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ADDITIONAL CREATIVE TEAM

ANNOUNCED FOR

13 GOING ON 30

THE MUSICAL

AT MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE

FROM 21 SEPTEMBER 2025

ROYO, Revolution Studios, Wendy Federman and Phil Kenny are delighted to announce additional members of the creative team for the world premiere production of 13 GOING ON 30 – THE MUSICAL, opening at Manchester Opera House for a limited season from 21 September 2025

13 GOING ON 30 – THE MUSICAL is based on the 2004 rom-com classic from Revolution Studios starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, is written by the film writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa with songs by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner (First Date (Broadway), High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Disney+) and will be directed by the award winning Andy Fickman (Heathers, She’s The Man). It will have choreography by Jennifer Weber (& Juliet West End, Broadway and UK and Ireland tour), set design by Colin Richmond (The Red Shoes, RSC, The Wizard of Oz, UK tour and West End), musical supervision, dance, vocal and incidental music arrangements by Alan Williams (Sunset Boulevard, West End and Broadway), orchestrations by Alan Williams, Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary, lighting design by Howard Hudson (Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, & Juliet West End, Broadway and UK and Ireland tour), sound design by Adam Fisher (Kinky Boots UK and Ireland tour, Sunset Boulevard West End and Broadway), video design by George Reeve (Hercules the Musical and OLIVER! West End), casting by Will Burton (Here & Now, Birmingham Alexandra and UK tour, Evita West End), children’s casting & children’s general management by Keston & Keston (The Lion King, West End; Winnie the Pooh, UK & Ireland tour) and production management by Simon Gooding & Matt Jones for Gooding Jones Production Management (Sister Act UK tour). 

West End star Lucie Jones will star as Jenna Rink with further casting to be announced.

Jenna Rink is an adorably awkward 13-year-old girl who wishes she could skip over the misery of high school. When her birthday wish comes true, Jenna magically wakes up as an adult to find herself “thirty, flirty and thriving” as the editor of a fashion magazine with a seemingly perfect life. But as she gradually unravels the mystery of what kind of person she has become, she goes on a journey to work out what — and who — really matters.

Lucie Jones’ theatre credits include: Genevieve in The Baker’s Wife (Menier Chocolate Factory), Catherine in Pippin (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Katie in Super You (Lyric Theatre), Jenna Rink in 13 Going on 30 (Workshop at Battersea Arts Centre), Fantine in Les Miserables (Sondheim Theatre), Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Jenna Hunterson in Waitress (Adelphi Theatre & UK Tour); Martha Percy in Treason (Cadogan Hall), Heidi in Title of Show (London Coliseum), Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol (Dominion Theatre), Maureen in RENT (The Other Palace and UK Tour), Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Leicester Curve, UK Tour and South Korea Opera House), Victoria in American Psycho (Almeida), Molly in Ghost (International Tour), Emily in A Christmas Carol (Lyceum), Lou in Girlfriends (LMTO), Meatloaf in We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour), Holly in The Wedding Singer (UK Tour) and Cosette in Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre).

Her TV credits include Midsomer Murders and The Sarah Jane Adventures. X factor finalist, 2009. Eurovision finalist, 2017.

In 2020, Lucie performed a sold-out concert at London’s Adelphi Theatre. Accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, the concert was recorded for a live album Lucie Jones – Live at The Adelphi. In 2021, Lucie performed a sold-out solo Christmas show at Her Majesty’s theatre in the West End and at St Davids Hall, Cardiff. In 2023, Lucie embarked upon a UK solo tour with the Fulltone Orchestra. Lucie has recently played a run of solo shows at Cadogan Hall, London. Instagram: @luciejones1 Twitter: @luciejones1 TikTok: @thatluciejones

13 GOING ON 30 – THE MUSICAL is produced by ROYO, Revolution Studios, Wendy Federman and Phil Kenny, with Todd Garner, Marla Levine and Dean Stolber.

