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UKPremiere of IF/THEN by Tony Award-winning

writers Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey comes to

London’s Savoy Theatre

The SavoyTheatre,Savoy Court, Strand, London WC2R 0ET

Monday 10th February 2025, 7:30pm

Audiences can watch the phenomenal and exclusive music video Always Starting Over from IF/THEN, performed by Kerry Ellis, here, with special thanks to The Theatre Channel

UK audiences will now be able to experience the UK premiere of IF/THEN, the celebrated musical by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning team Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal).Nominated for a Tony Award for Best Original Score in 2014, the production will be presented in a staged concert format,directed by acclaimed award-winning West End director Bill Buckhurst (101 Dalmatians The Musical; Sister Act; The Time Traveller’s Wife).The musical staging is by Olivier Award nominee Alistair David (Kiss Me, Kate, Show Boat) with music direction from acclaimed Michael England (The Phantom Of The Opera,Les Misérables).

Pre-sale sign up opens today, 21st November, at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/if-then/savoy-theatre Tickets will be available for general sale starting Tuesday 26th November.

Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s poignant and thought-provoking score explores the complexities of chance, choice and consequence.

Broadway and West End star Kerry Ellis, known for her roles in Wicked, Anything Goes, We Will Rock You, and Les Misérables, as well as her highly successful recording career, will star as Elizabeth, a woman torn between two possible journeys, who launches the audience into a world of hope, regret and self-discovery. Additional casting will be announced.

Ellis joyfully shares her thoughts, saying, I am so excited to be involved in this wonderful project—what a dream! The music is stunning, and the story is extremely touching; experiencing it at The Savoy Theatre will be magical. Playing the role of Elizabeth, a strong, modern, working woman faced with everyday real-life choices and decisions that are universally relatable to audiences, is particularly thrilling. I cannot wait!

IF/THEN follows Elizabeth, a 38-year-old city planner returning to New York after twelve years, ready to rebuild her life in the wake of a recent divorce. Standing at a pivotal crossroads, Elizabeth faces a choice that will send her down two parallel paths, each leading to a radically different future. On her first day back, she reconnects with Lucas, an old friend, and meets Kate, her vibrant new neighbour. Lucas invites her to join him in the world of activism, while Kate offers a lighter diversion—coffee, music, and the temptation of a charismatic guitarist nearby. As the story unfolds, audiences follow Elizabeth’s journey along these parallel lives, exploring how every decision, no matter how small, shapes the course of destiny.

Brian Yorkey, comments, I’m thrilled that West End audiences will get to experienceI F/THEN in concert. It’s a show and a set of songs that are very personal to Tom and me, and we’re honoured to have this group of fabulous singers bring them to life.

Tom Kitt, comments, IF/THEN is a very special and personal show, filled with some of my favourite songs that Brian and I have written together. I couldn’t be more thrilled that it will behaving its UK concert debut with this phenomenal group of artists, led by the incredible Kerry Ellis.

There will be limited meet and greet tickets with KerryEllison sale in line with the dates below. This will be an exclusive opportunity for fans to meet her in person following the performance

IF/THEN comes to London after opening on Broadway in 2014 and is produced by Adam Blanshay Productions and Daniel Hinchliffe in association with The Savoy Theatre.

Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International

Planning permission granted for significant transformation of Malvern Theatres

Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) has granted planning permission for significant improvements at Malvern Theatres, including a new 240-seat auditorium and essential upgrades to the Priory Park entrance, including a new elevator.

The auditorium plans will allow theatre to do new and different types of work, including more community theatre, as well as additional classes and workshops.

Thanks to the improved park-side entrance, which will feature better spaced stairs, additional handrails, upgraded lighting, and an elevator, accessibility from the park to the theatre will be greatly improved.

The Forum Theatre will also have improvements to make it more user-friendly, particularly for people with movement issues, including better wheelchair positions.

This next phase of work is due to start in summer 2025 and the theatre will remain open throughout the build, with the Festival Theatre, Cinema, and Studio One, all operating as normal.

The project, which is being led by Malvern Hills District Council and funded by central government, follows on from the success of the recently added Studio One, which is already at capacity since opening just over a year ago, and the accompanying Changing Place, a lifeline for people with severe additional needs.

Cllr John Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are so pleased the plans for the new development at Malvern Theatres have been approved. With Phase One of the project completed, we are excited to see that Phase Two will go ahead. This will mean further investment in this wonderful facility which will expand access to the arts, improve wellbeing, increase education and employment opportunities, as well as provide a boost to the tourism and economy within the area.”

Fred Moroni, Executive Director of Malvern Theatres, said: “We are thrilled that MHDC has chosen to progress this ambitious project, it will transform Malvern Theatres into a nationally significant centre of excellence for the arts. We look forward to welcoming even

more people for workshops and classes, as well as hosting community theatre in the new purpose-built auditorium.”

