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Full casting announced for

Michael John LaChiusa’s  

THE WILD PARTY 

Directed and Choreographed by Drew McOnie  

At The Other Palace (formerly St. James Theatre) 

From Monday 13 February to Saturday 1 April 2017 

Full casting is announced today for Michael John LaChiusa’s The Wild Party, which receives its first major London production at The Other Palace, playing from Monday 13 February to Saturday 1 April 2017, with a press night on Monday 20 February. The Wild Party will be the inaugural production at The Other Palace, formerly St. James Theatre, when it reopens in February 2017 as the newest addition to The Really Useful Theatres Group and a home for new musical theatre.

Joining the previously announced Frances Ruffelle as Queenie are John Owen-Jones as Burrs, Simon Thomas as Black, Donna McKechnie as Dolores, Dex Lee as Jackie, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Kate, Ako Mitchell as Eddie, Gloria Obianyo and Genesis Lynea as The D’armano Bros, Melanie Bright as Sally, Lizzy Connolly as Mae, Steven Serlin as Goldberg, Sebastian Torkia as Gold, Bronté Barbé as Nadine and Tiffany Graves as Madelaine.

John Owen-Jones is best known for his performance as Jean Valjean in Les Misérabes, playing the role to acclaim in the West End, on Broadway and in the 25^th Anniversary Production. He has also played the title role in The Phantom of the Opera in the West End many times.

Simon Thomas has played Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Warner in Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre) and Rapunzel’s Prince in Into The Woods (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). Television credits include Drifters (Channel 4), Jonathan Creek (BBC) and Doctor Who (BBC).

Donna McKechnie is best known for creating the role of Cassie in the original Broadway production of A Chorus Line, receiving a Tony Award for her performance. Her many other Broadway credits include Promises, Promises,in which she danced the iconic ‘Turkey Lurkey Time’, On The Town, Company and State Fair. The Wild Party will mark Donna’s return to the London stage for the first time in 20 years after appearing in Follies at Drury Lane. 

Dex Lee is currently playing Danny in Grease at Curve Theatre, Leicester, with other recent credits including In The Heights (King’s Cross Theatre), Hairspray (UK Tour) and The Scottsboro Boys (Garrick Theatre).

Victoria Hamilton-Barritt recently appeared in Murder Ballad (Arts Theatre), with other credits including In The Heights (King’s Cross Theatre), A Chorus Line (London Palladium) and Gypsy (Curve Theatre, Leicester).

Ako Mitchell is currently starring in Ragtime at Charing Cross Theatre with other credits including Grey Gardens(Southwark Playhouse), Little Shop of Horrors (Royal Exchange, Manchester) and Sister Act (London Palladium).

Gloria Obianyo’s recent credits include The Grinning Man (Bristol Old Vic) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). Genesis Lynea’s recent credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Bend It Like Beckham (Phoenix Theatre) and The Bodyguard (Adelphi Theatre). Melanie Bright has recently appeared in Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre), Tommy (English Theatre Frankfurt) and We Will Rock You(UK Tour). Lizzy Connolly is currently starring alongside Harry Enfield in Once in a Lifetime at the Young Vic. Other recent credits include Vanities The Musical (Trafalgar Studios) and Xanadu (Southwark Playhouse). Steven Serlin is currently playing Jerry in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) with other recent credits including The Infidel (Theatre Royal Stratford East) and I Can’t Sing (London Palladium).Sebastian Torkia is currently appearing in Peter and the Starcatcher (Northampton Royal & Derngate) with other credits including Travels with my Aunt (Chichester Festival Theatre), Top Hat (UK Tour) and Sweeney Todd(West Yorkshire Playhouse). Bronté Barbé’s credits include Princess Fiona in Shrek (UK Tour), Jest End(Waterloo East) and Cool Rider (Lyric Theatre). Tiffany Graves’ many theatre credits include Kiss Me Kate(Opera North), The Producers (UK Tour), Piaf (Curve Theatre, Leicester), Wonderful Town (UK Tour) and Sweet Charity (Menier Chocolate Factory).

As previously announced, Frances Ruffelle will play Queenie. Frances is perhaps best known for originating the role of Eponine in Les Misérables in the West End and on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for her performance. Her many other stage roles include Dinah in the original company of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express(West End), Roxie Hart in Chicago (West End), Frastrada in Pippin (Menier Chocolate Factory) and the title role in Piaf (Leicester Curve).

