New York, NY (November 20, 2023) –– On the heels of the show’s first anniversary on Broadway, the producers of & Julietannounced today that the hit musical will premiere a German production at Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg in October 2024, adding an additional market for the international hit production that has now been performed on four continents. The German production, which marks the show’s first production with a book translated into a different language, will also be the sixth country to welcome & Juliet in less than five years, after productions in England (West End), Canada (North American Premiere), America (Broadway), Australia and Singapore.
In addition to the new German production, & Juliet will launch multiple tours in 2024, bringing the story of Juliet’s second chance to new audiences worldwide. As previously announced, a North American tour is set to launch in September 2024, and will play more than 65 cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C, and Charlotte, NC. Tickets are now on sale for Charlotte, NC, with additional cities and ticketing information to be announced soon. An upcoming UK tour, beginning July 2024, will travel across England, Scotland, and Wales with stops in 29 cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
In the Southern hemisphere, a successful Australian tour has completed an engagement in Melbourne and will next play Perth, beginning December 30, and Sydney, beginning February 27, 2024. The Australian company also played Singapore’s stunning Sands Theatre.
Last week, the Broadway production celebrated its first anniversary on Broadway with a week-long slate of fan activities, including a Times Square flashmob, a Sing-A-Long performance, a post-show talkback,and multiple giveaways with partnering brands.
In the year since it began Broadway performances, the company has performed on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” “Good Morning America,” “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” “The View,” “America’s Got Talent,” and more. This week, this Broadway company will appear live in the 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, performing a never-before-seen-on-TV number. The parade broadcast can be seen on Thursday, November 23, on NBC and Peacock.
STAR CAST ANNOUNCED FOR EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
Following a smash-hit sold out run in 2021, the critically acclaimed West End musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal (Tue 16 – Sat 20 Jan 2024) with familiar favourites from stage and screen leading the all-star cast.
Ivano Turco (Get Up, Stand Up!, Cinderella) plays the title role of Jamie New, with Rebecca McKinnis (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie West End, Dear Evan Hansen, We Will Rock You, Les Misérables) as Margaret New, Shobna Gulati (The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie West End and Film, Coronation Street, Brassic) as Ray, Talia Palamathanan (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Tour and film) as Pritti, and John Partridge (EastEnders, The View Upstairs, La Cage Aux Folles, A Chorus Line, CATS) – who dazzled Newcastle Theatre Royal audiences as Billy Flynn in Chicago in 2016 – as Hugo/Loco. Further casting to be announced.
Nica Burns, Producer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie said: “We are absolutely delighted to be announcing a cracking cast for our second national tour. A huge welcome to two new talented stars to the cast of Jamie: Ivano Turco in the title role and John Partridge as his mentors, Hugo/Loco Chanelle. They join two superlative fan favourites from the West End cast, Rebecca McKinnis as mum Margaret and Shobna Gulati also reprising her role in the film as Ray. Talia Palamathanan who was such a hit in the ensemble steps up to the lead role of Pritti.
“We thank all our audiences for the incredible reception they have given us and look forward to sharing our joyful musical once again on tour round the UK”.
John Partridge said: “I have loved this show since the first time I saw it. Never before has an LGBTQ+ musical, a story that at its heart is about diversity and inclusion, been more relevant.”
Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.
Set to an original score of catchy pop tunes by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who). Choreographed by Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Kate Prince (Into The Woods, Some Like It Hip Hop, SYLVIA, Message In A Bottle).
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 16 – Sat 20 Jan 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.
The Mill at Sonning to produce the world premiere of ‘The Whistling’ based on the bone-chilling novel by Rebecca Netley
The first play adaptation commissioned by The Mill at Sonning
‘The Whistling’, a chilling and gripping ghost story set on a far-flung Scottish island, will run 27 September – 16 November, 2024 in The Mill at Sonning’s 2023/2024 season.
Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff (‘The Girl on the Train’), who have adapted the debut novel (‘Wonderfully atmospheric, genuinely eerie’ – The Guardian) by local Reading author Rebecca Netley, said: “We’re thrilled to be adapting Rebecca’s ‘The Whistling’ for the stage.
“This is a chilling tale of a young woman who is haunted not only by the events on a remote Scottish island, but also by her own past. ‘The Whistling’ is more than a ghost story; it is also a thrilling mystery, and a tale of loss and grief.
“We aim to draw upon the unique setting of The Mill at Sonning to evoke an atmosphere where live audiences will feel as if they are part of the small island community, in which dark secrets unravel before their eyes.”
