Stagescreen partners with Runaway Entertainment to bring ‘Girl From The North Country’ to cinema screens
Stagescreen, the award-winning specialist theatre capture production and distribution company, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Runaway Entertainment. Together, they will bring Broadway’s soul-stirring musical ‘Girl From The North Country’ to cinema screens across the globe this autumn. The film was produced by Totally Theatre Productions, led by Gavin Kalin, with Tim van Someren serving as director of the film.
About ‘Girl From The North Country’: This poignant musical, which originated at The Old Vic in London, weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of Depression-era Minnesota and was hailed by the Observer as the ‘No. 1 theatre show of the year’. The soulful songs, composed by the legendary Bob Dylan with Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Simon Hale, resonate with universal themes of hope and longing. Conor McPherson’s masterful direction of his own musical play brings the characters’ struggles to life, capturing the raw beauty of their intertwined destinies. Casting for the show’s run on Broadway included Emmy Award-winner Mare Winningham and Jeannette Bayardelle, both Tony-nominated for their performances, as well as Todd Almond, Colin Bates, Craig Bierko, Caitlin Houlahan, Robert Joy, Luba Mason, Matt McGrath, Tom Nelis, Jay O. Sanders, Austin Scott, Kimber Elayne Sprawl, and more.
Described as being “as close as mortals come to heaven on earth” (The New York Times), Girl From The North Country was filmed at the Belasco Theatre on Broadway and is a singular and rousing experience.
About Stagescreen: Stagescreen’s team has been filming major stage events for 25 years, winning a slew of awards, including 3 Emmys, working with companies from the NT and RSC to West End and Broadway producers and stars from Ian McKellen and Judi Dench to Hugh Jackman, and distributing to cinema, TV, VOD and other media worldwide. Normally it funds, films and distributes – a one-stop shop.
Chris Hunt (Stagescreen) says – ‘Conor McPherson and the Runaway Entertainment team have crafted a remarkable production. Their attention to detail and artistic vision shine through. We’re honoured to be playing our part to ensure this fine musical reaches its widest audience.’
About Runaway Entertainment: Runaway Entertainment is an award-winning theatre and film company, founded in 2011 by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons. It currently produces 2:22 A Ghost Story in theWest End and on Tour, 101 Dalmatians the Musical on a UK and Ireland Tour and the US National Tour of Girl From The North Country. Recent productions include Girl From The North Country (West End and Broadway); 2:22 A Ghost Story (a record-breaking 6 different West End theatres); Olivier Award-winning Disney’s Newsies (Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre); The Windsors: Endgame (West End).
Tristan Baker (Runaway Entertainment) says – ‘Chris and Stagescreen are renowned for their expertise in bringing the magic of live theatre to screen audiences. Their commitment to quality and seamless distribution is unmatched. Together, we’ll create an unforgettable experience for cinemagoers.’
UK Cinema Screenings: UK cinemas on Thursday, November 21, 2024, and Sunday, November 24, 2024.
Cast and creatives announced for Shock Horror: A Ghost Story UK Tour
Thunder Road Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the cast and creative team for the 2024 tour of Shock Horror: A Ghost Story; an electrifying play inspired by classic theatre ghost stories and cinema’s greatest frights.
Alex Moran returns to the role of Herbert; his credits include War Horse (National Theatre), Quality Street (Northern Broadsides & New Vic Theatre), and A Clockwork Orange (Volcano).
The on-screen cast features Chloe Carter as Norma, recognised for her work on The Long Shadow (New Pictures), Doctors (BBC), and Emmerdale (ITV), Joseph Carter as Jack; whose credits include Hollyoaks (Channel 4), Yizkor (New Vic), and England Is Mine (Honlodge), and Chris Blackwood as Father Karras, who has appeared in Miss Julie (Gulbenkian), The Wizard of Oz (Plowright), and Candide (Kent Opera). Terence Mann (who has worked on 50 plays for BBC Radio) features as the voice of ‘The Darkness’.
Ryan Simons returns as Writer and Director; his credits include Eastenders, Emmerdale, and the horror films Seizure and Demon Eye. Set Designer Ethan Cheek, a recipient of the Maria Bjornson Bursary at The National Theatre, has designed for The Principles of Deception (Theatre Royal Northampton) and Little Shop of Horrors (The Egg). Ben Parsons, an Emmy-nominated composer for The Hidden Lives of Pets (Netflix), has also worked on Grand Designs and the feature film Demon Eye.
