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Soap heart throb Jamie Lomas is making the most of starring on stage in the UK’s stag do capital, Newcastle, to explore some of its most famous bachelor party haunts with his fellow cast members.  Dead Simple – a thriller concerning a stag-do gone wrong, is playing all week at Newcastle Theatre Royal.

 

The award-winning actor will be familiar to soap fans as EastEnders’ murderous Jake Stone and before that bad boy Warren Fox from Channel 4’s Hollyoaks.

 

Based on the best-selling novel by Peter James, Dead Simple sees Jamie, who plays groom Michael Harrison, buried in a coffin with everyone who knows his whereabouts dead. Everyone but one person… and Detective Roy Grace must race against the clock to find that person and rescue the victim before it’s too late!

 

Jamie stars alongside Tina Hobley, who returns to the stage having graced TV screens for the last 12 years as ward sister Chrissie Williams in the BBC 1’s Holby City as well as roles in Coronation Street and Harbour Lights before that and was seen earlier this year in Celebrity Master Chef. She currently presents the prime time Sunday morning programme on Smooth Radio.

 

Dead Simple also stars Rik Makarem who played Nikhil Sharma in Emmerdale and previously appeared in Torchwood and Michael McKell who played Dr Nick West in Doctors as well as DC Nick Henshall in Emmerdale.

 

The role of the famous Detective Roy Grace is played by Gray O’Brien, the award-winning star of Coronation Street, TV seriesTitanic, Peak Practice and Casualty as well as Sleuth in the West End. He will follow up his critically acclaimed performance in previous Peter James adaptation, The Perfect Murder, by playing the detective in this gripping, chilling, thriller that has all the classic suspense, twists and turns of a best-selling Peter James novel.

 

Peter James has gone straight in at number one in the Sunday Times bestseller charts seven times in the last four years with his Roy Grace series. The international bestselling crime thriller novelist has won numerous awards both in the UK and in the USA, Peter has sold over 15 million books of his Roy Grace series, and is published in 36 languages. Dead Simple has itself sold over 2 million copies around the word and has been a number one best seller in the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Holland and Russia

 

Dead Simple is the second of James’ novels to be adapted for the stage and Peter said: “From the age of eight, when my parents first took me to the Theatre Royal in Brighton, it had been my dream that one day the curtains would rise in a theatre and a play of my work would be performed.  That dream came true after a chance meeting with my old friend, producer, Joshua Andrews, at a party in November 2012.

“Josh had seen first-hand the success of the recent Agatha Christie stage productions and he joked that I was the nearest thing to a living modern day Agatha Christie – so he asked if I had any novels that I felt might adapt well to the stage. The result was the first run of The Perfect Murder, over 16 weeks from early January this year, and to my delight it played to packed houses, enthusiastic audiences and a great critical response around the country and has just started its second tour this autumn!

“It is a real thrill now for Josh and I to be launching our second collaboration, an adaptation by the brilliant Shaun McKenna, of my first Roy Grace novel, Dead Simple. It’s a tale of treachery and deceit, which seems to touch a nerve in everyone who reads it and has been one of my best-selling books to date.”

 

“I had myself locked in a coffin for 30 minutes as part of my research, and it was one of the scariest moments of my life. It’s so many people’s worst nightmare to be buried alive and I’m looking forward to recreating some of that terror in the theatres soon with another incredible cast of actors!”

 

Dead Simple appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 26 – Sat 30 May 2015 (Evenings: 7.30pm, Matinees: Wed and Thur 2.30pm). Tickets from £14 (online price) Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.

 

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY

Friday 22 April at 7:30pm

Following her acclaimed performance in the Watermill’s 2014 production of Calamity Jane, Jodie Prengernow steps into Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s classic musical, TELL ME ON A SUNDAY.

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY charts the romantic misadventures of a young English girl in New York in the heady days of the 1980’s. Brimming with optimism, she seeks success and love. But as she weaves her way through the maze of the city and her own anxieties, frustrations and heartaches she begins to wonder whether she’s been looking for love in all the wrong places. This iconic musical, with a wonderful original score, features Unexpected Song the chart-topping Take That Look Off Your Face and title track Tell Me on A Sunday.

