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CAST & TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED FOR WORLD PREMIERE OF

PARTY GAMES! BY MICHAEL MCMANUS

STARRING MATTHEW COTTLE & DEBRA STEPHENSON

UK TOUR TO OPEN AT YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD ON 2 MAY 2024

NATIONAL PRESS NIGHT TUESDAY 7 MAY 2024

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford presents the world premiere of PARTY GAMES! by Michael McManus (Maggie & Ted).  Previews will begin on 2 May 2024, with a press night on Tuesday 7 May.  After Guildford, the tour will visit Windsor, Cardiff, Worthing and Bath, finishing on 29 June in Malvern.

Directed by the Director and Chief Executive of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Joanna Read, PARTY GAMES! is written by a man who was on the inside of party politics, Michael McManus, who worked in Central Office while Margaret Thatcher and John Major were Prime Ministers and as a special adviser to a number of UK ministers between 1992 and 1995. He was then head of Ted Heath’s private office from 1995 to 2000 and the Conservative Party candidate for Watford in 2001.

PARTY GAMES! is set in the UK in 2026.  John Waggner, newly elected leader of the hastily formed centrist One Nation Party, presides over a hung parliament, a discontented electorate and striking cheesemakers.  He and his power-hungry MPs must cling onto authority through whatever shaky means possible.  Can one man, a Svengali spin doctor, and some dodgy data unite the country?   And what role can his wife, the King and a large spider play in keeping the lights on, not to mention his trusty AI?

PARTY GAMES! stars Matthew Cottle (Stan Laurel in the film Chaplin, Martin in BBC’s Game On, ITV’s Unforgotten, Dave in BBC’s Citizen Khan and Edward in Channel 4’s The Windsors) as Prime Minister John Waggner, Debra Stephenson (Diane Powell in Playing the Field, Shell Dockley in Bad Girls, Frankie Baldwin in Coronation Street, The Impressions Show and Dead Ringers) as Deputy Leader Lisa Williams, Natalie Dunne (Anna Schmidt in The Third Man at Menier Chocolate Factory, Your Christmas Or Mine? for Amazon, Trying for Apple TV and Locked Up Abroad for Disney+) as Anne Waggner, the Prime Minister’s wife, Krissi Bohn (three years as Jenna Kamara in Coronation Street and a storyteller on the CBeebies series Treasure Champs and a series regular in the CBBC series Biff & Chip) as Private Secretary Candice Edwards, Jason Callender (Upstart Crow and The Play That Goes Wrong in the West End, Malory Towers for the BBC and 4 O’Clock Club for CBBC) as would-be Chief of Staff Luke Roberts and William Oxborrow (The Madness of George III at the National Theatre, the title role in The Picture of Dorian Gray at Gate Theatre, Dublin, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and A Clockwork Orange for the RSC and The Clandestine Marriage and Guys and Dolls in the West End) playing multiple roles.

PARTY GAMES! is an Yvonne Arnaud original production, directed by Joanna Read and designed by Francis O’Connor, with lighting design by Chris Davey.

#PartyGames!

Age Guidance: 12+ (contains swearing)

TOUR SCHEDULE

2-11 May                                 The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford                   01483 44 00 00

                                                www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk                                       on sale

14-18 May                               Theatre Royal Windsor                                      

                                                www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk                                on sale 24 January

21-25 May                               New Theatre, Cardiff                                                0343 310 041

                                                www.trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff           on sale

12-15 June                              Worthing Connaught Theatre                                  01903 206206

                                                wtm.uk

18-22 June                              Theatre Royal Bath                                                  01225 448844

                                                theatreroyal.org.uk                                                   on sale

25-29 June                              Malvern Festival Theatre                                        01684 892277

                                                www.malvern-theatres.co.uk 

The Marylebone Theatre, London – until 3 February 2024

Reviewed by Chelsea Kania

4****

The year is 1943. A train lurches to a stop in the blizzarding dead of winter. A reluctant hand
reaches out with a precious bundle—and drops it into the snow. An old woman approaches,
hearing its cries and knowing with an unquestioning heart that this child now belongs to her.

Humanity’s expansive capacity for love and compassion is explored alongside its darker truths in The Most Precious of Goods, based on the novella by Jean-Claude Grumberg. Like a story hour with book in hand, Samantha Spiro (One Life, Sex Education) heroically narrates and performs her way through the tale of a poor Polish woodcutter’s wife who brings a Jewish baby into her home despite her husband’s vicious protests and the increasingly sinister backdrop of war-torn Eastern Europe.

Grumberg is the writer of a vast collection of critically acclaimed stories and plays, many
concerned with anti-semitism and the Holocaust, in which his father and grandparents perished. The novella has earned itself an upcoming feature film adaptation, but this live performance is a uniquely sensorial immersion into Grumberg’s world, and perhaps not one to miss.

