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KIDS GO FREE AT THE WIZARD OF OZ

THIS SUMMER

THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL RETURNS TO THE WEST END

WITH A CAST LED BY ASTON MERRYGOLD AS THE TIN MAN AND

THE VIVIENNE AS THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST

www.wizardofozmusical.com

Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are delighted to announce a new Kids Go Free promotion for The Wizard of Oz this summer. The beloved musical, based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum begins a strictly limited four-week summer season at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on Thursday 15 August following a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour. Those planning to go over the rainbow can take advantage of this offer either in person at the box office, or online via this BOOKING LINK.

The promotion includes one free child ticket per full price adult. The offer will appear as two tickets at 50% off each and excludes Sat 17th Aug Mat, Tues 20th Aug Mat, Weds 21st Aug Mat, Fri 23rd Mat & Fri 30th Aug Mat. Subject to availability.

Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film (which celebrates its 85^th year in 2024), with much-loved songs including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off To See the Wizard – with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – this spectacular production is a magical experience for all the family.

The Wizard of Oz’s London run stars JLS sensation Aston Merrygold* as The Tin Man and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, alongside principal company members also currently starring in the UK and Ireland touring production: Allan Stewart (Stones in His Pockets, West End, UK Tour, Toronto; STV Hello, Good Evening, Welcome) and Alex Bourne (Annie, West End, UK Tour, Toronto; Hairspray, UK Tour) as The Wizard, Aviva Tulley (Book of Mormon, UK Tour) as Dorothy, Benjamin Yates (ITV’s Emmerdale; Jersey Boys, West End) as The Scarecrow, Nic Greenshields (Love Never Dies West End; Les Misérables West End, International Tour) as The Cowardly Lion, Emily Bull (9 to 5, UK Tour; Matilda UK Tour) as Glinda The Good Witch and Abigail Matthews as Toto (Bleak Expectations, West End; War Horse, West End).* Femi Akinfolarin (Treason, UK Tour; Moulin Rouge! The Musical, West End) will appear as The Tin Man at certain dates. 

The company is completed by: David Burrows, Adam Craig, Cole Dunn, Tyler Ephraim, Olivia Kate Holding, Thomas Kalek, Sadie Levett, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, Martin McCarthy, Rose Ouellette, Fanja Parent, Alexandra Regan, Nathan Routledge, and Sydney Spencer.

The Wizard of Oz on tour is presented by Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin Productions, David Mirvish, Crossroads Live, Rupert Gavin and Mallory Factor, Jake Hine, and Playing Field, by arrangement with the Really Useful Group Ltd. Originally produced at Curve.

LONDON SUMMER SEASON – LISTINGS

Gillian Lynne Theatre

Thursday 15 August – Sunday 8 September 2024

166 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5PW

CAST APPEARANCES

Please visit www.wizardofozmusical.com for specific cast schedules.

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg
Additional Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Additional Lyrics by Tim Rice
Adaption by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams
Orchestrations by David Cullen
Orchestrations adapted by George Dyer

From the book by L. Frank Baum

Based Upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Warner Media, and produced with the permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and EMI Music Publishing

Director Nikolai Foster 
Choreographer Shay Barclay
Set Designer Colin Richmond
Projection Designer Douglas O’Connell 
Costume and Puppet Designer Rachael Canning 
Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell
Sound Designer Adam Fisher

Creative Consultant Mark Kaufman

Musical Supervisor George Dyer

Casting by Debbie O’Brien
Props Supervisor Marcus Hall Props
Wigs, Hair, and Makeup Designer Elizabeth Marini

Tickets

www.wizardofozmusical.com

Social Media

Instagram: @yellowbrickroad | Twitter: @yellowbrickroad | Facebook: @WizardOfOzTheMusical

Kings Theatre, Portsmouth – until 21 July 2024

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

5*****

Having been a fan of SpongeBob SquarePants on tv and the film in my younger years, I was excited to hear they’d made a musical -I was even more excited when I heard the first chorus of this amazing cast singing as they knocked my socks off!