The new development, which will be park-side, includes: a modern 240-seat studio theatre to host more community work, flexible workshop spaces, and a small recording studio suitable for content creators. As well as the modernisations already mentioned to improve park access (easier stairs and new lift), there will also be a small amphitheatre for free community use.

There’s £20m of capital development funding ringfenced to pay for this work, money that was allocated following a rigorous nationwide bidding process.

Theatre Royal Nottingham – Wednesday 20th November 2024

Reviewed by Jill Heslop

5*****

Nottingham’s Theatre Royal was packed this evening to welcome back Opera North for their Autumn season with a revival of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Benjamin Britten, his 1960 take on Shakespeare’s much loved comedy as an opera in three acts. Magic was in the air! The Fairies, played by a cast of talented children in blonde wigs and black wings, opened the action behind the translucent Perspex stage set. No forest here; instead, large see-through bubbles suspended above the stage and gently floating to the music. The children’s voices join with the sliding opening strings creating a strange and ethereal atmosphere. Conducted by Garry Walker, the orchestra were able to bring to life the different sound worlds of the contrasting scenes. Familiar characters from Shakespeare soon appear; the King and Queen of the Fairies in glorious shining silver costumes along with the naughty and nasty Puck, in red satin shorts, played by Daniel Abelson. Puck (Daniel Abelson) is represented in the music by the snare drum and trumpet evoking his mischievous and daring spirit. James Laing plays Oberon, his countertenor voice sounding suitably other-worldly and Daisy Brown as Tytania was able to hit the high florid notes with ease.

The four lovers bring some slapstick comedy to the opera as they fall in and out of love with each other. These are Siân Griffiths as Hermia and Peter Kirk as Lysander, Camilla Harris as Helena and James Newby as Demetrius wearing beautifully bright psychedelic costumes. In the first Act, the music is quite discordant, echoing the arguments between the characters. However the second act opens with some blissful string writing from Britten as Tytania (Daisy Brown) and Bottom (Henry Waddington) share a sensual and humorous languor brought on by the magic potion.

The third act has plenty of fun and comedy as the Rude Mechanicals get the chance to put on their play in front of royalty. The bad singing gets plenty of laughs from the keen audience, who have enjoyed this happy and vibrant production of Britten’s fine opera.

LAURA WHITMORE (Love Island, 2:22)

 JOINS UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF

LAURA WILL FOLLOW PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED GIOVANNA FLETCHER IN THE ROLE OF RACHEL WATSON

THE TOUR OPENS AT THE RICHMOND THEATRE ON MONDAY 13 JANUARY

LAURA JOINS THE TOUR IN BRIGHTON WHERE HER PERFORMANCES BEGIN ON TUESDAY 3 JUNE

www.thegirlonthetrain.com

Simon Friend Entertainment and Josh Andrews Productions today confirm that Irish presenter, writer, broadcaster and former Love Island host, Laura Whitmore is set to star as Rachel Watson at certain dates in a new UK tour of the smash-hit Wiltshire Creative Production of The Girl on the Train. Her performancesinthe gripping thriller, based on the internationally acclaimed number one best-selling novel by Paula Hawkins begin at Brighton’s Theatre Royal on Tuesday 3 June 2025 and will run through to her returning to Dublin and the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre at the end of August.

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

On joining the tour, Laura says: “I read the book when it first came out and I was obsessed by it. I love it when you find a book and all you can think about is that story. You wake up a little bit earlier to read the book and stay up too late to finish it. I am excited to show people my portrayal of Rachel next summer.”

The international phenomenon – which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and inspired the Dreamworks film starring Emily Blunt – enjoyed a box-office record-breaking theatrical tour in 2019. Laura joins the tour in Brighton, Theatre Royal (3 – 7 Jun 2025) before touring to Milton Keynes Theatre (10 – 14 June 2025); Malvern Theatres, (17 – 20 June 2025); His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen (24 – 28 June 2025); Leeds, Grand Theatre(1 – 5 July 2025); Inverness, Eden Court(8 – 12 July 2025); Mold, Theatr Clwyd(15 – 19 July 2025); Southampton, Mayflower Theatre(22 – 26 July 2025); Belfast, Grand Opera House (12 – 16 August 2025); Cork,Everyman Theatre(19 – 23 August 2025); Dublin, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (26 – 30 August 2025). Please see listings below for full tour details.

Laura Whitmore trained at the Leinster School of Music and Drama, studied Shakespeare at RADA and holds a degree in Journalism from Dublin City University.

She wrote and starred in the short film Sadhbh for which she won The Ros Hubbard Award for acting in 2019. She toured in the role of Cleo in Peter James’ Not Dead Enough in 2017. Her film/TV acting credits include Queenie, Hulu’s Four Weddings and a Funeral, 4.3.2.1 and Storage 24. Her first lead in a feature film ‘A Mother For An Hour’ is out later this year as well as interactive sci fi thriller ‘Hello Stranger’ starring Sir Derek Jacobi. In 2022 she made her West End debut as Jenny in 2.22: A Ghost Story and returned home to play Lauren in its limited Dublin run in 2024.

