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Blackpool Winter Gardens – until Saturday 9 December 2023

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

5*****

Simon Beaufoy’s award winning play based on the Fox Searchlight Motion Picture The Full Monty can be seen at the Blackpool Winter Gardens Opera House until Saturday 09th December 2023.

This is a show full of warmth, comedy and touching moments that entertained the audience from start to finish. You will also get the opportunity to see more of this cast than I have ever seen in any other show so get down there to see what I mean.

The Full Monty is a story about a group of men from Yorkshire in the 1990’s who are out of work and struggling to keep their heads above water. They are an unlikely mix of characters who get together to be the next ‘Chippendales’ in their local city of Sheffield.

The delightful rogue Gaz, the ringleader of the group is struggling to support his son Nathan financially which has meant issues arising with his visitation rights. Whilst out with his lifelong friend Dave, they come across a one night only event of the Chippendales at the fictitious ‘Millthorpe Working Men’s Club’ where they learn how much money can be made so an idea begins to form for Gaz.

The group of strippers he puts together consists of himself and Dave along with Lomper a security guard whom they come across whilst trying to commit suicide, Gerald their former foreman from the steelworks and from an open audition, Horse an older man but with the dance moves and Guy with the necessary attributes joins the group to make six.

Each person has their own individual issues including mental health, broken relationships, lack of self-confidence and a shared hatred of life on the unemployment line, however Gaz takes them on a whirlwind adventure with which helps them to meet head on and overcome these issues.

The casting for this show by Marc Frankum CDG is without a doubt an excellent choice with such a dynamic set of men, Danny Hatchard (Gaz), Neil Hurst (Dave), Bill Ward (Gerald), Jake Quickenden (Guy), Nicholas Prasad (Lomper) and Ben Onwukwe (Horse) who work well together making it look so easy to get up there on stage and reveal more of themselves, not just figuratively speaking.

Thanks, are also due to the rest of the cast, especially Cass Dempsey who played Gaz’s son Nathan. What talent this young actor has and such a pleasure to see on stage.

Special thanks also go to Jasmine Swan for the authentic costumes and such an adaptable set, Chris Whybrow for sound design which included nostalgic tracks form the era, Andrew Exeter for lighting design and not too be forgotten Michael Gyngell the director.

For me, The Full Monty was a show full of determination and laughter and just a feel-good time and ended with a finale like no other, did they keep their hats on?

Early Mornings Productions Presents

ALAN TURING – A MUSICAL BIOGRAPHY

OPENING AT RIVERSIDE STUDIOS

8 – 27 JANUARY 2024

Alan Turing – A Musical Biography will play Studio 3 at Riverside Studios from 8 – 27 January.

‘A genius who ended up in despair’.

Directed by Jane Miles, with music by Joel Goodman and Jan Osborne, book by Joan Greening, lighting design by Rob Dyer, and starring Joe Bishop as ‘Alan Turing’ and Zara Cooke as multiple roles including Joan Clarke. This OffFest award-nominated show was a sold-out hit at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe, where it garnered great critical acclaim. 

A journey through the extraordinary life of Alan Turing, the genius whose code breaking brain saved approximately fourteen million lives in WW2.

Joel Goodman said, “I am delighted to be bringing Alan Turing A Musical Biography to London, and very much looking forward to our run at Riverside Studios. Alan Turing was one of the greatest British unsung heroes of World War Two, and we wanted to show the full breadth of his journey – from the loss of his closest friend at school, to his time at Bletchley Park, a romance with a fellow worker, and the growing awareness of his homosexuality, plus the crucial moment he realises he knows how to beat the German’s Enigma Machine. He was a brilliant and funny man, left in despair by his treatment after the war – we hope we do his story justice on stage.”

Tickets are now on sale here.

LISTINGS

SHOW: Alan Turing – A Musial Biography

DATES: 8 – 27 January 2024

VENUE / SPACE: Studio 3, Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9BN

PERFORMANCE TIMES: Monday – Saturday @ 7.30pm, Saturdays @ 3.00pm

RUNNING TIME: 80 mins, no interval

TICKETS: £21 (£19 conc)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EarlyMorningsProductions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earlymorningsproductions

Twitter: https://twitter.com/earlymornings19

Images: https://www.alanturing.biz/press-photos

Reviews of Previous Performances

`Many beautiful moments` – The Stage 2022

`A series of skilful songs` – Musical Theatre Review 2022

***** Edinburgh Reporter

***** Lisa in Theatre

***** Stagey Sue

CAMERON MACKINTOSH AND FIRST NIGHT RECORDS

ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF

“STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S

OLD FRIENDS: A CELEBRATION”

RECORDED LIVE AT LONDON’S SONDHEIM THEATRE

FEATURING 41 SENSATIONAL SONDHEIM SONGS

AVAILABLE AS A 2-DISC CD SET

AND IN DIGITAL FORMATS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8

THE SHOW IS CURRENTLY RUNNING IN

LONDON’S WEST END AT THE GIELGUD THEATRE

Cameron Mackintosh and First Night Records celebrate the life of the great Stephen Sondheim with the release of the spectacular cast recording Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends: A Celebration (Live at the Sondheim Theatre), which will be available as a 2-disc CD set and digital and streaming formats on Friday, December 8. The CD, which will be available in both the US and the UK, features a 16-page booklet with color photography and essays by Cameron Mackintosh and David Benedict. One of the most talked about theatrical events of last year, it took place at The Sondheim Theatre in London on May 3, 2022.  Featuring Broadway, West End and movie legends, the star-studded performance celebrated the life and works of one of the world’s greatest composers and lyricists. The album, which features 41 songs, was produced  by  Lee  McCutcheon,  Stephen  Metcalfe,  and  Cameron  Mackintosh.  Pre-save  or  order Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at https://FirstNight.lnk.to/SondheimOldFriends

