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The Almeida Theatre announces the full cast for adaptation of Academy Award-nominated film Cold War

Joining the previously announced Anya Chalotra, Elliot Levey and Luke Thallon are Ali Goldsmith, Ryan Goscinski, Elliot Harper, Ediz Mahmut, Anastasia Martin, Alžbeta Matyšáková, Jordan Metcalfe, Katarina Novkovic, Sophie Maria Wojna and Alex Young.  

Almeida Artistic Director Rupert Goold, directs Conor McPherson’s adaptation of Paweł Pawlikowski’s Academy Award-nominated Cold War, featuring music from the original film alongside songs by Grammy Award-winner Elvis Costello. 

The production opens on Tuesday 12 December 2023, with previews from Thursday 30 November, and runs until Saturday 27 January 2024. 

World Premiere   

COLD WAR   

Book by Conor McPherson 
Music by Elvis Costello  
Based on the film by Paweł Pawlikowski  

Director: Rupert Goold; Music Supervisor, Orchestrator and Arranger: Simon Hale; Choreographer: Ellen Kane; Set Designer: Jon Bausor; Costume Designer: Evie Gurney; Lighting Designer: Paule Constable; Sound Designer: Sinéad Diskin; Musical Director: Jo Cichonska; Casting Director: Amy Ball CDG   

Cold War is presented in association with Tanya Seghatchian and John Woodward, and Sonia Friedman Productions.   

This production is supported by The Ruddock Foundation for the Arts. 

Thursday 30 November 2023 – Saturday 27 January 2024  

Poland, 1949.   

Zula is bold and brilliant, a singer who ignites the stage. Wiktor is withdrawn and damaged, a composer longing to write. Irresistibly drawn to each other, they dream of escape. But in communist-controlled Poland that can be a dangerous thing.  

Based on Paweł Pawlikowski’s Academy Award-nominated film, Cold War is an epic love story spanning the decades and breadth of Europe at its most divided.  

Featuring traditional Polish songs, stirring choral arrangements, alongside music from Grammy Award-winner Elvis Costello, Conor McPherson‘s (Girl from the North Country, The Weir) adaptation of Cold War is a compelling story of passion, redemption, and the journey to be free.  

Directed by Almeida Artistic Director Rupert Goold  (Tammy Faye), this poignant new musical features Anya Chalotra  (The Witcher) and Luke Thallon  (Patriots).  

FROM THE COBBLES TO THE CONVENT

SUE CLEAVER

TO STAR AS

‘MOTHER SUPERIOR’

IN THE

UK AND IRELAND TOUR OF

FROM 14 MARCH 2024

AT THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON

The producers of the 2023 Olivier Award nominated production of SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL are delighted to announce that Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver will swap the Rovers for rosary beads as ‘Mother Superior’ in the UK and Ireland tour, from Thursday 14 March 2024 at the Theatre Royal Brighton.

Sue joins the company in Brighton, before playing Manchester Palace Theatre, Cork Opera House, Grand Opera House Belfast, Kings Theatre Glasgow, Grand Opera House York and the Birmingham Hippodrome. Further casting for the role will be announced in due course.

Sue Cleaver said, ‘‘I’m thrilled to be stepping into the habit and joining the incredible company of Sister Act on tour. It’s been over 30-years since I’ve been on stage, but theatre has always been my first love. A chance to take on a role like this feels like heaven.”

The cast also includes Landi Oshinowo as Deloris Van Cartier, Alfie Parker as Eddie Souther and Ian Gareth-Jones as Curtis Jackson, alongside Isabel Canning, Julie Stark, Phillip Arran, Wendy-Lee Purdy, Callum Martin, Esme Laudat, Amber Kennedy, Joseph Connor, Ceris Hine, Eloise Runnette, and Sheri Lineham. Additional casting to be announced.

