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Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 14 January 2024

Reviewed by Gemma Gibson

5*****

Combine an important tale with catchy songs, lots of laughs and drag queens, and you’ve got the perfect musical – and that’s Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. 

In the small city of Sheffield everyone knows Jamie New is special. And he has a big secret to tell – he wants to be a drag queen. As Year 11 comes to a close, he wants to wear a dress to prom. 

Based on true events Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a story for today, exploring how to be your authentic, perfect self with both support and hardship along the way. 

I saw the musical for the first time when it came to Southampton Mayflower a couple of years ago, with legendary Layton Williams leading the show, so I was really excited to watch it again with a completely new cast and feel.

Ivano Turco is the latest Jamie New, and he is a star. With a velvety voice, flawless dance moves and hilarious one-liners, he straight away brought his own flair and energy to the show. I spent a lot of the time admiring (and jealous!) how he moved in those famous red stilettos too.

The entire cast is perfection. I recognised a few names on the bill so I was already expecting a good show and it didn’t disappoint. The characters are already so well written, it was great watching the actors put their stamp on it. 

Drag Queen legend Loco Chanelle (played by John Partidge) and iconic trio Laika Virgin, Sandra Bollock and Tray Sophisticay (Anthony Gyde, Garry Lee and David Mcnair) steal the show with their life lessons wrapped in sparkle. They wear flamboyant costumes with the fierce drag queen attitude to match. The Legend of Loco Chanelle (and the Blood Red Dress) is a personal scene favourite. 

Jamie’s loving mother Margaret, played by Rebecca McKinnis, received one of the biggest rounds of applause on opening night, leaving the audience wet-eyed and wanting more after her powerful ballad He’s My Boy. Ray, Margaret’s best friend, is a hilarious addition to the show, played expertly by Shobna Gulati. 

Everybody’s Talking about Jamie is brilliant for its upbeat and emotionally charged song catalogue, fun dance scenes and constantly changing set. It is also brilliant for bringing very modern challenges of identity and ‘being different’ to the stage, as well as dating and friendship. 

Dealing with obstacles like realist teacher Miss Hedge and school bully Dean (Giovanna Fletcher and Jordan Ricketts), makes this story eye-opening and relatable for young people. Watching Jamie conquer his demons and step into the spotlight, complete with a high heel, is an inspiration. 

On opening night at Southampton Mayflower Everybody’s Talking About Jamie received a well-deserved standing ovation. This is a musical that will make you laugh, cry and root for the superstar that is Jamie New. 

HAMPSTEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES EXTENDED RUN OF JONATHAN SPECTOR’S THIS MUCH I KNOW

Due to popular demand, Jonathan Spector’s This Much I Know has been extended to Saturday 3 February 2024. 

Following praise from critics and audiences alike an additional 8 performances are now on sale at Hampstead Theatre. 

Jonathan Spector’s ‘fascinating’ (Evening Standard) This Much I Know, ‘cleverly directed’ (The Guardian) by Chelsea Walker, had its European premiere at Hampstead Downstairs in December 2023. It features ‘compelling performances’ (London Theatre 1) from Oscar Adams, Esh Alladi and Natalie Klamar), ‘who juggle roles with mesmerising dexterity’ (The Times).

Jonathan Spector’s play is an epic odyssey following a woman’s journey through Russia in search of answers about herself, her family – and even Josef Stalin. Spector’s other plays include Eureka Day (Old Vic) and This Much I Know is his most recent play which has already won the 2023 Glickman Award and Bay Area Theater Critics Circle Award for Best New Play.

Tickets for this ‘exhilarating’ (The Times) and ‘invigorating’ (The Guardian) production are on sale at hampsteadtheatre.com. Box Office: 020 7722 9301.

Also currently playing the Main Stage at Hampstead Theatre is the hugely popular Tom Stoppard’s Rock ‘n’ Roll. Following rave reviews limited tickets are available until 27 January.

Sunderland Empire – until 13th January 2024

Reviewed by Alex Sykes

5*****

There are few occasions in life where you can go out in a maids outfit and be one of the most normally dressed people in the venue but when seeing Rocky Horror Show it seems almost compulsory, as more people were dressed up than were not, even on a cold Monday night in January.

