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THE WEST END’S FIRST CHAT SHOW IS NOW ON SALE  

TICKET LINK – https://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/whats-on/a-spotlight-on-live

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www.aspotlighton.tv | #ASpotlightOnLive

·       TICKET SELLING FAST FOR THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN!

·       GUESTS INCLUDE MENTALIST AND ILLUSIONIST DERREN BROWN, WEST END AND BROADWAY STARS RACHEL TUCKER AND ANDY NYMAN

A Spotlight On, is thrilled to announce its guests for the West End’s first chat show coming to London this December.

Premiering at London’s Sondheim Theatre on Sunday 10^th December, A Spotlight On Live will be hosted by Carl Mullaney (recently Albin in La Cage aux Folles, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).

Tickets for A Spotlight On Live are on sale now.

Derren Brown began his UK television career in December 2000 with a series of specials called Mind Control. In the UK his name is now pretty much synonymous with the art of psychological manipulation. 

Recently Derren Brown created, wrote and directed UNBELIEVABLE currently playing at the Criterion Theatre with his long-time collaborators Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor.

Recently announced as Horace Vandergelder, in Holly Dolly! at the London Palladium, Andy Nyman’s credits include Ghost Stories, Fiddler on the Roof and Hangman.

Broadway and West End leading lady Rachel Tucker, currently guest stars as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevardat Savoy Theatre. Her credits include Come From Away, Wicked, The Last Ship and Songs For A New World. Rachel Tucker has also recently released her new album ‘you’re already home’

A Spotlight On Live is a new engaging event that shines a spotlight on some of the most prominent talents from the world of Theatre and beyond.

This unique experience allows you to get intimately acquainted with these stars, giving you insights into their craft, the dedication required to maintain excellence, and the secrets of their success.

Enhanced by electrifying live performances, A Spotlight On Live offers you an exclusive opportunity to venture through the Stage Door and uncover the captivating world of theatre behind the scenes as you’ve never seen it before!

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE

WEST END TRANSFER OF THE

MULTI-AWARD-WINNING

NEW BRITISH MUSICAL

STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE

he National Theatre and Various Productions announce today initial casting for the West End transfer of Sheffield Theatres’ smash-hit production, Standing at the Sky’s Edge.  Written as a love letter to Sheffield and the city’s iconic Park Hill Estate, this 2023 Olivier Award-winning ‘Best New Musical’ is directed by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director, Robert Hastie and features songs by the legendary Sheffield singer-songwriter, Richard Hawley. With a hilarious and gut-wrenching book by Chris Bush, Standing at the Sky’s Edge charts the hopes and dreams of three generations over the course of six tumultuous decades, navigating universal themes of love, loss and survival.  It will make its West End premiere at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London from 8 February 2024.

Joining the cast are, Elizabeth Ayodele (Small Island, National Theatre; Steel Magnolias, Trafalgar Theatre Productions) as Joy, Joel Harper-Jackson (Cock, Elliot & Harper Productions; Kinky Boots, Adam Blanshay Productions) as Harry, Sharlene Hector (A Strange Loop, Trafalgar Theatre Productions/National Theatre; Hairspray, Adam Spiegal Productions/Fiery Angel) as Grace, Mel Lowe (Orlando, The Michael Grandage Company; A Billion Times I Love You, Homotopia/Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse) as Connie, Laura Pitt-Pulford (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; Emmerdale, ITV) as Poppy and Lauryn Redding (Bloody Elle, Rebel Productions/Royal Exchange) as Nikki.

Returning to reprise their roles are, Samuel Jordan (Masters of the Air, Apple TV; Sex Education, Netflix) as Jimmy, Baker Mukasa (The Comedy of Errors, Royal Shakespeare Company; Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Stage Entertainment) as George, Alastair Natkiel (Line of Duty, BBC; Strangers on a Train, Barbara Broccoli) as Marcusand Rachael Wooding (Pretty Woman: The Musical, Ambassador Theatre Group Productions; We Will Rock You, Queen Theatrical Productions/Phil McIntyre/Tribeca Theatrical Productions) as Rose.  Further casting will be announced. 

