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Postgraduate Creative Producers and Theatre N16 present:

FURTHER CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE ROYALE

Jude Akuwidike, Franc Ashman and Martins Imhangbe join Nicholas Pinnock in the Bush Theatre’s knockout production of The Royale
Performed at The Tabernacle, Notting Hill
Directed by Madani Younis, written by Marco Ramirez
Runs 3 to 26 November, 2016. Press night 8 November
Jude Akuwudike, Franc Ashman and Martins Imhangbe will join the cast of The Royale, alongside Nicholas Pinnock, who plays Jay ‘The Sport’ Jackson – the first black heavyweight boxing champion of the world.

Jude Akuwudike (Othello, Hamlet, Moon on a Rainbow Shawl) will play boxing trainer Wynton, while Franc Ashman (Peep Show, Tennison, DCI Banks) will reprise the role of Jackson’s sister Nina. Martins Imhangbe (Lionboy, Das Ding) will play Jackson’s sparring partner Fish.

The Royale, a Bush Theatre production, runs from 3 to 26 November at The Tabernacle in Notting Hill.

Written by award-winning American writer Marco Ramirez (Sons of Anarchy, Orange is the New Black), The Royale returns following the UK premiere and sell-out run in spring 2015 and will again be directed by the Bush Theatre’s Artistic Director Madani Younis.

Jay ‘The Sport’ Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905 and, in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out.

Told in six rounds and set in a boxing ring, The Royale is inspired by the often overlooked story of Jack Johnson, a boxer who – at the height of the Jim Crow era – became the most famous and the most notorious black man on Earth.

Through the sights and sounds of the early 20th century boxing circuit, The Royale examines society’s relationship with our present-day cultural heroes and the responsibilities that are thrust upon them when they find themselves outside of the ropes.

The Royale is loosely based on the real-life story of Jack Johnson, whose story is one of great talent and triumph, but also racism and injustice. Despite Johnson being one of the greatest fighters who had ever lived, one newspaper wrote at the time of his first title fight: “If the black man wins, thousands and thousands of his ignorant brothers will misinterpret his victory as justifying claims to much more than mere physical equality with their white neighbors.”

The Royale will be staged at The Tabernacle as the Bush Theatre undergoes a major redevelopment of its building. The venue, a former church, swinging sixties hang-out, community centre and, more recently, a training ground for young boxers, continues to host amateur boxing matches to this day.

Jude Akuwudike’s recent theatre credits include The Crucible (Bristol Old Vic), Hamlet Asylum Seeker (Talawa/BandBazi), Othello (Actors From The London Stage/USA Tour/Cockpit Theatre, London), Ignorance (Hampstead Theatre), Moon On A Rainbow Shawl (National Theatre), The Faith Machine (Royal Court). TV and film credits include Friday Night Dinner (Channel 4), Lucky Man (Sky1) Cucumber (Channel 4), Holby City, Undercover, Moses Jones (all BBC), Beasts of No Nation (dir. Cary Fukunaga) and The Tempest (dir. Julie Taymor).Jude Akuwudike’s recent theatre credits include The Crucible (Bristol Old Vic), Hamlet Asylum Seeker (Talawa/BandBazi), Othello (Actors From The London Stage/USA Tour/Cockpit Theatre, London), Ignorance (Hampstead Theatre), Moon On A Rainbow Shawl (National Theatre), The Faith Machine (Royal Court). TV and film credits include Cucumber (Channel 4), Holby City, Undercover, Moses Jones (all BBC), Beasts of No Nation (dir. Cary Fukunaga) and The Tempest (dir. Julie Taymor).

Franc Ashman boasts an impressive list of theatre credits having performed extensively for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Out of Joint under the direction of Max Stafford-Clark and the National Theatre. Recent screen credits include Wagstaffe, Tennison, DCI Banks and Apple Tree Yard. She played Molly in the latest series of Peep Show for Channel 4.

Franc Ashman boasts an impressive list of theatre credits having performed extensively for the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre and acclaimed theatre company Out of Joint under the direction of Max Stafford-Clark. Recent screen credits include Tennison, DCI Banks & Apple Tree Yard. Franc lent her voice to the soundtrack of the Gary Oldman penned feature film Nil By Mouth and can be heard singing the theme song ‘Peculiar Groove’. She played Molly in the latest series of Peep Show for Channel 4.

