AS THE ARTS THEATRE DUE TO CLOSE FOR REDEVELOPMENT,
FINAL PERFORMANCE OF THE CHOIR OF MAN AT ITS FIRST WEST END VENUE
TO BE NEW YEAR’S EVE 2024
FUTURE PLANS FOR THE SELL-OUT SENSATION TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY
TICKETS AT THE ARTS THEATRE AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE
Choir Of Man
Arts Theatre London
17th September 2024
Following the news that the Arts Theatre is likely to close to proceed with a major redevelopment, the producers of Olivier-nominated international stage sensation THE CHOIR OF MAN today announce that the final performance at the venue will be New Year’s Eve, Tuesday 31 December 2024, with tickets on sale now.
The show, which is selling to record capacity audiences, kicked off its West End journey at the Arts Theatre in October 2021. It has welcomed over 280,000 audience members through the doors over 1000 performances.
Plans for its next London home will be announced shortly. Fans who wish to be the first to know these plans can sign up for updates via the website.
Nic Doodson said on behalf of the producers, “We are so very proud of this smash hit show, and we want to thank our wonderfully loyal and passionate audiences, who come back night after night. We’ve broken box office records at the Arts Theatre, whilst keeping our ticket prices as low as possible. Our 5 brilliant casts have given out over 2,500 free pints of beer, and we want to raise a glass to them and to the extended Choir of Man family.
Whilst we’re sad to say goodbye for now to our current West End home, we’re really excited for what comes next – watch this space!”
Welcome to THE JUNGLE, the best pub in the world.
Here, an (extra)ordinary cast of nine guys combine beautiful harmonies and foot-stomping singalongs with first-rate tap dance and poetic meditations on the power of community.
Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this is a pub like no other!
An uplifting celebration of community and friendship with something for everyone – including free beer! Enjoy 90 minutes of feel-good, foot-stomping entertainment unlike anything else in the West End.
The current cast is Luke Conner Hall (Bat Out of Hell – International Tour, Australia/New Zealand, Peacock Theatre, QUEENZ: The Show With Balls! – Coventry, Edinburgh Fringe, UK Tour) as ‘Romantic’, Sam Pope (Bat Out of Hell – UK Tour) as ‘Joker’, Rob Godfrey (Choir of Man – Sydney Opera House)as ‘Beast’, Tyler Orphé-Baker (Disney’s The Lion King, Lyceum; The Choir of Man, West End) as ‘Pub Bore’, Shane McDaid (Titanic the Musical, UK/International; The Choir of Man NCL and Chicago) as ‘Poet’, Ifan Gwilym-Jones (The Choir of Man, NCL; Australia and Chicago) as ‘Maestro’, Kristian Morse (The Corn is Green, National Theatre; The Choir of Man, Chicago) as ‘Barman’, George Knapper (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, UK Tour and The Choir of Man NCL; Canada; Australia; Chicago; Florida and West End) as ‘Handyman’ with Bradley Walwyn (We Will Rock You, Royal Caribbean; The Choir Of Man NCL and Australia) as ‘Hardman’ and David Shute (Once: The Musical, Barn and The Choir of Man NCL; Chicago; Tampa; Australia; Edinburgh; Coventry) and Tom Carter-Miles (Frankenstein Illyria; The Choir of Man, NCL and West End), Seán Keany (Once in Concert – West End, China and Japan, The Choir of Man – Korea), and Paul Deegan (The Choir of Man NCL and Chicago) as swings.
The on-stage band has Jacob Evans on drums, Jack Hartigan on guitar, Darius Luke Thompson on violin and Sam Tookey on bass.
THE CHOIR OF MAN previously played three sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and multiple sold-out US and European tours. Following its last run at the Arts Theatre from October 2021 to April 2022, it received an Olivier nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, and then went on to play in Coventry as part of the City of Culture Assembly Festival season and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show re-opened at the Arts Theatre in October 2022, and has continued to see many sold-out shows, with loyal audiences returning again and again. In 2023 the show announced partnerships with suicide prevention charity CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably), and Big Drop Brewing Co – the world’s first brewer dedicated to alcohol-free beer – as the show’s Official Alcohol-Free Beer Partner.
THE CHOIR OF MAN is created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, directed by Nic Doodson, with Daniel Harnett as associate director and resident director; monologues written by Ben Norris; with musical supervision, vocal arrangements and orchestrations by Jack Blume, with Lee Freeman as resident musical director, and Alistair Higgins as associate musical supervisor; movement direction and choreography by Freddie Huddleston, with Adam Hilton as associate choreographer and movement director; scenic design by Oli Townsend, lighting design by Richard Dinnen, costume design and co-scenic design by Verity Sadler, sound design by Sten Severson, with Liam McDermott as associate sound designer; casting by Debbie O’Brien.
The show is produced by Immersive Everywhere, Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, Wendy & Andy Barnes, Gavin Kalin and Hunter Arnold.
The Menier Chocolate Factory today announces the full cast for Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan’s The Producers. Joining the previously announced Andy Nyman, Marc Antolin, Harry Morrison and Joanna Woodward are Trevor Ashley and Raj Ghatak, with Jermaine Woods and Nolan Edwards joining Charis Alexandra, Michael Franks, Matt Gillett, LeahHarris, Hana Ichijo, Esme Kennedy, Josh Kiernan, Alex Lodge, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, and Chloe Saunders to complete the ensemble.
Tony Award winning director for Leopoldstadt, Patrick Marber’s production opens on 9 December, with previews from 26 November, and runs until 1 March 2025.
Full casting for the production will be announced shortly.
THE PRODUCERS
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Direction by Patrick Marber; Choreography by Lorin Latarro; Set Design by Scott Pask; Costume Design by Paul Farnsworth; Lighting Design by Richard Howell; Sound Design by Niamh Gaffney & Terry Jardine for Autograph; Musical Supervision by Gareth Valentine; Musical Direction by Matthew Samer; Orchestrations by Larry Blank & Mark Cumberland
The first major London revival of Mel Brooks’ musical adaptation of The Producers will be staged at the Menier this winter by Tony Award-winning director Patrick Marber and Broadway choreographer Lorin Latarro.
