DOLLY PARTON’S BIGGEST HITS FEATURE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN ONE HELLUVA MUSICAL! HERE YOU COME AGAIN ANNOUNCES TOUR FOLLOWING UK PREMIERE AT THE LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

A Simon Friend Entertainment and Leeds Playhouse co-production

DOLLY PARTON’S BIGGEST HITS FEATURE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN ONE HELLUVA MUSICAL!

FOLLOWING ITS UK PREMIERE AT THE LEEDS PLAYHOUSE, HERE YOU COME AGAIN, ANNOUNCES TOUR PRIOR TO WEST END RUN

CO-WRITER TRICIA PAOLUCCIO REPRISES HER CELEBRATED ROLE AS DOLLY

WRITTEN BY MULTI-EMMY AWARD-WINNING COMEDY WRITER BRUCE VILANCH AND CO-WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY GABRIEL BARRE   

ACCLAIMED PLAYWRIGHT JONATHAN HARVEY ADAPTS FOR THE UK

www.hereyoucomeagain.co.uk

Simon Friend Entertainment, in co-production with Leeds Playhouse, is delighted to announce that following its UK Premiere in Leeds from Saturday 11 May to Saturday 8 JuneHere You Come Again will embark on a major UK tour, bringing together for the first time ever all of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits in a rollicking and joyful new musical, fully authorised by Dolly herself.

Having enjoyed several successful runs across the United States, Here You Come Again was originally written by multi-Emmy award-winning comedy and songwriter Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (who also directs) and writer and actor Tricia Paoluccio (who co-writes and stars as Dolly). It has now been adapted by acclaimed British TV and theatre writer Jonathan Harvey (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Coronation Street). Full casting to be announced.

Packed with the iconic songs Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again and more, this lively and touching new musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose imagined version of international icon Dolly Parton gets him through trying times. With her wit, humour and charm, Dolly teaches him a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps…even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones! This is one musical that is sure to make you smile.

Following its opening at Leeds Playhouse, where it plays from Saturday 11 May to Saturday 8 JuneHere You Come Again then visitsCurve Theatre, LeicesterTheatre Royal, Newcastle;Cunard, Queen Mary 2;Marlowe Theatre, CanterburyTheatre Royal, NottinghamPlayhouse Theatre, LiverpoolCliffs Pavilion, SouthendWales Millennium Centre, CardiffTheatre Royal, BrightonAlexandra Theatre, BirminghamLyceum Theatre, SheffieldRichmond Theatre, RichmondKing’s Theatre, GlasgowTheatre Royal, NorwichNew Victoria Theatre, Woking and Milton Keynes Theatre.

Director Gabriel Barre said: “We are so excited to bring this gem of a show to the UK, following its successful regional tour in America. Setting it in the UK with a brilliant new British actor playing the lead role of Kevin, along with a creative UK design team, gives us a chance to take a fresh approach to a story that features all of Dolly’s biggest hits, along with her wit and wisdom, which the world needs today, more than ever. She will be gloriously brought to life by the American actor, Tricia Paoluccio, who has been stunning audiences everywhere, embodying the spirit, humour, and heart that have made Dolly an enduring icon.”

Producer Simon Friend adds: “I’m delighted to be co-producing the UK premiere of Here You Come Again with the team at Leeds Playhouse. It’s a marvellously original and joyous new musical which celebrates the timeless classics of Dolly Parton, and lets us indulge in her biggest hits for a wonderful evening of theatre.”

Artistic Director and CEO of Leeds Playhouse James Brining said: It is fantastic to be co-producing this joyous and heartfelt musical. We can’t wait to welcome the wonderful team to Leeds, to have the Playhouse filled with the sounds of Dolly and to share this incredible production with audiences across the UK after its run in Leeds.”

Bruce Vilanch is a writer, actor, comedian and stripper (accepting all offers, bitcoin only). In America, he was featured for many years on Hollywood Squares sitting to the left of Whoopi Goldberg, if that’s possible. He has a nook of multiple Emmy awards, two of them for a pair of the 25 Oscar telecasts he has written. On Broadway and across America he sang, danced and ironed as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. There is a documentary about him called Get Bruce, which is worth re-activating your Netflix account for. Several decades ago, he collaborated with Dolly on a massive Sunday night variety TV series which hit a ratings iceberg and plunged to the depths. They both survived. Here they come again.

Gabriel Barre’scredits as a Director include,Broadway: Amazing Grace. Off Broadway: original productions of A Sign of the Times, The Wild Party by Andrew Lippa, Summer of ’42, john & jen and Almost, Maine. National Tours: Amazing Grace, Pippin, and Cinderella. Regional: original production of Memphis, Billy Elliot, Sweeney Todd, Finian’s Rainbow, Here You Come Again. International: Sound of the Silk Road, Billy Elliot, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Holmes-The LegendJesus Christ Superstar, Carmen, Czech premiere of Beetlejuice this year.   

Tricia Paoluccio, born on a picturesque almond farm in Modesto, California, is a versatile artist known for her Broadway performances in Fiddler on the Roof, The Green Bird and A View from the Bridge. Inspired by Dolly Parton, she has graced both Broadway and Off-Broadway stages, showcasing her range. Tricia’s acting extends to television with recurring roles in Saint X and Homeland, among others. Beyond acting, she is a celebrated visual artist, transforming pressed flowers into high design. Explore her creative world on Instagram @triciapaoluccio and @domainoftheflowerings.

For theatre, Jonathan Harvey has written over 20 plays that have been produced by the Bush Theatre, Royal Court, National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, and in the West End. Last year saw the 30th anniversary of his landmark play Beautiful Thing, co-produced with Leeds Playhouse. He has also written two musicals with Pet Shop Boys and one celebrating the life of Dusty Springfield. Last year also saw a five-month tour of his panto Mother Goose starring Ian McKellen and John Bishop. For TV Jonathan created the sitcoms Gimme Gimme Gimme and Beautiful People and has written over 300 episodes of Coronation Street.

His work has won him a Writers Guild of Great Britain Award, the John Whiting Award, the George Devine Award, an Evening Standard Theatre Award, two Manchester Evening News Awards and two British Soap Awards.

Here You Come Again

2024 UK Tour

Further dates to be announced

Leeds Playhouse, Courtyard Theatre

Saturday 11 May – Saturday 8 June

www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Curve Theatre, Leicester

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 June

www.curveonline.co.uk

Theatre Royal, Newcastle

Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 June

www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Cunard, Queen Mary 2 

Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 June 

www.cunard.com

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 July

www.marlowetheatre.com

Theatre Royal, Nottingham

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 July

www.trch.co.uk

Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 July

www.everymanplayhouse.com

On Sale Soon

Cliffs Pavilion, Southend

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 24 August

www.trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/southend-theatres

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Tuesday 26 – Saturday 31 August

www.wmc.org.uk/en

Theatre Royal, Brighton

Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 September

www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 September

www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/ 

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 September

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

On sale soon

Richmond Theatre

Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 September

www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 October

www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow/

Theatre Royal, Norwich

Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 October

www.norwichtheatre.org

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 October

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre/

Lowry Theatre, Salford

Tuesday 29 October – Saturday 2 November

www.thelowry.com

Milton Keynes Theatre

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 November

www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

On Sale Soon

PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED FOR THE 24TH ANNUAL WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS

PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED FOR THE

24TH ANNUAL WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS

WhatsOnStage today announces that the 24th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards will include performances from Disney’s NewsiesFlowers for Mrs HarrisGuys & DollsLa Cage aux FollesNext to NormalOperation Mincemeat and The Sound of Music, accompanied by a 25-piece orchestra, as well as an exclusive world premiere, and three additional specially curated performances.