A very easy storyline-SpongeBob (Casper Horn) along with his best friends Sandy Cheeks (Ella Burgos) and Patrick Starr (Stanley Searl) must save the town of Bikini Bottom from a volcano, that if it erupts will wipe out the whole town! With determination, grit and a lot of effort this wonderful trio manage to save the town and become Heroes! I was absolutely astounded at the sheer talent this cast had, but Casper Horn as our eponymous hero knocked it out of the park. He was the perfect embodiment of SpongeBob – his vocals, mannerisms and reactions were spot on at every turn. There was one moment during ‘Just a Simple Sponge’ that Horn actually made me recoil in sheer joy at how impressive he was. Burgos and Searl were also perfectly cast in their roles as Sandy and Patrick, giving gravitas and vocals that one can only dream of! I was enthralled at every moment during the show because of these three, but also the ensemble were brilliant. They were completely focussed, giving a professional performance. One member of this ensemble caught my eye each time he was on stage with his brilliant dancing and energy, bringing the extra edge to the production-a massive well done to Bobby Watkins for this. Costumes were provided by D and S Costumes, which solidified the image being created on stage.

Overall, this is the perfect production directed by Paul Clements and one that every member of the company should be proud of. I was so taken aback by this amazing cast and cannot wait to see how these young people will start to storm the West End in years to come. I’m just disappointed it doesn’t have a longer run, so that more people can enjoy these hard work and talent this cast has.

BARD IN THE BOTANICS FESTIVAL, GLASGOW– UNTIL 27 JULY 2024

REVIEWED BY RACHEL FARRIER 

5*****

I’ve seen a number of Shakespeare’s comedies given the Bard in the Botanics treatment in the last few years and they have all been a treat, so I am happy to say at the outset of my review that this production of The Merry Wives of Wishaw did not disappoint. 

Having never seen The Merry Wives of Windsor before, I made sure to look up a plot summary online beforehand. The consensus of the internet seemed to be that The Merry Wives of Windsor is very far from Shakespeare’s finest play, and Gordon Barr (who adapted and directed this production) says as much in his programme notes. So perhaps transplanting it to a current day Scottish central belt suburban context was a stroke of genius, because the central conceit of the play  – in Barr’s own words a ‘feminist farce’ using disguise and pretended seduction to bring down a pompous and conniving womanizer – convinces and amuses as well as any of Shakespeare’s more famous comedies. 

Alan Steele reprises his role as Falstaff, having appeared in the same role in Henry IV last summer (apparently, Elizabeth I so enjoyed the character in Henry IV that she compelled Shakespeare to bring him back in a different play), and this thread of continuity is another excellent trick for Bard in the Botanics regulars. Steele is magnificent in portraying the bombastic, sleazy fallibility of the man, and the scene in which he ends up in a pink wheelie bin will stay long in my memory – it was one of several moments where I was crying with laughter. 

Isabelle Joss and Claire Macallister as Nell Page and Alice Ford (the ‘Merry Wives’) are an absolute treat, and Joss’s portrayal of a very recognisable (to a Scottish audience, at any rate) mammy feels like the comedy glue which holds the production together, in the best possible way. The wives’ increasingly hilarious schemes for outwitting Falstaff draw in all the other characters, and Kyle Gardiner as the salon-owning, money grabbing but spineless Abraham Slender is a delight. 

Eimi Quinn and Johnny Panchaud shine as the genuine, love-struck couple Ned and Anne, and their sweet (and funny) romance tempers the cynical and world weary take on love and relationships of the older characters. 

As a side note, the whole cast should also be commended for battling through the cacophany of a police helicopter and sirens at a nearby incident during the first half – unexpected outside events are always a risk for an outdoor production but the show went on without a hitch.

The musical finale of this production is the unexpected cherry on the cake of an absolutely brilliant night, and the standing ovation from the audience was absolutely justified. If I can get along to see it again in the coming week, I will. 

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 18th July 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

4.5****

Another star studded night in Malvern, this time in the company of the almost legendary Tony Blackburn and a lorra lorra music from the 60’s (arguably the best decade).

