YORK SCHOOLS JOIN FORCES FOR SHAKESPEARE SPECTACULAR

RSC LPN 2014 1 Credit Anthony Robling

York Theatre Royal, the Royal Shakespeare Company and York High School present The Head that Wears a Crown, where seven York schools will come together on Monday 16 March for a special festival re-imagining Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1 Henry IV Part 2 and Henry V.

The event is the culmination of a three year project through the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Learning and Performance Network (LPN), a long term partnership programme with schools and theatres across England. The York schools participating are York High School which acts as the main ‘hub’ school along with Acomb Primary, Applefields School, Poppleton Road Primary, St Barnabas CE Primary, Westfield Primary Community School and Woodthorpe Primary.

Julian Ollive, Education & Young Actors Associate and Festival Producer said:

York Theatre Royal is proud and privileged to be working alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company and York High School in presenting The Head That Wears a Crown festival. We are excited to see the schools’ work on stage as this is the last performance in the auditorium before a major Capital re-development project. There doesn’t seem to be a more fitting tribute to the creative talents of our young people than that

Established in 2006, the programme works through partnerships between the schools, the Royal Shakespeare Company and York Theatre Royal over a three year period which aims to change

the way young people experience and engage with Shakespeare. The LPN targets schools and children who may have the least access to Shakespeare and the theatre, offering exciting and dynamic ways to learn in the classroom as well as opportunities to perform.

Brenda Elliott from St Barnabas CE Primary said:

We have thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of working on the Learning and Performance Network. We have learnt many new techniques which we have used in the classroom and it has been a joy to work with experts and to have a final performance to aim for in March.

The LPN also benefits teachers by offering in-depth training in ways to approach presenting Shakespeare to children. The teachers, many of whom have taken part in the scheme for the past three year, have been given the opportunities of inset days at York Theatre Royal and guidance from the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Cathryn Jackson at Acomb Primary commented:

After taking part in the Learning and Performance Network project I now feel that I won’t be so intimidated with our Head that Wears a Crown festival, having lived through the process already. I have a better understanding of how to plan an ensemble piece and more confidence in what 10 year old children are able to achieve with the right stimulus, motivation and enthusiasm.

The Head that Wears the Crown will comprise of eight specially created scenes telling the stories of Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2 and Henry V. Each school will perform under the direction of their class teacher, with consistent costumes and scenery giving the different pieces the feeling of one whole play, rather than eight individual performances. The performance is on Monday 16 March at 6.30pm. Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2 for children (£1 transaction fee per booking) and are on sale now via the York Theatre Royal Box Office on 01904 623568 or securely online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

John Owen-Jones News

John Owen-Jones

Single ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’ released 9 March 2015

Sweeney Todd at the ENO – Easter 2015

www.johnowenjones.com

Award winning performer John Owen-Jones (Les Miserables/Phantom of The Opera) releases new single ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’ in February 2015. A second track ‘Bread Of Heaven’ is also on the single CD. Both tracks are taken from his forthcoming album ‘RISE’ which is released on the 2nd March 2015.

The single, ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’ is familiar to most as the song that won Eurovision 2014. The song was chosen by John following a search for a Bond-esque track for the album.  Composer Grant Olding suggested the track and John vaguely knew it but “when I listened to it properly, I just knew I had to record it. I liked the song so much it even inspired the name of the album”. Bread of Heaven’ (re-imagined in the style of rock band Queen!) is a Welsh favourite that has been taken to heart by Welsh rugby fans as they look forward to the forthcoming Six Nations and Rugby World Cup tournaments.

‘RISE’ features twelve new tracks reflecting John’s lifelong love for music. Staying true to the West End and Broadway star’s theatrical roots, the album also broadens out to the worlds of gospel, soul, classic rock and, of course, Eurovision!  The album ‘RISE’ has two duets featuring West End stars Ruthie Henshall (currently in Billy Elliot) and Madalena Alberto (recently seen in Evita).