Stephen  Sondheim’s  Old  Friends  –   winner   of   the   “Best   Theatrical   Event”   honor   at   the   2023 WhatsOnStage Awards – is currently running in London’s West End at the Gielgud Theatre. The current cast  is  led  by  Broadway  Legends  Bernadette  Peters and  Lea  Salonga.  They  are  joined  by  Christine Allado, Clare Burt, Janie Dee, Damian Humbley, Bradley Jaden, Bonnie Langford, Gavin Lee, Jason Pennycooke, Joanna Riding, Jeremy Secomb, Jac Yarrow, Marley Fenton, and Beatrice Penny-Touré.  The  company  also  includes  Harry  Apps,  Bella  Brown,  Richard  Dempsey,  and Monique Young, completing a cast that is truly the best of the West End and Broadway. The engagement runs through January 6, 2024. Tickets are available at SondheimOldFriends.com.

Devised and produced by Cameron Mackintosh, the 2022 Gala was staged by Matthew Bourne and Maria Friedman. The one-night event sold out in hours, leaving thousands of disappointed fans unable to attend the evening so a live broadcast was arranged at the Prince Edward Theatre, down the road. The album features an array of sensational stars including Shan Ako, Christine Allado, Michael Ball, Rob Brydon, Ashley Campbell, Helena Bonham Carter, Anna-Jane Casey, Desmonda Cathabel, Petula Clark, Rosalie Craig, Janie Dee,  Judi  Dench,  Daniel  Evans,  Maria  Friedman,  Josefina  Gabrielle,  Louis  Gaunt,  Amy Griffiths, Haydn Gwynne, Rob Houchen, Holly-Anne Hull, Bradley Jaden, Bonnie Langford, Damian Lewis, Julia  McKenzie,  Ian McLarnon, Julian  Ovenden,  Bernadette  Peters,  Siân  Phillips,  Jon  Robyns,  Clive  Rowe, Jenna Russell, Jeremy Secomb, Jordan Shaw, Imelda Staunton, Charlie Stemp, Matthew White, Gary Wilmot, and Michael D. Xavier, students from Mountview, and The Royal Academy Musical Theatre Company.

Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends is packed with many of the composer and lyricsist’s legendary songs including “Send in the Clowns,” “I’m Still Here,” “Comedy Tonight,” “Company,” “Into the Woods,” “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd,” “You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” “Side by Side by Side,” “Getting Married Today,” “Hello, Little Girl,” “Pretty Women,” “The Ladies Who Lunch,” “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” “Losing My Mind,” “Sunday,” “Children Will Listen,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Being Alive,” “Old Friends,” “Not a Day Goes By,” “Broadway Baby” and many more.

Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends – Track Listing DISC ONE

1)     Opening – Side by Side – Ashley Campbell, Rosalie Craig, Daniel Evans, Josefina Gabrielle, Amy Griffiths, Bradley Jaden, Julia McKenzie, Jenna Russell

2)     Introduction – Cameron Mackintosh

3)     Comedy Tonight – Rob Brydon, Clive Rowe, Gary Wilmot, Full Company

4)     Company – Full Company

5)     The Little Things You Do Together – Haydn Gwynne, Rob Brydon

6)     You Could Drive a Person Crazy – Anna-Jane Casey, Janie Dee, Josefina Gabrielle

7)     Live Alone and Like It – Clive Rowe

8)    Loving You – Michael Ball

9)     Getting Married Today – Anna-Jane Casey, Holly-Anne Hull, Jon Robyns, Full Company

10)  Into the Woods – Full Company

11)   Agony – Julian Ovenden, Michael D. Xavier

12)  I Know Things Now – Bernadette Peters

13)  Hello, Little Girl – Bernadette Peters

14)  Children Will Listen – Bernadette Peters

15)  A Weekend in the Country – Full Company

16)  Send In the Clowns – Judi Dench

17)  The Ballad of Sweeney Todd – Michael Ball, Full Company

18)  The Worst Pies in London – Michael Ball, Maria Friedman

19)  My Friends – Michael Ball

20) Pretty Women – Michael Ball, Jeremy Secomb

21)  A Little Priest – Michael Ball, Maria Friedman

22) The Ladies Who Lunch – Haydn Gwynne

23) Sunday – Daniel Evans, Bernadette Peters, Full Company

DISC TWO

1)     Entr’acte – Overture from Merrily We Roll Along – Orchestra

2)     Tonight Quintet – Christine Allado, Shan Ako, Louis Gaunt, Rob Houchen, and Students from Mountview and The Royal Academy Musical Theatre Company

3)     Broadway Baby – Helena Bonham Carter, Rosalie Craig, Maria Friedman, Bonnie Langford, Cameron Mackintosh, Julia McKenzie, Bernadette Peters, Jenna Russell, Gary Wilmot, Full Company

4)     Everybody Ought to Have a Maid – Rob Brydon, Julian Ovenden, Siân Phillips

5)     You Gotta Get a Gimmick – Anna-Jane Casey, Bonnie Langford, Bernadette Peters

6)     Waiting for the Girls Upstairs – Ashley Campbell, Rob Houchen, Bradley Jaden, Charlie Stemp