Standing at the Sky’s Edge is currently nominated for ‘Best Musical’ at the 2023 Evening Standard Theatre Awards. It won ‘Best New Musical’ at the 2023 Olivier Awards earlier in the year with Sheffield singer-songwriter, Richard Hawley and Tom Deering also winning ‘Best Original Score and New Orchestrations’.  Previously it has won the 2020 South Bank Sky Arts Award for Theatre and ‘Best Musical Production’ at the UK Theatre Awards in 2019. 

Director, Robert Hastie said: “I’m thrilled that many of the company who created Standing at the Sky’s Edge in Sheffield and at the National Theatre are continuing to tell this important story in the West End, and equally excited that a brilliant new group of actors are joining the cast to bring new perspectives and fresh takes on Chris’s characters and Richard’s songs.  Getting the casting right is central to any show’s success, but with this show it feels particularly crucial.  The characters in this show might be fictional, but they represent real people’s lives, so the actors who embody these roles need to take pride in telling these beautiful human stories, and I’m confident that this incredible cast will do exactly that.”

Hastie is joined by set and costume designer, Ben Stones; choreographer, Lynne Page; orchestrator and arranger, originating music supervisor, Tom Deering; lighting designer, Mark Henderson; sound designer, Bobby Aitken; wigs, hair and make-up designer, Cynthia De La Rosa and casting director, Stuart Burt CDG.

First commissioned by Sheffield Theatres and Various Productions,Standing at the Sky’s Edge had its world premiere at the Crucible Theatre in 2019. Following a hugely successful, sold-out run, it returned to the Crucible Theatre in December 2022, selling out again, before making its London premiere in the National Theatre’s Olivier theatre in early 2023 where it continued to sell out and receive standing ovations.  

Revealing the history of modern Britain, through the stories of this iconic housing estate, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, is a heartfelt exploration of the power of community and what it is we all call home.

Richard Hawley has recently released Now Then: The Very Best of Richard Hawley, his first ever best of collection.  This 36-track deep dive into his hugely successful career to date includes his original versions of songs from the musical including Open Up Your Door, Tonight the Streets Are Ours, Coles Corner  and the production’s title track, Standing at the Sky’s Edge.  He has also announced a UK and Ireland tour with live performance dates from May 2024.

Standing at the Sky’s Edge, the original live cast recording is available to stream via Spotify and purchase online from major music retailers.

Tickets for the musical are available from £20 at SkysEdgeMusical.com.  Assisted performances are available throughout the run.

First Look production images released for the world premiere of the official Stock Aitken Waterman musical I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY, currently playing at the Manchester Opera House before embarking on a UK tour.

The cast includes Dominic Andersen as Revel Harrington III, Kayla Carter as Bonnie, Jamie Chapman as Spencer, Jemma Churchill as Ivy, Matthew Croke as Nadeem, Jessica Daley as Britney, Gary Davis as Big Mike, Melissa Jacques as Shelley, Scott Paige as Michael, Billy Roberts as Nathan, Giovanni Spanò as Ash, Lucie-Mae Sumner as Ella and Anna Unwin as Olivia. Kylie Minogue will also digitally appear throughout the show as a specially created character unique to the musical.

The company is completed by Tegan Bannister, Ralph Bogard, Elliot Broadfoot, Emma Crossley, Kade Ferraiolo, Sydney Isitt-Ager, Joe Kelly, Aidan Nightingale, James Willoughby Moore, Lauren Woolf and Louie Wood.

The official Stock Aitken Waterman musical featuring the soundtrack of a generation with music from pop royalty including Kylie Minogue (I Should Be So Lucky), Rick Astley (Never Gonna Give You Up), Jason Donovan (Too Many Broken Hearts) and Bananarama (Love In The First Degree). I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY: THE STOCK AITKEN WATERMAN MUSICAL features no less than 10 Number 1 singles and over 25 songs from the Hit Factory whose music defined an era.