John will return to the London stage during Easter to play the role of ‘Pirelli’ in the English National Opera “staged concert” production of ‘Sweeney Todd’. The critically acclaimed production was a sell out for its short run at the Lincoln Center in New York last year and will have a strictly limited run of 13 performances at the London Coliseum Theatre from March 30th to April 12th. John will join previously announced stars Bryn Terfel (Sweeney Todd), Emma Thompson (Mrs Lovett).

John Owen-Jones has previously released two solo albums on the Sain label ‘John Owen-Jones’ in 2009 and ‘Unmasked’ in 2011. John, from Burry Port in South Wales, has enjoyed critical acclaim for his record breaking and award winning performances in the lead role of Jean Valjean in ‘Les Miserables (he remains the youngest actor to have played the role) and the title role in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (more performances in the role in the West End than any other actor).

Tour dates with Katherine Jenkins as Special Guest and Welsh dates

Wed 11 Feb Cambridge Corn Exchange
Thu 12 Feb Guildford G Live
Sat 14 Feb Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Sun 15 Feb Brighton Dome
Tue 17 Feb London Royal Festival Hall
Wed 18 Feb Bristol Colston Hall
Fri 20 Feb Plymouth Pavilions
Sat 21 Feb Bournemouth International Centre
Mon 23 Feb Sheffield City Hall
Wed 25 Feb York Barbican
Thu 26 Feb Edinburgh Usher Hall

Sat 28 Feb Gateshead Sage 1
Sun 1 Mar Wales At No. 1, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Mon 02 Mar Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Tue 03 Mar Manchester Bridgewater Hall
Thu 05 Mar Llandudno Venue Cymru Theatre

Sat 07 Mar Birmingham Symphony Hall

Sun 08 Mar Birmingham Symphony Hall

Tue 10 Mar Ipswich Regent

Wed 11 Mar Southend Cliff Pavilion

Fri 13 Mar Oxford New Theatre

Sat 14 Mar Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Mar 30 – April 12                    Sweeney Todd, Coliseum Theatre, London

Sat 18 April                        Morriston Orpheus Choir Gala Concert,

                                               Brangwyn Hall, Swansea

 

www.johnowenjones.com

A NATIONAL FIRST FOR AWARD-WINNING NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

 

L-R: NAS Autism Accreditation Director - Robert Pritchett, Theatre Royal Director of Operations - Dawn Taylor, NAS Senior Accreditation Advisor - Christine Flintoft-Smith, Theatre Royal Panto Star Danny Adams Photo credit: Mark Ferguson
L-R: NAS Autism Accreditation Director – Robert Pritchett, Theatre Royal Director of Operations – Dawn Taylor, NAS Senior Accreditation Advisor – Christine Flintoft-Smith, Theatre Royal Panto Star Danny Adams
Photo credit: Mark Ferguson

 

Newcastle Theatre Royal is celebrating being the first theatre in the country to be honoured with the Autism Access Award from The National Autistic Society (NAS).

The award has been granted following a year-long project working with local schools, families and specialists to develop an all-inclusive approach to theatre in relation to the specific needs of theatre-goers with autism.

Newcastle Theatre Royal has already pioneered a highly popular programme of ‘relaxed performances, which this season includes Shrek The Musical and the ever-popular Theatre Royal pantomime, Dick Whittington.These specialist performances include tailored sound and lighting effects as well as a less formal, more supportive atmosphere in order to reduce anxiety levels.

 But this award from the NAS moves a step beyond these specialist performances and looks at making the theatre and its productions accessible at any time of the year. Director of the NAS Accreditation scheme, Robert Pritchett, said: “Newcastle Theatre Royal’s engagement with local autism groups has enabled them to receive accurate and honest feedback that has supported them to establish new ways of working and viewing accessibility within the theatre.

“The Theatre Royal has made an enthusiastic and effective leap into the world of autism, the impact it has had on those that it has supported to come through its doors can be seen throughout all the positive feedback it receives and the success stories they have. It will be with excitement and anticipation that we await the coming year and see the developments and feedback that come from access to more public performances.”