She is a successful radio and television broadcaster best known for hosting MTV and the Bafta-winning ‘Love Island’, the ‘I’m A Celebrity’ spin-off show, Celeb Juice and her own breakfast show on ITV. She launched her documentary Laura Whitmore Investigates in 2023 and is currently working on a new documentary series. This year she also embarked on Comic Relief’s ‘Snow Way Back’ Arctic Trek to raise vital funds for Red Nose Day which can be seen in a primetime BBC1 documentary.

She currently hosts BBC Podcast, Murder They Wrote alongside Iain Stirling. She started her TV career in 2008 winning MTV’s Pick me MTV and becoming the face of MTV Europe for almost a decade. She has interviewed some of the biggest musical artists and actors in the world.

In March 2021 she released her first book, ‘No One Can Change Your Life Except For You’ which has gone on to become a Sunday Times Bestseller.

Produced by Simon Friend Entertainment and Josh Andrews Productions, the Wiltshire Creative Production of The Girl on the Train is written by Paula Hawkins, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, and is directed by Loveday Ingram.

The Girl on the Train 2025 Tour

LAURA WHITMORE TOUR DATES

3 – 7 Jun 2025

Brighton Theatre Royal

www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton

10 – 14 June 2025

Milton Keynes Theatre

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

17 – 20 June 2025

Malvern Theatres

www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

24 – 28 June 2025

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/his-majestys-theatre/

1 – 5 July 2025

Leeds Grand

www.leedsheritagetheatres.com

8 – 12 July 2025

Eden Court, Inverness

www.eden-court.co.uk

15 – 19 July 2025

Theatr Clwyd

www.theatrclwyd.com

22 – 26 July 2025

Southampton Mayflower

www.mayflower.org.uk

12 – 16 August 2025

Belfast, Grand Opera House

www.goh.co.uk

19 – 23 August 2025

Cork, Everyman Theatre

www.everymancork.com

26 – 30 August 2025

Dublin, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

GIOVANNA FLETCHER DATES – UNTIL SATURDAY 29^th MARCH

Richmond Theatre

13 – 18 Jan 2025

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

Nottingham, Theatre Royal

21 – 25 Jan 2025

www.trch.co.uk

Glasgow, Theatre Royal

28 Jan – 1 Feb 2025

Theatre Royal Glasgow Box Office | Buy Tickets Online | ATG Tickets

Norwich, Theatre Royal

4 – 8 Feb 2025

www.norwichtheatre.org

Lowry Theatre, Salford

11 – 15 Feb 2025

www.thelowry.com

Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre

4 – 8 March 2025

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Shrewsbury, Severn Theatre

11 – 15 March 2025 

www.theatresevern.co.uk

Bromley, Churchill Theatre

18 – 22 March 2025

https://trafalgartickets.com/churchill-theatre-bromley/en-GB

Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre

25 – 29 March 2025

www.everymantheatre.org.uk

FULL CASTING TO BE ANNOUNCED

Chester, Storyhouse

15 – 19 April 2025

www.storyhouse.com

Woking, New Victoria Theatre

22 – 26 April 2025

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre

Birmingham, Alexandra Theatre

29 April – 3 May 2025

www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham

Southend, Palace Theatre

6 – 10 May 2025

https://trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB

Liverpool, Playhouse Theatre

13 – 17 May 2025

www.everymanplayhouse.com

Leicester, Curve Theatre

20 -24 May 2025

www.curveonline.co.uk

Cardiff, New Theatre

27 – 31 May 2025

trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB

JAY MCGUINESS

TO PLAY SHAKESPEARE

IN SECOND LEG OF

AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

& JULIET

uk & Ireland tour

The producers of the global sensation & JULIET are delighted to announce that The Wanted band member and 2015 Strictly Come Dancing winner Jay McGuiness will star as Shakespeare during the second leg of the tour from Bristol to Nottingham. Ranj Singh who has been delighting audiences in the role of Lance, will continue to do so at certain venues next year including Wimbledon, Dublin, Bradford, Birmingham, Sheffield and Cardiff.

The roles of Shakespeare and Lance at all other venues will be announced.

The UK and Ireland tour of & JULIET opened at Manchester Opera House on 8 July 2024. 

Jay joins current tour cast members Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet, Lara Denning as Anne, Sandra Marvin as Angelique, Jack Danson as Romeo, Kyle Cox as Francois and Jordan Broatch as May.

Also in the cast are Harriet Caplan-Dean as Eleanor, Alexander Kranz as Lennox, Andilé Mabhena as Augustine / Dance Team, Liam Morris as Richard, Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid as Lucy/Alternate Juliet, Michael Nelson as Henry, Toni Paise as Violet, Katie Ramshaw as Nell / Lady C Rosie Singha as Judith, Aaron Shales as Gregory / Dance Team, Nia Stephen as Imogen and Samuel Wilson-Freeman as Fletcher / Resident Director and Dance Captain

Jay McGuiness said “I love these songs; Max Martin has written hit after hit. I’ve really missed singing and dancing as the last thing I did was a play, so I’m excited to get back into it. And I love the & Juliet costumes, especially Shakespeare’s!”

