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Disney princess go bad at LOST Theatre in November

Stuart Saint presents:

PRINCESS
November 15th – November 19th 2016, LOST Theatre


In November, revolutionary and critically acclaimed writer/director Stuart Saint brings a ground-breaking interdisciplinary piece of theatre to LOST Theatre inspired by our twisted relationship with the “princess” – shattering the illusion of happily-ever-afters, banishing the storybook fairytale and finding the feminism in Disney.

Because the once pristine and weak-willed princess can now be a kick-ass Ghostbuster or a magical Snow Queen – our world is moving away from the helpless damsel in distress expected to suffer and serve and await to be rescued, and yet it’s at the heart of many a sexual moré. In Princess, Saint creates a lavish spectacle of movement and expression, gig theatre that blends music, dance and video into a new story of good girls gone bad.

“Stuart Saint knows exactly what the show needs, how to do it well, and he’s made every effort to ensure the show is as fun, energetic, and slick as possible” Grumpy Gay Critic on Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens

Stuart Saint is a director, composer, choreographer and writer best known for his innovate and radical adult pantos at the Leicester Square Theatre. He also directed Oscar Wilde story De Profundis and was a director on the award-winning comedy show Newsrevue.

With an uplifting, celebratory electro-pop soundtrack inspired by Soft Cell and Depeche Mode, Saint’s compositions are strongly defined by his pop music career – as is his choreography, with elements of Madonna and The Who alongside such classic influences as Matthew Bourne and Bob Fosse.

All of these elements combine in Saint’s work to create, in Princess, a unique brand of gig theatre, bringing adult themes, dancers and performers that break the traditional mould of today’s global monoculture, to entertain through energetically crafted dance, original song and resurrected video.

“takes all the glorious smut that has come before, gives it a right good polish and rams home a filth-fest of pure titillation” Broadway Baby on Dick!

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Bette Midler and Me… at a theatre near you!

9593a36a-1305-46c7-8ede-e00281be1bafAria Entertainment Concerts presents
Bette Midler… and Me

Writer: Chris Burgess    Director: Paul Foster    Musical Director: Sarah Travis    Choreographer: Matthew Cole

Autumn 2016 TOUR
9th SEPT/ Chipping Norton Theatre –
www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk

16th SEPT/ Bishop Stortford, Rhodes Complex –
www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk

17th SEPT/ Stroud, Subscription Rooms –
www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk

24th SEPT/ London, Finchley Arts Depot –
www.artsdepot.co.uk

25th SEPT/ Manchester, Hope Mill Theatre –
www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk

29th SEPT/ York Theatre Royal –
www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

30th SEPT/ Chelmsford, Cramphorn Theatre –
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres

9th OCT/ Crouch End, London, Arthouse Cinema –
www.arthousecrouchend.co.uk

30th OCT/ Leeds, J Fest

“When I’m on stage – it’s a party!” quipped Bette Midler.  So join in the fun, and catch West End star and leading lady Sue Kelvin’s roller-coaster ride through the Divine Bette Midler’s fabulous career. The show explores how Bette inspired Sue to don seven-inch platform shoes, and become a musical diva herself!  Sue has starred in many West End hits including Wicked, Les Misérables, Fiddler on the Roof and Chicago.

“A great night out”  ***** PUBLIC REVIEWS
“A fantastic tribute”     BROADWAY WORLD
“Top rate musicianship”  **** MICHAEL COVENEY

Sue covers songs such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, The Rose, I’m A Woman, From a Distance and Wind Beneath My Wings… Oh, and the show also features an outrageous three minute puppet version of hit tear-jerker movie Beaches… Simply divine!

Sue is accompanied by Tony Award winning musical director (2006 – Sweeney Todd) and long-term collaborator of Craig Revel Horwood (Sunset Boulevard,Chess) Sarah Travis; and is supported by actress and singer Joanna Lee.

