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CAST ANNOUNCED FOR UNDERBELLY’S

LA CLIQUE AT THEIR RENOWNED CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE

Underbelly today announces the initial cast for the return of the Olivier award-winning, ground-breaking cabaret, La Clique to the West End.

La Clique will preview from the 8^th of November, opening the curtains officially from 15^th November and will conclude on the 6^th January 2024 in in the iconic Spiegeltent in Leicester Square.  With Christmas fast approaching La Clique is the critically acclaimed, pulse-racing show to watch this festive season and is guaranteed to blow audiences away night after night.

Tickets are on sale now and available from lacliquetheshow.com.

Returning to the West End this Christmas, is Lj Marles who once again will astound audiences with his tension strap artistry, internationally renowned clown Tara Boom will once more take to the stage with her incredible foot juggling and David Pereira will defy the laws of the human body with his contortion.

Vocalist Chastity Belt will make her Leicester Square debut and will raise the roof with her powerhouse voice alongside further world-renowned artists still to be announced.

Born at the Edinburgh Festival in 2004 and subsequently travelling the world to international acclaim, La Clique is widely regarded as THE original Spiegeltent cabaret show that created a genre of its own. With its award winning and superlative family of circus, cabaret and music performers as well as its unique and irreverent atmosphere, La Clique promises once again to be the highlight of the festive calendar as it makes it’s eagerly anticipated return for the fourth year.

The Leicester Square Spiegeltent sits at the heart of Underbelly’s Christmas in Leicester Square, which transforms the centre of bustling London into a magical destination. This festive season enjoy the Christmas markets at both Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. They include a range of beautiful outdoor bars, delicious food vendors and traditional market stalls. Underbelly has delivered Christmas in Leicester Square on behalf of City of Westminster since 2016.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR

AT THE LYRIC THEATRE
ON 15 NOVEMBER 2023

WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY
LOURDS LANE

AND STARRING TV & WEST END STAR
LUCIE JONES

The exciting full ‘Super-Power’ cast are announced for SuperYou!

Joining the previously announced Lucie Jones (Wicked/Waitress/Les Miserables/X-Factor)as Katie, is the show’s writer, composer Lourds Lane as Rise, with Luke Brady (The Prince of Egypt) as Jay, Jenny O’Leary (Heathers) as Ima-Mazing, Sharon Ballard (Mother Goose) as Blast, Joni Ayton-Kent (Carousel) as Seven, Aaliyah Monk (School of Rock West End) as Young Katie, Jonty Peach (Romeo) as Matty, Maddy Brennan (My Fair Lady, Cabaret, Oklahoma!) as Mom, and completing the cast is assistant director and choreographer, Will Bozier (Wicked, Moulin Rouge!) as Mi-Roar.  

SuperYou Musical, centers around the transformative journey of a comic book artist who discovers self-love and her own voice as her superheroine creations spring to life. It will make its West End debut, in a concert version, at the Lyric Theatre for one performance only on 15 November 2023.

The musical’s score is a dynamic rock soundtrack that seamlessly incorporates a wide range of musical styles, including pop, hip hop, swing, blues, gospel, country, and soulful power ballads.

By delving into themes of discovering inner strength, while fostering acceptance, inclusivity, and celebrating kindness, both towards others and, crucially, oneself, SuperYou is conveyed through poignant dialogue and modern, instantly memorable music, making it a tale that feels particularly relevant and timely in today’s world.

Initially planned for an off-Broadway debut, SuperYouwas the first theatrical production to perform during the pandemic, performing concerts on socially distanced pick-up trucks at a drive-in, in upstate New York. These pandemic concerts garnered national and international attention, and a film was later released as a popular documentary on Broadway on Demand.

During the pandemic, while many shows stopped activity and shut down, SuperYougained what Playbill calls “a substantial cult following” for its online content and concept album of demos with over 23 million views on TikTok. #FANCOVERFRIDAY emerged as fans worldwide created their own SuperYoumusic renditions, a trend continuing for three years.

Due to its online popularity and viral videos, SuperYou quickly sold-out Carnegie Hall in July 2022. The musical continued its success with a critical and audience- acclaimed developmental production at Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee in June 2023.