Martins Imhangbe recently played the title role in Luce at Southwark Playhouse. His Other theatre includes Lionboy (Complicite), Das Ding (New Diorama),Romeo and Juliet (Orange Tree Theatre), Cinderella: A Fairytale (Unicorn Theatre), Street Stories (Royal opera House) and Sold at the Edinburgh Fringe, which won the Amnesty Freedom of Expression Award. Martins trained at Central School of Speech and Drama.

Nicholas Pinnock is a British theatre, television and film actor who has recently appeared in programmes such as ITV’s Marcella and Sky’s Fortitude. He has also appeared in Channel 4′s award-winning drama, Top Boy, he played Dr Evan Farleigh in ITV’s The Ice Cream Girls and starred in the sequel to Monsters, in Monsters: Dark Continent.

Madani Younis took over as Artistic Director of the Bush Theatre in 2012. In 2013 he won the Groucho Club Maverick Award for the theatre, following the most successful season in the theatre’s history which played to 99% capacity. Also for the Bush Theatre he has directed Perseverance Drive and Chalet Lines. Prior to his appointment at the Bush Theatre, he was Artistic Director of Freedom Studios in Bradford, Yorkshire where his work included the site-specific work, The Mill – City of Dreams. He has also worked nationally and internationally as a theatre director, writer and practitioner. Whilst at Freedom Studios he collaborated with the Bush Theatre through workshops culminating in Freedom’s two week residency in 2010 at the theatre. He was previously Director of Red Ladder Theatre Company’s Asian Theatre School. He originally trained in film, and his debut short film Ellabellapumpanella, commissioned by the UK Film Council, was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2007. He was the recipient of the Decibel Award at the South Bank Awards show in 2006.

1984 cast of York Theatre Royal’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers reunited.

 

The original 1984 cast of York Theatre Royal’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers came face-to-face with their contemporary counterparts on stage ahead of the York Light production’s opening night on Tuesday 28 June. York Light director Martyn Knight also appeared in the 1984 production, which went on to a West End run and an international tour.

Original cast members Debbie Wall (Alice), Jacey Collins (Martha), Simon Ward (Benjamin), Robert Hopkins (Ephraim) and stage manager Mark Shelley took to the newly refurbished stage at York Theatre Royal to meet the cast before enjoying the opening night of the performance. They took to the set with Ria Williams (Alice), Alicia Fletcher (Martha), Christian Mortimer (Benjamin) and Michael Foster (Ephraim).

In the current York Light production, the lead roles of Adam and Milly will be performed by Matthew Ainsworth and Emma Dickinson. The cast also includes: Scott Goncalves (Gideon); Grace Brown (Sarah); Sam Lightwing (Frank); Eloise Crawford (Liza); Richard Wetherill (Daniel); Stephanie Elsey (Ruth); Richard Hawley (Caleb) and Rachel Williams (Dorcas).

Set in Oregon in the 1850s, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers tells the story of Adam Pontipee and his new bride Milly as they attempt to find brides for Adam’s six unkempt and unruly brothers. Milly sets a plan into motion to marry off the brothers, including teaching them how to court ladies properly, but things don’t quite go as planned when the brothers, in their enthusiasm, kidnap six women from the neighbouring town to be their brides.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a glorious romp of a musical with a wonderful toe-tapping score which includes favourite songs such as: Bless Your Beautiful Hide; Goin’ Courtin’ and Wonderful, Wonderful Day. Tickets are on sale now priced at £28.50 to £10 (£1.50 transaction fee per booking) from the York Theatre Royal Box Office in person, by phone on 01904 623568 or securely online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

PARK THEATRE TO HOST FIRST EVER PARENT/CARER AND BABY PERFORMANCE

 

THE QUIET HOUSE

TUESDAY 5 JULY AT 11AM

Park Theatre is pleased to announce its first ever Parent / Carer and Baby performance, taking place on Tuesday 5 July at 11am.

Tickets for The Quiet House, Gareth Farr’s hilarious and heart breaking new play about a couple’s journey to start a family, will cost £10, with babes in arms free.

This is a special performance to enable the bringing of babies to the theatre. Attendees will be allowed to exit and enter the auditorium as needed, the actors will be aware that there may be additional noise, and extra facilities will be provided including buggy parking, baby feeding area and microwave. Park Theatre is fully accessible and has baby changing facilities.

Gabby Vautier, producer, said, “as a mum of 18 month old twins alongside being the producer of The Quiet House, I’m thrilled that we are working with Park Theatre to make sure parents with young babies have the opportunity to catch this brilliant play about starting a family. It couldn’t be more apt.”