7)     I’m Still Here – Petula Clark

8)    Could I Leave You? – Michael Ball

9)     Buddy’s Blues – Gary Wilmot

10)  The Boy From… – Janie Dee

11)   Losing My Mind – Bernadette Peters

12)  Everything’s Coming Up Roses – Imelda Staunton

13) Duelling Pianos

14)  Not a Day Goes By – Michael Ball, Rosalie Craig, Maria Friedman, Julia McKenzie, Bernadette Peters, Jenna Russell, Full Company

15)  Being Alive – Rosalie Craig, Bradley Jaden, Julian Ovenden, Jenna Russell, Jeremy Secomb, Full Company

16)  Old Friends – Full Company

17)  Our Time – Students from Mountview and The Royal Academy Musical Theatre Company

18)  Love Is in the Air – Stephen Sondheim

JAKE SHEARS AND REBECCA LUCY TAYLOR

EXTEND THEIR RUNS FOR THE FINAL TIME

IN

THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF

CABARET

AT THE KIT KAT CLUB

NOW APPEARING UNTIL 9 MARCH 2024

WITH BBC RADIO 2 BROADCASTING

‘JO WHILEY PRESENTS CABARET AT

BBC’S MAIDA VALE STUDIOS’ TONIGHT AT 8PM

TEN NEW PRODUCTION SHOTS ALSO RELEASED

The producers of CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB announce today the final extension of Jake Shears and Rebecca Lucy Taylor AKA Self Esteem in the multi award-winning, critically acclaimed production. Jake and Rebecca will now play the roles of ‘The Emcee’ and ‘Sally Bowles’ until 9 March 2024.

CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB is currently booking until 28 September 2024.

In celebration of this announcement, BBC Radio 2 will broadcast ‘Jo Whiley presents Cabaret at BBC’s Maida Vale Studios’ hosted by Jo Whiley at 8.00pm, tonight, Wednesday 6 December where Jo is joined by Jake Shears, Rebecca Lucy Taylor and the cast and orchestra of Cabaret who will perform some of their favourite numbers from the musical in an hour-long special.  

Also released today are ten new production shots. 

Jake and Rebecca continue to star alongside Nathan Ives-Moiba as Clifford Bradshaw, Beverley Klein as Fraulein Schneider and Teddy Kempner as Herr Schultz. Nic Myers plays the role of Sally Bowles once a week.

The cast also features Wilf Scolding as Ernst Ludwig, Jessica Kirton as Fraulein Kost/Fritzie, Liv Alexander as Texas, Natalie Chua as Frenchie, Taite-Elliot Drew as Hans, Damon Gould as Victor, El Haq Latief as Helga, and Travis Ross as Bobby, joining Laura Delany as Rosie, Grant Neal as Herman/Max and Hicaro Nicolai as Lulu. The cast is completed by Rebecca Lisewski, Ela Lisondra, Nic Myers, Andy Rees, Toby Turpin and Patrick Wilden.

The prologue company is Rachel Benson, Ami Benton, Onyemachi Ejimofor, Joseph Hardy, Liz Kamille, Andrew Linnie, Aine McLoughlin, Jack William Parry, Jazmyn Raikes, Oliver Stockley and Ena Yamaguchi.

Singer, songwriter, actor and writer Jake Shears is best known as the lead singer of the multiplatinum-selling, Grammy-nominated, Brit award-winning glam rock band SCISSOR SISTERS.  The band’s hits include ‘Comfortably Numb’, ‘Take Your Mama’, ‘Let’s Have A Kiki’ and the UK #1 hit ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancing’.  Born in Arizona, Jake grew up in the Seattle area before moving to New York City, where he studied fiction writing at The New School. He wrote the music for Tales of the City, a 2011 stage musical based on Armistead Maupin’s best-selling book series of the same name before starring in Bent at the Taper Forum in 2015. In 2018 he released his debut book, the memoir Boys Keep Swinging and joined the cast of Kinky Boots on Broadway in the lead role as Charlie Price – a role he reprised in 2022 at LA’s Hollywood Bowl. In August 2018 Jake Shears released his eponymous debut solo album to critical acclaim, followed by tours in the UK and US, and in Australia with Kylie Minogue.  2023 saw the release of Jake’s second studio album ‘Last Man Dancing’ which featured the BBC Radio 2 A-List singles ‘Too Much Music’, ‘I Used To Be In Love’ and the title track.   Around album release, Jake continued to tour including as special guest to Duran Duran on their UK arena tour as well acclaimed sets at 2023’s Glastonbury and Mighty Hoopla Festivals.  Jake has recently co-written the music for the new musical ‘Tammy Faye’ alongside Elton John which has just sold out its initial run at London’s Almeida Theatre and won 2 Olivier Awards.  When not on the road, Jake divides his time between London and New Orleans.

