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Robert Bathurst to star in
Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell
in an immersive staging in the bar of
The Coach & Horses pub in Greek Street, Soho

Meet Jeffrey Bernard… a notorious and feckless Soho face. A journalist who doesn’t know the meaning of the word deadline and would much rather be drinking vodka on the rocks in his favourite Soho watering holes. A throwback of a man who after four marriages and a life of non-stop carousing is starting to feel a touch jaded. Having fallen asleep in the Gents and waking up in the middle of the night inside the legendary Coach and Horses on Greek Street, Jeffrey Bernard is not a man to waste the deserted hours ahead of him before Norman the landlord opens up again in the morning.

Don’t miss the chance to down a pint in The Coach and Horses whilst this Soho legend puts a few (many!) drinks on the tab and regales us with stories of busted bookies, failed marriages, illegal cat-racing and introduces us to his favourite pub trick involving a pint glass, match-box and a raw egg. This one-man show is adapted from the critically acclaimed West End play by Keith Waterhouse.

Robert Bathurst (Jeffrey Bernard)
Robert Bathurst is a television and stage actor. His screen credits include Toast of London, Cold Feet, Joking Apart, Downton Abbey, The Larkins, The Mezzotint, Munich: The Edge of War. Robert’s numerous West End and touring theatre productions include plays by Chekhov, Shaw, Shakespeare, Wilde, Ibsen, Michael Frayn, Joe Penhall, Steven Thompson, Michael Wynne, and Claire Luckham. In Chicago he played the title role in King Charles 111 by Mike Bartlett and most recently he starred as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Southbank Centre’s production of Dolly Parton’s musical, Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol. He co-wrote and directed The Fall, a film drama about jockeys, www.thefallfilm.com. He devised and produced the staging of Love, Loss & Chianti by Christopher Reid a two-actor play in verse with cartoon animation.  He has written articles and book reviews on showbusiness and horseracing and as a reader of audiobooks he won the Audie for Best Male Narrator in 2020. He has recently recorded the first three Lord Peter Wimsey detective novels by Dorothy L Sayers, and The time-travelling sci-fi series Salvation, both released soon on Audible.

James Hillier (Director)
James trained at RADA and is Artistic Director of Defibrillator which he established in 2011.
Credits include: Foxes (59E59 New York, Theatre503, Theatre Peckham, Seven Dials Playhouse); Sunnymead Court (Tristan Bates, Arcola, Theatr Clwyd, The Dukes Lancaster, Theatre Royal Bath) Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell (The Coach and Horses); Not Talking (Arcola Theatre) – nominated for Best Director OFFIE Awards 2018; A Lie of the Mind (Southwark Playhouse); Speech&Debate (Trafalgar Studios); Insignificance (Langham, New York); The Armour – Winner Best Guest Experience Le Miami Rebel Awards, The Hotel Plays (Langham, London); Hard Feelings ( Finborough Theatre); The Hotel Plays (Grange, London). Other directing work includes: The Life (Central School of Speech & Drama); How to Make a Good First Impression- Part 1 (Short Film) – Winner Mofilm Shorts Award Tribecca

Mitchell Reeve for M. Green Productions (Producer)
M. Green Productions is an independent theatre production company dedicated to delivering exceptional productions worldwide. Under the leadership of Producer Mitchell Reeve, M. Green Productions is committed to presenting works that engage, inspire, and captivate a diverse range of audiences. M. Green Productions’ past productions have garnered critical acclaim and recognition, including Foxes (Off Broadway, 59e59 Theaters), Steve (Seven Dials Playhouse); Death Drop (Garrick Theatre, UK&Ir Tour and Criterion Theatre); Wonderville: Magic and Illusion Live (The Palace Theatre), Dark Sublime (Trafalgar Studios); San Domino, The Gulf, and Pete ‘n’ Keely (Tristan Bates Theatre). M. Green Productions also offer bespoke General Management & Consulting packages for productions and venues across the globe. Read more at: mgreenproductions.co.uk