Andrew Crofts and Matt Carnazza share the role of Lighting Designer; Andrew has collaborated with companies such as Blast Theory and Belarus Free Theatre. His credits include Every House Has A Door and Streetwise Opera. Matt has designed for The Light House (Leeds Playhouse/UK Tour), Tomorrow Is Already Dead (Soho Theatre), and Force of Nature (International Tour).
Illusion Designer John Bulleid is UK Illusions Associate for Harry Potter & The Cursed Child (Palace Theatre, London) and has also worked on The Ocean at the End of the Lane (National Theatre). Dave Hackney completes the creative team as Director of Photography for the filmed elements of the show; he is known for horror films Polterheist, Demon Eye and Tea with the Reaper.
The Production team includes Dominic P Patel as Technical Manager; who has worked on shows including Macbeth (IC Theatre) and BI-TOPIA and Georgia Batterley as Production and Vision; she has worked with companies including Northern Broadsides and Bradford Literature Festival.
Alex Moran, Producer and founder of Thunder Road Theatre, said:
“Ryan [Simons] and I are delighted to once again be working with an exceptional group of creatives on Shock Horror. From old hands, to new faces, we can’t wait to get back to it. Sharing is scaring!”
KERRY ELLIS JOINS THE COMPANY OF 101 DALMATIANS THE MUSICAL FOR FINAL TOUR DATES
West End Musical Theatre star Kerry Ellis will play Cruella de Vil at the New Theatre Oxford 3- 7 December and Brighton Theatre Royal 17 December 2024 – 5 January 2025, concluding the current UK and Ireland tour of 101 Dalmatians The Musical. She follows fellow Cruellas Kym Marsh and Faye Tozer in this production.
The new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book, 101 Dalmatians is written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. The director is Bill Buckhurst, with sets designed by David Woodhead, costumes designed by Sarah Mercadé and choreography by Lucy Hind. Musical supervision is from Alfonso Casado Trigo, orchestration by Jack Hopkins, the puppets are designed by Jimmy Grimes, with lighting by James Whiteside and sound design from Chris Whybrow. The musical director is Leigh Stanford Thompson, and casting director is Lucy Casson.
Kerry Ellis is recognised as the leading lady of West End and Broadway musicals, with a number of starring roles in London, New York, and around the world. She has achieved chart-topping success as a recording artist signed to both Universal Decca Records and Sony Music. Kerry originated the role of Meat, in Queen’s We Will Rock You and was the first British Elphaba in the worldwide smash, Wicked, for which she won the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Award for ‘Best Takeover in a Role’. She then headed to Broadway to play Elphaba at the Gershwin Theater, where she won the Broadway.com Audience Award for Favourite Female Breakthrough Performance, before returning to London in the role. Her other leading West End credits include Grizabella in Cats, Nancy in Oliver!, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Fantine in Les Miserables, Sara in Murder Ballad and Alice in Wonderland. In 2022 Kerry played Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes at the Barbican to huge acclaim, toured arenas across the UK with Queen Machine and headlined a huge concert in Japan on their biggest TV network. Kerry continues her long term working relationship with Brian May. They have toured the UK and Europe extensively. They released their album Golden Days to great acclaim and continue to work and record together. She is one of the most sought after singers in the UK, and performs her concerts all over the world. She has now released 4 seasons of her highly successful podcast Keep Calm and Kerry On, and recently released her autobiography, From Bumpkin to Broadway. Her brand new album of brand new material, Kings and Queens, was released in 2023 to great critical acclaim, and Kerry held a concert to launch the record at London’s Adelphi Theatre. She recently completed a run in her first Shakespeare play, playing Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Later this year she will embark on an extensive tour of the UK to promote her new book, Queen of the West End.
She joins the existing cast of Charles Brunton (Casper), Victoria Compson-Bradford (Swing), Ross Dorrington (Ensemble), Benjamin Durham (Ensemble), Jessie Elland (Danielle), Benedict Hastings (Ensemble), Danny Hendrix (Jasper), Linford Johnson (Pongo), Lottie Johnson (Ensemble), Rachel Lea-Gray (Ensemble), Tom Norman (Ensemble), Hugo Rolland (Ensemble), Lindo Shinda (Ensemble), Eugene Shire (Swing), Samuel Thomas (Tom), Emma Thornett (Perdi) and Jasmine Triadi (Ensemble).
