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Curve Theatre Leicester – until 9th March 2024

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5*****

Come From Away is a profoundly touching, deeply thought-provoking and rather lovely musical. Based on events which occurred in the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11th attacks, it follows what unfolded when 38 planes, carrying approximately 7,000 passengers, were ordered to land unexpectedly in the towns Airport. At the height of confusion, anger, and fear… compassion, kindness and unconditional generosity shone through when two worlds collided. The characters are based on actual Gander residents and stranded travelers they housed and fed.

A terrorist attack does not initially strike one as a theme for a musical, but it’s the humanity and humility, shared love and care, and the triumph of good over evil that is celebrated here with gusto. Christopher Ashley’s direction doesn’t shy away from describing the darkness of attacks and loss, but we are not left there for long before we are roused by humour and the reminder that life endures. We see a mix of people from different backgrounds with different stories, cultures, and experiences, some with hostility, one who felt he had to hide his identity. But still finding connection in the community either through food or religion or a joke or romance or something that connects us as human beings. Come From Away is peppered with stories from real people and it dispensed with an interval to build-up tension and emotion and enables us to follow the journey of all involved, we are all in it together.

Beowulf Boritt frames the stage with lofty pines, wood panels, signs that light up to offer different locations. Alongside Kelly Devine’s wonderful musical staging the deceptively simple set is brought to life. Tables become coffee shops, offices etc. but the chairs are like characters in themselves. They dance seamlessly across the stage, with the aid of the cast, becoming a plane, an air traffic control tower, a barbecue, a mountain range, a bar and many many things. Howell Binkley’s spectacular lighting design adds layers to the production. Using spotlights to create the illusion of a control tower, illuminating individuals as they tell their stories, and subtly switching from light to dark, shadow to warmth depending on the emotions needed to be conveyed. Andrew Corcoran’s musical direction is rousing and rhythmic. It was lovely to have the band come on to the stage at the end and play a reprise for us.

The cast are mind-blowingly talented, depicting numerous characters and nationalities without missing a beat nor resorting to cliché. They executed their movements almost as a second breath, with fluid precision, pulling a hat from here, a pair of glasses from there to become a different character and embodying them completely. Playing both ‘Plane People’ and ‘Islanders’, they balanced the two emotions and story arcs perfectly.

An inspirational and uplifting show, Come From Away combines a sublime score, endearing characters, and a real-life story of love and kindness, overcoming even the most harrowing of events that will truly melt your hear

Nottingham Theatre Royal – Thursday 7th and Saturday 9th March 2024

Reviewed by Louise Ford

4****

Lessons in love!

I think that when you go to see a classic opera you often  have to suspend belief about the plot and often the underlying premise of  the story, and simply revel in the glorious music and singing. So here we go!

The libretto of Cosi was written by Lorenzo da Ponte and the score by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, it was premiered in Venice in 1790. The current production by Opera North remains true to its roots and is set firmly in the 1700s, the Age of Enlightenment and scientific exploration.

So, the curtains open on a stark stage dominated by the all seeing eye of the camera obscura. The camera obscura, a precursor to the camera, focuses light on a subject
and also presents a reversed image of reality. Our guide and (science )teacher is the sharply dressed Don Alfonso (Quirijn de Lang) who knowingly looks to the audience as he start his experiment in love . He also nods to the orchestra to start the action.

The “eye” disappears and we are drawn into the interior of the box. A stark black room, with white highlights in the form of lines and a few pieces of furniture. All of the action takes place in this restricted, claustrophobic space. The protagonist enter via either  hidden doors or by the lift like doors, to great effect. The set which was designed by Tobias Hoheisel, who also designed the costumes, was first used back in 2016 by Opera North.

The costumes in this production are initially pared back and are pale and “boring” for the main protagonists and as the action hots up the colours subtly changes with the introduction of bright colours. Don Alfonso remains buttoned up and daper throughout. Despina  who is a splash of colour from the start has some great costume and disguises.

The opera is sung in English, rather than the original Italian, which means that the audience is able to appreciate some of the wittier exchanges more easily, rather than relying on the surtitles. Although the surtitles do come in handy for some of the more complex and fast exchanges!