Chief Executive of the Newcastle Theatre Royal, Philip Bernays, said: “We are extremely proud to be the first theatre in the UK to be granted this award from the National Autistic Society and we are very grateful for all the support and guidance they have given us.

“The whole team here at the Theatre have worked extremely hard towards this award and the positive feedback from our audience members with special needs makes all that hard work worthwhile.”

For more information on the Theatre Royal’s relaxed performances, please visit www.theatreroyal.co.uk or call our Group Sales on 08448 11 21 22.

 

20 Questions with ….. Lee Proud

cache_2412054874Choreographer, Director and fellow northerner Lee Proud answered 20 questions

Some favourites

Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?

My Favourite show changes with my mood but I think if I had to choose, it would be Cats. I saved up for the LP when I was 11 and I wore it out. Gillian Lynne’s choreography for Cats still inspires, fascinates and moves me. The show completely fired my imagination at a young age and made me believe in the magic of theatre.

Favourite book?

My favourite book is The Stand by Stephen King. It’s an epic read and full of both supernatural and human drama. I also love anything by Irvine Welsh

Favourite theatre?

Favourite Theatre is probably Live Theatre in Newcastle my home town. Such a warm atmosphere and always an interesting and diverse programme

Favourite song?

My favourite song is Only Yesterday by The Carpenters. The optimism of the lyric married with the heartbreakingly sad orchestration reminds me that nothing lasts forever.

Favourite music?

Favourite music. It sounds clichéd but if I like it I like it! However, I love country music and I adore kd lang.

Favourite food?

I LOVE food. My favourite is a ham and pease pudding stottie!!! (Geordie delicacy!!)

Favourite line from any show?

My Favourite line from a show has to be in Gypsy when Mamma Rose says to Louise in the dressing room just before Louise’s debut strip – “Just remember, you’re a lady. And you are going to be a star”!  It’s such a great line…a very desperate situation but stoic, final and utterly camp!

If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?

If I could be anyone else for the day? This is hard…hmmm..I’d probably be the Pope and be deliberately photographed coming out of every gay bar in London with a host of bare chested fellas… (to really annoy the religious anti gay lobby)

How did you get into choreographing?

I always liked choreographing, but I became the resident choreographer on Billy Elliot the Musical and I was massively influenced by Peter Darling whom I worked with closely for 7 years. As you get to a certain age you realise you have to re-invent your path within the industry you love.

You do a lot in the regions, do you believe they are equally as important as the west end?

I absolutely believe the regions are every bit as important as the West End if not more so. It is the frontline of theatre

What show would you love to choreograph ?

I’d love to choreograph Dreamgirls!!!! If any directors are listening out there!!!

I saw Gas Light on Grey Street which you directed so do you prefer choreographing or directing?

I like both. Choreography is more difficult physically, but they are equally mentally demanding. I tend to think my choreography through from a directors perspective though in terms of what is making the character tick. Why are they dancing is always the question, so the intention of the character is always driven through my work.

How did you get to write the degree course in Musical Theatre at Newcastle College?

I was the head of Musical Theatre at Newcastle College at the time they were bringing in the degree course so it seemed natural with my experience that I write it.

With your association with Newcastle how did you feel when the council slashed the Arts budget?

I was absolutely shocked, sad and angry. I just couldn’t believe it!! Thank God for Lee Hall!

If you weren’t a choreographer/director what would you be?

I would definitely work with homeless animals! Or any animals!!

What advice would you give 16 year old Lee?

Don’t smoke (I quit 5 years ago and it’s the best thing I ever did)

What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?

Memphis. It was superb! It gave me the feeling I used to have as a youth when I was just in awe of everyone on the stage

Would you like to dance on stage rather than choreograph?

No, not any more.

With knowing the part have you ever had to step into a part due to performers indisposition?

Yes, I re staged material from Billy Elliot for The Alan Titchmarsh show on ITV. We got to the studio and one of the men called in sick. I was mortified but I stepped in and I was fierce!!!​

Can you tell us what you will be up to next?

