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THE INTERNATIONAL SMASH HIT MUSICAL SIX ANNOUNCES NEW CAST FOR UK & INTERNATIONAL TOUR 2025/26

PLUS, THE RETURN OF ALEXIA MCINTOSH, ORIGINAL ANNA OF CLEVES WHO CAN CURRENTLY BE SEEN IN THE RECORD-BREAKING CAPTURE IN CINEMAS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

The multi award-winning musical SIX, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, today announces a new cast for the UK & International tour. The new company will take over from Tuesday 20 May as the current cast head to China for an 8-week season in Shanghai. The current cast will return to the UK for a further five weeks, with their final performance on Saturday 30 August. The new cast will then continue from Tuesday 2 September. The new touring Queens will be played by LaSasha Aldredge (Catherine of Aragon), Yna Montarde (Anne Boleyn), Emily Dawson (Jane Seymour), original West End cast member Alexia McIntosh (Anna of Cleves) until 26 July, Jodie Knight (Anna of Cleves) from 2 September, Sammy Timbers (Katherine Howard) and Layla Chivandire (Catherine Parr). Abi Atchison, Millie Readshaw and Eve Kitchingman will be joining the cast as Alternates, with Super Swings Emilia Paige Jurin and Lucia Valentino. The cast are backed by the show’s all-female band, The Ladies in Waiting, led by Musical Director Rosabella Gregory. 

Alexia McIntosh said: ‘After so many years with SIX, both in London and now its cinematic release, I’ve been so lucky to have spent so much time with so many amazing cast members. I’m so honoured to have been invited back to revisit life as Anna and I can’t wait to work with even more amazing Queens, and I’m excited to be passing the baton (or in this case, the famous Cleves boots) on to Jodie when she takes over the role.’ 

SIX follows the six wives of Henry VIII as they take to the mic to tell their own personal tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.

On the international stage, SIX continues its reign on Broadway at the Lena Horne Theatre and is now booking into its fourth year. SIX has toured the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, South Korea, Holland, Germany, Italy and Switzerland and enjoyed a seven-week season at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Back on home turf, the London production recently celebrated its sixth sensational year in the West End and continues its reign at the Vaudeville Theatre (its third royal residence), whilst nationally, the UK tour – now booking through 2026 – continues to break Box Office records. 

Winner of over 37 major international awards including the 2022 Tony Award for ‘Best Original Score’ and ‘Best Costume Design’ on Broadway, triple Whatsonstage Award winner for ‘Best West End Show’ 2022, 2023 and 2025 and the 2020 BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for ‘Best Musical’, SIX was also nominated for five Olivier awards, including ‘Best New Musical’. The original studio album of SIX officially turned Gold in 2021, with the Broadway album SIX – Live on Opening Night nominated for a Grammy Award. Earlier this month, the live captured film release of SIX the Musical Live was seen in cinemas across the UK, broadcast on the most screens of any limited release cinema event, beating Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX is co-directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, featuring choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille. The design team includes Emma Bailey (Set Design), Gabriella Slade (Costume Design), Tim Deiling (Lighting Design) and Paul Gatehouse (Sound Design). The score features orchestrations by Tom Curran with music supervision and vocal arrangements by Joe Beighton. Musical Director Rosabella Gregory and Associate UK Musical Supervisor Lauren Hopkinson. Casting is by Pearson Casting. SIX is produced by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles. 

Tour Listings:

SIX UK & INTERNATIONAL TOUR 2025/26

Tue 8 – Sat 12 April

BRADFORD Alhambra Theatre 

01274 432000 | bradford-theatres.co.uk

Tue 15 – Sat 19 April

STOKE ON TRENT Regent Theatre 

atgtickets.com/stoke

Tue 20 – Sat 24 May 

AYLESBURY Waterside Theatre 

atgtickets.com/aylesbury

Tue 27 May – Sat 1 June

LEICESTER Curve Theatre 

0116 242 3560 | curveonline.co.uk

Tue 3 – Sat 7 June

HULL New Theatre 

01482 300306 | hulltheatres.co.uk

Tue 10 – Sat 14 June

BELFAST Grand Opera House 

028 9024 1919 | goh.co.uk

Tue 17 – Sat 28 June 

DUBLIN Bord Gais Energy Theatre 

+353 1 677 7999 | bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Tue 1 – Sat 5 July

RHYL Pavilion 

01745 33 00 00 | rhylpavilion.co.uk

Tue 8 – Sat 13 July

LEEDS Grand Theatre 

0844 848 2700 | leedsheritagetheatres.com

Tue 15 – Sat 19 July

COVENTRY Belgrade 

024 7655 3055 | belgrade.co.uk

Tue 22 – Sat 26 July 

SKEGNESS The Embassy Theatre 

01754 474100 | embassytheatre.co.uk

Tue 29 Jul – Sun 3 August

SALFORD The Lowry 

0343 208 6000 | thelowry.com

Tue 5 – Sat 9 August 

ABERDEEN His Majesty’s Theatre 

01224 641122 | aberdeenperformingarts.com

Tue 12 – Sat 23 August

NEWCASTLE Theatre Royal 

0191 232 7010 | theatreroyal.co.uk

Tue 26 Aug – Sat 6 September

GUILDFORD Yvonne Arnaud Theatre 

01483 44 00 00 | yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Tue 9 – Sat 20 September

BRIGHTON Theatre Royal 

atgtickets.com/brighton

Tue 23 – Sat 27 September

MOLD Theatre Clwyd 

01352 344101 Theatreclwyd.com

Tue 30 Sep – Sat 4 October 

TRURO Hall for Cornwall 

01872 262466 | hallforcornwall.co.uk

Tue 7 – Sat 11 October

TORQUAY Princess Theatre 

atgtickets.com/torquay

Tue 14 – Sat 18 October 

YORK Grand Opera House 

atgtickets.com/york

Tue 21 – Sat 25 October

EDINBURGH Playhouse 

atgtickets.com/edinburgh

Tue 28 Oct – Sat 8 November

CARDIFF Wales Millennium Centre 

029 2063 6464 | wmc.org.uk

Tue 11 – Sat 15 November

SOUTHEND Cliffs Pavilion 

0343 310 0030 | southendtheatres.com

Tue 18 – Sat 22 November

MALVERN Theatres 

01684 892277 | malvern-theatres.co.uk

Tue 25 – Sat 29 November 

HIGH WYCOMBE Swan Theatre 

0343 310 0060 | wycombeswan.co.uk

Tue 2 – Sat 6 December 

SOUTHAMPTON Mayflower 

02380 711811 | mayflower.org.uk

Tue 9 – Sat 13 December

OXFORD New Theatre 

atgtickets.com/oxford

Mon 22 Dec – Sun 4 January

BLACKPOOL Opera House 

01253 629600 | wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

2026 dates to be announced 

Running time: 80 minutes, no interval | Age guide: 10+

New Wimbledon Theatre – until Saturday 12th April 2025

Reviewed by Brooke Burlinge  

4**** 

Wimbledon Theatre brings you the brand new musical Now That’s What I Call A Musical. An endearing and fabulously vibrant production to celebrate the 40 years of the iconic ‘NOW That’s What I Call Music!’ compilation series. A new show at the theatre is always a little sceptical, a hit or miss you could say. This one I can confidently say was a hit. Despite the script and acting falling a little flat at times, and the acts dragging on a little longer than needed, the music managed to uplift the whole ambience and atmosphere once again. Some of the dance sequences and parts of the show were not necessary for the plot, however it did provide a certain campness and flare to the musical- something that constantly had the audience engrossed into the performance. 

