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Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool – until 31 December 2023

Reviewed by Jen Hughes Daley

5*****

Sprayed with a water pistol, caught a few flying sweets and deafened by children screaming at a mischievous monkey, Dick Whittington has all the panto traditions and a few surprises too! This Christopher Jones production did not disappoint! Oozing with scouse-isms and a slathering of grown up innuendo (I mean – it is Dick Whittington!), this performance showcased some superb young talent and many familiar faces too. Lesley Butler was outstanding in her role as Queen Rat, her panto villain scurried around the stage, reveling in the boos and plotting against our hero, Dick with more than a few parting, hilarious insults.

Cruising upon the well-known maritime vessel, The Ferry and the Fairy sail spectacularly across the Mersey on a mission to seal Dick’s fate as Mayor of Liverpool, supported by his loyal moggy, Tilly the Cat (Freya Barnes). This small intimate venue allowed for some hilarious audience engagement, most of which was as the hands of the slapstick Idle Jack (Kieran Maleedy) and Sarah the Cook , raucously played by John Garfield Roberts.

Wonderfully supported by talented local dancers, the musical numbers were in abundance with some super vocal talents and choreography . An audience of all ages laughed and booed together. We are already looking forward to next year’s offering from Just Entertainment.

THE PHOENIX ARTS CLUB LAUNCHES NEW MENU AND UPSIDE-DOWN PRE AND POST-SHOW EXPERIENCE TO COINCIDE WITH STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW

WEST END SHOW TICKET HOLDERS GET A SPECIAL DAY-PASS MEMBERSHIP TO THE EXCLUSIVE CLUB

The Phoenix Arts Club, a beacon of creativity in London’s West End, is proud to announce the launch of its highly anticipated curated menu and new ‘Upside-Down Experience’, marking a new era of innovation and immersive entertainment under the guidance of their newly appointed Bar Manager, Paddy O’Leary. 

Paddy O’Leary, Bar Manager at Phoenix Arts Club said, “As the newly appointed Bar Manager of Phoenix Arts Club, I am ecstatic to bring a touch of magic to our patrons through our new curated menu. The inspiration from 80’s film classics and the Stranger Things series has allowed us to create a truly immersive experience. I invite you to join us on this journey, where every sip and bite is a celebration of creativity and nostalgia.” 

The Upside-Down Experience, created to coincide with the debut of the new West End play Stranger Things: The First Shadow – which runs in the neighbouring theatre, the Phoenix Theatre, will invite guests to embark on a culinary and entertainment adventure inspired by Stranger Things and the 80’s. The experience will include the following:

Immersive Artwork: 3D Joe & Max have crafted an immersive floor artwork inspired by Stranger Things.

Innovative Cocktails: Phoenix Arts Club takes mixology to new heights with a special cocktail list crafted by Bar Manager Paddy O’Leary. A fusion of creativity and tradition that breathes new life into beloved classics with a unique Phoenix Arts Club twist. 

80’s Film-Inspired Cocktail Menu: Drawing inspiration from the nostalgic charm of 80’s film classics, the club’s cocktail menu pays homage to cinematic gems. Guests can embark on a cinematic journey with concoctions that evoke the spirit of the era. 

Stranger Things Pizza Menu: Delight your taste buds with the club’s new Theatre Boy Pizza menu inspired by the Surfer Boy Pizzas from Stranger Things. Each pizza captures the essence of this popular series. 

80’s Theatre Memorabilia Showcase: Immerse yourself in the rich history of 80’s theatre with the club’s captivating display of memorabilia. From an original Phantom of the Opera mask to rare 80’s production posters, each piece tells a unique story. 

Arcade Games and Pinball Wizardry: For a dose of retro fun, Phoenix Arts Club introduces a … Ghost Busters pinball machine and a 2-player arcade game with …. games, inviting guests to enjoy a trip down memory lane with classic games. 

Limited Edition Stranger Things Guitar: Adorning the club’s walls is a rare gem – a BC Rich in collaboration with Stranger Things guitar aka ‘Eddie’s Guitar’, a collector’s dream and a testament to the fusion of musical and cultural influences at Phoenix Arts Club. 

Stranger Things Pre- and Post-Theatre Extravaganza: Dive into the enchanting world of The Phoenix Arts Club in the upside-down with our pre- and post-theatre experience. From 5pm – 7pm daily and extended after the club’s own shows until 2.30am, guests can indulge in themed games, tantalizing cocktails, delectable pizza, and an array of small plates. 

More information can be found at https://phoenixartsclub.com/.