There was an unexpected last minute substitution as Heather Lowe had been struck down by flu. The role of Dorabella was played by Sian Griffiths. She was light and delicate. She was a seamless replacement and had a rousing round of applause from the audience.
The role of the other sister Fiordiligi was played by Alexandra Lowe. She has a strong and powerful voice and was for me the star of the show.

The hapless lovers are played by Anthony Gregory (Ferrando), in his Opera North debut, and Henry Neill (Guglieme). They have great comic timing and  boyish charm.

The role of all seeing, all knowing servant Despina is played by Gillette Butterfield. With her costume changes, she is the audience’s favourite. For some reason her voice didn’t seem to project over the orchestra so at times her singing felt under powered and lost, which was a real shame.

There are some excellent comedy moments; the lift doors opening to reveal the lovers off to war in their Napoleonic great coats and tricorn hats; the arrival of the  “mysterious “ travellers from Albania (where else), in their exotic garb. The scene where the”doctor” cures the strangers (who have taken arsenic) with horseshoe magnets, produced with a flourish from the sleeves of her coat, is a highlight of Act 1.

Although my most favourite aria “Soave sia il vento “ sung by Dorabella, Fiordiligi and Don Alfonso, as the lovers set off on their sea voyage, was also a highlight.

All in all it was a great performance and the orchestra conducted with enthusiasm by Clemens Schuldt (he lost a baton at one point)  was the cherry on the top of a magical evening of music and romance!

ARCOLA THEATRE LONDON – UNTIL 30th MARCH, 2024

Reviewed by Jackie Thornton

4****

Kate and Dom face up to some tough home truths in this powerful two-hander about love,
death and grief. It’s the first in-house production from Actors East, a grassroots development system for creatives and artists founded by filmmaker and actor James Alexandrou aimed at lowering the barrier to entry in the arts. Alexandrou, who you may recognise as Martin Fowler from Eastenders, directs and has also written this one act play with co-star Kate Kelly Flood and, first time writing for stage, Dom Morgan. It’s the result of hundreds of hours of improvisation boiled down and edited with an ethos that privileges the actors’ devising skills in creating theatre.

Casserole is very much a collaborative piece with Paulina Camacho and Paul Weedle sharing the set design credit. Indeed, the first thing that strikes you upon entering the studio basement at the Arcola, is how much the production has gone to town in creating the naturalistic setting of a cramped London flat. There’s no sense of cosiness in this bombsite. Takeaway cartons strewn around, dirty dishes piling up in the sink and clutter everywhere, the space feels as neglected as the couple’s relationship.

Opening with a topless Dom, swigging lager and caterwauling to Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer while trying to fix a bike puncture, the aroma of a casserole fills the space as it’s heated in the microwave – a ticking time bomb of mundanity and emotion. Enter Kate, dressed to the nines for a Music Video Awards ceremony and dripping wet after suffering a panic attack and fleeing home, catching Dom on the hop. It’s been barely a year since Kate’s mum Beverley died and the wound is still raw, especially as she’s weighed down by guilt from not getting to say a proper goodbye. So when Kate discovers that Dom has thoughtlessly microwaved the last meal her mother ever cooked for her, the stage is set for a highly strung outpouring of bitter recriminations and pent up emotion.

It’s an intense evening that we spend with the couple, broken up with a few lighter, comic moments; particularly enjoyable is Dom’s rant about the pretentiousness of awards ceremonies as he begrudgingly gets dressed to accompany Kate back to her special night. Unemployed music video director Dom’s resentment towards an industry that has left him behind is scarcely concealed as high flying Kate’s grievances at being the sole breadwinner bubble to the surface too.

Flood and Alexandrou excel as they tear strips off of one another while still showing us Kate and Dom’s vulnerability, leaving us wondering if this relationship will survive the night.

Blackpool Winter Gardens – until 9 March 2024

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

5*****

‘Bend and Snap’ is what you will be practising after seeing this production.

Legally Blonde has landed at the Winter Gardens Blackpool and will be showing until Saturday 9th March.

