WILTON’S MUSIC HALL HAS OFFICIALLY REOPENED AFTER FOUR YEARS OF WORK TO REPAIR THE BUILDING

THE STING IS FIRST PRODUCTION IN THE NEWLY REPAIRED WILTON’S MUSIC HALL AND WILL RUN UNTIL 17 OCTOBER

THE 2015/16 ARTISTIC SEASON ALSO INCLUDES THE MAGIC OF THE MUSIC HALL FAMILY WEEKENDER, CASTING THE RUNES, L’OSPEDALE, DICK WHITTINGTON, AND THE ODYSSEY

Yesterday, Wilton’s Music Hall officially reopened the public following four years of repair works to secure the long-term future of the building. As part of the Capital Project, which began with the repair of the main hall, Wilton’s has now opened up 40% of the building which was previously inaccessible.

As the future of the building is now secure, for the first time Wilton’s is able to present a long-term artistic programme which befits the building’s future. The inaugural production of the artistic season The Sting opened on the 14 September and will run until 17 October. The production is directed by Peter Joucla (The Great Gatsby, Wilton’s) and stars Bob Cryer, Ross Forder and John Chancer and is based on the iconic 1973 caper film of the same name, in which two small-time con men set out to outwit a powerful mob leader.

Future productions at Wilton’s include The Magic of the Music Hall Family Weekender, Casting The Runes, l’Ospedale, the first ever Wilton’s panto Dick Whittington and Mark Bruce Company’s The Odyssey.

David Suchet, a long-term supporter of Wilton’s, said: “As both the Campaign Patron and a local resident I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that Wilton’s has finally be saved. It is such a unique cultural and historic landmark for the East End, London and beyond and it gives me such pleasure to think of all of the people that will enjoy and benefit from its performance and heritage programme. Long live this wonderful building!”

The total Capital Project cost for Phase 1 and 2 was just under £4 million and was made possible by significant support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), SITA Trust, Viridor Credits, The Loveday Charitable Trust, The Foundation for Sport and the Arts, Garfield Weston Foundation, Aldgate and Allhallows, The City Bridge Trust, The Foyle Foundation and numerous other Trusts and Foundation and individuals. As well as funding 74% of Wilton’s building repair and conservation costs which totaled at £1.8m, including a purpose-built learning & participation studio, HLF has supported a three-year programme of schools and community activities and events.

Stuart Hobley, Head of HLF London, said: “The stage is set for Wilton’s Music Hall to both entertain and enchant in equal measure.  This gem of a building – loved by so many Londoners – is now fully restored with a little help from National Lottery players and a lot of hard work by the Trust’s dedicated team.  We’re ready to kick up our heels in celebration as the curtains go up again.”  

LISTINGS

THE STING

A full length play by David Rogers
Based upon the screenplay “The Sting” by David Ward

Press Night: Monday 14th September at 7pm
Dates: 9th September – 17th October 2015
Times: 7:30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays (press night will be at 7pm on a Monday)
Prices: Previews (9th, 10th, 11th & 12th Sept): £32.50 for seats at tables, £25 standard seating, £20 restricted view.
Main Run: £35 for seats at tables, £27.50 standard seating, £22.50 restricted view

CREATIVE TEAM

Director & Designer Peter Joucla
Costume Designers Hilary Lewis & Claudia Mayer
Lighting Designer Jody Kelly
Choreography Simeon John-Wake

THE MAGIC OF MUSIC HALL FAMILY WEEKENDER

Dates: 24th and 25th October 2015
Times: All Day (exact timings tbc)
Prices: Free
Ticket Info: All activities will be unticketed, drop in only

CASTING THE RUNES

Adapted from the novel by M.R James
Directed by Robert Soulsby-Smith
Created and performed by Box Tale Soup

Press Night: Wednesday 28th October at 8pm
Dates: 27th October to 31st October (Half Term)
Times: 8pm – 9pm
Prices: £12.50 full price, £6 under 18s
Ticket Info: Age guidance 12+

L’OSPEDALE

Text by Antonio Abati
Director James Hurley
Musical Director James Halliday
Designer Rachel Szmukler
Lighting Designer Ben Pickersgill