Set against a backdrop of Manhattan decadence and 1920’s excess, The Wild Party tells the story of Queenie and Burrs, a Vaudeville showgirl and a Vaudeville clown whose relationship is marked by vicious behaviour and recklessness. In an attempt to salvage their toxic union, they decide to throw a party to end all parties. The guests are a vivid collection of the unruly and the undone: a cocaine-sniffing bisexual playboy; a washed-up boxer; a diva of indeterminate age; a fresh-faced ingénue; and a handsome Valentino who catches Queenie’s roving eye. The jazz and gin soaked party rages to a mounting sense of threat, as artifice and illusion are stripped away. But when midnight debauchery turns into tragedy, the revellers must sober up and face reality. After all, no party lasts forever. 

Based on Joseph Moncure March’s narrative poem of the same title, The Wild Party originally opened on Broadway in 2000 with a cast including Toni Collette, Mandy Patinkin and Eartha Kitt. The production received 7 Tony Award nominations, and a Grammy Award nomination for its composer and lyricist Michael John LaChiusa.LaChiusa is one of the most prolific writers for the American musical stage, with works including Hello Again(1994), Marie Christine (1999), The Wild Party (2000) and See What I Wanna See (2005). He was nominated for Tony Awards for his book and score for The Wild Party and Marie Christine, and for his book for Chronicle of a Death Foretold. 

The Wild Party will be directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, who received the 2016 Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for his work on In The Heights (King’s Cross Theatre). Drew is directing and choreographing the European Premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom at West Yorkshire Playhouse this Christmas, with other recent choreography credits including Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Bugsy Malone (Lyric Hammersmith), The Lorax (The Old Vic) and Oklahoma (UK Tour). Drew is also the Artistic Director of The McOnie Company, for which he recently created a new dance-thriller version of Jekyll and Hyde at The Old Vic.  

The Wild Party is produced by Paul Taylor-Mills, who is the new Artistic Director of The Other Palace.  Paul’s recent productions as a producer include In The Heights (King’s Cross Theatre), The Last Five Years (St. James Theatre), Side Show (Southwark Playhouse) and Carrie: The Musical (Southwark Playhouse).  

The Wild Party has music and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa and a book by George C. Wolfe and Michael John LaChiusa. It is directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie with musical direction by Theo Jamieson(Funny Girl, West End), set and costume design by Soutra Gilmour (Dr Faustus, Urinetown, The Commitments, West End) and lighting design by Richard Howell (Jekyll and Hyde, Old Vic). Casting is by Will Burton. It is presented by Paul Taylor-Mills by arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe. 

Twitter: @TWP_London 

LISTINGS 

MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 

THE OTHER PALACE 

12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA   

Performances: Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm (no matinee 11 or 16 Feb) 

Tickets: £10/£30/£45/£55/£65 (Previews £5-55) 

Box Office: 0844 264 2121 | www.theotherpalace.co.uk 

ON SALE NOW 

LAZARUS THEATRE COMPANY

Press Release

* Lazarus Theatre’s ★★★★★ sell-out production of Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle returns for a strictly limited run at The Greenwich Theatre!

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Bertolt Brecht

Translated by Frank McGuinness

A girl must make a choice… to take the child and run, or leave him behind in the fury of civil war.

Brecht’s thrilling and revolutionary play follows a young girl who makes the biggest decision of her life. Set against the back drop of war and mutiny, Grusha seeks refuge and asylum.

Her crime: saving the son of the fleeing establishment. Her reward, The Caucasian Chalk Circle.

This inventive ensemble production draws on Brecht’s pioneering techniques and thrilling text, set to an original score. Our 2016 ★★★★★ sell-out production returns for a limited 7 performances only.

Lazarus is an award-winning Theatre Company, re-imagining and revitalising classic text for a contemporary audience.

Press on 2016 production:

★★★★★ “The Caucasian Chalk Circle is an exciting and engrossing piece of theatre… The overall effect is amazing” Matthew Pronchick, The Upcoming

★★★★ “This is Brecht as it should be- loud, large, with a point to make but always in control. A daring, collaborative production and one not to be missed” Siân Rowland, London Pub Theatres

★★★★ “It doesn’t get much bigger for Brecht fans thanThe Caucasian Chalk Circle” Michael Davis, Female Arts

“To kick off our 10th year with the return of our Chalk Circle is fantastically exciting! We are looking forward to returning to our home town and to The Greenwich Theatre after our epic rep of King Lear and Dido, Queen of Carthage in 2013. We can’t wait to share this remarkable play with even more people.” Director Ricky Dukes commenting on today’s announcement.

