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Pleasance Theatre, London – until 25th March 2023

Reviewed by Bobbi Fenton

5*****

‘Trade’ is an absolutely phenomenal work of art, portraying the horrors of human trafficking and the impact that this has on its victims. The story follows Jana (Katarina Novkovic) as she falls in love with a man called Stefan (Ojan Genc) who convinces her to move to England with him. In her naivety, after only knowing him for three weeks, she agrees. After meeting up with Stefans cousin in a bar and drinking some red wine, Jana wakes up in a room with the door locked, covered in blood. Over the course of the next three years, Jana is trained by Nikola (Ojan Genc) to work as a sex worker and cleaner. Jana works her way up the ladder, eventually reaching a position where she has a phone, and is responsible for answering the phone to customers and taking bookings. Towards the end of the play, she is forced to help smuggle more girls from the boats into a van, and we see her guilt as she is being forced to do to other girls what was done to her when she was first brought into the organisation.

The play uses multi-role for the male roles of Stefan, Nikola, and two unnamed men (Ojan Genc), as well as for the female roles of Katerina (Jana’s sister), and two other girls that are in the organisation, called Elena and Iona (Eleanor Roberts). Because of the multi-role, we see the other actors changing costumes regularly throughout, which contrasts Jana wearing the same outfit for the whole play, which over time becomes stained with various substances at key moments during her ordeal. This is my favourite part of the play, as the blood, mud, and vomit that are on her at the end are a brilliant way of showing how victims of human trafficking are ‘stained’ by their horrendous experiences. It is also very effective in showing a contrast between the beginning of the play, where we see Jana wearing a pristine white jumpsuit, and the ending where she is wearing the same jumpsuit, but now it is stained. This combined with the repeating of the first scene is brilliant in showing that we the audience didn’t know the full story at the beginning, but now we do. We see the guilt that Jana feels over participating in trafficking girls, despite not having any choice in the matter, even commenting on how pretending to be one of these girls when the police show up wouldn’t be the ‘complete story’. The actors also use accents to portray speaking in different languages, using their usual voices when the characters are speaking Bosnian, and using a Bosnian accent and speaking in broken English when their characters are speaking English.

This play is an ingenious piece of writing by the brilliant Ella Dorman-Gajic, and expertly performed by Katarina Novkovic, Eleanor Roberts, and Ojan Genc. There is not a single actor I could think of that could have portrayed these characters better. This is an experience that definitely shouldn’t be missed.

Fifteen-year-old Nellie Regan to stage fundraiser for the Union Theatre

Nellie Regan is on a mission to save the Union Theatre with a fundraising concert at The Other Palace, on Monday 27^th March at 7:30pm.  The impressive fifteen-year-old daughter of Sasha Regan, award-winning producer, artistic director and founder of the Union Theatre, has brought together some of the hottest West End names in musical theatre. The glittering star-studded evening will be co-hosted by Arran Bell and Michael Mather.

“This show will mean a lot to me and a lot to those who know and love the Union Theatre,” Nellie explains.  “The Union has a special place in a lot of people’s hearts.  It’s also my mum’s theatre.  I grew up there.  It’s not just a theatre but home-from-home to many…it nurtures talent, brings together communities and gives artistic people a start in life.  Many return and some never leave.  It also provides a support network for those in the arts.”

Nellie is striving to keep that community spirit alive, something her mother, Sasha, has striven for since she founded the theatre 25 years ago. Everyone who steps through the doors is welcomed and treated like family.  However, since Covid, it has become much harder for this theatre to survive.  “It’s so important for our theatre community that we keep our doors open,” says Nellie.  “Many award-winning shows that start at the Union transfer to larger venues in the West End and some have even toured in the UK and abroad.  It’s given so many people a chance and a great start in this business.” 

Nellie’s mother, Sasha Regan, has directed and produced a huge number of multiple award-winning shows at her theatre, including the much-loved All-Male Gilbert & Sullivan series, including the All-Male H.M.S. Pinafore and All-Male The Pirates of Penzance which regularly tour and transfer to larger venues such as Wilton’s Music Hall, the Palace Theatre and regional theatres such as Winchester’s Theatre Royal.  Cate Blanchett was so impressed she invited them to perform in Australia and this summer Sasha Regan’s All-Male The Mikado is set to run at Wilton’s Music Hall followed by a tour. Many actors and creatives have started their careers in her shows, receiving awards and returning time and time again.

