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DANIEL DAE KIM, ASHLEY PARK

AND AARON TVEIT

ANNOUNCED AS FURTHER HEADLINE ARTISTS FOR

“MY FAVORITE THINGS:

THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN

80^TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT”

WITH 40-PIECE ORCHESTRA

AT LONDON’S THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

FOR TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023

Today, The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization announced television, film and stage actor Daniel Dae Kim (Lost, 24, Lincoln Center Theater’s Broadway production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I); Tony Award^®, GRAMMY^® and Critics Choice Award^® nominee Ashley Park (Netflix’s Emily in Paris,  Lionsgate’s Joy Ride, Lincoln Center Theater’s Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I); and Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Apple TV+’s Schmigadoon!, Les Misérables film) will also headline the previously announced My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert. Owing to phenomenal public demand a matinee performance has been added; tickets are available from £40.

They join the previously announced Emmy^®, two-time GRAMMYand six-time Tony Awardwinner Audra McDonald; Olivier Award^® nominee Julian Ovenden; Olivier Award nominee Marisha Wallace; and two-time Tony, two-time Golden Globe^® and Emmy Awardnominee Patrick Wilson.Additional headliners will be announced shortly.

Both Kim and Park starred, respectively, as the King of Siam and Tuptim in the most recent Broadway revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I at Lincoln Center Theater. In addition, Kim’s’s 3AD production company is currently working with Concord Originals and Janet Yang Productions on a new film re-imagining of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song.

Featuring a 40-piece orchestra, the gala will be presented for two performances only onTuesday, December 12, at London’s newly restored Theatre Royal Drury Lane – the same venue that premiered the original West End productions of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific and The King and I.

Directed and staged by Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli, the celebration of the historic partnership of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II will feature the Rodgers & Hammerstein Concert Orchestra, conducted by Simon Lee, along with a West End chamber choir, dance ensemble and surprise guest appearances. Artist lineup subject to change.

Tickets are currently on sale at RH80Concert.com.

Presented by The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, the concert is produced by Concord Originals, Concord Theatricals, Kilimanjaro Live/JAS Theatricals and Trafalgar Entertainment.

BIOGRAPHIES 

Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II

After long and highly distinguished careers with other collaborators, Richard Rodgers (Composer, 1902-79) and Oscar Hammerstein II (Librettist/Lyricist, 1895-1960) joined forces in 1943 to create the most successful partnership in American Musical Theatre. Prior to joining forces, Rodgers collaborated with lyricist Lorenz Hart on musical comedies that epitomized wit and sophistication (Pal Joey, On Your Toes, Babes In Arms and more), while Hammerstein brought new life to operetta and created the classic Show Boat with Jerome Kern. Oklahoma!, the first Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, introduced an integrated form that became known as “the musical play.” Their shows that followed included Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music. Collectively, the Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals have earned Tony, Oscar, GRAMMY, Emmy, Pulitzer, and Olivier Awards. The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization is a Concord Company, www.concord.com.

Daniel Dae Kim is an actor, director, producer and social advocate widely known for his work in ABC’s “Lost,” CBS’s “Hawaii Five-O,” Netflix’s “Stowaway,” and Disney’s “Raya And The Last Dragon.” He is excited to be celebrating the legacy of Rodgers & Hammerstein, having last appeared as the King of Siam in Lincoln Center Theater’s 2017 production of The King and I.

Early next year, Kim will star as the villainous Fire Lord Ozai in the live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” for Netflix. Also in 2024, Daniel will head to South Korea to star in a new spy series that he and his company, 3AD, will produce for Amazon Studios. Currently, Kim can be seen on streaming platforms in BJ Novak’s FX series “The Premise,” Nat Geo’s “The Hot Zone: Anthrax,” and Apple TV+’s “Roar.” As a producer, Kim and 3AD executive produce the series “The Good Doctor,” set to enter its seventh season on ABC, as well as 2023’s multi-award-winning documentary feature film, Bad Axe.  

His theater credits include the recent, critically acclaimed production of Peter Pan Goes Wrong at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles, as well as productions with London’s Royal Albert Hall, New York’s Public Theater, Theater For A New Audience, East West Players, Pan Asian Rep and NAATCO. New York is also where Daniel received his training, earning his MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. 

Kim’s advocacy for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is longstanding. His testimony in front of Congress helped lead to the passage of the “Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act,” and he currently serves on the White House’s Commission for Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. He also serves on the Board of Gold House, with whom he partners, along with the Asian American Foundation on the Sunrise Collective, the first ever official AAPI centered House at the Sundance Film Festival.  