Hosted by Melanie La Barrie and Bonnie Langford, the awards – the only major theatre prize-giving decided by the theatregoers themselves – will take place on Sunday 11 February 2024 for the first time at The London Palladium, where the evening will see winners crowned across a range of categories. The event, co-produced with creative directors Alex Parker and Damian Sandys, is currently on sale.

The Bridge Theatre’s critically acclaimed smash-hit production of Guys & Dolls leads the pack this year, with 12 nominations. Also performing strongly in the musical categories are Jamie Lloyd’s production of Sunset Boulevard starring Nicole Scherzinger with 9 nominations, and Michael Longhurst’s production of Next to Normal at the Donmar Warehouse with 6 nominations.

This year was a brilliant one for the National Theatre, who receive 24 nominations in total – they lead the straight play categories with their phenomenally successful production of James Graham’s Dear England with 10 nominations. Also featuring strongly in the straight play categories are Stranger Things: The First Shadow, playing at the Phoenix Theatre, with 8 nominations, and The Effect – also directed by Lloyd, with 5 nominations at the National Theatre.

Now in their 24th year, the WhatsOnStage Awards are the only major theatre awards decided by the theatregoers themselves. 

awards.whatsonstage.com

lwtheatres.co.uk 

Twitter: @WhatsOnStage #WOSAwards
Instagram: @WhatsOnStage

TikTok: @WhatsOnStage

DISNEY’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF FROZEN EXTENDS FOR A FINAL TIME UNTIL 8 SEPTEMBER 2024

★★★★★

“A West End spectacle of the most magical kind”

The Telegraph

DISNEY’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

FROZEN

EXTENDS FOR A FINAL TIME UNTIL 8 SEPTEMBER 2024

★★★★★

“Big, blinding, breathtaking. Frozen’s triumphant musical debut”

The Guardian

 ALSO ANNOUNCED TODAY, THE LAUNCH OF A COMPETITION FOR SCHOOLS –

THE UNITED KINGDOM OF FROZEN: LOVE IS AN OPEN DOOR 

Disney Theatrical Group announces today that their critically acclaimed West End production of Frozen will extend for the final time, completing its run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane after three magical years on 8 September 2024, having been seen by over 2.8 million people.

With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, book by Jennifer Lee, and directed by Michael Grandage, the production started its run at the newly refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane in August 2021, opening to rave reviews. It received 7 WhatsOnStage Awards – the most of any production – and 4 Olivier Award nominations, including Best New Musical. The sets and costumes by Christopher Oram were conceived on an epic scale, with 154 costumes – including the legendary ice dress with over 10,000 crystals, the ice palace set contains over 50,000 crystals, and the ice bridge at 65ft long and nearly 10ft high fills the Drury Lane stage.

Director Michael Grandage said today, “It has been a joy to be part of the Frozen journey in London. Working with the team at Disney, the brilliant creative team, and the incredible cast have made this one of my happiest theatre experiences. 

Frozen opened in the UK on the heels of the pandemic, and it was glorious to welcome back audiences, many of whom were coming to the theatre for the first time. To introduce so many to the power of theatre and hopefully cultivate a life-long love for it, has been an immense privilege.”

Disney Theatrical Group’s Chief Creative Officer Thomas Schumacher added, “I am enormously proud of everything the team achieved with Frozen and of London’s warm embrace of it. This production was specially created for the West End, and it was an honour to reopen Madeleine and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beautifully refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where the majesty of the production met the majesty of the space.”

Whilst Frozen the Musical will complete its UK run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in September, the stage journey for the beloved story will continue as Disney Theatrical Group is soon to launch a competition for secondary schools throughout the UK. The United Kingdom of Frozen: Love is an Open Door will give one school in every region across the UK the chance to win the stage rights and be the first to present the full-length version of the show. Further information on how and when to apply will be detailed on disneyonstage.co.uk/frozen shortly. 

The cast of Frozen the Musical is Samantha Barks (Elsa, performed by Jenna-Lee James until Sunday  28 January), Laura Dawkes (Anna), Jammy Kasongo (Kristoff), Craig Gallivan (Olaf), Oliver Ormson (Hans), Richard Frame (Duke of Weselton);and alternating the role of Sven, Mikayla Jade and Ashley Birchall, with Rhianne Alleyne, Marianne BardgettRebecca Botterill, Oliver BreninGabrielle CoccaAshley J Daniels (King Agnarr), Laura Emmitt, Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly (Bulda), Jemal FelixJordan FoxMolly FrancisMatt GillettIsabella Glanznig SantosDominic Adam GriffinGeorge Hinson, Ben Irish (Pabbie), Aoife KennyJustin-Lee Jones, Jordan LiveseyJonathan MiltonJemma Revell, Harriet Samuels, Jacqui Sanchez (Queen Iduna), Jak Skelly (Oaken/Bishop), Caitlin Tipping, Rodney Vubya, Ed Wade and Anna Woodside

★★★★★

“Frozen is one hot hit”

Daily Mail

Twitter @FrozenLondon

Facebook /FrozenLondon

Instagram @FrozenLondon

frozenthemusical.co.uk

LISTINGS

FROZEN

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

Tickets from £29.50

Group rates and education rates are available – please see the website

PERFORMANCES:

Wednesday                                       7.00pm

Thursday                                            2.00pm & 7pm

Friday                                                 7pm

Saturday                                            2.30pm & 7pm

Sunday                                               1pm & 5.30pm

From 28 February 2024:

Wed and Thurs matinees 2pm | Sat matinees 2.30pm | Thu – Sat 7pm | Sun 1pm & 5.30pm

From 20 March 2024:

Wed, Thurs and Sat matinees 2.30pm | Thu – Sat 7pm | Sun 1pm & 5.30pm

EMMY AND TONY AWARD WINNER BILLY CRUDUP MAKES WEST END DEBUT IN THE UK PREMIERE OF DAVID CALE’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PLAY HARRY CLARKE OPENING IN THE WEST END MARCH 2024

EMMY AND TONY AWARD WINNER 

BILLY CRUDUP

MAKES WEST END DEBUT IN THE UK PREMIERE OF

DAVID CALE’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PLAY

HARRY CLARKE

OPENING IN THE WEST END MARCH 2024

‘A formidable solo actor…Crudup is a master in this craft’

New York Theatre Guide

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions today announce that the Emmy and Tony Award-winning, and 2024 Golden Globe nominee, Billy Crudup (The Morning Show) is reprising his role to make his West End debut in the UK premiere of David Cale’s critically acclaimed one man play Harry Clarke, which transfers to the West End following two hit runs in the US. The production, directed by Tony Award nominee Leigh Silverman, opens at the Ambassadors Theatre on Wednesday 13 March, with previews from Saturday 9  March, and runs until Saturday 11 May 2024.

Billy Crudup said today, I love London and I have loved seeing theater in London for decades. West End theater-goers are some of the most discerning, intelligent and hungry audiences in the world. I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to share the work Leigh, David, myself and all our producers have created on the London stage.”

“Billy Crudup… appears to be having the time of his life in a sly role terrifically suited to his gifts.”

New York Times

Harry Clarke had its world premiere at the Vineyard Theatre, New York in 2017. For his performance, Crudup garnered an Outer Critics Circle Award, Off-Broadway Alliance Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Drama Desk Award and Obie Award, and was nominated for a Drama League Award. He reprised the role for a sell-out West Coast premiere run at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2023.

Tickets are available to ATG+ members now; with general booking opening today, Monday 22 January at 1pm.

