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Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Living Theatre Productions present

Terence Rattigan’s

SUMMER 1954

Table Number Seven and The Browning Version
 

Directed by James Dacre

Set & Costume by Mike Britton

With original music by Valgeir Sigurðsson

Featuring an ensemble cast of
NATHANIEL PARKER, SIÂN PHILLIPS, LOLITA CHAKRABARTI,
ALEXANDRA DOWLING, ANGELA JONES, JEREMY NEUMARK JONES, SIMON COATES, RICHENDA CAREY, KISHORE WALKER, PAMELA MILES, FIONA TONG, ROSALIND LAILEY and BERTIE HAWES.

OPENS AT THEATRE ROYAL BATH 24 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 2024 FOLLOWED BY UK TOUR

theatreroyal.org.uk
 

Multiple award winners Siân Phillips, Nathaniel Parker and Lolita Chakrabarti lead an ensemble cast directed by James Dacre performing Terence Rattigan’s most personal one act masterpieces Table Number Seven(from Separate Tables)and The Browning Version, which are paired for the first time to capture one quietly momentous evening seventy years ago. Together, they present Rattigan as one of the great twentieth century chroniclers of the paradoxes of the human heart.

Completing the cast are Alexandra Dowling, Angela Jones, Jeremy Neumark Jones, Simon Coates, Richenda Carey, Kishore Walker, Pamela Miles, Fiona Tong, Rosalind Lailey and Bertie Hawes.

This unique tribute to Terence Rattigan will be staged at Theatre Royal Bath from 24 October to 2 November 2024 (Press Night 30 October) followed by a UK national tour stopping at Malvern Theatre (5 – 9 Nov 2024), Cambridge Arts Theatre (12 – 16 Nov 2024), Chichester Festival Theatre (21 – 25 Jan 2025), Richmond Theatre (27 Jan – 1 Feb 2025), Cheltenham Everyman Theatre (3 – 8 Feb 2025) and Oxford Playhouse (11 – 15 Feb 2025).

Nathaniel Parker is well-loved by TV audiences for playing the title character in the long-running BBC series The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. As well as countless lead roles in television dramas, he has regularly appeared onstage for the RSC, including Henry VIII in the internationally acclaimed Wolf Hall and Bringing Up The Bodies in Stratford -Upon-Avon, in the West End and on Broadway.

In a career spanning eight decades, Multi award-winning Dame Siân Phillips’ many memorable screen credits range from her BAFTA-winning role in the BBC’s adaptation of I, Claudius in 1976 to guest roles in New Tricks, Under Milk Wood, Casualty, Lewis, and the TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s detective novels Strike. Siân’s prestigious stage career has seen her nominated for Olivier Awards for Pal Joey, A Little Night Music, Cabaret and the title role in Marlene. 

Lolita Chakrabarti OBE is an award-winning actress and playwright. Her adaptation of the Booker Prize winning novel Life of Pi won her the prestigious Olivier Award for Best Play. Stage credits include: Gertrude, opposite Tom Hiddleston, in Hamlet (RADA), Fanny & Alexander (Old Vic), John Gabriel Borkman (Donmar Warehouse), and Free Outgoing (Royal Court). Most recently she starred in The Hunt (St Ann’s Warehouse, New York). Her TV credits include: Silo (Apple), Screw (Channel Four), Vigil (BBC) Showtrial (BBC), The Wheel of Time (Amazon), The Casual Vacancy (BBC1/HBO), Delicious (Sky), Beowulf (ITV), Jekyll and Hyde (ITV), Riviera (Sky), Criminal (Netflix) and Born to Kill (CH4).

Summer, 1954. 

The atmosphere at The Beauregard Private Hotel, Bournemouth, is marked by a blend of repressed emotions and post-war gentility. Each of the staff and guests has their own reason for seeking the solace of quiet anonymity, but trying to hide from the social and cultural change sweeping over the country is proving impossible.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the Midlands, the end of the school term brings to a climax the intrigues, deceptions and lies in the lives of its teachers. The ensuing implosion of classicist Andrew Crocker Harris’s career triggers the collapse of his marriage.

Britain is changing. Nothing will ever be the same again. 

The Creative Team includes Director James Dacre, Set and Costume Designer Mike Britton Lighting Designer Charles Balfour, Composer Valgeir Sigurðsson, Sound Designer Bella Kear, Associate Director Sarah Stacey and Movement Director Arielle Smith, with casting by Ginny Schiller CDG.