Based on the classic cult film of the same name, the original Broadway production won a record twelve Tony Awards, and skewers Broadway traditions, taking no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an “equal opportunity offender!”
Marc Antolin plays Leo Bloom. His theatre credits include I Wish You Well (Edinburgh Fringe/ Criterion Theatre), Quiz (UK tour), The Band’s Visit (Donmar Warehouse), Murder on the Orient Express, Amadeus, Taken at Midnight, Singin’ in the Rain, The Music Man (Chichester Theatre), The Magician’s Elephant (RSC), Camelot (The Watermill Theatre), Romantics Anonymous (Bristol Old Vic/Sam Wanamaker Playhouse/US tour), Cry Havoc (Park Theatre), Hedda Gabler (Sherman Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors, Into the Woods, Hello Dolly (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (Edinburgh Festival, Bristol Old Vic, Shakespeare’s Globe), Twelfth Night (Shakespeare’s Globe), Peter Pan (National Theatre), Taken at Midnight (Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Trial (Young Vic Theatre), From Here to Eternity (Shaftesbury Theatre), Matilda (RSC/Cambridge Theatre), Bells are Ringing, Once Upon a Time at the Adelphi (Union Theatre), Billy Liar (UK tour) and Imagine This (New London Theatre). His television credits include The Outlaws, Keeping Faith, Caerdydd and More Than Love; and for film, London Road, Hunky Dory and Love Actually.
Trevor Ashley plays Roger de Bris. His Australian theatre work includes Les Misérables, Hairspray, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His television work includes RFDS – Royal Flying Doctor Service, Les Norton and Significant Others; and for film, Seriously Red. Also a renowned cabaret performer, he has performed Liza (on an E), I’m Every Woman and Diamonds are for Trevor. He was the runner-up on Queen of the Universe.
Raj Ghatak playa Cermen Ghia. His theatre work includes The Father and the Assassin (National Theatre); Am Dram, Simply Cinderella (Curve, Leicester); Life of Pi, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Sheffield Theatres); The Kite Runner (UK tour); Miss Meena and the Masala Queens (Watford Palace and UK tour); This Tuesday (Arcola Theatre); Hector (Traverse Theatre and Ambassador’s Theatre); Golgotha (Conspirators’ Kitchen); Soho Cinders (Soho Theatre); The Secret Garden (Festival Theatre and Toronto); The Great Extension, High Heel Parrot Fish (Theatre Royal Stratford East); The Low Road,The Spiral/Rough Cuts, Free Outgoing, Shades – Unheard Voices (Royal Court Theatre); Bombay Dreams (Apollo Victoria); Hijra (West Yorkshire Playhouse, Bush Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth); My Dad’s Corner Shop (Birmingham Rep) and West Side Story (Prince of Wales Theatre). For television his work includes The Amazing Mr Blunden, Ackley Bridge (as semi regular Asif), Ghosts, Hetty Feather, Taboo, The 7.39, Dead Set, Synchronicity, All About Me, Hard Cash and Out of Sight; and for film, An Evening with Taglioni, Christopher Robin, Defrosted, Job’s Dinner, Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie, Naachle London, Diary of a Thagee, Karma Magnet, Dangerous Parking, Starter for Ten, The Lives of Saints, Never Say Never Mind, Birthday Girl, and Sari and Trainers.
Harry Morrison returns to the Menier to play Franz Liebkind – he previously appeared in The Third Man and Assassins. His theatre credits include Beetlejuice (international tour), Come From Away (Phoenix Theatre/Abbey Theatre), Half a Sixpence (Chichester Festival Theatre/Noël Coward Theatre), Guys & Dolls and Kiss Me, Kate (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (Theatre Royal, Northampton), Checkley & Bush (Soho Theatre), Oliver! (Larnaca International Festival/ Sheffield Crucible), Crazy For You (Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park/Novello Theatre), The Sound of Music (Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park) and All The Town’s Men (Theatre on the Fly). His television credits include Mongrels and Doc Martin.
Andy Nyman plays Max Bialystock. He is an award-winning actor, director and writer who has earned acclaim from both critics and audiences for his work in theatre, film and television. His work for the Menier includes Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof (also at the Playhouse – Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical), Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins,Abigail’s Party (also Wyndham’s Theatre) and Terrible Advice. Other theatre work includes Hello, Dolly! (The London Palladium), Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen (Wyndham’s Theatre/Broadway), and the original production of Ghost Stories (Duke of York’s Theatre/Arts Theatre) which he starred in, co-wrote and co-directed with Jeremy Dyson – later adapted into a film, in which he also starred. His extensive television credits include Hanna, Wanderlust, The Eichmann Show, Campus, Crooked House, Dead Set as well as his highly acclaimed performance as Winston Churchill in Peaky Blinders. Nyman’s extensive film credits include Jungle Cruise, Judy,The Commuter, Death at a Funeral, Kick-Ass 2, Black Death, The Brother’s Bloom, Severance and Shut Up & Shoot Me, for which he won the Best Actor award at the Cherbourg Film Festival in 2006. In addition, he has collaborated with Derren Brown for almost 20 years, co-writing and co-creating much of Brown’s early TV work. He has also co-written and directed six of Brown’s stage shows, winning the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment for Derren Brown – Something Wicked This Way Comes and a New York Drama Desk Award for Best Unique Theatrical Event 2017 for Derren Brown – Secret.
Joanna Woodward plays Ulla. She previously appeared at the Menier in Merrily We Roll Along (also at the Pinter Theatre). Her theatre credits include The Time Traveller’s Wife: The Musical (Apollo Theatre), Pretty Woman: The Musical (Savoy Theatre), Confessions, Zombies: The Musical (The Other Palace theatre), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), The Life (Southwark Playhouse), Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be (Theatre Royal Stratford East), Lost Boy (Finborough/ Charing Cross Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Kilworth House Theatre), The Adventures of Jason and the Argonauts (Scoop Amphitheatre), Medea and Pages: Promised Land (Union Theatre).
