Home

The Studio Cast Recording of
Jo – The Little Women Musical
will be released globally on May 23, 2025

Jo – The Little Women Musical, a new musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s iconic coming-of-age novel Little Women, with music by Dan Redfeld, book and lyrics by Christina Harding and John Gabriel Koladziej, will get a global release on Friday 23 May as a Studio Album recorded at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios.

It features a mix of Broadway, West End and international stars and a 29-piece orchestra, produced by five-time Grammy nominee and three-time Emmy winner Nigel Wright and Dan Redfeld.

Tony Award® winner and five-time Tony Award® nominee Laura Benanti (Gypsy) is Marmee March; two-time Tony Award® winner Christine Ebersole (42nd Street) is Aunt March; Olivier nominated West End and Broadway star Julian Ovenden (South Pacific), Father; Grammy Award nominated Christine Allado (Hamilton) Jo March; two-time Tony Award® nominee Bob Gunton (Evita), Grandfather; West End star Kelly Mathieson (The Phantom of the Opera), Meg March; TV star Sophie Pollono (Young and the Restless), Amy March; Eleanor Grant (Avatar LIVE), Beth March; Rob Houchen (Titanique), Theodore “Laurie” Laurence; Chris Mann (The Phantom of the Opera), Professor Bhaer; Liam Tamne (Prince of Egypt), John Brooke; Tobias Turley (Mamma Mia!), Fred Vaughn; Miyuki Miyagi (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812), Sallie Gardiner.

The album will be available on Friday May 23 on all platforms including Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Album pre-launch party events  will be held in New York on Monday 19th May and in London on Thursday May 22nd featuring artists from the recording.

Album creative team:
Dan Redfeld – Composer, Conductor, Orchestrator, Studio Album Co-Music Producer
Christina Harding – Co-Lyricist & Book
John Gabriel Koladziej – Co-Lyricist & Book
JoAnn M. Hunter – Director
Nigel Wright – Studio Album Co-Music Producer
Brian Purcell – Executive Producer

Nigel Wright, Co-Music Producer said: “I have to say this album is glorious and a real highlight in my career. Simply stunning!”

Dan Redfeld, Composer and Co-Music Producer, said: “The Jo album is a magical listening experience.  We are excited for the world to hear Jo and the brilliance of the studio cast and orchestra on this recording, which is literally the complete show. It has been a privilege to work alongside Nigel Wright and team Jo!”

The full show will be presented at a future date to be announced as a semi-staged concert in London, directed by JoAnn M. Hunter (20 Broadway shows to her credit as a Choreographer including Bad Cinderella and School of Rock).

Jo – The Little Women Musical studio album will be released by Center Stage Records, led by the Grammy Award and Tony Award® winning producer, Van Dean.

Social media:
Website:
www.jothemusical.com
Instagram:
@jothemusical  
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/jothemusical

Jo – The Little Women Musical studio album
track list

ACT ONEJanuary 1866
1. Prelude – Jo, Meg, Beth & Amy

December 1861
2. The Pickwick Portfolio – Jo, Meg, Beth & Amy
3. Journey – Jo

New Year’s Eve, 1861
4. A Ball Tonight – Company, Meg, Jo & Sallie
5. Scene Gavotte – Jo & Laurie
6. Waltz/A Ball Tonight Reprise – Laurie, Jo, Meg, Sallie & Company

1862
7. The Simple Truth – Meg
8. First Orchestral Interlude – John, Meg, Jo, Laurie & Amy
9. (A World of) Dreams & Figments – Amy
10. Little Women – Marmee, Meg, Jo, Beth & Amy
11. To Swear My Love to You – Meg & John
12. The Pickwick Portfolio (Reprise) – Jo, Beth, Amy & Meg
13. Can’t We Keep Pretending – Jo
14. Scarlet Fever (Scene) & A Prayer for Beth – Jo, Beth, Meg, Grandfather Laurence, Amy & Laurie
15. An Ode on Aunt March’s Urn – Aunt March, Laurie, Amy
16. Orchard House (Scene) – Marmee, Grandfather Laurence & Company
17. The Blessed Rose- Amy, Meg, Jo, Aunt March, Laurie, Grandfather & Company
18. Father’s Return – Beth, Grandfather, Jo, Aunt March, Laurie Meg, Amy, Marmee & Father
19. The Blessed Rose & Second Orchestral Interlude – Jo, Laurie, Beth, Father, Amy, Meg, Marmee, Aunt    March, Grandfather Laurence & Company