James Dacre is an Olivier and UK Theatre Award-winning Director and Creative Producer who recently launched Living Theatre Productions. He was Artistic Director of Royal & Derngate Theatres from 2013-2023 where he produced more than 120 shows, of which 60 toured both nationally and internationally, and 42 transferred to London and were recognised with Olivier, Evening Standard, UK Theatre, WhatsOnStage and The Stage awards. He is a Board Director of Spirit of 2012, a Trustee for The Theatres Trust and Talawa Theatre Company and a Franco-British Young Leader.

SUMMER 1954 is produced by Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Living Theatre Productions.

Curve Theatre Leicester – until 28th September 2024

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

4****

Set in 1962 in Baltimore, Hairspray opens with a rousing number introducing you to the racial segregation of its time. Tracy Turnblad is a bubbly, excitable and exceptionally talented teenager who decides to audition for The Corny Collins Show along with her best friend Penny Pingelton. Tracy catches Corny’s eye, which leads to an opportunity to dance on TV. Falling for hunk and fellow dancer/crooner Link Larkin, Tracy makes an enemy of Amber Von Tussle who is already romantically involved with Link and does not agree with Tracy being not as svelte as the other dancers. Amber’s mother, Velma Von Tussle produces Corny’s programme, and is against people of colour and those of a larger size appearing on the show. Finding herself in detention, Tracy strikes up a friendship with some black students, and she invites them to dance with her on the show, to shake the injustice of black people not being able to dance regularly on the show. This incites a whole host of shenanigans, including jail time, a jail break, a giant can of hairspray and a dance off. Will Tracy and Link make it? Will there be racial and physical harmony?

Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby played a wonderful Tracy Turnblad. She’s bright, bold and her energy is infectious, it’s hard to believe this is her debut run. Supported by the rest of the cast, they are all a delight to watch.

The show is uplifting and features the hits ‘Welcome to the 60s’, ‘Run and Tell That’, and ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’. The cast belt these out with gusto. Aided by superb choreography from Drew Mconie and brilliant direction from Paul Kerryson and Brenda Edwards, this is a truly feel good show which will have you dancing in the aisles.

REIGNING DRAG RACE UK CHAMPION GINGER JOHNSON LEADS TUCKSHOP’S FOURTH ANNUAL DRAG PANTO – PETER PAN 

PANTO AT THE PHOENIX! BACK IN THE WEST END FOR A LIMITED TIME 
MONDAY 2 DECEMBER 2024 – MONDAY 6 JANUARY 2025 | THE PHOENIX THEATRE

STARRING DRAG RACE UK WINNER GINGER JOHNSON, DRAG RACE LEGENDS KITTY SCOTT-CLAUS, CHERYL HOLE, KATE BUTCH AND MORE! 

TuckShop – the UK’s only specialist production company devoted all things drag – are back in the West End again this Christmas with an exciting co-production with Jack Maple Productions. This year’s pantomime, Peter Pan is Tuckshop’s fourth all drag pantomime, following 2019 sell-out hit Cinderella, 2021’s Dick Whittington and last year’s Sleeping Beauty.  

This raucous pantomime will run at The Phoenix Theatre on select dates from Monday 2 December 2024 to Monday 6 January 2025 with a press performance on Monday 9 December 8pm. Tickets are on sale now. 

Forget everything you thought you knew about Neverland with this childishly unabashed two-fingered, all-drag, salute to the classic tale of the boy that wouldn’t grow up. Same, tbh. 

Join Peter as he humps his ‘orrible little way around Neverland with Wendy, John and Michael in a constant battle with the villainous moral crusader, Captain Hook! 

Starring an incredible line-up of Drag talent including Drag Race UK Winner Ginger Johnson as Hook, alongside Tuck Shop alums and Drag Race legends Kitty Scott-Claus, Cheryl Hole and Kate Butch as the Darling children, TikTok and viral sensation Bailey J Mills as Tinkerbell, Yshee Black as Smee, Ophelia Love returns as Villager No.4, Mahatma Khandi as the mermaid and Drag King sensation Richard Energy in the title role as Peter.  

Rude, crude and not for prudes, this is the very adult, very hilarious, very demure pantomime from the creator of Death Drop, Cool Rider and Gals Aloud and written by Gareth Joyner (A Christmas Carole, Dick Whittington, the creator of Myra Dubois). 

Fly straight to the Phoenix Theatre to find out just how juvenile a show this is, how the hell we’re achieving the flying effects with no budget, and just exactly how are we going to deal with the cultural appropriation of “Princess Tiger Lilly” (but we’ll probably will just skim past that…).   

On returning to Tuck Shop, Cheryl Hole (recent finalist on Canada’s Drag Race vs the world) said: “I’m so excited to be back working with Tuckshop for another fun and ridiculous production. I had the honour of being part of 2021’s Dick Whittington and taking the lead. The collaboration between artist and production is such a fun, electric process that we always produce the best results. I’m beyond ready to get into the stage and see what ridiculous character comes from inside me”  

Kate Butch said: “I’m so excited to be back on the West End and back with TuckShop, after having a fabulous time in Sleeping Beauty last year. In that show, I was a selfish narcissist with bad makeup, so it’ll be fun to get to do some acting this year.” 

