Tickets on sale for Thunder at Sheffield Arena

THUNDER

plus support from

Terrorvision & King King

Sheffield Arena Friday 19th February 2016

The sensational return of UK rock legends Thunder, who had a Top 10 UK album earlier this year, continues into 2016 with the announcement of five UK arena dates including a Sheffield Arena show on Friday 19th February 2016 in the intimate surroundings of the Arena’s Steel Hall.

The band will be blowing the roof off arenas around the UK in February. Says lead singer Danny Bowes: “The shows in March were incredible, and the new songs went down just as well as the Thunder favourites.  We can’t wait for February, so we can do it all over again.”

Support will come from renowned Bradford rockers Terrorvision, who have reformed for their first shows in three years, plus King King, nominees at this year’s Classic Rock Awards for Best New Band.

Terrorvision bassist Leigh Marklew, says “We were discussing the idea of getting back into the ring in 2016, so when the call came from Thunder asking us to be their special guests, the timing was perfect. We agreed it will be a fun tour, a great way to come back.”

From 1992’s debut Formaldehyde through to Super Delux in 2011 – Terrorvision have stomped out their own, original brand of shiny pop rock (with dirt under its fingernails), from crunching metal (Alice, What’s The Matter, American TV), pure pop killers (Oblivion, Perseverance and Tequila), brooding melodrama (Middleman, Some People Say, Bad Actress) to high-octane punk funk (My House, Pretend Best Friend, D’ya Wanna Go Faster), Terrorvision have always delivered the party right to your door.

Ticket for the Sheffield Arena show on Friday 19th February 2016 go on general sale at 9am on Friday 25th September priced £31.35 (including booking fee) when purchased throughwww.sheffieldarena.co.uk or the ticket hotline on 0114 256 56 56 or £29.93 (including booking fee) when purchased in person from the Arena Box Office.

 

Following the successful completion of the building work to save Wilton’s Music Hall, Frances Mayhew will step down as artistic director on October 6th 2015

Following the successful completion of the building work to save Wilton’s Music Hall, Frances Mayhew will step down as artistic director on October 6th 2015.

“For the last 11 years saving Wilton’s has been all-consuming. A personal passion, and a professional mission. This extraordinary building was literally falling down when I first arrived, however, its outstanding beauty and charm and enormous historical significance were plain to see, despite the tumbling masonry, and I knew pretty much straight away that I had to find a way of securing its future long term.

It is with no little sense of achievement that I can now say: “We did it”. Wilton’s is saved. The job is done. And so too is my job. It is time to move on and try new things and maybe have a little rest!

I have loved being here, the joy it brings people who come here is the same joy that it has given me. I have had the privilege of working with some wonderful staff members and I have enjoyed the support of some wonderful colleagues and my family to all of whom I say a big thank you. Wilton’s I hope will now spread its wonderful wings and fulfil all its amazing potential. I shall miss the place!”

–          Frances Mayhew

“Frances Mayhew has been the inspiration and driving force behind the conservation of Wilton’s Music Hall. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the project and together with her team should be proud of what she has achieved.

Not only has Frances played the leading part in saving Wilton’s but she has built up a sustainable business model which will ensure that Wilton’s continues to develop and grow its role as ‘A Music Hall for the Modern Day’.

All at Wilton’s wish Frances every success in her future career. Her energy and enthusiasm will be a challenge to replace.”

–          David Pennock, Chairman of Trustees

THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING LA SOIRÉE ANNOUNCES ARTISTS FOR STRICTLY LIMITED, UNMISSABLE CHRISTMAS RESIDENCY

ROLL UP, ROLL UP!
La Soirée

MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2015

  • ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE STRICTLY LIMITED, UNMISSABLE CHRISTMAS RESIDENCY OF THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING LA SOIRÉE
  • LEGENDARY ACTS LANDING IN LONDON INCLUDE THE INFAMOUS ENGLISH GENTS, THE MUCH-LOVED, QUIRKY COMEDIENNE MOOKY, HAMISH MCCANN’S JAW-DROPPING POLE ACT, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED COMEDIAN ASHER TRELEAVEN, EXCEPTIONAL SHOWMAN MARIO QUEEN OF THE CIRCUS, THE ASTONISHING CONTORTIONIST CAPTAIN FRODO AND MESMERISING AERIAL ARTISTS YAMMEL RODRIGUEZ AND BRET PFISTER