Sue Cleaver is best known for playing Eileen Grimshaw in the long-running ITV soap Coronation Street, a role she has played for the last 23 years. Her work on Coronation Street has seen her win Favourite Female Soap Star at the TV Now Awards, and Best Soap Actress at the TV Quick and TV Choice Awards, as well as being twice nominated for Most Popular Actress at the National Television Awards. Sue’s extensive work in theatre has seen her perform at some of the country’s most prestigious venues. Her many other television credits include, City Central, Dinnerladies, This is Personal: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper, Peak Practice, Casualty, Band of Gold, A Touch of Frost and most recently appeared in the hugely popular series I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

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

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

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

Sustainable operas and the world premiere of a new opera adapted from the work of Henry Purcell are amongst the highlights in Opera North’s much anticipated season playing Tue 31 Oct – Sat 4 Nov 2023 and Wed 13 – Sat 16 Mar 2024.

The Autumn will see a new production of Verdi’s Falstaff (Tue 31 Oct & Thu 2 Nov) directed by Jo Davies and conducted by Music Director Garry Walker, with Henry Waddington in the title role. After a career in which he had composed some of opera’s greatest tragedies, Verdi turned to Shakespeare’s great comic rogue, drawing inspiration from Henry IV and The Merry Wives of Windsor for his final masterpiece.

The Green Season also features one of Puccini’s finest achievements, La rondine (Wed 1 & Fri 3 Nov), conducted by Kerem Hasan, with a cast including Galina Averina as Magda, Claire Lees as Lisette, Sébastien Guèze as Ruggero and Elgan Llŷr Thomas as Prunier. James Hurley’s new production of this captivatingly beautiful opera transports us from the popular nightspots of 1930s Paris to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, contrasting two bitter-sweet tales of love.

Rounding off the Green Season is the world premiere of a new piece, created by one of the world’s most eminent opera directors, Sir David Pountney. Masque of Might (Sat 4 Nov) recycles music by one of the greatest English theatre composers, Henry Purcell, and reimagines the 17th-century form of the masque with modern technology to create a biting yet humorous contemporary satire, billed as an ‘eco-entertainment’.

With a libretto drawing largely from original texts set to music by Purcell, including The Fairy Queen, Saul and the Witch of Endor, Timon of Athens and The Tempest, this witty, incisive and fantastical work addresses urgently topical themes such as the abuses of a powerful political leader and the gathering climate crisis.

Conducted by renowned baroque specialist Harry Bicket, Masque of Might’s cast includes Andri Björn Róbertsson in the roles of Nebulous / Activist / Wolf and Anna Dennis as Elena, a spirit of the Heavens, while Callum Thorpe returns to the Company as the ‘monstrous tyrant’, Diktat.

All three Green Season productions use shared scenic elements, designed by Leslie Travers, to create three interlinked yet distinctive designs, enabling Opera North to reduce its use of materials and its carbon footprint. All sets, props and costumes in the season are sourced from previous productions or purchased second-hand. Lighting for the season is designed by Paule Constable, with costume design by Gabrielle Dalton (Falstaff, La rondine) and Marie-Jeanne Lecca (Masque of Might).

Opera North will then return in Spring 2024 with a double-bill of short operas pairing a revival of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana with a new production of Rachmaninov’s rarely performed Aleko (Wed 13 & Fri 15 Mar). Karolina Sofulak directs both halves of the double-bill, which will be conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Antony Hermus. Many of the cast take roles in both works, including Robert Hayward, who sings Alfio in Cavalleria rusticana and the title role in Aleko. Giselle Allen returns to the cast of Cavalleria rusticana to sing Santuzza, joined by Andrés Presno as Turiddù, while in Aleko Presno will take the role of Young Lover, with Elin Pritchard as Zemfira. Anne-Marie Owens joins both casts to sing Lucia in Cavalleria rusticana and Baboushka in Aleko.

Another of the greatest operatic comedies, Mozart’s Così fan tutte (Thu 14 & Sat 16 Mar) is sure to prove popular with Newcastle Theatre Royal audiences. Tim Albery’s classic production, set imaginatively in the 18th century Age of Reason, will feature a new cast including Alexandra Lowe as Fiordiligi and Heather Lowe as Dorabella, with Anthony Gregory and Henry Neill as their duplicitous lovers Ferrando and Guglielmo, who enter a wager to prove that each can seduce the other’s fiancée. Performances will be conducted by Clemens Schuldt and Chloe Rooke, each making their Opera North debuts.