Kitty Scott-Claus (currently storming it on Rupaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars) said: “I’m so excited to be returning to the West End with Tuckshop this Panto season! 3rd times a charm!” 

New Wimbledon Theatre Studio – until 28 September 2024

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

4****

New Wimbledon Theatre Studio brings you this new play by Aimee Dickinson and Aliya Gilmore from Ultraviolet Productions. It tells the story of Lilith, the first women to be created by God from Dust, who was placed into the garden of Eden to live alongside Adam as his first wife. Although problems begin to show when Adam tries to dominate his wife, only pushing her to want to know more and ask more questions of Adam and God. Lilith doesn’t listen to Adam, and she finds herself abandoned and alone in the wilderness outside of Eden after being locked out by God.

The production is done extremely well with Lucifer (Oscar Nicholson) taking Lilith (Isabel McGrady) through the story of how Adam’s life continued without her and the creation of Eve. This was created by jumping in and out of time frames and characters with Lilith also playing Eve and Lucifer also playing Adam.

We see Lilith playing a very enthusiastic character wanting to understand to know why. She doesn’t want to stand still; she wants all the answers now! Whereas Adam seems quite happy to sit back and take things as they come, being content with his life.

Lucifer on the other hand is waiting in the wings to cause some chaos! Although quite a heavy content the show was done extremely well with lighter moments to provide some relief with laughter.

The stage I thought was simple yet very effective, with a tree in the middle that was half black and half white, showing good and evil and light and dark that exists in us all.

The lighting and sound also gave the production much depth and altogether I really enjoyed this alternative point of view on the creation story. It may not be for everyone, but I thought the whole show in itself was done extremely well with a lot of thought, a really good watch.

NATIONAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES RUFUS NORRIS’ FINAL SEASON

A CULMINATION OF TEN YEARS INCLUDING NEW VOICES AND WORLD PREMIERES, RETURNING HIT SHOWS, EXPANDED GLOBAL REACH AND SECTOR-LEADING SUSTAINABILITY

• New season will showcase four world premieres with new plays by Suzie Miller, Shaan Sahota, David Lan, and David Eldridge.
• The UK premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s final musical Here We Are, first staged in New York during 2023,with a book by David Ives and directed by Joe Mantello in a new production at the National Theatre.
• New production of Michael Abbensetts’ Alterations, a seminal work from the Black Plays Archive based at the National Theatre.
• Casting for productions include Adeel Akhtar, Arinzé Kene and Rosamund Pike making their National Theatre debuts. Actors returning to the National Theatre include Tracie Bennett, Rory Kinnear, Denis O’Hare, Michael Sheen, Cherrelle Skeete and Juliet Stevenson.
• The return of the award-winning London Road,directed by Rufus Norris, for a limited run at the National Theatre.
• Two national transfers with the revival of Dear England playing for four weeks atThe Lowry in Salford and Nye returning to Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
• The National Theatre Green Store, a major new sustainability centre, opens in Bermondsey, marking the latest milestone on the National Theatre’s journey to reach net zero by 2030.
• The National Theatre’s nationwide youth theatre programme, Connections celebrates its 30th anniversary with 125,000 young people having taken part.
• Audiences around the world are invited to ‘Take your Seats’ for a free stream of Nye on YouTube in November.

Rufus Norris today announces his final programme as Director of the National Theatre, concluding his decade leading the organisation and creating a lasting impact for generations to come. The work on stage and the initiatives announced today exemplify the commitments he has driven forward – to new work, representation on and off stage, sustainability and nationwide reach.

The programme was launched today at the new National Theatre Green Store, the latest and most significant National Theatre environmental initiative marking Rufus’ profound commitment to sustainability, and includes four world premieres by playwrights Suzie Miller, Shaan Sahota, David Lan, and David Eldridge alongside the return of some of the National Theatre’s most popular and loved productions – Dear England, London Road and Nye.

Together they showcase the National Theatre as a powerhouse for new writing and celebrate the creation by Rufus of the New Work Department, which over ten years has expanded the range of voices and stories told on the National Theatre’s stages. His final season continues the commitment to increasing the recognition of the work of underserved creative talent with the programming of Michael Abbensetts’ Alterations, a seminal work from the Black Plays Archive based at the National Theatre.  Also announced today is the long-awaited return of the musical London Road, originally directed by Rufus in 2011 which led to him becoming an Associate of the National Theatre and then Director in 2015, as well as a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s last musical Here We Are. This staging of Sondheim’s final work follows the huge success of Follies and cements the National Theatre as the UK home of the legendary composer’s work.

