NATIONAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES FULL CASTING FOR THE FIRST MAJOR STAGE ADAPTATION OF THE BELOVED NOVEL
BALLET SHOES
The National Theatre today announces full casting for the first major stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s best-selling book Ballet Shoes by Kendall Feaver (The Almighty Sometimes), in the Olivier theatre from 23 November 2024. This festive family show will be directed by Katy Rudd,who returns to the National Theatre following her acclaimed production of TheOcean at the End of the Lane.
Announced today are Stacy Abalogun (Ensemble), Yanexi Enriquez (Petrova Fossil), Philip Labey (Ensemble), Katie Lee (On Stage Swing), Sharol Mackenzie (Ensemble), Pearl Mackie (Sylvia), Nuwan Hugh Perera (Ensemble), and Katie Singh (Ensemble). They will join previously announced cast including Eryck Brahmania (Ensemble), Cordelia Braithwaite (Ensemble), Michelle Cornelius (Ensemble), Sonya Cullingford (Winifred),Jenny Galloway(Nana), Courtney George (Ensemble), Georges Hann (Ensemble), Nadine Higgin (Theo Dane), Helena Lymbery (Doctor Jakes), Xolisweh Ana Richards (Ballet Dancer + Ensemble), Sid Sagar (Jayan Saravanan), Grace Saif (Pauline Fossil), Justin Salinger (GUM/Fidolia) and DaisySequerra (Posy Fossil).
In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – are learning who they are and what they want to be. Under the watchful eyes and guidance of their guardian Sylvia, Nana, and some unlikely lodgers, they fight to pursue their individual passions. But in a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way?
Directed by Katy Rudd with set designer Frankie Bradshaw, costume designer Samuel Wyer, choreographer Ellen Kane, composer Asaf Zohar, dance arrangements and orchestrations Gavin Sutherland, lighting designer Paule Constable, sound designer Ian Dickinsonfor Autograph, video designer Ash J Woodward, casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, dialect coach Penny Dyer, voice coaches Cathleen McCarron and Tamsin Newlands, associate choreographer Jonathan Goddard and staff director Aaliyah Mckay.
Ballet Shoeswill play in the Olivier theatre from 23 November 2024 to 22 February 2025, with the press performance on 5 December 2024. Recommended for ages 7+.
26 September 2024 – Producers of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the publication of C.S. Lewis novel which opens at Leeds Playhouse on 18 November 2024, today announced its full cast as well as additional tour venues, including a return to London this summer.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will play at London’s Sadlers Wells Theatre from 20 August to 7 September 2025.
Award-winning Katy Stephens will play The White Witch. Katy’s extensive stage career includes leading roles at Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company with whom she is an Associate Artist. Katy was part of the team that won the Olivier Award for Best Ensemble Performance for the RSC’s Histories Cycle where her roles included Joan of Arc and Margaret of Anjou. Katy will also play Mrs Macready.
Katy Stephens said: “The role of Her Imperial Majesty Jadis, Queen of Narnia in this thrilling stage version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is something I can’t wait to play. The thought of casting a spell over Narnia to make it always winter but never Christmas is simply tantalising. Let the magic begin!’
Playing the Pevensie Children are: Joanna Adaran as Susan, Jesse Dunbar as Peter, Kudzai Mangombe as Lucy and Bunmi Osadolor as Edmund.
The cast is completed by: Archie Combe (Mr Pope and Foxtrot), Andrew Davison (Mr Wilson Schroedinger, Jack Rabbit, Aslan Puppeteer and Head Cruel), Anya de Villiers (Mrs Beaver), Molly Francis (Mrs Pevensie, Aslan Puppeteer and Robin) Ruby Greenwood (Onstage Swing) Ffion Haf (Miss Gumley-Warmley and Phoenix), Rhiannon Hopkins (Miss Chutney and Blue Badger), Joe Keenan (Mr Granville, Spirit of the Moon and Red Squirrel), Oliver Magor (Onstage Swing), JB Maya (Onstage Swing), Luca Moscardini (Onstage Swing), Alfie Richards (Mr Tumnus, White Mouse and Badger), Kraig Thornber (The Professor, Father Xmas and Wise Owl), Ed Thorpe (Mr Beaver), Rhodri Watkins (Mr Brinkworth, March Hare and Aslan Puppeteer) and Shane Anthony Whiteley (Maugrim, Satyr and White Stag) and Stanton Wright as Aslan.