Originally conceived for television, TELL ME ON A SUNDAY has been performed by many legendary musical theatre stars including Marti Webb and Sarah Brightman. This new 2016 production directed by Paul Foster includes an intimate post-show chat with Jodie about life, love and playing the role of Emma.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s numerous awards include 7 Tonys, 3 Grammys, 7 Olivier’s, a Golden Globe, an Oscar, 2 Emmys and the Richard Rodgers Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre.

Tickets:  £23.50, £26.50, £30

Box Office:  0844 871 3024

Online Booking:  www.atgtickets.com/york

GLENN CARTER REPRISES ROLE AS JESUS

 

MUSICAL THEATRE STAR TIM ROGERS AS JUDAS ISCARIOT

 

X FACTOR FINALIST RACHEL ADEDEJI AS MARY MAGDALENE

 

IN JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

 

THE WORLD’S OLDEST STORY, THE WORLD’S GREATEST ROCK MUSICAL

 

The explosive new production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ground-breaking rock opera, is set to continue its major UK tour into the autumn.

Leading performer Glenn Carter returns as Jesus, a role he has played in the West End, on Broadway and on film. His extensive musical theatre credits include leading roles in Whistle Down the Wind, Les Misérables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Godspell and Merrily We Roll Along.

Australian star Tim Rogers made his UK stage debut 15 years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Tim’s musical theatre credits include The Man in Whistle Down the Wind (UK Tour and West End), West Side Story, Jersey Boys,The Full Monty, Aspects of Love and the title role in Jekyll & Hyde at the Union Theatre. Most recently he starred inCarousel at the Arcola Theatre London.

X Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji plays Mary Magdalene direct from the UK and European tour of Thriller Live. The cast also includes David Burilin, Alistair Lee, Ed Handoll, Andy Barke, Tim Oxbrow, Richard J Hunt, Johnathan Tweedie, Cellen Chugg Jones, Michael Ward and Lizzie Ottley.

 

Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright reunite to direct Jesus Christ Superstar, a partnership that has seen them at the helm of iconic musicals including Evita (in the West End and on tour) and Blood Brothers; a show they have directed for almost 30 years, scooping up no less than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.

Jesus Christ Superstar exploded onto the musical scene in 1971. Stunning audiences, it changed the face of musical theatre forever. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

As compelling today as it was at its inception over 40 years ago, Jesus Christ Superstar features some of musical theatre’s most legendary songs from I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Everything’s Alright, Gethsemane andSuperstar.

Bill Kenwright by special arrangement with the Really Useful Group presents

Jesus Christ Superstar

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber     Lyrics by Tim Rice

Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright

Designed by Paul Farnsworth

Choreographed by Carole Todd

Lighting designed by Nick Richings

Sound designed by Dan Samson

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – 2015 UK TOUR DATES

 

Monday 30 June – Saturday 4 July                                 Box Office: 0115 989 5555

Nottingham, Theatre Royal                                                             Website: www.trch.co.uk

Monday 6 – Saturday 11 July                                                           Box Office: 08448 482700

Leeds Grand Theatre                                                                        Website: www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

Monday 13 – Saturday 18 July                                                        Box Office: 0844 871 7652

Milton Keynes Theatre                                                                     Website: www.atgtickets.com

Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 July                                                        Box Office: 0844 871 3012

Bristol Hippodrome                                                                           Website: www.atgtickets.com

Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 September                                               Box Office: 01492 872000

Llandudno, Venue Cymru                                                 Website: www.venuecymru.co.uk

Monday 7 – Saturday 12 September                                             Box Office: 01323 412000

Eastbourne, Congress Theatre                                                      Website: www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Monday 14 – Saturday 19 September                                           Box Office: 08448 112121

Newcastle, Theatre Royal                                                               Website: www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Monday 21 – Saturday 26 September                                           Box Office: 0844 871 7646