The evening began with the obviously well drilled and musically accomplished Sounds of the 60’s All-Star Band and singers Tor and Ian giving us a taster of what the evening held in store, via a medley including Runaway, Let’s Twist Again and Only The Lonely and the crowd went (gently) wild. And that was all before the great man himself came on!

After a brief introduction and a wonderfully cheesy joke or two – more on that later – we were off again with another medley from the early 60’s which heavily featured Cliff. You can forget how powerful songs like Move It were back in the day – Britain’s first, genuine Rock ‘n’ Roll record still has it.

Apart from more endless cheesy jokes (have I mentioned those?) there’s plenty of anecdotes about Tony’s career including his time on Radio Caroline and Radio 1 and, as you’d expect from someone who is approaching 60 years of professional broadcasting, he knows how to spin an interesting yarn.

Both singers were fabulous and whilst not quite scaling the heights or visceral power of Tom or Tina (then again, who does?) they nevertheless gave it plenty, hit all the right notes and knew how to please, please me (sorry, the crowd).

A flower power section gave the audience members in full Sgt Pepper gear (plus wigs) a moment in the spotlight and for Tony to indulge in some playful ribbing. All good naturedly – he takes the mickey out of himself more than anyone else, especially his own musical achievements (he’s released 29 singles y’know!).

Motown featured heavily and it’s obvious it’s one of Tony’s loves. There were also anecdotes about his shmoozing with pop royalty such as Gene Pitney and Frank (yes Frank) Sinatra! Really, just an excuse to have another medley of hits – and why not? Everyone loved it

It’s strange being feet away from someone who’s been in your living room for decades. Like having a friend over. The love flowed between stage and stalls and back again all evening. He may disparage them but I loved his jokes – my favourites being the ones about buying fruit and undersized jumpers (no punchline spoilers there).

Inevitably, plenty of your favourite songs will be left out. Personally, I’d have liked more Beatles, some Rolling Stones and even Black Sabbath to show the breadth of what the 60’s gave. As it was, there was The Kinks You Really Got Me – a song that is as shockingly visceral now as it was way back then.

So, an evening that was as much a celebration of the man, broadcasting generally and popstar name dropping as it was Tony. A pleasurable couple of hours in the company of some new friends, having fun. Nothing controversial, nothing upsetting, just good clean entertainment. How fitting and how wonderful in this day and age when the news is often so gloomy and TV has forgotten what “light” entertainment means. Well done that man, see you next time around.

QUEENS, THE NEW EXHIBITION INSPIRED BY SIX THE MUSICAL BEGINS ITS REIGN AT THE LOWRY

SATURDAY 20^TH JULY TO SUNDAY 3^rd NOVEMBER 2024

FREE ENTRY

Queens, the major new exhibition inspired by SIX the Musical, will begin its reign at The Lowry this weekend.

Queens: The Exhibition will run in the Galleries of the Salford arts venue from Saturday 20^th July to Sunday 3^rd November 2024.

The free exhibition – curated by The Lowry – is the first of its kind and is produced with the support of SIX and its creators Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss.

The word ‘Queen’ has become a positive term of self-reference, and this exhibition asks the question ‘What kind of Queen are you?’ and celebrates ‘everyday’ queens of every description.

The exhibition will start with a celebration of the hit musical SIX and taking centre stage will be two of Gabriella Slade’s iconic costumes from the show: those of Catherine of Aragon and Katherine Howard – a first for the North West.

The costumes will be displayed alongside a newly-commissioned model of the SIX stage set, designed by Emma Bailey, as well as scripts, film and memorabilia from Toby and Lucy.

It will feature new commissions from local legend, The Mancorialist, Instagram cartoonist Lily O’Farrell and from Manchester-based artist, Johnny Humes, whose remarkable new painting throws a spotlight on Fanny and Stella, two young men who shocked Victorian England. 

A Tudor-esque house inside the exhibition will be filled with UV light for some magical opportunities for visitors to draw their own pictures.  There’s the chance to sing your heart out, and even a huge oversized gothic throne for that essential regal selfie. And there are mini-Queens hidden throughout the galleries to find.