The opening number, Science Fiction/Double Feature is sung by Suzie McAdam, in her role as the Usherette, and the audience sang along, although a little hesitant at first. McAdam also deserves a mention for how quickly she managed to get changed at the end of the show from the Usherette outfit back into the Magenta outfit. Joe McFadden is brilliant in his role as the narrator as he receives the most heckles from from the audience but responds to them brilliantly, whether or not these replies are scripted remains unknown but the timings and the responses are spot on, especially when McFadden says that being the narrator is a career highlight, unlike when he was in Heartbeat and it took him a year to learn to ride the police motorbike.

Sweet and innocent Brad and Janet are played by Richard Meek and Haley Flaherty who have amazing on stage chemistry. The pair also take the heckles well, although at times you could tell the pair were trying not to laugh, especially during the scene with the cocktail shaker. Joe Allen brings both Eddie and Dr. Scott to life and performs both parts well. Ben Westhead is wonderful in his role of Rocky and Darcy Finden tap dances her way into the role of Columbia, although the role should be bigger as her talents are not used as well as they should be. Stars of the show though are Stephen Webb and Kristian Lavercombe who play Frank N. Furter and Riff Raff respectively. The pair have a brilliant connection and use each other to work out how to play the scene, and Lavercombe has racked up over 2000 performances as Riff Raff, more than any other actor in the role

All in all a brilliant night out which would make Richard O’Brien proud and will make fans of the Rocky Horror Show keep coming back to do the Time Warp again and again.

FULL CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR

WORLD PREMIERE OF THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS

A ROSE THEATRE & CHILDREN’S THEATRE PARTNERSHIP PRODUCTION
OPENS IN KINGSTON UPON THAMES THEN TOURS

Rose Theatre and Children’s Theatre Partnership today announce full casting and further creative team for the world premiere stage adaptation of the multi award-winning and best-selling children’s book The Boy at the Back of the Class, based on the novel by Onjali Q. Raúf, adapted by Nick Ahad and directed by Monique Touko. The Boy at the Back of the Classopens at the Rose on 3 February, playing until 22 February with Press Night on 8 February, and then tours until June.

The full cast includes Priya Davdra (Mrs Khan / Mum), Sasha Desouza Willock (Alexa), Megan Grech (Ensemble/Understudy), Abdul-Malik Janneh (Michael), Petra Joan-Athene (Josie), Joe McNamara (Brendan), Gordon Millar (Tom), Farshid Rokey (Ahmet), Adam Seridji (Ensemble/Understudy) and Zoe Zak (Clarissa).

The creative team includes Monique Touko (Director), Lily Arnold (Set & Costume Designer), Ryan Day (Lighting Designer), Giles Thomas (Composer & Sound Designer), Kloé Dean (Movement Director), Sophie Parrott CDG (Casting Director), Maisie Carter (Fight Director)and Amy Crighton (Assistant Director).

The Boy at the Back of the Class is a timely, humorous and heart-warming story about the power of kindness, engaging children and their families in discussions around refugee rights. Rose Theatre is proud to be collaborating with Children’s Touring Partnership to bring this story to the stage and partnering with a local charity, Refugee Action Kingston, to raise awareness about and funds to support refugees in our community throughout this production.

Christopher Haydon, Artistic Director of Rose Theatre said: “I am beyond thrilled to be bringing Onjali Q Raúf’s remarkable story to the stage. I love its warmth and the way it combines an exciting adventure with such piercing emotional honesty about the plight facing refugees today. I’ve always felt passionately about the need to support refugees and advocate for their rights, and it is vital, for me, that all our work at the Rose has the values of inclusion and tolerance at heart.”

Bassam Mahfouz, Executive Director of Refugee Action Kingston said: “I arrived in west London as a four-year old boy from war-torn Beirut. I was fortunate my journey here didn’t mimic Ahmet’s, but in many ways I saw parallels in his story ⁠— I once was the boy at the back of the class, who received so much love and support from many in my school and local community. But, I also experienced hatred, intolerance, and ignorance.  My experiences gave me the determination to create opportunities for others – that is what we do daily at Refugee Action Kingston.”