New Wimbledon Theatre                                                 Website: www.atgtickets.com

Monday 28 September – Saturday 3 October                             Box Office: 0844 871 3020

Oxford, New Theatre                                                                        Website: www.atgtickets.com

Monday 5 – Saturday 10 October                                  Box Office: 0844 871 7648

Glasgow, King’s Theatre                                                  Website: www.atgtickets.com

Monday 12 – Saturday 17 October                                                Box Office: 0844 871 3024

York, Grand Opera House                                                                Website: www.atgtickets.com

Monday 19 – Saturday 24 October                                                Box Office: 01603 630000

Norwich, Theatre Royal                                                                    Website: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Monday 26 – Saturday 31 October                                                Box Office: 01872 262466

Truro, Hall for Cornwall                                                                    Website: www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

Monday 2 – Saturday 7 November                                Box Office: 0844 338 5000

Birmingham, Hippodrome Theatre                                               Website: www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Monday 9 – Saturday 14 November                                              Box Office: 01224 641122

Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre                                  Website: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

THE PRODIGY

UK & EU TOUR ANNOUNCED

WITH SUPPORT FROM PUBLIC ENEMY

METRO RADIO ARENA, NEWCASTLE

THURSDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2015

 

“The most exciting – and most angrily British – album of the year”

***** Kerrang!

 

“The strongest and most confident Prodigy album since ‘The Fat Of The Land”

8/10 NME

 

“They’ve done it again and you can’t help but love ‘em for it”

8/10 Mixmag

 

This is another shape-shifting evolution in a career full of them. That’s how The Prodigy stay vital”. Q

 

Having recently landed their 6th consecutive #1 album with the supreme force that is ‘The Day Is My Enemy’, and straight off the back of two sold out shows at Alexandra Palace to round off their UK tour, The Prodigy are pleased to announce a run of further live shows across the UK and Europe to close 2015 with support coming from Public Enemy.

 

Liam Howlett said: “We are hyped to announce we have our old skool heroes Public Enemy joining us on our UK and European tour.”

 

If you can’t wait that long to experience the new album live, you can catch The Prodigy headlining Isle of Wight Festival in June and T In The Park in July.

 

Tickets costing £27.50 & £39.50 will go on sale 9.30am Friday 29th May 2015 and are available online, from the booking hotline number 0844 493 6666 or from 10.00am in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office.

 

Tickets are available from:-

• Credit Card Booking and Information Line 0844 493 6666
• The Metro Radio Arena Newcastle Box Office (Mon – Fri: 10.00am – 4.00pm, Sat: 11.00am – 2.30pm)
• Internet Site:- www.metroradioarena.co.uk
• Group Bookers should call (0191) 260 6006
• Accessible Bookings should call (0191) 260 6066 for further details

Empire Theatre, Sunderland – 23 May 2015

I thoroughly enjoyed Spamalot, a fabulous feel good show, but I also ended up being part of it.  I was sat at the end of the row and became the lucky person who “found” the Holy Grail under my seat.

Dragged up on stage, the lights really are bright and its impossible to see the audience.  I was presented with a crown, a tin of Spam and a photo to remind me of my exploits.  And it was my birthday so a double celebration.

The show itself is hilarious.  Joe Pasquale as King Arthur is a born entertainer, breaking the fourth wall and corpsing all over, seeming like he is having genuine fun in the role. He is assisted by his trusty peasant Patsy played by real life son, Joe Tracini. Pasquale is utterly loveable in the role, playing it with all the tongue in cheek humour it requires. But Tracini has a very clear singing voice and great comedic timing ensuring he gets as many laughs as his dad.

Richard Kent was worth the trip for his camp-as-a jamboree Prince Herbert, complete with a stunning falsetto voice as part of an incredible range. Richard Meek was hilarious as the only-slightly-more-butch Sir Dennis Galahad and the Black Knight, who came to a sticky, limbless end. Jamie Tyler, similarly, displays great versatility and skill as the In, then Out of, the Closet Sir Lancelot (his disco scene is eye-wateringly funny), the superior French taunter (marvellous), the feral Tim the Enchanter and the quite wonderful Knight of the Ni.