Opera North plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 31 Oct – Sat 4 Nov 2023 and returns Wed 13 – Sat 16 Mar 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Ailey 2 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s second company – is back in the UK for the first time in over a decade and will play Newcastle Theatre Royal Wed 24 & Thu 25 Oct 2023 as part of a much-anticipated 12-venue tour.

Ailey 2, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this season, is known for bringing together the creative vision of exceptional choreographers with the spirit, energy and talent of the next generation of dance artists. The result is captivating performances of grace, strength and soul, shot through with the unique Ailey spirit.

The company’s new artistic director Francesca Harper has put together an exhilarating repertoire featuring four works: excerpts from her own Freedom Series and William Forsythe’s Enemy in the Figure along with The Hunt, choreographed by Robert Battle, artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Revelations¸ Alvin Ailey’s 1960 masterwork and a signature piece of all the Ailey companies.

Revelations was choreographed by Ailey when he was just 29 years old. A life-changing work, it has been seen by more than 23 million people in 71 countries, more than any other modern dance work. Using African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, Revelations explores the deepest reaches of the soul. Ailey said that one of America’s richest treasures was the cultural heritage of the African American and this enduring classic is a tribute both to that heritage and Ailey’s genius.

The company will perform the intensely propulsive central section of William Forsythe’s 1989 work, Enemy in the Figure. The choreography is driven by Thom Willem’s percussive and rhythmic electronic score which also influences the radical use of light and shadow in its design. This excerpt puts the formidable dance skills of the Ailey 2 dancers on fine display, giving their craft and vitality an invigorating framework.

Robert Battle is Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. His 2001 classic The Hunt is a primal ritual with a distinctly urban feel fuelled by a thundering percussion soundtrack by Les Tambours du Bronx. This athletic work, originally choreographed for six male dancers, will be performed by an all-female cast for the first time in the UK. It explores the relationship between modern sports and the rites of the gladiators, revealing the predatory side of human nature and the primitive thrill of the hunt. Battle found inspiration for the work in his background in martial arts.

Francesca Harper created her futuristic work Freedom Series on the company in 2021. Inspired by her Ailey homecoming, she has created a landscape of memories, a hybrid world where the past strives to influence the future. Developed in collaboration with the Ailey 2 dancers, Harper’s work examines identity and community. This excerpt is danced to a montage of acoustic and electronic sounds. Freedom Series’ unexpected twists and turns bring tender moments to its intrinsic ferocity.

The dancers of Ailey 2 for the 2023/24 season are: Andrew Bryant; Spencer Everett; Jaryd Farcon; Maya Finman-Palmer; Patrick Gamble; Alfred L. Jordan II; Kiri Moore; Corinth Moulterie; Kali Marie Oliver; Tamia Strickland; Kayla Mei-Wan Thomas; and Maggy van den Heuvel.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey 2 have built powerful legacies which have impacted generations. New Ailey 2 artistic director Francesca Harper embodies this heritage. She took her first dance steps at The Ailey School, the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where her mother Denise Jefferson was director from 1984-2010. Harper aims to bring fresh perspectives to Ailey’s legacy, while nurturing new creative voices and propelling the company forward.

The company has an extensive community outreach programme. For this Dance Consortium UK tour, the programme includes masterclasses, open rehearsals and workshops alongside special projects being hosted by member venues as part of the Ailey Project UK.

Dance Consortium is a group of 19 large-scale theatres with a mission to bring the best international dance to stages across the UK and Ireland.

Ailey 2 plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 24 – Wed 25 Oct 2023. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

DRAG RACE STARS ALIGN FOR TUCKSHOP’S THIRD SENSATIONAL SEASON OF THEIR HILARIOUS ALL-DRAG WEST END PANTO!
PANTO AT THE PINTER! BACK IN THE WEST END FOR A LIMITED TIME
WEDNESDAY 27 – SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER | HAROLD PINTER THEATRE

TuckShop – the UK’s only specialist production company devoted all things drag – are back in the West End again this Christmas with SLEEPING BEAUTY, the third of its all drag pantomimes, following the first 2019 sell-out hit Cinderella, and 2021’s Dick Whittington. Sleeping Beauty will play at the Harold Pinter Theatre from Wednesday 27 – Sunday 31 December, with a press performance on Thursday 28 December, with tickets on sale now.