As Self Esteem, Rebecca Lucy Taylor has become the unapologetic pop star she always wanted to be. With her 2019 statement debut Compliments Please, Taylor gave voice to the feelings of insecurity and misogyny-induced frustration that many of us face every day, emboldening a whole new audience with powerful, truth-telling lyricism. Her second album Prioritise Pleasure arrived to universal critical acclaim, crowned both The Guardian and Sunday Times Culture’s Album of the Year, with the empowering ‘I Do This All The Time’ also named The Guardian’s #1 song of 2021. Praised for its fearless ability to tackle important issues around female autonomy, comparison culture and self-love, its intimate, confessional and witty lyricism and anthemic maximalist pop rhythms, the album was a catalyst for an unprecedented few years for Taylor. Prioritise Pleasure received a slew of award nominations including the esteemed Mercury Prize, a BRIT Award for Best New Artist, Sky Arts and NME awards nominations, while also winning BBC Introducing’s 2022 Artist Of The Year award and Attitude Magazine’s 2021 Music Award. Summer 2022 saw Taylor play a mammoth 30 festivals, teeing up her biggest run of shows to date: the 2023 I Tour This All The Time tour included a huge three nights at London’s Eventim Apollo, three nights at Manchester’s Albert Hall, and two nights at her hometown’s O2 Academy Sheffield.  Self Esteem also supported Blur at their huge Wembley Stadium show and performed with the Royal Northern Sinfonia at the 2023 BBC Proms.  Gathering a passionate and vast legion of fans, Taylor is one of a handful of artists to have been playlisted across BBC Radio 1, 2 and 6 Music simultaneously. She has appeared on numerous iconic television series including The Graham Norton Show and Jools Holland (including the NYE Hootenanny) and has graced the covers of magazines from Grazia to NME to The Times Magazine and Sunday Times Style.  Taylor composed the soundtrack for PRIMA FACIE, the arresting one woman play starring Jodie Comer which sold out a 9-week run in London’s West End and in the US on Broadway. As an actor, Taylor played a cameo role in I HATE SUZIE TOO, and will soon be seen starring in a regular role in Sky’s upcoming series SMOTHERED as well as making her feature film debut in LAYLA.

This unique production of CABARET opened in December 2021 to critical and audience acclaim, widely praised as the ultimate theatrical experience. In April 2022 the production won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards, the most for any musical revival in Olivier history. The production has also won three prestigious Critics Circle Awards as well as the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Design for designer Tom Scutt.

Transforming one of London’s most famous theatres with an in-the-round auditorium and reimagined spaces, before the show guests are invited to enjoy and explore the Kit Kat Club with pre-show entertainment, drinks and dining all on offer. When booking, guests receive a ‘club entry time’ to allow enough time to take in the world of the Kit Kat Club before the show starts. But of course, the show really starts when you first join us in the club…

One of the most successful musicals of all time CABARET features the songs Wilkommen, Don’t Tell Mama, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, Money and the title number. It has music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Joe Masteroff. Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood.

CABARET is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, set and costume design is by Tom Scutt with choreography by Julia Cheng. Musical supervision is by Jennifer Whyte and musical direction is by Ben Ferguson with lighting design by Isabella Byrd and sound design by Nick Lidster. The casting director is Stuart Burt and the associate director and prologue director is Jordan Fein. The prologue composer and musical director is Angus MacRae.

CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions and Underbelly

Live Theatre Newcastle – until Saturday 16th December

Reviewed by Sandra Little

3***

The Live Theatre website describes this production as 3 short plays with music, “exploring love in all its glorious, sticky complexity.” The website also includes interesting short interviews with the writers and actors.

The Start of Space, written by Laura Lindow

This is the first play in this trilogy. The main part (Dr McGill) is played by Imogen Stubbs and the play is primarily a monologue. At the beginning of the play Dr McGill, a heart surgeon, gives a lecture on the factual aspects of the heart to a group of junior doctors. We learn that the heart of a baby is about the size of a walnut and an adult heart is about the size of a clenched fist.

As the play develops the audience are introduced to a child (Laila Zaidi) waiting for a transplant and Dr McGill gradually reveals to the audience more about her personal life. We learn about the complex relationships Dr McGill has with her patient, her partner and her adult child.

I particularly enjoyed the juxtaposition in this play between the factual information relating to the heart and the emotional connection we usually associate with this vital organ.

Fangirl or the Justification of Limerence, written by Naomi Obeng

The second play in this trilogy introduces the audience to the main character Clara (Laila Zaidi) who is an obsessive fan of her idol. We are told that Clara will do anything to protect her idol’s reputation including posing as him on line. This short play includes numerous references to social media and demonstrates the lengths some fans will go to when obsessed by their idol.

This play tends to have a religious feel and the idol is often referred to as god.

For me it seems to link religious obsession that some people experience, with the obsession people experience regarding celebrities.

With the Love of Neither God nor State, written by Vici Wreford-Sinnott

This final play is set in a social club that is about to close and open as a food bank and community café serving Love Soup. The main character (Greta) is played by Rebecca Glendinning-Laycock. Greta is a young girl who has been in a care home for most of her life, she embarks on a journey to find her family and somewhere she belongs. Greta eventually finds shelter in a social club and also finds a sense of belonging. We are told that Greta feels she is in a world that doesn’t understand her and interestingly both the character (Greta) and the actor (Rebecca) are neuro-divergent.

Music provided by Jayne Dent, plays a part in all 3 plays and I enjoyed the banjo medley included in the final play.

This latest work from Live Theatre is not a conventional take on acts of love as we often think of them and does give an unusual twist on traditional views. A full house watched this production and there was warm applause at the end of the performance.

SIX

CELEBRATES 1000 PERFORMANCES AT THE VAUDEVILLE THEATRE

DIVORCED, BEHEADED, LIVE! 

[Wednesday 6 December 2023] The Producers are thrilled to announce that the hit musical sensation, SIX, has just celebrated its 1000^th West End performance at the Vaudeville Theatre. The 652 attendees at the show last night were greeted by a 1000 balloon, and each arrived at their seats to find a souvenir golden ticket, with a number on the back. One lucky winner was surprised at the end of the show when their number was called and was presented with a bespoke goody bag by the cast.

Producer Kenny Wax said, “Celebrating one thousand performances in our ‘forever home’ at the Vaudeville Theatre is an exciting milestone, highlighting the popularity of SIX’s reign in the West End. The show holds a unique place in the hearts of theatregoers and we are humbled by its continued success in London and beyond.”