When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups.
This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies!
Kerry Ellis said: “’I am absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of 101 Dalmatians. I have always loved the film, and am a massive dog lover, so this one will be a real treat for me. And I cannot wait to play Cruella. What a role!”
After launching in Wimbledon the production has already visited Birmingham, Norwich, and Canterbury. Presently at Leicester, the tour then continues to Manchester, Belfast, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Southend, Dublin, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Woking, Cardiff, Southampton, Aberdeen, York, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oxford and Brighton. Kerry Ellis appears in Oxford and Brighton only.
Written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book)
Stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris, based on the original book by Dodie Smith
Director Bill Buckhurst
Set design David Woodhead
Costume design Sarah Mercadé
Choreography Lucy Hind
Musical supervision Alfonso Casado Trigo
Orchestration Jack Hopkins
Puppets design Jimmy Grimes
Lighting design James Whiteside
Sound design Chris Whybrow
Musical director Leigh Stanford Thompson
Casting director Lucy Casson
Original production first performed at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London in 2022
Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Thursday 25th July 2024
Reviewed by Steph Lott
5*****
Eve, Christopher Marney
A Night of Revival: London City Ballet’s ‘Resurgence’ at Cambridge Arts Theatre
As a newcomer to the world of ballet, I was not sure what to expect when I attended London City Ballet’s ‘Resurgence’ at the Cambridge Arts Theatre on July 23, 2024. But from the moment the curtain rose, I was captivated by a performance that lived up to its name, breathing new life, it seems to me, into classical ballet.
The show was divided into four pieces – all quite different, all equally captivating. The performance I attended consisted of the following:
Larina Waltz. Choreography by Ashley Page. Music – Eugene Onegin, Act II by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Ballade. Choreography by Kenneth MacMillan. Music – Ballade by Gabriel Faure.
Five Dances. Choreography by Arielle Smith. Music – John’s Book of Alleged Dances by John Adams
Eve. Choreography by Christopher Marney. Music by Jennie Muskett MBE
I loved the whole show but there were some standout moments for me. “Larina Waltz” is an elegant reminder of the kind of ballet I have seen before but with near constant changes of direction and intricate choreography set against Tchaikovsky’s beautiful waltz. The shifting patterns across the stage were like a living kaleidoscope.
In “Ballade” it is not just the dancing but the acting that moved me – seeing the shifts in attraction between the ballerina and her partners – whom would she ultimately choose? And finally, “Eve” – her face when she realises what she has done. The sinewy evil of the serpent. All marvellous.
There is a lot to see and consider in a ballet. I was struck by how the costumes evolved throughout the performance, from classic tutus in the opening act to more modern, formfitting ensembles in later pieces. The costume designers, Emily Nobel and Stevie Stewart, clearly put thought into how the garments would move with the dancers, enhancing rather than restricting their movements. There was a moment at the end of “Five Dances” when costume and lighting, designed by Andy Murrell, came together when, for a split second, the dancers were suspended, in gorgeous form, with the colours of their costumes lit from behind until they dropped into sudden darkness. Exquisite.
The set design was minimalist yet effective, using lighting and a few versatile pieces to transform the stage from a moonlit garden to an abstract dreamscape. One clever transition used gauzy curtains and backlighting to create the illusion of dancers emerging from mist – a simple but stunning effect. Another created the effect of falling leaves in a garden. Simple and lovely.
As someone new to ballet, I was impressed by the athleticism and artistry on display. The dancers made incredibly difficult moves look easy, their control and balance almost superhuman. Yet beyond the technical skill, it was their ability to convey emotion through movement that profoundly moved me. Some sequences depicting struggle and pain had me completely invested in the wordless story unfolding before me
While I may not have the vocabulary to describe every nuance of technique, I can say with certainty that this performance was a feast for the senses and the soul. London City Ballet’s ‘Resurgence’ left me with a newfound appreciation for this art form and eager to explore more of the ballet world. For anyone curious about ballet or looking for an evening of beautiful, thought-provoking entertainment, I wholeheartedly recommend catching this show if you can. It is a stunning reminder of the power of dance to move and inspire. Furthermore, it was lovely to see the look on the dancers’ faces at the end of the performance when they herd and saw how enthusiastic the audience were. Please do not miss the opportunity to see London City Ballet in Cambridge, or indeed elsewhere, whilst they are on tour.