Following their impressive debut in 2022, SuperYouwill be returning to London’s Musical Con this year! Watch the SuperYou mainstage performance on Sunday 22 October at 11:55 AM along with a panel discussion on “How to Write a Musical” with SuperYou creator, Lourds Lane, later that day at 4:00 PM.

Tickets to the SuperYou Concert at the Lyric are available here:

https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/superyou-musical/

SuperYou has book/music/lyrics by Lourds Lane, direction and choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, music supervision by Wendy Bobbitt Cavett, projection design by Caite Hevner, lighting design by Charlie Morgan Jones, sound design by Justin Teasdale, arrangements and orchestrations by Lourds Lane and Wendy Bobbitt Cavett, and is produced by Melissa M. Jones / All Awesome with general management by Anthology Theatre Productions. Casting by Pearson Casting.

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NEW BRITISH MUSICAL

THE LITTLE BIG THINGS

BASED ON THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST-SELLING MEMOIR BY HENRY FRASER

EXTENDS TO SATURDAY 2 MARCH 2024

Michael Harrison and Nica Burns today announce extension to the critically acclaimed new British musical The Little Big Things, based on the best-selling memoir by Henry Fraser, with music by Nick Butcher, lyrics by Nick Butcher and Tom Ling and book by Joe White. The production, directed by Luke Sheppard, will now run at @sohoplace until Saturday 2 March 2024.

The extension is announced as @sohoplace, the first new theatre in West End for more than 50 years, approaches its first birthday. The Little Big Things is the first musical to perform at the venue and the fifth production in the @sohoplace’s first year, following Marvellous, As You Like It, Medea, and Brokeback Mountain.

Nica Burns said: “All of us @sohoplace theatre are delighted that, in response to the nightly enthusiastic standing ovations from audiences, we are extending our joyful, new musical with all the original cast to 2 March 2024.  We realised we needed to give more people the opportunity to enjoy this premiere production of Henry Fraser’s inspiring story told by such a great cast – and now they can!”

Michael Harrison said:“Henry’s story is incredibly inspiring and since our very first performance, the musical has been overwhelmingly embraced by our audiences, as they see his incredible achievements brought to life on stage. I’m thrilled that we announce today the extension of The Little Big Things and that many more people will now be able to experience this unforgettable night in the theatre.”

An extraordinary true story about an ordinary family.

When one moment changes everything, Henry’s family are split between a past they no longer recognise, and a future they could never foresee. 

Can Mum and Dad rally his three brothers; as the family start a journey to overcome the unimaginable?

Based on the Sunday Times best-selling autobiography by Henry Fraser, The Little Big Things is a new British musical with an explosive theatrical pop soundtrack in a world premiere production. This uplifting and colourful new musical is a life-affirming reminder about the transformative power of family, and how sometimes it really is the little things which matter the most.

An avid sportsman and academy player with a premiership Rugby club, Henry Fraser’s life changed forever when in 2009 he had a diving accident. From that moment he had a new life to live as a tetraplegic and new circumstances to accept and adapt to. Henry’s defiance and determination to prosper against devastating odds led to him wheeling himself out of hospital a whole year earlier than predicted. Today he is a successful artist, inspirational speaker and best-selling author.   

Cast: Ed Larkin and Jonny Amies as Henry Fraser, Linzi Hateley and Alasdair Harvey as Henry’s parents, Fran Fraser and Andrew Fraser. They are joined by Jordan Benjamin (Dom), Rebecca Bowden (Surgeon), Jamie Chatterton (Tom), Gracie McGonigal (Katie), Tom Oliver (Marco), Malinda Parris (Dr Graham), Cleve September (Will) and Amy Trigg (Agnes) alongside Stephen John Davis, Elena Pitsiaeli, George Salmon, Amy West and Joseph Wolff.

