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RAYMOND GUBBAY LIMITED PRESENTS

THE NUTCRACKER, SWAN LAKE & SLEEPING BEAUTY

TOURING THE UK IN 2024

Raymond Gubbay Limited is pleased to announce that Varna International Ballet and Orchestra will return to UK after a hugely successful debut in 2023, with a repertoire consisting of THE NUTCRACKER, SWAN LAKE and SLEEPING BEAUTY.

The company will visit Cardiff, Manchester, Bristol, Buxton, Liverpool, Blackpool, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Darlington, Hull, Ipswich, High Wycombe, Wimbledon, Norwich, Reading, Southend, Basingstoke, Brighton, Northampton, Leicester and Oxford from December – February 2024. Tour dates are available in full here. 

The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty will be classical versions of the original, including sumptuous costumes and familiar choreography and settings.

Swan Lake will be a recreation of Tchaikovsky’s original production, that was created for the Bolshoi Ballet in 1877. Modern audiences are more familiar with the 1895 version that included musical and chorographical changes to the original by Marius Petipa and Riccardo Drigo, which was presented at the Mariinsky Theatre in 1895, two years after Tchaikovsky’s death. The producers of Varna International Ballet went back into the archives in order to return to the original score, orchestration and libretto, above all to preserve the original meanings that were at the bottom of the musical dramaturgy of the ballet.

Renowned for its award-winning soloists from the UK, France, Italy and Spain, and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home in Bulgaria and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.

Artistic Director Daniela Dimova and Music Director and Chief Conductor Peter Tuleshkov from Varna International Ballet and Orchestra said:

‘We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.’

Varna State Opera was founded in 1947 by the renowned Bulgarian tenor Peter Raycheff. The main credit for the development of the ballet troupe goes to Galina and Stefan Yordanov who were Artistic Directors and choreographers for over 25 years (1960-1985). They formed the image of the Varna Ballet and brought it to the international stage and founded the first and now world-famous Varna International Ballet Competition in 1964. Since 2010 Varna State Opera and Varna Drama Theatre are united in one cultural institute called Theatre and Music Production Centre Varna.

The ballets to be performed this season are:

Swan Lake – The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

Sleeping Beauty – Every child’s favourite fairy tale, this is the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score. Stunning choreography, sumptuous costumes and wonderful sets form the fantasy world in which the Lilac Fairy struggles against the evil Carabosse.

The Nutcracker – This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…

www.raymondgubbay.co.uk

THE WEST END & BROADWAY HIT IS BACK!

A Fiery Angel in Association with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch production

John Buchan’s The 39 Steps, adapted by Patrick Barlow

From an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon

UK TOUR  FROM 14 MARCH TO 27 JULY, 2024

They said it was unstageable! Four actors transport the audience into a world of dastardly espionage, breathless romance and daredevil escapes. THE 39 STEPS triumphantly returns to embark on a tour across the UK, launching at winner of UK Theatre’s Most Welcoming Theatre award, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch on the 14 March, 2024 and ending by the sea at Southend Palace Theatre on 27 July, 2024 after visiting Richmond, Cambridge, Newcastle, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow to name but a few from the 20 week tour! 

THE 39 STEPS is back out on a UK tour after nearly 10 years in London’s West End, taking Broadway by storm, playing in 39 different countries across the globe, and delighting over 3 million people worldwide with its quintessentially plucky spirit and dashing sense of fun. Originally written as a novel in 1915 by John Buchan, and made into a ‘BFI Top 5 British Film of all time’ by Alfred Hitchcock THE 39 STEPS is adapted by critically acclaimed and award-winning writer, Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon into a Olivier and Tony award winning international hit.

Follow the incredible adventures of our dashing hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly magnificent women.

This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.

This production celebrates theatricality and includes legendary Hitchcockian scenes from the chase on the Flying Scotsman and the Escape on the Forth Bridge, to the first ever staged theatrical Bi-Plane Crash and the sensational death-defying Finale in the London Palladium. The inventive set design by Peter McKintosh, allows the action-packed story to flow seamlessly from one location to another, and will be brought vividly to life by the talented and versatile cast of four (casting to be announced).