This musical is by Encore Productions with their first amateur production in association with Blackpool Entertainment Company and directed by Katie Edgar.

As Legally Blonde is a film that both my daughter and I have enjoyed together, I was really looking forward to seeing how this was portrayed on the stage and the only word I can say is AMAZING. As many of the cast were local talent and taking to the Opera House stage for the first time this made it even more special.

Legally Blonde the musical tells the story of Elle Woods journey from UCLA’s Delta Nu sorority house to her graduation from Harvard Law School.

The story begins with Elle expecting her boyfriend Warner Huntington lll to propose but instead breaks up with her saying he needs a serious girlfriend if he is to get a seat in the Senate. Elle does not accept this so follows him to Harvard where she is accepted after bursting into Harvard’s admission office with cheerleaders revealing she is motivated by love.

Unfortunately, Elle is only accepted by law-teaching assistant Emmett Forrest but even he cannot protect her from the intimidating Professor Callahan who kicks her out of class after being suggested by Warner’s dark-haired girlfriend, Vivienne.

Believing she needs to be a brunette, Elle visits Hair Affair salon and meets beautician Paulette. Whilst there, Vivienne invites Elle to a ‘costume party’ which she attends dressed inappropriately as a playboy Bunny. She leaves the party deflated and runs into Emmett who convinces her to assess her priorities which results in Elle winning one of the coveted internship positions. This however is marred by Warner proposing to Vivienne and her acceptance, but Elle realises she needs to believe in herself and that she needs no man to feel accepted in the world.

The case they are to work on is the accusation against fitness queen Brooke Wyndham of killing her billionaire husband. They meet with Brook in jail who refuses to disclose her alibi and dismisses the team, however she realises Elle is her Delta Nu sisters so tells her the alibi with which she needs to keep a secret. This causes friction within the group so Elle decides a makeover for Emmett will improve his chances of impressing Callahan.

As Elle is in the salon, Kyle, a sexy UPS courier, walks in delivering a package to Paulette who is in awe of him but does not make a move on him. This is where we are introduced to the ‘Bend and Snap’ dance move which Paulette does use on Kyle but accidentally breaks his nose.

At the trial, the pool boy Nikos claims he was having an affair with Brooke but after Elle does the ‘Bend and Snap’ dance move, she proves he is gay which is corroborated by his boyfriend Carlos. This impresses Callahan and later in his office, he makes a move on her which is not reciprocated so he fires her resulting in Elle preparing to go home.

After being convinced by Vivienne and Enid to stay, Elle puts on a pink dress and heads back to the courtroom where Brooke fires Callaghan and hires Elle. Brookes stepdaughter Chutney is next on the stand who claims she was in the shower when the murder occurred, however Elle proves otherwise based on the fact that Chutney had had a perm that day so would not have showered as it would flatten it with Chutney finally breaking down and confessing to the murder.

Three years later we see Elle as valedictorian of her class with a proposal from Emmett which she accepts and as for ‘Bend and Snap’ Paulette, she marries Kyle and is pregnant with her third child.

As to the cast, I would normally write a little something about the main cast but for this show, the whole cast was just stunning with their dancing, choreography, enthusiasm, and you could tell from the vibe of the audience that I was not the only one who thought this.

The production also needs special thanks to Andy Batty and UK Productions for creating such an adaptable set, Stuart Shawcross for the wonderful sound, Ben Rooney for the lighting, Natalie Pollard for the streamlined choreography and the wardrobe team.

This is a show not to be missed.

Leeds Playhouse – Thursday 7th March 2024

Reviewed by Janina Cairns

5*****

The amazing David Suchet is playing for the first time ever here in Leeds. For those of you who are not familiar with who he is, David Suchet is a renowned actor whose career spans over 55 years. He has held a variety of fascinating and diverse roles, including Shakespeare plays and even an episode of Dr Who, but he is probably most well known for playing Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, of which there were around 70 episodes spanning approx. 20 years.

He has never in his career played Leeds and he has 2 shows here, 7th and 8th March, before he finishes his tour on Sunday in Cardiff on 10th March. Leeds Playhouse is charity built cultural hub which has been producing leading productions for more than 50 years. The Playhouse is a wonderful maze-like theatre on different levels. Our performance tonight was in the “Courtyard” and it is small enough to ensure every member of the audience feels part of the show. The show was 2 and a half hours but did not feel that long at all. The evening flew by.

