Tuesday 5 November 2024: Empire Street Productions are delighted to today announce further casting for ELEKTRA, the UK Premiere production of the translation by award winning poet Anne Carson of Sophokles’s electrifying play.
The previously announced Brie Larson, who will be making her West End debut, will be joined by internationally renowned Stockard Channing (The West Wing, The Good Wife), Marième Diouf (Romeo and Juliet, The Globe), Greg Hicks (Grapes of Wrath, The National Theatre, Coriolanus, The Old Vic) and Patrick Vaill (Stranger Things: The First Shadow,Evening Standard Award winner for his role in Oklahoma!).
Full casting will be announced at a later date.
Cast and Creative Team biographies, as well as all ticket information, is at www.ElektraPlay.com
Helmed by the acclaimed director Daniel Fish (Oklahoma), performances will begin at Theatre Royal Brighton from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 January 2025, before the production moves to Duke of York’s Theatre in London for a strictly limited 11-week season from Friday 24 January 2025 (Press Night: Wednesday 5 February 2025).
This will be the first major revival of Sophokles’s Greek tragedy in over a decade and will be directed by Daniel Fish. Hisacclaimed production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival in 2019 on Broadway before transferring to the West End where it won the Oliver Award for Best Musical Revival in 2023. Fish was also nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical in 2019.
Joining Daniel on the creative team are Annie-B Parson (Choreography), Jeremy Herbert (Set Design), Doey Lüthi (Costume Design), Adam Silverman (Lighting Design), Max & Ben Ringham (Sound Design), Ted Hearne (Composer) Kate Godfrey (Voice & Dialect) with casting by Heather Basten CDG.
“There is something bad here, growing. Day and night
I watch it. Growing.”
Elektra, haunted by her father’s assassination, is consumed by grief; a need for survival; and a thirst for vengeance. When her long lost brother Orestes at last returns, she urges him to a savage and terrifying conclusion but at what cost?
Elektra is produced by Empire Street Productions, who most recently produced Slave Play at The Noël Coward Theatre starring Kit Harrington and Olivia Washington; the widely acclaimed Prima Facie starring Jodie Comer at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London and John Golden Theatre in New York; as well as The Pillowman at the Duke of York’sstarring Lily Allen and Steve Pemberton.
MD Neil O’Brien, and the whole team at Westway Music, is pleased to announce the full details of the upcoming release of Bradley Jaden’s live album ‘Recorded Live in London’, in collaboration with Sisco Entertainment, to be released on CD and digital platforms on 29 November 2024, pre-save here.
Bradley Jaden – one of the West End’s most successful leading men – performed the concert at Cadogan Hall in June 2024, a show which featured collaborations with Louise Dearman and Adam Pearce. The track list includes songs from shows which have shaped Bradley’s career, including Phantom of The Opera, Wicked and Les Mis.
Audiences who pre-order the album will also be able to able to enjoy two preview songs in the lead up to the full album release; Being Alive (from Company) will be available to download from Monday 4 November, and then Stars (from Le Misérables) will be available from Friday 15 November.
TRACK LISTING
1. WHO I’D BE (from Shrek! The Musical)
2. IF I CAN’T LOVE HER (from Beauty and the Beast)
3. WONDERING (from The Bridges of Madison County)
4. FALL ON ME (from The Nutcracker and The Four Realms) ft. James Doughty
5. ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE (from My Fair Lady)
6. THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM (from Man of La Mancha)
7. SWAY
8. YOUR EYES (from Rent)
9. AS LONG AS YOU’RE MINE (from Wicked) ft. Louise Dearman
10. BLIND FAITH (from Treason The Musical) ft. Louise Dearman
11. MUSIC OF THE NIGHT (from Phantom of The Opera)
12. BEING ALIVE (from Company)
13. STARS (from Les Mis)
Bradley Jaden said, “I am so honoured and excited to be able to share this album. I genuinely never thought, in all my career, that I would have this opportunity, but thanks to the incredible support of you all I did! It is a selection of highlights from my first solo concerts in London, Bradley Jaden Live, where I was joined by some of my best friends and inspirations.”