“… a show that is heartfelt and hilarious in equal measure.”   BROADWAY WORLD

Twitter:
@BetteMidler2015

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DarlingtonOS offer Spamalot interpreted performance

BSL Interpreted Performance at Spamalot

Director and Choreographer JOANNE HAND

Musical Director JOHN HUDSON

Seven performances only – October 24 to 29

Tickets now available

Local theatre company announce a special British Sign Language Interpreted Performance of their forthcoming production of Spamalot.

In a move to ensure theatre is accessible to as many people as possible, Darlington Operatic Society has announced they will be presenting a British Sign Language Interpreted Performance of their show currently in rehearsal – Monty Python’s Spamalot.

Company spokesman Julian Cound told us “We are delighted to have secured the skills of BSL Interpreter Jenna Johnson to sign a performance of Spamalot. This will truly open up the production to a whole host of people who would otherwise miss out on experiencing live theatre.”

Julian continued “I guess we could have picked an easier show for Jenna to work on than a fast paced musical comedy such as Spamalot, but we are really looking forward to welcoming her to our rehearsals so she can get to know the show inside out before the big day.”

Monty Python’s Spamalot will have seven performances at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium this autumn – Monday 24 to Saturday 29 October at 7.30pm with a 2pm matinee on Saturday 29 October. The BSL interpreted performance will take place on Thursday 27 October.

Monty Python’s Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the Holy Grail. The show features lusty maidens, dancing divas, a killer rabbit and a legless knight. It has been honored with dozens of awards, including the Grammy for Best Original Cast Recording and three Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Tickets are priced £16 for adults and £10 for children (aged 14 and under) and can be purchased online at www.darlingtonos.org.uk, or by phone on 01325 244659.

Monty Python’s Spamalot has book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez & Eric Idle. Lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail, by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, Spamalot had its Broadway debut in 2005, directed by Mike Nichols.

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Joanna Lumley to host National Youth Ballet gala performance

JOANNA LUMLEY TO HOST
SPECIAL GALA PERFORMANCE BY

THE NATIONAL YOUTH BALLET OF GREAT BRITAIN

AT SADLER’S WELLS ON SUNDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2016

thumbnail_Jill Tookey and Joanna Lumley 

·         The evening will celebrate the legacy of Founder and Artistic Director Jill Tookey, who passed away in March this year

·         Joanna Lumley has been a patron of National Youth Ballet since 1989, and will host the gala in memory of Jill

National Youth Ballet is delighted to announce that Joanna Lumley will host a special Memorial Gala performance at Sadler’s Wells on Sunday 4 September, celebrating the company’s inspirational Founder and Artistic Director Jill Tookey, who passed away in March this year.

 

Joanna Lumley has been a patron of National Youth Ballet since 1989, when she met Jill at one of the company’s performances at Sadler’s Wells. Joanna has since become a huge supporter of the company, and has narrated two of their ballets. Joanna will host the gala performance on Sunday 4 September, where she will be joined on stage by many returning alumni, who now dance for leading companies including Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures.

 

Over three decades, Jill Tookey quietly became one of the industry’s most influential dance leaders, inspiring generations of young dancers and choreographers, many of whom have embarked upon successful professional careers after their time with NYB. Jill was appointed a CBE for services to dance in the 2016 New Year Honours, and in June this will be presented at Buckingham Palace to her ten-year-old granddaughter, and 2016 NYB company member, Gabriella Rummery.

 

The 2016 programme, which also includes performances at the Hawth Theatre, Crawley on Friday 27 and Saturday 27 August, will showcase highlights from National Youth Ballet’s 29-year history through some of Jill’s favourite commissions. These include The Old Man of Lochnagar, a ballet based on the children’s book by HRH The Prince of Wales, choreographed by Olivier Award winner and NYB alumnus Drew McOnie. NYB’s innovative Beyond Ballet platform will also return, showcasing young choreographic talents presenting their own works. The Memorial Gala performance at Sadler’s Wells will also include new commissions and performances from returning alumni including choreographer Andrew McNicol, West End performer Lucinda Lawrence and Birmingham Royal Ballet first artist Ruth Brill.