As a director, Patrick Marber’s work includes Habeas Corpus (Menier Chocolate Factory), Leopoldstadt (Wyndham’s Theatre and Broadway – Tony Award for Best Director of a Play and Outer Critics’ Circle Award for Outstanding Director of a Play), Travesties (Menier Chocolate Factory/Apollo Theatre/Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre, NYC), Steve Coogan/John Thompson in Characters (Edinburgh/Purcell Room/Touring), and his own plays Dealer’s Choice (National Theatre/Vaudeville Theatre), Closer (National Theatre/Lyric Theatre/Broadway), Howard Katz and Three Days In the Country (both National Theatre). Other productions include 1953 (Almeida Theatre), Blue Remembered Hills (National Theatre), The Old Neighborhood (Royal Court at Duke of York’s Theatre), The Caretaker (Comedy Theatre) and I Remember (devised piece at Royal Court). For television, he directed After Miss Julie and The Curator (both for the BBC). As a writer, his other work includes The Musicians (NT Connections) After Miss Julie,Don Juan in Soho (Donmar Warehouse/Wyndham’s) and The Red Lion (National Theatre). For television, his work includes: co-writer of The Day Today,Knowing Me Knowing You with Alan Partridge, Paul Calf Video Diaries, The Curator, Natural Born Quizzers (all BBC); for film, The Critic (dir. Anand Tucker), Closer (dir. Mike Nichols), Notes on a Scandal (dir. Richard Eyre) and Love You More (dir. Sam Taylor-Wood); and for radio, Hoop Lane (BBC Radio 3) and Bunk Bed with Peter Curran (BBC Radio 4).
Lorin Latarro choreographed Broadway’s recent Once Upon a Mattress (currently at the Hudson Theatre), The Who’s Tommy, TheHeart of Rock and Roll, Oliver!, Into The Woods, Waitress, Mrs. Doubtfire (also in the West End), Les Liaisons Dangereuse, Waiting For Godot. Her other theatre work includes Merrily We Roll Along (Roundabout); Assassins; Fanny and God Bless You, Mr Rosewater (New York City Center Encores); La Traviata and Rigoletto (The Metropolitan Opera); Chess (The Kennedy Center); Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 21 Chump Street for “This American Life” (Brooklyn Academy of Music); The Visitor (The Public Theater); Twelfth Night;The Odyssey (Public Works, Delacorte Theater) and A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre).
LISTINGS INFORMATION
MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY
THE CABINET MINISTER
Until 16 November
THE PRODUCERS
26 November – 1 March 2025
Box Office: 020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)
‘An Inspector Calls’ at the Darlington Hippodrome was nothing short of dynamically dramatic.
With no prior knowledge to ‘An Inspector Calls’, I really had no idea what to expect. The show kicks off with a bang. Sirens play throughout the auditorium captivating the audience members straight away, hundreds of which include school children. I believe they must study this piece in their curriculum.
As the curtain lifts, I was instantly blown away by the set design within this production. It was stunning. Rain was falling, along with a delicate mist, perfectly capturing a miserable evening in 1912 London. A rather large dollhouse like set piece dominates a huge portion of the stage. Actors could be seen through the windows and it really was impressive. Like a dolls house, it later opened up to reveal a beautiful interior set.
We’re introduced to Jeffrey Harmer’s ‘Mr Birling’, a very powerful father figure who demands the audience from the very get go. His ability to command the entire stage was a skill I was happy I got to witness. Complimenting Harmer’s performance was Leona Allen, playing his daughter ‘Sheila Birling’. A complete contrast to her father, Sheila has a playful energy. Dressed in a beautiful white period costume, she stands out among the suits.
Tom Chapman plays Sheila’s fiancée ‘Gerald Croft’ respectively. He has some beautiful moments with Allen. Their relationship rollercoaster was a fun watch.
Up next, providing a little comedy relief is ‘Eric Birling’ played wonderfully by George Rowlands. Rowlands gets to play with his character in a way the other performers do not. Providing some of the shows most funny moments, as well as some of the shows most dramatic. He did it so well.
Jackie Morrison stole the show with her portrayal as the lady of the house ‘Mrs Birling’. Not appearing until the shows 2nd act, her addition was a welcome change. Her characterisation was perfection.
Playing the mysterious ‘Inspector Goole’ was the talented Tim Treloar. His interaction with each of the “suspects” was a lot of fun to witness. In particular his moments with Morrison were incredibly powerful. Bravo to both of them.
With no lines in the show, but arguably the most stage time, I would like to mention Alice Darling’s portrayal of ‘Edna’, a subtly sublime masterclass in the art of reacting. Chefs kiss.
Without an interval, I would say this production missed it. I would have liked an intermission, a little time to process act 1 and prepare myself for what was to come. I think this production would benefit from a break, for comfort if nothing else.
The special effects used around the middle of this production were incredibly impressive. Nothing short of something you would find in London’s West End.
If you studied ‘An Inspector Calls’, or if you enjoy a period murder mystery – i would highly recommend this chilling rendition of the story.
Jonny Davidson, Sinéad Donnelly, Nicholas Gauci, James Grimm, James Mackay
Stage Door Theatre, The Prince of Wales pub, 150-151 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5TD
Wednesday 27 November – Saturday 4 January
Jonny Davidson, Sinéad Donnelly, Nicholas Gauci, James Grimm and James Mackay will star in a new London production of The Crumple Zone by Buddy Thomas.
Directed by Helen Bang, it will run at the Stage Door Theatre in Drury Lane, the first pub theatre in the West End, from Wednesday 27 November – Saturday 4 January. Press night is Friday 29 November at 7.30pm.
This hilarious Off-Broadway hit, set in a run-down apartment on Staten Island, centres on three roommates coming to a crisis during one frantic Christmas weekend. Terry, an out-of-work actor who can’t keep a job or get a date, spends his days swilling cheap vodka and playing referee to a messy love triangle. Extremely funny and deeply moving, The Crumple Zone is about staying together, breaking apart, and the things we lose along the way.