The Londoner is the official hotel partner of Harry Clarke in the West End.

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions present

The Vineyard Theatre and Berkeley Repertory Theatre Production of

HARRY CLARKE

By David Cale
Directed by Leigh Silverman

Scenic Design: Alexander Dodge; Costume Design: Kaye Voyce; Lighting Design: Alan C. Edwards; Sound Design: Bart Fasbender; Original Songs: David Cale; Vocal Coach: Deborah Lapidus; Dialect Coaches: Deborah Hecht, Jessica Berman

Ambassadors Theatre

Saturday 9 March – Saturday 11 May 2024

80 minutes. 19 characters. 1 tour-de-force performance. 

Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Billy Crudup (The Morning ShowCoast of UtopiaNo Man’s LandAlmost Famous) delivers an acting “masterclass” (New York Theatre Guide) in David Cale’s wickedly funny thriller HARRY CLARKE, transferring to London’s West End from March direct from sell-out runs in New York and Los Angeles.

Harry Clarke has a secret. Well, Philip Brugglestein has a secret – but people only have eyes for seductive Londoner Harry…

Conjuring comparisons to The Talented Mr. Ripley and Saltburn with a touch of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HydeHARRY CLARKE keeps audiences guessing – charting the exploits of an awkward Midwestern man who moves to New York City to charm his way into a wealthy family.

Reprising his acclaimed performance for nine weeks only, Crudup has “the time of his life in a sly role terrifically suited to his gifts” (New York Times). Directed by Leigh Silverman (SuffsVioletSoft PowerIn the Wake), do not miss this intoxicating performance about one man’s thrilling double life. Book tickets now.

“It’s hard not to be charmed by Harry Clarke” (Broadway World).

DAVID CALE | Writer

David Calewas born in Luton, and grew up in England. Heis the writerand performer of solo works including The History of KissesPalominoA Likely StoryLillian (Obie Award), Deep in a Dream of You (Bessie Award), Smooch MusicThe Redthroats (Bessie Award), and most recently his solo musical memoir We’re Only Alive for A Short Amount of Time, for which he also wrote the lyrics, and co-composed the music with Matthew Dean Marsh (The Public Theater, NYC, Goodman Theatre, Chicago, Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Lucille Lortel Award nomination, Drama Desk Award nomination, Jeff Award for New Musical). His solo plays include Harry Clarke, starring Billy Crudup (Audible at Minetta Lane Theatre, Vineyard Theatre, NYC, Lucille Lortel Award) and Sandra, starring Marjan Neshat, with music by Marsh (Vineyard Theatre), both directed by Leigh Silverman. He wrote the book, lyrics, co-composed the music for and starred in the musical, Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky (Outer Critics Circle Award Nomination for Best New Off-Broadway Musical), inspired by his experience portraying Floyd Duffner in Alex and Andrew Smith’s film The Slaughter Rule. David’s songwriting credits include composing the songs for 600 Highwaymen’s Employee of the Year (Bessie Award Nomination) and the lyrics for songs sung by Debbie Harry and Elvis Costello in concert with The Jazz Passengers at The Royal Festival Hall. As an actor he has performed in plays on and off-Broadway, on TV and in films, most recently Paul Harrill’s Light From LightHarry Clarke at The Ambassadors Theatre marks his U.K. theatrical debut.

BILLY CRUDUP | Philip Brugglestein/Harry Clarke

Equally memorable on the stage and screen, Billy Crudup has earned critical accolades for his performances. He currently stars as Corey Ellison in Apple TV+’s three-time Golden-Globe nominated The Morning Show alongside Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, which earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, two Critics Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, three Screen Actors Guild Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations. He recently earned a second Emmy nomination for this role. He also recently starred in and executive produced Apple TV+’s Hello Tomorrow!, as Jack Billings,whichcenters around a group of traveling salesmen hawking lunar timeshares.

Crudup’s film credits include: Where’d You Go, BernadetteAfter the Wedding, Alien: Covenant, Jackie, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, 20th Century Women, Spotlight, Cameron Crowe’s Academy Award®-winning Almost Famous, and many more. He made his television debut in Netflix’s psychological thriller Gypsy.

On stage, Crudup most recently reprised his role in the one-man play Harry Clarke at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. He first performed this play at the Vineyard Theatre, for which he won an Outer Critics Circle Award, Off-Broadway Alliance Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Obie Award, Drama Desk Award and garnered a nomination for a Drama League Award. In 2007Crudup won a “Best Performance by a Featured Actor” Tony for his role in the Broadway production of The Coast of Utopia.  He also received Tony nominations for his roles in The Elephant ManThe Pillowman and Arcadia. 


LEIGH SILVERMAN | Director

Leigh Silverman previously directed Harry Clarke at the Vineyard Theater, with Audible at the Minetta Lane (Lortel nom) and most recently at Berkeley Repertory Theatre.  She is a Tony nominated American director who has directed over 60 world premiere new plays and musicals and received a 2011 Obie Award and 2019 Obie for Sustained Excellence. Broadway credits include Suffs; Grand Horizons; The Lifespan of a FactViolet (Tony nom), Chinglish; Well. Recent Off-Broadway credits include: Merry Me (NYTW); Sandra (Vineyard); Suffs (Public); The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (Shed,Taper); Soft Power (Public, Ahmanson/Curran Theatre, Drama Desk nom); Hurricane Diane (NYTW). Encores: Violet; The Wild Party; Really Rosie and Sutton Foster’s streaming concert, Bring Me to Light. Audible projects include Yellow Face (upcoming), Harry Clarke and Dykes to Watch Out For which was named Best of Year for Audible and Slate.

www.harryclarketheplay.com

Instagram:          @HarryClarkeThePlay

TikTok:                  @HarryClarkeThePlay

Facebook:           HarryClarkeThePlayUK

LISTINGS

HARRY CLARKE

Ambassadors Theatre

Saturday 9 March – Saturday 11 May 2024

Box Office: www.harryclarketheplay.com

Access Performances:

Audio Described: Wednesday 27 March, 7.30pm

Captioned:  Wednesday 10 April, 7.30pm

Age Recommended: 14+

Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical Review

The Other Palace – until 14 April 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

This brilliantly bitchy and wickedly funny musical is another surefire hit for The Other Palace. Based on Roger Kumble’s arch 1999 film, Kumble, Jordan Ross and Linsey Rosin have created one of the best jukebox musicals yet – the dark stepsister to &Juliet.

Speaking of stepsisters, the manipulative shenanigans of Katherine Merteuil (Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky) and her stepbrother Sebastian Valmont (Daniel Bravo) stay true to the film version, with the coolly cruel pair playing games with the lives of those around them, usually using sex as their weapon of choice. The twisted sexual tension between them comes to a head when Katherine bets Sebastian that he cannot deflower proud virgin Annette, while also ruining the reputation of the innocent Cecile, who unwittingly put herself on Katherine’s hitlist because Katherine’s ex prefers Cecile.

The most quoted lines from the film are all here, delivered with knowingly melodramatic looks to the audience, and head tosses – this is a complete camp fest. The already iconic soundtrack of the movie is expanded with a parade of 90s bangers from Natalie Imbruglia, The Verve, TLC and The Spice Girls and many more. The songs pop up at some wonderfully unexpected moments, never distracting from the plot, instead enhancing the story with a manic glee. Gary Lloyd’s pitch perfect nineties inspired choreography is often hilarious – especially when Blaine (Josh Barnett) and closeted jock Greg (Barney Wilkinson) are involved, whether they are making out or fighting.

