The producers of the award-winning production of SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL are delighted to announce that stage and screen star Wendi Peters will play ‘Mother Superior’ in the UK and Ireland tour, from Tuesday 28 May 2024 at the Buxton Opera House.
Wendi joins the company in Buxton, before playing Northampton, Chester, Grimsby, Eastbourne, Blackpool, Canterbury, Bath, Bournemouth, Torquay, Darlington, Nottingham, Swansea and Liverpool.
Wendi Peters said, “I’m so thrilled to be joining the ‘sisterhood’, getting out on tour again, and visiting some wonderful places with this fabulous show. I’m excited to get going with Mother Superior and this great, feel good show!”
The cast also includes Landi Oshinowo as Deloris Van Cartier, Alfie Parker as Eddie Souther, Ian Gareth-Jones as Curtis Jackson, and Eloise Runnette as Sister Mary Robert, alongside Isabel Canning, Julie Stark,Phillip Arran, Kate Powell, Elliot Gooch, Michalis Antoniou, Callum Martin, Esme Laudat, Amber Kennedy, Harvey Ebbage, Joseph Connor, Ceris Hine, Sheri Lineham, Corrine Priest and Samuel John-Humphreys.
Wendi Peters is best known for her role as the iconic Cilla Battersby Brown in ITV’s Coronation Street, as well as series regular Cook Jenkins in CBBC’s Hetty Feather. Alongside her screen work, her many stage credits include Diane in the European premiere of You Are Here at the Southwark Playhouse, Madame Latour in the National Tour of John Cleese’s Bang Bang, Mrs Baskin in the West End premiere of Big The Musical at the Dominion Theatre, and national tours of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, White Christmas, Quartet, Oh, What A Lovely War! and Rutherford & Son.
Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
SISTER ACT has direction by Bill Buckhurst, choreography by Alistair David, Set and Costume Design by Morgan Large, Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell, Sound Design by Tom Marshall and Musical Supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt.
SISTER ACT features original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken(Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted), lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. SISTER ACT is produced by Jamie Wilson, Kevin McCollum, Gavin Kalin, Front Row Productions, Evolution Productions, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Robbie Wilson and Curve.
Producers Jack Maple and Evelyn Hoskins are delighted to announce the 15th Anniversary Concert of the original West End production of Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning musical SPRING AWAKENING, based on the play by Frank Wedekind.
Celebrating the original London production’s 15th anniversary, the concert will take place on Sunday 2 June 2024 at Victoria Palace Theatre. Tickets are on sale from 10am, Friday 2 February.
Casting to be announced.
SPRING AWAKENING tells the story of adolescent anarchy, set to one of the most loved scores of the 21st century. A group of teenagers – silenced and controlled by a censorious society – discover a new world of feeling and freedom outside the classroom, with beautiful and devastating consequences.
SPRING AWAKENING opened on Broadway at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on 10 December 2006 starring Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele, and John Gallagher Jr. It won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Direction, Book, Score and Featured Actor. It embarked on a North American tour in 2008. The musical then opened in London at the Lyric Hammersmith on 23 January 2009, before transferring to the West End’s Novello Theatre in March that same year. It won 4 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. SPRING AWAKENING was revived on Broadway in 2015 and in London in 2021.
Speaking on the anniversary concert, Duncan Sheik said “Spring Awakening is the first musical I worked on that managed to get to Broadway and then the West End. Being in London in 2009 for opening night at the Novello with that young and amazing cast was one of the highlights of my life. It is more than exciting that 15 years on, London gets to experience this anniversary concert and I’m honoured that I can be some small part of that.”
Steven Sater said “My youthful dream was to be a part of the theatre in London. So for me, our brilliant original production of Spring Awakening at the Lyric, and then at the Novello, was an answered prayer. Fifteen years later, to bring back that production for a one-night-only anniversary concert, is like having that prayer answered all over again.”
This anniversary concert will also be raising funds on behalf of Imogen Kinchin.
Imogen Kinchin was one of the original producers of SPRING AWAKENING in 2009, guiding the show and its young cast on their journey. Imogen was the Senior Producer at the Lyric Hammersmith for 10 years before joining Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures as Executive Director in 2018. In 2022, Imogen was diagnosed with Stage IV Bowel Cancer. Aside from being one of the most outstanding, creative, inspirational and respected producers in show business, she is a cherished wife, family member and friend. Her cancer is aggressive, yet her resilience is extraordinary, and she remains a positive and hopeful warrior in the face of adversity. A fund, established to support bespoke treatment and her family’s needs as they journey through this cruel disease, has raised over £80,000 to date.
The company of SPRING AWAKENING have kindly chosen to donate the proceeds from the concert to Imogen’s Fund and the link to donate is www.gofundme.com/f/imogens-fund
SPRING AWAKENING has direction by Jamie Armitage (SIX) and musical direction by Nigel Lilley (Newsies, Next to Normal, The Witches).
SPRING AWAKENING is produced by Jack Maple and Evelyn Hoskins.
Guz Khan kicked off his tour at the wonderful York Theatre Royal. If you are not familiar with the York Theatre Royal, then you are missing a treat. It is over 250 years old and still a favourite of theatre goers. If you arrive by car, there are 3x car parks within approx. 10 mins walk of the theatre.