Rufus Norris’ passion to bring new audiences to theatre and cultivate future generations of theatre-makers is seen through the continued expansion of the digital reach of the National Theatre with a free global YouTube stream of Nye as part of his ‘Take Your Seats’ initiative, available to watch from 7pm GMT on 7 – 11 November on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel. His focus on creative education and access to the arts will also have a landmark moment in 2025 with the 30th anniversary of the National Theatre’s flagship nationwide youth theatre programme Connections,over the decades 125,000 young people have taken part.Over the past 30 years, Connections alumni have forged careers across the creative industries as well as gained vital transferable skills for roles in wider sectors. Tonight, the National Theatre celebrates the homecoming of one of its most celebrated Connections alumni, David Oyelowo, taking centre stage for Coriolanus.

Productions announced today

This final season features stories told by world-class theatre-makers that reflect a rich and resonant range of perspectives. From Shaan Sahota’s brand-new play The Estate,directed by Daniel Raggett, a family drama and political satire about the moral downfall of a politician played by Adeel Akhtar, to Suzie Miller who reunites with director Justin Martin following the global success of Prima Facie, for the world premiere of Inter Alia, with initial casting that includes Rosamund Pike making her National Theatre debut as an eminent High Court Judge forced to reckon her professional life and role as wife, mother, friend and feminist. Guyana-born British writer Michael Abbensetts’ era-defining comedy from the Black Plays Archive Alterations,which illuminates the Guyanese experience of 1970s London and the aspirations and sacrifices of the Windrush generation. Refreshed with additional material by Trish Cooke, Alterations will receive its largest ever staging by director Lynette Linton, withinitial casting that includes Arinzé Kene making his National Theatre debut and Cherrelle Skeete. Former Young Vic Artistic Director David Lan‘s new play The Land of the Living will be directed by Stephen Daldry, with a cast that includes Juliet Stevenson, and tells the story of displaced children after World War II. End, a new play by David Eldridge – the concluding part of his trilogy of plays commissioned by Rufus during his tenure – will be directed by Lyric Hammersmith Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan.

Two musicals will be staged at the National Theatre in 2025. Stephen Sondheim’s final musical Here We Are, with a book by Tony Award-nominee David Ives, makes its UK debut in a new production after its Off-Broadway premiere in 2023, directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello and with a cast including Tracie Bennett, Rory Kinnear and Denis O’Hare. Alongside this is the return of Alecky Blythe and Adam Cork’s innovative award-winning musical London Road, directed by Rufus Norris,which will also be captured for a future streaming release on National Theatre at Home. This season will also see the return of two epic state-of–the-nation plays, Dear England by James Graham,directed by Rupert Goold, telling the story of the England men’s football team under Gareth Southgate, with Graham updating his epic examination of nation and game to reflect Southgate’s final chapter as England Manager, and Nye, Tim Price’s celebrated Welsh fantasia which charts the life of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan and his battle to create the NHS, directed by Rufus Norris.

Sustainability

Confirming the National Theatre as sector leader for sustainable theatre practice, the National Theatre Green Store, a 36,000 sq. ft warehouse in south Bermondsey is the latest groundbreaking National Theatre sustainability initiative led by Rufus Norris. The National Theatre Green Store embodies the National Theatre’s commitment to making essential change to theatre making practice, by not only housing the National Theatre’s costumes, props and scenery in one space to encourage further reuse of production resources, but also through working together with cultural organisations to establish a production hub for subsidised London theatres and creating a circular economy of industry materials.

The central London location means that the production resources stored at the National Theatre Green Store will now be much more accessible for designers and creatives, leading to increased reuse of materials across National Theatre productions. In addition, DAF Trucks have generously donated an electric truck to the National Theatre for the transportation of production materials further reducing the carbon impacts of all transportation. 

Across the UK and around the world

Following the success of the inaugural ‘Take Your Seats’ last year where 185,000 people watched Deputy Artistic Director Clint Dyer’s Othello streamed live on YouTube, today it is announced that this autumn Nye will be streamed for audiences around the globe for free. This is the latest digital initiative further building the National Theatre’s national and global reach, which has exponentially grown during Rufus’ tenure with the expansion of National Theatre Live now seen in 74 countries across the globe, which has twice broken the UK event cinema record for the highest-grossing event cinema release ever.

With the creation of National Theatre at Home, powered with funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, a pioneering theatre streaming service now present in 184 countries around the globe, combined with the National Theatre’s commitment to working with over 100 partner theatres across the UK and national and international touring, the National Theatre reaches a global audience of 19 million each year. 