Hedda Beeby, of Children’s Touring Partnership said: “If there is no theatre for younger audiences, there will be no theatre at all in years to come and it is vital to offer the opportunity to experience live performance from an early age. We are delighted to be working with the Rose Theatre to tell this life-affirming story. It’s about young people for young people.”

There used to be an empty chair at the back of the class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets – not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!

After learning that he has fled his own war-torn country, Ahmet’s classmates have ‘The Greatest Idea in the World’ – a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family. An unexpected and often hilarious adventure follows, all topped off with a terrific twist.

Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.

Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2019

Winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019

‘A lovely, warm-hearted celebration of courage and friendship.’ – Guardian

‘This is a beautiful, open-hearted debut that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.’ – Book Trust

Age Guidance: 7+

Cast announced for new production of Little Shop of Horrors coming to theatres this spring 

Co-production from Octagon Theatre Bolton, New Wolsey Theatre, Theatre by the Lake and Hull Truck Theatre 

The cult classic rock ‘n’ roll musical Little Shop of Horrors is returning to UK theatres with a brand-new co-production for spring 2024. 

Co-producers Octagon Theatre Bolton, New Wolsey Theatre, Theatre by the Lake and Hull Truck Theatre have today announced the cast for Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s monster musical, which will be directed by the Octagon’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham. 

The co-production will open at New Wolsey Theatre from Fri 1 – Sat 23 March 2024 before visiting Theatre by the Lake from Wed 27 March – Sat 20 April, Octagon Theatre Bolton from Wed 24 April – Sat 18 May 2024 and Hull Truck Theatre from Wed 22 May – Sat 8 June 2024. 

A stellar company of 9 actors including several talented actor-musicians make up the cast for this devilishly delicious sci-fi smash-hit musical. 

Laura Jane Matthewson (Romantics Anonymous, Wise Children, Bristol Old Vic and US tour, winner of Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Emerging Talent for Dogfight, Southwark Playhouse)and Oliver Mawdsley (Boys from the Blackstuff, Stockroom and Liverpool Royal Court, The Comedy of Errors (More or Less), Stephen Joseph Theatre and Shakespeare North Playhouse) will play Audrey and Seymour respectively.  

The man-eating plant, Audrey II, will be voiced by 2015 X Factor finalist and West End regular Anton Stephans (Tarrantino Live, Riverside Studios, Fishermans Friends, UK tour). 

Completing the cast is Matthew Ganley (One Man, Two Guvnors, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Theatre by the Lake, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Oliver Twist, Storyhouse Chester) as Orin; Matthew Heywood (The Book Thief, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Zorro, Charing Cross Theatre) as Derelict; Janna May (The Museum of Marvellous Things, Practically Perfect Productions, Dick Whittington and his Cat, New Wolsey Theatre) as Chiffon; Zweyla Mitchell Dos Santos (The Hypochondriac, Sheffield Crucible, Alice in Wonderland, Liverpool Everyman and Theatre Royal Playhouse) as Crystal; Chardai Shaw (Protest, Poetry, Peace and Song, Peripeteia Theatre, The Little Mermaid, Altrincham Garrick Playhouse) as Ronnette; and Andrew Whitehead (A Christmas Carol, Hull Truck Theatre, The Book Thief, Octagon Theatre Bolton) as Mr Mushnik. 

Little Shop of Horrors director, Lotte Wakeham commented: “I am so excited to be bringing Little Shop of Horrors to audiences later this year. We have been wanting to stage this production at the Octagon for a number of years now, and jumped at the chance when the rights became available. It has such an iconic score with memorable and brilliantly feel-good songs, and to stage the show with a company of immensely talented actor-musicians performing all the music live on stage will sound absolutely incredible. It is fantastic to be partnering with 3 other wonderful regional producing theatres to ensure even more people across the country get to enjoy this classic cult musical.” 