★★★★ “Bold, brisk, and bombastic, Lazarus Theatre’s Caucasian Chalk Circle is as modern and as true a whirlwind of Brecht as you can get” J Waygood, Grumpy Gay Critic

Listings

Dates 28th March – 1st April 2017, Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm

Wed matinee at 1.30pm and Sat matinee at 2.30pm

Venue The Greenwich Theatre

Tickets £17.50, £15.00 (Concessions) £10 (Previews 28th March) To Book www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Cast; Shall be announced shortly.

Creative;

Written by Bertolt Brecht, translated by Frank McGuinness

Adapted and Directed by Ricky Dukes

Designed by Sorcha Corcoran

Lighting Design by Stuart Glover

Costume Design by Rachel Dingle

New Songs and Sound Design by Neil McKeown

New Songs by Robert Locke

Associate Producer – Gavin Harrington-Odedra

Dramaturge – Sara Reimers

“Lazarus Theatre Company creates a very urban modern feel to this classic Brecht play… This is a very fine production… Extraordinarily powerful” Keith Mckenna, British Theatre Guide

Social Media:

Follow us on Twiter @Lazarustheatre

Join us on Facebook LazarusTheatreCompany

#ChalkCircle #Brecht

Hannah Elsy Productions presents:

SUMMER NIGHTS IN SPACE
February 15th – February 19th 2017, VAULT Festival

Coming to the VAULT Festival in February 2017, Hannah Elsy Productions presents a new science fiction musical odyssey from the creators of critically acclaimed rock musical The Quentin Dentin Show. Summer Nights in Space is a glam space rock musical rooted in classic science fiction, using the bizarre setting of musical theatre to combine the song and dance of entertainment with the really big questions.

***** “This rock musical is a winner” The Upcoming on The Quentin Dentin Show

Astronaut John Spartan has finally made it into space – only to discover that it is not all he had hoped. Marooned in space with a ferocious alien and a moody computer, the reluctant crew of Auxiliary Transport Shuttle 4 must stave off Space Madness and work together to survive in the void. But when Spartan receives a distress signal from an attractive Astro-nette, his newfound mission to find and save her threatens to uncover the dark truth of space itself. Some things are better left unknown…

**** “High voltage mayhem (…) absolutely unmissable” Grump Gay Critic on The Quentin Dentin Show

Summer Nights in Space, a sequel to The Quentin Dentin Show, continues writer Henry Carpenter’s breakdown of a “broken future”. This production is part of VAULT Festival’s “Proxima V” programming strand of science fiction/ futuristic work for 2017.

Hannah Elsy Productions is at the forefront of new musical theatre development in the UK, founding and running new musical scratch night The Lowdown as well as producing The Quentin Dentin Show in both London and Edinburgh, which scored rave reviews and led to a transfer into the West End. The Lowdown is the only public scratch night for new musical theatre in London, and shows that debuted there have gone on to successful full productions at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe, The Phoenix Artists Club and VAULT Festival. The Lowdown is hosted and supported by Rich Mix, who are also supporting Summer Nights in Space.

**** “dangerously sexy musical numbers” London City Nights on The Quentin Dentin Show

Kriya Arts presents:

HIP
February 1st – February 5th 2017, VAULT Festival

Jolie Booth (producer of Winner of the 2014 Total Theatre Emerging Artist Award, Touretteshero’s hit show Backstage in Biscuitland) takes to the stage in her first one-woman show, HIP, to be performed at VAULT Festival 2017. HIP transports the audience, in this extra-live performance, to a cosy living room with hypnotic OHP, cushions, incense, tequila and nibbles.

A squatter makes her way up to a long-forgotten flat above a shop in the centre of Brighton. A flat full of someone else’s past. A women’s hip bone lies on the side, amongst diaries, letters and clutter. In a tale of addiction, sexuality, mortality, choices and enlightenment, she embarks on a journey to discover how one might avoid dying alone, and losing one’s hip bone in the process.