Young People and Schools

Rufus’ commitment to community engagement and introducing young people to theatre has resulted in the National Theatre being active in every local authority in the UK. The creation of the streaming service National Theatre Collection, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year and has been expanded to New York public schools, means world class theatre has never been more accessible for young people.

Following last year’s secondary schools tour of Jekyll & Hyde, which reached 10,000 young people nationwide, at the start of 2025 the National Theatre will return to schools with a tour of The LeftBehinds, a new play co-created by Bristol playwright Ross Willis and director Ned Bennett. In a post-apocalyptic future, the LeftBehinds must race across a desolate wasteland in a high-octane quest to rebuild an android, unlock its power and save the planet. This new play will embark on a national tour, visiting secondary school halls in 11 areas nationwide across ten weeks in partnership with local theatres. 

In June 2025, Connections, the National Theatre’s annual nationwide youth theatre programme with esteemed alumni including Rose Ayling-Ellis, Callum Scott Howells and Keira Knightley celebrates its 30th anniversary.By giving young people experience on all aspects of staging and performing a new play, they develop truly transferable skills and the ability to think creatively, which is vital for any career path. Playwrights who have been commissioned to write Connections plays over the last three decades include Alice Birch, Chris Bush, James Graham and Lenny Henry to name a few.

Rufus Norris, Director and Co-Chief Executive said ‘Leading the creative powerhouse that is the National Theatre over the past decade has been a profound privilege. I am humbled by the commitment, dedication and passion shown day in and day out by the extraordinary people who have joined me in the mission to make the NT a representative, sustainable, world class theatre, reaching far beyond its concrete walls. From establishing the New Work Department, which has sparked an explosion of new voices on and off stage, to creating NT at Home, now streaming in nearly every county in the world, I am beyond thrilled that NT now has a global audience reach of 19 million.  There is simply nowhere else like it on earth. I can’t wait to watch from the wings as it flourishes and grows for future generations to enjoy under the brilliant leadership of Indhu Rubasingham and Kate Varah.’

Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive said, ‘It has been a joy and privilege to work alongside Rufus for the past three years. His unwavering commitment to creating a truly national theatre, platforming new writers and artists, has given the country a decade of exciting and important cultural moments. Whether through the stories told on our stages, across the UK and around the world, or through his dedication to providing opportunities for young people and communities to experience theatre, the work of the National Theatre reaches more people than ever before, with an innovative new global digital footprint, all sparking creativity and changing lives. The qualities you see in his work – heart, generosity and integrity – have been the hallmarks of his leadership. As Indhu and I lead the NT into its next chapter, we stand on the shoulders of both Rufus and my predecessor, Lisa Burger. It is because of them that today, we have a vibrant, thriving National Theatre.’

Michael Sheen to reprise role as smash-hit Nye returns to Cardiff

Following a sell-out run earlier this year, a major play starring Michael Sheen as one of Wales’s most influential figures will return to Cardiff in August 2025.

Nye, the smash-hit co-production between the National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre, will return to the Welsh capital for a strictly limited run at the Donald Gordon Theatre on 22 – 30 August 2025.

Michael Sheen (Good Omens) will reprise his iconic title role of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, with further casting to be announced.

Tickets for the revival of Nye will be on public sale from Friday 11 October 2024, with Wales Millennium Centre members able to skip the queues to secure their tickets days before public release. Find out more about Ffrind membership at wmc.org.uk/ffrind.

Nye charts the life and legacy of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, a former coal miner from Tredegar who transformed the UK’s welfare state. It is written by Welsh playwright and screenwriter Tim Price (Teh Internet is Serious Business) and directed by the National Theatre’s outgoing Artistic Director Rufus Norris (Cabaret – West End, London Road, Small Island).

From campaigning at the coalfield to leading the battle to create the NHS, Nye Bevan is often referred to as the politician who’s had the greatest influence on the UK without ever being Prime Minister. Confronted with death, Nye’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill in an epic Welsh fantasia.

The team behind this production once again includes Welsh artists Jess Williams (co-choreographer), Will Stuart (composer) and Francesca Goodridge (revival co-director).  The creative team is completed by set designer Vicki Mortimer, costume designer Kinnetia Isidore, lighting designer Paule Constable, co-choreographer Steven Hoggett, sound designer Donato Wharton, projection designer Jon Driscoll, casting by Alastair Coomer CDG and Chloe Blake, dialect coach Patricia Logue, company voice work Cathleen McCarron and Tamsin Newlands, consultant medical advisor Matt Morgan and associate lighting designer Lucy Adams.