THE LITTLE BIG THINGS

Creative Team

Music                                                                                              Nick Butcher

Lyrics                                                                                               Nick Butcher and Tom Ling 

Book                                                                                                Joe White

Director                                                                                          Luke Sheppard

Set Design                                                                                      Colin Richmond

Choreographer                                                                             Mark Smith

Costume Design                                                                           Fay Fullerton

Video Design                                                                                 Luke Halls

Lighting Design                                                                             Howard Hudson

Sound Design                                                                                Paul Gatehouse

Orchestrator, Arranger and Musical Supervisor                   Matthew Brind

Musical Director                                                                           Laura Bangay

Dramaturg/Associate Director                                                 Nickie Miles-Wildin

Casting Director   

★★★★★

“Fresh, subversive, essential”

Daily Telegraph

HOLBY CITY & STRICTLY STAR JOE MCFADDEN

RETURNS TO DAZZLE HIS HOMETOWN OF GLASGOW

AS THE NARRATOR FOR A LIMITED RUN OF SPECIAL PERFORMANCES IN 2024

AS THE LEGENDARY MUSICAL CONTINUES

TO THRILL AUDIENCES ACROSS THE UK

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

FROM ROCKYHORROR.CO.UK

Glasgow born actor and winner of Strictly Come Dancing Joe McFadden will join the tour of the legendary, classic smash hit musical The Rocky Horror Show for a limited run in his beloved hometown of Glasgow. Scottish audiences should buckle up for this one off special moment as Joe is set to bring charisma, charm and witty repartee to the role of the Narrator in this thrilling musical extravaganza at the Glasgow Pavilion between 30th January – 4th February 2024.

2023 saw Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical celebrate its 50th Anniversary, marking half a century of thrilling, transgressive and tantalizing entertainment. The Rocky Horror Show defies space and time as it continues to captivate audiences up and down the country. The nonstop partying production continues to play through 2023 to sell-out crowds. Tickets are on sale now from RockyHorror.co.uk.

Joe, whose expansive career spans across both stage and screen (Holby City/Heartbeat /Priscilla Queen of the Desert/The Mirror Crack’d), is excited to be returning to the show, after performing for a four-week limited run earlier this year to rave reviews. No stranger to the dancefloor, Joe is more than qualified to don his fishnets as the Narrator and join this extraordinary cast in his hometown to deliver a guaranteed party not to be missed.

Joe said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to play the Narrator in my hometown of Glasgow. My time in the The Rocky Horror Show earlier this year was an absolute blast so I am looking forward to donning my fishnets once more as the Narrator and Time Warping with audiences at the Pavilion in Glasgow”.

Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre The Rocky Horror Show has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. The show has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages as it continues to delight audiences on its sell-out international tour.

“So fast, so funny, so sexy” – Daily Mail

“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” – Evening Standard

Without doubt the Rocky Horror Show is as iconic as it gets. Lighting up the stage this phenomenal cast will perform songs that are embedded in pop culture. The celebratory tour will continue throughout 2023, visiting Ipswich, Hull, Sunderland, Dublin, Manchester, Glasgow and Wolverhampton – with further dates to be announced. The cast are in full throttle and ready to honour this monumental moment, delivering a guaranteed party that leaps off the stage and transcends into the audience.

Producer Howard Panter said: “Rocky Horror has always been a show I loved, since its earliest days in the Kings Road. Richard O’Brien and I are delighted this non-stop party continues to thrill audiences across the world, and we look forward to the next 50 years!”

Richard O’Brien said: “Back in the 1970’s when someone asked me to entertain the Christmas staff party at the EMI Film Studios and I turned up with a song called Science Fiction Double Feature who would have known this was the germ of the idea to turn into today what is The Rocky Horror Show. To be celebrating fifty years is beyond my wildest expectations – from the humble beginnings back in 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre in London. The fact that The Rocky Horror show continues to delight audiences as it tours the UK fifty years on is simply thrilling. The Rocky Horror Show is one of Britain’s most performed and beloved musicals of all time.”

A brilliant cast are already wowing Rocky Horror audiences up and down the country, with West End star Stephen Webb (Jersey Boys/Legally Blonde) continuing in the iconic role of Frank, slipping into a corset and heels with ease, Richard Meek (Hairspray/Spamlot) makes a welcome return as Brad and is joined by fan favourite Haley Flaherty (Mamma Mia/Chicago) as Janet.