Bradley Jaden is currently starring in the international tour of Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular, playing the role of ‘Javert’, following his own solo concert tour which included London, New York, Budapest and Trieste. Previously he appeared in the West End run of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre, starring alongside Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, as ‘Raoul’ in Broadway Italia’s brand new production of The Phantom of the Opera in Trieste, and most notably as ‘Javert’ in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre. Prior to that, he starred as ‘Thomas Percy’ in Treason: The Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane). Other headline appearances include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert Best of Broadway at The Royal Albert Hall, the concert production of Camelot as Sir Lancelot (London Palladium) and The Greatest Showtunes, a concert series produced by Raymond Gubbay. He also appeared as ‘Enjolras’ in Les Misérables – The Staged Concert (Gielgud Theatre) which was released on DVD in 2020. Bradley also played ‘Javert’ in the final cast of the original production of Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre).
Further theatre credits include: After You as part of the streamed concert series Tonight at the London Coliseum, ‘Fiyero’ in Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre and International Tour), ‘Lt. Joseph Cable’ in South Pacific in Concert (Cadogan Hall), ‘Freddie’ in My Fair Lady for the 60th Anniversary Celebration at St Paul’s Church, Ghost the Musical (UK Tour), Shrek The Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane). Film and television credits include: Les Misérables – The Staged Concert, Eastenders, Emmerdale, Sugar Rush and Britain’s Got Talent.
Recordings include After You (Alex Parker & Katie Lam), Peter Pan (George Stiles & Anthony Drewe), Theseus (Vallier Music Studios) and Treason: The Musical (Katy Galloway Productions).
Start the year as you mean to go on, by seeing live theatre!
Secure great deals on all your favourite London shows with tickets from as little as £10 to £60 for select performances in 2025. If you are already a theatre fan, share your love and take a friend, and if you’re new… welcome! This is the perfect way to see what Theatreland has to offer and do something different.
Previously known as the Official London Theatre New Year Sale and Get into London Theatre, See It Live is firmly established as one of theatreland’s longest running promotions, now in its 22nd year.
See It Live in 2025 is launching in just over two weeks, with Mastercard’s priority window starting on 21 November via priceless.com, followed by our general sale on 26 November, via OfficialLondonTheatre.com.
MOST FANTASMAGORICAL MUSICAL OF ALL TIME CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
CURRENTLY TOURING THE UK
David Ian for Crossroads Live is delighted to announce that Ore Oduba will play the role of Caractacus Potts in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, currently touring the UK. Ore Oduba will play Caractacus Potts from Tuesday 4 until Sunday 9 March 2025 at the Birmingham Hippodrome. He will then perform the role at the Palace Theatre, Manchester (11 – 15 March 2025), Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth (19 –23 March 2025), Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (1 – 12 April 2025), Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff (15 – 19 April 2025), Sunderland Empire (22 – 27 April 2025), Bristol Hippodrome (29 April – 4 May 2025) and Theatre Royal, Plymouth (6 – 10 May 2025). Casting schedule and listings below. www.chittyontour.com
Ore Oduba will join Emmerdale star Liam Fox as Grandpa Potts, Ellie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious, Martin Callaghan as Baron, Jenny Gayner as Baroness, Adam Stafford as Boris, Michael Joseph as Goran and John Macaulay as The Toymaker.The cast also includes Charlie Bishop, Ruaraidh Blackwood, Hadrian Delacey, Belle Kizzy Green, Tia Gyngell, Kirsty Ingram, Bibi Jay, Isabella Mason, Joe Press, Theo UK Rose, Molly Rees Howe, Callum Train and Luke Woollaston.
The roles of Jeremy and Jemima Potts will be shared by Charlie Banks, Melody Caruana, Gracie Cochrane, Isla Ithier, Charlie McGuire, Lara Simon, Huxley Syers and Roshan Thomson.
Ore Oduba was most recently seen as Happy Man/Mr Thompson in the UK and Ireland tour of Pretty Woman. His previous theatre credits include Brad Majors in the West End and UK tour of the 50th anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show, Aaron Fox in Curtains on tour and in the West End, and Teen Angel in Grease on a UK tour. Ore was crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion in 2016 and more recently made it to the final of Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Liam Fox is probably best known for playing the role of Dan Spencer in ITV’s Emmerdale, where he featured in more than a thousand episodes. His many other TV credits include Stephen Poliakoff’s Dancing on the Edge, Cold Feet, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Clocking Off, A Touch of Frost, Always and Everyone, At Home with the Braithwaites and Dinnerladies. His many theatre credits include The Collector and Tuesday’s Class, both at The Lowry Studio and Iron at Manchester’s Royal Exchange.