Downtown on Skid Row, weedy flower shop assistant Seymour is down on his luck until he stumbles across a mysterious new plant with killer potential. Fame and fortune follow but will this win the attention of the girl of his dreams, or will the insatiable appetite of his carnivorous plant get out of control? 

Feed the need for musical hilarity with this mean green monster hit musical that has devoured the hearts of audiences around the globe. Filled with incredible rock ‘n’ roll music, be prepared to laugh and scream – and never look at a plant the same way again! 

The full creative team includes: TK Hay (set and costume designer); Nic Farman (lighting designer); James Cook (sound designer); Gabrielle Ball (musical director); Sundeep Sani (movement director); George Strickland (musical supervisor); Michael Fowkes (puppet director and designer); Su Newell (costume supervisor); Ania Levy (assistant designer); Anna Pool (associate director); Jack Clearwater (assistant director). 

Tickets are on-sale now. 

Selected accessible performances are available including Audio Described, Captioned, BSL Interpreted and Relaxed/Dementia-friendly. Check individual venue website for full information and dates. 

Find out more and book tickets by visiting the venue website or calling the box office: 

Octagon Theatre Bolton 

01204 520661 

octagonbolton.co.uk 

New Wolsey Theatre 

01473 295900 

wolseytheatre.co.uk 

Theatre by the Lake 

01768 774411 

theatrebythelake.com 

Hull Truck Theatre 

01482 323638 

hulltruck.co.uk

Nottingham Royal Concert Hall – until Saturday 13th January 2024

Reviewed by Jill Heslop

5*****

A standing ovation hailed this outstanding production of the iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall last night.

Directed by Timothy Sheader, this is a powerful theatrical experience with strong set design, dramatic lighting and excellent live music; with a 70s heavy metal feel mixed up with funky tones and sweeping choral harmonies. The set design by Tom Scutt, has a dark, heavy feel with hints of over-hanging olive branches and ladders up to heaven or infinity. Clever use of spotlights makes the lighting by Michael Seaman effective with subtle use of light and shadow.

The voices are the most impressive feature. Jesus played by Ian McIntosh is literally a superstar, with an impressive vocal range which wows the audience. The challenging role of Judas is played admirably by Shem Omari James and the difficult relationship between the two is convincingly played out. The presence of the live electric guitars played by Felix Strickland and Ryan Webber in the elevated balconies of the stage set, add to the feeling that we are at a ‘gig’ or rock festival. Hand held microphones and trailing wires add to this effect with the hanging microphone wires symbolic of Judas’s later fate hinted at.

There was a moving rendition of ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ by Hannah Richardson playing Mary Magdalene with her beautiful voice. The 39 lashes scene was very effective with a creative, well-choreographed interpretation of a disturbing situation in time to musical effects. The costumes of grungy leisurewear are transformed into cloak-wearing disciples, morphing later into a robe-wearing mob baying for the blood of Christ. The range of harmonies of this chorus was impressive, coupled with their constant, energetic movements and dancing. Herod, this time played exuberantly by Tamo Tadzber, makes a glamorous, camp appearance, lifting the mood of the second half briefly before the inevitable shocking sacrifice.

It was 1971 when this rock opera was first staged and it is heartening to see it brought to a whole new generation with such energy and passion. This is a strong, powerful, physical production with the betrayal of Jesus (Ian McIntosh) by everyone but Mary Magdalene (Hannah Richardson) dramatically portrayed. If you are wondering “What’s the Buzz”, then get yourself to the Royal Concert Hall and be wowed by this grand theatrical spectacle.

THE OLIVIER AND TONY AWARD-WINNING COMEDY

THE 39 STEPS

TO TOUR THE UK IN 2024

GALA NIGHT THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2024 AT RICHMOND THEATRE, LONDON

For the first time in eight years, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning comedy, THE 39 STEPS, is to tour the UK this year.  The production will initially play at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 14 to 30 March 2024.  The production will then tour from Tuesday 2 April, with a Gala Night on Thursday 4 April at Richmond Theatre in London.  The tour will run through to Saturday 3 August.  Full dates and venues are listed below.

