnificent, chequered coat, which tied in nicely with Fogg’s waistcoat. There was even an elephant costume, depicted by Gray, simple but effective.

We really enjoyed the show, and afterwards the boys said they loved it, but at 2 ½ hours long, with interval, they were very fidgety at times. After the interval we did sit in different seats, in order not to disturb others. For the suggested age group, it could have been shorter, with a bit less storytelling and more action.

Around the World in 80 days-ish is a wonderful riot of colour and should be watched. Recommend to all ages over 10 and Theatre is an amazing experience for children

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK TOUR OF

THE OSCAR-WINNING LOVE STORY

ON TOUR ACROSS THE COUNTRY

FROM 22 AUGUST 2024

Bill Kenwright Ltd is proud to announce the cast for the globally acclaimed Ghost the Musical. The tour will open on 22 August 2024 at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre ahead of a major national tour continuing into 2025.

Rebekah Lowings (The Sound of Music) and Jacqui Dubois (People, Places and Things) will reprise their iconic roles, having previously captivated audiences as Molly Jenson and Oda Mae Brown respectively. Josh St. Clair (Frozen) will star as Sam Wheat and James Mateo-Salt (Bonnie and Clyde) as Carl Bruner. 

Joining them is the legendary entertainer, Les Dennis playing the contrasting roles of Hospital Ghost and Lionel Ferguson. Known to audiences through his extensive screen credits, including being a regular face of Saturday Night television thorough the 80s and 90s. More recently he has also appeared on stage in the hugely popular West End shows Only Fools and Horses The Musical and Hairspray.

Jules Brown (The Shawshank Redemption) is also reprising the role of Willie Lopez, and completing the cast is Garry Lee (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) as Subway Ghost, Tanisha Butterfield (Sister Act The Musical) as Clara, Keiahna Jackson-Jones (professional stage debut) as Louise, Molly Cleere (Mamma Mia! The Party) as Mrs. Santiago/Bank Officer, Gabrielle Cummins (Annie) as Officer Wallace, Olivia-Rose Deer (professional stage debut) as Susan/Ortisha, Wade Lewin (The Lion King) as Orlando, Jamie Pritchard (Les Misérables) as Detective Biederman, with Joe Readman (Grease The Musical) in the ensemble.

Written by multi-Brit Award winner Dave Stewart and Grammy award winning Glen Ballard, with a script by Bruce Joel Rubin based on his Oscar winning screenplay, Ghost the Musical brings all the romance and magic of the classic story to life on stage.

Walking back to their apartment late one night, a tragic encounter sees Sam murdered and his girlfriend Molly alone, in despair and utterly lost. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Sam, trapped between this world and the next, tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of saving her from grave danger…

The movie Ghost is one of cinema’s biggest all-time hits. Starring the late Patrick Swayze, alongside Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, it was the highest grossing film of 1990 and won an Oscar for screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin who has adapted his screenplay for this musical. Premiering in Manchester in 2011, the show has played sell out seasons in the West End and on Broadway as well as numerous international tours.

A smash hit across the globe, Ghost the Musicalfeatures The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody alongside many more terrific songs co-written by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart.

Ghost the Musical has been adapted by Oscar winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin (book and lyrics) with music by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard andis directed by Bob Tomson with choreography by Alistair David. Design is by Mark Bailey withlighting design by Nick Richings, sound design by Dan Samson and illusions by Richard Pinner. Music Direction is by Jordan Alexander.

LISTINGS

Bill Kenwright Ltd presents

GHOST THE MUSICAL
UK TOUR 2024 & 2025

BOOK AND LYRICS BY BRUCE JOEL RUBIN

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY DAVE STEWART AND GLEN BALLARD
DIRECTED BY BOB TOMSON

CHOREOGRAPHED BY ALISTAIR DAVID

DESIGNED BY MARK BAILEY

LIGHTING DESIGNED BY NICK RICHINGS

SOUND DESIGNED BY DAN SAMSON

ILLUSIONS BY RICHARD PINNER

MUSICAL DIRECTOR JORDAN ALEXANDER

MUSIC SUPERVISOR JEREMY WOOTTON

DATES AND VENUES

2024

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre                                    atgtickets.com/Aylesbury

22 – 24 August                                                                        

Sunderland Empire                                                    atgtickets.com/Sunderland