Website: www.1330musical.com

TikTok: 1330musical

X: 1330musical

Instagram: 1330musical

LISTINGS INFORMATION

21 September – 12 October 2025

Manchester Opera House

3 Quay St

Manchester

M3 3HP www.atgtickets.com/manchester

Box Office: 020 7223 2223

Tickets: from £15

Performances:

Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm, Sunday 3pm

introducing the cast of

SABRAGE AT LAFAYETTE LONDON

Menier Chocolate Factory and Strut & Fret today announce the company for the world première of Sabrage, a brand-new theatrical experience combining the worlds of circus and cabaret in a unique spectacle, opening at one of London’s leading live music venues Lafayette. Scott Maidment, award-winning artistic innovator, directs Cherise Adams-Burnett, duo Flynn Miller and Kimberley Bargenquast, Skye Ladell, Remi Martin, Christian Nimri, Spencer Novich and Emma Phillips. The production opens on 26 March, with previews from 15 March, and is booking until 6 July 2025.

Sabrage – taking after the ceremonial practice of opening a champagne bottle with a sabre – will be an extravagant evening inviting audiences to delve into the world of allure and seduction within this intimate venue. An evening of storytelling, the actors play multiple characters weaving across the narrative in an ever-intensifying vision.

Hosted at Lafayette, a venue that has made its name for catching the fastest rising musical acts – ranging from the diverse likes of Charli XCX, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Maggie Rogers, Dave, Olivia Dean, Beck, Becky Hill, Anne-Marie and The Pretenders, this production will give audiences a new live entertainment experience like no other.

Menier Chocolate Factory and Strut & Fret present

SABRAGE

15 March – 6 July 2025

Sabrage

/səˈbrɑːʒ/

The ceremonial practice of opening a champagne bottle with a sabre

Dive into the hedonistic world of Sabrage…

The world première of Sabrage is set to create a frisson of seduction in London’s King’s Cross. A place where eyes glimmer and the sensual and salacious combine on a wild ride of big moves, great tunes and more than a few surprises.  Sabrage offers heady top notes followed by rich textures, a smooth body and an utterly unexpected finish.  The acrobatic talent and finest cabaret from around the world are serving an intoxicating blend of vintage French glamour, high-end spectacle and titillating acts to infatuate, illuminate and inspire.

After touring 32 countries for the past 25 years, Strut & Fret, with its unique and world-renowned brand of opulent, cheeky, edge-of-your-seat theatre, is excited to join forces with the Olivier- and Tony Award-winning Menier Chocolate Factory presenting a cast of international circus elites and theatrical misfits.

Lafayette, in the heart of King’s Cross, opens its doors to this theatrical event for the first time, with the space providing unparalleled intimacy, as well as food-and-drink packages, and a unique backdrop to the show.

Guests will have the opportunity to purchase VIP access to the backstage hideaway – Nola’s Bar—an opulent speakeasy that channels the heady glamour of the Roaring Twenties. Tucked away like a well-kept secret, this hideaway fuses vintage elegance with a house-party spirit, where plush surroundings, handcrafted cocktails and a rhythm of live music create an atmosphere of unbridled revelry.Nola’s promises a night of pure escapism, where the magic lingers long after the final bow.

Cherise Adams-Burnett is an award-winning jazz vocalist and musician. Her early music career stemmed from her involvement in roots organisation Tomorrow’s Warriors. Adams-Burnett later trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music graduating in 2017. She has performed at various prestigious events including the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and the UK’s Love Supreme Jazz Festival.

Skye Ladell is a highly accomplished actress and dancer from Durban, South Africa. Her passion for the performing arts started at the young age of 3 in classical ballet and theatre arts. Ladell later trained in Los Angeles with coaches Anthony Meindl, Ivana Chubbuck and Margie Haber. In her career she has danced for renowned artists including Dua Lipa, Sam Smith and Guy Sebastian as well as performing in Strut & Fret’s production of Blanc de Blanc: Uncorked in Australia.

Remi Martin (yes, that’s his real name) is an acrobat, comedian and director of circus shows, and a multi-award-winning performer, graduating from Berlin’s State School of Circus Arts where he specialised in the Chinese Pole. He has travelled the world as one half of his classic comedy duo double act with Spencer Novich – having performed at Wintergarten Variety Show, GOP Variety Theater, Chamäleon Theatre and in La Clique, the Sziget Festival and Cirque du Soleil.