“We are whispers from the past fading into the future” is projected onto one of two large screens filling the stage in the Jerwood as the audience takes their seats on a sunny Monday evening.
No one quite knows what to expect, least of all the lone actor, who tonight is comedy legend Meera Syal. Over 16 performances, 16 different actors have bravely agreed to enact the latest work of award winning Iranian playwright, Nissam Soleimanpour, who is also beamed in live (or so we think) from his study in Berlin.
We are speedily put at ease as an AI voice comically delivers instructions for Meera to don white socks and black slippers, which we later discover match those worn by Nissam. (The whole piece is awash with precise symbols – a plant, a Persian rug, a bracelet – weaving in and out of the narrative.)
Then Nissam’s jolly bespectacled face fills the screen, every bit endearing and unassuming. It all feels quite playful and haphazard as the illusion of Nissam’s daily life with wife Shiran and dog Echo plays out as we’re made to feel like this a preamble, not really part of the show. Nothing could be further from the truth though as every inch of this play, artfully directed by Omar Elerian, reads like it has been intricately engineered so as to disorient, unsettle and challenge the audience.
Meera and Nissam are old friends which adds a beautiful intimacy to the puppet and puppet master relationship but one suspects that the quirky, self-deprecating playwright achieves a similar warm dynamic with all of his actors.
Although mainly tasked with vocalising Nissam’s thoughts on immigration, identity and home, either by way of an earpiece or by reading script projected on screen, Meera is just as sharp and insightful as she confides how she has come to regard not belonging as a gift since it offers the ability to see the bigger picture.
Echo wishes to explore the nature of storytelling itself as Nissam bravely questions where, when, who and what home is by sharing his own experiences of fleeing his beloved Iran. The result is a dazzling, profound and self-reflective piece which invites its audience to sit up close to its construction and marvel at its form.
PLAYING AT THE CUBIC THEATRE AT LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
14 SEPTEMBER – 10 NOVEMBER
As part of the new strategic vision for London Transport Museum, Director and CEO Elizabeth McKay and the whole team are pleased to announce that The Truth About Harry Beck, a brand-new play about the designer of the iconic version of the London Tube map, will launch at the Museum’s on-site Cubic Theatre, right in the heart of Covent Garden.
Presented by the Natural Theatre Company, The Truth About Harry Beck, written and directed by Andy Burden, will play from 14 September to 10 November, with a national press night on 18 September at 7.30pm (the fiftieth anniversary of Harry Beck’s death). Tickets are on sale now here.
Inspired by the culture and creativity of the West End, the introduction of theatre is one example of how London Transport Museum is expanding its programming for new audiences. Music, performance and even more art and design will allow people to explore London’s rich transport history and the influential characters that have shaped London.
Harry Beck: creator of the London Tube Map.
For many of us, the London Underground is purely functional. But to Harry Beck, this web of geography became an obsession – a fascination with the creation of the perfect Tube map.
How did Beck create the iconic diagrammatic map of today, and at what cost? To understand you need to meet Harry, and his wife Nora.
Take a glimpse inside a journey of passion, a wife’s dedication and the living breathing network of the tunnels and train tracks in our capital. Embrace your inner transport enthusiast through a mash up of real-life accounts, uncovered anecdotes and seemingly unconnected facts (…with a peppering of fictitious characters).
Join The Natural Theatre Company as they take you on a whimsical whirlwind of fact through the worlds of design, transport, modern history…and an addiction to getting it right.
Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO for London Transport Museum, said: “The opportunity to introduce this new play about the man behind the famous Tube map was a no-brainer for us. London Transport Museum is a cultural cornerstone in Covent Garden in the heart of theatreland and this play lets you experience one of London’s little-known stories in a brand-new live format. We are bringing the capital’s rich history and characters alive for you.”
Writer and director Andy Burden said, “About 16 years ago, I had the idea to put the story of the iconic Tube diagram on stage. I met with Ken Garland, a designer whose book “Mr Beck’s Underground Map” helped bring Harry Beck’s story to public attention. He leant me copies of Beck’s letters and gave me a small insight into the man. He was a man dedicated to finding the perfect schematic representation of the Underground network. And over a period of nearly 30 years, he worked tirelessly to improve the map, reflecting new stations, new lines and new suggestions from his bosses.