Lucky winner Amy Astrid said, “I was so surprised when I was asked to go on stage! Any theatre fan’s dream is to one day see it from that perspective, so it was a once in a lifetime experience to be a tiny part of the 1000th performance of such an iconic musical!”

The crowning glory of the West End, Broadway and beyond, SIX, created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, is now booking in the West End until 3 November 2024.

The show’s 2018 debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe hastened its West End transfer in January 2019 to the Arts Theatre. In 2020, SIX transferred for a short West End season to the Lyric Theatre before opening at what Nica Burns the theatre owner calls it’s ‘forever home’, the Vaudeville theatre in November 2021. 

Winner of over 35 international awards, including two 2022 Tony Awards, a WhatsOnStage award, and nominated for five Oliviers, SIX can also be seen live on stage worldwide: on Broadway at the Lena Horne Theatre in New York, across the UK on its current sell-out, record-breaking tour, with a North American tour, a sit-down production in Toronto, a second forthcoming tour in Australia and further productions due to play in China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Earlier this year, the show achieved 1.5million followers globally – across YouTube, Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook in the UK, US, Australia, Korea and beyond. Song streams from both soundtracks are soon to reach 1 billion.

Think you know the six Wives of Henry VIII? Think again…

Prepare to lose your head and experience the Tudor Wives’ lives as they turn back the clock and take to the stage to reclaim their crowns and retell their stories of love, loss and the infamous ex they all have in common.

Join Aragon, Boleyn, Seymour, Cleves, Howard and Parr, backed by their fierce on-stage band,

the Ladies in Waiting, and Get Down to a royal retelling of the sassiest story in British Her-story.

The current 2023-24 company are Nikki Bentley Catherine of Aragon, Thao Therese Nguyen Anne Boleyn, Kayleigh McKnight Jane Seymour, Reca Oakley as Anna of Cleves, Inez Budd Katherine Howard and Janiq Charles Catherine Parr, with Gabriella Stylianou Alternate Aragon/Seymour and Dance Captain, Naomi Alade (Alternate Boleyn/Cleves, Hannah Lowther as Alternate Howard/Parr, Meg Dixon-Brasil Super Swing and Natalie Pilkington UK Super Swing.

Tickets are on sale now via www.sixthemusical.com  

SIX is written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, with direction by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, Choreography is by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, with set design by Emma Bailey, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Tim Deiling, sound design by Paul Gatehouse, musical orchestration by Tom Curran, and musical supervision by Joe Beighton.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – until Wednesday 3 January 2024

Reviewed by Sue Portman

5*****

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, this year’s fun-filled family Panto has it all! Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s enchanting family pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs promises all the trademark fun our panto audiences have come to know and love. Starring EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing star, James Bye, alongside family favourite, Andy Collins (BBC Three Counties Breakfast Show), who is returning due to popular demand.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs promises a traditional fairy tale with a magical twist, plenty of audience participation and possibly some pots and pans and a bra that was made for 3!

The vain, wicked queen consults her magical mirror and learns that her beautiful stepdaughter, Snow White, is the fairest in the land. Snow White flees to escape the Queen’s evil plans against her and in the forest discovers a cottage inhabited by seven dwarfs, who warmly welcome her into their home. The Queen eventually learns of Snow
White’s whereabouts and, disguising herself as an old woman, attempts to poison her stepdaughter with a tainted apple. The handsome Prince comes to her rescue and restores her to life with a kiss.

Directed by award-winning Chris Nelson (Best Director, Great British Pantomime Awards 2017).

Well, that’s the advertising bumf, but what was it actually like for me?

Let me begin by reminding the dear reader that Snow White is actually a dark story of jealousy, attempted murder and grotesque vanity, which was published by the Brothers Grimm in Germany in 1812. The original German title was Sneewittchen and the Grimms completed their final revision of the story in 1854, which can be found in the 1857 version of Grimms’ Fairy Tales.

There were two acts this evening, and the first saw the introduction of the main cast with Snow White (Rhiannon Chesterman) and Dame Dilly Donut (Leon Craig) building their rapport before we see my favourite character, Queen Grimelda, wonderfully played by Lyndsey Gardiner appear to the customary boos from the now febrile audience. You could
see the kids literally giving the thumbs down as if the stage had magically transformed into a Roman arena.

Then, firm Aylesbury favourite Andy Collins appeared as Muddles and the audience gave him a very warm reception. Throughout, he was the undoubted star of the show for the gathered throng and he is very much at home after more than a decade playing on this stage. His impish antics and multifarious costumes perfectly suit him as an actor and I feel
that he knits the whole thing together, year in, and year out. I cannot imagine a panto without him – he is that important.

Finally, Prince Frederick appears, expertly played by James Bye of Eastenders fame. His job of course is to woo Snow White and administer the life-giving kiss later in the story and he plays his part with a cheeky smile and a warm heart. His role is one of a sometimes bumbling Prince and in some ways this aspect of the character endears him to the audience. This isn’t TV mind you, it is live theatre, and there are a couple of little slips with lines that he seamlessly corrects and reminds us that after all – live is just better and it is part of the experience.

Then we have the dwarfs. Here, they are and a marvellous, rich cosmopolitan mix they are. The traditional dwarf names have been changed to Prof (Stijn Keileers) Cheeky (Harrison Taylor), Stroppy (Willie Coppen), Dozy (Fatemeh Serebani), Snotty (Denise Coppen), Whiffy (Kate Meczynska) and Disney (Jessica Ward) and that works splendidly. I could see how much they enjoyed their art and yes, there were plenty of jokes about short people but who cares? They didn’t. Well done on not sanitising everything.