Patrick Barlow’s hilarious adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller ran in London’s West End for nine years, finally closing in 2015.  It won the Olivier Award and What’s On Stage Award for Best Comedy in 2007.  It also took Broadway by storm, winning two Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award in 2008.  The play, with its quintessentially plucky spirit and dashing sense of British fun, has toured to 39 countries and played to over 3 million people worldwide.

Follow the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women.

This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.

Casting of the 2024 UK Tour of THE 39 STEPS is to be announced.

The 2024 UK Tour is brought to the stage by the original creative team of director Maria Aitken, with tour director Nicola Samer, designer Peter McKintosh, lighting designer Ian Scott, sound designer Mic Pool, movement director Toby Sedgwick and casting director Abby Galvin.  The original production of THE 39 STEPS was directed by Fiona Buffini and was adapted by Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon.

THE 39 STEPS at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is presented by Fiery Angel in association with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.  The 2024 UK Tour is produced by Fiery Angel.

www.love39steps.com

Instagram: @39StepsPlay

Facebook: @39StepsPlay

TikTok: @39StepsPlay

X: @39StepsPlay

TOUR SCHEDULE

14-30 March                           Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch                                       01708 443333

                                               www.queens-theatre.co.uk

2-6 April                                  Richmond Theatre, London

                                               www.atgtickets.com/Richmond  

9-13 April                                Newcastle Theatre Royal                                              0191 232 7010

                                               www.theatreroyal.co.uk

23-27 April                              New Theatre, Cardiff                                                     0343 310 041

                                               www.trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff

30 April – 4 May                      Sheffield Lyceum                                                          0114 249 6000

                                               www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

7-11 May                                 Cambridge Arts Theatre                                               01223 503333

                                               www.cambridgeartstheatre.com  

14-18 May                               Malvern Festival Theatre                                              01684 892277

                                               www.malvern-theatres.co.uk 

21-25 May                               Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                                    01242 572573

                                               everymantheatre.org.uk

28 May – 1 June                     Theatre Royal, Glasgow

                                               www.atgtickets.com/glasgow 

4-8 June                                  Birmingham The Alexandra

                                               www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

11-15 June                              Oxford Playhouse                                                         01865 305305

                                               Oxfordplayhouse.com 

18-22 June                              Norwich Theatre Royal                                                 01603 630000

                                               norwichtheatre.org

25 – 29 June                           Theatre Royal Bath

                                               theatreroyal.org.uk                                                       01225 448844

2-6 July                                   The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford                       01483 44 00 00

                                               www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

16-20 July                               Brighton Theatre Royal

                                               www.atgtickets.com/brighton

23-27 July                               York Grand Opera House

                                               www.atgtickets.com/york

31 July – 3 August                  Curve, Leicester                                                           On Sale 30 January

                                               www.curveonline.co.uk

Workshop announced for a new stage musical
based on Tony Robinson’s hit BBC TV series

Maid Marian and Her Merry Men
A New Musical* (*sort of)

Book, Music & Lyrics by Vikki Stone
Directed by Benji Sperring

Soho Theatre, Thursday January 25 at 3pm

Thomas Hopkins, Guy Chapman & John Rogerson  are proud to announce a workshop of Maid Marian and Her Merry Men A New Musical* (*sort of), based on Tony Robinson’s hit BBC TV series, Book, Music & Lyrics by Olivier Award winning Writer Vikki Stone (Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show, Cinderella – Lyric Hammersmith), directed and developed by by Benji Sperring (An Act Of God, The Toxic Avenger).

As it prepares for an expected UK premiere later this year, a first-look workshop performance will take place at 3pm on Thursday 25 January at Soho Theatre.

Vikki Stone said: “I cannot tell you how delighted I am to be writing Maid Marian. Its was one of my absolute favourite kids TV shows in the ‘90s, and I couldn’t be more excited to be working with comedy legend Sir Tony Robinson on this wonderful show.”

The cast features:

Bronté Barbé (Maid Marian) was Kathy in Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder, Katherine Plumber in Newsies.