Adam Rolston, the Associate Artistic Director of The Mill, said: “This commission marks an exciting new departure for us. We are known for staging classic musicals as well as comedies and stage thrillers. This book is the first of many properties we intend to bring to the stage as world premieres.”Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff previously adapted Paula Hawkins’ ‘The Girl on the Train’, which had a record-breaking UK tour and West End run in 2019 and Rachel’s new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mirror Crack’d’ recently toured the UK.
Rachel wrote the book for the multi-award winning musical ‘Flowers for Mrs Harris’ (Best Musical, UK Theatre Awards 2016), which transferred to Chichester Festival Theatre, directed by Daniel Evans, in September 2018 after a run at the Sheffield Crucible, and can currently be seen at Riverside Studios.
Her critically acclaimed adaptation of ‘Birdsong’ opened in the West End, directed by Trevor Nunn, and enjoyed four UK tours.
Duncan Abel is a writer of plays, radio plays and short stories. Duncan was shortlisted for the 2010 Luke Bitmead Award for his novel ‘The Way Home’. He also wrote, with Rachel Wagstaff, a monologue for ‘Sing London’, based on the life of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, performed by Hugh Bonneville, recorded in 2014.
The Mill also announces today that the final production of their 2023/24 season will be Jerome K. Jerome classic, ‘Three Men in a Boat’, adapted by Clive Francis. It will run 6 June – 13 July, 2024.
The Mill at Sonning
Set majestically on the banks of the River Thames, the Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment. Uniquely, as the only dinner theatre in the United Kingdom, it has gained unrivalled praise both nationally and internationally.
Directors, designers, actors, musicians, of the highest quality help maintain its exceptional reputation. Many new plays premiere here from established to young up-and-coming writers. All productions are created on the premises. Nothing is ‘brought in’. Rehearsal rooms buzz with activity. Sets are built in our workshop. Costumes designed and made in our wardrobe. In our kitchens, fresh food is prepared daily.
The intimate theatre seats 217 in the semi-round allowing the audience to feel involved in the performance. The elegant restaurant, separate from the theatre but within the premises, with views over the sparkling Thames has the friendliest young staff of waiters and waitresses. A spinning waterwheel features in the cosy bar.
The Mill at Sonning Theatre Sonning Eye Reading RG4 6TY
BOX OFFICE: 0118 969 8000
The Mill is a 10 minute taxi ride from Reading, Twyford, Earley and Wargrave stations
Sarah Lawrie for Proud Haddock in association with Neil McPherson for the Finborough Theatre
today announce full casting for the European première of award-winning playwright Michael Healey’s hit satirical political comedy 1979 at the Finborough Theatre.
Jimmy Walters directs Joseph May as Canada’s youngest ever prime minister Joe Clark, and Ian Porter and Samantha Coughlan will both play multiple roles including Pierre Trudeau, Maureen McTeer and Steve Harper.
The production opens on 4 January 2024, with previews from 2 January, and runs until 27 January 2024.
This fast-paced satirical political comedy is an illuminating insight into the rapidly changing world of Conservative party politics.
Sarah Lawrie for Proud Haddock in association with
Neil McPherson for the Finborough Theatrepresent
1979
By Michael Healey
Cast: Samantha Coughlan, Joseph May and Ian Porter Director: Jimmy Walters; Designer: Mim Houghton; Sound designer: Edward Lewis;
Lighting designer: Mark Dymock
2 – 27 January 2024
“You’re a forgettable blank. A complete nobody. You’re the leader of this country, and the vast majority of Canadians couldn’t pick you out of a police line-up. And that’s good. As long as the leader is as still, silent, and blank as possible…he can do whatever he wants.”
In May 1979, Progressive Conservative Joe Clark was elected as Canada’s youngest ever Prime Minister.
By Christmas 1979, it looked as though it was all over.
But Clark is young and idealistic, resolute on making his mark in office, and governing for the whole country, not just his own party supporters. Faced with a critical decision, his colleagues – including his predecessor Pierre Trudeau – take the opportunity to steer him in completely different directions…
1979 opened to great critical acclaim on its première in Calgary in 2017, and received six Betty Mitchell Award nominations. The production subsequently ran at the Berkeley Street Theatre in Toronto in 2019.
Samantha Coughlan plays various roles. Her theatre credits include White Guy on the Bus, Footprints on the Moon and Blue Surge (Finborough Theatre), A View from the Bridge (Young Vic/Wyndham’s Theatre), The White House Murder Case (Orange Tree Theatre), Rain Man (West End), Death of a Salesman (Lyric Theatre), National Anthems (Old Vic), The Shape of Things (New Ambassadors Theatre), The Dutchman (Crate Gallery, Notting Hill), Vieux Carré (Charing Cross Theatre), and Steel Magnolias (Bolton Octagon). Television work includes The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Deep State, Wallis, Obsession: Dark Desires III, Poet in New York, Jonathan Creek, Dead or Alive, Love Sick, Absolute Power and Spooks; and for film, Terminator: Dark Fate, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, Love Me Do, Survivor, Kick Ass 2, Suspension of Disbelief, and releasing next year, The Gorge and Arcadian starring Nicolas Cage.