Summer, 1865
20. The Heart of a Woman – Father
21. The Wedding & Journey Reprise Meg, John, Laurie, Jo, Amy, Marmee, Beth, Father, Laurie,
Grandfather & Aunt March
22. Embrace the World /Little Women Reprise – Beth, Jo, Marmee & Father
23. The Life We’ll Know – Jo & Laurie
24. Fly Away – Jo
ACT TWO

25. Entr’acte – The Jo Orchestra
26. Sincerely, New York – Company, Jo, Bhaer, Mrs. Kirke
27. The Tales That I Tell – Jo, Mysterious Soprano & Company
28. A Friend Like You – Bhaer & Jo
29. Between the Earth & Sky – Marmee, Beth & Meg
30. Heaven Sous Le Soleil – Aunt March, Fred, Amy, Laurie, Coco and The Countess & Company
31. Un Cocktail or Two… – Aunt March
32. The Argument – Laurie & Amy
33. No Turning Back – Laurie & Aunt March
34. Waltz (Reprise) – Jo & Bhaer
35. When Nighttime Falls – Bhaer & Jo
36. My Captive Heart – Amy & Laurie
37. Coming Home (Scene) – Father, Jo, Marmee, Beth
38. Moments – Beth & Jo

January, 1866
39. The Darkest Midnight /The Attic (Scene) – Jo, Bhaer & Marmee
40. This is Our Story – Jo
41. On the Platform (Scene) – Jo & Bhaer
42. Finale Ultimo – Jo, Bhaer & Company

The Arts Theatre – until August 2025

Reviewed by Ava Clarkson

5*****

The Arts Theatre in central Soho is a great venue for a night out, especially a night out in a pub! The Choir of Man has come back to London’s West end and has made the Arts Theatre its permanent home. The theatre has been around since 1927 and has an eclectic history. Over the years it has produced experimental shows including Samuel Becketts “Waiting for Godot” which had its world premiere here back in 1955.

The Choir of Man was created in 2016 by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay over a pint in a beer garden. What has evolved from that pint is an energetic ball of feel good fun – a sell out sensation that has toured the world. Quite simply put – a group of men in a pub, talking, drinking and singing together. The show doesnt have a story as such – but promises a love letter which addresses music, human connections and the institution that is the great british pub. The play has a focus on mens mental health and has a charitable collaberation with CALM – the Campaign against living miserably.

You are invited to arrive at the theatre 1 hour before and enjoy a drink at the bar – what is unexpected is that the said bar is indeed the stage and becomes the central location of the show. As we near the start time, the cast members come onto the stage and mingle with the bar goers who are yet to take their seats, indeed there seems to be no urgency for them to leave.

Looking out from our circle seats, we have a great view. The cast are assembled in a line on the stage and the band are above them looking down, but as the night goes on band and cast move effortlessly around the building.

The choir is made up of 9 – Paul McArthur (Poet), Oliver Jacobson (Barman), George Knapper (Handyman), Benji Lord (Joker), David Booth (Romantic), Jason Brock (Romantic), Rob Godfrey (Beast), Ifan Gwilym-Jones (Maestro) and Toby Francis (Swing). Paul McArthur introduces us to the show and welcomes us to “The Jungle” – the name of the pub and the opening song.

During the 90 minute show, the audience are invited on stage, the cast walk around handing out free beer and catapult crisps into the audience. The songs are well-loved faviourites and everyone claps and sings along. The choir’s voices are outstanding. Accapella numbers are interspersed with full band numbers. A stand out song showing the full range of the choir’s reach was Sia’s Chandelier – no instruments but just beautiful voices haunting the audience. Songs ranged from Adele’s “Hello” through to “500 miles” by The Proclaimers – certainly a song for everyone could be found.