Jay McGuiness is best known as a vocalist in the chart-topping band The Wanted. Their debut single, “All Time Low,” hit the No. 1 spot on the UK singles chart and the band went on to have two further No. 1 and 5 Top 10 singles including the global hit ‘Glad You Came’.

Jay has a song and dance background, starting with dance classes in his early teens, he later attended The Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama in Nottingham. After taking a break from The Wanted in 2013, Jay was confirmed as a celebrity contestant on Strictly Come Dancing where he wowed audiences with his routines and went on to be crowned Strictly champion for 2015. His now infamous Jive to the music from Pulp Fiction has become the show’s most watched routine ever, amassing over 8 million hits on You Tube. The routine was also voted Strictly’s best ever dance by BBC Strictly viewers in December 2020. In 2016, Jay starred in the musical version of the Tom Hanks movie BIG in Dublin playing the lead role of Josh Baskin. He reprised the role in 2019 in the West End at the Dominion Theatre. In 2020, Jay played the lead role of Sam in the London production of Sleepless: A Musical Romance, based on the movie Sleepless in Seattle, at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Jay’s other theatre work includes starring in Rip It Up, a 60’s song and dance show at London’s Garrick Theatre, Bob Wallace in the touring production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in 2022 and Danny in the award-winning production of the Robbins play 2:22- A Ghost Story in 2024. In May 2023, Jay announced that he was adding yet another string to his bow as a published author. His debut fantasy novel Blood Flowers, published worldwide by Scholastic, was released in February 2024 and the eagerly awaited sequel is due for release in spring/summer 2025.

There is life after Romeo!

Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Created by David West Read, the Emmy-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks, what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?

Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time,” Katy Perry’s “Roar”and chart toppers “Since U Been Gone,” “It’s My Life,” “I Want It That Way,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” — all from Max Martin, the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century, and his collaborators. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.

& JULIET is a global success and has now been performed on four continents since its World Premiere in September 2019. It began at the Manchester Opera House in England, before moving to London’s West End from 2019-2023, where it won three Olivier Awards, and 6 WhatsOnStage Awards. The show had its North American premiere in July 2022 in Toronto, where it broke box office records and played to standing-room-only audiences, before heading to Broadway, where it again broke box office records and plays nightly to sold-out crowds. It can now also be seen around the globe with the North American Tour that started in September 2024 and the German premiere in October 2024. The German production marks the show’s first production with a book translated into a different language and was also the sixth country to welcome & Juliet in less than five years. More information for all productions can be found at andjulietthemusical.com

The full creative team for the UK and Ireland tour of & JULIETincludes David West Read (Book), Max Martin & Friends (Music & Lyrics), Luke Sheppard (Direction), Jennifer Weber (Choreography), Bill Sherman (Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements), Soutra Gilmour (Scenic Design), Paloma Young (Costume Design), Howard Hudson (Lighting Design), Gareth Owen (Sound Design), Andrzej Goulding (Video & Projection Design) and Nina Van Houten(Hair, Wig & Makeup Design) and Dominic Fallacaro (Additional Arrangements and Orchestrations). Casting is by Stuart Burt.

& JULIET is presented by Max Martin and Tim Headington and is produced by Max Martin, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd and Rebecca Quigley.

Website: www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk

Instagram: @julietmusical

Facebook: @julietmusical                                                            

X: @julietmusical

YouTube: @julietmusical1925                                                              

2024 / 2025 TOUR SCHEDULE

18 – 30 November                   Leeds Grand Theatre                                     0113 243 0808                                                www.leedsheritagetheatres.com                   

15 – 25 January 2025             Bristol Hippodrome                                                                                                                www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol               

27 January – 1 February        New Wimbledon Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/newwimbledon                         

4 – 8 February                        Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre

aberdeenperformingarts.com 

17 – 22 February                    Leicester Curve             0116 242 3595

                                                www.curveonline.co.uk               

25 February – 8 March           Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre                 0818719377 (ROI)                                          bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                                08442485101 (UK)

11 – 15 March                        Woking New Victoria Theatre                                                                                                www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre     

24 – 29 March                        Bradford Alhambra Theatre                          01274 432000

                                                www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

31 March – 12 April                Milton Keynes Theatre

                                                www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes                

14 – 19 April                            Nottingham Theatre Royal                            0115 989 5555

                                                www.trch.co.uk

21 April – 3 May                     Birmingham Hippodrome                              0844 338 5000

                                                www.birminghamhippodrome.com

5 – 10 May                              Southend Cliffs Pavilion                                0343 310 0030                                                www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

12 – 17 May                            Stoke Regent Theatre                                                                                                            www.atgtickets.com/stoke                             

20 May – 31 May                    Sheffield Lyceum Theatre                             0114 249 6000                                                www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                           