Jonny Davidson’s roles include Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and the title role in Agamemnon.
Sinéad Donnelly was Hortensia in the international tour of Matilda the Musical. She choreographed Go! The Musical (A New Musical) at the Camden Fringe Festival.
Nicholas Gauci was in Phaedra (National Theatre) and played Kamal in The Mother of Kamal at the Camden Fringe Festival.
James Grimm played Harry Houdini in The Vanishing Elephant (New Victory Theater, New York and Grand Opera House, Belfast).
James Mackay’s roles include Albert in the musical Fit For a King and Ollie in Bones.
Creative team to be announced.
Produced by LAMBCO Productions.
Buddy Thomas (Playwright)
Buddy Thomas is a widely produced playwright, and is the author of, among others, The Crumple Zone, which was an off-Broadway hit in the 2000-2001 season starring Mario Cantone. It has been produced around the world, with major U.S. productions in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and elsewhere, and foreign productions in Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. Devil Boys from Beyond premiered at the New York International Fringe Festival in 2009, where it won the FringeNYC Award for Outstanding Play and then went on to transfer to an off-Broadway run at New World Stages. The play was nominated for the 2010 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding New York Theatre, and for Best New Play by the Off-Broadway Alliance. Other plays include Physical and Spotlight. Mr. Thomas is also an agent at ICM Partners, where he he represents many internationally known writers, artists and estates.
Helen Bang (Director)
Helen Bang was most recently seen as Lady Susan Bloom this year in Don’t Take The Pith! having originated the role last year at the Drayton Arms in An Absolute Farce of a Murder Mystery. She also directed both productions. Other recent theatre includes Miss Twitterton in Brian Blessed’s production of Busman’s Honeymoon at The Mill at Sonning. She also notably played the title role in Edward Bond’s Dea, a role created for her by the recently departed playwright. During her long association with international theatre company TheatreLab she played Herodias in their interpretation of Wilde’s Salome, a production which toured internationally; Miss Haversham in Great Expectations; as well as roles in Medea, Jamaica Inn; The Oresteia and Dancing with the Devil at Sadler’s Wells. For English Rep theatre company she played Gertrude in Hamlet and Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit, and for Oxford Shakespeare Company, Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Most recent screen appearances include The Nevers for HBO and Belgravia. As a director she is responsible for various projects for Canonbie Productions including their web series Gentrification and The Self-Tapers. She made her feature film directing debut with Quixotic, written by her husband Peter Rae.
LISTINGS INFO
THE CRUMPLE ZONE Written by Buddy Thomas
Directed by Helen Bang
Stage Door Theatre The Prince of Wales pub 150-151 Drury Lane London WC2B 5TD
27 November- 4 January
Tuesday – Friday at 19:30 Saturdays at 20.30pm
Dinner Tickets: £41, Show only: £24 (plus booking fee)
Chichester Festival Theatre – until 18th October 2024
Reviewed by Emma Barnes
5*****
Redlands is a thrilling and colourful dive into the swinging 60´s, bringing an infamous moment of local history to the Chichester Festival Theatre stage in the portrayal of the Rolling Stones’ 1967 drug trial at Chichester Magistrates Court. Charlotte Jones’s play offers a thought-provoking and highly entertaining exploration of the band’s cultural impact, the complexities of youth rebellion, and the ever-shifting boundaries of law and morality.
The performances are absolutely electric, with Jasper Talbot in his professional theatre debut and Brenock O’Connor capturing the essence of Jagger and Richards with energy, accuracy and all the right moves. Their on-stage chemistry is palpable, the combination of fantastic storytelling and great music striking all of the right chords for me.
The supporting cast, including Emer McDaid as Marianne Faithfull and Louis Landau in his stage debut as Nigel Havers deliver equally strong performances, adding depth and an intriguing sub plot to the story, seamlessly weaving together the personal and the political. I enjoyed the narrative on the Havers family just as much as the main storyline.
The play’s soundtrack obviously adds to the night with classic Rolling Stones hits well known by the crowd, showcasing the enduring legacy of the rock ´n´roll pioneers. We were also treated to ´As Tears Go By´ and the beautiful ´This Little Bird´ both recorded by Marianne Faithfull.
Audibert’s direction is dynamic and visually striking, making use of the Chichester Festival Theatre’s spacious stage and dipping into the crowd to create immersion and a sense of chaos and energy. The production’s design is equally impressive, with stunning colourful costumes, amazing footwear and a set that transport the audience to the heart of the Swinging Sixties.
I thoroughly recommend Redlands for an exhilarating night out. The show succeeded as an eclectic mix of storytelling, comedy, farce, drama and rock musical. A vibrant, energetic and entertaining journey through one of the most iconic eras in music and history. If this show doesn’t make it onto tour then it will be a crying shame.
Northern Ballet announces new original work: Gentleman Jack
Northern Ballet will debut a groundbreaking new full-length production based on the life of Anne Lister in 2026.
Northern Ballet is thrilled to announce the creation of a major new full-length ballet based on the extraordinary life of Anne Lister, or ‘Gentleman Jack’ (1791-1840), the historical Yorkshire figure often referred to as ‘the first modern lesbian’ whose diaries have captivated audiences around the world. Gentleman Jack will open in Leeds before touring to Sheffield, Nottingham, Salford, London and Norwich in spring 2026 with live music.
As Northern Ballet’s first large-scale commission since 2021 and the first under Artistic Director Federico Bonelli, Gentleman Jack marks a significant milestone for the organisation. This new ballet will explore the narrative of this fiercely independent woman who defied societal norms and expectations, presenting a unique opportunity to tell her story through the powerful medium of dance.