Written by Soho and West End drag legend Miss Moppe, Sleeping Beauty will star RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourites, Kitty Scott Claus (Masterchef, Death Drop, Drag Race UK) as ‘Princess Beauty’, LoUis CYfer (Death Drop, West End, Cowbois, RSC) as ‘King Clyde of Camden’, Yshee Black (Late Night Lycett, Channel 4, Dick Whittington, Phoenix Theatre) as ‘Muddles’, Kemah Bob (It’s a Sin: After Hours, Death Drop, Comedy Central Live) as ‘Prynx Handsome of Hackney’, Victoria Scone (Drace Race Canada vs the World, Drag Race, Death Drop Back in the Habit) as ‘Carabosse’, Ophelia Love as ‘Ensemble Member’, plus season 5 breakout Queens Michael Marouli and Kate Butch (Drag Queens vs Zombies- sold out Edinburgh sensation) as ‘Fairy Fabulous’ and ‘Queen Camilla of Camden’.

Far far away, Princess Aurora is under a cruel spell to sleep for 100 years…or is she just hungover and lazy… you decide. Will the evil Carabosse win the day, or will the dashing, suave, and ever so horny Prince Charming save the day, slay the competition, and save our Princess?! This ridiculous retelling of the sleepiest princess in all the land will have you laughing out loud, singing along, and wondering just WHO is behind you.

From the company who brought you Death Drop: Back In The Habit, Miz Cracker in Who’s Holiday, GALS ALOUD and more, Sleeping Beauty – the Drag version, is bound to be an extravagant (but low budget!) evening of chaos and charisma.

On returning to a TuckShop production Victoria Scone said: “So thrilled to be rejoining TuckShop theatrical universe once again with such an exciting camp cast on this production of Sleeping Beauty!”

Kitty-Scott Claus said: “Super dooper excited to play a role where I get to really show the audience what I do best... sleeping and being beautiful.”

Michal Marouli, a newcomer to TuckShop, said: “Geordie lass landing on the West End! I’m so happy to be joining Tuckshop to make my West End debut with Sleeping Beauty this December! It’s going to be a ball!”

PALLADIUM SAVES THE PLOTTERS

ALSO EXPLODING INTO
EDINBURGH, SHEFFIELD, LONDON

FROM 25 OCTOBER – 22 NOVEMBER 2023

“…shines iridescent in its music…”
Guardian

“…exciting new piece of theatre…dynamite.”
The Reviews Hub

“…Treason is destined for huge things.”
All That Dazzles

Theatre has not been immune to the struggles faced by buildings across the country affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), primarily schools. As a result, sadly all performances of Treason due to take place at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, from the 21st – 25th November have been cancelled.

This follows the news that there will be a new temporary venue, Orchard West, opening late November, which will allow for more regular programming for the theatre going into December.

However, because of the current suspension of performances at The Orchard Theatre, the world premiere tour of Treason will now be seeing out its final performances at the London Palladium, performing for two nights on the 21 and 22 November.

The Producers of Treason have said, “We are so grateful to LW theatres for hosting our Plot for these performances. Having enjoyed producing sell out and award nominated concerts of Death Note, Chess, Kinky Boots and of course, Treason at the Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane respectively, we can’t wait for the fully staged world premiere tour to now end at the Palladium.”

“We were heartbroken to learn of the RAAC situation at The Orchard Theatre, particularly after their stunning renovation. We are thrilled that they are able to recommence performances just in time for some Christmas joy with their pantomime and more into 2024.”

At the end of this month, the plotters will begin their tour and travel to the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Sheffield Lyceum, London’s Alexandra Palace, and end at The London Palladium.

A historic tale of division, religious persecution, and brutality, ending in an ambitious yet fateful plot to bring down both the monarchy and the government, Treason the Musical is set to blow you away with stunning original folk and pop songs. This one-of-a-kind show tells one of the most intriguing tales in Britain’s history as it’s never been seen before.