Joseph May plays Joe Clark. Josephis perhaps best known as TV executive Andy Button in five series of Showtime and BBC’s Episodes. His theatre work includes The Haunting of Hill House (Liverpool Everyman), No Naughty Bits (Hampstead Theatre), Avocado (King’s Head Theatre), Serious Money(Birmingham Rep), Navy Pier (Soho Theatre), and Aunt Dan and Lemon (Almeida Theatre). Television credits include All Creatures Great and Small, Miss Scarlett & the Duke, Toast of Tinseltown, Dark Money, The Windsors, Trollied, I Live With Models, Mistresses US, Titanic, We’ll Take Manhattan, Blood Ties, Killer Instinct, Stargate: Atlantis, Dead Like Me, Da Vinci’s Inquest, Band of Brothers, A Dinner of Herbs, Hollyoaks, Bugs, Casualty and Bodyguards; and for film, Last Flowers, Captain Philips, White Noise 2, Resident Evil, Intimate Affairs, Fairy Tale – A True Story, and Wilde. His extensive voice credits include Aklak in the BAFTA and ANNIE-winning Poles Apart, Thomas the Tank Engine in Thomas and Friends for six years, Chase McCain in Lego City, and Nomad in Ghost Recon.
Ian Porter plays various roles. His theatre work includes Rare Earth Mettle (Royal Court), Orpheus Descending (Theatr Clwyd and Menier Chocolate Factory), Driving Miss Daisy (UK Tour), August: Osage County (National Theatre/Steppenwolf production), Of Mice and Men (The Watermill Theatre), Sideman (Apollo Theatre), Burning Blue (Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Archbishop’s Ceiling and You Can’t Take It With You (Southwark Playhouse), All My Sons (Bristol Old Vic), Danny Bouncing and The Glass Menagerie (Derby Playhouse), and Voices From September 11th (The Old Vic). Television credits include The Toys That Built America 3, Ride Out, Patriot, Living The Dream, The Crown, 24: Live Another Day, Utopia, Nixon’s The One, Doctor Who, The Execution Of Gary Glitter, Inside The Mind Of Adolf Hitler, Bonekickers, Hotel Babylon and Moonshot; and for film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Gangsta Granny Strikes Again, The King’s Man: The Great Game, Angel Has Fallen, The Negotiator, Saving Private Ryan, The Bourne Ultimatum, Mr Bean’s Holiday, Alien Autopsy, The Jacket, Spy Game and Gulliver’s Travels.
Michael Healey is a playwright and actor. His first play, Kicked, was produced at the Fringe of Toronto Festival in 1996, subsequently toured across Canada and internationally, and won Toronto’s most prestigious theatre award, the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best New Play. The Drawer Boy, his first full-length play, premièred in Toronto in 1999, and won the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best New Play. Healey’s other works include The Road To Hell (co-authored with Kate Lynch), Plan B, Rune Arlidge, The Innocent Eye Test, The Nuttalls, and Are You Okay. Finborough Theatre has presented three productions of his work including his UK debut with Generous, the London première of The Drawer Boy and the UK première of Proud. His trilogy focusing on Canadian values and politics, entitled Generous, Courageous, and Proud has had multiple productions in Canada, and his plays have won the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best New Play five times. He has also adapted works by Chekhov, Molnar, Hecht and MacArthur, Dürrenmatt and Bernard Shaw for the Stratford Festival, the Shaw Festival and Soulpepper, Toronto. Healey’s newest play The Master Plan, will première in Toronto in Autumn 2023.
Artistic Director of Proud Haddock Jimmy Walters directs. Previous credits at Finborough Theatre include Square Rounds, The Trackers of Oxyrhynchus, How to Survive an Apocalypse and A Subject of Scandal and Concern. Other directing credits include The Skin Game,Billy Bishop Goes To War and The Dog Beneath The Skin (Jermyn Street Theatre), Mrs Orwell (Southwark Playhouse), Julius Caesar (Saatchi Gallery), A Naughty Night With Noël Coward (Old Red Lion Theatre) Improbable Fiction (Courtyard Theatre), Hamlet (Bedouin Shakespeare Company), I the Jury (Hen and Chickens Theatre), Watching Paint Dry (Barons Court Theatre), Breaded Butler (Troubadour) and Dear Ray (Edinburgh Festival). Credits as Assistant Director include Young Shakespeare Company tours of Twelfth Night and Romeo and Juliet (Bloomsbury Theatre), Othello (Riverside Studios) and Knock Yourself Out (Courtyard Theatre).