Ellie Nunn’s many theatre credits include Identical at Nottingham Playhouse, the UK tour of Posh, Shakespeare in Love at the Noel Coward Theare, Twelfth Night at Leicester Square Theatre, The Game of Love and Chance and Daughter in Law, both at the Arcola Theatre, Honk! at the Union Theatre and on tour and Gatsby at the Arts Theatre.
Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG features the unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious and the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
This new production is directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic, Parade), choreographed by Karen Bruce (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, The Bodyguard) with Set and Costume design by Morgan Large (Newsies, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat), Lighting design by Ben Cracknell, Sound design by GarethTucker, Musical Supervision by George Dyer (The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Billy Elliot) and casting by Debbie O’Brien.
In CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious, the family end up on a hilarious fantastical adventure to far off lands.
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG has Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Music by Special Arrangement with Sony/ATV Publishing and is Adapted for the Stage by Jeremy Sams. Based on the MGM Motion Picture the Licensed Script is adapted by Ray Roderick. It was Originally produced by Eon Productions, Dana Broccoli, Frederick Zollo, Nicholas Paleologos, Jeffrey Sine, Miriam Productions and Michael Rose at The London Palladium.
This production is presented by permission of Music Theatre International.
Final cast announced as A Sherlock Carol returns to Marylebone Theatre for a third festive season
DEM Productions today announce final casting for the critically acclaimed production, written and directed by Mark Shanahan, which plays a festive season at Marylebone Theatre from Friday 29 November 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025.
Casting features: Ben Caplan (as Sherlock Holmes), Kammy Darweish (Ebenezer Scrooge), Rosie Armstrong (The Countess & others), Richard James (Dr Watson & others), Louise Hoare (Emma Wiggins & others), Devesh Kishore (Dr Cratchit & others), Hannah Parker (Understudy), Henry Proffit (Alternate Sherlock Holmes and Understudy).
The Producers said today: “We are delighted to welcome back so many familiar favourites to the cast of A Sherlock Carol, bringing another year of magic and mystery to Baker Street.”
Even more seats have been released and the production has added an additional Boxing Day matinee performance on 26 December due to demand.
Three Christmases since the Reichenbach Falls, Sherlock Holmes has little appetite for mince pies or for solving crime. Wandering through Victorian London, he meets a grown-up and not-so-Tiny Tim Cratchit who implores him to investigate the mysterious death of his reformed benefactor, one Ebenezer Scrooge. An impossible murder, a threatening letter, and a missing diamond – it’s just enough to intrigue the great detective. But it’s a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, and once again the night is haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future. Using his powers of deduction, can Holmes overcome his own ghosts to crack the case?
The worlds of Dickens and Doyle combine in this ‘instant holiday classic’, returning to London at Marylebone Theatre, just a stone’s throw from 221B Baker Street itself.
A Sherlock Carol features scenic design by Tony nominee Anna Louizos, lighting design by Obie- winner Rui Rita, with original music and sound design by Tony nominee John Gromada. Produced by DEM Productions, Fat Goose Productions, and Theatre Nerd Productions.
LISTINGS INFO
A Sherlock Carol by Mark Shanahan
29 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Marylebone Theatre Rudolf Steiner House 35 Park Road London NW1 6XT
“The most important Shakespeare production of the year”
Daily Telegraph
DIRECTED BY BRIGID LARMOUR
LONDON’S TRAFALGAR THEATRE
28 DECEMBER – 25 JANUARY
UK TOUR 4 FEBRUARY – 5 APRIL
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM MERCHANTOFVENICE1936.CO.UK
Tracy-Ann Oberman (EastEnders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner) is joined by acclaimed actor Joseph Millson (The Last Kingdom, The Forsyte Saga, RSC Associate Artist) in the critically acclaimed production of The Merchant of Venice 1936, for its strictly limited West End season at the Trafalgar Theatre (28 December – 25 January) and subsequent UK tour in 2025.