I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY: THE STOCK AITKEN WATERMAN MUSICAL is written and directed by Debbie Isitt (the hit NATIVITY! franchise), choreographed by Jason Gilkison (Creative Director of Strictly Come Dancing and Eurovision 2023), with orchestrations and musical direction by George Dyer, set and costume design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Ben Harrison, casting by Anne Vosser and production management by Simon Marlow. It is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions.

www.soluckymusical.com

@SoLuckyMusical

Hampstead Theatre, London – until 25th November 2023

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

4****

A wave of laughter ripples up through the auditorium as a stairlift comes into view down the stairs at the back of the stage. On it, a greying woman ascends and descends at a snails pace as she’s torn between coughing calls from upstairs and the front door bell. The scene, and the bar for humour have been set for this comical take on geriatric life and families that have grown up, and moved on and out. Richard Bean’s new comedy, To Have and To Hold, is set in the village of Wetwang in Yorkshire, at the house of Jack and Florence Kirk. Jack (Alun Armstrong) and Flo (Marion Bailey) have summoned their adult children, Tina and Rob (Herminone Gulliford and Christopher Fulford), home to face the reality that is living into your 90s in growing isolation.

While nothing really happens in this domestic comedy directed by Richard Wilson and Terry Johnson (there is some mild peril involving a bank account), the heart of the show lies in the main performances by Bailey and Armstrong. The relationship between the two is fiercely funny and very familiar – bickering, deafness, forgetfulness, stories, health woes, technologies beyond their ken, and loads of tea. They have a neighbour called Rhubarb Eddie (Adrian Hood) who comes and helps out, as well as a niece who lives nearby and is very pleased to passive aggressively tell Rob and Tina who have moved away from their hometown that they should be around more.

Jack, who was in the police force, regails everyone with stories, something that his writer and filmmaker son Rob is desperate to record but somehow never gets round to. The importance of holding on to your elders’ memories and making a record of the little things is a recurring them throughout. The classic British home set is perfect, beautifully designed by James Cotterill. From the tape recorder to the phone with the big buttons, to the front door which is constantly being locked and unlocked. At one point stage-hands are dressed as a removals company and skillfully change the scene.

To Have and To Hold is funny, gentle, and moving. It has lots of laughs, big and small, and lots of love at the core, plus a familiarity that those of us with ageing parents will recognise. The technological isolation that comes with age, and the geographical alienation that comes with progress, coupled with the pride of not wanting to appear too old but also knowing that your body is starting to crumble, are all played out with skill and humour. My main takeaway was be there to listen to and cherish the stories we are told, and then record them for those who can’t be, or are yet to come.

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 11th November 2023

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

5 *****

As a Bill Kenwright production this performance serves as a perfect tribute to the memory of the producer’s talent and contribution to theatre. At the Everyman theatre, the Chief Executive paid personal tribute to the contribution that Bill Kenwright made to his own introduction to the world of theatre. Written by Reginald Rose, it is a brilliant theatre production of the 1950s film known to many.

Set in a U.S. jury room, the plot winds its way through the deliberations of a jury faced with determining whether a young man should be sentenced to his own death following a murder. The entire performance centres around the obvious differences between twelve men and sub-conscious prejudice towards a young man accused of murder.

In a cast packed with talent and fame, Juror number 8 is played by Patrick Duffy in a considered and gentle performance of a man who is prepared to set himself apart from the crowd and start with a verdict of ‘not guilty’. Faced with eleven fellow jurors who are convinced of the defendant’s guilt and tempted by the prospect of a swift verdict, juror number 8 guides the jury through a near re-run of the courtroom evidence.

In many ways, the audience knows from the outset that changing attitudes will be a key aspect of the plot, but nobody can deny the power of each of the alternative perspectives on the ‘truth’. Piece by piece the evidence is re-framed; doubt is cast on the evidence presented in the courtroom as fact. Subtly, we are challenged to think about our views on stereotype and the value of a young, scarred life compared to that of a grown man and father. Deliberating whether an infirm man can dash to his front door in fifteen seconds becomes crucial to a young man’s future.

The power of this production lies in the simplicity of the jury room setting, attention to detail, thoughtful portrayal of jury service and its impact on justice. The entire cast deserve recognition for the lasting effect they have on their audience.

York Theatre Royal – 6th November 2023

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

Anton Du Beke, the famous Strictly Come Dancing star, took to the York Theatre Royal stage on Monday night with what promised to be a night of song, dance, and laughter.

Anton took to centre stage to a huge round of applause. Looking dapper, as always, in a sparkly jacket and shiny shoes. He certainly has style with his elegant jackets and suits. Anton was supported throughout the evening by a live eight-piece band, led by Clive Dunstall, a troupe of four female dancers, plus Lance Ellington, his guest singer. What followed was a night of pure entertainment.