 “The Union Theatre gives people a fair go,” says Nellie.  “Times are tough and we don’t pretend otherwise – we just want everyone who comes into The Union to have a go, get noticed and use our theatre as a base to showcase their talents.  Theatres like this are so important right now and The Union is a community.  That support is crucial.  We all look out for each other and after the initial trauma and havoc caused by Covid, many in our arts community are still struggling, especially small businesses, which is why I want to raise as much as I can to keep theatre and opportunities to perform alive.  My mother, Sasha Regan, works so hard for everyone around her and does this for the love of theatre and those who work in theatre.  She helps countless young people and gives actors and creatives a platform.  Now more than ever we need our theatre to keep its doors open.”

Nellie will also be appearing in the concert.  As well as helping her mother to run the Union Theatre, she is studying musical theatre at The Brit School and has been involved in productions such as Whistle Down The Wind (Union theatre), When I Grow Up (Lyric theatre) and even appeared in the Jim Jams Chocolate Spread advert. 

“Let’s all come together to have the most magical night and raise some funds to save our home,” says Nellie.  “See you there”. 

The Union Theatre Fundraising Concert will take place at The Other Palace on Monday 27^th March at 19:30. Tickets from £17.50.  Running time 2 hours

Tickets: 25 Years Of The Union – The Other Palace Theatre

Box office: 020 7592 0302

Address:  The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5BJ

Age recommendation: 12+.  Trigger warnings: Flashing lights, Haze

Cast includes: Michael Ahomka-Lindsay; Bronté Barbé; Pearce Barron; Kyle Birch; Michael Burgen; Erin Caldwell; Owen Clayton; Amy Di Bartolomeo; Tom Duern; Alex James Ellison; Andrew Ewart; Luke Friend; Collette Guitart; Billie Kerr; Sam Kipling; Hannah Lawton; Emma Lindars; Michael Mather; Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky; Kayleigh McKnight; Alex Okoampa; Ayesha Patel; Nellie Regan; Rodney Vubya

Creative Team:

Musical Director & Pianist: Michael Bradley
Hosts: Arran Bell and Michael Mather

Anyone who can’t attend but who would like to help can donate through the following Go Fund Me link: Fundraiser by Nellie Regan : The Union Theatre (gofundme.com)

Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard announces broadcast details and show line up. 

–       Evening will include performances from all Mastercard Best New Musical nominees including The Band’s Visit, Standing At The Sky’s Edge, Sylvia and Tammy Faye 

–       The cast of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and Sister Act (Magic Radio Best Musical Revival nominees) as well as Disney’s Newsies (Best Theatre Choreography nominee) will also perform  

–       There will be a special performance from multi–Olivier Award winner The Book Of Mormon as the production celebrates 10 years in the West End  

–       Special Award winner Arlene Philips will be honoured with a tribute from the cast of Grease The Musical 

–       The Olivier Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday 2nd April and will be broadcast on ITV at 10.15pm with full live coverage on Magic Radio from 6pm 

–        

The Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard have officially announced the shows performing in this year’s ceremony. The Awards will take place on Sunday 2 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Hannah Waddingham. 

There will be performances from all of the Mastercard Best New Musical nominees – The Band’s Visit, Standing At The Sky’s Edge, Sylvia and Tammy Faye. There will also be performances from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and Sister Act, both nominated for Magic Radio Best Musical Revival. 

Additionally, there will be performances from Disney’s Newsies, whose choreographer Matt Cole is nominated for the Gillian Lynne Award for Best Theatre Choreographer, multi-Olivier winner The Book Of Mormon will be celebrating with a performance marking 10 years in the West End. Special Award winner, Dame Arlene Phillips, will be honoured on the night with a special performance from Grease the Musical. 

The Olivier Awards continues its partnership with ITV, which will broadcast a highlights programme the same evening at 10:15pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The full ceremony will be broadcast live from the Royal Albert Hall on Magic Radio, the Official Radio Partner, hosted by Ruthie Henshall and Alice Arnold from 6pm. Viewers from outside the UK can tune in on Official London Theatre’s YouTube channel. 

TikTok will also be hosting a live stream on the Green Carpet, with theatre performer and content creator Hannah Lowther (Heathers, Snow White: Pantomime, SpongeBob: The Musical) as their host.

officiallondontheatre.com/olivier-awards 

Sunday 2 April 2023 

FULL COMPANY ANNOUNCED FOR

WEST END GALA CHARITY CONCERT OF

AT LAST, IT’S SUMMER!