Patrick Barlow brings his unique brand of comedy to THE 39 STEPS. A playwright, screen-writer and director, Patrick’s work is adored worldwide, including the internationally renowned The 39 Steps.

Fiery Angel is a production company headed by Edward Snape and Marilyn Eardley and they are thrilled to be working with the extraordinary team at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch to launch this tour. THE 39 STEPS is directed by Maria Aitken with movement direction by Toby Sedgwick.   Set and costume design is by Peter McIntosh, with lighting design by Ian Scott and sound design by Mic Pool. 

Find out more at love39steps.com

@39StepsPlay on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

Hampstead Downstairs, London – until 28th October 2023

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

4****

Behavioural biologist Professor George Grey (Jemma Redgrave) lives in a university owned house with an octopus called Frances. Alongside her late husband, she wrote world renowned papers about Frances and her life in a tank in a living room. Enter Dr Harry Giscard (Ewan Miller), an anthropologist with bold new ideas about both Frances and George. They tumble and tussle with each other’s intelligence, taking in grief, love, sentience, and spirituality along the way.

Marek Horn’s pacy script is cerebral and funny. There are times when my internet addled brain can’t cope with the highly researched narrative, however those moments are fleeting and dormant parts of my brain fire up again. Under Ed Madden’s direction, the two characters take it in turns to narrate the piece, intertwining like two research papers being written on the same subject. It’s a bit like witnessing a TED talk in someone’s home whilst life goes on around them.

Running throughout there is a sparky and sweary humour and playfulness, and dancing to blasts of David Bowie tracks brings a welcome change in pace and tone. Octopolis is 100 minutes of at times incredibly complicated dialogue, but it is the charismatic performances by Miller and Redgrave that hold your attention throughout. Their relationship is believable and dynamic, and by the end quietly revelatory.

Anisha Fields’ simple yet effective design along with Jamie Platt’s vivid lighting is brilliant at creating the presence of Frances without ever seeing her. The tank runs the length of the stage, and changes in mood and emotion are revealed through a spectrum of colour changes from bright orange to red to a cooler blue. There are jets of foam and bubbling noises which serve as a signal for a new chapter and a new narrator.

Complex thoughts and ideas give way to the shifting emotions in a play that is profound and funny. It has huge themes, a small but clever space, and impressive performances. Enjoyable to the end, you come away having learnt something about octopuses and humans alike.

AHOY THERE LANDLUBBERS!
WEST END CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

CAUSING PAN-DEMONIUM THIS CHRISTMAS
AT THE LYRIC THEATRE

By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields

Based on Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Mischief, creators of the multi award-winning global sensation The Play That Goes Wrong, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery and Royal Television Society award-winning BBC comedy series The Goes Wrong Show, announce the West End cast of Peter Pan Goes Wrong which sails into the West End for 7½ weeks only at the Lyric Theatre this Christmas(Thursday 23 November 2023 – Sunday 14 January 2024, with a Gala Performance on Tuesday 28 November) before continuing to tour the UK.

Returning to the West End following successful runs on Broadway and in Los Angeles are Matthew Cavendish (Max), Harry Kershaw (Chris), Chris Leask (Trevor), Ellie Morris (Lucy), Charlie Russell (Sandra), Greg Tannahill (Jonathan), and Nancy Zamit (Annie, 23 Nov – 17 Dec & 11 – 14 Jan). They are joined by the current UK touring cast Jamie Birkett (Annie, 19 Dec – 10 Jan), Clark Devlin (Dennis), Matthew Howell (Robert) and Jean-Luke Worrell (Francis). The company is completed by Romeo Mika, Clare Noy, Consuela Rolle, and Phil Yarrow.

Co-penned by Mischief’s award-winning writing trio, Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned farce and Buster Keaton inspired slapstick, delivered with split-second timing and ambitious daring. The play sees the ‘Cornley Drama Society’ back on stage battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M. Barrie’s much-loved tale. But will they ever make it to Neverland?