£15 tickets for residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham on Saturday, 6 January 2024 at 7.30pm when booked online only.
£10 tickets for Under 30s for performances from Tuesday to Sunday of the first week when booked online only.
Prices until 14 January 2024 – Tickets £20, £18 concessions, except Tuesday evenings £18 all seats, and Friday and Saturday evenings £20 all seats.
Prices from 16 January 2024 – Tickets £23, £20 concessions, except Tuesday evenings £20 all seats, and Friday and Saturday evenings £23 all seats.
FOURTH WALL LIVE with Westway Music is delighted to announce that due to popular demand, West End star JAMIE MUSCATO has added another performance to his live concert at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 21 July 2024 at 2:30pm. This matinee will be in addition to the sold out 6:30pm performance. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 21 November at www.fw-live.com and www.cadoganhall.com
Jamie Muscato, one of the most exciting musical theatre voices in the UK, is performing a brand new solo concert at Cadogan Hall in 2024. Jamie was recently seen as Christian in Moulin Rouge in the West End, and is widely known for originating the role, in the UK, of JD in Heathers at The Other Palace and the Haymarket Theatre.
JAMIE MUSCATO most recently appeared as Matt Flamhaff in workshops for 13 Going on 30 The Musical (Battersea Arts Centre), Christian in Moulin Rouge! (Piccadilly Theatre), Guy in Once In Concert (London Palladium), Enjolras in Les Misérables The Staged Concert (Sondheim Theatre), Tony in West Side Story (Leicester Curve), JD in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket/ The Other Palace), Story Edward in Big Fish (The Other Palace), Ben in Lazarus (Kings Cross Theatre), George Jacob Holyoake in A Subject of Scandal and Concern (Finborough Theatre) Jake in Stay Awake Jake (The Vaults) Joe in Bend it Like Beckham (Phoenix Theatre), Anthony in Sweeney Todd (Welsh National Opera), Eddie in Dogfight (Southwark Playhouse), Nathan in House of Mirrors and Hearts (Arcola Theatre), Eddie in Dogfight (Southwark Playhouse), The Light Princess (National Theatre), Rock of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre), Love Story (Duchess Theatre), Jean Prouvaire in Les Misérables (25 Anniversary tour) and Spring Awakening (Novello / Lyric Hammersmith).
His TV and film work includes Chemistry of Death (Paramount+), Darkness Rising (Channel 4/NBC), Pistol (FX Network), The Colour Of Spring (Winterlight Productions), The Trial of Christine Keeler (BBC), The Nun (New Line Cinema/ Warner Bros), Cilla (ITV) and Les Miserables (Working Title Films).
FOURTH WALL LIVE is an entertainment company that produces events, concerts and on-stage shows. In January 2022, FWL presented Bonnie and Clyde The MusicalIn Concert for two nights to a sold-out audience at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, starring Broadway favourite Jeremy Jordan. The concert broke Drury Lane box office records selling out a two-night run in less than six minutes.
In recent months, Fourth Wall Live has presented Audra McDonald at the London Palladium, Jeremy Jordan at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Ariana DeBose at the London Palladium and both Rachel Tucker and Stephanie J Block at Cadogan Hall. FWL regularly presents concerts featuring stars of the West End and Broadway including Keala Settle, Sierra Boggess, Matthew Morrison and Hannah Waddingham among others.
Fourth Wall Live is also a producer of the What’sOnStage Award winning Bonnie & Clyde The Musical which recently ended its successful run at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End.
Critic’s Pick “As staged afresh in London under the astute eye of director Michael Longhurst, “Next to Normal” has a renewed sting. The result is transformative …there’s no more vital theatrical place to be.” Matt Wolf, The New York Times
Monday 20 November, London – The critically acclaimed Donmar Warehouse production of the Broadway musical Next to Normal – which sold every seat at every performance across its season at Donmar Warehouse, where the production made its long-awaited UK Premiere – is to transfer to London’s West End.
It will begin performances at Wyndham’s Theatre on Tuesday 18 June 2024 for a strictly limited 14-week season.
When the landmark musical debuted on Broadway in 2010, Ben Brantley of The New York Times called it “Brave and breathtaking. It is something much more than a feel-good musical; it is a feel-everything musical.” And Peter Marks of The Washington Post called it “a moving, blisteringly honest, and inordinately powerful new musical stocked with beautiful songs that get to the heart of the story – and simply get to the heart.” Next to Normal went on to win three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, one of only 10 musicals in history to receive the prestigious honour.
Next To Normal is an intimate exploration of family and illness, loss and grief. At its heart is Diana Goodman, a suburban wife and mother living with bipolar disorder and haunted by her past. Donmar Artistic Director Michael Longhurst directs this powerful rock musical.
