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ENGLISH TOURING THEATRE ANNOUNCES

FULL TOUR DATES FOR EQUUS

English Touring Theatre and Theatre Royal Stratford East present

Equus

By Peter Shaffer

UK tour: 15 February – 11 May 2019

Director: Ned Bennett; Designer: Georgia Lowe

 

English Touring Theatre today announces full tour dates for Ned Bennett’s bold new production of Peter Shaffer’s critically-acclaimed classic, psychological thriller Equus in a co-production with Theatre Royal Stratford East. The production opens at Theatre Royal Stratford East on 21 February, with previews from 15 February and runs until 23 March. Following this it tours to Cambridge Arts Theatre, Theatre Royal Bath, Bristol Old Vic, The Lowry, Northern Stage and Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

Inspired by a true story, Peter Shaffer’s gripping psychological thriller, Equus, explores the complex relationships between devotion, myth and sexuality.

When teenager Alan Strang’s pathological fascination leads him to blind six horses in a Hampshire stable, psychiatrist Dr. Martin Dysart is tasked with uncovering the motive behind the boy’s violent act. As Dysart delves into Alan’s world of twisted spirituality, passion and sexuality, he begins to question his own sanity and motivations in a world driven by consumerism.

Sir Peter Shaffer’s (1926 – 2016) plays include The Salt Land, The Prodigal Father, Balance of Terror, Five Finger Exercise (Evening Standard Drama Award), The Private Ear, The Public Eye, The Royal Hunt of the Sun, Black Comedy, White Lies, The Battle of Shrivings, Yonadab, The Gift of the Gorgon, Lettice and Lovageand Amadeus (Evening Standard Drama Award and Tony Award for Best Play). His plays adapted for film includeFive Finger Exercise, The Royal Hunt of the Sun, Equus and Amadeus (Academy Award for Best Picture), for television The Salt Land and Balance of Terror, and for radio The Prodigal Father and Whom Do I Have the Honour of Addressing?. In 1994, Shaffer was Visiting Professor of Contemporary Drama at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford. He was awarded the CBE in 1987 and was knighted in 2001.

 

Ned Bennett directs Equus. He is an award-winning theatre director, who trained at the Royal Court, the National Theatre and LAMDA. His work includes the Evening Standard Award-winning An Octoroon, which opened at the Orange Tree Theatre in Spring 2017 and transferred to the Dorfman in this year, and Buggy Babywhich opened at the Yard Theatre in March of this year. He directed the Bruntwood Prize-winning Yen at the Manchester Royal Exchange which transferred to the Royal Court in 2016, and Pomona which was commissioned by the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and transferred to the Orange Tree, and then to the National Theatre. Pomona and Yen won Bennett the UKT Best Director award 2015. Pomona won four Off-West End awards: Best Director, Best Production, Best New Play and Best Lighting Design.

Tour Dates

Theatre Royal Stratford East

15 February – 23 March 2019

Press night: Thursday 21 February, 7pm

Box Office: 020 8534 0310 / www.stratfordeast.com

Cambridge Arts Theatre

26 – 30 March 2019

Box Office: 01223 503333 / www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

 

Theatre Royal Bath

2 – 6 April 2019

Box Office: 01225 448844 / www.theatreroyal.org.uk

 

Bristol Old Vic

16 – 20 April 2019

Box Office: 0117 987 7877 / www.bristololdvic.org.uk

 

The Lowry

23 – 27 April 2019

Box Office:  0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

 

Northern Stage

30 April – 4 May 2019

Box Office: 0191 230 5151 / www.northernstage.co.uk

 

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

7 – 11 May 2019

Box Office: 01483 440000 / www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

30^th ANNIVERSARY TOUR FAME – THE MUSICAL ANNOUNCE 2019 TRANSFER TO THE WEST END

 

Fame the Musical, currently on an extensive and critically- acclaimed UK tour celebrating 30 years since the original Miami production, announce a West End transfer to the Peacock Theatre 11 Sep – 19 Oct 2019.

Based on the 1980 phenomenal pop culture film, Fame the Musical is the international smash-hit sensation following the lives of students at New York’s High School For The Performing Arts as they navigate their way through the highs and lows, the romances and the heartbreaks and the ultimate elation of life. This bittersweet but uplifting triumph of a show explores the issues that confront many young people today: prejudice, identity, pride, literacy, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance.