James Hillier for Defibrillator (Producer)
Defibrillator make provocative, thrilling and acclaimed theatre in the UK and USA. Established in 2011 with the site-specific The Hotel Plays by Tennessee Williams and most recently producing the groundbreaking and awarding winning Foxes by Dexter Flanders. The company continue to push boundaries, creating entertaining and socially important stories. Stories that send an electric pulse to the heart. Read more at defibrillatortheatre.com

LISTINGS INFO

Defibrillator and M. Green Productions
present

Robert Bathurst
in

Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell
By Keith Waterhouse

Directed and adapted by James Hillier

The Coach & Horses
29 Greek Street,
Soho,
London
W1D 5DH

29/30/31 October
5/6/7 November
12/13/14 November
19/20/21 November

Two performances each day at 8pm & 10pm.

Tickets:
www.jeffreyplay.com

Running time 55mins (no interval)

LES MISÉRABLES

AT THE SONDHEIM THEATRE

AND

HAMILTON

AT THE VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE

BOTH EXTEND BOOKING UNTIL 28 SEPTEMBER 2024

LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre and HAMILTON at the Victoria Palace Theatre both announce today booking extensions until Saturday 28 September 2024.

LES MISÉRABLES currently stars Josh Piterman as Jean Valjean, Stewart Clarke as Javert, Katie Hall as Fantine, Will Callan as Marius, Amena El-Kindy as Éponine, Lulu-Mae Pears as Cosette, Luke Kempner as Thénardier, Claire Machin as Madame Thénardier and Djavan van de Fliert as Enjolras.

The company is completed by Annabelle Aquino, Hazel Baldwin, Brad Barnley, Michael Baxter, Emily Olive Boyd, Rosy Church, Ben Culleton, Matthew Dale, Matt Dempsey, Sophie-May Feek, Matt Hayden, Tom Hext, Christopher Jacobsen, Jessica Johns-Parsons, Yazmin King, Sam Kipling, Anouk van Laake, Harry Lake, Sarah Lark, Ellie Ann Lowe, Ben Oatley, Adam Pearce, Jordan Simon Pollard, Jonathan Stevens, Phoebe Williams and Ollie Wray.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of LES MISÉRABLES is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou, Christine Rowland and Paul Wills, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, projections realised by Finn Ross & Fifty Nine Productions, musical staging by Geoffrey Garratt, and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo.

HAMILTON stars Declan Spaine in the title role of Alexander Hamilton, Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Aaron Burr, Ava Brennan as Angelica Schuyler, Shan Ako as Eliza Hamilton,  Simbi Akande as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds, Dom Hartley-Harris as George Washington, Lemuel Knights as Marquis De Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Emile Ruddock as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Jake Halsey-Jones as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton and Joel Montague asKing George III. At certain performances the role of Alexander Hamilton will be played by Alex Sawyer.

The cast is completed by Gabriela Acosta, Elizabeth Armstrong, Alishia-Marie Blake, Matthew Elliot-Campbell, Jordan Frazier, Manaia Glassey-Ohlson, Amie Hibbert, Sam Holden, Barney Hudson, Nicolais-Andre Kerry, Christian Knight, Ella Kora, Aaron Lee Lambert, Nathan Louis-Fernand, Stacey McGuire, Lewis Newton, Kerri Norville, Hannah Qureshi, Samuel Sarpong-Broni, Hassun Sharif, Lindsey Tierney, Alex Tranter, Maddison Tyson and Brandon Williams.

HAMILTON has book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire and is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe.