Tickets go on priority on sale on Monday 27 November – sign up at www.nexttonormal.com. General on sale is Friday 1 December.
Michael Longhurst commented on the transfer: “Some stories pierce the heart of the human condition: Tom and Brian’s astonishing musical does just that – facing our deepest vulnerabilities whilst celebrating our capacity to endure. The outpouring of emotion from audiences at the Donmar was incredible: you could hear audible sobs before they surged to their feet every single night – like nothing I’ve experienced. Tickets were impossible to come by, so I am beyond thrilled that more people will now be able to experience the work of this extraordinary creative team.”
Next To Normal’s creative team is led by Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning composer Tom Kitt and Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning writer Brian Yorkey.
Tom Kitt received the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, two Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Orchestrations, and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Score for Next to Normal. He is also the composer of If/Then (Tony nomination), Almost Famous (Tony nomination), Flying Over Sunset (Tony nomination), High Fidelity (Broadway), Bring it On, The Musical (co-composer with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Broadway), Superhero (Second Stage), Disney’s Freaky Friday (Signature Theater D.C), Dave (Arena Stage) among others. As a music supervisor, arranger, and orchestrator, credits include SpongeBob Squarepants, The Musical (Tony nomination), Head Over Heels, Hell’s Kitchen, Jagged Little Pill; Grease Live!, Rise (NBC), American Idiot and the Pitch Perfect franchise.
Brian Yorkey received the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as the 2009 Tony Award for Best Score for Next to Normal (Second Stage Theater/Broadway). He was also nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical for Next to Normal, and his work on the show earned him the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Score. He partnered again with the Next to Normal team on If/Then (Tony Award nominee for Best Score) starring Idina Menzel. He co-wrote the libretto for The Last Ship (Outer Critics Circle Award nomination, with John Logan), with a score by Sting. His musical adaptation of Freaky Friday for Disney Theatricals enjoyed a national tour before being adapted into a Disney Channel Original Movie. Current theatrical projects in development include the original musical Jesus in My Bedroom, with composer Tim Symons. Additional theatre credits include Making Tracks, which has played off-Broadway and regionally, the musical adaptation of Ang Lee’s The Wedding Banquet, and the play, Book of Jobs with Alex Glover. Brian was the Executive Producer and Showrunner of 13 Reasons Why for Netflix, Paramount Television and Anonymous Content.
Michael Longhurst is the Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse. For the company, direction includes Next to Normal, Private Lives,The Band’s Visit (6 Olivier nominations),Force Majeure, Midnight Your Time (lockdown film), Teenage Dick, Europe, Belleville and the post-pandemic multicast revival of Nick Payne’s Constellations, which helped reopen the West End,broke box office records at the Vaudeville and won the 2022 Olivier Award for Best Revival. His production of Constellations previously ran on Broadway starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Wilson (Samuel J Friedman Theater, for MTC), in the West End starring Sally Hawkins and Rafe Spall (Duke of York’s, Evening Standard Award Best Play) originating at the Royal Court. His Chichester Festival Theatre production of Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s Caroline, or Change transferred to Studio 54 for Roundabout Theater on Broadway, via Hampstead Theatre and the West End, with Sharon D Clarke reprising her Olivier Award-winning performance. The Broadway production received three Tony nominations including Best Musical Revival. Other theatre includes Amadeus featuring the Southbank Sinfonia (National Theatre/NTatHome), The Son (Kiln Theatre/Duke of York’s Theatre), Gloria (Hampstead Theatre), Bad Jews (Theatre Royal Haymarket/Theatre Royal Bath/UK tour & revival at the Arts), They Drink It In The Congo and Carmen Disruption (Almeida Theatre), ‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore, The Winter’s Tale (Shakespeare’s Globe), If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet (Off-Broadway for Roundabout), Linda, The Art of Dying, Remembrance Day (Royal Court Theatre), A Number (Nuffield Southampton Theatres/Young Vic), Cannibals (Royal Exchange Theatre), The History Boys (Sheffield Theatres), Dealer’s Choice (Royal & Derngate), The World of Extreme Happiness (NT Shed), Stovepipe (site-specific promenade with the National Theatre, HighTide and Bush Theatre), Midnight Your Time(HighTide), On The Beach (Bush Theatre), On The Record, Gaudeamus (Arcola Theatre), dirty butterfly (Young Vic – winner of the Jerwood Directors Award) and Guardians (Pleasance/Theatre503 – Fringe First Award).
The creative team is rounded out by Musical Supervisor Nigel Lilley; Designer Chloe Lamford; Movement, Choreography and Additional Direction Ann Yee; Lighting Designer Lee Curran; Sound Designer Tony Gayle; Video Designer Tal Rosner; Casting Director Anna Cooper CDG, Musical Director Nick Barstow and Production Manager Chris Hay.