There will also be venue-wide free learning and engagement activities based around the Queens theme for the duration of the exhibition’s run, including arts & crafts, silent discos and dance workshops. For full details of what’s on offer during Queens, including live music performances and Queens-themed food and drink offerings in ‘The Queens Head’ pub, please check the website.

Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the creators of SIX, said: “We are so, so excited that this SIX-inspired exhibition is being curated by The Lowry! It has been such a wonderful home for our show for so many years, and it’s just so cool that it will be inviting the Queendom to engage with it, its history, and theatre in a different way. We can’t wait for everyone to come along and experience the magic the team have been cooking up – we hope it’ll be super inspiring!”

Michael Simpson, The Lowry’s Director of Visual Arts, said: “SIX first came to The Lowry at Christmas 2018, at the end of the show’s first ever UK tour, and the production has returned regularly ever since, with sold-out audiences every time.

“With Queens we want to celebrate not only SIX and its huge personality and sense of fun, but also its glorious inclusivity, attitude and creativity.  We know it’s going to be an exhibition like no other and is for everyone who loves SIX, but also for everyone who likes to have a good time.”

SIX follows the six wives of Henry VIII as they take to the mic to tell their own personal tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.

Since its early days as a student production in a 100-seat room at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show has fast become a global musical phenomenon.

The exhibition’s run coincides with a visit by SIX to The Lowry’s Lyric Theatre from Tuesday 13^th August to Sunday 1^st September – tickets on sale now.

Entry to Queens: The Exhibition is free but timeslots are required, which can be booked in advance on The Lowry website. Entry may also be available on arrival at The Lowry – however these will be subject to demand on the day and availability may vary so booking in advance is recommended to ensure entry.

The Lowry’s Galleries are open Tuesday to Friday 11am-5pm and Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm. The Lowry is closed on Mondays.

During the run of SIX, the Galleries will be open from 5pm-7.30pm on selected dates – check website for details.

The Lowry is a charity and while entry to The Galleries is free, donations are gratefully received and can be made online when booking a timeslot or in the venue.

QUEENS: The Exhibition

The Lowry, Salford

Saturday 20^th July to Sunday 3^rd November 2024.

Free Entry, donations welcome

https://thelowry.com/whats-on/queens-the-exhibition

SIX the Musical

The Lowry, Salford

Tuesday 13^th August to Sunday 1^st September.

Tickets from £28.50

https://thelowry.com/whats-on/six-2024

SEVEN EXTRA PERFORMANCES ADDED TO

SELL-OUT MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT

SUMMER SEASON

AT THE OTHER PALACE

Monday 29 July – Sunday 1 September 2024

The Other Palace, London  

Friday 19 July – Seven extra performances have been added to the Mischief Movie Night season at The Other Palace this summer.  The season has proved so popular that the original scheduled performances have already sold out.

The first performance is now on Monday 29 July at 8pm (originally it was on 30 July 2024) with the season running until Sunday 1 September 2024.

The other six extra performances are:  Monday 5 August at 7pm & 8.45pm, Monday 12 August at 7pm & 8.45pm and Monday 26 August at 7pm & 8.45pm.

Tickets for these extra performances are available at 12pm on Friday 19 July 2024 from www.MischiefMovieNight.co.uk.

The original Mischief gang, creators of Mischief’s flagship comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, return to London and to their comedy roots to present their hilarious improvised Mischief Movie Night.

Every show is different with audience members suggesting a genre, location and title.  Mischief hilariously brings the show to life, complete with rewinds, fast forwards, directors cuts and a thrilling live score to laugh along to. 

Mischief Movie Night features Mischief original cast members and regulars including:  Ruth Bratt as Look Who’s Talking, Matt Cavendish as Time, Gentlemen Please, Bryony Corrigan as TBC, Rhyanna Alexander Davies as Don’t Know Yet, Josh Elliott as No Idea, Susan Harrison as I Suppose We’ll Find Out, Henry Lewis as Not Sure, Ellie Morris as Surely Not Now, Niall Ransome as Guess Who?,  Charlie Russell as Couldn’t Tell You, Jonathan Sayer as Wait and See, Lauren Shearing as We’ll Never Know, Henry Shields as Need to Check and Nancy Zamit as It’s a Slam Dunk. They will be joined by musicians Richard Baker, Ed Zanders and Yshani Perinpanayagam.