THREE ELLEN KENT OPERAS TO PLAY AT RICHMOND THEATRE IN 2024

22 JAN, 23 JAN & 18 MARCH

This World Opera Day, Richmond Theatre announces that award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns to the venue in Spring 2024 with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv presenting three stunning classical productions of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Bizet’s Carmen and Verdi’s La Traviata.

Ellen Kent’s Madama Butterfly, winner of the ‘BEST OPERA AWARD’ by the Liverpool Daily Post Theatre Awards, returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan. One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic ‘Humming Chorus’, the moving aria ‘One Fine Day’ and the unforgettable ‘Love Duet’. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Bizet’s masterpiece, Carmen, is an evening of passion, sexual jealousy, death and unforgettable arias. Carmen is the story of the bewitching gypsy girl whose tantalising beauty lures a soldier to desertion and leads to her own murder. The opera includes some of the most evocative and best-loved melodies in opera –The Habanera, The Seguidilla, The Flower Song, The Chanson Bohème and perhaps the best-known baritone aria of all The Toreador’s Song. The stunning set reflects the magnificent architecture of Seville with its Roman and Moorish influences, which includes the main square, the bull ring and the famous tobacco factory. The set was built for Ellen Kent in England by Setup Scenery, who also build sets for the Royal Opera Covent Garden. Sung in French with English surtitles.

La Traviata, the tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music, is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19^th century, La Dame aux Camelias. Based on a true story, it tells of the passionate loves and life of the consumptive courtesan, Violetta. There are many echoes of Verdi’s own life in Traviata and he threw himself into the music. The highlights include the Brindisi, the best-known drinking song in opera, the duet Un Di Felice and Violetta’s haunting aria Addio Del Passato. This magnificent production boasts sumptuous sets and costumes. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Alike Ellen’s past UK and Ireland opera tours, Ellen personally hand-picks and directs all soloists to create visually beautiful and moving productions. Ellen Kent said ‘I am delighted to be working with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv again after the huge success of the spring 2023 tour. I started working with Ukraine in 2000 and have continued these strong relationships ever since, working with the Odessa National Opera for which I was awarded The Golden Fortune Honorary Medal from the President of the Ukraine, as well as the Kharkiv National Opera and for the last couple of years with the brilliant Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv.’

The Time Machine: A Comedy

The Lowry, Salford

Tuesday 23^rd to Saturday 27^th January 2024

Direct from its London festive run at Park Theatre, Original Theatre’s hit comedy The Time Machine comes to Salford to help deliver some post-Christmas cheer to audiences.

Steven Canny and John Nicholson’s The Time Machine – A Comedy, runs at The Lowry, Salford, from Tuesday 23^rd to Saturday 27^th January 2024.

The Time Machine – A Comedy, will star Michael Dylan (Wilf), Amy Revelle (Offside) and George Kemp (Jack Absolute Flies Again).

Join Michael, Amy and George for the premiere of their brand-new version of The Time Machine. H G Wells’ comic deadly serious masterpiece will never be the same again as this hapless highly skilled group of actors embark on a journey of a lifetime! 

Will George persuade the others to stick to the script he’s worked so hard on? Will Michael be able to explain time travel without the help of excessive props? Will Amy get to sing her Cher tribute? And ultimately… will they be able to defeat the space time paradox – or at least get through the second half? All will be revealed!

From the team behind the smash-hit comedy The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Time Machine – A Comedy is directed by Orla O’Loughlin and designed by Fred Meller, with lighting design by Colin Grenfell and Sound Design by Greg Clarke.

Warning: may contain Cher tunes. Age guidance: 10+.

53two, Manchester – until 23^rd December 2023 

Reviewed by Matthew North 

4****

Full disclosure – I’m an absolute sucker for some festive schmaltz. Make this chap a bit misty eyed as he’s sipping a mulled wine with some Christmas cheer and a tug on the old heartstrings, and he’s yours. So… Bear Left? An absolute winner of a seasonal show as far as I’m concerned. 

Yes, maybe the schmaltzy Hallmark factor goes a little bit too far at times and things tie up in a way that made even this Christmas lover do a slight eye roll – but the heart is there, the joy is there and above all, it’s just impossible to not leave this show a little warmer on the inside than when you went in.  

Musically, Ollie Mills’ new score has more than a subtle hint of Pasek and Paul infused with Jason Robert Brown – so naturally we can expect tunes that just feel like a massive cuddle and know exactly how to toy with your emotions – and that certainly isn’t a bad thing; though perhaps as lovely as the score is, a more solid identity in it’s sound and style would elevate it even further. Mills is clearly quite the talent, and I’d love to understand more of what their sound is and what they have to say.  