Back by popular demand following a sold-out run at the Criterion Theatre earlier this year, Shakespeare’s enduring classic is transported to 1930s East London against a backdrop of political unrest and the Battle of Cable Street.
Millson, whose credits include Netflix’s The Last Kingdom, Marvel’s Moon Knight, and his critically acclaimed performance as Soames in The Forsyte Saga, plays Antonio alongside Tracy-Ann’s Shylock. This smash hit production also welcomes Georgie Fellows as Portia, Evie Hargreaves as Mary / Nerissa, Mikhail Sen as Lorenzo / Maharajah and Elly Roberts as Stefania / Blackshirt. Reprising their roles are Gavin Fowler as Bassanio, Grainne Dromgoole as Jessica, Xavier Starr as Gratiano, and Alex Zur as Yuval / The Duke / Blackshirt.
Tracy-Ann Oberman said: “Having Joe join the cast of MOV36 as the merchant Antonio is the dream. He’s such a wonderful actor with a great Shakespearean pedigree and I’ve always admired his work. He’s not only a great friend but also an actor who I love being on stage with and I cannot wait to see what happens when my Shylock meets his Antonio in the East End of London, 1936.”
After the West End season, this groundbreaking production will embark on a second UK tour for eight weeks visiting: Liverpool, Bath, Leeds, Salford, Fareham, Cardiff, Southend and culminating in Birmingham on 5 April 2025 – allowing audiences all over the UK the opportunity to experience this “deeply relevant” (Daily Telegraph) play.
Ambition, power and political unrest explode onto the stage in this “striking and impactful” (The Guardian) production that “makes theatre history” (Daily Telegraph). This “fascinating and timely” (Daily Mail) production is adapted by Brigid Larmour and Tracy-Ann Oberman.
With the city on the brink of political unrest, fascism sweeping across Europe and Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists threatening a paramilitary march through the Jewish East End, strong-willed single mother Shylock runs a pawnbroking business from her house in Cable Street where Mosley will march. When charismatic, antisemitic aristocrat Antonio comes to her for a loan, a high-stakes deal is struck. Will Shylock take her revenge, and who will pay the ultimate price?
★★★★★
“An astonishing, full-blooded performance.
For anyone who wonders how to produce Shakespeare in the 21st Century, this really is it”
METRO
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936
London: Trafalgar Theatre 28 December – 25 January
Liverpool: Playhouse Theatre 4 – 8 February
Bath: Theatre Royal 10 – 15 February
Leeds: Playhouse Theatre 18 – 22 February
Salford: Lowry 25 February – 1 March
Fareham Live 4 – 8 March
Cardiff: New Theatre 18 – 22 March
Southend: Palace Theatre 24 – 29 March
Birmingham: Repertory Theatre 1 – 5 April
Creative Team:
Director – Brigid Larmour
Associate Director – Tracy-Ann Oberman
Costume and Set Design – Liz Cooke
Lighting Design – Rory Beaton
Sound Design – Sarah Weltman
Composer – Erran Baron Cohen
Movement Directors – Annabel Arden and Leah Hausman
This festive season, the National Theatre is offering audiences a variety of experiences to enjoy – from world class theatre and festive dining at our South Bank home, to acclaimed productions in the West End and on tour across the country, alongside exceptional theatre broadcast live in cinemas or streamed directly into the comfort of your own home.
On the South Bank, the first major stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s best-selling book Ballet Shoes, adapted by Kendall Feaver, plays at the Olivier theatre. Set in a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters are learning who they are and what they want to be. A family-friendly story for those aged 7+, Ballet Shoes is directed by Katy Rudd,who returns to the National Theatre following her acclaimed production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Tickets are available from £20 at nationaltheatre.org.uk.
Further charming audiences on the South Bank is a reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Max Webster, which follows two gentlemen who find themselves caught in a web of lies whilst assuming false identities, with hilarious consequences. Starring a cast including three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke, Ncuti Gatwa, Hugh Skinner, Eliza Scanlen, and Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo. Tickets are available at nationaltheatre.org.uk.
The Importance of Being Earnest will be filmed from its run on the Lyttelton stage for National Theatre Live, screening across the globe from 20 February 2025. The perfect festive gift for family and friends, tickets are available at theimportanceofbeingearnest.ntlive.com.