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

Theatre Royal Nottingham – until Saturday 7th October 2023

Reviewed by Jill Heslop

5*****

What a treat is in store for those heading to Nottingham’s Theatre Royal this week to see Northern Ballet’s sumptuous production of Beauty and the Beast. Choreographed and directed by David Nixon CBE with haute couture-style costumes designed by him too, this ballet is a moving, world-class display of elegance and precision. The live musical score, including Bizet and Debussy, is arranged by John Longstaff, conducted by Geoffrey Paterson and delivered with moving precision by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

The performance was given extra heart due to the announcement by the musicians before the performance that live music in Northern Ballet is under threat. The audience and cast responded supportively to this, especially at the end of the evening with the musicians and dancers having worked so well together to produce such a beautifully executed production.

The story of Beauty and the Beast is a well-known fairytale and there is a hint of magic in the elaborate mirrored sets by Duncan Hayler. The castle is rendered well with impressions of ivy-clad walls for the Beast, played by Kevin Poeung, to scale during his animalistic roving through his prison-like property. Contrasts are cleverly set up between Prince Orian (Jonathan Hanks) as arrogant and narcissistic and the Beast (Kevin Poeung) as uncouth and self-loathing; Beauty, played charmingly by Dominique Larose, as gentle and caring and Beauty’s sisters, as spoilt and shallow, played with fun and energy by Julie Nunés and Heather Lehan. All this is conveyed to the audience with perfect timing in combination with the music, used with precision to match the action of the dance.

The dancing is a blend of strong classical technique with naturalistic movements and impressive storytelling. We are moved by the elegant and graceful nature of Beauty’s dancing in comparison to the lumbering and tortured gymnastics of the Beast as they develop their relationship. The choice of Debussy’s Clare De Lune during the dream sequence is beautifully rendered with flowing movements of the dancers matched by the shimmering costumes. Dramatic lighting, designed by Tim Mitchell, adds to the atmosphere throughout with colourful and bright costumes adding to the playful tone such as when the sisters return from a successful shopping trip loaded down with shopping bags!

The motif of the rose is used throughout the performance as a symbol of giving and receiving. The story of Beauty and the Beast itself is a timely reminder of the importance of kindness to one another and how kindness is a transformative power. The poignancy of this message is mesmerisingly rendered by the cast of this beautifully produced ballet resulting in a transporting theatrical experience.

Direct from an acclaimed Broadway season, ‘The Kite Runner’, an outstanding and unforgettable theatrical tour de force,is returning to the UK in 2024

Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel, this haunting tale of friendship spans cultures and continents and follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption.

Afghanistan is a country on the verge of war and best friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul, the skies are full of colour and the streets are full of the excitement of a kite flying tournament, but no one can foresee the terrible incident that will shatter their lives forever.

One Broadway season and two West End seasons have garnered international acclaim for this incredibly powerful story.

The Kite Runner, adapted by Matthew Spangler, directed by Giles Croft, will open its 2024 UK tour at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury 7-9 March, then tours to Richmond Theatre, London, 12-16 March.

The other dates are: 18-23 March Bath Theatre Royal; 26-30 March Chester Storyhouse; 2-6-April Dublin Gaiety, 9-13 April Glasgow Theatre Royal; 16-20 April Nottingham Playhouse; 23-27 April Liverpool Playhouse; 30 April – 4 May Oxford Playhouse; 7-11 May Salford The Lowry; 14-18 May; Guildford Yvonne Arnaud; 28 May – 1-June Malvern Festival Theatre; 4-8 June Sheffield Lyceum; 11-15 June Brighton Theatre Royal; 25-29 June Newcastle Theatre Royal; 2-6 July, Cheltenham Everyman.

Cast and full creative team to be announced.

Produced by Martin Dodd for UK Productions and Stuart Galbraith for Kilimanjaro Productions.
Originally produced by Nottingham Playhouse and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse.