Combining the work of four different book writers, plus Mills’ new score, whilst maintaining a throughline and overarching style is no mean feat – and Simon Naylor’s production excels in pulling the different features together and it really does bring the very best out of a uniformly excellent cast. Not only is it a joy to see a company have such a wonderful time together on stage but what a treat it is to marvel at a cast of that size. The sound they make together as a unit is just glorious and really brings that goosebumps wall of sound energy that caused me to have a couple of the aforementioned misty eyed moments.  

Seeing 53two, a venue I’ve admired from a distance for a while now, in full flow and with such a beautifully realized production is the real takeaway from this all round lovely evening at the theatre. In some ways they’ve really pushed the boat out, and in others they’ve really pulled it back into shore – and that makes for a near perfectly balanced evening. I wouldn’t call the show a fully finished article quite yet but it has so much potential.  

…but would I watch it again? Yep. Tomorrow. Happily.  

STREET DANCE SENSATIONS ASHLEY BANJO AND DIVERISTY TO RETURN TO THE SOUTH COAST’S BIGGEST PANTOMIME IN 2024 WITH JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

After the success of their first pantomime in Southampton, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Street dance sensations Ashley Banjo and Diversity will make a triumphant return to Mayflower Theatre in 2024 leading the cast of the gigantic panto adventure, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Under the leadership of Ashley Banjo as founder, choreographer, and creative director, Diversity won Britain’s Got Talent over 15 years ago and since then have gone from strength to strength. The BAFTA-award winning group has achieved what no other dance group has, having sold well over half a million tickets across their ten sell out UK tours. Ashley Banjo was awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Years Honours List for services to dance and last year Ashley and Diversity were privileged to perform for Her Majesty The Queen at her Platinum Jubilee concert. Aside from being the group’s creative director and choreographer, Ashley Banjo is well known for his television roles; he has presented, judged and produced many award-winning programmes including Britain’s Got Talent, Dancing On Ice and the Emmy and BAFTA-award winning The Real Full Monty. Having been involved in the prestigious Pride of Britain Awards for a number of years, 2022 saw Ashley co-host the event for a second year. Fellow Diversity members, Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely, are the ARIA award winning hosts of the Kiss FM Breakfast Show and continue to pursue their individual and duo television projects.

The production will see the fabulous set and costumes created for The London Palladium production transfer to Southampton, which saw set designer Mark Walters nominated for an Olivier Award for Set Design.

Jack and the Beanstalk will be spectacularly brought to life by sensational song and dance numbers, fantastic special effects, magic beans, and bundles of audience participation in this GIANT of a pantomime!

Follow Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in this magical family pantomime. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack as they fight to outwit the evil giant, win riches beyond their wildest dreams, and earn the hand of the girl he loves.

Jack and the Beanstalk will be produced by the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the team behind this year’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Crossroads Pantomimes.

It’s the panto you’ve BEAN waiting for!

Tickets are on sale now for Jack and the Beanstalk which runs from Saturday 14 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.

Tickets for this year’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are selling fast, with limited tickets available for performances up to 31 December 2023.

THE OFFICIAL WEST END CAST ALBUM FROM ACCLAIMED NEW MUSICAL

THE LITTLE BIG THINGS

TO BE RELEASED ON 5 JANUARY 2024

Following The Little Big Things performance of The World Is Waiting on The Royal Variety Performance on Sunday night, the critically acclaimed new British musical, based on the Sunday Times best-selling memoir by Henry Fraser, today announce that the show’s official West End cast album will be released on Friday 5 January 2024.

The 19-song collection, which has music by Nick Butcher and lyrics by Nick Butcher and Tom Ling, will be available digitally worldwide and on CD from @sohoplace.

Michael Harrison and Nica Burns production of The Little Big Things, based on the best-selling memoir by Henry Fraser, with music by Nick Butcher, lyrics by Nick Butcher and Tom Ling and book by Joe White, runs @sohoplace until 2 March 2024.

An extraordinary true story about an ordinary family.

When one moment changes everything, Henry’s family are split between a past they no longer recognise, and a future they could never foresee. 

Can Mum and Dad rally his three brothers; as the family start a journey to overcome the unimaginable?

Based on the Sunday Times best-selling autobiography by Henry Fraser, The Little Big Things is a new British musical with an explosive theatrical pop soundtrack in a world premiere production. This uplifting and colourful new musical is a life-affirming reminder about the transformative power of family, and how sometimes it really is the little things which matter the most.

An avid sportsman and academy player with a premiership Rugby club, Henry Fraser’s life changed forever when in 2009 he had a diving accident. From that moment he had a new life to live as a tetraplegic and new circumstances to accept and adapt to. Henry’s defiance and determination to prosper against devastating odds led to him wheeling himself out of hospital a whole year earlier than predicted. Today he is a successful artist, inspirational speaker and best-selling author.   