Jez Bond, Artistic Director of Park Theatre said, “Having trialled a successful Relaxed performance of The Buskers Opera, we are excited to be presenting a Parents, Carers and Babies performance of The Quiet House, as part of our overall strategy on access and inclusion.”

https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/the-quiet-house/extras

For One Week Only! 

Liza will also be performing with Fascinating Aida 22-28th August.

Highfield Productions and the Pleasance present

Liza Pulman: Everything’s Coming Up Roses

An expertly pruned show about flowers and all things green from songstress and comedienne Liza Pulman!

22 – 29 August 2016 at 2.30pm

Cabaret Bar at the Pleasance Courtyard

To book tickets click here.

From Tip Toe Through The Tulips to Neil Diamond’s You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, Liza Pulman offers an afternoon filled with glorious songs, quirky comedy and charm! Accompanied by Joseph Atkins at the piano, Liza’s celebrated voice make this a blooming hour not to be missed! 

Liza Pulman, daughter of screenwriter Jack Pulman (I, Claudius, War and Peace) and actressBarbara Young (Coronation Street, Family Affairs, Last of the Summer Wine) has enjoyed an extensive and varied career encompassing a broad spectrum of music, comedy and theatre.  After training at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama she joined the Glyndebourne Operaenjoying principle roles in many of the globally renowned company’s leading productions. Drawn by her love of musical theatre, Liza performed with Michael Ball in Adrian Noble’s award-winning 2002 production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium, a production which became the theatre’s longest running show.

Since joining internationally renowned comedy singing group and satirical cabaret trioFascinating Aïda in 2004, Liza has toured the world’s top venues. The group are taking a break until 2017, giving Liza a chance to focus on her solo career which now includes a series of recordings Liza Pulman Sings, UK tour Liza Pulman Sings Hollywood and her current show,Everything’s Coming Up Roses. Fascinating Aïda is however making an appearance with theirGreatest Hits: Back in the Saddle for a week-long run at Assembly Rooms!

“A dazzling, heady bouquet of an evening, filled with laughter but also deep emotion, Liza Pulman’s wit and warmth and world class musical talent lit up our festival, bringing true West End glamour, sass and style to Suffolk while engaging also with the old world charm of gardens, flowers and romance. Eye was smitten.” Ian Kelly, Eye Open Gardens Festival.

“The moment Liza walked onstage we all fell under her spell. Her gorgeous voice, her humour and her warmth reached everyone, she is a unique performer.” Sir Tim Smit, Eden Project

Hilary and Stuart Williams in association with Paul Taylor-Mills present

THE LAST FIVE YEARS

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY JASON ROBERT BROWN

STARRING SAMANTHA BARKS AND JONATHAN BAILEY

AT ST. JAMES THEATRE

FROM FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER TO SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2016

 

 

Tony Award-winning Broadway composer Jason Robert Brown will helm a new London production of his acclaimed musical The Last Five Years, playing at St. James Theatre from Friday 27 October, with a press night on Wednesday 2 November at 7.00pm.

 

Tickets are on sale to St. James Friends at 10.00am on Friday 24 June, and on general sale at 10.00am on Saturday 25 June.

 

The Last Five Years is an emotionally powerful and intimate musical telling the story of Jamie and Cathy, two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. As aspiring author Jamie gets the book deal of his dreams, actress Cathy struggles to get work and make sense of the way her career has turned out. Can a couple once united by their dreams stay connected as their paths begin to divide? Known for its unique structure, The Last Five Years sees their stories told in opposite directions; Jamie moving forwards and Cathy backwards through their relationship, meeting only briefly for a moment in time as their stories cross.

 

Jason Robert Brown is a three-time Tony Award-winning composer-lyricist, best known for his dazzling scores to several of the most renowned musicals of his generation. His major musicals include Honeymoon In Vegas, The Bridges of Madison County and 13, all of which played on Broadway. Several of Jason’s musicals have previously been seen in London; his song cycle Songs for a New World played at St. James Theatre last year; 13 received its West End premiere in 2012 at the Apollo Theatre in a production directed by the composer; Parade played at the Donmar Warehouse in 2007 in a major revival directed by Rob Ashford; and The Last Five Yearsreceived its London Premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory in 2006.