Nominated for an Olivier Award for ‘Best New Comedy’ in 2016, Peter Pan Goes Wrong has enjoyed two West End seasons, a tour of Australia and New Zealand and two major UK tours. Original members of the Mischief company have just completed hugely successful Broadway and Los Angeles seasons of the production, winning the Drama Desk Award for ‘Unique Theatrical Experience’ and the Broadway.com Audience Choice Award for ‘Favorite New Play’. Peter Pan Goes Wrong has just begun a 6 month UK tour, visiting venues around the country until April 2024. BBC One broadcast a one-hour version of the show on primetime television in December 2016, starring David Suchet as the guest narrator, watched by an audience of over six million worldwide.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is directed by Adam Meggido,with associate director Fred Gray, set designs by Simon Scullion, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Matt Haskins and sound by Ella Wahlström. Original music by Rob Falconer and Richard Baker. Peter Pan Goes Wrong is regrettably produced by Kenny Wax Ltd. and Stage Presence Ltd. by arrangement with Mischief Worldwide Ltd.

New Wimbledon Theatre – until 30 September 2023

Reviewed by Amber Mills

5*****

Magical musical fantasy, where dreams come alive!

Shrek is a classic childhood film that was originally a fantasy comedy picture book published in 1990 by American book writer and cartoonist William Steig, about a mean lord who exiled fairytale creatures to the swamp of a terrifying, repugnant green ogre by the name of Shrek, who must go on a quest and rescue a princess for the lord in order to get his land back. Shrek ends up leaving his home to see the world and ends up marrying an ugly princess.

This big, bright, beautiful cast was remarkable. Each and every cast member was captivating and larger than life during the ensemble numbers, in particular, ‘Freak Flag’, I didn’t know where to look. Everyone really embraced their characters and took them to another level. They didn’t just play there bulk standard fairytale creatures, they went beyond and each added their own spice on top of the general characteristics which reinvigorated these fun-loving, lively characters.

In particular there were 4 dancing prisoners in ‘Donkey’s pot pie’ song who drew my eye. They brought the power, and pazzazz to this crazy routine. These dancers had chains around their wrists and ankles yet were still going full out with feeling and because of this it made it an even funnier moment to watch.

One of my favourite characters of the evening was Donkey, who was played by Brandon Lee Sears. Donkey is known for his talkative, but annoying demeanour, which Brandon portrayed fantastically!

His ecstatic energy and impeccable characterization had me in fits of laughter throughout the show.

Another talented member of the cast who stood out to me was Jonathan David Dudley for his superb multi-roling. He played the Captain of the Guard, Pied Piper and the Priest, all of which had totally different character qualities and to be able to switch between these roles throughout this show is a real talent when these are completely different types of characters. From his clear diction to his bold character choices Jonathan is a very versatile performer who I couldn’t take my eyes off of, even when not speaking in a scene.

I was also mind blown with Cherece Richards performance as the Dragon. It was a powerful but mellifluous performance that gave me shivers when watching. Cherece also plays the Wicked Witch but it was her performance in ‘Donkeys Pot Pie’ that really raised the roof for me.

To conclude the characters Fiona (Joanne Clifton) and Shrek (Antony Lawrence) in their duet of ‘I think I got you beat’ bounced off each other and gave a very fun, joyful performance. Joanne nailed Fiona’s split personality of a pretty, innocent princess, who also has tomboy mannerisms.

Anthony’s performance as Shrek throughout was solid and truthful.

The whole set of Shrek was very unique and true to the story, however a personal opinion of mine would be that in certain scenes the projector ruined some of the authenticity. In previous productions of Shrek there was a real bridge to the dragon’s castle which in my opinion made it more authentic but nevertheless the excellent timing that Shrek and Donkey had with the screen made up for it.

The lighting patterning and the costumes in this show really complemented the magical fairytale creatures. The way all of the costumes were vibrantly glitzed up just made the whole magical fantasy land even more life-like.

This was an extremely entertaining show that was casted very cleverly. It’s a show that brings back the magical childhood memories and is a must watch for all families!

Lyceum, Sheffield – until 30 September 2023

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

4****

The Drifters Girl musical tells the story of the highs and lows of the woman who made the Drifters. Faye Treadwell explains the highs of the Drifters hit records to the lows of tragedy and legal battles to her daughter. Faye Treadwell was the manager of the Drifters who refused to give up on the group she held so much passion for.