Casting for the West End run of Next To Normal is to be announced.
Next To Normal is produced by David Stone, James L. Nederlander and The Donmar Warehouse.
“Kitt and Yorkey’s decision to write about mental health implicitly rebukes those who think musicals can’t be serious. Their approach is compassionate, thoughtful, but also witty” Evening Standard
★★★★★ “It tears at the heart in a way few musicals manage.” Attitude
★★★★★ “A heart-shatteringly extraordinary piece of theatre. It has no heroes or villains, just ordinary people trying to survive intense heartache and the alienation of mental illness.” Broadway World
“Kitt and Yorkey’s musical combines a sensitive exploration of the issue with a wonderful score. Astonishing.” Daily Telegraph
NEXT TO NORMAL | LISTINGS INFOMATION
Wyndham’s Theatre Charing Cross Road London WC2H 0DA
Creative Team Music Tom Kitt Book and Lyrics Brian Yorkey Director Michael Longhurst Musical Supervisor Nigel Lilley Designer Chloe Lamford Movement, Choreography and Additional Direction Ann Yee Lighting Designer Lee Curran Sound Designer Tony Gayle Video Designer Tal Rosner Casting Director Anna Cooper CDG Musical Director Nick Barstow Production Manager Chris Hay
Performances Performances begin Tuesday 18 June 2024 Final performance: Saturday 21September 2024
Monday – Saturday performance at 7:30pm Thursday & Saturday matinees at 2:30pm
Captioned Performance: Saturday 7 September at 2:30pm Audio Described Performance: Saturday 14 September at 2:30pm
SAM MENDES’ THEATRE ARTISTS FUND ANNOUNCES ROLLOUT OF £1.5M TWO YEAR PILOT PROGRAMME
75% OF FUNDS HAVE BEEN RAISED FOR 20 MID CAREER PROFESSIONALS TO RECEIVE 2 YEAR CONTRACTS WITH 15 VENUES ACROSS THE UK
TO DATE, 11 PARTNER ORGANISATIONS ARE ENABLING 15 SKILLED PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN CRAFT AND TECHNICAL DISCIPLINES IN SUPPORT OF THE STUDY
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT, DESIGN, COMPANY MANAGEMENT, LIGHTING, AUTOMATION, RIGGING, CARPENTRY, COSTUME, PROPS, DRAUGHTING, AND SCENIC ART ARE AMONG THE DISCIPLINES CURRENTLY SECURED
RECIPIENTS WILL RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PAID MENTORING FROM ESTABLISHED FREELANCE PROFESSIONALS THROUGHOUT THEIR 2 YEARS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE SUPPORTED BY THEATRE PEOPLE
EVALUATION OF THE PILOT PROGRAMME PROVIDED BY TONIC THEATRE
FUNDING CURRENTLY COMES FROM BACKSTAGE TRUST, GATSBY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, MARIA BJORNSON MEMORIAL FUND, MACKINTOSH FOUNDATION, SWIRE CHARITABLE TRUST, JACQUELINE & RICHARD WORSWICK, MAMA EXHIBITION GROUP AND 1 ANONYMOUS DONOR
Following the announcement in 2021 that Sam Mendes’ Theatre Artists Fund would commence a two year pilot programme, investigating necessary support for mid-career artists by creating full time professional positions in arts organisations across the UK, the Fund is delighted to share further details of the pilot programme.
The programme has been designed to address the huge shifts in the creative workforce (towards film, tv, other careers) exacerbated by the pandemic. Largely affecting mid-career professionals – the ‘exodus’ is also impacting people looking to enter the industry as there are now fewer experienced practitioners on-hand to support essential professional development. This pilot seeks to embed skilled people back into buildings, provide financial stability and value them. A range of models for improvement are being explored, with a view to creating a blueprint for the future.
Funding is nearing completion to enable 20 individuals to be offered full time two year positions in backstage roles throughout the industry. Up to 15 partner organisations will host the positions. Each individual has been offered a full time post with commensurate salary, in addition to which there are plans for them to receive mentorship from industry professionals throughout their time in the scheme and additional learning and professional development provided by Theatre People.
Sam Mendes said: ‘This is proof that at least something good has come out of the pandemic, despite the fact that theatre and its practitioners suffered substantially during that time. I very much hope that this is the beginning of a scheme that will help many more theatre freelancers over the next few years. After all, those people are – and have always been – the beating heart of the theatre industry.’
The organisations signed up so far are Theatre Royal Plymouth, York Theatre Royal with Wise Children, Leeds Playhouse, Chichester Festival Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, Nottingham Playhouse (with Rocket and Glitter Productions), Unicorn Theatre, Kiln Theatre, National Theatre with National Theatre Productions, National Theatre of Scotland, and Theatr Clwyd.