LOUISE DEARMAN, ROB HOUCHEN, KATHERINE KINGSLEY, KELLY MATHIESON, JOANNA RIDING, GARY WILMOT, MARK WYNTER, JAC YARROW

GERARD CAREY, STEVE FORTUNE, CEDRIC NEAL AND SHANNON REWCROFT

WITH ALAN TITCHMARSH

TO LEAD A COMPANY OF 30 ON STAGE AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM

SUNDAY 16 APRIL @ 7.30PM

ALL TICKET SALES TO BE DONATED TO PARKINSON’S UK

The full company for the star-studded company has been confirmed for the West End Gala charity concert new musical AT LAST, IT’S SUMMER, which will be staged at the London Palladium on Sunday 16 April at 7.30pm, with all ticket sales in aid of Parkinson’s UK.

It’s summer 1920, and in an idyllic country estate in the leafy shires of England the Lord of the Manor celebrates his birthday. While a new love blossoms, an unexpected arrival throws the whole house into disarray as dark secrets escape the past.

Katherine Kingsley (as ‘Lady Sykes’), Mark Wynter (as ‘Lord Stanwick’), Jac Yarrow (as ‘Archie’), and Cedric Neal (as ‘Gerald’} will complete the principal company.

As previously announced, Louise Dearman will star as ‘Lady Serina Stanwick, Rob Houchen as ‘Count Orilov’, Kelly Mathieson as ‘Lady Alice Stanwick’, Joanna Riding as ‘Countess Orilov’, Gary Wilmot as ‘Mr Wellbeloved’, Gerard Carey as ‘Benny’, Steve Fortune as ‘Sir Garfield Sykes’, Shannon Rewcroft as ‘Francesca’, and with Alan Titchmarsh as the Narrator.

The company will be supported by an ensemble featuring Samantha Bingley, Isabel Canning, Samara Casteallo, Lauren Chia, Julie Cloke, Jordan Cunningham, Philip Day, Nell Martin, Ellie Mitchell, Kody Mortimer, Matt Overfield, Angelo Paragoso, Oliver Ramsdale, Anthony Reed, Chloe Taylor, Samuel Wilson-Freeman.

At Last It’s Summer is a new musical written by Clive Richard Davis, directed by Ian Talbot.

Larry Blank orchestrates the sumptuous score and will conduct the 35-piece orchestra.

Jack Bennett is Musical Director, Jordan Langford is choreographer, and casting is by Richard Johnston.

Tickets are on sale now here.

Born and raised in the suburbs of West London, the show’s originator Clive Richard Davis (he adds the middle name to avoid confusion with the illustrious American record producer) never left the keyboard alone for long during a City and commercial career spanning several decades.   Partial retirement provided the time to complete the music and story behind his first musical comedy At Last, It’s Summer.   It may be his first but is unlikely to be his last as he is already working on ideas for the next show.

Clive Richard Davis explains, “The story idea laid fallow in my head for years; a plot to hang some earworm melodies around.   That is where it would have stayed were it not for the gentle ribbing of chums who thought it more likely a donkey would win the Derby than that I would finish the thing, with its impossibly convoluted plot.   The challenge was set and accepted.   Sadly, one of the prime culprits is no longer with us, him having finally given up the battle with Parkinson’s.   Paul was struck down with the dreadful disease at far too early an age as was my wife’s father.   If the ticket proceeds can contribute to finding a cure for Parkinson’s I could not wish for more.”

Director Ian Talbot said, “I’m thrilled to be supporting Parkinson’s UK whilst working with a fantastic team on this lovely new piece – it’s truly a breath of fresh air. Funny, romantic with some beautiful music”.

Kirsty Berrigan and Rebecca Landolt, Heads of Regional Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said, “We are so grateful to Clive Davis for taking on this incredible fundraising effort for Parkinson’s UK.

With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough. We hope that this fundraising inspires you to get involved with Parkinson’s UK. There are lots of ways for you to get involved and support us – from volunteering at an event, to campaigning for better services. Without the generosity of people like you, our work would not be possible.”

Darlington Hippodrome – until March 25 2023

4****

Most of us are aware of the story that is 80 Days Around the World, from reading the book, watching the many films or for those of a certain age, a cartoon starring a variety of talking animals! I was incredibly intrigued to see how such a full and fast paced story would be brought to life on stage … I was not disappointed! Five actors, lots of different characters, train, boats, a Circus act, a storm and one Elephant captured the audiences imagination for the whole show. The use of the few props, lighting and background music was nothing short of genius.