We started the evening with David Suchet sitting with his good friend Geoffrey Wansell. Geoffrey, through an interview-like conversation, takes us on a captivating journey through David Suchet’s life. The authentic friendship between himself, and his friend Geoffrey is very clear.

Geoffrey would occasionally throw in some prompts and David will then smile at the memory before he regales us with the story. Mr Suchet warmly gives us the privilege, through these stories, of seeing the man behind the characters he has played, in an intimate, conversational setting, as he gives us a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear the amazing tales of his life. He starts with his school performances, how his teachers helped him shape his future. He speaks fondly of his family and their support, and we learn how his mother’s part in that support is greatly missed.

He talks about his struggles and his persistence throughout the early years. He talks about his love of Shakespear, language, working with directors and of course Hercule Poirot. He explains why his version of the character, Poirot, was important to him and how he felt Agatha Christie would want the authentic portrayal of said character. We learn further on how he created the iconic version, from Poirot’s mannerisms to costume to his walk, and lastly how he got his accent. His attention to detail in ALL his characters over the years is admirable.

The setting of this wonderful show tonight was perfect for the subject matter. The size of the theatre’s room made the evening feel very intimate and gave you the sense that he was talking just to a group of friends after a dinner. He was funny, engaging, mesmerising and very personable. Even though he was “in conversation” he still owned that stage. Considering tonight was very close to the end of this tour, you would not know it. He speaks with such relish, excitement, freshness and fondness.

A warm-hearted, engaging, amusing evening.

Leeds Playhouse – until 23 March 2024

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

4****

The Leeds Playhouse brings back its successful production of Macbeth which was premiered in 2022. Under the direction of Amy Leach, the popular Shakespeare tragedy is about Macbeth pursuing power and rule that ultimately comes at a cost.

Macbeth is considered a dark and deep play which is taken in account with the contemporary staging, courtesy of Hayley Grindle. The staging compliments and aligns the moods and ambiance and this is complimented with the strobe and flashing lighting, designed by Chris Davey and Nicola T. Chang’s eerie soundscapes. The dramatic music, also Nicola T. Chang, is played intermittently and certainly contributes to the dark, isolated and supernatural atmosphere.

The Leeds Playhouse is reputed to create inclusive and accessible theatre with the notable feature of audio description and other aural features being integrated into Macbeth. This production includes members of the cast from the deaf and blind communities working alongside non-disabled actors.

The three witches (Katrina Allen, Karina Jones, Elkanah Wilder) open proceedings with a prophecy concerning the fate for Macbeth (Ash Hunter) where he is to rule under the influence of Lady Macbeth (Jessica Baglow), that leads to the tragic, destructive and blooded unravelling of the plot.

Excellent and dynamic portrayals from Hunter (as Macbeth), Baglow (as Lady Macbeth), Adam Bassett (as Macduff) and also performances from rest of the cast. The Leeds Playhouse’s Youth Company joins the cast with Josh Ndlovu and Kara Francis as Fleance and the child of the Macduffs, respectively.

Macbeth is a production that is well put together, and it is evident that a lot of thought and energy has been put with regards to performance and creation. It is a performance that one can be drawn to and relive what is happening with the themes including power, the supernatural, the journey of two-blood thirsty pursuiters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, whose quests lead to tragic and revengeful consequences.

Macbeth is on at the Playhouse until the 23rd March 2024.

LES MISÉRABLES

AT THE SONDHEIM THEATRE

EXTENDS BOOKING UNTIL 29 MARCH 2025

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE ALSO ANNOUNCED

Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce that LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre has extended its booking until Saturday 29 March 2025. The Christmas performance schedule is also announced.

LES MISÉRABLES currently stars Peter Jöback as Jean Valjean, Stewart Clarke as Javert, Katie Hall as Fantine, Will Callan as Marius, Amena El-Kindy as Éponine, Lulu-Mae Pears as Cosette, Luke Kempner as Thénardier, Claire Machin as Madame Thénardier and Djavan van de Fliert as Enjolras. Milan van Waardenburg will take on the role of Jean Valjean from Monday 11 March 2024.