Will Hawksworth, as cowardly Sir Robin and Josh Wilmot as a great Sir Bedevere and an even better Mrs Galahad, with typical, Python-esque, squeaky tones, all deserved their places at the Round Table of song-and-dance excellence.

As the dazzling, delicious diva The Lady Of The Lake, Sarah Earnshaw is quite amazing. She has one of those gutsy soprano belts which is versatile and perfect in every way, for the vocal demands in this part. Come With Me, The Song That Goes Like This, Find Your Grail and The Diva’s Lament are all sensational to watch and listen to with Earnshaw’s Lady in full vocal throttle. With perfect comedy timing she is a truly terrific turn.

While Spamalot is most memorable for the comedy its songs are equally strong. The anthem Always Look on the Bright Side of Life sung by the entire cast at the end is bound to leave you with the feel-good factor.

And to be part of this fabulous show was a fantastic experience for me – I shall wear my crown with pride

Touring the country at the moment see www.spamalotontour.co.uk/home for dates

BRUNTWOOD PRIZE FOR PLAYWRITING 2015

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER BRITAIN’S BIGGEST PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

CLOSES FOR ENTRIES ON 5 JUNE AT 6PM

The 2015 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 10th anniversary competition is now entering its final two weeks for submissions, the competition closes for entries on 5 June. Writers of all levels of experience have been invited to enter plays, which must be original, unperformed and unproduced. The winner will receive a prize of £16,000 and a full production of their play at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. The competition, which runs every two years, is a unique partnership between the Royal Exchange Theatre and property company Bruntwood.

Two of 2013’s winners – YEN by Anna Jordan, and THE ROLLING STONE by Chris Urch – received their world premieres at the Royal Exchange this year.

The judging panel for this year’s prize is chaired by Nicholas Hytner, former Artistic Director of the National Theatre. The full judging panel is as follows:

• Nicholas Hytner (former Artistic Director, National Theatre)
• Sarah Frankcom (Artistic Director, Royal Exchange Theatre)
• Vivienne Franzmann (playwright and former Bruntwood winner)
• Ramin Gray (Artistic Director, Actors Touring Company)
• Bryony Lavery (playwright)
• Michael Oglesby CBE (Chairman, Bruntwood)
• Miranda Sawyer (writer and broadcaster)
• Meera Syal CBE (actor and writer).

The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting is open to writers in the UK and Ireland aged 16 and over.

Entries opened on 30 January 2015 and can be submitted online at www.writeaplay.co.uk  The closing date is 6pm on 5 June 2015.

The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting is Britain’s biggest playwriting competition.  This round will mark the 10th anniversary of the Prize, which has supported the development and productions of a significant number of playwrights since its inception in 2005.  17 playwrights have been awarded a total of £160,000.  There have been thirteen critically acclaimed productions of winning entries, as well as a number of productions of plays elsewhere that were identified through the judging process.

Over 9,000 entries have been generated from across the United Kingdom and winning playwrights have gone on to have work produced at the Royal Court Theatre, Almeida Theatre, on Broadway and in the West End.  It is a significant investment in playwrights and support for new work on stage.  More information about the Prize can be found at www.writeaplay.co.uk/about.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCED FOR

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE & OPERA HOUSE LTD

 

Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Ltd – the Company that manages Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House – has today announced the appointment of a full time, interim Chief Executive.

Chris Blythe has been involved with LGTOH Ltd for over a year as part of his role as Leeds City Council’s Principal Finance Manager thus making him well-placed to use his relationships and contacts at the Council to start the process of the Company’s change of governance to an Independent Trust as announced in March this year.

Theatres’ Director Andrew Macgill will continue to work one day a week on specific projects until the end of the year.

Chris said, “The Management Team at LGTOH Ltd has done sterling work in the last year and has announced a surplus for 2014/15. I am looking forward to working with them to build on those positive foundations.”