During the show we have meaningful monologues performed with passion by Paul McCarthur – his voice draws you into each story he is telling. Stories about each cast member, where their favourite pubs are and what home means to them. We feel like we are invited to know them individually and hear a little of their life off stage.

The performance is a toe-tapping extravaganza of fun and is over in the blink of an eye. At just 90 minutes with no interval, this really is a high energy show. You cannot help but smile and immerse yourself in the show – indeed you feel part of it, you are simply having a night out in your favourite bar.

I am sure this show will run and run and tour again – it is the perfect night out with friends and highly recommended. A 5 star night in the pub!

The Barn Theatre, Cirencester – until 10th May 2025

Reviewed by Josie Aburrow Smith

5*****

In the Mouth of the Wolf is another great Built By Barn production. It is based on the book by Michael Morpurgo and sensitively adapted for stage by Simon Read. This is the 6th book by Micheal Morpurgo that has been on the stage at the Barn Theatre.

It’s really important to remember when watching this that it is based on the true story of Micheal Morpurgo’s uncles. 

The play starts with Francis being the subject of an episode of This is Your Life (this was a TV programme where guests were surprised with a presentation of their past). Francis then goes back through his past and how many people, some who are not with us anymore, shaped his life. Its starts with him as child and his relationship with his brother, Pieter, and his father.  Francis becomes a dedicated pacifist and is very against war and killing. There is an event which occurs that will change the course of Francis life forever.

The 3 actors are outstanding. Francis is played by John Hastings. According to Michael Morpurgo he even has Francis’s shoulders. He faithfully portrays his character with dignity and integrity. Shaun McCourt is Pieter and a number of other characters. He is a dashing young man of the era. Helena Antoniou is Nan (Francis wife)  and a wide variety of other people. She easily transitions between the roles with such skill that you hardly notice. One particular moment is the seamless motion in which she whips off her bridal veil and convincingly turns it into a baby.

The set was minimal with a few props which was very cleverly adapted for each scene. It effortlessly switched between being a school room, an aeroplane and many other different locations, this was designed by Yoav Segal. The lighting design, by Ryan Day, set the mood. Composition and sound design was by Ella Wahlström. The play is directed by Philip Wilson.

This play is a poignant reminder of World War II and some extraordinary characters who should not be forgotten.

Age Guidance: 8+ Smoke, haze, strobe lighting, gunshots and death (though I would suggest 10+ as they will have studied World War II at school so will have a better understanding)

Birmingham Hippodrome – until 12th April 2025

Reviewed by Emma Millward 

5*****

First hitting British TV screens in 1981, John Sullivan’s Only Fools and Horses soon cemented its place as one of the nation’s most beloved sitcoms. The show still holds the record for the biggest UK audience for a sitcom, when 24.3 million viewers tuned in to watch the 1996 episode ‘Time on Our Hands’. It was somewhat inevitable that the show would take to the stage. Although John Sullivan had toyed with the idea before his death in 2011, his son Jim Sullivan decided to make it a reality and approached Paul Whitehouse to join him on writing duties for both the script/score and lyrics for the show, with additional lyrics by Chas Hodge of Chas & Dave fame.  They took on the task of condensing 64 episodes of the show into a two-hour play. The show premiered in 2019 at Theatre Royal Haymarket, London.

Set in Peckham in 1989, the show tells the story of Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter (Sam Lupton), his younger brother Rodney (Tom Major, making his professional debut), and their Grandad (Paul Whitehouse) and the weird and wonderful people that surround them. As the lights went down, we were immediately greeted with familiar sights and sounds from the TV show. The Nags Head pub in the background, the marketplace where Del sells his dubious wares, and of course the Trotters’ flat in Nelson Mandela House were among the cleverly used revolving sets (designed by Alice Power) and video backgrounds (designed by Leo Flint).

The main storylines centre around Del meeting his future wife Raquel (Amanda Coutts) through a dating agency, Technomatch. We also get to see Rodney and Cassandra (Nicola Munns) planning their upcoming wedding.  Del lands himself in trouble when he does an ill-advised deal with local hardmen, Danny Driscoll (Christopher Arkeston) and Tony Driscoll (Darryl Paul), to get Rodney and Cassandra the money for a deposit on the flat of their dreams. There are references to the original show throughout, from the era-appropriate costumes (Liz Ascroft) to Trigger’s famous broom, a chandelier, and a certain yellow vehicle may just make an appearance too.