Based around found objects, this semi-autobiographical one woman show starts by introducing you to a flat caught between two timelines and personalities: the home of Anne Clarke during 70s bohemian Brighton, and a squat established by Jolie in 2002. Jolie’s soothing and passionate storytelling interweaves Annie’s real letters and diaries with vestiges from her own life, to reveal an immediate and clear association.

“Hip is an hour drifting through the Jungian collective unconsciousness [and is] an authentic and human exploration of inherently unstable modern tribalism” The Sick of the Fringe

As a producer Jolie Booth has been responsible for many award winning theatre productions, including Backstage in Biscuitland and Winner of the 2015 Off West End Award, Tangram Theatre’s Albert Einstein: Relatively Speaking. As a performer, Jolie has starred in various productions such as Fabian in the Winner of the 2012 Latest Fringe Award, Festival Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and Richard II in Jonathan Kay’s 2011 production of Richard II by the Nomadic Academy of Fools.

HIP is a gently-paced, wonderfully warm-hearted celebration of the ideas, ideals and idiosyncrasies of life and those who paved the way for the freedoms we all enjoy today. Through her various work, Jolie has discovered the merits of relaxed performances. This means you are welcome to make noise and move around during the show – in fact, you are actively encouraged to do so. This adds a whole new dimension to the performance, which has come to be known as ‘Extra-Live’– with the promise that no two shows can ever be the same.

Please find below and attached for immediate release:

Darlington Civic Theatre

Listings Winter / Spring 2017

Box Office: 01325 486 555

Website: www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*Includes £1 restoration levy

DECEMBER

Making a Manuscript

Wed 14 December 2.30pm

Tickets £5

This engaging manuscript writing workshop invites you to explore the world of Dickens’ famous A Christmas Carol; you will be guided through Victorian London and consider the influence of Dickens’ own life within his works.

You will have the opportunity to examine special editions of A Christmas Carol before working on your own Dickens-inspired Christmas tales using quill pens and ink. This workshop will be led by Eleni Veltanioti from the Charles Dickens Museum, London.

Recommended for ages 16 and over.

Please note this workshop takes place in the Institute Room, The Friends Meeting House, Skinnergate, Darlington.

All proceeds to go directly to the Civic Theatre’s restoration fund. Darlington Civic Theatre Foundation, Registered Charity Number 147625.

……….

The Changing Face of Darlington’s Hippodrome

Thurs 15 December 7pm

Tickets £2.50

Join us for an illustrated one hour talk exploring the rich heritage of the theatre, some of the key architectural and design features, as well as the challenge of preserving and restoring the building throughout its redevelopment. The evening will feature guest speakers David Wilmore, lead heritage consultant from Theatresearch and Sean McNicholas, on site Operations Manager from the building contractors, Willmott Dixon, who will share their own experiences in restoring the theatre and embracing its Edwardian heritage.

The evening will also include a heritage question and answer session with the speakers.

The Changing Face of Darlington’s Hippodrome will be the first of a wide variety of public talks and lectures over 2017, leading up to the reopening of the theatre.

Please note this event takes place in The Pease Suite, The Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

All proceeds to go directly to the Civic Theatre’s restoration fund. Darlington Civic Theatre Foundation, Registered Charity Number 147625.

JANUARY

Starlight

Sat 28 January 11.30am & 2.30pm

Tickets £4, family ticket £14 (4 people, min 1 adult)

With Chris Bostock – the storyteller

Starlight is the charming story of little possum who collects starlight from the night sky. When his mother is ill, he is sent out alone into the big wide world to find his own food. He is helped on his journey by other animals who become his friends, but lost in the dark he has to find his own way home again by starlight. Everyone who comes to hear the story will be given some starlight to take home!

Storytelling for children between 2 and 6 years old with their families.

Please note this performance takes place at Crown Street Art Gallery, Crown Street Library, Darlington.

FEBRUARY

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) presents

Hidden Histories: A Spotter’s Guide to the British Landscape

Sat 11 February 7.30pm

Tickets £12, general concessions £11, RGB / IBG members and one guest £10 each (quote membership number)

Join TV presenter and archaeology writer Mary-Ann Ochota on a journey through Britain’s historic landscape. What clues should you look for to puzzle out the origins of a village, or the age of a hedgerow? What are the secrets hidden in tumuli, chambered tombs and churchyards? Drawing on her new book, Hidden Histories, this talk will be packed with clues and examples of what to look for and where to go to decipher the story of the landscape around us. A must for all landscape detectives!