In between the tale of our hero Phileas Fogg we also hear the story of Nellie Bly (Katriona Brown), the American journalist who undertook the challenge in 1889 and got around the world in 72 days, 6 hours and 11 minutes

Set in 1872, Alex Phelps portrays an excellent Phileas Fogg, a rather stiff man who knows how he likes his tea, sticking to the time and gambling at the Reform club which is what got him into this adventure in the first place, betting other members £20,000 that he could indeed travel around the world in eighty days, departing by train on 2nd October to return by the same time on 21st December. Setting off with newly employed valet, Monsieur Passpartout (Wilson Benedito) a hugely lovable, extremely energetic and funny Frenchman, they begin their adventure. It certainly isn’t a smooth one, not helped by the fact a rather unscrupulous Scotland Yard detective called Fix (Eddie Mann) is hot on their tails believing Fogg to be the Bank of England thief and carrying out various underhand acts to get his man. Along the way Fogg and Passpartout rescue a young Indian woman named Aouda (Genevieve Sabherwal) from a certain death who then accompanies them for the rest of the journey.

With multiple rail issues ( we all know how frustrating those are!), missed connections and weather of the worst kind all while Fix is doing his best to make things difficult, will Fogg make it back to London on time?

In between the high jinx and testimony from Nellie, we also get to hear some of the amazing facts and figures of the journey. Adapted and directed by Juliet Foster and Produced by Tilted Wig Productions, this a beautiful production portraying how friendship and love can conquer all along with a will to succeed despite adverse situations. Everyone needs a Passpartout in their life to head off on an adventure with.

BLIPPI RETURNS TO THE UK WITH BRAND NEW SHOW

BLIPPI: THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOUR

Following the success of the 2023 Olivier Award nominated UK debut show, Blippi: The Musical, Round Room Live and Moonbug Entertainment with Carter Dixon McGill Productions are proud to announce that a new live show, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour,will see the return of the vivacious, energetic, and educational antics of global sensation Blippi to stages across the UK. The production opens at the SEC Armadillo, Glasgow on 8July before touring to Edinburgh, Barnstable, London, Peterborough, Oxford, Kingston, Portsmouth, High Wycombe and Hull until 23 September.

Stephen Shaw founder and co-president of Round Room Live, said today, “With brand new music, characters, and even the Blippi-Mobile, we’re thrilled to bring Blippi to more kids and families around the UK in a brand new show. We’re excited for audiences to create memorable Blippi experiences, with the amazing music, production, and energy they expect, but in a way they’ve never seen before.”

Susan Vargo, Head of Live Events at Moonbug Entertainment added, “It’s very special to witness the love that our fans have for Blippi and his buddies, and the joy this beloved character brings to families around the world. Our live experiences bring families together to make memories that will last a lifetime. With Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour fans can expect catchy music, lots of dancing and a whole lot of fun!”

Blippi, along with his best friend Meekah, inspires curiosity in preschoolers around the world by creating content and experiences that are relatable, accessible and make learning fun. It has become a worldwide sensation with more than one billion monthly views on YouTube and more than 60 million fans around the world. It is also available in more than 20 languages, including ASL, and is distributed by more than 30 global broadcast and streaming partners around the world including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Roku, Virgin Media and Kidoodle. Meekah, Blippi’s creative, inventive, cart-wheel-loving pal, stars alongside Blippi in Blippi’s Treehouse on Amazon and she also has her own YouTube channel.

Tickets for Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour go on sale on 24 March with pre-sales beginning on 22 March. For tickets and additional information, visit https://blippiontour.com 

Round Room Live, Moonbug Entertainment, and Carter Dixon McGill Productions present

BLIPPI: THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOUR

UK tour

8 July – 23 September 2023

Blippi is coming to your city for the ultimate curiosity adventure in Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour So, come on! Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So, get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party!

For Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, the character Blippi will be played by professional stage performers selected specifically for the production.

A limited number of post-show photo experience passes will be available for purchase in each city. Details about purchasing these passes can be found at the venue website.

For further information please visit: https://blippiontour.com

BLIPPI: THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOUR LISTINGS

SEC Armadillo, Glasgow

8 – 9  July

Box office: 0141 248 3000 / www.sec.co.uk/whats-on

Usher Hall, Edinburgh

13 – 14 July

Box office: 0131 228 1155 / www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on