The story is brilliantly read by Spiro, whose abundant optimism and humour relay the joys of
parenting. While at the same time, she effectively balances harrowing details of the birth family’s fate at a death camp miles away, as well as the many tragedies that befall its new mother while she strives to keep them both alive.

Carly Brownbridge’s stage design does a nice job of accompanying this tricky mood; look
closely at the abstract treeline and you’ll notice it’s populated with prisoner numbers. Huge
projections of Judy Goldhill’s black and white photography from a sombre but mesmerising
backdrop.

And speaking of mesmerising, Spiro is not alone; she shares the stage with award-winning
cellist Gemma Rosefield, whose three-hundred year old cello conjures as many centuries of
human joy and pain to punctuate the story’s dramatic moments. Rosefield’s performance is a real highlight, and something I’d have been eager to hear more of throughout.

As National Holocaust Remembrance Day approaches on 27 January, the tragedies of WW2 only seem to deepen those taking place in the world today. But by pulling unconditional love from the dark, both Grumberg’s story and this performance are rare in their ability to generate hope. It’s a welcome experience, and an inspiring one

‘GRITTY POLICE DRAMA: A ONE MAN MUSICAL’ – 60 IMPRESSIONS, 60 MINUTES, 1 MURDER

“It should really just be called Luke Kempner: DI Bullseye, because it works… good-natured verve, and bravura singing to boot… With at least one good gag a minute as well as those voices, this is his most accomplished show since his Downton Abbey debut” ★★★★
Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph

“Outrageously talented… it was too much fun… nailed the impressions… massively entertaining… The audience ate out of his hand from the word go, loving the recognition of familiar voices, familiar tropes and daft combinations of characters… Kempner can sell a gag, a song, a routine. He’s a one-man variety explosion… this is a blast of laughter and music to raise the spirits, a refreshing, feelgood performance.” ★★★★
Julia Chamberlain, Chortle

“The fun is fast and furious… It’s hilarious… Kempner is a very personable entertainer to be with. They even had to add another couple of performances. Recommended” ★★★★★
James Bryce, Musical Theatre Review

Following a sold-out and critically acclaimed month long run at the Edinburgh festival Fringe, Luke Kempner (Les Misérables, Spitting Image: Idiots Assemble, Steph’s Packed Lunch), will be bringing ‘GRITTY POLICE DRAMA: A ONE MAN MUSICAL’, to Soho Theatre. The comedian, impressionist, podcaster and West End performer will be performing his new show from Tuesday 23^rd – Saturday 27^th April (19:30), Downstairs.

Britain loves a gritty police drama but what about one that features all of the detectives from your favourite shows, plus voices of the world’s biggest celebrities and on top of all of that: it’s a musical! It’s Line of Duty meets Happy Valley meets Match of the Day meets The Traitors meets the West End and all done by Luke Kempner, the “one-man variety explosion” (Chortle). Every impression, every note, every murder. 

Tickets on sale now at www.sohotheatre.com

Star of Les Misérables (in which he plays Monsieur Thenardier), Luke Kempner is well known for being a comedian and impressionist at the top of his game receiving over 10 million views on his popular videos online. Last year saw Luke voice over 30 puppets in the West End production of Spitting Image: Idiots Assemble, including King Charles, Prince Harry, Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, Jurgen Klopp and many more. His TV credits include Spitting Image (BritBox), Steph’s Packed Lunch (Channel 4), The Last Leg (Channel 4), Love Island: Aftersun (ITV 2), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV 2) and CelebAbility (ITV 2). As well as this, Luke created and starred in his own review show for ITV 2, entitled Luke Kempner’s Impression of 2015 and was the resident comedian on Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On The Side (Channel 5) for 9 series. He is also a regular on BBC Radio 4’s topical comedy institutions The Now Show and News Jack. He can also be heard on his weekly podcast series with his wife Alana Macfarlane Kempner and her identical twin sister/co-conspirator Lisa Macfarlane, otherwise known as The Mac Twins – Sh*t! I Married a Twin.

More praise for Luke Kempner:

“Gloriously funny”
Independent

“Remarkable, tour de force one-man show… a teatime hour of unalloyed pleasure.” ★★★★
The Daily Telegraph

“This is undoubtedly one of THE funniest shows we have seen at the Fringe this year. We were blown away by the talent in the room… You have to put this show on your watch list, it cannot be missed. Fearless, funny and faultless” ★★★★★
Rachel Marin, West End Best Friend

“hour of all-round entertainment… There is something for everyone here… you would not be able to find such high production quality and singing talent in many other shows of its kind at Edinburgh Fringe… witty… The audience is in hysterics… the jokes are clever… Captivating and receiving a standing ovation, this show also garners an outrageous amount of applause. This is a show that I could see every audience enjoying… The world would benefit if the imagination of Luke Kempner contributed to more police dramas. There would certainly be plenty more laughs.” ★★★★★
Emily O’Mullane, Ed Fringe Review