Guz Khan’s tour covers 11 venues and is on until 1st March. You can find full details at www.guzkhanlive.co.uk. There doesn’t seem to be many tickets left for this funny stand-up show so be quick to book yours. The topics and mild swearing, although certainly not as much as a lot of comedians out there, gives the age rating of 16 and above. Looking around before the show began, I noticed a full range of ages ready to be entertained. A sign that Gus can relate to various age ranges.
The warm up act for the York leg of the tour was from Yorkshire’s own funny man, Pete Selwood who set the tone and tickled the funny bones warming us up nicely for the main man Guz Khan.
I knew about Guz from his TV appearances on shows like Taskmaster, Man like Mobeen, Live at the Apollo, and from breaking into movies when he starred alongside a string of A-Listers in Army of Thieves. So tonight, I was intrigued, as I had not seen him do a full stand-up set and I am pleased to say, I thoroughly enjoyed his set.
Guz came out smiling and had us laughing within minutes. He got good audience participation. He chose people to interact with – but didn’t “pick” on them per say. He regaled us with anecdotes about his life and family and kept it honest and real with observations and his own take on situations. It wasn’t filled with sexism, constant swearing and the like, but with honesty, hilarity, home life and his impressions of the country. I found his style of comedy quite wholesome, and barmy. He doesn’t sugar coat things, but he has no disillusions about himself too which makes him very personable. The number of times the audience laughed and clapped, whistling their appreciation at the end, showed that he won over Yorkshire easily.
So, if you fancy a good old chuckle and have a free night, go to his website and check out his dates and locations. Buy a ticket and enjoy yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
NORTH EAST COMMUNITY THEATRE COMPANY AND VENUE CELEBRATE VALUABLE 100 YEAR CONNECTION
Darlington Operatic Society to celebrate a remarkable 100 year association with Darlington Hippodrome showcasing the arts and entertainment industry.
Darlington Operatic Society (DarlingtonOS), a well-loved and influential north east community theatre company, is excited to announce its long-standing and extraordinary 100 year association with Darlington Hippodrome. This momentous occasion is a testament to the unwavering commitment of both institutions to the arts and their immense contribution to the cultural fabric of their community.
Since opening in 1907, Darlington Hippodrome has remained a beacon of theatrical excellence and creative expression. Hosting a broad range of productions and talented performers, it has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the premier theatre venues in our region. Over the past century, it has become a cherished destination for all theatre lovers, showcasing a diverse range of artistic performances that inspire imaginations.
Similarly, DarlingtonOS has been a driving force in the local and national community theatre scene. The respected theatre company has consistently brought unparalleled entertainment to audiences while helping countless aspiring performers hone their craft and fulfil their artistic ambitions. Through their tireless dedication, DarlingtonOS has cultivated a strong sense of community, empowering individuals from all walks of life to participate in the magic of theatre both on-stage and behind the scenes.
2024 marks the centenary of a special meeting between representatives of DarlingtonOS and Signor Rino Pepi, Managing Director of Darlington Hippodrome back in 1924, to sign a formal agreement between the two parties to present annual shows at the venue. Barring World Wars, theatre closure, restorations and global pandemics, DarlingtonOS has presented top class community theatre at Darlington Hippodrome every year since and continues to offer two full scale musicals at the venue each year.
The deep bond between Darlington Hippodrome and DarlingtonOS has been forged over a century of shared passion and collaboration. Their unwavering commitment to artistic expression, education, and community outreach has contributed significantly to the cultural enrichment of Darlington and the wider Tees Valley area. DarlingtonOS has produced countless memorable productions that continue to resonate with audiences and inspire future generations of theatre enthusiasts.
To commemorate this remarkable milestone, DarlingtonOS will kick off a year-long celebration filled with captivating performances and exclusive events, honouring the rich history and vibrant future that lies ahead. The celebrations aim to showcase the magic, talent, and creativity that has flourished within the walls of Darlington Hippodrome.
Darlington Hippodrome’s Programming and Development Director, Heather Tarran-Jones said “This incredible milestone represents a century of captivating stories, memorable performances, and the power of human connection through the arts. We are proud to celebrate this momentous occasion with DarlingtonOS, and we look forward to the countless stories that will be shared throughout the next century.”
The current Chairman of DarlingtonOS, Julian Cound added, “To have persevered and thrived for a hundred years alongside Darlington Hippodrome is an extraordinary accomplishment. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in our community’s cultural journey, and we are truly excited to continue enriching and inspiring performers and audiences for generations to come.”
Follow DarlingtonOS and Darlington Hippodrome throughout this special year as they honour their shared history, celebrate the legacy of the arts, and embark on an exciting future.
