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A new play by Martin McDonagh with a cast led by Jim Broadbent

Following Martin McDonagh’s success at the Venice, Toronto and London film festivals with his critically acclaimed Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri the London Theatre Company announces, in advance of its next programme, the world premiere next autumn at the Bridge Theatre of a new play by McDonagh. With a cast led by Jim Broadbent and directed by Matthew Dunster and designed by Anna Fleischle, A Very Very Very Dark Matter will preview from 10 October 2018. Tickets will go on public sale on 14 November 2017 at 10am GMT with priority booking for Bridge members opening today at 10am GMT. The 12-week run will conclude on 29 December. Further casting and members of the creative team will be announced in due course.

In a townhouse in Copenhagen works Hans Christian Andersen, a teller of exquisite and fantastic children’s tales beloved by millions.  But the true source of his stories dwells in his attic upstairs, her existence a dark secret kept from the outside world.  As dangerous, twisted and funny as his National Theatre and Broadway hit The Pillowman, Martin McDonagh’s new play travels deep into the abysses of the imagination.

Martin McDonagh is an award-winning writer and director.  His plays are The Beauty Queen of Leenane, A Skull in Connemara, The Lonesome West, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, The Cripple of Inishmaan, The Pillowman, A Behanding in Spokane and Hangmen.  As a writer and director for film his credits are Seven Psychopaths, In Bruges, Six Shooter as well as Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri which won Best Screenplay at this year’s Venice Film Festival, the Grolsch People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival and was the closing film at this year’s BFI London Film Festival.

Jim Broadbent is a BAFTA and Academy award-winning actor. He has previously appeared in Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman at the National Theatre where he was also seen in Improbable Theatre’sTheatre of Blood.  Broadbent has worked extensively for the Donmar Warehouse, the Old Vic, the Royal Court and the Royal Shakespeare Company and has most recently been seen on stage in A Christmas Carol at The Noel Coward Theatre.  His many film credits include Iris, for which he won an Academy Award, The Lady in the Van, Paddington, Brooklyn, Iron Lady, Le Weekend, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Moulin Rouge and King Lear, currently in production.  His more recent television credits includeGame of Thrones, War and Peace, London Spy and The Go-Between as well as his BAFTA winning role inLongford. 

 

Matthew Dunster directed McDonagh’s Hangmen at the Royal Court where he has also directed Liberian Girl.  Other directing credits include The Seagull and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Open Air Regent’s Park, Love’s Sacrifice for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Love the Sinner for the National Theatre, Doctor Faustus, Imogen, The Frontline and Much Ado About Nothing for Shakespeare’s Globe, Mametz for the National Theatre of Wales, Before the Party for the Almeida Theatre and Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Macbeth and Mogadishu for the Royal Exchange Theatre.  As a writer his plays include Children’s Children which premiered at the Almeida Theatre and You Can See the Hills which premiered at the Royal Exchange Theatre as well as an adaptation of 1984.

London Theatre Company will announce the remainder of the Bridge programme for 2018 early next year.

Young Marx, the opening production at the Bridge continues to 31 December 2017.  Nicholas Hytner’s promenade production of Julius Caesar with David Calder, Michelle Fairley, David Morrissey and Ben Whishaw follows from 20 January – 15 April 2018. The world premiere of Barney Norris’ Nightfall, directed by Laurie Sansom, runs from 28 April – 3 June 2018.

Listings Information

Address:                                   The Bridge Theatre, One Tower Bridge, London SE1 2SD

Box Office:                               0843 208 1846 or boxoffice@bridgetheatre.co.uk

Access:                                    0333 320 0051 or access@bridgetheatre.co.uk

Website:                                   www.bridgetheatre.co.uk

Twitter:                                    @_bridgetheatre

Instagram:                               _bridgetheatre

Facebook:                                facebook.com/bridgetheatrelondon

New Diorama Celebrates Its First Off-Broadway Transfer

New Diorama Theatre is delighted to announce today that their Edinburgh Fringe hit show Secret Life of Humans is transferring for a five-week run, at the Brits Off-Broadway which runs at New York’s 59E59 Theaters from 30 May until 01 July 2018.

The show, a co-production with Greenwich Theatre, written by David Byrne, and co-directed by David Byrne and Kate Stanley, is the first of their in-house productions to transfer internationally.  The original cast and production team will transfer with the show.