C.S. Lewis’ book was first published in October 1950. Since then, over 85 million copies in 60 languages have been sold. It is one of the top ten best-selling books of all time. The stage adaptation of Lewis’ iconic book enjoyed a hugely successful, critically-acclaimed London run in 2022/3.
Producer Chris Harper said: ‘We can’t wait for children and adults alike to join us on this spectacular new journey through the wardrobe, and are proud to be marking the 75th anniversary of the publication of CS Lewis’ novel with this tour.’
Director Michael Fentiman added: ‘I’m delighted to be taking our beautiful production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe on a major tour of the UK and Ireland in 2025. The production celebrates the magic of live theatre and is led by a multi-talented cast of actors, singers, musicians, dancers and puppeteers; it is a celebration of the possibilities of the collective imagination and the boundless wonders of individual skill.’
Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet Mr Tumnus the faun, talking beavers, Aslan (the noble king of Narnia) and the coldest, most evil White Witch.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is directed by Michael Fentiman based on the original production by Sally Cookson. The Set and Costume Designer is Tom Paris, Composers are Barnaby Race and Benji Bower, the Choreographer is Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, the Lighting Designer is Jack Knowles, the Sound Designer is Tom Marshall, the Original Puppetry Director is Toby Olié, the Original Puppetry Designer is Max Humphries, the Aerial Director is Gwen Hales, the Fight Director is Jonathan Holby, the Illusionist is Chris Fisher, the Musical Director is Ben Goddard, the Hair and Make-Up Designer is Susanna Peretz. The Associate Director is Pip Minnithorpe, the Associate Lighting Designer is Emily Irish, the Associate Direcor and Associate Puppetry Director is Oliver Grant, Associate Magic and Illusions is by Spooky Nyman, the Associate Fight Director is Owain Gwynn, the Associate Movement Director is Jasmin Colangelo, the Production Manager is Phoebe Bath and the Casting Director is Will Burton CDGfor Grindrod Burton Casting.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will play in Leeds through Christmas 2024, and in 2025 is scheduled to visit Leicester Curve, Cardiff Millennium Centre, Liverpool Empire, Theatre Royal Newcastle, Theatre Royal Brighton, New Victoria Theatre Woking, Princess Theatre Torquay, Wycombe Swan Theatre, Cliffs Pavilion Southend-on-Sea, Grand Opera House York, Grand Opera House Belfast, Bord Gais Energy Theatre Dublin, Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Alexandra Theatre Birmingham, Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent, King’s Theatre Glasgow, His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen, Eden Court Highlands Inverness, Norwich Theatre Royal, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Milton Keynes Theatre, Winter Gardens Blackpool, Venue Cymru Llandudno, Congress Theatre Eastbourne, Bristol Hippodrome, Alhambra Theatre Bradford, Sadlers Wells Theatre London, Hull New Theatre, Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury, the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Sunderland Empire, the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Plymouth Theatre Royal and The Lowry, Salford.
Further venues and dates will be confirmed.
Tickets are on sale across the tour. For all information on venues and ticketing details, visit www.lionwitchonstage.com.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is produced by Chris Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber and was first produced at the Leeds Playhouse.
Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Saturday 28th September 2024
Reviewed by Steph Lott
4****
Successfully adapting a novel into a play requires balancing fidelity to the source material with the unique strengths and limitations of the stage. This must involve making tricky creative decisions. I haven’t read Sebastian Faulks’ novel but from what I can understand, this brand-new adaption at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, written for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff, has some key differences. This doesn’t mean however that it isn’t a very successful piece of theatre that poignantly conjures up a time of love, loss and war.
From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was transported a very different world; from early 20th century France and then to the harrowing trenches of World War I. This was made possible by the versatile set, ingeniously designed by Richard Kent, seamlessly shifting between pre-war France and the brutal reality of the Western Front. The clever use of multi-level staging and minimalist props allowed for smooth transitions, enhancing the narrative flow without interruption.