Originally created by Mischief for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show has transferred to the West End for a limited season, and during the pandemic was streamed globally and watched in over 50 countries, bringing laughter directly into families living rooms.  

Mischief Movie Night is created by Mischief with lighting by David Howe. 

Mischief’s production of The Play that Goes Wrong is currently running at the Duchess Theatre and celebrates 10 years in the West End in September 2024.

Listings Information

Mischief Present

MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT

The Improvised Movie, Live On Stage

www.MischiefMovieNight.co.uk

The Other Palace

12 Palace Street

London

SW1E 5JA

29 July – 1 September 2024

Box Office:

Telephone: 020 7592 0302

Home

Performance Times

Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri & Sun at 8pm

Monday 5 August at 7pm & 8.45pm, Monday 12 August at 7pm & 8.45pm and Monday 26 August at 7pm & 8.45pm

Tickets

£25, £30, £5 and £40

All tickets include a £1.50 Theatre Restoration and Development Levy

Age Recommendation:

12+

Please note children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age.

Running Time:  1 hour (no interval)

Social Media:

Facebook:          @MischiefTheatre

X:                            @MischiefComedy

Instagram:         @MischiefComedy

TikTok:                  @MischiefComedy

Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton – until 21st July 2024

Reviewed by Amanda Allen

4****

What a wonderful thing it is to see families of all ages out enjoying the theatre together, and that’s exactly what Madagascar The Musical, delivered last night. If this was your child’s first visit to the Theatre, then you chose well. From the start this was just good wholesome fun. Telling a story about friendship between “different” characters

Touring since 2018 this is a slick well performed show, with excellent puppetry, singing, dancing and costumes that kept you entertained throughout. The outstanding performance for me was King Julien played by Karim Zeroual, how he danced whist on his knees the whole time is amazing. The way he portrayed the character of the ring tailed lemur in charge of the island of Madagascar was inspired. Helped by a inspirational, well designed costume he captivated the audience from his first appearance. Alex, the Lion played by Joseph Hewlett, was great, he knew he was the king of New York, well central Park Zoo at least, and made sure everyone else knew it too. His best pal Marty, the Zebra, played by Fransisco Gomes, had the best comic lines and made the audience laugh throughout the show, especially when he realised, he was being looked at as dinner by his best friend!

The story is basically one of friendship across the divide, demonstrating that we can all live happily alongside each other if we want too badly enough. Although the story is a bit sparce it managed to portray the central themes of appreciating what we have, friendship crossing all barriers and the grass is not always greener on the other side!

My main disappointment with this show was the gaps in the story, how did they go from being in Grand Central Station New York into crates on a boat heading for the Arctic? I understand that the live musical can’t show all the detailed story telling of an animated film which is much more involved, but some elements needed more explanation. Having never seen the animated movie I needed more information. The cheeky penguins were another highlight, excellent puppeteering skills from Laura Marie Benson as Kowalski, Ella Howlett as Rico, Brogan McFarlane as Private and Connor Keetley as Skipper. Gloria the Hippo (Jarneia Richard-Noel) dancing to king Juliens song “I like to Move it, move it” was brilliant, the whole audience was on their feet joining in and laughing along. Joshua Oakes-Rogers gave us a wonderful demonstration of his puppeteering skills, and his performance of
Hypochondriac Giraffe, Marty was terrific

In conclusion this is a great introduction for young families to live theatre, although it has an uninspiring soundtrack, the only song we all knew was Move it move it, and a very simplistic story, the small cast of only 10 gave us an excellent night out, simple family fun for all, buy a
ticket now before they all go!