Polly Sullivan’s set design nods to the uber-privileged surroundings of the teens, with the revolve used to great effect, and Jonathan O’Boyle’s assured direction makes this the slickest show in town. The cast all understand the assignment – not one comedic opportunity is missed. McCaulsky is simply magnificent as the icy Katherine, with vocals that bring the house down, and Bravo is magnetic as Sebastian, oozing arrogance and privilege through every pore. Abbie Budden is strong and sweet as Annette and Rose Galbraith is brilliantly funny as Cecile.

With a recorded message from one of the film’s cast to start the show and a song list to die for, this is a real treat for fans of the film, ramping the vampy campness up to unimaginable levels. But you definitely don’t need to know the film to enjoy this show. Just sit back and strap in for some killer songs and glorious dark and daft laughs.

ESO Beyond The Horizon Review

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 19th January 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

I have had the extreme good fortune to catch the English Symphony Orchestra’s last few concerts and they have been nothing but exceptional each and every time. Tonight was no exception as they gave us yet another evening of world class entertainment.

First on the programme was Eleanor Alberga’s concert overture “Jupiter’s Fairground” (1992). I was unfamiliar with both the work and the composer so it was a lovely surprise to discover she was from our area. An even lovelier surprise was that she was here in person! She gave us some background information about the piece and a rather amusing anecdote, all of which added to the enjoyment. The piece itself was a very interesting one, in equal measure both lively and dramatic with (to my ears) shades of a film score such as 2001 or West Side Story meets Shostakovich and was a highly entertaining opening number from a composer whose works I shall certainly explore further.

We continued with Samuel Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915” (1948), helpfully introduced by our soprano tonight; April Fredrick. She explained how the work was like returning to a place you used to know but finding it had changed, feeling both familiar and displaced. I could certainly hear this in the music with some lovely wistful strings with tutti agitation at times. Another beautiful piece of music that perfectly complimented the first and led nicely to the final piece of the first half…

…Antonin Dvorak’s “Song to the Moon from Rusalka” (1901). Ms Fredrick’s tone was haunting and tender but with an aching power that did the music full justice – you could certainly hear this was from an opera aria! A gorgeous performance. The string section, especially, were sumptuous with some ethereal quiet sections that took the breath away.

Mr Kenneth Wood’s conducting was, as always, absolutely flawless. The tempos were spot on and the clarity of execution was breathtaking with the everyone coming in crisply with such precision that the music was lovingly presented in all its glory. This is without doubt my favourite orchestra. The truly spectacular thing that always strikes me

is the balance of the orchestra, with every section being perfectly clear in itself and against every other section. Hearing this orchestra is like hearing a modern remastered CD – new details in the music are suddenly audible, the composers intentions are revealed anew. A revelatory experience!

The second half had a single masterpiece: Mozart’s “Symphony No. 41 ‘Jupiter’” (1788). Although a “classical period” work, I feel this is more like early Beethoven straddling both the classical and early “romantic period”. The ESO brought out all the passion and drama in this incredible work with playing of exceptional beauty, both muscular and tender – quite a rare feat. I was deeply impressed with the agile way the orchestra managed to switch these emotional gears with effortless conviction.

Another flawless night of the best music in the world from a world class orchestra. Sheer perfection. The only disappointment was that the music came to an end and we had to go home. Do yourself a massive favour and see this orchestra asap. I know I’m eagerly awaiting their return

Kindred Review

Jack Studio Theatre – until 20 January 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

The week leading up to your wedding is stressful enough, but throw in the bride’s sister’s divorce party, the groom’s father’s funeral and strife with his estranged family, and something has to give. Aimee Walker-Reid’s intelligent and intense play follows Lois (Walker-Reid) and Matt (Finlay Vane Last) as they struggle to cope with Matt’s mental health as the big day approaches.

The chaos and upset of living with, and caring for somebody with mental health issues is represented wonderfully through Tamra Walker-Reid’s set design – with household objects suspended over the stage, their contents frozen as they spill. Matt’s diagnosis is never made clear, but as the play progresses, we find out that he cannot leave the house without Lois and some emotionally charged video, lighting and music design (by Morgan Burgess and Grace Gjertson) accompany fine physicality from Vane Last to portray the paralysis and fear he experiences.

Vane Last is charismatic and nuanced as the tormented, frustrating but sweet Matt, while Walker-Reid excels as his anchor – strong, loving and forever accommodating, but suddenly fiery when Matt’s actions become too much and she finally lets rip and releases her frustrations. This scene and its repercussions would not quite ring true without the clever flashbacks to each 31st December of their relationship, portraying their hope and the strength of their love. There are very funny moments throughout and Walker-Reid has written two utterly convincing and sympathetic characters and draws the audience into their world effortlessly, while George Rowlands’ slick direction maintains a tension that never lags in this fascinating and powerful play.

REHAB The Musical review

Neon 194, London – until 17 February 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

This uplifting and uproariously funny new musical lets you party like it’s 1999, following the fall and rise of hedonistic star Kid Pop – or Neil to his mum.

When Kid Pop (Christian Maynard) is arrested for drug use it is front page news, and when given the choice of prison or 60 days in rehab he goes to the Glade, anticipating an easy life there. His fellow residents and counsellor won’t let him ignore his addictions however, and Neil has to accept some hard truths about himself. Neil’s journey to recovery is sabotaged by his sleazy agent Malcolm Stone (Keith Allen – having a ball) who set up the drugs sting to boost Kid Pop’s image. Stone’s scheming has no limits as he continues to exploit Kid Pop’s situation for publicity and begins to contemplate even darker ways to keep Kid Pop relevant and his own bank balance soaring.

The scenes in the rehab centre could have been painful in other hands, but Grant Black and Murray Lachlan Young’s own experiences ensure that the residents and their addictions are written sympathetically and, while the characters are ridiculously funny, we are laughing with them, not at them. Whether their addiction is to alcohol, gambling, overeating or sex, these characters are written beautifully, often nonchalantly accepting and mocking their past actions, but also providing sincere heartbreaking insights into the pain and damage addiction causes to them and their loved ones in amongst the belly laughs. Elliot Davis’s book complements Black and Young’s music and lyrics brilliantly – full of irresistible warmth and joy that makes moments of barbed cruelty hit even harder. The story arc is very clear (and perhaps a little predictable – but this is a show that NEEDS a happy ending) with the musical numbers moving the storyline along seamlessly. The songs are a wonderfully eclectic mix of power ballads, pop anthems and gloriously silly nonsense like The Cheese Song. Everybody will want to join in with the chorus of Wanker!

The incredible cast all have moments that will make your jaw drop. Christian Maynard is perfect as Kid Pop – OTT and arrogant in early scenes, and softening beautifully as he spends time at The Glade. Maiya Quansah-Breed is full of heart and grit as Lucy, caught between a rock and a hard place as Stone uses her in his schemes. Keith Allen hams it up hilariously as Stone and makes a sharp double act with Jodie Steele as his assistant. Steele doesn’t sing until the second act, but it is well worth the wait. Mica Paris’s commanding and powerful vocals raise the roof while Oscar Conlon-Morrey, John Barr and Rebecca Thornhill showcase their phenomenal comic timing as fellow addicts, stealing every scene they’re in.

Director Gary Lloyd makes clever use of the small stage area with Simon Kenny’s adaptable set ensuring scene transitions are as slick as possible. It would be wonderful to see what is possible in a larger theatre – I am sure this fantastic show has a bright future. Grab a ticket while you can.

Johnny Cash Roadshow Review

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 18th January 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

The incomparable Johnny Cash Roadshow rolls into town again, this time on the Sin & Redemption Tour.