Anton is still Mr Twinkle Toes with his ballroom skills. He wowed us with a slow foxtrot, his favourite dance, a waltz, and a superb energetic tango, along with his glorious dancers. What was a surprise for me is his singing ability. He combined his singing and dancing skills with routines and numbers from some classic musicals, such as Chicago and Cabaret.

Strictly singer Lance, son of late band leader Ray Ellington, is the true crooner of the night with his harmonious, silky, jazz voice. As well as his own solo numbers, the pair shared several duets together, The Lady is a Tramp and Me and My Shadow being the highlights. They have great rapport with shared memories, and obviously both have a love of great jazz. The banter between them such fun and you couldn’t help but laugh along with them, especially when they couldn’t keep a straight face whilst attempt to belt out a tune.

As well as all the singing and dancing, Anton encourages the audience to text him any questions. Answering some of the questions raised, plus his own anecdotes, we heard tales about how he started dancing, wardrobe malfunctions and a couple of Strictly tales. The one with Ann Widdicombe was pretty hilarious. He also shared his experiences with Len Goodman and Sir Bruce Forsyth, the latter being his hero.

With so much interaction with the audience you could tell that Anton really appreciates his fans, even when one shouted out that she preferred Lance’s vocals. Lance then proceeded to serenade her. Anton showed a knack for Yorkshire accents and wasn’t afraid to take the mickey out of certain towns and cities, much to the delight of us all. He took his time in engaging, even when things got a bit out of hand, what a pro.

Though Anton was the star of the show, as kept reminding us, marvellous as one audience member shouted out, Lance was his perfect foil. The dancers and band provided the icing on the cake.

It was great to see a packed-out theatre full of eager fans of all ages, both male and female. In York we had an 11-year-old boy in the front row, resplendent in his gold jacket and, at the other end of the row and at the other end of the age range, Doris was proudly wearing her Anton t-shirt. This show appeals to all, it was a night of song, dance, and laughter. It is a good old fun night of variety where Anton is right at home being Mr Entertainer.

New West End fringe venue opens with the transfer of
 smash-hit ‘Strangers in Between’Stage Door Theatre is located at the Prince of Wales pub
in Drury Lane, Covent Garden and will offer dinner theatre ticket options

Strangers In Between
8 January to 3 February

London’s West End is to get a new fringe theatre right in the heart of Covent Garden.

The Stage Door Theatre is located at The Prince of Wales, 150-151 Drury Lane. It will offer joint dinner- theatre ticket deals alongside show-only tickets.

The opening production will be the transfer of LAMBCO Production’s award-winning, critically acclaimed production of Tommy Murphy’s Australian drama, ‘Strangers in Between’, directed by Adam Spreadbury-Maher, from south London’s Golden Goose Theatre.

The cast will again feature Stephen Connery-Brown and Alex Ansdell, who were both Offie nominated for the production, with the third role still to be cast.

‘Strangers in Between’ is an unflinching look at the highs and lows of growing up gay in modern Australia, bursting with laugh-out-loud one-liners, simmering sexual tension and heartfelt confessions.

Cast includes:
Stephen Connery-Brown (as Peter) was born and raised in Sydney. This is Stephen’s fourth time playing Peter in ‘Strangers in Between’ (King’s Head Theatre/Trafalgar Studios 2). His other roles include Dad in ‘The Sum of Us’ (Above the Stag), Henry Higgins in ‘Pygmalion’ and ‘Scrooge’ in ‘A Christmas Carol’ (both European tours).

Alex Ansdell (as Shane) is making his professional debut.

Creative team includes:
Director Adam Spreadbury-Maher
Designer David Shields
Produced by LAMBCO Productions

‘Strangers in Between’ was awarded the prestigious Best Play Award at the New South Wales Premiere’s Literary Awards. It made its debut at the renowned  Griffin Theatre Company in Sydney, where it broke box office records. It received its critically acclaimed UK premiere at the King’s Head Theatre in 2016, also directed by Adam Spreadbury-Maher.