Underbelly Boulevard – until 18th August 2024

Reviewer Alec Legge

5*****

Into the wilds of Soho to the Underbelly Boulevard, which is a a new venue situated in Walkers Court, Soho. It also contains Cafe Kitty where you can eat and drink in the evening 1700 and 2145hrs with differing hours on show days. There is as well a cocktail bar all this making it a complete venue for dining and a show

The theatre itself consists of a semi circular auditorium with stalls situated on two levels with a balcony above. There is good clear sight of the stage from all seats and has an intimate feel due to its relative small size. A lovely little theatre.

Then to the reason for our visit, QUEENZ, Live in London. I can truthfully say that what followed far exceeded my expectations! What a marvellous entertaining, funny and musical show followed. These entertainers gave there all in a spectacular amazing, resounding and funny show, in fact I loved every part of the show the singing both as a group and individually was superb, no lip-synch, all live, the songs being belted out with so much gusto as to raise the roof! The choreography was more than first class and impeccably performed.

At various stages in the performance they inveigled the audience to stand up from the seats and join in and the whole place erupted with song and dance the audience wholly participating.

The part of Bella Du Ball was played by Grant Jackson, Billie Eyelash by Craig Colley, Dior Montay By Mark McCredie, Candy caned by Joshua Pearson, Zeze Van Cartier by Jonathan Hands, Summer Storm by Matthew Westrope. I’m not going to single out any one of them for particular praise as I truly consider them to be equally amazing performers and all of them were fantastic singers.

All in all this was a more than first class show well deserving of all the superlatives I have used. If you want to enjoy a fantastically glamorous, outstanding, enjoyable musical then this is the one for you. If you miss their season at the Underbelly, Queenz are performing all over the country during the autumn in a new show, Queens, Drag me to the Disco. I certainly encourage anyone who likes a rip roaring, superbly entertaining musical evening of song,
dance and comedy with some sexual innuendo to see this show.

NIKITA KUZMIN

TO TOUR HIS FIRST EVER SOLO SHOW

MIDNIGHT DANCER

IN THE UK

FROM 8 MARCH 2025

International champion and Strictly Come Dancing star NIKITA KUZMIN is thrilled to be presenting his first ever UK solo tour MIDNIGHT DANCER. The tour will open on 8 March 2025 and run through to 24 May, performing across the UK and will play a special performance at Peacock Theatre in London from 21 – 22 March 2025. All venues go on sale on Friday 26 July apart from those specified in the listings section.

Rising Star of Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother Nikita Kuzmin brings his brand-new show, MIDNIGHT DANCER to the stage on his first ever solo UK and Ireland Tour.

Nikita is joined by a sharp and chic cast of talented dancers and vocalists in a show like no other, jam-packed with the hits we all know and love in an evening bursting with happiness, euphoria and of course, world-class dance.

Joining forces with the team behind Oti Mabuse: I Am Here and Johannes Radebe’s trilogy of sell out shows, MIDNIGHT DANCER promises to be an unforgettable night of entertainment. Get ready to see Nikita as you’ve never seen him before.

Nikita Kuzmin is a six-time Italian Champion in Latin and Ballroom dance and choreographer. He is best-known as a professional dancer on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing. In Strictly’s 21st and most recent series, Nikita placed runner-up with dance partner, Layton Williams. The duo redeemed their runner-up status on the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour in February 2024, when they were crowned as glitter ball winners. Nikita entered the Celebrity Big Brother House when the series aired on ITV in March 2024. His presence resonated with housemates and viewers alike, securing him a place in the final and a second-place finish.

Born in Ukraine, Nikita lived there for nine years until his family relocated to Italy to support his sister’s dancing career. It was during his nine years in Italy that Nikita became a six-time Italian Champion in Latin and Ballroom dance. Nikita moved to Germany aged eighteen, where he started working at fellow Strictly alumni Motsi Mabuse’s dance studio before landing a spot as a professional dancer on Let’s Dance – Germany’s version of Strictly Come Dancing – in 2020.

Since his diagnosis with Type One diabetes at age thirteen, Nikita has become a passionate and active campaigner, inspiring those affected to not let it restrict them and raising a wider awareness around the condition.