“a high-energy hour of laugh out loud mimicry… outrageous gags and some wickedly funny observations… a fine singing voice… effortlessly delivering the musical elements to great applause” ★★★★★

Liam Rudden, Liam’s Newsletter

“king of impressions… an entertaining hour… the delivery is very impressive and allows Luke’s skills as an outstanding impressionist and brilliant singer to shine through… Being able to say a few lines as a character is hard enough but being able to sing and act like that individual really steps it up a notch… Expect lots of laughter and the opportunity to see an impression king at work.” ★★★★
Callum Stott, The Scots Reviewer

“uber-talented impressionist… the musical scores are fabulous… guffaw-inducing… eye-wateringly hilarious impressions that only get stronger as the show goes on…  has all the ingredients to make a memorable Fringe show, but these ingredients are also of a high quality. I would happily watch it again.” ★★★★
Chloe Codling, Ed Fringe Review

“his mimicry of gestures is exceptional… left the crowd howling…  increased heights of mastery… a joy to watch” ★★★★
Elodie Marriott, Ed Fest Mag

ANTON LESSER AND CHARLIE HAMBLETT TO APPEAR IN RED SKY AT SUNRISE: LAURIE LEE IN WORDS AND MUSIC

AT RICHMOND THEATRE SUN 19 MAY 2024

Two of our best-loved actors, Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones, Wolf Hall, Endeavour) and Charlie Hamblett (Killing Eve, Ghosts, The Burning Girl) will appear in a celebration of Laurie Lee’s extraordinary story, told in a captivating weave of music and his own words.

RED SKY AT SUNRISE follows Laurie Lee through his much-loved trilogy, Cider with Rosie, As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning, and A Moment of War, when Lee famously walked out of the Slad valley one midsummer morning, and ended up fighting with the International Brigades against Franco’s forces in the Spanish Civil War.

Lesser and Hemblett play the role of Laurie Lee older and younger, along with a rich array of other characters. Together, they celebrate Lee’s engaging humour, as well as his darker side, in a performance that has startling resonance with modern events.

Devised as a show by Judy Reaves (who also produces), the text by Laurie Lee has been adapted by Deirdre Shields. David Le Page has devised a gorgeous musical programme performed by Orchestra of the Swan, that weaves around Lee’s writing, from the lush Gloucestershire countryside Lee made famous in Cider With Rosie, to the dry landscapes of Spain, via the music of Vaughan Williams, Walton, Holst, Elgar, Britten, Grainger, Albeniz, Turina and De Falla. Featuring guitarist Mark Ashford performing Asturias, Sevilla and Spanish Romance.

Anton Lesser says: ‘It has been a joy to discover more of Laurie Lee’s sublime writing. In many ways, his account of what was happening in Spain in the 1930s is prescient of what is playing out now in Europe.

There is a heartbreaking moment when Lee writes: ‘Did we know, as we stood there, our clenched fists raised high, and scarcely a gun between three of us, that we had ranged against us the rising military power of Europe, and the deadly cynicism of Russia? No, we didn’t. We had yet to learn that sheer idealism never stopped a tank.’

Red Sky at Sunrise is a homegrown affair. Not only does it celebrate Gloucestershire-born Laurie Lee, Anton Lesser and Charlie Hamblett have deep roots in Warwickshire, and the Orchestra of The Swan are one of the Midlands’ top chamber orchestras. The show was devised by Stratford-based Judy Reaves, Producer with Hambletts, and adapted by local writer, Deirdre Shields.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – until Saturday 27 January

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

Created in 1963 by Tony award winning Joan Littlewood, this production flew in the face of convention, as did all her pieces. Satirical humour, breaking the fourth wall and bringing serious issues to the stage, are Littlewood’s signature notes. As an audience you are invited into the community of the company through the actors’ antics on and off the stage.

The truth and horror of the first world war is revealed in dark humour, delivered by an accomplished, multi skilled cast. A musical with a difference! The actors are dressed as Pierrots, swapping military hats and coats as fast as their European accents! Add in a violin, double bass, clarinet, piano, harmonica, various drums and other percussion instruments and you have yourself a physical fast paced, beautifully choreographed performance, that not only entertains but is an education. It’s hard to believe there are only 6 actors on the set, all keeping to character in this demanding piece. You get the sense that it had a collaborative evolution in the making, with each actor totally owning their performance. The craziness of Harry Curley and lumbering awkwardness of Tom Crabtree makes you laugh out loud, whilst Alice Mayer shows us how the troupes were entertained with her come to bed eyes and coquettish mannerisms. Chioma Uma has an especially loud reaction to her vodka soaked Russian. The stark reality of the political battles, narcissism of the English upper classes, rubbing hands of businessmen are delivered in scenes that are a stark contrast to the bleak joy of the front line.

Director Nicky Allpress should be rightfully proud of this production. A great tribute to Littlewood, a pioneering woman of the arts in her time.