Mary-Ann Ochota is a broadcaster and anthropologist whose work has taken her across the world, including into the Chernobyl exclusion zone, the Algerian Sahara, across Australia’s Simpson Desert, and to the slums of Dhaka and Delhi. She writes regularly for Geographical, The Great Outdoors and The Telegraph. She has presented programmes such as Time Team and Unreported World. Her new book, published in October 2016 and entitled Hidden Histories: A Spotter’s Guide to the British Landscape, will be the subject of her talk.

Please note this event takes place in Central Hall, Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

……….

The Spark Arts, Big Imaginations and Turned On Its Head present

Sponge

Thu 23 February 11am & 2pm

Tickets £5, family ticket £16 (4 people, min 1 adult)

Roll, squeeze and pop yourself through a new malleable kind of family dance show, set to a 1970s-influenced score, perfect for babies, young children and families. Sponge is about all things spongy, a child’s ability to soak information up like a sponge and the squishy, squashy texture that fascinates children and adults alike.

Dance company Turned On Its Head makes exciting participatory theatre for early years, taking children on a creative journey, engaging audiences throughout its performances and encouraging lots of family interaction. Everything in Sponge can be made with simple materials at home so there’s plenty more fun to be had after leaving the theatre.

A performance for babies aged 4 months to children under 4, and their grown-ups

Please note this performance takes place at Central Hall, Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

MARCH

Sammy and the Snow Leopard

Sat 11 March 2pm & 4pm, Monday 13 March 10.30am & 1.30pm

Tickets £5

Sammy LOVES animals, but his Mum won’t let him have any in the house. When he hears about the ‘Adopt a Snow Leopard’ programme, Sammy reckons he’s found the perfect way to have a pet. But then a parcel arrives – and Sammy finds himself on a crazy adventure, involving stuffed animals, evil neighbours, school projects and limes…

Recommended age 5-10

Please note this performance takes place at Crown Street Art Gallery, Crown Street Library, Darlington.

JUNE

Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards – Try Hard

Tues 13 June 7.30pm

Tickets* £16

Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards is a unique British sporting hero with an incredible story to tell.

In Try Hard, Eddie talks through his incredible life-journey; from self-learning ski-jumping and being shunned by the sporting establishment, to the extensive surgery to rebuild his face and body following years of spectacular crashes on the snow as he set out to break world-records in stunt jumping (10 cars & six buses) and speed-skiing (106.8mph); from bankruptcy through trustees’ mismanagement, to gaining a law degree, and even how he became a most unlikely pop-star in Finland, above all, what will shine through is the steely resilience of a fearless man determined to overcome huge sporting and life hurdles.

Please note this performance takes place at Central Hall, Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

It was a cold, wet and foggy evening in Leeds yesterday, but inside the Grand we were transported to back to the glorious mid eighties in Dublin as we watched The Commitments, the new stage version of Roddy Doyle’s novel that the author has himself adapted.

Doyle’s 1987 novel The Commitments was a story with music at its heart.  The characters were revealed so vividly through Doyle’s dialogue that they spawned a trilogy of novels. The 1991 film adaptation, directed by Alan Parker, portrayed the economic and social decay in mid-1980s Dublin.  The stage version, adapted by Doyle, opened in the West End in 2013. It remains loyal to earlier incarnations of the story.

The Commitments tells the story of Jimmy Rabbitte,  a young working-class music fan who somehow turns a rather unlikely and motley crew of amateur musicians into an amazing live soul band, the finest Dublin has ever produced. We follow the auditions and the setting up of the band as they come to know each other and to learn to play together, then through the rehearsals to the all-important first gig and beyond, with all that this entails. Sex, drugs (well, alcohol) and a rock n roll lifestyle. It’s all there. And the implosion at the end.

The first part of the show is mainly concerned with how The Commitments became a band. It’s a plot driven section, full of comedy and rowdy behaviour. The second half follows the fortunes of the band as a record deal looms on the horizon, and is mainly performance based. As you’d expect from a show about soul music, the relevant cultural touch stones are belted out in a grand old fashion.