This show has so many hits that it would take the entire word count just to list all the songs that blew me away! The opening medley of “Big River”, “Hey Porter” and “The Wreck Of The Old 97” leading into “Man In Black” should tell you everything you need to know.

Clive John is an exceptional Cash. Channelling his spirit without doing an impression of the great man, he effortlessly hits all the right notes (both vocally and on guitar). He also delights with his own compositions, which sit comfortably among Cash’s wondrous jewels. And in Meghan he has the perfect partner as her resemblance to June is uncanny. They have a lovely onstage chemistry too, making duets like “Jackson” shine.

Meghan gave the band a chance to shine during “Jukebox Blues” with Richard (electric guitar), Simon (keys and trumpet), Martin (bass) and Alex (drums) all regaling us with rousing solos that were both short and sweet, displaying their immense musicianship.

One of my favourite Cash songs is “One Piece At A Time”, a lesser known hit but one well worth seeking out for the uninitiated. A real pleasure to hear it tonight. This also testifies to the range of the show, taking us through all eras and genres that Cash traversed; the show is naturally blessed with a depth of quality and interest that few other artists catalogues can match!

The first half ended on a sweet note as Clive’s daughter Isla performed a solo dance to one of her father’s songs “In A Whisper”. Very confident and happy on stage in front of a pretty sizable crowd, she rapidly became a firm crowd favourite. A very proud moment I’m sure for her father.

The show is highly emotional throughout and the video wall at the back, showing footage of the original protagonists, heightened this effect. “I Still Miss Someone”, one of the most gorgeous songs ever written, shows the power of country music; encompassing the full panoply of human existence, our communal journey. A beautiful, faithful rendition of “Hurt”, the last song released in Cash’s lifetime, is always very moving and was the emotional apex of the evening – made even moreso by the fantastic “strings” added from the keyboard.

I have seen this show for the last two years and it never fails to surprise – tonight’s was during the song “Ghost Riders In The Sky” during which I found myself between two people singing “Holte Enders In the Sky”. It transpired I had Aston Villa fans to the left (Scatty) and the right (Michael); this song being one of their many terrace chants. It shows how deep Cash’s music is embedded in our lives and how it’s power can make strangers sudden friends.

A finale including (naturally) “Ring of Fire” brought the evening to a rousing end, left us wanting more and humming our favourite tune on the way out to the foyer to congratulate the band on yet another triumphant musical night from all concerned. I cannot recommend Johnny Cash Roadshow highly enough and can’t wait till their next visit.

TOHEEB JIMOH AND RICHARD COYLE JOIN IAN MCKELLEN IN ROBERT ICKE’S PRODUCTION OF PLAYER KINGS ADAPTED FROM SHAKESPEARE’S HENRY IV, PARTS 1 & 2

TOHEEB JIMOH AND RICHARD COYLE

JOIN IAN MCKELLEN IN

ROBERT ICKE’S PRODUCTION OF

PLAYER KINGS

ADAPTED FROM SHAKESPEARE’S HENRY IV, PARTS 1 & 2

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions today announce the full cast for Player Kings, adapted by Robert Icke from William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2.

Joining the previously announced Ian McKellen as Sir John Falstaff are Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso & Romeo and Juliet) as Hal and Richard Coyle (Ink & Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) as King Henry IV. Raphael Akuwudike (Prince John/Second Drawer), Sara Beharrell (Hotspur’s Servant/Snare/Davy), Samuel Edward-Cook (Hotspur/Pistol), Geoffrey Freshwater (Bardolph), James Garnon (Worcester/Silence), Alice Hayes (Messenger/Carrier), Henry Jenkinson (Harcourt), Nigel Lister (Northumberland/Francis) Annette McLaughlin (Warwick), Mark Monero (Peto), Hywel Morgan (Sir Walter Blunt), Joseph Mydell (Lord Chief Justice), Clare Perkins (Mistress Quickly), Daniel Rabin (Poins), David Semark (Vernon), David Shelley (Sheriff/Surrey), Robin Soans (Shallow), Tafline Steen (Tearsheet/Lady Percy) and Perry Williams (Page/Douglas/Thomas) complete the cast.

The production, directed by Icke, runs at the Noël Coward Theatre, 1 April – 22 June 2024, with previews at New Wimbledon Theatre, 1 March – 9 March 2024, and Manchester Opera House, 14 – 23 March 2024.

Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, No Guarantees and David & Hannah Mirvish present

PLAYER KINGS

Based on William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2

Adapted and Directed by Robert Icke

Set and Costume Designer: Hildegard Bechtler; Lighting Designer: Lee Curran; Sound Designer: Gareth Fry; Casting Director: Julia Horan CDG; Fight Director: Kev McCurdy; Associate Costume Designer; Johanna Coe; Hair and Make-up Designer: Susanna Peretz; Associate Directors: Jack Bradfield and Lizzie Manwaring

Ian McKellen – ‘one of the world’s greatest actors’ (Times) – plays Falstaff in a new version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, adapted by the award-winning writer and director Robert Icke. 

A divided country, leadership crumbling, corruption in the air. Welcome to England. 

Hal wasn’t born to be king. Only now, it seems, he will be. His father longs for him to leave behind his friends in the taverns of Eastcheap, most notably the infamous John Falstaff. War is on the horizon. But will Hal ever come good?

Bringing together Shakespeare’s two great history plays (Henry IV, parts 1 and 2), Player Kings will reign over London’s West End for twelve weeks only, playing at the Noël Coward Theatre from April 2024, with previews in Wimbledon and Manchester from 1 March.

Raphael Akuwudike plays Prince John/Second Drawer

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: Beautiful Thing (Theatre Royal Stratford East); Romeo & Juliet  (Almeida); Sons of the Prophet (Hampstead); First Touch (Nottingham Playhouse); The SeagullRageEnronThe Last OnesTwelfth Night and Yerma (Drama Centre London); The Jumper Factory (Young Vic).

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: Doctors.

TRAINING: Drama Centre London

Sara Beharrell playsHotspur’s Servant/Snare/Davy

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: Ladies Unleashed (Hull Truck); Honeymoon Suite (Royal Court); The Crucible (Birmingham Rep/UK Tour); Hay Fever (Theatre Clwyd); Goodnight Mr TomLittle WomenFrost Hollow Hall (all for East Riding).

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: BetterHe Knew He Was Right (BBC); London’s Burning (ITV).

TRAINING: Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Richard Coyle plays King Henry IV.

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: To Kill A Mockingbird (Gielgud); Ink (Almeida/Duke of York’s); Macbeth (Park Avenue Armory NYC); The Lover & The Collection (Harold Pinter); Don Carlos (Sheffield Theatres/Gielgud); After Miss JulieProofPolar Bears (Donmar Warehouse); Look Back in Anger (Theatre Royal Bath); The York Realist (Royal Court/Novello).

FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: Heads of StateFantastic Beasts: The Secrets of DumbledoreThe Food Guide to LovePusher; GrabbersW.E5 Days of WarPrince of Persia: The Sands of TimeFranklyn; A Good YearThe LibertineHappy NowTopsy TurvyHuman Traffic

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: The GatheringThen You RunSix FourChilling Adventures of SabrinaHard SunBorn To KillThe FallThe CollectionA.D. The Bible ContinuesCrossbonesLife of CrimeCovert AffairsGoing PostalWhistleblowersThe History of Mr. PollyCrackerThe Best ManGunpowder Treason and PlotStrangeCouplingOthelloSword of HonourLorna DooneUp RisingWives and DaughtersMacbeth.