Along the way, we see plenty of well-known characters from the show: the eternally confused Trigger (Lee VG), Denzil (Bradley John), and Boycie (Craig Berry) and his flamboyant wife, Marlene (Nicola Munns in a dual role).  Some characters get their own songs, such as the charming ‘Tadpole Song’ that Boycie and Marlene sing at the fertility clinic. While Trigger slightly baffles everyone with ‘Gaze into My Ball,’ a song about fortune telling!  I think they hit the perfect balance with the songs: the mix of lively ‘knees-up’ music mixed with heartfelt ballads, with a few old, familiar tunes thrown in for good measure, including ‘Lovely Day’ by Bill Withers and ‘Holding Back the Years’ by Mick Hucknall (sang beautifully by Gloria Acquaah-Harrison).  Of course, it wouldn’t be Only Fools and Horses without the original theme tune ‘Hooky Street’ and some classic Chas & Dave tunes thrown in!!

The show has an incredibly versatile ensemble cast, many of whom play dual roles. However, Sam Lupton as Del Boy inevitably steals the show.  His performance and mannerisms are spot on. He manages to avoid going down the impressionist route of just mimicking David Jason. All in all. It’s a show filled with laughter, questionable French phrases, and songs that will remain stuck in your head for a very long time!

Actress, singer and musical theatre star Sharon Sexton sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 questions. Sharon is currently playing Sloane on tour in Bat Out of Hell the Musical.  Due to appear at Leeds Grand Theatre from 21 April, tickets available here

Let’s start with a few favourites

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

Phantom of the Opera has a really special place in my heart as it is the first big scale production that I had ever seen and it was the moment I knew this is what I wanted to do.

Favourite book?

One Day by David Nicholls

Favourite theatre?

It’s probably not classed as a theatre but I absolutely love performing in the Crazy Coqs in London, they are such a wonderful company to work with, the sound is amazing, the atmosphere is so special because the audience are in the palm or your hand and it’s so intimate. I have many, many fun memories of wonderful concerts and shows here.

Favourite song?

There are too many to choose from, but if I must make a decision today, then I will say Let’s Dance by David Bowie.

Favourite music?

I’m a big 70s music fan so I love the music of Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Bowie and I’m also a big closet Motown fan.

Favourite food?

I love a good omelette

Favourite drink?

Gin & Tonic

What is your favourite role?

That I’ve played – Sloane. That I would like to play, Mamma Rose.

What was your first role?

Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat aged 10

And what role would you really like to play?

Oh I’ve mentioned it already but I’ll give you a second one – Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd

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

A teacher

What made you decide to be a performer?

It was never really a conscious decision, I have been performing since I can remember and it was always what I wanted to do. I always followed my passion and when I learnt that it was possible to do large scale productions and do this as a profession, I was quite young but that was it. Decision made.

Do you enjoy touring?

I enjoy it because I have my family with me but other than that I have toured enough now. It’s fun when you’re young and have nothing but a backpack and freedom to explore and sleep in and enjoy places at your leisure. As you get older life becomes more complicated and responsibilities make it trickier to tour – life is too short to be away from the ones you love and the home comforts you create, so I’m a bit more selective now about touring. Bat Out Of Hell is always a joy to tour with as my husband is on the road with me and our little boy is small enough to also come along. The show feels like our extended family.

What advice would you give 16 year old you?

Dream bigger.

Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing?

I have a Masters in Directing for Theatre, as it’s something I used to do a lot of but I stepped away from it for a while to focus on performing but I may turn my hand to it again. It’s a totally different skill set and is all encompassing, but I love it.

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

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button The Musical in London’s West End. It took my breath away.

Favourite line from any show?

That’s showbiz kid – from Chicago

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

Probably my son, just to get a little insight into his wonderful world and imagination.

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

The weird ones are too weird to mention, but I do get some lovely gifts, especially personalized dolls, bikes, t-shirts, really thoughtful and useful little presents.

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

Myself and my husband are recording an album with all of our original songs under our SEXTON & FOWLER label, with a London producer and Studio, so we are really excited about this and we will be launching an album tour in the autumn.