The show, the New Diorama’s fifth in-house production, is devised and inspired by Yuval Harari’s international bestseller, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind and the life of celebrated mathematician and television presenter Dr Jacob Bronowski.

David Byrne said “Secret Life of Humans is the first of our in-house productions to transfer internationally and the whole ensemble are incredibly excited to present our hit show to New York audiences. Jacob Bronowski, one of the show’s central characters, had his first big US hit with Ascent of Man, which we recreate as part of the production. So hopefully that’ll be a good omen for the success of Secret Life of Humans Off-Broadway.”

The show is a New Diorama production, in co-production with Greenwich Theatre and before transferring to New York it will have a London run at the both the New Diorama Theatre 

10 April to 05 May 2018 and the Greenwich Theatre from 08 to 12 May 2018.

The production is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, The Cockayne Foundation, and PRS For Music Foundation.

 

What the Press said:

★★★★ “Ambitious, intelligent and moving…unfolds with thriller-like precision with real visual flair.”  The Guardian

★★★★ “Bold, beautiful and utterly absorbing theatre, finding the thrilling drama inherent in the human story. It takes your breath away.”  The Stage

★★★★ “Presented with brilliant imagination… strikingly accomplished, absorbing and enjoyable.”  The Scotsman

★★★★★ “A masterpiece…mesmerising to watch. The stunning execution of an intriguing concept makes Secret Life of Humans nothing less than a theatrical triumph.” Broadway Baby

 

LISTINGS

10 April – 5 May, 2018

New Diorama Theatre, London

www.newdiorama.com / 020 7383 9034

8 – 12 May, 2018

Greenwich Theatre, London

www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk / 020 8858 7755

‘JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF FABULOUS’ IN SEDOS’ NEW PRODUCTION OF THE AWARD-WINNING ‘PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL’

Sedos presents a new sell-out production of the award-winning musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert at theBridewell Theatre, off Fleet Street, from 22 November-2 December 2017. The musical, which has book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott, is based on the 1994 Oscar winning Latent Image/Specific Films Motion Picture distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

The critically-acclaimed stage musical version of Priscilla has played to packed houses all over the world during its 11-year journey since its premiere in Sydney in 2006. Sedos’ new production of Priscilla promises a vibrant and energetic production – with a cast of 25, many of whom are featuring in their first Sedos production.

 

A colourful and vibrant spectacular featuring all-time dance and pop hits from the 80’s and 90’s, the story follows the adventure of three friends brought together under unique circumstances. They travel in a wonderfully quirky bus from the glamour and sparkle of Sydney as they ‘Go West’ into the heart of the Australian desert continent.

The production has direction by Angus Jacobs, musical direction by Ryan Macaulay and choreography by Eloise Horton.

Director Angus Jacobs said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our special touch to this wonderful production and even more so that the run is completely sold out. We have designed some stunning original costumes for this production and coupled with the unique challenges (or opportunities!) presented by getting a moving bus onto the stage of the Bridewell Theatre, we are really thrilled with our fresh take on the show.

“From our first workshops back in July to our opening night later this month, the team have worked so hard and we can’t wait to share ‘our Priscilla’ with the audience.”

Since 2012 Sedos has been the resident theatre company at the Bridewell Theatre.

 

LISTINGS DETAILS

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical

Book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott, and based on the Latent Image/Specific Films Motion Picture distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Wednesday 22 November to Saturday 2 December 2017

Evenings at 7.30pm, Saturday matinees at 2.30pm

Bridewell Theatre, Bride Lane, off Fleet Street, London EC4Y 8EQ

The whole run is sold out, but returns may be available from the theatre box office, which opens 30 minutes before the performance. More info: sedos.co.uk

The Lost Boy Peter Pan
Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF
Wednesday 29th November 2017 – Sunday 7th January 2018

Based on the most famous children’s story of all time, this magical adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of fairies, pirates and the little boy who flew through the window is the perfect alternative to Pantomime. The Lost Boy Peter Pan is a journey past the second star to the right and on until morning, featuring an exciting and diverse selection of well-known pop songs.

Searching for the perfect mother, Peter finds Wendy Darling and her brothers, taking them to his home in Neverland. Will they ever return? Will they ever grow up?

This funny and moving tale offers an insight into Peter’s life before he met Wendy and offers a fresh look at this much-loved story. With seven live actor-musicians, this enchanting and charming production is a treat for all ages.