The Kite Runner 2024 UK tour dates

7-9 March                    
AYLESBURY
Waterside Theatre

12-16 March                  
RICHMOND
Richmond Theatre

18-23 March                    
BATH
Theatre Royal

26-30 March                  
CHESTER
Storyhouse

2-6-April                    
DUBLIN
Gaiety

9-13 April                  
GLASGOW
Theatre Royal

16-20 April
NOTTINGHAM
Playhouse

23-27 April
LIVERPOOL
Playhouse

30 April – 4 May          
OXFORD
Playhouse

7-11 May                    
SALFORD
The Lowry

21-25 May                  
GUILDFORD
Yvonne Arnaud

28 May – 1 June          
MALVERN
Festival Theatre

4-8 June                        
SHEFFIELD
Lyceum

11-15 June                    
BRIGHTON
Theatre Royal

25-29 June                    
NEWCASTLE
Theatre Royal

2-6 July                        
CHELTENHAM
Everyman

Faye Tozer first flew into the public consciousness as one fifth of the much-loved band Steps in the late 1990s, but she has also forged an impressive nearly two-decade long career in musical theatre alongside the band’s continuing success.

She’s now touring the UK in 42nd Street which comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 10 – Sat 14 Oct 2023. We caught up with Faye to hear all about those dancing feet, and what makes 42nd Street so special to her.

Audiences may know you best for your time in Steps, but you’re a hugely experienced musical theatre performer. What was the transition into musical theatre like for you? Are there many similarities?

I was very lucky to get my first musical in 2004 which was Tell Me On A Sunday, but I actually wanted to get into musical theatre from a really young age. It was amazing having Steps come first, and then having a wonderful life in musical theatre as well. The transition for me was quite interesting, mostly because of how people initially perceived me, but it’s been so wonderful to be somebody who surprises audience members who might have a preconceived idea of me. I just absolutely absorb myself in the show and in my love of theatre and I’m so lucky to tread the boards in between the times that I’m with Steps.

Steps are of course hugely well loved by fans for their choreographed routines, and 42nd Street shares a love of dance. What is it about dance that you particularly enjoy, and are there any aspects that you find more challenging?

As Steps we are of course well known for our dance routines, but dance for me has always been such a hugely special thing in my life because I just feel so joyful when I dance. My Mum sent me and my sister to dance school when we were tiny to burn off all our energy but it’s so much more than that. It’s just joyful to watch people dance and do it so brilliantly as well. To be part of 42nd Street which is all to do with dance and tap is like my childhood self’s dream! When I was about 12 years old, we performed some numbers from 42nd Street so the fact that I’m now doing it as a professional is such a wonderful full circle moment. It’s dreamy to watch the ensemble perform all these incredible numbers every night.

Your character of Maggie Jones is the writing partner of Bert Barry, played by entertainment icon, Les Dennis*. What’s it been like working with Les?

Oh, wonderful Les! Les and I actually have a little bit of history via Steps because he came and did a sketch for us for Steps Into Summer, a television programme we did. Over the years I’ve bumped into him at gameshows and things but what a joy to be sharing the stage with him, and what an absolute pro he is!

You’re experienced at touring life both as a musician and theatre performer, what are some of your must-have items for life on the road, and is there anything you like to do when you arrive in each town or city?

I am an absolute pro when it comes to touring as I’ve been touring since I was 18! I always have a prepped bathroom bag with all my bottles ready to go – when I come home at the weekend I fill the bottles back up and then they go back in the bag. I’ve got different bags for different sizes of cases as well, and I’ve got my magic overnight bag ready to go. In terms of things I like to take with me, I have a tiny speaker which is amazing and I’ve got a plug that has all my leads in it ready to go, so I can just plug it in at the hotel or wherever and I know I can charge my watch, my phone, my iPad. I always take my iPad with me when travelling so it’s loaded with all the programmes I’m watching just in case I get stuck on a journey!

You’re a very busy person, and touring life is busy too, what do you like to do during your downtime or do you have anything planned for when you next have a break?

In my downtime I love to be at home, cuddle my son, my dogs, and my husband, and just enjoy really normal things at home. I’m so blessed to live 10-minutes from the sea, so going down to the beach and just getting fresh sea air is incredible. If I’m in London or around friends then I love to catch a show, I’m a huge fan of musicals so I see as many as I can and of course I love good food and good company, just catching up with friends is so lovely.