The production was further elevated by Sophie Cotton’s evocative music. The haunting sounds and melodies perfectly complemented the on-stage action, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes without ever overpowering the performances. The use of period-appropriate songs added authenticity to the production, while the original compositions beautifully underscored the themes of love, loss, and the futility of war. James Findlay’s vocal performance in the role of Brennan was magnificent and the singing of the whole cast towards the end of the play was beautiful and moved me to tears. I’m sure I was not alone.
James Esler delivered a captivating performance as Stephen Wraysford, the young Englishman whose life is forever changed by love and war. Esler’s portrayal was nuanced, effectively conveying Stephen’s transformation from a passionate young man to a bitter hardened soldier. Given that this was his first professional stage role, it was extraordinary. There was palpable chemistry with Charlie Russell, who played Isabelle Azaire. Her performance was delicate and fragile, depicting a woman trapped and on the edge. However, for me, one of the problems in bringing their story to the stage, was that the development of that story was somewhat rushed. This is one of the challenges of bringing a novel to the stage where time is tight.
Max Bowden gave a remarkable portrayal of Jack Firebrace. Bowden brought a perfect blend of humour and pathos to his portrayal of this character. Raif Clarke’s performance as Tipper was also superb and the storyline of those at the front line under the tunnels in a terrible war they don’t understand was performed brilliantly.
The whole cast deserves high praise for their ability to portray multiple characters convincingly. This added depth to the narrative and highlighted the interconnectedness of the various storylines. The seamless transitions between roles and scenes were a testament to the actors’ skills and Whatley’s direction.
Birdsong at The Cambridge Arts Theatre is a triumph of storytelling and stagecraft. It captures both the sweeping historical narrative and the intimate personal stories at its heart. For anyone who appreciates thoughtful, emotionally resonant theatre, this production of Birdsong is not to be missed. It’s a testament to the enduring relevance of Faulks’ story and the immense talent of all involved in bringing it to the stage.
The Jamie Lloyd Company today announces the on sale dates for its new production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothingstarring Tom Hiddleston (Benedick) and Hayley Atwell (Beatrice), directed by Jamie Lloyd. The production opens at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Wednesday 19 February, with previews from 10 February, and runs until 5 April 2025.
Tickets for Much Ado About Nothing go on sale to those signed up for priority booking on Tuesday 8 October at 11am; general booking opens on Wednesday 9 October at 11am. Full cast and creatives to be announced.
Much Ado About Nothing is the second production in The Jamie Lloyd Company’s season of Shakespeare at Theatre Royal Drury Lane which opens with The Tempest starring BAFTA winner Sigourney Weaver making her West End debut as Prospero; opening on Thursday 19 December, with previews from 7 December 2024, running until 1 February 2025. Tickets on sale now at lwtheatres.co.uk.
The Jamie Lloyd Company also continues its commitment to accessibility, offering 25,000 tickets at £25 across the season exclusively for under 30s, key workers and those receiving government benefits. These tickets will be available across the first three levels of the theatre, and go on sale at a later date. Further information to be announced.
The Jamie Lloyd Company presents
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Jamie Lloyd
Monday 10 February – Saturday 5 April 2025
“I do love nothing in the world so well as you: is not that strange?”
Tom Hiddleston is Benedick and Hayley Atwell is Beatrice. Two of their generation’s finest actors collaborate with director Jamie Lloyd again in this savagely funny and beautifully tender battle of wits.
Produced byThe Jamie Lloyd Company.
Tom Hiddleston plays Benedick.
For The Jamie Lloyd Company: Betrayal (Harold Pinter Theatre/ Broadway/Bernard B. Jacobs Theater – Tony Award nominee for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play, Evening Standard Theatre Award nominee for Best Actor).
Other theatre credits include: Hamlet (Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company), Coriolanus (Donmar Warehouse – Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor),Ivanov and Othello (Donmar Warehouse), Cymbeline (Cheek by Jowl – Olivier Award for Best Newcomer) and The Changeling (Cheek by Jowl).
Television credits include: Loki (Critics Choice’ Award Nomination, People’s Choice Award), The Essex Serpent,The Night Manager (Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television, Emmy Leading Actor Nomination), Henry IV Parts 1&2 and Henry V (South Bank Sky Arts Award for Breakthrough performance), Return to Cranford, Wallander, Miss Austen Regrets, The Gathering Storm, Conspiracy and Nicholas Nickleby.