Vikki Stone (Sheriff of Nottingham)

Nick Helm (King John) Andy in the BBC Three sitcom Uncle.

Myles Miller (Robin Hood) was Drifter in Beautiful- The Carole King Musical.

Marek Larwood (Rabies) was in Black Ops (BBC TV)

Damien James (Barrington) was in The Play The Goes Wrong (UK tour).

Marc Pickering (Little Ron) was in Great Expectations (Criterion Theatre).

Michelle Bishop (Gary) was Fraulein Kost in Cabaret (Kit Kat Club).

Natasha Lewis (Graham) was Darvesh’s Mum in The Boy In The Dress (RSC).

Musical Supervisor Paul Schofield

Sound Designer Dan Samson

At the first stage of the production on this new show the producers will be presenting this showing to an invited audience to support the ongoing development of this new co-family viewing show.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE

WEST END TRANSFER OF

THE MULTI-AWARD-WINNING

NEW BRITISH MUSICAL

STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE

AHEAD OF PERFORMANCES BEGINNING

ON 8 FEBRUARY 2024

The National Theatre and Various Productions announce today full casting for the West End transfer of Sheffield Theatres’ smash-hit production, Standing at the Sky’s Edge.  Written as a love letter to Sheffield and the city’s iconic Park Hill Estate, this 2023 Olivier Award-winning ‘Best New Musical’ is directed by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director, Robert Hastie and features songs by the legendary Sheffield singer-songwriter, Richard Hawley.  With a hilarious and gut-wrenching book by Chris Bush, Standing at the Sky’s Edge charts the hopes and dreams of three generations over the course of six tumultuous decades, navigating universal themes of love, loss and survival.  It will make its West End premiere at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London from 8 February 2024.

Joining the previously announced cast are, Jonathan Andre (Macbeth, Shakespeare’s Globe; The Lion King, Disney) playing the role of Max, Jonathon Bentley (From Here to Eternity, Aria Entertainment; MAMMA MIA!, Littlestar)playing the role of Gary, Mya Fox-Scott is making her professional debut, playing the role of Jenny, Rachael Louise Miller (Les Misérables, Cameron Mackintosh; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Bill Kenwright Productions) is reprising the role of Cathy, Adam Price (Privates on Parade, Michael Grandage Company; Hairspray, Stage Entertainment) is reprising the role of Charles, Nicola Sloane (Backstairs Billy, Michael Grandage Company; London Road, National Theatre) is reprising the role of Vivienne, Lillie-Pearl Wildman (Sunset Boulevard, Jamie Lloyd Theatre Company; Cabaret; ATG/Underbelly) is playing the role of Justine, David McKechnie (Flowers for Mrs Harris, Riverside Studios; Stepping Out, Stephen Joseph Theatre) is reprising the role of Joe/Workman.  They are joined by Monique Ashe-Palmer, Adam Colbeck-Dunn, Viquichele Cross, Jamie Doncaster, Caroline Fitzgerald, Jerome Lincoln, Sean McLevy and Karen Wilkinson.

The young company completing the cast are, Alayna Anderson, Luca Foster-Lejeune, Renee Hart, Eric Madgwick, Chioma Nduka, and Sam Stocks.

They are joining, Elizabeth Ayodele (Small Island, National Theatre; Steel Magnolias, Trafalgar Theatre Productions) playing the role of Joy, Joel Harper-Jackson (Cock, Elliot & Harper Productions; Kinky Boots, Adam Blanshay Productions) playing the role of Harry, Sharlene Hector (A Strange Loop, Trafalgar Theatre Productions/National Theatre; Hairspray, Adam Spiegal Productions/Fiery Angel) playing the role of Grace, Samuel Jordan (Masters of the Air, Apple TV; Sex Education, Netflix) reprising the role of Jimmy, Mel Lowe (Orlando, The Michael Grandage Company; A Billion Times I Love You, Homotopia/Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse) playing the role of Connie, Baker Mukasa (The Comedy of Errors, Royal Shakespeare Company; Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Stage Entertainment) reprising the role of George, Alastair Natkiel (Line of Duty, BBC; Strangers on a Train, Barbara Broccoli) reprising the role of Marcus, Laura Pitt-Pulford (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; Emmerdale, ITV) playing the role of Poppy, Lauryn Redding (Bloody Elle, Rebel Productions/Royal Exchange) playing the role of Nikkiand Rachael Wooding (Pretty Woman: The Musical, Ambassador Theatre Group Productions; We Will Rock You, Queen Theatrical Productions/Phil McIntyre/Tribeca Theatrical Productions) reprising the role of Rose.