Graeme Farrow, Wales Millennium Centre’s Chief Creative and Content Officer, said:
“With the perfect casting of Michael Sheen and powerful writing by Tim Price, combined with our own deep Welsh storytelling roots and the National Theatre’s producing brilliance, Nye undoubtedly struck a chord with audiences here in Cardiff and beyond. We’re thrilled to be giving Wales another chance next year to witness this epic, resonant theatrical experience.”

This co-production between the National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre continues a growing relationship between the two national companies,  following the transfer of The Boy with Two Hearts from Cardiff to the National’s Dorfman Theatre in 2022, as well as the ever-increasing touring presentations of National Theatre productions including the multi-award-winning War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR THE

2024/2025 UK AND IRELAND TOUR

OF THE CLASSIC MULTI AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

MARKING THE MUSICAL’S 20^TH ANNIVERSARY

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group are delighted to announce full casting for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour of the classic multi award-winning musical MARY POPPINS, opening at Bristol Hippodrome from 4 November 2024, returning to where the magic originally began and marking the 20^th anniversary since the musical’s world premiere. www.marypoppins.co.uk 

Joining the previously announced Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as Bert, who played the roles in Australia to critical and audience acclaim are Michael D. Xavier (Olivier nominee for Into the Woods and Love Story, Sunset Boulevard on Broadway) as George Banks, Lucie-Mae Sumner (West End production of Mary Poppins and Barnum at Menier Chocolate Factory) as Winifred Banks, Rosemary Ashe (original casts of the West End productions of The Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins and Olivier nominee for The Witches of Eastwick) as Mrs Brill, Patti Boulaye (West End and recording star, Carmen Jones at the Old Vic) as Bird Woman, Wendy Ferguson (West End productions of Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera 25^th Anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall) as Miss Andrew, Sonia Swaby (West End productions of Oliver!, Miss Saigon and Cats) as Mrs Corry and Miss Smythe, Ruairidh McDonald (Matilda, West End) as Roberston Ay and David Burrows (West End productions of Half a Sixpence, My Fair Lady and Oliver!) as Admiral Boom and Bank Chairman.

Olivia Ainsworth, Olaya Martinez Cambon, Matilda O’Sullivan, Katie Ryden and Florence Amelia Swann will alternate the role of Jane Banks with Charlie Donald, Jude Martin-Thomas, Oscar McCulloch, Joshua Miles and William Stafford alternating the role of Michael Banks.

The company is completed by Jay Luca Allan, Marianne Bardgett, Rhys Batten, Lydia Boulton, Ben Culleton, Jasmine Davis, Matthew Dawkins, Lily de-la-Haye, Nathan Elwick, Darcy Finden, Lyndsey Gardiner, Ryan Gover, Emma Harrold, Billy Mahoney, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Yujin Park, Roan Pronk, Henry Rhodes, Jacob Ritzema, Scarlet Roche, Callum Rose, Charlie Waddell, Rachael Ward, Jemima-Jane Willcox, James Wolstenholme and Ellie Young.

Cameron Mackintosh said today “I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Mary Poppins back, opening at the Bristol Hippodrome where she first took flight 20 years ago when we opened the first ever stage musical adaptation of Pamela Travers’ books, featuring many of the great Sherman brothers’ songs from The Walt Disney Company’s iconic movie. Since then, Mary has continued to fly around the world dispersing her magic, bringing families together and audiences to their feet in a most supercalifragilisticexpialidocious way! Last year, Disney Theatrical Group and I produced the show again in Australia where it was even more successful the second time round.  Our Australian Mary and Bert, Stefanie and Jack, were so practically perfect that we invited them to lead this brilliant new company which also includes such marvellous leading actors of the British theatre as Michael D. Xavier, Rosemary Ashe, Wendy Ferguson, Sonia Swaby and Patti Boulaye. Mary Poppins remains a timeless classic for all ages, full of wonderful characters, brilliant songs, showstopping dances and spectacular magic. So, you are assured of an unforgettable performance and the jolliest of holidays with Mary. But step in time to get tickets, as Mary has a lot of places to visit and her bag is packed!.”

Since its premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in 2004, the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins has gone on to record-breaking productions around the world, gaining over 50 major international awards, including two Olivier Awards and one Tony Award. Over 15 millionpeople have witnessed the magic worldwide with the production having been translated into 13 languages.

Mary Poppins flies back into Bristol Hippodrome on 4 November 2024 where it will run until 30 November 2024 ahead of playing Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin (11 December 2024 – 11 January 2025), Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (22 January 2025 – 15 February 2025), Theatre Royal Plymouth (26 February 2025 – 29 March 2025), Palace Theatre Manchester (9 April 2025 – 17 May 2025), Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (21 May – 29 June 2025), Birmingham Hippodrome (16 July – 23 August 2025), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (27 August – 20 September 2025), Sunderland Empire (1 – 25 October 2025) and Milton Keynes Theatre (29 October – 22 November 2025). Additional venues still to be announced, alongside further casting.

Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and The Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic Sherman Brothers songs; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

MARY POPPINS has original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The book is by Julian Fellowes and this production is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh. It has orchestrations by William David Brohn and dance and vocal arrangements by George Stiles. It has sound design by Paul Gatehouse, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, projections by Luke Hall andillusions by Paul Kieve & Jim Steinmeyer. The set and costume designs are by Bob Crowley. Co-Choreography is by Stephen Mear. Co-direction and choreography is by Matthew Bourne and direction is by Richard Eyre. The UK & Ireland Tour is directed by James Powell with choreography recreated by Richard Jones and musical supervision by Stephen Brooker.

MARY POPPINS UK AND IRELAND TOUR – 2024/2025 TOUR LISTINGS

marypoppins.co.uk

MONDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2024 – SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2024

BRISTOL HIPPODROME

www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins, Jack Chambers as Bert and Patti Boulaye as Birdwoman

WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2024 – SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2025

BORD GÁIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins, Jack Chambers as Bert and Patti Boulaye as Bird Woman

WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2025 – SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2025

FESTIVAL THEATRE, EDINBURGH

www.capitaltheatres.com

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins, Jack Chambers as Bert and Patti Boulaye as Bird Woman

WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2025 – SATURDAY 29 MARCH 2025

THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

www.theatreroyal.com

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins, Jack Chambers as Bert and Patti Boulaye as Bird Woman

WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL 2025 – SATURDAY 17 MAY 2025

PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER

www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester

ON SALE NOW

Starring Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins, Jack Chambers as Bert and Patti Boulaye as Bird Woman

WEDNESDAY 21 MAY – SUNDAY 29 JUNE 2025

ALHAMBRA THEATRE, BRADFORD

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

ON SALE NOW

Casting of Mary Poppins, Bert and Bird Woman to be announced.

WEDNESDAY 16 JULY – SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 2025

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

ON SALE 20 SEPTEMBER 2024

Casting of Mary Poppins, Bert and Bird Woman to be announced.

WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST – SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2025

MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON

www.mayflower.org.uk

ON SALE 17 OCTOBER 2024

Casting of Mary Poppins, Bert and Bird Woman to be announced.

WEDNESDAY 1 – SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER 2025

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

ON SALE 14 OCTOBER 2024

Casting of Mary Poppins, Bert and Bird Woman to be announced.

WEDNESDAY 29 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2025

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

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

ON SALE 14 OCTOBER 2024

Casting of Mary Poppins, Bert and Bird Woman to be announced.

FURTHER VENUES TO BE ANNOUNCED

THE UK’S MOST EXCITING ORCHESTRA OF YOUNG MUSICIANS

TO PERFORM FIRST CONCERT SINCE THEIR ACCLAIMED BBC PROMS DEBUT

STRINGS AND SERENADES

ST GABRIEL’S CHURCH, PIMLICO, LONDON

FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 2024

Fantasia Orchestra, the dynamic and versatile ensemble of some of the UK’s finest young musicians, will perform their first concert since making their debut at the BBC Proms 2024.

Strings and Serenades will take place St Gabriel’s Church in Pimlico on Friday 18 October,a programme exploring some of the musical giants of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

From meditative Pärt and smooth Duke Ellington to virtuosic Ligeti and trailblazing Alberga, the evening will showcase Fantasia’s strings and percussion.  Star soloists Ben Goldscheider (horn) and Toby Spence (tenor) join Fantasia Orchestra to perform Benjamin Britten’s iconic Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, a beautiful work that will soar through the mid-19^th century gothic interior of St Gabriel’s – a venue renowned for its resonant acoustics.

This concert demonstrates the orchestra’s ethos of creating genre-blurring programmes and forging creative connections and collaborations through music.

Programme

Pärt – Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten

Ellington, arr. Gould – Sophisticated Lady

Kidane – Be Still

Alberga – Shining Gate of Morpheus (for horn & strings)

– Interval –

Ligeti – Ramifications

Ellington, arr. Gould – Solitude

Percy Grainger – Irish Tune from County Derry (Danny Boy)

Benjamin Britten- Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings

Conductor and Artistic Director Tom Fetherstonhaugh said, “Making long-lasting connections through music is at the heart of Fantasia’s mission, and it is a joy to be bringing this programme to London with two of the country’s finest soloists – Ben Goldscheider and Toby Spence. For the first concert this season, I’m delighted to be playing an eclectic programme that brings together music from Duke Ellington to Eleanor Alberga.”