Kristian Lavercombe (Jersey Boys/Jesus Christ Superstar) once again reprises his role as Riff Raff, following more than 2000 performances around the world, with Darcy Finden who made her professional debut last year as one of the Phantoms now stepping up to play the role of as Columbia. Ben Westhead (Oliver/The Sound of Music) plays Rocky, Suzie McAdams (School of Rock/Kinky Boots) takes on the role of Magenta and Joe Allen (Little Shop of Horrors/Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) plays Eddie & Dr Scott. Playing the Phantoms are Stefania Du Toit (Starlight Express/Singing in the Rain), Beth Woodcock (Bat Out Of Hell), Reece Budin (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical/Man of La Mancha) and Fionán O’Carroll (Theatre whilst training: Urinetown/Children of Eden) who is making his professional debut. Ryan Carter Wilson (Jersey Boys) and Tyla Nurden (Funny Girl/Carrie, The Musical) are Swings.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, and features timeless classics including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp.

The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity. The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation – meaning, of course, getting dressed-up in the most outrageous fancy dress.

The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs. It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80. In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past 45 years.

In 2015, as part of a sold-out season at London’s Playhouse Theatre, a special star-studded Gala charity performance in aid of Amnesty International was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. The live screening – featuring a host of celebrities playing The Narrator including Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Emma Bunton, Ade Edmondson, Anthony Head and Richard O’Brien – smashed box office records and was the biggest grossing film in cinemas across the UK. The performance was subsequently screened on the Sky Arts channel.

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!

What the press have said about The Rocky Horror Show:

“Relentlessly energetic and high on audience participation” – The Times

“Hard to think of another musical quite as unique as this. Christopher Luscombe’s affectionate production feels like a genuine blast from the past” – Mail on Sunday

“As delightfully naughty as ever!” – Daily Telegraph

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Ticket prices: From £10

Website: www.rockyhorror.co.uk

Twitter: @rockyhorroruk

Instagram: @rockyhorrorofficial

Facebook: /rockyhorrorshow

Bat Boy: The Musical announce full cast and
creatives for star-studded Halloween concert
Tuesday 31st October 2023, 8.00pm
London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF

The producers of Bat Boy: The Musical, which will be descending on the London Palladium this Halloween, have announced the full cast and creatives for the semi-staged concert of this cult classic.

Joining Jordan Luke Gage (Bonnie and Clyde, Heathers), two-time Olivier Award nominee Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Cinderella, In The Heights), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Hamilton, Next To Normal) and Jodie Steele (Bonnie and Clyde, Heathers) already announced, are Tosh Wanogho-Maud (Ain’t Too Proud, The Drifters Girl), Glenn Adamson (We Will Rock You), Kyle Birch (A Strange Loop), Gillian Kirkpatrick (The Bridges of Madison County), Shane O’Riordan (Miss Saigon), Jenny O’Leary (We Will Rock You), Rumi Sutton (Miss Saigon, Hex), Thomas Vernal (The Book Of Morman) and Edward Flynn Haddon (13).

Creatives include Director Dean Johnson, Musical Director Paul Schofield, Set & Lighting Designer Andrew Exeter, Video Designers Dan Light & Andrea Scott, Assistant Musical Director Liam Godwin, Production Manager James Anderton, Sound Designer Aidan Jones, Make Up Artist Katie Allday, Movement Director Rhys Wilkinson and is produced by Chris Steward & Shanay Holmes for West End Musical Productions.

With Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe (Heathers, Legally Blonde) this will be the rock horror musicals return to the West End after awarding winning runs in London and Broadway since it first premiered on Halloween in 1997.

Producer Chris Steward says, A new obsession for fans of cult musicals to sink their teeth into and a bloody brilliant way to spend Halloween.

CAMERON MACKINTOSH

ANNOUNCES INITIAL DATES AND VENUES

FOR

THE WORLD TOUR
OF
LES MISÉRABLES
THE ARENA SPECTACULAR

OPENING AT THE SSE ARENA BELFAST

ON 19 SEPTEMBER 2024

TICKETS GO ON GENERAL SALE 12 OCTOBER 2023

Cameron Mackintosh, in association with Nick Grace Management, is delighted to announce initial dates and venues for the World Tour of LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR opening at the SSE Arena Belfast on 19 September 2024, where it will play until 28 September 2024.