Film credits include: Loki in Marvel’s Thor, The Avengers (MTV Movie Awards for Best Villain and Best Fight), Thor: The Dark World, Thor: Ragnorak, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Early Man, Kong: Skull Island, I Saw the Light, High-Rise, Crimson Peak, Tinker Bell and The Pirate Fairy, Muppets Most Wanted, Only Lovers Left Alive, Exhibition, The Deep Blue Sea, War Horse, Midnight In Paris, Archipelago and Unrelated.
Forthcoming projects include: The Life of Chuck and The Night Manager 2.
Hayley Atwell plays Beatrice.
In 2018 Hayley was awarded the Fellowship in recognition of her contribution to the arts.
For The Jamie Lloyd Company:The Pride (Trafalgar Studios – Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress, WhatsOnStage Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play).
Other theatre credits include:Rosmersholm (Duke of York’s Theatre – Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress), Measure for Measure (Donmar Warehouse), Dry Powder (Hampstead Theatre), The Faith Machine (Royal Court Theatre – Directed by Jamie Lloyd), A View from the Bridge (Duke of York’s Theatre – Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress), Major Barbara (National Theatre – Ian Charleson Commendation), Women Beware Women (RSC) and Prometheus Bound (Sound Theatre).
Television credits include: The Long Song, Howards End,Conviction,Agent Carter Series 1 & 2, Life of Crime, Black Mirror: Be Right Back series 2, Restless, Falcon: The Blindman of Seville, The Silent and the Dammed, Any Human Heart,Pillars of the Earth, The Prisoner,Mansfield Park, Ruby in the Smoke, Fear of Fanny and The Line of Beauty.
Film credits include:Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One, Blinded by the Light, Christopher Robin, The Complete Walk: Cymbeline, Ant Man, Cinderella, Testament of Youth, The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America -The Winter Soldier, Jimi: All Is by My Side,The Man, The Sweeney, I, Anna, Captain America-The First Avenger,The Duchess, Brideshead Revisited, How About You and Cassandra’s Dream.
Forthcoming projects include: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part Two, Heartstopper and Rogue Trooper.
Jamie Lloyd directs. His credits for The Jamie Lloyd Company include Romeo & Juliet (Duke of York’s Theatre), Sunset Blvd. (Savoy Theatre – winner of seven Olivier Awards including Best Director and Best Musical Revival; Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Director), The Effect (National Theatre/The Shed, New York), A Doll’s House (Hudson Theatre, New York – nominated for six 2023 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Seagull (Harold Pinter Theatre), Cyrano de Bergerac (Playhouse Theatre/Harold Pinter Theatre/Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York – Olivier Award for Best Revival; Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Director), Betrayal (Harold Pinter Theatre/Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre – nominated for four 2021 Tony Awards including Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play; Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Director), Pinter at the Pinter (Harold Pinter Theatre), The Maids, The Homecoming, The Ruling Class, Richard III, The Pride, The Hothouse and Macbeth (Trafalgar Studios).
A HOST OF STARS TO HONOUR SIR NOËL COWARD IN A MARVELLOUS PARTY,
A CELEBRATION OF COWARD’S LIFE & WORK ON SUNDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2024
Stars including Hugh Bonneville, Gyles Brandreth, Judi Dench, Lindsay Duncan, Cush Jumbo, Robert Lindsay, Damian Lewis, Hilton McRae and Giles Terera will gather in a charity gala performance at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre on Sunday 17 November 2024, to celebrate the enduring legacy of the internationally acclaimed playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, Sir Noël Coward (1899-1973).
Youth groups and bursary recipients, who have been supported by the Noël Coward Foundation over the years, will be participating making this a truly inter-generational event.
Directed by Daniel Evans (Co-Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company) with more stars to be announced, the gala will feature excepts, including previously unseen material, from Coward’s plays, sketches and songs, as well as celebrating his famous wit, star friendships and exquisite style. Musical direction will be by Tom Brady (Musical Director Guys & Dolls, The Bridge Theatre).
The performance marks the culmination of Coward 125, the two-year long celebration of Noël Coward’s life and work, leading up to the 125th anniversary of Coward’s birth.