2 – 7 June                               Newcastle Theatre Royal                              0191 232 7010

                                                www.theatreroyal.co.uk

10 – 14 June                           Truro Hall for Cornwall                                   01872 262 466

                                                www.hallforcornwall.co.uk                             

16 – 28 June                           Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre                   029 2063 6464                                                www.wmc.org.uk

The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham – until 30th November 2024

Reviewed by Emma Millward

5*****

Let me start by saying that I am a sucker for a jukebox musical. There’s something so enjoyable about the familiarity of the songs and the overwhelming urge to sing along! (I did just about contain myself last night!) Here & Now is the new musical based on the songs of the pop group Steps. The story is not based on the group themselves but on an original book by Shaun Kitchener. The show was announced on 26th January 2024, making its world premiere at The Alexandra, Birmingham on 9th November 2024. Steps, ROYO and Pete Waterman, produce the show.

The show is set in a seaside supermarket called Better Best Bargains (the first of many nods to Steps). We meet Caz (Rebecca Lock), who encourages her workmates Vel (Sharlene Hector), Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) and Neeta (Hiba Elchikhe) to ‘take a chance on a happy ending’ and have a summer of love by approaching the people they love or ending relationships that have run their course. While all this is happening, Caz also must deal with the breakup of her relationship with Gareth (Gary Milner), her desire to adopt a child and the looming possibility of the supermarket closing down. Throughout the show, all four main characters get their moment to shine and epic songs to sing! 

The ensemble works well together, and they all have genuine chemistry, although Rebecca Lock steals the show. Her vocals are flawless throughout, and she belts out some of the Steps’ most famous songs, changing many of them from classic pop anthems to West End power ballads without too much distress to the hardened Steps fans in the crowd. Her renditions of ‘Heartbeat’ and ‘One For Sorrow’ in particular drew prolonged cheers and applause from the audience. Other standout characters were Jem (River Medway), who didn’t appear much throughout the show but made an impact whenever he appeared. His performance of ‘Chain Reaction’ had the audience captivated from start to finish. I will never look at washing machines the same way again, and I really want one that lights up!! Another character who appeared fleetingly, but always stole the scene was Patricia (Finty Williams), the supermarket manager. Her dodgy French pronunciations always drew loud laughter.

I must discuss one of the other main stars of the show, the songs! Over 22 songs are packed into the production. The refreshing thing about the show is the songs never felt ‘shoehorned’ to fit among the storyline, as can happen occasionally in jukebox musicals. Every song has its place and fits the scene it appears in. 

The costume design by Gabriella Slade was exquisite. Never has a supermarket uniform looked so bright and colourful. The set design by Tom Rogers is also excellent. Bright neon blues and pink signage adorned the walls, movable checkouts were used for full effect by the cast, and lots of Steps in-jokes were written through the backdrop and props. Watch for them as you watch, especially the wheelie bin that takes centre stage during Ben (Dan Partridge) and Neeta’s beautiful rendition of ‘Something in Your Eyes’. 

As the show concluded, we were treated to an eight-minute mega mix of the songs from the show. As it was a Gala Night performance, Steps themselves took to the stage to perform ‘Stomp’ before announcing the show would embark on a UK tour in 2025. By the show’s finale, the crowd was on its feet, and I’ve never heard such a loud and prolonged standing ovation before. Here & Now The Musical has so much potential. Judging by the audience reaction last night I predict a sell-out run on its upcoming tour. Whether or not you are a diehard Steps fan, there is something for everyone. Funny, often heartbreaking and unashamedly camp escapism all wrapped up with a fantastic soundtrack and an outstanding cast.

WENDI PETERS

TO STAR AS

FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS IN

GLORIOUS!

AT HOPE MILL THEATRE

Hope Mill Theatre are delighted to announce Wendi Peters as Florence Foster Jenkins in GLORIOUS! The True Story of The Worst Singer in the World, which will open at Hope Mill Theatre on 27 February 2025 for a limited run ending on 30 March 2025. Tickets on-sale Friday 22 November.

Written by Peter Quilter (End of the Rainbow) and directed by Kirk Jameson (I Am Harvey Milk) GLORIOUS! tells the hilarious and heartwarming true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a 1940s New York socialite with dreams of becoming an opera star – despite her famously dreadful singing voice. As her notoriously off-key recitals gained a devoted following (including admirers like Enrico Caruso and Cole Porter), her performances became must-see events, culminating in an unforgettable, sold-out show at Carnegie Hall, where Florence performed Mozart in angel wings and a halo.