Spencer Novich is a performer, creator and director who continues his collaboration with Strut & Fret having previously been a performer, creative consultant, comedy writer, director and dub master. His work across circus has extended across the globe – including Berlin, Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Sydney and London.

Australian native Christian Nimri is a unique triple threat – aerialist, acrobat …and roller skater. Also accomplished at clowning, he’s toured across Australia and the UK, as well as being part of three resident shows at The Pink Flamingo.

Emma Phillips, another frequent collaborator with Strut & Fret, is a world-renowned circus artist. Honing her skills in two of the toughest acrobatic schools in China, Phillips became the only artist in the world to combine the delicate manipulation of Chinese parasols with the power juggling of a solid wooden table with her feet. She has performed in prestigious venues internationally, most notably with Circus Theatre Roncalli, Apollo Varieté, Palazzo, The Box, Big Apple Circus and Circus Theatre Roncalliin New York.

Known for their unique style and breathtaking chemistry – Flynn Miller and Kimberley Bargenquast – are a dynamic aerial duo who captivate audiences with their gravity-defying performances. With a shared passion for artistry, precision and musicality, they seamlessly combine strength, elegance and innovation to create visually stunning aerial acts that leave a lasting impression. At the age of 4, Flynn Miller’s desire to ‘wear tapping shoes’ set him on a performing arts trajectory that has seen him working for many international companies. Kimberley Bargenquast specialises in aerial acrobatics.  With a strong athletic and artistic background, she brings a combination of strength, fluidity and passion to her performances. Bargenquast’s body of work has included creating and performing four new shows for Cirque Eloize.

Scott Maidment directs. His collaborations include an artistic partnership with Madonna, following his artistic direction of the Rebel Heart World Tour in 2015. Maidment’s work combines unconventional entertainment, high-flying spectacle, nu-circus, extreme theatre and dynamic music experiences.  As Creative Director of Strut & Fret, his directorial credits include LIMBO, Cantina, Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Blanc Encore, Love Lust Lost, When Night Comes, The Party, Showtime at the Pink Flamingo, Boom Boom in the House of Casa Blah Blah, Fun House, The Secret Death of Salvador Dali, Tom Tom Crew, Dream Menagerie, Feasting on Flesh, Cantina and The Happy Sideshow.  He is one of the creative forces behind The Garden of Unearthly Delights, an annual spectacle at the Adelaide Fringe that this year celebrates its 20th anniversary.  In 2024 Creative Director Scott Maidment was invited to direct the annual Ohlala circus show Milk & Chocolate in Zurich resulting in an extended sold-out season.

Listings Information

SABRAGE
Lafayette
11 Goods Way, London, N1C 4DP

www.sabrageshow.co.uk
Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, Bluesky:
@sabrageshowldn

TICKETS
Previews from £20

Age rating 16+

Edinburgh Festival Theatre – until Saturday 15 March 2025

REVIEWED BY RACHEL FARRIER 

4****

The Bohemians is a long-established Edinburgh based amateur company, but their production of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert has all the glitter and glossof a professional show.

Based on the 1994 film, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Priscilla tells the story of two drag queens and a trans woman and their journey from Sydney to Alice Springs.

The three main characters—Greg McCafferty-Thomson as Anthony ‘Tick’ Belrose/Mtzi Mitosis, Dean McAvoy as Adam Whitely/Felicia Jollygoodfellow, and Graeme Melvin as Bernadette Bassenger (the warm heart of the show)—have a nicely spikey relationship that softens into genuine warmth and care towards the finale. If some of dancing in the very large cast lacks the snap of a professional company, the singing is uniformly superb—especially the three Divas, who open the play wrapped in silver and suspended from the stage ceiling.

Albeit this is a musical about a bus that repeatedly breaks down, Director Malcy J. Burnett keeps the pace fast-moving, with dance-floor hit after dance-floor hit, as well as a startling moment involving ping-pong balls. The production moves seamlessly from high-camp jukebox moments, such as Felicia’s Kylie medley and a whole-cast hi-energy performance of The Communards’ ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ at a funeral, with one liners as sharp as a croc’s tooth and moments of affecting emotion. Special mention for Finn Craig, aged 8, as Benji, whose duet with McCafferty-Thomson showed a star of the future in the making.