“Looking through Ken’s book, I got obsessed with the map and how he drew it, at one point being fixated on each minute change to its layout. Over 14 years I kept rewriting the play trying to make it work at its best – life it seems was imitating art!
“The first short run of the play appeared in September 2021 at the Theatre Royal Bath Ustinov Studio. Sadly, Ken Garland had passed away just months before, so never got to see the play.
“I am so pleased that my play about Harry Beck’s story is enhancing the experience at this fabulous Museum. It also keeps his name alive and connected to his wonderfully simple creation”.
Full casting and creative team will be announced shortly.
THE SOLD-OUT EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL HIT, TINK AT THE OTHER PALACE STUDIO
Did you know fairies are born big? They were never intended to be such tiny little creatures.
That’s not supposed to be their destiny.
Following a sold-out run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023, TINK transfers to The Other Palace Studio for a strictly limited 2-week run from 8th to 20th October 2024.
TINK was a big, brilliant young fairy until one day, in a tragic cliché, TINK began to shrink.
Performed & composed by Kat Kleve (Once, Brief Encounter) and directed & written by Lizzy Connolly (Pygmalion, The Windsors, director of A Very, Very Bad Cinderella), TINK is a nostalgic, uplifting musical monologue that tackles the modern experience of being female and the societal pressures that come with navigating from child to tween to teen to adult.
TINK isn’t a retelling of Peter Pan, or “an origin story of Tinker Bell”. This is an imperfect, messy ‘female gaze fairy tale’ in all its ugly glory. The musical leads audiences through the story of one shrinking fairy on the path to one crucial question: Why do so many girls who start powerful, unfiltered, big, bold, loud, and without prejudice or shame, begin to shrink just as they should be growing?
Praise for TINK from Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Underbelly Bristo Square, Clover) 2023:
★★★★★ Reviews Hub
“Tink is a must-see show. No arguments or debates, it just is.”
★★★★★ Adventures in Theatreland
“Tink is a beautiful show in every aspect – beautiful staging, beautiful costumes, beautiful music – but most importantly a beautiful message.”
★★★★★ Ed Fringe Review
“Despite being fiercely witty, the story has real heart and purpose. It will make you laugh right before it makes you cry… serious themes are beautifully weaved into the narrative.”
Kat Kleve, Performer, Composer and Co-creator of TINK: “TINK has already touched the hearts of hundreds of people up and down the UK and we’re so excited to be bringing this funny, magical and heart-wrenching story to The Other Palace Studio, a venue who are doing amazing things to support and celebrate new musical theatre writing.”
Paul Taylor-Mills, Artistic Director at The Other Palace: “TINK is a beautiful and raw solo musical performed by the captivating Kat Kleve. It is an empowering piece of theatre and is a perfect fit to The Other Palace Studio and the stories we want to tell in that space.”
The all-female creative team of TINK includes Rosanna Bates as Movement Director, Kate Marlais as Musical Director, and Rachael Duthie as Lighting Designer.
LISTINGS
TINK THE OTHER PALACE STUDIO 8 – 20 October 2024 Music by Kat Kleve and Book by Lizzy Connolly
ALISON OLIVER JOINS CAST FOR THE OTHER PLACE, A NEW PLAY BY ALEXANDER ZELDIN, AFTER ANTIGONE
The National Theatre, in association with A Zeldin Company, today announces further casting for the world premiere of The Other Place, a new play directed and written by Alexander Zeldin (The Confessions, Faith, Hope and Charity) with music by Yannis Philippakis (Foals), inspired by Sophocles’ classic story Antigone.
Alison Oliver (Saltburn) will play Issy and joins the previously announced cast that includes Lee Braithwaite (Cowbois) as Leni, Emma D’Arcy (House of the Dragon) as Annie, Jeremy Killick (The Confessions) as Terry, Tobias Menzies (The Crown) as Chris and Nina Sosanya (Screw) as Erica.
Two sisters reunite on the anniversary of the death of their father. Their uncle has remodelled their family home, in an attempt at a fresh start. But one sister’s sudden reappearance threatens to shatter this fragile idyll as she demands justice for the pain she carries.
Amid the debris and the new extension, guilt, grief and greed battle it out in the family’s competing dreams of their future. When we are faced with the suffering of others, even those closest to us, can we look away?