The 2016 Season is led by Artistic Director in Residence Mikah Smillie, a graduate of the Royal Ballet School’s Teachers Training Course, Associate Artist for Re:Bourne, mentor for NYB’s Beyond Balletchoreographic platform, teacher at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and freelance rehearsal director.

 

National Youth Ballet involves talented young dancers aged 8 to 18 in every aspect of creating a ballet, from the conception of an idea through to performance on stage at a professional level. The Company also encourages children from all walks of life to become involved with dance through schools and community workshops. NYB utilises the skills of students in associated arts and encourages the talents of young designers, costumiers, musicians and student teachers in the preparation and production of all their work. Through the Beyond Ballet platform, the Company also nurtures young choreographic talent, supporting young choreographers in devising and showcasing their own works at professional level. This year 120 dancers from across the country were offered places with the Company, and will perform in the 2016 season.

 

Notable NYB alumni include Drew McOnie (choreographer), Sir Gregory Dean (Principal at Royal Danish Ballet), Jessica Brown Findlay (Actress, Downton Abbey) and Tyrone Singleton (Principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet), as well as many alumni working for leading companies including Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures. Patrons include Carlos Acosta, Sir Matthew Bourne, Darcey Bussell, Joanna Lumley, Dame Monica Mason, Wayne Sleep and Sir Peter Wright.

www.NationalYouthBallet.org

Twitter.com/NYBofGB

Facebook.com/NationalYouthBallet

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TRAINSPOTTING, BASED ON THE NOVEL BY IRVINE WELSH, OPENS AT THE VAULTS

James Seabright presents the King’s Head Theatre and In Your Face production of

 

TRAINSPOTTING

Based on the novel by Irvine Welsh, adapted by Harry Gibson

Directed by Adam Spreadbury-Maher and Greg Esplin

3rd November – 15th January 2017

The Vaults, Launcelot Street, London SE1 7AD

 

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of Irvine Welsh and Danny Boyle’s iconic, generation defining film Trainspotting, and ahead of the 2017 release of its sequel, a no-holds-barred immersive theatrical adaptation opens at The Vaults in Waterloo on 8th November (previews from 3rd November). To further mark the anniversary, twenty tickets at £20 will be available for every performance.

 

This strictly limited eleven-week transfer follows two sell-out seasons at the King’s Head Theatre for the production, which is directed by the venue’s artistic director Adam Spreadbury-Maher in collaboration with Greg Esplin. Against a dynamic soundscape of 80s dance music, the stories of a group of friends living through the Edinburgh heroin scene – Renton, Tommy, Sick Boy, Begbie and Alison – are brought to life with humour, poetry and provocatively graphic scenes across 75 intense, immersive minutes.

 

“I was shocked.. and I wrote the f*cking thing” – Irvine Welsh

A special performance space is being created within The Vaults’ Smiths Arch for the production, with a capacity of just 200 split between immersive general admission where audience members will be seated all around the space amidst the action, and a limited number of traditional theatre seats.  This transfer marks the first collaboration between the King’s Head Theatre and Seabright Productions, the Olivier Award winning commercial producers behind shows such as Showstopper! The Improvised Musical and Potted Potter.

 

“Choose us. Choose life. Choose mortgage payments; choose washing machines; choose cars; choose sitting on the couch watching mind-numbing and spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing f*ckin junk food

intae yir mooth. Choose rotting away, pishing and shiteing yerself in a home, a total f*ckin embarrassment tae the selfish, f*cked-up brats ye’ve produced. Choose life.”

The cast are Rachael Anderson (June), Chris Dennis (Begbie), Calum Barbour (Mother Superior), Greg Esplin (Tommy), Michael Lockerbie (Sickboy), Erin Marshall (Alison) and Gavin Ross (Renton).