Birmingham Rep

Presents

THE UK PREMIERE OF

BECOMING NANCY

A NEW MUSICAL

https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/becoming-nancy/

Wednesday 2 October – Saturday 2 November 2024

Birmingham Rep

Birmingham Rep is thrilled to announce the UK premiere of the new musical, Becoming Nancy which will run at The Rep from 2 October – 2 November 2024.

Becoming Nancy is a coming of age story that has a huge-heart.  A new musical that weaves a story of family bonds, first loves, and the courage it takes to find your own spotlight.  

It is based on the extraordinarily moving coming of age novel by Terry Ronald and directed and choreographed by the Tony Award-winning Jerry Mitchell.  The book is by Elliot Davis, music is by George Stiles and lyrics are by Anthony Drewe with additional music and lyrics by Terry Ronald, Elliot Davis and George Stiles.  (Stiles and Drew’s production of Honk! won the Olivier Award for Best Musical in 2000.)

Jerry Mitchell has been working in London since he first served as Associate Choreographer to Sir Cameron Mackintosh on Follies starring Diana Rigg and Julia McKenzie. Since then Jerry has directed and choreographed 3 Olivier Award-winning musicals in the West End.  He directed and choreographed Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde and choreographed Hairspray.  The Tony Award-winning director and choreographer was returning to New York from the UK in 2013 and came across the book Becoming Nancy at Heathrow Airport.  By the time he reached the US he knew he had to make the story into a musical.

Director Jerry Mitchell said:  ‘Becoming Nancy is about finding love. Love of self, love of others and love of what matters most in life. As soon as I saw The Rep and visited Birmingham, I knew that it was the right place to open the show.  It’s been a privilege to turn Terry’s beautiful story into a musical, and we are all looking forward to working on  the show and sharing this beautiful musical with Birmingham and the rest of Great Britain and the world.’

Sean Foley, Artistic Director of Birmingham Rep added:   I’m thrilled to be able to announce Becoming Nancy, and to be welcoming the extraordinary Jerry Mitchell and his world class creative team to The Rep. When I first saw and heard this touching, funny and relevant show at workshop stage, I knew we had to help make it happen and produce it. Stiles and Drewe, with Elliot Davis, and original writer Terry Ronald, have created as exciting, frequently hilarious, and heart-tugging show about first love and being yourself as you can ever hope to see. I’m sure that Birmingham itself is about to fall in love with this brilliant new musical.’

In Becoming Nancy, it’s 1979 and David Starr is unquestionably one of the smartest, most talented sixth formers in East Dulwich – he’s got a wild imagination, a vocal range to die for, and a bedroom plastered with posters of his beloved pop idols: Blondie, Sting, and Kate Bush.  But being clever, having talent, and great taste in music may not be enough to get him through secondary school, where, to his great surprise, he’s just been given the female lead in the school play. The unconventional casting sends shockwaves to everyone around him – including his parents, his aunt, and his classmates. 

Before long, it seems like everybody has an opinion on whether David should go on with the show, inspiring him to turn to his no-nonsense best friend Frances and his unlikely co-star Maxie, the enigmatic captain of the football team. 

JOSEPH MARCELL HEADS THE CAST OF

THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL

A NEW PRODUCTION OF RICHARD B. SHERIDAN’S COMEDY OF MANNERS

DIRECTED BY SEÁN AYDON

ON TOUR FROM 7 MARCH TO 8 JUNE 2024

Stage, film and TV star Joseph Marcell will head the cast of Seán Aydon’s new production of The School For Scandal, which begins a major UK tour this spring.

Marcell, who is probably best-known for his role as Geoffrey the Butler in the six seasons of the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, will play ‘Sir Peter Teazle’ in this fresh take on Richard B. Sheridan’s classic comedy of manners. 

The production will premiere at Theatre By The Lake on Thursday 7 March before playing a further 12 venues around the country until 8 June 2024.

Joseph Marcell was most recently seen in Chiwetel Ejiofor’s debut feature film, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind. TV credits include Mammoth and I Hate You, both for the BBC and he is soon be seen in Candice Carty-William’s Queenie on Channel 4. His prolific stage credits include Hamlet at the Young Vic with Cush Jumbo, Kathy Burke’s Lady Windermere’s Fan, extensive work with Shakespeare’s Globe including the titular role in Bill Buckhurst’s King Lear and Derek Walcott’s Omeros, as well as seasons at the Royal Shakespeare Company. 

The School For Scandal also features Garmon Rhys (Out There (ITV), Gangs Of London (Hbo/Sky Atlantic) And Tina: The Musical (West End)) as ‘Charles Surface’, Ayesha Griffiths (soon to be seen in Channel 4’s Queenie and Get Millie Black) as ‘Maria’, Emily–Jane McNeil (The Mousetrap and Brexshit, both West End)as ‘Lady Sneerwell’, Alex Phelps (As You Like It, Shakespeare’s Globe, When Darkness Falls, Park Theatre and UK tour) as ‘Joseph Surface’, Lydea Perkins (Private Lives, The Mill At Sonning, Sense & Sensibility, Theatre By The Lake) as ‘Lady Teazle’, Tony Timberlake (Little Shop of Horrors Storyhouse Chester, Maggie May, Leeds Playhouse, When Darkness Falls UK Tour) as ‘Sir Oliver’, and Guy Dennys (Tilted Wig’s Around the World in 80 Days and Lady Chatterley’s Lover) as ‘Rowley’.