Stage and screen star Wendi Peters is best known for her long-running role as Cilla Battersby in the hit ITV show Coronation Street and most recently has been a regular on the BBC show Doctors as Nina Bulsara. Her other TV credits include Midsomer Murders (ITV), Hetty Feather, Hacker Time and Sadie J (CBBC). Wendi has also competed on various shows including Soapstar Superstar (ITV), Celebrity Mastermind (BBC), Celebrity Masterchef (BBC) and Celebrity Sewing Bee for Children in Need (BBC) which she won. Wendi was most recently seen as Mother Superior in the UK Tour of Sister Act. Her other theatre credits include: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (UK Tour), You Are Here (Southwark Playhouse), BIG The Musical (West End), The Game (Northern Broadsides) and White Christmas (West End; Festival Theatre, Edinburgh & Lowry, Salford).

Hope Mill Theatre’s Joseph Houston & William Whelton said: As Hope Mill Theatre enters its 10^th Anniversary year we are thrilled to share our first in house production of our celebratory milestone year. GLORIOUS! marks Hope Mill’s 37^th production in a decade, including productions at Hope Mill Theatre, on tour and transfers. It is an honour to have Wendi Peters join our already growing alumni of star performers, who have graced our stage, and in the wonderfully eccentric role of Florence Foster Jenkins, with a new production helmed by Kirk Jameson. This production marks the first in what will be an extremely exciting 2025 for Hope Mill Theatre

Wendi Peters said: I’m so thrilled to be playing such a ‘glorious’ character as Florence Foster Jenkins and I know I’m going to such fun portraying her.  I’m really looking forward to being back in Manchester and working at the wonderful Hope Mill theatre.

GLORIOUS! follows Florence’s journey as she prepares for her concerts, builds an unlikely friendship with her young accompanist, Cosme McMoon, and pursues her passion despite all odds. At first bewildered by her lack of talent, Cosme gradually grows fond of her, swept into her world of indomitable spirit. This joyful play celebrates a woman who defied critics and embraced the laughter of her audience, making her dreams come true.

The play premiered at Birmingham Rep Theatre before moving to London’s West End in 2005 starring Dame Maureen Lipman and earned an Olivier Award nomination for Best New Comedy Since then, GLORIOUS! has delighted millions worldwide, translated into 25 languages and performed in 36 countries—including acclaimed productions in Sydney, Hong Kong, Vienna, Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, Madrid, and more. In 2016, Florence’s life was immortalized on film by Meryl Streep.

GLORIOUS! is produced by Hope Mill Theatre. With casting by Harry Blumenau CDG CDA.

Website: hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/glorious

Facebook: @HopeMillTheatre

X: @hopemilltheatre

Instagram: @hopemilltheatre

LISTINGS INFORMATION

27 February – 30 March 2025

Hope Mill Theatre

113 Pollard St

Manchester

M4 7JA

Performances: Tuesday to Saturday/ 7.30pm & 2.30pm/ Sundays 1pm & 6pm

Tickets from: from £30

Box Office: 0161 275 9141

NEW MUSICAL

HERE & NOW

PRESENTED BY UK POP SENSATION

STEPS

TO TOUR THE UK & IRELAND

FROM AUGUST 2025

UK pop band Steps are delighted to announce that their official musical HERE & NOW, which has been wowing audiences in Birmingham for the last few weeks, will embark on a major UK and Ireland tour from August 2025 through to May 2026.

HERE & NOW began previews at The Alexandra, Birmingham on Saturday 9 November and will finish it’s run on Saturday 30 November 2024. The musical was The Alexandra’s fastest selling on-sale in history, which saw 50% capacity sold within 24 hours.

Featuring Steps’ most beloved hit songs, HERE & NOW isproduced by the band and ROYO with Pete Waterman and Fascination Management with an original book by Shaun Kitchener and is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and choreographed by Olivier Award winning Matt Cole.

Casting for the UK and Ireland tour is to be announced.

Welcome to seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, where it’s Friday night, the vibe is right, and everyone’s dancing in the aisles. But when Caz discovers the shelves are stocked with lies and betrayal, the summer of love she and her friends dreamed of suddenly feels like a tragedy. Have they all lost their chance of a ‘happy ever after’? Or does love have other plans in store…

Steps (Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian ‘H’ Watkins’, Lee Latchford-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee) are the UK’s most successful mixed sex pop group of all time, with 14 top five singles, 4 number one albums, 22 million record sales, 500 million streams & 11 sold-out national arena tours under their belts. The band’s hits include #1 singles Tragedy/Heartbeat and Stomp, the gold certified One For Sorrow & Better Best Forgotten, the silver certified 5,6,7,8, Last Thing On My Mind, Love’s Got A Hold Of My Heart, Chain Reaction, all of which will feature in the musical alongside many more.

Steps’ 2017 comeback tour sold out all 300,000 tickets, making it one of the biggest pop tours of the year. The band have since continued to release new music including two further iTunes #1 singles, the Sia-penned What The Future Holds in 2020 and the Michelle Visage duet Heartbreak In This City in 2022. In 2022 Steps celebrated their 25th anniversary with a headline summer tour and released the #1 album Platinum Collection which means they join ABBA, Rolling Stones and Stereophonics as the only groups in UK history to score #1 albums in four consecutive decades.

Musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Matt Spencer-Smith, set design is by Tom Rogers, costume design is by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Adam Fisher, wigs, hair and makeup design by Sam Cox, casting by Will Burton for Grindrod Burton Casting, Music Technology by Phij Adams with Production Management by Setting Line.

Website: TheStepsMusical.com

Instagram: @TheStepsMusical

X: @TheStepsMusical

TikTok: @TheStepsMusical

Facebook: @TheStepsMusicalUK

2025/26 TOUR SCHEDULE

29 – 30 August 2025                         Aylesbury Waterside Theatre                       

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Aylesbury                       On sale 20 November

2 – 13 September                              Manchester Opera House

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Manchester                    On sale 20 November

16 – 20 September                            Glasgow Kings Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Glasgow                         On sale 20 November

23 September – 4 October                Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre                  0818719 377 (ROI)

                                                           bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                                 08442485101 (UK)

                                                                                                                                    On sale 29 November

7 – 11 October                                   Southend Cliffs Pavilion

                                                           www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk                             On sale 22 November

14 – 19 October                                 Woking New Victoria Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre        On sale 20 November

21 – 26 October                                 Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre

                                                           aberdeenperformingarts.com On sale 26 November

28 October– 2 November                  Newcastle Theatre Royal                               0191 232 7010

                                                           www.theatreroyal.co.uk                                   On sale soon

4 – 9 November                                 London New Wimbledon Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Wimbledon                     On sale 20 November

11 – 16 November                             Nottingham Theatre Royal                             0115 989 5555

                                                           trch.co.uk                                                         On sale 29 November

18 – 22 November                             Sheffield Lyceum                                            0114 249 6000

                                                           www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                           On sale soon

25 – 29 November                             Liverpool Empire Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Liverpool                        On sale 20 November

2 – 13 December                               Theatre Royal Brighton

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Brighton                          On sale 20 November

15 – 28 December                             Stockton Globe

                                                           www.stocktonglobe.co.uk                               On sale 20 November

20– 24 January 2026                        Southampton Mayflower Theatre                  02380 711811

                                                           www.mayflower.org.uk                                    On sale 29 November

27 – 31 January                                 Belfast Grand Opera House

                                                           www.goh.co.uk                                                On sale soon

3 – 7 February                                   Cardiff Wales Millenium Centre

                                                           www.wmc.org.uk                                             On sale 6 December

10 – 15 February                               York Grand Opera House

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/York                                On sale 20 November

17 – 22 February                               Oxford New Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Oxford                            On sale 20 November

24 – 1 March                                      Edinburgh Playhouse

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/Edinburgh                       On sale 20 November

10 – 15 March                                    Wolverhampton Grand                                  01902 42 92 12

                                                           www.grandtheatre.co.uk                                  On sale 22 November

24 – 28 March                                    Theatre Royal Plymouth                                01752 267 222

                                                           www.theatreroyal.com                                     On sale soon

31 March – 4 April                              Milton Keynes Theatre

                                                           www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre        On sale 20 November

8 – 12 April                                         Blackpool Opera House                                 0844 770 0593*

                                                           www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk                On sale soon 

14 – 19 April                                       Norwich Theatre Royal                                   01603 630 000

                                                           www.norwichtheatre.org                                  On sale soon

21 – 26 April                                       Hull New Theatre                                            01482 300 306

                                                           www.hulltheatres.co.uk                                   On sale 22 November

28 April – 3 May                                 Leicester Curve                                              0116 242 3595

                                                           www.curveonline.co.uk                                   On sale soon

5 – 10 May                                         Leeds Grand Theatre                                      0113 243 0808                                                                      

                                                          www.leedsheritagetheatres.com                     On sale 6 December

Hall for Cornwall, Truro, Cornwall – until 23 November 2024

Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert

4****

Murder on the Orient Express is a stylish, seductive, quality production of a much-loved work that has been beautifully adapted for a new generation of fans.

Ken Ludwig’s new adaption of the Agatha Christie classic ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ brings beloved Belgian detective Hercule Poirot to the Hall for Cornwall!

First published in 1934, ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ continues to be one of Christie’s most popular novels 90 years later. Colourful characters stuck aboard an elegant train in a snow drift with a violently murdered corpse and no means of escape, is just as thrilling a premise now as it was then.

Winter 1934 and an avalanche stops the Orient Express in its tracks. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Trapped in the snow with a killer still on board, can the world’s famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?

The production was brought to life with three stunning 3D train carriages donned in full Edwardian décor. With a revolving stage and a few tables for breakaway scenes and clever use of an overhead screen to portray elements like snowdrift weather and even wheels chugging along the tracks, much like the plot, it always felt like things were on the move. The costumes were exquisite, and every inch of the stage is lit with pinpoint precision. So much thought has been put into drawing the audience into the heart of the play; I didn’t look away for a second. Twinned with excellent use of music and sound effects from the start building suspense of what is about to unfold.