Directed by Alexander Zeldin with set and costume design by Rosanna Vize, lighting design by James Farncombe, composed by Yannis Philippakis, sound design by Josh Anio Grigg, movement direction by Marcin Rudy, casting by Alastair Coomer CDG, voice coaching by Cathleen McCarron, associate lighting design by Bethany Gupwell and staff direction by Sammy Glover.
The Other Place is playing in the Lyttelton theatre from 27 September until 9 November.
Tickets are available from £20 and are on sale now via the National Theatre website. For further information, including details about assisted performances, please visit nationaltheatre.org.uk.
Producer Runaway Entertainment (Disney’s Newsies, Girl From The North Country, 2:22 – A Ghost Story and 101 Dalmatians the Musical) is delighted to announce the world premiere production of A KNIGHT’S TALE THE MUSICAL, based on the Columbia Pictures film written and directed by Brian Helgeland which starred Heath Ledger and Paul Bettany. The musical will open at Manchester Opera House on 11 April 2025 for a strictly limited run until 10 May 2025. It is adapted for the stage by Irish comedy writer and actor Brona C Titley, directed by the award-winning Rachel Kavanaugh and choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Matt Cole.
A Knight’s Tale has it all. Expect a truly rockin’ soundtrack, packed with chart-topping hits! Join Will Thatcher and his band of merry misfits for a Knight like no other.
Casting to be announced.
The film A Knight’s Tale was released by Columbia Pictures in 2001 written, co-produced and directed by Oscar winner Brian Helgeland (L.A Confidential, Mystic River).The film is a stylish, music driven, action packed adventure starring Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight, The Patriot), with heroic performances from Paul Bettany (Iron Man, Wimbledon), Mark Addy (The Full Monty, Down to Earth) Rufus Sewell (Dangerous Beauty, Dark City). Ledger plays William Thatcher, a 14th century peasant squire who breaks all the rules when he passes himself off as a nobleman and takes the jousting world by storm. The only thing that stands between William and his dream of becoming the World Champion of the most extreme of sports is the bad boy of the sport Count Adhemar. And when the two rivals go lance to lance at the world finals, you’d better arm yourself and hang on tight for the ride of your life!
The hit film which mixed modern music with its medieval setting garnered a lot of positive attention and has been cited by some as paving the way for hits like Netflix’s “Bridgerton.”
Brian Helgeland said: “Over twenty years ago I had the time of my life surrounded by a supreme cast and crew making a film we all fell in love with while we were joyfully making it. Sitting at a recent read through of the stage version, fashioned by Rachel Kavanaugh and Brona C Titley, I could feel that same joy and love emerging. I am grateful for the new life they are creating and very eager to see it in all its fully staged glory.“
Brona C Titley said:“When I saw A Knight’s Tale the Movie in 2001, I knew it was an instant classic. Upon innumerable rewatches, I can confirm… it still is! Adapting it for the stage has been more fun than I ever thought possible to have at work. This show is a sexy, silly, jousty, dancey, romance-y, musical extravaganza! It’s been one of the most fulfilling jobs of my career so far, and that was even before I met the incredible director, and team of legends that are working together to make it an unforgettable night out. I hope audiences love it as much as I do – do not miss this joyous, dizzy ride people!”
Rachel Kavanaugh said: “I am beyond excited to be directing Brona’s brilliant and hilarious stage adaptation of Brian’s ground breaking film. With a score of well loved rock and pop bangers, jousting, dancing, adventure and romance I hope we can give the audience a knight to remember as we follow the journey of a thatcher’s son and find out if he really can ‘change his stars’”.
A KNIGHT’S TALE THE MUSICAL is adapted by Brona C Titley, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, and choreographed by Matt Cole with casting by Lucy Casson and children’s casting by Keston and Keston.
A KNIGHT’S TALE THE MUSICAL is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment and Isobel David, by arrangement with Sony Pictures and Brian Helgeland.