The out(back)-standing costumes by Kate Dickson—including dancing paintbrushes, the most Oz-tentacious head-dresses, and a dress made from flip-flops—and the fantastic set design for Priscilla herself—make this a vibrant feats for the eyes as well as the ears.

At a moment in time when the LGBTQ community is under attack, this show is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our differences, and what brings us together. Queen of the Desert is a fabul-Oz evening with a tongue as sharp as a stiletto heel and a heart as big as the outback.

Actor, singer and musical theatre star Adam Filipe sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 questions. Adam is currently play Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  Joseph is currently on tour around the UK and due to appear at Leeds Grand Theatre from 25 March, tickets available here

Let’s start with a few favourites

Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)? 

Les Misérables 

Favourite book? 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Favourite theatre? 

Watermill, Newbury

Favourite song? 

At the moment, Bad Dreams – Teddy Swims

Favourite music? 

Fado/Flamenco

Favourite food? 

Pizza 

Favourite drink? 

Brisa Maracujá, soft drink from Madeira

What is your favourite role? 

Tony – West Side Story

What was your first role? 

Trevor Graydon – Thoroughly Modern Millie  when I was 13 years old

And what role would you really like to play? 

Jamie in Last 5 Years

If you weren’t a performer what would you be? 

Jiu Jitsu instructor 

What made you decide to be a performer? 

I saw Les Misérables in the West End and told my dad that was what I wanted to do

Do you enjoy touring? 

I really am this time, I think it’s all to do with where you are in your life and the cast that you have around you.y

What advice would you give 16 year old you? 

Keep going, experience life, stand up straight.

Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing? 

No I’ll leave that to the pros, I’m happy performing for now.

What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed? 

Benjamin Button

Favourite line from any show? 

“Seek and yee shall nd, but nding only comes at the cost of what you leave behind.” – Benjamin Button

If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be? 

My favourite singer David Bisbal and I would just sing to myself all day.

What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans? 

Anything that’s taken time and care I always really appreciate

Can you tell us what you will be up to next? 

Milking having played Joseph forever haha

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is on tour around the UK.  Tickets can be found here

TITANIC THE MUSICAL: ANNIVERSARY FILM SCREENING

Join us for a film screening of Titanic the Musical directed by Mayflower’s Associate Artistic Director Thom Southerland. Mayflower Studios are proud to present this screening of the Mayflower co-production of Titanic the Musical on the anniversary of the ship’s sinking on 14 April. The screening will be accompanied by a special Q&A session with Thom Southerland, Director (Mayflower Artistic Director) and Danielle Tarento, Producer.

In the final hours of 14th April 1912, the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and ‘the unsinkable ship’ slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic disasters of the 20th Century. 1517 men, women and children lost their lives.

Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic the Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own. All innocently unaware of the fate awaiting them, the Third Class immigrants’ dream of a better life in America, the Second Class imagine they too can join the lifestyles of the rich and famous, whilst the millionaire Barons of the First Class anticipate legacies lasting forever.

With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston (Nine, Grand Hotel) and a book by Peter Stone (Woman of the Year and 1776), the pair have collectively won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, an Olivier Award and three Tony awards.

Thom Southerland, Director said: “I am so excited for the Live Capture of Titanic the Musical to come to Southampton. Our ambitious production is epic in scope, both in its breath-taking score and its powerful thematic resonance with the world today. The extraordinary cast deepened their performances since the tour left Southampton and their unparalleled craft and showmanship are on full display in this film. In this gripping two-act Broadway musical, the orchestra sounds more magnificent than ever, and the vocal power of the cast lifts the roof off every theatre it’s shown in. It was a privilege to collaborate with such exceptional artists, technicians, and craftspeople, to capture this production and I’m thrilled that it’s come home to be shown in TITANIC’s spiritual port.”

Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive said: “I am delighted that we will screen this wonderful film as Mayflower has played an essential role in the UK touring life of the musical. It is particularly special to host the film on the anniversary and I hope audiences will enjoy hearing Thom and Danielle talk about their crucial role in bringing the production to the UK.”

The original Broadway production of Titanic the Musical won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. This production celebrated the 10th anniversary of its London premiere where it won sweeping critical acclaim across the board.

The stunning musical has toured the UK twice and played in London’s West End. This film is a recording of the latest UK tour.

Tickets for Titanic the Musical: Film Screening (14 April 2025) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.

Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Brian & Dayna Lee

and Umeda Arts Theater

in association with the Barbican

present

The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of

FOLLOWING A RECORD 13 NOMINATIONS

FOR THE 2025 OLIVIER AWARDS,

PRINCIPAL CASTING IS TODAY ANNOUNCED FOR THE

SUMMER SEASON OF THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL

AT LONDON’S BARBICAN THEATRE

24 MAY – 19 JULY

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW FROM FIDDLERONTHEROOFUK.COM

Following a magnificent 13 nominations for this year’s Olivier Awards, equalling the record previously set in 2018, principal casting is today announced for this summer’s run of the critically acclaimed production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Barbican Theatre from 24 May until 19 July. This strictly limited residency follows a triumphant sold-out season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre last year.

Reprising their Olivier nominated starring roles are Adam Dannheisser (nominated for Best Actor in a musical) who plays Tevye, Lara Pulver (nominated for Best Actress in a musical) who plays Golde, and Beverley Klein (nominated for Best Actress in a supporting role in a musical) who plays Yente. Further casting will be announced soon.

This must-see theatrical event of 2025 has also been nominated for a further 10 Olivier Awards – Best Musical Revival, Best Director, Best Set Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Theatre Choreographer, Best Sound Design and Outstanding Musical Contribution. Together with Best Actor in a supporting role in a musical and a second nomination for Best Actress in a supporting role in a musical.

Adam Dannheisser said: “So incredibly excited and grateful to have the opportunity to revisit this role, this play, this cast and team and the proud, brave world of Anatevka.”

Lara Pulver said: “After our acclaimed, sold-out run at Regent’s Park, I am thrilled to be part of this magical production for its limited run at the Barbican. I hope many more will be swept up by our stellar cast of musicians and actors and will find it as thought provoking, entertaining and infinitely hummable as this iconic show can be.”

Beverley Klein said: “I’m so excited to be returning to the Barbican after 40 years, where we rehearsed and performed the original production of ‘Les Misérables’. I’m back there at last with our wonderful production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ direct from Regent’s Park and I’m so happy to be playing Yente once more.”

The Barbican run will be followed by a major five-month UK and Ireland tour from 24 July until 6 December (tour cast to be announced soon). This will be the first UK tour of this classic musical in over 12 years – offering audiences around the UK and Ireland a rare opportunity to see this musical masterpiece in an acclaimed new production, direct from the West End. See listings below for venues.

Fiddler on the Roof is one of the greatest musicals of all time with one of the finest scores ever written featuring: ‘If I Were A Rich Man’, ‘Tradition’, ‘Matchmaker’ and ‘Sunrise, Sunset’, this classic musical of joy, revolution and community is an exuberant celebration of love and life.

This electrifying masterpiece is the next in the series of great summer musicals at the Barbican, as part of the partnership between Trafalgar Theatre Productions and the Barbican. This follows the previous smash-hit summer classic musical extravaganzas Anything Goes, Kiss Me, Kate and the multi-award-winning new musical A Strange Loop.

This is a rare opportunity to catch this “liberating, exuberant” (Evening Standard) production, led by the powerhouse creative team of director Jordan Fein (Oklahoma, Young Vic), choreographer Julia Cheng (Cabaret) and designer Tom Scutt (Winner of the 2024 Tony Award for Cabaret).

It’s 1905 in the tiny village of Anatevka where Tevye, a Jewish milkman, lives his life by their proud traditions. For his five daughters, that means a visit from the matchmaker. As each daughter challenges his beliefs, against the backdrop of a changing world, can Tevye hold on to his roots, or must he bend to the will of his children and learn to embrace the unfamiliar?