Ashley Park is a Tony Award nominated actress, currently starring as “Mindy” in the hit television series “Emily in Paris” opposite Lily Collins. The show, which received a 2021 Golden Globe Nomination and is helmed by Emmy-Award-winning creator Darren Star, is one of the most popular comedy series streaming on Netflix. Park previously received a Critics’ Choice Nomination for “Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series” for her performance, becoming the first Asian American Actress to receive a nomination in the category. In Season 2, Park covered BTS’ “Dynamite,” which garnered extremely favorable reactions from BTS members RM and V. She also collaborated with Freddy Wexler on an original song for the season’s finale, “Mon Soleil,” which amassed over 2M+ streams in the first two weeks of release. “Emily in Paris” season 3 was released on Netflix on December 21, 2022.

Park was seen earlier this year starring in Point Grey and Lionsgate’s feature film Joy Ride from director Adele Lim. The project follows four Asian American women as they travel through Asia in search of one of their birth mothers. Along the way, their experience becomes one of bonding, friendship, belonging, and no-holds-barred wild debauchery that reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are. The film premiered on Friday, March 17th at the 2023 SXSW festival and was released on July 7, 2023. Park received praise for her role in the film, with The Wrap calling her “a strong central lead” and The New York Times claiming “If there is any justice, Park will soon be a marquee name.”

This Spring, Park was seen in Netflix’s “Beef,” the Emmy nominated dramedy from Lee Sung Jin. Park appears opposite Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, David Choe and Patti Yasutake. The series follows two people who let a road rage incident burrow into their minds and slowly consume their every thought and action. “Beef” premiered at the 2023 SXSW Festival on Saturday, March 18 and was released on Netflix on Thursday, April 6. Park received a 2023 HCA Award Nomination for her role in the series.

Park was most recently seen in Season 3 of Hulu’s critically acclaimed “Only Murders in the Building,” in which she appeared as Kimber, a Broadway ingenue. Park appeared opposite Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, and Jesse Williams. The season premiered on August 8, 2023 on Hulu.

Park will also appear in Paramount Pictures’ upcoming Mean Girls movie. The film directed by Arturo Perez and Samantha Jayne and written by Fey is based on Fey’s musical adaptation of the 2004 hit film.

In Summer 2022, Park appeared in Bleecker Street’s feature Mr. Malcolm’s List opposite Freida Pinto and Sopé Dirisu, based on Suzanne Allain’s novel of the same name. The film follows a young woman in 1800s England as she helps her friend get revenge on a suitor who rejected her for failing a requirement on his list of qualifications for a bride. The film was released on July 1, 2022.

On stage, Park is best known for originating the role of “Gretchen Wieners” in the Broadway production of Tina Fey’s Mean Girls. In addition to her Tony nomination, she received Drama League, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Chita Rivera Award nominations for her performance. In the same season, she garnered critical acclaim for starring as “Mwe” in KPOP, for which she won the esteemed Lucille Lortel Award for Lead Actress in a Musical and was nominated for her second Drama League and Drama Desk Awards of the season. Park starred as “Jess” opposite James Cromwell, Jane Alexander, and Michael Urie in the Broadway production of Bess Wohl’s Grand Horizons, directed by Leigh Silverman. She reprised the role she originated the previous summer at Williamstown Theatre Festival. After making her Broadway debut in the hit musical Mamma Mia!, she went on to originate the role of stepsister “Gabrielle” in the national tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella; starred as “Tuptim” opposite Kelli O’Hara and Ken Watanabe in Lincoln Center Theater’s Tony-Award-winning revival of The King and I, which also received a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Musical Theater Album”; starred as “Marian” in the World Premiere production of Hood; and appeared opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford in the recent Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George.

On television, Park reunited with Tina Fey for Peacock’s hit series “Girls5eva” in a recurring role opposite Sara Bareilles, Renee Elise Goldsberry, and Busy Phillips. She was previously seen opposite Laura Linney and Ellen Page in the critically-acclaimed Netflix limited series “Tales of the City.” Other television credits include Apple TV+’s “Helpsters” and PopTV/Lionsgate Television’s “Nightcap.”

Park is the proud recipient of Actor Equity Association’s 2018 Clarence Derwent Award, and in 2019 was honored at the inaugural Marin Mazzie Award for Empowerment by the Cancer Support Community. Her outreach as a social activist and a cancer survivor has stayed important to her through her dedicated work and support of service organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the DoSomething organization, Prison Creative Arts Project, Michigan Performance Outreach Workshop, SeriousFun Camps for Kids, Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS.

Park graduated from the University of Michigan with a BFA in Musical Theater.

Aaron Tveit is a Tony-winning American theatre, television and film actor. He earned a 74th Annual Tony Award leading the cast of the world premiere production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. A stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s critically acclaimed film, the GRAMMY-nominated show premiered on Broadway in the summer of 2019. Tveit also received an Outer Critics Circle honor for his performance.

In July 2021, he was seen in Apple TV+’s new series “Schmigadoon!” Also starring Cecily Strong, Keegan Michael-Key, Alan Cumming, Kristin Chenoweth and more, the show follows a couple who on a backpacking trip designed to reinvigorate their relationship when they discover a magical town in which everyone acts as if they’re in a musical from the 1940s. They then discover that they can’t leave until they find “true love.” He also appears in Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Stories,” and Audible and Broadway Video’s podcast “Hit Job,” alongside Keke Palmer, Pete Davidson and more.