Queens Theatre, Barnstable

18 – 22 July

Box office: 01271 316523 / www.queenstheatre-barnstaple.com/whats-on

Alexandra Palace, London

28 July – 6 August

Box office: 020 8365 4343 / www.alexandrapalace.com/theatre/whats-on

New Theatre, Peterborough

9 – 13 August

Box office: 01733 852992 / newtheatre-peterborough.com/whats-on

Oxford Playhouse, Oxford

16 – 26 August

Box office: 01865 305305 / www.oxfordplayhouse.com/whats-on

Rose Theatre, Kingston

29 August – 9 September

Box office: 020 8174 0090 / rosetheatre.org/whats-on

New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

11 – 13 September

Box office: 023 9264 9000 / www.newtheatreroyal.com/whats-on

Wycombe Swan Theatre, High Wycombe

18 – 20 September

Box office: 0343 310 0060 / wycombeswan.co.uk/Online/whatson

Bonus Arena, Hull

23 September

Box office: 01482 456220 / www.bonusarenahull.com/whats-on/

FOLLOW BLIPPI ON TOUR

Fans can visit BlippiOnTour.com now for tour dates and ticket information and follow Blippi On Toursocial media for exclusive tour content.

Official Website: www.BlippiOnTour.com
Facebook: @BlippiOnTour

Twitter: @BlippiOnTour

Instagram: @BlippiOnTour

FOLLOW BLIPPI

Official Website: www.Blippi.com

YouTube: @Blippi

Facebook: @Blippi

Twitter: @BlippiOfficial

Instagram: @BlippiOfficial

ABOUT MOONBUG ENTERTAINMENT

Moonbug Entertainment is an award-winning global entertainment company behind some of the most popular kids’ titles in the world. Moonbug’s line-up includes global sensations CoComelon, Blippi, Little Angel, Oddbods, Little Baby Bum, My Magic Pet Morphle, Lellobee City Farm, Supa Strikas, Go Buster, Gecko’s Garage, ARPO and many more.

Moonbug’s shows are on more than 150 platforms globally, including YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sky, Super RTL, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Tencent, Youku and Roku. The company’s portfolio currently stands at 29 IPs and its content is available in 34 languages (including ASL).

Moonbug is a subsidiary of Candle Media, an independent, creator-friendly home for cutting-edge, high-quality, category-defining brands and franchises. By bringing together elite talent operating at the intersection of content, community, and commerce, it helps to position leading entertainment businesses for accelerated, sustainable growth in the current market and beyond. Candle is run by its Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs, leading entertainment executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, and backed by investment capital from funds managed by Blackstone’s flagship private equity business.

ABOUT CARTER DIXON MCGILL PRODUCTIONS

Carter Dixon McGill Productions are an Olivier nominated production and general management company with offices in London and Glasgow. Co-founded by John-Webb Carter, Jamie Chapman Dixon & Stephen McGill, they have over 30 years of experience within the entertainment industry. Between them they have worked on the worldwide productions of Mamma Mia!, Billy Elliot and Jersey Boys and within the offices of Delfont Mackintosh, Bill Kenwright and HQ Theatres. They have also been involved in the launching of several new theatres and ventures including the Barn Theatre (Cirencester), Theatre Basse Passiere (France) and in 2022 opened their own venue, Wonderville in Haymarket, London.

Recent productions include: Blippi the Musical (Apollo Theatre & Lyric Theatre), Chess (Drury Lane Theatre), Kinky Boots (Drury Lane Theatre), Treason the Musical (Drury Lane Theatre), Wonderville: Magic & Illusion (Palace Theatre, West End), Death Drop (West End & UK Tour), Operation Crucible, (Sheffield Crucible) and Tomorrow Morning (Film).

ABOUT ROUND ROOM LIVE

Round Room Live is the leading producer and promoter of exhibitions and family show entertainment, specializing in transforming both new and iconic intellectual property into engaging and thrilling live events. Round Room creates unique live experiences tailored to the distinct character of each property and produces the highest quality productions for audiences around the world.

Their current roster of touring theatrical shows includes: Baby Shark Live!, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, Blippi The Musical, Peppa Pig Live, and Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage. Round Room’s Immersive and Entertainment Experiences division is currently touring: Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Mandela: The Official Exhibition, Tupac Shakur. Wake Me When I’m Free, and Formula 1: The Exhibition, which is set to launch in early 2023.

Further cast announced to join

MICHAEL BALL

in the new production of

Olivier Award-nominated LAURA PITT-PULFORD to play Rose

Internationally renowned soprano DANIELLE DE NIESE takes the role of Giulietta

ANNA UNWIN to make West End debut

alongside the previously announced JAMIE BOGYO

MICHAEL BALL to give a special performance of Love Changes Everything

on BBC1 this Saturday night, on ‘Big Night of Musicals’

New production begins performances Friday 12 May 2023 at Lyric Theatre, London

34 years after having starred in the original West End production, Michael Ball returns to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical Aspects of Love at the Lyric Theatre for a strictly limited season, this time playing the role of George.

