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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets on sale now at www.sohotheatre.com

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

More praise for Luke Kempner:

“Gloriously funny”
Independent

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

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

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

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

Liam Rudden, Liam’s Newsletter

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

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

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

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

AT RICHMOND THEATRE SUN 19 MAY 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – until Saturday 27 January

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

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

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

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

Birmingham Rep

Presents

THE UK PREMIERE OF

BECOMING NANCY

A NEW MUSICAL

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

Wednesday 2 October – Saturday 2 November 2024

Birmingham Rep

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOSEPH MARCELL HEADS THE CAST OF

THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL

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

DIRECTED BY SEÁN AYDON

ON TOUR FROM 7 MARCH TO 8 JUNE 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.tiltedwigproductions.com/book-now

Twitter @tiltedwiguk

Facebook @TiltedWigProductions

Insta @tiltedwig

THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL TOUR DATES 2024

7 – 16 March                           Theatre by the Lake , Keswick​

19 – 23 March                         Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

​26 – 30 March                        Derby Theatre

2 – 6 April                                Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

9 – 13 April                               Cambridge Arts Theatre

16 – 20 April                            Malvern Theatres

​23 – 27 April                          York Theatre Royal

30 April to 4 May                  Shakespeare North Playhouse

8 – 11 May                               MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton

14 – 18 May                            Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

21 – 25 May                            Royal & Derngate, Northampton

28 May to 1 June                  Darlington Hippodrome

4 – 8 June                             Oxford Playhouse

NATIONAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCTIONS FOR SUMMER 2024
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Olivier theatre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mnemonic is a co-production with Complicité.

Lyttelton theatre

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

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

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

Dorfman theatre

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

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

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

National Theatre Learning

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

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

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

ADAM PAULDEN & JASON HAIGH-ELLERY

AND SUE GILAD & LARRY ROGOWSKY,

STEVEN ANTIN AND CHRISTINA AGUILERA

present

ITV’S THE VOICE & X-FACTOR THE BAND

WINNER

JESS FOLLEY

IS ALI ROSE IN

BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL

IN MANCHESTER & GLASGOW

PRIOR TO WEST END RUN

FURTHER CAST ANNOUNCED TODAY

www.burlesquethemusical.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Burlesque The Musical is general managed by ADAMA Entertainment:

National competition empowers young writers to

“Be the Change” for their planet

Bestselling author M. G. Leonard joins the judging panel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 June, Here 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 June, Here You Come Again then visitsCurve Theatre, Leicester; Theatre Royal, Newcastle;Cunard, Queen Mary 2;Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; Theatre Royal, Nottingham; Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool; Cliffs Pavilion, Southend; Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff; Theatre Royal, Brighton; Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham; Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield; Richmond Theatre, Richmond; King’s Theatre, Glasgow; Theatre Royal, Norwich; New 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 Legend, Jesus 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 30^th 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

24^TH ANNUAL WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS

WhatsOnStage today announces that the 24^th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards will include performances from Disney’s Newsies, Flowers for Mrs Harris, Guys & Dolls, La Cage aux Folles, Next to Normal, Operation 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