Fantasia’s BBC Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall in August featured soloists and long-time collaborators Sheku and Braimah Kanneh–Mason and Plínio Fernandes,and won them a host of new admirers as they brought a youthful energy and vibrancy to the famous festival. Their repertoire included music by Bartok, Brahms, Dvorak, Laura Mvula, Piazzolla, and Chic.

Fantasia Orchestra was founded in 2016 by conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh and is home to the best of young British classical music talent today. It has recently collaborated with other eminent soloists including Martin James Bartlett, Alim Beisembayev, Jess Gillam, Thomas Gould, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Vadym Kholodenko, Jennifer Pike, Laura van der Heijden, and Steven Osborne. The connections in the orchestra were forged at the Royal Academy of Music, where Tom and many of the other musicians and soloists met and studied together from 2011 onwards.

Education is central to the ethos of Fantasia and 2020 saw the launch of its partnership with the music education charity the DaCapo Music Foundation. Together, they have delivered initiatives including a series of school workshops entitled ‘Take Note’, bringing music-making to primary schools in London with little or no music provision – these sessions repeatedly receive fantastic feedback from children and teachers alike. They have also created a new resource for the primary classroom: DaCapo Online is a comprehensive, ambitious and inclusive music curriculum that features Fantasia musicians at every stage.

Hull New Theatre – until 28th September 2024

Reviewed by Cath Wright

5*****

What if Juliet didn’t die at the end of Romeo and Juliet? This is what Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning) asks of Shakespeare (Matt Cardle) at the start of & Juliet, cue the reimagining of the play by Anne, with Shakespeare being unable to resist interfering in the process. Cue a fast, frenetic, glitzy, and glorious performance with an incredibly talented cast.

& Juliet is interspersed throughout with Max Martin’s many hits, his music and lyrics often having a new tempo and being delivered in a totally unexpected context. Max Martin produces & Juliet with Luke Sheppard directing. Written by David West Read, this is a funny show, full of wit and wry humour. Jennifer Weber has choregraphed the stunning dance routines and Paloma Young’s costumes are an inspired Elizabethan/80’s mix.

Matt Cardle’s Shakespeare is an utter delight, played with a twinkle and a certain devilishness, yet still producing pathos at times. His singing voice is sublime. He and Anne bounce off one another superbly.

Lara Denning is superb, playing Anne (and April), she bounces through the show with glee and yet we see her tender and emotional side too. Her singing voice is quite simply phenomenal.

Geradine Sacdalan is stunning as Juliet, her singing voice is amazing. She is undoubtedly a talent to watch out for in the future.

Sandra Marvin as Angeliqué has the most perfect comic timing, and has a wonderful singing voice. The interactions with Lance (Ranj Singh) are superb. Ranj Singh is a revelation as Lance, he absolutely owned the part.

Jordan Broatch (May), Kyle Cox (François) and Jack Danson (Romeo) are incredibly talented and once again have the most wonderful voices.

The band, Musical Director Marcus Carter-Adams are excellent, for a small band they produced an amazing sound.

& Juliet is a simply phenomenal show, a fabulous night out at the theatre. Had the lights not gone up the audience would have been happy to give the cast a much longer standing ovation last night. Fun, fabulous, frivolous, and frenetic I can totally recommend & Juliet, I now have a new favourite musical!

King’s Head Theatre – until 25 September 2025

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Gaia House Productions’ haunting play is a gut-wrenching and unforgettable show. Writer and performer Minjeong Kim delivers an emotional masterclass as she tells the story of Minja, one of the thousands of Korean women taken by the Japanese army to become sex slaves during World War 2.

Dressed in traditional Korean white robes, traditionally symbolising cleanliness, Kim captures the sweet innocence and small acts of childish defiance as Minja goes about her quiet life in her small Korean town. From skipping stones to tentative first love, Kim builds the image of a delightful child, making the impact of her betrayal by a trusted family friend even more heartbreaking.

The horror of life in the Japanese comfort stations is told through the eyes of the naïve teenager – each act of violence and brutality described almost matter-of-factly with a mix of bewilderment and fear. Alone on the stage, with only a small step stool as a prop, Kim’s magnificent physical performance is utterly mesmerising with her shifting posture making each character instantly recognisable as she morphs from victim to rapist, and most chilling as the chain-smoking boss of the station.

Director Kate Elliott’s intuitive touch keeps Kim’s story moving forward, capturing the despair and shame, but also the defiant will to survive. The handful of women alive today are still waiting for acknowledgement and an apology from the Japanese government, but in a nation where the atrocities of the invading Japanese forces in Nanjing and many other places are barely mentioned, this seems unlikely. The women will not be forgotten however, as long as passionate and heartfelt productions like The Comfort Woman are presented.

A must-see production – an extra show has been added on 25 September at 9pm, grab a ticket for this vital and evocative show.