Following Coward’s lifelong support of philanthropic causes, the gala will be in aid of three charities:, The Queen’s Reading Room, the Noël Coward Foundation and Acting For Others. These outstanding organisations are all united with Noël in the belief that the arts belong to everyone.
The Prince of Wales Theatre has generously been provided by Sir Cameron Mackintosh. All performers appear subject to availability.
A Marvellous Party is produced by Julian Bird for Green Rooms Ents.
Date: Sunday 17 November 2024
Venue: Prince of Wales Theatre (A Delfont Mackintosh Theatre)
Executive Director Jo Hemmant, Creative Director Keith Khan and the whole team at Hackney Empire, are delighted to announce the full casting and creative team for Hackney Empire’s 25th pantomime, Dick Whittington and his Cat.
Directed by and starring Olivier Award-winner Clive Rowe as Sarah the Cook, in what will be his 17th pantomime at Hackney, Dick Whittington and his Cat will run at Hackney Empire from Saturday 23 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.
Joining Clive will be Kat B, also starring in his 17th Hackney pantomime, as ‘Thomas the Cat’, alongside (in order of appearance) Graham MacDuff as ‘King Rat’, Beth Sindy as ‘Fairy Bowbells’, Kandaka Moore as ‘Dick Whittington’, Tony Timberlake as ‘Alderman Fitzwarren’, Aryana Ramkhalawon as ‘Alice Fitzwarren’ and Max Mirza as ‘Idle Jack’. The ensemble will include Jemima Dawes, Olivia Kate Holding,Wilson Kiiru, Nicole Reeves, Alfie Simmons, Fraser Stewart, Lauren Wadsworth.
Hackney Empire’s pantomime is one of the most iconic in the UK. The first pantomime of the modern era was Aladdin starring Peter Duncan in 1988, after the venue was transformed from a bingo hall back into a working theatre in the 1980s by Roland and Claire Muldoon, and, including Aladdin, there have been 24 pantomimes since. This year’s festive season will burst into life with the 25th Hackney Empire pantomime, celebrating decades of providing joy for all the family, and in several cases, a vital introduction to the magic of theatre.
Join Dick on his search for fortune, fame and new beginnings! Along the way, he’ll experience the adventure of a lifetime, battling rats, falling in love, and finding himself on the path to becoming the Mayor of London!
Get ready for a joyful reimagining of this classic rags to riches tale, featuring all your favourite pantomime ingredients. From an unbelievable cast to extravagant costumes; from audience participation to sensational song and dance numbers, what more could you ask for?!
Clive Rowe said, “What a privilege it is to be part of this great tradition at the Hackney Empire. 24 pantomimes, around one million audience members so far, and we can’t wait to welcome new faces and welcome back familiar faces for our 25th! This will be my 17th year as Dame and fourth year directing. Join me and Dick Whittington, the boy that strives to make his dreams become a reality, for more festive fun, high jinks, laughter, love and banging tunes.”
Dick Whittington and his Cat will be written by the BAFTA Award-winning Will Brenton (in his fourth panto for Hackney), with original music and songs by Steve Edis, who has provided the music for all of the Hackney pantomimes since 1988, with costumes and design overview by Cleo Pettitt and Alex Maynard as musical director, arranger, orchestrator, and supervisor. Choreography will be by Shay Barclay, lighting design by Tim Mitchell and sound design by Yvonne Gilbert.
Pretty Woman The Musical is based on the 1990 film starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. It tells the story of Vivian Ward, a prostitute, and businessman Edward Lewis who have a chance encounter leading to Edward inviting Vivian to escort him to a number of events during his business stay in Los Angeles. Through spending time with each other their “business” relationship develops, and they fall in love with each other.
The show is a good adaptation of the film showing many of the movie’s iconic moments and lines such as when Vivan goes shopping on Rodeo Drive and the store wouldn’t wait on her the day before “Big mistake. Big. Huge! I have to go shopping now”. You do however, have to remember that although this is based on the film it is actually a musical version of the film and I think you need to separate the two to really enjoy the full experience of the musical.
The stage set of this musical has simple backdrop changes which transport you from Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. There was clever staging and lighting when recreating the intimate moments of the film.
