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Southwark Playhouse – until 30 November 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bells’ meta-theatrical and charmingly self-referential show is every musical theatre nerd’s dream. Originally presented at the 2004 New York Musical Theatre Festival, the show is a musical about writing a musical.

With just three weeks to write something for the festival, Hunter (Jacob Fowler) and Jeff (Thomas Oxley) begin writing/performing their musical. Fowler and Oxley are a wonderful double act, sharing great chemistry and delivering lines about the dangers of using too many obscure references and derivative tricks with an arch glee. There is even debate about whether there should be musical accompaniment as they move across the stage. The secondary characters they bring in (don’t feel sorry for them, they get their own song about that) make wonderful foils for the men. Abbie Budden plays Heidi – still hungry and auditioning for ensemble/cover roles – and Mary Moore plays Susan – who has taken an office job in her frustration and self-doubt. Moore completely leans into Susan’s unhinged moments and performs Die, Vampire, Die! with an insane energy and powerhouse vocals – one of the highlights of the show. Budden captures the near mania of constant auditions and rejections brilliantly.

Together, with just four chairs and a keyboard (and musical director Tom Chippendale as Larry) – the quartet create a chaotic and loving portrayal of the creative process. There are songs for every stage of the journey, from seeking inspiration Monkeys and Playbills to the nagging spectres of self-doubt Die, Vampire, Die! The lyrics are complicated and the harmonies are glorious in the hands of this talented cast. There are a few earworms in the score, and the charming and affirmatory song about staying true to yourself and your vision, Nine People’s Favourite Thing has been on my playlist for years.

The theatrical in-jokes and references are non-stop – some very niche and historical 20 years after the first production – but there is also the obligatory jeopardy as Hunter is nearly convinced by the dark side (producers) to change the show for Broadway. Cheesy moments of clarity and camaraderie are thrown in along with the obligatory emotional ballad A Way Back to Then. Although sung hauntingly by Budden, this is punctuated with Hunter’s descriptions of the bizarre shows he and his brother staged when he was 10.

Director Christopher D. Clegg ensures that this production has a spontaneous and improvised atmosphere (not an easy thing with a 20-year-old show) with Hazel McIntosh’s vibrant set design allowing more movement around the stage.

[title of show] is a joyous, witty and heartfelt tribute to creatives and the theatre. It may be a little too niche for some, but if you love musical theatre, you should see this fabulously funny show.

Become one of the nine!

Hull New Theatre – until 23rd November 2024

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

If you want a fabulous night out when every single member of the cast can act, sing and dance brilliantly Hairspray is the musical for you!

Hairspray is the story of 1960’s Baltimore in the USA, where cheesy TV shows are the norm and racial segregation is rife. Tracey Turnblad (Katie Brace) lives with her Mum, Edna, (Neil Hurst) and Dad, Wilbur, (Dermot Canavan). Along with her best friend Penny Pingleton (Freya McMahon) Tracey watches The Corny Collins (Joseph Bristow) television show and dreams of dancing on it and she worships from afar the star of the show Link Larkin (Solomon Davy). When auditions are announced Tracey goes along to try out for the show but director of the show Velma Von Tussle (Kirsty Sparks) has other ideas and along with her daughter Amber (Allana Taylor) make sure that Tracy doesn’t get the job. And when Little Inez (Katlo) also wants to audition Velma is horrified as black people and white people do not dance together on The Corny Collins Show. Tracy wants to change this and sets about trying to do it with Penny Pingleton, Link Larkin and Seaweed (Shemar Jarrett) with very funny consequences.

Hairspray does show how bad racial segregation was in America in 1960’s and how by giving people a voice that things can be changed and this is brilliantly done in this production.

Outstanding performances for me were Neil Hurst (Edna Turnblad) who along with Dermot Canavan (Wilbur Turnblad) they worked so well together especially when they sang, You’re Timeless to Me which was hilarious and very cheeky!

Katie Brace made a brilliant Tracy Turnblad she had a fabulous singing voice and was made for this part.

Kirsty Sparks absolutely nailed the part of Velma Von Tussle she played the characters nastiness and downright rudeness spot on and was great to watch.

Michelle Ndegwa who played Motormouth Maybelle … wow what a voice!!

The band, under Musical Director Richard Atkinson, were outstanding. The songs from Good Morning Baltimore to You Can’t Stop the Beat and the rest of the songs in this show are brilliant, catchy and work, along with the story line, to make a fabulous show.