Cast: Ed Larkin and Jonny Amies as Henry Fraser, Linzi Hateley and Alasdair Harvey as Henry’s parents, Fran Fraser and Andrew Fraser. They are joined by Jordan Benjamin (Dom), Rebecca Bowden (Surgeon), Jamie Chatterton (Tom), Gracie McGonigal (Katie), Tom Oliver (Marco), Malinda Parris (Dr Graham), Cleve September (Will) and Amy Trigg (Agnes) alongside Stephen John Davis, Elena Pitsiaeli, George Salmon, Amy West and Joseph Wolff.

THE LITTLE BIG THINGS

Creative Team

Music                                                                                              Nick Butcher

Lyrics                                                                                               Nick Butcher and Tom Ling 

Book                                                                                                Joe White

Director                                                                                          Luke Sheppard

Set Design                                                                                      Colin Richmond

Choreographer                                                                             Mark Smith

Costume Design                                                                           Fay Fullerton

Video Design                                                                                 Luke Halls

Lighting Design                                                                             Howard Hudson

Sound Design                                                                                Paul Gatehouse

Orchestrator, Arranger and Musical Supervisor                   Matthew Brind

Musical Director                                                                           Laura Bangay

Dramaturg/Associate Director                                                 Nickie Miles-Wildin

Casting Director                                                                           Jill Green CDG 

www.sohoplace.org     

instagram.com/sohoplace

facebook.com/sohoplace

twitter.com/sohoplacelondon 

@TLBTmusical

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

Box Office

www.sohoplace.org     

0330 333 5963

4 Soho Place | London | W1D 3BG

Access Bookings/Customer Ticketing Enquiries: 0330 333 5962

Group Bookings: 0330 333 5963

@sohoplace

Until 2 March 2024

Ticket prices

From £30

Groups and education rates available

Fair access: 50% off across all bands

Access @sohoplace

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

access@sohoplace.org

Ticketing @sohoplace

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

boxoffice@sohoplace.org

Cloakroom @sohoplace

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

Feedback @sohoplace

We welcome all feedback on patrons’ experience with the venue and encourage patrons to email us feedback@sohoplace.org

Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Eilene Davidson Productions and Alan Howard, in association with the Royal Shakespeare Company, present the Watford Palace Theatre & HOME Manchester production of

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 1936

starring

TRACY-ANN OBERMAN

directed by

BRIGID LARMOUR

“The year’s most important Shakespeare production”

DAILY TELEGRAPH

★★★★★

“An astonishing, full-blooded performance.

For anyone who wonders how to produce

Shakespeare in the 21st Century, this really is it”

METRO

TRANSFERS TO LONDON’S WEST END

CRITERION THEATRE

15 FEBRUARY – 23 MARCH

TICKETS ON SALE 10:00 TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER FROM

MERCHANTOFVENICE1936.CO.UK

Following its critically acclaimed UK tour, The Merchant of Venice 1936 transfers to London’s West End for a limited season at the Criterion Theatre, from 15 February – 23 March. Tracy-Ann Oberman (EastEnders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner), continues her groundbreaking portrayal of Shylock, being the first British actress to play the role. Ambition, power and political unrest explode onto the stage in this “striking and impactful” (The Guardian) production that “makes theatre history” (Daily Telegraph). This “fascinating and timely” (Daily Mail) reimagining sees Shakespeare’s classic transported to 1930s East London against the backdrop of the ‘Battle of Cable Street’. It is directed and adapted by acclaimed director Brigid Larmour from an idea by co-creator Tracy-Ann Oberman.

Tracy-Ann Oberman said: “It has been a lifelong cherished dream of mine to bring this play to the stage in a new way, reimagining Shylock as one of the tough, no nonsense Jewish matriarchs I grew up around. The love we have experienced from theatre audiences around the country for the way that this story is told has propelled us into the West End. I’m delighted that my dream has touched hearts and minds along the way. This transfer to the Criterion – which could not be more timely – will continue to spread the message that we are stronger together.”

Joining Tracy-Ann and reprising their roles are Raymond Coulthard (Emmerdale, Hotel Babylon) in the roles of Antonio and Arragon, Hannah Morrish (Antony and Cleopatra, Father Brown) as Portia, Gavin Fowler (Henry V, King Lear) as Bassanio, Jessica Dennis (The Habit of Art) as Mary and Nerissa, Grainne Dromgoole (Romeo and Juliet) as Jessica, Xavier Starr (The Mechanicals Presents… Macbeth or Julius Caesar) as Gratiano, Alex Zur (Hamlet, A Level Playing Field) as Yuval/The Duke/Balthasar/Blackshirt (member of the British Union of Fascists), and Nancy Farino (Masters of the Air) as Stefania/Blackshirt (member of the British Union of Fascists) .