Samuel Edward-Cook plays Hotspur/Pistol

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: Queen MargaretPersuasion (Manchester Royal Exchange); Antigone (Barbican/International Tour); Pitcairn (Chichester Festival/ Shakespeare’s Globe); Titus Andronicus (Shakespeare’s Globe); Our Big Land (Ovalhouse/UK Tour); King Lear (Theatre Royal Bath); Glory Dazed (Soho/Edinburgh Fringe/Adelaide Fringe); Boys (High Tide/Headlong/Soho).

FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: William Tell (Dir Nick Hamm); Between the Lights (Dir Michael Groom); Switch (Dir Aneil Karia).

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: The ListenersThe Gallows PoleSilent WitnessCasualtyBetterLand Girls (all for BBC); PureFull Moon (Channel 4); EmmerdaleInnocentBeowulf (ITV); Brief Encounters (ITV/CPL); Peaky Blinders (BBC/Tiger Aspects).

TRAINING: RADA

Geoffrey Freshwater plays Bardolph

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: AlbionFilumena (Almeida); Paradise (Hampstead); The Importance of Being Earnest (Classic Spring/Vaudeville); Ink (Almeida/Duke of York’s); Love’s SacrificeVolponeJew of MaltaThe Witch of EdmontonArden of FavershamThe Roaring GirlAs You Like ItAmerican TradeAntony and CleopatraKing LearThe Grain StoreAs You Like ItHenry IV Part IIHenry IV Part IHenry VHenry VI Part IIHenry VI Part IRichard IIIA New Way to Please YouSejanus: His FallSpeaking Like MagpiesThomas MoreEastward Ho!The MalcontentJubileeKing JohnThe Slight WitchThe Winter’s TaleThe Real Inspector HoundCyrano de Bergerac, and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (all for the RSC); Noises Off (Old Vic UK Tour); Old Money (Hampstead); The Tempest (Theatre Royal Bath); Crackers (Belgrave Coventry); Alchemy in the UK (Nuffield Southampton); The Taming of the Shrew (Plymouth Theatre Royal/Thelma Holt); The Alchemist (National Theatre); Toad of Toad Hall (Birmingham Repertory).

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: EastEndersWillDoctorsLaw & OrderThe BillThe Government InspectorDavid KellyFoyle’s War II and IIIMidsomer MurdersThe CommanderTrial and Retribution VIIPoirot.

FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: The ProgramInvisible WomanSabotageThe Leading ManA Bridge Too Far.

RADIO CREDITS INCLUDE: Ambridge ExtraThe ArchersTop StoryFriends of Oscar and Patricia’s Progress.

James Garnon plays Worcester/Silence

WEST END CREDITS INCLUDE: Queen Anne (RSC); Twelfth Night and Richard III (Shakespeare’s Globe).

OTHER THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: The 47thThe American ClockMuch Ado About Nothing (Old Vic); As You Like ItHamletThe Winter’s TalePericles‘Tis Pity She’s A WhoreDr Scroggy’s WarThe Duchess of MalfiThe TempestGabrielAll’s Well That Ends WellAnne BoleynMacbethA New World: The Life of Tom PaineThe StormRomeo and JulietDido Queen of Carthage (Shakespeare’s Globe); The Tragedy of Thomas HobbesMerchant of VeniceA Midsummer Night’s DreamTaming of the ShrewThe TempestThe Winter’s TalePericles (RSC); Richard III (Almeida); The White FeatherDmitry (Marylebone); King Lear (West Yorkshire Playhouse); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Royal Festival Hall/USA); HamletThe Barber of Seville (Bristol Old Vic).

FILM AND TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: Lethal WhiteLes MisérablesThe CrownGenius: PicassoThe Real AmericanAnonymousFoyle’s War.

TRAINING: RADA; Edinburgh University

James is an Associate Artist at Shakespeare’s Globe and a member of their Higher Education faculty. He also teaches opera singers as a Masterclass Leader for Samling Institute for Young Artists and the Verbier Festival Academy.

Alice Hayes plays Messenger/Carrier

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: The Pop Star (The Lowry).
CREDITS WHILST TRAINING: Twelfth Night (also Musical Director); GodspellOnce In A LifetimeThe 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

WORKSHOPS INCLUDE: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
TRAINING: Guildford School of Acting

Alice is absolutely thrilled to be making her West End debut in Player Kings.

Henry Jenkinson playsHarcourt

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: Into the Woods (Theatre Royal Bath); Last Days (Royal Opera House); Measure for MeasureNative Son (Duke on 42nd Street); Bad News (Skirball).

TRAINING: Juilliard

Toheeb Jimoh plays Hal

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: Romeo and JulietNine Lessons and Carols (Almeida); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Sheffield Crucible). 

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: Ted LassoThe PowerAnthonyThe FeedLondon Kills

FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: The French Dispatch.

TRAINING: Guildhall School of Music & Drama 

Nigel Lister plays Northumberland/Francis

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: To Kill A Mockingbird (Gielgud); Our Man in Havana (The Watermill); The Wizard of Oz (Pitlochry Festival); Partners in Crime (Queen’s, Hornchurch); Footloose the Musical (UK Tour); Dick Whittington (Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds); The Secret Adversary (The Watermill); Much Ado About Nothing (Hague International Shakespeare Festival); The Comedy of Errors (Stafford Shakespeare Festival); Sex and Docks and Rock ‘n’ Roll (Red Ladder); The Taming of the ShrewMacbethThe Merry Wives of WindsorThe Importance of Being Earnest (all Oxford Shakespeare Company).

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: Coronation StreetIt’s A SinThe CrownEastEndersWPC 56DoctorsThe BillSteel River BluesMurder Investigation TeamDream TeamFootballers Wives.

FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: The King’s Man.

TRAINING: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School

Ian McKellen plays SirJohn Falstaff

He first acted at Bolton School (as Prince Hal) and with amateur groups in the north of England, where he was born and brought up. He studied English at Cambridge University, playing Justice Shallow in John Barton’s undergraduate production of Henry 4th part 2 (1961).

For over 60 years, he has worked non-stop in the British theatre. He has been leading man and produced plays, modern and classic, for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre of Great Britain and in the West End of London, winning six Olivier Awards, amongst 60 other international accolades.

He was in the first production of Martin Sherman’s sensational Bent (1979) and in world premières by Alexei Arbuzov, John Arden, Alan Ayckbourn, Michael Frayn,  Sean Mathias, Iris Murdoch, Mark Ravenhill, James Saunders, Peter Shaffer, Tom Stoppard, Peter Ustinov, Arnold Wesker and recently Ben Wetherill (Frank and Percy). Of late, he has also starred in Waiting for Godot and No Man’s Land (with Patrick Stewart) and as Mother Goose in Jonathan Harvey’s pantomime in London and throughout the UK. As Salieri in Amadeus (1981), he won every available award on Broadway.

In Shakespeare he has triumphed  as Richard II, Romeo (with Francesca Annis), Macbeth (with Judi Dench), Toby Belch, Coriolanus, Iago, Prospero, Richard III (also on film) and most recently as King Lear (twice) and as an 80-year old Hamlet in Sean Mathias’ 2024 film. For over a decade, he toured his one-man show, Acting Shakespeare, at home and abroad, still available on video.

McKellen is recognised worldwide as Magneto in the X-Men movies and as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. He received his first Academy Award® nomination, for Best Actor, in 1998, as the gay film director James Whale, in Bill Condon’s classic Gods and Monsters. He has also starred in The KeepPriest of Love, Apt Pupil, And the Band Played On, Jack and Sarah, Six Degrees of Separation, The Da Vinci CodeMr HolmesBeauty and the BeastAll is TrueThe Good Liar and this year, in Patrick Marber’s The Critic.