All of the fabulous cast deserved the standing ovation that they got last night, there are very limited tickets left for this week in Hull and they really do deserve to have full houses for every performance so go and see it if you can!

Say It Again, Sorry?, Cuffe & Taylor and Live Nation presents: 

…Earnest?  

When the actor playing Ernest doesn’t show, it leads to a tumultuous twist on Oscar Wilde’s classic play with audience members taking centre stage  

Written by Josh King, Simon Paris and Say It Again, Sorry? | Directed by Simon Paris  

UK TOUR 16 February – 14 June 2025   

“A delightfully interactive, uproariously funny approximation of a familiar script. This show is a feast for theatre-goers of all levels of experience” ★★★★★ The Skinny (on The Importance Of Being… Earnest?)   

@SayItAgainSorry | sayitagainsorry.com | interactiveearnest.co.uk  

In a madcap spectacle that promises a completely new performance each night, the Edinburgh Fringe smash-hit where the audience step in for the cast of The Importance of Being Earnest returns for a UK tour of nearly 30 venues. Wilde’s much-loved play is delightfully derailed as audience members are asked to step into the spotlight to replace an ever-thinning cast, sparked by the lead actor playing Ernest failing to arrive on that famous cue. With stage whiskey being swapped, off-the-cuff auditions being held and portraits painted aplenty, ...Earnest? incorporates skilled slapstick and expert improv in this quintessentially British farce. Its innovative format aims to provide joy and connect audiences to their inner thespian.

The Importance of Being… Earnest? (now renamed to …Earnest?) premiered at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2021 and returned for the three years following. The hour-long production has been extended into a full two act run for the UK tour. So far, the show has cast almost 2,000 audience members, proving that everyone, no matter their background or experience, has a place in the spotlight. Audience members have shared stories of quitting their jobs to chase acting dreams, local individuals stepping onto the stage for the first time and becoming community stars, and even strangers finding love after being cast and meeting backstage.  

Say It Again, Sorry? revolutionised theatre funding for …Earnest? by introducing micro-units, smaller, low risk, investment chunks that made investing accessible to first-time backers and those who typically contribute to crowd-funding campaigns. This inventive model ensured all investors saw a profit, regardless of unit size, encouraging repeat investment. It’s one of many ways Say It Again, Sorry? has broadened participation in their artistic and financial processes.  

Director and co-writer Simon Paris said “We are very excited to bring …Earnest? back to audiences across the country and share our unique blend of chaos, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling. This show celebrates the magic of live theatre- where anything can happen and often does. With its playful twists and interactive surprises, we invite audiences to step into a world where every moment is delightfully unpredictable.”  

Founded in 2018 by a group of friends, Say It Again, Sorry? is an award-winning (Derek Award for Best Comedy) interactive theatre company that aims to connect people to their inner artist and inspire creative expression in everybody. Their vision is for the public to recover ownership over their own creative power and contribute to the future of theatre as active participants, collaborators, and decision-makers.   

Running Time: 120 mins (not inc interval) | Recommended for ages 12+  

Company information  

Director Simon Paris Writers Josh King, Simon Paris and Say It Again, Sorry?  

Set designer Trynity Silk Lighting designer Catja Hamilton    

Sound designer Max Pappenheim Costume designer Libby Watson   Producer Simon Paris 

Cast  

Eleanor Judith Amsenga 

George Ashley Cavender 

Terry Guido Garcia Lueches  

Simon Slough Josh Haberfield  

Josh Ben Mann  

Jennifer Trynity Silk  

Graham Rhys Tees  

Listings information  

16 February – 14 June 2025  

MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED 

19 February Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage   

Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

everyonetheatres.com/theatres/gordon-craig-theatre | 01438 363200   

22 – 23 February Wolverhampton Grand Theatre   

Lichfield St, Wolverhampton WV1 1DE  

7.30pm & 3pm | From £19.50  

grandtheatre.co.uk | 01902 429212  

25 – 26 February Exeter Northcott Theatre  

Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4QB  

7.30pm & 2.30pm | From £19.50  

exeternorthcott.co.uk | 01392 726363  

27 Feb – 1 March Lighthouse Poole   

21 Kingland Rd, Poole BH15 1UG  

7.45pm & 2.30pm | From £19.50  

lighthousepoole.co.uk | 01202 280000  

  