“As the City prepares its bid for Capital of Culture 2020 it’s important that these three historical venues remain at the heart of the City’s cultural offering, maintaining a good relationship with the Council and continuing to do what they do best – entertaining the people of Leeds and Yorkshire.”

Chris Blythe starts the position with immediate effect.

THE ROYAL COURT LAUNCHES MARKET STALL AT TACHBROOK STREET MARKET, PIMLICO ON 28 MAY 2015

• The Royal Court Theatre joins Market Stall sellers at TACHBROOK STREET MARKET, Pimlico, every Thursday and Friday until the end of August.

 

• The Market Stall features PIMLICO PLAYGROUND: new journeying audio plays written by Royal Court writers; and ESPRESSO PLAYS: plays ‘made to order’ by a resident writer.

 

• The Royal Court Theatre in collaboration with Open Age present SW ONCE: a selection of rehearsed readings written over six introductory playwriting workshops.

The Royal Court Theatre supported by Bloomberg has set up a Market Stall at Tachbrook Street Market in Pimlico as part of its three year engagement with the area. Trading every Thursday and Friday between 10am – 3pm until the end of August the Market Stall hosts a range of events and is an arena to listen to suggestions from local residents on what they would like to see happen in the area.

Your local theatre is now even closer.

For the next three years we’re going to be camped on your doorstep, hanging out on your high street, hawking in your market and generally being a friendly neighbour.

Visitors to the Market Stall will have access to Pimlico Playground, new journeying audio plays written by Royal Court writers, and Espresso Plays, ‘made to order’ plays written by a resident writer.

Visitors have the opportunity to take part in miniature scriptwriting workshops and a chain-written community play, they will also have access to ticket flash sales for Royal Court productions and free copies of Royal Court plays to take home.

Commenting on the project Royal Court Artistic Associate, Ola Animashawun said:

 

“I am delighted to welcome with open arms the people of Pimlico to our Theatre Stall in Tachbrook Street Market. Providing the theatre with a great opportunity to engage with the community and offer something that is at once, novel, unique and creative, to invite interest and ignite curiosity. Simultaneously this will enable us to create the launch pad for our wider ambition of tapping into the creative energy, desires and ambitions of the people in Pimlico.”

 

The launch event will start from 12pm Thursday 28 May with a speech by artistic Associate of the Royal Court Ola Animashawun to celebrate the official opening of the Market Stall at 1pm.

SW Once (Part of South West Fest)
with Ola Animashawun
22 June 2015 2pm
St. James Theatre, Studio Space, 12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5JA
Free but places must be booked in advance

Local actors will be performing a selection of rehearsed readings, as part of this year’s South West Fest. The plays will be written during six introductory playwriting workshops. The workshops will be run by the Royal Court working with Open Age, an organisation that helps older people to develop new and stimulating interests.

To book email [email protected]

_________________________________________________________________________

 

The Espresso Plays
Every Thursday & Friday 10am – 2:45pm
Tachbrook Street Market

Written by a resident writter, the Espresso Plays are inspired by ideas suggested by Market Stall visitors.

Come and chat to our market stall playwrights and within 5 minutes a freshly brewed, personalised play will be written for you, all served in a takeaway coffee cup.

_________________________________________________________________________

 

Pimlico Playground
by Diana Nneka Atuona, Josh Azouz, Olivia Hirst, Sarah Kosar, Simon Longman and Nessah Muthy
directed by Ola Animashawun, Debbie Hannan and Chris Sonnex
Every last Thu & Fri of the month (28, 29 May, 25, 26 Jun, 30, 31 Jul, 27, 28 Aug)
10am – 2:45pm
Tachbrook Street Market

Short enough to experience on your lunch break, these six location-based audio plays by Royal Court writers will take you on an imaginative journey through your everyday surroundings, animating the space between Tachbrook St. Market and the playground.