The entire supporting cast was wonderful, Bob Barrett’s energy as Monsieur Bouc and the permanently frantic Greta Ohlsson, done so well by Rebecca Charles. While Simon Cottons’ abhorrent ‘businessman’ Samuel Ratchett makes for the ideal antagonist – but Michael Maloney is masterful as Poirot. Joining them are other engaging performances from Mila Carter and Christine Kavanagh as Countess Elena Andrenyi and Helen Hubbard – two of the more prominent suspects in the murder of Ratchett. More withdrawn initially, Iniki Mariano and Rishi Rian get their powerful moments in the second act – both with a more involved presence, tapping into the story’s painful and brutal elements, often forgotten.

‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is a stylish, seductive, quality production of a much-loved work that has been beautifully adapted for a new generation of fans. It’s a wonderful example of how to successfully transfer an established book to the stage. I would highly recommend going to see this intriguing and intense play, a fabulous night out for all Agatha Christie or theatre lovers, those who know the story and who are going in blind alike.

Awkward Productions in association with Goudie Events Announce World Tour!

Gwyneth Goes Skiing and Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story

North America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Europe

From January to April 2025

Awkward Productions, harbingers of queer chaos and brilliantly original theatre, are excited to announce that they are taking their viral theatrical sensations Gwyneth Goes Skiing and Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story on a World Tour from January 2025.

Gwyneth Goes Skiing will return to the slopes of Park City, Utah, the location of the real-life Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial, playing at the Egyptian Theatre from 8-18 January 2025, followed by Off-Broadway and Los Angeles premieres at Soho Playhouse in New York from 20-26 January and The Elysian Los Angeles from 30 January to 2 February.

Awkward Productions will then switch shows, costumes and candles and team up with Goudie Events to premiere their multiple award-winning, Edinburgh Fringe sell-out hit Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story in Thailand, Singapore, Australia & New Zealand (Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Auckland), Canada (Toronto, Calgary, Montreal) and Europe (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Berlin, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Malmö, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki). Dates in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Canada will have pre-show support from UK RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Pixie Polite.

Awkward Productions was created by Linus Karp and Joseph Martin to bring ridiculous genre-mixing comedy, niche pop culture references, audience participation and queer joy to the stage. Their holy trinity of shows consists of Gwyneth Goes Skiing, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story and how to live a jellicle life: life lessons from the 2019 hit movie musical ‘cats’. These shows have all achieved sold-out runs, toured the UK extensively, received international media coverage and won awards. An Awkward Prods shows isn’t performed for you, it’s performed with you – making each one unique.

Karp and Martin comment: “Our plans for world domination and queering the globe are finally coming true. Such a slay house down boots mama moment. A wise woman (Beyoncé) once asked: ‘Who run the world?’, and now we know that the answer to that question is AwkwardProds.”

Gwyneth Goes Skiing has enjoyed two sold-out and critically acclaimed runs in London following its premiere in December 2023 and it will play a third season at the Pleasance Theatre from 11 to 21 December 2024, direct from a UK and Ireland Autumn Tour.

Starring Linus Karp as the Goop-founding, Door-Sliding, Shakespeare-In-Loving, consciously uncoupling Hollywood superstar Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Martin as her nemesis Dr Terry Sanderson, this ever-evolving show about the Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial is a story of justice, betrayal and optometry, recounting the biggest case to rock the legal world since law was invented. The show makes the audience the jury, asking them to decide who’s guilty and who’s gooped.

Featuring original music by Leland (Troye Sivan, Cher), vocals by Cat Cohen (Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner) and Emmy and Golden Globe winner (and Broadway legend) Darren Criss (Glee, The Assassination of Gianni Versace) – and a special video appearance from drag legend Trixie Mattel as Gwyneth Paltrow’s mother, Blythe Danner, this queer extravaganza is “unlike anything else you’ll see.” (Attitude – ★★★★★)

Awkward Productions’ multiple award-winning, Edinburgh Fringe 2023 sell-out show Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story became an immediate cult-hit with audiences for its unique audience participation and staggeringly camp portrayal of the royals. Following its triumphant premiere, the show won the OffFest Award for Best Play and the prestigious LAURA Award. It then enjoyed two UK Tours, two big nights out at The Clapham Grand, a three-week run at the new Kings Head Theatre in London and a return to the Edinburgh Festival in August 2024.

Through a comedic and unhinged lens, the show highlights Diana’s ground-breaking stances on social and queer issues and allows her to finally speak her (un)truth and break free from the monarchy. Told by Diana from heaven, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is “so much more than just a show. It’s an experience. It’s a lifestyle. It is the moment” (The Reviews Hub – ★★★★★)

Linus Karp stars as Diana, Joseph Martin portrays both Charles and Camilla, while Geri Allen (Operation Mincemeat), Zina Badran (Doctor Who) and Broadway Star Jeanna De Waal (Diana: The Musical) complete the cast through multimedia magic.

Social media:  @awkwardprods          @Goudieevents

https://www.awkwardprods.co.ukhttp://www.goudieevents.com