I have to say that Keileers stole it for me with his brilliant (and natural) accent, which reminded me of Arnold Schwarzenegger, but Keilers is Flemish, not Austrian. He was just great and a fine actor. It’s been a long time sing I sang Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to work we go and it was wonderful to do so, joined by a happy and willing audience.

Of course, there was plenty of singing from the cast, and here, Chesterman’s voice eclipsed all others in my view. Leon Craig was masterful in this regard also and he owned the stage in his own way. You’ve got to have pizzazz and intrinsic confidence to be a panto dame and he had it in spades.

I did once again have a bit of an issue with the sound system at the venue, sometimes not hearing the words of songs with clarity. Maybe that’s just me, I don’t know, but it isn’t the first time and I will need to monitor this.

I want to mention the ensemble too, who shared their marvellous dance moves with us and it was clear that the choreography must have been tricky to learn, but they delivered something quite new for us with a smile great energy. The synchronicity was faultless and it was a treat to watch them strut their stuff and earn the applause.

Throughout, we saw skilfully manufactured stage settings, from the Palace courtyard to forest scenes and the queen’s quarters. I was particularly impressed with the house that the dwarfs lived in. It was mobile (moving from back to mid-stage) and it opened up to display the scene inside, including seven beds! The Royal Wedding and Finale scenes were absolutely astonishing, and I can only imagine the effort expended to construct it. It’s just a shame that the set had such a limited life in the whole panto, as I would have enjoyed seeing it for longer. The lighting was imaginative and the timing was spot-on, especially
when the wolves and other animals were dancing, and the choice of music was excellent, traditional panto in parts, with classic and rock pieces – many thanks to the unseen musicians for that.

The theatre was jam-packed, and the audience were willing players especially when it came to the traditional ‘twelve days of Christmas’ game (if you have never been, you simply must see it this year) and the customary water spraying. Now, on that matter this aspect of panto has developed from a couple of old squirts of water from a cast member in days gone by to a full on, all-out war between cast and audience, with many audience members now literally ‘armed’ with water guns and spraying all and sundry. I got soaked by the small child in front of me, who looked and acted like the Milky Bar Kid, as he gleefully emptied his gun barrel of water onto my jumper, but you know, this is a panto – and an Aylesbury Waterside panto at that – and it is meant to be fun, right? Next year I shall bring a raincoat and a hat!

Thankfully, we had plenty of innuendo for the adults which was cheesy but in keeping with a panto, and plenty for the kids to laugh at also, with cast members tripping, banging heads and farting. What could be better?

Director Chris Nelson and his team can be very proud of this production, as can all of the cast and crew and the Aylesbury theatre team. It is rather apt that pantomime season occurs during dark, cold winter days and nights, because the madness of panto is meant to infuse us with a warm glow. In a troubled world, we should remember how to laugh aloud
at the absurdity not only of a big man in outrageous drag (by far the best, most ostentatious that I have ever seen) and people dancing and singing their hearts out to complete strangers, but of life itself.

What Aylesbury Waterside Theatre provides, this and every Christmas, ls something that can never be found under a tree. It is astonishing what the cast delivers having had only a few weeks together.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a big success for me, and you must go and catch it whilst you can. As the supermarkets say – when it’s gone, it’s gone. Oh no it isn’t – OH YES IT IS!

CHUCHU NWAGU, ADAM KENWRIGHT AND NICA BURNS ANNOUNCE

WEST END RUN OF THE BUSH THEATRE PRODUCTION

RED PITCH

TYRELL WILLIAMS’ HIT PLAY, WINNER OF ALL FIVE MAJOR DEBUT AWARDS

OPENING @SOHOPLACE MARCH 2024

• The Bush Theatre’s multi-Award winning play Red Pitch written by Tyrell Williams transfers to @sohoplace theatre, the West End’s newest venue.
• Bush Theatre’sAssociate Artistic Director, Daniel Baileydirects Kedar Williams-Stirling, Emeka Sesay and Francis Lovehall reprising their roles.
• Opening @sohoplace for a strictly limited run: Friday 15 March –  Saturday 4 May 2024 
• Originally performed at the Bush Theatre in February 2022, the production received the George Devine Award,  Best New Play at the OffWestEnd Awards, with Tyrell Williams named Best Writer at the Stage Debut Awards, and awarded the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright and Most Promising Playwright at the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards. This marks the Bush Theatre’s first West End transfer under Lynette Linton’s tenure as Artistic Director.
• Red Pitch follows @sohoplace’s first year of programming which included Marvellous, As You Like It, Medea, Brokeback Mountain, and currently The Little Big Things which runs until 2 March 2024.
• Red Pitch is produced by Chuchu Nwagu, Adam Kenwright and Nica Burns.
• Tickets are on sale now via @sohoplace

“The energy generated from a night out with the cast of Red Pitch could power the national grid. Moving, emotional , funny and adrenalized! Go see it…” Lenny Henry

Chuchu Nwagu, Adam Kenwright and Nica Burns today announce the West End transfer of the Bush Theatre’s hit play Red Pitch to @sohoplace theatre, with the original cast – Kedar Williams-Stirling, Emeka Sesay and Francis Lovehall – reprising their roles. The production plays for a strictly limited run at @sohoplace, opening on Thursday 21 March, with previews from Friday 15 March, and running @sohoplace until Saturday 4 May 2024.