Television audiences know him from USA network series “Graceland”; the CBS comic-thriller “Braindead,” where he played the male lead of Gareth, opposite Mary Elizabeth Winstead; and the Emmy Award-winning television musical Grease: Live, where he played Danny Zuko opposite Julianne Hough and Vanessa Hudgens. Most recently, Tveit was seen in Hallmark’s One Royal Holiday, opposite of fellow Broadway star Laura Osnes. He will next be seen in Apple TV+’s upcoming, untitled musical comedy series, produced by Lorne Michaels. He has also held numerous guest starring roles on “The Good Fight,” “Gossip Girl,” “The Good Wife,” “Ugly Betty” and “Law and Order: SVU.”

Tveit’s film credits include Les Misérables (where he was seen portraying the character Enjolras alongside Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe), Out of Blue, Created Equal, Better Off Single, Undrafted, Premium Rush, Howl and Ghost Town.

On Broadway, he starred in Catch Me If You Can, in the role of Frank Abagnale Jr., and also created the role of Gabe in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical Next to Normal, which he developed off-Broadway at the Second Stage Theatre and debuted on Broadway.

In addition to Wicked and Hairspray on Broadway, he starred in the national tours of Hairspray and Rent. He is featured on the cast recordings for Catch Me If You Can and Next to Normal, as well as his solo album The Radio in My Head: Live at 54 Below.

Tveit has received numerous honors for his work in theatre including the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Supporting Performance in Next to Normal and the Actors Equity Association Clarence Derwent Award for Most Promising Actor.  Nominations include Distinguished Performance from the Drama League, Best Male Dancer from the Fred and Adele Astaire Awards, and Outstanding Featured Actor from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, all for his work in Catch Me If You Can.

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Duke of York Theatre – until 27th January 2024

Reviewed by Fiona Leyman

3.5 ***

Have we not all wondered what goes on in our nation’s royal palaces when the doors are closed? The global popularity of TV show The Crown has captivated viewers who yearn to see what goes on behind the closed doors of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Clarence House. Given this theme’s success on screen, is it possible for it to work on stage as well?

Award-winning writer Marcelo Dos Santos’ latest comedy, Backstairs Billy, delves into the 50-year relationship between the late Queen Mother and her devoted servant, Page of the Backstairs, William “Billy” Tallon. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who is grieving the death of her husband, losing her crown, and having to leave Buckingham Palace, finds solace in the companionship of her new 15-year-old servant William Tallon.

Set in 1979, the Queen Mother is going about her everyday business while strikes and riots are breaking out outside Clarence House’s gates. The clear division between master and servant is brought to light when Billy’s less-than-royal antics confronts the Royal Household. Include some ‘boring’ guests and an extremely provocative looking sculpture that Billy’s “Cousin” Ian (Eloka Ivo – To Kill a Mockingbird) has created in the Queen Mother’s hands, things begin to spiral out of control.

Actor Luke Evans (Beauty & The Beast, The Hobbit, The Alienist) makes his stage comeback as Billy, after more than 15 years away. An appropriate part for this charming performer. As Billy, Evans is endearing and extraordinary camp, bringing sass and lots of double-entendres (there are a lot of suggestions to being “Well Hung”!). Throughout the entire show, there is reference to the ongoing joke that there are “Two Queen’s in Clarence House.” Audience laughter erupted when Evans gave a charming impression of the now-King Charles III at the start of the second act. Dame Penelope Wilton (Taken in Midnight, Downton Abbey, Exotic Marigold Hotel) co-stars with Evans as the Queen Mother, who is mostly endearing. The chemistry between them is exceptionally strong for such an unlikely couple, and I believe the play wouldn’t be as appealing without them. As Gwydion “Daff,” the new footman, Iwan Davies (The Corn is Green, National Theatre) is a welcome addition. His amusing facial expressions and timing were particularly noteworthy.

One would expect to find a garden room in a royal residence, like the one that was created by set designer Christopher Oram in The Duke of York Theatre. The Garden Room of Clarence House is a beautifully designed space with extraordinarily towering walls that are adorned with artwork, vintage furniture, and an abundance of flowers. Despite never changing, the set transitions between flashbacks with ease thanks to astute lighting design.

The writing is tolerable and offers a humorous perspective on life behind the palace walls. Wilton steals the show with her sharp sense of humour, charming demeanour, and capacity to reveal the Queen Mother’s vulnerable side. However, the manner in which she addressed Billy in her last scene, revealing her cruel and commanding side, left me with a very unpleasant taste in my mouth. Although I recognise that the purpose of this was to illustrate the hierarchy between a member of the Royal family and their staff, I thought this was unnecessary given the warm and loveable relationship that had been portrayed throughout. Overall, 3 ½ stars is awarded for this adequately pleasant, royally camp play featuring some well-loved faces, adorable corgi’s and some good laughs.