 

Listings Information:

Venue              The Vaults, Launcelot Street, London SE1 7AD

Dates:             3rd November 2016 – 15th January 2017 (Tue to Sun, no performances 24-26 Dec / 31 Dec)

Ticket Prices:   £20 – £35

Box Office:       www.TrainspottingLive.com / 020 7183 5942

Running time: 75 minutes – no interval

Warnings:        Contains nudity, very strong language, heavy drug/needle use.

Age guidance:  16+

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Ibsen classic with a modern spin at Theatre N16 in August

Riot Act in collaboration with Theatre N16 presents:

THE LEAGUE OF YOUTH
August 9th – August 18th 2016, Theatre N16

Riot Act unearths a rarely produced piece by Henrik Ibsen for its third professional production in the UK since its 1870 publication.  This blisteringly relevant and razor sharp dissection of cultural and professional revolution where old institutions are forced to face the radical new is here presented in a new adaptation by Ashley Pearson and directed by Whit Hertford, the team behind this year’s fringe sell-out Coverage, a newsroom adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

Sten Stensgard is the new guy in the office, but he won’t let that define him. Determined to move up in the world, Sten will do anything to get ahead— blackmail, lie, cheat, and even fall in love. Amidst a controversial office election, ideologies clash in a new version of Ibsen’s dark comedy about the intersection of personality and politics.

“bold, philosophical and avant-garde” Theatrefullstop on The Misbegotten Hope of the Dirty Bird

British-Canadian playwright Ashley Pearson holds an MFA in theatre directing from East 15 Acting School, and a BA&Sc in liberal arts from Quest University Canada. She was an apprentice director at New York Stage and Film’s Powerhouse Theater Festival, and has studied theatre at GITIS (Russian University of Theatre Arts) and Seacoast Theatre Centre. Her work as a writer includes North [Long-listed for the Theatre503 New Play Prize], Nerves of the Heart [awarded Distinction by QUC], West, and a new translation of Ionesco’s The Chairs. Pearson is an Associate Artist with Riot Act.

The League of Youth is directed by Riot Act Artistic Director Whit Hertford. Hertford is an Associate Director at Theatre N16 and received his MFA in theatre directing from East 15 Acting School – recent credits include his Chekhov adaptation The Misbegotten Hope of the Dirty Bird. The veteran American actor turned London-based Hertford (Jurassic Park, Glee, Raising Hope) recently portrayed cult leader Charlie Manson in the film, Prettyface. Additionally he wrote and starred in the film Wildife, which was an official selection of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival Court Métrage.

Riot Act is a radical band of artists who seek innovation that bleeds and unapologetically aims to incite new writing and breathe oxygen into classic themes and texts. Their acts of excavation, incision and resuscitation have positioned them to be one of London’s exciting new theatre laboratories.

**** “a pleasing blend of earnestness and knowingness” Female Arts on Coverage

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Freddie Fox will be sharing the role of Romeo with Richard Madden in Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company’s production of Romeo and Juliet at the Garrick Theatre

Fiery Angel presents
PLAYS AT THE GARRICK
KENNETH BRANAGH THEATRE COMPANY

  • FREDDIE FOX WILL BE SHARING THE ROLE OF ROMEO WITH RICHARD MADDEN IN KENNETH BRANAGH THEATRE COMPANY’S PRODUCTION OF ROMEO AND JULIETAT THE GARRICK THEATRE 
  • RICHARD MADDEN CONTINUES TO MAKE A GOOD RECOVERY AFTER INJURING HIS ANKLE 
  • FOLLOWING AN INJURY TO TOM HANSON’S LEG, THE ROLE OF PARIS WILL BE PLAYED BY MATTHEW HAWKSLEY 

Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company today announced that Freddie Fox will be joining the company of Romeo and Juliet, sharing the role of Romeo with Richard Madden. This is to allow Richard Madden sufficient time for his injured ankle to continue to heal and because his doctors have prescribed rest between performances.