Cast-wise, it’s a strong affair with not a single disappointment amongst the young performers.  Andrew Linnie takes on the central role of Jimmy Rabbitte and does a superb job all round. Brian Gilligan as lead singer Deco holds the stage and encapsulates the whole story. With charisma and an incredible soul voice. His passion for singing those songs is unmistakable. He portrays the egoistic and nasty sides of Deco convincingly. His rendition of  Try A Little Tenderness towards the end of the show is enough to make the hairs stand up on the back of one’s neck.

Alex McMorran was unavailable so Jon Bonner played Joey the Lips with all his pontifications and does so with a charm that suits the lascivious character. Kevin Kennedy performs the role of ‘Jimmy’s Da’ (father) in a nicely understated way. The three “Commitmentettes” are played by Amy Penston, Leah Penston and Christina Tedders each one has an individually powerful voice and is fortunately given a chance to shine alone as well as in the trio. The acting from all three is spot on too. A solid supporting cast and excellent musicianship with the live off stage band led by Matthew J Loughran add to the whole production

The show features classic soul songs including I Heard It Through The Grapevine,  Knock On Wood, You Keep Me Hanging On and Mustang Sally. From the Motown medley of What Becomes of the Broken Hearted to rock’n’roll classics such as (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

The set, designed by Soutra Gilmour, is simple but very effective and evokes Dublin social housing as well as various other slightly seedy venues of the 80s. Gilmour is also responsible for the costumes, which work perfectly and very much depict the era.  And I know we’re not supposed to notice the technical crew but I must say how hard they worked moving the magnificent set around the Grand’s stage.  

This is much more than a bog-standard compilation musical. The dialogue has a splendid wit and the exhilaration of making music is beautifully caught. There’s a strong sense that for these kids – living in bleak council estates and struggling along in dead end jobs or on the dole – being in a band offers the one real chance of hope and escape

All in all, it’s a fantastic show.  It’s the story of a band struggling to be a band. Their struggles along the way are hilarious and when they finally make it and the pieces click into place, it’s magnificent.

In Leeds until Saturday 10 December and on tour around the UK

STRICTLY COME DANCING

10TH ANNIVERSARY

LIVE TOUR

20 JANUARY – 12 FEBRUARY 2017

ED BALLS, ORE ODUBA & LESLEY JOSEPH

ARE THE LATEST CELEBRITIES

ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2017 TOUR

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, sports presenter Ore Oduba and actress Lesley Joseph are the latest celebrities announced to appear on the Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour, which kicks off in Birmingham on 20 January 2017.

Ed, Ore and Lesley will join fellow celebrities Louise Redknapp, Danny Mac and Daisy Lowe on the 10th anniversary tour, alongside tour host Anita Rani, and the new tour judging panel of Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Karen Hardy.

Ed Balls*, described by many as the ‘people’s champion’, became the 10th celebrity to leave the TV series on Sunday night, after losing in the dance-off to Judge Rinder. On joining the tour, Ed said: “My time on Strictly has been incredible. I’ve been overwhelmed by the huge support I’ve had from the public voting for me. Going on tour is going to be another first for me and I plan to give it everything I’ve got for the audiences across the country.”

Ore Oduba, BBC Sports presenter, who scored 36 for his Paso Doble on Saturday night’s show said: “Taking part in Strictly has surpassed my wildest dreams. So much so it’s difficult to imagine life without it! The live tour means I don’t have to wake up from this Strictly dream. I can’t wait to travel the country with my friends and meet the fantastic audience that made our whole experience possible.”

Lesley Joseph, best known for playing Dorian Green in the popular television series Birds of a Feather, exited the series in week five. On joining the tour she said: “This has been a very special Strictly series and I am very proud to have been part of it. But now I can’t wait for the tour. I’m getting ready to put my dancing shoes back on and hit the dance floor again!”

The full tour line-up, including the professional dancers, will be announced soon.

The 30 show spectacular, Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour, will open at the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham on 20 January 2017. The tour will then visit the biggest entertainment venues across the UK: Metro Radio Arena Newcastle, Sheffield Arena, The SSE Arena Glasgow, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, First Direct Arena Leeds, Manchester Arena, Liverpool’s Echo Arena, The SSE Arena Wembley, before culminating at The O2 in London on 12 February.