6 – 8 March MAST Mayflower Studios  

142 – 144 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7DU  

7.30pm & 2.30pm | From £19.50  

mayflower.org.uk | 02380 711811  

  

10 – 11 March Darlington Hippodrome   

Parkgate, Darlington DL1 1RR  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk | 01325 405405  

  

22 – 23 March Palace Theatre, Southend  

430 London Rd, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 9LA  

7.30pm & 3pm | From £19.50  

trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend | 0343 3100030  

  

27 – 30 March Forum Theatre, Malvern Theatres  

Grange Rd, Great Malvern, Malvern WR14 3HB  

7.30pm, 2.30pm & 3pm | From £19.50  

malvern-theatres.co.uk/forum-theatre | 01684 892277  

  

1 April Hull Truck Theatre  

50 Ferensway, Hull HU2 8LB  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

hulltruck.co.uk | 01482 323638  

  

11 – 12 April Princess Theatre, Torquay  

Torbay Rd, Torquay TQ2 5EZ  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

atgtickets.com/venues/princess-theatre-torquay | 01803 211211  

  

16 April The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds  

46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

leedsheritagetheatres.com | 0113 243 0808  

  

23 – 24 April Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham  

Theatre Square, Nottingham NG1 5ND  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

trch.co.uk | 0115 989 5555  

  

28 – 30 April Loughborough Town Hall  

39-40 Market Pl, Loughborough LE11 3EB  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

loughboroughtownhall.co.uk  

  

2 May New Victoria Theatre, Woking  

The Ambassadors, The Peacocks Centre, Woking GU21 6GQ  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre | 0844 871 7627  

  

7 – 8 May Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle  

109-113 Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4AG  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk | 01912 431171  

  

9 – 10 May King’s Theatre, Glasgow  

297 Bath St, Glasgow G2 4JN   

7.30pm | From £19.50  

atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow | 0333 009 6690  

  

12 –13 May Lyceum Theatre, Crewe  

Heath St, Crewe CW1 2DA  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

trafalgartickets.com/lyceum-theatre-crewe | 03433 100050  

  

17 May The Alexandra, Birmingham  

Suffolk Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DS  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham | 01212 309077  

  

20 – 21 May Crucible Theatre, Sheffield  

55 Norfolk St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 1DA  

7.30pm & 3pm | From £19.50   

sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/crucible | 01142 496000  

  

22 – 23 May Wycombe Swan Theatre, High Wycombe  

St Mary St, High Wycombe HP11 2XE  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

trafalgartickets.com/wycombe-swan-theatre | 03433 100060  

  

24 – 25 May Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry  

University Of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL  

7.30pm & 3pm | From £19.50   

warwickartscentre.co.uk | 02476 496000  

  

28 – 29 May Theatre Royal Brighton  

New Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1SD  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton | 0844 871 7627  

  

31 May The Hexagon, Reading  

Queens Walk, Berkshire RG1 7QF  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

whatsonreading.com/hexagon/whats-on | 01189 606060  

  

4 – 5 June Aylesbury Waterside Theatre  

Exchange St, Aylesbury HP20 1UG  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre | 01296 745100  

  

6 – 7 June Mercury Theatre, Colchester  

Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT   

7.30pm & 2.30pm | From £19.50  

mercurytheatre.co.uk | 01206 573948  

  

9 June Royal & Derngate, Northampton  

19-21 Guildhall Rd, Northampton NN1 1DP  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

royalandderngate.co.uk | 01604 624811  

  

10 June Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham  

10 Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ  

7.30pm | From £19.50  

everymantheatre.org.uk | 01242 572573  

  

12 – 14 June Richmond Theatre, London  

1 Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ  

7.30pm & 2.30pm | From £19.50  

atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre | 020 8332 4500  

Social media  

Twitter: @SayItAgainSorry  

Instagram @sayitagainsorry  

Facebook: facebook.com/sayitagainsorry  

TikTok: @sayitagainsorry  

Website: interactiveearnest.co.uk   

#InteractiveEarnest  

MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT (IN)

BACK ON STAGE AND SCREEN THIS

WINTER!

INCLUDING 8 SHOWS LIVE-STREAMED

AROUND THE WORLD

Performances from 18 – 23 December 2024 &

7 – 12 January 2025

LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO,

SADLERS WELLS THEATRE, LONDON

www.MischiefMovieNight.co.uk

Tuesday 19 November 2024 – Making Merry Mischief, ‘the funniest theatre troupe in Britain’ (The Telegraph), are back in London for a strictly limited festive season with Mischief Movie Night (In), the improvised movie live on stage.