Participants are undertaking roles in a wide range of departments including Production Management, Design, Company Management, Lighting, Automation & Rigging, Costume, Props, Draughting and Scenic Art.
I graduated in Theatre Design and Production in 2003 and worked my way up through the Wardrobe ranks at Chichester Festival Theatre and various UK tours and West End shows. I changed direction to make time for my family and went into teaching; but much as I enjoyed encouraging the next generation of theatre makers, I really missed working in theatre. This scheme has enabled me to get back into the industry I love.
Helen Flower, Senior Costume Assistant, Chichester Festival Theatre
Everyone in the industry is acutely aware of the challenges for freelance artists, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. The Theatre Artists’ Fund is providing invaluable, practical and financial assistance for both mid-career artists and theatres in helping to smooth out obstacles in the pathway to employment and enabling talent development. It’s win-win for both sides and we’re immensely grateful for their support.
Justin Audibert, Artistic Director, Chichester Festival Theatre
My time as Company Manager at Kiln has been great in terms of career development for me. I have been able to hone and grow my skills and confidence in a supported environment. There have been opportunities and experiences that have challenged me such as transferring the Kiln production of The Wife of Willesden into ART in Boston and BAM in New York City.
I have also been involved in recruitment for roles in Kiln’s production department and as a result have given support and mentorship to less experienced freelancers. I am passionate about this part of the role because the backstage industry is lacking in people from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those from the Global Majority and if people can see and learn from those like themselves, we may begin to break down some of the barriers to access. EJ Saunders, Company Manager
The Theatre Artist’s Fund pilot programme has allowed us to employ EJ as Kiln’s full-time Company Manager, a role that is proving invaluable to us. We have been able to increase our capacity to deliver excellent productions whilst also ensuring we are always providing pastoral support for our freelance workforce. We have also been able to increase our efforts to demystify technical, production and stage management careers – EJ has been absolutely instrumental in this work. Nicki Brown, Head of Production
The pilot is operating in phases, responding to the recovery needs of each organisation which has the facilities and opportunities to enable mid-career professional development. Early partnerships and placements began in October 2022 whilst later partnerships and placements will complete by January 2026 at the latest. The final evaluation will be ready in early Spring 2026.
A LAMBERT JACKSON, CUFFE AND TAYLOR AND LIVE NATION PRESENTATION
CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER – LOVE LETTERS
BRAND NEW UK CONCERT TOUR
13 VENUES: OPENING SEPTEMBER 2024
Following the huge success of her UK Concert Tour, ‘An Open Book’, actress, author, vlogger and award-winning West End sensation Carrie Hope Fletcher is heading out on a brand-new UK concert tour in 2024. CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER – LOVE LETTERS will play thirteen venues around the country, kicking off on 27 September.
CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER – LOVE LETTERS will see the musical theatre star explore all forms of love; from romantic to maternal, unrequited to obsessive, showcased through a composition of stunning musical theatre classics.
Don’t miss this wonderfully intimate concert that promises to warm and break your heart in equal measure.
Sign up to presale from 9am on Monday 20 November. Tickets for the tour will go on Artist presale on Tuesday 21 November at 9am and public sale will open at 10am on Friday 24 November.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon – until 7th January 2024
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
4****
The Box of Delights is a children’s fantasy novel written by John Masefield and published in 1935 to the delight of children everywhere. It was then developed into a 6-part television series broadcast in 1984 with the intention of creating “the ultimate in children’s drama”. It’s a combination of magic, adventure, imagination, hope and good triumphing evil. It sits in the hearts of those who encountered it when they were young and sits shoulder to shoulder with the best children’s stories.
Orphaned Kay Harker is returning from boarding school to spend Christmas with his governess and fellow young people whose parents are absent. During the train journey, he encounters both the sinister and beguiling, and thus begins his adventures where he finds himself embroiled in a battle between factors to possess a magical box. The box is unbelievably powerful, It allows the owner to shrink in size, to fly, to go into the past and to enter the magical world within the box itself. Kay goes on a journey of discovery as he protects the box from those who wish to use it for bad deeds and finds himself having to save his friends, to save Christmas and to finally come to terms with the loss of his parents.
Piers Torday took on a huge task to adapt this otherworldly behemoth onto the stage, but he pulls it off for the most part in a spectacularly Christmassy fashion. The script is overly wordy in some parts and sparse where it should really matter. Prolonging certain scenes with no real purpose and speeding through poignant crucial parts of the story seemed a very odd choice. However, that aside, condensing the book into a performance lasting just over 2 hours is a true achievement in itself.