Full details of all shows on offer at Darlington Hippodrome can be found at darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
DarlingtonOS present Kinky Boots the Musical at Darlington Hippodrome from Wednesday 1 to Saturday 11 May. Tickets are on sale now by calling the Ticket Hotline on 01325 244659 or online at darlingtonos.org.uk
TREVOR ASHLEY, OWAIN WILLIAMS, DAKOTA STARR & REECE KERRIDGE HEAD THE CAST OF
PRISCILLA THE PARTY! AT
HERE @ OUTERNET IN LONDON’S SOHO
FROM SUNDAY 3 MARCH
The full cast has been announced for the eagerly awaited PRISCILLA THE PARTY! at HERE @ Outernet in London’s Soho. Trevor Ashley will play ‘Gaye Cliché’, Owain Williams ‘Tick’ / ‘Mitzi’, Dakota Starr ‘Bernadette’ and Reece Kerridge ‘Adam’ / ‘Felicia’, with Grace Galloway, Gracie Lai and Sara Louise as the ‘Divas’ and Steven Serlin as ‘Bob the Mechanic’, with Joni Ayton-Kent as Alternate ‘Bernadette’. Also in the cast will be John McGlone, Matthew Facchino, Isidro Ridout, Brandon Gale, William Elijah-Lewis, Samuel Stokes, Dan Holland, Kimberly Blake, Lucy Park, Maria Myatt and Teagan Denham.
Randall A. Buck, Patrick Bywalski and Rod Gunner, in association with Nullarbor Productions, Blue Stage Entertainment and MGM On Stage present PRISCILLA THE PARTY! at HERE @ Outernet. With a book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott and additional material by Phil Scott, based on the Latent Image/Specific Films Motion Picture distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., PRISCILLA THE PARTY! is a grand celebration of 30 years of glamour and iconic entertainment and will be staged by the creative team behind Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical – you can expect the same award-winning costumes and head-dresses, re-directed by original director Simon Phillips.
PRISCILLA THE PARTY! opens on Monday 25 March 2024, following previews from 3 March, at HERE, part of the new £1bn Outernet development, an electrifying and high tech venue at Denmark Street in Soho, which has swiftly become “London’s most visited attraction”.
Trevor Ashley is one of Australia’s most sought-after and successful performers. He recently was the runner-up in Queen of the Universe, the global drag singing competition hosted by Graham Norton, streamed worldwide. In theatre, he has starred as Thénardier in Les Misérables,Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, the original Australian Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and he created the role of Miss Understanding in Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical. He has just completed a sell-out run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat as Pharaoh. He made his West End debut in 2013 in Liza (on an E), in which he played Liza Minnelli.
Owain Williams’s theatre credits include The Phantom of the Opera (His Majesty’s Theatre / Royal Albert Hall), Les Misérables (25th Anniversary Tour / O2 Arena), Merrily We Roll Along (Theatr Clwyd) and Taboo (Brixton Clubhouse / London Palladium). His TV presenting work includes TAG (S4C), a magazine show for teenagers; Y Lifft / The Lift (S4C), the UK’s first multi-platform, completely interactive gameshow for children; Heno / Tonight (S4C), S4C’s primetime evening magazine show; Sam on the Screen (S4C), an arts review show.
Dakota Starr trained at LAMDA and their theatre credits include Fisherman’s Friends (UK Tour), Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s musical The Girls (West End, Leeds Grand Theatre, The Lowry) and Troilus and Cressida (RSC). Dakota’s screen credits include The Duke, Emmerdale, Outlander and The Magnificent Eleven. Dakota is non-binary.
Reece Kerridge’s theatre credits include the Arena Tours of Peter Pan An Arena Spectacular and Elf the Musical Arena Spectacular, The Spongebob Musical (original UK Tour cast), Top Hat (The Mill at Sonning), Shrek the Musical (UK and Ireland Tour), The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre) and Our House (Union Theatre). Reece is the founder and co-host of Sit in the Stalls radio show, which broadcasts Saturday mornings on Box Office Radio. Reece also performs as the Drag Artiste Gracie Lou.
Director Simon Phillips said, “We’ve been telling theatregoers this story in over 30 countries now, for nearly two decades and, no matter where we have played around the world, multi-generational, diverse audiences – actually, anyone intent on having a good time – have felt more than welcome at a Priscilla show. Given the immense mainstream visibility and recognition drag is enjoying, there has surely never been a better time to celebrate this heartfelt tale of love, friendship and acceptance and this spectacular, interactive production will embrace its audience, immersing them in an experience they will never forget. This ultimate celebration of Priscilla’s coming of age will bring everyone together with simply the best in feel-good entertainment!”
Trans icon Munroe Bergdorf said, “Priscilla is a timeless classic; for so many queer people it was the first time we saw queer people in movies, that we saw drag queens in movies, that I saw a trans woman on screen…. I think it’s really important we move with the times and provide new ways of telling stories that have impacted and empowered us all, so I’m very very excited and looking forward to seeing [Priscilla The Party!]… it’s such a ground-breaking story, especially in terms of everything going on with the trans community right now; this is what we need, we need stories that lead with joy, and to show that the trans experience isn’t always about tragedy.”
Based on the Oscar-winning movie and Tony Award- and Olivier Award-winning musical, PRISCILLA THE PARTY! tells the same heart-warming, uplifting story of three friends, who hop aboard a battered old bus to seek fame and fortune in Alice Springs, and end up finding more than they could have ever dreamed of. It is 30 years since the unforgettable film, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, graced our screens and almost 18 years since London first embraced the phenomenal stage musical. “PRISCILLA THE PARTY!” promises to be an unprecedented and unforgettable evolution of this legacy.