Freddie Fox will join the company ‪from Tuesday 26 July following a period of intensive rehearsals with Lily James and the rest of the company over the last 48 hours. Freddie recently played the role of Romeo at Sheffield Crucible Theatre. His recent theatre work includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Southwark Playhouse and later in the year he will appear in the revival of Tom Stoppard’s Travesties at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

Richard Madden injured his ankle whilst running and has been receiving physiotherapy since. Due to the nature of the injury it has taken some time to heal and it continues to require both rest and physiotherapy. Since the injury happened, the part of Romeo has been covered by Tom Hanson, who has played Paris in the production in addition to understudying Romeo. In an unfortunate set of circumstances, Tom has also injured his leg and is unable to perform, which has prompted the producers to bring Freddie Fox into the company.

Kenneth Branagh said: “Sometimes things do not go according to plan in the theatre. Who would have predicted that both Richard and Tom would sustain such unexpected injuries during the same run of this play? Our job is to help make sure that they both make the best recovery possible, whilst working as hard as we can to provide a great show for audiences, which is why I could not be more thrilled to welcome Freddie Fox into the company. An old friend of many of the cast, Freddie is a talented and exciting actor who will no doubt bring much to the role of Romeo. As Richard’s ankle improves and he is able to play more performances we look forward to completing the run with both of these wonderful artists.”

Richard Madden said: “It has been hugely frustrating and sad that I have not been able to perform in the show, but my ankle is getting better and I will be returning soon. I wanted to say a big thank you to Tom for covering me so brilliantly and I hope that he too recovers from his injury soon. I also wanted to say a massive thanks to Freddie for stepping in to help, I know that he is going to be fantastic.”

Freddie Fox said: “I am really pleased to be joining Lily, Derek, Meera and the company. I look forward to continuing the exciting work that Richard and Tom have created in this wonderful production, and to bringing my own experience and passion for the role of Romeo.”

The producers and cast continue to take daily medical advice on Richard Madden’s injury and therefore cannot give advance casting information. For the most up to date information please visit www.branaghtheatre.com

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Lazarus by David Bowie and Enda Walsh – London premiere at Kings Cross Theatre announced

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BY David Bowie and Enda Walsh
DIRECTION Ivo van Hove
INSPIRED BY THE NOVEL The Man Who Fell To Earth by Walter Tevis

25 October 2016 – 22 January 2017

Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday matinees at 3pm

Kings Cross Theatre, Kings Boulevard, London, N1C 4BU
[The entrance is located on King’s Boulevard by Battlebridge Place, directly outside King’s Cross Underground Station.]

Tickets from £15
0333 320 1663 / lazarusmusical.com

Inspired by the book, The Man Who Fell To Earth, Lazarus focuses on Thomas Newton, as he remains still on Earth – a ‘man’ unable to die, his head soaked in cheap gin and haunted by a past love. We follow Newton during the course of a few days where the arrival of another lost soul – might set him finally free.

Lazarus premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop from 18 November 2015 until 20 January 2016 and sold out in record time.

Reprising their roles from the original New York production are Michael C Hall, Michael Esper and Sophia Anne Caruso. Full casting will be announced at a later date.

Produced by Robert Fox Ltd. and Jones/Tintoretto Entertainment

DIRECTOR Ivo van Hove
SCENIC AND LIGHTING DESIGN Jan Versweyveld
COSTUME DESIGN An D’Huys
VIDEO DESIGN Tal Yarden
SOUND DESIGN Original sound design Brian Ronan – UK sound design Tony Gayle
MUSIC DIRECTOR Henry Hey
CHOREOGRAPHY Annie-B Parson
HAIR AND WIG DESIGN Richard Mawbey
MUSIC FIXER Bob Knight
CASTING Jill Green

 @Lazarus_Musical /   Lazarus Musical / #LazarusMusical

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What’s On At The Grand

image005 (1)WHAT’S ON AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

leedsgrandtheatre.com / 0844 848 2700

Twitter: @grandtheatrels1

 

***BRIAN MAY & KERRY ELLIS***CHICAGO***THE FULL MONTY***ELAINE PAIGE***

ROCKY HORROR SHOW***MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET***GHOST***THE COMMITMENTS***

***SIXTIES GOLD***JANE MCDONALD

 

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MONDAY 22ND TO SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST

SISTER ACT

STARRING ALEXANDRA BURKE

The habits have hit the road again!