Website: AKnightsTaleMusical.com
Instagram:@aknightstalemusical
TikTok:@aknightstalemusical
Facebook: @aknightstalemusical
X: @ukknightstale
LISTINGS INFORMATION
A KNIGHT’S TALE THE MUSICAL
11 April – 10 May 2025
Manchester Opera House
3 Quay St,
Manchester
M3 3HP
Performances: Tuesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2.30pm
N.B there will be no performances on 20, 21 April or 5 May
CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR NANCY’S CARROLL’S ADAPTATION
OF ARTHUR WING PINERO’S THE CABINET MINISTER
A MAJOR REVIVAL OFMEL BROOKS’
THE PRODUCERS – DIRECTED BY PATRICK MARBER –
COMING TO THE MENIER
With Stephen Schwartz’s The Baker’s Wife currently running at the theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announces programming for its forthcoming season, including the cast for Arthur Wing Pinero’s The Cabinet Minister, adapted by Nancy Carroll, also starringas Lady Katherine Twombley and directed by Paul Foster, in his Menier debut. They are joined by, George Blagden as Valentine White, Joe Edgar as Brook Twombley, Pheobe Fildes as Fanny Lacklustre, Rosalind Forbes as Imogen Twombley, Dom Hodson as Keith (Lord Drumdurris), Dillie Keane as Lady Macphail, Nicholas Rowe as the Right Honourable Sir Julian Twombley, Laurence Ubong Williams as Mr Bernard Lacklustre and Mr Melting, Romaya Weaver as Lady Effie Vibart and Matthew Woodyatt as Sir Colin Macphail of Ballocheevin.
Also announced today, is a major new revival of Mel Brooks’ musical adaptation of The Producers – with music & lyrics by Brooks, and book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, which will be staged at the Menier this Christmas by Tony Award-winning director Patrick Marber who returns to the venue. Based on the classic cult film of the same name, the original Broadway production won twelve Tony Awards, which to this day makes it still the all-time record holder for the most Tony Award’s ever given to a musical. It skewers Broadway traditions, taking no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an “equal opportunity offender!”
The laugh-out-loud production opens on 9 December, with previews from 26 November, and runs until 1 March 2025. To receive priority booking for the production, please join the Menier Chocolate Factory’s supporter’s scheme. Further information about on sale dates and casting will be announced shortly.
THE CABINET MINISTER
By Arthur Wing Pinero
Adapted by Nancy Carroll
Director: Paul Foster; Set & Costume Designer: Janet Bird; Sound Designer: George Dennis; Composer & Musical Supervisor: Sarah Travis;Movement: Joanna Goodwin
Sir Julian Twombley is in trouble: his wife and son have run up massive debts and his political reputation is in the balance. The House of Commons is far from a safe space for him and the newspapers are sniffing blood. Can he save face and hang on to his sanity?
Arthur Wing Pinero’s breathless farce is given a new life in Nancy Carroll’s adaptation. A crack cast tackles this sparkling story of marriage, blackmail and class where all bets are off!
Arthur Wing Pinero (1855 – 1934) was an English playwright and actor. His many plays include Trelawny of the “Wells”, The Magistrate, Dandy Dick, Sweet Lavendar, The Second Mrs Tanqueray, The Magistrate and The Notorious Mrs Ebbsmith.
Nancy Carroll adapts and plays Lady Katherine Twombley. This sees her returns to the Menier following her performance in Marjorie Prime. For theatre, her other credits include Rock ‘n’ Roll (Hampstead Theatre), Manor, The Magistrate, After the Dance – Oliver Award and Evening Standard Award for Best Actress, Man of Mode (National Theatre), Betrayal (Theatre Royal Bath), The Deep Blue Sea (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Moderate Soprano (Hampstead Theatre, Duke of York’s Theatre), Young Marx (Bridge Theatre), Woyzeck (The Old Vic), Closer, The Recruiting Officer (Donmar Warehouse), House of Games, King Lear (Almeida Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Sheffield Theatres), Arcadia (Duke of York’s Theatre), Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2 (RSC), and Mammals (Bush Theatre). For television, her work includes Father Brown, Murder in Provence, Stephen, The Crown, Agatha Raisin, Queens of Mystery, Will, Prime Suspect 1973, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher and Call the Midwife; and for film, The Gathering Storm, Iris, An Ideal Husband and Magic Mike’s Last Dance.
George Blagden plays Valentine White. His theatre credits include Company (Gielgud Theatre), Tartuffe (Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Pitchfork Disney (Shoreditch Town Hall) and Platinum (Hampstead Theatre). His television credits include Versailles and Black Mirror: Hang The DJ; and for film, Les Misérables.
Joe Edgar plays Brook Twombley. His theatre credits include Just For One Day (Old Vic Theatre) and Hitchhiker (Teastain Theatre). His television credits include Midsomer Murders – “Claws Out” and The Crown.