I’m currently in rehearsals for the UK and Ireland tour of The Producers. Following this, I’m back to Reykjavik to check on Billy Elliot which I recently re-choreographed, then its off on holiday to Italy at Easter followed by three hugely exciting major projects lined up to be announced shortly which take me through to next year.

More news on leeproud.co.uk and @leeproud

News from York Theatre Royal

GRANT AWARDED TO YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE GROUP

John Lacy and Michael Fieldsend of Rotary Club of York with Access All Areas members

York Theatre Royal’s weekly Access All Areas group has been awarded a grant of £1,250 by the Rotary Club of York. Access All Areas is a free weekly session for 12 to 16 year-olds of all backgrounds, which allows the young people to explore all elements of drama and theatre in a safe and supportive environment.

This spring, members of the group will be taking part in the York Theatre Royal large scale community project In Fog and Falling Snow at the National Railway Museum and also working towards their Bronze level Arts Award qualification. The grant will give valuable support to the group during this project.

York Theatre Royal’s Creative Skills Promoter, Paula Clark, who lead the Access All Areas group said:

This donation to our Access All Areas project means that we can continue to make sure that all young people in York are able to participate in York Theatre Royal activities regardless of their circumstances. This extremely generous grant means that we are able to extend the offer to many more young people in the community and continue to provide a meaningful experience for all participants.

The donation cheque was handed over to members of Access All Areas at the National Railway Museum by Rotary Club of York President John Lacy and President-Elect Michael Fieldsend.

The Rotary Club of York chooses to focus much of its community support towards working on meaningful projects with children and young people in the City.

Michael Fieldsend commented:

When we learned about the Access All Areas group being run by York Theatre Royal, we were impressed with what they were trying to achieve and especially that these young people were working towards a recognised qualification. The opportunity for us to help them take part in the forthcoming community production In Fog and Falling Snow was one we were happy to take on board. Having now met some of the young people in person, we are even happier that we have been able to help.

New members of the Access All Areas group are by referral only. More information can be requested from Paula Clark, [email protected].

Preview of Katherine Jenkins 2015 UK Tour

KATHERINE JENKINS OBE

2015 UK TOUR

Award-winning West End and Broadway performer

JOHN OWEN-JONES

Announced as special guest

 

KATHERINE’S TENTH STUDIO ALBUM

‘HOME SWEET HOME’

RELEASED NOVEMBER 17TH

CELEBRATING HER 10TH ANNIVERSARY IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY 

 

Katherine Jenkins will return to the live arena with a full 21 date UK tour for 2015, culminating at a huge show in her homeland on Saturday 14th March. It has just been confirmed that Award-winning West End and Broadway performer JOHN OWEN-JONES (Les Miserables/Phantom of The Opera) will be appearing a special guest on the whole tour.

 

Katherine’s new tour follows the eagerly anticipated release of her landmark new classical album ‘Home Sweet Home’ on November 17th, through Decca Records. Cherished as one of Britain’s favourite singers, Welsh mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins has achieved meteoric success as the world’s most prolific classical crossover artist her nine studio albums have sold in excess of eight million copies and gone platinum all around the world.

 

She has received numerous accolades for her recordings, including two Classical BRITs for the coveted Album of the Year Award. In 2013, Katherine headlined the Queen’s Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace and was awarded an OBE at the 2014 New Year’s Honours List for her services to music and charity. Katherine has also cemented her position as one of the UK’s greatest exports and in 2013 toured South Africa, the US, China, Abu Dhabi and Europe.

 

Katherine says, “Performing live for my fans is what I love most about being an artist.  I’m so thrilled to be going on tour next year, getting to see you all and performing my new album. I can’t wait.”

 

New album ‘Home Sweet Home’ reflects Katherine’s return to her classical roots and marks a milestone in Katherine’s astonishing career, it has been ten years since the release of her debut offering ‘Premiere’ in 2004 – one of the fastest selling classical albums of all time. Produced by Patrick Hamilton and recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios ‘Home Sweet Home’ sees key collaborations including international star and violin virtuoso David Garrett (Ode To Joy) and Britain’s best loved tenor, Alfie Boe (Barcelona).