Anne Lister’s remarkable life inspired the hugely popular and critically acclaimed BBC/HBO series, Gentleman Jack, written by Sally Wainwright and starring Suranne Jones. The series, which premiered in 2019, brought her story to a global audience and highlighted her relationships with other women. Now, Northern Ballet will be the first to bring this narrative centring on a gay woman to the classical ballet stage in a groundbreaking production.
A carefully selected artistic team will ensure that Anne Lister’s story is staged with respect and maximum impact including Sally Wainwright, series-writer of Gentleman Jack; choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and New Zealand-based composer Claire Cowan who will create a new score for Gentleman Jack.
Artistic Director Federico Bonelli said:
“Northern Ballet is renowned for our expert storytelling and mastery of ballet technique, and this production will be no exception. Like many, I first became aware of Anne Lister through the BBC drama in 2019 and have been fascinated by how the traditionally gendered language of classical ballet could be adapted to convey her story.
As an organisation, our aim is to break down barriers to world class ballet for larger and more diverse audiences. It is my vision to diversify the stories represented in ballet, and add to the landscape of the dance sector through stories that connect with audiences. Anne Lister’s story, the story of someone many call the first modern lesbian, is a perspective we rarely see represented through ballet. With her connection to our home in Yorkshire it feels like a perfect fit, and I am thrilled that Annabelle Lopez Ochoa will choreograph this ballet alongside a talented creative team.”
Creative Consultant Sally Wainwright said:
“It’s so exciting to see Anne Lister’s influence and legacy continue to expand and for her life and writing to reach new audiences. What a thrilling opportunity to present Anne Lister to the world in a brand new way.”
Choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa said:
“I’m so excited for the opportunity to create this ballet, a piece that I hope will resonate with audience members on a personal level. Anne Lister’s story, as revealed through her diaries, offers an incredible depth and richness that are fascinating to explore through ballet, particularly with Northern Ballet’s dancers who are renowned for their ability to combine compelling storytelling with the classical technique.”
Composer Claire Cowan said:
“The discovery and translation of Anne Lister’s secret diary is a phenomenal insight into queer history. Her life and story is a very exciting one to explore, especially through the artform of ballet where it is a rare delight to see a queer female character, let alone a queer female love story based on real life. Being commissioned by Northern Ballet is such an amazing opportunity for the whole creative team to come together and create something which reaches a really wide audience. I’m looking forward to learning more about Anne and exploring how all the complexities of her character can be portrayed through music to heighten the impact of the choreography and storytelling.”
Dramaturg Clare Croft said:
“It’s fascinating to be delving into all the nuances of how we will tell a story—through ballet—of a more masculine woman, a woman who loved women. In this ballet, it’s not just that such a woman—a woman who refused to marry a man—is on stage, but that she’s at the centre of the story. Queer women get a shot at seeing one version of ourselves on a ballet stage. That shouldn’t be a big deal, but it is.”
International Partnership
Northern Ballet is proud to partner with Finnish National Opera and Ballet to deliver Gentleman Jack internationally. Finnish National Ballet, established in 1922, is the only full-sized professional ballet company in Finland and will present Gentleman Jack in Helsinki in April 2028.
Community Engagement
Alongside the creation of Gentleman Jack, Northern Ballet’s Learning team will launch a comprehensive schools education program, exploring themes of identity, allyship and compassion, drawing inspiration from Scottish Ballet’s Safe to Be Me program. By supporting young people to challenge prejudice, celebrate diversity and express themselves, Northern Ballet hopes to make a lasting impact.
Further details of Gentleman Jack‘s tour will be announced in spring 2025. To find out more about the ballet and sign up to receive the latest behind the scenes content and updates, visit northernballet.com/gentleman-jack.
Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton – until 5th October 2024
Review by Amanda Allen
5*****
When a much loved story, known and familiar to so many of us from Jane Austins original book or one of the many film or TV versions, gets a new adaptation, it’s always going to be a gamble. I am delighted that this gamble has more than paid off! Telling the tale from the viewpoint of 5 of the serving staff with an added dose of humour and 20th century music this production delivers on all fronts. With a small main cast of only 5 women, taking on all the parts, the enduring tale of Love, Class, Pride and prejudice is portrayed with such skill and humour that I would encourage you to buy a ticket right now if you are lucky enough for this production to be coming to theatre near you.
Isobel McArthur who wrote and directed the play, has found a new way to introduce us to the Bennet family with all the different characters of the daughters, their parents and associates, laid bare, on display for our enjoyment. The addition of a number of modern songs to the narrative only helped to focus the story in a different light. With the plight of the 5 sisters and their mother hanging on their ability to marry well, the tale is told via the 5 female servants’ thus putting an original and different slant on the well know story.
The part of Tilly, Mr Bingley and his sister Miss Caroline Bingley were all brilliantly played by Emma Rose Creaner. When the comment was made that “you wouldn’t believe they were related as they looked nothing alike” the audience were all howling with laughter. With amazing skill, and a slick costume change, she managed to portray each character as an individual. Her comic timing was impeccable, and she had some of the best visual and vocal gags in the show. One of my humorous highlights was the use of an empty pringles tube stuck on her arm to hide a microphone prior to its use in a song, with a sideways glance she could portray so much feeling.
Rhianna McGreevy who played Mrs Bennet and Mr Darcey, also gave a fabulous performance. Again, her comic timing was excellent, I especially loved the scene where she was Mr Darcey in the portrait that kept moving about aided by Tilly. The whole cast used the stage, props and script so perfectly to tell the story. A Special mention must be made to the set and costume designer, Ana Ines Jabares-Pita. The staging, props and costumes played a huge part in the telling of this tale and making us all laugh so many times. The Waste bin with Jane Aust-Bin written on the side was a brilliant use of a visual gag. The use of the folding screen to change costumes behind which also doubled up as toilet! The backwards facing chair, with the never seen Mr Bennett, who hid behind his newspaper was an inspired idea too.