What the critics have said:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“A MASTERCLASS IN BALANCING INNOVATION AND TRADITION.

FEIN AND FIDDLER ARE A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN”

Daily Telegraph

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“SHOWSTOPPER. SPEAKS TO THE PRESENT. SUBLIME”

The Guardian

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“LIBERATING, EXUBERANT – HUGELY MOVING”

Evening Standard

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A POTENT EVENING THAT’S HARD TO FORGET”

The Times

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A MUSICAL TRIUMPH”

The i

Produced on the New York stage by Harold Prince

Original New York stage production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins

Presented in association with the Barbican

BARBICAN LISTINGS INFORMATION

Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

First Performance: 24 May 2025

Final performance: 19 July 2025

From 24 May – 7 June: Mon – Sat at 7.30pm and matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm From 9 June – 19 July: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat at 7.30pm and matinees Tue, Thu & Sat at 2.30pm

Running time: Approx 2 hours 40 minutes (inc. interval)

Age guidance: 12+

Tickets from £25.00

Young Barbican ticket offer: £15, Monday – Friday evenings until 19 July Barbican Box Office: Barbican.org.uk or 020 7870 2500

(Telephone lines open Monday to Friday, 12.00 – 5.30pm)

Access Performances:

BSL Interpreted: Wednesday 25 June, 7.30pm

Audio Described: Saturday 28 June, 2.30pm

Captioned: Wednesday 2 July, 7.30pm

Social Media:

Website: FiddlerOnTheRoofUK.com

X: @FiddlerRoofUK

Facebook: @FiddlerOnTheRoofUK

Instagram: @FiddlerOnTheRoofUK

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – UK & IRELAND TOUR 2025

DATE VENUE

24 – 26 July BROMLEY CHURCHILL THEATRE

29 July – 2 August LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

5 – 9 August BELFAST GRAND OPERA HOUSE

12 – 16 August NORWICH THEATRE

19 – 23 August NOTTINGHAM CONCERT HALL

26 – 30 August BRISTOL HIPPODROME

9 – 13 September EDINBURGH FESTIVAL THEATRE

16 – 20 September HIGH WYCOMBE SWAN THEATRE

23 – 27 September LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

30 September – 4 October SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION

7 – 18 October DUBLIN BORD GÁIS THEATRE

21 October – 1 November MANCHESTER PALACE THEATRE

4 – 8 November EASTBOURNE CONGRESS THEATRE

11 – 15 November CANTERBURY MARLOWE THEATRE

18 – 22 November CARDIFF NEW THEATRE

25 – 29 November SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 15th March 2025

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

3***

A Bill Kenwright production, Cruel Intentions is a flashback musical production based on the 90s cult classic film of the same name. ‘90s music supports the plot, adding a ‘good night out’ feel to a twisted tale of seduction and rivalry.

The play centres around step siblings, Sebastian (Will Callan) and Kathryn (Nic Myers) who engage in a plan to ruin the reputation of two girls through seduction and manipulation. Kathryn goads Sebastian into seducing Annette (Abbie Budden), who has declared her commitment to chastity. They simultaneously work together to destroy a young girl, Cecile (Lucy Carter), who idolises the siblings but is in Kathryn’s sights as the cause of a relationship breakdown.

The cruel plot is interspersed with renditions of songs of the 90s, adding a comedic slant to the production that is sometimes magnified by the exaggerated choreography. A perfect example of this is Cecile’s exaggerated interpretation of “I’ll make love to you”.

Against the backdrop of an imposing, bright stage set, this production is not at all serious but there are elements that do cast back to the’90s and bring a few questions to the fore. For me, this aspect was the hardest to balance against the uplifting tone of the music.

With all that said, the finale delivers a medley of hits that get the audience onto their feet to participate in a celebration of ‘90s music, dispersing the edginess of sexual manipulation that is so strongly portrayed throughout the play.

Theatre Royal Windsor – until Saturday 15th March 2025

Reviewed by Liberty Noke

4****

Far From The Madding Crowd is the latest stage adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel. The stage is set as you walk in with bales of hay and the play opens with a short musical number. The actors play the accordion, flute and guitar and sing a short melody before the action begins.