Press night: Wednesday 11th November at 7pm or 9pm
Dates: 10th – 21st November 2015
Times: 7pm and 9pm on double bill evenings (75mins), Tuesday – Saturday
Tuesday 10th November 7pm
Wednesday 11th November 7pm and 9pm
Thursday 12th November 7pm
Friday 13th November 7pm and 9pm
Saturday 14th November 7pm
Tuesday 17th November 7pm and 9pm
Wednesday 18th November 7pm
Thursday 19th November 7pm and 9pm
Friday 20th November 7pm
Saturday 21st November  7pm and 9pm
Prices: £15 – £25

DICK WHITTINGTON

Written by & starring Roy Hudd
Director Debbie Flitcroft
Musical Director Steven Geraghty
Designer Mark Hinton
Lighting Designer Jody Kelly
Choreographer Helen Jeckells

Dates: 1st – 31st December 2015
Press Night: Thursday 3rd December at 7pm
Times: 7pm Tuesday – Saturday (excluding 24th and 25th December) with 2pm matinees on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Prices: Previews: £25 for stalls, £20 for benches, £10 for all children under 16 and OAPs for matinee performances
Main Run: £30 for stalls, £25 for benches, £15 for all children under 16 and OAPs for matinee performances

THE ODYSSEY

A co-production with the Mark Bruce Company
Producer Nick Sweeting

Date: 22nd Feb – 19th March 2016
Times: Will be announced in due course
Prices: Will be announced in due course

A WHOLE HOST OF BRAND NEW SHOWS

TO GO ON SALE AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

Leeds Grand Theatre has today announced a bounty of brand new shows for next year. With comedy, musicals, dance and drama 2016 is set to be another good year for Yorkshire audiences.

Going on sale on Monday 21^st September at 10am:

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat™

Tuesday 22^nd – Saturday 26^th March 2016

X Factor winner Joe McElderry dons the Technicolor Dreamcoat for Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this show is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me.

Blood Brothers

Monday 28^th March – Saturday 2^nd April

The legendary, multi-award winning Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Ray Mears Tales of Endurance

Sunday 3^rd April

As humans we have extraordinary ability in terms of ingenuity, adaptability and sheer determination, but how ca we access these abilities in a crisis? Through carefully selected stories Ray Mears explore what makes someone a survivor.

Alan Bennett’s Single Spies

Tuesday 12^th – Saturday 16^th April

Chichester Festival Theatre and Birmingham Repertory Theatre collaborate on this Alan Bennet comedy that explores the fascination with Russian spies and royalty. Chronicling the lives of two members of the notorious ‘Cambridge Five’ spy ring in the 1950s – Guy Burgess and Anthony Blunt – this double bill gives a glimpse into a life full of espionage, secret identities and even an interrogation by the Queen.

The Solid Silver 60s Show

Sunday 17^th April

This show has entertained the nation for over 30 years, celebrating history’s most successful decade of music. 2016 welcomes Peter Noone, Dave Berry and Brian Hyland as well as regular favourites New Amen Corner and special gusts The Merseybeats.

Pasha Kovalev – It’s All About You

Tuesday 26^th April

Last year’s Strictly Come Dancing winner Pasha Kovalev brings is new dance spectacular to Leeds. This high energy production brings an evening of dance from Ballroom to Latin with fabulous music and sparkling costumes.

Tell Me on a Sunday

Wednesday 27^th April

Following her acclaimed performance in Calamity Jane, Jodie Prenger steps into this classic musical charting the romantic misadventures of an English girl in New York during the heady 1980s. This one-woman show features an original score and includes a post-show chat with Jodie.

Russell Watson

Saturday 30^th April

The UK’s best-selling classical crossover artist returns to Leeds with a stunning collection of best-loved songs.

Guys and Dolls

Tuesday 24^th – Saturday 28^th May

Direct from the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End this highly acclaimed production heads to Leeds. The sizzling New York tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub singers features some of Broadway’s greatest show-stopping tunes including Luck be a Lady, Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat and My Time of Day.

Derren Brown Miracle

Monday 30^th June – Saturday 4^th June

Back by phenomenal demand the multi-award winning acknowledged master of psychological illusion returns to Leeds Grand Theatre to deliver an evening of mind-altering genius as extraordinary events unfold live on stage.

Cats

Monday 20^th June – Saturday 2^nd July

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking 2015 Olivier award-nominated musical comes to Leeds direct from its sell-out seasons at the London Palladium. A blend of fantasy, drama and romance, Cats is a magical musical with an amazing musical score, spectacular set designs, stunning costumes and breath-taking choreography.