 

Samantha Barks will play Cathy. Samantha is best known for playing Eponine in Les Miserables, a role she played in the West End, the 25^th Anniversary Concerts at the O2, and in the 2012 film adaptation alongside Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Eddie Redmayne. Samantha came to prominence as a finalist on BBC’s I’d Do Anything, and later played Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh’s touring production of Oliver!. Recent theatre credits include the title role in the world premiere of Amelie – A New Musical (Berkeley Repertory Theatre), Mallory/Avril in City of Angels (Donmar Warehouse), Velma Kelly in Chicago (Hollywood Bowl) and Sally Bowles inCabaret (UK Tour). Recent film credits include Interlude in Prague (Stillking Films),Bitter Harvest (Devil’s Harvest Productions), The Canary (Pioneer Pictures), the voice of Miss Acacia in Jack & The Cuckoo-Clock Heart (EuropaCorp) and The Christmas Candle (Pinewood Studios). Samantha also recently released her debut eponymous album “Samantha Barks” and is currently on a nationwide tour.

 

Jonathan Bailey will play Jamie. Jonathan is best known for television roles including reporter Olly Stevens in ITV’s Broadchurch and Leonardo Da Vinci in BBC’s Leonardo, with other recent credits including W1A (BBC), Doctor Who (BBC), Crashing (Channel 4), Campus (Channel 4) and the upcoming Hooten and the Lady (Sky). Jonathan is also currently shooting the next series of Michaela Cole’s Chewing Gum (E4). Theatre credits include American Psycho (Almeida Theatre), Othello (National Theatre) and South Downs (Harold Pinter Theatre), with film credits including 5 Children and It, Testament of Youth and the upcoming Crowhurst biopic The Mercy with Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz, which is to be released next year.

The Last Five Years premiered Off-Broadway in 2002, where it won the Drama Desk Award for Music and Lyrics, and has since been seen all over the world. A film adaptation was also released in 2014 starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan. This major revival production, directed by Jason Robert Brown, was first seen in a record-breaking Off-Broadway run at New York’s Second Stage Theatre in 2013.

 

The Last Five Years is written and directed by Jason Robert Brown, with musical direction byTorquil Munro. Casting is by Pippa Ailion. It is produced by Hilary and Stuart Williams in association with Paul Taylor-Mills.

 

Originally Produced for the New York stage by Arielle Tepper and Marty Bell

Originally Produced by Northlight Theatre, Chicago, USA

Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited

 

Twitter: @TL5Y_London

• Casting announced for much acclaimed RSC productions of Love’s Labour’s Lost andMuch Ado About Nothing

• Edward Bennett returns as Berowne and Benedick and Lisa Dillon co-stars as Rosaline and Beatrice

• Most of the 22-strong original cast will be returning for runs at Theatre Royal Haymarket, Chichester Festival Theatre and Manchester Opera House

• The productions will once again be directed by Christopher Luscombe, designed by Simon Higlett and composed by Nigel Hess
  

The RSC’s hugely acclaimed 2014 pairing of Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing(or Love’s Labour’s Won) arrives in London this Christmas, following runs at Chichester Festival Theatre and Manchester Opera House. From 9 December 2016 to 18 March 2017, Edward Bennett and Lisa Dillon will delight audiences at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in Christopher Luscombe’s elegant, effervescent productions.

At the end of Love’s Labour’s Lost two sparring lovers, Berowne and Rosaline, are separated; at the beginning of Much Ado About Nothing, two sparring lovers, Benedick and Beatrice, meet again after a long absence. The RSC productions, with dazzling country house designs by Simon Higlett and glorious music by Nigel Hess, are set either side of the First World War. Love’s Labour’s Lost conjures up the carefree elegance of a pre-war Edwardian summer, while in post-war Much Ado About Nothing, the world has changed forever, with the roaring Twenties just around the corner.

Lisa Dillon will play Rosaline in Love’s Labour’s Lost and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Lisa recently starred as Moll in The Roaring Girl and as Katharina in The Taming of the Shrew, both at the RSC, and opposite Stephen Mangan as Lisa in Birthday at the Royal Court. Her other theatre credits include A Flea in Her Ear and Design For Living (Old Vic), The Knot of the Heart(Almeida), Private Lives and Under The Blue Sky (West End). On television, she is best known for her role as Mary Smith in Cranford.

Edward Bennett reprises his roles as Berowne in Love’s Labour’s Lost and Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing. Edward made his name when he took over the title role in Hamlet from David Tennant at the Novello Theatre in 2008. His recent theatre credits include Photograph 51 with Nicole Kidman in the West End, and the National Theatre’s One Man, Two Guvnors on tour.