The company is completed by Annabelle Aquino, Hazel Baldwin, Brad Barnley, Michael Baxter, Emily Olive Boyd, Rosy Church, Ben Culleton, Matthew Dale, Matt Dempsey, Sophie-May Feek, Matt Hayden, Tom Hext, Christopher Jacobsen, Jessica Johns-Parsons, Yazmin King, Sam Kipling, Anouk van Laake, Harry Lake, Sarah Lark, Ellie Ann Lowe, Ben Oatley, Adam Pearce, Jordan Simon Pollard, Jonathan Stevens, Phoebe Williams and Ollie Wray.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of LES MISÉRABLES is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou, Christine Rowland and Paul Wills, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, projections realised by Finn Ross & Fifty Nine Productions, musical staging by Geoffrey Garratt, and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo.

WEST END SUPER STAR

BRADLEY JADEN LIVE IN CONCERT

AT CADOGAN HALL ON FRIDAY 14 JUNE

AS PART OF AN INTERNATIONAL TOUR

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

West End Superstar Bradley Jaden will play a very special London concert at Cadogan Hall on Friday 14 June as part of his first ever international solo concert tour, BRADLEY JADEN LIVE IN CONCERT. Further dates include Politeama Rossetti, Trieste in Italy on 18 May, Sony Hall in New York on 3 June and the Margaret Island Open Air Theatre in Budapest on 18 June.

Fresh from his acclaimed performance in Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Old Friends,’ at the Gielgud Theatre, Bradley will bring his own show LIVE IN CONCERT to the historic stage of Cadogan Hall, in the heart of Chelsea.

Bradley will be joined on stage by special guests, who will be announced at a later date.

Bradley has starred in some of the West End’s most enduring productions including his unforgettable performance as ‘Javert’ in ‘Les Misérables’, a spellbinding Fiyero in ‘Wicked’ and ‘Raoul’ in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in Trieste, Italy. Other West End theatre credits include ‘Shrek The Musical’, ‘Side Show in Concert’ and ‘Treason The Musical’.

Bradley will also be recreating the role of ‘Javert’ in the Les Misérables Arena Spectacular which embarks on a World Tour this September with a cast and orchestra of over 65. He will share the role with Michael Ball, playing opposite Killian Donnelly’s ‘Jean Valjean’.

Bradley is not only one of musical theatre’s most successful leading men, but he’s also a star of the small screen, having seamlessly transitioned to the world of soap, taking roles in both EastEnders as Sonia Fowler’s flatmate ‘Jed’ and in Emmerdale where he played ‘Ben’.

BRADLEY JADEN LIVE IN CONCERT is co-created and produced by Simon Schofield and Scott Garnham for Sisco Entertainment with Musical Direction by James Doughty.

Ticket link: https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/bradley-jaden-live-in-concert-2024/

A WINNING FAMILY AFFAIR:

GAYNOR FAYE AND OLIVER ANTHONY

JOIN THE CAST OF

KAY MELLOR’S FINAL PLAY – THE SYNDICATE

WORLD PREMIERE UK TOUR – DIRECTED BY GAYNOR FAYE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW: SYNDICATETHEPLAY.COM

Bringing three generations together, star of stage and screen Gaynor Faye and her son, Oliver Anthony, are to join the cast of the world premiere UK stage tour of The Syndicate, written by Gaynor’s mum, the legendary, Kay Mellor.

This new comedy drama – also directed by Gaynor – is based on the smash-hit critically acclaimed BBC One drama that entertained millions of viewers over four series and opens in Richmond on 11 April before touring the UK for 14 weeks until 27 July.

The funny and moving stage adaption – written by BAFTA Award winner Kay Mellor just before her untimely passing in 2022 – is based on the first TV series and tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery syndicate numbers come in, just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. Will a share of the jackpot make their dreams come true or their nightmares a reality? One thing’s for certain, the win of a lifetime will change the lives, loves and relationships of the syndicate members forever.