All the above shows go on sale on Monday 21^st September at 10am

To book online visit leedsgrandtheatre.com or call box office on 0844 848 2700

Beach Comet presents:

VAMPIRE HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM
9 November – 21 November 2015, 10pm (Mon-Sat)


Cult comedy B-musical Vampire Hospital Waiting Room, having thrilled audiences and critics alike, is now transferring from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival down to London for a limited run at the new space above the Arts Theatre this November. Armed with a live score and nine original songs (including “Love is Like a Car Crash”), this low-budget horror movie musical has needed to add to dates to Edinburgh runs due to high audience demand!

***** “reminiscent of Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, with its surrealist and unreservedly whimsical storyline (…) a highly commendable performance” Three Weeks

The show follows handsome billionaire Arty Baldwin through a twisted single-act plot which finds him wheelchair-bound and comatose following a horrific car accident. Luckily for Arty, he is soon wheeled into Dr Bloom’s waiting room. Unluckily for Arty, the good doctor is convinced his new patient is the Vampire Lord on his long-prophesised return to power. To be fair, he thinks that every Wednesday. But could he finally be right?

***** “wonderful and weird (…) laced with original and wonderfully catchy songs (…) every few seconds you are doubled over with laughter or grinning in adoration at the beautiful vocals of the talented cast (…) drenched in humour” Broadway Baby

Beach Comet was formed two years ago and is a company dedicated to creating new comedy musicals. Vampire Hospital Waiting Room was the first show and, following phenomenally successful workshops which sold out in both Edinburgh and London, the show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe 2013. With ticket allocations selling out over an hour in advance and queues out the door, they scored crowds so large they had to open standing areas and add three late night extra shows.

“A feast of daft, dark comedy and brilliant songs” Jo Brand

—————————————————————————

Title: Vampire Hospital Waiting Room
Music, book and lyrics: Theo McCabe and Craig Methven
Director: Theo McCabe
Producer: Julien Matthews for Beach Comet
Performance Dates: November 9th 2015 – November 21st 2015, Monday – Saturday, 10pm
Running Time: 1 hr
Venue: Above the Arts Theatre, 6-7 Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JB
Ticket Price: £14 (£12 under 25 or NHS employees)
Travel: Leicester Square station (1 min walk), Covent Garden station (3 min walk), Charing Cross station (6 min walk)
Box Office: Arts Theatre (artstheatrewestend.co.uk), 020 7836 8463
Links: Website (vampirehospitalwaitingroom.com), Twitter (twitter.com/BeachComet), Facebook (facebook.com/BeachComet), Youtube (youtube.com), Bandcamp (beachcomet.bandcamp.com)

FOUND & LOST

by Emily Hall

at Corinthia Hotel London

25 January – 3 February 2016

CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON ANNOUNCES WORLD PREMIERE OF EMILY HALL’S BRAND NEW PROMENADE OPERA

AUDIENCES EMBARK ON A SONIC JOURNEY THROUGH THE HOTEL’S MOST INTIMATE AND EXCLUSIVE SPACES

NARRATIVE UNFOLDS THROUGH LIVE PERFORMANCE AND SOUND INSTALLATION

Emily Hall, the 2015 Artist in Residence at Corinthia Hotel London, is to present the premiere of her site-specific opera, Found & Lost, in January 2016. Hall’s brand new piece, conceived in collaboration with the internationally renowned sound designer David Sheppard, will be performed for audiences of 12 at a time in the beautiful rooms, intimate spaces, and restricted areas of the hotel. The piece, developed during a month’s residency at the distinguished five-star hotel, invites audiences to embark on a sonic journey of discovery in a promenade performance, where rooms will spontaneously break into song and drama will unfold along the corridors.

‘A black cab pulls up to the kerb on Whitehall Place. A woman pays the driver and takes six steps up to where a footman is holding the door open for her; her heels create a faint echo on the marble floor as she passes a stunning floral display. The scent of camellias hangs in the air and is gone by the time she reaches the reception.