Adam Spreadbury-Maher (Director)
Adam is a highly regarded director in the realms of opera and theatre. He began his journey as an operatic tenor, studying at the Australian National University’s Canberra School of Music, and later honed his directing skills at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. He received recognition with the Canberra Critics Circle Award and the Gold Award at the Canberra Area Theatre Awards before making his mark in the UK. As Associate Director of the White Bear Theatre, he directed the UK premiere of Louis Nowra’s ‘Cosi’, along with other critically lauded productions which transferred to larger theatres and toured the UK. In 2008, Adam established the Cock Tavern Theatre, where he produced notable premieres by renowned playwrights. His production of ‘La Boheme’ (directed by Robin Norton-Hale) earned an Olivier award and became the UK’s longest-running opera. He also garnered acclaim with the Peter Brook Empty Space Award and the Best Artistic Director title at the Fringe Report Awards. Adam’s passion for opera led him to found OperaUpClose in 2009, a highly regarded touring opera company. He served as Artistic Director of the King’s Head Theatre from 2010, demonstrating his versatility by directing both operas and plays, such as Puccini’s ‘Madame Butterfly’, Tommy Murphy’s ‘Strangers in Between’, and Kevin Elyot’s ‘Coming Clean’. His directorial skills have also been showcased in 10 West End productions. He directed acclaimed productions, including a revival of Peter Gill’s ‘The York Realist’ and Irvine Welsh’s ‘Trainspotting’, which has toured internationally for 11 years. In 2017, he directed a memorable Australian tour of Terrence McNally’s ‘Masterclass’ at Sydney Opera House.

Richard Lambert
Richard is OFFIE Producer of the Year 2021-2022 and, in conjunction with Peter Bull, was listed in the Stage Top 100 theatre awards 2021. Richard’s company, LAMBCO Productions, again in conjunction with Peter Bull, created the award winning Garden Theatre in the garden of a pub in Vauxhall to open up the 1st ever musical between the West End and Broadway as London restrictions slowly lifted. Producing credits include: Christmas Skating Events (5 seasons, Torquay); ‘Bluebirds the Musical’ (Above the Stag Theatre); LAMBCO Fringe Festival 2014 – 2016 (LOST Theatre); ‘Sincerely Yours’ (Landor Theatre);’ Bewitchment on Black Ice’ (Associate Producer, Landor Theatre); ‘Do You Have a Secret Crush (Sleeping with Straight Men)?’ (LOST Theatre); ‘The Crumple Zone’ (Clapham Omnibus, Pleasance Theatre, King’s Head Theatre); ‘Boys in the Buff the Musical’ (Stockwell Playhouse) and ‘Boys in the Buff’ (King’s Head Theatre), ‘Skin Deep’ (UK Tour and Ed Fringe 2018), ‘Margot, Dame – the Most Famous Ballerina in the World’ (King’s Head Theatre), ‘Tickle’ (King’s Head Theatre) which gained a London Pub Theatres Standing Ovation Award, ‘Boys in the Buff’ (Drayton Arms Theatre) which was awarded Lead Performance OFFIE nomination and won the OFFIE Choreography Award (Robbie O’Reilly), ‘Twinkle’ (Drayton Arms Theatre) which was awarded an OFFCOM, ‘Tickle’ (Drayton Arms Theatre), ‘Twinkle’ (Drayton Arms Theatre). At the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022, LAMBCO produced  ‘Soho Boy’, ‘Bette Midler & Me’ and ‘Twinkle’ which gained 5 Star Reviews, awards including OFFFEST nominations and is currently producing ‘Twinkle’, ‘Tickle’, ‘Boys in the Buff’ and ‘Love is Blue’.

Listings Info

LAMBCO Productions
present

STRANGERS IN BETWEEN
by Tommy Murphy

Directed by Adam Spreadbury-Maher

Stage Door Theatre
Prince of Wales
150-151 Drury Lane
London
WC2B 5TD

Box Office:
www.ticketsource.co.uk/strangers-in-between

8 January to 3 February
evenings at 19:30 including Mondays

Wednesday & Saturday matinees at 15:00
from 17 January

(2 hours including interval)

Prices from £10 – £25
Two-course dinner & theatre packages from £27

www.stagedoortheatre.co.uk

www.strangersinbetween.co.uk

Social Media:
https://twitter.com/LAMBCO_Prods
https://www.instagram.com/lambcoproductions/
https://www.tiktok.com/@lambco_productions

Further information is available on
www.lambcoproductions.co.uk

WICKED’ RELEASES TOUR REHEARSAL IMAGES

Spectacular tour opens in Edinburgh a month today

www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

WICKED, “one of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News), today releases rehearsal photography by Mark Senior of its 2023/5 tour cast.