The musical takes place in Birmingham, flashing back and forth between 1989 and 2009, where we follow the friendship and lives of younger Gemma (Nikita Johal) and April (Maia Hawkins) in 1989, following up to the dreaded school reunion in 2009, where old friends get together, old flames are possibly rekindled and Gemma (Nina Wadia) finally gets to see April (Sam Bailey) after 10 years of no contact… 

The whole of the cast was truly magnificent, and they all managed to bring each song to life perfectly, I can certainly say as part of the audience that I was in raptures from beginning to end with the variety of songs and fantastic choreography to match them. Both Nina Wadia and Nikita Johal played Gemma amazingly, Nina’s acting had so much depth and was beautiful to watch on stage. Nikita’s vocals were beautiful, and she really captured Gemma’s character. Sam Bailey, as always, sang superbly and dare I say had the audience awe struck at her clear and strong vocals. Maia Hawkins as younger April certainly had an outstanding stage presence, you couldn’t help but look at her whenever she was on stage, what an incredible performance debut to have. All the other characters were great in the performance, for example Tim (Chris Grahamson) and younger Tim (Kieran Cooper) despite being the ‘villian’ of the show provided a tremendous amount of humour and some fabulousness every time he was on stage. The heartwarming and lovable Frank (Shakil Hussain) and younger Frank (Luke Latchman) is another great mention, providing a happy and bubbly atmosphere to the stage. How could I forget the wonderful guest star- Sonia. She came out and had her moment, the audience absolutely loved it. 

Overall, it is certainly a musical to see if you want to see something fresh and new- although a little slow at times the music is fully worth it. Alongside the phenomenal atmosphere and nostalgia, the production brings for many. 

ORANGE TREE THEATRE ANNOUNCES FULL CAST FOR

TERENCE RATTIGAN’S IN PRAISE OF LOVE

With Playhouse Creatures currently in performances and rehearsals starting for the London première of the RSC production of Ben and Imo,Orange Tree Theatre (OT) today announces full casting for Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love.Amelia Sears directs Daniel Abelson (Mark Walters), Joe Edgar (Joey Cruttwell), Claire Price (Lydia Cruttwell) and Dominic Rowan (Sebastian Cruttwell).

In Praise of Love opens on 3 June, with previews from 24 May and runs until 5 July.

IN PRAISE OF LOVE

By Terence Rattigan

24 May – 5 July 2025

Cast: Daniel Abelson (Mark Walters), Joe Edgar (Joey Cruttwell), Claire Price (Lydia Cruttwell) and Dominic Rowan (Sebastian Cruttwell)

Director: Amelia Sears; Designer: Peter Butler; Lighting Design: Bethany Gupwell; Sound Designer and Composer: Elizabeth Purnell; Casting Director: Helena Palmer CDG; Production Manager: Pam Nichol

Honesty between people who love each other is the thing that matters least in this life.

England, 1973. Estonian refugee Lydia and her Marxist literary critic husband Sebastian both worked in wartime intelligence. They excel at keeping secrets – from friends, from each other, and even from themselves. But their world is crumbling. The arrival of Lydia’s admirer, a best-selling American author, sparks their complex deceptions into an explosion of family truths.

A perceptive and deeply moving drama, In Praise of Love is Rattigan’s penultimate play, and loosely based on the relationship between the actor Rex Harrison and his wife Kay Kendall. Orange Tree audiences loved Terence Rattigan’s French Without Tears and While the Sun Shines. This is a rare chance to see a haunting and provocative play by one of the twentieth century’s most popular playwrights.

Terence Rattigan was one of Britain’s greatest playwrights. His plays include French Without Tears, After the Dance, Flare Path, Love In Idleness, While the Sun Shines, The Winslow Boy, The Browning Version, Harlequinade, Adventure Story, Who is Sylvia?, The Deep Blue Sea, The Sleeping Prince, Separate Tables, Variation on a Theme, Ross, Man and Boy, A Bequest to the Nation and Cause Célèbre. His screenplays include French Without Tears, The Way to the Stars, Journey Together, While the Sun Shines, The Winslow Boy, The Browning Version, The Prince and the Showgirl, Separate Tables, The Sound Barrier, The Man Who Loved Redheads, The Deep Blue Sea, Goodbye Mr Chips, Conduct Unbecoming and A Bequest to the Nation. His television plays include Heart to Heart, All On Her Own and High Summer.

Daniel Abelson returns to the Orange Tree to play Mark Walters having previously appeared in Amsterdam (also Theatre Royal Plymouth). Other theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Opera North), Machinal (The Old Vic, Theatre Royal Bath Ustinov Studio), Circa (Old Red Lion Theatre), The Rivals (Watermill Theatre), William Wordsworth (ETT, Theatre by the Lake), Once in a Lifetime (Young Vic), The Mighty Waltzer (Royal Exchange Theatre); Me, As a Penguin (Arcola Theatre, The Lowry, West Yorkshire Playhouse), Country Magic (Southwark Playhouse), Macbeth (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Shadow of a Gunman (Glasgow Citizens Theatre), 5/11, King Lear, The Government Inspector, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Seven Doors, Thermidor, The Seagull and Holes in the Skin (Chichester Festival Theatre). His television credits include Humans, I Shouldn’t Be Alive, Jonathan Pie’s American Pie, Robin Hood and The Royal Today; and for film, The Rack Pack.

Joe Edgar plays Joey Cruttwell. His theatre credits include The Cabinet Minister (Menier Chocolate Factory), Just For One Day (Old Vic Theatre) and Hitchhiker (Teastain Theatre). His television credits include The Crown.

Claire Price returns to the Orange Tree to play Lydia Cruttwell having previously appeared in Poison. Other theatre credits include Something in the Air (Jermyn Street Theatre), Raya (Hampstead Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew/Measure for Measure, When Did You Last See My Mother (Battersea Arts Centre); for the RSC credits include Volpone, Don Carlos, Brand (the later also Theatre Royal Haymarket); King Lear (Duke of York’s Theatre), Things We Do For Love (Theatre Royal Bath, UK tour); for Sheffield Theatres, credits include The Winter’s Tale, The Daughter-in-Law, Company, The Pride, Richard III, Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest (also The Old Vic); Fifty Words (Theatre Royal Bath Ustinov Studio, Arcola Theatre), The Way of the World (Chichester Festival Theatre), Little Platoons (Bush Theatre), Mary Stuart (Theatr Clwyd), The White Devil (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Lady from the Sea (Birmingham Rep), Coriolanus, Blood Wedding (Bloomsbury Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Dark Room, Love in a Wood (New End Theatre Hampstead), Dead White Males (Nuffield Theatre), As You Like It, Twelfth Night (Liverpool Playhouse), The Relapse, Cyrano (National Theatre) and Dr Faustus (Bristol Old Vic). Her television credits include The Capture, Call the Midwife, Home Fires, Capital, The Coroner, The Outcast, Apparitions, London’s Burning, The White Lady, Murder in Mind: Sleeper, Out of this World, The Knock, Whistleblower, Twelfth Night, Poirot: The Hollow, Dalziel & Pascoe and Rebus; and for film, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Jump, Hereafter, Cuckoo and Solo Shuttle.