The stage is set at HERE @ Outernet in the vibrant heart of London’s Soho. This sensory experience is poised to transport participants to the boundless Australian outback, a world of glitz, glamour and endless entertainment. Attendees will be invited to unleash their inner diva as Priscilla Queen of the Desert transitions from a beloved musical into an extraordinary immersive party. Guests can choose between an exclusive premium dining experience, featuring a sumptuous three-course meal, or opt to sit or stand on the dance floor, where a diverse array of bar snacks and drinks are readily available from the expansive bar area.
The audience can expect an extravagant display of eye-popping costumes, an exhilarating soundtrack that encourages everyone to dance and sing along, and a show which unfolds all around them. There will be immersive dance floor tickets as happens at Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, with DJ and pre-show entertainment similar to Here Lies Love at the National Theatre, a party sing-a-long atmosphere like ABBA Voyage at the ABBA Arena, cabaret tables with dining options similar to Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre and dining options and post-show party as happens at Mamma Mia! The Party – in other words, something for everyone!
The show will feature beloved classics, including Hot Stuff, It’s Raining Men, Girls Just Wanna HaveFun, Finally, Go West, Say A Little Prayer, Boogie Wonderland, Shake Your Groove Thing and I Will Survive.
From its dazzling debut in Sydney in 2006, the musical created by Allan Scott and Stephan Elliott has taken the world by storm. It initially graced the London stage in 2009, before conquering Broadway in 2011.
The enduring message of acceptance and inclusivity that Priscilla carries remains as significant today as it was when the curtains first rose.
Produced by Randall A. Buck, Patrick Bywalski and Rod Gunner, in association with Nullarbor Productions, Blue Stage Entertainment and MGM On Stage, PRISCILLA THE PARTY! will be directed by Simon Phillips, with set and video design by Brian Thomson and Justin Nardella, costume design by Tim Chappell and Lizzy Gardiner, choreography by Andrew Hallsworth, musical arrangements and orchestrations by Stephen ‘Spud’ Murphy, musical arrangements, supervision and direction by Steve Geere, lighting design by Per Hôrding, sound design by Ben Harrison and general management by RGM Productions.
Lead producer Colin Ingram is delighted to announce the full cast for the UK and Ireland tour of Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE, directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips. Additional performances have been added in Dublin, Manchester, Newcastle etc.
Marley Fenton (Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, Gielgud Theatre) will play Danny, Hope Dawe (Mountview graduate) will play Sandy, Rebecca Stenhouse (Legally Blonde, UK Tour) will play Rizzo, George Michaelides (Disney’s Newsies, Wembley Park Troubadour Theatre) will play Kenickie, Kieran Lynch (The Adventures of Peter Pan, Edinburgh Festival Theatre) as Doody, Lewis Day (Beauty and the Beast, Cast Theatre Doncaster) as Roger, Sario Solomon (Pacific Overtures, Menier Chocolate Factory) as Sonny, Alicia Belgarde (Bugsy Malone, UK Tour) as Frenchy, Emerald B (National Lottery New Years Eve Bash) as Jan, India Chadwick (P.S I’m A Terrible Person, Cockpit Theatre) as Marty, Jayd’n Tyrone (Grease, Dominion Theatre) as Eugene, Phoebe Roberts (Mamma Mia!, International & UK Tour) as Patty Simcox, Dominique Planter (The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre) as Miss Lynch, Joe Gash (Rock of Ages, UK Tour) as Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel, Deena Kapadia (Death Note, London Palladium & Lyric Theatre) as Cha Cha and Adam Davidson (Mary Poppins, Prince Edward Theatre) as Johnny Casino.
They are joined by Zera Aitken, Dylan Gordon-Jones, Sergi Ibanez, Thomas Inge, Lauren Hampton, Imogen Malone, Ben Middleton and Carly Miles.
The 2024 tour will begin at Churchill Theatre, Bromley on 12 April 2024 running through to 16 November 2024 at Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield.
GREASE has been seen by over 500,000 people in the West End, making it the Dominion Theatre’s most successful summer run since We Will Rock You. GREASE received 4 WhatsOnStage Award nominations for Best Musical Revival, Best Choreography for Arlene Phillips and Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for original cast members Jocasta Almgill and Paul French.
GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show’s eight-year run at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere. GREASE was first performed at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 before transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in 1996. It returned to the West End, opening at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2007.
The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want.
GREASE has designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and Richard Brooker, video and projection design by Douglas O’Connell and casting by David Grindrod CDG.
This production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram for InTheatre Productions, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Playing Field and Curve.
Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment & Carter Dixon McGill Productions present
The 50th Anniversary concert Pippin in Concert Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Book by Roger O. Hirson
starring Tony Award-winning star of Broadway’s Shucked and TV’s Glee Alex Newell as the Leading Player
with The London Musical Theatre Orchestra and a 50-strong choir
Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle Musical Director Chris Ma
London Palladium Monday 1 April & Tuesday 2 April
There’s magic to do in the 50th anniversary concert production of PIPPIN at London’s iconic Palladium starring Tony Award-winning Broadway star of Shucked, Grammy nominated Alex Newell and featuring a 25-piece orchestra and 50-strong choir.
With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, including the classic songs Corner of the Sky and Magic to Do, Pippin is a soul-searching exploration of one man’s journey to find himself, his place and purpose in life.
Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfilment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavours, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day. Stephen Schwartz said: “Although there have been some excellent recent productions of Pippin in the UK, the show never gets to be heard with a full live orchestra and choir. This concert, with a cast led by the astonishing Alex Newell and produced under the always first-rate auspices of Katy Lipson’s Aria Entertainment and Carter Dixon McGill, promises to be a once-in-a-blue-moon event. I for one cannot wait to experience it!”
Further cast to be announced.
Creative team includes: Director Jonathan O’Boyle Musical Director Chris Ma Casting Director Jane Deitch Producers Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment & Carter Dixon McGill Productions
Stephen Schwartz – Music & Lyrics Stephen Schwartz is probably best known in the UK for his scores for Wicked and Godspell. Other shows to which he contributed music and/or lyrics, and which have been seen in the UK include Pippin, The Baker’s Wife, Children of Eden, Working, Rags and The Prince of Egypt. He has also written songs for two musicals for young audiences which have been performed here: My Son Pinocchio Jr and Captain Louie. For film, he collaborated with Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s Enchanted, as well as the animated features Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame and wrote the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature The Prince of Egypt. In the classical field, he has composed the opera Séance on a Wet Afternoon and co-wrote the English texts with Leonard Bernstein for Bernstein’s Mass. Awards include: three Academy Awards, four GRAMMY Awards and the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award. Mr Schwartz has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. A book about his career, Defying Gravity, is published by Applause Books. Those interested in additional information are invited to visit www.stephenschwartz.com.
Roger O. Hirson – BookRoger O. Hirson wrote extensively for the theatre, movies, and television. His Broadway credits include Pippin and Walking Happy, both nominated for the Tony Award. Off-Broadway: Journey to the Day, World War 2½. He won the Emmy for his six-hour television mini-series A Woman Named Jackie. Mr. Hirson’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which starred George C. Scott, was honoured by a Royal Command performance. He wrote the film Demon Seed, starring Julie Christie and the story for The Bridge at Remagen.
Alex Newell – Leading Player Alex Newell became the first openly nonbinary performer to win a Tony Award in an acting category for their role as Lulu in Shucked, that has just closed on Broadsway. Alex stopped the show at every performance with a standing ovation for their act one song, Independently Owned. They are also known for their role as Unique Adams on the TV series Glee and Mo on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Newell also starred as Asaka in the Broadway revival of Once on This Island at the Circle in the Square Theatre in 2018.
Jonathan O’Boyle – Director Jonathan is an award-wining theatre director. He trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and Birkbeck, University of London where he graduated with an MFA in Theatre Directing. He was previously Trainee Associate Director at Chichester Festival Theatre and Associate Director at Theatre503. Jonathan won Best Director of a Musical and Best Musical Production at the 2021 Off-West End Awards for his production of The Last Five Years. His production of Hair won the 2018 WhatsOnStage award for Best Off-West End production. His productions of The View Upstairs and The Last Five Years were also nominated for WhatsOnStage Awards. Directing credits include: Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical (The Other Palace); Calendar Girls The Musical (UK Tour, Bill Kenwright Ltd); The Last Five Years (Garrick Theatre, West End/International Tour/Southwark Playhouse); Wish You Were Dead and Looking Good Dead (UK Tour, Peter James Productions); Hair (Hope Mill Theatre/The Vaults/UK & International Tours. WhatsOnStage Award for Best Off-West End Production); Top Hat (The Mill at Sonning); A Guide for the Homesick, Rasheeda Speaking and Bash Latterday Plays (Trafalgar Studios); Proud (Turbine Theatre); The View Upstairs (Soho Theatre); Rain Man (UK Tour/Bill Kenwright Ltd); Aspects of Love and Pippin (Hope Mill Theatre/Southwark Playhouse); Cruel Intentions (Bill Kenwright Ltd); This House (Headlong and National Theatre, UK Tour, co-directed with Jeremy Herrin); Dear Brutus (Southwark Playhouse); The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit (Hope Mill Theatre); Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Cadogan Hall); Peter Pan (Park Theatre); Four Play and Sense of an Ending (Theatre503); The Surplus and All The Ways To Say Goodbye (Young Vic); The Wedding Singer, Nice Work If You Can Get It and Season’s Greetings (ArtsEd). Upcoming theatre includes: Jekyll & Hyde, White Christmas.Associate Director credits include: An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre); The Judas Kiss (Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York and Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto); Amadeus (Chichester Festival Theatre); The Scottsboro Boys (Young Vic); Bull (Sheffield Theatres and Young Vic). Alongside his directing work, Jonathan is the Director of the School of Musical Theatre at ArtsEd.