Since the release of the original EP back in 2020, Treason’s songs have set the world on fire, now being streamed a staggering 1 million times by over 100,000 plotters across 96 countries.

This is the latest development in a show that has so far garnered a global audience with a streamed concert in 2021 and a mesmerising twice sold-out, WhatsOnStage nominated, live concert at the iconic Theatre Royal Drury Lane last year.

Following on from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane concerts, joining the writing team of Treason are Charli Eglinton (Book) and Debris Stevenson (additional lyrics & additional material).

Casting for the 2023 tour includes Nicole Raquel Dennis (Dreamgirls, Dear Evan Hansen) in the pivotal role of Martha Percy andJoe McFadden (Holby City, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) swapping his Strictly crown for that of King James.

The cast further features Gabriel Akamo (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Fawkes, Oscar Conlon-Morrey (Mother Goose, Only Fools And Horses) as Robert Cecil, Kyle Cox (Ain’t Too Proud) as Jack Wright, Lewis Edgar (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Little Wintour, Sam Ferriday (The Cher Show, Jersey Boys)as Thomas Percy, Emilie Louise Israel (Hamilton, Once on This Island) as Anne Vaux, Connor Jones (Les Misérables) as Robert Catesby and Alfie Richards (Whistle Down The Wind) as Big Wintour.

Playing “The Eyes”, the ensemble is comprised of Femi Akinfolarin (Moulin Rouge), Filippo Coffano (Hamilton), Megan Curley (The Masked Dancer), Elèna Gyasi (Six), Naomi Katiyo (Ain’t Too Proud), Louis Makrodt (Hamilton) and Dan Gill making his professional stage debut.

Creator: Ricky Allan, Director: Hannah Chissick, Choreographer: Taylor Walker, Musical Supervisor and Musical Director: Nick Pinchbeck, Designer: Philip Witcomb, Lighting Designer: Jason Taylor, Sound Designer: Tom Marshall, Casting Director: Harry Blumenau CDA, Orchestrator: Matthew Malone, Production Manager: John Rowland, Company Stage Manager: Luciano Macis, Fight Director: Claire Llewelyn, Associate Director: Jordan Murphy, Associate Orchestrator & Copyist: Fran Warren, Associate Orchestrator: James Otto, Associate Musical Director: Mike Steel, Musicians Fixer: Oli Briant, Costume Supervisor: Jemima Penny, Hair and Makeup Designer and Supervisor: Diana Estrada Hudson, Deputy Costume Supervisor: Amy Boulton, Deputy Stage Manager: Lucy Rees, Assistant Stage Manager: Evie Graham-Brown & Thomas Bray, Assistant Musical Director: Siân Campbell, Casting Assistant: Laura Seaborn, LX 1: Toby Darvill, Sound 1: Adam Fenton, Wardrobe 1: Sophie Wilson and Wardrobe 2: Olivia Kellett.

The band is comprised of Keyboard 1: Nick Pinchbeck, Keyboard 2: Siân Campbell, Drums/Percussion: Matt Whittington, Acoustic/Electric Bass: Ayse Osman, Acoustic/Electric Guitar: Lewis Dunsmore, Reed 1 (Recorders/Flute/Piccolo/Clarinet): Dave Ruff, Reed 2 (Clarinet/Bass Clarinet/Flute): Jess Holder, Violin: Glesni Roberts and Cello: Richard Phillips.

Sign up to our mailing list to become a Plotter and be the first to find out all the news for Treason: https://treasonthemusical.com/newsletter.php

Kenny Wax Family Entertainment, in association with MAST Mayflower Studios
Cast announced for award-winning pop musical
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
Thursday 30th November 2023 – Saturday 16th March 2024

The incredible cast has been announced for the UK tour of award-winning musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World. This empowering pop musical, from one of the producers of the worldwide sensation SIX, is based on the popular book by Suffragette relative Kate Pankhurst. Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World has delighted and inspired audiences across the UK, snowballing to become a hit favourite with a nation-wide following.