In the West End, the critically acclaimed, five-time Tony Award® winning production of The Lehman Trilogy is playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Written by Stefano Massini, adapted by Ben Power and directed by Academy Award®, Tony Award®, and Golden Globe winner Sam Mendes, this landmark production has now been seen by over half a million people worldwide. Following recent, highly acclaimed international performances, John Heffernan, Aaron Krohn and Howard W. Overshown reprise their roles, playing the Lehman brothers, their sons and grandsons. Cat Beveridge and Anyssa Neumann reprise their respective performances as principal pianist and alternate pianist. The Lehman Trilogy is a sweeping story of a family spanning generations and a company that changed the world. Tickets are available from £20 at thelehmantrilogy.com.
Also running in the West End is the multi award-winning musical Hadestown. Winner of 8 Tony® Awards and a Grammy® Award for ‘Best Musical Theatre Album’, Hadestowncontinues its critically acclaimed run at the Lyric Theatre, five years after its sold-out engagement at the National Theatre. Blending modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz, Hadestown takes you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back, intertwining two mythic love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone. Featuring music, lyrics, and book by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, direction by Rachel Chavkin and a cast that includes Madeline Charlemagne, Melanie La Barrie, Trevor Dion Nicholas , Rachel Tucker and Dylan Wood. Tickets are available from £20 at uk.hadestown.com.
For audiences further afield, War Horse, which is currently touring the UK and Ireland, will be playing at the New Theatre Oxford during the Christmas period. Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, War Horse has become the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre and has been seen by over 8.3 million people worldwide. Adapted by Nick Stafford and originally directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, creative development for this new tour has been led by Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry and features reimagined designs by Rae Smith with additional music by Adrian Sutton.War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama is a show of phenomenal inventiveness, featuring astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company. Tickets are available at www.warhorseonstage.com.
Audiences worldwide can enjoy over 90 productions available to stream on National Theatre at Home (NTathome.com). Recent releases include Vanya with Andrew Scott, Macbeth with Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma, and London Tide with Bella Maclean. Upcoming releases this festive season include the joyous Present Laughter with Andrew Scott and Indira Varma, and The Hot Wing King with Kadiff Kirwan. NT at Home subscriptions are available for £9.99 a month, or £99 a year, with gifting options for 1, 3- and 6-month subscriptions. All titles are available with captions and 85% offer Audio Description.
The National Theatre is not only home to the very best in British theatre, but also some incredible dining experiences at Lasdun Restaurant, Forza Wine and the Understudy bar at our home on London’s South Bank. Offerings include delicious pre-theatre menus, or visitors can simply pop in for a feed and a cocktail even if they aren’t seeing a show. Explore the festive dining offerings here: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/your-visit/eat-and-drink/.
PRIORITY ON SALE STARTS TODAY WITH PUBLIC BOOKING FROM 7 NOVEMBER
Disney Theatrical Group today announces that Luke Brady will play the title role in Hercules which begins next year in London’s West End. The production opens at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 24 June 2025, with previews commencing on 6 June, and is currently booking until 10 January 2026.
With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by David Zippel, and a brand-new book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah, Casey Nicholaw’s production of Hercules, co-choreographed with Tanisha Scott, is inspired by the 1997 animated film of the same name from Walt Disney Studios. The feature film, directed by The Little Mermaid filmmakers John Musker and Ron Clements, and written by Clements, Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw and Irene Mecchi, won Best Animation Feature at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards and was nominated for the Academy Award® or Best Original Song for Go the Distance.
Anne Quart, Executive Producer, Disney Theatrical Group said, “After a wide and exhaustive search, we are thrilled to announce Luke as Hercules. His remarkable depth as an actor delivers all the weight and power the character demands, but it’s his magnetism and presence that elevate this mythic character into a relatable young man, finding his way in the world and learning what it means to be human. The Hercules team has fallen in love with him and know that audiences will feel the same.” Thomas Schumacher, Chief Creative Officer, Disney Theatrical Group added, “Hercules holds a treasured place among Disney Renaissance films. With its irresistible Alan Menken score, iconic characters, and the unforgettable Muses, fans’ affection for the film has only deepened since its release. Now, this production redefines Hercules for a whole new generation.”