With the city on the brink of political unrest, fascism sweeping across Europe and Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists threatening a paramilitary march through the Jewish East End, strong-willed single mother Shylock runs a pawnbroking business from her house in Cable Street where Mosley will march. When charismatic, antisemitic aristocrat Antonio comes to her for a loan, a high-stakes deal is struck. Will Shylock take her revenge, and who will pay the ultimate price?

The Merchant of Venice 1936 creative team includes: Liz Cooke (costume and set design), Rory Beaton (lighting design) and Sarah Weltman (sound design). Erran Baron Cohen (composer), Annabel Arden (associate /movement director), Greta Zabulyte (video).

Prior to the West End run, The Merchant of Venice 1936 will be playing at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon from 24 January – 10 February, following its previous five-month UK tour.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Website: merchantofvenice1936.co.uk

Tickets: From £10

Twitter: @MOV1936 Facebook and Instagram: @merchantofvenice1936

National Theatre celebrates tenth anniversary of the Black Plays Archive with launch of new digital platform

Today the National Theatre launches a new digital platform for the Black Plays Archive, marking the tenth anniversary of the online resource. The new website contains a catalogue of the first professional production of Black British, African, and Caribbean plays produced in the UK from 1909 to today.

The digital archive includes over 850 plays and over 300 Black British, African, and Caribbean writers. Notable works include Pocomania from Jamaican writer Una Marson, Moon on a Rainbow Shawl by Errol John and works from contemporary writers including Winsome Pinnock, Roy Williams and Dipo Baruwa-Etti.

Alongside the extensive database of plays, the archive also contains a vast range of resources including over 70 video and audio recordings of play extracts, a bibliography of essays on Black British theatre and video interviews with leading practitioners and academics in the field. The database can also be used to search for cast and creative teams for each production, the theatre they were first staged at, and which archives hold more information.

The Black Plays Archive uncovers a wealth of theatrical history and records the development and cultural influence of Black British theatre. The resourceaims to support practitioners, teachers, students and academics to discover lesser-known scripts, encourage the commissioning or restaging of these works and support the teaching of more diverse texts on the syllabus.

Clint Dyer, Deputy Artistic Director at the National Theatre said, “The Black Plays Archive is such a valuable resource that heralds work from Black British, African and Caribbean playwrights in Britain. The range of resources offered not only makes us aware of the history and cultural influence of Black British theatre but can also enable users to find ways to programme more global majority work. The National Theatre is delighted to be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Black Plays Archive with the launch of this new platform, making it even easier to explore and access the range of brilliant work available.”

The Black Plays Archive is available to access now online.

Hull New Theatre – until 7th January 2024

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Crossroads Pantomimes presents Cinderella The Fairy Godmother of all Pantos, written by Alan McHugh with additional material by Neil Hurst and Matt Slack.

Last night, at Hull New Theatre we were treated to an absolutely brilliant night of theatre. This is probably the best panto I have seen, it had everything you could possibly want, it was hilariously funny, it had the baddies, risqué jokes that went over the children’s heads for the adults, gorgeous sets and costumes and a fabulous cast … we even had ponies!!

Cinderella (Rebekah Lowings) lives with the truly awful Hernia (Peter Peverley) and Verruca (Jack Land Noble) in Hardup Hall who treat Cinderella really badly, making her do all the work. Buttons (Neil Hurst) is Cinderellas best friend he tries to cheer her up and but really, he is just a bit in love with her. One day Cinderella is in the forest and meets Prince Charming (Lee Mead) and he’s assisted by his Royal liege Dandini (Spin), who decide to pretend to be each so Cinderella meets who she thinks is Dandini and falls in love with him. The Prince then decides to hold a ball so he can find a princess and true happiness. What follows is the ball at the Prince’s palace but will Cinderella go? Will Verruca and Hernia try and stop her … you bet they will! With the help of Cinderellas Fairy Godmother (Olivia Mitchell) and Buttons Cinderella does go to the ball, but does she live happily ever after…?

Everything about this production deserves the 5 stars I’ve given it. All the cast in this production are amazing from the leads to the very talented ensemble. The sets and costumes are stunning. The band (Lisa Featherston, Mark Knight and led by musical director Jon Chamberlain) were so good.

I would really recommend you try and go and see Cinderella, it would make a brilliant after Christmas treat. It is everything a panto should be and more!