Sir Peter Teazle believes his young wife is sleeping with someone else. She isn’t.

But she’s starting to think if her husband believes it, she may as well give it a go. After all, if you’re going to cause a scandal, you might as well enjoy it…

Deliciously naughty and outrageously silly, this timeless comedy is a masterclass in social satire and the art of gossip.

The School For Scandal is one of the greatest comedies ever written, featuring an unforgettable cast of larger-than-life characters, each armed with a lacerating wit.

Join us for a lightning-paced evening of romance, revenge and rollicking fun that promises to leave you entertained, enamoured – and perhaps even a little scandalised.

The School For Scandal is directed by Seán Aydon who recently adapted and directed the national tours of The Picture of Dorian Gray and Frankenstein. Hewas also assistant director on the world premiere of Tom Fletcher’s The Christmasaurus at the Hammersmith Apollo.

The production is designed by Linbury Prize winner Sarah Beaton whose recent credits include The Merchant Of Venice (Sam Wanamaker / The Globe), Nineteen Gardens (Hampstead Theatre) & Wild East (Young Vic). She previously worked with Tilted Wig as designer of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

There is sound design/composition from Ed Lewis whose recent work includes The Box Of Delights (RSC), Killer Joe (West End) and Henry V (Donmar); lighting design from Peter Small whose work includes Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder! (Bristol Old Vic), King Stakh’s Wild Hunt (Barbican) and The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas (Dailes Theatre, Riga); and movement direction from Stephen Moynihan whose credits include Ted Lasso, House Of The Dragon and Tilted Wig’s Frankenstein.

The School For Scandal is produced by Tilted Wig Productions and Malvern Theatres In Association With Theatre By The Lake.

www.tiltedwigproductions.com/book-now

Twitter @tiltedwiguk

Facebook @TiltedWigProductions

Insta @tiltedwig

THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL TOUR DATES 2024

7 – 16 March                           Theatre by the Lake , Keswick​

19 – 23 March                         Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

​26 – 30 March                        Derby Theatre

2 – 6 April                                Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

9 – 13 April                               Cambridge Arts Theatre

16 – 20 April                            Malvern Theatres

​23 – 27 April                          York Theatre Royal

30 April to 4 May                  Shakespeare North Playhouse

8 – 11 May                               MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton

14 – 18 May                            Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

21 – 25 May                            Royal & Derngate, Northampton

28 May to 1 June                  Darlington Hippodrome

4 – 8 June                             Oxford Playhouse

NATIONAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCTIONS FOR SUMMER 2024
 

• Carrie Cracknell returns to the National Theatre to direct Frank Galati’s adaptation of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath,with Cherry Jones as Ma Joad.
• Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy The Hot Wing King makes its UK premiere in a new production directed by Roy Alexander Weise.
•  25 years since its first staging, Complicité bring back the transcendent Mnemonic. Conceived by Simon McBurney, this groundbreaking show from one of the UK’s most highly regarded theatre companies will return at the National Theatre.
• James Graham’s acclaimed adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff to transfer to the Olivier theatre for a limited run, directed by Kate Wasserberg.
• Tickets for Boys from the Blackstuff, Mnemonic, The Grapes of Wrath and The Hot Wing King go on sale to the public on 8 February.
   

The National Theatre today announces new productions for all three South Bank stages this summer: Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff and Mnemonic in the Olivier theatre and The Grapes of Wrath in the Lyttelton theatre, alongside the previously announced The Hot Wing King in the Dorfman theatre. Tickets for all four productions are on sale to the public from Thursday 8 February,nationaltheatre.org.uk.  

Following its acclaimed run at Liverpool’s Royal Court, James Graham’s powerful new adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s seminal TV show, Boys from the Blackstuff, comes to the Olivier stage. By arrangement with Bill Kenwright Limited, the production is directed by Kate Wasserberg, with original cast members George Caple, Dominic Carter, Helen Carter, Aron Julius, Nathan McMullen, Lauren O’Neil, Barry Sloane and Mark Womack returning.This is followed by Mnemonic, conceived by Simon McBurney, in a co-production with Complicité. Exploring memory, origins and migration, casting includes original company members Richard Katz and Kostas Philippoglou with further cast to be announced. 

In the Lyttelton is a new production of Frank Galati’sTony Award-winning adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath,based on the novel by John Steinbeck,directed by Carrie Cracknell.Casting includes Cherry Jones (Succession) as Ma Joadwith further casting to be announced.