McKellen’s varied television work stretches from Scarlet Pimpernel to The Simpsons; from Rasputin (Golden Globe Award)  to Coronation Street; from Edward 11 to Saturday  Night Live; from Extras with Ricky Gervais to Vicious with Derek Jacobi and The Dresser with Anthony Hopkins. On the first-ever Film On Four, he was Stephen Frears’ Walter (Royal Television Society Award).

In 2019 McKellen became the first actor to top The Stage 100 list of most influential people in British theatre, following his triumphant solo UK Tour and West End run of Ian McKellen on Stage which raised over £5 million to support over 80 regional theatres.

Sir Ian was knighted in 1991. He was a co-founder of Stonewall UK, which lobbies for legal and social equality for gay people. In 2008,  he was appointed Companion of Honour, “for services to drama and to equality’.

Annette McLaughlin plays Warwick

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: The Box of DelightsVolponeLove’s SacrificeThe Jew of MaltaMeasure for MeasureWritten on the HeartHeresy of LoveMatilda (all for RSC); 42nd Street (Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris); Scandaltown (Lyric Hammersmith); Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace); PinocchioLove’s Labour’s Lost (National); Twelfth Night (Shakespeare’s Globe); Billy Elliot (UK Tour); Our TownThe OdysseyLysistrata (Almeida); Apocalypse Meow: Crisis is Born (Southbank Centre); Dick Whittington (Hackney Empire); Brief Encounter (UK, US and Australian Tour/St Ann’s Warehouse Brooklyn/Studio 54 on Broadway); She Loves MeHow to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying5/11 (Chichester Festival); Chicago The Musical (Adelphi/Cambridge); Anything Goes (National/Drury Lane); Noises Off (Birmingham Rep); Lenny (Queens); Damn Yankees (Adelphi); Beauty and the Beast (Dominion); Crazy for You (Prince Edward); Romeo and JulietA Midsummer Night’s DreamHenry IV Part 1High Society (Regent’s Park Open Air); Singin’ in the Rain (National/West Yorkshire Playhouse); The Women (Old Vic); The Vagina Monologues (UK Tour); Tomorrow Morning (New End, Hampstead ); Imagine This (Theatre Royal Plymouth); Into the Woods (Derby Playhouse); Handmaidens of DeathWhat the Women Did (Southwark Playhouse); Dreams From a Summerhouse (Newbury Watermill Theatre); Horse and Carriage, and Stepping Out (West Yorkshire Playhouse); Godspell (Haymarket Theatre Basingstoke); BBC Proms – Sondheim at 80, Trevor Nunn – A Celebration (Royal Albert Hall), and the Opening of the Welsh Millenium Centre in Cardiff.
TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: Silent WitnessHolby CityGrantchesterHeartbeatThe Frank Skinner ShowLaw & Order UK.

TRAINING: London Studio Centre and Meisner Technique with Scott Williams at Impulse Theatre Company

Mark Monero plays Peto

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: Is God Is (Royal Court); The Healing (Omnibus); Antigone (Pilot/Theatre Royal, Stratford East); Idomeneus (Gate); One Man, Two Guvnors (National); The Wheel (NTS); Angelhouse (Eclipse/UK Tour); Measure for Measure (Almeida); Pure GoldAnimal (UK Tour), The Christ of Cold Harbour Lane (Soho); Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads (Pilot/UK Tour); The Country Wife (Watford Palace); A Taste of Honey (Liverpool Playhouse); Abyssinia (Southwark Playhouse); Adrenalin Heart (Bush); Local Boy (Hampstead); Talking About Men (Green Room, Manchester/Ovalhouse); Pepper Soup (Lyric, Hammersmith); Cinderella (Oxford Playhouse).

FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: Good Boy (short); Members ClubPretty Red DressIn the EarthVillainHappy New YearColin BursteadFree FireWild BillSomers TownSid & Nancy.

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: Generation ZThe TowerBetterKing GaryCoronation StreetSuspectsComing UpDark MattersCasualtyDoctor WhoThe BillSkinsTrial & RetributionDoctorsMurphy’s LawWaking the DeadGimme, Gimme, GimmeThe BillEastEndersThe FirmYoungGifted & BrokeKing & Castle.

Hywel Morgan plays Sir Walter Blunt

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: Home, I’m Darling (National); ImperiumQueen AnneThe AlchemistLove For Love (RSC); This May Hurt a Bit (Out of Joint); A Walk on Part: The Fall of New Labour (Live Theatre); War & PeaceMill on the Floss (Shared Experience); The Importance Of Being EarnestTo Reach the CloudsFeelgoodBecause It’s ThereA Midsummer Night’s Dream (Nottingham Playhouse).

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: 3 Body ProblemSomewhere BoyWolfGentleman JackMeet The RichardsonsSlow HorsesPennyworthHinterlandSkinsThe End of The F*cking World.

FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: BorderlandPage EightW.E.Making a Killing.

Joseph Mydell plays Lord Chief Justice

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: The VisitEvening At The TalkhouseThe Comedy Of ErrorsEdmondAlice’s Adventures UndergroundLyrics Of The HearthsideAngels In America – Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor (all for the National); Death of a Salesman (Piccadilly/Young Vic); The Tragedy of King Richard the SecondRichard III (Almeida), HamletPericlesThe Winter’s TaleTwelfth Night/Prisoner’s DilemmaEverymanThe MysteriesThey Shoot HorsesDon’t They?The Two Noble KinsmanFlightWorlds ApartMacbeth (all for RSC); Mother ChristmasAnna In The TropicsTobacco Land (Hampstead); The Tempest (RSC/Barbican); The Crucible (West Yorkshire Playhouse); A Season In The Congo and Elektra (Young Vic); Julius Caesar (RSC-Stratford/Noël Coward, BAM-New York/Moscow); HamletAs You Like ItThe SeagullThe Government Inspector (Sheffield Crucible); Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (Novello); The Tempest (Regents Park); The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui (Lyric Hammersmith); King Lear (Shakespeare’s Globe); Breakfast With Mugabe (RSC/Duchess); The Last Confession (Chichester Festival/Haymarket); The Treatment and Four (Royal Court).
TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: VarsityThe CastawaysDinner With ParentsThe ReckoningBrassicJack RyanAlex RiderMrs WilsonMidsomer MurdersHomelandThe MissingJulius CaesarDeath In ParadiseBorn With Two MothersTrial And RetributionThe Care Of TimeMiss MarpleBergeracScarlettSpace PrecinctChancerThe Gravy TrainA Quiet ConspiracyBoon.
FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: ConclaveThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold FryThe SonThe Eternal DaughterSeven And MeWoman In GoldTonight You’re MineYou InsteadMammothMaderlayThe March On EuropeColumbite TantalitePerfect.
TRAINING: New York University, School of the Arts (MFA)

Clare Perkins plays Mistress Quickly

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: The Wife Of Wilsden (Kiln/BAM); Sweat (Donmar Warehouse); Emilia (Shakespeare’s Globe/Vaudeville); Mrs Dalloway (Arcola); The Immigrant (Hoxton Hall), Genesis Inc (Hampstead); Daisy Pulls It Off (Park); Three Mothers (Waterloo East); MulesPrimetime (Royal Court); Little RevolutionThe Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time (National/UK Tour); The House That Will Not Stand (Tricycle); Welcome To Thebes (National).

FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: EmbersLove Without WallsMedusa DeluxeCensorKaleidoscopeDeadmeatBullet BoyThe Football FactorySecrets and LiesLadybird, Ladybird.