The fantastically great cast includes Elena Breschi (Kindertransport, Nottingham Playhouse, SIX, Norwegian Cruise Line; Locked Up Abroad, National Geographic); Jennifer Caldwell (SIX, UK tour; American Idiot, UK tour; Mamma Mia!, West End); Georgia Grant-Anderson (Secret Life of Boys, CBBC; Demon Dentist, UK tour; Beauty and the Beast, Lighthouse Poole); Chlöe Hart (Wicked and Kinky Boots, West End; SIX, UK tour; Girlfriends, ITV); and Leah Vassell (West Side Story, Krizanke Theatre; SIX, West End). Millie Kiss (White Christmas, Liverpool Empire; The Cursed, LD Entertainment; The Date, Candid Broad Productions); Summer Priest (Get Up Stand Up!, West End; Heathers, UK tour) and Rachel Seirian (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, West End and Los Angeles; Strictly: It Takes Two, BBC; A Christmas Carol, RSC) round out the cast.

The UK Theatre Award-winning Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is heading back on tour, having thrilled and inspired audiences at Edinburgh Fringe 2022 and a UK tour 2021-22. This critically acclaimed show is bringing back its awe-inspiring characters, catchy pop soundtrack and TikTok-favourite choreography this winter. Audiences who can’t wait for the Fantastically Great Women to land at their local theatre can download the toe-tapping, singalong worthy soundtrack by #1 hit single writer Miranda Cooper (Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud) and Jennifer Decilveo (Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato).

Remarkable – and often forgotten – women from history are lifted from the pages of Kate Pankhurst’s beloved book and brought gloriously to life on stage, including Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, Mary Seacole, Frida Kahlo, Jane Austen and Pankhurst’s own relative Emmeline. When inquisitive heroine Jade breaks away from her school trip to the local museum to peek at the Gallery of Greatness, she meets iconic women from the past, whose actions and lives changed the world as we know it, including explorers, scientists, artists and secret agents. This enthralling, heartwarming musical is full of incredible characters, inspirational moments and a soundtrack that packs a popstar punch.

The creative team behind this uplifting stage show consists of renowned dramatist Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre; Faustus: That Damned Woman, Headlong); with music by UK No.1 hit songwriter Miranda Cooper, whose songs include Sound of the Underground, Round Round and The Promise, and Jennifer Decilveo, and live arrangements by Jen Green (Beverley Knight; Pixie Lott). The director is Amy Hodge (Mr Gum and The Dancing Bear – The Musical!, National Theatre), designer Joanna Scotcher (Emilia, Shakespeare’s Globe/Vaudeville Theatre), choreographer Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe (Dick Whittington, National Theatre), lighting designer Zoe Spurr (Emilia, Shakespeare’s Globe/Vaudeville Theatre), sound designer Carolyn Downing (Summer & Smoke, Almeida/Duke of York’s Theatre) and cosound designer Rob Bettle (Frozen: The Musical, Theatre Royal Drury Lane; Billy Elliot, UK tour; One Man, Two Guvnors, Theatre Royal Haymarket) Musical Director Audra Cramer, Assistant Musical Director Nicola T. Chang, Assistant Musical Director Bronwen Chan

Past praise for Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World:

A pop-fuelled, upbeat feminist hit – ★ ★ ★ ★ The Times

A high voltage show with great charisma… a zippy guide to the great women of history that sets toes tapping and young minds alight – The Guardian

Incredibly inspirational, a battle call to women everywhere – ★ ★ ★ ★ Liverpool Echo

A celebration of girl power over the centuries… I’m still singing – ★ ★ ★ ★ Daily Mail

This is a show for everyone – The Family Stage

Show Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
Ages Recommended for ages 7+
Website https://fantasticallygreatwomenthemusical.com/
Album https://slinky.to/FantasticallyGreatWomen
Social Media @fantasticallygw #fantasticallygreatwomen #deedsnotwords #sisterhood