Bat Out of Hell the Musical is on tour around the UK.  Tickets can be found here

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE ADDED FOR

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

THE MUSICAL

AT PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE ON

SUNDAY 24 AUGUST 2025

Due to popular demand, award-winning producer Jack Maple is delighted to announce an additional performance for the professional premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Prince Edward Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre, on Sunday 24 August 2025 at 6pm. This performance will be signed with tickets held exclusively for access patrons. This will be in addition to two performances on Sunday 17 August 2025.

Tickets for Sunday 24 August 2025 will go on-sale on Thursday 3 April 2025 at 10am for Access Patrons and DMT+ Members with general on-sale at 11am.

Casting to be announced.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame has music and lyrics from the 1996 animated film by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz and additional songs written for the musical by the two Oscar winners, a book by Peter Parnell and will be directed by Jonathan O’Boyle with musical direction by Olivier Award-winner Alan Williams. The concert will have choreography by Olivier Award nominee Mark Smith (The Little Big Things, Founder of Deaf Men Dancing), lighting design by Jamie Platt (Something Rotten in Concert), costume design by Alice McNicholas (Spring Awakening 15^th Anniversary Reunion), casting direction by WhatsOnStage Award-winner Harry Blumenau (Why Am I So Single?) and production management by Toby P Darvill for Production Solutions Group.

This extraordinary production brings to life Victor Hugo’s timeless tale of love, power, and redemption, set against the majestic backdrop of Notre Dame Cathedral. With a story that still resonates today, this unique concert performance will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Prepare for an evening of soaring melodies, passionate performances, and the beauty of a timeless tale brought to life like never before!

Featuring a breathtaking symphonic score by legendary composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid) and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pocahontas). Prepare to be swept away by iconic songs like ‘Out There’, ‘God Help the Outcasts’, and ‘The Bells of Notre Dame’, all performed by a full orchestra, choir, and an all-star West End cast.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame first opened in Berlin in 1999, with a book by James Lapine, under the German name Der Glöckner von Notre Dame where it ran for over 1200 performances and was seen by 1.4-million people. In 2014, a new version premiered in San Diego with a new book by Peter Parnell and additional songs from Menken and Schwartz. This version has gone on to be produced by multiple US regional theatres and has had productions in Japan, Germany and Australia.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME IN CONCERT

Sunday 17 August & Sunday 24 August 2025

Prince Edward Theatre

Old Compton St

London

W1D 4HS

Performances: Sunday 17 August – 3pm & 7:30pm, Sunday 24 August – 6pm

Tickets: from £30

Box Office: 0344 482 5151

Further information regarding accessibility at the Prince Edward Theatre and how to book tickets can be found at: [www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/accessibility]www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/accessibility

Website: [www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk]www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Instagram – @hunchbackconcertldn 

Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 5 April 2025

Reviewed by Louise Ford

4****

A moral dilemma in Poirot’s  most perplexing case to date.

I confess to having a soft spot for Agatha Christie and her Belgium detective. In this novel the murder in the “locked room” in an English Manor House is transported overseas into a murder on a train stranded in the snow. An ingenious plot device which adapts surprisingly well to the stage. This adaptation is by Ken Ludwig and directed by Lucy Bailey.

It’s 1934 and we are in Istanbul, at perhaps the best restaurant in town, waiting to head to the railway station. We are all bound for Calais on The Orient Express. With spats  and a modest moustache Poirot enters the stage. In this production Poirot is played by Michael Maloney. He commands the stage as Hercule complete with affectations, mannerisms and, of course, the little grey cells.

Poirot  has received an urgent message which requires him to travel to London immediately, unfortunately the train is, unexpectedly, fully booked. Fortunately Poirot runs into his old friend, and Director of the railway line, M Bouc (Bob Barrett). M Bouc agrees to give up his first class sleeper to Poirot. And we are all aboard the train heading towards the Yugoslavian border.