It was announced today (Wednesday 22 March 2023) that Olivier Award-nominated Laura Pitt-Pulford joins the cast of Aspects of Love to play Rose, Anna Unwin will play Jenny and the internationally renowned soprano, Danielle de Niese will play Giulietta. They join the previously announced Jamie Bogyo, who will play Alex, the role originated by Michael in 1989.

Performances begin on 12 May 2023. For more information and tickets, please see www.aspectsoflove.com

In ravaged post war France, beautiful actress Rose Vibert finds herself homeless and penniless after her hoped-for career break play closes early. Invited to a country villa by a love struck young American, Alex Dillingham, she impulsively accepts. When unexpectedly interrupted by Alex’s distinguished uncle George, everything changes.

So begins a tumultuous 20-year love story, entwining the three of them and George’s mistress, the feisty artist Giulietta. Everything changes once again when Rose’s daughter Jenny turns 18.

Michael Ball says:

From the cobbled streets of Paris, through the French countryside to the splendours of Venice, Aspects of Love is a sweeping romantic story of passion, love, betrayal and heartbreak across three generations.

“I feel privileged and very lucky to introduce our fabulous leading ladies joining me in Aspects of Love. The incredible Laura Pitt-Pulford who is no stranger to the West End as Rose and the divine Danielle de Niese, the renowned opera singer, as Giulietta. Making her West End debut as my daughter Jenny, a wonderful new talent, Anna Unwin. I couldn’t be happier. First day of school, Monday!”

Danielle de Niese says:

“I fell in love with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beautiful score and melodies as a child and now even more so with these gorgeous new orchestrations which are so rich and romantic. I am so excited about playing and exploring my fantastic character, Giulietta and returning to the West End. Working with Laura Pitt-Pulford and Jamie Bogyo will be great fun and sharing the stage with the inimitable Michael Ball will be beyond amazing!”

Producer Nica Burns says:

“This is the first production to be mounted especially for the West End since the original 1989 production and the creative team and cast under Jonathan Kent’s direction are enjoying exploring the story from a 21^st century perspective.  Michael Ball, so brilliant as the original Alex and whose idea this production was, is now playing George and of course singing Love Changes Everything. We are delighted to share a video of our orchestra call of Seeing is Believing, one of our beautiful melodies, sung by Laura Pitt-Pulford and Jamie Bogyo, which will give you a feel of our new orchestra configuration.”

Laura Pitt-Pulford was nominated for a 2016 Olivier Award for her performance as Millie in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Open Air Theatre, Regents Park. She also played Betty Shaefer in Sunset Boulevard at the Harold Pinter theatre in 2008. Her other credits include the title role in Nell Gwynn on tour and at the Globe theatre, Falsettos at the Other Palace and The Sound of Music at Leicester Curve.

Hailed by the New York Times Magazine as ‘Opera’s Coolest Soprano’, Danielle de Niese has been thrilling audiences worldwide from the Metropolitan Opera to Covent Garden and La Scala. But before all this, she won an Emmy Award as a TV host at 16 and made her Broadway debut at 18 in Les Miserables.

Now, coming full circle, having garnered rave reviews for her West End debut as Aldonza alongside Kelsey Grammer in Man of La Mancha, and wide recognition as a highly respected multi genre artist, she returns to her roots in musical theatre. She has recorded 4 solo albums exclusively for Decca/Universal, performed at Carnegie Hall with rapper LL Cool J, and with pop star Mika for ITV plus headlined the BBC global broadcast of “Last Night of the Proms” singing a Julie Andrews medley for the Sound of Music 50th Anniversary, at Hyde park and Royal Albert Hall.

She reopened the Sydney Opera House on New Year’s Eve breaking box office records in the musical theatre production of Lehar’s The Merry Widow as Hanna Glawari, and most recently starred in the highly acclaimed film version of Poulenc/Cocteau’s one-woman show La Voix Humaine (Trademark Films) for BBC Two.

Jamie Bogyo made his professional theatre debut in the lead role of Christian in the smash hit West End production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. He will play Alex, the role originated by Michael Ball in 1989. 

Anna Unwin recently graduated from The Arts Educational School and is making her West End debut in Aspects of Love.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart, based on the novel by David Garnett, Aspects of Love is directed by Jonathan Kent.

Aspects of Love at The Lyric Theatre is produced by Nica Burns, by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Limited.  Further casting is yet to be announced.

Michael Ball will give a special performance of Love Changes Everything on BBC1 this Saturday night, 25 March, as part of the TV extravaganza ‘Big Night of Musicals’.