Tickets for STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR 2017 are on sale now

20 – 22 January Birmingham: The Barclaycard Arena 0844 338 8000

(Friday 20th at 7.30pm, Saturday 21st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 22nd at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

24 January Newcastle: Metro Radio Arena 0844 493 6666

(Tuesday 24th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

25 – 26 January Sheffield Arena 0114 256 5656

(Wednesday 25th at 7.30pm, Thursday 26th at 7.30pm)

27 – 29 January Glasgow: The SSE Hydro 0844 395 4000

(Friday 27th at 7.30pm, Saturday 28th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 29th at 1.30pm)

31 January – 1 February Nottingham: Motorpoint Arena 0843 373 3000

(Tuesday 31st at 7.30pm, Wednesday 1st at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

2 – 3 February Leeds: First Direct Arena 0844 248 1585

(Thursday 2nd at 7.30pm, Friday 3rd at 7.30pm)

4 – 5 February Manchester Arena* 0844 847 8000

(Saturday 4th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 5th at 1.30pm)

7 – 8 February Liverpool: Echo Arena 0844 8000 400

(Tuesday 7th at 7.30pm, Wednesday 8th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)

9 – 10 February London: The SSE Arena, Wembley 0844 815 0815

(Thursday 9th at 7.30pm, Friday 10th at 7.30pm)

11 – 12 February London: The O2 0844 856 0202

(Saturday 11th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 12th at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)

*Please note that due to prior commitments, Ed Balls will not be appearing at Manchester Arena (4th – 5th February).

Ticket costs: £35 – £65 (bands venue dependent)

The O2 prices are £36 – £66 (Inclusive of a £1 per ticket venue facility fee)

All ticket prices are subject to a booking fee

To book tickets please contact the venue or call 0844 875 8758 For online bookings visit www.ticketzone.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.co.uk For more information visit www.strictlycomedancinglive.com

Twitter: @scd_live_tour Facebook: www.facebook.com/strictlylive

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR is produced by Stage Entertainment and Phil McIntyre Entertainments, in association with BBC Worldwide.

For more information please contact:

Lana Lay / Neil Reading

Neil Reading PR

020 7839 2277 [email protected]

Notes to editors:

About BBC Worldwide Ltd

BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Its vision is to build the BBC’s brands, audiences, commercial returns and reputation across the world. This is achieved through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. The business also champions British creativity globally.

In 2014/15, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £138.64m and headline sales of £1,001.8m and returned £226.5m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website: http://www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

bbcworldwide.com twitter.com/bbcwpress

KEEPING TO THE SCRIPT

An opportunity for budding writers to explore the world of Charles Dickens on Wednesday 14 December at 2.30pm.

As part of the Dickens in Darlington season, Darlington Civic Theatre is offering an exciting writing workshop, Making A Manuscript, where people can explore the world of Charles Dickens’ famous A Christmas Carol and be guided through Victorian London to consider the influence of Dickens’ own life within his works.

There will also be the opportunity to examine special editions of A Christmas Carol before writing your own Dickens-inspired Christmas tales using quill pens and ink.

This unique workshop will be led by Eleni Veltanioti from the Charles Dickens Museum in London. Recommended age 16 and over.

Making A Manuscript is at the Institute Room, The Friends Meeting House, Skinnergate, Darlington on Wednesday 14 December at 2.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £5

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or for more information visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk. All proceeds to go directly to the Civic Theatre’s restoration fund. Darlington Civic Theatre Foundation, Registered Charity Number 147625.

THE MANY FACES OF DARLINGTON’S HIPPODROME

Darlington Civic Theatre will be hosting a talk exploring the rich heritage of the theatre on Thursday 15 December at 7pm in The Pease Suite, The Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

Darlington Civic Theatre is hosting a special, illustrated talk exploring the rich heritage of the theatre, some of the key architectural and design features, as well as the challenge of preserving and restoring the building throughout its redevelopment.

The evening will feature guest speakers David Wilmore, lead heritage consultant from Theatresearch and Sean McNicholas, on site Operations Manager from the Civic Theatre’s restoration building contractors, Willmott Dixon, who will share their own experiences in restoring the theatre and embracing its Edwardian heritage.

The evening will also include a question and answer session with the speakers.

The Changing Face of Darlington’s Hippodrome will be the first of a wide variety of public talks and lectures over 2017, leading up to the reopening of the theatre.

Tickets are priced at £2.50

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or for more information visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk. All proceeds to go directly to the Civic Theatre’s restoration fund. Darlington Civic Theatre Foundation, Registered Charity Number 147625.