A brand new production starring Alexandra Burke and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood.

This feel-good musical comedy is based on the smash hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith.

Tickets: £22.50 – £44

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TUESDAY 30TH AUGUST TO SATURDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER

RELATIVELY SPEAKING

STARRING ROBERT POWELL AND LIZA GODDARD

Beautifully crafted, wonderfully funny and charmingly English, Relatively Speaking was Alan Ayckbourn’s first great West End success and turned him into a household name.

When the show opened at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 1967, the critics hailed the arrival of a great new comic talent.

Tickets: £19.50 to £35

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SUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER

JANE MACDONALD

Jane presents an exciting, emotionally charged evening of music and laughter. Featuring many of Jane’s best loved songs and hits from her incredible career, including some of her own compositions. Together with her musicians and backing singers Jane this is the ultimate feel-good show.

Tickets £37.50

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MONDAY 5th SEPTEMBER TO SATURDAY 29th OCTOBER

OPERA NORTH IN RESIDENCE

For production details visit operanorth.co.uk

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SUNDAY 30TH OCTOBER

SIXTIES GOLD

The ultimate line up featuring The Searchers, Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, P.J. Proby, Wayne Fontana andGary Puckett & The Union Gap.

Tickets: £36.50

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MONDAY 31ST OCTOBER TO SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER

ROCKY HORROR SHOW

This is the boldest bash of them all, so sharpen those stilettos and get ready for the biggest bash in Featuring all of its famous musical classics, including Science Fiction/Double Feature, Sweet Transvestite,Dammit Janet and of course, the classic floor-filler The Time Warp.

Be warned, this show has rude parts!

Tickets: £22 – £43

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MONDAY 7TH TO SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

STARRING JASON DONOVAN

On December 4, 1956, four star musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis, the studios of legendary record producer Sam Phillips, for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time.

Million Dollar Quartet brings to life the night when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins got together for the first and only time and made rock ‘n’ roll history.

Featuring a score of rock hits performed by a stunning cast and starring Jason Donovan as Sam Phillips.

Tickets: £19.50 – £38

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MONDAY 14TH TO SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER

GHOST THE MUSICAL

With a score written by multi Brit-Award winner Dave Stewart and Grammy award winning Glen Ballard, and script by the writer of the original film, Bruce Joel Rubin Ghost brings all the romance and magic of the classic story to life with stunning music and illusion.

Tickets: £20.50 to £41.50

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TUESDAY 22ND TO SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER

CHICAGO

Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with cell block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, fights to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

Starring Jessie Wallace (EastEnders) as Matron ‘Mama’, John Partridge (EastEnders, Cats, A Chorus Line, Miss Saigon, Starlight Express ) as Billy Flynn and Dancing on Ice winner and Coronation Street star Hayley Tamaddon  as Roxie Hart.

Tickets: £23 to £47

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MONDAY 28TH NOVEMBER TO SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER

THE FULL MONTY

Based on his smash hit film, and adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, this hilarious and heartfelt production stars Gary Lucy, Joe Absolom, Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, Chris Fountain, Kai Owen and a cast of fourteen. Not only has the play been getting standing ovations every night, but it was also voted best touring production by the UK Theatre Awards.

Tickets: £14 to £38.50

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MONDAY 5TH TO SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER

THE COMMITMENTS

Starring Coronation Street’s Kevin Kennedy

The Commitments is the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working class music fan, who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians and friends into the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced.