Love’s Labour’s Lost

Summer 1914. In order to dedicate themselves to a life of study, the King and his friends take an oath to avoid the company of women for three years. No sooner have they made their idealistic pledge than the Princess of France and her ladies-in-waiting arrive, presenting the men with a severe test of their high-minded resolve.

Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy mischievously suggests that the study of the opposite sex is the highest of all academic endeavours. Only at the end of the play is the merriment curtailed as the lovers agree to submit to a period apart, unaware that the world around them is about to be utterly transformed by the war to end all wars.

Much Ado About Nothing or Love’s Labour’s Won

Winter 1918. A group of soldiers returns from the trenches. The world-weary Benedick and his friend Claudio find themselves reacquainted with Beatrice and Hero. As memories of conflict give way to a life of parties and masked balls, Claudio and Hero fall in love, while Benedick and Beatrice reignite their own, altogether more combative, courtship.

Shakespeare’s comic romance (possibly known in his lifetime as Love’s Labour’s Won) plays out amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-war house party, as youthful passions run riot, lovers are deceived and happiness is threatened – before peace ultimately wins out.

These productions are presented by The Royal Shakespeare Company, Chichester Festival Theatre, TRH Productions, Jonathan Church Productions and Duncan C Weldon.

Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing

Directed by Christopher Luscombe

Designed by Simon Higlett

Lighting by Oliver Fenwick

Composed by Nigel Hess

Sound by Jeremy Dunn

Choreography by Jenny Arnold

Chichester Festival Theatre: 24 September 2016 – 29 October 2016

Ticket prices from £10

Tickets available from www.cft.org.uk / 01243 781312

Press performances: Thursday 6 October at 2pm and 7pm

Manchester Opera House: 23 November 2016 – 3 December 2016

Tickets available from www.atgtickets.com / 0844 847 2484

Theatre Royal Haymarket: 9 December 2016 – 18 March 2017

Ticket prices from £15

Tickets available from www.rschaymarket.com / 0207 930 8800

Press performances: Saturday 17 December at 2pm & 7pm

Full cast      

Sam Alexander                  King of Navarre/Don John

John Arthur                      Sir Nathaniel/Antonio

William Belchambers         Longaville/Conrade

Edward Bennett                Berowne/Benedick

Paige Carter                      Maria/Ursula

Rebecca Collingwood        Katharine/Hero

Lisa Dillon                         Rosaline/Beatrice

Nick Harris                        Butler/Francis Pickbone/Butler/Officer/Musician

Nick Haverson                   Costard/Dogberry

John Hodgkinson              Don Armado/Don Pedro

Tunji Kasim                      Dumaine/Claudio

Emma Manton                  Jaquenetta/Margaret

Chris McCalphy                 Dull/Sexton

Peter McGovern                Moth/George Seacole/Soldier

Chris Nayak                       Footman 1/Borachio

Jamie Newall                    Boyet/Friar Francis

Steven Pacey                    Holofernes/Leonato

Roderick Smith                 Gatekeeper 1/Marcade/Verges

Jamie Tyler                      Footman/Hugh Oatcake

Harry Waller                     Gamekeeper 2/Marcade/Balthasar

Anna Wheatley                 Housemaid/Housemaid

Leah Whitaker                  Princess of France

Drayton Arms Theatre June 21 – July 13.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

As part of Bastille Festival, Exchange Theatre present a modern version of Molière’s rarely produced play. Playing alternately in French and English, the energetic company manage to gloss over the clunky 17th century attitudes towards wife beating and marriage with a deft comic touch.

After one too many beatings from her wastrel husband Sganarelle (David Furlong), Martine (Jacqueline Berces) jumps at the chance of revenge by claiming that he is a wonderful doctor, but will only admit to his skills after being beaten. He is tasked to cure Lucinde (Anita Adam), who has “lost” her voice to avoid an unwanted marriage. There follows lots of flirting and sexual innuendo involving a randy nurse and her Neanderthal husband, crossdressing and general chaos as Sganarelle tries to help Lucinde. Watching over it all is a bust of Molière himself, and Martine controls events by flicking through a book of Molière’s works with delicious malice.

The talented cast give great performances, although it took a little while for me to get used to some of the stronger French accents and intonation. The biggest laughs were provided by Furlong’s Sganarelle – a charmingly buffoonish seducer, and Matt Mella’s Lucas – the epitome of braindead muscle.