With a star cast still to be announced. Fame the Musical is presented by Selladoor Productions who have recently toured with of Footloose, Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors and Flashdance – The Musical, with Gavin Kalin Productions, Dan Looney & Adam Paulden, Stephen McGill Productions and Jason Haigh-Ellery in association with BrightLights Productions and Big Dreamer Productions.  Fame is Directed and Choregraphed by Nick Winston with Design by Morgan Large and Sound Design by Ben Harrison. Mark Crossland is Musical Supervisor.

David De Silva – the conceiver of Fame, known as ‘Father Fame’ says of this anniversary production;  “what makes a musical ‘a classic’ or a ‘masterpiece’?  It takes time. It passes from one generation to the next. It translates from one language to many.  It entertains an audience with both laughter and tears. It inspires youth with passion and parents with nostalgia. The brilliantly directed and choreographed 30th anniversary Fame Uk production of the show by Nick Winston is the best I’ve ever seen”

Featuring the Oscar-winning title song and a cast of outstanding dancers, singers, musicians and rappers as they transform from star struck pupils to superstars. Fame the Musical will indeed live forever.

Tickets are on sale 01 October www.fameuktour.co.uk  for more information.

LISTINGS

Press Night:                        Thu 12 September 2019 7.30pm

Website:                              www.fameuktour.co.uk

Twitter and Facebook:   @famemusicaluk

Tiny Fires in association with Park Theatre presents
HONOUR

25 October – 24 November| Park Theatre

Henry Goodman, Imogen Stubbs and Katie Brayben have been confirmed to star in Joanna Murray-Smith’s compelling drama Honour at Park Theatre. With a cast boasting three Olivier Awards between them, Honour paints an unflinching portrait of what happens when a secure marriage suddenly stalls, and when the opportunity arises for one life to be revived at the expense of another. 

 

The official press night will take place on Tuesday 30^th October, 7pm.

 

For Honor and George, the arrival of the self-assured Claudia threatens to wreck a 32-year marriage. But as the power balance starts to shift, the husband, wife, daughter and lover together must face the fundamental question – what is love?

 

Originated in Australia, Honour debuted in the UK at the National Theatre in 2003, before a 2006 West End revival at Wyndham’s Theatre. Directed by Paul Robinson, Tiny Fires’ production will be staged in-the-round.

Director Paul Robinson said: “I’ve been burning to direct this incredible play for years now and I couldn’t be more delighted by this stellar cast. I’d always seen it in the round and as such I can’t wait to see how intimate and involving our production is going to be.”

Double Olivier Award-winning Henry Goodman will play George. Henry’s extensive career spans film, television, radio and stage. His screen credits include: Taking Woodstock (Focus Features), The Chosen (Netflix), The Damned United (Columbia Pictures), Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (ABC Studios) and same role in The Avengers (Marvel) and Yes, Prime Minister (BBC). His stage credits include: at The National Theatre: Angels In America, Guys & Dolls, Merchant Of Venice (Best Actor Olivier Award winner and also made for TV with BBC/HBO), Assassins (Donmar Warehouse, Best Actor in a Musical Olivier Award winner), Hysteria (Royal Court Theatre & West End), Tartuffe (Roundabout, New York), Fiddler on the Roof (Sheffield Crucible, Savoy Theatre), The Winslow Boy (Old Vic) and The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Chichester Festival Theatre, Duchess Theatre).  Henry is also an Associate Artist of The RSC, where principal roles include Richard III, Volpone and Dromio.

Actress and writer Imogen Stubbs will play Honor. Imogen trained at RADA and the London School of Contemporary Dance and gained a First in English at Oxford. Her vast theatre experience includes productions at the RSC, National Teatre, Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse and various West End productions. Recent stage credits include: Things I Know To Be True (Frantic Assembly), Communicating Doors (Menier Chocolate Factory), Elephants (Hampstead Theatre), Alecky Blythe’s Little Revolution (Almeida) and Strangers On A Train (Gielgud). For the Royal Shakespeare Company Imogen appeared in Othello, Two Noble Kinsmen, The Rover and Richard II. Additional stage credits include: Gertrude in Hamlet (Old Vic), Sarah Frankcom’s production of Tennessee Williams’s Orpheus Descending and Private Lives (Royal Exchange Theatre), Salt, Root and Roe (Donmar Warehouse/West End) and A Marvellous Year For Plums (Chichester Festival Theatre). Her film work includes: Jack & Sarah (MGM), Twelfth Night (New Line), True Colours (Paramount), Deadline (BBC), A Summer Story (HBO) and Sense and Sensibility (Columbia Pictures). Television credits includes: Parents (Objective/Sky), Collusion (Third Wave Films), Big Kids (BBC), Blind Ambition (Yorkshire Television) and Anna Lee (London Weekend Television).