With some strong language, that I’m sure was not in the original novel, this is a very different telling of a much loved story. With other excellent performances from Susie Barrett (Mary) Naomi Preston (Elizabeth) and Christine Steel (Jane) This is a show well worth seeing. At the end of the second half Mary finally got to sing, she had an unexpectedly good voice! As instructed at the end “don’t forget to eat your greens or your bum will fall off” We don’t want that as you will need it when you go and buy a ticket and sit down to a great night out, this will be one of the best shows you will see this year.
FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR TWELFTH NIGHT AT ORANGE TREE THEATRE
Orange Tree Theatre (OT) today announces full casting for Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – OT’s Artistic Director Tom Littler directs. Joining the previously announced Jane Asher (Maria) and Oliver Ford Davies (Malvolio) are Patricia Allison (Viola), Stefan Bednarczyk (Feste), Clive Francis (Sir Toby Belch), Tom Kanji (Duke Orsino), Corey Montague-Sholay (Antonio), Robert Mountford (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Dorothea Myer-Bennett (Olivia) and Tyler-Jo Richardson (Sebastian).
Twelfth Night opens at the Orange Tree Theatre on 29 November, with previews from 23 November, and runs until 25 January 2025.
OT Artistic Director Tom Littler said today: “There is a special pleasure to watching Shakespeare in an intimate setting, and I can’t wait to discover the poetry, poignancy and wit of Twelfth Night at the Orange Tree. We are delighted to welcome back Jane, Oliver, Clive, Dorothea and Robert to the OT, where all five have given such extraordinary performances. And we are equally thrilled to see five actors making their OT debuts: Stefan Bednarczyk, Tom Kanji, Corey Montague-Sholay and Tyler-Jo Richardson, and the magnetic Patricia Allison as Viola.”
William Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT By William Shakespeare Directed by Tom Littler
23 November 2024 – 25 January 2025
Cast: Jane Asher (Maria),Oliver Ford Davies (Malvolio), Patricia Allison (Viola), Stefan Bednarczyk (Feste), Clive Francis (Sir Toby Belch), Tom Kanji (Duke Orsino), Corey Montague-Sholay (Antonio), Robert Mountford (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Dorothea Myer-Bennett (Olivia), Tyler-Jo Richardson (Sebastian).
Set and Costume Designers: Neil Irish, Anett Black; Lighting Designer: William Reynolds; Sound Designer and Composer: Matt Eaton; Movement Director: Julia Cave; Assistant Director: Rosie Tricks; Fight Director: Philip D’Orléans; Casting Director: Matilda James CDG
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ʼem.
Malvolio runs the Lady Olivia’s house with puritanical zeal. By day, strict order is maintained and repeated advances from Olivia’s many admirers are firmly rebuffed. But after dark, wine flows freely and Olivia’s lady-in-waiting Maria is planning to settle old scores. When a shipwreck washes up two strangers, the scene is set for a comedy of romantic chaos.
Olivier Award-winning Oliver Ford Davies is among the greatest Shakespearean actors of his generation. He returns to the OT to play Malvolio, alongside Jane Asher playing Maria, last seen at the OT in The Circle.
OT Artistic Director Tom Littler directs a 1940s-set production of Shakespeare’s heartrending and hilarious masterpiece of mistaken identities and secret desires.
Jane Asher returns to the OT to play Maria, having previously appeared in The Circle. Her other theatre credits include A Song at Twilight, Moon Tiger (Theatre Royal Bath), An American in Paris (Dominion Theatre), Great Expectations (West Yorkshire Playhouse), The Gathered Leaves (Park Theatre), Pride and Prejudice (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Charley’s Aunt (Menier Chocolate Factory), The Importance of Being Earnest, Farewell to the Theatre, Bedroom Farce (Rose Theatre, Kingston), Blithe Spirit (Vaudeville Theatre), To Those Born Later, The School for Scandal and House/ Garden (National Theatre). Her television credits include Holby City (as series regular Lady Byrne), Eve, Stella, Dancing on the Edge, The Old Guys, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Crossroads, Jackanory, Wish Me Luck and The Mistress; and for film: Death at a Funeral, Burn Burn Burn, Drunk on Love, I Give it a Year, Deep End, The Masque of Red Death and Alfie.
Oliver Ford Davies returns to the OT to play Malvolio, having previously performed in The Promise, Larkin with Women, The Linden Tree and King Cromwell. His other theatre credits include All’s Well That Ends Well, Much Ado About Nothing, Saint Joan, The Life of Galileo, Playing with Fire, Absence of War, Murmuring Judges, Racing Demon, The Shaughraun, Hamlet, The Shape of the Table, Peter Gynt (National Theatre), King Lear, Coriolanus, Richard II, King Lear, Naked, Ivanov (Almeida Theatre), Cressida, Henry IV Part 2, Written on the Heart, Hamlet, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (RSC), Richard II (Barbican, RSC, BAM), The Soldier’s Fortune (Young Vic), Absolutely! (Perhaps) (Wyndham’s Theatre) and Heartbreak House (Theatre Royal Haymarket). His television credits include Game of Thrones, Waking the Dead, The Way We Live Now, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Kavanagh QC, Departure, Father Brown and Catastrophe; and for film, Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Atonement, Heidi, Johnny English, An Ideal Husband, Titanic Town, Mrs Brown and Sense and Sensibility.
Patricia Allison plays Viola. Her theatre credits include Jules and Jim (Jermyn Street Theatre), A Doll’s House Part 2 (Donmar Warehouse), Unprecedented: House Party (Headlong), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Sheffield Theatres), The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Our Town (Royal Exchange Theatre) and Henry V (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). Her television credits include HisDark Materials, Extraordinary, Superworm, Sex Education, Behind the Filter, Fame Game, Alan Partridge Comic Relief, Les Misérables, Moving On and Thanks for The Memories; and for film, Recursive Dreams, By The Throat, Paradise and Tiny Cow.
Stefan Bednarczyk plays Feste.His theatre credits include Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Queen’s Theatre), Semi-Monde (Lyric Theatre), The Games of Love and Chance (National Theatre), The L.A. Plays (Almeida Theatre), Five O’ Clock Angel (Hampstead Theatre, King’s Head Theatre), The Killing of Mr Toad, The Grand Duke (Finborough Theatre) and Christmas Spirits (St James Theatre).