The 13-month tour of cities in England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland begins in 31 days at the Edinburgh Playhouse, where more than 120,000 tickets have already been sold. The tour then continues to Bristol Hippodrome; Birmingham Hippodrome; Bradford Alhambra Theatre; Southampton Mayflower Theatre; Liverpool Empire; Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre; Sunderland Empire; Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre; and Manchester Palace Theatre. For full details and booking visit www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

The Wicked Tour stars Laura Pick (Elphaba), Sarah O’Connor (Glinda), Carl Man (Fiyero), Donna Berlin (Madame Morrible), Simeon Truby (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Jed Berry/Daniel Hope* (Boq), Megan Gardiner (Nessarose), Casey Al-Shaqsy (Standby for Elphaba), Thomas Charles, Julie Cloke, Charlotte Coggin, Freddie Conway, Áine Curran, Jade Davies, Kamau Davis, Russell Dickson, Maddison Firth, Lydia Gerrard, James Gower-Smith, Shoko Ito, Holly Lawrence, Nick Len, Stephanie Lindo, Will Lucas, Will Luckett, Rozz Mbwembwe, Georgia McElwee, Conor O’Hara, Shereen Osman, Stuart Rouse, Christina Shand, Adam Stickler,and Frazer Woolcott.

*The role of Boq is being temporarily played by Daniel Hope while Jed Berry recovers from an injury sustained prior to rehearsals.

The West End and Broadway musical phenomenon, that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, continues an open-ended run at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre where it is now in its 18^th year.Winner of more than 100 global awards, Wicked has now been seen by 65 million people worldwide and is currently celebrating the 20^th Anniversary of its Broadway premiere. The two-part Universal Pictures film version of Wicked will be released in November 2024 (Part 1) and November 2025 (Part 2).

Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s celebrated musical, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, revealing the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming ‘Glinda The Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’.

Wickedfeatures songs by multi-Oscar and Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (‘Godspell’, ‘Pippin’, ‘The Prince of Egypt’, Disney’s ‘Pocahontas’, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’and ‘Enchanted’). It is based on the multimillion-copy best-selling novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of theWest’ by Gregory Maguire and written by Emmy and Tony Award nominee Winnie Holzman (creator of the landmark American television series ‘My So-Called Life’). Musical staging is by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento with direction by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK & Ireland) Michael McCabe.

Official website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

‘X’ (Twitter): @WickedUK  |  Facebook: /WickedUK  |  Instagram: @WickedUK

ADAM BLANSHAY PRODUCTIONS AND PARK THEATRE
PRESENT
KIM’S CONVENIENCE

8 JANUARY – 10 FEBRUARY 2024

UK PREMIERE OF THE AWARD-WINNING COMEDY DRAMA
WRITTEN BY AND STARRING INS CHOI

There’s humour and heart in every aisle

Adam Blanshay Productions and Park Theatre kick off the New Year with the UK Premiere of the award-winning original stage play Kim’s Convenience which spawned the beloved hit Netflix sitcom of the same name.

Written by leading playwright, screenwriter and actor Ins Choi, the comedy drama follows the hilarious and heart-warming tale of a Korean family-run convenience store. First staged at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2011, this ground-breaking play won many plaudits for its East Asian representation and its rare foregrounding of their characters. This brand-new production at Park Theatre in Park200, will be the first time the play has been seen by audiences outside of Canada and the US.

In a full circle moment, Ins (who played Mr Kim’s son in the original stage play) will star as Mr Kim (Appa) the proud, hardworking patriarch of the family who grapples with his changing neighbourhood and the growing schism between his first-generation immigrant values and those of his second-generation children.

Ins, whose own experiences growing up in a family-run convenience store inspired the play, comments: “My family arrived in Canada in 1975 in search of freedom, with just two hundred dollars, three kids and a lot of hope. My father worked at my uncle’s convenience store by day and went to English speaking language classes by night while my mother took care of me and my two older sisters. This story is my love letter to my parents and to all first generation immigrants who have made the country they have settled in their home.”

On playing the title character, Ins says: “I’m very much looking forward to returning to where it all began 12 years ago. It’s a wonderful journey and it feels great to have finally grown into this role. This play launched my career and continues to provide a great vehicle for Asian actors and shines an important light on representation.”