LESLEY MANVILLE

SPECIAL GUEST STAR

on

11 MAY 2023, 9.15pm

The Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zédel, London

Future guests include: 

SOPHIE THOMPSON,

ALISON STEADMAN &

 NOMA DUMEZWENI

Olivier Award-winning actress Lesley Manville will be the first star of stage and screen to be interviewed by Avril Freck (AKA Fiona Lindsay) as part of a brand new series of evenings of conversation, music and dancing to be held at London’s intimate live performance venue, The Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zédel.

This unique salon-style series of events is entitled Avril Freck – Notes on Love and Being Alone begins on 11 May.   As well as a star interview, the evenings will be interspersed with selected songs and poetry performed live, music, serenades, and hot topics of conversation as picked by the audience.

Lesley Manville, who has just been nominated for a BAFTA for her role in Sherwood, starred in the film Mrs Harris Went to Paris, Mum for TV and is a frequent collaborator with Mike Leigh said ‘If I’d had no experience of romance or love or of being alone then it wouldn’t be worth buying a ticket. But I’m a woman in her 60’s who’s lived a life ….. go figure’.

Future special guests include: three more celebrated and Olivier Award-winning actresses –  Sophie Thompson (Into the Woods, Four Weddings and a Funeral and Gosford Park) on Monday May 29;  Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacy, Abigail’s Party and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice) on Monday June 26 and Noma Dumezweni (Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Black Earth Rising and The Little Mermaid) on Thursday July 13.  Further guests are yet to be announced.

Creator and Executive Producer Fiona Lindsay says: ‘The entire evening will be a mix of conversation meets club night, meets a night out that feels like a night in – it’s for women who are hot (!) and men that want to be cool.  I’m really looking forward to chatting to our guests about romance, being alone, and what they’ve learned about love through the roles they’ve played.   It will be an immersive and participatory evening that leans strongly into women in their prime sharing their experience, focusing on joy and looking forward.’

Other women who will be part of these very special evenings which will explore the challenges and adventures of mid-life love, romance and facing yourself are:  Psychotherapist Sasha Bates, Singer and Musician Juliette Pochin and DJ Cookie.

IS IT A FRIDAY?
IS IT A SATURDAY?
NO, IT’S SUPER FAN SUNDAYS
AT THE TURBINE THEATRE
FOR

RUNNING FROM 17 MARCH – 28 MAY 2023

EUGENIUS IS BACK. RE-ASSEMBLED AT THE TURBINE THEATRE

Starting this Sunday, get the chance to find out about the cast members behind the iconic cult musical, Eugenius! as each week a different cast member will take over the theatre’s social channel to give you an insight into what goes into the 

Along with the social media takeover, we want to encourage fans to let their G.E.E.K flag fly and be their own superhero for the day by dressing up for our Sunday performance. Furthermore, there will also be a limited number of collectors posters available to purchase on these Sunday’s which will be signed by the cast member taking over the Turbine Theatre’s socials that day.

Eugenius! is currently playing at The Turbine Theatre at Battersea Power Station. It is a reworked version of the iconic cult musical, which previously ran at The Other Palace in 2018, and in concert form at the London Palladium in 2016.

A thrilling, high-energy 80s-inspired British musical with a superhero-sized heart and an uplifting score. 

A show where geeks rule, dreams do come true, and everyone finds the superhero inside themselves.

Leading the cast, as our unlikely hero, Eugene, is Elliott Evans (Kiln – A New Musical) with his two best friends Janey and Feris being played by Jaina Brock-Patel (SIX The Musical) and James Hameed (Be More Chill).

Completing the cast is Naomi Alade (Beautiful – The Carole King Musical) asEugenie (Swing), Dominic Andersen (What’s New Pussycat?) as Gerhard/Tough Man/Dad, Joseph Beach (Ortistic Augasm) as Evil Lord Hector, Lara Denning (Matilda)as Lex, Louis Doran (Bugsy Malone) as Eugenie (Swing), Maddison Firth (Heathers The Musical)as Carrie/Super-Hot Lady, Sebastian Harwood (Treason The Musical In Concert) as Eugenie (Swing) and Rhys Taylor (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) as Theo/Space Diva.

Boasting a pulsating soundtrack, streamed by millions and heard across 125 countries, Eugenius! is a hilarious love letter to the iconic movies, comic books and nostalgia of the 80’s. A champion of the underdog, a place where anyone can become the hero. With our legion of Eugenies we’re set to prove that together we are mighty.