The Commitments musical has been adapted from the novel by Booker prize winning author Roddy Doyle himself and is directed by award-winning Jamie Lloyd.

Tickets: £25 – £49.50

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SUNDAY 11TH DECEMBER

ELAINE PAIGE

Elaine performs ‘Stripped Back’, which will see her perform her favourite tracks, from an array of contemporary songwriters, with a small group of musicians.

Tickets:  £32.50 to £59

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MONDAY 12TH DECEMBER

BRIAN MAY AND KERRY ELLIS

Queen legend Brian May and vocal sensation Kerry Ellis present an evening of acoustic music including stripped down versions of Brian and Kerry’s personal favourite songs showcasing Kerry’s exceptional voice with Brian backing her on both guitar and vocals.

Tickets: £46

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THURSDAY 15TH DECEMBER TO SATURDAY 7TH JANUARY

NORTHERN BALLET PRESENT

BEAUTY & THE BEAST

Northern Ballet’s Beauty & the Beast brings one of the world’s most famous fairy tales to life in a kaleidoscope of colour, set to an infectious score, including music by Saint-Säens, Bizet and Debussy, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

Tickets: £10 to £47.50

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OTHER SHOWS ON SALE FOR 2017:

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME***NORTHERN BALLET’S CASANOVA

***THE LORD OF THE DANCE***COUNT ARTHUR STRONG***MAMA MIA!***

***DIRTY DANCING***THE NATIONAL THEATRE’S JANE EYRE

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Some Girl(s) Review

Park Theatre 14 July – 6 August.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Newly engaged Guy sets off on a trip across the US to revisit ex-girlfriends he feels “responsible” for. As any sane man would.

Makes you squirm just thinking about it, and Neil LaBute’s brilliantly observed script continuously ratchets up the squirm intensity to wonderful comic effect. The pauses and looks from the impressive cast are played to perfection. The women on Guy’s list are a varied bunch – high school sweetheart, wild sexual adventuress, older married woman and college sweetheart. Each meeting takes place in a hotel room in a different city – signalled by travelogue projections and stagehands dressed as maids “servicing” the room, changing furniture configurations and artwork with dance like efficiency. In a lovely touch by designer PJ McEvoy, which didn’t hit me until the final scene, the décor matches the women’s costumes.

The awkwardness of each encounter is played beautifully by the entire cast. As Sam, Elly Condron is full of hysterical, twitchy, underlying resentment that comes rushing out when Guy gives his reasons for leaving her; Roxanne Pallett makes the most of the showiest role as Tyler, but reigns it in to shine in the quieter, confessional moments of the encounter. Carolyn Backhouse is almost regal as Lindsay, the woman Guy abandoned when their affair was discovered. Their scene plays out almost as a trial, with prosecution wiping the floor with his defence and sentencing him to very sweet justice. Carley Stenson’s Bobbi is the woman that may be the love of Guy’s life. Stenson allows the fluctuating emotions and frustration to flicker subtly, making her outbursts more powerful and moving as she is the only woman who manages to see the real Guy.

Charles Dorfman as Guy is simply wonderful. He manages to make the character likeable, even when the audience is gasping at the sheer idiocy and selfishness of his words. His reactions as he carries out Lindsay’s “punishment” are fantastic – like a 12-year-old being made to clean his room. As Guy is reeling off psychobabble explanations straight from Dr Phil, but full of self-regard, Dorfman makes it clear that Guy is acting a role. His motivation remains unclear until the (shocking) end of the play – penitence, sadism, masochism? When all is revealed, there is a moment of hope, but will Guy return to type – full of empty promises for a wonderful future that he will never deliver?

Director Gary Condes continues his fine work with Buckland Theatre Company with this polished and provocative production. LaBute’s play produces gasps and laughs in equal measure, exploring the darker side of relationships with a deft hand. If you only see one play this month – make it Some Girl(s).