Dominic Rowan returns to the Orange Tree to playSebastian Cruttwell having previously appeared in Winter Solstice. Other theatre credits include The Invention of Love, The Divine Mrs S, Giving (Hampstead Theatre), The Good Life (Theatre Royal Bath), The Jungle (Playhouse Theatre, St Anne’s Warehouse, Curran Theatre), A Woman of No Importance, Stepping Out (Vaudeville Theatre), The Tempest, Measure for Measure, Henry VIII, A New World, As You Like It (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Cherry Orchard, After Dido (Young Vic), Medea, Happy Now?, Dream Play, Iphigenia at Aulis, Mourning Becomes Electra, Three Sisters, The Talking Cure, Private Lives (National Theatre), A Doll’s House (Young Vic, Duke of York’s Theatre, BAM New York), The Village Bike, Way to Heaven, Forty Winks (Royal Court Theatre), The Misanthrope (Comedy Theatre), The Spanish Tragedy (Arcola Theatre), Under the Blue Sky (Duke of York’s Theatre), A Voyage Round My Father, Lobby Hero (Donmar Warehouse), The Importance of Being Earnest (Oxford Playhouse), Sexual Perversity in Chicago (Sheffield Theatres), The Merchant of Venice, Two Gentlemen of Verona and Talk of the City (RSC). His television credits include Dalgliesh, Agatha Raisin, The Crown, Trying, Catastrophe, Press, Henry IV, Restless, Law & Order: UK (as series regular Jacob Thorne), Catwalk Dogs, Baby Boom, Trial and Retribution, The Lavender List, The Family Man, Rescue Me, Lost World, Swallow, North Square, Hearts and Bones, A Rather English Marriage, Between the Lines, Devil’s Advocate, No Bananas, Emma and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall; and for film, Tulse Luper Suitcases.

Amelia Sears’ directing credits include Years of Sunlight (Theatre503), Home, Brimstone and Treacle, Ant Street (Arcola Theatre), The Girl’s Guide to Saving the World (HighTide Festival), Pedestrian (Bristol Old Vic, Underbelly and UK tour) and The Last Five Years (Duchess Theatre). As Associate Director credits include Ghosts (Duchess Theatre), Twelfth Night (Donmar Warehouse season at Wyndham’s Theatre), Bliss (Royal Court Theatre), One Evening, Four Quartets (Lincoln Centre), Al Gran Sole Carico D’Amore (Salzburg Opera Festival), Some Trace of Her, The Year of Magical Thinking and Statement of Regret (National Theatre). For film her credits include the award-winning short films THREE and Ceresand her upcoming debut feature Ceres. She was recently selected as one of the BFI – LFF cohort for the 2024 London Film Festival.

ORANGE TREE THEATRE 

LISTINGS

1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9 2SA

Box Office: 020 8940 3633 (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm)

orangetreetheatre.co.uk

Performance times:

Monday – Saturday 7.30pm

Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm

PLAYHOUSE CREATURES

Until 12 April 2025

Audio Described Performance: Wednesday 9 April at 7:30pm

Captioned Performance: Tuesday 8 April at 7:30pm         

OT on screen: Tuesday 15 – Friday 18 April

Touring to:

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

Tue 22 – Sat 26 Apr

Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm

Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm

Box Office: 01483 440 000 / www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Theatre Royal Bath

Mon 28 Apr – Sat 3 May

Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm

Wednesday and Saturday 2.30pm

Box Office: 01225 448844 / www.theatreroyal.org.uk

BEN AND IMO

19 April – 17 May 2025

OT UNDER 30 NIGHT: Friday 2 May

Audio Described Performance: Wednesday 14 May at 7:30pm    

Captioned Performance: Tuesday 13 May at 7:30pm

Relaxed and distanced performance: Wednesday 7 May at 7:30pm

OT on screen: Tuesday 20 – Friday 23 May

IN PRAISE OF LOVE

24 May – 5 July 2025

OT UNDER 30 NIGHT: Friday 20 June

Audio Described Performance: Wednesday 2 July at 7:30pm

Captioned Performance: Tuesday 1 July at 7:30pm

Relaxed and distanced performance: Wednesday 25 June at 7:30pm

OT on screen: Tuesday 8 – Friday 11 July

ABOUT THE ORANGE TREE THEATRE

We are a local theatre with a global reputation.

A show at the Orange Tree is close-up magic: live, entertaining, unmissable. We’re an intimate theatre with the audience wrapped around the stage. We believe in celebrating what it means to be human. We believe in putting people at the centre of the stories we tell. And we believe in the power of a writer’s words, an actor’s voice, and an audience’s imagination to transport us to other worlds and other lives.

We punch above our weight to create world-class productions of new and contemporary drama, revitalise classics and re-discoveries, and introduce children and young people to the magic of theatre.

We are deeply rooted in our local community in South West London. We work with thousands of people aged 0 to 100 in Richmond and beyond through participatory theatre, bringing generations together to build confidence, connection, and joy. Our ground-breaking Primary Shakespeare and Shakespeare Up Close projects pack the theatre with children and ignite a spark to last a lifetime.

We’re a registered charity (266128). With only 180 seats and no support from Arts Council England, we rely on the generosity of our audiences and donors to raise £650,000 a year. These funds support our outstanding work on stage and in the community and invest in the next generation of talent.

Orange Tree Theatre was this year awarded Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards.

Artistic Director Tom Littler 
Executive Director Hanna Streeter 

Website orangetreetheatre.co.uk | Email [email protected] 
X @OrangeTreeThtr | Facebook/Instagram OrangeTreeTheatre

FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR

THE MINISTRY OF LESBIAN AFFAIRS

AT KILN THEATRE

Kiln Theatre, Antic Productions and Damsel Productions today announce the full cast and creative team for The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, Iman Qureshi’s musical comedy about community, belonging, and the power of finding your voice. The production runs at Kiln Theatre, 13 June – 12 July 2025 (Press Night: Friday 20 June) following a sold-out run at Soho Theatre.

Hannah Hauer-King directs Fanta Barrie (My Lady Jane, Amazon) as Ellie, Olivier Award-winner Liz Carr (The Normal Heart, National Theatre) as Fi, Zak Ghazi-Torbati (Hot Gay Time Machine, Soho Theatre Trafalgar Studio/The Other Palace) as The Men, Leah Harvey (Sweetpea, Sky Atlantic) as Lori, Georgie Henley (The Chronicles of Narnia, Disney) as Ana, Mariah Louca as Bridget (The Doctor, Almeida Theatre), Serena Manteghi (English, Kiln Theatre / RSC) as Dina, and Shuna Snow (Big Mood, Channel 4) as Connie. 

The creative team includes Anna Reid (Designer), Zoe Spurr (Lighting Designer), Nicola T Chang (Co-Sound Designer, Composer & Co-Musical Director), Tingying Dong (Co-Sound Designer), Viki Calver (Co-Musical Director), Stuart Burt CDA CSA (Casting Director), Yael Elisheva (Assistant Director), and Danielle Levy (Costume Supervisor).

Amit Sharma, Artistic Director & CEO of Kiln Theatre, said: “What an absolutely phenomenal cast we have for The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs. Iman’s play celebrates love, identity and community with heart and humour – and with this cast it has all of the above in abundance. I can’t wait for audiences to come and see this brilliant play!”

Iman Qureshi, writer, said: “Any one of these marvellous cast members would be a coup, but together our Ministry is an absolute tour de force. In this difficult political, cultural and economic environment for new writing, I am overjoyed that our much loved, sell-out show is being revived at the Kiln Theatre, and I can’t wait for Kilburn High Road to transform into the unofficial lesbian stomping ground of summer 2025. Don’t sleep on tickets, they’re going fast!”

Hannah Hauer-King, director, said: “I couldn’t be more excited to have such an incredible group of artists bringing this story back to life. It really is a dream cast, with new company members Liz Carr, Leah Harvey, Georgie Henley, Zak Ghazi-Torbati and Serena Manteghi bringing new energy to the show, Shuna Snow returning as much-loved Connie the choir director, Fanta Barrie returning as life of the party Ellie, and Mariah Louca as the irreplaceable Brig.”