27 – 31 August                                                                        

Liverpool Empire                                                        atgtickets.com/Liverpool

03 – 07 September                                                                  

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre                                 bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

10 – 14 September                                                     03005 000595            

Darlington Hippodrome                                             darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk           

24 – 28 September                                                      01325 405 405            

Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                                 everymantheatre.org.uk           

01 – 05 October                                                          01242 572573

Curve Theatre Leicester                                             curveonline.co.uk

08 – 12 October                                                          01162 423585

Princess Theatre Torquay                                          atgtickets.com/Torquay

15 – 18 October                                                                         

Belgrade Coventry                                                     belgrade.co.uk

22 – 26 October                                                          02476 553055

Alhambra Theatre Bradford                                      bradford-theatres.co.uk

29 October – 02 November                                        01247 432000

Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre                               aberdeenperformingarts.com

05 – 09 November                                                       01224 641122

Stoke Regent Theatre                                                atgtickets.com/Stoke

12 – 16 November                                          

Theatre Royal Bath                                                    theatreroyal.org.uk

19 – 23 November                                                      01225 448844

Blackpool Opera House                                                  wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

03 – 07 December                                                             01253 629600

2025

Churchill Theatre Bromley                                            churchilltheatre.co.uk

22 – 25 January 2025                                                     0343 310  0020

Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe                                 wycombeswan.co.uk

28 January – 1 February 2025                                       0343 310 0060

Wimbledon New Theatre                                             atgtickets.com/new-

4 – 8 February 2025                                                       wimbledon-theatre

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                              mayflower.org.uk

11 – 15 February 2025                                                  023 8071 1811

Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff                                  wmc.org.uk

4 – 8 March 2025                                                           029 2063 6464

Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                                             sheffieldtheatres.co.uk         

11 – 15 March 2025                                                      0114 249 6000

The Alexandra, Birmingham                                         atgtickets.com/Birmingham

3 – 6 April 2025

Hull New Theatre                                                          hulltheatres.co.uk

29 April – 3 May 2025                                                   01482 300306

Further 2025 tour dates to be announced.                                        

Website: kenwright.com 

Social Media:

Facebook and Instagram:       @BKLProductions

X/Twitter:                                @BKL_Productions

Darlington Hippodrome – until 27th July 2024

Review by Stee Leahy

5*****

Directed by Ian Tolbot OBE

After yet another warm welcome to the beautiful Darlington Hippodrome, I took my seat. I did not know what to expect from the 70th anniversary tour of Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’… I had no prior knowledge of what the play was about, other than it was a classic who-done-it murder mystery. I was so excited to find out. 

The first visual I experienced was that of the beautiful set, completely captivating me and pulling me right back into the 1950’s. It was the same set throughout the show and it was stunning.

The way the technical team executed the snow feature was exceptional, constantly subtle and painted the picture so well.  

It’s at this point we are introduced to Molly and Giles Ralston, played to perfection by both Hollie Sullivan and Barnaby Jago. The chemistry these two brought to the stage was sublime … Both captivating and cast perfectly, complimenting one another and playing with dynamics throughout. A happily married couple eagerly awaiting the arrival of their hotel guests. 

The first of the guests to arrive was Shaun McCourt’s Christopher Wren, one the stand out performances and perhaps the most obvious source of comedy relief. His flamboyance was unmatched, completely changing the tone of the show. He was honestly hilarious throughout. Chefs kiss! 

Next up we meet Mrs Boyle, brought to life by the insanely talented Judith Rae. Boyle is somewhat of a nuisance character in the story and with this comes an awful lot of comedy. Her interactions with the other characters is nothing short of exquisite. A typical nagging old lady and possibly my personal favourite character. Her ability to send a blanket of laughter across the entire audience with a simple facial expression is a skill. 

After Mrs Boyle we meet Major Metcalf, played respectively by Todd Carty. His booming deep voice and physicality was a welcomed shock to what Carty is best known for (Eastenders, The Bill) – a mysterious character to say the least and most definitely one to keep an eye on. His ability to steal a scene with the delivery of one line is a real testament to Carty’s skill set. Bravo.