 

Olivier Award-winning actress Katie Brayben will play Claudia. Katie’s theatre credits include: A Walk on The Moon (The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco), Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre, Best Actress in a Musical Olivier Award winner), The Spoils (Trafalgar Studios), King Charles III (Almeida Theatre and Wyndham’s Theatre), American Psycho (Almeida Theatre) and 13 (The National Theatre). Her screen credits include: Doctor Who (BBC), Luther (BBC), The Alienist (TNT), Vera: Changing Tides (ITV), King Charles III (BBC) and the feature film Self Help – A Serial Killer’s Guide To Life which is due for release later this year.

 

Additional casting is yet to be announced.

Writer Joanna Murray-Smith is a Melbourne based playwright, screenwriter and novelist. Her plays, which include Honour, Rapture, Bombshells, Nightfall, Redemption, Love Child and Flame, have been produced around the world. Honour has been produced in over two dozen countries, including productions on Broadway and at the National Theatre in London and in the West End. Honour won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Best Play. Most recently, Bath Theatre Royal produced the UK premiere of Switzerland and her Songs For Nobodies transfers from Wilton’s Music Hall to the West End in 2019. Joanna has also published three novels Truce, Judgement Rock and Sunnyside.

Director Paul Robinson is Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre for whom he has directed Build a Rocket, The 39 Steps, Pinocchio, A Christmas Carol, Goth Weekend and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. Paul trained as a director at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, The Manchester Royal Exchange and The National Theatre. He was Artistic Director of Theatre503 from 2012 to 2016 where he introduced the Trafalgar Transfer season and the Theatre503 International Playwriting Award. He has been twice nominated for Best Artistic Director at the Off West End Awards. His productions of And Then Come the Nightjars, A Handful of Stars and Land of Our Fathers garnered a total of 12 Off West End Award nominations, including Best Director. Other credits include: Breakfast with Mugabe (Bath Theatre Royal), The Swallowing Dark (TMA Award winner) and My Mother Said I Never Should (St James’ Theatre).

www.parktheatre.co.uk

Box office: 020 7870 6876*

SAMANTHA WOMACK

STARS IN

UK & IRELAND TOUR OF

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

 

Samantha Womack stars in a new production of The Girl on the Train, a gripping thriller based on the internationally acclaimed number one best-selling novel by Paula Hawkins and the Dreamworks film.  The Girl on the Train begins a major tour of the UK & Ireland on 21 January 2019 in Milton Keynes. (Tour schedule below).

Samantha plays Rachel Watson who longs for a different life. Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love.  Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.

Samantha Womack has starred extensively in television, film and theatre.  She is best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell in BBC1’s EastEnders. Other television credits include leading roles in Mount Pleasant and the hugely popular Game On.  Her recent films include: Kingsman: The Golden Circle and Kingsman: The Secret Service alongside Colin Firth.  Samantha recently played Morticia in a tour of The Addams Family.

 

Samantha said:  “Having been thoroughly captivated by the novel, the opportunity to take on a role like this is incredibly exciting. I’ve been fascinated by thrillers for a long time and this kind of storytelling, like Hitchcock’s Rear Window, offers us a voyeurs journey into a world which is dangerous and full of suspense.”

Joining Samantha in the cast is Oliver Farnworth as Scott.  Best known for playing Andy Carver in Coronation Street, Oliver’s other TV credits include Mr Selfridge, The Royal and Hollyoaks.  Further casting is yet to be announced.

Paula Hawkins’ novel is an international phenomenon, selling over twenty million copies world-wide.  Produced by Simon Friend, Amblin Entertainment and Josh Andrews, The Girl on the Train is adapted by Rachel Wagstaff & Duncan Abel and is directed by Anthony Banks with designs by James Cotterill.  Further casting is yet to be announced.