A Kiln Theatre, Antic Productions and Damsel Productions co-production

THE MINISTRY OF LESBIAN AFFAIRS

by Iman Qureshi

directed by Hannah Hauer-King

13 June – 12 July 2025

The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, the only lesbian choir in the country, are trying to win their place on the Pride mainstage. In a run-down church hall with an OWL (Older, Wiser Lesbian) at the helm, the rag tag choir navigate love, loss, and trying to agree on song choices. But despite their best intentions, they find that harmony comes at a price. 

Packed with laugh out loud moments and lots of lesbian drama, this heart-warming musical comedy returns following its sold-out premiere at Soho Theatre in 2022.

The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs premiered at the Soho Theatre in a co- production with Damsel Productions in 2022.

Fanta Barrie | Ellie         

Fanta Barrie graduated from Rose Bruford in 2018 and went straight into Songlines (High Tide/Edinburgh Festival).             
              
Theatre credits include: Belly Up (Turbine Theatre); The Loved Ones (Gate Theatre); The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs (Soho Theatre); The Lovely Bones (UK Tour); The Amber Trap (Theatre 503/Damsel productions) and The Cereal Café (The Other Place).            
              
Television credits include: My Lady Jane (Amazon).

Liz Carr | Fi

Theatre credits include: The Normal Heart (for which she won an Olivier award for Best Supporting Actress in a Play), And Others (National Theatre); Unspeakable Conversations (Druid Theatre); Assisted Suicide The Musical (Royal Festival Hall); The Ugly Girl, In the House of the Moles (Bluecoat Theatre, Liverpool); It Hasn’t Happened Yet (Wolverhampton Arena); George Dandin, Mother Courage, The Vagina Monologues (Graeae Theatre Company); The Exception & The Rule (Young Vic).

Television credits include: Loki Season 2 (Marvel Studios); The Witcher Series 2 & 3 (Netflix); Good Omens Series 2 (Amazon Studios); Better Off Dead?, This Is Going To Hurt, Then Barbara Met Alan, Who Do You Think You Are?, Criptales, Les Miserables, Silent Witness, CBeebies Bedtime Stories (BBC); Devs (DNA Films) and The OA Series 2 (Netflix). 

Film credits include: Infinite (Paramount); Le Accelerator (Filmrage) and The Beaten (Short Film).

Zak Ghazi-Torbati | The Men     

Theatre credits include: The Hypochondriac (Crucible Theatre Sheffield); The Busy Body (Orange Tree Theatre); Scratches (Jermyn Street Theatre); Hot Gay Time Machine (Soho Theatre/Trafalgar Studio/The Other Palace); A Girl, Standing (Theatre503); Twelfth Night (European Tour); Antigone/Lysistrata and Measure for Measure (Cambridge Arts Theatre).             

Television credits include: I Hate You (Big Talk Productions); Doctors (BBC) and The Age of Outrage (BBC Wales).    

Radio credits include: Cymbeline (BBC Radio 4).  

Leah Harvey | Lori

Theatre credits include: Emelia (Shakespeare’s Globe); Girl in the Machine (Young Vic); As You Like It (@SohoPlace); The Wonderful World of Dissocia (Theatre Royal Stratford East); Small Island (National Theatre); Yous Two (Hampstead Theatre); The Tempest (The Donmar at King’s Cross Theatre/St. Ann’s Warehouse, New York); Henry IV and Julius Caesar (The Donmar at King’s Cross Theatre).

Television credits include: Sweetpea (Sky Atlantic); A Gentleman in Moscow (Paramount+); Foundation – Seasons 1 and 2 (Apple TV+ – BAFTA Nominated for Best Supporting Actress 2022); Search and Destroy (Hulu); Les Miserables (BBC One) and Uncle (BBC).

Film credits include: Tuesday (A24); Fighting With My Family (Channel 4 Films); On The Road (Revolution Films) and Dustbin Baby (BBC).

Georgie Henley | Ana

Georgie Henley is an actress, writer and director. She is best known as young Lucy in all three Narnia franchise films. She is a graduate of Cambridge University, where she starred in and directed many theatre productions and wrote and directed her first short film, Tide.         

Television credits include: The Diplomat (Netflix), Partygate (Channel 4 – Royal Television Society Award for Best Single Drama).

Mariah Louca | Bridget

Theatre credits include: The Doctor (Almeida Theatre/Adelaide Festival/UK tour/West End/Park Avenue Armory, New York); Multiple Casualty Incident (The Yard); Burnt at the Stake (Or the Whole of the Truth) (Shakespeare’s Globe); The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs (Soho Theatre); Best Of Enemies (Young Vic/Noël Coward Theatre); Maryland (Royal Court/Battersea Arts Centre); Queer Upstairs (Royal Court); Cherry Jezebel(Liverpool Everyman); Suspect Device (Kabosh Theatre/Outburst Festival, Belfast); All Mod Cons (Lyric Theatre, Belfast); Julius Caesar, Playing For Time, A Dream, The Sheffield Mysteries, 20 Tiny Plays About Sheffield (Sheffield Crucible); Tuesdays At Tesco’s, Bloom, Blossom, Bloom (Southwark Playhouse); Bumps(Theatre503); Ajar(Theatre By The Lake/Graeae); The Interview (The Mono Box/PLAYSTART) and The Vagina Monologues (Theatre Deli).        

Television credits include: the forthcoming What It Feels Like for a Girl (BBC); Waterloo Road, Eastenders, Casualty and Doctors (BBC).   

Film credits include: the forthcoming rom-com Jingle Bell Heist and Re-displacement (short).              

Serena Manteghi | Dina

For Kiln: English (Also RSC).

Theatre credits include: Otherland(Almeida); Bleak Expectations (Criterion); Hound of the Baskervilles (UK Tour); Hamlet (Shakespeare’s Rose); Eurydice (Soho Playhouse, NY); Build a Rocket (Stephen Joseph/ UK Tour); The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Stephen Joseph); Echoes (Brits Off Broadway); My Mother Said I Never Should (The Other Place); The Railway Children (Kings Cross); HEART (Traverse); Mucky Kid (Theatre503); Agammemnon, Macbeth (Southwark Playhouse); The Tartuffe (York Theatre Royal); Some Small Love Story (Arts) and The Beggar’s Opera (York Theatre Royal).

Television credits include: The Diplomat (World Productions/Alibi); The Other Half (RangaBee/ Dave) and Mrs Wilson (Bronte Films/BBC).

Film credits include: Miss Jihadi (Heavy Wait Productions).

Shuna Snow | Connie

Shuna trained at The Poor School. She has worked for the RSC, the National Theatre and extensively in London/UK regional theatre.

Theatre credits include: The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs (Soho Theatre); The Swell (The Orange Tree); Brideshead Revisited (ETT); Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, Julius Caesar The Winter’s Tale (Mercury Theatre Colchester). Iron (Offies Awards nominated Best Actress – Old Red Lion Theatre); Hamlet (Actors From The London Stage, US tour).

Television credits include: Big Mood (Channel 4).

Film credits include The Boy In The Woods.

Iman Qureshi | Writer
Iman Qureshi is an award-winning writer for stage and screen. Her break-out play The Funeral Director won the prestigious Papatango New Writing Prize in 2018 and premiered at Southwark Playhouse directed by Hannah Hauer-King. Her next play The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs also directed by Hauer-King, premiered on the Soho Theatre’s main stage in 2022 to great acclaim. She held the position of writer in residence at the National Theatre for a year in 2023 and is now writing a new play under commission. She is also developing new work with the Almeida, English Touring Theatre, Papatango, and the Royal Court and she is developing a new musical. For screen, she completed a two year first look deal with Paramount+ in 2021 and previously her short Home Girl, directed by Poonam Brah was selected by Film London for their London Calling short film slate and was later selected for the 2019 BFI Flare Festival. Her short film The Ceremony (Open Sky) was selected for the Vancouver International Film Festival 2022, and won Best Screenplay at the Artists Forum Festival of the Moving Image.