In the Dorfman is the previously announced The Hot Wing King by Katori Hall,who makes her National Theatre mainstage debut and reunites with director Roy Alexander Weise after their celebrated production of The Mountaintop. Cast includes Kadiff Kirwan (Slow Horses)as Cordell with further casting to be announced.

Director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris, said: ‘Collaboration is at the heart of our work and this summer our three stages are energised by this as we welcome friends both new and old to the South Bank. I’m thrilled that Katori Hall will make her mainstage debut bringing a taste of Memphis’ culture and cuisine to the stage with the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Hot Wing King, making its UK debut here at the National Theatre.

‘Partnering with Liverpool’s Royal Court we will see Alan Bleasdale’s seminal Boys from the Blackstuff in the Olivier, as well as reuniting with Complicité, who return to the National for the first time since 2016, to delight and inspire new theatregoers with a reworking of their timelessly classic production of Mnemonic.  Lastly, we welcome back Carrie Cracknell to the National Theatre, who will direct a new production of The Grapes of Wrath.’    

All shows will have a limited number of 6.30pm performances as part of the National Theatre’s continuing pilot. This trial follows a major piece of research undertaken by the National Theatre to understand more from audiences about their post-Covid lifestyles and habits, including varying working patterns and journey times, particularly for those living outside of London. The early evening performances offer flexibility for audiences to make the most of their evening, with more time after curtain down to eat or to travel. 6.30pm performances fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Olivier theatre

Forty years after Alan Bleasdale’s ground-breaking television series, and following its run at Liverpool’s Royal Court, James Graham’s (Dear England) powerful new adaptation of Boys from the Blackstuff comes to the South Bank for a limited run, directed by Kate Wasserberg (Artistic Director, Theatr Clwyd) in her National Theatre debut. In 1980s Liverpool, life is tough as Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser play the game. But there is no work and no money. What are they supposed to do? Find jobs, avoid the ‘sniffers’, work harder, work longer, buy cheaper, spend less? All whilst having a laugh along the way. Cast includes George Caple, Dominic Carter, Helen Carter, Aron Julius, Nathan McMullen, Lauren O’Neil, Barry Sloane and Mark Womack with further casting to be announced.

Directed by Kate Wasserberg, the set and costume designer is Amy Jane Cook, lighting designer Ian Scott, movement director Rachael Nanyonjo, composer and sound designer Dyfan Jones, associate sound designer Kate Harvey, audio visual designer Jamie Jenkin and fight director Rachel Bown-Williams of Rc-Annie Ltd.

Playing in the Olivier theatre 22 May–8 June, with press night on 29 May.

Boys from the Blackstuff is a Liverpool’s Royal Court production by arrangement with Bill Kenwright Limited.

25 years after its first staging, Complicité’s Mnemonic returns at the National Theatre, conceived and directed by Simon McBurney (Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, The Encounter, Street of Crocodiles). A body is found in the ice, and a woman is looking for her father while a man searches for his lost lover. Mnemonic is as much about origins as it is about memory and remembering what is lost. Mnemonic asks: what is our place in the natural world? How have human relationships with the environment shaped patterns of migration? Who are we and where do we come from? Cast includes Richard Katz and Kostas Philippoglou with further casting to be announced.

Directed by Simon McBurney, the set designer is Michael Levine, costume designer Christina Cunningham, lighting designer Paul Anderson, sound designer Christopher Shutt, video designer Roland Horvath, casting director Alastair Coomer CDG, associate director Christina Deinsberger and associate set designer Peter Butler. 

Playing in the Olivier theatre 22 June–10 Aug, with press night on 2 July.

Mnemonic is a co-production with Complicité.

Lyttelton theatre

Frank Galati‘s Tony Award-winning adaptation of John Steinbeck’s masterpiece, The Grapes of Wrath is directed by Carrie Cracknell (Julie, The Deep Blue Sea). Forced to travel west in search of a promised land, the Joad family embark on an epic journey across America in the hope of finding work and a new life in California. Cast includes Cherry Jones with further casting to be announced.

Directed by Carrie Cracknell, the set designer is Alex Eales, costume designer Evie Gurney, lighting designer Guy Hoare, composer Stuart Earl,staff director Georgia Green and casting by Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham.

Playing in the Lyttelton theatre 17 July–14 September, with press night on 25 July.

Dorfman theatre

Katori Hall’s (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, The Mountaintop) Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy The Hot Wing King makes its UK debut in a fiery new production directed by Roy Alexander Weise (‘Master Harold’… and the boys, Nine Night). Things are heating up in Memphis as the annual Hot Wing Festival rolls into town. With their sights set on the crown, Cordell, his partner Dwayne and friends Isom and Big Charles team up again as the New Wing Order, with a new attitude and a mouth-watering new wing recipe. But after an unexpected family emergency, their plans get derailed as the men navigate the meaning of love, family and staying true to yourself. Cast includes Kadiff Kirwan with further casting to be announced.