Alan Menken said, “Hercules was thrilling when I was first working on it in the mid-90s and has only grown more exciting and amazing with each passing adaptation. The new songs David Zippel and I have added for our upcoming production in London, have deepened the emotional impact and further developed the stylistic panache. The humor and overall message of the script by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah have brought our story to wonderful new heights and supercharged the underlying message of this story. And, when it comes to bringing all of this to life on stage, there’s no one even close to Casey Nicholaw in creating theatrical magic. I can’t wait for audiences to experience our new Hercules!!”
David Zippel added, “It’s an absolute joy to revisit Hercules which was a glorious collaboration with Alan back in the late 90s. Adapting the film for the stage is the chance to build on the wit and action of the animation, then expand and deepen the characters via new songs, creating something new and exciting for the West End.”
Robert Horn commented, “What an honour it is to work with this amazing team on this new stage incarnation of the beloved and highly anticipated title Hercules. Kwame and I could not be more excited to bring our very different and unified styles of comedy and storytelling to this magical, mythical tale. And with this iconic score! We hope you’ll laugh and feel all the feels watching it as much as we did working together on it. We laughed so hard, we both got abs. We’re thrilled to present to you this gloriously heartwarming and hysterical story of heroism, community, cool togas and fabulous divas!”
Kwame Kwei-Armah said, “Robert and I have had such a joyous time learning about each other and laughing together as we have shaped the story for the musical and that gets right into the DNA of what this show is: laughter, love and a quest for self-discovery that offers so much for audiences of all ages.”
Casey Nicholaw added, “In a search that took us across the globe, we have found our perfect hero in Luke, and I look forward to working with him over the coming months to develop the much-loved character of Hercules. We can’t wait for him to lift the roof at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.”
Priority booking for patrons who signed up to the Hercules and LW Theatres pre-sale sign-up lists, and for Priority from O2, opens today, with public booking opening on 7 November. Preview tickets are from £25, with tickets post press night from £29.50. In addition, the production will host selected Lightning Performances which have just three ticket prices across the entire theatre – the faster you book, the better the seat. There will also be Family Tickets available on selected performances for groups of two adults and at least two children aged 4 – 16 years.
In the first booking period, Hercules has scheduled the following access performances – Captioned Performance (15 September), Signed Performance (23 September), Relaxed Performance (15 November), Audio Described Performance (29 November).
Disney’s Hercules is a musical adventure in a class of its own, with music by 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Tony Award® winner David Zippel and a book by Tony Award® winner Robert Horn (Tootsie) and Kwame Kwei-Armah (former Artistic Director of the Young Vic). Directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (Aladdin) with co-choreographer Tanisha Scott, this exciting new production features set and additional video design from Dane Laffrey; costume design by Gregg Barnes and Sky Switser; lighting design by Jeff Croiter and sound design by Adam Fisher. The production team also includes video designer George Reeve, hair by Mia M. Neal, make-up by Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche and special effects from Jeremy Chernick. The music team is headed by music supervisor and arranger Michael Kosarin, with orchestrations from Danny Troob and Joseph Joubert, and dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting.
Disney’s Hercules, the 1997 classic animated film, written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw and Irene Mecchi, and directed by The Little Mermaid and Aladdin filmmakers John Musker and Ron Clements, was the eighth animated film from the Disney film renaissance, which began in 1989. Among them were the greatest modern classics from the studios, including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, that have once again made Disney the leading producer of animated films in Hollywood.
Full casting will be announced shortly.
DISNEY’S
HERCULES
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by David Zippel
Book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah
The musical, inspired by the animated film, based on the ancient myth.
It’s what classical civilisation would have wanted.
Ancient Greece. A time of gods, mortals… and Hercules, who isn’t quite either. But if he’s not a god, how can he possibly save the world from Hades? It’s one thing flexing those pecs, but going from zero to hero requires a different kind of strength.
Get ready for a wise-cracking, column-shaking, underworld-rocking ride of adventure, self-discovery, and love. In tunics.
WEST END’S ELEVENTH EXTENSION TICKETS ON SALE TODAY
“The Brits have made the year’s funniest musical…Against the odds, the “Operation Mincemeat” gang has found its way to the big time.”