Hannah Hauer-King | Director
Hannah Hauer-King is an Olivier Award nominated and award winning director and dramaturg. Directing work includes: The Swell (Hightide Festival/Orange Tree Theatre – Oliver Award nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Affiliate Theatre), The Brief Life and Mysterious Death of Boris III, King of Bulgaria (Arcola Theatre/New York), The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs, Fabric, Fury (Soho Theatre), The Funeral Director (Southwark Playhouse/ UK tour), Circle Game (Southwark Playhouse), Call Me Fury (Hope Theatre), The Amber Trap (Theatre503), Grotty, Breathe (Bunker Theatre), Revolt She Said Revolt Again (RCSSD), Clay (Pleasance Theatre)and Dry Land (Jermyn Street Theatre). Associate/Assistant work includes: Fiddler On The Roof (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), The Wife of Willesden (Kiln Theatre, ART Boston and BAM NY), Romeo & Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe), Daytona (Park Theatre & Theatre Royal Haymarket), Radiant Vermin (Soho Theatre) and Titus Andronicus (Greenwich Theatre). Cabaret works includes: Witt n Camp (Soho Theatre), Siblings (Crazy Coqs) and Lilith (Bunker Theatre). Hannah is the co-founder of Damsel Productions and was Resident Director at the National Theatre Studio.

Kiln Theatre Listings

269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7JR

Box Office: 020 7328 1000

www.KilnTheatre.com

SHANGHAI DOLLS

Until 10 May 2025

Tickets:                               £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               8 May, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           26 and 28 April, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               3 May, 2.30pm

Special performances:

Post show Q&A                 24 April, 7.30pm

THE MINISTRY OF LESBIAN AFFAIRS

13 June – 12 July 2025

Tickets:                               £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               10 July, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           3 July, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               9 July, 2.30pm

Special performances:

Alcohol Free                      30 June, 7.30pm

Post show Q&A                 26 June, 7.30pm

COVEN

31 October – 13 December 2025

Tickets:                               £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               11 December, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           1 December, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               3 December, 2.30pm

Special performances:

Alcohol Free                      17 November, 7.30pm

Post show Q&A                 18 November, 7.30pm

SEAGULLS

12 February – 21 March 2026

Tickets:                               £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               12 March, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           19 March, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               14 March, 2.30pm

Special performances:

Alcohol Free                      16 March, 7.30pm

Post show Q&A                 10 March, 7.30pm

PLEASE PLEASE ME

16 April – 23 May 2026

Tickets:                               £15 – £40

Access performances:

Audio Described               7 May, 7.30pm, preceded by a Touch Tour

Captioned                           14 May, 7.30pm

Relaxed                               20 May, 2.30pm

Special performances:

Alcohol Free                      27 April, 7.30pm

Post show Q&A                 12 May, 7.30pm

Danielle Tarento and Tony Award winner Annaleigh Ashford to co-produce the UK premiere of the Off Broadway smash hitTHE WHITE CHIP at Southwark Playhouse

The White Chip

written, autobiographically, by Sean Daniels
Directed by Matt Ryan

Southwark Playhouse Borough
77-85 Newington Causeway,
London SE1 6BD
9th July – 16th August 2025

Despite spending more time drunk than sober, Steven McAlister has managed to graduate from college, create an extremely successful theatre group, get married, and thrive in a dream job at one of the most prestigious regional theatres in the United States.

Sure, it’s gratifying to go to an AA meeting where they reward you with a white chip token just for showing up, but does he really have a problem?

Even with an ailing father, a marriage on the rocks, and his professional life careening out of control, Steven has a carefully constructed balancing act that keeps it all together – until it all falls apart.

Told with humour, honesty, and compassion, The White Chip is about living with addiction and coming alive through recovery.

Cast to be announced.

Creative team includes:
Director Matt Ryan
Designer Lee Newby
Lighting Designer Jamie Platt
Sound Designer Max Pappenheim

The UK premiere is produced by Danielle Tarento and Annaleigh Ashford.

Sean Daniels said: “It’s an honour to get to work with Danielle Tarento and Annaleigh Ashford to bring The White Chip to London. After the response we had in New York – the mix of laughter-filled shows and someone saying ‘I’m ready to get help’ after every performance – we knew we wanted to keep this going as long as we could. When you write a comedy about recovery you hope it finds the right people, people who get your dark sense of humour – from actors to producers to audience – and how lucky am I that it has.”

The show premiered in New York at 59E59 Theaters and was most recently produced at The Susan & Ronald Frankel Theater at MCC Theatre by Tony® Award winning actress Annaleigh Ashford alongside Hank Azaria, Jason Biggs, and fellow Tony® Award winner John Larroquette. The play received widespread acclaim, earning a coveted New York Times Critics’ Pick.

Performing Recovery
The production is working closely with Performing Recovery, the public face of the Addiction Recovery Arts Network, a non-profit organisation which promotes, connects and shares creative recovery practices thereby reducing the stigma of addiction-recovery. A percentage of every ticket sold will be donated to Performing Recovery.

Leon Clowes, co-founder of the Addiction Recovery Arts Network, will be reading The Alcoholic’s Tarot for anyone with burning questions after the show. As an artist with lived experience of addiction, he offers light-hearted readings of your alcoholic misfortunes using his adapted tarot cards. He’ll also be available after each performance to offer support, advice and guidance or just to chat about anything that may have come up for audience members during the play.

He said: “Performing Recovery is delighted that Tarento Productions is the first major sponsor of our network and magazine. Our mission is to ensure that the arts are the driving force behind changing the conversation around addiction, so to be supported and partnered with one of London’s top theatre producers and to have the opportunity to work along-side her on The White Chip is game changing for us.”

The production is delighted to be partnering with Club Soda and sponsored by Everleaf.

Club Soda is a global mindful drinking movement that helps people change their drinking habits. Through events, courses, community support, and better drinks, they empower individuals to make choices that work for them.

They said: “Alcohol-free drinks are a vital part of creating an inclusive arts experience, and we’re excited to see more theatres beginning to embrace this. With a play that invites reflection on drinking habits, it’s powerful to see the theatre make that conversation tangible. Offering a delicious, adult alcohol-free option shows that choosing not to drink isn’t a compromise – it can actually make your night out even better.”
Everleaf was founded by a conservation biologist turned mixologist who knows the world’s plants and how to use them. They make non-alcoholic aperitifs with nature’s tastes, textures and aromas so bartenders and consumers can craft great drinks. Everleaf variants take inspiration from the natural world, from the crisp and refreshing notes of Everleaf Marine, to the bittersweet Everleaf Forest, and vibrantly aromatic Everleaf Mountain., all of which will be available throughout the run.

Sean Daniels
Sean Daniels is a leading voice in using the arts to defeat addiction. He is an internationally known theatre director, writer, and artistic director, known for new work and innovative community-based leadership. His play, The White Chip, a New York Times Critics’ Pick, has been performed around the world as a catalyst for community conversation and connection. He is the Director of the Recovery Arts Project and serves as the Anti-Stigma Director for Live Tampa Bay, where his geotargeted anti-stigma campaign reached almost 13 million people in eight weeks. A USF analysis of the program found that it had “significant impacts in aspects of nearly every domain of  addiction stigma.” He’s coordinated and led recovery events with organisations like Tampa Bay Rays, City of Tampa, and been a speaker with the Clinton Global Initiative, SAMHSA, and Hazelden/Betty Ford. He’s currently coordinating mental health education efforts for Redwood on Broadway, and heading up the Clinton Foundation’s initiative to make all Broadway theatres recovery friendly. His op-ed in the Los Angeles Times about Matthew Perry’s passing and the stigma of relapses was read over 200,000 times. In the arts world, Sean has been named “one of the top 15 up and coming artists in the U.S., whose work will be transforming America’s stages for decades to come” and “One Of 7 People Reshaping and Revitalizing The American Musical” by American Theatre magazine.Talkbacks
On Thursday 17th July, Soberistas founder Lucy Rocca and Alcohol Change’s Brie Barros will be discussing ‘What Happens If I Don’t Want to Drink Anymore?’ following the show.