Phoebe Fildes plays Miss Fanny Lacklustre. Her theatre credits include Assassins (Nottingham Playhouse and Watermill Theatre), The Mousetrap (St Martin’s Theatre), A Woman of No Importance (Vaudeville Theatre), A Little Night Music (Watermill Theatre), Peter Pan (National Theatre) and Once l (Phoenix Theatre).
Rosalind Ford plays Imogen Twombley. Her theatre credits In Clay (Upstairs at the Gatehoue), Once (UK tour), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Southwark Playhouse), Just So (Barn Theatre), These Trees Are Made of Blood (Arcola Theatre), The Drowsy Chaperone (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) and Mother Courage (Southwark Playhouse).
Dom Hodson plays Keith, Lord Drumdurris. His theatre credits include Bleak Expectations (Criterion Theatre and Watermill Theatre), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), War Horse (Gillian Lynne Theatre), West Side Story (UK Tour) and Words and Music (Sadler’s Wells). Television credits include Life After Life; and for film, Matilda.
Dillie Keane plays Lady Macphail. Her theatre credits include A Little Night Music (Watermill Theatre), Dillie Keane Solo Tour (UK Tour), Cowardy Custard (Richmond Theatre), My Brilliant Divorce (UK tour) and The Importance of Being Earnest (Ireland tour). Television credits include Pie in the Sky and Grumpy Old Women; and for film, To Die For and Deadly Advice. She is also the co-writer, performer, composer and lyricist for comedy musical troupe Fascinating Aïda which is currently touring to celebrate its 40th year anniversary.
Known for playing Young Sherlock Holmes, Nicholas Rowe plays Right Hon Sir Julian Twombley. His theatre credits include Minority Report (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre), The Inquiry (Chichester Festival Theatre), Tammy Faye, Albion (Almeida Theatre) and Motown the Musical (US Tour). Television credits include The Outlaws, The Crown, Washington,The Killing Kind, The Importance of Being Oscar, The Fugitives, A Spy Among Friends, Da Vinci’s Demons, Riviera; and for film, Young Sherlock Holmes; Lock, StockandTwo Smoking Barrels and Nicholas Nickleby.
Laurence Ubong Williams plays Mr Bernard Lacklustre and Mr Melting. He returns to the Menier following his appearance in The Watsons. His other theatre credits include The Motive and theCue(National Theatre and Noel Coward Theatre), Word Play (Royal Court), The Welkin (National Theatre), The Deep Blue Sea (Chichester Festival Theatre), Jumpy (Theatre Clwyd) and A Winter’s Tale (Orange Tree Theatre). His television credits include The Chelsea Detective,Humans and Doctors.
Romaya Weaver is a recent graduate from Guildhall School of Music and Drama and makes her professional stage debut as Lady Effie Vibart.
Matthew Woodyatt plays Sir Colin Macphail of Ballocheevin. His theatre credits include A Song of Songs (Park Theatre), The Fair Maid of the West (RSC), Moving Stories (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe), Berlusconi (Southwark Playhouse), Piaf (Nottingham Playhouse and Leeds Playhouse), Moving Stories (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Fiddler on the Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre), One Man, Two Guvnors (UK tour). His television credits include Grandpa In My Pocket, The Passion – It Has Begun and Arrows of Desire; and for film, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life and The Gospel of Us.
Paul Foster directs. For theatre, his work includes White Christmas, Talent, Annie Get Your Gun (Sheffield Theatres), Fascinating Aida (UK tour), Gypsy (Alexandra Palace), Curtains (Wyndham’s Theatre and UK tour), The Deep Blue Sea (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Light Princess, Sweet Charity (Cadogan Hall), A Little Night Music, Laurel and Hardy (Watermill Theatre), Tell Me on a Sunday (Watermill Theatre and UK tour), Bette Midler and Me, Flora the Red Menace (Edinburgh Festival), The Confession Room (St James’ Theatre); Darling of the Day, Bells are Ringing, Crimes of the Heart (Union Theatre), Cowardy Custard (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and UK tour), Little One (Royal Court Young Writers Festival), Katherine Jakeways (Soho Theatre) and The Vagina Monologues (UK tour).
LISTINGS INFORMATION
MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY
THE BAKER’S WIFE
Until 14 September
THE CABINET MINISTER
21 September – 16 November
THE PRODUCERS
26 November – 1 March 2025
Box Office: 020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)