The stage setting for this show is simple but effective with changing in lighting and screen projections.

The cast consists of only 6 members, Faye Treadwell (Carly Mercedes Dyer), George Treadwell & others (Miles Anthony Daley), Ben E King, Rudy Lewis & others (Ashford Campbell), Clyde Mcphatter, Lover Paterson & others (Tarik Frimpong), Johnny Moore, Gerhart Thrasher & others (Dalton Harris) and the Girl (Jaydah Bell-Rickets). Although the men all did a remarkable job juggling all these roles, I did feel that with them playing so many different characters it was quite confusing especially as the show is quite fast paced telling the story especially in Act 1. Sometimes the onstage quick costume changes was a little off putting.

Carly Mercedes Dyer (Fay) has an amazing voice and certainly did the role justice. All the men, Miles Anthony Daley, Ashford Campbell, Tarik Frimpont and Dalton Harris are all very talented and their vocals and dancing were brilliant, for me I think Ashford Campbell just had that little bit of something extra but all of them did the main character role of the Drifters exceptionally well.

The orchestra were a major part in this musical and were faultless.

The Drifters Girl showcases lots of musical numbers that everyone loves such as Come on Over to my Place, Save the Last Dance for me, Saturday Night at the Movies and Under the Boardwalk. The hardest part in this musical was trying not to sing along to the songs but in true theatre style at the end they got everyone up on their feet for a dance and sing along.

If you love Drifters songs, you will no doubt love going to see this musical. I could have stayed longer just listening to them singing.

New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until Saturday 30th September 2023

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

5*****

New Victoria Theatre brings you Rodgers and Hammersteins classic,The King and I and what a spectacular production it was! Opening with an orchestra that played such delightful music and powerful sounds as the curtain lifted from the stage and what an applause from the audience it received!

For me this was the first time I had ever seen this show and it didn’t disappoint!
The King and I tells the story of an English school teacher Anna Leonowens (Annalene Beechey) who accepts a job and becomes hired by King of Siam (Brian Rivera), to educate some of his many children as well as his wives in the English culture.

During this time a friendship is formed between Anna and King although it’s not without many clashes along the way. They both come across very stubborn, with the King trying desperately to control Anna and Anna continuing to challenge him and stand her ground. An atmosphere he’s not quite use too! But as time goes by they begin to understand and accept each others very different cultures. Through it all a kindness is formed between the pair and a true friendship is made.

Onstage they both show an amazing connection for all to see with Anna and the King offering spectacular  vocals sang with strength and much stamina throughout the performance.

Everything about this show was of high standard. The dancers showed  impressive skill throughout and the children were charming and adorable to watch. The costumes were very authentic colourful and a joy to take in.

Looking around the audience there was much emotion throughout with smiles and laughter as well as tears!

I must admit I enjoyed every second of this superb magical production that ended in a standing ovation in which it definitely deserved. I wish I could go back and watch it all over again! Definitely one not to be missed – just incredible. What an amazing enjoyable evening had by all

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 30th September 2023

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

5*****

Calendar Girls the Musical, written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth is a welcome throwback to the film that many will remember with a smile. Twenty years on from the film release, this musical version has the same effect.

Based on a true story, the production centres around a group of women who are all members of the Women’s Institute in a Yorkshire village. An eclectic group of women, all of them find friendship in their regular and traditional WI activities; inter-group craft competitions, cake baking and fundraising. Following the death of a member’s husband and fuelled by their mission to raise money for the local hospital, the group moves hilariously from eclectic to electric!

The key components of life, love, friendship and loss are really the main theme and not the nudity we all associate with ‘The Calendar Girls’. All elements are sensitively portrayed in this production, directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and reinforced with a mix of uplifting and thoughtful song.

The production set is simple in design and switches swiftly between being a village hall, hospital relatives’ room and the WI national conference stage. However, the simplicity of it means that the focus is always on the depth of the relationships that are the commentary of the production and the musical elements that add further dimension.