Peter Marks, The Washington Post
#1 2023 Theatre Show
“Despite all that Hollywood firepower, my top pick was a homegrown musical about the UK’s role in World War II”
Sarah Rappaport, Bloomberg
“a little show with a very big future”
David Benedict, Variety
“My far-and-away favorite production—and a complete surprise to me—was the musical “Operation Mincemeat… a comedy that has been cheerfully dismantling jingoism builds a stirring vision of real fellowship in its place.”
Helen Shaw, The New Yorker
“the feel-good West End musical of the summer… The reviews for the show have been ecstatic… the overwhelming impression is of hopefulness, expansiveness, possibility and joy.”
Alexis Soloski, The New York Times
74 ★★★★★ reviews and counting
It was announced today that the original cast of the 2024 Olivier Award®-winning Operation Mincemeat, featuring David Cumming, Claire-Marie Hall, Natasha Hodgson, Olivier Award-winner Jak Malone, and Zoë Roberts, will reprise their acclaimed roles for the musical opening on Broadway at the Golden Theatre on 20th March 2025.
The news coincides with tickets for the eleventh extension through 19th April 2025 at the West End’s Fortune Theatre going on general sale today. Operation Mincemeat entered its second sold-out year in London with its hit new cast, Emily Barber, Seán Carey, Chlöe Hart, Christian Andrews and Claire-Marie Hall, in May 2024 – “the West End hit is still the perfect mix of ingenious, silly and moving…With a new cast, the Olivier Award-winning musical about the wartime operation is as terrific as ever” ★★★★★ Marianka Swain, The Telegraph .
Until 15th February, when Broadway previews begin, tickets will be available exclusively in London. After that, Operation Mincemeat will run simultaneously in both New York and London.
Broadway tickets go on General sale on 20th November. Sign up here for priority access to a fan pre-sale on 18th November. Tickets for the West End’s Fortune Theatre are available only from the Official Box Office here.
Operation Mincemeat began as a tiny (and tiny-budgeted) production at the London Fringe New Diorama Theatre in 2019. The show quickly gained a devoted following, spurring sold-out runs at venues including Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. It finally premiered in the West End on 9th May 2023 at the Fortune Theatre, where it won the Olivier and WhatsOnstage Awards® for ‘Best New Musical’, alongside garnering 74 five-star reviews and counting, and has become the ‘Best reviewed show in West End history.’
This extraordinary debut musical is written and composed by the comedy troupe, SpitLip, comprised ofDavid Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts. The decision to write it was the last roll of the dice from the quartet of young British creatives after years of performing sketch shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and echoes the journey of Beyond the Fringe from the world-famous quartet Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, and Dudley Moore, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1960, before moving to the Fortune Theatre and later to the Golden in 1962.
The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.
Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler?
The production is directed by 2023 Olivier Award nominated Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre – 2023 Best New Musical Olivier Award winner), following providing directorial support for the Riverside Studios run, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. Also from Standing at the Sky’s Edge at theNational Theatre on the creative team are: 2023 Olivier Award nominated Ben Stones (Sylvia, The Old Vic) as Set and Costume Designer, Tony Award, six-time Olivier Award and Bafta Award winning Mark Henderson (Girl From the North Country, Broadway & Noël Coward Theatre) as Lighting Designer and Olivier Award winning Mike Walker (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) as Sound Designer. Grammy Award winning and Tony, Emmy & 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award nominated Steve Sidwell (Beautiful:The Musical, Broadway & Aldwych Theatre) is Orchestrator and Vocal Arranger, while 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award nominated Joe Bunker is Musical Director. Georgie Staight is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Casting is by Pearson Casting.
Operation Mincemeat won the 2024 ‘Best New Musical’ and ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical’ Olivier Awards, following receiving six nominations. These awards trail winning the 2024 ‘Best New Musical’ WhatsOnStage Award and the ‘Best West End Show’, ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Best Understudy’ West End Wilma Awards. Previously on the show’s journey, Operation Mincemeat has picked up the Off-West End award for ‘Best Musical Production’ and ‘Best Company Ensemble’ and The Stage Debut Award for ‘Best Composer/Lyricist’.