Vivian played by Amber Davies and Edward Lewis played by Oliver Savile had a good connection and chemistry. When they sang together their harmonies were really good. These two actors were perfect for the roles.
Mr Thompson played by Ore Oduba led the dancing on the “Don’t Forget to Dance” song taking the opportunity to make reference to him winning the 14th Season of the TV show Strictly Come Dancing. “I used to be a professional dancer and believe it or not I have been known to win”, and then ending the number with the judges scoring of 10 across the board.
Natalie Paris – Kit De Luca gave a strong performance and suited the role.
Lila Falce-Bass and Josh Damer Jennings both had amazing opera vocals when singing “A Night At The Opera”.
There were many funny moments from Noah Harrison who plays Giulio the Bell Boy.
The start of the second act gave you a brief tease that you were going to hear the song “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison. The classic song was left until the end where the audience were invited to sing along.
The Spectacular, Spectacular! global hit musical will perform in Birmingham next autumn, with performances from Wednesday 15 October to Saturday 15 November 2025 as part of its first ever World Tour.
For information and to be first in line for tickets, sign up at
The first ever World Tour of multi-award-winning hit stage showMoulin Rouge! The Musical, will come to Birmingham Hippodrome, its only engagement in the Midlands, with performances from Wednesday 15 October to Saturday 15 November 2025. For information and to be first in line for tickets, signup at moulinrougemusical.com.
Enter a world of splendour and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love, Moulin Rouge! The Musicalis more than a musical — it is a state of mind.
As in the film, Moulin Rouge! The Musical celebrates over 160 years of music – from Offenbach to Lady Gaga. The stage musical features over 70 iconic songs, many from the movie as well as recent hits released since the movie premiered over 20 years ago.
Set in Paris, 1899, a world of indulgent beauty and unparalleled extravagance, of bohemians and aristocrats, of boulevardiers and reprobates, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the story of a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub.
When their lives collide at the Moulin Rouge, they fall hopelessly in love, only to be thwarted by the nightclub’s host and impresario, Harold Zidler, and The Duke of Monroth, the wealthy and entitled patron of the club who thinks he can buy anything he wants, including Satine. Together with his Bohemian friends – the brilliant and starving artist Toulouse-Lautrec, and the greatest tango dancer in all of Paris, Santiago – Christian stages a musical spectacular in an attempt to save the Moulin Rouge and win the heart of Satine.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the winner of ten 2021 Tony Awards including Best Musical, an Olivier Award, two Drama League Awards including Outstanding Production of a Musical, five Drama Desk Awards and ten Outer Critics Circle Award Honor citations including New Broadway Musical.
“We are absolutely delighted that Birmingham Hippodrome will host Moulin Rouge! The Musical next summer as part of its world tour. Birmingham is a dynamic, multicultural city, where the arts and music thrive, making it a perfect stage for this spectacular show. We hope Birmingham is ready to rouge!” says Carmen Pavlovic for Global Creatures, producer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers (other credits includeHere Lies Love, Beetlejuice, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Peter and the Starcatcher) with a book by Tony Award® winner John Logan (also three-time Academy Award nominee including for Gladiator and The Aviator), choreography by Tony Award® winner Sonya Tayeh (also Lucille Lortel Award for Kung Fu and Emmy winner)and music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Tony Award® winner Justin Levine (other credits include The Outsiders,Here Lies Love, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson).
The design team for Moulin Rouge! The Musical includes Tony Award® winner Derek McLane (sets; other credits include Beautiful – The Carole King Musical), Tony Award® and Olivier Award winner Catherine Zuber (costumes; other credits include Kiss Me Kate, The King & I, South Pacific, Mrs Doubtfire), Tony Award® winner Justin Townsend (lighting), Tony Award® winner Peter Hylenski (sound), Drama Desk Award winner David Brian Brown (wig and hair design; other credits include Come From Away), Sarah Cimino (make-up design) and Tony Award® winner Matt Stine (Music Producer). Casting is by Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting.
The World tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical is produced by Carmen Pavlovic and Gerry Ryan OAM for Global Creatures and Bill Damaschke. Executive Producers of the World Tour are Angela Dalton and Nick Grace Management. General Management and Tour Booking by Nick Grace Management.