 

Katherine’s ‘Home Sweet Home’ tour will see her perform tracks off the new album plus favourites featured throughout her extraordinary career.

 

Special guest John Owen-Jones has enjoyed critical acclaim for his award winning performances in the lead role of Jean Valjean in ‘Les Miserables’ (he remains the youngest actor to have played the role) and the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. John will perform much loved songs such as ‘Bring Him Home’ from Les Miserables and ‘Music of The Night’ from The Phantom Of The Opera. After recently returning from the Far East (his first solo show in Tokyo sold out in a record nine minutes!) John is currently in the studio recording his third album for release in March 2015. John says:

 

Having been a fan of her work for a long time, I am absolutely delighted to be appearing alongside Katherine on what I’m sure will be a hugely successful tour.  I can’t wait to be on the tour next spring and sing in some of the finest venues in the country.  I’ll also get to hear Katherine sing every night!”

 

Tickets for Katherine Jenkin’s Home Sweet Home tour are onsale now and are available at www.gigsandtours.com  / www.ticketmaster.co.uk and 24 cc hotlines 0844 811 0051 / 0844 826 2826.

 

Full dates below:

Wed 11-Feb-2015 – Cambridge Corn Exchange

Thu 12-Feb-2015 – Guildford G Live

Sat 14-Feb-2015 – Nottingham Royal Concert Hall

Sun 15-Feb-2015 – Brighton Dome

Tue 17-Feb-2015 – London Royal Festival Hall

Wed 18-Feb-2015 – Bristol Colston Hall

Fri 20-Feb-2015 – Plymouth Pavilions

Sat 21-Feb-2015 – Bournemouth International Centre

Mon 23-Feb-2015 – Sheffield City Hall

Wed 25-Feb-2015 – York Barbican

Thu 26-Feb-2015 – Edinburgh Usher Hall

Sat 28-Feb-2015 – Gateshead Sage 1

Mon 02-Mar-2015 – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Tue 03-Mar-2015 – Manchester Bridgewater Hall

Thu 05-Mar-2015 – Llandudno Venue Cymru Theatre

Sat 07-Mar-2015 – Birmingham Symphony Hall

Sun 08-Mar-2015 – Birmingham Symphony Hall

Tue 10-Mar-2015 – Ipswich Regent

Wed 11-Mar-2015 – Southend Cliff Pavilion

Fri 13-Mar-2015 – Oxford New Theatre

Sat 14-Mar-2015 – Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

 

www.katherinejenkins.co.uk

twitter.com/kathjenkins


www.johnowenjones.com

The What’s On Stage Awards Review

Prince of Wales Theatre, London – 15 February 2015

Awards concerts are an experience, almost like a show for a show.  Entering the theatre via the red carpet with flashes going off everywhere makes you feel incredibly important and glamorous.

Sitting in the bar, mingling with the great and the good of the theatre world and celeb spotting before the show begins is as entertaining as watching the performances.

But the time came to take our seats in the stalls and watch one of the best concerts by far.

Mel Giedroyc started the evening off with her hilarious song and dance routine “My West End Dream” and then Steve Furst joined her on stage for a comical and amusing presentation of the awards.

For me, one of the best musical numbers of the night is Sophie Louise Dann singing Ideal World from Made In Dagenham.  Dann has an outstanding voice and this one shows off her amazing vocals.  But all the vocals tonight are of world class standard and Beverley Knight belts out a song from the fabulous Memphis  and from Miss Saigon, Rachelle Ann Go and Eva Noblezada give us Movie in my Mind.

By the interval the audience are all itching to see Tom Hiddleston and David Tennant in the stalls bar.  And then its back to the awards.