You can find more about the Soberistas online community here: https://soberistas.com/home

Alcohol Change is a national UK charity who provide support and advice: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/

On Wednesday 6th August, following the captioned performance, “Through an Addict’s Looking-Glass” author Waithera Sebatindira and music industry and diversity professional Paul Bonham will be
discussing ‘Is Addiction a Disability?

You can read more about Waithera Seantindira’s book here:
https://www.hajarpress.com/books/through-an-addicts-looking-glass

At both talkbacks, the guests will be in conversation with Performing Recovery’s Leon Clowes and taking questions from the audience. They are free to all ticket-holders for that night’s performance.

LISTINGS INFO

Danielle Tarento and Annaleigh Ashford
present

THE WHITE CHIP
by Sean Daniels

Directed by Matt Ryan

Location:
Southwark Playhouse Borough,
77-85 Newington Causeway,
London SE1 6BD

How To Get There:
The nearest stations are
Borough and Elephant & Castle

Performance Dates & Times:
9th July – 16th August at 7pm
(2.30pm Tuesdays and Saturdays)
Captioned performance on 6th August

Box Office link
southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-white-chip/

Ticket Prices:
Pioneer Preview £12
Previews £18
Full price £32
Concession £26

Age Guidance: 11+

Socials
Instagram
Facebook
TheWhiteChipUK
Twitter (X)
TheWhiteChip_

DIEGO ANDRES RODRIGUEZ

JOINS RACHEL ZEGLER IN

JAMIE LLOYD’S PRODUCTION OF

TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

EVITA

AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM

SUMMER 2025

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and Jamie Lloyd forThe Jamie Lloyd Company today announce Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che in Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita. He joins the previously announced Rachel Zegler (Eva Perón), with full cast and creatives to be announced. The production, directed by Jamie Lloyd, opens at The London Palladium on Tuesday 1 July, with previews from 14 June, and runs until 6 September 2025.

Jamie Lloyd said today, “Before he even graduated, Diego made his professional debut as Artie in our production of Sunset Blvd. on Broadway, in which he also understudied and played the leading role, Joe Gillis. He is an incredible young actor and a fantastic vocalist. We’re so thrilled he will be making his West End debut in Tim and Andrew’s iconic musical.”

Diego Andres Rodriguez said today, “I’m beyond thrilled to be making my West End debut in Evita this summer at the historic London Palladium! Being directed by Jamie Lloyd again, working with The Jamie Lloyd Company’s incredible team, and playing Che opposite Rachel is an opportunity of a lifetime. This is a dream come true!”

For Evita, there will be 5,000 tickets available across the run at £25 exclusively for under 30s, key workers and those receiving government benefits. These tickets will be available across all levels of the theatre, and go on sale at a later date. Further information to be announced.

EVITA

Lyrics by Tim Rice; Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Directed by Jamie Lloyd

The London Palladium

Saturday 14 June – Saturday 6 September 2025

“The truth is I never left you”

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary Evita returns to the West End, reimagined by the visionary award-winning director Jamie Lloyd.

Featuring an iconic score including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Oh What A Circus, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, and the Oscar-winning You Must Love Me.

Fuelled by ambition and passion, Eva Perón rose from poverty to become the most powerful woman in Latin America. A symbol of hope to many Argentines, her star shone brightly as she captured the nation’s heart and divided its soul. 

Produced by Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and Jamie Lloyd for The Jamie Lloyd Company by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd.

Jamie Lloyd originally directed Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre as part of their 2019 season.

Instagram:          @OfficialEvita

Facebook:           /EvitaTheMusical

TikTok:                 @EvitaMusical

Rachel Zegler makes her West End debut as Eva Perón

Theatre credits include: Romeo + Juliet (Circle in the Square Theatre, Broadway).

Film credits include: Snow White, Spellbound, Y2K, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (People’s Choice Award for Action Movie Star of the Year); Shazam! Fury of The Gods and West Side Story (NBR Award for Best Actress; Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical).

Diego Andres Rodriguez makes his West End debut as Che

For The Jamie Lloyd Company: Sunset Blvd. (St. James Theatre, Broadway).

Tim Rice

Tim Rice has worked in music, theatre and films since 1965 when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Rather than pursue Tim’s ambitions to write rock or pop songs they turned their attention to Andrew’s obsession – musical theatre. Their first collaboration, The Likes Of Us, did not set the musicals world alight, but their next three works together did – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.

Tim has since worked with other distinguished composers such as Elton John (The Lion King, Aida), Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast), Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess), and Stuart Brayson (From Here To Eternity). He has also written with Freddie Mercury, Burt Bacharach, Graham Gouldman, Gary Barlow and Rick Wakeman among others. Many of his musicals continue to play around the world in a huge variety of productions, big and small.

In 2024 Tim toured England (22 towns/cities) to present an evening of his songs, mercifully performed by top singers and musicians rather than by him, to which he added reminiscence and comment, recalling their creation, success (or rejection) and the joy (usually) of working with great composers. The show, entitled My Life In Musicals, did so well that it is to be repeated in 2025, this time taking in Wales, Scotland and Ireland too.

Sir Tim’s interests beyond music, film and theatre include cricket and he founded his own team in 1973. Heartaches CC has now played over 750 matches and been on playing tours to the USA, Russia, France, Estonia, Hungary, Germany and South Africa. He was President of the world’s most famous cricket club, MCC, in 2002.

He has recently recorded a series of talks for BBC Maestro on Writing and Performing in Musical Theatre. He writes and presents a podcast (entitled Get Onto My Cloud) about his sixty-year career– playing hits and flops, out-takes and number ones.

He dedicates considerable time to several British educational institutions and charities, many connected with sport for disadvantaged children. He is a patron of the Bob Willis Fund (along with Bob Dylan!), an enterprise inspired by the late great English cricketer, dedicated to raise prostate cancer awareness.

He crops up here and there in all branches of the media drawing on his extensive knowledge of the history of popular music. He has won several awards, mainly for the wrong thing or for simply turning up, but since you ask: 1 Emmy, 5 Grammys, 3 Tonys and 3 Oscars, making him an EGOT. His shows have spent more weeks on Broadway than those of any other British lyricist. He was knighted by Her Late Majesty the Queen in 1994. Despite hints, he is not retiring just yet.

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. Lloyd Webber has had shows running across the world for decades, including continually in London’s West End for 50 years.

When Sunset Boulevard joined School of Rock, CATS, and The Phantom of the Opera he equalled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway. He is one of the select group of artists with EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. 

Lloyd Webber owns six London theatres including the iconic London Palladium and Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Reopened in July 2021, the latter was completely restored and renovated at a cost of over £60 million. It was one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a private theatre owner in recent times. His mantra is that every penny of profit made from his theatres is ploughed back into the buildings. 

Lloyd Webber is passionate about the importance of musical education and diversity in the arts. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation provides 30 performing arts scholarships every year for talented students with financial need and supports a range of projects such as the Music In Secondary School Trust and commissioning research into diversity in theatre. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed music for globally significant moments, including Olympic ceremonies and World Cup celebrations. He has been asked to compose for many royal occasions, the most recent being “Make a Joyful Noise”, an Anthem for the Coronation of King Charles III. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber was knighted in 1992, created an honorary life peer in 1997, and made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter by King Charles III in 2024. 