Wednesday 25 September 2024, London: MOZART: HER STORY – THE NEW MUSICAL, based on the life of Mozart’s sister, Nan, marries Mozart’s classics with over twenty contemporary original compositions by Tegan Summer (Book & Lyrics) & Gregory Nabours (Music & Additional Lyrics), and will have two special performances at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November 2024.
The all-star cast, which brings together some of the most acclaimed performers from both sides of the Atlantic, with countless Broadway and West End credits to their names, is announced today.
Taking to the stage in this brand-new piece of musical theatre will be Gabrielle Brooks (Get Up! Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical, Once on this Island, Shadow and Bone) as Nan Mozart, Tyrone Huntley (Hello, Dolly!, Jesus Christ Superstar,Dreamgirls) as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,with Anthony Rapp (Rent, If/Then, Star Trek: Discovery) as Count Franz von Walsegg.
They are joined by Laura Pitt-Pulford (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sunset Boulevard) as Anna Maria Mozart, Vinny Coyle (Phantom of the Opera, Cinderella, Follies) as Johann Baptist zu Sonnenburg, Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer (OBC Hadestown,In the Heights, Real Women Have Curves) as Constanze Weber, and Emily Squibb (Matilda The Musical, Beauty and the Beast,Made in Dagenham) as Karoline von Walsegg / Cover Nan.
Completing the cast are Emily Panes, Elisabeth Snegir, Daisie Mariella, Jordan Fox, Harry Chandler, Bethaney Wellings-Davies, Evie-Leigh Savage, Jacob Wye, Larissa Gerske, Maxfield Haynes, Addison Ector and Charlotte Edmonds.
Tegan Summer (Aspects of Love, For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy) – Lead Producer, Book Writer, Lyricist said:
“I am delighted to bring Mozart: Her Story – The New Musical to the West End stage and particularly thrilled to be presenting an original piece of musical theatre. The show reflects socially-relevant themes of female empowerment and inclusion, and is in the safe hands of our phenomenally-talented and passionate cast.”
Joining Tegan and Gregory on the creative team for Mozart: Her Story – The New Musical are Stephanie Klemons (Director) Colette Freedman (Dramaturgy), Dwight Roden & Desmond Richardson founders of Complexions Contemporary Ballet (Choreography), Andy Walmsley (Scenic Designer), Christine Darch (Costume Design), Davidè Torchio (Hair) Prema Mehta (Lighting Design), Chris Whybrow (Sound Design), and Jill Green Casting (Jill Green & Associates Olivia Laydon and Tom Shiels).
A multi-genre musical with a dominant rock classical fusion.
Based on the life of one of the greatest composers of all time, Mozart: Her Story – The New Musical, shines a unique light on a classic story told through the eyes of Nan, Wolfgang’s rebellious sister, who attempts to break through the misogynistic confines of the era with her courage and prodigious genius.
The woman in the shadows, behind the man in the sun.
Wolfgang’s sister, Nan Mozart, is a brilliant composer who struggles to be seen and heard in the male-dominated 18th century Court. When the young virtuosa, who is arguably more talented than her brother, is silenced and banned from all artistic endeavours, she rebels. In this untold story of the greatest composer of all time, his insatiable sibling and conflicted father embark on a journey of love, hate, tragedy, and redemption.
MOZART: HER STORY – THE NEW MUSICAL is produced by Tegan Summer Theatricals with General Management by Anthology Theatre Productions.
Simon Friend Entertainment is delighted to announce that Asa Butterfield, star of Netflix’s Sex Education will make his stage debut in the one-man play, Second Best – a fictional story about the boy who came second to play Harry Potter. Written by Barney Norris, based on David Foenkinos’ best-selling novel and directed by Michael LonghurstSecond Best opens at Riverside Studios next year where it plays a limited four-week run from 24 January – 22 February 2025. Tickets are available now atwww.secondbestplay.com
At ten years old, Martin Hill was on the brink of stardom, down to the final two contenders for the role of Harry Potter but narrowly missing out. Now an adult, Martin is about to embark on the ultimate adventure – fatherhood. As he navigates this whirlwind of emotions, he is pulled back to that pivotal moment in his past as he struggled to move beyond imagining what his life might have been.