Starting off part two we have a sensational Rodgers and Hammerstein tribute to start us off.  Followed by a show stopping performance from Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Nathan Amzi and the talented cast of In The Heights; a breathtaking performance from Dogfight’s Laura Jane Matthewson and a thrilling ensemble piece from Sweeney Todd.  All too soon we end the show but boy what an ending by Melanie La Barrie, Amy Lennox and the phenomenal Anna Jane Casey.

Miss Saigon won the night with 9 awards.  But there were some fabulous surprises with the winners and some excellent acceptance speeches.  These are the only awards voted for entirely by the public and it makes the show all the more interesting for it.

Full Winners List

Best Actor in a Play

Sponsored by Radisson Blu Edwardian

© Kwame Lestrade

David Tennant, Richard II

Mark Strong, A View From the Bridge
Richard Armitage, The Crucible
Tom Bateman, Shakespeare in Love
Tom Hiddleston, Coriolanus

Best Actress in a Play

 

© Johan Persson

Billie Piper, Great Britain

Gillian Anderson, A Streetcar Named Desire
Helen McCrory, Medea
Imelda Staunton, Good People
Lucy Briggs-Owen, Shakespeare in Love

Best Actor in a Musical

 

© Matthew Murphy

Jon Jon Briones, Miss Saigon

Alistair Brammer, Miss Saigon
Killian Donnelly, Memphis the Musical
Marti Pellow, Evita
Robert Lindsay, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Best Actress in a Musical

Sponsored by STAR

© Matthew Murphy

Eva Noblezada, Miss Saigon

Beverley Knight, Memphis the Musical
Gemma Arterton, Made in Dagenham
Jenna Russell, Urinetown the Musical
Madalena Alberto, Evita

Best Supporting Actor
in a Play

© Johan Persson

Mark Gatiss, Coriolanus

Adrian Schiller, The Crucible
David Oakes, Shakespeare in Love
Hadley Fraser, Coriolanus
Nathaniel Parker, Wolf Hall & Bring
Up the Bodies

Best Supporting Actress
in a Play

© Johan Persson

Vanessa Kirby, A Streetcar Named Desire

Anna Madeley, The Crucible
Deborah Findlay, Coriolanus
Nicola Walker, A View From the Bridge
Samantha Colley, The Crucible

Best Supporting Actor
in a Musical

© Michael Le Poer Trench

Kwang-Ho Hong, Miss Saigon

Ben Forster, Evita
George Maguire, Sunny Afternoon
Hugh Maynard, Miss Saigon
Rolan Bell, Memphis the Musical

Best Supporting Actress
in a Musical

© Michael Le Poer Trench

Rachelle Ann Go, Miss Saigon

Claire Machin, Memphis the Musical
Karis Jack, Urinetown the Musical
Katherine Kingsley, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Samantha Bond, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Best New Play

 

Shakespeare in Love

Great Britain
King Charles III
The Nether
Wolf Hall

Best New Musical

Sponsored by Autograph

Memphis the Musical

Here Lies Love
Made in Dagenham
Sunny Afternoon
Urinetown the Musical

Best Play Revival

 

Coriolanus

Blithe Spirit
The Crucible
Richard II
A Streetcar Named Desire

Best Musical Revival

Sponsored by R&H Theatricals Europe

Miss Saigon

Evita
The Pajama Game
Porgy and Bess
Sweeney Todd

Best Direction

Sponsored by Managed Networks

© Matthew Murphy

Laurence Connor, Miss Saigon

Christopher Ashley, Memphis the Musical
Gregory Doran, Richard II
Jamie Lloyd, Urinetown the Musical
Yaël Farber, The Crucible

Best Choreography

Sponsored by Capezio

© Francis Loney

Bob Avian & Geoffrey Garratt,Miss Saigon

Ann Yee, Urinetown the Musical
Drew McOnie, In the Heights
Jerry Mitchell, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Sergio Trujillo, Memphis the Musical

Best Set Design

Sponsored by Feast Creative

© Michael Le Poer Trench

Totie Driver & Matt Kinley, Miss Saigon

Bunny Christie, Made in Dagenham
David Gallo, Memphis the Musical
Nick Ormerod, Shakespeare in Love
Soutra Gilmour, Urinetown the Musical