Dates
30th November –2nd December New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, London, SW19 1QG
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/fantastically-great-womenwho-changed-the-world/new-wimbledon-theatre/
5th December – 7th January The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, Greater Manchester,
M50 3AZ
https://thelowry.com/whats-on/fantastically-great-women-whochanged-the-world/
17th – 21st January Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff, CF10 5AL
https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2024/fantastically-greatwomen-who-changed-the-world
24th – 27th January Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes,
MK9 3NZ
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/fantastically-great-womenwho-changed-the-world/milton-keynes-theatre/
7 th – 11th February Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Corporation Street, Coventry,
CV1 1GS
https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/fantastically-great-womenwho-changed-the-world/
14th – 18th February Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP
https://www.cft.org.uk/events/fantastically-great-women-whochanged-the-world
21st – 25th February Newcastle Theatre Royal, 100 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 6BR
https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/fantastically-greatwomen/
28th February – 3rd March Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU
https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/fantastically-greatwomen-who-changed-the-world/
12th – 16th March Theatre Royal Nottingham, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1
5ND
https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/fantastically-great-women-whochanged-the-world/

Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester – Saturday 14 October 2023

Reviewed by Mia Bowen

5*****

After having a great time at a Hooky gig in Liverpool the previous night, I had the chance to attend the final night of the 10th anniversary 2023 tour of “New Dawn Fades – A Play About Joy Division And Manchester.” As I sat in the renowned Royal Northern College of Music theatre, I found myself watching the audience take their seats. The wide range of ages really made me reflect on the profound influence that Joy Division has had over the years, which continues to this day!

The story of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division, is widely known. His life, the band’s rise to fame, and his unfortunate tragic end were depicted in Anton Corbijn’s film Control. Despite its bleakness, this portrayal is widely regarded as beautiful. Additionally, the film 24 Hour Party People offers an unflattering portrayal of Ian. Now, New Dawn Fades tells the story of four regular guys who were inspired by the punk revolution in the 1970’s and brings this musical journey from Manchester to the theatre stage.

Author and director Brian Gorman chooses not to perpetuate the mystique surrounding Curtis and Joy Division. Instead, he establishes a sense of closeness by introducing relatable characters. The play offers a fresh perspective on the band, delving into their personal histories rather than putting them on pedestals. Gorman also employs a unique narrative approach, with Tony Wilson serving as our charismatic and flamboyant guide, portrayed by the very talented Gorman himself. He captures not only the band’s story but also the spirit of the era. His writing is truly inspiring, and it is evident that he has a profound passion for the city and its culture.

The small cast joins forces to tell a story that ultimately ends in tragedy. However, the performance also highlights the boundless energy, enthusiasm, and unique identities of the band members.

The highlight of the evening was the live performances of “Shadowplay” and “Transmission”. Joshua Glenister’s portrayal of Ian Curtis truly felt authentic. The mannerisms he displayed on stage closely mirrored reality, and his off-stage mood was well captured.

The way Curtis and his wife, Debbie used the lyrics of “Love Will Tear Us Apart” to describe their failing relationship was both poignant and a masterstroke. Additionally, witnessing Curtis’s suicide in the half-light added a sense of immediacy and rawness.

“New Dawn Fades” is undoubtedly the best portrayal of this story that I have witnessed. It is a truly moving play, evoking a wide range of emotions throughout.

Seven Arts, Chappel Allerton, Leeds – 29^th September 2023

Reviewed by Sal Marino 

5*****

Tim O’Connor and Friends at The Seven Arts, Chappel Allerton, Leeds was a new and unique experience for me in a few ways: a new venue, a musician I’ve never seen perform before and the first-time I’d heard the flute played live in a solo context.  All proved to be uplifting and created a shift within my soul which music has the magical gift and power to do. 

The Seven Arts centre has a vibe about it that’s cool and contemporary without being pretentious or intimidating.  Old and young sit sipping real ales or a coffee in groups and alone as the uber friendly staff make you feel welcome and at ease.  I was on my own and didn’t feel like I didn’t fit in or awkward – there wasn’t that feeling of not being a local or a regular so I can say from experience that new people are most welcome. 

Tim’s gig was introduced by an extremely likable host who relaxed the audience straight away and dispelled any pretentiousness about one’s prior musical knowledge and basically said, “Let’s all just enjoy this and have a good time”. And it was evident that we all did enjoy ourselves as the reactions of the audience included: smiles, laughter, clapping and foot tapping to the beat and a few tears here and there. 