Jamie Lloyd directs. His credits for The Jamie Lloyd Company include Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Romeo & Juliet (Duke of York’s Theatre), Sunset Blvd. (St. James Theatre, New York/Savoy Theatre – winner of seven Olivier Awards including Best Director and Best Musical Revival; Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Director), The Effect (National Theatre/The Shed, New York), A Doll’s House (Hudson Theatre, New York – nominated for six 2023 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Seagull (Harold Pinter Theatre), Cyrano de Bergerac (Playhouse Theatre/Harold Pinter Theatre/Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York – Olivier Award for Best Revival; Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Director), Betrayal (Harold Pinter Theatre/Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre – nominated for four 2021 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play; Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Director), Pinter at the Pinter (Harold Pinter Theatre), The Maids, The Homecoming, The Ruling Class, Richard III, The Pride, The Hothouse and Macbeth (Trafalgar Studios).

LISTINGS

The London Palladium

LW Theatres

Box Office: evitathemusical.com / 020 3925 2998

Saturday 14 June – Saturday 6 September 2025

Nottingham Concert Hall – until Saturday 12 April 2025

Reviewed by Louise Ford

5*****

She’ll be good to you!

We prepared ourselves with a cool gin, at the Yarn bar, for last night’s performance. A great choice for such a hot performance.

The Concert Hall was packed last night for the first performance of Chicago. The curtains are still tightly drawn but in front of them, to the left, is a spotlight, single black chair with a black cane and a black hat. Behind the curtains we can hear the band warming up, all discordant notes and familiar riffs.

The anticipation is mounting when the curtains are drawn back to reveal darkness. Slowly the set is illuminated to reveal the band, right at the centre of the action. We have the best seats in the house in this Chicago jazz club. We are straight into one of the most catchy songs in the whole production, there’s a lot of great songs to choose  from, “All That Jazz”.
The song is performed by Velma Kelly (Djalenga Scott). Her performance is initially ice cold but builds to a veritable orgy of dancing with the whole ensemble dancing and gyrating on set. The slow finger clicks build to an absolute crescendo of dance and raw energy. It’s absolutely spellbinding.

So to recap it’s 1924 and we are in Chicago. A city in the thralls of gangsters, prohibition, jazz clubs and the pursuit of fame and fortune. The story is based on two women who were accused, tried and acquitted of murdering their lovers in 1924. The outline of their stories in the, quality, programme warrants further research. These two stories which made the front-page of the Chicago Tribune were turned into a book and then a play by Maurine Dallas Watkins. The play first appeared on Broadway in 1926. The first film version was in 1942 and stared Ginger Rogers.

In 1975 Bob Fosse obtained the rights  to the book. He worked with John Kander and Fred Ebb (they of Cabaret fame),to create the first musical version. And the rest as they say is history. Over the intervening, nearly, 50 years the show has been performed in the US and the UK, with a host of glamorous performers taking the leading roles.

Back to the production,during the performance of All That Jazz we are introduced to our other murderess Roxie Hart (Janette Manrara). She is shown arguing with and shooting her lover, dead. Nobody leaves me!

After she is arrested, we get to meet the other inmates of Cook County Jail. There are six inmates all clearly innocent of the crimes they have been accused of. They tell their stories by performing “Cell Block Tango”, another great sexy routine.

We are also introduced to one of the larger than life characters, Mamma Morton (Brenda Edwards), who performs the fantastic When You’re Good To Mamma. Her voice and stage presence are electrifying.

Mamma is the prison’s mover and shaker and introduces Roxie to Billy Flynn (Dan Burton). The lawyer for hire with an eye on the cash and the next step to fame and front page headlines. Billy, all shiny shoes, smart suit and slicked back hair, hits the stage with another banger Razzle Dazzle, which captures the way he operates!

The Busby Berkeley inspired fan dance to which Billy performs “All I Care About is Love“ changes the tempo of the show and brings in a more thoughtful vibe. Although we are all left wondering how far can we trust Billy as he performs for the press and the jury. There is one particular reporter that Billy is keen to get on Roxy’s side, the soft heated Mary Sunshine (Jordan Lee Davies). She has her own secrets to hide!

All the while we see Roxy and Velma venting  for Billy’s and The Press’ attention to get their stories over and show their innocence. I say innocence, I mean they both admit that they did it, but “They Had it Coming”.

The court scenes are pretty pared back but the ventriloquist style rendering of “We Both Reached For The Gun” performed by Billy Flynn and Roxie Hart, is full on, and very funny.
As well as the main characters there is also Roxie’s cuckhold husband Amos Hart (Joshua Lloyd). He occupies a grey cardigan space on the stage in contrast to the rest of the cast, all sexily dressed. My favourite song is Mr Cellophane, which Amos sings and illustrates with a pair of white gloves.

The band is on stage throughout the performance and are integral  to creating that night club vibe. They are energetic and seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. They add a great dimension to the performance. Another big tick for live music and real live performers.

The ensemble who cover all of the supporting roles (inmates, journalists, etc), are energetic, sexy and work effortlessly and tirelessly to create a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

The ensemble’s costumes are sexy in the extreme!

You really have to admire the whole cast who can simultaneously dance and sing, without getting out of breath or missing a beat.

So let’s all rush down to a “whoopee spot where the gin is cold but the piano’s hot”!

ANOUSHKA LUCAS’ AWARD-WINNING ELEPHANT

TO RUN AT MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Originally commissioned and developed by the Bush Theatre and following two successful runs, Menier Chocolate Factory and Kindred Partners today announce that Anoushka Lucas’ Elephant will run at the Menier in a reimagined new production for a limited season.

Part gig, part musical love story, part journey through Empire – Elephant is a bold and magnetic exploration of identity in 21^st Century Britain which was conceived and produced in its original form by the Bush Theatre. It opened in the company’s Studio space where it became the fastest selling show in their history, before transferring a year later to their main theatre space to sell out success. Lucas received the Best Writer Award at The Stage Debut Awards and was nominated for Most Promising Playwright at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

Directed by Jess Edwards, Elephant opens at the Menier on 29 May, with previews from 22 May, and runs until 28 June. 

THE MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY AND KINDRED PARTNERS PRESENT

ELEPHANT

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY ANOUSHKA LUCAS

Director: Jess Edwards; Designer: Georgia Wilmot; Lighting: Laura Howard; Sound: Xana

Video Design: Gillian Tan

At school, Lylah couldn’t ask questions – she had to be good, good, good or else she’d lose her scholarship. At home she couldn’t ask questions; her cousins said she talked weird, and her parents were distracted. Then, a piano came through the sky and landed in Lylah’s council flat, just for her. As she poured over the keys and sound flooded into all the rooms, Lylah fell in love.

Now an adult, Lylah is swept up in the excitement of a new romance and a budding music career. But something still doesn’t feel right. In a search for answers, she turns to her piano. Where did you come from? Why are you here? The unspoken truth of their shared history spills into the light.

Following a sold-out run in the Bush Theatre, writer and performer Anoushka Lucas reunites with original director Jess Edwards.

Anoushka Lucas’ other theatre credits include Rhinoceros (Almeida Theatre), A Face in the Crowd (Young Vic), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!  (Young Vic and Wyndham’s Theatre – Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical), The Crucible (Sheffield Theatres), Henry V (Donmar Warehouse), After Life (National Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Chiaroscuro (Bush Theatre), and Sparks (Edinburgh Fest / Vault Festival). For film, her work includes Murder on the Orient Express and Been So Long. Her recording work includes her debut album Dark Soul; and her compositions include Sparks (BBC Radio 4 / Edinburgh Festival / Vault Festival), The Ballad of Klook and Vinette (Park Theatre / NAMT Festival NYC), and The Etienne Sisters (Theatre Royal Stratford).