We are introduced to Bathseba (Abi Casson Thompson) who is staying with her aunt on a farm and Gabriel Oak (Joshua Davey), a Shepherd from a nearby farm. Gabriel falls in love with Bathseba and ask her to marry him. She flirts with him and leads him on a little but never lets him get too close. When she inherits her uncle’s farm Gabriel comes to work for her but she also meets Sergeant Francis Troy (James Sygrove) and William Boldwood (Ross Muir) both of whom fall instantly in love with her. Bethseba flirts with all of her suitors but doesn’t commit to any of them it seems she has all the power. That is until she married Sergeant Troy in the second act.

The 5 actors play many characters, including animals at some points which added a welcome element of humour. All 5 actors are incredibly talented and I found the use of costumes and accents meant that the audience did not get confused.

This is a classic love triangle with many twists and turns. Classics can have a reputation for being boring and difficult to follow but I found this utterly captivating and the language used was not at all difficult to follow and understand making this accessible for all generations. The short musical interludes helped to break up the scenes which I really enjoyed. The music chosen was also in keeping with the time and the genre and would help indicate the passing of time. For instance the holly and the Ivy was sung to indicate Christmas had arrived.

It is easy to see why a story first told over 100 years ago still captivates audiences today. Bathseba is a strong willed independent and likeable protagonist that women of this age can relate to. She knows her own mind and is firm with her suitors and independently manages the farm, unswayed by the disapproving stares of those at the market. Her relationship with Liddy (Emily Hunter) is so important. We see them giggle together as they talk about sending a valentine to Farmer Boldwood and are reminded that Bathseba is a young woman who can enjoy herself. We also see her jealous side when she discovers the lock of hair in Sergeant Troy’s (Joshua Davey) pocket. All of this makes her a likeable and relatable character and that I believe is why the story has remained so popular.

Nick Young and Ross Muir have done an excellent job of adapting this play allowing a new generation to be inspired by Bathseba while staying true to the original text.

Curve Theatre, Leicester – until 22nd March 2025

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

4****

Tina Turner, the queen of rock and roll lived a tumultuous life, full of ups and downs. Her experiences have taken her to rivers deep and mountains high. Neglected by her parents, relentlessly abused and tortured by a narcissistic husband she was on the verge of losing it all. But like the superstar she is, Tina rose like a phoenix from the ashes and reclaimed her place at the top of the charts, winning award after award and cementing her legacy as a legend in her own right.

Turner was deeply involved in the development of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, enabling us to enjoy some of her amazing songs spanning several years. Although she wanted to turn ‘poison into medicine’, ensuring her whole story is told, not just the success, the book by Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and direction by Phyllida Lloyd is problematic. This is a very long production, and you feel it, as certain scenes are unnecessarily included and/or drawn out. Trying to fit every significant moment of Tina’s life in, is certainly going to be a struggle, but glossing over her spirituality and Buddhism, which was the gateway to her clarity to find the strength to leave her abusive relationship was an odd choice. We have her upbringing, meeting Ike, her recording career with Ike for 2 decades, her domestic violence experiences and Ike’s philandering, leaving Ike, struggling to record on her own, then finding success again. Although the production does not shy away from showing us some of the horrific abuse she endured at the hands of Ike Turner, these are in the form of awkward artificial stage fighting. Sometimes these have sound effects and sometimes none. The production also muddies why she married Ike and glances over some of the mental anguish she endured with him. Tina herself described it as feeling like ‘I was living a life of death. I didn’t exist’, but this was overshadowed in the production by a rather flamboyant Ike, who at one point morphed into Andre 3000, taking drugs, and having a psychedelic orgy.

The linier way in which Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is told lacks creativity and some of the songs feel a little shoehorned in. Instead of being bombarded with events and superfluous characters, we could have explored the real Tina, delved into moments of tenderness such as when she had her children, or how she felt when she was finally free, or the afore mentioned discovering her spirituality and inner voice. It offered nothing more than a documentary could, with a fabulous soundtrack.