Following Belfast, the production will play limited dates at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro Arena 3–6 October, Sheffield’s Utilita Arena 10-13 October and Aberdeen’s P & J Live Arena 17 – 20 October. The Tour will then commence its European leg in Luxembourg from 25 – 27 October, followed by Geneva, Trieste, Milan, Copenhagen, Oslo and Zurich. Its final UK dates will be in Manchester at the AO Arena 26 – 29 December and at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle 2 – 5 January 2025 before moving on to Sweden, Australia, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. 

Tickets go on general sale Thursday 12 October 2023 for the UK dates and some European dates with details below. To sign up for priority booking which will open on Tuesday 10 October 2023, please go to lesmis.com/worldtour

Cameron Mackintosh said today “I’m thrilled to announce the initial venues where this spectacular production of Les Misérables will run. This much anticipated world tour will be a unique opportunity for many celebrated performers to play their favourite roles for short periods in different parts of the world, so fans will get the chance to see their favourite stars (and mine!) in their favourite musical. Over the show’s nearly 40 years existence, it has also proved to be the launch pad for an extraordinary list of stars around the world, in many different languages and countries. Both the show and the score of Les Mis continues to win poll after poll around the world as the public’s favourite musical of all time containing so many of the most memorable and beloved songs ever written for the musical theatre. The euphoria of the cast reunion performances of Miz are legendary and always prove a sell-out so I look forward to this unique event being the ultimate demonstration of Do You Hear The People Sing ever!”

The World Tour begins as the stage musical enters its 39^th revolutionary year and will run throughout the upcoming 40^th anniversary celebrations for the world’s longest running musical in 2025. After which it is planned to play North and South America.

LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR will be expanded from the hugely successful Les Misérables The Staged Concert which played for over 200 record-breaking performances in the West End. It will have an extraordinary new design specifically created for arenas (and large theatres) with audiences of between 3,000 – 5,000.  This spectacular production will have a UK company of over 110 actors, musicians and crew featuring a core cast with a great number of celebrated Les Mis guest stars appearing as their schedules allow.

Nick Grace is one of the World’s leading producers and general managers of international touring productions and in the last 25 years has presented shows in 59 countries worldwide including BATMAN LIVE – World Arena Tour, WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular, BLUE MAN GROUP World Tour and the ongoing MAMMA MIA! UK & International Tour.

The critically acclaimed production of Les Misérables continues to play at the Sondheim Theatre, where it will soon be celebrating its 39^th revolutionary year, and several other local language productions around the world. To celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the Oscar-winning movie, a remastered and remixed version was released in 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital in September.

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 7th October 2023

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

I’m ashamed to admit that until recently I was blissfully unaware of Fascinating Aida’s obvious charms. After seeing them tonight I’m a convert for life! Dillie Keane (piano, uke and vocals), Adele Anderson (vocals) and Liza Pulman (vocals) are the three principle members of this wonderful comedy cabaret act that has, since its formation 40 years ago, become a national institution.

The show opened with the newest member of the group, pianist (also musical director and composer) Michael Roulston, introducing the first song “We’re Next/ We’re Not Done Yet”. A song amply showing the dual nature of the group – black humour with a light, airy touch.

And then it was straight into one of the trio’s most famous and popular songs “Cheap Flights”. Possibly the most bitingly accurate song to cover the thorny issue of hidden charges, luring you in with the promise of a bargain only to find that it’s not quite so cheap after all. Brilliant.

I could have just reviewed with “sheer comedy perfection” as everything was hilarious, but to give you a flavour of the evening…

“Lieder”, a kind of song from Cabaret lampooning the whole genre; the ladies acrobatics during it (impressive chairography) only added to the wonder (are a couple of them really 70?) and split sides. Dillie’s percussion was perfectly timed (in every sense).

The Bulgarian Song Cycle was short, pithy, bang up to the minute tunes poking fun at the news, their very brevity making them even more impactful. The one regarding Gillian Keegan (Education Minister) was particularly hard hitting – almost punk in its vicious condemnation of the state of politics in our country. An astonishing achievement in just a couple of lines. Absolutely genius writing!