Our travelling companions are a Cosmopolitan group, some of whom may not be who they seem. There is the beautiful Hungarian Countess Elena Adreyni (Mila Carter) who captures Poirot’s heart and admiration. The fussy Russian Princess Dragomiroff (Debbie Chazen), who is travelling with her pious companion from Sweden, Greta Ohlsson (Rebecca Charles). From America there is the much married, and on the look out for husband number 4, Helen Hubbard (Christine Kavanagh); the shady businessman Samuel Ratchett (Simon Cotton) who is travelling with his nervous secretary Hector MacQueen (Paul Keating). Finally there is the ill matched (are they a couple), pair of Mary Debenham (Iniki Mariano) and The Colonel (Rishi Rian). The cast is paired down from those is the novel and in some cases the characters have been combined. However this means that the plot is easy to follow and the characters are given time to develop, without it becoming too confusing. The opening scenes when we hear, through the eyes and ears of Poirot, snatches of conversations and glimpses of the characters is a brilliant way to meet the travellers.

The star of the show is of course The Orient Express herself. In her heyday she was the height of luxury and glamour, taking travellers to the mysterious and exotic East. The glamour and sense of travel is wonderfully created by Mike Britton, with added video design by Ian William Galloway. The huge wheels first appear on stage and easily dwarf the actors as they file on the platform. The set effortlessly moves from carriages to sleeping compartments to the dining room. The cast moving some of the props around to help the flow.

The costumes also deserve a shoutout . They were designed by Mike Britton, and really  capture the luxury and opulence of the era, in particular the glorious dresses worn by Princess Dragomiroff and the impressive fur coat worn by Mr Ratchett.

My one, minor, criticism is that there was perhaps too much comedy, particularly in the second half. I felt that it jarred with the seriousness of the crime. However the comedy sat well in the first half and added to the excitement of the journey to come.

The little grey cells once more solve the insolvable.

Young people across the North East of England are taking part in nationwide celebrations of National Theatre Connections’ 30th anniversary 

To celebrate 30 years of Connections, the National Theatre’s annual landmark youth theatre festival, young people from across the North East will perform new plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from 7-11 April as part of their Connections Festival.  

The ten participating youth theatre groups are Bright Minds Youth Theatre, Newcastle Performance Academy Acting Company, Jarrow School, The Witham Youth Theatre, Gateshead College, River Tees Secondary Academy, Stockton Riverside College, Carmel Performing Arts, Theatre Royal Youth Company, and Page2stage performing Arts. 

As part of the nationwide celebration, over 5,500 young people from over 270 companies and schools across the UK will perform one of ten specially commissioned plays for young people at theatres nationwide. Connections champions the power of youth theatre, bringing together some of the UK’s most exciting contemporary writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow.  

Ten youth groups will then be selected to perform their play on the Dorfman stage at the National Theatre Connections Festival in June, representing the vast amount of talent across the UK.  

Marking the milestone 30th anniversary of the programme, these young people join over 125,000 people nationwide who have taken part in Connections over the past three decades, including esteemed alumni such as David Oyelowo, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Callum Scott Howells and Keira Knightley. Former playwrights include Jack Thorne, Chris Bush, Lenny Henry, James Graham and Alice Birch.  

HIT SHOW EXTENDS  DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND

There are just 4 more chances to see this Standing Ovation nominated performance

Following  two sold-out critically-acclaimed runs
The Last Days of Liz Truss?
by Greg Wilkinson, directed by Anthony Shrubsall
with
award-nominated Emma Wilkinson Wright as Liz Truss
and Steve Nallon of Spitting Image as the voice of Margaret Thatcher

has extended this week due to overwhelming demand
 at the White Bear Theatre

There are just 4 more chances to see this Standing Ovation nominated performance

Wednesday April 2 at 7.30pm
Thursday April 3 at 7.30pm
Friday April 4 at 7.30pm*
*with aftershow Q & A hosted by Terri Paddock
Saturday April 5 at 7.30pm

Prime Minister Liz Truss is navigating her last morning at Number 10.  But can a fighter ever quit?

The Last Days of Liz Truss? garnered five-star reviews and an “outstanding” from The Guardian’s Mark Lawson during its sold out premiere in December. Now this highly topical play by BBC Writers Room Award-nominated writer Greg Wilkinson, performed by Emma Wilkinson Wright as Liz and featuring Spitting Image’s Steve Nallon as the voice of Margaret Thatcher (and others), is coming back to the White Bear for a strictly limited run.