Kedar Williams-Stirling (Sex Education), Emeka Sesay (The Power) and Francis Lovehall (Small Axe) are directed by Daniel Bailey in the award-winning play about brotherhood, ambition, girls, community, and what it really means to belong.​ ​

What happens when your football pitch, a place you’ve laughed, fought, and forged friendships – the very existence of your closeknit community – is threatened by impending demolition? Can lifelong friends continue to dream of stardom, or will their goals be torn down alongside their home?​

Artistic Director of Bush Theatre, Lynette Linton said, “Developing new writing and is central to what we do at the Bush Theatre and Tyrell’s ‘Red Pitch’ is an example of which we are very proud.  A beautiful story of three young Black men, dealing with what life throws at them via their deeply rooted friendship based on playing football.  It was a massive success at the Bush both with audiences and critics, and following two sold-out runs at our home in West London, I and the Bush team are so excited to introduce the show to a wider West End audience and firmly establish ‘Red Pitch’ in the theatrical canon. Come we go!”

Tyrell Williams and Daniel Bailey noted today, “The Red Pitch team are so excited to be bringing our hit show to the West End. @sohoplace is the perfect space for us to share our production with a wider audience and the audiences who have followed our journey from the start.”

Nica Burns,head of @sohoplace said, “Tyrell Williams deservedly won all five Best Writing Debut Awards for his amazing play ‘Red Pitch’, brilliantly directed by Daniel Bailey and performed by an outstanding cast. Sold out twice at the Bush, we are delighted to be welcoming this must see production, so perfect for our intimate auditorium.”

Chuchu Nwagu, Co-Producer of the production said, “I am thrilled to be partnering with Adam and Nica in bringing this beautiful and brilliant play to a wider audience @sohoplace. After two totally sold out seasons this will be the final ever time to see this production in London.”

CAST

Kedar Williams-Stirling stars in the Netflix series Sex Education. His television credits include Steve McQueen’s anthology series Small Axe for the BBC and Amazon, Will for TNT, the History Channel mini-series Roots and Wolfblood.  Kedar’s stage credits include playing Young Simba in The Lion King (Lyceum), Big White Fog (Almeida Theatre), Welcome to Thebes (National Theatre), The Dutchman and The History Boys.

Francis Lovehall co-stars in the television series A Thousand Blows for Disney+ which is currently in production. He made his screen debut in Steve McQueen’s highly acclaimed Small Axe: Lovers Rock. Other credits include His Dark Materials, upcoming Apple TV series Criminal Record and Netflix series Champion. Francis made his professional debut on stage in Nick Hytner’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Bridge Theatre before graduating RADA in 2019. For his role in the original production of Red Pitch, Francis was nominated for an Evening Standard Theatre Award in the Emerging Artist category.

Emeka Sesay recently shot Jeymes Samuel’s The Book of Clarence, prior to that he appeared in the BBC independent feature Pretty Red Dress directed by Dionne Edwards.  His previous credits include The Power for Amazon, The Novels That Shaped Us for BBC 2 with Russell Tovey, Top Boy for Netflix and Armando Iannucci’s David Copperfield alongside Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie, and Tilda Swinton. In 2016 Emeka appeared in Shadowman as well as BAFTA nominated short films Samuel613 and Goodnight.

CREATIVES

Tyrell Williams is an award-winning writer and director for theatre, film, and television. Red Pitch is currently in development for a screen adaptation with Fudge Park. In addition to another original series he also has in development with Fudge Park, he has written an episode of an upcoming Apple TV+ series. 

Tyrell has been named one of Deadline’s 5 rising writers to watch in 2023 and is currently on attachment to the National Theatre Studio. In 2015, Tyrell co-created, co-wrote and directed the viral web series #HoodDocumentary which has had over 4 million views on YouTube. Following its online acclaim, #HoodDocumentary eventually went on to be commissioned for BBC Three which Tyrell directed and co-wrote. Tyrell was on the BAFTA Elevate scheme 2018 and was a Broadcast Hotshot in 2016.

Director Daniel Bailey is a director, dramaturg and writer for stage and screen. He is Associate Artistic Director at the Bush Theatre, London, having joined the team in 2019 alongside Artistic Director Lynette Linton. Prior roles include Associate Director at Birmingham Rep Theatre (after initially joining as part of the Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme), Resident Director at the National Theatre Studio, Associate Artist at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Resident Assistant Director at The Finborough Theatre, and on the Young Vic’s directing programme.

His directing work at the Bush Theatre includes Lenny Henry’s August in England (co-directed with Lynette Linton), Red Pitch by Tyrell Williams and Temi Wilkey’s The High Table (Stage Debut Award winner 2020). I Wonder If (presented with YV Taking Part) ran at the Young Vic in 2022 before going on a community tour, and Daniel was the Creative Associate on the UK Premiere of Bootycandy at Gate Theatre. His work at Birmingham Rep includes Joe Penhall’s Blue Orange; Concubine; Stuff; I Knew You Abuelo; Jump! We’ll Catch You; Made In India/Britain and Exhale. His previous directing work includes plays with Talawa Theatre Company, Manchester Royal Exchange, New Heritage Theatre, and the New Vic.

His film and TV director credits include Dropped (Mothers Best Child), On Belonging (Young Vic), Malachi (S.E.D), Floating on Clouds (Kingdom Entertainment Group) and Y.O.L.O. Therapy (S.E.D).

www.sohoplace.org     

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BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

Box Office

www.sohoplace.org     

0330 333 5963

4 Soho Place | London | W1D 3BG

Access Bookings/Customer Ticketing Enquiries: 0330 333 5962

Group Bookings: 0330 333 5963

@sohoplace

Friday 15 March – Saturday 4 May 2024

Ticket prices

From £25

Groups and education rates available

Fair access: 50% off across all bands

Access @sohoplace

BSL interpreted, Audio Described and Captioned performances to be announced.