Chris Ma – Musical Director Chris trained at the Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Theatre Credits: Disney The Castle (Riyadh Season), Death Note (Palladium/Lyric), Newsies (Wembley Troubadour), Dear Evan Hansen (Noel Coward), The Sound of Music (Tallinn, Estonia), John and Jen (Southwark and Broadway HD), Once On This Island, Bring It On (Southwark), Pippin, Violet, Mythic – World Premiere (Charing Cross), Hamilton (Victoria Palace), The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Leicester Curve), Parade (London Theatre Workshop and Guildhall), 13 (Ambassadors, Minack, Cadogan Hall), Travels With My Aunt (Chichester), The Color Purple (Cadogan Hall). Films Credits: Greatest Days (Take That), My Policeman (Amazon). Cast Recording Credits: Death Note, John and Jen, Mythic Insta/Twitter: @_chrisma____ W: Chrisma.uk
Aria Entertainment – Producer Aria Entertainment was founded in 2012 by award winning Producer Katy Lipson. In 10 years, she has produced over 80 productions in the West End, Off-West End and across the UK. Her most recent credits include the World Premiere of ‘Brokeback Mountain’ at @sohoplace, ‘Cruise’, which received an Olivier nomination for Best New Play and is now being developed as a film after two sell-out runs at the Duchess Theatre and Apollo Theatre, and the critically acclaimed transfer of ‘The Last Five Years’ to the West End. She is also a producer of several major UK tours including ‘The Osmonds’, ‘The Cher Show’, ‘Hair’,’ The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ and ‘The Addams Family’. Several of these productions have since been produced internationally, including ‘The Addams Family’ (Singapore), ‘Hair’ (Germany) and upcoming runs of ‘The Last Five Years’, ‘Zorro’ and ‘Broken Wings’ around the world. For several years, Katy was the Producing Artistic Director of the renowned Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, creating and producing productions, many of which transferred to London. During her tenure she worked with Stephen Schwartz on creating a re-imagined version of ‘Rags’ and presented the first production of Jerry Herman’s ‘Mame’ in the UK for over 50 years. In 2017, Lipson was awarded the Best Producer award by the Off-West End Awards and in 2019 was nominated for International Producer of the Year by the League of Professional Theatre Women in New York. She is a recipient of the Stage One Bursary and Start Up Award and works as a mentor on their Bursary and Bridge the Gap programmes. In 2018 she was included in “The Stage 100” list and in 2019 and 2020 for her work at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester and again in 2021 for her work as a solo producer. Lipson is at the forefront of new musical development in the UK, having set up the From Page to Stage festival to support new musicals at all difference stages of development. In 6 years, From Page to Stage has given a platform to over 100 new musicals; many of which have gone on to have full productions and be licensed worldwide. It is a keen passion of hers to cultivate new musicals that can have a long-lasting legacy in the West End, on Broadway and all around the world. Twitter: @ariaents
Carter Dixon McGill Productions – Producer 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. Recent productions include: Death Note the Musical (Palladium & Lyric theatre), Wonderville: The Future of Magic (MSC Meraviglia, New York), Your Lie in April (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Blippi’s Wonderful World (UK Tour), Treason (UK Tour), Wonderville: The Home of Magic (MSC Meraviglia, New York) & Blippi the Musical (Apollo Theatre & Lyric Theatre). General Management productions include: Tarantino Live (Riverside Studios), Wild About You (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Trompe L’oeil (The Other Palace), Immersive 1984 (Hackney Town Hall), Dark Sublime (Trafalgar Studios) & Figaro the musical (NYC) Previous productions include: Chess the Musical in Concert (Drury Lane Theatre); Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Treason the Musical in Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Wonderville: Magic & Illusion (Palace Theatre, London); Death Drop (Criterion Theatre, Garrick Theatre & UK Tour), Wonderville Haymarket, Icon: The K-pop Musical (Workshop); Operation Crucible (Sheffield Crucible); Tomorrow Morning (Feature Film); The Pyjama Game (Shaftesbury Theatre, London); Fame (International Tour & West End); the Art of Banksy (Exhibition); Madagascar (International Tour);Spamalot (UK, Dubai & South Korea); Hair 50th Anniversary Production (UK Tour), The Steamie (SSE Hydro in Glasgow); The 39 Steps (Windsor Theatre Royal); Operation Crucible (59E59 Theatre, New York); Tonight at the London Coliseum (London Coliseum); Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense (UK Tour); Lottys War (UK Tour); American Idiot (UK Tour & Arts theatre); Crucible (UK Tour); Judy! (Arts Theatre); Footloose (UK Tour); Flashdance (UK Tour); Of Mice & Men (UK Tour); Treason the Musical In Concert (Cadogan Hall); Little Shop of Horrors (UK Tour); The Crucible (UK Tour); The Last of the De Mullins (Jermyn Street Theatre); Facing East: In Concert (Lyric Theatre); The Tailor Made Man (Arts Theatre); An Incident at the Border (Trafalgar Studios) and Pippin (Southwark Playhouse).
Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment & Carter Dixon McGill Productions present
Pippin in Concert
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Book by Roger O. Hirson
starring Tony Award-winning Alex Newell
with The London Musical Theatre Orchestra
Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle
Musical Director Chris Ma
London Palladium 8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF
Monday 1 April & Tuesday 2 April at 7.30pm
running time: 2 hours 20mins
age recommendation: PG
Tickets from £25
Tickets: LW Priority on sale Wednesday 20 January at 11am General on sale – Thursday 1st February
Originally Produced on the Broadway Stage by Stuart Ostrow Directed on the Broadway Stage by Bob Fosse 2013 Broadway Revival Directed by Diane Paulus Theo ending originally conceived in 1998 by Mitch Sebastian
Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International www.MTIShows.co.uk
HOPE MILL THEATRE ANNOUNCE FULL CAST & CREATIVE TEAM FOR CONCERT VERSION OF GYPSY STARRING THE ALREADY ANNOUNCED JODIE PRENGER AS ROSE
CONCERT AT THE OPERA HOUSE, MANCHESTER ON SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2024 WILL SUPPORT HOPE MILL’S ‘HOPE FOR THE FUTURE’ FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN AND WILL FEATURE A 21 PIECE ORCHESTRA
Hope Mill Theatre has revealed the full cast that will be joining the already-announced Jodie Prenger in a new one-night concert version of Gypsy, at the Opera House, Manchester on Sunday 25th February.