Southampton Mayflower – until Saturday 11 November 2023

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

3***

Simon Beaufoy and Michaeal Gyngell have collaborated on what is set to be a night of temptation, laughter and and a little bit of stripping!

We follow Gaz (Danny Hatchard) as he struggles to make ends meet whilst trying to pay child support, so together with his best friend Dave (Neil Hurst) they form a plan to beat the Chippendales – welcoming lots of women, and lots more cash!

Auditions take place and soon a troupe is formed. Followed by revelations, choreography and first night nerves, the group come together to present the ultimate show – The Full Monty!

With a line up including Bill Ward as Gerald, Jake Quickenden as Guy and Ben Onwukwe as Horse, this is a stellar feast! This is a great adaption of Fox’s original motion picture and stays true to the heart of the show.

The casting from Marc Frankum is superb, he has created a perfectly gelled group that have a fantastic rapport. Choreography from Ian West is outstanding and really puts you in the mood from the get go. What is spectacular about this show is that every member of the cast were involved with scene changes, expertly overseen by Stage Management team Lisa Briddon, Karen Habens and Matt Collins, to create smooth and effortless transitions at every stage.

The most difficult job (apart from the men undressing in front of an auditorium!) executed perfectly by lighting designer Andrew Exeter, is making sure the lights are timed at just the right moment for the when the men bare all! Much to the audience’s dismay this was spot on and the men stayed completely modest, but put on a fantastic show! If you are in need of a fun, frivolous night out – this is certainly the one for you!!!

TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK)

STARRING DUJONNA GIFT AND SAM TUTTY

EXTENDS DUE TO PUBLIC DEMAND

Kiln Theatre today announces that their production of new British musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is extending until 20 January 2024 due to public demand. The show which has its first sold-out preview this evening, features Dujonna Gift (Hamilton)and Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen – Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical).

This new Kiln production, completing the theatre’s current season, is written by Jim Barne and Kit Buchanand is directed and choreographed by Tim Jackson. The production opens on 16 November and runs until 20 January 2024.

Kiln Theatre presents

TWO STRANGERS

(CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK)

By Jim Barne & Kit Buchan

Directed by Tim Jackson

9 November 2023 – 20 January 2024

Cast: Dujonna Gift (Robin) and Sam Tutty (Dougal)

Designer Soutra Gilmour; Lighting Designer Jack Knowles; Sound Designer Tony Gayle; Musical Director Sean Green; Orchestrated by Lux Pyramid; Casting Director Julia Horan CDG; Voice & Dialect Coach Daniele Lydon; Associate Director Claira Vaughan; Kiln-Mackintosh Resident Assistant Director Jessica Mensah

Dougal is a naive, impossibly upbeat Brit, flying to New York for his Dad’s second wedding. The Dad he’s never known.

Waiting for him at the airport is Robin, the sister of the bride. She’s a native New Yorker, she’s late for work, and she doesn’t have time to stop and see the sights.

Instant attraction? Definitely not.

But with an extravagant wedding approaching and the city at their feet – anything could happen.

A new British musical from writers Jim Barne and Kit Buchan.

Dujonna Gift plays Robin. For theatre, her work includes Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre), Motown: The Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), Dear Evan Hansen (Noël Coward Theatre), and Caroline, Or Change (Playhouse Theatre). For film, her credits include the forthcoming Snow White.

Sam Tutty plays Dougal. For theatre, his work includes the title role in Dear Evan Hansen (Noël Coward Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical), and Once on This Island (Southwark Playhouse). His television work includes Hollyoaks; and for film, Four Minutes Warning and Romeo and Juliet.

Jim Barne is a composer and orchestrator. He has written music for films including Oscar-nominated Living (2022), The Ghost Trap (2023) and Worth (2021). He has won the London Chamber Orchestra’s young composer competition, and Best New Score at the Horrorhaus Film Festival.

Kit Buchan is a poet and journalist. His poems have been commended in the Poetry London and Ware Poets competitions and the Best British Poetry anthology. He works for the Observer New Review and the Woodland Trust.

Together they have won The Stage Debut Award and the Stiles and Drewe prize for new musical theatre. Their second musical Catastrophe Bay was performed at Bristol Old Vic in 2022. They also write songs for their pop band, I Said Yes.