Performances begin on Wednesday 18 Dec at Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadlers Wells, with 8 shows being streamed live into living rooms worldwide from Friday 20 – Monday 23 December.

No two shows are the same, as the audience suggests a genre, location and title, and Mischief hilariously bring the show to life, complete with rewinds, fast forwards, directors cuts and a thrilling live score to laugh along to.

Starring them, directed by you,Mischief Movie Night (In)is a guaranteed comedy blockbuster, and the perfect family treat this Christmas.

Their recent, hugely successful run of Mischief Movie Night at The Other Palace in London played to sell-out houses this summer.

Tickets and streaming passes are on sale at www.MischiefMovieNight.co.uk, with limited availability to watch in person at the Lilian Baylis Studio.

Mischief Movie Night features Mischief original cast members and regulars including:  Bryony Corrigan as TBC, Charlie Russell as What Not Me?, Ellie Morris as Surely Not Now, Harry Kershaw as Time, Gentlemen Please, Henry Lewis as Not Sure, Henry Shields as I Suppose We’ll Find Out, Jonathan Sayer as Wait and See, Josh Elliot as No Idea, , Nancy Zamit as It’s a Slam Dunk, Niall Ransome as We’ll Never Know and Susan Harrison as Guess Who?  They will be joined by musicians Yshani Perinpanayagam, and Ed Zanders.

Originally created by Mischief for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show transferred to the West End for a limited season, and during the pandemic was streamed globally and watched in over 50 countries, bringing laughter directly into families’ living rooms.  

Mischief Movie Night (In) is created by Mischief, with lighting by David Howe. 

BARN THEATRE CIRENCESTER ANNOUNCES FULL SEASON OF SHOWS FOR
2025 BUILT BY BARN SEASON, ALONG WITH NEW SPONSORSHIP FROM HOWDEN INSURANCE

INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
HAYWIRE – A NOT-SO-EVERYDAY STORY OF HOW THE ARCHERS WAS BORN
(1 SEPTEMBER – 11 OCTOBER)

A NEW COMEDY ABOUT CASTING THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS SPY
A ROLE TO DIE FOR (30 JANUARY – 15 MARCH)

A NEW SIMON READE ADAPTATION OF MICHAEL MORPURGO’S WWII MASTERPIECE
IN THE MOUTH OF THE WOLF (31 MARCH – 10 MAY)
WILLY RUSSELL’S HEARTWARMING CLASSIC
EDUCATING RITA (16 MAY – 28 JUNE)
HILARIOUS AND NOSTALGIA-PACKED MUSICAL
FRIENDS! THE MUSICAL PARODY (14 JULY – 23 AUGUST)
MOVING AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING MUSICAL REVIVAL
THE LAST FIVE YEARS (20 OCTOBER – 15 NOVEMBER)
RETURN OF THE BARN’S 2019 HIT FESTIVE SHOW
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1 DECEMBER – 4 JANUARY)

CEO and Artistic Director Iwan Lewis, Executive Director Liam McMullan, and the whole team at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, are delighted to announce details of the full 2025 Built By Barn season of work, including three world premieres, a new Simon Reade adaptation of a Michael Morpurgo classic, two musicals, a British timeless classic, a fresh new production of the Barn’s much loved 2019 festive show, and a series of co-productions with commercial producers, taking the Barn’s work around the UK. This work has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the whole season from Howden Insurance.

A cornerstone of the 2025 Built by Barn season will be the world premiere of Tim Stimpson’s play Haywire – A Not-So-Everyday Story Of How The Archers Was Born (Monday 1 September – Saturday 11 October.

This new play uses the magic of radio drama to whisk the audience back to the halcyon days when public gathered around their wirelesses to listen and lose themselves in the lives, trials and tribulations of a fictional farming family. Licensed by the BBC, it will be performed ahead of the 75th anniversary of The Archers which takes place in January 2026.

In a cold British December in 1950, producer Godfrey Baseley assembled a group of actors in a studio above a used car showroom in Birmingham, to record the first ever episode of The Archers. Now, 75 years later, the ‘everyday story of country folk’ remains a proud staple of British pop culture and a fixture at the top of the BBC’s download charts.