With the wealth of experience you’ve since gained, is there any piece of advice you’d go back and give your younger self at the start of your career in music and theatre?

That’s an interesting question. I think if I could have told myself, my 18-year-old self, anything I’d say to enjoy life a bit more and not take it so seriously, and also not compare myself to other people and find joy in what makes me a bit different. The thing is though, that’s nice advice to give but part of your learning and growing up is going through all those things. All the things we might call mistakes are important life experiences that teach us where we could be going forward to. Overall, I just feel really happy and blessed to be where I am. I’m proud of my career so far, and also incredibly excited by what I’m able to be doing right now!

42nd Street plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 10 – Sat 14 Oct 2023. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

*Les Dennis will not be appearing on Fri 13 & Sat 14 Oct 2023

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 7th October 2023

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

4****

Matthew Bourne has a reputation for creating some fantastic adaptations. Taking classical tales of the very traditional variety, revamping them and splashing his style all over them, in the world of dance. This is such a great example of that. Romeo and Juliet stops at the Sheffield Lyceum for one week only and it’s well worth getting down there for a wonderful night out, if this is your cup of tea.

This is not Romeo and Juliet as you know it, although does still carry the tale of two young people falling in love, with a tragic ending. But this time the setting is an institution of sorts for young people (The Verona Institute) partaking in group therapy and living their lives within the four walls.

The talent on the stage with this cast is unreal. Super polished, charismatic and fresh. Amongst the wonderful crew, a few to mention are Monique Jonas playing Juliet, wow, she has some great stage presence to compliment her dance ability. She suits the role well with her feminine charms and grace. The dance between her and Romeo (Paris Fitzpatrick), is so beautiful and really welcomed for a bit of a breather in the performance, as it’s quite tense and hectic up to that point. Danny Reubens playing Tybalt is exceptionally good at creating the fear within his character. Anya Ferdinand really stood out as Faith with her superb expressional face and exquisite dancing.

A real huge nod must go to set and costume designer Lez Brotherston for one of the best, most effective sets. The huge ‘brick’ white wall is used in so many ways, to dance off, to run up, to climb up the steps. It also is a perfect plain canvas as a backdrop for the costumes and dancers bodies, which really stand out in front of it. When the huge light is brought down on to the stage, it’s quite unbelievable how they manage to transport that into different theatres. The scale of it is really quite something!

If you are after a classic Romeo and Juliet then this is not for you, this is edgy, well-executed contemporary magic, adapted with a real twist

Mayflower Southampton – until 7 October 2023

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

5*****

Faye Tozer, Les Dennis, Michael Praed and Nicole-Lily Baisden head this incredible cast of 42nd Street to a perfect performance in Southampton.

Olivier Award winners Bill Deamer and Rob Jones have choreographed and designed this incredible performance and their hard work has surely paid off. We follow Peggy Sawyer (Baisden) as she works hard to become a successful performer and after being picked up by Julian Marsh (Praed) initially as a member of the chorus line, she becomes the leading lady of ‘Pretty Lady’, a show written by Maggie Jones and Bert Barry (Tozer and Dennis) and Sawyer excels!

Nicole- Lily Baisden was a perfect casting, with vocals that soared and feet that continually tapped in time, I couldn’t think of a better performer to take on this challenging role. Together with Faye Tozer as Maggie Jones, their rapport was encapsulating, with Tozer giving the perfect balance of support and love mixed with gentle persuasion (with vocals and dance talents to add to the perfection!).

The cast is truly superb, with an extremely tight performance from the dancers at every turn. The tap routines, incredibly complex and intricate, are carried out to perfection-with not a toe out of line. Robert Jones’ costume and set design add to the extravagance on stage, with more sequins than I think I have ever seen in my life! I was, from the outset, totally mesmerised by the dancing and singing from the whole cast and felt my foot tapping away during most songs, but particularly throughout ‘We’re in the Money’ (my favourite song In the show!)