Tim Jackson is a Director and Choreographer, and former Creative Associate of The Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch. Tim recently choreographed the critically acclaimed Broadway production of Merrily We Roll Along, with Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez, directed by Maria Friedman. As a director, his work includes the first UK revival of Kinky Boots (New Wolsey Theatre), The Hound of the Baskervilles (UK tour), Treasure Island (Bolton Octagon), The Season (Royal and Derngate and New Wolsey Theatre), The Oliviers in Concert (Royal Festival Hall). As an Associate Director, work includes High Society (The Old Vic), A Little Night Music (Tokyo), From Hackney to Hollywood (UK tour). As a choreographer, work includes Merrily We Roll Along (Hudson Theatre/New York Theatre Workshop/National Theatre Tokyo/Huntington Theatre/Harold Pinter Theatre/Menier Chocolate Factory), A Christmas Carol (Dominion Theatre), Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (Apollo Theatre), Stepping Out (Vaudeville Theatre), Saturday Night (Arts Theatre), Mouthful (Trafalgar Studios), Little Shop of Horrors (Manchester Royal Exchange), La Périchole (Garsington Opera), The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾  (Curve Theatre), Parade (Southwark Playhouse), Dusty (Bath Theatre Royal/UK tour), and La Bohème (Middle East tour). Choreography for television includes four Olivier Awards Ceremonies, Doctor Who, Let’s Sing and Dance for Comic Relief, and BBC’s New Year’s Eve midnight celebration.

An earlier version of the musical was first produced by Royal & Derngate, Northampton and New Wolsey Ipswich when it was called The Season. This musical was developed through the Stiles and Drewe MTI Mentorship Award. Excerpts from that version were presented at BEAM2018, supported by Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network.

Kiln Theatre

Listings

269 Kilburn High Road, London, UK, NW6 7JR

Box Office: 020 7328 1000

www.KilnTheatre.com

TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK):
9 November 2023 – 20 January 2024
Opening Night: 16 November

Access Perfs:

Audio Described – Thu 30 November, 7.30pm, preceded by Touch Tour

Relaxed – Sat 09 December, 2.30pm

Captioned – Mon 18 December – 7.30pm

Post show Q&A:  Tues 28 November

Monday – Saturday, 7.30pm (Wed mats following press night)

All tickets to first preview £15
Tickets £15-£40

Under 26 – £10 (subject to availability)

Access, Over 65, Local, Student and Group rates available, for further details, please see the website.

Subsidised tickets

We offer free tickets and exclusive discounts to those who can’t afford to come. If you fit any of the below criteria, get in touch and we can help you get a ticket.

If you are homeless, out of work or receive Housing Benefits, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance (valid ID, statements or proof universal tax credit will be required when collecting tickets).

Employees of NHS, Police Force, Fire Brigade, Armed Forces, The Coastguard, RNLI, Prison Officers or Social Care Workers (valid ID payslip and name badges will be required when collecting tickets).

Email [email protected]

WHATSONSTAGE TODAY ANNOUNCES THAT THE

24^TH ANNUAL WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS WILL BE HOSTED AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM

FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

WhatsOnStage today announces that this year’s ceremony will be hosted at The London Palladium in a first for the awards.

Taking place on Sunday 11 February 2024, the evening will see winners crowned across a range of categories. Theatregoers will also enjoy a host of exclusive live performances from top stage talent, accompanied by a 24-piece orchestra. The event is co-produced with creative directors Alex Parker and Damian Sandys.

Tickets will go on general sale from 12pm on 23 November 2023 via LW Theatres. A special pre-sale for WhatsOnStage Theatre Club members will take place at 12pm on 22 November 2023.

Now in their 24th year, the WhatsOnStage Awards are the only major theatre awards decided by the theatregoers themselves. 

WhatsOnStage’s Darius Thompson-Smith and Alex Wood said today: “We are incredibly excited for this new chapter for the WhatsOnStage Awards – now at The London Palladium. Moving to this new location will give us more flexibility with performances, more price points for purchasers and allow the evening to bring in an even larger audience. Alongside a huge 24-piece orchestra overseen by Alex Parker, we’re determined to create an unforgettable evening for theatre fans.

“We cannot express just how important and rewarding our time at the Prince of Wales Theatre has been over recent years – with brilliant, warm and accommodating teams at both Delfont Mackintosh and The Book of Mormon, who have leant us their home time and again. Now bring on The Palladium!”  

Nominations are currently open and will close on Thursday 23 November 2023 ahead of the shortlist being announced on Thursday 7 December 2023. Voting will then open at the same time, closing on Thursday 11 January 2024, with the winners being announced at the ceremony in February.

The awards categories will continue as before. Performance categories will be gender-free and, for each of the following, readers will be able to nominate and vote for one individual:

•            Best Performer in a Play

•            Best Performer in a Musical

•            Best Supporting Performer in a Play

•            Best Supporting Performer in a Musical

Additional audience-nominated categories include Best New Play, Best New Musical, Best Play Revival, Best Musical Revival, Best Regional Production, Best Takeover Performance, Best Professional Debut, Best Concert Event, Best West End Show and Best Off West End Production. Eligibility criteria are available on the WhatsOnStage Awards website (awards.whatsonstage.com).