Clive Francis returns to the OT to play Sir Toby Belch, having previously appeared in The Circle. His other theatre credits include The Circle (Theatre Royal Bath), I’m Sorry Prime Minister I Can’t Quite Remember (UK tour), A Christmas Carol (Tabard Theatre), 84 Charing Cross Road (Cambridge Arts Theatre), Slaves of Solitude (Hampstead Theatre), An Inspector Calls (Playhouse Theatre), Les Blancs (National Theatre) and The Gathered Leaves (Park Theatre). His television credits include The Crown,Bridgerton, The Larkins, Back, Cursed, The Missing, The 10%ers and Lipstick on Your Collar.
Tom Kanji plays Duke Orsino. His theatre credits include Richard, My Richard (Shakespeare North Playhouse, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds), Box of Delights, Julius Caesar (RSC), Pinocchio (Unicorn Theatre), Private Peaceful (Nottingham Playhouse), Home, I’m Darling (Stephen Joseph Scarborough, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Theatre by the Lake), A Christmas Carol (Liverpool Playhouse), Shoe Lady (Royal Court Theatre), Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Rose Theatre), Richard III (Bristol Old Vic), Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Winter’s Tale, Pericles, Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, , Doctor Scroggy’s War, Eternal Love (The Shakespeare’s Globe), The Country Wife (Chichester Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof, Romeo and Juliet and The Sum (Liverpool Everyman). His television credits include Supercell, Tyrant, Fifty Ways to Kill Your Lover: Unlucky, Silent Witness, Hustle, Midnight Man and Saddam’s Tribe.
Corey Montague-Sholay plays Antonio. His theatre credits include Fanny (The Watermill Theatre), Bacon (Bristol Old Vic, Summerhall, Soho Playhouse New York), Dismissed (Soho Theatre), The Wind in the Wilton’s (Wilton’s Music Hall), The Prince (Southwark Playhouse), Wendy and Peter Pan (Leeds Playhouse), As You Like It, She Stoops to Conquer (Guildford Shakespeare Company), The Whip and King John (RSC).
Robert Mountford returns to the OT to play Sir Andrew Aguecheek, having previously appeared in She Stoops to Conquer. His other theatre credits include Much Ado About Nothing, Burnt at the Stake (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Habit of Art (59E59 Theatres), Spike (UK tour), Cancelling Socrates, Homer’s The Odyssey and Vagabonds – My Phil Lynott Odyssey (Jermyn Street Theatre). His television credits include Silent Witness, One Night, Torn and According to Bex; and for film, Into The Night and The Haunting of Alice Bowles.
Dorothea Myer-Bennett returns to the OT to play Olivia, having previously appeared in How He Lied To Her Husband, Overruled and While The Sun Shines. Her other theatre credits include Nachtland (Young Vic), Possession (Arcola Theatre), Leopoldstadt (Wyndham’s Theatre), Creditors, Miss Julie (Theatre by the Lake, Jermyn Street Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory), Holy Sh!t (Kiln Theatre) and Rosenbaum’s Rescue (Park Theatre). Her television credits include The Chelsea Detective, Before We Die and Dodger; and for film, The Honourable Rebel, The Payback and The Orchard.
Tyler-Jo Richardson makes his professional stage debut as Sebastian. He is a recent graduate from Guildhall School of Music and Drama. For television his credits include Sister Boniface Mysteries, SAS Rogue Heroes and Grace.
Artistic Director of the OT Tom Littler directs. At the OT, he has directed Suite in Three Keys (also Theatre Royal Bath), She Stoops to Conquer, and The Circle (later revived for a national tour by Theatre Royal Bath). Other theatre includes Saturday Night (Jermyn Street Theatre, Arts Theatre), A Little Night Music (Budapest), Good Grief (Theatre Royal Bath), Dances of Death (Gate Theatre), Martine (Finborough Theatre), Miss Julie and Creditors (Theatre by the Lake, Jermyn Street Theatre), Tonight at 8.30, Cancelling Socrates, The Tempest, The Odyssey, 15 Heroines (Jermyn Street Theatre), Cabaret (English Theatre Frankfurt, Deutsches Theater Munich) and Hamlet (Guildford Shakespeare Company). He was Artistic Director of Jermyn Street Theatre from 2017 to 2022, before moving to the OT.
HOPE MILL THEATRE PRESENTS NINE THE MUSICAL IN CONCERT
STARRING RAMIN KARIMLOO
1ST & 2ND FEBRUARY 2025
THE LOWRY, SALFORD
ON SALE FRIDAY 4TH OCTOBER
On the day it marks nine years since opening its doors, Hope Mill Theatre has announced it will present a new concert version of Nine the Musical, starring Broadway and West End star Ramin Karimloo, at The Lowry, Salford next year.
The concert will be in celebration of Hope Mill’s 9th Birthday – and will play for two performances only at The Lowry, on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd February 2025.
Nine, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, and a book by Arthur Kopit, adapted from the Italian by Mario Fratti, will be co-directed by Hope Mill founders William Whelton and Joseph Houston. This production will be produced by Whelton and Rhianna Swyer for Hope Mill Theatre and will feature casting by Jim Arnold. Key Artwork Design by FEAST Creative.
It follows Hope Mill Theatre’s concert version of Gypsy, starring Jodie Prenger, in February 2024.
Movie director Guido Contini finds himself struggling to find meaning, purpose, and a script for his latest movie endeavour. With only a week left before shooting begins, he desperately searches for answers and inspiration from his wife, his mistress, his muse, and his mother. As his chaotic profession steadily destroys his personal life, Guido must find a balance between creating art and succumbing to its obsessive demands.
Featuring the songs, ‘Be Italian’, ‘Unusual Way’, ‘Cinema Italiano’ and many more.
Nine the musical won the 1982 Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Original Score, and was released as a movie in 2009 and featured an all-star cast including Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Fergie, Sophia Loren and Judi Dench.