 

Girl on the Train Tour Schedule

21 January – 13 July 2019

Milton Keynes Theatre                                                  www.atgtickets.com/shows/milton-keynes/

21-28 January 2019                                                          0844 871 7652

Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                                 www.everymantheatre.org.uk/box-office/

28 January – 2 February 2019                                      01242 572573

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                           www.mayflower.org.uk/

4 – 16 February, 2019                                                     023 8071 1811

Richmond Theatre                                                          www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

11 – 16 February 2019                                                    0844 871 7651

Southend Palace Theatre                                             www.southendtheatres.org.uk

18 – 23 February 2019                                                    01702 351135. On sale soon.

Leicester Curve                                                                 www.curveonline.co.uk/tickets‎

4 – 9 March 2019                                                              0116 242 3595

Liverpool Playhouse                                                       www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on

11 – 16 March 2019                                                         0151 709 4776

Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton                               www.grandtheatre.co.uk/

18 – 23 March 2019                                                         01902 429212

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh                                            www.capitaltheatres.com/your-visit/kings-theatre

25 – 30 March 2019                                                         0131 529 6000

The Lowry, Salford                                                          www.thelowry.com/

1 – 6 April 2019                                                                 0843 208 6000

Theatre Royal, Bath                                                         www.theatreroyal.org.uk/

8 – 13 April 2019                                                               01225 448844

Theatre Royal, Glasgow                                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow/

15 – 20 April 2019                                                            0844 871 7647

Royal & Derngate, Northampton                               www.royalandderngate.co.uk

22 – 27 April 2019                                                            01604 624811

Theatre Royal, Newcastle                                            www.theatreroyal.co.uk/

29 April – 4 May 2019                                                     08448 11 21 21

Orchard Theatre, Dartford                                           www.orchardtheatre.co.uk/

6 – 11 May 2019                                                                01322 220000

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry                                         www.belgrade.co.uk/

13 – 18 May 2019                                                             024 7655 3055

Theatre Royal, Nottingham                                          trch.co.uk/

20 – 25 May 2019                                                             0115 989 5555

Shrewsbury Theatre Severn                                        www.theatresevern.co.uk/

27 May – 1 June 2019                                                     01743 281281

Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin                             www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie/

3 – 8 June 2019                                                                  +353 (1) 677 7999

Grand Opera House, Belfast                                        www.goh.co.uk

10 – 15 June 2019                                                             028 9024 1919

Theatre Royal, Brighton                                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/

17 – 21 June 2019                                                             0844 871 7615

Sheffield Lyceum                                                             www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/

24 – 29 June 2019                                                             0114 249 6000

Norwich Theatre Royal                                                  www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/

1 – 6 July 2019                                                                   01603 63 00 00.  On sale from 9 Nov.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford                          www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/

8 – 13 July 2019                                                                 01483 440000

SEARCH FOR A LITTLE YORKSHIRE STAR

 

A leading theatre company based in Leeds is looking for children aged four to six to appear in their pantomime this year.

On Stage Productions is to stage Dick Whittington and His Cat at Leeds City Varieties Music Hall in November and is seeking talented youngsters to form the juvenile chorus.

“This is such a great opportunity for Yorkshire youngsters to experience the world of theatre and performance,” says co-Founder and Principal Liz Coggins.

“They will get the chance to experience rehearsals, take  part in training and special pantomime workshops to enhance their performance skills – all alongside industry professionals.”

All the principal actors in the show are adults with professional experience.

Scarborough’s Dale Ibbetson is playing the lead comedy role of Idle Jack for the fifth year; he is regular comic in professional pantomimes throughout the North of England.

The Principal Boy is played by Eloise Peniston; Eloise joined On Stage Academy some 13 years ago aged five and is now on the staff as a trainee teacher and in her final year of drama school.

The production team is also made up of industry experts in technical, costume, hair, make-up and dance.

“On Stage Productions was co-founded by the late Chris Fox – one of the most renowned Pantomime Dames in the country,” Liz continues.

“He started his extensive theatrical career as a child and believed that a young person’s first experience of theatre should be a magical one. He also believed in Pantomime as an art form, and as a company we still embody those ethics today.”