Jess Edwards directs. She is a multi-award-winning director and writer, and an experienced dramaturg. Her work has appeared across London and Europe, including at Bush Theatre, Soho Theatre, Southwark Playhouse, Arcola, Theatre503, the Roundhouse, and HighTide. She has also directed extensively at the Edinburgh Festival. She won the Summerhall Lustrum Award (Passengers in 2019) and the MTR Best Musical Award (Sparks in 2018). As a writer, her first screenplay Clitorati won the Studio21 Drama Script Award and her first play, Spooky Action at a Distance was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY

DRACULA, A COMEDY OF TERRORS

Until 3 May

LIZA in TYPSY!

7-11 May

ELEPHANT

22 May – 28 June

Box Office: 020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)

Website: www.menierchocolatefactory.com (£1.50 transaction fee per booking)

www.menierchocolatefactory.com

Twitter: @MenChocFactory

Instagram: @menierchocolatefactory

Cinemas across the UK and Ireland from 6th April 2025

Reviewed by Emily Smith

5*****

SIX The Musical, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, has become a global sensation since its first performance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017 and its subsequent West End debut in 2019. Now, for the first time, a filmed version of the production featuring the original West End cast is available in cinemas across the UK. Recorded in 2022 at the Vaudeville Theatre (London), the new film version makes the hugely popular show accessible to even more audiences.

The original West End cast are reunited for this production, with Jarnéia Richard-Noel as Catherine of Aragon, Millie O’Connell as Anne Boleyn, Natalie Paris as Jane Seymour, Alexia McIntosh as Anne of Cleves, Aimie Atkinson as Katherine Howard and Maiya Quansah-Breed as Catherine Parr. The chemistry between the queens is clear from the start, and they all deliver brilliant performances in their respective roles, complete with flawless vocals and energetic choreography! Natalie Paris’s stand-out performance of Heart of Stone delivers both emotion and power, while Aimie Atkinson’s rendition of All You Wanna Do takes the audience on a journey from fun to sombre, a testament to her acting skills.

Given that SIX The Musical is a concert, it is near impossible to compare the live stage show to a filmed production; being in the theatre and witnessing the performances live is incomparable. That being said, the film, directed by Liz Clare, captures the heart of the show and the incredible performances of the queens and the live band in their full glory. The professional recording provides new insights and close-up angles that you don’t necessarily see during the live show, adding an appreciation to the incredible costumes and finer details of the queens’ performances. The only thing I question is the choice to switch from the professional filming to an in-audience angle when Catherine Parr is delivering her speech. While it provides a sense of reality of what being in the audience in the show is like, the filmed version, which has felt very professional up to this point, loses it’s shine.

SIX The Musical LIVE! is definitely worth a watch, whether you’re already a fan of the stage show or haven’t yet had the opportunity to see it live in the West End or on tour. You’ll walk away singing the songs and perhaps having learnt a little more about Henry VIII’s six wives and their reclaimed her-story.

RIVERSIDE STUDIOS 

UNVEILS THEATRE PROGRAMME FOR MAY 

FOUR UNMISSABLE SHOW AND SERIES OF INSPIRING WORKSHOPS COME TO THE WEST LONDON ARTS VENUE 

DEAR ANNIE, I HATE YOU (7 MAY – 1 JUNE), BROKEN (8 – 26 MAY), A STAN IS BORN (10 – 29 MAY), THE EMPIRE STRIPS BACK: A BURLESQUE PARODY (2 MAY – 17 AUGUST) 

TICKETS AND FURTHER INFORMATION AVAILABLE HERE 

This May, the team at Riverside Studios is proud to present an electrifying line-up of theatre, comedy, and immersive experiences, alongside a range of hands-on creative workshops. From a poignant award-winning debut to a Shakespearean satire, a musical comedy, and an internationally-acclaimed burlesque parody, there is something for everyone this month. 

Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024, Dear Annie, I Hate You (7 May – 1 June) makes its highly-anticipated London debut. Shortlisted for the BBC Popcorn Writing Award, this powerful play by writer-performer Sam Ipema explores the reality of facing a brain aneurysm at the age of 20. With Olivier-nominated Dan Balfour’s immersive sound design and multi-media elements, the production transforms the stage into the liminal space of the human brain. In association with Headway East London and Headway West London, this critically-acclaimed play is a darkly funny and deeply moving story of survival, disability, and self-discovery. 

Back by popular demand after receiving an Offie nomination and winning Best Writing at the Bitesize Festival 2024, Broken (8 – 26 May) returns to Riverside Studios. Set in Shepherd’s Bush, this modern verse play blends Shakespearean-esque grandeur with contemporary dialogue to satirise the highs and lows of romance and emotional rollercoaster of falling in and out of love. Described as “a classic in the making” (London Pub Theatres), Broken delivers lyrical storytelling, dry wit, and raw emotion in equal measure. 

After a sold-out Soho Theatre preview, a five-star run at Edinburgh Fringe, and a hit Camden People’s Theatre season, A Stan Is Born (10 – 29 May) returns to London! Written and performed by Alexis Sakellaris, this musical comedy tells the hilarious and heartwarming story of a queer kid’s obsession with various legendary pop divas — from Whitney and Mariah to Beyoncé and Aretha — and their quest to find their inner diva. With ten original songs and a dash of satire, this show is a must-see for lovers of all things pop. 

Due to overwhelming demand, the internationally-acclaimed  The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody (2 May – 17 August) extends its London debut at Riverside Studios! This raunchy, hilarious, and entirely unauthorised theatrical spectacle has played to over 300,000 audience members worldwide, with sold-out shows in New York, Chicago, Paris, and Mexico City. Featuring a cast of scantily-clad, sultry, and seductive intergalactic icons, this raucous show offers an unforgettably outrageous night out and promises to be like nothing you’ve seen before. 

Workshops at Riverside Studios 

For those looking to hone their creative skills, Riverside Studios will also be presenting a range of workshops in May, including: 

Creative Collaboration: Running an Artistic Company (4 May) 

Led by Psychonaut Theatre’s co-founders Arielle Zilkha and Francesca Fatichenti, this workshop is tailored for multidisciplinary artists who are not only navigating creative collaborations but also balancing their artistic pursuits with the administrative demands of working in a company.  

 
Interactive Theatre NOW! (11 May) 

Also, presented by Psychonaut Theatre, this workshop is made for performance-makers at any level who are curious to learn and discover how interactive and technological elements can enrich their performance toolkit.  

 
Riverscribes: Introduction to Screenwriting (13 May and 27 May) 

Netflix screenwriter Henry Fitzherbert hosts a one-off screenwriting workshop and masterclass designed to help and inspire participants with their own projects, be it a one-line idea or a completed draft. Henry will give creative and practical guidance on individual projects and cover the basics of what makes a successful screenplay. 

Riverscribes: Songwriting (7 May and 21 May) 

Led by musician, Scarlet Billham, Riverscribes Songwriting is a space to develop your skills, no matter what stage you are at with an idea. 

 
Riverscribes: Playwriting (28 May) 

A lively and supportive creative writing forum where you are invited to share, discuss and develop your work.  There will also be an opportunity to test out the scripts of the group with script-in-hand performances. 

Head of Programming, Rhys Williamson said: “This May at Riverside Studios, we continue our commitment to bold and diverse storytelling, offering audiences a compelling mix of thought-provoking drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, and groundbreaking performance. We’re thrilled to welcome these fantastic productions and workshops to our stage, bringing fresh perspectives and unforgettable experiences to West London.”