A tragic-comic exploration of the tensions in politics between ambition and ability, vision and reality, going short and playing it long, the play also takes a much broader look at broken systems and the tensions and contradictions at the heart of British and global politics.

Produced by Oxia Theatre.

Emma Wilkinson Wright (Liz Truss)
Emma is a British born, half-Roma actor, and the Artistic Director of twice Off West End award-nominated Oxia Theatre. Alongside her recent 5-star rated one-woman show Rika’s Rooms (Playground Theatre, Off-Comm Award), she featured in the recent BBC Radio 4 production of Assisted with Tamsin Greig and Jude Owusu, and in the TV series Lost Women Spies as Irene Ward. Theatre includes: Billie in The Moral Women (Hen and Chickens), Vermandera in The Changeling (Southwark Playhouse); The Mitford Sisters in The Mitfords (Playground Theatre /EdFringe – Off-Fest nominated); Helen Reed in
Secret Thoughts(Omnibus Theatre), Adelaine Hain in The Only White (Chelsea Theatre); JS in Necessary Targets (Southwark Playhouse); Hazel in Patterns (Leicester Curve), Trish in Meal With Friends (White Bear Theatre); Connie in Assisted (Edinburgh Fringe). Emma is represented  by Robert Fucilla at Imperial Artists Agency, UK & US.  X/Insta @emmamaywright

Steve Nallon (the voice of Margaret Thatcher, and others)
Steve is an actor, writer, voice artist and impressionist. He began his career as a stand-up performer on the northern club circuit in the 1970s. After gaining a degree in Drama and English at the University of Birmingham, Steve became a foundering member of the television series Spitting Image, where he provided the voices of many of the programme’s iconic characters including Margaret Thatcher. Steve’s acting credits include Jacque in Carnival (Barbican Theatre), John Bland in Chinese Whispers (Greenwich Theatre), Kenneth Williams in Screaming Queens (Waterloo East), Field Marshall Lord Montgomery and Sir John Gielgud in the documentary comedy In the Life (St James Theatre, now The Other Palace), the Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show (Leicester Haymarket) and Roy Barraclough/Cissie in Cissie and Ada (Lowry and national tour).

Anthony Shrubsall (Director)
Anthony Shrubsall is a freelance director, founder member of And Tomorrow Theatre Company and the Entire Theatre Company and former academic. Theatre direction includes Four Funerals and a Wedding (The Bread and Roses Theatre) Storming, Rika’s Rooms (Playground Theatre – OFFCOMM award), The Only White (Chelsea Theatre) Lear Alone (The Space, Edinburgh – Off West End Award ONCOMM winner and winner Best Director for Scenesaver Awards, Power Luncheon, The Good Dad (Hope Theatre – OFFCOMM nomination Best Director), A Boy Called Porro (Pleasance), Edred The Vampyre (Old Red Lion Theatre), An Absence Of (Old Court, Windsor – winner of the Kenneth Branagh New Writers Award), It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (0ld Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham) Death of a Hunter (Finborough Theatre – ONCOMM nominee).

Greg Wilkinson (Writer)
Greg is Writer in Residence at Oxia Theatre (www.oxiatheatre.com) – a company seeking to explore vital and urgent issues through original writing and innovative productions. The Last Days of Liz Truss? is his third play. Insomnolent received a table reading from RADA graduates in 2019. Assisted opened the Golden Goose’s Emerge Festival in 2021, was longlisted for the Popcorn/BBC New Writing Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022, and recorded for Radio 4 featuring Tamsin Greig, Jude Owusu and Emma Wilkinson Wright.  
.
Male Arcucci (Set Design)
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Malena Arcucci is a theatre designer and costume supervisor based in London. She is co-artistic director of Mariana Malena Theatre Company. Design credits include: When You Pass Over My Tomb (Arcola); The Wolf, The Mouse and The Duck (Unicorn), Strangers Like Me (NT Connect and Hackney Shed); The Bit Players (Southwark); Friday Night Love Poem (Zoo Edinburgh); Point of No Return (Actor ’s Centre); La Llorona (Dance City Newcastle); The Two of Us (Theatre Deli); Playing Latinx (Camden People’s Theatre) and various productions in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Sarah Lawrie (Associate Producer)
Producer Sarah Lawrie has been making theatre since 2013. Most recently she produced Good Boy and In Defiance of Gravity (The Space UK/Summerhall, Edfringe), the European premiere of 1979 (Finborough Theatre), Stitches (Hope Theatre), three-time Off West End Award nominated The Quality of Mercy (Courtyard Theatre/EdFringe), The Good Dad (Edinburgh Fringe/Playground Theatre), Shutters: A Lesbian Rock Opera (Omnibus Theatre) and Arts Council funded web series Lear Alone which won Best Series at Off West End’s OnComm Awards 2022.