Adapter and director Alexandra Spencer-Jones comments, Using a kaleidoscopic taster tray of best-loved pop hits, The Lost Boy Peter Pan is as much a celebration of Neverland’s music as the works of the brilliant J M Barrie. As an island, Neverland itself is a place of creation, imagination and music – music on the ships of pirates, in the glens of fairies and in the hearts of warrior lost boys. I made the decision to make a musical alternative to a pantomime because I wanted to
create a careful and beautiful story which didn’t begin with Wendy and her Darling brothers but rather Peter’s escape from the real world to Kensington Gardens, concentrating further on the growth of Peter throughout the course of both of Barrie’s books.

The show was created and developed at Broadway Catford Theatre as part of Action To The Word’s residency. It is presented by Action to the Word in association with Glynis Henderson Productions.

Stylish, stylised, and drenched in sweat, the show has a breathless, exhilarating energy. (The Stage on A Clockwork Orange at Park Theatre)

@ForcedEnts  #RealMagic / Facebook / Instagram / www.forcedentertainment.com
FORCED ENTERTAINMENT
ANNOUNCES UK TOUR DATES
 INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED COMPANY SET TO TOUR UK WITH REAL
MAGIC AFTER IT OPENS AT EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL IN
AUGUST

International Ibsen Award-winners Forced Entertainment have today announced UK tour dates for 2017. The company will present their acclaimed new production, Real Magic, at venues across the UK including: Edinburgh International Festival, Cambridge Junction, Platform Theatre, King’s Cross London, mac Birmingham and Manchester’s HOME between August and December 2017.

Real Magic creates a world of absurd disconnection, struggle and comical repetition. To the sound of looped applause and canned laughter, a group of performers take part in an impossible illusion – part mind-reading feat, part cabaret act, part chaotic game show – in which they endlessly revisit moments of defeat, hope and anticipation. Caught in a world of second-chances and second-guesses, variations and changes, distortions and transformations, Real Magic takes you on a hallucinatory journey, creating a compelling performance about optimism, individual agency and the desire for change.

Forced Entertainment have been making ground-breaking work together since 1984, based in Sheffield they present work across the globe.

LISTINGS

REAL MAGIC
Edinburgh International Festival
The Studio
22 – 27 August
www.eif.co.uk / 0131 473 2000

Cambridge Junction
7 November 2017
www.junction.co.uk / 01223 511 511

Platform Theatre, King’s Cross, London
Supported by Kings Cross in association with Central St Martins
14 – 18 November
www.forcedentertaintment.com / 0114 279 8977

mac Birmingham
23 – 24 November 2017
www.macbirmingham.co.uk / 0121 446 3232

HOME, Manchester
29 November – 1st December
www.homemcr.org / 0161 200 1500

REMEMBRANCE DAY THEATRE PRODUCTION IN LEEDS

 

A production created to commemorate Remembrance Day takes to a Leeds stage this weekend – exactly 99 years since the end of WW1.

Those Were The Days is at City Varieties Music Hall this Saturday November 11; it will shine a spotlight on Leeds during the War, its people and their stories, as well as the role the theatre itself played during this time.

Leeds-born Liz Coggins is the writer and director of the piece: “Those Were The Days celebrates the city, its culture and, importantly, its theatres,” she explains. “City Varieties is the oldest running music hall in the country – it’s a delight to be telling a history of Leeds theatres on stage at Leeds’ most historic theatre.”

 

The City Varieties began its life in 1865 as a room above a pub and went on to entertain the people of Leeds through two world wars before becoming world-famous for hosting the BBC programme The Good Old Days, which ran every weekend for 30 years from 1953. As other such venues closed, the City Varieties continued and today is the longest running music hall in the country.

With a cast aged six to 60, the is a celebration of the music hall entertainment that ran alongside WW1; introducing the audience to  the stars of the time;  Marie Lloyd, Vesta Tilley, Florrie Ford, Charlie Chaplin and Leeds lass Vesta Victoria each make an appearance, buoyed by the songs and comedy sketches of the era.  Live music supports the cast and songs include the famous Marrow Song, Yes! We Have No Bananas, It’s A Long Way To Tipperary and many more.

The younger cast members are students at On Stage Academy, a drama class based in Leeds city centre. They work with Liz and her team to learn every aspect of theatre and stagecraft.

“It is such a delight to see young people performing pieces from 100 plus years ago,” says Liz. “Children are never too young to experience live professional theatre and its many genres. The history of this profession is as important as the craft itself.  I would encourage families to come together for an old-fashioned, fun evening at the theatre.”