Head to our market stall, grab an MP3 player and a map, and have a wander…

The original short plays were recorded by actors from Pimlico Academy and Mulberry Alumni Theatre group, both of which the theatre have been working with over the past year.

The Pimlico Playground plays include:

Untitled by Diana Nneka Atuona
Bike by Josh Azouz
Hopscotch by Olivia Hirst
Big Body Tiny Head by Sarah Kosar
Bricks by Simon Longman
Brides by Nessah Muthy

Running time 30m

Pimlico Playground writers’ biographies:

Diana Nneka Atuona’s credits for the Royal Court include Liberian Girl. As well as winning the Alfred Fagon Award for Playwriting, Liberian Girl was long listed for both the Verity Bargate and the Bruntwood Prize. It was staged at the Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. The summit was hosted by William Hague MP and Special Envoy to the UN, Angelina Jolie. Diana attended the Royal Court’s Peckham Writers Group, as part of Theatre Local. She is currently on commission with the Old Vic Theatre.

Josh Azouz’s Theatre includes The Mikvah Project (The Yard); Bar-Mitzvah Boy (OvalHouse); Sink or Shpin (Bannatyne’s Health Club/Boom Cycle London). As director, theatre includes: The Man Who Almost Killed Himself (Summerhall/BBC iplayer/Odeon release); Spur of the Moment (ALRA North/Home’s Replay Festival); On Dis Ting (OvalHouse); Gargantua (Library Theatre); No! Mr Lawrence! (The Lowry); Harissa(Tricycle) Europe (Contact).

Olivia Hirst’s theatre includes Goodstock and Play for September (Lost Watch); The Longley Viking Museum (Soho); Baby’s Gone (Performance Academy Newcastle College). She is a Writer and Co Artistic Director of Lost Watch Theatre Company.

For the Royal Court Sarah Kosar theatre includes: Spaghetti Ocean (Live Lunch). Other theatre includes Hot Dog (Descent/The Last Refuge/Thinking Cap). Short plays include Runt (Oxford School of Drama/Soho), Ice Cream (Little Pieces of Gold/Southwark), Fox (Descent/Little Pieces of Gold/Southwark),Pineapple and other short plays (Outlines/Old Red Lion), Gynotime (Orange Tea/Amsterdam). Radio includes Hashtag (Roundhouse Radio/Theatre Centre). 

Simon Longman’s theatre includes Milked (Pentabus); Why I Don’t Like the Sea and Popcorn (Arcola). He was a member of the Royal Court Young Writer’s Group in 2013 and is currently under commission for the Royal Court.

For the Royal Court Nessah Muthy’s theatre includes: Beastie (Live Lunch), Gastronauts, Hungry (Lost in Theatre, Open Court). Other theatre includes: This is not a Slog (OvalHouse); IED (HighTide Festival);Sucker (Old Vic New Voices); Sex with Robots & other Devices (Cloakroom); Nazma (Kali); Freya & Mr Mushroom (The Building Site/Southwark).

 

Berwick Kaler’s 37th panto to be staged in 1000 seat theatre at the National Railway Museum

Berwick Kaler’s 37th writing and starring role in Dick Whittington (and his Meerkat) will take place at the 1000 seat purpose built theatre at the National Railway Museum this Christmas. The theatre has been named The Signal Box Theatre. York Theatre Royal have announced the news after recent discoveries at the historic theatre site on St Leonards Place have led to a delay to the major refurbishment of the auditorium and stage.

The tight 27 week schedule always had a back-up plan, and archaeologists and builders are working extended hours to complete necessary work. Over the last few weeks the archaeological finds under the stage and in the auditorium have been staggering and bigger than previously predicted.

It was previously thought that the Victorians destroyed the foundations of St Leonard’s Hospital (one of the largest and most important hospitals in medieval England) when building the theatre on the site. Last week these foundations have been uncovered. They are still intact and located underneath the stalls. This is an important find of great significance to the city.