Robert Hastie is joined by set and costume designer, Ben Stones; choreographer, Lynne Page; orchestrator and arranger, originating music supervisor, Tom Deering; lighting designer, Mark Henderson; sound designer, Bobby Aitken; wigs, hair and make-up designer, Cynthia De La Rosa, casting director, Stuart Burt CDG, children’s casting director, Chloe Blake, dialect coaches Michaela Kennen and Shereen Ibrahim. Associate director is Elin Schofield, associate choreographer is Thomas Herron, musical director and associate music supervisor is Alex Beetschen, associate sound designer is Jonas Roebuck and associate costume designer is Sally Wilson.

Standing at the Sky’s Edge is a multi-award-winning production, winning ‘Best New Musical’ at the 2023 Olivier Awards with Sheffield singer-songwriter, Richard Hawley and Tom Deering also winning ‘Best Original Score and New Orchestrations’.  It was recently awarded the internationally recognised ‘Made in Sheffield’^® accolade, the first time a theatre production has received this unique trademark.  Previously it has won the 2020 South Bank Sky Arts Award for Theatre and ‘Best Musical Production’ at the UK Theatre Awards in 2019.

First commissioned by Sheffield Theatres and Various Productions,Standing at the Sky’s Edge had its world premiere at the Crucible Theatre in 2019. Following a hugely successful, sold-out run, it returned to the Crucible Theatre in December 2022, selling out again, before making its London premiere in the National Theatre’s Olivier theatre in early 2023 where it continued to sell out and receive standing ovations.  

Revealing the history of modern Britain, through the stories of this iconic housing estate, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, is a heartfelt exploration of the power of community and what it is we all call home.

Richard Hawley released Now Then: The Very Best of Richard Hawley, in autumn 2023, his first ever best of collection.  This 36-track deep dive into his hugely successful career to date includes his original versions of songs from the musical including Open Up Your Door, Tonight the Streets Are Ours, Coles Corner and the production’s title track, Standing at the Sky’s Edge.  He has also announced a UK and Ireland tour with live performance dates from May 2024.

Standing at the Sky’s Edge, the original live cast recording is available to stream via Spotify and purchase online from major music retailers.

Tickets for the musical are available from £20 at SkysEdgeMusical.com.  Assisted performances are available throughout the run.

Southwark Playhouse – until 13 January

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Blind Summit’s weird and wonderful show explores sex and sexuality through a series of interviews with puppets. With a whimsical, filthy and sometimes touching script inspired by real-life responses, co-writers and directors Mark Down and Ben Keaton deliver a fast-paced parade of characters introduced with determinedly low-tech titles.

The puppets are manipulated brilliantly with great skill by Mark Down, Isobel Griffiths, Simon Scardifeld and Dale Wylde, with one puppeteer controlling the mouth and voicing the character while another controls the limbs. The characterisation is simply enchanting, and it is easy to forget the puppeteers – until a puppet asks for help getting into a sexual position. With couples and individuals discussing sexual wellbeing, the effect of aging on sex, consent and much more, most scenes are full of humour – mostly from the older characters’ openness. The freedom of care-home sex and the language it takes to turn a grammar pedant on are highlights. The pace is well-judged overall, with plenty of laughs in each scene and moments of emotional depth and tenderness – it is amazing how the gentle rearrangement of a puppet’s hand will touch your heart, and the physical reactions of the puppets to each other’s words is glorious.

A show full of skill and silliness and “gratuitous puppet sex” that has to be seen to be believed. I loved it – you will leave the theatre with a goofy smile wondering what the hell you have just witnessed, but eager for more.