@sohoplace has wheelchair access on stalls level and wider seats available for patrons with access needs. 

[email protected]

Ticketing @sohoplace

@sohoplace has contactless ticketing for every performances. Tickets will be issued electronically 48 hours prior to the performance.  

[email protected]

Cloakroom @sohoplace

The theatre has a large cloakroom that can be used by all patrons free of charge. Out of respect for patrons and the auditorium, we request that large bags are checked into the cloak room.

Feedback @sohoplace

We welcome all feedback on patrons’ experience with the venue and encourage patrons to email us [email protected]

PLAYHOUSE

A Sheffield Theatres and Theatre Centre co-production

SHEFFIELD THEATRES ANNOUNCE CAST FOR

NEW CO-PRODUCTION

WISH YOU WEREN’T HERE

By Katie Redford
Director Rob Watt
Designer Bethany Wells
Lighting Designer Jess Brigham
Sound Designer Tom Sharkett
Movement Director Kiren Virdee
Company Stage Manager Laura Whittle
Production Manager Brent Tan
Artwork Guy J Sanders

Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Sheffield
Wednesday 24 January – Saturday 10 February 2024

Sheffield Theatres and Theatre Centre today announce the full cast for their production of new play Wish You Weren’t Here, written by Katie Redford (Tapped, Yellow Lips) and directed by Rob Watt (Birds and Bees, Human Nurture).

Eleanor Henderson (Henry V) will play the role of Lorna, and Olivia Pentelow (The Gallows Pole) will play the role of Mila. Both cast members make their Sheffield Theatres debut with Wish You Weren’t Here.

I might not be able to drive legally, but I’m pretty nifty in a dodgem

After all those extra shifts, all Lorna wants is a night out on the town and time to reconnect with her daughter. All 16-year-old Mila wants is for the world to stop burning. And for someone to take down that ‘Beach Body Ready’ poster. Please. As mum and daughter check into their ‘premium’ room where they can almost see the sea, they quickly discover that their favourite seaside town, which was once their annual sunny escape, could really use some attention – just like their relationship. 

Writer Katie Redford said:

“Wish You Weren’t Here has been one of the most collaborative experiences I’ve ever had as a writer. Working with hundreds of young people across the country whilst creating this play has been such a joyful and insightful process and I’m so looking forward to sharing our work.”

Wish You Weren’t Here is an exploration of family relationships, the agony of growing up, and how to find your way in the world when you can’t help thinking you’re just not good enough.

Co-produced by Theatre Centre and Sheffield Theatres, this world premiere production has been created in conversation with hundreds of young people across the country as part of Theatre Centre’s acclaimed Future Makers process.

Tickets for Wish You Weren’t Here are on sale now. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.

Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Sunday 7th January 2024

Reviewed by Steph Lott

5*****

Al Lockhart-Morley’s adaptation of “Mother Goose” at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, under the direction of Michael Gattrell, is a whimsical and joyous pantomime that enchants audiences of all ages. Starring Matt Crosby as Gertie Goose, ably assisted by Steven Roberts as Sammy Goose, this production is a feathered extravaganza that soars to delightful heights, delivering laughs, heart, and a healthy dose of holiday magic.

Lockhart-Morley’s script cleverly weaves the classic tale of Mother Goose with a contemporary twist, infusing the story with witty dialogue and modern Cambridge references that keep the audience engaged from start to finish. The pacing is spot-on, maintaining a lively tempo that ensures there’s never a dull moment. The script strikes a perfect balance between humour for the kids and cheeky jokes that adults can appreciate, creating a genuinely inclusive experience for the entire family.

Director Michael Gattrell’s vision for the production is magical. The stage comes alive with vibrant colours, whimsical set designs, and imaginative costumes that transport the audience into the fantastical world of Mother Goose. Each scene seamlessly flows into the next, maintaining the energy and excitement throughout the performance. The choreography by Kevan Allen, adds an extra layer of spectacle, with lively dance numbers that showcase the talents of the entire cast.

Matt Crosby, in the role of Gertie Goose, is, as always, an absolute delight. His comedic timing is impeccable, and his physicality brings an endearing charm to the character. Crosby effortlessly connects with the audience, eliciting laughter with every pose and pout. He creates a genuine sense of connection that is the hallmark of great panto performances.

Steven Roberts as Sammy Goose is truly endearing. Roberts brings a charming energy to the stage, engaging the audience with his infectious enthusiasm. His comedic exchanges with Gertie are wonderful, including the occasional off script moment!

It’s hard to pick out individuals from the rest of cast as they were all great! Charlotte Wakefield as Fairy Virtue and Pippa Duffy as Demon Vanity belted out their numbers in great style, but for me my favourite was Georgia Nicholson taking the stage as Priscilla the Goose! Each gurn and waddle had the audience in the palm of her… wing?

The hardworking ensemble danced their way through the night with sparkle, smiles, and flair. The inclusion of children from the audience adds an extra layer of charm, which is another hallmark of traditional pantomime.

In conclusion, “Mother Goose” at the Cambridge Arts Theatre is a festive treat for audiences seeking a blend of laughter, spectacle, and heart-warming moments. Al Lockhart-Morley’s script, Michael Gattrell’s direction, and the stellar performances of Matt Crosby and Steven Roberts make this pantomime a standout holiday extravaganza. It’s a feathered feast of fun that takes flight and captures the essence of the season, leaving the audience with a warm, fuzzy feeling that lingers long after the final curtain falls.