“The Blues Got A Skeleton Key” was another highlight, showing that the ladies could write profoundly emotional songs as well as humorous ones. I found myself deeply moved by this fabulous number. Later on I was even more moved by “Old Home”, mining a deep seam of bittersweet memories for many I’m sure.

Mr Roulston’s compositional prowess was all over “Down With The Kids (Track)”, providing the ladies with the opportunity to rap and “A.I.” (with a Kraftwerk vibe), showing a remarkable versatility, keeping the show very now.

Towards the end “Dogging” brought the house down (of course) before yet another genre was introduced with “Tesco Saves” giving us Gospel and then “Your Home Town” name checking Malvern as the final number. Stunning lyric writing and mellifluous singing that could loosen the most buttoned up cardy!

I’ll just mention what a lovely surprise and thoughtful thing it is to include a free downloadable programme from their website. Super helpful and something I wish all shows offered.

It was a real pleasure spending the evening in such delightful company. The ladies gave us much welcome glamour as the gloomy nights move in, all looking gorgeous. But it was their fabulous personalities that shone the brightest. My first time seeing them, it was like being welcomed back by old friends. Bravo ladies and here’s to the next 40 years (and beyond). As perfect live as I hoped they would be, this is one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen which I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone. A tonic! Thank you ladies (and gentleman).

Winners announced for UK Theatre Awards 2023

• Lyric Theatre Belfast dominated with two winning productions

• Performance accolades for Antony Eden, Lena Hall, and Daniel Rigby

• Mark Gatiss honoured with Outstanding Contribution Award

• Nottingham Playhouse crowned UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre

The 2023 UK Theatre Awards winners were revealed today (Sunday 8 October) in a ceremony at London’s Guildhall, hosted by Musical Theatre star Zoe Birkett.

Lyric Theatre Belfast enjoyed double celebrations with The Beauty Queen Of Leenane, a collaborative production between Lyric Theatre Belfast and Prime Cut winning Best Play revival and Garry Hynes winning Best Director for the Druid Theatre production Druid O’Casey, a trilogy of stories written by Irish dramatist Sean O’Casey. In total, Irish theatres and production companies had four nods in the winners list.

Scotland also celebrated a wonderful year of theatre, winning in three categories. National Theatre of Scotland and Pitlochry Festival Theatre won Best New Play for their production Enough Of Him, the story of a slave who made Scottish legal history in 1778, written by playwright May Sumbwanyambe. Scotland also dominated the Achievement in Dance category, as Scottish Ballet took home the prize for their contemporary reworking of the comedic ballet Coppélia. Scotland’s final nod was for Excellence in Inclusivity; Capital Theatres, who operate three key Edinburgh venues, took home this accolade.

Best Musical Production was awarded to The Mill at Sonning for their revival of Gypsy, a musical based on the book by Arthur Laurents, with lyrics by the esteemed Stephen Sondheim.

Best Performance in a Musical was awarded to Lena Hall for her starring role in David Read West’s new musical, In Dreams, featuring the music of Roy Orbison. The production premiered at Leeds Playhouse this year.

Best Performance in a Play was snapped up by Daniel Rigby for his starring role in Accidental Death Of An Anarchist. After runs at Sheffield Theatres and the Lyric Hammersmith, the play transferred to London’s West End for a limited season at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Best Supporting Performance (in a Musical or Play) was won by Antony Eden for his performance in Family Album, a Stephen Joseph Theatre production of English playwright Alan Ayckbourn’s new play.

Nottingham Playhouse was announced as the winner of the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award, after being shortlisted against Curve, Leicester and National Youth Theatre.

Tara Theatre won the Digital Innovation Award, a poignant moment of the event, following the sad and unexpected passing of their Artistic Director Abdul Shayek earlier this year.

Speaking on behalf of the theatre, his wife Nicole Shayek said of Abdul:

‘I want to say thank you for honouring my beautiful husband – what a creative force, what a beautiful man. He worked tirelessly to make change in our creative industries and the communities we live in. He championed equity, diversity, and equality.’