The musical is written by Ben Adams and Chris Wilkins and is directed by Hannah Chissick. It will run at The Turbine Theatre from Friday 17 March until Sunday 28 May 2023.

Musical Direction by Nick Pinchbeck, Set and Lighting Design by Andrew Exeter, Sound Design by Alistair Penman and Video by Andy Walton with Choreography by Aaron Renfree.

at

The Phoenix Theatre

Wednesday 24 May – Saturday 26 August 2023

CO-WRITTEN BY AL MURRAY,

MATT FORDE AND SEAN FOLEY

“The evening triumphs through technical slickness, loving attention to detail, a high gag-rate and character-count and a trenchant storyline… a barrel-load of offence-giving fun and a salty dash of rebellion.” ★★★★★

Dominic Cavendish, The Daily Telegraph

“A healthy disrespect for the Establishment… technically ingenious production… the smarts to crowbar in updated topical references” ★★★★

Mark Wareham, The Mail on Sunday

Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical  written by a tour de force comedy team made up of  Al Murray (The Pub Landlord) Matt Forde (The Political Party) and double Olivier award winner  Sean Foley (The Upstart Crow, The Play What I Wrote) makes its West End Premiere at the Phoenix Theatre in London. 

Critically acclaimedwhen it was developed at the Birmingham Rep earlier this year,  the show is directed by the Rep’s Artistic Director Sean Foley alongside a creative team spearheaded by the original Spitting Image co-creator, Roger Law. 

Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical  will run from Wednesday 24 May to Saturday 26 August 2023.  Tickets are now on sale from https://www.thephoenixtheatre.co.uk/shows/idiots-assemble-spitting-image-the-musical.

Introduced by Master of Ceremonies Sir Ian McKellen,the musical features a stellar line-up of over 100 puppets of the great and the not so good.   Tom Cruise is tasked by His Majesty The King to create the UK’s very own ‘Magnificent Seven’ of celebrity misfits – Tom Cruise, Greta Thunberg, Meghan Markle, Tyson Fury, RuPaul, Angela Rayner and Idris Elba –  to save the nation from a cabal of dark forces seeking to destroy it – that’s all the usual suspects. And James Corden.   They are joined by:  Ant & Dec, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Keir Starmer, Stormzy, Vladimir Putin, The Tory Party Cabinet and many many many many many more. 

 ‘When Spitting Image first appeared on British TV it blew people’s minds,’ said Al Murray ‘Now it’s going to do it all over again in the West End.  All the elements the show was famed for: outrageous depictions of the great and the not so good, catchy songs, famous faces saying the things you’ve always wanted to hear them say, all reinvented for the stage. You won’t know where to look!’

Matt Forde commented: ‘Nothing can prepare you for what you’re about to see, it’s the wildest show in the West End. I don’t want to give anything away, but you’ll never look at Suella Braverman in the same way again.’

Sean Foley added: ‘I’m thrilled that Spitting Image The Musical is set to transfer to the West End.  Audiences at Birmingham Rep, where the show premiered, loved the classic Spitting Image mix of political satire, celebrity send up and Royal family soap opera.  With Rishi Sunak and Angela Rayner battling it out, Tom Cruise making his theatrical debut and Adele singing her heart out, I hope this uniquely anarchic musical will continue to make people laugh.’ 

The full creative team is:   Director Sean Foley, writers Al Murray, Matt Forde and Sean Foley, Caricaturist Supremo Roger Law, Set Designer, Alice Power, Video Designer Nina Dunn for Pixel Lux, Lighting Designer Tim Mitchell, Puppet Master Scott Brooker, Costume Designer Lotte Collet,  Choreographer Lizzi Gee, Incidental Music Composer and Musical Director Alexander S. Bermange, Incidental Music Arranger and Producer Jerome van den Burghe,  Creators of Spitting Image Peter Fluck and Roger Law, General Manager Emma Brunjes for ebp, and Producers Richard Allen-Turner and Jon Thoday for Avalon.

The BAFTA and Emmy award-winning satirical Spitting Image television series originally ran for 18 series between 1984 and 1996, and was watched by over 15 million viewers. It recently made a popular return to TV on BritBox, where across official social media channels, Spitting Image content has been hugely popular with over 200 million views globally, three number 1 trending videos on YouTube and achieved critical praise across the political divide.  Three one-off specials for ITV have also seen huge success on terrestrial television: with a 4.4 million audience achieving ITV’s highest Saturday night ratings at that time in four years.

VIEW SPITTING IMAGE LIVE TRAILER HERE

Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical is presented by Avalon, and originally produced at Birmingham Rep where it had a hugely successful run.