The shortlist for the technical categories (Choreography, Costume Design, Direction, Graphic Design, Lighting Design, Musical Direction/Supervision, Set Design, Sound Design, Casting Direction and Video Design) will be decided once again by an independent panel of industry experts from across the UK appointed by WhatsOnStage, taking the total number of categories to 24. Shortlists will then be voted on by the general public.

awards.whatsonstage.com

lwtheatres.co.uk 

Twitter: @WhatsOnStage #WOSAwards
Instagram: @WhatsOnStage

TikTok: @WhatsOnStage

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 11th November 2023

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

So, it turns out The Woman In Black isn’t about Johnny Cash’s wife after all! It is, however, the most chilling, effective ghost story I’ve ever had the pleasure to catch live (so to speak)!

Arthur Kipps almost apologetically shuffles onto the stage to read his transcribed tale of terror. He’s secured the services of a professional in the hope that in delivering it publicly the horror will be laid to rest. Soon The Actor interjects with some helpful advice on stagecraft and these opening exchanges between the two (there are but two named cast members) show wonderful comic sensibilities in spades.

Malcolm James (Kipps etc.) – gave us an array of intriguing and believable characters, from the opening ineptitude of Kipps acting and growing confidence of delivery, to every other character that Kipps the younger will meet in the retelling of the tale. James’s range was astounding and I particularly admired the many seamless, subtle shifts in mood, making one marvel at his acting skills and stamina (given the rapid costume changes and running to a fro).

Mark Hawkins played The Actor and Kipps the younger (from the early years re-enactment). From the opening commanding stage presence to the more subservient junior role in a legal firm to the gradual descent into madness caused by the events of that house – his acting was nothing short of utterly compelling. I was (very aptly) spellbound by both actors and on the edge of my seat (when not jumping off it)…

…which seems like an apropos point to mention this is possibly the jumpiest piece of theatre I’ve ever seen. It’s a good job that popcorn wasn’t served in buckets otherwise the theatre staff would be hoovering the rafters from now until next Halloween to retrieve it!

It’s amazing to see how many different locations were wrought from the same space – a graveyard, an entire house, a foggy moor, offices, the theatre – using just a few props and some lighting! Kudos to Lighting Designer Kevin Sleep for producing such wondrous transformations whilst also providing a gorgeous sunset and sunrise and producing the first major jump (no spoilers). Most importantly, the employment of shadows gave a menacing effect throughout. Genius.

I’d never before seen smoke used to such dramatic (or bewilderingly evocative) effect. It didn’t just sit on stage and drift into the audience – it swept over one, enveloping the senses like an immersive malevolent presence. The shadows birthed all manner of nastiness real and imagined, with an expectation that something horrid would be hidden in every nook and cranny of the subconscious. And here the Sound Designer, Sebastian Frost, deserved an equally large (alongside lighting) pat on the back for pinpoint accuracy of execution!

Just like any good horror, a convincing twist in the tale gave one last genuine surprise just when you thought you had survived the emotional onslaught and could relax.

An exceptionally clever script, muscular direction (from Robin Herford) and top drawer acting all combined to deliver a ghost story that will stay long in the memory (and heart, once it’s out of your mouth). I’ve never had so much fun having the wind put up me and cannot recommend The Woman In Black highly enough. Scarily good!

WHAT’S OCCURING?

RUTH JONES

TO STAR AS ‘MOTHER SUPERIOR’

IN THE

AWARD-WINNING

PRODUCTION OF 

AT THE DOMINION THEATRE

ALONGSIDE

BEVERLEY KNIGHT

AS DELORIS VAN CARTIER

FROM 15 MARCH – 8 JUNE 2024

The producers of the award-winning production of SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL are thrilled to announce that Gavin and Stacey star and co-writer Ruth Jones will swap Barry Island for blessings as ‘Mother Superior’, making her West End debut at the Dominion Theatre from Friday 15 March 2024.

Ruth joins the multi-award-winning music star and Olivier Award winning performer Beverley Knight, reprising her performance as Deloris Van Cartier, until Saturday 8 June 2024. From 10 June 2024, the role of Deloris Van Cartier will be played by Number One best-selling artist and musical theatre star Alexandra Burke, with further casting to be announced.

Ruth Jones said, “I’m proper chuffed to be making my West End debut in Sister Act next March playing the legendary Mother Superior at the Dominion Theatre. It’s a crackin’ role and a crackin’ show. Who knew wearing a habit could feel so fabulous! I can’t wait!”

Ruth Jones is best known for playing ‘Nessa Jenkins’ in the award-winning BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, which she also co-created and co-wrote with James Cordon. Her other screen credits include the titular role in Stella, which she also created and co-wrote, Kelly in Fat Friends, Myfanwy in Little Britain, Magz in Saxondale and Linda in Nighty Night.Ruth was last seen on stage as Maggie in Theatre Royal Bath’s touring production of The Nightingales. Her previous theatre credits include Under Milk Wood at the National, A Winter’s Tale for the RSC, Roots for Oxford Stage Company and Educating Rita at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. In recent years, Ruth has become a Sunday Times best-selling author of three novels, Never Greener, Us Three and Love Untold. She is currently writing her fourth.