Hope Mill Theatre’s co-founder Joseph Houston, co-director of NINE, said:“As Hope Mill Theatre celebrates its 9th Birthday, it only felt right that we celebrate with our biggest concert to date. It is an absolute honour to be working with the talent that is RAMIN KARIMLOO and for us there was no other Guido. We are excited to share our wider cast very soon and bring the story of Nine to the stage in the glorious Lyric stage at The Lowry early next year.
“I was initially introduced to the musical NINE at drama school when a fellow student sang ‘Unusual Way’ and I thought it was one of the most beautiful songs I had heard. Then in 2009 I was introduced to the full score and story with the movie release and was instantly hooked. I come from a family of Italian-Scottish immigrants, so have always felt an affinity with Nine. The story above all else is about women and the strong powerful influence they have in one man’s life, something I can connect with deeply. “
Ramin Karimloo, said: “I have always wanted to play Guido and do the musical NINE, I just love the story, I love the music and can’t wait to work with an incredible group of artists led by strong women. I think this is going to be an incredible process and I’m really looking forward to working with Joe and Will up in Manchester.
I’m super excited to be singing Maury Yeston’s score, I was fortunate enough to do Titanic in New York for him so to finally do NINE with his beautiful music is a real treat. I’m really looking forward to being part of this production.”
Further casting and full creative team to be announced.
“The Brits have made the year’s funniest musical…Against the odds, the “Operation Mincemeat” gang has found its way to the big time.”
Peter Marks, The Washington Post
#1 2023 Theatre Show
“Despite all that Hollywood firepower, my top pick was a homegrown musical about the UK’s role in World War II”
Sarah Rappaport, Bloomberg
“Is the quite splendid “Operation Mincemeat” ridiculously clever or cleverly ridiculous? Both…this is the musical you didn’t know you needed”
David Benedict, Variety
“My far-and-away favorite production—and a complete surprise to me—was the musical “Operation Mincemeat… a comedy that has been cheerfully dismantling jingoism builds a stirring vision of real fellowship in its place.”
Helen Shaw, The New Yorker
“the feel-good West End musical of the summer… The reviews for the show have been ecstatic… the overwhelming impression is of hopefulness, expansiveness, possibility and joy.”
Alexis Soloski, The New York Times
74 ★★★★★ reviews and counting
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
The Olivier Award®-winning ‘Best New Musical’ Operation Mincemeat, created by a quartet of young British creatives, will open on Broadway at the Golden Theatre – its first musical since the Tony Award® Triple Crown winner Avenue Q – on 20th March 2025. From 15th February, when previews begin on Broadway, Operation Mincemeat will run simultaneously in New York and London, with the West End’s Fortune Theatre recently receiving an incredible 10th extension from ATG through 8th March.
Operation Mincemeat began as a tiny (and tiny-budgeted) production at the London Fringe New Diorama Theatre in 2019. The show quickly gained a devoted following, spurring sold-out runs at venues including Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. It finally premiered in the West End on 9th May 2023 at the Fortune Theatre, where it won the Olivier and WhatsOnstage Awards® for ‘Best New Musical’, alongside garnering 74 five-star reviews and counting, and has become the ‘Best reviewed show in West End history.’
The decision to write the musical was the last roll of the dice after years of performing sketch shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and echoes the journey of Beyond the Fringe from the world-famous quartet Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, and Dudley Moore, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1960, before moving to the Fortune Theatre and later to the Golden in 1962.
Casting, ticket prices and show times to be announced.
SpitLip – David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts – the musical’s writers and composers, said: “If we had to name one single unifying influence for Operation Mincemeat, it would be the American Musical Comedy. The Producers, Guys and Dolls, Wicked, Avenue Q, The Book Of Mormon – we never dreamed we would even get to go see shows like these on Broadway, let alone open our show alongside them. Thank you to our fans, and particularly those in the US for getting Operation Mincemeat here. If it gets hounded out of Broadway after one night, it will still be beyond our wildest dreams. Our producers, we’d imagine, would be less pleased.”
The Broadway announcement comes on the heels of the musical’s West End American audience growing from 2% in 2023, to now reaching 14%.
Broadway tickets will go on General sale on 20th November. Sign up here for priority access to a fan pre-sale on 18th November. Tickets for the West End’s Fortune Theatre run until 8th March 2025 are available only from the Official Box Office here.
The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.
Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler?
The production is directed by 2023 Olivier Award® nominated Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre – 2023 Best New Musical Olivier Award® winner), following providing directorial support for the Riverside Studios run, while Olivier Award® nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. Also from Standing at the Sky’s Edge at theNational Theatre on the creative team are: 2023 Olivier Award® nominated Ben Stones (Sylvia, The Old Vic) as Set and Costume Designer, Tony Award, six-time Olivier Award® and Bafta Award® winning Mark Henderson (Girl From the North Country, Broadway & Noël Coward Theatre) as Lighting Designer and Olivier Award® winning Mike Walker (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) as Sound Designer. Grammy Award® winning and Tony®, Emmy® & 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award® nominated Steve Sidwell (Beautiful:The Musical, Broadway & Aldwych Theatre) is Orchestrator and Vocal Arranger, while 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award® nominated Joe Bunker is Musical Director. Georgie Staight is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Casting is by Pearson Casting. The extraordinary debut musical is written and composed by SpitLip – David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts.
Operation Mincemeat won the 2024 ‘Best New Musical’ and ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical’ Olivier Awards®, following receiving six nominations. These awards trail winning the 2024 ‘Best New Musical’ WhatsOnStage Award and the ‘Best West End Show’, ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Best Understudy’ West End Wilma Awards. Previously on the show’s journey, Operation Mincemeat has picked up the Off-West End award for ‘Best Musical Production’ and ‘Best Company Ensemble’ and The Stage Debut Award for ‘Best Composer/Lyricist’.
Operation Mincemeat is produced in the West End and Broadway by Avalon (in association with SpitLip). The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and also supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.