Haywire is a fond and funny celebration of one of British media’s most enduring creations, paired with a deep affection for the craft of radio.

It is a love letter to The Archers and the minds that created it – an exclusive invitation to experience the tears and laughter, the triumphs and calamities, that can happen both in front of and behind the mic.

The 2025 Built By Barn season will kick off in January with the world premiere of Jordan Waller’s comedy A Role To Die For (Thursday 30 January – Saturday 15 March, with a national press night on Tuesday 4 February).

Deborah has a problem. She’s responsible for casting the most famous role in Hollywood but the actor she chooses suddenly withdraws the day before the announcement. As the film starts shooting straight away, time is short to find a replacement. Her cousin wants to sell out, her son insists on going woke, and all she yearns for is the warm glow of Sean Connery’s unbeatable charm.

A Role to Die For is a wickedly funny tale of casting the next actor to play the world’s most famous spy.

A Role to Die For is a rip-roaring, wickedly funny comedy full of secret agents, secret agreements and secret family feuds. Directed by 2024 Olivier Award winning Derek Bond, and produced in association with Simon Friend and Bob & Co.

Continuing the Barn’s association with Michael Morpurgo and his stage adaptor Simon Reade, following Private Peaceful (2021) and The Mozart Question (2022), will be the world premiere of In The Mouth Of The Wolf (Friday 28 March – Saturday 10 May, with a national press night on Tuesday 1 April).

World War II brought about an avalanche of tragedy, heartbreak and division, but what happens when that division is within your own family?

Brothers, Francis and Pieter are in disagreement. Living in turbulent times as one bloody war has ended and another stirs in the near future, tensions are high and they can both feel it. Francis is a dedicated pacifist, committed to peace and determined not to go backwards to a violent world. Pieter believes that peace can only be achieved by signing up to fight.

The event that occurs after this is one that will change Francis’ life forever.

Steadfast in their beliefs and determined to make change, these brothers find themselves at war not only with the enemy but also with themselves.

Simon Reade’s stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s poignant true story brings to life the experiences of the author’s uncle during World War II. This powerful and moving production invites the audience to witness an emotional journey of love, loss, war, and hope.

In early summer, Barn audiences can enjoy a new production of Willy Russell’s classic play, Educating Rita, directed by Stephen Unwin (Friday 16 May – Saturday 28 June, with a national press night on Monday 19 May). Casting will be by Ginny Schiller.

Rita, a working-class hairdresser, wants more from her life. When she signs up to an Open University course, she meets Frank a middle aged disillusioned academic. Her zest for life re invigorates him and a journey of rediscovery begins. Willy Russell’s timeless classic is a story of class, power, freedom and self-discovery.

The 1980’s stage play by Willy Russell was made into a movie in 1983 starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. It won multiple major awards for best actor and best actress and was nominated for three Academy Awards. Caine and Walters both won BAFTA and Golden Globe awards for best actor and actress. A timeless British classic that has won the hearts of audiences for decades.

The Barn is proud to partner with producers Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale and Oskar Eiriksson to create the brand-new production of Friends! The Musical Parody, (14 July – 23 August), opening in Cirencester before a major UK and Ireland tour.

With all your favourite moments, plus a runaway bride, and some questionable sandwich habits, this Friends, The Musical Parody serves up nostalgia with a side of sarcasm and lots of OH. MY. GAWD energy!

Directed by The Full Monty’s Michael Gyngell, with book and lyrics by Bob and Tobly McSmith, music by Assaf Gleizner and set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter, Friends: The Musical Parody is a side-splitting musical comedy packed with all of the iconic moments from all 10 seasons of the beloved television series. Originally produced NY by Theatre Mogul and Lynn Shore, this uncensored, fast-paced romp features an entirely original musical score and showcases the escapades of the world’s most famous group of twenty-somethings as they tackle the challenges of work, life and love in 1990s Manhattan.

The penultimate show of the season will be musical classic The Last Five Years, written by Tony Award winning Jason Robert Brown (Friday 17 October – Saturday 15 November, with a national press night on Monday 20 October).

Journey with Cathy and Jamie as they navigate their marriage, their creative careers and the trials that come with intertwined lives.

The Last Five Years is a musical that cleverly explores the rollercoaster journey of two New Yorkers as they navigate their five-year marriage. Filled with iconic songs, the play first Premiered at Chicago’s Northlight Theatre in 2001 and was then produced Off-Broadway in March 2002. In 2014 a film adaptation starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan was released.