Operation Mincemeat is presented in the West End by Avalon (in association with SpitLip), who have supported since the Southwark Playhouse runs. The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and also supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.
Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group announce today that Sharon Wattis will join the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning musical MARY POPPINS, as Mrs Corry and Miss Smythe. Due to personal reasons Sonia Swaby will no longer be appearing in the production.
MARY POPPINS will open at Bristol Hippodrome from 4 November 2024, returning to where the magic originally began and marking the 20th anniversary since the musical’s world premiere. www.marypoppins.co.uk
Sharon Wattis’ theatre credits include Mrs Brown/ Kimbay in the Original London cast of The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre, as well as the UK and European tour, Poopsie in The Pajama Game at the Shaftesbury Theatre, Heaven on Earth and Love Me Tender both on UK tours, and The Stepmother at Chichester Festival Theatre.
Sharon joins the previously announced Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as Bert, who played the roles in Australia to critical and audience acclaim, Michael D. Xavier (Olivier nominee for Into the Woods and Love Story, Sunset Boulevard on Broadway) as George Banks, Lucie-Mae Sumner (West End production of Mary Poppins and Barnum at Menier Chocolate Factory) as Winifred Banks, Rosemary Ashe (original casts of the West End productions of The Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins and Olivier nominee for The Witches of Eastwick) as Mrs Brill, Patti Boulaye (West End and recording star, Carmen Jones at the Old Vic) as Bird Woman, Wendy Ferguson (West End productions of Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall) as Miss Andrew, Ruairidh McDonald (Matilda, West End) as Roberston Ay and David Burrows (West End productions of Half a Sixpence, My Fair Lady and Oliver!) as Admiral Boom and Bank Chairman.
Olivia Ainsworth, Olaya Martinez Cambon, Matilda O’Sullivan, Katie Ryden and Florence Amelia Swann will alternate the role of Jane Banks with Charlie Donald, Jude Martin-Thomas, Oscar McCulloch, Joshua Miles and William Stafford alternating the role of Michael Banks.
The company is completed by Jay Luca Allan, Marianne Bardgett, Rhys Batten, Lydia Boulton, Ben Culleton, Jasmine Davis, Matthew Dawkins, Lily De-La-Haye, Nathan Elwick, Darcy Finden, Lyndsey Gardiner, Ryan Gover, Emma Harrold, Billy Mahoney, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Yujin Park, Roan Pronk, Henry Rhodes, Jacob Ritzema, Scarlet Roche, Callum Rose, Charlie Waddell, Rachael Ward, Jemima-Jane Willcox, James Wolstenholme and Ellie Young.
Since its premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in 2004, the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins has gone on to record-breaking productions around the world, gaining over 50 major international awards, including two Olivier Awards and one Tony Award. Over 15 millionpeople have witnessed the magic worldwide with the production having been translated into 13 languages.
Mary Poppins flies back into Bristol Hippodrome on 4 November 2024 where it will run until 30 November 2024 ahead of playing Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin (11 December 2024 – 11 January 2025), Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (22 January 2025 – 15 February 2025), Theatre Royal Plymouth (26 February 2025 – 29 March 2025), Palace Theatre Manchester (9 April 2025 – 17 May 2025), Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (21 May – 29 June 2025), Birmingham Hippodrome (16 July – 23 August 2025), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (27 August – 20 September 2025), Sunderland Empire (1 – 25 October 2025) and Milton Keynes Theatre (29 October – 22 November 2025). Additional venues still to be announced, alongside further casting.
Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic Sherman Brothers songs; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
MARY POPPINS has original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The book is by Julian Fellowes and this production is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh. It has orchestrations by William David Brohn and dance and vocal arrangements by George Stiles. It has sound design by Paul Gatehouse, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, projections by Luke Hall andillusions by Paul Kieve & Jim Steinmeyer. The set and costume designs are by Bob Crowley. Co-Choreography is by Stephen Mear. Co-direction and choreography is by Matthew Bourne and direction is by Richard Eyre. The UK & Ireland Tour is directed by James Powell with choreography recreated by Richard Jones and musical supervision by Stephen Brooker.
MARY POPPINS UK AND IRELAND TOUR – 2024/2025 TOUR LISTINGS
marypoppins.co.uk
MONDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2024 – SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2024