NIKITA KUZMIN MIDNIGHT DANCER is presented by ROYO, Cuffe & Taylor and Live Nation.

Website: www.nikitalive.co.uk

Instagram:  @nikita_kuzmin
Twitter: @kuzmin_nikita

2025 TOUR SCHEDULE

8 March                    Bromley Churchill Theatre

                                 churchilltheatre.co.uk

9 March                    Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre                                                                      

                                        www.wmc.org.uk                                                                        On sale 9 August

12 March                  Bridlington Spa                                                                        01262 678258

                                 www.bridspa.com

15 March                  Basingstoke The Anvil                                                             01256 844244

                                 www.anvilarts.org.uk/

16 March                  Nottingham Royal Concert Hall                                               0115 989 5555

                                 www.trch.co.uk

22 March                  London Peacock Theatre

(mat & eve)              sadlerswells.com

23 March                  Leicester Curve                                                                        0116 242 3595

                                 www.curveonline.co.uk                                                             On sale 30 July

26 March                  Edinburgh Playhouse

                                 www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh                                     

27 March                  Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre

                                 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

28 March                  Northampton Royal & Derngate

                                 royalandderngate.co.uk                                                             On sale soon

30 March                  Bristol Hippodrome                                                      

                                 www.atgtickets.com/bristol

2 April                       Aberdeen Music Hall

                                 aberdeenperformingarts.com

3 April                       Glasgow SEC Armadillo

                                 www.sec.co.uk

4 April                       Blackpool Opera House                                                           0844 770 0593*

                                 www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

6 April                       Sheffield City Hall                                                        

                                 www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

10 April                     Southend Cliffs Pavilion                                                           0343 310 0030

                                 www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

11 April                     Portsmouth Guildhall

                                 www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

12 April                     Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

                                 www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/

13 April                     Leeds Grand Theatre0113 243 0808

                                 leedsheritagetheatres.com

17 April                     High Wycombe Swan Theatre                                                 03433100060

                                 wycombeswan.co.uk

18 April                     Peterborough New Theatre                                                     01733 852992

                                 newtheatre-peterborough.com

19 April                     Ipswich Regent Theatre

                                 ipswichtheatres.co.uk

20 April                     Norwich Theatre Royal                                                            01603 630 000

                                 norwichtheatre.org

23 April                     Swindon Wyvern Theatre                                                        0343 310 0040

                                 swindontheatres.co.uk

27 April                     Newcastle Theatre Royal                                                         0191 232 7010 

                                 www.theatreroyal.co.uk                                                             On sale 4 October

29 April                     Brighton Theatre Royal                                                           

                                         www.atgtickets.com/brighton

30 April                     Liverpool Empire Theatre                                                                              

                                         www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire

1 May                       Dartford Orchard West                                                             01322 220000

                                 orchardtheatre.co.uk

2 May                       Stoke-on-Trent Regent Theatre

                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre

4 May                       Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre                                            0818719377 (ROI)

                                 bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                                                          08442485101 (UK)

7 May                       Hull New Theatre                                                                      01482 300 306

                                 www.hulltheatres.co.uk

8 May                       Manchester Aviva Studios

                                 factoryinternational.org

9 May                       Bath Forum                                                                               0161 832 1111

                                 www.bathforum.co.uk

10 May                     Llandudno Venue Cymru                                                         01492 872000

                                 www.venuecymru.co.uk

11 May                     Wolverhampton Grand                                                            01902 42 92 12

                                 www.grandtheatre.co.uk                                               

13 May                     Milton Keynes Theatre

                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

14 May                     Guildford G-Live                                                                      0343 310 0055

                                 glive.co.uk

15 May                     Folkstone Leas Cliff Hall

                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/leas-cliff-hall/

17 May                     Birmingham Hippodrome

                                 www.birminghamhippodrome.com

18 May                     Truro Hall For Cornwall                                                            01872262466                                 

                                         www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

20 May                     York Grand Opera House

                                 www.atgtickets.com/York

21 May                     Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                                                   01227 787787

                                 www.marlowetheatre.com                                                        On sale 5 August

NANCY CARROLL’S NEW ADAPTATION OF

ARTHUR WING PINERO’S THE CABINET MINISTER

With Stephen Schwartz’s The Baker’s Wife currently running at the theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announces a major revival of Arthur Wing Pinero’s The Cabinet Minister, in a brand-new adaptation by Nancy Carroll, who also stars as Lady Katherine Twombley. Paul Foster makes his Menier directing debut, with the full cast to be announced shortly. The production opens on 27 September, with previews from 21 September, and runs until 16 November.