The next character we meet is in my opinion, the most mysterious – Miss Casewell. Amy Spinks’ portrayal of Casewell was delicious. I had my eye on her the entire time. Spinks’ emotional thermometer was unmatched. From subtle line deliveries to dramatic outbursts, she had me hooked. She’s one to watch for sure. 

Next up, Steven Elliot’s Mr Paravicini – perfection! That’s all I can say. He was honestly so funny. His one liners were side splittingly funny. Elliot’s presence was welcomed with open arms at every opportunity, his comedy timing was great and his ability to “tease” the other characters made way to more welcomed laughter. 

And finally, rounding of the cast we’re most dramatically introduced to Detective Sgt. Trotter – played by Michael Ayiotis. Finally, someone to save the day! 

Trotter brings a layer of stability to an incredibly untrustworthy environment. His character is far more grounded than all of the others and he plays this dynamic fantastically. Ayiotis’ scenes with each of the suspects is so much fun. Seeing how each suspect interacts with the detective was great. 

Set in three acts, I was completely and utterly captivated the entire time. I did not want it to end. 

Going into a show with no prior knowledge or expectations and falling in love with that piece of theatre is one of the greatest feelings. 

Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’ at the Darlington Hippodrome was easily one of the best plays, one of the best pieces of theatre I’ve experienced in a long time. I’ll be a fan for life and 5 stars just does not do it justice enough. 

COME FALL IN LOVE

A NEW MUSICAL INSPIRED BY

BOLLYWOOD’S MOST SUCCESSFUL FILM

DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE

TO OPEN IN THE UK SUMMER 2025

DIRECTED BY ADITYA CHOPRA,

THE FILM’S ORIGINAL DIRECTOR

For more information, sign-up at www.comefallinlovemusical.com

Come Fall in Love, a ‘high energy, colourful’ new musical based on one of the biggest blockbuster films in the history of Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, will make its UK premiere in Summer 2025.  

Come Fall in Love will be set in the UK and will be directed by Aditya Chopra, the original director of the record-breaking, award-sweeping Hindi-language film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, also known as DDLJ. DDLJ is the longest-running title in Indian cinema, playing continuously in Mumbai since its release in 1995.

To be the first to hear more information, including venue and performance dates, sign-up at www.comefallinlovemusical.com

Come Fall in Love is the story of Simran, a young British Indian woman whose future is set: an arranged marriage back in India to a family friend. But when she convinces her very strict dad that she should spend a summer of freedom and fun in Europe, she falls in love with Roger, a British charmer with a heart of gold, and her careful, logical plans go out the window. Can she be true to both her heritage and her heart? Can carefree Rog win over her traditional father?

Cultures collide in the stage musical adaptation of the beloved hit romantic-comedy film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, set to the exuberant beat of 18 all-new songs created for the stage.

The award-winning creative team for Come Fall in Love includes Book and Lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls with Tina Fey, Olivier Award winner for Legally Blonde with Laurence O’Keefe), Music by Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani (popularly called Vishal & Sheykhar in India), Choreography by Rob Ashford (Tony, Olivier and Emmy Award winner whose credits include Frozen, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, How to Succeed on Broadway), Associate Choreography – Indian Dances by Shruti Merchant (Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl, Taj Express), Scenic Design by Derek McLane (two-time Tony Award winner whose credits include MJ the Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway and West End) and Casting by David Grindrod CDG for Grindrod Burton Casting.

Venue, performance dates and further creative team and casting will be announced at a later date.

Come Fall in Love is produced by Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films.

LISETTE AUTON TO LAUNCH NEW BOOK AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Award winning author Lisette Auton to launch her brand new book, Lights Up, at Darlington Hippodrome on Tuesday 30 July.

Lisette Auton is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist based in Darlington, who works as an author, playwright, activist, creative practitioner, mentor, filmmaker and performer.

In this interactive family event you will discover more about Lisette’s journey to becoming an author, how to get inspiration from the places around you, meet Rex the theatre ghost dog, and decide what you would keep in your beard!

The hour-long event includes a question and answer session with the author. There will be the opportunity to buy books from local independent Drake the Bookshop and to meet Lisette while she signs your copy. There will also be a display of some of the items from the Hippodrome’s archive that inspired Lisette to write the magical new story full of ghosts, theatre, love, friendship and family.

This free event starts at 11am on Tuesday 30 July. The event will be BSL interpreted and audio described.

To book your free space at the event visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405