Annie (played by Tanya Franks) and Chris (played by Amy Robbins) have been friends for 40 years and pull together against the harsh reality of Annie’s husband having cancer. The portrayal of their deep friendship keeps the audience vested in its value and ultimately drawn into the turmoil that is felt when you lose someone close, let alone the love of your life.

The tragic loss of Annie’s husband is the cue for a step change in the group’s attitude to tradition and reputational risk. Every member of the group is transformed by the ‘not insane’ idea of revamping the WI calendar, replacing images of churches and teapots with more risqué images.

At this point, the whole cast and lighting also take on a livelier disposition. Every one of the main characters poses individually on stage for a photo shoot, with carefully placed WI props and cheeky lines. The audience reaction is one of awe and applause; a perfect segway to the end of the show that reminds us of the amazing things that can be achieved when ‘ordinary people do something extraordinary’.

Malvern Theatre – until Saturday 30 September 2023

Reviewed by Kathie Hodges

2**

Loosely based on the movie Bridesmaids ~ Bridesmaids of Britain tells the story of Sarah ~ the Bride to be and the new found rivalry between her oldest friend Becky and her new seemingly posh and perfect best friend Tiffany.

You enter to see the stage lit up in a striking bright pink which wows at first glance, and a wedding dress, but that’s about as much styling as you can expect, the set is very simple and though you are promised a great night out of huge belly laughs with your girlfriends, the show lacked rather. I was grateful I didn’t drag my girlfriends along.

The three actresses (Kathryn Rutherford, Rebecca Tebbitt, Rebecca Jayne-Davies) did the best job they could with what they had, there were laughs, dance offs, sing offs and lots of gobbing off (expect strong language from the outset) but the script was seriously lacking.

I wouldn’t rush to this one sadly.

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh- until 30th September 2023 

Reviewed by Marcus 

4****

It’s the show of the moment, everyone seems to have seen it or heard about it. So what’s the deal? I’ve always loved horror theatre, the iconic ‘Woman in Black’ and ‘Ghost Stories’ have been some of the best shows I’ve ever seen. 2:22 A Ghost Story deserves its place alongside these shows. Throughout the show I jumped, had goosebumps, and felt constantly uneasy. 

A cast of four actors makes use of the intimate staging. The busy space is the home of Jenny and Sam, played by Louisa Lytton and Nathaniel Curtis respectively. The stage takes us on a journey to somewhere very real. An ordinary (obviously mid-renovation) home and an ordinary gathering of friends. A mirror image of everyday life. Throughout the show, that sense of normality is snatched away with no notice, and the highly unordinary supernatural takes over. A clock placed on the stage, counting down the hours and minutes to 2:22 constantly increases the unease and tension. You know something big is coming, but don’t know what. This is what made watching the show so chilling for me, this constant reminder glowing at us in the haunting red digital clock. The jump scares throughout actually serve to give the audience a break from the tension, preventing the story from becoming unbearable. 

Alongside Lytton and Curtis, you have Joe Absolom playing Ben, and Charlene Boyd playing Lauren. Initially, the characters felt a little bit too caricature-ish. It shortly became clear, however, that the big personalities make the characters shine, and the actors did a good job of handling these roles. Boyd, a Scottish actress, played an American person who likes the odd glass of wine or two. Well, actually, any glass she can pick up. It was such a pleasure to watch how she progresses in the drunken state, from humour to horror. Curtis deftly plays a know-it-all, with an answer for everything. Science as absolute law. The character is deeply unlikable, but Curtis’ performance was my favourite of the show. Absolom and Lytton both also did such a phenomenal job. Absolom played the partner of Lauren, a builder who has a skill for communicating with the dead. Lytton played a distressed new mother, looking to protect her daughter from the ghost that is haunting her house. The large personalities of the characters contrasted and complemented each other, going from argument to laughter to argument again. 

This tour of 2:22 will be making its way across the UK until June 2024, and I would highly recommend looking on their website to see if the show is coming to a theatre near you. It’s an enjoyable show which at times is hilarious, haunting, and straight-up shocking. It will be in Edinburgh for a few more days but is returning to Scotland in November, making a stop in Glasgow.