Directed by Roy Alexander Weise, the set and costume designer is Rajha Shakiry,lighting designer Joshua Pharo,composer Femi Temowo, sound designer Elena Peña, choreographer DK Fashola, casting director Jacob Sparrow, dramatherapist Samantha Adams and dialect coach Hazel Holder.

Playing in the Dorfman theatre 11 July–14 September, with press night on 18 July.

National Theatre Learning

This summer, young people from across the UK will take over the Dorfman theatre as the 29th National Theatre Connections Festival returns from 25 to 29 June. Ten new plays from exciting contemporary writers, including Luke Barnes, Mojisola Adebayo and Yasmeen Khan, will be staged by ten youth theatre groups from across the UK. Over 7,000 young people from Pitlochry to Plymouth are taking part in Connections this year.

The New Views Festival also returns in July. The winning play of the National Theatre New Views playwriting competition for young people will be staged as part of the festival, alongside rehearsed readings from shortlisted writers. New Views sees over a thousand young people writing original scripts inspired by their own experiences. Further details to be announced.

For more information, please visit nationaltheatre.org.uk/learning

ADAM PAULDEN & JASON HAIGH-ELLERY

AND SUE GILAD & LARRY ROGOWSKY,

STEVEN ANTIN AND CHRISTINA AGUILERA

present

ITV’S THE VOICE & X-FACTOR THE BAND

WINNER

JESS FOLLEY

IS ALI ROSE IN

BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL

IN MANCHESTER & GLASGOW

PRIOR TO WEST END RUN

FURTHER CAST ANNOUNCED TODAY

www.burlesquethemusical.com

It was announced today (22 January 2024) that musical sensation Jess Folley will play Ali in Burlesque the Musical, the first ever stage adaptation of Steven Antin’s crowd-pleasing movie Burlesque, which starred Christina Aguilera. 

Steven Antin said: ‘I am so thrilled that we have the powerhouse that is Jess Folley taking on the iconic role of Ali Rose.  She is a rare talent indeed.  An incredible singer, a wonderful, instinctual actress, a spectacular songwriter…and gorgeous.  Jess has also composed sensational new music for the show. Everyday I peel myself off the ceiling and ask…what did I do to deserve Jess Folley.  I was gobsmacked over Xtina when she did the movie, because she had so many extraordinary talents that she brought to the film, the rare breed that she is, so the bar  for me was very high. And it has come full circle with Jess.   

The other cast members who are creating the world of Burlesque deserve more than just a brief mention.  The stakes and the bar for being in the Burlesque cast are very high. It requires a rare breed of talent and we have looked tirelessly for those special people who will populate our world. From George Maguire, to Billie-Kay, B Terry,  Jess Qualter, Yasmin Harrison, Lily Wang, Hollie-Ann Lowe and Alessia McDermott and more! These artists are the creme de la creme.’ 

Jess Folley added:“A year ago, I was lucky enough to have the chance to compose a song for the show and fortunately for me, Steven loved it! We had a couple of calls to get to know each other, and the next thing I know he had asked me to play Ali in the workshops and then the show itself. Since then, I’ve written a number of other songs, become part of the creative team and have totally fallen in love with this project. I’m beyond excited to be in the Burlesque family and can’t wait to open as Ali Rose in Manchester in June.”

Jess won the first series of the national ITV show The Voice Kids UK and in 2019 her band RLY were crowned winners of X Factor – The Band.  Jess has since dedicated all her time to developing herself as an artist and songwriter, having had the opportunity to work with some of the most respected songwriters and producers in the industry. 

Other cast members announced today are: Olivier Award-winning George Maguire as Vince, Billie-Kay as Sophia ,  B Terry as Georgie, West End favourite, and TikTok and social media sensation Jess Qualter as Daphne, Yasmin Harrison as Brenda/Dance Captain, Lily Wang as Fifi, Hollie-Ann Lowe as Summer and Alessia McDermott in the Ensemble.

Further casting information is to be announced on 5 Feburary 2024.  

Burlesque the Musical previews at Manchester Opera House on Thursday 13 June with sold-out performances until Saturday 29 June 2024.  Due to the phenomenal success of the show,  producers last week confirmed a run at Glasgow Theatre Royal from Wednesday 11 September to Saturday 28 September 2024 followed by a return season in Manchester from Thursday 3 October – Saturday 2 November 2024 prior to its West End run.

Tickets for Glasgow and the second season in Manchester go on sale on Friday 26 January at 10am for priority bookers and 12 midday for the general public. Sign up for advance information and priority access to tickets www.burlesquethemusical.com.

Welcome to Burlesque the Musical, the glamorous, gritty and outrageously fun new musical based on the much-loved hit movie.

Discover a club like no other…a place beneath the city lights where the sequins sparkle, seduction shimmers, and a life can change in the flick of a feather boa.

When Ali heads to New York in search of her mother, she finds herself drawn into a dazzling underground world where the beat of the music and the heat of the dance moves will change her life forever. Among this unlikely family of misfits, dreamers and schemers, Ali will unwittingly find her real voice, discover her talent, and find where she really, truly belongs.