The concert will raise funds for Hope Mill Theatre’s ‘Hope for the Future’ fundraising campaign and will be directed by Joseph Houston and choreographed by William Whelton, the co-founders of Hope Mill.
Joining Jodie Prenger (Rose) in the cast will be TomLister as Herbie, Grace Mouat as Louise, May Tether as June, Divina De Campo as Mazeppa, Harriet Thorpe as Tessie Tura, Liz Fletcher as Electra, Idriss Kargbo as Tulsa, Peter Gunnas Pop/Mr Goldstone and Angela Lonsdale as Miss Cratchitt, Halle Brady as Baby June, Amelia Munshi as Baby Louise.
Performing alongside the principal cast will be students from Laine Theatre Arts; JACOB MORRISH, JOSH EGAN, HARVEY PEARCE, NAT INGHAM, CAMERON BOULTER, HOLLY HENDERSON, YNEZ WILLIAMS, AISLING SHARKEY, GEORGIA CLEMENTS, ELOISE KNOWLES. And will feature students from Stagebox Theatre Academy.
The concert will feature a live 21-piece orchestra and joining Houston and Whelton on the creative team will be Charise Renouf – co-choreographer, Andrew Exeter – set design, Joseph Clayton – musical director, Aaron Dootson – lighting design, Matt Powell – projection design, Lorraine Bell – costume design, Paul Smith – sound design and Manny Crooks – dialect coach.
Gypsy, a musical fable, has a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and was suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee.
Get ready for a dazzling journey into the world of Gypsy, where dreams are big, and the spotlight is even brighter! Follow the relentless Rose as she propels her daughters June and Louise through the highs and lows of showbiz in this Broadway classic. With toe-tapping tunes, a remarkable cast, and a tale of ambition that will leave you breathless, Gypsy is a theatrical experience that steals the show. Lights up, curtains rise, and let the magic of Gypsy unfold before your eyes!
Songs include ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses’, ‘Together (Wherever We Go)’, ‘You Gotta Get a Gimmick’ and ‘Rose’s Turn’.
Joseph Houston said:“I am thrilled to share our exciting cast for our upcoming production of Gyspy. So many of the wonderful cast we have assembled have either performed in Hope Mill shows or have been supporters of the venue. It is also wonderful to be showcasing up and coming talent, with students from Laine Theatre Arts second year, as well as students from Stagebox. Audiences can expect all the magic and spectacle of a Hope Mill production, with full out choreography, wonderful costumes, soaring music, comedy, drama and a whole lot of heart. This is sure to be a special evening that you won’t want to miss.”
GYPSY is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Tams Witmark LLC. concordtheatricals.co.uk
GYPSY
A Musical Fable
Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Jule Styne
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee
Original production by David Merrick & Leland Hayward. Entire production originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins.
LISTING INFO:
Hope Mill Theatre present Gypsy The Musical in Concert
10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF ALISTAIR MCDOWALL’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED CAPTAIN AMAZING TO OPEN AT SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE BOROUGH IN MAY
● Captain Amazing runs at Southwark Playhouse Borough from 1st May until 25th May
Matthew Schmolle Productions are delighted to announce the 10 year anniversary production of Alistair McDowall’s critically acclaimed Captain Amazing will open at Southwark Playhouse Borough this May. With previews from 1st May and press night on 2nd May. Tickets are on sale now and are available from https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/captain-amazing.
Returning to play the titular character will be Mark Weinman who previously inhabited the role to critical acclaim and who the piece was initially written for. Once again, Clive Judd directs with re-imagined lighting and projection from Will Monks, sound design from Asaf Zohar and set design from Georgia de Grey.
On his return to the production Mark said today: “I’m absolutely delighted to be able to play Captain Amazing one more time – not least because I’m now closer to the titular characters age and I don’t have to play up any more! There’s not many chances for an actor to go back to a role ten years on and it’s a real privilege to get to speak Ali’s words again.What a treat to share this story in a new version which brings it up to date for new audiences.”
Playwright Alistair McDowall added: “I have very fond memories of making Captain Amazing with Mark and Clive ten years ago. Mark is one of the most powerful actors around and Clive is a director of impeccable skill – the two of them returning to the play with a new production is extremely exciting.”
Captain Amazing tells the story of the transformative power of fatherhood, everyday acts of courage and how even the invincible aren’t immune to tragedy. Award-winning Alistair McDowall’s funny, inventive and poignant one-man show was showered with glittering reviews after its world premiere at Live Theatre, Newcastle and the 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, receiving a national tour in 2014.
Have you ever met a superhero? A real superhero? What if superheroes were all around us, quietly walking the streets, working in offices, or taking their children to school? Mark, a reticent young man, is impelled into articulacy, action and superherodom by the arrival of his daughter, Emily. You see, some superheroes don’t know they are superheroes until they become fathers.