Second Best is a playful yet poignant new comedy about fate, near-misses and the winding paths life takes. It explores the ache of almost touching greatness and the humour and hope that come when dreams remain just out of reach.
“An exquisitely bittersweet comedy of life’s missed opportunities.”
— Jonathan Coe, on the novel Second Best
Asa Butterfield says of his first on stage role: “It’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, a universal tale of ‘what ifs’, and I can’t wait to bring it to life on stage for the very first time.”
Producer, Simon Friend, continues: “I read David Foenkinos’ wonderful novel when it was published last year, and it immediately cried out to be told on stage. It’s a coming-of-age story of success and failure, love and loss, and fathers and sons – as well as the universal experience of plans going awry. We’re incredibly excited about the incomparable Asa Butterfield making his stage debut in Barney Norris’ wonderfully funny and moving adaptation of the novel, with Michael Longhurst directing. A team of artists who are most definitely not second best.”
Asa Butterfirlds for Second Best , photos taken at WAC Arts , Belsize Park, London on the 7th September 2024
British actor, Asa Butterfield, is arguably best known for his role as Otis Milburn, in the Netflix worldwide phenomenon Sex Education. The series returned for a fourth and final series last September. He will next star in Out Of The Dust for Netflix, a six-part psychological thriller, opposite Molly Windsor, and Christopher Eccleston.
Asa made his on-screen debut at the age of eight in After Thomas (2006). In 2007, he featured in Son of Rambow alongside Will Poulter. The following year Asa starred in the film adaptation of John Bayne’s novel by the same name, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. A leading role that earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for a British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer. In 2011, he starred in Martin Scorsese’s adventure film Hugo and in 2015 in James Graham’s, A Brilliant Young Mind.
Asa led in the festive film, Your Christmas or Mine? for Amazon Prime, released at the end of 2022. A sequel followed in 2023, titled Your Christmas or Mine 2.
Asa’s further film and TV credits also include: Choose or Die (2022), Greed (2019), Watch the Skies (2019), Slaughterhouse Rulez (2018), Time Freak (2018), Then Came You (2018), Wrong Place Right Tim (SHORT)(2018), Thunderbirds Are Go (2017), The House of Tomorrow (2017), Journey’s End (2017), The Space Between Us (2017), Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children (2016), 10,000 Saints (2015), Enders Game (2013), The Wolfman (2010), Nanny McPhee Returns(2010), Merlin (2008) and Ashes To Ashes (2008).
Michael Longhurst is an award-winning stage director and former Artistic Director of The Donmar Warehouse, where he directed, amongst others, Keeley Hawes in The Human Body by Lucy Kirkwood, Next to Normal (four Olivier Award nominations; also West End), The Band’s Visit (six Olivier Award nominations), Rory Kinnear in Force Majeure, Teenage Dick, Belleville starring James Norton, and the Olivier Award-winning multi-cast revival of Nick Payne’s Constellations (originally Royal Court, West End and Broadway). His programming included the globally transferring pandemic sound installation Blindness, a new version of The Cherry Orchard by Benedict Andrews (starring Nina Hoss and Adeel Akhtar) and Macbeth starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, also transferring to the West End this autumn.
His Chichester production of Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s civil rights-era musical Caroline, or Change, starring Sharon D Clarke in an Olivier Award-winning performance, transferred to the West End and Broadway where it was Tony-nominated for Best Musical Revival.
Other productions include the National Theatre smash hit Amadeus (Olivier Theatre, featuring The Southbank Sinfonia), The Son and Bad Jews (West End), Carmen Disruption (Almeida), A Number (Young Vic), ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore and The Winter’s Tale (Sam Wanamaker) and Between Riverside and Crazy (currently at Hampstead Theatre).
Barney Norris’s work has received awards from the International Theatre Institute, the Critics’ Circle, the Evening Standard, the Society of Authors, and the South Bank Sky Arts Times Breakthrough Awards, among others, and been translated into nine languages. His plays include Visitors, Eventide, Nightfall, The Wellspring and acclaimed adaptations of Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day and Lorca’s Blood Wedding; his novels include the acclaimed Undercurrent and the bestselling Five Rivers Met On A Wooded Plain.
Set and Costume Design will be by Fly Davis.
Second Best is produced by Simon Friend Entertainment.