Written by Steven Antin, directed and choreographed by Nick Winston,  with additional material by Kate Wetherhead,  BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL is a scintillating journey of self-discovery that absolutely sizzles with songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren, alongside additional songs by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley.

Burlesque is the big new musical that says life isn’t fair…it’s fabulous!

The full creative team for Burlesque the Musical is: Steven Antin (Book Writer/Producer),  Music and Lyrics by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Todrick Hall & Jess Folley, Nick Winston (Director and Choreographer), additional material – Book by Kate Wetherhead, Soutra Gilmour (Set Designer), Ryan Dawson Laight (Costume Designer), Tom Curran (Musical Arrangements and Orchestrations), Phil Bateman (Musical Supervisor), Jack Knowles (Lighting Designer), Ben Harrison (Sound Designer), Harry Blumenau (Casting Director), Carole Hancock (Hair & Wigs Designer), Guy Common (Make-up Designer), Chris Poon (Musical Director), Robin Antin (Creative Co-Producer/Associate Choreographer), Ryan-Lee Seager (Associate Director/Choreographer), Libby Watts (Associate Choreographer), Sarah-Jane Price (Casting Associate), Laura Rushton (Costume Supervisor), Tommy Franzen (Assistant Choreographer), Sarah Day (Dramaturg), David Gallagher (Orchestra Fixer), Lloyd Thomas (Production Manager).

Burlesque The Musical is produced by Adam Paulden & Jason Haigh-Ellery and Sue Gilad & Larry Rogowsky, Steven Antin and Christina Aguilera.

Burlesque The Musical is general managed by ADAMA Entertainment:

National competition empowers young writers to

“Be the Change” for their planet

Bestselling author M. G. Leonard joins the judging panel

Next week (Monday 29^th January 2024) will mark the launch of Wicked Writers: Be the Change, a writing competition devised by the National Literacy Trust and stage musical Wicked (as part of its acclaimed Wicked Active Learning cultural and social education programme), to inspire the UK’s school children to get creative and use their voices to change the world for the better. Now in its second year, the competition is based on the themes of one of the most well-known songs from the musical, ‘For Good’, and this year challenges pupils aged 9 – 14 to write persuasively about a positive environmental change they want to see.

Joining this year’s judging panel is best-selling author M. G. Leonard, best known for ‘Beetle Boy’, the ‘Adventures on Trains’ mystery series, and ‘The Twitchers’ wildlife detectives. She is one of the founding authors of Authors4Oceans, with Lauren St John, campaigning to reduce single-use plastics. Her latest book, ‘The Ice Children’ was published in November 2023.

In 2023, almost half of the children who took part in the first Be the Change writing competition chose, of their own accord, to use their entry to advocate for the environment and their planet. “We have been hugely inspired by last year’s young activists,” comments Tim Judge, Head of Schools Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, “And have chosen to dedicate this year’s competition entirely to the environment, which is clearly a matter of huge importance to children and young people today. Be the Change is all about listening to children’s voices and showing them that writing can be an empowering experience that makes a difference in their world.”

In 2023, research from the National Literacy Trust found more children and young people who had taken part in writing competitions reported that they enjoyed writing and wrote daily in their free time compared with those who didn’t enter a competition. With almost a third of 11-year-olds leaving primary school unable to write at the expected level, inspiring children to engage with and enjoy writing is more important than ever.

Entries will be judged by a fantastic judging panel, including children’s author M. G. Leonard, teacher-influencer Holly King-Mand, Wicked Executive Producer Michael McCabe and National Literacy Trust CEO Jonathan Douglas CBE. One winner and one runner-up will be selected in each category (Years 5-6 and Years 7-9). All 16 shortlisted pupils will see their work published in an anthology and receive a bundle of brand-new books for their school. Winners and runners-up will receive class tickets to see the acclaimed musical Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, with the two winning pupils also receiving writing workshops in their schools with judge M. G. Leonard.

M. G. Leonard says: “Stories are powerful. They are capable of changing minds, changing hearts and changing people. When I was a girl, ‘The Secret Garden’ opened a door in my imagination and on the other side was wildlife of all kinds. Writing ‘Beetle Boy’ cured my lifelong phobia of insects and turned me into a bug conservationist. Reading and writing really can shape a person of any age. Every child should know the transformative pleasure of creating their own stories. It’s a way of expressing and exorcising worries and hopes for the future. This is why I’m delighted to be one of the judges for the ‘Wicked Writers: Be the Change’ schools’ competition.”

Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of Wicked in the UK, commented: “In launching the second year of our ‘Wicked Writers: Be the Change’ schools’ competition, we’re proud to continue our partnership with the National Literacy Trust and assist in promoting literacy in the UK. We’re especially pleased that this year’s competition is focusing on the environment, providing a vital platform for young people to express their concerns and ideas for the future.”