The Barn Theatre’s 2025 Christmas show will be a new production of Alan Pollock’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (Monday 1 December 25 – Sunday 4 January 26, with a national press night on Wednesday 3 December). Premiered at the Barn in 2019, this is a fresh take on this magical story, but bolder and bigger than ever.

Be enchanted by the moving tale of Ebenezeer Scrooge who on Christmas Eve is forced to confront his legacy and experience the magic and mystery of the ghosts from his past, present and future.

A Barn twist on the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol is sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy this winter.

CEO & Artistic Director Iwan Lewis said, “Our 2025 season is all about welcoming new audiences to GET HOOKED ON THEATRE and feel the unique thrill of live entertainment. With three world premieres, our new, highly affordable season subscription, and a lineup that spans modern classics to contemporary musicals, we’re opening our doors to everyone. This season isn’t just about showcasing incredible stories; it’s about making theatre as accessible and inviting as a cozy night at home with Netflix.

I also couldn’t be more thrilled to work alongside the brilliant Tim Stimpson, whose deep connection with The Archers brings an authenticity to Haywire. Having the invaluable support of Jeremy Howe, the editor of The Archers, and the BBC, is a true privilege, and I’m deeply grateful for their trust in the Barn Theatre in telling this story. This production is a labour of love, a celebration of one of the world’s most enduring and cherished dramas. It’s an honour to bring this story to life for audiences and pay tribute to 75 years of laughter, heartache, and community woven into the fabric of British culture”

The Barn Theatre is an award-winning producing-house in the heart of the Cotswolds, on a mission to inspire communities and champion the power of storytelling.

The Barn Theatre is also delighted to announce that Howden, one of the UK’s leading insurance brokers, as the official sponsor of the 2025 season.

As proud sponsors of the British & Irish Lions rugby team, Howden has demonstrated a strong commitment to championing British culture across a range of sectors. Their support of the Barn Theatre’s ‘GET HOOKED ON THEATRE’ campaign highlights their dedication to fostering creativity and enriching communities through the arts.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Howden as the official sponsor of our 2025 Season,” continues Iwan Lewis, “Their support enables us to continue creating world-class productions while engaging and inspiring new audiences.”

Client Director, Howden, George Seatter said of their sponsorship:

“I’ve seen the magic of the Barn Theatre first hand with their amazing work through the incredible ‘Built By Barn’ productions.  For Howden to sponsor the 2025 season is extremely satisfying.”

Further details for all shows to be announced.

Leeds Grand Theatre – until 30th November 2024

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

4****

 “What if Juliet didn’t kill herself?” is not an A Level English question but a question asked by Anne Hathaway at the start of the show after discovering Shakespeare has finally written an ending to his new play. Well, if Juliet had lived you get & Juliet, the jukebox musical featuring songs written by Max Martin which has finally embarked on a national tour following a sold out run in the West End.

Starting at the end of Romeo and Juliet, Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning) asks Shakespeare (Matt Cardle) why Juliet has to die, just because Romeo does. This leads to Anne taking over and rewriting the ending of the play, even giving herself a role in the play. Things seems to be going well for Juliet until Shakespeare brings Romeo (Jack Danson) back from the dead. This does not go down well with Anne and leads to an argument between her and her husband until they have a heart to heart and Anne, and Juliet, get the ending they want.

Gerardine Sacdalan is amazing as Juliet, being both confused by her feelings for Romeo and her sense for adventure. Joining Sacdalan is Jordan Broatch as May, Juliet’s best friend, and Sandra Marvin as her nurse. Whilst on her adventures Juliet meets Francois, Kyle Cox, whom she nearly marries, and Lance (Dr Ranj Singh), the strict father of Francois. 

The cast work well together and the relationship between Cardle and Denning is absolutely amazing, they need more stage time together. The mix of modern and Shakespearean English works well with several famous Shakespeare quotes thrown in for good measure. Shakespeare even tells the audience which phrases he gave to the English language.

With female empowerment a key theme throughout, this is a musical not to be missed. You will laugh, you will cry, you will sing. Grab a ticket while you can because this show is going to sell out fast and you do not want to miss it.

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 17th November 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

Another night in the heart of the Midlands and the musical firmament is once more ablaze courtesy of Malvern Concert Club’s immaculate programming and the fabulous artists who grace the stage of Malvern Theatres! Tonight’s stellar musical offerings span the early to late Romantic eras with a piece from last Century thrown in for good measure (and variety), giving us 4 top notch Violin Sonatas to savour.