If you haven’t made your way, or started your journey – come and meet these dancing feet down 42nd Street! If you’ve got a little time to spare, you will not be disappointed by this phenomenal cast!!

Leeds Playhouse – until Saturday 7 October 2023

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

5*****

A powerful and down to earth production addressing seriously the issues that fundamentally affect many and their livelihoods in society today. I,Daniel Blake, based on Paul Laverty’s screenplay and Ken Loach’s multi-award-winning film, comes to the Leeds Playhouse as part of the UK Tour. The stage co-production is adapted by Dave Johns, who played the role in the 2016 film, and is directed by Mark Calvert.

I, Daniel Blake is about the stories of Daniel (David Nellist) and Katie (Bryony Corrigan) who are facing circumstantial hardships that financially impact their lives. Their hardships are not met with the current social security system and its bureaucracies. Daniel and Katie share their stories that raises awareness of what many people face today particularly the cost-of-living crisis and the gig work economy.

The story of the stage adaptation has been updated since the film to reflect the worsening situation and the severity of the hardships many more face now than in 2016. It is relevant, logical and is beautifully and poignantly told by Daniel and Kate whose solidarity and companionship combine with kindness, hope and humour supporting their plights of what seems to be never-ending challenges.

It is entertaining and yet compelling with questions, anger and frustration as to why in reality many have to face what Daniel and Katie face. The characters may be fictional, but their stories and its themes certainly are not! It is an awakening call to all in society today and this well thought out production successfully calls this.

First class portrayals of Daniel by Nellist and Katie by Corrigan. They successfully project the characters and their stories. Both performers are supported by a strong and talented cast; notably Kema Sikazwe who plays China, and he played the same role in the 2016 film. The staging, designed by Rhys Jarman, is functional and is adapted creatively to stage each scenario. The stage works well with Simisola Majekodunmi’s lighting and Roma Yagnik’s soundscapes.

It is a relevant play for all to see what life is really like for the many in modern Britain and how the current social security system is not working to support the essentials for those who need it. To reiterate it is an awakening not another awareness of an existential issue which continues to be intensified.

From 2016 to the present time food banks have dramatically increased along with the hygiene bank and other community driven emergency support networks. It can be hoped that the proposed Essential Guarantee can be introduced and implemented socially and politically to make the crucial differences.

The stories told in I Daniel Blake can be anyone is with any change of circumstances.

• THE CLASS OF 1985: FIRST CASTING REVEALED FOR ‘STARTER FOR TEN’ MUSICAL AS NEW PHOTOGRAPHY IS RELEASED

• THE WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW MUSICAL ‘STARTER FOR TEN’ BASED ON THE BESTSELLING DAVID NICHOLLS NOVEL AND POPULAR HBO/PLAYTONE FILM WILL RUN AT BRISTOL OLD VIC 29 FEBRUARY – 30 MARCH 2024
   
• SET IN 1980’S BRISTOL, WITH THE BACKDROP OF TV QUIZ SHOW UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE, THIS BIG-HEARTED SHOW WILL FEATURE AN 80S-INSPIRED ORIGINAL SCORE AND LYRICS BY TOM RASMUSSEN AND HATTY CARMAN, WITH BOOK AND LYRICS BY EMMA HALL AND CHARLIE PARHAM

Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films and Playtone today announce initial casting for their major new musical Starter for Ten, introducing a new generation of young actors with a wealth of musical theatre talent between them. This bright, big-hearted show will receive its world premiere at Bristol Old Vic from 29 February – 30 March 2024 as part of Nancy Medina’s inaugural season as Artistic Director.

Based on the hilarious coming-of-age novel by David Nicholls (One Day, Us, Sweet Sorrow) and the popular 2006 film adaptation starring James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, James Corden and Rebecca Hall, this tale of love, class and growing up in the 1980s is set in Bristol against the backdrop of legendary British quiz show University Challenge.