As part of the production, in partnership with arts charity The Working Party, MSP will be creating a bursary supported production traineeship on the show for an early career, solo theatre maker. For more information keep an eye on the production social channels.
Alistair McDowall (Playwright)
Alistair McDowall is an award-winning writer whose credits include, The Glow, all of it, X (The Royal Court, Avignon Festival) Talk Show (The Royal Court – Open Court), Zero for the Young Dudes! (National Theatre Connections), Pomona (Orange Tree/National Theatre/Royal Exchange, Manchester) and Brilliant Adventures (Royal Exchange, Manchester/Live, Newcastle). Awards include: Abraham Woursell Prize, Harold Pinter Commission and Bruntwood Judge’s Award.
Clive Judd (Director)
Clive Judd is an award-winning director, writer & bookseller. As a director, Clive’s credits include Chair (Spazju Kreattiv, Malta), The MP, Aunty Mandy and Me (Curve Theatre), Macbeth (Teatru Manoel), Rails (Theatre by the Lake), This Will End Badly and Little Malcolm and His Struggle Against The Eunuchs (Southwark Playhouse), Captain Amazing (Live, Newcastle/Edinburgh Festival Fringe). As a writer, Clive’s debut play Here won the Papatango Prize in 2022 from a record 1553 scripts and he was nominated for Most-Promising New Playwright at the Off West End Awards during its run at Southwark Playhouse. Clive’s story We Can Collect The Keys, a collaboration with the artist Patrick Wray, was published by Exit Press in 2022 & his story Joel Lane’s Carrier Bag will be published by Left Cultures in 2024. Clive co-runs the Birmingham-based Voce Books, recently voted in The Times as one of the UK’s best independent bookshops.
Mark Weinman (Mark)
Recent theatre credits include Wildfire Road (Sheffield Crucible), Sitting (Arcola), Mr Noodles and So Here We Are (Royal Exchange), PrimeTime and The Bash (Royal Court), Plastic (Old Red Lion), The Hairy Ape (Southwark Playhouse), The Emperor Jones (National Theatre), Fastburn (KneeHigh Theatre/NYT), Big Aftermath (ATC/Summer Hall), Still Killing Time and Eating Ice Cream on Gaza Beach (Soho Theatre), Edmond (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Herons (Stephen Joseph/Manchester Library Theatre). For television his credits include, The Radleys (SKY); Ant Man & The Wasp: Quantumania (MARVEL/DISNEY), Criminal Record (APPLE TV), I May Destroy You (BBC/HBO), After Life, The One, Falling For Figaro (NETFLIX), PressSitting and Salisbury Poisonings,RoadKill, Episodes and Gamechangers (BBC), Back, Humans, The People Next Door, The Guilt Trip (CH4), Sex Ed (STAN & LOLA FILMS – Winner of Best Actor, European Independent Film Festival), (CH4) and Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2). Mark is also founder of The Ten; a not-for-profit mentorship programme designed to support and showcase outstanding undiscovered talent from underrepresented backgrounds.
Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 3 February 2024
Reviewed by Louise Ford
4****
When you haven’t got a leg or sardine to stand on!
The bedroom farce has long been a mainstay of the British theatre, all mistaken identity, frustration, too many doors and the importance of timing. Noises Off by Micheal Frayne takes this idea and exploits all of these elements from both the front and back of the stage.
It’s a show in three acts. The curtain rises on what transpires to be the final, not technical, rehearsal for a show due to open in less than 24 hours. The cast and company are an interesting collection of amusing theatrical archetypes; the sardonic womanising director Lloyd Dallas (Simon Shepherd); the “bimbo” Brooke Ashton (Lisa Ambalavanar); the alcoholic old boy Selsdon Mowbray (Paul Bradley); the neurotic leading man Gary Lejeune (Dan Fredenburgh); the forgetful ageing actor Frederick Fellowes (Simon Coates); the eternal optimist Belinda Blair (Lucy Robinson) and keeping the show together, and feeding the lines, are the overworked stage crew Poppy Norton-Taylor (Nikita Lesler) and good old Tim Allgood (Daniel Rainford).
The star of the show is Dotty Otley (Lisa Goddard), who is playing the house keeper Mrs Clackett, she has invested heavily in the show . She seems to have terrible trouble with not only her lines but also her props and the other members of the cast.
Act II takes us backstage to see how the show looks from behind. The pace picks up as the play and the actors start to fall apart. However as they are all consummate professionals they strive to keep the noise down. The action is ramped up and the dialogue is dialled down as the actors are reduced to miming
The final Act, where we are back out front, is when it all comes crashing down. The scene where Garry Lejeune has his shoelaces tied together and bounces up and down the stairs is both exhausting and hilarious. And when he tumbles exhausted down the stairs it is an acting master class.
On a personal note it was great to see a,now historic reference, to the old tax rules relating to UK tax legislation for determining the tax residence status of individuals who had moved overseas to avoid paying UK tax. Oh the good old days of the 91 day rule!
I know that there is a whole catalogue of plays about “things going wrong” in the theatre and if I’m honest I don’t tend to find them particularly amusing. However Noises Off is the grand parent of these productions and has stood the test of time. Whilst it is a farce, the action and timing are impeccable. It speeds up to a veritable sprint in the final act and finally brings the curtain down!