Nina Dunn and Matthew Brown’s resplendent video design is astounding. Within moments we were transported from a train station to a house, to a craggy mountainside and then we were witnessing the magic, which was cast by the box, via projections. Along with ariel swings, swaths of material to represent water, boats appearing from no where and such clever and multipurpose uses of the static set, Director, Justin Audibert has achieved an utterly absorbing and fantastical play. Other than some clunky transitions, it’s truly a feast for the eyes.
Samuel Wyer’s puppetry is perfection. It’s such a surprise to see Barney the dog bound on stage with his ever-wagging tail and it’s exciting to witness a tiny Kay skulking in the shadows. The breath-taking phoenix was a sight to behold, made mobile by many hands with swirling fan wings and bejewelled lit up eyes and abdomen. Ed Lewis’ musical score included songs and carols sung by the cast adding a true Christmas like feel to the production.
It was wonderful to watch a truly diverse cast. Callum Balmforth is an enthusiastic Kay, his tone seemed to be stuck at perpetual surprise, some light and dark would have added some layers to the performance. His physicality and charm were endearing as were his puppeteering skills with Mini Kay. Mae Munuo gave a powerhouse performance as Maria, shooting from the hip, oozing with sass, a true joy to watch. Jack Humphrey was a fabulous ying to her yang, playing her rather wet brother. Stephen Boxer is an arresting Hawlings, Richard Lynch an increasingly comical Abner, although again, some light and dark in his performance would have given it more depth. Claire Price was resplendent as witch/crook Sylvia Daisy Pouncer. Rhiannon Skerritt did a fabulous job puppeteering Barney as well as being part of the ensemble. Tom Chapman as the Rat was superb. Nana Amoo-Gottfried and Tom Kanji as the conmen were easily my standout favourites, the latter raising many a laugh, for all the right reasons.
The Box of Delights is a truly enjoyable Christmas production. Magical, uplifting, mysterious and enchanting, it was lovely to watch. There are a few tweaks which if made would enhance the performance but ultimately it’s a fun filled festive treat which would absolutely delight all the family.
The Elvis Years returns to Malvern with its annual Christmas show – and what a show it is.
I was impressed in the foyer when Debbie (on the impressively stocked Merch stand) was extremely helpful. If even the Merch stand people are this lovely, the show promised to be a superb one.
The lights dimmed, the anticipation mounted and the band struck up a rousing rendition of “White Christmas” with some pleasing lyric changes to mention “Elvis rocking”. And right on queue, here’s the man himself – well, not quite but so very nearly, in the person of Mario Kombou. Making his way through the crowd dispensing handshakes and kisses as he goes; this is genuine Elvis.
After another Christmas favourite “Here Comes Santa Claus” to get us thoroughly in the spirit, we are launched into Elvis’s early years with a selection of Sun Records and early RCA cuts (“Heartbreak Hotel” etc.).
The big screen at the back set the mood for the the TV years – with hits from this era including “Don’t Be Cruel”. The backing group (in the guise of The Jordinaires) gave a comical version of “Winter Wonderland” with handbells – a crowd favourite judging by the cheers.
A feature of this show is the superb backing vocalists who also take solo spots (and duet). Jenny took centre stage first for “Rocking Around The Christmas Tree”. She also dueted with Elvis on “Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me” and with Hayley on a disco version of “Fever”. Hayley took the lead on a gently flirty (it is a family show) version of “Santa Baby” – and it was obvious that she made the night of at least a couple of gentlemen sat in the front row.
The Hollywood era was thoroughly covered with all the big hits present, giving the band a chance to crack out their Hawaiian shirts and grassy skirts. “Return To Sender” segued into “Viva Las Vegas” propelling us to a breathless first half finale.
After the break the 68 Comeback Special (leather jumpsuit) intimate set was lovingly recreated – including (for me) Elvis’s most emotional song “If I Can Dream”. Spot on singing from Mario, which took the roof off.
The band was introduced: Simon on Bass, Stephen on guitar, Neil on drums, John on keyboards and rhythm guitar, giving the audience a chance to show their appreciation for this crack musical unit! Then onto the finale with the Vegas and Touring years covered including all the hits you could wish for plus some rather natty white jumpsuits.
Everything you would expect, faithfully recreated with care and attention to detail. The show is obviously a labour of love and is a pure joy to watch. Although a music concert, Mario is a very likeable frontman in his own right and his depiction of Elvis – the King’s humour and mannerisms etc are absolutely bang on. Close your eyes and you will believe Elvis is in the room. Open them and you’re only slightly aware it’s not him after all!
A real feel good show which is perfect for the festive season. I can’t wait to see next year’s return engagement and also to catch them all when they return for their non-Christmas set. Good Rockin’ Tonight – indeed!