Starring in the leading role, Adam Bregman plays the Southend-born, Bristol-bound undergraduate, ‘Brian’. Currently training at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, his previous theatre includes Sing Street (Huntington Theatre) and Bar Mitzvah Boy (Upstairs At The Gatehouse). His film and TV credits include: The Effects Of Lying (ITVX), Genius/Picasso (National Geographic), Tolkien (Fox Searchlight Pictures) and Call Me Alvy (Turn The Slate Productions).

Making her stage debut, Eubha Akilade takes the role of ‘Rebecca’, Glasweigan rabble-rouser and Brian’s closest friend on campus. Eubha began her acting career in 2014 when she landed the regular role of Lily Watson in the CBBC hit series Eve, a role she played for 3 series.  As the regular character of Ines Le Breton, she filmed 3 seasons of the hit Hulu/Disney show Find Me In Paris and since then has appeared in BBC Studios/World Productions The Diplomat as recurring character Amy Callaghan, ITV’s Six Four as recurring character Olivia O’Neill and most recently has been filming her second series of BBC’s Shetland where she plays the regular character of PC Lorna Burns.  She will also soon be seen in Northern Ireland Screen’s feature film Housejackers. 

Stephenson Ardern-Sodje plays Brian’s childhood best friend ‘Spencer’. His musical credentials include the role of Spike in Rock Follies (Chichester Festival Theatre); the lead role of Daniel in Once on This Island (Regent’s Park Theatre); Simba in Disney’s The Lion King (UK & Ireland tour); and Hamilton: An American Musical (Cameron Mackintosh Ltd). Other theatre includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It and The Tempest (Globe Theatre tour). Television includes Mood (BBC) and Breeders (Sky).

The Challenge team also features Miracle Chance in the role of ‘Lucy’, always calm in a crisis and a quiz fanatic. Miracle is currently in rehearsal for the National Theatre production of The Witches. Recent theatre work includes the role of Veronica Sawyer in Heathers and Be More Chill (both for BKL productions); The Witchfinder’s Sister and Priscilla Queen of the Desert (both Queens Theatre Hornchurch) and Rocky Horror Show as Columbia (Trafalgar Entertainment).

The role of ‘Alice’, student am-dram celebrity and Brian’s unrequited crush, is played by Emily Lane. Emily’s musical theatre career began as a child playing Brigitta Von Trapp in The Sound of Music (Really Useful Group production) and Young Cosette in Les Misérables for Cameron Mackintosh productions. She most recently played the lead role of Anna in the West End production of Frozen (Theatre Royal Drury Lane). Other credits include Elle Woods in the ArtsEd production of Legally Blonde in 2019.

Will Jennings plays ‘Patrick’, the Bristol Challenge team captain and Brian’s biggest critic. Will’s West End theatre credits include Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre, West End); The Mousetrap (St Martin’s Theatre) and Avenue Q (Gatehouse Theatre, London), alongside UK tours of Shrek the Musical (UK tour) and Benidorm Live (UK tour). Further theatre credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Broadway Theatre, Catford); The Night Pirates (Rose Theatre, Kingston); Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale (Royal College of Music); Cinderella (New Wimbledon Theatre); Dick Whittington (Salisbury Playhouse) and Sleeping Beauty (Milton Keynes Theatre).

Emma Hall and Charlie Parham said: “It is so exciting to be working with a new generation of extremely talented young actors. In exactly the same way that the film ‘Starter for 10’ was instrumental in launching the careers of so many young British stars (James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rebecca Hall, Dominic Cooper and James Corden to name but a few!), we have seized this opportunity to champion and showcase the stars of tomorrow.”

Further casting to be announced later this year when the lead roles of Professor Bowman, Brian’s mum Irene Jackson, and the iconic quizmaster Bamber Gascoigne will be revealed.