Gaynor Faye said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Brooke Vincent, Samantha Giles and the rest of this stellar cast on stage. The Syndicate is very close to my heart for so many reasons and it’s fitting that this production is a real family affair, as we welcome Oliver to the company too. I know that he will make an amazing addition to the cast.”

Oliver Anthony said: “Having acted in series four of The Syndicate TV show and worked with my grandmother, playing the role of Jamie, in development workshops of the play, I’m chuffed to bits to be making my stage acting debut alongside my mum in my grandmother’s final play. This production is in honour of her and all she achieved and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the character of Jamie and hopefully doing her proud.“

Gaynor is one of the nation’s best loved actresses and her many acting credits include roles in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, series four of the BBC’s The Syndicate and numerous stage tours including Calendar Girls and Band of Gold.

Oliver Anthony makes his stage acting debut in the role of Jamie. His TV acting credits include the award winning My Left Nut, Fat Friends and series four of the BBC’s The Syndicate.

As previously announced, the star cast also features Samantha Giles and Brooke Vincent. Samantha, known to millions as Bernice Blackstock in the hugely popular long running soap Emmerdale – plays the role of Denise. Samantha recently exited the soap after 14 years, with her character going on the run to avoid her debt. She will be joined by Brooke Vincent as Amy. Brooke is best known to TV viewers as Sophie Webster in Coronation Street, a role that she played from 2004-2019, and has recently been hosting the Drivetime show for Hits Radio. Due to unforeseen medical reasons, Max George is unable to perform in The Syndicate.

The Syndicate cast is completed by Rosa Coduri-Fulford, Jade Golding, William Ilkley, Jerome Ngonadi, Benedict Shaw and Connor James-Ryan.

Gaynor Faye will be performing in Richmond, her hometown of Leeds, Norwich, Newcastle, New Brighton, Salford, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Sheffield, Glasgow, Bradford and Cardiff. Oliver Anthony will perform at all venues.

The Syndicate follows in the footsteps of BAFTA winner Kay Mellor’s hugely successful TV to stage adaptions of Fat Friends – The Musical and Band of Gold, which were collaborations between Kay’s company Rollem and Josh Andrews Productions. Kay was one of the UK’s most iconic female TV writers, with numerous other credits including In The Club and Girlfriends.

The Syndicate is also produced by Rollem and Josh Andrews Productions in association with JAS Theatricals.

Book your winning tickets now!

The Syndicate UK Tour 2024

11-13 April London: Richmond Theatre

18-28 April Leeds: Grand Theatre

30 April-4 May Norwich: Theatre Royal

7-11 May Newcastle-Upon-Tyne: Theatre Royal

13-16 May New Brighton: Floral Pavilion

17-19 May Salford: The Lowry

28 May-1 June Milton Keynes Theatre

4-8 June Nottingham: Theatre Royal

11-15 June Sheffield: Lyceum Theatre

18-22 June Shrewsbury: Severn Theatre*

25-29 June Birmingham: Alexandra Theatre*

2-6 July Glasgow: Theatre Royal

9-13 July Hull: New Theatre*

16-20 July Bradford: Alhambra Theatre

23-27 July Cardiff: New Theatre

*Gaynor Faye will not be performing

Listings Information

Website: SyndicateThePlay.com

Ticket prices: from £10

Facebook: /SyndicateThePlay

Instagram: @SyndicateThePlay

THE WORLD PREMIÈRE OF BRAND-NEW MUSICAL

FUN AT THE BEACH ROMP-BOMP-A-LOMP!!

TO DEBUT AT SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE BOROUGH

THIS SUMMER

Get your surf boards at the ready, and head down to Southwark Playhouse Borough this summer for the world première of Brandon Lambert and Martin Landry’s Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!!. Directed by The Play That Goes Wrong’s Mark Bell who returns to the venue following the success of last year’sWindfall, this gloriously nostalgic pastiche of decades of American beach movies will open on 29 and 30 May at Southwark Playhouse Borough, with previews from 24 May, and running until 22 June.