First up was Franz Schubert’s Sonata in A D.574 Grand Duo. From the composer’s early period, Beethoven looms large over the work in much the same way as the picturesque Malvern Hills dominate the town’s skyline.

Our performers this evening were Maria Włoszczowska on violin and Alasdair Beatson on piano. I was mightily impressed from the first instant, from the opening notes, how tight a unit they were. They had an almost telepathic connection and an obvious rapport with lots of eye contact. There was clearly a very fond connection between them – and it showed in the joy of performing together which they brought to the concert platform. Ms Włoszczowska wowed me with the facility she showed as she shot around the fingerboard, making the fast, florid runs seem light and easy – which, of course, they were anything but easy to execute. Her tone was gorgeous and the quiet held notes were exquisite! Mr Beatson had equal command over his instrument and technique. I loved his shifts in dynamics with those enormous, hall filling chords positively erupting from the Steinway to thrilling effect – taking full advantage of the Pianoforte (soft and loud).

Fauré’s Violin Sonata No.2 in E minor Op.108 concluded the first half of the concert. Written in 1917, it is very typical of early 20th Century French music. That’s not to denigrate it in any way, as I adore the dreamy, folky quality that era evokes. The duo played the piece beautifully, giving us a reading both full of wistful tenderness and regretful melancholy. A sumptuous feast for the ears.

Schubert Sonata in A minor D.385 opened the second half with another classic of the genre. A fabulously romantic work from the teen wonderkid, the musicians wrung every ounce of emotion out of this passionate, youthful outpouring. I was particularly taken with the heart wrenching middle movement and the explosive “everything but the kitchen sink” ending that Keith Moon would have been proud to finish a set with. Sensational.

But, for me, the best was yet to come as proceedings concluded with the stunning Sonata for violin and piano in E flat, Op.18 by Richard Strauss. Pyrotechnics, a plethora of even more heartbreaking melodies and a veritable blizzard of notes battling with crashing chords gave us all we could wish for and more to conclude this wondrous night’s celebration of the Violin Sonata!

An absolutely faultless display from the musicians who should be incredibly proud of themselves for giving us such thrilling readings. Malvern Concert club proves once again to be the gift that keeps giving. They truly deserve our support and I, for one, can’t wait for their next Concert.

SPEND AN EVENING WITH SIR TIM RICE AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Sir Tim Rice, the multi-award winning, internationally renowned lyricist, will visit Darlington Hippodrome in 2025 with Tim Rice My Life In Musicals – I Know Him So Well on Monday 26 May.

This incredibly special show which toured earlier this year has proved so popular that 33 new dates have been added. During the show Tim reflects on his illustrious career at the heart of musical theatre, sharing anecdotes behind the songs – the hits and the misses along with stories of his life. There will be live performances from the wonderful catalogue of songs that are synonymous with his name and that of his collaborators. Musical accompaniment will be from an array of the UK’s leading West End singers and musicians led by Musical Director Duncan Waugh.

Tim is associated with writing the lyrics for so many of the world’s great musicals – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Chess, and the Disney productions The Lion King, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. His work has not been limited to musical theatre with Evita transferring to the big screen and All Time High, the theme music for the James Bond movie Octopussy with music by John Barry and lyrics by Tim Rice.

With a show packed full of songs including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (Evita), Any Dream Will Do (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat), A Whole New World (Aladdin) Can You Feel The Love Tonight (The Lion King), I Don’t Know How To Love Him (Jesus Christ Superstar) , Circle of Life (The Lion King), Chess, Hakuna Matata (The Lion King) Another Suitcase in Another Hall (Evita), I Know Him So Well (Chess), All Time High (Octopussy), Must Love Me (Evita), and A Night In Bangkok (Chess), My Life In Musicals is an absolute must for fans of musical theatre and brilliant music.

Regarded by many as one of the world’s greatest lyricists Tim Rice commented My Life in Musicals is a show in which I reveal all (well, nearly all) of the secrets behind the creation of some of the best-known songs featuring my lyrics. I have had the good fortune to work with some of the greatest composers of our time, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny

Andersson, Elton John, and Alan Menken, without whose wonderful melodies I’d be at home watching television.