Writer, director, producer, author, and actor Mark Gatiss was honoured with this year’s award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre, in recognition of the incredible contribution he has made to regional theatre throughout his career in the arts.

Presenting the award to Mark, artistic director of the Nottingham Playhouse, said:

‘Mark excels at everything that he turns his hand to. I’ve worked with Mark five times, and his love of theatre is infectious. Whether that’s in London, or out of London, in the West End, or on the Fringe.’

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who spoke at the event, said:

“The UK Theatre Awards are a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate the incredible creative and technical talent that we have here in the UK. We are proudly home to world-renowned actors, visionary directors, breathtaking sets, wonderful theatres and a mission to entertain, educate and challenge through performance art. The Government will continue to back theatre through tax reliefs to maximise the potential of theatre across the country. I would like to congratulate all of the winners on their fantastic achievements.”

The UK Theatre Awards 2023 are sponsored by Birra Moretti, Harbottle and Lewis, Howard Park Wines, John Good Ltd, Marshfield Farm Ice Cream, Music Theatre International, Setting Line Production Management, Spektrix, Theatre Tokens, Trafalgar Theatres, Tysers in association with Ecclesiastical, Unusual Rigging and White Light.

FULL LIST OF UK THEATRE AWARDS WINNERS 2023

Best Design

Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey & ULTZ for Tambo & Bones, a Theatre Royal Stratford East, and Actors Touring Company co-production

Best Director

Garry Hynes for Druid O’Casey, a Druid Theatre production at Lyric Theatre Belfast

Best Musical Production Sponsored by Tysers in association with Ecclesiastical

Gypsy, a The Mill at Sonning production

Best New Play

Enough Of Him, a National Theatre of Scotland and Pitlochry Festival Theatre co-production

Best Play Revival Sponsored by Trafalgar Theatres

The Beauty Queen Of Leenane, a Lyric Theatre Belfast and Prime Cut co-production

Achievement in Dance

Scottish Ballet for Coppélia

Achievement in Opera

Opera North for Orpheus

Best Supporting Performance (in a Musical or Play)

Antony Eden for Family Album, a Stephen Joseph Theatre production

Best Performance in a Musical

Lena Hall for In Dreams, a Leeds Playhouse production

Best Performance in a Play

Daniel Rigby for Accidental Death Of An Anarchist, a Sheffield Theatres and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre co-production in association with Playful Productions

Best Show for Children and Young People

The SpongeBob Musical, a Showpath Entertainment production

Excellence in Arts Education

Blackpool Grand Theatre

Excellence in Touring

Northern Stage, Birmingham Rep, ETT, Oldham Coliseum, tiny dragon Productions and Cardboard Citizens

Excellence in Inclusivity

Capital Theatres

Digital Innovation Sponsored by Spektrix

Tara Theatre

Workforce Award

Ambassador Theatre Group

Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre

Mark Gatiss

UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Sponsored by Theatre Tokens

Nottingham Playhouse

@UK_Theatre #UKTawards

Riverside Studios – until October 29 2023

Reviewed by Ben Jolly

3***

Three multiplying Iagos in a drastically abridged one-act Othello? This production at Riverside Studios is not quite like any Othello you’ve seen before, or is it?

Sinéad Rushe has delivered a fresh take on the classic but famously problematic piece by introducing a ‘polyphonic’ characterisation approach to our antagonist. Drawing inspiration from Michael Chekov’s improvisational and collaborative ideology and fusing it with philosopher Eugene Gendin’s approach to psychology, Rushe’s Othello provides an organic, dynamic and relevant piece of theatre.

Stripped down, this diet-version of Othello does not weigh heavy on the audience. It is well-paced and to the point with short scenes and impromptu bursts of energetic performances; this production is sure to appear more palatable to a new generation of the TikTok watching crowd; it runs without an interval which in this circumstance seems to be for the best as the momentum is able to keep swinging in full force. While this lighter load is easier to digest, there are some key relationships and intimate moments that are lost and the chemistry doesn’t have quite the proper time to grow organically.