David Nicholls, author of the bestselling novel Starter for Ten, said “20 years after publication, it’s such a thrill that Brian’s misadventures are being brought to the stage, and by such a brilliant, dynamic team.”

Starter for Ten has book and lyrics co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, Artistic Directors of Antic Productions. The 80s-inspired original score and lyrics are composed by queer, pop-punk composers Tom Rasmussen (who recently supported Rina Sawayama and Self Esteem on UK tour with their debut album, Body Building) and Hatty Carman. The production will be directed by Charlie Parham, choreographed by Shelley Maxwell, with set and costume design by Olivier Award-nominee Frankie Bradshaw, sound design by Gregory Clarke and casting by Will Burton for GBC.

Starter for Ten is now on sale at https://bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/starter-for-ten.
Sign up for more information on the show at www.starterfortenmusical.com.

Fingers on buzzers! Here’s your Starter for Ten…

What is eighteen-year-old Brian Jackson’s proudest achievement to date? His A-level results. His idol? Kate Bush. His lifelong dream? To compete on legendary TV quiz show University Challenge. It’s 1985 and, leaving Southend to start his first year at Bristol University, Brian soon discovers that falling in love and growing up take a lot more than general knowledge…

Featuring an irresistible original soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the 80s, Starter for Ten is a bright, big-hearted coming-of-age comedy about love, belonging and the all-important difference between knowledge and wisdom.

Blackpool Grand Theatre – until Saturday 7 October 2023

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

5*****

“Laughter, mayhem, and a great deal of slapstick is what you will get so do not miss the opportunity to see this amazing comedy”.

The Theatre Royal Bath Productions in association with Birmingham Rep present Noises Off written by Michael Frayn which can be seen at The Grand Theatre Blackpool until Saturday 07th September.

This is the first time that I have reviewed a comedy and all I can say is I never stopped laughing from start to finish along with the rest of the audience. One of the most common themes in this farce is the abundance of chaos with characters running around trying to prevent one crisis after another which on many an occasion caused more issues with which they then had to resolve.

Noises Off is an extremely amusing play about a touring theatre group as they act out their own play – Nothing On and is portrayed in three acts including final rehearsals for one show, backstage for opening night for another and the final act is the last matinee for the show.

‘Act one’ is set at midnight, the night before the first performance at the fictional Grand Theatre in Weston-super-Mare. It is the technical rehearsal where the cast are desperately unready which results in missed cues and lines, confusion with entrances and exits and annoying props including several plates of Sardines. This results in driving their director Lloyd into a seething rage on several occasions.

‘Act Two’ is at the Theatre Royal in Ashton-under-Lyne (this was an actual theatre that was demolished in 1963) and is a month later and seen from the backstage at the Wednesday matinee performance. It provides a view that emphasises the petty quarrels of lovers, deteriorating relationships between the cast and romantic rivalries which causes mischief offstage including an axe and cactus and uproar and confusion on stage.

‘Act Three’ the final act occurs at the end of the ten-week run of the show at the fictional Municipal Theatre in Stockton-on-Tees. At this point, the cast relationship has plummeted to a low, props are not where they should be and being picked up by the wrong cast member and to top it off cues are being missed and people are on stage when they shouldn’t be. The actors try their best to cover up the mishaps but eventually the plot is abandoned, and the characters take a lead in ad-libbing towards some sort of end.

What I enjoyed about this show besides the wonderful talent was the separate acts as it not only helped in the telling of the story but also gave the cast a chance to show off their talents with which they did admirably.

For me, it was great to see Liza Goddard, Simon Shepherd, and Matthew Kelly with whom I have admired over the years and their performances were truly remarkable along with the rest of the superb cast of Dan Fredenburgh, Lisa Ambalavanar, Nikhita Lesler, Simon Coates, Lucy Robinson and Daniel Rainford.

The production also needs special thanks to Lindsay Posner the director, Simon Higlett for creating such an adaptable set, Gregory Clarke for sound and Paul Pyant for lighting.