Those Were The Days is at City Varieties Music Hall, Swan Street, Leeds City Centre on Saturday November 11^th at 7pm

 

Tickets are on sale now priced at £19.60

 

Book online at cityvarieties.co.uk or call Box Office on 0113 243 0808

 

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

JOINING JONNY AWSUM & PAISLEY BILLINGS

IN CROYDON’S FAMILY PANTOMIME, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

 

Q Productions are delighted to announce the full cast of West End performers who will be joining television favourites Jonny Awsum and Paisley Billings in Croydon’s family pantomime JACK AND THE BEANSTALK at the Waddon Theatre at Waddon Leisure Centre from 7th – 31st December 2017.

As previously announced, Croydon’s very own comedian Jonny Awsum (Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finalist) will play Silly Billy Trott and Paisley Billings (Tattoo Fixers) will play Fairy Sweet Pea. Joining them will be Charlotte Bramwells as the Princess, Steve Edwin as Fleshcreep, Tim Hudson as Dame Trott, Charlie Leonard as Jack Trott and David Streames as the King, with Becky Bassett,Timothy Benjamin, Olivia Stott and Alfie White in the Ensemble.

The talented local juvenile ensemble will comprise: Shannice Bepot, Hayden Burden, Ella Chapman, Mario Davis, Abbie-Mae Garland, Olivia Hall, Holly Hickson, Talula Horton, Abigail Lenny, Zion Nelson-Bent, Sophie Ramsey, Eva Ruby, Brooke Skinner, Kira Spencer- Brown, Mya Stratford and Frankie Thomas.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK is directed by Lainie Baird, with choreography by Joanna Lee Martin.

The Waddon Theatre at Waddon Leisure Centre will be converted into a 400-seat theatre space throughout December, offering wonderful family entertainment that all ages can enjoy together.  The theatre has a brand new seating plan which ensures every seat in the house has the best view possible.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK runs from Thursday 7th – Sunday 31st December 2017 (times vary, check website). Tickets, priced at £16.50 (children/senior citizens), £18.50 (adults), £66.50 (family ticket – 2 children, 2 adults) are on sale from www.thecroydonpanto.com.

Tickets for Schools and Clubs (min. 10 people), are £12 per head, and every 11th ticket is free. There is a free interval ice cream for every child in the group booking.  Call the groups hotline: 01494 917519 by 10^th November for this special groups rate.

There will be a ‘relaxed performance’ of JACK AND THE BEANSTALK on Thursday 14th December at 2.00pm. Relaxed performances are open to everyone, but the environment has been specifically adapted for families with children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, individuals with sensory and communication disorders, those with learning disabilities and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.

For all the latest news about JACK AND THE BEANSTALK visit www.thecroydonpanto.com  and follow @TheCroydonPanto on Twitter and @CroydonPanto on Facebook.

THE SNOWMAN CHILLS OUT BEFORE TAKING TO THE OPERA HOUSE STAGE

He may have a busy seasonal snap ahead of him, but The Snowman still found time to drop in to the city’s Chill Factor^e ahead of his opening night at Opera House Manchester.

 

And he made sure he topped up his icy layers in preparation for a cool afternoon in the Snow Park at the leading visitor attraction, which boasts the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope.

 

Surprised visitors might have spotted The Snowman and his fellow castmates Reindeer and Penguinhitting some high speeds on his sledge, rocketing down the Luge Slip ‘n’ Slide, and enjoying a snowball fight.

The Snowman, which runs at Opera House Manchester until Sunday 12 November, promises to delight young and old alike with its wonderful mix of storytelling, spectacle and magic.

 

The enchanting show, based on the 1978 book by Raymond Briggs, tells the story of a young boy’s adventures when his snowman comes miraculously to life on Christmas Eve.

Featuring a dazzling array of colourful characters including dancing penguins, magical reindeer, a beautiful Snow Princess, her wicked beau Jack Frost and, of course, Father Christmas himself, The Snowman is a Christmas treat for all the family and a perfect introduction to theatre and dance for the very young.

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre production features music and lyrics by Howard Blake(performed by a live orchestra), choreography by Robert North, direction by Bill Alexander, design by Ruari Murchison, and lighting by Tim Mitchell.

The show features a recording of the iconic song Walking in the Air in a new arrangement byHoward Blake and sung by Aled Jones duetting with his younger (recorded) self, as released on Aled’s chart topping Classic FM album, One Voice at Christmas.