Rehearsals start in early October and budding stars will rehearse every Saturday afternoon at The Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds City Centre; it is expected that more rehearsals will be required in the run up to the production.

If you have a young star in the family let On Stage Productions know by emailing onstagetheatreartsacademy@gmail.com

Dick Whittington and His Cat is at City Varieties Music Hall on Saturday 10^th November at 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets are on sale now priced from £19.60.

Book online at cityvarieties.co.uk

or call Box Office on 0113 243 0808

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

Hit West End show, Motown The Musical, is set to have Leeds audiences Dancing In The street when it runs at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 November 2018 as part of a major UK and Ireland tour.

With over 50 Motown classics, including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I’ll Be There, Dancing In The Street, Stop! In The Name Of Love, My Girl and I Heard It through the Grapevine. Motown the Musical tells the story of Motown Founder and heavy-weight music mogul, Berry Gordy, and the legendary record label that changed music history and created the soundtrack of a generation.

With just $800 borrowed from his family, Gordy discovered and launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more.

Gordy said: “The UK has always been the gateway for Motown to the rest of the world. While the west end production continues to perform to great audiences, I’m thrilled that we are taking a second production of Motown the Musical to the rest of the UK.”

Motown The Musical is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 November 2018

Tickets are on sale priced from £15

(prices include a £3 booking fee. Postage charge £1 where applicable)

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL TO EMBARK ON MAJOR UK AND IRELAND TOUR

OPENING AT THE

BIRMINGHAM ALEXANDRA THEATRE

ON 11 OCTOBER 2018

Motown the Musical will embark on a major UK and Ireland tour opening at the Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre on 11 October 2018 where it will play until 3 November 2018 before visiting Leeds Grand Theatre (6 – 17 November 2018), Edinburgh Playhouse (20 November – 8 December 2018), Bristol Hippodrome (10 January – 2 February 2019), Bord Gais Energy Theatre Dublin (5 – 23 February 2019), Manchester Opera House (26 February – 23 March 2019) and Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff (26-March – 6 April 2019). Further dates and casting to be announced soon.

The London production of Motown the Musical continues to play to standing ovations at the Shaftesbury Theatre where it is about to enter its third year and is currently booking until 5 January 2019.

With music and lyrics from the Motown catalogue and book by Motown founder Berry Gordy, Charles Randolph-Wright’s production features a live orchestra playing 50 Motown tracks including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I’ll Be There, Dancing In The Street, Stop! In The Name Of Love, My Girl and I Heard It through the Grapevine and tells the story behind the classic hits.

Berry Gordy said today, “The UK has always been the gateway for Motown to the rest of the world. While the west end production still continues to perform to great audiences, I’m thrilled that we are taking a second production of Motown the Musical to the rest of the UK.”

With just $800 borrowed from his family, Motown founder Berry Gordy, goes from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul, discovering and launching the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more. Motown the Musical uncovers the true story of the legendary record label that changed music history and created the soundtrack of a generation.

Tony nominated Motown the Musical received its world premiere in April 2013 in New York and recouped its $18 million investment by the end of 2014. The first US National Tour opened to critical acclaim in Spring 2014 in Chicago, grossing $20 million dollars during its standing room only sixteen-week run, and continues to play to packed houses across America.

Motown the Musical has music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Ethan Popp, co-orchestrations and additional arrangements by Bryan Cook, dance arrangements by Zane Mark. Choreography is by Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams, scenic design by David Korins, costumes by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Peter Hylenski, video by Daniel Brodie and Wig design by Charles Lapointe. Motown the Musical is produced in the UK by Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris, Adam Spiegel and Berry Gordy.

Berry Gordy is the founder of Motown, the enterprise that nurtured the careers of, amongst others, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 and more. Gordy is also a songwriter, producer, director, boxer, innovative entrepreneur, teacher and visionary. Actively involved in the Civil Rights movement, he also released the recorded speeches of

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His films include Mahogany and Lady Sings the Blues, which received five Academy Award nominations. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame Pioneer Award, the Grammy Salute To Industry Icon’s President’s Merit Award and was honoured by President Barack Obama with a Salute to Motown evening at the White House. Berry Gordy’s unparalleled contribution to music and popular culture is chronicled in his autobiography, To Be Loved: The Music, The Magic, The Memories of Motown.