Rushe’s production includes elements of lighting, music and choreography to help tell the story which is expertly executed and used succinctly enough not to overpower the material. Michael C. Fox, Orlando James and Jeremy Neumark Jones are particularly playful as the three faces of Iago; each provide a unique take on the role and their talents are a recipe to a fine piece of theatre. Martins Imhangbe in the title role has been wonderfully cast, his timing, presence and ease with the text translates to the audience. His physicality and use of voice blend well together to create a wonderful intrinsic and layered performance. Ryan O’Doherty’s performances as Cassio/Brabantio are equally fully fledged and well-conceived.

This idea and approach to storytelling feels exciting and while I believe that it detracts as much as it adds to the performance of the play as a whole, I believe it to be an idea that could translate to a multitude of plays from our history in order to seek out new details, emotions and psychological intel. Watch this space!

Leeds Grand Theatre – on tour until 16th November 2023

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

4****

Opera North’s new Green Season is underway at the Leeds Grand Theatre with its second production, a world premiere, Henry Purcell’s Masque of Might . Masque is an entertainment genre which is equivalent to a variety show in the 17th Century when Purcell composed his musical pieces and texts.

Purcell’s music and assembled libretto has been arranged to musical numbers to structure this story, under the ingenuity of Sir David Pountney’s inspiring adaptation and direction, to focally narrate nature and its vulnerability. The re-imagined Masque of Might is an apocalyptic telling of the story fuelled by an authoritarian dictator, Diktat (Callum Thorpe), whose tyranny and destructive powers impact the planet and the activists warning about it.

An eclectic of the tradition and the modern of the narration introduces Nebulous (Andri Björn Róbertsson) and Elena (Anna Dennis) who are both powerful beings. They observe Diktat and how his authoritarian ruthless rule has a destructive impact on the earth.

Diktat reviews imprisoned activists who have been arrested for protesting about the climate crisis and their activism, only for both Nebulous and Scrofulous (Xavier Hetherington) to join them as they bravely warn Diktat the polluted state of the earth and its consequences. The arrests bring tragedy where Elena laments and mourns the loss of Nebulous.

In the second part, Elena joins Sceptic (Matthew Brook) to punish Diktat with the arrangements for the tyrant to see, hear and feel the full forces of nature and awakens his attention to what is really happening. After Diktat not believing in the climate crisis, a biblical vision is shown to Diktat about King Saul visiting the Witch of Endor and he learns about his limited time of rule and power. His remorse is a little too late with direct destructive consequences. After Diktat is destroyed celebratory song and dance are performed and facilitated by the Queen of the Night (Elena). Light is seen and the earth and its abundant variety heals once again.

An excellent all-around performance, singing and dancing, from the cast and company and is musically directed by Harry Bicket. Thorpe plays a strong and powerful villainous portrayal of Diktat and Dennis plays a flexible and adaptive role of Elena, under the choreographic direction of Denni Sayers.

Leslie Travers’ staging is sustainably eye capturing with its responsible, reusable and repurposed sets which is fitting for this production. Diktat’s bed is assembled of plastic bottles and paper cups and the bed unsays and provokes thinking about how plastic and rubbish have become a culprit towards the environmental destruction. David Haneke’s videographic visuals and projections are stimulatingly stunning and awakens the plight of the troubled planet as well as being aesthetic and creative.

Wonderful costumes by Marie-Jeanne Lecca, which are sustainably made and plenty of thought is given for how the costumes fit in each set and scene with its themes. Paule Constable and Ben Pickersgill’s lighting consistently reflect and depict the varied strong moods from pessimism to optimism, dark to light, seriousness to humour and vice versa from and among the characters.

It resonates with today’s climate crisis and the brave activism that is being done around the world. In the political sphere today particularly where countries that have totalitarian and authoritarian rulers and to some extent some who prioritise fundamental economics and secular interests, activists and protesters have been suppressed and oppressed and even jailed for their activism. The moral of Masque of the Might is for everyone to take the responsibility to be environmentally and sustainably aware and do their bit for the planet’s welfare in their everyday lives. Opera North’s exemplifies this by having their Green Season and it fits so well in the narrative of this performance and production. Masque of Might is sustainably educating and entertaining and is just as relevant today than when it was musically created back in the 17th Century.