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: BodiesSiloThe Outlaws (1,2 & 3)The Wheel Of TimeThe CrownYoung WallwenderFlackProfessor TDamnedRunEastEnders.

RADIO CREDITS INCLUDE: Currently plays Denise in The ArchersSmall IslandThe UnwelcomeTommiesCarnivalWestwayThe Zone.
TRAINING: Rose Bruford College

Daniel Rabin plays Poins

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: The Doctor (Almeida/Duke of York’s/New York/UK Tour); King Lear (Duke of York’s); Mary Stuart (Almeida/Duke of York’s); Hamlet (Almeida); 1984 (Playhouse); PericlesThe Winter’s TaleKing JohnTis Pity She’s a WhoreAnthony and CleopatraHoly Warriors (all Shakespeare’s Globe); Oedipus (Nottingham Playhouse/Spoleto Festival); Ignorance (Hampstead); Blue Remembered Hills (Chichester); The Bomb (Tricycle); The Great Game (Tricycle/US Tour/Pentagon performances), Sixty Six Books (Bush); The Fever Chart (Trafalgar Studios/Theatre Royal York); Enemy of the People (Arcola); All Quiet on the Western FrontChicken Soup with Barley (Nottingham Playhouse); Shoreditch MadonnaDiamondJerusalem Syndrome (Soho); The Last Sortie (New End/Hampstead), Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo (Lyric Hammersmith).

FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: Lilac’s LaughterMind The GapTwo’s CompanyThe Penalty KingBury ItSusie Gold.

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: The RoyalsGame of ThronesDoctorsAmbassadorsOur MenHolby CityMurder On the HomefrontSpooksHenry – Mind of a TyrantThe BillCasualtyThe Roman MysteriesEastEndersMoney Can’t Buy You Love.

David Semark plays Vernon

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: The Mousetrap (St. Martin’s); An Ideal Husband (Theatre Clwyd); The Real Inspector HoundBlack Comedy (The Northcott, Exeter); Richard III (RSC Tour/Savoy); Bouncers (Hull Truck at the Whitehall); Woyzeck (Gate); UnearthedThe GiftLarksongBeowulf (New Victoria); Crossing the Line (Tour for Operating Theatre).

FILM & TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: HustleLaw and Order UKDoctorsThe War On DrugsGuiltologyThe BillTalk (for Winkle Films); Soldier SoldierArmadilloEastEndersEmmerdaleWhatever You WantLondon’s BurningDown To EarthCasualtyHolby CityThe Booze Cruise II: The Treasure Hunt.

TRAINING: RADA

David Shelley plays Sheriff/Shelley

Theatre includes: Witness For The Prosecution (County Hall); Love On The Links (Salisbury Playhouse); Mother Courage (Southwark Playhouse); King John (Rose, Kingston); Noises Off (Mercury, Colchester); Variation On A Theme, Windows (Finborough); Betrayal (Gala, Durham); Happiness (King’s Head); Cider With Rosie (New Vic Staffs/Stephen Joseph, Scarborough); Hobson’s Choice (York Theatre Royal); Three Steps To Heaven (Palace, Watford); As You Like ItAnthony and Cleopatra (English Shakespeare Company); Romeo and JulietJulius Caesar (RSC). 
TV CREDITS INCLUDE:  Before We Die; Code 404; Dark Heart; Arthur and George; The White Queen; The Politicians Husband; EastEnders; Hollyoaks; Doctors; Holby City; Casualty; Ultraviolet; Red Cap; Rough Treatment; Bramwell.
FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: Fast Girls

TRAINING: LAMDA

Robin Soans plays Shallow

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: As You Like It (2023), As You Like It (2012), Hamlet (RSC); We Started To SingPalace of The EndPieces of Vincent (Arcola); Uncle VanyaThe Stock Da’waThe Positive HourVolpone (Hampstead); Echo’s End (Salisbury Playhouse); Visitors (Bush/National Tour); Someone Who’ll Watch Over MeThe Belle’s StratagemThe Rivals (Southwark Playhouse); 66 Books – CapernaumContingency Plan (Bush); CoriolanusUnder The Black Flag (The Globe); On EgoJump Mr Malinoff Jump (Soho); The Holy Terror (Duke of York’s); Anything GoesLove’s Labour’s LostA Prayer for Owen MeanyThe Invention of LoveThe London Cuckolds (National); Push Up (Royal Court); Another Country (Arts); Ghosts (The Comedy); Hamlet (Theatre Royal Plymouth/Young Vic/Tokyo); Moonshine (Theatre Royal Plymouth/Hampstead); Dead Funny (Watford Palace).

FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: NapoleonThe Princess SwitchThe Princess Switch: Switched AgainThe Princess Switch 3Red JoanVictoria and AbdulViceroy’s HousePierrepoint: The Last HangmanThe QueenAKASabotage!Blue JuiceClockwork MiceHidden CityComradesAbsolution.

TELEVISION CREDITS INCLUDE: DalglieshVictoria (Series 1&2)Doctor WhoDoctorsEndeavourSilkCasualtyMidsomer MurdersMiss MarpleNot Only But AlwaysDalziell and PascoeThe Russian BrideDangerfieldKavanagh QC.

Tafline Steen plays Tearsheet/Lady Percy

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: Egyptians (Gulbenkian, Canterbury); Appropriate (Donmar); Pride and Prejudice (Regent’s Park Open Air/UK Tour); King Charles III (Almeida/Wyndham’s/Music Box-Broadway); Play On (Almeida); The Possibilities (Tron); King Lear (Citizens); Men (The Arches); TartuffeTwelfth NightA Midsummer Night’s DreamA Lie Of The MindThree Sisters (Whilst Training at RCS).

TV CREDITS INCLUDE: SandmanMiss Scarlett & The DukeFather BrownCasualtyThe AthenaObsession: Dark Desires.

TRAINING: Royal Conservatoire Of Scotland

Perry Williams plays Page/Douglas/Thomas

THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: Maud (The Vaults).

FILM CREDITS INCLUDE: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Sony Pictures).

TRAINING: RADA

Robert Icke is an award-winning writer and director, working in theatre and on screen.

His recent productions include JudasChildren of Nora, and Oedipus at International Theater Amsterdam, where until 2023 he was Ibsen Artist in Residence. His adaptation of Animal Farm played an extensive national tour in 2022 and is slated for a London transfer. His monologue condensation of Enemy of the People starred Ann Dowd at Park Avenue Armory and was one of the first new pieces of theatre to play in New York post the shutdown.

In six years at the Almeida, five of his productions transferred to the West End, and four to New York. These included his adaptations of The Wild DuckMary Stuart (also West End and National tour), Uncle VanyaOresteia (also West End; Schauspiel Stuttgart; Park Avenue Armory), and 1984 (co-created with Duncan Macmillan, also Broadway; West End; national and international tours). As a director, his productions included Hamlet (also West End; Park Avenue Armory; and broadcast on BBC2); The Fever and Mr Burns. His final production at the Almeida was The Doctor, which played last summer at Park Avenue Armory, in the West End in 2022, and remains in repertoire at both the Burgtheater in Vienna and Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, as well as in numerous new productions across the globe.

His awards include two Evening Standard ‘Best Director’ Awards; the Critics’ Circle Award, the Kurt Hübner Award (for his debut production in Germany); and the Olivier Award for ‘Best Director’, of which he was the youngest ever winner. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

www.playerkingstheplay.co.uk

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LISTINGS

PLAYER KINGS

Box Office: www.playerkingstheplay.co.uk

New Wimbledon Theatre

1 March – 9 March 2024

Manchester Opera House

14 – 23 March 2024

Noël Coward Theatre

1 April – 22 June 2024