The City of York archaeologist has confirmed further excavation is needed. York Archaeological Trust are therefore continuing the required excavation on this unprecedented find. A longer time-frame has now been set to excavate an area of the stalls floor. Architects, De Matos Ryan, are now working on ideas for incorporating the archaeology into the new design of the theatre.

Ben Reeves, Chief Archaeologist on the site said

It is amazing that, considering all the alterations to the theatre since 1764, so much of the medieval hospital has survived under the stalls and elsewhere within the building. The remains are an exciting and important discovery for both archaeologists and the public, offering an opportunity to investigate and understand more about one of the City’s most fascinating and little understood sites.

The in-house panto production team usually begin work on set design and special effects in April and therefore a decision needed to be made to ensure the show is as spectacular as panto-goers expect. By making the decision now it means the set designers can start planning for the new space and the UK’s longest running dame, Berwick Kaler can start writing the script knowing that the environment will be different.

It will be York’s one and only opportunity to see the master of Panto take the well-loved formula, and apply it to this brand new space. After 36 years performing on the York Theatre Royal stage Berwick acknowledged it will be a challenge but said he is raring to go:

Artistic Director Damian Cruden has gone to great lengths to try and get rid of me but his latest effort is quite ingenious. However the laugh is on him because I have found a substitute theatre just a couple of hundred yards away from my beloved Theatre Royal – the one thousand seat NRM’s Signal Box Theatre. So while Cruden is looking for his ancestors below ground, me and ‘me bairns’ will be enjoying Dick Whittington and his Meerkat which promises to be a one-off hilarious and unique experience.

Located at the National Railway Museum, the Signal Box Theatre is a 1000 seat, heated, semi-permanent, purpose built auditorium. This venue, shipped from Toronto, is also hosting the York Theatre Royal, National Railway Museum and Pilot Theatre production In Fog and Falling Snow with George Costigan in the lead role, and the award-winning The Railway Children. The theatre is also delighted to announce that joining The Railway Children team, which includes Martin Barrass as Mr Perks, will be Berwick Kaler as the Old Gentleman.

He continued

The reason I have taken on this classic cameo role is to annoy Damian Cruden who wanted a professional actor to play the part. Even before rehearsals begin I have a shock for Cruden – I’ve already learnt my LINE!

The theatre sits the audience on two sides of a platform (traverse) and with only 10 rows from

front to back, every seat gets a brilliant view of the action and means panto fans will be closer to the cast than ever before. Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper and David Leonard have all confirmed they will once again be joining the York panto family and are looking forward to an extraordinary panto season.

A similar structure is currently being used at Kings Cross, London where York Theatre Royal’s The Railway Children is currently running. This show opened in December 2014 and has been very warm over the winter months. The theatre will be insulated using a bespoke fabric that will help to keep the space cool during the summer and warm over the winter months. It has an integrated foyer where audiences will be able to purchase drinks at the bar, sweets, programmes, ice creams, cakes and nibbles. There will be space to wait inside and an enchanted entrance way will be created especially for the show. Paul Kirkman, Chief Executive at the National Railway Museum said

We can’t wait to welcome scores of dedicated panto fans to our amazing new addition to our site, the Signal Box Theatre, this Christmas. We’re currently working with the theatre to put together a truly magical festive day out for all the family.  With free entry to our museum, audiences will also be able to steep themselves in the spirit of Christmas past through a collection spanning more than 300 years of social history. With all this to enjoy under one roof, plus lots of available car parking, and some die-hard panto aficionados amongst our own staff, it will certainly be the season to be jolly here at the National Railway Museum.

13500 people have already bought tickets to the popular production. All will receive a personally addressed letter explaining the situation and being asked to trust Box Office staff to ensure they are transferred to a seat of the same value and quality in the Signal Box Theatre.

Liz Wilson, Chief Executive of York Theatre Royal said

Our audience are one of the most loyal I have known and I ask them to bear with us during this period of change. Our official name is ‘York Citizens Theatre Trust’ and we take our role of serving the people of York very seriously. York wouldn’t be York without its annual panto and I’m pleased to confirm Berwick and the panto family are all excited about the new location.