The set design is interesting, but changes of scenery behind the curtain as dialogue continued were noisy and distracting, and the introduction of the window is very fiddly and may need a bit of a rethink. The soaring music adds even more energy to the production, with a fantastically atmospheric opening scene, although the volume needs to be adjusted. They just about got away with it in the workshop scene, where the men shouting at each other over the noise of the radio and saw felt natural, and the beat added to the cartoon violence, but at other times, dialogue was drowned out completely. These little niggles aside, director Furlong has created an upbeat and entertaining production, full of joie de vivre and mischief.

Casting announced for Monty Python’s Spamalot at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium

Director and Choreographer JOANNE HAND

Musical Director JOHN HUDSON

Seven performances only – October 24 to 29

Tickets now available

Casting for the DarlingtonOS upcoming production of Monty Python’s Spamalot, the parody of the Arthurian Legend which won the Tony for Best Musical in 2005, can now be announced.

The cast includes Julian Cound as King Arthur with company newcomer Ruby Hoggarth as the Lady Of The Lake. King

Arthur’s hard-done-to side-kick Patsy will be played by Eddie Jones while the Knights of the Round Table are made up of Leighton Taylor as Sir Lancelot, Neil Harland as Sir Galahad, Jason Slater as Sir Bedevere, and another company newcomer Richard Hamilton as Sir Robin. Alisdair Wilson will play Sir Bors and Hamish Sams will appear as Sir Not Appearing In This Show.

Director Joanne Hand said “I feel so fortunate to have been asked to direct Spamalot for DarlingtonOS. The show is hilarious and full to overflowing with larger than life characters and I can’t wait to start working with this fabulous cast.

DarlingtonOS never fail to put on a spectacular show and Spamalot will be no exception.”

Joanne continued, “It’s easy to understand just why Spamalot is so popular. It’s been touring almost constantly since 2006 with productions taking place in Las Vegas, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and Hungary. Millions have seen and enjoyed this show because laughter is universal. Even if you’ve never seen the movie or have any idea of what Monty Python is, you can still appreciate the show and its downright silliness. And I think, especially now, we all need a little laughter and silliness in our lives.”

Monty Python’s Spamalot will have seven performances at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium this autumn – Monday 24 to Saturday 29 October at 7.30pm with a 2pm matinee on Saturday 29 October.

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

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

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

 

REHEARSAL FOR MURDER OPENS NEXT WEEK

STARRING GARY MAVERS, ALEX FERNS, SUSIE AMY, ANITA HARRIS, MARK WYNTER, LAUREN DRUMMOND AND BEN NEALON

 

From the pen of award-winning writing team Richard Levinson and William Link, the creators of the unsurpassable mystery series Murder She Wrote and TV detective series Columbo comes a classic ‘whodunnit’ murder mystery. Rehearsal for Murder opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on Monday July 4th for one week only.

TV favourites ALEX FERNS (Eastenders, Legend) and SUSIE AMY (Footballers’ Wives, Echo Beach) join a cast of much-loved Agatha Christie Theatre Company regulars including GARY MAVERS (Peak Practice, Emmerdale),  60’s pop legend MARK WYNTER (Cats, Dreamboats and Petticoats, The Phantom of the Opera) and BEN NEALON (Solider Solider). Entertainment icon ANITA HARRIS, Holby City’s LAUREN DRUMMOND, GWYNFOR JONES and GEORGIA NEVILLE complete the cast.

Following the decade-long success of The Agatha Christie Theatre Company, Bill Kenwright Ltd began an exciting new chapter in January this year with the launch of The Classic Thriller Theatre Company and its first production REHEARSAL FOR MURDER adapted for the stage by David Rogers.

Playwright Alex Dennison is left heartbroken when his fiancée and leading lady Monica Welles is found dead from an apparent suicide after the opening night of her stage debut. On the anniversary of that ill-fated night, Alex assembles the same cast and crew in the same theatre, for a reading of his new play. But as the reading progresses, the play’s similarity to actual events becomes increasingly uncomfortable for the participants, and it soon becomes clear that Alex believes Monica was murdered and his new play is a devious cat-and-mouse chase to uncover her killer.

Rehearsal for Murder is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 4^th to Saturday 9^th July

Tickets are on sale now priced from £22 to £36

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call box office on 0844 848 2700