Tim told us “You’ll know quite a few of the songs – and will therefore be relieved to hear I won’t be singing them. All musical aspects of the show I hand over to the outstanding Duncan Waugh Band and West End Singers. There will be plenty of stops in between the hits during which I’ll tell you how they happened and, in some cases, nearly didn’t. Actually, I might sing a little – but not Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.”

What better way to celebrate the world of musical theatre than with Sir Tim Rice.

Sir Tim Rice – My Life In Musicals – I Know Him So Well comes to Darlington Hippodrome on Monday 26 May, 2025. For full details or to book call the Box Office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

TODAYTIX ANNOUNCE BIGGEST EVER BLACK FRIDAY PROMOTION FEATURING OVER 50 SHOWS

Save up to 40% on West End theatre tickets

Theatre ticketing platform TodayTix has unveiled its largest-ever Black Friday promotion, offering access to more than 50 of London’s most acclaimed productions at up to 40% off.

From 9am today, Monday 18^th November, these great value-for-money tickets will be available to all. This offer gives audiences the chance to see the hottest shows in town including MJ The Musical, The Lehman Trilogy, Les Miserables, the National Theatre’s Dear England and more and Back To The Future at amazing prices this festive season – continuing to ensure that theatre is accessible to all, especially at this magical time of year.

With tickets from just £15 it’s the perfect time to book that show you’ve been waiting for and makes a great Christmas gift. The TodayTix Black Friday promotion also includes favourites like Guys & Dolls, The Mousetrap, Starlight Express and The Play That Goes Wrong, plus so many more.

Plus, with the TodayTix Rewards program (available in the TodayTix app) members can start earning rewards from just two tickets.

For more information about TodayTix’s exciting Black Friday promotion and to purchase tickets, download the TodayTix app or visit todaytix.com.

Participating shows include: MJ The Musical, The Book of Mormon, Guys & Dolls, Les Misérables,, Only Fools & Horses, Starlight Express, Dear England, , The Duchess, The Lehman Trilogy, The Mousetrap, The Play That Goes Wrong, Fawlty Towers, Waiting for Godot, Why Am I So Single?, Titanique, A Christmas Carol(ish), A Very Naughty Christmas, Ballet Shoes, Bat Out of Hell, Cirque du Soleil – Corteo, Jamie Allan’s Amaze, La Clique, Musicals by Candlelight at Christmas, The Elixir of Love, The Pirates of Penzance, The Snowman, [Title of Show], 101 Dalmatians, Dr. Strangelove, Juno and the Paycock, Giselle – English National Ballet, A Good House, Aladdin, Alterations, Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, Circa’s Duckpond, Cyrano, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Here You Come Again, How To Fight Loneliness, Humbug, The Little Foxes, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out, Play On!, Shanghai Dolls, The Last Laugh, The Legends of Them, The Liar, The Bi*ch and the Wardrobe, The Lonely Londoners, The Marriage of Figaro, The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary, The Purists, Wilko: Love Death and Rock n Roll.

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PLAY TO TOUR UK PRESENTED BY

TEEPEE PRODUCTIONS AND JOE BROWN

FLUFF

WRITTEN BY TAYLA KENYON AND JAMES PIERCY

It’s time for Fluff to do the ultimate puzzle… her life.

But Fluff hates puzzles; especially word searches. She can never find the words and doesn’t understand why there’s a half eaten birthday cake and a woman who keeps visiting her room. As she navigates her way through her most treasured and darkest memories, Fluff desperately needs to piece together her life; story by story, person by person. This darkly comedic play explores memories and the choices we make in life.

Winner of the Best Theatre Production at the Buxton Fringe 2024, alongside awards for Best Performance and Best New Piece at the Birmingham Fringe 2023. The non-linear plot line allows the audience to feel, first hand, the devastating affects of dementia, through joining Fluff in her journey to uncover her life’s memories.

Fluff, is proud to be supported by the Arts Council England, W3RT, Alzheimer’s Society, Trauma Breakthrough UK and Herts Musical Memories.

Previous praise for FLUFF:

“A thoughtful piece of theatre that bounces between past and present seemingly effortlessly, it held my attention from beginning to end” ★★★★ LondonTheatre1

“A stirring narrative that’ll keep you hooked” ★★★★ Theatre & Tonic

“Tayla Kenyon is compelling” ★★★★ The Upcoming

“Not just a fluff piece – this show has grit” ★★★★★ Bum On A Seat