 

Morwenna Angove, CEO of Chill Factor^e, said: “It was a real treat to host a visit from none

other than The Snowman himself who came to check on preparations for Santa’s arrival at

Chill Factor^e ahead of our Grotto opening this weekend. The sub-zero temperature felt just

like home to him, and we were thrilled that he took the opportunity to cool off on our slope

during his trip to Manchester.”

The Snowman is presented by arrangement with Snowman Enterprises Limited (A Penguin Company) and Chester Music Limited.

Book now at www.atgtickets.com/Manchester  or by calling the box office on 0844 871 3018.

ENDS

LISTING INFORMATION

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Production of The Snowman^TM                                                                                                                   

Opera House, Manchester

3 Quay Street

Manchester

M3 3HP

 

Thursday 9 November 2017: 10.30am and 2.30pm

Friday 10 November 2017: 7pm

Saturday 11 November 2017: 1.30pm and 5pm

Sunday 12 November 2017: 11am and 3pm

Tickets: From £15

Box Office: 0844 871 3018* www.atgtickets.com/manchester *

*Booking/transaction fee applies

Hull New Theatre – until 11 November.  Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

4****

This is a show that fairly sizzles along, cleverly blending the music made famous by Dusty Springfield with the story of Kat (Diana Vickers), Alison (Debra Stephenson) and Paul (Michael Howe), who are seeking the wisdom of The Preacher Man but instead have to make do with his son Simon (Ian Reddington). The Preacher Man had been a record shop in Soho in the 60’s, run of course by The Preacher Man, and this is where the story takes place.

Craig Revel Horwood is responsible for Directing and Musical Staging and what a ”fab-u-lous” job he has done. The pace would change from the actors zipping about the stage to moving very slowly with the whole piece beautifully choreographed. There was never a point where the movement felt stilted or unnatural. I was particularly taken with the dancing with chairs.

From the very first notes this production drew you in, with the majority of the musicians mingling and playing live on stage. Dusty’s songs were tweaked so that the delivery would not be quite what you expected. The harmonies were beautiful and the songs “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself” and “How Can I Be Sure?” were quite heartbreaking. The leads (Diana Vickers, Debra Stephenson, Michael Howe and Ian Reddington) all played excellent parts, showing us the sadness and joys of life. Particular mention should go to Diana Vickers who has a stunning voice whether delivering a tender or powerful song. However, this production is very much an ensemble piece with all the actors and musicians adding their own magic.

I left the theatre with the music buzzing around my head and a smile on my face.

Trafalgar Studios – until 2 December.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

The Red Lion is one of those plays that makes you want to book another ticket as you’re walking out of the theatre. Yes, it’s about football, and the F-word usually sends me to sleep, but football fans and footballphobes will be swept away by the passion of these characters.

Patrick Marber draws on his own experiences in semi-professional football to create a script sharp enough to slice the halftime oranges. Manager Kidd (Stephen Tomkinson) is willing to use any means necessary to further the club’s, and his own, interests. Shady deals and bungs off the pitch and dodgy tactics on the pitch are all justifiable as long as he gets what he wants. Football is a business. Kit man Yates (John Bowler) is a club legend whose actions are driven by club loyalty and a sense of history and community. When a promising new player Jordan (Dean Bone) arrives, the two men begin a tug-of-war to control the youngster’s future.

Just like football, Marber’s script veers between poetic beauty and short, sharp brutality, peppered with salty language and lots of laughs. The laughs dwindle in the devastating final scene as the characters’ actions catch up with them and their careers are threatened. These men were all drawn to football because of their parents, and they all have nothing but football to bring meaning to their lives.

John Bowler brings a lyrical melancholy to Yates, from the moment the doors open as he irons the team jerseys, kissing the club badge on each one. His finely nuanced performance reveals the pain and neediness of this broken man brilliantly. Dean Bone is totally believable as the naïve Jordan. He also excels in showing the many facets of this conflicted young man – innocent but shifty, sweet but brimming with anger. Stephen Tomkinson gives the performance of a lifetime as Kidd – full of fury and arrogance berating refs and grounds staff one minute, then pleading with Yates for approval like a lost little boy the next.

A dream cast at the top of their game, alongside Max Roberts’ skilful direction and the wonderfully authentic set design by Patrick Connellan (the smell of Deep Heat as you enter will clear up any winter sniffles) make this production something very special indeed.