Martin Landry said today, “Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!! was born in 2018, when I witnessed my co-writer, Brandon Lambert, performing in a jukebox musical (which shall remain unnamed). The music was so much fun and completely irresistible, but the story was staggeringly painful. After the show (and after a few drinks to ease our distress), we asked ourselves a seemingly impossible question: what if we wrote something even worse? And now, here we are! We hope you enjoy Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!!”

Sarah Long presents

FUN AT THE BEACH ROMP-BOMP-A-LOMP!!
Music and Lyrics by Brandon Lambert & Book by Martin Landry

24 May – 22 June

at Southwark Playhouse Borough, The Large

Director: Mark Bell; Set and Costume Designer: Emily Bestow; Musical Direction: Brandon Lambert

Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong) directs a trip to the beach you’ll never forget in a world premiere musical by Brandon Lambert and Martin Landry: Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!!

It’s a hot, sunny day at the beach and everyone is gearing up for a competition that will change (or end) their lives forever: the legendary Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!!

Everyone wants to be King or Queen of the Beach, but who will get the crown? And will they all fall in love and live happily ever after? As the competition progresses through an increasingly deadly series of beach events, the biggest question of all is: can this show find yet another excuse to crowbar in a song?! YES!

Set to energetic parodies of iconic retro hits, Grease mets Squid Game in this brand new (sort-of) romp (bomp-a-lomp) of non-stop laughs, slapstick horror and explosive fun. 

Welcome to the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!!

Brandon Lambert is an NYC-based songwriter. You can check out his songs on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok @brandonmanwell. Last year his musical I Love My Family, But… ran at the SoHo Playhouse. Upcoming projects include a bio-musical about Jane Goodall, and whatever insanity Martin Landry thinks of next.

Martin Landry is an NYC-based writer, actor, and musician. As a writer, his work has been produced in twelve countries, and his comedic solo show, Screlton McNodes… Live on Broadway! is available wherever you listen to music. As an actor, he’s appeared Off-Broadway, regionally, and on national tours, as well as a brief TV appearance on Only Murders In The Building. As a musician, he’s conducted Off-Broadway and regionally, and accompanied numerous Broadway stars. Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!! marks his London debut, and he could not be more thrilled!

Mark Bell is best known for West End, Broadway and worldwide Olivier Award-winning hit The Play That Goes Wrong. He also directed the Olivier-nominated The Comedy About a Bank Robbery which ran for four years in the West End and toured the UK, and the first Cluedo stage play. His production of Cluedo 2 is currently touring the UK. Other recent theatre includes Waiting For Godot (West End), The Tenants (NYC Springfest), Alice in Sunderland (NT New Works), Windfall (Southwark Playhouse Borough), as well as productions of Crave, The Snowfall, Electra, Agamemnon, Comedians, Breathing Corpses, The Master and Margarita and The Revenger’s Tragedy. Mark was previously co-artistic director of Liquid Theatre and taught at LAMDA for over 10 years, as well as Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Mountview, East 15, Carnegie Mellon University and Cours Florent. Bell has directed shows in the UK, Italy, USA, Mexico and Hungary and has two further musicals in development.

LISTINGS

FUN AT THE BEACH ROMP-BOMP-A-LOMP!! 

Southwark Playhouse Borough, The Large

77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD

Box Office: 020 7407 0234

www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

24 May – 22 June

Pioneers’ Preview: £10 (24 May)

Preview Tickets: £16

Full Price Tickets from: £35

Concession Tickets from: £28

Performances Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, matinees Tuesday and Saturday 3pm.

FOR FUN AT THE BEACH ROMP-BOMP-A-LOMP!! 

Paul Virides Productions – General Management

James Anderton – Production Management

ABOUT SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE

Southwark Playhouse is a registered charity that delivers a year-round programme of entertaining and enriching work. Southwark Playhouse operates two separate venues ‘Southwark Playhouse Borough’ and its newest theatre ‘Southwark Playhouse Elephant’ which opened in January 2023. Southwark Playhouse has always prided itself in telling stories and inspiring the next generation of storytellers and theatre makers, where support for the community has been rooted at the core of the organisation.

Twitter: @swkplay Facebook: SouthwarkPlayhouse

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