She places a briefcase on the counter. The receptionist is on the telephone. She nods apologetically before ending the call with five star efficiency. There is a tension in the air that causes her to hesitate slightly before asking ‘How may I help you?’ The woman replies with a question of her own; you can almost hear it. It is the first of many…’

Alongside Hall and Sheppard, poet and Jerwood-Aldeburgh winner Matthew Welton (The Book of Matthew, We Needed Coffee But…) has created the libretto exclusively from texts found within Corinthia Hotel London, including wine lists, housekeeping check lists, and lost and found records. Award-winning Director Ella Hickson (Wendy & Peter, Eight, Boys) has advised on the production. The composition integrates music recorded in a variety of spaces on-site, intertwined with a live chorus sung by members of Siglo de Oro, and live performances from James McVinne on a specially simulated organ. Recorded artists featured in the production include: tenor Allan Clayton; singer-songwriter Mara Carlyle; cellist Oliver Coates; vocalist Sofia Jernberg; singer songwriter Puzzle Muteson, and treble Duncan Tarboton, all relayed in crystal clear sound through a series of Bowers & Wilkins speakers which will be woven seamlessly into the fabric of the hotel.

Emily was selected in April 2015 from eleven finalists to create the piece at Corinthia Hotel London after entering the hotel’s fourth Artist in Residence competition – a search to find a composer or company to produce a brand new opera inspired piece inside the luxury five star hotel. Her idea was selected by a panel of music and arts industry leaders including opera luminaries Alex Beard CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, Joseph Calleja, internationally acclaimed award-winning tenor and James Conway, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of English Touring Opera among others.

Previous residencies saw winning commissions from aspiring filmmakers Zawe Ashton and David Petch (2014), immersive theatre company Look Left Look Right (2013) and photographic artist Noémie Goudal (2012).

Champagne provided by Laurent-Perrier.

All speakers for the production have been provided by Bowers & Wilkins.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Found & Lost

Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD

Monday 25 January – Wednesday 3 February 2016

Press Night: 27 January 2016

Monday – Friday evening performances: 7.00pm & 8.15pm (except Monday 25 January, just 8.15pm)

Saturday performances: 3.00pm, 7.00pm & 8.15pm

Booking: corinthia-air.com / +44 (0) 8444 77 1000

Website: corinthia-air.com/opera Twitter: @CorinthiaLondon

Ticket prices:

Standard: £27.50 including a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne

Premium: £35 including a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and an exclusive libretto

Concessions*: £20

*Under 26, full-time students, job seekers, seniors (60+) and people with a disability.

Running Time: 1 hour

Full performance schedule:

Monday 25-Jan-16 8.15pm

Tuesday 26-Jan-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Wednesday 27-Jan-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Thursday 28-Jan-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Friday 29-Jan-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Saturday

30-Jan-16 3pm, 7pm &

8.15pm

Sunday 31-Jan-16 No show

Monday 01-Feb-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Tuesday 02-Feb-16 7pm & 8.15pm

Wednesday 03-Feb-16 7pm & 8.15pm

 LITTLE MIX

Get Weird Tour

Sheffield Arena

Saturday 2^nd April 2016

Tickets on sale Friday 18^th September at 9am

Little Mix, the world’s biggest girl group have announced extra dates to their 2016 Get Weird Tour and will be playing at Sheffield Arena on Saturday 2nd April 2016.  Tickets go on sale Friday 18^th September at 9am.

The news comes hot on the heels of the release of Little Mix’s new single Love Me Like You following the worldwide smash hit single ‘Black Magic’, a spellbinding and irresistible pop explosion with a soaring chorus and addictive call-and-response middle eight. With state-of-the-art pop production from Norwegian hotshots Electric, the track stormed straight to No.1 on the Official Chart in the UK.

‘Black Magic’ was the first single from their eagerly anticipated third album ‘Get Weird’ due for global release Friday 6th November.

Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall became Little Mix in 2011. They have sold over 7 million records, had two UK No.1 singles and two platinum albums ‘DNA’ and ‘Salute’. As well as a successful arena tour they have been the recipients of both a Cosmo Ultimate Woman Award and a Glamour Women Of The Year Award. With over half a billion YouTube and Vevo views worldwide, they’ve also successfully become one of Britain’s greatest exports with massive tours in the US, Australia and Japan – breaking the Spice Girls’ long-held record of highest debut US chart position for a UK girl group in the process.

Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday 18th September, priced £38.50 & £25 including booking fee when booked online at www.sheffieldarena.co.uk or through the ticket hotline on 0114 256 56 56.  Tickets booked in person at the Arena box office are priced £36.75 & £26.25 including booking fee.

WENDY & PETER PAN
By Ella Hickson

Adapted from the novel by JM Barrie

Directed by Jonathan Munby

Royal Shakespeare Theatre: 17 November 2015 – 31 January 2016

Full casting is announced for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) family winter production ofWendy & Peter Pan. A magical adaptation of JM Barrie’s classic novel by Ella Hickson, the show returns to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre following the productions acclaimed success in 2013.