Priority booking opens today, with public on sale on 24 July.

THE CABINET MINISTER

By Arthur Wing Pinero

Adapted by Nancy Carroll 

Director: Paul Foster; Set & Costume Designer: Janet Bird; Lighting Designer: Tim Mascall;

Sound Designer: George Dennis; Composer & Musical Supervisor: Sarah Travis;Movement: Joanna Goodwin

Sir Julian Twombley is in trouble: his wife and son have run up massive debts and his political reputation is in the balance. The House of Commons is far from a safe space for him and the newspapers are sniffing blood. Can he save face and hang on to his sanity?

Arthur Wing Pinero’s breathless farce is given a new life in Nancy Carroll’s adaptation. A crack cast tackles this sparkling story of marriage, blackmail and class where all bets are off!

Arthur Wing Pinero (1855 – 1934) was an English playwright and actor. His many plays include Trelawny of the “Wells”, The Magistrate, Dandy Dick, Sweet Lavendar, The Second Mrs Tanqueray, The Magistrate and The Notorious Mrs Ebbsmith.

Nancy Carroll adapts and plays Lady Katherine Twombley. This sees her returns to the Menier following her performance in Marjorie Prime. For theatre, her other credits include Rock ‘n’ Roll (Hampstead Theatre);  Manor, The Magistrate, After the Dance – Oliver Award and Evening Standard Award for Best Actress, Man of Mode (National Theatre); Betrayal (Theatre Royal Bath); The Deep Blue Sea (Chichester Festival Theatre); The Moderate Soprano (Hampstead Theatre, Duke of York’s Theatre); Young Marx (Bridge Theatre); Woyzeck (The Old Vic); Closer, The Recruiting Officer (Donmar Warehouse); House of Games, King Lear (Almeida Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Sheffield Theatres); Arcadia (Duke of York’s); Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2 (RSC); and Mammals (Bush Theatre). For television, her work includes Father Brown, Murder in Provence, Stephen, The Crown, Agatha Raisin, Queens of Mystery, Will, Prime Suspect 1973, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher and Call the Midwife; and for film, The Gathering Storm, Iris, An Ideal Husband and Magic Mike’s Last Dance.

Paul Foster directs. For theatre, his work includes White Christmas, Talent, Annie Get Your Gun (Sheffield Theatres); Fascinating Aida (UK tour); Gypsy (Alexandra Palace); Curtains (Wyndham’s Theatre and UK tour); The Deep Blue Sea (Chichester Festival Theatre); The Light Princess, Sweet Charity (Cadogan Hall), A Little Night Music, Laurel and Hardy (Watermill Theatre), Tell Me on a Sunday (Watermill Theatre and UK tour); Bette Midler and Me, Flora the Red Menace (Edinburgh Festival); The Confession Room (St James’ Theatre); Darling of the Day, Bells are Ringing, Crimes of the Heart (Union Theatre);  Cowardy Custard (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and UK tour); Little One (Royal Court Young Writers Festival); Katherine Jakeways (Soho Theatre) and The Vagina Monologues (UK tour).

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

THE BAKER’S WIFE

Until 14 September

THE CABINET MINISTER

21^st September – 16^th November

Box Office:                         020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website:                             www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

Tickets:                               Prices vary, as below from discounted preview tickets to premier seats. With the emphasis on ‘the sooner you book, the better the price’:

Please note at this time the restaurant is unable to open due to circumstances beyond the company’s control.

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

Instagram: @menierchocolatefactory