Whilst capacity has increased by moving location, other costs have also risen. Running a temporary theatre space means there are new overheads to consider, and York Theatre Royal will also need to continue to pay for the extension of work at its regular site. The panto run will also be shortened from 7 to 6 weeks, to cope with the extra capacity per performance, and also to ensure the re-opening of the theatre’s auditorium for early Spring productions. Prior to this the theatre’s café and bar area, which has also undergone a major transformation, will open in the new year.

The original closure period gave building landlords York Conservation Trust a limited opportunity to carry out much needed work to the external fabric of the building. Now the extension to development work gives further opportunity to complete work to additional areas not included in the original plans, such as the dressing rooms. Philip Thake, Chief Executive of the trust, said

Recent discoveries by York Archaeological Trust further confirm the importance of this historic site, and our responsibility to look after the Grade II listed building. Whilst we understand the delay will come as a surprise for theatre-goers we are also pleased that the archaeological work can continue, and that this allows us to make further improvements to the building for York Theatre Royal staff and to ensure its sustainability into the future.

Meanwhile, at the Signal Box Theatre, the infamous Last Night of Panto, in which the crew get their own back on cast, will also be moved to a Sunday evening with increased capacity. Dick Whittington (and his Meerkat) will therefore run from Thursday 10 December 2015 – Sunday 24 January 2016. People who already have tickets are being asked to please be patient and wait for their new tickets before contacting the theatre. Those yet to book should note that the show will not be on sale for several days until all bookers have been transferred. Visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk for more information.

DISNEY AND CAMERON MACKINTOSH

ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE

THE NEW NATIONAL TOUR OF

THEIR INTERNATIONAL SUPERCALIFRAGILISTIC HIT MUSICAL

 

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh are delighted to announce that their multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins is coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal from Thu 8 Sept – Sat 29 Oct 2016 as part of a tour of the UK and Ireland.

 

Following his recent successes with Barnum and Oliver! at the Newcastle Theatre Royal, Cameron Mackintosh is returning with yet another favourite in Mary Poppins. He said: “It’s hard to believe that it is already 11 years since Mary Poppins first landed on the London stage.  My goodness……time flies even faster than our beloved Nanny!  I’m delighted to bring this wonderful musical to Newcastle after spreading its magic around the world.  Since we originally staged the production we have found even more magical ways to stage this timeless tale and I’m sure you will find our new Mary practically perfect in every way”.

 

The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The stage version of Mary Poppins is brilliantly adapted from the wonderful stories by PL Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film.

 

The stage production of Mary Poppins is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh and has a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter andDownton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes. It has a timeless score by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman including the songs Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The producer for Disney Theatrical Productions is Thomas Schumacher.

 

The internationally renowned and multi award-winning creative team assembled for Mary Poppins is led by stage and film director Richard Eyre. Co-direction and choreography is by Matthew Bourne, with co-choreography by Stephen Mear. Set and costume design is by Bob Crowley with lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Paul Groothuis and orchestrations by William David Brohn. The National Tour of Mary Poppins is directed by Anthony Lyn and choreographed by Geoffrey Garratt with musical supervision by Stephen Brooker.
The stage production of Mary Poppins originally opened in 2004 and ran in the West End for three years and over 1,250 performances. During this time it won the Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreography and Best Set Design as well as the Evening Standard Award for Best Set Design and the Variety Club Award for Best Musical. The Broadway production ran for over six years where it won the Tony Award for Best Set Design. The show has subsequently toured Australia, New Zealand, the U.S, the UK, has been seen by over 11 million people and is currently breaking box office records in Vienna.

 

Mary Poppins appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Thur 8 Sept – Sat 29 Oct 2016. Public and online booking opens onSaturday 30 May. Become a Friend of the Theatre Royal and you can book from Tuesday 26 May.  To become a Friend, visit:www.theatreroyal.co.uk or call 08448 11 21 21.

Tickets from £22.50 (save 50p per ticket by booking online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online (from 30 May) at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.