LISTINGS INFO

Oxia Theatre presents

The Last Days of Liz Truss?
by Greg Wilkinson

directed by
Anthony Shrubsall

White Bear Theatre
138 Kennington Park Road
LONDON
SE11 4DJ

Just 4 more chances to see this Standing Ovation nominated performance
Wednesday April 2 at 7.30pm
Thursday April 3 at 7.30pm
Friday April 4 at 7.30pm
Saturday April 5 at 7.30pm

Running time:
90mins (Plus interval)

Tickets:
£17 (£12 concessions)

Wales Millennium Centre Reveals Landmark Production of Owain & Henry Starring Michael Sheen

Wales Millennium Centre proudly announces Owain & Henry, an ambitious new production that brings to life one of Wales’ most defining stories. Written by acclaimed playwright Gary Owen, this epic play will chart the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr against King Henry IV in a battle that could change the course of Welsh history. Starring Michael Sheen as the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales, this landmark production will take to the Donald Gordon Theatre stage in November 2026 as part of a co-production with Welsh National Theatre. 

This announcement reaffirms Wales Millennium Centre’s long-standing commitment to championing bold, world-class storytelling from Wales. Owain & Henry is the latest in a series of landmark productions that embody its mission to connect Wales and the world through extraordinary stories. While its scale and ambition make it a truly special moment, it also continues a proud tradition of bringing iconic Welsh narratives to the stage in a way that resonates both locally and globally.

Graeme Farrow, Artistic and Creative Director of Wales Millennium Centre, said:

“Wales Millennium Centre is dedicated to working with artists to tell powerful stories that captivate and inspire. Owain & Henry builds on our commitment to producing high-quality theatre and supports Welsh and Wales-based artists in being ambitious in their work. In 2024, audiences from 28 countries came to see Nye and 25% of the total audience had never attended a show at Wales Millennium Centre before. This co-production with Welsh National Theatre will share another iconic story deeply rooted in our national identity and history; we can’t wait for audiences worldwide to experience it.” 

Michael Sheen, Artistic Director of Welsh National Theatre, added:

“Owain & Henry is one of the origin stories of our nation, as relevant in today’s complex world as it was when Glyndŵr declared Wales an independent nation six hundred years ago. Gary Owen’s play is one of the most ambitious Welsh plays I’ve read; and is the biggest and boldest of Gary’s career. That’s the creative benchmark and ambition we want to set with Welsh National Theatre. This co-production model suits our early stage of working and it’s a thrill for Wales Millennium Centre to join us on this journey.”

Owain & Henry is part of Wales Millennium Centre’s wider strategy to create and champion major Welsh-led productions that engage audiences at home and abroad. The Centre has a proud legacy of supporting artists and companies who push creative boundaries, and this production exemplifies its mission to celebrate Welsh history and culture through the power of theatre.

Alongside Owain & Henry, Welsh National Theatre will also present Our Town, a co-production with the Rose Theatre, relocating Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play as a small Welsh town. Michael Sheen will take on the leading role of Stage Manager, with Swansea-born Francesca Goodridge directing and Russell T Davies as the creative associate. The production will open at Swansea Grand, followed by a short tour to North Wales before heading to London. 

These productions mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Welsh theatre, bringing world-class storytelling to audiences in Cardiff, across Wales, and beyond. Owain & Henry tickets are available from 4 August for WMC Members and 8 August for General Public. Tickets for Nye are on sale now.