Best Lighting Design

Sponsored by White Light

© Johan Persson

Mark Henderson, Coriolanus

Adam Silverman, Urinetown the Musical
Bruno Poet, Miss Saigon
Howell Binkley, Memphis the Musical
Jon Clark, Made in Dagenham

Best Off-West End Production

 

Sweeney Todd, Twickenham Theatre

Dogfight, Southwark Playhouse
Forbidden Broadway, Menier Chocolate Factory
In the Heights, Southwark Playhouse
Oh, the Humanity and Other Good Intentions, Tabard Theatre

Best Regional Production

Sponsored by Travelzoo

Oliver!, Sheffield Crucible

Guys and Dolls, Chichester Festival Theatre
Gypsy, Chichester Festival Theatre
The Kite Runner, Nottingham Playhouse
Water Babies, Curve Leicester

Best Takeover in a Role

Sponsored by Equity

© Matt Crockett

Kerry Ellis, Wicked

Craige Els, Matilda the Musical
David Hunter, Once
Jennifer DiNoia, Wicked
Michael Watson, Jersey Boys

Best West End Show

Sponsored by Tiger Films

Miss Saigon

Les Misérables
Matilda the Musical
Memphis the Musical
Wicked

 

Theatre Cafe – Shaftesbury Avenue

Not exactly a show but still worthy of a review is the Theatre Cafe on Shaftesbury Avenue.  Diagonally opposite the Queens Theatre home of Les Miserables, this lovely little cafe is so worth a visit.

With the walls adorned with posters, pictures and props from the shows, show music playing in the background (Legally Blonde when we visited) and added extra’s like dressing room mirrors in the stage door toilets.

The staff were lovely, the prices reasonable and the cakes superb.

And there is also the chance to book theatre tickets with your drink, as you can use one of the many booking tablets to see availability and prices and best deals.

It is a really wonderful little place, a gem in the heart of the West End not to be missed

Ghost Stories Review

Arts Theatre, London – 14 February 2015

Its a strange phenomenon, paying good money to be scared silly.  As you sit in the auditorium waiting for the show to start the atmosphere begins to build.  The drip of water, the scary music, all psychologically designed to build the mood before the show begins.  And the conspiracy of fear grows, as we introduce ourselves to random strangers so that when we jump and scream and cry on their shoulder, we are slightly more intimate than crying on a completely random stranger.

From a technical aspect, the show is fascinating.  Relying on minimal lighting and the imagination of the audience to carry it through.  From a visual, sat in the audience, aspect the show is spine-chillingly frightening.  You are warned from the beginning that the show is not for a nervous disposition but the strongest and bravest would find it hard not to jump at the shocking twists and turns that this show puts you through.

The show is pure brilliance, well written, well acted and technically outstanding.  Its closing soon so if you want to see it, and you really should, get there soon

Made In Dagenham Review

Adelphi Theatre, London – 13 February 2015

It defies logic as to why Made In Dagenham is closing.  This show is amazing, it has all the classic ingredients needed for a successful show – music, lyrics, story, incredible acting and singing so why?

Gemma Arterton is outstanding as Rita O’Grady who leads the fight for equal pay.  Sophie -Louise Dann shines as the indomitable Barbara Castle and Naomi Frederick excels as Lisa Hopkins.  Three fabulous women fighting to be acknowledged in a man’s world.

With equality one of the current buzz words bandied around in education, this show demonstrates just how far women have come, but how far we still have to go.  Made In Dagenham should be part of the national curriculum educating the children of tomorrow how the women of yesterday helped to shape their futures

It has humour a plenty with Mark Hadfield hamming it up in his guise of Prime Minister Harold Wilson and the brilliant Stephen Furst as American Tooley in his 10 gallon hat.

The whole cast are magnificent and its tragic that the show didn’t get its chance to educate more before receiving its closing notice.  Lets hope the west ends loss is the touring circuits gain and Made In Dagenham isn’t lost to the future for good