Tim O’Connor is a soul man: his voice, guitar playing and presence is simply soulful. He touches the soul as his music makes you delve back into past memories and perhaps those memories of past lives and those of our ancestors.  You know Tim has been through ‘times’, as we all have, due to how his voice communicates to you – it’s heartfelt and filled with passion. Also, Tim’s voice has a healing quality to it, it creates feelings within you but at the same time soothes you.  Done collectively, to a large group of people is very powerful and creates a loving frequency within the room. 

What made this performance of traditional and modern folk music exquisite and like you’d got the slice of cake with the cherry on top was not only did we get to hear Tim and his incredible songs but, he invited his ‘Friends’ to join him and play too.  Flute player Paul Daly was phenomenal!  I am now in love with the flute! The song ‘Butterfly‘ that he played alongside Tim was breathtaking.  Halfway through the song the tempo lifts and I felt like I was in another realm.  

Mike Walsh – another amazing flute player performed a song about ancestors making journeys and I suddenly found myself reflecting on my own family history of Irish ancestors who left the harbour at Cork for a life overseas which was quite emotional and unexpected. Like many parts within the gig, it felt like a ‘moment’.  Each ‘Friend’ of Tim’s was an outstanding performer and together it was like listening to how one would imagine the heavens to sound – an ethereal quality in parts but also just sheer joy and energetic fun in others. 

Experiencing Tim O’Connor and Friends was like having a huge warm hug when you need one, a genuine warm smile that you so you instantly return back and it evokes a whole host of emotions within that all relate to love in its different forms. 

I’m looking forward to seeing Tim and his friends again someday and also returning to The Seven Arts as both now have a place in my heart. 

Jack Studio Theatre – until 14 October 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Fish Don’t Matter Theatre Company’s atmospheric and intense production of Hedda Gabler packs a punch in a tightly wound 90 minutes. Ibsen’s masterpiece isn’t diminished by the brevity of the production, with director Scott James embracing Scott Bailey’s music with emotive movement direction from Michael Flanagan.

After a long and disappointing honeymoon where her new husband George Tesman (Michael Flanagan) spent most of his time researching his next book, Hedda Gabler’s (Kelsy Short) married life isn’t what she had envisioned. A life of graciously receiving and entertaining guests surrounded by beautiful things in the Tesman house appears endangered when old academic rival and old flame Eilert Løvborg (River Norris) arrives in town. For all Hedda’s railing and anger, it is the timid Thea Elvsted (Megan McGery) who has done the unthinkable – assisting Løvborg in his work and leaving her husband to be with him. Hedda’s childhood cruelty towards Thea is repeated with added fervour as she plays her deadly game. Hedda’s boredom and disgust with those around her lead to manipulations, betrayals and tragedy as she attempts to retrieve the “beautiful” life she feels she deserves.

Just as Hedda is trapped in her marriage, in this production she is trapped in the small stage – her prison marked by a wooden frame lined with flowers. Once onstage, Hedda is the only character who doesn’t leave this space. The female characters are all dressed in period clothing, with the male characters in more modern garb – River Norris looks like they could go straight to the bar without changing – a nice nod to the freedom of thought and movement assured to well-placed men but denied to even the brightest of women who must live by society’s rules in Hedda’s world. As Hedda’s machinations begin to make her world unravel, characters step out of the frame and once out of Hedda’s orbit and influence deliver lines from other rooms in a dreamlike monotone. Charlie Hills’ intelligent lighting design works wonderfully in the main, but there are a few instances when highlighting the emotional storm with lighting seems unnecessary.

The cast impress, with Kelsey Short imperious and brittle as Hedda. From her heartless aloofness towards Georges’ doting aunt (the wonderfully warm Caroline Edwards) to her wild fury, Short is a powerhouse in this role. Short’s expressions of quiet recognition and horror when she realises Brack’s (Michael Martin becoming increasingly odious with every delicious appearance) power over her might even make you feel sorry for Hedda. Michael Flanagan is a joy as the sweetly frustrating George and River Norris is full of mercurial energy as the volatile and equally frustrating Løvborg. Honestly, if these two characters were Hedda’s best options, it’s no wonder she went off the rails.