The original Broadway cast recording of Motown the Musical is available via Motown Records, a label of UMG Recordings – www.classicmotown.com

 

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL – UK and Ireland tour 2018/2019

11 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2018

BIRMINGHAM NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE

ATGTICKETS.COM/Birmingham – 0844 871 3011

 

6 – 17 NOVEMBER 2018

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

leedsgrandtheatre.com – 0844 848 2700

 

20 NOVEMBER – 8 DECEMBER 2018

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

ATGTICKETS.COM/Edinburgh – 0844 871 3014

 

10 JANUARY – 2 FEBRUARY 2019

BRISTOL HIPPODROME

ATGTICKETS.COM/Bristol – 0844 871 3012

 

5 – 23 FEBRUARY 2019

BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE DUBLIN

bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

 

26 FEBRUARY – 23 MARCH 2019

MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE

ATGTICKETS.COM/Manchester – 0844

 

26 MARCH – 6 APRIL 2019

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF

wmc.org.uk – 02920 63 64 64

 

Hull New Theatre Announce Cast for Cinderella – The Fairy Godmother of all Pantomimes

Hull New Theatre has announced that EastEnders icon Anita Dobson, comedy star Bernie Clifton, Hull-born West End star Jocasta Almgill, and long-time Hull resident, comedian Martyn James, will star in this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Cinderella from Thursday 6 December. The casting replaces the previously announced Chuckle Brother

Playing the role of Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother will be multi-award winning stage, television, film actress and singer Anita Dobson. A graduate of London’s Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, Anita rose to fame as the inimitable Angie Watts, the first landlady of the Queen Vic on EastEnders. Her tempestuous nature saw her quickly rise to fame, with over 30 million viewers tuning in to see her handed her divorce papers by her on-screen husband on Christmas Day 1986, an unprecedented record which is still yet to be surpassed

Upon leaving the infamous Square, Anita went on to appear across film and television with roles on Red Dwarf, Rab C Nesbitt and her own sitcom, Split Ends, for the BBC and other serialised dramas including The Bill, Doctor Who, Casualty and Holby City. She also took part in the 2011 series of Strictly Come Dancing, scoring high with judges and the voting audience, reaching the ninth week of the competition

On stage Anita was nominated for her role as Gertrude in Hamlet at the Lawrence Olivier Awards and appeared with the Royal Shakespeare Company in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Most recently she played Madame Morrible in the musical Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, appeared in the feature films Darkness Falls and London Road for the National Theatre, and guest starred in the 2017 Christmas special of Call the Midwife

Starring alongside Anita as her financially-challenged husband Baron Hardup will be comedy legend Bernie Clifton. A staple of television throughout his illustrious and lengthy career, Bernie has appeared on stages up and down the country with his incomparable stand up and music, not to mention his trusty ostrich friend, Oswald

The Lancashire-born legend began his career playing local pubs and clubs before the lure of television called, and he made his screen debut on the iconic children’s show, Crackerjack. In addition to causing havoc on screen for three years, Bernie appeared on numerous Royal Variety Performances, on Blankety Blank, appeared with French and Saunders, had a cameo in Peter Kay’s iconic ‘Is This the Way to Amarillo’ video for Comic Relief, auditioned for the ITV talent search The Voice, wowing the Kaiser Chief’s Ricky Wilson with his vocal talents and earlier this year he flew to Las Vegas with a host of fellow celebrities to appear in their own Sin City stage spectacular, Last Laugh in Vegas

Joining them as the fabulous Fairy Godmother will be west end leading lady Jocasta Almgill. Most recently starring in the UK tour of the hit Scottish feature film Sunshine on Leith, Jocasta was seen in multi-award winning musical Dreamgirls, appeared in the leading role of Deena Jones on numerous occasions at the Savoy Theatre in London and starred in In the Heights, the hit-musical penned by Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda

Starring as Cinderella’s best friend Buttons will be comedian Martyn James. Martyn has been involved in show business for more than 25 years, originating as a children’s entertainer in the North of England before forging a highly successful career as an entertainment manager, producing, directing and staging numerous productions before touring his own magic show at venues across the UK. Along the way he picked up numerous awards, including the British Magical Champion of Illusion and British Magical Grand Prix Awards. Since then Martin has wowed crowds with his unique comedy and magical act, and will be bringing plenty of miraculous tricks to help Cinderella travel to the Ball