Ahead of making her West End debut, Ruth will join the UK and Ireland tour of SISTER ACT when it plays the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin from 13 – 24 February 2024.

Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. 

SISTER ACT has direction by Bill Buckhurst, choreography by Alistair David, Set and Costume Design by Morgan Large, Musical Direction by Neil MacDonald, Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell, Sound Design by Tom Marshall and Musical Supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt. 

SISTER ACT features original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken(Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted), lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. SISTER ACT is produced by Jamie Wilson, Gavin Kalin, Kevin McCollum and Curve.

NEW CAST MEMBERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE ICONIC LONDON THRILLER

ST MARTIN’S THEATRE, LONDON
uk.the-mousetrap.co.uk 

New casting is announced for Agatha Christie’s iconic thriller The Mousetrap, the longest running play in the world, which continues to enthral audiences at London’s St Martin’s Theatre.

From 20 November 2023, the cast will include Rachel Summers (Bleak Expectations at the Criterion Theatre) as Mollie Ralston, Christopher Bonwell (The Entertainer UK tour) as Giles Ralston, Joshua Glenister (Witness For The Prosecution at County Hall) as Christopher Wren, Gay Soper (long career of credits including the original 1971 production of Godspell at Roundhouse and Wyndham’s Theatre, London) as Mrs Boyle, Miles Richardson (Shakespearian actor whose multiple theatre credits include King Charles III at Wyndhams Theatre, London and Music Box Theater on Broadway) as Major Metcalf, Jessica Temple (Patriots at the Almeida and Noël Coward Theatre) as Miss Casewell, Sebastien Torkia (Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, London) as Mr Paravicini, and George Hannigan (The Comedy About a Bank Robbery at the Criterion Theatre and UK tour) as Detective Sgt. Trotter, with Clive Marlowe, Sarah Parkins, Ben Riddle, Kieran Seabrook France, Alexander Scrivens, and Cathryn Sherman.

As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at Monkswell Manor, a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst. One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim?

Genre-defining murder mystery The Mousetrap, written by Agatha Christie, the world’s best-selling novelist of all time, premiered at Theatre Royal Nottingham in 1952 and toured the UK before opening in the West End where it continues its record-breaking engagement at the St Martin’s Theatre, 70 years on. The iconic thriller’s 70^th Anniversary tour also opened in Nottingham in September 2022, and continues to travel throughout the UK and Ireland, marking its milestone anniversary by visiting over 70 theatres, including all cities to which it originally played 70 years ago, plus many more.

The Mousetrap is produced by Adam Spiegel with Direction by Ian Talbot OBE and associate direction by Denise Silvey.

DREW MCONIE APPOINTED AS

NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre today announce Drew McOnie as their new Artistic Director & Joint Chief Executive, joining Executive Director James Pidgeon.  

DREW MCONIE APPOINTED AS

NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre today announce Drew McOnie as their new Artistic Director & Joint Chief Executive, joining Executive Director James Pidgeon.  

The award-winning Director and Choreographer will assume the role in January 2024, taking over from Tim Sheader following his appointment at the Donmar Warehouse, and will programme the 2025 season onwards. He joins the theatre having previously directed and choreographed On the Town which was Olivier Award nominated for Best Musical Revival, and choreographed their productions of Carousel and Jesus Christ Superstar, currently touring the US and UK and for which he received an Olivier Award Nomination for Best Theatre Choreography. He retains his position as Artistic Director of The McOnie Company, with its production of Nutcracker currently running at the new pop-up space, The Tuff Nutt Jazz Club at the Southbank Centre, and the forthcoming world premiere stage adaptation of The Artist opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth in May 2024.

Drew McOnie said today, “For me there is nowhere in London where the shared experience of live theatre is more electric than at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. It captured my imagination and stole my heart from my very first visit. I believe it’s because of the audience’s direct connection with the performers, each knowing equally that anything could happen and together they will experience something that its relationship with nature may make totally different the following day. It’s a magical setting to experience magical stories together.

Long before becoming a director and choreographer I was a dancer, and it was widely known within the performing community that Regent’s Park was THE place to work. This wasn’t just because of the exceptional standard of work being created but also because of the care and support for its artists. Under the inspiring leadership of Tim Sheader, I was able to become the artist I wanted to be, and I am committed to continuing that legacy of care and creativity for artists and audiences alike.

I am so excited to be joining forces with the brilliant James Pidgeon and can’t wait to begin writing the next chapter of this special venue’s story.”

Stuart Griffiths OBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees, added, “Following a rigorous and extensive recruitment process, we are delighted to appoint Drew McOnie as Artistic Director & Joint Chief Executive of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Drew is an outstanding and innovative artist whose work thrills and inspires a broad range of audiences. We are excited by the vision and passion he will bring to our unique and world-renowned venue, building on the legacy of Tim Sheader’s tenure. On behalf of the Trustees we are delighted to welcome Drew to the team.”

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Executive Director & Joint Chief Executive James Pidgeon commented, “Drew McOnie is an exemplary and well-respected artist who will continue the Open Air Theatre’s long-standing commitment to creating exceptional, enriching and unexpected theatre at scale whilst also bringing a new artistic vision and identity to the organisation that enhances our relevance and reputation. I very much look forward to working with him to lead the organisation and our incredibly talented team through this next exciting chapter of growth and development.”

Drew McOnie is a multi-award winning Director and Choreographer working across theatre and film.

Hisprevious credits for Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre include, as director/choreographer: On the Town (Olivier Award Nomination for Best Musical Revival), and as choreographer: Carousel and Jesus Christ Superstar (Olivier Award Nomination for Best Theatre Choreography – also Barbican Theatre, UK and US tours).

Other credits as director/choreographer include: The Wild Party (The Other Palace), King Kong (The Broadway Theatre, Broadway), Strictly Ballroom (Piccadilly Theatre, West End/Toronto/West Yorkshire Playhouse), Torch Song (The Turbine Theatre London) and CAKE (Lyric Theatre, West End and UK Tour). 

Other credits as a choreographer include: In the Heights (Olivier Award Winner for Best Theatre Choreography, Winner of the Off West End Theatre Award for Best Choreography – Southwark Playhouse and Kings Cross Theatre), The Lorax (The Old Vic), Hairspray (BroadwayWorld Award Winner for Best Choreographer – UK Tour), Bugsy Malone (Lyric Hammersmith and UK Tour), Oklahoma! (UK Tour), Chicago (Curve Theatre, Leicester) and Tommy (European Tour).

His credits for The McOnie Company include: Nutcracker (The Tuff Nutt Jazz Club at Southbank Centre), Jekyll and Hyde (BroadwayWorld Award Winner for Outstanding Achievement in Dance – The Old Vic), DRUNK! (Curve Theatre Leicester/ The Bridewell Theatre London), Making Midnight (Jermyn Street Theatre/ Latitude Festival), Slaughter (Audience Choice Award Winner – The Place Prize) and Be Mine! (Robin Howard Theatre), and the forthcoming world premiere stage adaptation of The Artist opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth in May 2024.

Ballets include: Merlin (Northern Ballet National Tour), XYZ- (Classical Creative Project), Monochrome Suite (Sadlers Wells), The Old Man Of Lochnagar (Sadlers Wells and Hackney Empire), Little Red Riding Hood (Wimbledon Theatre) and To You (Sadlers Wells).  

Film credits include: Greatest Days – The TAKE THAT movie musical, and Me Before You (Directed by Thea Sharrock).

The Studio, New Wimbledon Theatre – until 11th November 2023

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

4****

Seize the Cheese is a story about a world famous cheese rolling event held in Gloucestershire  where people decide to take the plunge and run down a dangerous hill in pursuit of the famous double Gloucester cheese and this is exactly where the story begins!

With many different characters at the top of the hill, all there for different reason thinking that throwing themselves down the hill may somehow help their individual stories! Each of them have their own tale to tell there’s Jake (Fed Zanni) and Susan (Judith Orelly) a couple who are dealing with fertility issues. Best friends Arthur (Oliver Bullen) and Leila (Rosie Zeidler) who slept with each other and now it’s the end of the world! A daughter Jasmine (Jodi Bird) trying to break free from her overbearing Mother Dorothy (Victoria Waddington). Phobia Phil (James Dangerfield) who is afraid of pretty much everything around him and wants to be brave by running down the hill and succeeding, he comes every year and hasn’t managed to quite make himself run off the edge just yet! Alongside other characters we see snippets of their lives understanding  the reasons in which they have ended up here.

The whole event wouldn’t take place or be so unique without the Keeper of the Cheese (Cathy McManamon) guiding them through. Shes a nutty hippy who holds magical powers within her that she received from the forest fairies and spirits. The reason for these powers is to help the people overcome their fear and to eventually find there inner selves and reach their destinies. But with things not going as they normally do and the spirits of the hills all over the place. As well as the real life Cheese (Travis Wood) causing issues for the keeper. He offers much pizazz he’s ludicrously funny and in fact was the highlight of the evening with some great singing and a touch of sassy dancing making the audience laugh alongside some cheese puns as he walks off the stage with “Gouda Bye“.

The show also had a live band of bass-guitar, drums and keyboard and offers some fast paced tracks throughout, keeping the audience entertained throughout.

Everything seemed very quick paced with lots going on including slow motion movements of rolling down the hill, again very funny to watch. All in all a bizarre ambitious but very funny production that I enjoyed, I haven’t laughed like that in a while. The stranger the better.