Returning to the company is Fiona Button as Wendy and Charlotte Mills as Tink. New to the production and joining them is Darrell D’Silva as Captain Hook and Rhys Rusbatch as Peter Pan.

RSC Associate Artist Darrell D’Silva returns to the company having most recently been part of the world tour of Dunsinane (RSC/NTS). His extensive RSC credits also include Antony and Cleopatra,King Lear and Little Eagles. His other theatre credits include Public Enemy (Young Vic), Children’s Children (Almeida) and Hedda Gabler (Old Vic). His TV credits include the third series of ITV’sEndeavour and BBC’s Father Brown. Rhys Rusbatch makes his RSC debut in the role of Peter Pan. His credits include the forthcoming film Burn Burn Burn and the site specific production Mametz(National Theatre Wales).

Director Jonathan Munby said: ‘I’m thrilled that we are returning to Neverland this year with Ella Hickson’s remarkable play Wendy & Peter Pan. Although the show is closely based on the 2013 production, there are some significant changes that I’m sure audiences will love. We wanted to take this opportunity, the first major revival, to deliver a production that’s even more thrilling than before. Ella and I have spent the last two years working on revisions to the script, Olly Fox (composer) has been joined by orchestrator Jason Carr to deliver an almost entirely new score, and there are new scenes, greater flying sequences and even more thrilling fights. All will combine in a show that I hope will capture the imagination, move us and amuse us in equal measure, but most importantly, allow a whole new generation to experience and connect with JM Barrie’s original story in an immediate and thrilling way.’

Wendy & Peter Pan full cast includes: Fiona Button (Wendy); Simon Carroll-Jones (Shadow); Cavan Clarke (Nibs); Sam Clemmett (Tom); James Corrigan (John); Darrell D’Silva (Hook); Adam Gillen (Martin); Susan Hingley (Shadow); Jack Horner (Shadow); Rebecca Johnson (Mrs Darling); Paul Kemp (Smee); Arthur Kyeyune (Shadow/Doc Giles/Crocodile); David Langham (Knock Bone Jones); Douggie McMeekin (Curly); Jordan Metcalfe (Michael); Charlotte Mills(Tink); Mimi Ndiweni (Tiger Lily); Dodger Phillips (Murt The Bat); Laura Prior (Shadow); Rhys Rusbatch (Peter); Patrick Toomey (Mr Darling/Skylights) Harry Waller (Slightly); Lawrence Walker(Tootles); Jay Webb (Shadow) and Dan Wheeler (Doc Swain).

Wendy & Peter Pan is designed by Colin Richmond with music by Oliver Fox and Jason Carr, lighting by Oliver Fenwick. Sound is by Christopher Shutt and fights by Terry King. Movement is by Michael Ashcroft, the aerial adviser is Jack Horner and video design by Ian William Galloway.

PACCAR Room Exhibition – Make-believe: the art of Neverland

In the PACCAR Room, in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, audiences can explore the world ofWendy & Peter Pan through the eyes of artists and illustrators in new exhibition. Generations of children and families have been influenced by the many wonderful illustrations that have been part of the story since it was first published. In this exhibition artists have transformed the story, book and page into new artworks. The exhibition includes work by Paula Rego, Tom Gallant and Béatrice Coron, as well as original costume and stage designs for the RSC production of Wendy & Peter Pan.

Sheffield Theatres has today announced a new strand to its charitable fundraising activity. From this season, the final dress rehearsal of any of its home-grown productions will be made accessible to the public for a minimum donation of £1.00.  This initiative will support Sheffield Theatres in raising much-needed funds to continue its work within the community and on-stage.

Claire Murray, Communications & Fundraising Director commented: ‘As a registered charity we are always looking for ways to generate vital funds to maintain the quality and diversity of the shows we create, as well as reaching and working with audiences throughout the City Region. The final dress rehearsal is a great opportunity to see the creation of a show in its final stages. We hope that our audiences will give more than £1.00 for their tickets to enjoy this unique occasion and help support the Theatres.’

If every audience member in the 980 seat Crucible auditorium donated £5.00 for each ticket, the total raised could enable Sheffield Theatres to offer 22 bursary places for the annual Summer School programme or take 17 young people through the arts award or buy 26 pairs of men’s tap shoes for a production like Anything Goes.