  • OLD FAVOURITES WILL STAGE BRAND NEW BREATH-TAKING ACTS, WITH FURTHER ARTISTS STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED
  • PERFORMANCES RUN FROM 27 OCTOBER 2015 – 17 JANUARY 2016 IN THE LA SOIRÉE SPIEGELTENT AT THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Featuring world class performers from across the globe, leave all your troubles at the door and be transported once again to the seductive world of La Soirée

The crowned winner of this year’s prestigious Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and fresh from a magnificent world tour, the awe-inspiring cabaret sensation is thrilled to return home to London for a sixth season in the capital. From 27 October 2015 until 17 January 2016 the little show with a big heart will make its triumphant return to theSouthbank Centre, taking up residency in the deliciously decadent La Soirée Spiegeltent.

The irresistible global theatrical phenomenon has now seen more than 75 artists take their place on the iconic red stage across five continents, with over 150 acts between them. Audiences and critics alike have been wooed by La Soirée’s ever-expanding, fabulously dysfunctional family in more than 25 cities, from Darwin to Manila, stopping off at Hong Kong, Melbourne, Montreal, Paris and New York along the way.

To extend a heartfelt thanks to their London supporters, an Early Bird Deal has been concocted to offer £10 off all seats for shows in October and November if booked before 31 October. Full details can be found below.

So dust off the cobwebs and sashay on over to the La Soirée Spiegeltent, a velvet draped salon of carved wood, polished mirrors, crystal and leadlight. Prepare to be amazed, astonished and aroused by the very crème de la crème of the cabaret world:

THE ENGLISH GENTS

The English Gents. Image by Sean Young (5).jpgDenis Lock and Hamish McCann are two delightfully devilish and cordial “English” gentlemen who perform inconceivable feats of acrobatic skill, strength and balance, whilst casually puffing a pipe, reading the newspaper and sporting the stiffest of British upper lips. The act mixes their highly skilled feats with a dry English wit, unexpectedly climaxing with the two hilariously baring near-all for Queen and country and in the process displaying more pure sex appeal than ever before seen under a bowler hat.

 

MOOKY

Mooky 1.jpgLa Soirée is proud to welcome Canadian-born Mooky Cornish into the bosom of its unconventional family. Renowned for her side-splitting physical comedy, Mooky is one of the funniest ladies working on the international circuit today. Irresistible and captivating, this quirky comedienne has entranced over a million spectators worldwide in both North America and Europe. Mooky’s illustrious background includes being the lead clown and inspiration for Cirque du Soleil’s best-selling production, Varekai. Among her many talents Mooky is a pianist, puppeteer, mask maker, accordion squeezer and chicken trainer. ‘Is there anything she can’t do?’ we hear you cry. Not likely.

HAMISH MCCANN’S POLE ACT

This English Gent has been seducing audiences across the globe with his jaw-dropping pole act since 2009. His late night cabaret version of Singing in the Rain has acquired a worldwide cult reputation with this extremely skilled, stylish and oh so sexy routine which is sure to leave you ‘feeling good’…

DENIS LOCK’S BUBBLE ACT

From sheer strength to daring delicacy, what this English Gent puffs out of his pipe defies belief. An act where science steps away from the chalkboard and reveals its beauty and mystique through a bubble, La Soirée can’t wait to introduce you to Denis Lock’s newest act. Think you’ve seen it all with bubble-blowing? Prepare to hold your breath and gaze on in wonder.

ASHER TRELEAVEN

Asher Treleaven. Image by Matt Hoyle.jpgLa Soirée is proud to welcome sexual gentleman and overall bon vivant, Asher Treleaven, into the folds of its ample bosom. One of Australia’s most critically-acclaimed comedians, the former drama school dropout but accomplished circus school graduate has travelled the world over with his unique blend of physical comedy, socially responsible rhetoric and overenthusiastic sexual patter, racking up awards and nominations on his winding path. Not sure whether to laugh or blush? Have no fear – sit back, try to relax and enjoy this indescribable ride!

MARIO QUEEN OF THE CIRCUS

A showman of exceptional talents, Clarke McFarlane’s Mario is a leather-bursting reincarnation of Freddie Mercury – that’s if you can imagine a Freddie who had been able to juggle, ride a unicycle and if indeed he had ever run away to join the circus. Mario’s greatest skill, however, is to make even the most intimate of venues into a rocking arena spectacle, and to unite even the largest venues into one arm-waving excuse for a crowd-surf.

CAPTAIN FRODO

Captain Frodo. Image by Perou (1).jpgThe son of a famous Norse magician, this wunderkind has graced the stage since he was four. Possessed of an utterly beguiling charm, and famed the world over for bending, contorting and manipulating his body into shapes that are as astonishing as they are unnatural, Frodo is one of a kind. You will never look at a tennis racquet, much less a baked-bean tin, the same way again.

BRET PFISTER

Bret Pfister at Sydney Opera House Photo. Image by Prudence Upton.jpgSupple, sexy, skilful and stunningly handsome, Bret Pfister brings the finest of New York’s cabaret talent to La Soirée.

Equally inspired by the neo-Weimar cabaret movement and the new-wave, synth-pop sounds of the 1980s, he blends awesome physical skill and a cool insouciance into his exquisite, punked-up aerial ballet.

YAMMEL RODRIGUEZ

General Yammel, notoriously known for her love of the finest Cuban cigars, has been drafted in to whip our army of circus fans into shape. Rapidly becoming a well known siren of the cabaret scene, with her unique technique on a single strap, she will soon be dominating the stages of the world.

La Soirée is presented in London by Brett Haylock, Mark Rubinstein and Mick Perrin.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

La Soirée

La Soirée’s Spiegeltent at Southbank Centre

27 October 2015 – 17 January 2016
PRESS NIGHT: 6 November 

Tickets from £15

For VIP Packages and party options please call 020 7021 0787.

EARLY BIRD OFFER

Until 31 October bookers can enjoy £10 off all ticket prices (except standing) for shows in October and November.

www.la-soiree.com

Twitter: @lasoireelive

Facebook: www.facebook.com / LaSoiree

Instagram: lasoireelive

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialLaSoiree

Bette Midler …and Me Review

Upstairs At The Gatehouse 16th – 27th September, St.James Theatre – Studio 2nd – 3rd October, Radlett Centre 17th October. Reviewed by Claire Roderick

 

Sue Kelvin (the Me in the title) is a lifelong fan of Bette Midler, and boy, does it show. Along with Alex Young and Sarah Travis, Sue showcases some of Midler’s most famous songs. Writer Chris Burgess has cleverly intertwined the life stories of Sue and Midler with hilariously moving results.

The three ladies all have very different and very strong voices, and produce magical harmonies together. How Sarah Travis manages to keep playing the piano so well with all of the insanity going on around her is a mystery to me. Alex Young shows off her skills with the flute and ukulele before her stunning version of From A Distance takes your breath away. Their camaraderie on stage is infectious – at times you want to join in the banter – and the tag team story telling is energetic and slick.

The show takes us from childhood in Hawaii (and Didsbury) through to the present day. Anecdotes from Midler’s life are told alongside Sue’s own life story. The songs the team has selected are very effective in carrying the narrative along, and are fantastic crowd pleasers. As well as recounting the tragedies in Midler’s life, Sue doesn’t shy away from telling of her troubles and losses. She is searingly honest talking about her brother mid song, making her version of The Rose one of the most emotionally raw I have ever seen.

But there are lots of laughs too! Rapid fire one liners and some fantastic visual gags keep you giggling throughout.

The finale is a 3 minute 52 second version of Beaches – with puppets. This is as mad and as funny as it sounds. The cheesiness of the film is embraced and celebrated and the death scene is brilliantly bonkers.

This show has been put together with love and respect – near the end, Sue states that Bette Midler is an inspiration to all of us who never quite fitted in, and trembles with excitement recalling Midler’s latest UK show. There are Bette Midler fans, Bette Midler superfans, and then there is Sue Kelvin!

This is a wonderfully ballsy show with a heart of gold. Brilliant. Just brilliant.

Go, Go, Go Joe!

image006 (1)GO, GO, GO JOE!

 

CHART-TOPPING X FACTOR STAR JOE MCELDERRY

 

STEPS INTO TECHNICOLOR TITLE ROLE AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

 

WATCH: #JoeIsJoseph

Joe McElderry - Photography by Mark Yeoman 

 

X FACTOR winner JOE MCELDERRY gets set to put on a dazzling coat of many colours as he steps in the title role of the UK’s longest running musical JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at Leeds Grand Theatre next year.   Tickets  go on sale on Monday 21st September at 10am.

Joe was just 18 when won the sixth series of The X Factor having been mentored by Girls Aloud star Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and beating off fierce competition from Olly Murs and Stacey Solomon.

Joe then soared to number one on the UK Singles Charts with his rendition of Miley Cyrus’s The Climb and his debut album Wide Awake went straight in at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. He has since gone on to have two more top ten albums, and he became the first X Factor star to release four albums, with a fifth in the making.

Joe, who hails from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, is also the first and only celebrity to win three reality TV shows! He was crowned the winner of the second series of ITV’s Popstar to Operastar before strapping on his skis and slaloming his way to become champion of Channel 4’s celebrity ski competition The Jumplast year.

Joseph marks Joe’s first major theatrical appearance following a one-off West End gala performance as the lead in The Who’s Tommy in 2012.

 

Having garnered sensational reviews and standing ovations at every performance since its inception almost 35 years ago, Bill Kenwright’s Amazing’, ‘Superb’, ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Brilliant’ production of this sparkling family musical has now sold an estimated 20 million tickets. This vibrant and exciting retelling of the biblical story about Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours sings out to young and old alike with a score which is crammed wall to wall with hits, including Jacob and Sons, Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do.

 

 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 22nd to Saturday 26th March 2016

 

Tickets go on sale on Monday 21st September at 10am priced from £19 to £33.50

 

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

 

The Rocky Horror Show Live Screening Tops Cinema Box Offices

logoThe Gala Charity Performance of The Rocky Horror Show on 17th September, at the Playhouse Theatre, London in aid of Amnesty International, was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. Celebrity guest star narrators including comedy legend Stephen Fry, Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, comedy actor Ade Edmondson and Merlin star Anthony Head joined the cast and the creator of The Rocky Horror Show, Richard O’Brien on stage to share the role of The Narrator.

Rocky Horror Show live screening was number one performer in UK cinemas grossing over £600,000 at the Box Office, beating Legend and The Maze Runner. Rocky Horror Live was trending on Twitter throughout the evening, with thousands of fans interacting about the event.

Fans across Europe turned up in fancy dress to watch the special screening at their chosen cinema and all took a jump to the left in probably the largest simultaneous Time Warp ever! Celebrity fans including Melanie C, Kimberley Walsh, Martin Clunes, Jane Horrocks, Jade Jones, Louie Spence, Paul Cattermole, Shappi Khorsandi and Daisy Head showed their support from the Playhouse Theatre, London.

Marc Allenby at Picturehouse Entertainment said: ‘We are delighted with the broadcast of Rocky Horror Live, the response of audiences across the UK and Europe has been phenomenal it’s been a pleasure partnering with the team and ATG on this fantastic theatre and cinema event and we are looking forward to further collaborations in the future.’

The limited London run of Rocky Horror Show, awarded 5 stars by the Daily Telegraph, at the Playhouse Theatre, London continues until Saturday 26th September

JOIN STRICTLY’S VINCENT AND FLAVIA FOR THEIR LAST TANGO AT THE LYCEUM THEATRE

image001 (7)

JOIN STRICTLY’S VINCENT AND FLAVIA FOR THEIR LAST TANGO

AT THE LYCEUM THEATRE

Strictly Come Dancing superstars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace bring their final ever spectacular dance show The Last Tango to the Lyceum Theatre from Monday 28 September – Saturday 3 October.

Vincent and Flavia - The Last Tango - UK Tour opening September 2015Twenty years of dancing together has seen Vincent and Flavia become Strictly Come Dancing favourites, World Argentine Tango Champions, and create and star in their own Olivier Award nominated West End productions Midnight Tango and Dance ‘Til Dawn – but now, as the nation’s favourite dancers prepare to take on new projects, it is time for them to say goodbye to audiences across the UK with a brand new thrilling live performance.

The dynamic duo will be accompanied on stage by a brilliant cast of professional dancers and musicians in an intimate, passionate and moving performance guaranteed to thrill all lovers of dance.

Don’t miss these virtuoso performers as they dance together on stage for the final time in The Last Tango.

The Last Tango is at the Lyceum Theatre from Monday 28 September – Saturday 3 October.Tickets are priced from £16.00 – £32.00, and can be purchased by calling the Box Office on 0114 249 6000 or by visiting sheffieldtheatres.co.uk (a transaction fee of £1.50 (£1.00 online) applies to all bookings made at the Box Office, excluding cash).

Norris announces new productions at the National

National Theatre artistic director Rufus Norris has announced several new productions for 2016.

They include a new version of Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera, revivals of plays by Terence Rattigan and Sarah Kane, and new plays from Alexi Kaye Campbell and Suhayla El-Bushra.

The year will open in the Olivier Theatre in January with Yaël Farber’s production of Les Blancs by Lorraine Hansberry, the first of her plays to be produced at the National.

Farber’s recent productions include The Crucible (Old Vic), Nirbhaya and Mies Julie (Edinburgh Fringe and Riverside Studios).

It’s followed in the Olivier in May by Norris’s production of The Threepenny Opera, which will feature a translation by Simon Stephens (Port, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) and star Rory Kinnear (Hamlet, Othello) as Macheath.

Carrie Cracknell also returns to the National in June to direct Terence Rattigan’s modern classic The Deep Blue Sea in the Lyttelton Theatre.

This is preceded in the Lyttelton by The Suicide by Suhayla El-Bushra, which will transpose the 1928 play by Russian Nikolai Erdman to contemporary Britain. It will be directed by Nadia Fall from April.

Meanwhile in the Dorfman Theatre, Sarah Kane’s Cleansed will be revived by Katie Mitchell from February, marking the first production of a Kane play at the National.

Annie Baker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play The Flick, directed by Sam Gold, will open at the Dorfman in April. It’s followed from May by Alexi Kaye Campbell’s National Theatre debut with Sunset at the Villa Thalia, which will be directed by Simon Godwin.

Godwin is among Norris’s newly announced associates, alongside sound designer Paul Arditti, director Nadia Fall and actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.

Plays in the Temporary Theatre (formerly The Shed) between January and March will include Iphigenia in Splott by Gary Owen, Jack Thorne’s The Solid Life of Sugar Waterand Islington Community Theatre’s Brainstorm.

Elsewhere, casting was announced today for former Royal Court artistic director Dominic Cooke’s production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom by August Wilson; opening in the Lyttelton Theatre on 2 February, the company will include Sharon D Clarke, O-T Fagbenle, Lucian Msamati and Giles Terera.

And as previously reported, Norris confirmed that the National’s long-running production of War Horse will close at the West End’s New London Theatre on 12 March 2016 after an eight-year run.

Pioneering audio commentary created of Donmar’s CORIOLANUS

Tom Hiddleston and Josie Rourke

PIONEERING AUDIO COMMENTARY CREATED OF THE DONMAR WAREHOUSE’S CORIOLANUS, TO ACCOMPANY NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE ENCORE SCREENINGS

A pioneering audio commentary is set to accompany encore screenings of the hugely successful National Theatre Live broadcast of Coriolanus, featuring an Evening Standard Award-winning performance from Tom Hiddleston. Offering a unique insight into the process of creating and performing the production on stage, the audio commentary will accompany encore screenings throughout the UK from 24 September and internationally from 12 November 2015.

As part of this new experience, audiences will be invited to download an exclusive audio commentary featuring Tom Hiddleston and director Josie Rourke, with contributions from cast members Peter de Jersey, Deborah Findlay and Hadley Fraser. Once downloaded, the audio commentary is to be listened to via smartphones alongside the National Theatre Live broadcast. The programme will be available to download for £2.99 in advance of the broadcast. To sign up to an email alert announcing when the download is available visit www.donmarwarehouse.com.

This innovation was originated by Josie Rourke, director of the critically-acclaimed London Donmar production, who commented: “In a flash of inspiration, it occurred to me it might be interesting to create an actor and director commentary to accompany the Coriolanus encore screening. I thought it might add new dimension to this very new concept of taking stage to screen. I spent several months of my life thinking about little else other than Coriolanus and I hope our reflections will be interesting to those who would like to probe deeper into the production. It never happens in theatre but here you get a chance to have me and Tom in your ear as you watch the production on screen.

Award-winning actor Tom Hiddleston said: “I find the idea of a theatrical commentary fascinating. Theatre exists in the moment – that’s what makes it magic – so it’s very unusual, and very interesting, for an actor to have the opportunity to look back at a production of a live performance. At the time I was completely immersed in the character but now I’m a bit more detached I’m more able to reflect on what was going on at the time, and hopefully offer some insight into what it was like to play Coriolanus.

The audio commentary will be available to download via iTunes as part of the production’s digital programme, which also features exclusive video interviews with Rourke, Hiddleston and other members of the cast as well as other exclusive content including articles from experts in the field of Shakespeare and Coriolanus’ Rome.

National Theatre Live encore screenings of CORIOLANUS
By William Shakespeare
UK screenings from 24 September and internationally from 12 November 2015

Director Josie Rourke
Designer Lucy Osborne
Lighting Designer: Mark Henderson
Sound Designer: Emma Laxton
Video Designer: Andrzej Goulding
Composer: Michael Bruce
Movement: Jonathan Watkins
Fight Director: Richard Ryan

Cast: Jaqueline Boatswain, Peter de Jersey, Alfred Enoch, Deborah Findlay, Hadley Fraser, Mark Gatiss, Tom Hiddleston, Birgitte Hjort Sᴓrenson, Elliot Levey, Rochenda Sandall, Helen Schlesinger, Dwane Walcott.

When an old adversary threatens Rome, the city calls once more on her hero and defender: Coriolanus. But famine threatens the city, the citizens’ hunger swells to an appetite for change, and on returning from the field Coriolanus must confront the march of realpolitik and the voice of an angry people. Josie Rourke directs Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge.
For more information and to find your nearest venue visit www.ntlive.com

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR GUYS AND DOLLS AT THE SAVOY THEATRE

GUYS AND DOLLS, , Music and lyrics - FRANK LOESSER., Book - JO SWERLING and ABE BURROWS, Director Gordan Greenberg, Choreographer - Carlos Acosta, Designer - Peter MaKintosh, Chichester Festival Theatre, 2014, Credit: Johan Persson/Full casting is announced for the highly acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre revival of Guys and Dolls, which will open at the Savoy Theatre for a strictly limited 13 week run from 10 December 2015. Joining Sophie Thompson as Miss Adelaide and Jamie Parker as Sky Masterson, are David Haig as Nathan Detroit and Siubhan Harrison as Sarah Brown. Guys and Dolls will see Sophie Thompson and David Haig perform together for the first time since their comic pairing as bride and groom, Lydia and Bernard, in the British smash hit film, Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Nathan Detroit (David Haig) is desperate: he needs money for an illegal dice game, and he needs it fast. Not to mention a 14-year engagement with nightclub singer Miss Adelaide (Sophie Thompson), whose patience is finally running out. Enter notorious gambler Sky Masterson (Jamie Parker), a guy who can never turn down a bet, and straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown (Siubhan Harrison), a doll with a heart of ice. Nathan’s wager is that Sky has to romance Sarah by taking her to Havana for dinner and in return he’ll provide a dozen ‘sinners’ for Sarah’s mission. Surely this is one bet Nathan absolutely can’t lose?

A joyous and vibrant celebration of Prohibition-era New York, Guys and Dolls first premiered on Broadway in 1950 and captured the optimism and energy of post-World War Two America. This hugely popular and multi award-winning musical, based on the colourful stories by American journalist Damon Runyon renowned for his vivid fictional depictions of the gamblers, hustlers and nightclub singers of New York, features some of Broadway’s greatest musical numbers including ‘My Time of Day’, ‘Luck be a Lady’ and the show-stopping ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’. Guys and Dolls is directed by Gordon Greenberg with choreography by Cuban dancer and former Royal Ballet star Carlos Acosta and Andrew Wright whose credits include Chichester Festival Theatre’s Singin’ in the Rain.

Sophie Thompson plays Miss Adelaide. Theatre credits include The Physicists (Donmar), She Stoops To Conquer (National Theatre), Clybourne Park (Royal Court), Measure for Measure (Shakespeare’s Globe), Into the Woods (Donmar Warehouse) for which she received an Olivier Award, and Company (Donmar Warehouse and West End). Television credits include Lightfields, Watson and Oliver, Poirot, Doc Martin, Big Top, and Stella Crawford in EastEnders. Film credits include Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Eat, Pray, Love, Fat Slags, Nicholas Nickleby, Gosford Park, Dancing at Lughnasa, Emma and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

David Haig plays Nathan Detroit. David is currently in Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me at Chichester Festival Theatre where previous credits include Pressure (a co-production with Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh) and Yes, Prime Minister, which transferred to the West End. Other theatre credits include The Madness of George III (Theatre Royal Bath and West End), Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Hitchcock Blonde (Royal Court and West End), House and Garden (National Theatre), Art (Wyndham’s and Broadway), and Our Country’s Good at the Royal Court, for which David won the Olivier Award for Best Actor. Television credits include The Thick Of It, Mo, The 39 Steps, My Boy Jack, Talking Heads and The Thin Blue Line. Film credits include Florence Foster Jenkins and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Jamie Parker plays Sky Masterson. Jamie was seen most recently as Mike Connor in High Society at The Old Vic. Other theatre credits include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Chichester and West End), Proof (Menier Chocolate Factory), Henry V, Henry IV Part I and Henry IV Part 2, As You Like Like It (all for Shakespeare’s Globe), Racing Demon (Sheffield Crucible), Revenger’s Tragedy (National Theatre) and The History Boys (National Theatre, Broadway and Australia and Hong Kong). Television credits include Parade’s End, Silk, The Hour, Silent Witness and Wire in the Blood. Film credits include Le Weekend, Valkyrie and The History Boys.

Siubhan Harrison plays Sarah Brown. Theatre credits include Pitcairn (Out of Joint/Shakespeare’s Globe/Chichester), From Here To Eternity (Shaftesbury Theatre), Earthquakes in London (Headlong and National Theatre), Grease (Piccadilly Theatre), Bad Girls The Musical (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and We Will Rock You (Dominion).

Completing the cast are Lucy Jane Adcock, Abigail Brodie, Cornelius Clarke, Momar Diagne, Lavinia Fitzpatrick, Lorna Gale, Nic Greenshields, Selina Hamilton, Ian Hughes, Frankie Jenna, Jacob Maynard, Neil McCaul, Genevieve Nicole, William Oxborrow, Max Parker, Carl Patrick, James Revell, Giovanni Spano, Gavin Spokes, Jonathan Stewart, Lucie Mae Sumner and Liam Wrate.

The music and lyrics are by Frank Loesser, whose credits include How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and the song ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’. The book is by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Burrows’ credits include How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Swerling’s credits include the seminal film It’s A Wonderful Life.