Esther Jun, who also has a long history with the play, having been cast in the original, returns this time to direct the five strong cast which for the UK production also includes Namju Go, Jennifer Kim, Brian Law and Miles Mitchell.

Esther Jun says: “I have been involved with Kim’s Convenience in some shape or form for nearly 20 years and to finally bring it to London, where I learned my craft as a director is extra meaningful. There is so much love and history in this story. The simple genius of this play is how it continues to resonate for different cultures and ages at different times in people’s lives. It’s a true generational play with so much heart, truth and laughter. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.” See Esther talk about the play here.

Adam Blanshay, the show’s Canadian/UK based producer says: “Kim’s Convenience is a true snapshot of multiculturalism in Canada, and a view into the traditions and heritages that make up the vast tapestry of the Nation. I hope this universal story resonates in the UK and that it will win a new legion of fans on this side of the pond.”

Jez Bond, Artistic Director of Park Theatre adds: ”I’m excited to be staging this comedy drama whose characters so many people are already familiar with through its wildly successful television series. I hope this play, where it all began, resonates with a whole new audience coming to Park Theatre.”

Previous praise for Kim’s Convenience in Canada:

“Choi masterfully hits all of the play’s snappy jokes (he did write them after all!), but what stands out is the humanity in his performance. Appa’s emotional vulnerability can sometimes get lost in the laughter of other productions, but Choi ensures this story’s patriarch has a wonderfully complex inner life. “ Intermission (2023 production
at Grand Theatre, Ontario)

‘Do yourself a favour and see this marvellous show‘ Vancouver Sun 2011

★★★★ ‘A cause for celebration’ Toronto Star 2011

★★★★★ ‘As stomach-hurtingly funny as it is dramatic and moving’ NOW 2011

‘A rich, deep and compelling comedy/drama whose themes of immigration and
disrupted families continue to resonate’ Hartford Courant 2011

Cast:

Ins Choi Appa 

Namju Go Umma

Jennifer Kim Janet 

Brian Law Jung 

Miles Mitchell Rich/Mr Lee/Mike/Alex

Creative Team:
Ins Choi Playwright
Esther Jun Director
Mona Camille Set & Costume Designer
Jonathan Chan Lighting Designer
Holly Khan Sound Designer and Composer
Pete Rickards for eStage Production Manager
Reuben Bojang Company Stage Manager
Jinwen Chen Assistant Stage Manager

Listings Information: PARK 200
Dates: 8 Jan – 10 Feb 2024 (Previews 8 – 10 Jan)
Times: Mon – Sat at 7.30pm (Thu & Sat 3pm matinees)
Tickets: From £15 – £44.50
Booking Link: https://parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/kims-convenience
Age 14+
Running Time 75 mins approx.

Social media
Twitter: @ParkTheatre
Instagram @ParkTheatreLondon
Facebook www.facebook.com/ParkTheatreLondon
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#Kimsconvenienceuk

Rehearsals images are released today for the first ever UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning HAMILTON, which begins performances at the Manchester Palace Theatre from Saturday 11 November 2023.

HAMILTON stars Shaq Taylor as Alexander Hamilton, Sam Oladeinde as Aaron Burr, Gabriela Benedetti as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds,  KM Drew Boateng as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Daniel Boys as King George, Maya Britto as Eliza Hamilton, Aisha Jawando as Angelica Schuyler, DeAngelo Jones as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Billy Nevers as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson and Charles Simmons as George Washington.

They are joined by Simeon Beckett, Taylor Bradshaw, Cletus Chan, Kyerron Dixon-Bassey, Kyeirah D’marni, Yesy Garcia, Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez, Levi Tyrell Johnson, Honey Joseph, Akmed Junior Khemalai, Richard Logun, Buna McCreery-Njie, Mia Mullarkey, Antoine Murray-Straughan, Kiran Patel, Izzy Read, Alice Readie, Harry Robinson, Phoebe Samuel-Gray, Jasmine Jia Yung Shen, Samantha Shuma, Michael James Stewart, Rhys West, Jack Whitehead and Sian Yeo.

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. 

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography.  The HAMILTON creative team previously collaborated on the Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical In the Heights.

HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.

HAMILTON is produced in the UK by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.

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