However, where the show shone was through Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy’s magnificent embodiment of Tina. She nails the performance in every way, nuance, voice and emotion. Commanding the stage with aplomb she has the audience mesmerised. Her vocals spinetingling, relishing every sequined swish and sparkly swirl. Not a pastiche but a true homage. Chizaram Ochuba-Okafor plays the young Tina, Anna Mae, beautifully, her gorgeous vocals and confident performance paired with MacCarthy’s to perfection. David King-Yombo plays Ike Turner brilliantly with equal amounts of smarm and latent menace, but the writers let him down by allowing him to descend into a caricature minimising his true threat and deplorable behaviour. Letitia Hector plays Tina’s mother, Zelma, with just the right amount of coldness and self-absorption. The ensemble are super talented, although some of the wig blending is a little questionable. The group numbers add so much to the show, making you feel like you are watching a full-on concert. The live band, vocals, choreography, lighting cues, and musical direction are amazing. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is a performance pumped full of musical energy, and we get the full effect of this with its thrilling encore.

Full companies confirmed for the The Government Inspector and Anna Karenina at Chichester Festival Theatre

The full casts have been announced for the first two Festival Theatre productions of Chichester’s new season, The Government Inspector and Anna Karenina.

The Government Inspector by Nikolai Gogol, in a new adaptation by Phil Porter, runs at  Chichester Festival Theatre from 25 April – 24 May (press night: 1 May). Directed by former RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran, this brilliantly inventive 19^th century satire of skulduggery, mistaken identity and human absurdity stars actor and comedian Tom Rosenthal as Klestakov.

Joining him are: Scott Bowden as Svitsunov, Shereener Browne as Fevronya/Charity Commissioner’s Wife, Joe Dixon (Renegade Nell, Imperium I & II)as the Judge, Joe Eyre as Waiter/Gendarme, Mohsen Ghaffari as Mishka/Abdullin, Nick Haverson (The Cat and the Canary CFT, Charlie & Stan) as Osip, Lloyd Hutchinson (Dear England, King Lear) as the Mayor, Reuben Johnson as Postmaster, Sylvestra Le Touzel (The Crown, Intelligence) as Anna, Christopher Middleton as Head of Schools, Laurie Ogden  as Marya, Mark Oliver as Chief of Police, Oscar Pearce as The Charity Commissioner, Leigh Quinn as Avdotya, Paul Rider as Dobchinsky, John Rogers as Derzhmorda, and Miltos Yerolemou as Bobchinsky.

Natalie Dormer stars in Tolstoy’sromantic masterpiece Anna Karenina, in a new adaptation written and directed by Phillip Breen, running at Chichester Festival Theatre from 7 – 28 June. This witty and sensual version – blending period dress with a contemporary tone – is a surprisingly funny, romantic and unforgettable portrait of infidelity, passion and the search for fulfilment.

Joining Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games)as Anna, and the previously announced David Oakes (Victoria, Vikings: Valhalla)as Levin, are: Donna Berlin as Countess Vronskaya, Jonnie Broadbent (The Norman Conquests CFT, Much Ado About Nothing) as Stiva, Les Dennis (Twelfth Night, Red or Dead) as Petka, Seamus Dillane (The Invention of Love, Richard II) as Vronsky, Florence Dobson as Marya,  Tomiwa Edun (Romeo and Juliet, Trigger Point) as Karenin, Sandy Fosteras Countess Lydia, Ivan Ivashkin as Nikolai, Shalisha James-Davis (The Comedy of Errors, Romeo and Juliet) as Kitty, Anne Lacey as Agafya, Marcia Lecky (Coriolanus, Brian and Maggie) as Princess Shcherbatskaya, John Ramm (The Spy Who Came In From The Cold CFT, Wolf Hall/Bring Up The Bodies RSC) as Prince Shcherbatsky, Riad Richie as Titus, and Naomi Sheldon (The Girlfriend, Witness for the Prosecution)as Dolly.

Tickets from £10

cft.org.uk       Box Office 01243 781312      

Prologue: £5 tickets for 16 – 30s

9,000 £5 tickets are available for 16 to 30 year-olds across all Festival 2024 productions; sign up for free at cft.org.uk/prologue.