Audiences shall go to the ball this Christmas as Cinderella transforms from rags to riches, outwits her Wicked Stepmother and very Ugly Sisters, and with the help of her hilarious friend Buttons, father Baron Hardup and one very magical Fairy Godmother, wins the heart of the dashing Prince Charming. Cinderella will feature all of the ingredients of the perfect Hull pantomime; a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy. This year’s panto will also feature an exciting, eye-popping 3D sequence and real Shetland ponies who will transport Cinderella to the Ball

Don’t miss your chance to see Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes. The clock is ticking…book your tickets to the Ball today in person at the Hull City Hall box office, over the phone 01482 300 306 or online www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Wilton’s Music Hall  – until 22 September 2018

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Watermill Theatre bring their critically acclaimed production of Twelfth Night to London, with the beautiful and atmospheric Wilton’s Music Hall transforming into The Elephant Club.

As the audience trickle in, emcee Sir Toby Belch (Lauryn Redding) and the house band, The Eunuchs, entertain with a series of jazz standards and jazz versions of modern songs, introducing the characters as they sing their solos, until Duke Orsino (Jamie Satterthwaite) enters and begins his manically goofy conducting of the band before the play’s famous opening line.

Shakespeare’s bonkers tale of crossdressing love is perfect for this approach, with Redding’s Sir Toby – already established as emcee/music hall clown – orchestrating events for her own enjoyment and the audience’s entertainment making the inherent cruelty of Belch, Feste and Maria’s actions more palatable in this alcohol fuelled pantomime world. The plot: twins separated by storm at sea, sister dresses as her brother and goes to work for lovesick duke, who she falls in love with, but is sent to woo his beloved, who falls in love with her/him, is ridiculous, but the ensemble carry the audience along on a wave of euphoria that many productions just can’t manage, and there are many more belly laughs erupting around the hall than I’ve heard in previous productions of this play.

The actor-musicians showcase their musical skills throughout, with director Paul Hart recreating the ebb and flow of the tide in the scene changes, with evocative wave tossed movement or upbeat musical numbers complementing the storyline beautifully. And those songs! Fitting perfectly with the story, the ensemble belt out some beauties, with Peter Dukes as Malvolio’s artfully camp “Royals” a joyful way to end act one, and the ensemble’s “Creep” creating a disturbing background to Malvolio’s incarceration. Not many productions manage to make Malvolio sympathetic, but having Dukes despairingly watching Olivia in Sebastian’s arms will soften the hardest of hearts… until he acts like a pompous prat again in the final scene. The whole ensemble are terrific, with Mike Slader’s Aguecheek a glorious caricature of every Wodehouse character, with a dash of the anarchy of the Young Ones thrown in.

This is a wonderful production for lovers of Shakespeare, and a wonderful introduction for newcomers. Watermill Theatre have created a stunning reminder that Shakespeare’s plays don’t have to be stuffy affairs with a silly yet soulful production that will tickle your funny bones and get your feet tapping. I just wish the band could have followed Orsino’s instructions and played on all night.

Salisbury Arts Centre – 14-15th September

Reviewed by Nicky Wyatt

3***

A packed Salisbury Arts Centre plays host to guitar genius Nick Harper as he entertains with his one man show A Wiltshire Tale. I have to confess to not knowing who I was going to see tonight, I was very much in the minority! This man has a huge following, many greeted and chatted about him like he was an old friend to some I think he was. One lady told me that she had travelled from Melton Mowbray over 4 hours away and had been a fan for more than 30 years.

The show splits into two halves, the first half is Nicks poem A Wiltshire Tale. It is without a history lesson of this amazing county that I call home. It is quite a fast but long poem detailing monuments, landscapes, wildlife and historical events. It’s cleverly written and well delivered although I will confess to drifting off a couple of times, especially when I caught sight of some of the images it relates too. The way he told this reminded me of a medieval storyteller or troubadour which I guess is where he gets the strap line ‘Bard of Wiltshire’

The second half is more musical. It is a showcase of Nicks musical ability. The songs he writes are relevant to his surroundings and also what is going on in the world they are personal to him. I really enjoyed the range of notes he is able to sing, my favourite part of the show was the guitar playing, an absolute talent.