The Public Dress Rehearsal (PDR) gives audiences the chance to see the cast and creative team making final preparations for the official opening of the production. The decision on whether to open the rehearsal to the public is made by the show’s director based on the technical requirements of the production, and tickets are made available from 10.00am on the morning of the rehearsal. The first Public Dress Rehearsal this season will be for Romeo & Juliet, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday 17 September (subject to confirmation on Wednesday).  The Theatres will confirm that this rehearsal will be open to the public through Facebook, Twitter and on their website.

A registered charity, the Theatres’ fundraising work provides an important income stream that allows it to produce world-class work, offer creative workshops with children and young people and provide access services. In addition to the donation made for a PDR ticket, customers can also donate in a number of other simple ways, including by text message and whilst booking tickets at the Box Office. For further information or to make a donation, call Leah Woffenden, Individual Giving Officer on0114 201 3820.

THE ALL-STAR CAST OF CINDERELLA PROVE DARLINGTON AUDIENCES WILL HAVE A BALL THIS CHRISTMAS!

The stars of this year’s Civic Theatre pantomime made an early visit to Darlington last Friday to officially launch the show in true fairytale style! Ashleigh Butler and her loveable dog Pudsey were joined by Brendan Sheerin and Niki Evans, plus a beautiful horse-drawn carriage. For an added bit of pantomime magic the Fairy Godmother even made it snow!

The Britain’s Got Talent winning duo Ashleigh & Pudsey lead the cast of Cinderella in the title role, and her cute and faithful friend. Since winning the nationwide talent show they have enjoyed phenomenal international demand, including their own TV show for CBBC, made appearances on American television, released a best-selling autobidography and even starred in their own film – Pudsey the Dog: The Movie. No strangers to the stage, Ashleigh & Pudsey have starred in pantomimes for the past three Christmas seasons.  Taking a coach trip of a very different kind Brendan Sheerin was also in attendance. The popular host of the Channel 4 hit Coach Trip stars as Baron Hardup alongside X Factor star Niki Evans in the role of Fairy Godmother. Having reached the semi-finals of the show Niki has gone on to enjoy a successful stage career with starring roles in Blood Brothers and Legally Blonde, in addition to her recording work.

This year’s pantomime will also feature legendary disco star Dooby Duck in an entertaining, if highly strung, sequence at the Royal Ball! Hatched in 1981 the prized puppet made several high-profile stage appearances including the Children’s Royal Variety Performance and several acclaimed pantomimes. He also had three hugely successful series for BBC TV; Dooby Duck’s Disco Bus, Dooby’s Duck Truck and Dooby Duck’s Euro Tour as well as making other television, theatre and cabaret appearances across the world.

Michael Harrison, managing director of Qdos Entertainment, producers of the show, and executive producer of Cinderella said “We’re delighted to be bringing the magic of Cinderella to Darlington this Christmas, especially with such a talented cast. Ashleigh & Pudsey are perfect for panto and will delight audiences with their fabulous routines. With Brendan’s wonderful personality and sense of humour, Niki’s fabulous voice and Dooby’s legendary disco routines, plus our stunning scenery, music, comedy and dance, Darlington audiences are definitely in for an unmissable treat this Christmas.”

Lynda Winstanley, Theatre Director said: “This is such a magical time of year for us – we are delighted to be presenting Cinderella, as our fabulous annual pantomime which is always such a wonderful treat – bringing families into our historic venue for fun and laughter during the festive season.’’

Cinderella runs at Darlington Civic Theatre from Saturday 5 December 2015 to Sunday 10 January 2016. Tickets are available from 01325 486555 or by visiting darlingtoncivic.co.uk.

GET YOUR FIX OF THE BAROQUE

The beautiful music of the world’s finest classical composers comes to Darlington Civic Theatre on Monday 21 September with Baroque By Candlelight.

From the producers of Magical Mozart, this stunning fully-costumed show will immerse you in the wonderful music and the classical Baroque world of some of the greatest romantic composers – Vivaldi, Handel and Bach.

With beautiful settings, costumes and lighting, and of course candles, the European Baroque Ensemble and Singers transport you back to the sumptuous past.

A packed programme of classical music and song including excerpts from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Handel’s Water Music, and Bach’s wonderful Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

The evening also includes sections of classical operas, sung by world class soloists, who alongside the European Ensemble, give you a candlelit Baroque night to remember!

Baroque By Candlelight is at Darlington Civic Theatre on Monday 21 September. Tickets* are £18 and £20.

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk